Zico sacked as Sony coach
Sony Sugar’s Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has become the second coach to lose his job in the Kenyan Premier League this season.
Zico, a former Kenya international and ex-Gor Mahia coach, has been fired after lackluster performance by the sugar millers in the ongoing league campaign.
His assistant Salim Babu takes over on caretaker basis as the club scouts for a replacement. Dutchman Jan Koops, Francis Baraza and Salim Ali, lead the list of coaches who are likely to replace Zico.
Club boss Paul Orato told the Daily Nation Sport that the decision to part ways with Zico, who still had six months left on his contract was “difficult to make, as he is a top coach”.
“We’ve released the coach, not because he was not performing, but because he had bad luck. In terms of training and preparing the players, he was one of the best,” Orato said.
POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
“We didn’t want to lose him, I have seen several trainers handle players and, I must admit that he was different, but at the end of the day, the sponsors and management want results, so we decided to let him take a break. Salim Babu (the assistant coach) in the meantime takes charge in an acting capacity as we look for a permanent replacement,” he added.
“I haven’t’ talked to any coach except Jan Koops who sent me a message, but hiring a coach is difficult, it takes time. We need to be careful as we make our selection, but several coaches are interested,” he explained.
Of the three possible replacements, it’s only Baraza who has been active of late. Baraza was fired by Muhoroni Youth two weeks ago paving way for Ugandan national Paul Nkata to take over.
Koops, 73, has been away from the touchline since leaving Nairobi City Stars last season while Salim’s last coaching job was with Ulinzi Stars early last term.
In 18 matches, Sony Sugar’s record stands at 4 wins, 4 draws and 10 loses. The team has scored 10 goals and conceded 18.
This is the second time Zico is leaving the Awendo Green Stadium. He coached the 2006 league champions in 2012, but left later that year to pursue political ambitions.