Bandari FC’s Ken Odhiambo has become the first coaching casualty of the 2025-26 season after the club decided to cut ties with the former Harambee Stars coach just two matches into the new campaign.
Odhiambo’s fate was sealed after Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Shabana FC at the Mbaraki Sports Club.
Despite being the better side for long spells of the game, they were sunk by a Brian Michira strike in the second half.
Immediately after the match, the coach was informed by the board of management that he would not be continuing as head coach.
Their opening game of the season against Kariobangi Sharks had ended in a barren draw.
On Tuesday, when the team resumed training to prepare for the weekend’s home match against Murang’a Seal FC, assistant coach John Baraza led the session.
Before training commenced, the club’s hierarchy was already at the venue to inform the players of the decision to sack Odhiambo, who was serving his third stint as Bandari FC coach.
“He is no longer the head coach. The board has this morning informed us of the decision to sever ties with him. For now, assistant coach John Baraza will lead the team as the club works towards appointing a new head coach,” one of the players told Mozzart Sport.
His dismissal does not come as a complete surprise to those privy to the happenings behind the scenes at the club.
There were already plans to part ways with the tactician at the end of last season, but the two parties failed to agree on a mutual separation.
His contract, which had over a year remaining and carried a high salary, was a major stumbling block.
The club did not stop there as they went on to conduct much of its transfer business without consulting him.
Uzalendo News understands that the tactician learned of some of the signings through social media, as the management went all out to assemble a squad consisting largely of former Bandari players.
In what turned out to be his last interview as Bandari FC coach, Odhiambo lamented the goal conceded against Shabana, saying his side had enough time to prevent it but failed to stop the league’s top scorer from finding the back of the net.
“We gave the opponent all the time and space. It was not even a dangerous move. It is something we should have dealt with. They did not create many chances; they scored from a half-chance,” he said.
