Africa-Press – Kenya. Axed Bandari head coach, Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani, has been hailed as an affable and approachable leader who knew how to get his message directly into the heart of the players.
Speaking moments after the coach was shown the door, centreback Rogers Aloro said Kimani’s departure was devastating.
“I came to know about it from a post I read on social media. I’m personally saddened by this unfortunate turn of events and I wish him all the best in his next endeavour,” Aloro said.
Aloro described Kimani as a special coach, observing that he had a way with every squad member.
“I’ve played for many teams both here and abroad and it is difficult to come across a coach who talks to players on a one-on-one basis, telling them what to rectify and how to perfect their act on the pitch,” Aloro said.
Aloro said that they summoned all their armory in vain, adding that things just didn’t shape up according to their blueprint.
“We have done everything we can. I believe the coach tried all he could to post positive results but things just didn’t fall into place,” Aloro stated.
Midfielder, Faraj Odeny said the target at the start of the season was to bag at least one major silverware.
“We had set our sights on delivering either the KPL title or the FKF Cup or better still, both. Unfortunately, all of them have slipped through our fingers and we feel bad about it,” Odeny said.
With their title aspirations and any hopes of gracing the continental stage already up in flames, Odeny has urged his teammates to push above their weight in the seven fixtures left on the card.
“All that is water under the bridge now. We have a task at hand, to ensure we wrap up the season in the top five. That would be the best gift for our amazing fans who have faithfully stood by us throughout the season,” he stated.
The club announced Kimani’s departure in a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer Edward Oduor, who also said that veteran tactician Twahir Muhiddin would take charge of the remaining assignments.
“We appreciate the work that Anthony Kimani has done for Bandari FC during his time with us, and we wish him well in his future endeavours,” the statement read in part.
The ex-Kenya international landed his initial role at the club in February 2021 when he was absorbed as Rwandese tactician Andre Casa Mbungo’s deputy.
He took over the reins in an acting capacity in February last year after Mbungo was sent packing following a horrendous run in the league.
Kimani was ultimately confirmed to the role in August last year after impressing in the second leg of the preceding campaign.
The coastal lads are 19 points adrift of leaders Gor Mahia.
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