Africa-Press – Kenya. Jerim Onyango officially embarked on his role as the new Harambee Stars goalkeeper trainer during the national team’s first training session at Utalii grounds on Thursday.
Onyango had handled a similar task at Kenyan Premier League side, Gor Mahia prior to his appointment.
His inclusion in the team comes hot on the heels of a shock decision by Football Kenya Federation to tinker the Stars’ technical bench which saw the dismissal of head coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee, his assistant Twahir Muhidin and goalkeeping coach Haggai Azande.
He will be expected to refine the talent-laden national team goalkeeping department that boasts of Ian Otieno who plies trade for Zesco United in the Zambian Super League, Ulinzi Stars keeper James Saruni who bagged last season’s Golden Glove award and Brian Bwire who has denied former international Patrick Matasi a starting role at Tusker.
Onyango retired as a player in January 2017 after nine years with Gor Mahia.
However, the 2013 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup winner with Harambee Stars made a grand return to the club as a goalkeeper trainer three years later to replace Willis Ochieng at a time the goalkeeping department at Gor was rocked with match-fixing allegations.
During his nine-year stint as a player , the custodian fired Gor Mahia to three league titles, two KPL Top 8 trophies and four GOtv medals.
Onyango said he had resolved to immerse himself fully in coaching and ruled out any possibility he would consider making a return to active football.
“Upon retirement, I reached a firm decision to pursue coaching full time,” said Onyango.
“I’m keen on nurturing top-notch custodians in the country and I will try as much as I possibly can to help my goalkeepers keep clean sheets.
His dream of guiding one of his own to the Golden Glove podium, however, went up in smoke after K’ogalo’s first-choice custodian Gad Mathew missed out on the award.
Meanwhile, Wazito midfielder Musa Masika says he is elated after Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat handed him a call-up to the 34-man provisional squad for World Cup qualifiers against Mali.
“I certainly feel good and honoured to be called back to the national team,” said Masika.
Harambee Stars flex muscles with Mali away in Morocco on October 7 before traveling back for the return leg at Nyayo Stadium on October 10. The team departs for Morocco on October 4.
The Stars are currently second on the standings in Group “E” with two points, two adrift of leaders Mali, and level on points with Uganda.
