What You Need to Know
Ulinzi Stars have parted ways with head coach Stephen Ocholla following a disappointing season that has left the team near the bottom of the Sportpesa Premier League. The club’s management cited a string of poor performances, including a recent 3-1 defeat to Gor Mahia, as the reason for his dismissal. Interim coach James Mulinge has been appointed to steer the team through a critical period as Uli
Africa-Press – Kenya. Immediate former Ulinzi Stars head coach Stephen Ocholla during a past training session/ULINZI STARS Barely months into his tenure, Stephen Ocholla has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Ulinzi Stars, following a relentless string of disappointing results that have plunged the club to second from bottom in the Sportpesa Premier League.
Once a team synonymous with military precision and disciplined triumph, the soldiers now find themselves embroiled in a perilous struggle for survival, their historic dominance overshadowed by inconsistency and mounting pressure.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, arrived hours after a 3–1 defeat to league leaders Gor Mahia—a humbling loss that laid bare the extent of the club’s struggles this season, exposing cracks in form, confidence and cohesion that have long been festering beneath the surface.
“Following the recent run of results, which have fallen short of the standards and expectations we have set for ourselves, the club acknowledges the disappointment surrounding our performances on the pitch,” read the statement.
“Despite this difficult period, we recognise the continued dedication and commitment shown by the technical bench, particularly the head coach, in striving to improve the team’s performances.
“After careful consideration, the club’s management has made the decision to give the head coach a short break to reflect and regroup as we work towards turning our results around.”
Ocholla, who took over from Dunstan Nyaudo in October 2025, leaves behind a record of inconsistency. In 24 league games, the team has won only four, drawn seven, and lost 13, scoring 21 goals. They are currently on a nine-match winless streak, a run that has drawn concern from fans and analysts.
The interim reins have been handed to former defender James Mulinge, with Mohamed “Rio” Hassan returning from Kenya Navy FC to lend his expertise. Their immediate challenge is to steady a team in turmoil, rally spirits, and prevent the club from slipping further into relegation peril.
Mulinge, speaking after his appointment, emphasised the importance of focus and collective responsibility.
“The next few weeks are crucial. The players must embrace the challenge. Every point counts. Every performance matters. This is about belief, fight, and focus,” he said.
Ulinzi Stars face a critical series of fixtures. They face Nairobi United on March 21, host Sofapaka on April 1, APS Bomet on April 6 and visit KCB FC on April 13.
Ulinzi Stars are one of Kenya’s most decorated football clubs. The club’s current predicament stands in sharp contrast to its historical dominance. In the mid-2000s, Ulinzi Stars became one of the few Kenyan sides to win three consecutive league championships.
Their honours include four league titles, two Top 8 Cups, multiple military championships, and recognition as the Kenyan Sports Team of the Year in 2010. Such a legacy adds weight to the pressure on the current squad and technical team.
They won titles in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010 and claimed the KPL Top 8 Cup in 2011 and 2012.
The club has also been runners-up in the FKF President’s Cup on two occasions and has collected multiple East African Community Military Games titles.
Ulinzi Stars, established in 1994, is one of Kenya’s most successful football clubs, known for its military roots and discipline on the pitch. The club has won multiple league titles and cups, including three consecutive league championships from 2003 to 2005. However, their recent struggles mark a stark contrast to their historical dominance, raising concerns among fans and analysts about their future in the league. The team’s current predicament highlights the challenges faced by clubs with rich legacies in maintaining performance amidst changing dynamics in football.
