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Heading into the seventh round of fixtures, Pulse Sports highlights the five FKFPL coaches who must secure victory or need to continue winning to prove that they are up to the task
Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) resumes this weekend after a two-week international break and there are a number of coaches who head into their games under massive pressure while some have a point to prove to their doubters.
This is down to either poor performances of their teams heading into the break or good results that supporters feel they might not be able to sustain.
Heading into the seventh round of fixtures, Pulse Sports highlights the coaches who must secure victory or need to continue winning to prove that they are up to the task at their respective clubs.
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11:30 - 18.10.2023
FKFPL Butterflies in Matano's belly as Gor Mahia showdown looms
Tusker FC mentor Robert Matano faces pressure ahead of crucial Gor Mahia clash after recent setbacks.
Robert Matano
The Lion, as he likes to be called, looks caged, at least for now, following the revelation that he will be sacked if he does not lead Tusker FC to victory against Gor Mahia in Sunday’s crunch clash at Kasarani Stadium.
Tusker chairman Charles Gacheru told the media he was ready to dismiss Matano if he does not secure maximum points against Gor Mahia following a less than impressive start to the season which has seen them win two, draw as many, and lose two of their opening six games, leaving them eighth on the standings, eight points behind leaders Posta Rangers.
“Matano and the entire technical bench have to beat Gor Mahia this weekend. They will leave the club in case of a draw or loss,” Gacheru told Nation.
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20:09 - 18.10.2023
FKFPL Tusker announce new venue for crunch clash against Gor Mahia
Tusker's surprise venue change intensifies anticipation for their clash with Gor Mahia, promising a fiercely contested match in the league.
However, Matano fired back, daring Gacheru to sack him now.
“I don’t work with ultimatums; I don’t fear being sacked. He can do it even now. What will he do to me if I decide to leave before Sunday?” the tactician posed.
With the tension escalating, it seems Matano will have to do his talking on the pitch and it does not get any more challenging than Gor Mahia.
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10:31 - 20.10.2023
FKFPL McKinstry explains difference in Gor Mahia squad compared to last season
K’Ogalo are currently second in the league standings on 12 points, four behind league leaders Posta Rangers after six games played.
Gor have not been at their brilliant best but they have still got the job done and remain among only two teams yet to lose this season, making Matano’s job more difficult.
Tomas Trucha
Unlike Matano, Trucha will be taking charge of his first match as AFC Leopards coach after replacing Tom Juma who was sacked just before the international break after overseeing six games that ended without a win.
Juma’s last match was the 2-0 drubbing in the Mashemeji derby by Gor Mahia before the club went back in for Trucha, who led Ingwe briefly between November and December 2020.
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09:00 - 19.10.2023
FOOTBALL Why Tomas Trucha's coaching journey hit roadblock in Malaysia
Trucha's departure from Kelantan United raises questions as he takes the helm at AFC Leopards, leaving fans curious about his past.
The new coach therefore has the pressure of not just delivering a first win for the limping Leopards but also proving his doubters wrong.
Former Leopards players as well as a section of fans have not warmly welcomed Trucha’s appointment as they feel he lacks the credentials to bring success to the club, meaning the Czech national can only answer back with positive results.
Trucha begins his Leopards sojourn with an away clash to Bandari FC who are also under new management in the dugout.
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06:32 - 17.10.2023
FOOTBALL AFC Leopards: Five things new coach Tomas Trucha needs to sort out to bring Ingwe back to life
Pulse Sports lists the five major things new AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha will have to address if he is to be successful at the club
John Baraza
It will be a battle of new coaches in Mombasa as Bandari host Leopards with former Sofapaka striker and coach John Baraza taking charge of his first match following the dismissal of Twahir Muhiddin.
Veteran Muhiddin was the fourth casualty of coaching changes in the FKFPL after just six matches, following Juma, Francis Harigingo (Sofapaka), and Francis Baraza (Kenya Police) who were also sacked over poor performance.
Muhiddin was sacked after three straight matches without a win, including back-to-back losses against Kakamega Homeboyz and Bidco United.
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11:30 - 10.10.2023
FKFPL Twahir Muhiddin steps down as Bandari coach
Muhiddin signed on on a permanent basis after a spell of good results as interim coach, but has made the surprising decision to call it quits after six games.
The Dockers have managed just two wins, losing three and drawing once, to stay 12th on the table on seven points and Baraza needs to start winning quickly to prove to his employers and fans that he has what it takes to lead Bandari.
Ezekiel Akwana
Former Sofapaka coach Akwana returned to the club just days before Burundian Francis Harigingo was dismissed after Batoto ba Mungu went five games without a win, managing only one draw over that period.
Akwana’s first match ended in a 2-0 defeat away to Murang’a Seal and although he has taken temporary charge, he cam make the job his if he gets them back to winning ways.
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17:20 - 07.10.2023
FOOTBALL Logarusic maintains winning start at Kenya Police, Murang’a Seal add to Sofapaka’s woes as Ulinzi gun down Kariobangi Sharks
Kenya Police made it two wins in a row while Muranga Seal continued their fines start as Kariobangi Sharks lost to Ulinzi Stars in the FKF Premier League matches on Saturday
Sofapaka have been poor this campaign, scoring just three goals while conceding 10, to leave them rooted at the bottom of the table with just one point. It leaves Akwana with a lot to do to achieve success and it does not get easy as he faces Kenya Police in his next match on Saturday.
Sammy Okoth
Shabana head coach Sammy Okoth breathed a sigh of relief when his side finally won a match after five successful attempts.
Second-half substitute Vincent Nyabuto headed in Rodgers Aloro’s free-kick as Tore Bobe won in the top flight for the first time in 17 years when they beat Tusker 1-0 but there are those who doubt whether he can sustain it.
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20:00 - 19.10.2023
FKFPL Stake high as Shabana brace for unpredictable Nairobi City Stars challenge
Shabana faces Nairobi City Stars in the FKF Premier League, aiming to build on their recent victory, with fans anticipating an exciting clash.
Tore Bobe are at home to Nairobi City Stars on Sunday and Okoth can further silence his doubters by caging Simba wa Nairobi and claim three more points.
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