What local coaches need to change to become successful - Ottamax

McKinstry (in black) lifts the trophy alongside his players. (XtraTime Sports)

FOOTBALL What local coaches need to change to become successful - Ottamax

Kiplagat Sang • 13:31 - 01.07.2023

The former AFC Leopards goalkeeper took issue with the number of times Gor Mahia have won trophies under foreign coaches.

Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper trainer Mathew Ottamax has explained why Gor Mahia lifting Premier League titles with foreign coaches is not a good thing.

K'Ogalo have been consistently guided by coaches from outside the country, and in recent times, Dylan Kerr, Hassan Oktay, and now Johnathan McKinstry were in charge and all lifted titles.

Ottamax has now challenged the local coaches to love one another and steer local clubs to greatness.

"Gor Mahia have done it again with a foreign coach! Where does this put us as local coaches?" quipped Ottamax.

"As local coaches, we need to change our attitude towards one another in order to grow our game. Let's inculcate love and positivity in the game. The number of times Gor Mahia have lifted the title with different foreign coaches is alarming.

"We don't go to coaching schools to perennially finish at position two. I am not opposing anyone; I'm planning my return to football next season. Please embrace me back."

The retired goalkeeper also has a message to players: "And our young, talented players, My message to you is; please always be humble and respect authority, however bad it may be," he said.

"My reaction towards coach Matano wasn't the best, even if I felt offended. He is my senior by far. We have proper channels or structures for clubs to follow. You never know where you'll meet again."

Although he had castigated Tusker's head coach, Robert Matano, for getting him sacked at Nairobi City Stars, then known as World Hope FC, Ottamax revealed he respects the tactician.

"Despite all this, Robert Matano gave me a coaching job at AFC Leopards, and I appreciate and respect him a lot. He is one of the few local coaches with a good heart, and his success rate card speaks for itself compared to other local coaches."

Matano is one of the most successful Kenyan coaches, especially after winning Premier League titles with Ulinzi Stars once and Tusker on two occasions.