They say coaching is a thankless job, and it is a well-known fact that coaching a football club isn’t easy at all. One moment a coach is riding high, and the next he’s not only fighting to keep his job but also saving his reputation.When things are not moving smoothly, more often than not, the first accusing fingers are pointed toward coaches, even though the real problem may lie elsewhere. They end up paying the price. Most of the time, the changes do not bear any fruit, and the firing and hiring of tacticians go on and on and on.##NAJAVA_MECA_7023614##There are no more Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal), Bill Struth (Rangers), Willy Maley (Celtic), or Guy Roux (Auxerre) in modern football as managers are shown the door at the slightest dip in form, convenience, or lack thereof.In Kenya’s football scene, the situation is worse. Coaches get shown the door at the slightest opportunity. Most clubs do not believe in giving coaches a chance to redeem themselves; they believe in replacing coaches at the slightest dip in form. Sometimes it works out, but most of the time it flops.Earlier in the season, we saw Kenya Police FC sack Sammy Pamzo Omolo after the opening two matches of the season. Pamzo is not just any coach; he’s won league titles both as a player and as a coach and probably deserved a little more respect ad trust from the law enforcers.Francis Baraza is the new Kenya Police FC head coach, he takes over from Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omolo.Baraza joins Police after parting ways with Kagera Sugar FC of Tanzania. He has previously coached Sony Sugar, Muhoroni Youth, Chemelil Sugar FC, and Biashara United.#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/FQH8mWrzUn— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) December 6, 2022 Last week, Kakamega Homeboyz, with a very thin squad, decided to get rid of John Baraza after back-to-back losses in the league another case of impatience as Baraza did not have a chance to sign the players he needed to beef up the playing unit.The revolutionary impact of new Police boss Francis BarazaAmidst all the coaching turnover we witness, there are some FKF Premier League clubs that have stuck with their coaches through thick and thin, and today we look at the five longest-serving coaches in the FKF Premier League.1. William Muluya – Kariobangi Sharks (June 2016 to present)After a series of poor results, the Sharks, then in the second tier of Kenyan football, decided to get rid of seasoned coach Michael Amenga.Their search for a replacement led them to Mathare United, where they signed Muluya, who was then the club’s team manager.It was a big gamble then, as Muluya’s prior coaching experience was guiding the Mathare United U20 team during the 2016 KPL U20 tournament.The gamble proved a sweet one as he guided the team to the top tier in the same year for the first time ever. He went on to win the GOtv Shield in 2018, the KPL Super Cup in 2018, and the Sportpesa Cup and Trophy in 2019. He’s also credited with nurturing some young players and has not shied away from giving untested players a chance.Kariobangi Sharks coach William Muluya has nothing but praise for Nzoia Sugar#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/BylmBJ2U5X— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) February 8, 2023 2. Anthony Akhulia – Bidco United (June 2017–Present)Akhulia is Mr. Bidco United. He has been at the club for over 15 years. He has served as a player, kit manager, assistant team manager, fitness trainer, team manager, assistant coach, interim coach, and eventually as head coach.His has been a path of growth, and in 2017, when Robert Matano left the club for AFC Leopards, he was handed a chance to lead the team, and in 2020, he guided the Thika-based side to the top flight.##NAJAVA_MECA_7023711##In his first season in the FKF Premier League, he helped the team finish in the 11th position in the league and third in the FKF Cup. He’s still youthful and learning, and if United keeps trusting him, then he’s in for a long stay in Thika.Just how good is Bidco United head coach Anthony Akhulia? #FKFPL pic.twitter.com/e4yERFJHdu— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) June 10, 2021 Robert Matano – Tusker (April 2018–Present)Tusker decided to get rid of Ugandan Sam Timbe in April 2018 after a string of poor results. They turned to Matano, who was available after being fired by AFC Leopards, a side that has over the years gotten rid of him at every available opportunity.It was all a familiar relationship, as he had been at the club before winning the 2012 league title. His return came at a time when Gor Mahia was dominating the local scene. Matano went on to bag the 2021 and 2022 league titles, although the latter was nullified by FKF.His team is currently on a bad run, but you can always trust the Lion to turn things around.🕺🏾| The Robert Matano dance 😅@tusker_fc#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/U8UMYsoxQb— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) August 20, 2021 Zedekiah Otieno – KCB (June 2019–Present)When KCB parted ways with Frank Ouna, they turned to another ex-Gor Mahia assistant coach in Zico. The former Kenyan international quit Gor Mahia for KCB, where he took charge of the bankers.In 2021, he came close to leading the Bankers to their first-ever league title, but he lost to Tusker on the final day. The 2021/22 season was a tough one for his side, but they have started the current season well and are in the title conversation.Zedekiah Otieno named December FKF Premier League coach of the month.His team won 6 matches in a row during the month of December.He walks home with Ksh. 50,000 and a personalized trophy courtesy of @OfficialfkfplWell in Zico#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/D9PzH07usD— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) February 16, 2021 Ken Kenyatta – FC Talanta (December 2019-Present)When Juma Abdalla was shown the door in 2019, Talanta handed the team to Kenyatta, who had left Ushuru FC.Strength of a woman: Akisa’s magic hands that keeps Nzoia Sugar players fitKenyatta was known for getting results against all odds, and in 2021, he led Talanta to the top tier and helped them finish in the 12th position.The 2022–23 season is proving to be a difficult one for his side due to financial challenges. The players and coaches haven’t been paid in months, and it remains to be seen whether they will stick around or if he will opt out.OfficialFC Talanta becomes the first team to earn promotion to the FKF Premier League. The second slot and the playoff spot still up for grabs.The return of the great coach Ken Kenyatta.#FKFPL pic.twitter.com/EjxJooE5qb— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) August 24, 2021
