Jerim Onyango, goalkeeping coach for Bandari FC and Harambee Stars, says he has adapted well to life in Bandari and enjoys working in the coastal city, despite this being his first time working away from Nairobi, both as a player and now as a coach.Jerim moved to Bandari in July 2023 after impressing in a similar role with the Kariobangi Sharks and the national team. The former Gor Mahia captain impressed in his first six months with the team and was awarded the additional role of being the club’s assistant coach, assisting another Kenyan international, John Baraza, who was promoted to head coach after serving as assistant coach to Twahir Muhiddi.”I am adjusting well to Mombasa and I am enjoying my time here.” Furthermore, I am here to work, so I must do it. “There was a time I really wanted to come and work in Mombasa, and I promised myself that one day I would work here, so when the opportunity came, I didn’t hesitate to take it.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8117185##The legendary former Gor Mahia captain has had his career in the capital, Nairobi, since 2005 when he joined KRA FC before moving to Gor Mahia 3 years later, where he spent the rest of the 9 years of his playing career before training as a coach. But as was his nature as a player, he never shys away from challenges, even now as a coach.”Changing football cities depends on individuals, but for me, I had to do it. Bandari is also one of the best professional teams to be on, which spurred my decision to come here.”Being a family man, moving to a new city was always going to present a challenge for Jerry in managing his family, but he has since discovered a formula that works for him.”I left my family in Nairobi. My kids, with the exception of the one in boarding school, are studying there, but I make sure to arrange regular visits to them. I make sure that I’ve gone home at least every two weeks, which has worked well so far.”Jerim, a CAF Elite instructor, brought in Harambee Stars goalkeeper Bryne Omondi to beef up the goal-scoring department at Bandari, which already had Joseph Ochuka, and says he is happy with the level of competition between the two.
