Back in August, former Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi embarked on a new chapter in his coaching career, joining the Tanzania Mainland Premier League.Kimanzi, a CAF A-certified instructor, signed with Tabora United, a rapidly growing club that had narrowly escaped relegation the previous season.The team, eager to improve, invested heavily in new players to assert their presence this term.However, just two months later, both Kimanzi and his assistant coach, Yusuf Chipo, are no longer with the team.##NAJAVA_MECA_8435578##According to Christina Mwagala, Tabora United’s head of media, the decision to part ways with the Kenyan coaches was driven by the club’s dissatisfaction with their progress, despite significant spending during the transfer window.During the off-season, Tabora United made high-profile signings, including former Yanga SC players Heritier Makambo and Yacouba Songne, as well as Nigerian international goalkeeper Victor Sochima.Despite these reinforcements, the team’s performances under Kimanzi were underwhelming, with poor results raising concerns.##NAJAVA_MECA_8424544##Reports had surfaced of tension between the coaching staff and management.Some rumours suggested issues with the coaches’ licensing, while others claimed the team had not provided them with official contracts.Charles Okere explains significance of Tusker win over Talanta following tough startHowever, Mwagala refuted these claims, stating that the parting of ways was in the best interest of both parties.”This season, Tabora made big signings—players meant to deliver strong results, but that wasn’t happening. Losing four matches in a row was tough for the club and our fans,” Mwagala told Mozzart Sport.Kimanzi’s departure marks the sixth coaching change in the NBC Premier League this season, underscoring the high turnover of managers in Tanzanian football.The breaking point came after a 4-2 defeat to JKT Tanzania, the team’s heaviest loss of the season.Notably, both Kimanzi and Chipo attended the match but watched from the stands rather than the touchline.Nine branch chairmen un-opposed in FKF electionsDespite the poor league performance, Mwagala spoke highly of Kimanzi.”We are not saying Kimanzi is not a good coach. He’s a manager with a strong profile, but sometimes things just don’t work out in football, no matter your experience,” she said.In eight matches, the team managed just eight points and now sits in 11th place on the league table.Though Kimanzi’s tenure ended prematurely, it was not without its positive moments.Kariobangi Sharks’ Biron Otieno out for three months after fractured arm in AFC Leopards clashHe led the team to victories against Namungo and Kagera Sugar and secured a draw against Tanzania Prisons.However, defeats to powerhouses like Simba SC, Singida, and Dodoma Jiji ultimately sealed his fate.
