The story of Tusker Youth FC head coach Peter Kariuki is one of hard work, determination and resilience, having started from the bottom of the coaching pyramid and now on course to the top.From beginning as a rookie in the hood and volunteering at the Tusker Youth team to his recent graduation with a CAF B diploma and being at the helm of the Tusker Youth team, more is yet to come.In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Kariuki shared details of his journey in coaching.Victor Wanyama on why playing under Arsenal legend Thierry Henry ‘wasn’t easy’“In 2016 I joined the Tusker Youth team where I started as a volunteer under the guidance of coach Leonard Odipo who offered me a chance and I have followed that path ever since,” said Kariuki.His football roots can be traced to Nakuru City where he was born and bred. It is here that he fell in love with the game.He started off at Olympic Youth as a young player and grew in the game with his highest level as a player being the National Super League (NSL) with Mumbi Nationale before hanging his boots in 2015.##NAJAVA_MECA_8519467##While still playing, the former Mumbi Nationale midfielder started learning the ropes of the other side of football“I started coaching in 2012 while still playing. I was coaching Zimmerman Youth, a team in the hood where I stay,” he said.It is from this point that he found a volunteering opportunity at Tusker Youth and has been part of the team’s technical bench and served as the assistant coach.Where Gor Mahia will host Mashemeji Derby with Nyayo, Kasarani’s unavailabilityThe 34-year-old has helped the team climb the ladder from the Regional League to the FKF Division 2 where they currently ply their trade. With a smile on his face, he disclosed that the team boasts a number of alumni in the country’s top leagues.“We are more of a development side. From 2017 when we started playing in the formal leagues, we have over 25 players in the FKF Premier League and National Super League (NSL). The likes of Zakayo (Eric), Jimmy (Mbugua), Catric Asango, Kimari (Steve), Simiyu (Edwin) and many more,” he noted.The former St. Joseph’s FC player also shared the source of his happiness in his coaching career.##NAJAVA_MECA_8519462##“My biggest joy is to get players from the youth level to senior teams in the topflight. It shows that there is a good job that I am doing,” he said.At the beginning of this season, long-serving Tusker FC head coach Robert Matano left the club and his Youth Team counterpart Charles Okere was appointed to his position in an acting capacity.This meant that Okere’s time with the youth team came to an end and his place was taken by Kariuki who has been leading the team this season.Kahiro reveals reason for thriving partnership with schoolmate James KinyanjuiMarcus Aurelius said that a man’s worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions with Kariuki harbouring great ambitions for his career, to grow to greater heights.“Coaching is my passion and I really enjoy working with young players. I think youth level is my niche at the moment but in future, I want to be a top coach in the FKF Premier League and in the country and possibly venture outside the borders,” he disclosed.To achieve his dreams, the soft-spoken tactician has been undertaking his coaching courses in order to sharpen his skills.##NAJAVA_MECA_8519439##He was part of a pool of coaches who graduated with a CAF B diploma on Friday 15 November after a four-month rigorous training that included coursework, practicals and examinations. He shared the impact of the course on his career and how he intends to use it“I have learnt how to plan, conduct and do things as an elite coach. Of course, I have come out as a better coach and well-equipped.I intend to use my CAF B knowledge to impact and develop more players from the youth team to Tusker FC, FKF Premier League teams and overseas,” he explained.Odemba embraces interim role at Kenya Police FC, eyes full-time men’s coaching careerAt 34, Kariuki has the whole world of coaching ahead of him and is one of the talented pool of young coaches who are working hard to improve the game of football. For him, the sky is the limit.
