Former Harambee Stars defender Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo has refused to rule out taking charge at FKF Premier League outfit Ulinzi Stars ahead of the new season.

The coaching role at the army side fell vacant early this month after Bernard Mwalala resigned from the post before being unveiled to replace veteran Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno at KCB. Though Ulinzi Stars moved quickly to appoint Vincent Moriero Odhiambo as their coach on an interim basis, several reports indicated the club was keen to hire the services of Omollo.

Asked about whether he was close to taking the mantle at Ulinzi Stars, Omollo, whose last stint was at Kenya Police as the head coach four months ago, told People Sport:

“I have been out of coaching for the last four months since leaving Kenya Police and honestly speaking I am burning to make a return to the dugout.

“Ulinzi Stars is a good team they are among a few teams in Kenya to have managed to win the Premier League title, so I will not be afraid to take charge if they approach me, it will be a good project to try out so I am open to take up the offer.”

The 53-year-old, Omollo, who began his managerial career at Mahakama FC, before moving to Tusker where he guided them to the Premier League title in the 2011 campaign, further explained why he was prepared for the coaching job insisting his stay since leaving Kenya Police had given him the opportunity to add to his skills while attending FKF/Caf coaching courses.

“I must admit my stay away from coaching for the last four months has been a blessing to me and given me the confidence to return to the dugout and do what I like doing,” said, Omollo, adding: “I have been attending coaching courses during those months (that I was out) to add more knowledge, so it was not just sitting and relaxing without doing anything, and I also attended Premier League matches, so I think it is the best time for me to make the return and do it practically.”

Apart from Mahakama and Tusker, Omollo has also handled Oserian, Sony Sugar, Zetech University, East Bengal of India as an assistant coach, KCB, and Posta Rangers, before he moved to Kenya Police, where he managed them for half a season before being shown the exit door.