Sammy Okoth lands head coach role months after Shabana exit

After parting ways with FKF Premier League outfit Shabana FC, Sammy Okoth has swiftly found a new opportunity.

He has been introduced as the head coach for Migori Youth FC, a National Super League team aiming for promotion to the FKF PL.

Sammy Okoth coaching stints

Okoth played a key role in Shabana’s remarkable journey to the FKF PL after a 17-year hiatus. His coaching tenure includes stints with other FKF PL teams such as Zoo FC and Vihiga.

Migori Youth FC officially welcomed Okoth on Tuesday evening, emphasizing his extensive experience in football management.

“We are delighted to welcome Sammy Okoth as our new head coach. With his track record, which includes guiding Shabana FC to FKF Premier League promotion and coaching Zoo FC, among others, we are confident in his abilities to lead our team to success. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Sammy as part of the MYTA family!” Migori Youth stated.

Okoth faced a challenging period during his time with Shabana, who had previously clinched the National Super League title.

His departure from the team came after a string of disappointing performances, leaving Shabana in 17th place with only one win, four draws, and six losses in ten games.

Prior to his resignation, Okoth had hinted at his potential departure from the FKF Premier League following a significant 4-0 defeat, which marked their heaviest loss to date, inflicted by Ulinzi Stars.

Okoth expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly their tendency to concede late goals, prompting concerns from both fans and management.

The coach had been contemplating stepping down from his position due to the team’s poor results in the top-flight league, particularly their struggles in holding onto leads.

This dissatisfaction among fans was palpable, with supporters demanding explanations for the team’s downturn in form.

Why Sammy Okoth

In response to his appointment, Team Manager David Aguko emphasized that Okoth’s appointment aimed to propel Migori towards promotion to the top tier of Kenyan football.

Aguko remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, highlighting their contention for promotion and the strategic decision to enlist Okoth’s expertise.

“We are still in contention for promotion, and it explains why we have gone for a top coach like him,” Aguko said.

“We are tied on points with the fifth-placed team and sit 13 points behind the league leaders. Therefore, with the right adjustments, which I am confident we will make, Migori Youth FC remains firmly in the promotion battle,” he added.