Ulinzi Stars appoint former AFC Leopards’ Kimani as Mwalala’s successor

Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Ulinzi Stars have confirmed the appointment of Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani as the new head coach.
 
Kimani takes the reigns at the former Premier League champions and replaces Bernard Mwalala, who left to join KCB in the same capacity.
 
“Ulinzi Stars are delighted to announce the appointment of Anthony Kimani as our new Head Coach. Welcome, coa𝚌𝚑 Modo,” the club said in a statement.

Kimani’s resume

Kimani is returning to the touchline after parting ways with Bandari in March following a defeat against AFC Leopards in the FKF Cup. When he left, the Dockers appointed Twahir Muhiddin to steer the club in the latter stages of the 2022/23 season.
 
Kimani joined Bandari first as an assistant to Andre Casa Mbungo, whom he had worked with at AFC Leopards. When the Rwandan tactician left, Kimani was elevated to the head coach position in February 2022 in an acting capacity.
 
Hopes for Kimani grew as he steadied the Bandari ship and led them to fourth place when Tusker, Gor Mahia, and Kakamega Homeboyz finished above them.

But he was relieved of his duties when they were knocked out of the cup competition, the only realistic title they had a chance to lift last term.

Kimani, a former Sofapaka FC, Nairobi City Stars, and Bandari player, had been linked with AFC Leopards, but Ingwe opted to elevate Tom Juma instead of looking for Patrick Aussems’ successor from outside.

As he takes the reigns at Ulinzi, Kimani’s sole aim is to reawaken the 2004, 2005, and 2010 Premier League champions who have been but mere participants in the last decade in the top tier.

Possible new players

At Ulinzi Stars, eyes will be keen to see which players he will sign in order to champion his ambitions at the club. There are places to be filled, especially with the departure of Francis Omondi, who is understood to have terminated his contract and joined Kakamega Homeboyz.

Omondi, a former Modern Coast, Mathare United, and Kakamega Homeboyz defensive midfielder, was part of the Ulinzi Stars for just one season.

Some players have been training with the club, and it is not yet clear whether they will be handed contracts.

Former Bandari midfielder Faraj Ominde is one of those training with Ulinzi Stars, and the former Chemelil Sugar and Tusker player can be signed as a free agent following his exit from Bandari.

Nicholas Omondi, captain of the National Super League side Darajani Gogo, who is a target for AFC Leopards, Shabana, and Murang’a Seals’ target, alongside Herrit Mungai, who was recently released by Nairobi City Stars, are training with Ulinzi Stars.

Meanwhile, former Nzoia Sugar, KCB, and Musanze FC forward Victor Omondi is understood to be closing in on a deal with Ulinzi Stars.