Sofapaka sack Ali as Omollo lands Oserian top job

Sofapaka coach Salim Ali became the latest casualty in the firing line after he was shown the door on Tuesday morning.

Despite guiding Sofapaka twice to third place in the Kenyan Premier League where they are, club president Elly Kalekwa said he was not happy with the team’s performance.

Ali’s sacking came barely a week after Sammy Omollo was fired at Tusker FC despite having led the team to the KPL title last season.

Meanwhile, Omollo has taken over as head coach of Oserian just a day after Gilbert Selebwa quit the club.

Disappointed that they had won only one of their past five games, Kalekwa accused Ali of mismanaging the squad of talented players.

“I spend millions of shillings buying players and paying their salaries yet the players are not fielded,” Kalekwa lamented. “It’s a big shame that we have gone five matches and only won once. I had to act, and I have decided to sack the coach.

“Ordinarily, when a team performs dismally the coach has to take responsibility. Ali is definitely responsible for the fall in our performance.”

Endangered species

David Ouma, who has been Ali’s assistant, will act as stand-in coach for the remainder of the season but we are reliably informed that the club is scouting for a foreign coach.

On Tuesday, Ali said he was a victim of circumstances, saying: “Players’ morale also needs to be boosted.

“There were some issues that I could not control at the club and even the management is quite aware. Players need to be communicated to when their pay will be late.

“I accept that at times we have performed dismally, but look at where we sit in the league. I think sacking me was a bit harsh but I accept the club’s verdict.”

Kalekwa acknowledged that there has been some issues especially with delay of salary and allowances but said he has personally ensured he pays the players. Now the Kenya Football Coaches Association says KPL tacticians have become an endangered species.