Coach Nick Aketch dumps broke Kisumu All-Stars
Kisumu All-Stars head coach Nick Aketch. He resigned from his position on October 26, 2018, citing failure to achieve his own set target of steering the team to the Kenya Premier League. PHOTO | VICTOR OTIENO |
What you need to know:
- Aketch, a former Kenyan international, was appointed on November 2017 when the team was formed and granted a place in the NSL by FKF to replace the now defunct Palos.
- The 47-year-old tendered his resignation on Thursday evening, citing failure to achieve his own set target of steering the team to the Kenya Premier League (KPL).
Kisumu All-Stars have been dealt a blow in their preparation for the 2019 Football Kenya Federation National Super League (NSL) after head coach Nick Aketch resigned on Thursday.
Aketch, a former Kenyan international, was appointed on November 2017 when the team was formed and granted a place in the NSL by FKF to replace the now defunct Palos.
The 47-year-old tendered his resignation on Thursday evening, citing failure to achieve his own set target of steering the team to the Kenya Premier League (KPL).
"I made it clear last year that my target was to qualify for the top flight. I failed in that and therefore I don't think I am the right person to continue handling the team," said Aketch.
In the just ended 2018 NSL, Kisumu All Stars finished a disappointing 13th, managing only 42 points. All Stars won 10, drew 12 and lost 14 matches in the just ended season.
The youthful tactician thanked the county government of Kisumu, who are the club's sponsors, for trusting him with the team.
"I am happy to leave behind a team that is very disciplined. All the players also got their chance to play under me."
However, Aketch was coy on whether his departure had also been occasioned by the financial crisis that the club has been grappling with, only saying: "Had the team received the necessary support, it would have secured a place in the top flight."
The team has been facing financial challenges right from when it was formed, which eroded their good start to the season. After eight rounds, All Stars were second on 17 points same as leaders Western Stima who had a superior goal difference.
In October, their woes thickened when they fielded only eight players against Nairobi City Stars after the rest failed to travel due to lack of funds. They lost the match 2-0.
While Sh3,263,100 was raised in a funds drive in May to help the club meet its expenses, the coach said players received nothing which killed their morale.
"They (players) expected to get something small from that fund raiser but it turned otherwise."
