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Bandari FC has named John Baraza as their interim head coach, following the dismissal of Ken Odhiambo due to a winless start to the 2025/26 SportPesa Premier League season. The change aims to stabilise the team's performance and restore confidence among players and fans.
Bandari FC, the Mombasa-based football club, officially appointed John Baraza as their interim head coach on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. This decision comes in the wake of Ken Odhiambo's dismissal, making him the first coaching casualty of the 2025/26 SportPesa Premier League season. Baraza, who previously served as the assistant coach, will lead the team until a permanent replacement is found.
The club's management announced the change after a disappointing start to the new season, which saw the Dockers fail to secure a win in their opening two matches. Their campaign began with a goalless draw against Kariobangi Sharks, followed by a 1-0 home defeat to Shabana FC at the Mbaraki Sports Club on Sunday.
Ken Odhiambo's departure marks his third stint with Bandari FC, having previously coached the team from 2011 to 2015 and 2019 to 2021. He was re-appointed in July 2024, with CEO Tony Kibwana expressing confidence in his ability to lead the team to a league title and continental success. Last season, Odhiambo guided Bandari to an eighth-place finish, accumulating 44 points from ten wins, fourteen draws, and ten losses. However, the current season's poor start quickly mounted pressure on his leadership.
Sources close to the club indicated a growing fracture in trust, with some transfers reportedly conducted without Odhiambo's full involvement. This perceived lack of authority, coupled with the team's inability to convert chances despite dominating play, contributed to the decision to relieve him of his duties.
Bandari FC CEO Tony Kibwana confirmed Baraza's interim appointment in an official statement, expressing gratitude to Odhiambo for his contributions and wishing him success in his future endeavours. Baraza, a former Harambee Stars striker, steps into a challenging role, tasked with revitalising the team's campaign and restoring confidence.
The immediate focus for Baraza will be to prepare the team for their upcoming fixture against Murang'a Seal. Fans and club management will be closely watching to see if he can inspire an immediate turnaround for the coastal side.
The immediate implication of this coaching change is the need for rapid stabilisation within the team. A new interim coach brings a different philosophy and approach, which can either galvanise the squad or create further disruption if not managed effectively. The pressure on Baraza to deliver immediate positive results is significant, especially with upcoming challenging fixtures. The search for a permanent head coach will also be a critical process, as the club seeks a long-term vision for success.
All eyes will be on Bandari's performance in their next league matches under John Baraza's interim leadership. His ability to quickly instill a winning mentality and address the team's scoring challenges will be crucial. The club's process for identifying and appointing a permanent head coach will also be a key development to monitor, as it will signal their long-term ambitions for the season and beyond.
