Two matches into his new job as Kenya’s Harambee Stars Head Coach, Stanley Okumbi thinks his fellow tacticians are working for his downfall.

Okumbi oversaw a double loss to Guinea Bissau in the AFCON 2017 Qualifiers, with the latest being a 1-0 loss on Sunday 27 at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, in match highlighted by ugly acts of hooliganism.

The West Africans scored in the 83rd minute and the match almost aborted thereafter as a section of fans out of anger started throwing missiles into the field protesting the goal which they thought the ball didn’t cross the line.

Even though the match continued after a long stoppage, the shameful scenes did not cease post the final whistle as goons bayed for Okumbi’s blood. He was escorted under heavy security to the dressing room and when he emerged to address the press, this is what he told Citizen TV.

“I don’t understand why the elite trainers are influencing the fans. I have already seen it on social media but I was composed despite the pressure they were trying to mount. We played quite well and according me, it’s been a long time since the national team played such a game. The problem is that we created chances but we did not score.

“This is a war between me, young coaches and the so called elite group, because they feel that they deserve the chance to coach because they are senior or experienced. They don’t appreciate maybe the youth coach can coach, but for me am composed and not worried.”

The former Mathare United Coach has come under heavy criticism across board over his tactics and team selection,with some pundits acknowledging that the job is too big for him. He gambled with a rookie Petilah Omottoh in the first eleven of the first leg tie which Kenya lost 1-0 in Bissau, a move which flopped, and ever since he has been trolled heavily online.

In today’s match, he pulled out two defenders and replaced them with a striker and an attacking midfielder – the tactic again failed as Guinea Bissau read it well and got a goal almost immediately after the last sub.

His latest utterances can only be read as opening a new battle front even before the fans are appeased.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com