Official: Francis Kimanzi returns to Mathare United for third stint on promotion mission

Former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has returned to the National Super League side Mathare United for a third stint.

Speaking to SportPesa News on Thursday, March 27, Jacktone Obure, the club's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) confirmed the return of the former tactician.

Obure confirmed that the UEFA A licensed coach agreed to return to the Slum Boys’ on his own volition as he clarified that there was no specific deal in place with the coach at the moment but his return his solely to help his former side.

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"As a club alumni, he is back to help the team. There are no terms or anything," the CEO stated.

"He just agreed to come and help the team since we have a coaching vacancy," he added.

Obure pointed out that Kimanzi's task will be helping Mathare United to close the gap on Naivas FC which tops the National Super League with 52 points after 23 matches.

Currently, Mathare United sit in second place on the log with 49 points.

"His main task will be helping the team secure promotion to the FKF Premier League," Obure told SportPesa News.

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Kimanzi will be taking over from Leonard Odipo who stepped down from his position following the team's 3-1 loss to MCF FC earlier this month.

Odipo, who took the helm at the start of the season, has been instrumental in steering the club to second place in the league standings.

"The club would like to confirm that a mutual decision was reached with Leonard Odipo for him to step aside from his role as head coach," the official announcement stated.

Assistant coach Jeff Maina was picked to stand in with the club promising to find an alternative.

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Third Stint at Mathare United

Kimanzi's return marks his third stint with the Slum Boys. He was first appointed to lead the side in 2008.

During that season, Kimanzi helped Mathare clinch the top-flight title, Kenya Premier League. Kimanzi first stint at the club run between 2008- 2012.

After several stints with the national team where he was unceremoniously sacked in 2013 after failing to qualify for African Cup Nation, Kimanzi coached Sofapaka and Tusker FC before returning to Mathare in 2015.

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Kimanzi stepped down again from his role in 2019 at Mathare United to focus on his then role at the national team Harambee Stars technical bench.

During that time, Kimanzi was on duty with the Harambee Stars. He was Sebastien Migne’s assistant. He stepped down to help Harambee Stars prepare for their African Nations Championship qualifier against Tanzania.

His latest return marks his third stint at his boyhood club.

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