Bandari turn to former Tusker head coach after disappointing season
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 13.07.26. | 17:04
During the recruitment process, Bandari had been linked with several high-profile names, including former Kakamega Homeboyz coach Patrick Odhiambo and APS Bomet tactician Sammy "Pamzo" Omollo, before eventually settling on the former Tusker boss
Charles Okere has officially been unveiled as the new Bandari FC head coach, ending weeks of speculation over who would take charge of the coastal club ahead of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season.
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The Dockers confirmed the appointment on Monday, entrusting the former Tusker FC tactician with the responsibility of leading the club into a new era as they seek to re-establish themselves among the country's top sides.
"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Charles Okere as the new Head Coach of Bandari FC. Charles takes charge of the senior team as we embark on an exciting new chapter.
We look forward to a journey built on ambition, hard work and a shared commitment to restoring Bandari FC to the top," the club announced.
Okere's appointment finally brings to a close a prolonged search for a new head coach.
During the recruitment process, Bandari had been linked with several high-profile names, including former Kakamega Homeboyz coach Patrick Odhiambo and APS Bomet tactician Sammy "Pamzo" Omollo, before eventually settling on the former Tusker boss.
The 2019 Mozzart Bet Cup champions turn to Okere, hoping he can oversee a resurgence after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that saw the club finish 12th in the standings and miss out on both the league title and the Mozzart Bet Cup.
Okere returns to the touchline five months after parting ways with Tusker FC.
He was relieved of his duties in February following a torrid run of results that saw the Brewers lose ground in the championship race despite beginning the season as one of the favourites.
His arrival also marks another coaching change at Bandari, becoming the third man to occupy the hot seat in less than a year following the appointments of Mohammed Borji and Bernard Mwalala.
Mwalala guided the team for the remainder of last season after Borji's exit, but could not inspire a turnaround in fortunes.
Despite his departure from Tusker, Okere remains highly regarded within Kenyan football.
He rose through the ranks after an impressive spell with Tusker Youth, earning promotion to the senior team, where he helped the Brewers remain competitive domestically while giving opportunities to several emerging players.
He is widely admired for his tactical discipline, emphasis on structured attacking football and ability to nurture young talent.
Bandari will now be banking on those qualities as they seek to challenge for major honours once again.
Having never lifted the FKF Premier League title despite consistently competing in the top flight, the Dockers will be hoping Okere can guide them to their long-awaited breakthrough and restore the club's status as one of Kenya's leading forces.