Mara Sugar appoints new assistant coach

Narok-based FKF Premier League side Mara Sugar has announced the appointment of Benjamin Omukuba as their new first assistant coach.

Omukuba joins Mara Sugar from Sofapaka, where he was serving as the second assistant coach. He was at the dugout when Sofapaka played Tusker FC on the opening day of the season in Machakos a fortnight ago.

The decision to bring Omukuba on board is part of the club’s strategy to meet club licensing requirements. As a result, Benedict Wanjala, who previously led the team to the top tier, will transition to the role of second assistant coach.

Wanjala lacks the CAF A license, which is mandatory for a Kenyan Premier League coach. Consequently, the club also appointed George Midenyo as head coach. Since Wanjala holds a C license, he is not eligible to serve as the main assistant coach, necessitating the addition of Omukuba.

“Mara Sugar FC is thrilled to announce the appointment of Benjamin Omukuba as our new first assistant coach. We extend a warm welcome to Coach Benjamin and wish him success in this new chapter with us,” read a statement from Mara Sugar.

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Mara Sugar started the season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz and will next face Bandari FC in Mombasa on Saturday, September 14.

In a recent interview, team manager Gilbert Ledama emphasized that the club's primary goal is to secure its top-flight status. While the positive start to the season is promising, the focus remains on avoiding relegation rather than contending for the title.

“Our main objective is to stay in the league, and we aim to avoid relegation. A top-ten finish this season would be a success, but our immediate goal is to ensure we are well-positioned after the first leg and then set new targets for the second leg,” Ledama stated.

He also noted that this season will serve as a learning experience for both the team and the club’s management. “We have a solid squad, but many players are new to the league, making it a learning process for them and for us as a club. As management, we are also learning, and we believe that positive outcomes will follow,” he concluded.

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