Ogutu takes over the reins at Gusii, eyes success

Newly appointed Gusii FC head coach Phelix Ogutu is tickled by the prospect of handling the National Super League side and has vowed to guide the club to success following his take over this season.

Until his assignation, Ogutu was at the third-tier club Muhoroni Young where he served for almost a year and half overseeing the club through one successful season and was at the mantle at the start of this term.

The CAF B coaching license holder took over the reins at the Cardinal Otunga Mosocho housed club following the departure of Kasim Otieno Jr, who stepped down for a better offer at FKF Division One side Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) and will be assisted by former Shabana striker Dennis Onkangi.

The former Elim FC gaffer in the fourth division, has whole heartily welcomed his new role terming it the best move of his coaching career and is looking forward to getting the club to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League as he looks to build on the good work started by his predecessor.

"I am happy to be back at coaching in the high level putting in mind that it is my first time ever taking a team in the second tier. This is where I belong, and I feel motivated to be back and raring to go yet again as we try and push the set targets at the club,” he said.

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The soft-spoken trainer also admits that it will be a herculean task, but is ready for the challenge ahead in order to help the club realize its set objectives for the season but was also full praise to his playing unit, terming them ready for the battle awaiting them.

"I understand the task ahead of me, which is a bit tricky with the standards already set at the club, but I am confident enough to steer the team to greater heights. I have spearheaded a couple of training sessions and I am left impressed by the quality the boys are showcasing in the training ground. If well maintained and accorded serene surrounding then this team is going to terrorize people in the league."

Ogutu, who watched from the stands as his side dominated and annihilated Naivas FC 2-0 to hand them first defeat of the season at the Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School Grounds on Saturday, is tasked with improving last season's performance and guide the side to top flight football glory after missing out narrowly last season, is aware of the expectations and is ready to steer the club to a better finish.

"Going by my experience, the number of teams I have handled and the qualifications, I understand there is a lot of expectations from the management and, equally, the fans, who will be looking forward to the team registering positive results throughout the campaign. However, I understand the situation at hand because football is a game of expectations, and hopefully I will be able to find a way through it."

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On whether he considered taking up the CAF A coaching courses currently in offer, the mentor noted that he needed more time on the field before embarking on the freshener courses as he had spent less time in the dugout since the completion of CAF B examination.

“I have not reported for CAF because I felt I needed more time to exercise what I learnt earlier on before I embark on the elite course. Hopefully, with a good stint here at Gusii I can rethink about and be part of the caravan once the courses are made available later,” he added.

Ogutu's era starts on Saturday with a trip to the struggling Darajani Gogo at the Vapor Hope Center in Nairobi.

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