KRU Championship side South Coast Pirates have settled on former Kisumu RFC boss Howard Okwemba as their Head Coach.
Okwemba who guided Western Bulls to a semi-final finish in the 2017/18 Championship season and lead Kisumu back to Kenya Cup last season after winning the Championship title beat other four coaches for the post. He takes over the post which was left void after Lawrence Buyachi quit to join Kabras.
According to the club, the selection panel was led by Kenya Simbas boss Paul Odera and Aggrey Chabeda- the Vice-Chair of the Rugby Patrons Society settled on the former KCB coach as the best man for the job.
“The Management Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Head Coach – Howard Okwemba.
Howard brings a wealth of experience at top level with him:- Head Coach at Kisumu, Western Bulls and KCB, an assistant coach with Kenya A team. We extend a very warm Pirates welcome to Howard and look forward to our team getting even better. Let’s all get behind him and give him full support, Reads a statement by the Club.
Okwemba whose contract was not renewed at Kisumu despite last season success expressed his delight to be back to coaching and he hopes to have a successful campaign with the side.
“I am delighted to be a part of the Pirates family and for the warm welcome I received. I’m looking forward to a successful 2019/2020 Championship campaign with the team,” he said.
Kelvin Amiani who was in charge of the side on an interim basis believes the side will gain a lot from the coaches experience.
“I’m very happy to welcome Howard to the South Coast Pirates and am looking forward to see the Pirates move to the next level under his leadership. We are going to benefit from his experience to build a competitive rugby team”
Pirates have won two matches and have lost two of the last four matches played this season.
