This archive report was first published on 18 August 2019.
Coach Sebastian Migne's tenure in Kenya was marked by controversy and public outbursts, but his decision to stay in the country after being sacked as Harambee Stars coach has raised eyebrows.
According to reports, Migne was expected to leave Kenya after his sacking, but he confirmed in an interview that he would be sticking around for a while because his family 'loves it in Nairobi.'
One of Migne's most notable outbursts occurred on September 8 last year, after Kenya beat Ghana 1-0 in a 2019 Africa Nations Cup qualification match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
"If you think because tonight we beat Ghana now you are on the same level, it's not true, it's not reality. I am not a liar and I am not happy at all," Migne said.
"It was a missing of respect (by the government) with this team during the week when I saw Cameroon (national team) training in this (Kasarani) field and not us, who were (training) at Monetary School," he added.
It was later revealed that Migne's outburst was an indirect way of venting his frustration over delayed payment of his monthly dues by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the government.
Reports suggest that Migne and his backroom staff of four pocketed Sh2.5 million each month.
Migne's character has been compared to that of European coaches who arrive in Kenya with promises, only to change their tune a few months later.
For example, Paul Put, Migne's predecessor, followed a similar script and quit after three months at the helm.
Migne arrived in Kenya in May 2018, a week after resigning as coach of the Republic of Congo citing poor working conditions.
Despite his public outbursts, Migne was hailed as a cult hero after leading Kenya to secure qualification to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 15 years.
However, the team's failure to perform in the tournament and reports of a falling out with the players led to increased pressure on Migne.
The defeat to Tanzania in a 2020 Africa Nations Championship qualifier on August 4 was the final straw, and Migne was eventually sacked.
