This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
On Monday, Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, the 51-year-old coach, was unveiled as the new coach of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) FC at the club's training ground in Ruaraka by club president Paul Russo and Chief Executive Azu Agola.
As he begins his new role, Zico has set his sights on challenging for the 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League title, a goal he believes is achievable despite his dual role as Harambee Stars assistant coach.
"My friend Florent Ibenge has been winning titles both as coach of TP Mazembe and the Black Leopards," Zico said in a statement. "His assistant with the national team is Mwinyi Zahera is also a successful coach at Yanga (in Tanzania). It's possible to do these two jobs at the same time and still win. After all, the league games will not be played during the international break (when national teams are active). If need be, I have an able assistant who will hold brief at club level," he added.
Published on August 19, 2019, at 6:05 PM EAT.
As part of his new role, Zico will deputize Francis Kimanzi, and he will be officially presented to the public as Harambee Stars assistant coach by Football Kenya Federation at their headquarters, Kandanda House in Kasarani, on Tuesday morning.
Under Zico's leadership, KCB finished tenth in the top-flight league last season, but club president Paul Russo is optimistic that things will be better this season.
"We are proud to get Zico. He is a top coach and professional as well and that's why everybody wants to work with him. I have no doubts he will lead this talented team to at least a top-three finish in the league this season," said Russo.
As part of his new team, Zico has also unveiled nine new players, including Harambee Stars midfielder Dennis Odhiambo and striker Steven Waruru who have both joined from Sofapaka.
