Kisumu All Stars coach Warinda set to leave amid financial constraints

The coach leaves the club amid financial turmoil after the County Government of Kisumu halted their sponsorship to the side.

The county had been funding Kisumu All Stars to the tune of Ksh5 million per season but pulled out of the deal mid-way through the season.

The move made the club have recurring financial issues, which one time forced the players to storm the county government offices demanding payment of their outstanding match allowances from the period when the county was sponsoring the team.

“Losing sponsorship in the middle of the season was difficult to take. We had to stay strong and fight for each other. It's been tough, but the boys have shown up. It's something I'll never forget. This club will always be my club,” he said.

Warinda, who doubles up as Harambee Starlets assistant coach, first joined Kisumu All Stars in 2019 as a player and team captain but his promising playing career was abruptly cut short by a knee injury.

After suffering the career ending injury, the Kisumu Day High School alumni decided to transition into coaching in 2021 — a decision that would eventually see him rise to the position of head coach for the 2023/24 season.

In what many consider a miracle season, Warinda led Kisumu All Stars from a struggling 14th-place finish in 2022/23 (with 42 points) to an impressive fifth place (62 points) this season, with two matches left to play.

He was named the assistant coach of Harambee Starlets in February serving under the tutelage of Beldine Ademba.

While speaking to Citizen Digital from Tangier, Morocco where he is currently training with Harambee Starlets, Warinda confirmed his exit while reflecting on their season.

“It's been a long season that's almost coming to an end with the focus to finish the two games (Kibera and Fortune Sacco) with a win.”

“I will be moving at the end of the season. Where to? Can't confirm at the moment, but of course, there are offers, and I've put them on hold first as things stand. I am still in All Stars.”

He however says that he did not plan to leave the Kisumu based side despite operating on a limited budget while reflecting on his time with All Stars.

“I didn't anticipate this time coming, but after consultation with family and close friends, I decided it's time to try something different.”

“This club has done a lot for me, arriving here as a player, then transitioning to coaching. It's not been easy. I took it a day at a time.”