Kenya football family mourning departed Ulinzi Starlets coach Wambua

Ulinzi Starlets Head Coach Joseph Wambua Mwanza has passed away on Friday, after a long battle with illness.

His demise was confirmed Friday morning by his club and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Mwanza, who has been coaching Ulinzi Starlets since 2018, has been mourned as a dedicated coach who was keen on women football growth.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Sisters Ulinzi Starlets Head Coach, 𝑱𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒉 𝑾𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒖𝒂 𝑴𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒛𝒊𝒂. He was more than a leader on the field he was a mentor, a guiding light, and an inspiration to everyone in the Ulinzi Starlets family and our football fraternity also.

"Under his leadership, the team achieved incredible milestones and fostered a spirit of unity, resilience, and passion for the game. His dedication and commitment to excellence will leave an everlasting impact on the lives of the players, staff, Kenya football fraternity and all who had the privilege of knowing him," read part of a tribute by Ulinzi.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those touched by his remarkable legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time," Ulinzi Stars added their tribute.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) also paid a glowing tribute to the departed coach.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ulinzi Starlets Head Coach, Joseph Wambua Mwanza. His dedication and passion for women's football in Kenya will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the entire Ulinzi Starlets team and the Ulinzi football fraternity during this difficult time.”

Former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee termed Wambua as a hard-working coach who had realized a lot of success with Ulinzi Starlets

“A very sad morning for football. We’ve lost a successful, hard-working young Ulinzi starlets coach, Joseph Wambua. He has been in hospital undergoing treatment. R.I.P. my friend and a colleague,” Mulee said on his social media account.

He leaves  behind a wife (Enice Wambua) and two children (Eliabeth Kamene and Emmanuel Mwanza).

During his sick leave, former Ulinzi Stars defender Michael Clive Otieno, Francis Kimanzi, and Stephen Ochola all briefly stepped in.

Mwanza’s coaching journey began in 2016, just a year after his promising playing career was cut short due to a devastating injury.

Starting out with Kahawa Queens, Mwanza quickly proved his ability. His breakthrough came when he took charge of Kahawa United men's team in 2017, guiding them in the County League to an impressive unbeaten run of 23 matches.

In 2018, the Kenya Defence Forces appointed him head coach of Ulinzi Starlets.

Under him, Ulinzi Starlets lifted their third Women’s Cup last season.