Kariobangi Legends Youth FC unveil Monday as new coach ahead of new season

Newly promoted Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division Two side, Kariobangi Legends Youth FC, has appointed former Harambee Stars midfielder Osborne Monday as their head coach for the upcoming 2024/2025 season.

The unveiling ceremony took place at Kariobangi North Primary School in Nairobi, where Monday expressed optimism about the team's future.

“The opportunity has come at a better time. I know these streets well because I grew up in the neighbourhood. This is home for me. I just need to fine-tune a few things, and we are good to go for the season,” said Monday, who was capped 37 times by the national team and made his Harambee Stars debut in 2005 under coach Mohammed Kheri.

Monday takes on the challenge of guiding the Kariobangi-based club towards the National Super League (NSL), with the ultimate goal of promotion to the Kenya Premier League (KPL). His new journey mirrors that of the Kariobangi Sharks, who successfully rose through the ranks in the early 2000s.

Club Chairperson Erick Otieno Atanga stressed that Monday's deep connection with the area played a critical role in his appointment.

“We had other four applicants in addition to Monday, but we had to choose him because of his history with Kariobangi and its environs. He was born and raised in the neighbouring Huruma estate and has played football here for many years, so he knows the terrain well,” Atanga explained.

Monday, who has played for clubs such as Mathare, Tusker, and Sofapaka locally, as well as Al Shabab in Oman and Azam FC in Tanzania, has selected a 26-man squad for the new season.

His bosses have limited player recruitment to those under the age of 21, with a focus on nurturing young talent from Kariobangi and its surroundings.

The FKF Division Two league is set to kick off in mid-October, with Monday looking to propel Kariobangi Legends Youth FC to new heights in Kenyan football.