After earning their ‘CAF D’ coaching licenses, veteran midfielders Peter Opiyo and Humphrey Mieno are both slowly striding into coaching roles at their respective clubs, Nairobi City Stars and Tusker FC.
Mieno has taken up an apprenticeship role at Tusker’s youth team where he has been actively involved in their training and on match days at the Ruaraka Complex.
Meanwhile at City Stars, Opiyo has been using his time recovering from injury assisting the technical bench and has been spotted on the coaching bench at the club’s matches.
Opiyo was forced out of training days before a road trip to Kakamega Homeboyz in mid-February.
“Opiyo’s injury was a blow but we chose to look at the opportunities that came around his period of his inactivity. It was best that he temporarily jumps over to the technical bench to start his coaching apprenticeship under the guidance and instructions of coach Nicholas Muyoti. Once fully recovered, he can return to the field to contest a position before season end,” said City Stars official Samson Otieno.
Opiyo whose career has taken him through Thika United, Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Tusker FC and various clubs in Finland says he is excited ahead of the new opportunity and looks to learn his ropes early enough.
“I love being on the pitch, but with an injury there is so much that you can do till the day you heal. This is a great opportunity to learn the ropes of coaching and more so from my former team mate and captain at Thika United, Muyoti,” said Opiyo, speaking to the club’s official website.
Muyoti meanwhile says he is excited to add on Opiyo’s voice in his technical backroom staff.
“This is exactly how my coaching journey started. After a few injuries’ here and there while at Leopards, coach (Jan) Koops initiated me to the bench with similar duties to what Opiyo has now,”
“It’s a primary and very important step towards the world of coaching. Opiyo has what it takes to excel in this area. He now has the time and I urge him to optimize his chance before he can return to the pitch.” added Muyoti.
