Coach Nandwa promises Coastal Union revival
Former Harambee Stars coach James Nandwa has joined Tanzanian club Coastal Union with a promise to end the decade-long dominance of the big three clubs – Simba SC, Yanga SC and Azam FC – in the Tanzanian Premier League.
Speaking to Nairobi News on phone from Mombasa over the weekend, after leading his side to a 3-1 win over Mombasa Combined in a build up match played at the Mbaraki Sports Club, Nandwa vowed to turn around the fortunes of Coastal Union who have long lived under the shadows of the top three clubs in Tanzania.
Former Kenyan Premier League duo Rama Salim and Itubu Imbem (2) scored for visiting team with Shaban Kenga managing a consolation strike for the hosts.
“The club has serious and professional administrators who have invested in a very good and formidable team, I cant see why we cannot finish in the top two and win the domestic cup within the next two seasons,” Nandwa told Nairobi News.
SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES
It is believed Nandwa’s deal at the Tanzanian club is worth upto an estimated Sh 350,000 a month in salaries and allowances, plus a fully furnished house and car with designated driver.
Nandwa, who replaces another Kenyan Youssef Chippo at the helm of the side, joins the “Kenyan revolution” at Coastal Union, with former Gor Mahia midfielder Salim alongside Imbem members of the team.
The team, which is currently placed fourth on the league standings at about the halfway stage of the season, was also home to former Kenya international Jerry Santos, who departed last November.
Simba, Yanga and Azam have shared the last 13 editions of the Tanzanian league title between.
Nandwa, a former Kenya Premier League winner during his playing days at Utalii FC, boasts an impressive CV that includes a domestic cup title with AFC Leopards, and runners up medal with a second-string Harambee Stars team at the 2012 edition of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.