Former coach Sianga speaks of his role in Kogalo rennaisancee

Article adopted from standardmedia.co.ke

Former Gor Mahia coach, James ‘Abawa’ Siang’a, says he has been watching from the comfort of his house K’Ogalo kids grow and declared: “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

The gaffer, who is battling with diabetes, said it warms his heart to see coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno let the youngsters develop without pressure.

“It is a joy watching them play. They fought a good battle and brought joy also to the fans. When we started in 2008, not many gave these kids a chance, but I insisted they be left alone. Now you can see and I promise, you have not seen the last of them,” Siang’a told FeverPitch.

“Considering how young they are, they had no experience. You could see they could not handle pressure games. So to finish second is a good achievement.” Siang’a is credited with putting together the side that stretched Ulinzi Stars to the limit before losing out on the Kenyan Premier League title on Sunday, but the 60-year-old insists everything is going according to plan.

Gor players: Front (left to right) Musa Mohammed, Kevin Omondi, Dan Makori and Anthony Akumu. [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO and FILE/STANDARD]

“Just like any other parent you ask yourself how they are going to cope. But the foundation I laid has now helped them carry through to next year and beyond.”

He added: “In 2008 they finished ninth and last year they were fifth. Before I left Gor I told the officials this side will finish either third or second. So watch out for next year.”

The former Gor and Harambee Stars goalkeeper came under severe criticism as his side was taken apart 5-0 and 6-0 on aggregate by APR of Rwanda in the Confederations Cup and struggled in the league last year before coming good with a top five finish.

Some of the boys Siang’a brought into the ageing Gor side then were George Odhiambo, Musa Mohammed, Ibrahim Kitawi, Kevin Omondi, Anthony Akumu, Dan Makori, and Cameroonian Baldwin Ngwa, among others.

While Odhiambo has already been voted the best young player (2009), Mohammed, Omondi and Akumu are in the running for the award when KPL holds its fete in a week’s time. “With youngsters you will never go wrong. And going by Gor’s strong run this season, it is testimony enough,” said Siang’a.

The respected tactician said his health has improved tremendously and joked:

“Thanks to the performance of the boys I am feeling well.”

But he added: “If I am needed to be around the boys I will always be there. For now though, I am focusing on the forthcoming Association elections. I will announce soon the position I would like to vie for.”

Editors note:

James Sianga is one of the pioneer players of Gor Mahia football club having joined at its formation in 1968. At the time Sianga was the best goalkeeper in the country and is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers Kenya has ever produced. Sianga played for Kogalo until 1974 when he and 9 other players were poached by Luo Union FC where Sianga finished his career. He has had an illustrious career as a coach that has taken him to Tanzania where he coached Simba as well as several stints with the national team.