Veteran Nairobi City Stars midfielder Peter Opiyo aka Pinchez has taken up light duties on the technical bench as recovers from injury.
Opiyo was forced out of training in mid-February, and as he bides time to return to the pitch as a player, he has opted to sample things on the other side – the technical bench.
“Opiyo’s injury was a blow but we chose to look at the opportunities that came around the period of his inactivity,” said team coordinator Samson Otieno
“It was the opportune time for him to go to class for coaching lessons. He has since acquired his CAF ‘D’ Diploma Licence. With that in hand, 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 for a position before season end.”
Opiyo, who last featured against Kenya Police in the first week of February, talked up the rare chance that has presented itself.
“I love being on the pitch. But with an injury, there is so much that you can do until the day you heal. This is a great opportunity to learn the ropes of coaching and more so from my former teammate and captain at Thika United, Muyoti,” said Opiyo.
“I now sit on the bench on game days which is a strange place to be considering I am still an active player. But it gives me a whole new view of the game."
"On training days, I conduct sessions as instructed by Muyoti. That said, I wish to make the most out of this chance to understand coaching which will be of great value to the team when I return to the pitch, and in the future when I will not be on the pitch.”
On Opiyo’s new journey, Muyoti said: “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 optimise his chance before he can return to the pitch.”