Kenyan Premier League club Ulinzi Stars are rummaging through the market for a new coach after parting ways with veteran tactician Anthony 'Modo' Kimani on Tuesday.
Kimani, 34, leaves the Langata-based military outfit after a lacklustre season in which he wrapped up 12th on the top-flight log, much to the dismay of his employer.
But the ex-Kenyan international kept his chin up as he packed his belongings on Tuesday to pave the way for his undisclosed successor.
“I wish to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for all of you. This past season has been an incredible journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless memories I will cherish forever,” Kimani remarked.
“While my time here has been brief, the connections and experiences we've shared will stay with me always. I believe in this team's potential, and I'm confident great things lie ahead for all of you. I wish you all continued success and happiness, both on and off the field,” he added.
The club had confirmed his departure in a statement released earlier.
"We wish to express our gratitude to Kimani for his contribution to the club during his tenure as head coach. Kimani will forever be a part of the Ulinzi family, and the club wishes him all the very best in his future endeavours.”
During his appointment a year ago, Kimani pledged to end Ulinzi's 13-year title drought.
"As I join the club, I have my work cut out, and that is to secure titles," Kimani said then.
The soldiers snapped him from the cold after he became a free agent, having parted ways with Mombasa-based rivals Bandari, on a mutual agreement.
Kimani joined Bandari in February 2021 to deputise Rwandese tactician Andre Casa Mbungo, his former boss at AFC Leopards.
He took over the reins in an acting capacity in February 2020 after Mbungo was sent packing following a horrendous run in the league.
He leaves Ulinzi dejected, having failed to meet expectations to secure a title for the soldiers, who have endured a long spell of silverware drought since 2010 when they last clinched the KPL title.
Ulinzi romped to consecutive titles from 2003 to 2005 and bagged another one in 2010.
