David Ouma, who joined Coastal Union in late 2023 after leaving his role as Sofapaka’s technical director, is ecstatic after guiding the Tanzanian club to qualify for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Ouma, the head coach of Coastal Union, is celebrating after leading the team to a remarkable fourth-place finish in the Tanzanian Premier League, securing a spot in the prestigious CAF Confederation Cup for the next season. This impressive achievement comes in his debut season with the club.
After managing Sofapaka, Ouma took over the Tanga-based team, known locally as the ‘Wagosi wa Kaya,’ in November last year. At that time, Coastal Union was struggling near the bottom of the league table with only seven points from 13 matches.
Under Ouma’s expert guidance, Coastal Union experienced a dramatic turnaround. Over the span of seven months, Ouma, a former manager of Posta Rangers and the Harambee Starlets, led the team to 10 wins and six draws in 21 games. This remarkable run enabled Coastal Union to finish fourth in the 16-team league with 43 points, after a goalless draw against Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) on the final day of the season.
Ouma’s successful leadership did not go unnoticed, as Coastal Union’s fourth-place finish secured their qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, marking their return to the competition after a 36-year absence. Reflecting on this successful season, Ouma shared his joy with Mozzart Sport.
“It’s fulfilling to end the season on a high note considering the team had a slow start when I joined,” Ouma said. “I am overjoyed to have finished fourth and secured a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. It is a great way to end the season after a rough start.”
In addition to Coastal Union, Simba SC will also compete in the Confederation Cup, while champions Yanga SC and Azam Football Club will represent Tanzania in the Champions League.
Ouma is no stranger to continental football, having previously guided Sofapaka in 2011 and Kenya’s women’s national team, the Harambee Starlets, in 2016. His experience and tactical acumen have clearly paid off for Coastal Union, marking a successful debut season in Tanzania.
With this significant achievement, Ouma looks forward to further success in the CAF Confederation Cup, continuing to build on the strong foundation he has established at Coastal Union.
