In recent times, Kenyan football clubs have shown a preference for suspending rather than directly firing underperforming coaches, quickly followed by the announcement of their replacements. Is this approach justified?
The Oxford dictionary defines suspension as the official act of temporarily removing someone from their job or team, often as a form of punishment, until a final decision is made on their future.
Yet, in the Kenyan football scene, “suspension” is taking on a new meaning. Throughout this season, several coaches have been “suspended” for lackluster performance, only for their successors to be revealed shortly after.
Just last week, Nzoia Sugar put interim coach Steve Biko on suspension after just four games due to poor results, and named Mike Mururi as his successor two days later.
Following suit, FC Talanta suspended coach Ken Kenyatta for underperformance last weekend. While his assistant, Jackson Gatheru, has taken over temporarily, it seems Kenyatta, who has been in charge since 2020, is on his way out.
This trend isn’t limited to the top league; it’s evident in the lower divisions as well, where coaches are being “suspended” when replacements are already lined up.
Suspending coaches is becoming a new method of dismissal, a departure from the usual mutual agreements or outright firings for poor performance.
So, why are clubs now favoring this method for dismissing non-disciplinary underperforming coaches?
AFC Leopards CEO Albert Wesonga explains that club constitutions, which vary, play a role, as does the specific language of a coach’s contract. Some contracts make outright dismissal complicated, potentially leading to legal issues. For example, AFC Leopards faces significant financial consequences due to a contract breach with a former coach. Thus, clubs aim to protect themselves.
Legal experts, like lawyer Robert Asembo, don’t find fault with suspending a coach for poor performance instead of terminating them outright.
“Labour laws require that an individual not be condemned unheard,” Asembo stated to Pulse Sports. “Suspension allows for disciplinary processes to unfold, ensuring any decision is preceded by a hearing and defense.”
While it’s unclear if clubs provide an opportunity for coaches to defend themselves before making a final decision, this approach is increasingly becoming standard, regardless of its perceived oddity by some.
