Salim Ali signs with Posta Rangers as head coach

Then-Mathare coach Salim Ali in action against Gor Mahia, January 14, 2020. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

Posta Rangers have acquired the signature of former Mathare United head coach Salim Ali on its side as team’s manager on a temporary basis.

Ali is back to the top-flight football at Posta Rangers after replacing Stanley Okumbi who parted ways with the team last week after an 11-month stint with the club to pursue a UEFA B licence course abroad which will last six months.

John Wakhu, the club’s Chief Executive Officer noted that Ali will steer the team pending the return of Okumbi. 

He further stated that in case the tactician calls it quits, then the team will consider engaging Ali for a lengthy deal.

“Salim will serve as the head coach for the time Okumbi will be away for studies. That’s the only change we made in the composition of the technical bench. It is important to clarify that Okumbi remains the head coach unless he decides to terminate his contract,” said Wakhu.

Okumbi and Ali worked together in the national team under-23, with the latter as an assistant coach.

The former Ulinzi Stars and Sofapaka FC tactician beat former Tusker assistant coach Charles Okere and former Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma who were touted to be Okumbi’s replacements.

Ali left Mathare in May last year following a series of poor results at the slum based club. Out of the 14 matches played, they only registered one win against Nzoia Sugar back in February. 

He joined Rangers when they signed Patrick Otieno and Geoffrey Shiveka from Kariobangi Sharks and lost the services of Josphat Lopaga and Dennis Oalo.