Borji era begins: Bandari FC eye KPL glory under new coach
Moroccan coach Mohammed Borji and Tarik Bendamou during their unveiling as Bandari FC's Head Coach and Assistant Coach at Mbaraki Stadium, Mombasa on October 6, 2025. Photo/Mark Mutuku
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Bandari FC has officially unveiled former Morocco international Mohammed Borji as their new head coach. The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.
Borji, 44, takes over from Ken Odhiambo, who was dismissed last Monday following a poor start to the season. His assistant, John Baraza, briefly stepped in and led the team to their first win of the campaign—a 3-1 victory over Murang’a Seal on Saturday.
Borji will be assisted by fellow Moroccan, Tarik Bendamou.
Prior to his appointment, Borji was the head coach of Moroccan side COD Meknes and later served as assistant coach at Moghreb Tetouan back then in 2013.
During his unveiling, Coach Borji expressed his enthusiasm for the new role and his ambition to guide the team to their first-ever Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title.
“I’ve been around for a few days now and I’m really impressed with the hospitality and the team's win last weekend. I’m here to help Bandari achieve greatness and win the KPL title,” Borji said.
Bandari FC CEO Tony Kibwana expressed confidence in the new coaching duo, calling Borji the right fit for a club with high ambitions.
“Bringing in a foreign coach is part of our bigger plan—to not only win the KPL title but also build a team capable of competing in continental tournaments like the CAF Champions League,” said Kibwana. “They’ve been given a season-long performance-based contract, and we’ll evaluate from there.”
He also emphasized the importance of a comprehensive technical team.
“Modern football requires specialized roles. We will have a strikers’ coach, fitness coach, defenders’ coach—will continue working alongside the technical bench which we had.”
Bandari FC Chairman Taufiq Balala echoed Kibwana’s sentiments, praising the appointment as a bold and strategic move.
“We searched far and wide for the right coach and found Borji to be the perfect fit. Bandari is a team that deserves to compete for the league title. To our doubters—watch this space,” Balala declared.
Borji, a four-time CAF Champions League winner with Wydad Casablanca during his playing days, will have his first test this weekend in the ODM at 20 Tournament, hosted at Bandari’s home ground.
The tournament will feature KPL giants like Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Shabana FC.
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