Ex-Harambee Starlets coach elated after guiding Tanzanian side to CAF Confederation Cup

Ex-Harambee Starlets coach elated after guiding Tanzanian side to CAF Confederation Cup

Mark Kinyanjui 05:46 - 30.05.2024

The coach, who joined the Tanzanian outfit in late 2023 after quitting his role as Sofapaka technical director, is beaming after helping them qualify for next season's CAF Confederation Cup.

Coastal Union's head coach David Ouma is elated after guiding the club to a remarkable fourth-place finish in the Tanzanian Premier League and securing a spot in the CAF Confederations Cup next season. 

This achievement comes in his debut season with the Tanzanian club.

Ouma, who previously managed Sofapaka, joined the Tanga-based team in November last year. At the time, Coastal Union, known, locally as the 'Wagosi wa Kaya', were teetering on the brink of relegation with only seven points from 13 league matches.

Under Ouma's leadership, Coastal Union underwent a dramatic transformation. Over seven months, Ouma, a former Posta Rangers manager and Harambee Starlets tactician, led the team to 10 wins and six draws in 21 games. 

This impressive run saw Coastal Union finish fourth in the 16-team league with 43 points, following a scoreless draw against Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) on the final day of the season.

Ouma's efforts did not go unnoticed, as Coastal Union's fourth-place finish secured their qualification for the CAF Confederations Cup, ending a 36-year absence from the competition. Reflecting on the season's success, Ouma shared his joy with Mozzart Sport.

"It's fulfilling to end the season at a higher notch considering the team had a slow start to the campaign by the time I joined the club," Ouma said. 

"I am overjoyed to have finished fourth on the log and secured a spot in next season's CAF Confederations interclub competitions. It is a great way to finish the season after a rough start."

In addition to Coastal Union, Simba SC will also compete in the Confederations 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, 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 under his belt, Ouma looks forward to further success in the CAF Confederations Cup, continuing to build on the foundation he has established at Coastal Union.

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