Adel Amrouche Tipped for Return as Kenya Coach Amid Fan Discontent
Former Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouche is being widely backed for a return to the Kenyan national team, as pressure mounts on current head coach Bobby Williamson following a string of underwhelming performances.
Amrouche, who was dismissed from his post in August 2014, remains a popular figure among Kenyan fans. During Kenya’s recent 2-1 home defeat to Zambia in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, home supporters made their feelings known by chanting Amrouche’s name at the Nyayo National Stadium. The gesture was a clear signal of frustration with the current regime and a call for the return of a manager who had previously brought a degree of stability and promise to the national setup.
Williamson, the former Uganda Cranes boss, has struggled to win over fans or deliver consistent results since taking the reins. His tenure, now spanning 14 matches, has seen Kenya record just four wins, four draws and six losses — a record that has increasingly come under scrutiny. The lack of progression and the recent qualifying setback have only intensified speculation about his future.
In contrast, Amrouche’s record during his year-and-a-half in charge paints a far more optimistic picture. The Belgian coach of Algerian descent oversaw 19 matches, notching nine victories, seven draws, and only two defeats. Under his leadership, Kenya showed defensive solidity, tactical discipline and a clear plan — attributes that many feel have been missing in recent months.
Since parting ways with the Kenyan Football Federation, Amrouche has not taken up another managerial post but remains an avid follower of Kenyan football. His continued interest in the national team, coupled with his previous success, has only added to the growing calls for his reinstatement.
Whether the federation will act on public sentiment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Amrouche’s name is back in the frame, and for many Kenyans, his return could be the spark needed to reignite the Harambee Stars’ faltering journey to qualification.
