Ex-Kenyan international John Baraza will shoulder the responsibility of reigniting Bandari FC's title aspirations after being named to replace Twahir Muhiddin. 

Currently placed 12th on the Kenyan Premier League log, the coastal lads have blown hot and cold this season, managing two wins, three losses, and a draw. 

Muhiddin's head was sent rolling after the Kenya Ports Authority-sponsored club crashed 2-0 to Bidco United in their last league outing. 

Bandari crashed 1-0 to Tusker in their season opener but bounced back with a similar 1-0 scoreline over Sofapaka and Ulinzi Stars 1-0. 

They then played out to a barren draw against KCB before suffering two consecutive losses against Kakamega Homeboyz (1-0) and Bidco United (2-0).

In an interview on Monday, Bandari FC spokesman Twaha Mbarak revealed that Baraza has been handed the role on an interim basis as the management rummages through the market for a suitable replacement.

“Baraza assumes his new position only on an interim basis with goalkeeper trainer Jerim Onyango serving as his assistant,” Mbarak said.

“He has a wealth of experience on the top-flight stage and we believe he can steer the club to unchartered heights given a chance," he added.

The seasoned football administrator said it was still too early in the season to throw in the towel.

“We are in the lower half of the table, yes,  but we have only played six matches so far. We only need to find the winning formula and will be right in contention,” he stated.

Muhiddin becomes the third casualty of the axing wave that has plagued the top-tier league after Francis Baraza (Kenya Police) and Burundian Francis Haringingo (Sofapaka).

Meanwhile, Czech coach Tomas Trucha has arrived in the country hoping to revive the fortunes of Kenyan Premier League giants, AFC Leopards.

Trucha replaces beleaguered gaffer Tom Juma, who was fired barely three months after his appointment.

A statement by Gilbert Andungu, the club's secretary general, confirming Trucha's appointment coincided with his arrival."AFC Leopards are pleased to announce the appointment of Tomas Trucha as head coach for two football seasons (2023/2024 and 2024/2025)," the statement read in part.

"Trucha, a Czech Republic national, is a holder of a Uefa Pro license. He was, until recently, head coach of Kelantan United in Malaysia. This is his second stint with AFC Leopards SC after being here for a short period in the year 2020."

Trucha is returning to the club for the second time following an earlier stint in 2020. He will be deputised by former Kenyan international Fred Ambani who was acquired at the beginning of the season. Andungu also announced four other changes to the technical bench.

Retired midfield maestro, Bernard Mang'oli,  who once served as skipper has returned to the club as team manager. He takes over the reins from Albert Wesonga, who has been elevated to the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Haggai Azande has been brought in from top-flight rivals Sofapaka to replace long-serving goalkeeper trainer Lawrence Webo whose head also rolled. Ingwe slammed the door on the pair of Juma and Webo after a disastrous start to the season.

Their departure comes barely weeks after a ballooning chorus calling for an overhaul of the technical bench hit a crescendo. Leopard's heart-wrenching defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji derby a week ago at Moi Stadium, Kasarani proved to be the final nail in their casket.