Mara Sugar Part Ways with Title-Winning Coach Benedict Wanjala

Mara Sugar FC have confirmed the departure of their 2024 National Super League (NSL) title-winning coach, Benedict Wanjala, marking the end of his one-and-a-half-year stay with the Kilgoris-based club.

According to sources close to the team, the exit came after weeks of rising tensions within the technical bench, particularly between Wanjala and current head coach Edward Manoah. Reports suggest that claims of internal sabotage further strained relations, leading to a crisis meeting on Monday evening where the decision to part ways was sealed.

“This morning after training, the head coach announced to the players that Coach Wanjala has left the club,” a source told Futaa Fisaa.

A Historic Run with Mara

Wanjala first joined Mara Sugar in January 2024, replacing Vincent Nyaberi. His impact was immediate — guiding the club to their maiden FKF Premier League promotion and later delivering the first-ever NSL title in the 2023/24 season. Mara edged Mathare United by just two points, finishing with an impressive 84 points.

However, despite his success, Wanjala’s journey was cut short by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) coaching licence rules, which require a CAF A Licence to serve as head coach in the top flight. This forced Mara Sugar to demote him back to assistant coach in August 2024, with George Midenyo brought in as head coach.

The coaching carousel didn’t stop there. After Midenyo’s dismissal in January 2025, Wanjala briefly returned as caretaker before veteran tactician Edward Manoah was appointed in May. Manoah eventually steered Mara Sugar to survival on the final day of the FKFPL season.

More Backroom Changes

Wanjala’s exit is just the latest in a string of shakeups at the club. In July, the team cut ties with assistant coach Ben Bella and long-serving goalkeeper trainer James Odhiambo.

Mara Sugar have since rebuilt their technical bench with:

• Francis Xavier – Assistant Coach
• Godfrey Naibei – Trainer
• Charles ‘Korea’ Omondi – Goalkeeper Coach

The Big Question

For many fans, Wanjala’s story is bittersweet. From taking Mara to unprecedented glory to being sidelined by licensing rules and now leaving under strained relations — his chapter closes with mixed emotions. What remains to be seen is whether the club can build on his foundation or if his absence will leave a void both on and off the pitch.