Kenya’s former national football team Harambee Stars coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has parted ways with Tanzanian Premier League side Tanzania Prisons through a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
Club Chief Executive Officer Godfrey Madegwa announced that both parties agreed to part ways in what he described as a professional and respectful decision aimed at giving the team a fresh start in the ongoing league campaign.
“The management of Tanzania Prisons Football Club wishes to inform the public that, by mutual agreement, it has reached a decision to part ways with the head coach, Zedekiah Otieno,” the statement read.
Otieno joined Tanzania Prisons on July 24, 2025, ahead of the 2025/2026 season. During his tenure, he oversaw 14 Mainland Premier League matches, recording three wins, three draws and eight defeats. The Mbeya-based side scored eight goals and conceded 16 under his guidance.
Following that run, Tanzania Prisons currently sit 14th on the league table with 12 points, hovering just above the relegation zone and facing mounting pressure to improve results in the second half of the campaign.
The team’s inconsistent run of results and difficulties in front of goal have raised concerns among supporters and club stakeholders, prompting management to reconsider the technical bench.
The Kenyan tactician boasts a wealth of experience, having previously coached Kenyan giants Gor Mahia FC, as well as Sony Sugar FC, Posta Rangers FC and KCB FC. He also had a stint with Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars.
Otieno played for Gor Mahia, and made appearances for the Harambee Stars, including two 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
After the end of the 2012 Kenyan Premier League, Otieno left Sony Sugar to become a politician. He ran for the post of Councillor of Kariobangi North ward in Nairobi’s Eastlands, during the 2013 general elections and lost, but took a break and was re-appointed at Sony Sugar, succeeding Sammy Omollo, who had replaced him in 2012.
