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Ailing former AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops faces severe health challenges while struggling with unpaid dues from the football club.
Twelve years ago an axe fell on Dutch coach Jaan Koops when AFC Leopards terminated his coaching contract citing financial difficulties.
Now, at 83, the coach who was once revered as Wepukhulu by the club’s loyal fans finds himself struggling with deteriorating health, unfulfilled contracts and unpaid dues.
Having moved to Kenya on a coaching expedition in 2009, Koops made an indelible mark on AFC Leopards guiding the club to top finishes and earning the adoration of fans.
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11:28 - 19.11.2024
'12 years of coaching' - Ghana coach defends his credentials amid calls to quit after embarrassing AFCON 2025 failure
Ghana coach Otto Addo was forced to lay out his coaching credentials after his capacity to handle the Black Stars were questioned following their elimination from AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
However, his life has taken a harsh turn.
The man who once brought pride to one of Kenya’s oldest football clubs now battles heart disease and festering wounds while fighting to secure the money he is owed.
“Sometimes the pain is unbearable, sometimes not very bad. Today I couldn’t sleep,” said Koops in an interview with Nation.
“I have a heart problem, and I can’t live without a pacemaker. I have been seen by many cardiologists, and they say I need a new pacemaker to replace the one I was fitted with 20 years ago. I can’t afford it.”
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05:28 - 19.11.2024
Tactical naivety, litany of excuses & more: Why Engin Firat must be held accountable for Harambee Stars' failures
Engin Firat exuded confidence after Kenya topped their AFCON qualification group, sending a warning to Andre Onana and Cameroon, but once results went haywire, he became defensive.
The veteran coach reveals that he has reached out to AFC Leopards for assistance, but his calls, emails and messages to the club’s chairman, Dan Shikanda, have gone unanswered.
Displaying a message he sent in September, Koops highlights his desperation.
“I just want them to pay enough to cover my treatment. I don’t want to drag the club through the courts," he noted.
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08:50 - 19.11.2024
Tom Alila proposes strategic alliance with three other candidates ahead of FKF presidential elections
Alila has proposed for an alliance with three other FKF presidential candidates in order to stand a chance of ending the Nick Mwendwa-led era following the county polls.
Koops’ tenure at AFC Leopards was filled with promise and results. He was first hired in 2011 on a two-year contract and later signed another deal in 2016.
Both stints saw the coach elevate the team’s standing in the league, but the club’s financial woes led to early contract terminations.
From his coaching contracts alone, Koops claims the club owes him over Sh9 million, including interest.
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05:57 - 19.11.2024
Dennis Oliech explains who Kenya should consider as Harambee Stars coach
Turkish gaffer Engin Firat has been unconvincing in the three years at the helm and Harambee Stars legend Dennis Oliech wants Kenya to go a different direction.
A portion of that debt, Sh1.35 million, stems from his later role as the club’s technical director and youth development head.
Despite the mounting debt, Koops maintains that he has no intention of pursuing legal action.
“If the club can pay for my pacemaker, that will be fine. I want the club to pay me Sh1.892 million from my first contract in four instalments of Sh473,000. That way, I can get life-saving treatment,” he pleads.
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06:15 - 18.11.2024
Engin Firat: The grand promiser left searching for answers with Harambee Stars
Kenyan dreams were shattered as Engin Firat’s false promises left Harambee Stars broken, missing AFCON 2025 and hope itself.
Living in relative obscurity in Busia, the once-vibrant coach depends solely on pensions from the Dutch and German governments.
Friends and well-wishers have helped him secure modest accommodation, but his health continues to decline.
The wounds on his ankle and shin, coupled with his heart condition, have left him visibly frail and melancholic.
Though Koops has the option of reporting the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), FIFA, or even CAF, he insists on protecting the club’s reputation.
“I don’t want to antagonize them. I still love AFC Leopards," he says.
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