Former Harambee Starlets coach Justine Okiring dies

Former Harambee Starlets coach Justine Omojong Okiring has died.

“The family received a call on Monday night from unknown people informing them of his death after failing to reach him by phone since Thursday last week,” Mercy Nelima, a family member, told Nation Sports on Tuesday.

“Other family members, including his wife, have gone to Wamalwa Kijana Referral Hospital in Kitale to identify the body and understand the circumstances surrounding his death,” Nelima added.

Okiring, 47, coached the Harambee Starlets from 2014 to 2015 before being replaced by David Ouma.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) described him as a committed and respected servant of the game.

“FKF mourns the passing of Justine Okiring, former head coach of Trans Nzoia Falcons, whose contribution to Kenyan football will be remembered with gratitude. FKF extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Trans Nzoia Falcons fraternity during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the federation said.

One of Okiring’s notable assignments with the Starlets was leading the team against Rwanda in the first round of the 2014 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers. Rwanda advanced on away goals after a 2–2 aggregate score, following a 2–1 loss in Nairobi and a 1–0 win in Kigali.

Players he worked with at the national team level include Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens, Tanzania), Violet Nanjala (United Eagles Women Football Club, Saudi Arabia), and Mwanahalima Adam (HB Køge, Denmark).

At club level, Okiring coached Trans Nzoia Falcons in the FKF Women’s Premier League from 2018 to 2023. In a 2023 interview with Nation Sport, he cited “immense pressure from both the fans and the management” as the reason for his resignation.

The previous season, he helped the team avoid relegation despite players boycotting training over unpaid wages, a situation he managed for several months.

He also guided Wiyeeta Girls High School to the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national women’s football title and the East African crown in 2017.

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