Ambani breaks silence on abrupt Mara Sugar dismissal

Former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards striker Boniface Ambani has spoken out following his sudden departure from Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) side Mara Sugar FC.

The FKF-PL debutantes announced the termination of Ambani’s services as its technical director in a brief statement on Friday, without providing any explanation.

“We hereby announce the end of engagement with our Technical Director Mr Boniface Ambani. We thank him for the services and wish him success as he exits Mara Sugar FC for another challenge,” read the club's statement, posted on its social media pages.

Ambani’s dismissal has surprised many football enthusiasts, given his pivotal role in Mara’s ascent from grassroots football to the top-flight league.

Mara Sugar FC, based in Kilgoris, has been a revelation this season following their promotion as the 2023-2024 National Super League (NSL) champions. The team currently sits third in the league standings with 11 points from six matches, recording three wins, one loss, and two draws. They play their home matches at Awendo Green Stadium in Migori County.

Three days after his dismissal, Ambani addressed his departure on social media in what he termed "Episode One" of his Mara Sugar FC journey. In a brief but candid statement, Ambani indicated that internal conflict was the cause of his exit, accusing unnamed individuals he referred to as “quacks” of trying to seize control of club operations.

“It doesn’t matter to me what happens… it doesn’t matter who you are as long as I give you a piece of my mind. Football has to be run by football people. Not quacks. When quacks want to take over, the best thing is to tell them on the face and you pack and go. No two ways out,” the former Kenyan international wrote. He also shared a seven-minute video outlining his tenure at Mara and how he helped the club progress from Division One to the top tier.

Ambani revealed that he was aware his position at Mara was precarious but expressed disappointment that he had not been officially notified of his dismissal. He recounted how he discovered the news through his wife after losing his two phones.

“I called my wife and she told me I was trending. I asked her why I was trending, and she told me that Mara had parted ways with me. I laughed it off because I knew this was coming,” he said.

Ambani elaborated on his journey with Mara Sugar FC, emphasizing his dedication to the club’s success. Despite his significant contributions, questions remain about why the club parted ways with him so abruptly.

Efforts by Nation Sport to reach Mara Sugar FC’s officials for a comment were unsuccessful. However, a club insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted being equally surprised by the decision. “We were equally shocked to see the club make that announcement.

"The management is yet to tell us what led to his sacking, but we are hoping to hear from them in the course of the week,” the insider said.