Former AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops is a man on a mission as he takes a leap into in his sunset years.
As the adage goes, East or West, home is best but for the 79-year-old tactician from the Netherlands, he has found another home in Western Kenya where he plans to settle for the rest of his life.
He is however coy on details on who the lucky lady, citing "personal reasons."
"I am so happy we met and she has been here for me even during the tough times,” said Koops.
Jan Koops during a training session during his days as AFC Leopards coach.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Although he keeps to his room most of the time while watching football matches and reading newspapers to catch up with the latest news, Koops now calls Mumias town his second home.
“I get many calls from my friends who knew me when I served as the coach at AFC Leopards. They are looking for me and some even come here to talk to me,” said Koops.
Jan Koops during a training session during his days as AFC Leopards coach.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“Football is my passion and when I came to Kenya my dream was to help one of the top premier league teams to improve their performance. For me, that team was AFC Leopards,” Koops, nicknamed Wephukulu by the Ingwe faithful, says with a light chuckle.
He is full of praise for Nick Yakhama, his predecessor at the club, and describes him as one of the best local coaches.
“I have always been in love with Africa, especially Kenya. I always dreamt of traveling to Africa and when the opportunity came in 2011, I was thrilled.”Ingwe who were languishing near the relegation zone in 2011 when he took over for his first stint.
Jan Koops (left) and Mickey Weche on July 27, 2011.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Ingwe was struggling at the bottom end of the league when he took over, guiding them to a top-five finish that season and third the following year. Before Koops took over as the coach for, the team had finished in position 12 in 2010.
The Dutchman’s influence at AFC Leopards steered the side to fifth in 2011, third in 2012 and second in 2013.
Koops has been following closely the political developments in the country and says it’s strange that wealthy people are also involved in corruption.
“Kenya is a beautiful country with immense resources that could turn around the livelihoods in the villages. Unfortunately, the rich and influential people in this country are busy engaging in corruption and denying the ordinary Kenyans services."
“In my view, President Uhuru Kenyatta has a great vision of turning Kenya into a great country but the level of corruption is just shocking. Every day, when I buy a newpaper in the morning, the first thing I read about is corruption involving senior people in government and wealthy and influential individuals. This has to stop if this country is to become a great nation,” said Koops.
