Mohamed Borji: What You Need To Know About Bandari’s New Head Coach

SportPesa League side Bandari FC have appointed Moroccan tactician Mohamed Borji as their new head coach on a one-year contract.

The 44-year-old former Wydad Casablanca striker takes over from Ken Odhiambo, who parted ways with the team following a difficult start to the 2025/26 season that saw Bandari struggling near the relegation zone.

Odhiambo’s assistant, John Baraza, briefly stepped in as interim coach and helped Bandari secure their first win of the campaign with a 3-1 victory over Murang’a Seal. 

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However, the club management decided a permanent appointment was needed to stabilize the squad and provide a clear tactical direction. Enter Borji, whose experience in North African football is expected to inject both discipline and technical acumen into the team.

Borji will be assisted by his compatriot Tarik Bendamou, who joins as the new assistant coach, replacing Baraza. 

The Moroccan duo will immediately begin preparations for Bandari’s upcoming fixtures, including the ODM at Twenty tournament, where they will face Gor Mahia, Shabana, and AFC Leopards. 

Borji’s first official SportPesa League match in charge will be against AFC Leopards after the FIFA International break, a key opportunity to lay the foundation for a strong campaign.

Born on January 30, 1981, in Casablanca, Morocco, Mohamed Borji enjoyed a prolific playing career before transitioning into coaching.

 Standing at 1.86 meters, the former striker featured for several top Moroccan clubs, including Wydad Casablanca, FAR Rabat, and Difaa El Jadida, before moving abroad for a short stint with Pahang FA in Malaysia, where he scored four goals in 12 appearances.

After retiring, Borji moved into coaching, taking the helm at teams like Renaissance Club Athletic Zemamra, Kasba Tadla, and COD Meknès. 

He also served as assistant coach at Moghreb Tétouan during the 2022–23 Botola Pro season. While he has not yet won a major trophy as a head coach, his reputation for tactical intelligence, player development, and disciplined management has made him a respected figure in Moroccan football circles.

Bandari officials believe Borji’s appointment will bring structure, discipline, and a professional mindset to the squad. His North African coaching methodology is expected to enhance the team’s technical play while also improving defensive organization — an area that has troubled Bandari in recent seasons.

The addition of Bendamou as assistant coach strengthens the technical team, as both men share similar football philosophies and experience in Moroccan football systems. Bandari management hopes the duo can guide the team away from the relegation zone and build momentum in the SportPesa League.

Borji and Bendamou face the immediate challenge of stabilizing Bandari and building a cohesive unit capable of competing against the league’s top teams. The ODM at Twenty tournament offers a platform to evaluate the squad and implement new tactics before league action resumes.

Fans will be watching closely to see how Borji adapts to Kenyan football and whether his North African expertise can translate into results at the coastal side. With a mix of fresh ideas, tactical discipline, and leadership, the Moroccan duo could play a pivotal role in shaping Bandari FC’s future. One thing is certain: the new era under Mohamed Borji has officially begun.