COATAL Union have terminated the contract of head coach David Ouma just two days before their crucial CAF Confederation Cup match against Bravos Do Maquis.

The decision to part ways with Ouma (pictured) comes after a disappointing 3-0 defeat in the first leg, which did not sit well with the club's leadership.

Ouma's absence from training yesterday morning added fuel to speculation about his future at the club. In his absence, the team continued their preparations for the return fixture against Bravos Do Maquis under interim coach Ngawina Ngawina, assisted by Joseph Lazaro.

Ouma's tenure at Coastal Union was cut short due to undisclosed differences with the club, despite his efforts to prepare the team for the upcoming match. 

His dismissal follows the team's underwhelming performance in the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup, where they were eliminated at the group stage with a record of one win, one loss, and one draw.

Coastal Union secured fourth place in the recently concluded Mainland Premier League, earning them a spot in the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup. This marks their return to international competition since their participation in the 1989 African Cup Winners' Cup, where they were eliminated in the first round. 

The competition later merged with the CAF Cup to form the current CAF Confederation Cup in 2004.

Domestically, Coastal Union also participated in the Community Shield tournament this season. However, they suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Azam FC in the semi-finals and subsequently lost 1-0 to Simba SC in the third-place match.

Reports indicate that Ouma's removal could be primarily due to his strong leadership style and his refusal to compromise on his coaching duties. His insistence on maintaining autonomy reportedly clashed with the expectations of certain club officials. 

Additionally, his rejection of specific players proposed by the club's leadership is said to have contributed to the tensions that ultimately led to his dismissal.

Ouma attributed Coastal Union's defeat in the first leg against Bravos Do Maquis to the absence of key players like Maabad Maulid and Key Matampi, believing their participation would have significantly impacted the team's performance.

Ouma joined Coastal Union in November 2023 after leaving his role as technical director at Sofapaka, the 2009 Kenyan Premier League champions. 

He played a significant role in Coastal Union's return to continental football after a more than two-decade hiatus, following their strong fourth-place finish last season.

To prepare for the tournament, Ouma focused on bolstering the Coastal Union squad through strategic signings. However, due to their continental commitments, the team has yet to play a league match in the new Tanzanian season.

As Coastal Union face a critical match against Bravos Do Maquis, they do so with a new coach at the helm, hoping to overcome the odds and advance in the CAF Confederation Cup.