DAVID Ouma, the former head coach of Tanzanian football side Coastal Union, has revealed that he is considering offers from clubs in South Africa and Ethiopia after ending his successful tenure with the Tanga-based team.

Ouma (pictured), who remains on Coastal Union’s payroll until the end of October, will be free to join a new club in November.

The Kenyan tactician left Coastal Union in August, despite leading the team to a remarkable fourth-place finish in the 2023/24 season, which secured them a spot in the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup. 

This marks Coastal Union’s return to international competition for the first time since the 1989 African Cup Winners' Cup.

Ouma, however, has ruled out a return to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) and is instead exploring opportunities abroad. 

"Having worked in Tanzania, there was a big difference compared to working at home. I don’t think I would want to come back at this time," Ouma stated. 

"I have received three offers from South Africa and another from Ethiopia, and I am seriously considering them starting in November."

Ouma's departure from Coastal Union was unexpected, especially after his achievements with the club. He explained that undisclosed issues led to his exit: “I was expected to guide them once again this season, but things did not go as planned, and I had no choice but to walk out.”

The club terminated Ouma's contract just two days before their crucial CAF Confederation Cup reverse fixture against Angola's Bravos do Maquis. 

Coastal Union suffered a 3-0 defeat in the first leg, which displeased the club’s leadership and contributed to the decision to part ways with him. 

Despite the premature end to his time at the club, Ouma expressed gratitude that Coastal Union continued paying his salary until the end of October.

After Ouma’s departure, Coastal Union have reportedly entered negotiations with Robert Matano, the current Sofapaka coach, as a potential replacement.

Ouma, a former Harambee Starlets head coach, had his first coaching stint outside Kenya with Coastal Union. He also previously managed Sofapaka in the FKFPL.

Ouma's tenure in Tanzania was cut short following Coastal Union's disappointing performance in the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stages with a record of one win, one draw, and one loss. 

Additionally, Coastal Union endured a tough Community Shield tournament under Ouma, losing 5-2 to Azam FC in the semi-finals and 1-0 to Simba SC in the third-place match.