OMANYALA REVEALS KEY REASON FOR RETURNING TO FORMER COACH DUNCAN AYIEMBA
Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has opened up about the key reason behind his return to former coach Duncan Ayiemba after parting ways with Geoffrey Kimani.
Omanyala explained that after an inconsistent 2025 season, his management and sponsors decided to end his contract with Kimani.
The decision to reunite with Ayiemba, the coach who helped him unlock his sprinting potential and set the African 100m record of 9.77 seconds in 2021, was based on the belief that Ayiemba understands his biomechanics better and knows aspects of his training that were missing in the previous setup.
“We made a change. I operate with a large team, and when my contract with Coach Kim ended, we decided to change because we thought Dun knew something that we were missing,” Ferdinand Omanyala said.
“That’s why we decided to go back and work with Dun. Above all, Kim was a good coach and we had a great time together. That is the nature of athletics and any other sport but I appreciate what we achieved throughout the two seasons.”
Omanyala reflected on their previous successful partnership and appreciates what was achieved, but felt a fresh approach was necessary to ignite his form for the crucial 2026 season.
With Ayiemba back in his corner, Omanyala is aiming to defend his Commonwealth Games title, make history in the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, and target success in the Diamond League and indoor competitions.
He acknowledged that skipping the 2025 indoor season was a setback but is motivated to make a strong comeback next year.
“Of course, the Commonwealth Games are on site, and when we started this season, I told myself that we have to defend it. I don’t think there is anyone who has won it twice, so that’s what we are going for,” Ferdinand Omanyala added.
“However, the Ultimate Championships are our main goal, and we want to put our name on that stone, on the first-ever championship, be part of it and get something out of it too. We are targeting the Diamond League and indoor, and I know skipping the indoor tour was a dent, so next year we shall do the indoors.”
This strategic coaching change marks a homecoming for Omanyala and highlights his commitment to regaining top form as he eyes major championships in 2026.
Omanyala emphasized the value of his large support team and the importance of embracing change in the journey of an athlete striving for greatness.