Charles Okere is a Kenyan football coach whose tactics and leadership have influenced both men’s and women’s football in Kenya. He is recognised for his long association with Tusker FC, where he played a pivotal role on the technical bench during two league title-winning campaigns before taking charge as the club’s head coach. His coaching achievements span from lifting the 2021 CECAFA Women’s Champions League regional title with Vihiga Queens to managing Harambee Starlets.
Currently, as the head coach of Bandari FC, Charles Okere remains a central figure in Kenyan football, with his qualifications and experience leading the Dockers into the 2026/27 season. Learn about Okere’s biography, coaching career, Tusker FC years, achievements, CAF A Licence and current role at Bandari. Follow the wider competition on the SportPesa League.
READ ALSO: Charles Okere leaves Tusker after 8 years
Charles Okere profile
| Profile attribute | Details |
| Full name | Charles Okere Okoth |
| Date of birth | 23 April 1981 |
| Place of birth | Jericho, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Profession | Professional football coach |
| Coaching qualification | CAF A Licence |
| Current club / position | Head Coach, Bandari FC |
| Major previous coaching roles | Head Coach, Tusker FC; Head Coach, Harambee Starlets; Interim Head Coach, Vihiga Queens; Assistant Coach, KCB FC; Youth Coach, Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) |
Who is Charles Okere?
Charles Okere Okoth is a Kenyan professional football coach. He established his foundation in player development through the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) and KCB FC before ascending to top-tier team management. Okere is the current Bandari FC coach.
Charles Okere’s early life and football background
Charles Okere’s football journey began at grassroots level, where his passion for the sport shaped his ambition both on and off the pitch. At an early age, in Nairobi’s Eastlands district of Jericho, Okere began pursuing school football and local football opportunities, developing a keen tactical understanding of the game. His work with the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), an institution renowned for developing talent in Kenya, later became an important part of his coaching journey.
Charles Okere’s coaching career journey
Charles Okere began at Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), working with youth teams, including handling a U13 boys team at the Norway Cup in 2017, before he moved to the Nairobi-based Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) as an assistant coach. In April 2018, he joined Tusker FC as an assistant coach under Robert Matano, launching his prominent top-flight career.
From MYSA and KCB to professional coaching
Charles Okere began his coaching career in youth football. From initial work at the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), he transitioned from grassroots football to structured coaching. His early credentials were strengthened by international youth-tournament exposure, including leading a MYSA youth team at the Norway Cup. Later, he moved to professional men’s football as an assistant coach at KCB FC.
Charles Okere at KCB FC
Okere gained senior professional football experience with Nairobi-based KCB FC. Serving as an assistant coach, he laid the groundwork for his reputation as a disciplined, technically minded coach before moving to Tusker FC.
Harambee Starlets
On 9 April 2021, Charles Okere was appointed assistant coach of the Kenya women’s national football team, Harambee Starlets. On 12 April, he was appointed head coach to replace David Ouma. In October 2021, he led Kenya to an 8-0 victory over South Sudan in the first leg of the 2022 WAFCON qualification first round. Kenya won the second leg 7-1 for a 15-1 aggregate scoreline.
Vihiga Queens
In 2021, Charles Okere took charge of Vihiga Queens during the regional qualifiers for the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League. Okere led the team to the final after a 2-1 semi-final victory over Simba Queens before Vihiga Queens beat Commercial Bank of Ethiopia 2-1 in the final to win the CECAFA regional title and qualify for the main tournament.
At the CAF Women’s Champions League finals in Egypt, Vihiga Queens recorded a 2-0 victory over Moroccan side ASFAR in the group stage. The team did not progress from the group, but the campaign gave Okere continental coaching experience against some of Africa’s leading women’s clubs.
Charles Okere at Tusker FC
Charles Okere arrived at Tusker FC in 2018 as an assistant coach under manager Robert Matano. Over the years, his responsibilities expanded significantly within the club’s technical bench. He was part of the technical staff during Tusker’s 2020/21 and 2021/22 league title-winning campaigns and also worked with the club’s youth team.
Following the departure of Robert Matano, Okere took charge of the senior side in July 2024 and continued as Tusker’s head coach. Charles Okere officially parted ways with Tusker FC on 17 February 2026, bringing his long association with the club to an end.
Charles Okere at Bandari FC
On 13 July 2026, Charles Okere was officially appointed as the new Bandari FC head coach to succeed Bernard Mwalala ahead of the 2026/27 season. Bandari had finished 12th in the 2025/26 league campaign, and Okere took charge of pre-season preparations at Mbaraki Sports Club as he began reshaping the squad. Bandari ended their pre-season programme with a 5-2 win over Dola Select. Follow the Dockers’ league position on the SportPesa League table.
Charles Okere’s CAF A Licence achievement
Charles Okere has risen through Kenyan football, supported by top-tier technical qualifications and experience in both elite men’s football and international women’s competitions. He completed the CAF A Licence after a six-month coaching course, finishing first among the 18 coaches who successfully graduated.
Okere scored 70.38% to top the class. The qualification strengthened his credentials as a professional coach capable of managing top-flight clubs and national teams. His CAF B Licence provided advanced tactical certification before his A Licence.
Charles Okere’s career achievements and titles
| Career achievement / milestone | Details |
| Top performance in CAF A Licence | Finished first among the 18 coaches who successfully graduated from the six-month CAF A Licence course, scoring 70.38%. |
| Two league title-winning campaigns with Tusker | Was part of Tusker FC’s technical bench during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 league title-winning campaigns. |
| CECAFA Women’s Champions League regional title (2021) | Led Vihiga Queens to the regional title, securing a 2-1 win over Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in the final. |
| CAF Women’s Champions League representation | Managed Vihiga Queens at the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League tournament in Egypt. |
| CAF Women’s Champions League group-stage win | Vihiga Queens beat Moroccan side ASFAR 2-0 during the continental finals. |
| Harambee Starlets management | Served as head coach of Kenya’s women’s national team and guided the side to a 15-1 aggregate victory over South Sudan in WAFCON qualifying. |
| SOYA Coach of the Year (2021) | Named Coach of the Year at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards following his work with Vihiga Queens and Harambee Starlets. |
| CAF B Licence | Completed the CAF B Licence before progressing to the CAF A Licence. |
Okere’s coaching style
Charles Okere’s coaching style is built around detailed technical analysis, structured squad management and tactical flexibility, supported by his coaching qualifications and experience. He emphasises attacking efficiency and adaptability, as demonstrated by Harambee Starlets’ 15-1 aggregate victory over South Sudan, while also maintaining balanced transitions in club football.
Okere also prioritises player and youth development, integrating academy prospects into senior squads during his time at Tusker FC. His approach combines defensive organisation with effective transition play, while his work with Vihiga Queens showed his ability to prepare a team for knockout and continental football.
Latest news about Charles Okere
Charles Okere has embarked on a new chapter in his coaching career after taking charge of Bandari FC in July 2026 following his long association with Tusker FC. The Mombasa-based side completed pre-season with a 5-2 win over Dola Select, and Okere has made it clear that Bandari want to compete for trophies during the new campaign. For the latest Charles Okere news, Bandari FC updates and other Kenyan football stories, follow SportPesa League news.
FAQs about Charles Okere
Who is the current coach of Bandari FC?
Charles Okere was officially appointed as the head coach of Bandari FC in July 2026, succeeding Bernard Mwalala ahead of the 2026/27 season.
What major achievements does Charles Okere have in his career?
Okere was part of two league title-winning campaigns during his career with Tusker FC. He also led Vihiga Queens to the 2021 CECAFA Women’s Champions League regional title and won the 2021 SOYA Coach of the Year award.
How old is Charles Okere?
Born on 23 April 1981, Charles Okere is 45 years old as of September 2026.
What coaching licence does Charles Okere have?
Charles Okere holds a CAF A Licence. He finished first among the 18 successful graduates in his 2024 class with a score of 70.38%.
What is the latest news about Charles Okere?
After leaving Tusker FC in February 2026, Charles Okere returned to top-flight team management by joining Bandari FC in July. He is now leading the Dockers into the 2026/27 SportPesa League season.
Conclusion
Charles Okere’s coaching journey reflects a steady rise from youth football development to leadership at some of Kenya’s top clubs and national teams. His CAF A Licence, league title-winning campaigns with Tusker FC, regional success with Vihiga Queens and experience with Harambee Starlets highlight his credentials as an accomplished tactician. Now leading Bandari FC, Okere will look to use his experience and tactical approach to guide the Dockers towards a successful 2026/27 season. Follow the SportPesa League fixtures and results for Bandari and the rest of Kenya’s top-flight teams.
READ ALSO: SportPesa League 2026/27 to kick off on Monday
