The transition from a professional football player to a coach is a significant and often challenging one. For former Gor Mahia striker Edwin Lavatsa, this journey has been particularly difficult, marked by frustrations and obstacles that he did not anticipate. After an injury forced him to retire earlier than he had planned, Lavatsa embarked on a new chapter in football as a coach. Now serving as an assistant coach for the National Super League (NSL) side Kibera Black Stars, Lavatsa’s story offers insight into the complexities of transitioning from the pitch to the dugout.
At just 31 years old, Lavatsa’s playing career came to an abrupt end when he sustained a serious injury. Although he recovered, Lavatsa ultimately chose not to return to the game as a player. The frustrations he observed within the league, coupled with the financial difficulties many players faced, led him to make the difficult decision to step away from playing. “I got a bad injury but healed and could have come back to play,” Lavatsa reflected. “However, I looked at the frustrations players are facing in the league and told myself it is not worth it.”
The frustrations he speaks of are not unique to his experience. Across many football leagues, particularly in developing nations or lower-tier competitions, the financial struggles of players are a significant issue. For Lavatsa, the lack of sponsorship in the league was a key factor in his decision to retire early. “Right now, the league does not have a sponsor, and you find that players are putting in so much but getting back little.” Lavatsa’s observation highlights the stark reality for many footballers, especially those who are not playing at the highest level. Despite their passion and commitment to the sport, many players struggle to make a sustainable living from football. For Lavatsa, coaching provided an opportunity to remain involved in the game while avoiding the same frustrations that plagued him as a player.
However, Lavatsa’s transition from player to coach has not been without its own set of challenges. Coaching, he admits, has been far more difficult than he initially anticipated. “It has not been easy transitioning from being a player to a coach, but I am grateful for the experience it is giving me to be able to coach an even bigger club in the future.” As a player, Lavatsa was used to being the central figure on the pitch, directly influencing the game and making split-second decisions that could change the course of a match. As a coach, his role is more limited. While he can guide and instruct his players from the sidelines, he no longer has the ability to take immediate action on the field. This, Lavatsa says, has been one of the most frustrating aspects of coaching. “As a player, you are the main actor and can correct mistakes quickly. Sometimes I feel like I want to get on the pitch and do something, but I can’t, so I have to live with that frustration.”
This sentiment is common among former players who transition to coaching. The shift from being in control on the field to watching from the sidelines can be a difficult adjustment. As a player, Lavatsa was able to directly influence the outcome of a match through his actions. As a coach, however, he must rely on his players to execute the strategies and tactics he has taught them. While he can offer guidance and make adjustments from the sidelines, the ultimate outcome of the game is largely out of his hands once the match begins. For someone who has spent their entire career in the thick of the action, this can be a tough pill to swallow.
In addition to the personal frustrations of no longer being able to play, Lavatsa has also had to adapt to the unique challenges of coaching in the NSL. Unlike his playing career, where he competed at the highest levels of Kenyan football, including a stint with Gor Mahia, Lavatsa now finds himself coaching in a lower-tier league. “Every match is tough in the NSL, and that is a challenge,” he admits. The NSL, while still competitive, operates at a different level than the top-tier Kenyan Premier League (KPL), where Lavatsa made a name for himself as a striker. The resources available to clubs, the quality of facilities, and even the level of talent are different in the NSL, and these differences can make coaching more challenging.
Lavatsa acknowledges that the transition from playing in the top league to coaching in the NSL has been a learning experience. “We prepare well in training, but when we don’t win, it feels like we have to go back to the drawing board, which is not easy.” The unpredictability of the league and the struggles that come with managing a team in a lower division are challenges that Lavatsa is still learning to navigate. The pressure to succeed as a coach, especially in a league where resources are limited, can be intense. Yet, despite these challenges, Lavatsa remains optimistic about his future in coaching.
One of the most admirable aspects of Lavatsa’s journey is his determination to continue growing and learning as a coach. While his transition has been difficult, he remains focused on his long-term goals. “I am grateful for the experience it is giving me to be able to coach an even bigger club in the future.” Lavatsa’s time with Kibera Black Stars may be challenging, but it is also providing him with invaluable experience that will serve him well as he continues to develop his coaching career. The lessons he is learning in the NSL, both on and off the pitch, will undoubtedly shape him into a better coach in the future.
Lavatsa’s story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to succeed in football, not just as a player but also as a coach. While his playing career may have ended earlier than he would have liked, his love for the game has remained strong. Coaching has provided him with a new way to contribute to the sport he loves, even if it comes with its own set of frustrations. As he continues to navigate the challenges of coaching in the NSL, Lavatsa’s determination and passion for the game will undoubtedly propel him forward.
In the world of football, the transition from player to coach is a path that many take, but it is not always an easy one. For Lavatsa, this journey has been marked by both personal and professional challenges. His early retirement from playing, driven by frustrations with the state of the league and the financial struggles faced by players, forced him to find a new way to remain involved in the game. While coaching has provided that opportunity, it has also brought new challenges that Lavatsa did not anticipate. Yet, despite the difficulties, he remains optimistic about his future and is determined to continue growing in his role.
Lavatsa’s experience sheds light on the often-overlooked realities of transitioning from playing to coaching, particularly in lower-tier leagues where resources are limited, and the pressures are high. His story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the game of football. As he continues to navigate the challenges of coaching in the NSL, Lavatsa’s journey serves as an inspiration to others who may find themselves in a similar position. His willingness to embrace the difficulties of his new role and his determination to succeed in the face of adversity are qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well as he continues his coaching career.
For now, Lavatsa remains focused on his role with Kibera Black Stars, using the experiences he gains to prepare for the next step in his coaching journey. While the transition from player to coach has not been easy, Lavatsa’s passion for the game remains as strong as ever, and his determination to succeed in his new role is clear. As he continues to grow and develop as a coach, there is no doubt that Lavatsa’s journey will be one to watch.
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