Tabora United Head Coach- Etienne Ndayiragije: Biography, Coaching Career, Achievements and Latest News

Etienne Ndayiragije, a Burundi football legend with a footprint in Tanzanian football, is the current Tabora United head coach. The Master Etienne joined Tabora in 2025 after serving as the head coach for Kenya Police FC.

The Tabora United head coach, Etienne Ndayiragije, has broken an 11-game winless drought. Having served at the Tanzania National Team, Azam FC, KMC FC, Geita Gold FC and Mbao FC, Etienne is very promising to lead the squad well in the 2026/27 Tanzanian Premier League season. This piece uncovers Ndayiragije coaching career, stats, and achievements.

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The famous Etienne Ndayiragije of Burundi nationality was born on December 3rd 1978. As the current head coach of TRA United FC, formerly known as Tabora United, he recently helped the squad secure a win after 11 winless games. Etienne joined the club in November after leaving Kenya Police FC, where he was also the head coach. The legend has great experience in the Tanzanian league, having played for several clubs in the country and even coaching the Tanzania National Team, Taifa Stars.

Etienne Ndayiragije was born in Rohero, Bujumbura, Burundi, on 3 December 1978. There is no record that he played professional football. Unlike many professional coaches, he chose to build his career right from the ground up through coaching. His coaching career began in 2015, culminating in a UEFA Pro Licence that has given him the tactical approach and leadership he has. Ndayiragije has said that the most important factors shaping his coaching philosophy are discipline, continuous learning, and his time in East African football.

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Ndayiragije began his managerial career at Burundi club Vital’O FC in the 2015–16 season. In his first campaign, he won the Burundi Premier League and made an instant splash as one of the nation’s emerging young coaches. He won the league, then continued as assistant coach at the club before transferring to Azam FC, Tanzania, where he widened his tactical repertoire and gained experience playing in one of East Africa’s most competitive leagues. In these early jobs, he built his reputation as a disciplined manager with an ability to build competitive teams.

Ndayiragije had immediate success at Vital’O FC, becoming the champion of the 2015-16 Burundi Premier League in his first season in charge. He later became assistant coach, helping maintain the club’s standards while also gaining more managerial experience. After achieving success at Vital’O, he got opportunities outside of Burundi.

Ndayiragije became head coach of Azam FC in Tanzania in 2019. His stint was short-lived, but he got his first taste of higher-level competition in the Tanzanian Premier League, which helped prepare him for the international level of management. His tactical understanding and leadership were quickly recognized, and he was appointed head coach of the Tanzania national football team.

Ndayiragije took over as head coach of Tanzania (Taifa Stars) in July 2019. While in charge, he led the team to qualify for the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN). He also led the national team in the qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup in 2021, from which he stepped down in February 2021.

Ndayiragije returned home in January 2023 to take charge of the national team of Burundi. He managed the team during the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and worked on rebuilding the squad and getting the tactical approach right. He dropped his job in October 2024 after almost two years as head coach.

Ndayiragije took over the helm of Kenya Police FC as head coach in November 2024 as the club was in a precarious position in a slump. He transformed the team’s fortunes with an impressive unbeaten run, leading Kenya Police to their first-ever SportPesa League title during the 2024–25 season. He departed the club on a mutually agreeable basis after the club’s CAF Champions League run in October 2025 to seek out a new opportunity.

After leaving Kenya Police FC, Ndayiragije joined Tabora United as their head coach in November 2025. Under his lead as the Tabora United coach, the squad broke the 11-game winless record. The legend is set to guide the team through the 2026/27 Tanzania League season.

Etienne Ndayiragije likes a 4-2-3-1 system but is tactically versatile and at times plays in a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. He is known for his team’s disciplined positioning, quick counterattacks, effective use of wide areas, and strong defensive organisation. Using this coaching philosophy, Etienne has achieved title success for Kenya Police FC in the 2024-25 SportPesa League and Tanzania in the 2020 CHAN qualification. Ndayiragije also puts a high priority on nurturing young players, recruiting them alongside veteran players and creating balanced and competitive teams. He is one of the most respected football coaches in East Africa for his calm leadership, disciplined approach and effective squad management.

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Since Ndayiragije began his coaching career, he has set records at every club he has coached. Throughout his career, his record features an average of 1.3 to 1.5 points per match across his club and international tenures. The tables below give Etienne Ndayiragije’s coaching stats.

Since he began his coaching career, Ndayiragije has established himself as a championship-winning and tactical coach in East African football. Among his major awards are the Burundi Premier League title, Burundi FA Cup and the SportPesa League title in the 2024/25 season. Below is a tabular representation of Etienne Ndayiragije’s achievements and awards.

Etienne Ndayiragije’s leadership style is known for its calmness, clarity and discipline. He has been able to motivate players by working together, taking responsibility, and providing young players with opportunities to develop alongside older players. His tactical judgments proved flexible and played a pivotal role in Kenya Police FC’s renaissance as they claimed the 2024–25 SportPesa League. Ndayiragije also fosters a positive team culture built on unity, respect, and professionalism, ensuring that his teams perform well under pressure in league and international games.

After leaving Kenya Police FC, Etienne is now confirmed as the new head coach for Tabora United in the Tanzania Premier League. Under his leadership, TRA United FC has secured a great 4-1 victory against Azam FC. Ndayiragije remains Tabora’s coach as they look forward to competing in the 2026/27 season. Stay tuned on the SportPesa live blog and get all the latest news on Etienne Ndayiragije.

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The current Tabora United head coach is Etienne Ndayiragije.

Etienne Ndayiragije was appointed as the Tabora United head coach in November 2025 after leaving Kenya Police FC.

Etienne Ndayiragije is of Burundi nationality.

Tabora United head coach has managed several clubs, including:

●      TRA United SC

●      Kenya Police FC

●      Bugesera FC

●      SC Kiyovu

●      Azam FC

●      KMC FC

●      Mbao FC

●      Vital’O FC

Under the leadership of Etienne Ndayiragije, Tabora United has performed well, making a great win of 4 – 1 against Azam FC.

The newly appointed Tabora United head coach, Etienne Ndayiragije, brings too much expectations to the club. Especially as the team approaches the 2026/27 Tanzanian Premier League season. Stay tuned on SportPesa for the latest Etienne Ndayiragije news, match updates, coaching statistics, and exclusive East African football coverage.