Nick Kimanthi is the manager of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, and doubles as the team’s lead data analyst, interpreting performance data collected from the GPS-fitted vests players wear during training and matches.
The vests are fitted with devices that track key metrics such as distance covered, speed, player load, impacts, work ratio, and heart rate in real time, among others.
His insights on distance covered, speed, workload, impacts, and heart rate are increasingly shaping tactical decisions for Kenya’s top squad.
As team manager, Kimanthi is responsible for the overall coordination and administration of the team’s activities.
This includes planning training camps, managing travel logistics, processing player documentation, and ensuring compliance with CAF and FIFA regulations.
He took over in July this year from Jectan Oitang’or, bringing a wealth of experience in sports performance analysis.
Nick Kimanthi: The Data Brain Powering Harambee Stars’ Game Plan
Since March 2024, he has been at the heart of the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) push for a modern, data-driven approach to football.
Kimanthi designs and implements comprehensive performance analysis frameworks to evaluate both team and individual player performance.
Using advanced tools such as GPS trackers, wearable technology, and video analysis systems, he collects and interprets data from matches and training sessions.
His analyses identify key performance indicators, reveal trends, and guide tactical decisions.
He prepares detailed performance reports for the coaching staff, players, and management. These include pre-match analyses of opponents and post-match breakdowns of team performance.
Also Read: Dr Gladys Ngetich: Award-Winning Kenyan Engineer Who Earned a PhD at 28 Without a Master’s
His insights are used to develop training programmes, refine match strategies, and inform player selection.
Kimanthi conducts individual assessments to pinpoint player strengths and weaknesses. He works closely with players to help them understand performance metrics and provides personalised training recommendations.
The Data Analyst Career
Kimanthi’s career began far from the pitch. In 2012, he joined Scott Christian University in Machakos as an assistant accountant, serving for four years.
Later, in 2016, he moved to the Co-operative Bank of Kenya as a senior sales executive, excelling in cross-selling and achieving aggressive growth targets.
His big break in sports came in 2018 when he joined Spanish side RCD Espanyol as a commercial and partnership executive.
There, he secured high-value sponsorships, spearheaded player contract signings, and boosted the club’s customer base through targeted digital campaigns.
In 2021, Kimanthi became a referral partner for East Africa at sports technology company Catapult, promoting GPS tracking systems to enhance athlete performance.
A year later, he moved to England, where he transformed Milton United FC’s performance analysis department, boosting match wins by 30% through data-driven planning.
That same year, he joined Saracens Women’s Rugby as first team performance analyst and data insights lead, delivering analysis frameworks that contributed to winning strategies.
He contributed and led certain aspects of all First Team analysis requirements (pre-match, set plays, live, and post-match analysis).
His growing reputation saw him serve as a FIFA tournament analyst at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and as a recruitment analyst for Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
Also Read: Meet Three Kenyan Referees Officiating CHAN 2024 Matches
Consultancy Role at AHP Sports
Kimanthi has also been consulting for AHP Sports since 2020, delivering advanced performance metrics, video analysis, and tracking technologies to enhance athlete and team performance.
His work includes producing detailed post-match and training reports using Hudl Sportscode, Catapult, and Dartfish, collaborating with coaches and sports scientists, and guiding player development through workload monitoring and performance profiling.
He has also applied his data analytics expertise in scouting and recruitment, identifying and benchmarking talent for competitive advantage.
A highly trained performance analyst, Kimanthi is proficient in wearable GPS technology, Hudl Sportscode, Dartfish, and advanced data visualization platforms such as Power BI and Tableau.
Education
He holds an MBA in Sports Management from EU Business School and a Master of Science in Sport Performance Analysis from Middlesex University, graduating with merit.
The data analyst is currently pursuing a PhD at Middlesex, focusing on data-driven scouting models in the English Premier League.
In October 2024, he completed the CatalyzU Venture Capital Fellowship, gaining skills in investment and portfolio management — further proof that his strategic approach extends beyond the touchline.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
