Phoenix Rising FC has named Pa-Modou Kah as the club’s new head coach, signaling a fresh start following a turbulent 2023 season. Kah, who most recently served as an assistant coach for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, replaces interim head coach Diego Gomez, who stepped in after Danny Stone was dismissed mid-season. With the Rising looking to recover from an underwhelming campaign, Kah brings a wealth of coaching experience and a track record of success to the Valley of the Sun.
A Proven Leader with Ambition
Kah’s coaching career has been marked by significant achievements. A retired Gambian-Norwegian professional soccer player, Kah was known for his versatility on the field, playing both central defense and defensive midfield. Since transitioning to coaching in 2017, Kah’s rise has been steady. His early stints as an assistant coach at Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Cincinnati provided him with valuable experience in MLS, before he took on the head coach role at Pacific FC in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).
At Pacific FC, Kah’s leadership was instrumental in the club’s success, culminating in the 2021 CPL Championship and his selection as Coach of the Year. His achievements at the Canadian level demonstrated his tactical acumen and ability to build cohesive, winning teams—a quality that Phoenix Rising hopes will translate to success in the USL Championship.
“I’m here because Phoenix Rising has the ambition and the drive to maintain its status as one of the top clubs in the USL Championship, with a commitment to bringing home more hardware and developing players,” Kah said upon his appointment. “I’m ready to lead this team, work with our players, and bring in the key pieces that match our style and intensity.”
Rising From the Ashes: Overcoming a Challenging 2023 Season
The 2023 season for Phoenix Rising was marked by inconsistency at the managerial level and struggles on the pitch. After parting ways with Danny Stone just 19 games into his tenure, the club turned to Diego Gomez as interim head coach. Despite flashes of talent, Rising’s performance was far from the club’s usual standard, culminating in a disappointing 2-1 loss to New Mexico United in the first round of the USL Championship Playoffs.
However, with the arrival of Kah, there’s renewed optimism. Kah inherits a roster brimming with potential, including standout players like Remi Cabral (on loan from Colorado Rapids) and a slew of new signings. For Phoenix Rising to thrive, though, Kah will need to address key areas, most notably team chemistry and tactical adaptability.
Building Chemistry and a Tactical Identity
The foundation of Kah’s success with Pacific FC was his ability to create a unified squad. At Phoenix Rising, the most crucial element will be fostering chemistry among a team that has seen significant turnover. Several key players, including Cabral, are not yet permanent fixtures, and Kah may need to make additional changes during the summer transfer window to ensure the squad is ready to perform at a high level.
For Phoenix Rising to excel in 2024, Kah must instill a style of play that maximizes the talent at his disposal. Last season, the team’s reliance on possession and wing play became too predictable, making it easier for opponents to neutralize their attack. A more dynamic approach will be essential, and Kah has the experience to adapt tactics when necessary.
Whether it’s switching between formations like a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3, Kah will need to maintain fluidity in his tactical approach. The key to success will be giving players the confidence to perform and ensuring they understand their roles, both on and off the ball. Kah’s reputation for building genuine connections with players suggests he is well-equipped to get the most out of his squad, even in the face of adversity.
Leadership and Player Development
Perhaps Kah’s most important asset is his leadership. His reputation as an approachable, driven coach who builds strong relationships with players will be essential in getting Phoenix Rising back to the upper echelons of the USL Championship. As the club’s president, Bobby Dulle, said, “Pa’s breadth of experience as both a player and coach across global soccer makes him an incredible addition to Phoenix Rising. His drive and tactical acumen will elevate our team both on and off the field.”
For Kah to succeed, he must instill discipline, foster team cohesion, and promote a culture of development. With Phoenix Rising’s impressive roster and his vast coaching experience, there’s no reason why the club can’t rise to the challenge and reassert itself as a championship contender.
Looking Ahead
As Phoenix Rising FC moves into a new era under Pa-Modou Kah’s leadership, expectations are high. The club’s goal remains clear: to return to its championship-winning ways and secure more silverware for its passionate fan base. The upcoming season is critical for the club’s long-term success, and Kah’s ability to quickly build chemistry, instill his tactical vision, and manage the squad will determine how far they can go.
With a solid foundation, a talented roster, and a coach with a proven track record, Phoenix Rising FC fans have every reason to be excited for what’s to come.
