May 19, 2007

MIAMI, Fla. -- FIU Athletic Director Pete Garcia promoted from within by announcing the appointment of Munga Eketebi as the University's new men's head soccer coach. Eketebi becomes the fourth head coach in the 35-year history of the program and he replaces Karl Kremser who last week announced his retirement.

No stranger to FIU soccer, Eketebi has been an imposing figure on the FIU men's soccer sideline for nearly 25 years. After a four-year playing career with the Golden Panthers from 1983-86, he has worked on the FIU coaching staff nearly ever since.

"Coach Eketebi is a well-respected member of the soccer community and he is deserving of this chance to lead our program," said Garcia on making the announcement. "We are excited about the future of men's soccer at Florida International University."

A prolific scorer as a collegian, Eketebi's 50 career goals remain tied for the most in program history. Additionally, his 124 career points rank second and his 24 assists tie him for fifth among FIU's all-time scoring leaders. He was a key member of the 1984 Division II National Championship squad and the 1985 runner-up team with six playoff goals, including four in an NCAA Tournament win over Lock Haven (Pa.) in 1984.

Eketebi is one of only a handful of FIU student-athletes ever to be voted All-America three times. He is a member of the University's Wall of Fame and was also a four-time all-state and three-time All-South honoree. After helping FIU to the NCAA Division II national championship final, Eketebi was selected as the state of Florida's Player of the Year in 1985.

After his outstanding playing career, Eketebi worked as the program's top assistant who helped with day-to-day practices, administrative duties and recruiting. Eketebi did take a short hiatus from FIU in 1996 when he served a one-year stint as the men's head coach at Nova Southeastern University. There, he guided the NAIA Knights to a 12-6-1 record, including an undefeated regular-season record in the Sun Conference.

Eketebi, who has his Florida coaching license, served as an assistant coach with the USISL Florida Stars and the South Florida select program. He was involved administratively with the Miami Sharks and Miami Freedom of the American Professional Soccer League.

He also assisted with many international games played throughout South Florida, including the Marlboro Cup, U.S. Cup and the Pélé Cup. Eketebi headed the Gulliver Prep girls' squad and the Miami Futbol Club from 1991-93, K-Land Youth Clubs from 1985-90, Miami Springs High School in 1985-86 and Belen Jesuit Prep in 1983.

Before attending FIU, Eketebi competed with the European high school championship team at College DeLeman (Switzerland) from 1976 through 1979. Schooled in Europe, he speaks four languages fluently - English, French, Italian and Spanish.

"I can never thank Coach Kremser enough for everything he's done for me," said Eketebi. "It's always tough to come in and follow someone like that. His accomplishments at FIU speak for themselves and he definitely left big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to this opportunity."