Khano Smith Named USL Coach Of The Week

Rhode Island FC Head Coach Khano Smith was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week, with the Bermudian named Coach of the Week.

A spokesperson said, “Rhode Island FC defender Stephen Turnbull and Head Coach and General Manager Khano Smith have been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week following the club’s historic first-ever victory Saturday night at Las Vegas Lights FC. With the 26-year-old scoring the opening goal of the match and Smith’s leadership at the forefront of the 2-1 win, both individuals proved to be deserving of the honor.

“For Smith, who was named Rhode Island FC Head Coach and General Manager on March 8, 2023, the victory was his first-ever as a head coach in the USL Championship. The former Bermuda National Team captain and New England Revolution winger’s leadership and experience has proven to be invaluable in the Ocean State’s inaugural campaign.

“After four draws in RIFC’s first five matches, Smith wisely managed his personnel and tactics to check off another milestone achievement in Las Vegas. The match capped off a demanding week that saw RIFC travel from Rhode Island to Charlotte to Las Vegas to compete in three matches over eight days. Smith has instilled a team-first mentality with his squad as the USSF Pro License holder continues to create a winning culture on and off the pitch.”

Khano Smith is the only Black football head coach in the USL Championship, and he was recently featured in a news report by NBC10 Boston News, which was actually hosted by another Bermudian, with Glenn Jones anchoring the report.