AFC Leopards boss unveils ambitious targets for this season following 2024 resurgence

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FOOTBALL AFC Leopards boss unveils ambitious targets for this season following 2024 resurgence

Joel Omotto 14:37 - 08.03.2024

AFC Leopards have set themselves big targets for this season in light of the recent spate of positive results from Tomas Trucha’s team.

AFC Leopards are confident of a top two finish following the team’s resurgence this year.

Ingwe are the form team of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League in 2024 after going seven matches unbeaten, winning six, and drawing one.

Over that period, Tomas Trucha’s men have not conceded a goal while scoring nine times, lifting them to seventh on the log on 34 points, 16 behind leaders Gor Mahia, but six adrift of second-placed Tusker FC.

That has given the club hierarchy confidence that a top two finish is possible this season besides challenging for the FKF Cup to end their seven-year wait for a trophy.

“The challenge was there when we started the season and the players were new and had not gelled. We had many new players who struggled after the transfer ban had been lifted,” Leopards CEO Albert Wesonga told Pulse Sports.

“As management, we tried to get in the right players and technical bench and our focus now is the league and cup.

“We have high hopes, we know the teams above us will drop points and we also hope to beat Gor Mahia in the return leg. The worst we can finish is second.”

Finishing second was something none at Leopards or their supporters had imagined at the turn of the year after managing just two wins in 16 matches from August to December.

At some point, fears of relegation were real as the club lurched from one bad result to another but Trucha, who replaced Tom Juma in October, has steadied the ship to bring the belief back.

However, to achieve that, the club will have to ensure the players are well motivated and free from distractions like the recent reports of a go-slow over late payment of their winning allowances, something Wesonga has termed a little misunderstanding.

“Why should there be a go slow on bonuses when the salary is paid on time. What we had was a misunderstanding,” he added.

“We have mechanisms of payment, not that when you win today you get the money. There are issues of accountability so everything has to be done right.”

Leopards’ run of fixtures will put their mini revival to a great test as they face Tusker on Sunday before meetings with Sofapaka, Posta Rangers, Gor Mahia and Bandari follow, meaning they will play the top four sides within six weeks.

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