'Good talent for Kenyan football' - Trucha raves about young, exciting AFC Leopards defender

'Good talent for Kenyan football' - Trucha raves about young, exciting AFC Leopards defender

Mark Kinyanjui 11:30 - 09.05.2024

The former Mathare United defender has been a breath of fresh air at the heart of AFC Leopards' defence since breaking into the team in April.

AFC Leopards head coach Tom Trucha has expressed excitement at young defensive stalwart Gideon Were after breaking through into the first team permanently.

The left-footed defender made a rare start for the club during their 1-0 win over Posta Rangers in April. He sat on the bench for the Mashemeji Derby, but came back into the team during their win over FC Compel in the quarter-finals the FKF Cup.

His performance was enough to keep him in the line-up against Bandari, and he helped register another win. Were’s composure is the standout attribute about his game that is already getting fans excited about his potential.

Speaking to the media after the match, Trucha was quick to praise the young defender’s efforts, revealing that it has helped solve a huge problem within his setup.

“He is coming to the party. I am happy that I can push Kayci [Odhiambo] to the midfield," said Trucha.

“You can see now that we are more composed and we have a lot of good combinations in the midfield.”

Trucha has, however, asked fans to be patient with the youngster, considering his form could fluctuate as he continues to develop.

 “He is still young. It is not easy for them to keep the consistency but it is now two or three games in a row starting. Good talent for Kenyan football," added the Leopards coach.

Victor ‘Aguero’ Otieno is another player that grabbed his chance in the absence of Hassan Beja down the left wing, and produced the pre-assist to Clifton Miheso’s winning goal against the Dockers.

Trucha has admitted his form will give him a selection headache.

“He gives them to me every time. He is working now,” Trucha said.

“Beja was sick all week so he was not even on the bench. We do have Owen (Mboya), (Jaffari) Owiti, (Luke) Namanda, Beja and Aguero.

“Aguero did well a week ago. I am happy that he was able to help give us all the three points along with other players.”

AFC Leopards will be hoping to keep their good run of form going when they face FC Talanta in their next match with a place in the top four in their sights.

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