Why Miheso believes Kayci and Mahiga's involvement with Harambee Stars could finally help AFC Leopards end trophy drought

Kayci Odhiambo (second from left) and Vincent Mahiga (second from right) are in the current Harambee Stars squad

Why Miheso believes Kayci and Mahiga's involvement with Harambee Stars could finally help AFC Leopards end trophy drought

Mark Kinyanjui 19:13 - 27.03.2024

Mahiga and Odhiambo are current Kenyan internationals which Miheso says could help AFC Leopards in their quest to end their seven-year trophy drought this season.

AFC Leopards vice captain Clifton Miheso believes that the experience Vincent Mahiga and Kaycie Odhiambo have received from being part of the national team will go a long way in helping them potentially bag silverware this season.

Both players are part of the Malawi Four Nations tournament with Engin Firat’s side, and Mahiga even made his full debut for the side during their 4-0 win over the hosts last Saturday.

Miheso, and established international himself who was part of their escapade in Russia last October, expressed happiness for both his teammates, saying the lessons they have learned will only help the side in their quest to secure continental football for next season.

“I’m happy for Kaycie Odhiambo and Vincent Mahiga for securing slots in the national team. The experience they earn in the process could help push us in our title aspirations,” Miheso said as quoted on The Star.

“Everyone in our camp is thirsty for continental football. That’s the stage we are all eager to grace. We have agreed to work hard towards achieving that dream,” he added.

Leopards have not won silverware since 2017, when they won the FKF Cup under Robert Matano, but Miheso believes their recent revival will only go a long way in enabling them to end the drought if they stay consistent.

“It’s the only way to thank our loyal fans, who have faithfully rallied behind us. We are not badly off in the league and we’re in the FKF Cup Round of 16. We stand a good chance to run away with one of the silverware,” Miheso said.

Whereas catching up with their perennial arch-rivals might seem a tall order, Miheso is convinced they can leverage the remaining matches to boost their title chances.

“That’s not a huge gap. We have more than 10 matches left and anything can happen. It’s too early for any side in the league to start celebrating. The competition is getting stiffer by the day and we are still in contention,” Miheso remarked.

Head coach Tomas Trucha has revived them significantly since taking over as head coach, as they have only lost one of their last ten matches, which was against Tusker.

“The magic lies in the coach we have. He believes in us and has done a lot to bring back the enthusiasm,”  Miheso said.

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