AFC Leopards will kick off their 2024-25 campaign against Mathare United, but their supporters remain cautiously optimistic after the painful experiences of past seasons.
Another season begins with renewed promises of a league title for AFC Leopards as they face Mathare United on Sunday. However, it has been 27 years since Ingwe last lifted the league trophy, and while few expect them to end that drought this season, club chairman Dan Shikanda has once again vowed to deliver the title.
Leopards’ fans are all too familiar with such promises, only to see their hopes dashed early in the season. After years of disappointment, they are understandably cautious in their optimism. What they do expect, however, is a better start than last season, where the team languished near the relegation zone for much of the first leg before a late-season surge saw them finish fifth.
Last season, Leopards didn’t secure their first win until matchday eight, after drawing four and losing three of their first seven games. By then, they had only four points out of a possible 21 and were effectively out of the title race by October. This poor form cost coach Tom Juma his job, leading to the appointment of current coach Tomas Trucha. Although Trucha won his second game in charge, it took another six matches before Leopards secured their second victory of the season. Such a sluggish start will not be tolerated this time around, and Trucha is well aware that only positive results will keep him in the job.
“Last season was about survival, and we managed to achieve that goal. This time, I believe we can push for a top-three finish,” Trucha confidently stated this week.
“We want to start with the same intensity we showed last season. The players understand the importance of a strong start, and that’s very encouraging.” This is the minimum expectation from Leopards’ supporters, even if the squad may not yet be strong enough to compete with the likes of champions Gor Mahia, Kenya Police, and Tusker FC.
Trucha has strengthened his squad with four new signings, including South Sudan national team captain Peter Maker Manyang Mabok, Julius Masaba, Sydney Lokale, and Samwel Semo. However, he remains unsatisfied with the club’s transfer activity so far.
“I submitted my transfer list to management as early as May, but unfortunately, we couldn’t bring in all the players I wanted. Nevertheless, I’m satisfied with the replacements we’ve managed to sign, and I believe the team is stronger than last season,” Trucha remarked.
While Trucha may not have gotten all the players he desired, he knows that no excuses will be accepted by the fans, who demand a better season, starting with a win against Mathare United.
