AFC Leopards Unveil Four New Signings in Bid to End 26-Year FKFPL Title Drought
AFC Leopards have introduced four new players as they gear up for the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League (FKFPL) season, with hopes of ending a 26-year wait for the league title. The club announced the signings of South Sudan national team captain Peter Maker Manyang Mabok, Julius Masaba, Sydney Lokale, and Samwel Semo.
Peter Maker Manyang Mabok, a seasoned international with 24 caps for South Sudan, adds significant experience to the squad. His career includes playing for Amarat United in Juba, Zesco United in Zambia, Radnicki Mitrovica in Serbia, and Al Dhara in Dubai.
Expressing his excitement about joining AFC Leopards, Mabok said, “I can’t wait to see all the AFC Leopards fans in the stadium on Sunday. You’re the best fans in the country, and I’m looking forward to enjoying this season with you.”
Julius Masaba, another notable signing, joins from FKFPL side Kariobangi Sharks on a two-year contract. The former Ligi Ndogo and Black Stars forward reflected on his return to the club: “I once played for the AFC Leopards Under-20 in 2013, which made me want to come back to the senior side. My late dad was a big fan of the club, and it is a dream come true for me. I feel at home.”
Samwel Semo has also joined on a two-year contract from FKFPL side Murang’a Seal. Semo expressed his pride in the move, stating, “I am delighted to join AFC Leopards, one of the biggest clubs in the country with passionate fans and a rich history.”
The final addition to the squad is Sydney Lokale, who signed a one-year contract. The 23-year-old center forward has previously played for Kariobangi Sharks, HIFK in Finland, KCB FC, and FC Saint Eloi Lupopo in Congo. Lokale is eager to make an impact: “I’m happy and grateful to join this great club with a rich history. I look forward to contributing to this amazing team.”
With these new signings, AFC Leopards are strengthening their squad to challenge for FKFPL glory in the upcoming season.
Head coach Thomas Trucha, who led Ingwe to a fifth-place finish with 51 points after joining mid-season, shared his expectations for the new players. “We aim to start strong, just like last season. I believe we are ready, and the players understand the stakes,” he commented.
However, Trucha also expressed some disappointment with the transfer window. Despite securing key players like Peter Mabok and Samwel Semo, the club missed out on other targets. “I submitted my list of players to management in May. Unfortunately, most were not signed. However, we found decent replacements, and I believe the team is stronger than last season,” he said.
The Czech coach acknowledged both the opportunities and challenges of integrating new players. “It’s a 50-50 situation. We signed quality players, but I believe we could have signed even more, given our ambitions,” Trucha added.
AFC Leopards enter the new season with a reinforced squad and a clear goal: to end their long title drought and bring glory back to the club.
