AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems has called out a section of his ‘key’ players for being unprofessional as he lauded the attitude of the team players who stepped up and produced ‘quality’ football in the team’s 2-0 win against Bandari FC on Friday afternoon at Thika Stadium.Going into the match, the Belgian head coach was forced to make do without a number of players who have been integral to the team’s current third position on the log. First choice players in goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan and defender Clyde Senaji were among the six players that did not play as the club reported that they had run down their contracts and thus would not feature.⚽️| Is immediater former Ingwe defender @tusker_fc bound?👀#ClydeSenaji #Tusker #AFCLeopards #ingwe https://t.co/8xrfdeyQy6— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) July 10, 2021 Creative midfielder Austin Odhiambo, who was shockingly substituted in the 54th minute in the FKF Cup final loss to Gor Mahia, was an unused substitute in the game against Bandari and, despite being one of the crucial players, it is understood he is not in good terms with the technical bench.In their absence, the former Simba boss handed Ezekiel Owade and Brian Wanyama their very first starts in the league. Robert Mudenyu, who was playing only his fourth game in three years at the club, was also handed a rare starting berth which he used to full advantage as he grabbed his first goal at the club.Mudenyu and substitute Peter Thiong’o’s second half goals however ensured Ingwe did not feel the absence of the normal starters as they picked up a clean sheet and three points that cemented their grip in third place on the league table.FULL TIME AFC Leopards 2 Bandari FC 0⚽️ Robert Mudenyu ⚽️ Peter Thiong’o #OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/QHb6jZDgrV— AFC Leopards (@AFCLeopards) July 9, 2021 Aussems, while praising the relatively new boys’ performance, took an indirect dig at the rest of the park.“Despite the absence of some ‘key’ players for inappropriate reasons, the team did a great job. It is a pleasure to count on those guys who have shown a real team spirit, solidarity and produced quality football. Solid performance! Be proud of you guys,” the coach posted.The club has already seen a change in captaincy after Robinson Kamura was stripped the armband in unclear circumstances. Mozzart Sport understands the former captain is not even attending training sessions with the club currently in what is seen as a brewing storm at the den. For how long will it last? Only time will tell.Despite the absence of some “key” players for inappropriate reasons, the team did a great job today . It’s a pleasure to be able to count on those guys who have shown a real team spirit, solidarity and produced quality football . Solid performance ! Be proud of you guys !! pic.twitter.com/WemE3MKWlL— Patrick Aussems (@PatrickAussems) July 9, 2021
