AFC Leopards defender Tedian Esilaba is delighted at making a comeback after being on the sidelines for more than ten months and is looking forward to give back to the club for taking good care of him at the lowest point in his career.The towering defender last featured for Ingwe on February 28, 2021 against Kakamega Homeboyz, playing only 12 minutes in the Ingo Derby and had to be substituted, aggravating the slight knock injury he seemed to pick against Ulinzi Stars in his league debut match with Leopards.Scans later indicated that the defender tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACL) during their 2-1 win over Kakamega Homeboyz, and was subsequently scheduled for surgery later in March.The former Nairobi City Stars player further said that he was happy to be part of the team’s project and would thus work hard in training in an attempt to seal a starting berth in the team.”I am happy to be back after being out for nearly a year. It has been a tough period but I kept the faith. I will give my best to the club because they did take good care of me in this period. We have a young energetic squad; I am delighted to join the project. I will give my best to the coach and team as I fight to get a starting slot in the team,” Esilaba is quoted by the club.Already WINNING. #AdatewithAsergion #WOUNDEDLION #IBELIEVE @AFCLeopards pic.twitter.com/UGMrZit18g— LION (@teddians242) March 25, 2021 A full return to contention for the defender will be a big boost for AFC Leopards who have had to make do mostly with junior players this season.His ability to read the game, defend well and play with the ball as seen in the match against Ulinzi Stars in February will perhaps give him the upper hand in coach Patrick Aussems side as the Belgian tactician prefers to see his team keep the ball.
