AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems is elated to have experienced defender Tedian Esilaba back with the team after a year on the sidelines.The central defender has been on the recovery path for the last 14 months after he underwent knee surgery. He made his much-awaited return to action on Sunday when his team took on Kenya Police FC, a match where Ingwe put the law enforcers to the sword, thrashing them 3-0.With Robert Mudenyu injured, coach Aussems rejigged his backline and partnered Esilaba with fast-rising young defender Kayci Odhiambo at the heart of the defence. They pair alongside Peter Thiong’o and Lewis Bandi in the fullback positions were rock solid keeping the Police attackers at bay throughout the game.With Esilaba happy to be kicking the ball again, his coach is equally happy. The Belgian has praised the player for his performance upon return adding that he gives him more options at the back.Tedian EsilabaJersey number ➡️ 5Position ➡️ Defender #Betsafe #OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/m94Gzi1yoO— AFC Leopards (@AFCLeopards) March 2, 2022 “He has been out for almost one year now and so I am happy for him because he has been training well but a game of this intensity is totally different and so his return gives me one more option and I am very happy with the performance as well, “ he told Mozzart Sport.The player on his part was happy to play in front of cheering home supporters. At the moment, Leopards is the club that enjoys the biggest attendance of their matches locally. ‘I told Salah to leave Liverpool’“They always a push, sometimes you lose concentration but when there are cheers from outside you find yourself keeping up and remaining focused. We really appreciate them,” he stated.Next for Ingwe is two-legged ties against Wazito FC.
