With the same squad as last season, new AFC Leopards coach Tom Juma is adamant that it would not be easy for them to challenge for the league title this new campaign starting at the end of August.”Even from a layman’s perspective, it is clear that it would be an uphill task,” Juma told Mozzart Sport when probed about the club’s chances of finally breaking the title jinx.Each season, Ingwe, as Leopards is nicknamed, has carried the burden of ending a now 25-year-old Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title drought, and putting a smile on their fatigued fanbase, each time falling short.Official🚨AFC Leopards go local as they announce the appointment of Tom Juma as the next head coach after his stint serving as Aussems’ assistant.Fred Ambani will be his assistant.#FootballKE #Ingwe pic.twitter.com/UzC52bSbV5— Ochieng’ Stephen (@soo_ochieng) July 25, 2023 “A lot needs to be put right for the team to be competitive again and win the league. Without a quality squad it can’t work. But even with a good squad other factors still play a part in success,” Juma, also known as Gaza, said.Working under several foreign coaches at Ingwe, most recent being Belgian Patrick Aussems, he says has helped build his experience, but he is quick to point out that he is his own man.”Every coach has his own preferred way of doing things; coaching regimen and playing style inclusive, I’m no exception. I will try to achieve success my way, of course with the help of my support staff,” the former Harambee Stars midfielder said.##NAJAVA_MECA_7424684##He is alive to the pressure that tags along coaching either AFC Leopards or their arch rivals Gor Mahia. Yet, having turned out for both clubs during his playing days, Juma is unbothered. “It doesn’t matter which position you hold at those two clubs, the pressure is always there, especially when results are not favorable, but I’m equal to the task.”Juma repudiates the long held notion amongst the fanbase of both Ingwe and K’Ogalo that only foreign coaches can lead the two clubs to success.”Maybe it has worked at Gor Mahia, but not here (AFC Leopards). We’ve had foreign coaches, but they have not achieved much, some leaving the club in trouble or in a much worse situation,” Juma said.Legendary Rudisha named ambassador in upcoming Budapest World ChampionshipAussems reported Leopards to FIFA, the global football body, demanding up to Ksh. 20 million over breach of contract.Juma is hopeful that in the coming weeks, they will be able to register new players once the club’s hierarchy clears with FIFA.Ingwe are serving a transfer ban and cannot register new signings. The same situation crippled them last season – forcing them to rely on academy players. “I leave that to the management. But if we don’t bolster the squad, it would be a dire situation.”Sharks, Bidco face off in Elite Preseason Cup finale
