AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha has assured the club’s supporters that the 1998 Kenyan Premier League champions are determined to start the new football season strong.Ingwe finished a commendable fifth place in the FKF Premier League last season after a turbulent campaign that was later salvaged by the arrival of the Czech coach.Trucha took charge of the team mid-season, guiding them through a challenging period and helping restore the club’s fighting spirit with the support of the team’s traveling fans.##GEOTARGET_BANNER_8275714##In preparation for the upcoming 2024/25 FKF Premier League season, the Leopards played their first international friendly against Uganda’s Express FC on Friday night, where the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate at the War Memorial Stadium, Nakivubo.While the game did not produce goals, it provided a valuable opportunity for Ingwe to assess their squad ahead of the impending domestic campaign.Before the international clash, Leopards played their final preseason match against NSL side MOFA, securing a narrow 1-0 victory at Mumias Sports Complex.The lone goal was scored by forward Victor Omune, a key player who remains instrumental in the team’s quest for success this season.STARS ABROAD: Omala off to a flyer in Lebanon as Akumu makes Iranian Pro League debutSpeaking on the two fixtures, Trucha urged his players not to become complacent as the league kicks off in a week’s time.”I don’t want players to feel relaxed and comfortable, thinking everything is perfect. I want them to work hard in this preseason to build character,” he said.The Czech international added that the team is in a better position and eager to start strong, unlike last season.”The team is better than before. Each position now has two quality players in case of injuries. We’ve signed top players, and there is still room to sign even more. I’m not looking for excuses; we want to challenge for the title this season,” Trucha added.Daniel Minjis urges FKF to balance men’s and women’s footballLooking ahead, Leopards will kick off their FKF Premier League campaign on August 24, 2024, against newly promoted Mathare United. The match will be held at Dandora Stadium.Trucha also urged Ingwe supporters to come out in large numbers to push the team beyond their limits as they hunt for their first league title since 1998.
