Let me express my gratitude and appreciation to the players, technical bench, and management of the AFC Leopards for surprising many by finishing the league in fifth place last season.I know the Leopards, who have won the league 12 times, should be challenging for top honours, but that was an exemplary run from Ingwe in what was rather a difficult year.Leopards were, in fact, at one time battling to avoid relegation.After the shambles of demotion, the Big Cats revived the season to amass their best point tally since the 2020–2021 season, when they came in fourth with 48 points.The Leopards had a few problems at the start of the season, which came with managerial changes.Ingwe were down and out just until the management acted and Tomas Trucha stepped in to steady the ship.With his wisdom and tactical awareness, the man from the Czech restored Ingwe’s dwindling prestige.Arise and shine….4 days to FKF-PL KICK OFF@betikaKe @azamtvtz #OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/3T7LfDd5XU— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) August 19, 2024 Finishing with 51 points from 34 games and a top-three finish in the Mozzart Bet Cup in his debut season was a consolation to the long-suffering Leopards followers and a sign that other titles are on the way.Ahead of the new campaign, the oldest club in the country will aim to end their long wait for the Premier League title that has been dominated by arch-rivals Gor Mahia for the past decade.Leopard’s cup-winning campaign dates back to 2017, when they won the domestic shield.The team will, however, not host their matches at the iconic Nyayo Stadium, with the grounds under renovation.Ingwe has over the years enjoyed massive support at Nyayo from the ever-vibrant supporters but they have to shift camp to Dandora Stadium for the new campaign.Head coach Trucha is not a fan of Dandora, as he believes the venue limits their fanbase.They get their season underway on Saturday with top-tier returnees Mathare United at the same venue.Last season’s finish and chances in the new seasonLeopards had a bad start to the campaign, which ended with Tom Juma paving the way for Trucha with eight matches in the season.Trucha’s tenure was not a good one either, as Ingwe went a couple of games without a win in the Czech’s few games in charge.However, after making amends, Ingwe roared back to life and went twelve games without losing a match, running from December 2023 to March 2024.They capped off the season with a top-five finish and bronze in the cup competition.Unlike last season, Trucha has had time to assemble his team with his own proffered players and technical bench.Coach Trucha has a scary rebuilding programme that will see a different Ingwe that will be relying heavily on league experience, including a few foreigners.After making his anticipated offload, Trucha has to ensure those retained stay on their toes even as quality is injected into the den.Given that the team’s pillars are still strong, the coach has been given a free hand in the transfer window and they have enjoyed the best preseason compared to recent Leopards squads, Ingwe will be the most dangerous side next season.I see them finish inside the top four brackets.Pre season Update: AFC Leopards and Express FC battled to a goalless draw at Nakivubo Stadium in Uganda 🇺🇬Leopards are now back home, gearing up for the league’s kickoff! #FKFPL pic.twitter.com/HgzSN7OXzr— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) August 18, 2024 Trucha ConfidentIngwe parted ways with most of the fringe players while offering contract extensions to some of their arsenals from last season.Former Tusker forward Ken Wendo was added to the technical bench to help bring stability, that was the main catalyst for underperformance last season.And after overseeing his ever-full preseason, head coach Trucha is aiming for a strong start to the campaign and believes having former players among his technical bench gives them an edge ahead of the league kick-off.”We have signed quality players, but we can do even more. We want to start the league strongly, not like last season, and I believe we are almost ready. There is big pressure—every game you are supposed to win—but I am happy to have a bench with former players who understand the culture of the club,” Trucha said in an interview with the club’s official media channels.The coach also emphasized that the team now has better depth, which was lacking last season, forcing some players to play out of position.”I believe that the team is better than we had last season because, in every position, we have two players. In case of injuries or suspensions, we now have the backup, which was not the case last season,” he added.Tomas Trucha on how AFC Leopards plan to win the league after a 26-year droughtTransfer BusinessIngwe had one of the biggest squads last campaign and the technical bench had one duty: to resize. One of the major outgoings witnessed in the transfer window was the massive layouts at the den.At the moment, the club is understood to have parted ways with twelve players, Shawn Oloo, Dan Sunguti, Giovanni Lukhumwa, Zachary Njite and Washington Munene leading the way out.Others are long-serving player Jaffari Owiti, who has since joined Police, striker Yassin Sije, Cliff Nyakeya and Nesta Olum.Despite the massive outgoing, Ingwe has brought in four new players: South Sudan national team captain and central defender Peter Manyang, Murang’a Seal left-back Samuel Semo, former Kariobangi Sharks striker Sydney Lokale and utility Julius Masaba.The club has also offered contract extensions to several players, among them custodian Levis Opiyo. They are expected to announce more signings and extensions before the transfer business closes.AFC Leopards keeper ends future speculation with new dealPlayers to watch this seasonSouth Sudanese stopper Peter Manyang comes with a big profile to the den and all eyes will be directed at him.The former Zesco United guard is expected to bring stability and maturity to the defence line that conceded 23 times last season.Hassan Beja had a great debut campaign following his move from Nzoia Sugar.He ended with four-goal contributions, clocked the most minutes under Trucha and will look to repay the gaffer’s faith in him this season.Forward Victor Omune, who came on as a late inclusion in most of the games, scored eight times to emerge as Leopards’ top scorer.He will also be a crucial player for Leopards if given more games.Kayci Odhiambo was one of the revelations of last season; the assistant captain rose on most occasions and defended Ingwe’s colour with zeal.From the defence to the central midfield position, Odhiambo slotted comfortably, chipping in with goals that got Leopards out of tight positions.Regarding young players, all eyes will be on rookie Kelly Madada as he aims for a breakthrough season at the Den.First five fixturesAfter opening the season against Mathare, Leopards will tackle Posta Rangers at home.Ingwe will be away at the tricky Bidco United before returning home against Nairobi City Stars.They will wrap up the first five ties with a visit to Kariobangi Sharks.Why Dan Shikanda is confident of AFC Leopards ending 26-year title drought next seasonPotential ChallengesTrucha was recently quoted lamenting missing out on players he wanted. Leopards were keen to bring in a proper number 10 and a bullish striker, which did not happen.Leopards struggled in build-ups last term and need more goals to achieve their targets, which may prove hard-going given the recent output from the forwards in preseason.The goalkeeping department has received criticism each passing season, and with no more reinforcements coming in to challenge the derby-erratic Opiyo, it is another area of concern to watch.With a year left before the elections, any bad result will create room for campaigns and a chaotic environment.It will be interesting to see how the management navigates the scary season ahead.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284373##
