AFC Leopards Youth team begins their quest for promotion to FKF Division One this weekend. On Sunday afternoon, they will face Thika Stars in the season opener at Camp Toyoyo grounds.The Cubs finished third in the recently concluded FKF Division Two season and aim to break through to the third tier next season.On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the Cubs stepped up their preparations with a friendly match against Utalii College FC, which ended in a 4-4 draw.##NAJAVA_MECA_8388639##Leopards Youth coach, Martin Aganda, acknowledged the challenges in their preparations but expressed confidence that the team will be ready for Sunday’s match.”Last season, we finished fourth in a league we could have easily won, but inconsistencies, mostly due to poor preparations, cost us,” Aganda said.He added, “We often went into underprepared matches, which affected us significantly.”FKF Electoral Board responds to disgruntled presidential candidatesThe Cubs have had to rebuild their squad after losing all their players, who were not under contract and sought opportunities elsewhere.This turnover has disrupted preparations, and Aganda admits the team is still adjusting.”We lost all our players because they were not tied to any contracts. We hope that won’t happen again this season,” he said.Agenda also highlighted the difficulties caused by a lack of proper training gear and equipment, which has hindered the team’s preparation.”As we speak, the boys will head into Sunday’s game without essentials like boots, meaning they’ll have to borrow from friends. I’ve done my best to keep them motivated, but we hope for more support,” he added.Story of Sofapaka’s Edward Omondi: From Dandora slums with a Manchester United dreamDuring Wednesday’s friendly, a section of fans, led by U45 Unit Branch chairman Olympia Musonye, visited the Cubs and donated a first-aid kit and a small fund ahead of the season opener.The U45 Unit, which recently organized the first-ever Ingwe Gala, has been actively supporting the club, and their visit to the youth team was timely.Musonye emphasized the importance of the youth team in the club’s long-term success.”The youth team plays a vital role in ensuring sustainability and continuity in the club,” he said.”As fans, we are committed to supporting these boys in any way we can. Today, we motivated them, and we’ll continue to do so to help them realize their dreams.”Why Nairobi City Stars captain is unfazed with slow league startThe AFC Leopards Youth team hopes to build on last season’s fourth-place finish and secure promotion to FKF Division One by topping the league this term.
