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AFC Leopards will begin their 2024-25 campaign against Mathare United but there is cautious optimism amongst their supporters following the painful experiences of the past.
Another season, another promise for a league title for AFC Leopards who begin their 2024-25 campaign against returning Mathare United on Sunday.
By the end of the new season, it will be 27 years since Ingwe last won the league title, and while few expect them to be on the winners’ podium, club chairman Dan Shikanda has promised fans the league crown, again.
Leopards’ fans have become accustomed to being promised the title only for the fight to end as soon as it started and having had their fingers burnt for so long, there will be cautious optimism.
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08:00 - 24.08.2024
'They've become a 'next season' team'- Shimanyula likens AFC Leopards to Arsenal
Kakamega Homeboyz FC chairman has mocked AFC Leopards' title claims likening them to Arsenal's repeated unfulfilled championship promises.
What supporters will expect, however, is a better start than last season when Leopards hovered around the relegation places for most of the first leg before an upturn in form at the turn of the year saw them go on to finish fifth.
Last season, Leopards had to wait until matchday eight for their first win, having drawn four and lost three of their previous seven games. At that point, Leopards had four points from a possible 21 and out of the title race in October.
It was a run of form that claimed the job of coach Tom Juma with current tactician Tomas Trucha installed and after winning his second game in charge, he had to wait for six matches again before a second win of the season arrived.
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11:24 - 22.08.2024
AFC Leopards boss Tomas Trucha reads riot act to his charges ahead of season opener
AFC Leopards coach Thomas Trucha has revealed his targets as Ingwe gears up for their season opener against Mathare United while also analysing the side's transfer window.
That will not be tolerated this season and just like his predecessors, Trucha will know that only positive results will keep him in the job.
"Last season was about survival, and we managed to achieve that goal. This time, I believe we can push for a top-three finish," Trucha promised this week.
"We want to start with the same intensity we showed last season. The players understand the importance of a strong start, and that’s very encouraging.”
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08:00 - 23.08.2024
Back with begging bowl? AFC Leopards turn to fans & well-wishers to help keep the club afloat
AFC Leopards have called on their supporters and well-wishers to come to their rescue as they face financial challenges ahead of the new season.
It is the least supporters will expect from Leopards even if they still do not possess the squad capable of challenging the likes of champions Gor Mahia, Kenya Police and Tusker FC.
Trucha has made four additions to his squad with South Sudan national team captain Peter Maker Manyang Mabok, Julius Masaba, Sydney Lokale, and Samwel Semo arriving although the tactician is still not satisfied by their transfer business so far.
"I submitted my transfer list to management as early as May, but unfortunately, we couldn’t bring in all the players I wanted. Nevertheless, I’m satisfied with the replacements we've managed to sign, and I believe the team is stronger than last season," Trucha lamented.
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19:30 - 21.08.2024
AFC Leopards unveil four players as they aim to quench FKFPL title drought
Ingwe have unveiled four players as they seek to end their 26-year-wait for the FKFPL title.
While he may not be happy with what he has got, Trucha will have to get on with the job, as no excuses will be tolerated by the fans who expect better next season, starting with three points against Mathare United.
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