AFC Leopards to issue statement over coaching crisis

Three fixtures into the new 2023–24 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) season, and the AFC Leopards are yet to win a game, let alone score a goal.

Ingwe's last outing was a barren draw against visiting Muhoroni Youth FC at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, leaving fans infuriated and demanding the dismissal of head coach Tom Juma.

The push to have Juma, who succeeded Belgian Patrick Aussems at the start of the season, replaced has gathered pace on social media, where fans have become even more vocal.

"A club leader who has been at the helm of the club for more than four seasons has spent the most money on transfer fees, players, and technical bench compensation fees but still tells you to be patient as fans of a club with a rich history after signing more than 15 players in one window. That's the story of AFC Leopards SC, a big club led by an unambitious group of leaders." Edward O. Dindi, an ardent fan of leopards, posted on Facebook.

When probed on the future of Juma, Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda did not give much but promised a club statement soon.

"The club will issue an official statement in the coming days," Shikanda, a former player of the club turned administrator, told Mozzart Sport before hanging up his phone.

On his part, Juma remains unbothered. "It is okay. Everyone has their opinions, and we have to respect the opinions of everyone.

Already, some names are being floated as possible replacements, including former Ghana Black Stars coach Charles Akunnor.

The Leopards have not won the league in 25 years, a weight any coach joining them has to carry. The load is not made lighter by fans who have grown impatient over the years as they crave a return to the glory days.

Ingwe's situation is never made easier by the fact that their archrivals, Gor Mahia, have been winning the league for fun and now have eight titles better than them.

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