Leopards’ woes run beyond skin-deep
What you need to know:
- There is nothing as embarrassing as participating in a debate on whether Leopards will or will not survive relegation.
- The latest I’ve heard that the acting head coach, Ezekiel Akwana has picked some bad manners from his predecessors and is now favouring “his” boys against the so called Minnaert’s boys.
- If only the Ingwe fraternity could utilise the time we spend concocting conspiracy theories to explain mediocre performance on the pitch on some more productive ventures, we would be far better off.
It is possible that Ingwe can finish in top six this season? Very possible, if you ask me. Possible because the difference in points between AFC Leopards and the eighth placed team on the log, Kakamega Homeboyz (of all teams) is only five points.
The difference between Homeboyz and the third placed team on the log, Ulinzi Stars is another three points only. It means that Leopards can bridge this gap with three straight victories. Admittedly, it is hard but far from impossible.
There is nothing as embarrassing as participating in a debate on whether Leopards will or will not survive relegation. This is the situation I’ve been finding myself in over the last two or so seasons. All manner of reasons, nay, excuses are being bandied around to explain why Ingwe is not performing to the expected standards despite the immense quality in the team.
Two weeks ago it was about then coach Ivan Minnaert losing the dressing room because of his alleged highhandedness, favouritism and questionable tactics. Minnaert is gone but we are still in the doldrums.
There is now talk of indiscipline within the playing unit; that some players, five or so, are consistently reporting for training and matches while high on alcohol and other concoctions.
SOME BAD MANNERS
Simple; why not just lock them out? Why would the technical bench entertain them then use the same as an excuse to explain the team’s below par performance?
The latest I’ve heard, coming after the last match away to Bandari, is that the acting head coach, Ezekiel Akwana has picked some bad manners from his predecessors and is now favouring “his” boys against the so called Minnaert’s boys.
If only the Ingwe fraternity could utilise the time we spend concocting conspiracy theories to explain mediocre performance on the pitch on some more productive ventures, we would be far better off.
It is perhaps time the entire Ingwe fraternity - from the players to the technical bench, to the National Executive Committee as well as members - started signing performance contracts setting minimum acceptable standards.
It cannot just be the players and the technical bench always, no. A NEC which leads the team to relegation should have no business being in office.
Armchair fans who neither cheer the team at the stadium, contribute to the club’s well being or even vote during elections have no business being fans.
Meanwhile, welcome on board the new patron Francis Ingaji. Your promises, to help the club realize its potential and your pledge to donate Sh5million next year and work on a Sh700 million sponsorship deal in the next five years are very welcome. Your word is your honour so please keep the promises.
