AFC Leopards’ troubles run deep

A massive clear out of players deemed not to be working for AFC Leopards’ course is expected when the June transfer window opens but indiscipline in training and off the pitch is being cited as one of the major problems at the club leading to the current poor showing.

That the club sacked its coaching staff just eight matches into the current season was not a surprise; AFC Leopards has a history of firing coaches without stemming the root cause of its problems.

(READ: AFC Leopards sack Nandwa after loss to KRA)

At the end of 2012, they sent Jan Koops packing even after the Dutch born coach had taken them 22 matches without losing a run that helped them finish third in the league.

Koops’ successor Tom Olaba didn’t survive five matches while his replacement Luc Eymael was in charge for only 14 matches.

James Nandwa, who initially took over on temporary basis, helped the team lift the GOtv Shield last season after beating bitter rivals Gor Mahia in the finals.

(READ: AFC Leopards beat Gor Mahia to win GOtv Shield)

Nandwa also guided Ingwe to a runners up position in the league, but this was not enough to secure his job this season. Once the new season started, it was just a matter of just how long he would survive.

In the last four years, Chris Makhoha, Robert Matano, Gilbert Selebwa, Edward Manoah, Robert Bollem, Noah Wanyama and Nick Yakhama have all managed the club.

There have also been several caretaker coaches who have handled the team making Ingwe the club with the highest turnover of coaches in the Kenyan Premier League.

Curiously, over that period Nandwa is the only coach that has won a trophy worth noting.

DISCPLINARY ISSUES

Questions abound over the tactical discipline of Leopards players, their attitude in training, the signings done by the club and the high turnover of coaches.

Leopards have a knack of signing big names who end up failing to perform to as expected. Two years ago, they forked out a colossal Sh1.4 million to bring in Burundian Floribert Ndayisaba who was later to be kicked out after failing to live up to the club’s high expectations.

Then there was the highly disappointing Ugandan Dan Wagaluka who arrived in the club sometime last season amid pomp and colour only to recede to the bench before making a quite exit from the club.

This season, Leopards spent Sh700,000 in signing towering defender Joseph Shikokoti from Tusker. Shikokoti is now spending much of his time warming the bench.

LACK OF LEADERSHIP

According to Gilbert Selebwa, who has served as the club coach, the problem with Leopards stems from lack of authoritative leadership on the technical bench to failure by the club to put up structures that enhance player development.

“The technical bench does not show authority to rein in players who fail to show up for training or have the wrong attitude,” says Selebwa.

True to his view, some players have been known to appear for training late, fail to take instruction from the trainers or feign injuries when they are meant to be doing conditional training.

Selebwa further says they high turnover of coaches is not helping the situation. “Leopards need to have confidence in their coaches. They need to hire a coach and retain him for even up to five years so he can entrench his philosophy,” says Selebwa.

The coach also questions the performance of the players who were recruited for this season saying none has proved worth playing for the club.

“Leopards went for names instead of looking into its needs. The big names they signed are now the league’s big flops. Look at Jacob Keli who was the best striker last season and is now struggling at the club.”

Further, Leopards are yet to get a replacement for midfielder Peter Opiyo who apart from scoring the goal that handed them the GOtv Shield last season, also played a pivotal role in their run to finishing second. His absence has left a huge hole in the midfield.

In ten games so far, Leopards have won only twice and scored only four goals, two from open play. They have conceded 5 goals and lost to perennial KPL strugglers Muhoroni Youth and Mathare United.

“It doesn’t paint a very good picture at the moment,” observes secretary general George Aladwa.

“But we are slowly fixing the problem. We will name a foreign coach next week but will also assess our playing unit. Those found to be indisciplined will have to go. We will not have sacred cows,” Aladwa told nation.co.ke.

With matches against Tusker, Thika United, Western Stima, Gor Mahia and Bandari coming up before the close of the first leg, Ingwe must shape up or else they will find themselves struggling in the relegation zone.

This story first appeared on SportOn!