De Jongh pleads for more time to revive Leopards

AFC Leopards coach Pieter De Jongh reacts during a past Kenya Premier League match against Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium. AFC Leopards play Tusker on Sunday at City Stadium after an early kick-off match between Administration Police and Sofapaka. PHOTO| CHRIS OMOLLO

What you need to know:

  • On Saturday, Leopards managed a 2-2 draw against KCB at Mumias Sports Complex a result that stretched their winless streak to three matches
  • Leopards are in the 12th position with 29 points, a massive 18 behind league leaders and arch rivals Gor Mahia.

AFC Leopards head coach Pieter De Jongh has called on the team’s fans to be patient as he works on a winning formula that will enable the team finish the 2014 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season in a respectable position.

De Jongh said it was too early in the day to judge his performance with the team given the few number of matches he has overseen as Ingwe coach.

On Saturday, Leopards managed a 2-2 draw against KCB at Mumias Sports Complex a result that stretched their winless streak to three matches.

But De Jongh remains confident that the team will soon return to winning ways and finish the season strongly.

“Western Stima beats us 2-1 in Kisumu, but we recovered to hold KCB today. Is this not a good result?” he posed during an interview with Daily Nation Sport after Saturday’s match.

SAVED BY IKENNA
During the match against KCB, Leopards got a major scare after the bankers scored twice early in the first half. (ALSO READ: AFC MUST LEARN FROM PAST MISTAKES)

De Jongh was forced to pull out Jacob Keli and brought in Austin Ikenna who rewarded the coach for his faith in him with a stoppage time equaliser to salvage a point for Ingwe.

Leopards are in the 12th position with 29 points, a massive 18 behind league leaders and arch rivals Gor Mahia.

Having fallen out of the league race, the GOtv Shield, which they won last year, is the only silverware that they are still in contention.