Nandwa to Ingwe fans: Hold on, all will be well

Embattled AFC Leopards coach James Nandwa has once again pleaded with the club’s fans to give him more time to deliver.

Leopards have struggled since the season began, picking up just seven points out of a possible 18 and the coach has urged fans to be patient as he works on turning around the club’s fortunes.

Last weekend, Ingwe were held to a barren draw by Chemelil Sugar. They lie ninth on the log on seven points, six adrift of leaders Tusker and have scored just two goals in six matches, but the soft spoken trainer remains optimistic that Leopards will  roar back soon.

“We have just conceded two goals since the season began. Fans need to rally behind the team. They need to support us and offer constructive advice in tough times for the good of the team,” he said

Four players injured

The former Mahakama and Tusker tactician, who also doubles up as Harambee Stars deputy coach, is aware of the huge expectations from the fans.“Going thorugh a difficult period is quite normal in football.

I cannot quit simply because the team is not performing as expected. If we encourage such a culture, we will be deceiving ourselves,” said the coach who guided Ingwe to its first domestic trophy in four years last term.

Nandwa believes injuries on four first team players has largely contributed to the poor showing. They are skipper Martin Imbalambala (hamstring), right back Edwin Wafula (hamstring) goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya (muscle) and left back Abdallah Juma.

Leopards confront bottom-placed Top Fry this Saturday at their Nyayo National Stadium backyard hoping for a good performance.