Why AFC Leopards fans can now dream of titles
AFC Leopards coach Nikola Kavazovic gives instructions from the touchline during their preseason friendly against KCB at Kenya Teachers Training College (KTTC) ground, Gigiri on November 24, 2018 PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
The Serbian is yet to lose in the three matches he has been in-charge since signing a two-year deal with Ingwe on October 27
For instance, after just one training session, he outrightly rejected the club’s former training ground along Limuru road in preference of a field with 'well-kempt' and 'green' grass
Zambian midfielder Shadrack Chimanya and Zimbabwean forward Michelle Katsavairo – who scored against KCB – plus Rwanda international keeper Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye are among the new signings
New AFC Leopards coach Nikola Kavazovic says he is impressed by the quality in his team as the start of the 2018/19 SportPesa Premier League season draws closer.
On Saturday, the 43-year-old trainer led his charges to a 2-0 win over newly promoted KCB in a preseason friendly at the Kenya Technical Trainers College in Gigiri; a game characterized by fluid attacking football especially in Leopards' final third.
The Serbian is yet to lose in the three matches he has been in-charge since signing a two-year deal with Ingwe on October 27, with the other two encounters against Zoo Kericho and Wazito ending in stalemates.
"I am pleased with the work we have done so far, and especially the fact that I inherited a talented group of players who want to learn and win," the coach told Nation Sport on Saturday.
"It is good to hear the fans want to know what we can achieve this season but I cannot tell now. Maybe after five or 10 games I will get an idea. For now, I can promise that we will do our best in every game."
Kavazovic has already made his impact felt since replacing Argentine Rodolfo Zapata who led the team to a seventh place finish in the league last season.
For instance, after just one training session, he outrightly rejected the club’s former training ground along Limuru road in preference of a field with 'well-kempt' and 'green' grass.
And then, he’s already convinced the management to splash close to Sh300,000 on new training equipment, which includes 'movable' posts.
And while at it, two senior players - including a central defender - are casualties of the coach's fast-inter-passing style of play where the ball has to 'kiss' the grass other than what he refers to as ‘boring’ long balls.
The other player has reportedly been banished from first-team training on disciplinary grounds.
Zambian midfielder Shadrack Chimanya and Zimbabwean forward Michelle Katsavairo – who scored against KCB – plus Rwanda international keeper Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye are among the new signings.
Even as Leopards step preparations for their season opener against Kariobangi Sharks in Machakos on December 8, those who watched Kavazovic’s Township Rollers roll over the likes of Sudan’s El Merreikh, Tanzania’s Young Africans and Uganda’s KCCA in the Caf Champions League have every right to dream of a title after a 20-year wait.
