Claws are out, we must keep up the momentum
What you need to know:
- For Ingwe to maintain the tempo, the technical bench should stick to the best, unless injuries call for changes.
- The coaching staff should also not put players under extreme pressure competing for positions.
- Ingwe has so many young talented players in the team who must not be subjected to unnecessary pressure to deliver desirable results. Kitambi has so far succeeded in understanding the players.
AFC Leopards troops looked sharp and ready to go after registering four wins, a draw and a loss before the league went on recess at the weekend to pave way for international friendly matches.
Ingwe, with a few injury concerns, have been doing well in recent fixtures, winning three matches in a row. They beat Mathare United 4-3, edged Wazito FC 3-2 before handing their younger brothers Kakamega Homeboyz a 2-1 spanking.
After playing seven matches, Ingwe have moved level on points with bitter rivals, Gor Mahia on the league table and every diehard fan would like to see the team edge past the league leaders.
Victory against Tusker FC on Wednesday will take Ingwe’s point tally to 19 and open a three point lead over Gor Mahia, who host Vihiga United on Friday.
K’Ogalo, who have played fewer matches are currently on an unbeaten run while Leopards have lost once in seven outings.
That said, the management must now raise to the occasion and find a lasting solution to the persistent issue of unpaid or delayed players’ allowances.
Coach Dennis Kitambi has a quality squad at his disposal from which he can select a winning combination. But the allowance issue must be fixed first.
It is worrying that the players have actually threatened to go on strike and abscond their next matches unless they are paid their dues. And they have a good point here.
Gone are the days when players would travel long distances only to arrive at match venues just before kick off.
Ingwe has suffered defeats in the past because of delayed remittance of payments to players. This must stop.
Going by recent matches, Leopards play well as a team, and Ingwe have not climbed to the top by chance.
For Ingwe to maintain the tempo, the technical bench should stick to the best, unless injuries call for changes.
The coaching staff should also not put players under extreme pressure competing for positions.
Ingwe has so many young talented players in the team who must not be subjected to unnecessary pressure to deliver desirable results. Kitambi has so far succeeded in understanding the players.
The players now trust him to lead them even as the fans wait to see the team continue bringing success to the table.
In order for Ingwe to keep growing to the point where they are functioning effectively together and delivering high quality results, Dan Mule and his team must avoid mistakes they have made in the past.
A very strong social relationship and a solid basis for collaborative activities also is necessary for the players to accomplish the tasks ahead of them.
It is important for Mule to provide leadership by being very clear about team goals and provide clear direction through conflict resolution mechanisms.
The current office must know that Leopards is one of the most renowned football clubs in Africa and the name must be maintained.
Ingwe has a fan base drawn from a cross the entire nation. It is arguably the most well supported team in the country.
Staunch Ingwe fans are known to be among the most passionate. Matters pertaining to club evoke high emotions among them.
They can actually go to any length to protect and lift the club’s name.
It is for that reason that I’m making a passionate appeal to the management, the coaching staff and the players to keep the momentum by remaining committed to this worthy course.
