New signings will help us challenge for honours

Ingwe should not go for big names, but instead hang on the young stars for the future; if they are to truly compete next season and beyond.

The likes of Ezekiel Owade, Yusuf Mainge, Moses Mburu, Dennis Sikhayi, Michael Kibwage, Victor Mavisi, Clyde Senaji, Jaffery Odeny, Vincent Oburu, Marvin Nabwire whose age average is 20, should be given more time to play for the 13-time Kenyan champions.

Unknown to many local football fans, the late James Siang’a laid foundation for the current squad that has dominated Kenyan football.

When he took over in 2009, Siang’a recruited young boys from school and told K’Ogalo officials to give him four to five years to with the league and his dream came true.

In my opinion, the young players at the Den must keep around for the long haul. They have started showing some confidence and some strides in their careers.

Some of them who never thought would never improve have improved and can be great future stars. If they are able to better themselves, they could become serious bench threats.

A team with title aspirations cannot compete without a decent bench to complement its stars. With the way they have been playing, Leopards will be very aggressive soon.

But, at least two central defenders with no fear of contact can improve the current defence. While it is a long term project, the young guys should be enough to convince any agent that Leopards are only going to get better.

After signing two local-based players during the current June transfer period, AFC Leopards is set to be the most complete squad in the SportPesa Premier League.

For long, the team has not been having a reliable goal scorer, but the arrival of Eugene Mukangula, 22 from Thika United, the future is bright at the Den.

With his presence, Ingwe fans can finally end the two-decade wait for the league title.

Mukangula is a humble and hardworking guy who lets his game talk on the pitch. He is bound to do some great things if he keeps playing the way he has been.

The powerful forward, who has agreed a three-year contract, has been a long term target for Ingwe and his addition to the club will boost the scoring fortunes that have been heavily reliant on Ezekiel Odera who has just return from an injury.

Reliable sources also confirmed that Ingwe is targeting two players including a midfielder, who plays solid man-to man team defence. A star who can determine if the team win or loses.

All big teams in the world have this kind of players who doesn’t mind getting dirty.

Mukangula, who can play anywhere across the front three, will bring some nice talent up front, as the man leading the way with no fear of contact.

The under-23 international is known for his positioning, tactics, intelligence and his assassin- level decision making will make Ingwe fans excited.

The presence of Saad Musa, also from the struggling Thika United is good enough to boost the midfield.

The former Azam Youth and Nairobi City Stars midfielder, who has agreed a one-year deal, will link up well with the impressive Wyvonne Isuza who has played non-stop.

The two players are very good additions to the team and we still expect the arrival of Ugandan international, Isaac Isinde.

Ingwe should be able to play Mukangula and Musa in their away league match on Wednesday against Zoo Kericho.

It has also been rumoured that Ingwe is planning to bring on board Elvis Rupia from Nzoia United; but the striker seems to be undecided on grabbing this golden opportunity to don the Ingwe jersey.

Who wouldn’t want to play for a team with 13 league titles?

Time has come when Ingwe needs to be put back to their former state, the time a lot of success was witnessed.

Leopards are currently placed fourth in the league standings with 31 points, 12 short of arch rivals Gor Mahia who lead the log and are still unbeaten run.

Maybe these young players will someday be remembers for reviving the wounded Leopard.