Strong defence missing spot in Leopards’ game

AFC Leopards fans are getting tired of the draws, one after another, Ingwe are registering.

Against Nakumatt on Saturday in Machakos, as new coach Rodolfo Zapata was looking for his first win, the boys clearly dominated the first half only to throw away a 2-0 lead in a painful draw.

The points were in the bag until they lost concentration in the last quarter to allow the opponents to level easily.

Having come from two goals behind to force a 2-2 draw, Nakumatt left Kenyatta Stadium happier. I can understand why they drew with Nakumatt, a team currently struggling at the bottom with 11 points!

The weekend draw came after previously drawing 1-1, 2-2 and 0-0 against Kariobangi Sharks, Vihiga United and Chemelil Sugar respectively.

Players have to give it their all and start winning matches and get the three points, because that’s what we need in the league to be somewhere in history at the end of the season.

The team in terms of player quality is good, but still has lapses in the defence.

Ingwe are among the top half, but fans are getting a little bit annoyed about this trend.

Criticism have also fallen on coach Zapata for his substitutions on Saturday.

Though not expected to be actively involved in the June transfer window, the coach seriously needs two reliable central defenders, a defensive midfielder to hold strong in the final minutes and two natural strikers to have any chance of making an impact in the second leg.

There’s a little bit of frustration. We haven’t won as many matches as we would have liked, but when I look a the overall work, the team is good, and only needs to keep its cool when under pressure.

WEAKEST LINK

Leopards defence has been the team’s weakest link this season.

They played well against Gor Mahia and Chemelil Sugar, keeping a clean sheet.

They did not concede a goal, which was a problem before. The new coach must seek to address tactical areas he feels need improvement for Ingwe to bounce back into winning ways soon.

Now that they have started scoring freely, they should work on how to defend their lead in every game.

Leopards must have discipline in defence to win matches. Self belief and assured composure is important in that area.

Some of the mistakes they make are from panic, that is why they were in trouble against Nakumatt towards the end.

All the three Ingwe goalkeepers are very good; but they are not protected enough by their defence line.

Ingwe defenders must protect their goalie from breaks and serve options for their midfielders in open play.

Defenders are the backbone of a team, possessing the grit needed to do whatever it takes to prevent the other team scoring.

Good defenders know how to defend well, and should be experts in tackling, defending wing headers with enough defending tactics.

Against a team that is often fast and good on counter attack, they need to keep up.

Being fast in the defence will greatly improve their ability to defend.

The wing backs need speed or they will always get dominated by fast wingers.

Strong defenders push offensive players off the ball, win headers and shield the ball well.

Strength is important for all defenders, but it’s especially important for centre backs. For them to develop strength they must lift weight and eat right like our rugby guys.