NAIROBI, Kenya, November 19 – GOtv champions AFC Leopards are preying for seven new players in their den to bolster their squad, as they prepare for the CAF Confederations Cup next year, club Secretary General George Aladwa, declared on Tuesday.
Speaking in Nairobi, Aladwa said they are targeting two defenders, two midfielders and three strikers.
The players will be unveiled next week.
“So far we have a good team, what we need to do is to strengthen the squad because next year our aim is to win the Kenyan Premier League, defend the GOtv Shied and above all go past the group stages in the Confederations Cup.
“We have formed Committees to raise Sh100m (USD 1156740.00) for the continental showpiece because it’s very expensive to facilitate logistics for that tournament,” Aladwa who is also the club spokes man Said.
This comes after club officials handed interim Coach James Nandwa and his technical bench a two year contract after a sterling performance, losing only one match since he took over from Belgian Luc Eymael.
“As officials we met on Thursday last week and agreed to retain the coach on permanent basis for a two year deal, so it’s up for him to accept or say no since he also serves as the assistant coach of the national team.
“Nandwa has already passed the interview judging by his performance since he took over because he has delivered,” he added.
Nandwa is currently with the national football team in camp at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, preparing for the upcoming Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that will kick-off next week.
Bringing in two more defenders means the likes of Erick Masika who has not had a good run this season, will up his game with Abdalla Juma and captain Martin Imbalambala already assured of stay since they have been regulars.
The Midfield that has been dominated by Peter ‘Pinches’Opiyo, Charles Okwemba, Ezekiel Seda and winger Paul Were will also be strengthened to ensure the forwards receive the balls.
Prolific strikers Allan Wanga and Noah Wafula will have to work extra hard and up their score tally or else join veteran Mike Baraza on the bench as the new signings coming on board.
Ingwe will head to Taita Taveta this week, before embarking on a tour to the four counties in Western region (Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega and Vihiga) to scout for young talent and popularize the team.
Leopards will be making a comeback to the continental scene after a four year absence.
Meanwhile, the club has entered into a partnership with APA Insurance in conjunction with Rapid communications that will see the players, technical bench and fans enjoy an affordable personal accident and death insurance for a cost of Sh1690 ( USD 19.55) per year.
