NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 9 – AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha says putting more trust in the players and encouraging competition in the squad have been the biggest catalysts to helping the team bounce back from a horrendous start to the season.
Before Trucha’s arrival, Leopards struggled at the start of the season, with former coach Tom Juma being sacked after their derby loss to Gor Mahia.
But now, Leopards have bounced back and are currently placed 10th in the FKF Premier League standings with a five-match unbeaten streak.
“I don’t think I changed much and the thing is, Tom Juma didn’t have enough time with the team to put them together. He had a short time to prepare with a new squad and that is why the results were that way,” said the tactician.
He adds; “The task for me was to put things tight and give trust to the players. There is a lot of competition in the squad and I also believed time has helped me. We had time to work together in Mumias during the international break and that helped the players to understand how we want them to play.”
Trucha is stull reserved on what he wants the team to achieve at the end of the season, but believes they are on the way to finishing in a good position.
“This league is tough and every team comes out to win. You cannot expect an easy game from anyone. Hopefully we continue with the winning run but we have to be very careful,” Trucha opined.
The club has strengthened in the mid-season transfer window, bringing in Rwandese forward Arthur Gitego, while they have also snapped up immediate former Posta Rangers skipper Ken Owino.
“I saw him (Arthur) play for the national team and also Marines FC and I saw a lot of potential in him. He didn’t train very well in December and also didn’t have enough game time but I know he has the potential. I see him in training and I know he will get better,” noted the coach.
On Owino, Trucha is over the moon after landing his signature, and defined him as one of the best centre backs in the league.
“He brings in experience and leadership. Ken is very skillful and one of the best central defenders in the country. I thank the management for working to bring him on board and he is going to be a very good addition for us,” noted the tactician.
While Gitego made his competitive debut against Kariobangi Sharks last weekend, Owino was on the bench and Trucha explains it was because he had just a day of training under his boots after signing for the club.
However, the lanky former Tusker FC and Gor Mahia player will be in line for his debut this weekend against Murang’a Seal with Randy Bakari serving suspension after his red card against Sharks.
