Revamped AFC Leopards Out To Turn Fortunes Around In New SPL Season

1st August 2019 - by Louis Kalinga

The 12-time league winners had a tough start to last season but managed to turn their fortunes around to achieve an 11th-place finish after Congolese Andre Casa Mbungo took charge at the den

AFC Leopards SC players during a training session. PHOTO | SPN

SUMMARY

Having not tasted domestic league glory since 1998, AFC Leopards SC are eager to remind the country of their successful era as they prepare for the 2019/20 SportPesa Premier League campaign
Together with his assistant, former Harambee Stars international Anthony Kimani, they have made a whopping eight new signings and released a similar number as they look to clinch a first SPL title in 20 years
Captain Robinson Kamura told SportPesa News that the current squad is more than capable and he maintained confidence ahead of the fast-approaching SPL season

NAIROBI, Kenya- Having not tasted domestic league glory since 1998, AFC Leopards SC are eager to remind the country of their successful era as they prepare for the 2019/20 SportPesa Premier League campaign.

The 12-time league winners had a tough start to last season but managed to turn their fortunes around to achieve an 11th-place finish after Congolese Andre Casa Mbungo took charge at the den.

Together with his assistant, former Harambee Stars international Anthony Kimani, they have made a whopping eight new signings and released a similar number as they look to clinch a first SPL title in 20 years.

Captain Robinson Kamura told SportPesa News that the current squad is more than capable and he maintained confidence ahead of the fast-approaching SPL season.

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The 2019/20 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) season kicks off on Friday, August 30 and the Leopards first assignment will be an away fixture against local rivals Kakamega Homeboyz FC in a Western derby at the Bukhungu Stadium.

“We have had a great pre-season and the mood in the camp is motivating. The quality we have added to the side was necessary and now I believe we are good to go.

“We’ve had to experience bad luck in the past two seasons but we know what we need to do and our goal is to reignite the faith our loyal fans have in us,” Kamura stated.

Among the players released by Leopards are foreigners Wayi Yeka Tatuwe, Eric Ndashimiye, Marcel Kaheza, Ivan Sekazza and locals including Aziz Okaka and former Thika United FC player Shami Kibwana.

Veteran Malian forward Ismaila Diarra headlines the list of new signings made by the second most successful Kenyan club as the seasoned forward penned a contract with the club.

Ugandan goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan is the new custodian to join the SPL side. He has previously played locally with the likes of KCCA FC and a stint both in South Africa and Denmark, he joins the club on a one-year deal.

Robert Mudenyu joins from Sony Sugar FC, who finished 13 points above Leopards in fifth last season, and the sturdy centre-back even managed three goals throughout the campaign.

Others are ex Nzoia Sugar FC forward Hansel Ochieng’, Soter Kayumba, Vincent Habamahoro and Tresor Ndikumana.

“We are continue to prepare for the new season and when the time comes, just like always, we will be ready to challenge for top honors,” Kamura added.

The 2019/20 SPL season kicks off on Friday, August 30 and the Leopards first assignment will be an away fixture against local rivals Kakamega Homeboyz FC in a Western derby at the Bukhungu Stadium.