This Leopards can bite, and it’s doing just that

AFC Leopards are right on track for this year’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) crown!

As I predicted here before, Ingwe could also finish as the best young team of the season.

Leopards have more young players than any other team in the league with an average of age of 20 years.

The youngsters include former Kakamega High School’s attacking midfielder Marvin Omondi Nabwire (20 years), Michael Kibwage (21), and Yusuf Mainge (20). Others are Moses Mburu (21), Victor Mavisi (19), Aziz Okaka (23), Jaffery Owiti (19), Vincent Oburu (19) and Clyde Senaji (21), outright candidates for Kenya Under-23 call-up if not the senior Harambee Stars as well.

After starting the season on a slow note, as has been the case for several years now, Ingwe have slowly settled into their rhythm and on account of their last few outings are surely among the title favourites.

After finishing eight last season, this young and competitive side which has to date accumulated 10 points have started winning fans’ confidence by playing well and destroying opponents.

As we would like to see Ingwe return to the form that made them a dreaded side in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, we must fully support the boys and ensure they have the best possible conditions to train and play football, not forgetting ease of mind knowing their bank accounts are taken care of

The cracks that have reportedly emerged over the intended appointment of a new coach to replace Robert Matano must be solved once and for all.

While a section of the club’s executive is understood to be rooting for his sacking, others believe the coach fondly referred to as ‘The Lion’ should stay to ensure continuity at the club.

Those campaigning for his survival argue that the veteran coach has just started building a team for the future and should be simply let to continue on this path.

Every time Ingwe have performed below par, it’s the coach who has been fired instead of being supported.

Some fans still feel the technical bench should not be tinkered with as the season has just started.

There is too much demand on players for quick results but they are likely to cause problems. Firing coaches is inevitable in the business of football, but for some reason, this action has repeatedly seen Ingwe suffer unintended consequences.

When it is time to part ways with the coach, it must be a well-thought out process that takes in all pros and cons as well as the results of the decision.

Ex-Gor Mahia tactician Frank Natull, who left K’Ogalo after disagreeing with the club management over payment issues, is tipped to take over at Leopards, but the cub’s notorious reputation for not treating its coaches well has left him scared.

Let’s wait and see. Meanwhile, onwards we match to the league title.