Trucha’s job on the line as Leopards take on struggling Kenya Police
AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha conducts a past training session at Jamhuri ground in Nairobi on April 16, 2024.
What you need to know:
- AFC Leopards have not won in their last five matches, losing thrice and recording two draws.
- The last time Ingwe tasted victory in the league was on September 29, when they beat City Stars 2-1.
Tomas Trucha’s job as AFC Leopards coach is increasingly at peril as they face a struggling, star-studded Kenya Police at Dandora Stadium, Nairobi on Sunday.
Defending champions Gor Mahia will be looking to continue with their revival when they visit newbies Mara Sugar at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on Saturday.
League leaders KCB host Bidco United at SportPesa Arena in Murang’a on Saturday intent on keeping their perch atop the 18-team table while rejuvenated Shabana visit Kakamega Homeboyz at Mumias Sports Complex on Sunday.
Red-hot KCB top striker Francis Kahiro leads the goal scorers chart with seven goals, and will be looking to continue with his deadly form in the Bidco United clash.
All is not well at title ambitious AFC Leopards.
A 2-1 loss to Shabana last weekend piled more pressure on Trucha who has experienced a string of power results forcing fans to noisily push for his exit.
Sources within the club indicate that Trucha has been given an ultimatum to win against Kenya Police on Saturday or else get the boot.
Leopards have not won in their last five matches, losing thrice and recording two draws to leave their demanding fans angry and bewildered.
The last time Ingwe tasted victory in the league was on September 29, when they beat Nairobi City Stars 2-1.
Arthur Gitego and Randi Bakari of AFC Leopards celebrate a goal against Compel FC during FKF Mozzart Cup match at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi on April 28, 2024.
The only other victories the Big Cats have tasted this season were a 4-0 thumping of 2008 champions Mathare United on August 25 and a 1-0 win over Bidco United on September 21.
Ingwe have garnered 11 points from nine matches and are 10th on the log.
Trucha will be spoilt for a choice in his squad selection with all players available.
Kenya Police are also having it rough this season with just one win so far that came on October 23, a 2-0 thumping of Mathare United.
Despite boasting big names the likes of Kenneth Muguna, Patrick Matasi, Aboud Omar, David “Cheche” Ochieng, South Sudan import Rashid Toha and David Okoth, Police lie second last on eight points from seven matches.
They are only above bottom placed Posta Rangers on goal difference.
After summarily disbanding their technical bench two weeks, the Police management appointed their women’s team head coach Beldine Odemba on an interim basis.
The two teams drew 2-2 in their first leg match last season before Leopards snatched a 1-0 victory in the second leg.
Gor sit in an unfamiliar ninth position on 11 points from seven matches and will be keen to collect maximum points. A clear warning to Mara.
Weekend Fixtures (all times 3pm, unless stated otherwise)
Saturday:
FC Talanta v Posta Rangers (Kenyatta, 1pm)
Mara Sugar v Gor Mahia (Raila Odinga Stadium)
KCB v Bidco United (SportPesa Arena)
Nairobi City Stars v Bandari (Kenyatta Stadium, 4pm)
Kariobangi Sharks v Sofapaka (Dandora Stadium, 4pm)
Sunday:
Kakamega Homeboyz v Shabana (Mumias Sports Complex, 2pm)
Murang’a Seal v Tusker (SportPesa Arena,)
AFC Leopards v Kenya Police (Dandora Stadium, 4pm)
