Ingwe's new coach reacts to their 1-0 loss to Bandari, addressing the team's performance
After AFC Leopards' disappointing 1-0 loss to Bandari in Sunday's Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) clash, newly re-appointed head coach Tomas Trucha has spoken out in defense of his team and called for unity among fans and players.
Trucha, who took over from the sacked Tom Juma, faced a challenging debut match as Ingwe coach, with fans expressing their frustration by besieging the team bus seeking answers.
![Moment of truth for Trucha as Bandari spank AFC Leopards](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/22102023/4d1d2029-ee1b-4155-a9a1-671e58c7493e.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
21:00 - 22.10.2023
FKFPL Moment of truth for Trucha as Bandari spank AFC Leopards
Leopards will have to wait an extra one week to get their first win of the season after running out losers to Bandari at Mbaraki
The defeat only added to the woes of AFC Leopards, who remained second-to-last in the league standings, level on four points with Sofapaka but the latter sit at the bottom due to goal difference.
In a heartfelt message to the club's passionate supporters, Trucha emphasized the need for love and support for the players, likening their relationship to that of parents with their children.
![Fan view: 'AFC Leopards fans let's gather here and cry' - mixed reactions after Ingwe lose to Bandari](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/22102023/43af65df-6700-4f89-a457-015768260882.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
08:00 - 23.10.2023
FKFPL Fan view: 'AFC Leopards fans let's gather here and cry' - mixed reactions after Ingwe lose to Bandari
AFC Leopards' fans express frustration on social media after a 1-0 loss to Bandari, leaving them in 17th place on the league table.
The gaffer acknowledged the difficulties the team had faced, both on and off the field, in the lead-up to the match and highlighted the players' commitment to adapting to his new coaching methods.
"I saw players working hard all week to be part of a team for the Mombasa trip. All the players are trying their best to absorb all the new information and instructions in the shortest time possible.
![FKF-PL: AFC Leopards’ Trucha under pressure to deliver first win as Tusker’s Matano face Gor Mahia amid sack threats](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21102023/254fbdac-8301-48b3-b2f3-6d24c0d35371.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
07:36 - 22.10.2023
FOOTBALL FKF-PL: AFC Leopards’ Trucha under pressure to deliver first win as Tusker’s Matano face Gor Mahia amid sack threats
AFC Leopards fans are hoping new coach Tomas Trucha will begin his reign with a win against Bandari as the sack looms over his Tusker counterpart Robert Matano who face Gor Mahia
"Every player used in the Bandari match fought for the team, and players who sat on the bench gave full support," he stated in a statement issued by the club.
Trucha expressed his disappointment at some fans who had verbally attacked and almost physically confronted their own players before and during the match, despite their efforts.
![Nyakeya sends message of hope to AFC Leopards fans following winless start](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/20102023/596a71dd-7bbe-4d62-b173-d1e09dfaa3be.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
11:06 - 20.10.2023
FKFPL Nyakeya sends message of hope to AFC Leopards fans following winless start
Leopards sit 17th in the table, putting them perilously in the relegation places just three points ahead of rock-bottom Sofapaka.
The Czech coach acknowledged the turmoil that had surrounded the club in the lead-up to the season, including last-minute player signings, a near-complete overhaul of the squad, the departure of the previous coach, and various other changes.
However, he emphasized the importance of mutual support and unity during these trying times.
![AFC Leopards: Five things new coach Tomas Trucha needs to sort out to bring Ingwe back to life](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/16102023/53a72ff7-dc72-45d1-a842-d5cde5505a44.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
06:32 - 17.10.2023
FOOTBALL AFC Leopards: Five things new coach Tomas Trucha needs to sort out to bring Ingwe back to life
Pulse Sports lists the five major things new AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha will have to address if he is to be successful at the club
"I came back to AFC because it's time to help, and I know we will push our players to win the games, but for now, we should all stay together and support each other. Negativity, threats, attacks, doubts, and insults will never help our Ingwe family come back to its glory days," he added.
The match against Bandari saw AFC Leopards concede the winning goal in the second half, as Derrick Nsibambi capitalised on a poor clearance from the Leopards' defense to fire home from close range.
![A look into Benson Omala's offside goals against AFC Leopards and Tusker](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/23102023/9fc54773-3f45-40ff-8195-806b85cc7761.jpeg?operations=fit(180:))
15:32 - 23.10.2023
FKFPL A look into Benson Omala's offside goals against AFC Leopards and Tusker
Omala’s last two goals against AFC Leopards and Tusker respectively were allowed to stand despite being netted from offside positions.
It was a frustrating result for the team and its supporters, but Trucha remaines steadfast in his belief that with time and support, the club would bounce back.