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Since his return, Tomas Trucha has steadily transformed AFC Leopards, guiding them from a struggling side to serious contenders.
On the evening of 15 October 2023, AFC Leopards fans went to bed with the news that Czech tactician Tomas Trucha had been appointed as the club’s head coach for a second tenure.
Trucha's return came in the wake of a tumultuous season under Tom Juma, whose short-lived stint ended following a 2-0 defeat to bitter rivals Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby.
Trucha was handed the reins of a team languishing second-last in the league standings, desperate for a turnaround.
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Trucha had a brief and dramatic spell at AFC Leopards in 2020, leaving after just over a month due to security concerns.
Despite the controversy surrounding his exit, the club turned to the Czech tactician once again in 2023, hoping to restore stability and return to winning ways.
His appointment came with the task of pulling the team out of the relegation zone after a disappointing start to the season that saw Leopards collect only four points from six matches.
One year on, Trucha’s impact has been nothing short of transformative. The club, once struggling, now finds itself in a competitive position, having achieved impressive results under his leadership.
"It's been one year since our head coach, Tomas Trucha, rejoined AFC Leopards," the club wrote in a statement celebrating his one-year anniversary.
"He's been in charge of 37 competitive matches. Winning 21, drawing 8, and losing 8."
The statistics speak for themselves as under Trucha’s guidance, AFC Leopards have found a new sense of discipline and consistency on the pitch.
His tenure has seen the team score 45 goals while conceding just 22, a testament to the balance he has struck between attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Despite this early setback, the coach remained focused on the task at hand. His ability to galvanize the squad and instill a winning mentality soon became evident as AFC Leopards began to climb the league standings.
"The issue of his brief stint was discussed, and it is evident it was due to an unconducive working environment. The coach and the technical bench met on Sunday, and all focus is now to ensure the team performs in the league," explained AFC Leopards Secretary General Gilbert Andugu at the time of Trucha’s appointment.
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A year later, the change in the team's fortunes is apparent. Last season, AFC Leopards finished in fifth place with 51 points from 34 matches, winning 13, drawing 12, and losing 9.
It was a marked improvement from the previous struggles, and this season has started even brighter.
After four matches, the Leopards currently sit third on the log with nine points, having won three and lost just one.
Trucha’s ability to navigate difficult situations and deliver results has not only earned him the trust of his employers but also the admiration of AFC Leopards fans, who have long yearned for consistency at the club.
The coach has been instrumental in fostering team spirit and utilizing a tactical approach that plays to the strengths of his players.
His attacking philosophy, coupled with a solid defense, has turned the Leopards into a force to be reckoned with once again.
Beyond the numbers, Trucha has also helped rejuvenate the careers of several players and brought in fresh talent to bolster the squad.
Working alongside former Kenyan international Fred Ambani and new
As the season progresses, there is cautious optimism around AFC Leopards.
Ingwe 's hierarchy is keen to build on the foundation Trucha has laid, and fans are hopeful that this resurgence will continue. While challenges remain, particularly in navigating a highly competitive league, Trucha’s record over the past year gives every indication that the club is on the right track.
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One year since his return, Ingwe have roared back to life under Tomas Trucha.
The coach’s steady hand and tactical acumen have restored hope at the den, and if his achievements over the past 12 months are any indication, the best may yet be to come for AFC Leopards.
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