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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
Newly-appointed AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha has gotten down to work following his appointment as Tom Juma’s replacement.
Trucha returns to Leopards who he managed briefly between November and December 2020 before he quit, citing threats to his life.
Whether he is now assured of his safety is another case but he walks into a club still in a mess, just like he left it in 2020. In fact, Ingwe are in more trouble than they were when the Czech national fled three years ago.
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16:00 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL AFC Leopards legend unconvinced by Trucha's ‘questionable’ record
Former AFC Leopards midfielder Charles Okwmba has questioned the credentials of Ingwe new coach Tomas Trucha who he does not feel will lead them to success
They have not won a match in their opening six games, drawing four while losing two, which leaves them second from bottom in the league with a paltry four points.
While Leopards fans expected a rough ride, even the most pessimistic ones hoped they would have secured maximum points by match week six but that has not happened.
Ingwe fans breathed a sigh of relief when their transfer ban was lifted and the club went on a shopping spree, signing 12 new players. However, they have taken time to gel and build an understanding and fans were not ready to wait, calling for Juma’s sacking as early as the third match.
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09:08 - 15.10.2023
FKFPL Tomas Trucha’s rallying message to AFC Leopards fans as he compares situation to Liverpool's when Jurgen Klopp joined
Trucha sent a rallying call to AFC Leopards fans in his last stint at the club, comparing Ingwe's troubles to Jurgen Klopp during his difficult first few months as Liverpool boss
If the fans cannot be patient with club legend Juma, it means Trucha will not be afforded more time and matters are not helped by his underwhelming past record.
Lift confidence
He therefore needs to hit the ground running and first on his agenda is to bring the belief back.
Leopards players’ confidence is on the floor following their poor start to the season and they need to be motivated.
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22:55 - 14.10.2023
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The tactician needs to inform his players that they are good enough to win matches which will lift the confidence levels before they embark on their next matches.
Without belief, even if he comes up with good tactics, the players will find it hard to rise to the occasion.
Stop the hemorrhage
Once they start believing, they will play with calmness not with the handbrake on because they are afraid to make mistakes.
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08:00 - 10.10.2023
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Mistakes have been commonplace in Ingwe’s matches this season, contributing to their poor defensive record that has seen them keep just two clean sheets.
Leopards have been so open at the back, allowing opponents to easily play through them, seeing them concede six goals.
They have let in easy goals in their last three matches but they need to keep it tight at the back if they have to win matches.
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10:00 - 14.10.2023
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Get Ingwe scoring
If they put a stop to their leaky defence, it will give them confidence going forward, allowing the forwards to hunt for goals, another area they are doing poorly in.
Ingwe have scored just three goals, the second worst in the division, with only Bandari and Muhoroni Youth, who have two apiece, scoring fewer.
Scoring was a problem for Leopards even last season when they finished seventh after managing 32, only better than relegated Mathare United (26), Vihiga Bullets (28), and Muhoroni (22) who escaped the axe via the playoff.
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07:33 - 13.10.2023
FOOTBALL Good news at the Den! AFC Leopards surpass 2022 gate collection in just four home matches
AFC Leopards may be struggling on the pitch but they seem to be doing well when it comes to matchday revenue as they have collected more in four matches than in the whole of 2022.
Victor Omune was their highest scorer last term with eight goals followed by Cliff Nyakeya and Ojo Olaniyi who had seven apiece. Omune is currently out injured, Nyakeya is yet to score while Olaniyi left the club in the off-season.
Trucha’s predecessor Juma preferred an attack of Brian Yakhama, Cliffton Miheso, and Victor Otieno and of the three, only the former scored. The new coach therefore needs to get them firing if they are to win matches.
Win a game
Nothing will lift the confidence more than posting a victory and at this point, it does not matter whether it is a fluke, scrappy, tap in, or a wonder goal that will deliver this.
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19:50 - 11.10.2023
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All that is required is a victory that will get them believing again. If Leopards can keep it tight at the back and score at the other end, then victory will be delivered.
They face struggling Bandari on Sunday, followed by games against Nzoia Sugar, Kariobangi Sharks, and Nairobi City Stars before they host leaders Posta Rangers. Two wins coupled with as many draws from this will not be a bad start for Trucha.
Get fans on side
Getting positive results will help greatly in winning over the fans who are skeptical of Trucha’s appointment.
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17:00 - 12.10.2023
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They wanted Juma gone but hoped for an upgrade in his replacement and many are not convinced by the new coach’s record.
Trucha will therefore have to do his talking on the pitch and what better way to win over a stubborn and highly-demanding fanbase than winning matches.
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