AFC Leopards' turmoil deepens as physiotherapist Bonaventure Odire exits, becoming the third technical staff member to leave amidst challenges
Twelve-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions AFC Leopards are facing a turbulent season as another key member of their technical bench, physiotherapist Bonaventure Odire, has bid farewell to the club.
This marks the third departure from the club's technical staff, following the earlier dismissals of head coach Tom Juma and goalkeeper trainer Lawrence Webo.
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Bonaventure Odire, who had served the club faithfully for an extended period, made the announcement of his departure on Friday night.
The reasons for his departure remain unclear, as it is uncertain whether he was shown the door or if he decided to take a bold step and resign amidst the ongoing troubles at the den.
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Taking to his social media handles, Odire expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks for all the good times. My head is held up high."
The upheaval in the AFC Leopards technical bench has been a prominent storyline this season. The club's management lost patience with head coach Tom Juma and decided to part ways with him.
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To fill the void left by Juma, the club is set to appoint Czech tactician Tomas Trucha, who is returning to the den for a second stint.
Tomas Trucha, who most recently coached top-tier side Kelantan United in Malaysia, had a brief tenure at AFC Leopards in 2020. However, his initial stint lasted for less than a month, as he departed amid allegations of feeling threatened by a section of the supporters. During his previous tenure, Tom Juma and Anthony Kimani served as his assistants.
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Juma's dismissal makes him the third coach to be sent packing by AFC Leopards this season, just six matches into the campaign. The trend of winless starts to the season led to the departures of Sofapaka's Francis Harigingo and Kenya Police FC's Francis Baraza earlier.
The season has not been kind to AFC Leopards, as they have struggled to secure victories, managing only two draws in their first six matches while suffering two defeats. Their recent derby loss to arch-rivals Gor Mahia proved to be the final straw for Tom Juma, who was already under pressure.
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AFC Leopards now hope that the return of Tomas Trucha will bring stability and positive results to the team. The Ingwe management is keen on turning their fortunes around and returning to the glory days that saw them win the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title on twelve occasions.