Pressure mounts on AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha as fans issue ultimatum

Pressure mounts on AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha as fans issue ultimatum

Festus Chuma 05:00 - 25.10.2024

A series of disappointing performances has led AFC Leopards fans to issue a public warning to coach Tomas Trucha, demanding improvements following the team's 1-0 loss to Murang'a Seal in FKF Premier League.

That all is not well at AFC Leopards is ­obvious following growing calls from supporters for the dismissal of head coach Tomas Trucha.

This comes after the club suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Murang'a Seal in a mid-week FKF Premier League clash on Wednesday at St Sebastian Park in Murang'a.

The defeat marked a significant downturn in form casting a shadow over what had previously been a promising start to the season.

Just weeks ago, Leopards' fans were riding high on the euphoria of their team’s 2-1 victory over Nairobi City Stars. Hopes remained high even after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks.

However, the latest defeat has left many fans questioning the team’s consistency, and their concerns over tactical naivety, lack of cohesion, and underperforming players are growing louder.

Things have gone pear-shaped for Leopards and it seems the tipping point has been reached.

A section of the club's supporters has issued a public warning to Trucha, urging him to turn things around quickly.

In an open letter addressed to the coach, and seen by Pulse Sports, frustrated fans expressed their dissatisfaction.

"This letter serves as a written warning to you regarding your poor performance in the latest Kenya Premier League matches, as revealed by your performance reports," the letter read.

"We have continuously monitored your performance and it has occurred to us that the ratings are not satisfactory and have consistently failed to meet the team’s expectations."

AFC Leopards began the season in solid form, with three wins out of six matches, placing them in fourth position with 10 points.

Ingwe have managed a positive goal difference of +4, having scored 8 goals and conceded 4.

However, the team’s two losses and a single draw have raised concerns among fans about the team's consistency and ability to maintain momentum.

Despite the club's relatively high standing, supporters are worried that the recent performances signal deeper problems within the team.

"We are reliably informed that your employer (NEC) has already discussed with you on this matter, and therefore we are hereby sending this official written warning to you," the letter continued.

"If we do not see any significant improvement in your performance during the next league match against Mara Sugar, we will have no choice but to call on you to terminate your employment with AFC Leopards Sports Club."

AFC Leopards’ season has been a mixed bag so far as their ability to find the back of the net, combined with a relatively solid defense, has kept them in the top four of the league standings.

However, the losses against Murang’a Seal and other mid-table teams are a clear indication that the team still has work to do if they are to challenge for the title.

The warning from fans comes at a crucial point in the season, with the next match against Mara Sugar now taking on added significance.

Leopards supporters have made it clear that they will not tolerate another subpar performance, and all eyes will be on the coach and his team to see how they respond to the growing pressure.

"Looking forward to seeing a drastic improvement in your performance," the letter concluded, leaving no doubt about the gravity of the situation.

Trucha and his squad must now find a way to silence their critics and return to winning ways or risk facing further backlash from an increasingly impatient fan base.