Sigh of relief! AFC Leopards finally register players

© AFC Leopards

TRANSFERS Sigh of relief! AFC Leopards finally register players

Kiplagat Sang • 14:33 - 05.07.2023

Owing to a transfer ban, Ingwe were previously not allowed to register new players.

Kenyan heavyweights AFC Leopards are set to register their players who had been locked out of the previous season.

Leopards could not have the players because they were restricted from signing new ones due to a FIFA ban that was in place.

Ronald Sichenje, Nester Olum, Emmanuel Lwanga, Aboubakar Masha, Lauren James, and Victor Otieno will now be registered as new players for Ingwe after they signed for the club but got no clearance to play.

Sichenje, a striker, had to be sent on loan to Mathare United, who got relegated. Lwanga is a central defender, and his availability is expected to solidify the Leopards' backline, while Otieno, famously known as Aguero, is a winger.

The availability of Olum, a left-back, could see Lewis Bandi redeployed next season, and James, being a right-back, is expected to offer stiff competition in that department. However, other reports indicate James could be sent out on loan after his registration.

Masha is expected to compete with Levis Opiyo in goal next season but faces the tough task of relegating the experienced former Gor Mahia custodian to the bench. Opiyo, despite the Leopards' struggle in the season, kept 15 clean sheets and was in the mix for the Golden Glove award, which was finally taken by Gad Mathews of Gor Mahia and Nzoia Sugar's Humphrey Katasi.

What remains now is for the club to confirm whether they will continue with Patrick Aussems as their head coach. Reports indicate the Belgian is ready to extend his deal with Ingwe, but on improved terms.