Tomas Trucha has revealed the key problems that left him no choice but to request for termination of his contract with AFC Leopards, but has also vowed not to take the club to FIFA.
Tomas Trucha has shed light on the pressing issues that led to his mutual agreement to part ways with AFC Leopards.
Speaking candidly after his contract termination, Trucha cited a lack of alignment in vision and persistent structural challenges as the primary reasons for his departure.
The Czech tactician’s exit was sealed after a 1-0 loss to Shabana , a defeat that extended Ingwe's winless streak to five matches and saw the team tumble from third to tenth in the league standings.
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Trucha revealed that his decision to step down was initiated by himself, driven by concerns over the club’s direction.
“After the game against Shabana, I told the chairman that it was best for us to part ways amicably because I felt we weren’t pulling in the same direction,” Trucha explained as quoted on Mozzart Sport.
His comments came weeks after he controversially declared that AFC Leopards were not in a position to compete for titles this season. This candid assessment, he believes, did not sit well with the club’s management.
“There are many challenges surrounding a football team. As a coach, my job is to focus on the players and work within the resources available. But everyone at the club must do their part and maintain professionalism in their roles,” Trucha said.
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Highlighting specific issues, Trucha painted a grim picture of the hurdles affecting the team's performance.
“For example, Hassan Beja needs an MRI due to an injury, but there’s no money for it. The players and coaches are not being paid on time, and with so much going wrong, the environment isn’t conducive for top honors,” he stated.
He clarified that his earlier remarks about the team’s inability to compete for titles were not a critique of the players' capabilities but rather a reflection of the broader systemic problems.
“My comment about our inability to compete wasn’t about the squad’s capability to win the league; it’s about the other factors affecting the team’s success,” he added.
Trucha stressed the importance of professionalism at all levels of the club, warning that without it, achieving success will remain elusive.
“Everyone at the club must do their part and maintain professionalism in their roles. The team’s struggles are not just about tactics or talent but also the conditions in which they operate,” he emphasised.
Despite the challenges, Trucha remains optimistic about resolving his exit amicably.
“We’re working on a termination agreement that will satisfy both sides. I’m not planning to take the club to FIFA. We’ll have discussions, and I’m confident we’ll reach a fair solution for both sides,” he said.
Though his tenure ended under challenging circumstances, Trucha expressed pride in his accomplishments during his time at the club.
“I hold no grudges with anyone on the team. This is purely work-related. We’ve reached a point where we can no longer work together, and that’s normal in football — it happens every day.
“I’ll leave happy and proud of what I’ve achieved. I took over during a difficult period and managed to guide the team to third place in the FKF Cup and a respectable league finish,” he concluded.
Trucha’s departure underscores the urgent need for AFC Leopards to address the systemic issues that have plagued the club for years. From ensuring timely payments to creating a conducive environment for both players and staff, Ingwe must take significant steps to rebuild and reclaim their status as title contenders.