AFC Leopards, Nzoia set sight on the title after massive signings

AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda has expressed his confidence in his team’s ability to win the KPL title this season.

He notes that AFC Leopards has a balance of youthful and experienced players, a prerequisite to winning the title.

Shikanda has also put his faith in Tom Juma as their head coach saying the tactician is the right person to steer the team to glory.

“For the years he has been with us as a player, team manager and assistant coach, Tom Juma has worked under four top cream tacticians.

“The experience he has gathered working under different tacticians makes me believe he is the best person to take the team to the next level. I am confident he will help us win our first title after a long time,” Shikanda said.

His sentiments were echoed by Leopards’ assistant coach Fred Ambani who also expressed his confidence in the new players they have brought into the team.

“Our major plan for this season is to lift the league, and that’s what we will play for. We are not targeting the top five; we are targeting to finish top of the log this season,” Ambani emphasized.

To achieve their title dream the 12-time league champions have signed a record of fourteen players including: Clifton Miheso from Police FC, Kevin Kimani from Mathare United and the trio of Boniface Munyendo, Yassin Sije and goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi from Nzoia Sugar.

Other players they have acquired are; free agent Kevin Kimani, Randy Bakari (Def) from Nzoia Sugar, Hassan Beja (wing) from Nzoia Sugar, Vincent Mahiga (Def) from Nzoia Sugar, Luke Namanda (Wing) from Rwanda's Musanze, Brian Yakhama (Forw) from FC Talanta, Brian Mandela (Def) from Mwatate FC, Gideon Were (Def) from Mathare United, Shawn Oloo from Wazito and Aziz Okaka (Wing) from Wazito.

On the other side, Nzoia Sugar, whom AFC Leopards raided to acquire the services of their players, have also noted they are ready to battle for the title this season.

The miller’s team trainer said their aim to lift the title is achievable after they impressively performed in the league last season, finishing fourth behind champions Gor Mahia, Tusker and Kenya Police.

"As Nzoia Sugar we have a plan of finishing at the top. This is part of a plan we had to continue with what we did last season. The boys are capable; we have made some sensational additions to the squad.

“We have signed players mainly from Bungoma County and its environs; we are convinced they will make us proud", said Gin.