Improve or face the axe, Zapata warns Leopards under-performers

AFC Leopards head coach Rodolfo Zapata has fired a warning to non-starters to prove him wrong whenever they are given a rare opportunity or be axed from his squad as he eyes the Super Cup, Kenyan Premier League as well as retaining the FKF Shield.

The Argentine who took over from Tanzanian Dennis Kitambi on May 7 leads his charges against Singida United of Tanzania this afternoon in a Super Cup tourney with an unprecedented chance of facing Everton FC at Goodison Park for the winners.

With the likes of striker Ezekiel Odera, winger Baker Lukooya, Mike Kibwage, Wyvonne Isuza and captain Duncan Otieno in the mix, some players who have had a rare start in the Zapata line-up will have ato convince the Argentine that they deserve a starting spot this afternoon.

When the two teams met last year in the same competition, Leopards won 5-4 on a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Uhuru Stadium, Tanzania in the quarter finals.

With Zapata’s terse warning, issued on his Twitter handle, Ingwe players who are likely to don the club colours are will have to go the extra mile to win with every move on the pitch being monitored closely by the tactician.

Under the reign of Zapata, players who have struggled to earn a starting role are custodian Gabriel Andika ,Uche Henry,Otuoma Ezekiel, Oduro Isaac, Prince Arkoe, Abwao Marcus ,Ray Omondo, Victor Mavisi and Clyd Senaji who was acquired from Vihiga United.

The 13-time Kenyan Premier League champions are among the favourites in this year Super Cup competition but will have to be at their level best to eliminate Singida United who are now in their second year in the Tanzanian top flight league.

With the defending champions Gor Mahia FC and Kakamega Homeboyz having won in their opening matches by knocking out Jeshi la Kujenga Uchumi of Zanzibar and Yanga SC of Tanzania respectively, Leopards’ task is to complete the perfect start for Kenyan sides.

At the same time Team Manager Gilbert Selebwa has said that Leopards aim is to win the crown and play Everton FC.

“We met Singida United last year but that is not the real focus, we want to beat every opponent we get on the way so that we go to England,” Selebwa said.

 

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AFC Leopards coach Rodolfo Zapata non-starters warned

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