AFC Leopards have made a bold statement ahead of the FKF Premier League season, set to kick off on Saturday, August 24, 2024, by unveiling four new players who are expected to be instrumental in their quest to reclaim the league title. The club, which has a storied history with 12 Premier League titles, is determined to end a title drought that has persisted since 1998.
The new additions to the squad include Peter Manyang, the captain of the South Sudan national team, forward Sydney Lokale, wing-back Julius Masaba, and midfielder Samuel Semo. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and experience that AFC Leopards hopes will enhance their performance on the pitch.
Peter Manyang, a 30-year-old defender, is one of the most notable signings. He joins the club from Serbian First League side FK Radnički Sremska Mitrovica, where he has been playing since 2023. Manyang’s international experience is expected to bring much-needed stability and leadership to the Leopards’ backline. Before his stint in Serbia, he played for Al-Ghazal and Amarat United in South Sudan, where he honed his defensive skills and established himself as a key player for the national team.
Sydney Lokale, a 23-year-old forward, arrives from KCB, where he has been a regular feature since 2022. Lokale is no stranger to top-flight football, having also played for Kariobangi Sharks between 2018 and 2022. His time at Kariobangi Sharks was marked by a loan spell in 2020 with HIFK Fotbol in Helsinki, Finland, where he gained valuable international experience. Lokale is known for his pace, agility, and goal-scoring ability, and he is expected to add firepower to the Leopards’ attack.
Julius Masaba, a versatile wing-back, is another key addition. He joins from Kariobangi Sharks, where he made a name for himself as a reliable and hardworking player. Masaba’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset to the team. His experience in the Premier League will be crucial as AFC Leopards aim to strengthen their wide play and defensive solidity.
Samuel Semo, a midfielder with a strong work ethic, comes from Murang’a SEAL. Semo’s tenacity in midfield is expected to provide the team with the engine it needs to dominate games and control the tempo. His signing is part of the club’s strategy to bolster the midfield, which is seen as a key area for improvement.
In addition to the player signings, AFC Leopards have also bolstered their technical bench by appointing Kenneth Wendo as the 2nd Assistant Coach. Wendo, who brings a wealth of experience to the coaching staff, was introduced during a gala night held at a city hotel. His appointment is part of a broader strategy to ensure the team has the right support and guidance as they strive for success in the upcoming season.
The gala event, which was attended by players, management, and fans, had a central theme of restoring AFC Leopards to their former glory. Club chairman Dan Shikanda took the opportunity to express his confidence in the team’s new signings and the overall direction the club is taking. He emphasized that the club has learned from past mistakes and is ready to start the season on a strong footing.
“Our performance in the first 10 matches last season was below our expectations,” Shikanda remarked. “We’ve done our homework, and this time, we plan to hit the ground running. The new signings are crucial to our plans, and I believe they will help us start the season with the momentum we need to challenge for the title.”
Head Coach Thomas Trucha echoed Shikanda’s sentiments, expressing optimism about the upcoming season. Trucha, who has been working closely with the new signings, believes that the team is well-prepared to compete at the highest level. “We aim to begin the season with a statement of intent,” Trucha said. “Our goal is to show everyone that AFC Leopards are serious contenders for the championship.”
Team captain Clifton Miheso also spoke during the event, emphasizing the need for the team to improve on last season’s performance. “We didn’t achieve our goals last year, but this season, we are determined to turn things around,” Miheso stated. “We’ve worked hard during the off-season, and with the new additions to the squad, we’re ready to give our best.”
The gala event also saw the recognition of individual excellence within the team. Victor Omune was awarded the Players’ Player of the Season and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his outstanding performances last season. Additionally, Kaycie Odhiambo was honored as the Fans’ Player of the Season, while Kelson Amunya was recognized as the Fan of the Season, reflecting the strong bond between the club and its supporters.
With the new season fast approaching, AFC Leopards will kick off their campaign with an away match against newly promoted Mathare United on Saturday at Dandora Stadium. The match will be a test of the team’s readiness and will set the tone for the season.
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