AFC Leopards captain Cliffton Miheso has set his sights on a successful Premier League campaign for the 2024/25 season, identifying a strong start as the critical factor that could propel the team to title contention. After a rocky beginning to the previous season, which saw Leopards languishing near the relegation zone before a remarkable turnaround in the second half, Miheso is determined to avoid a repeat of those early struggles.
Miheso emphasized that the team’s intense pre-season training and the addition of experienced players could make all the difference this time around. The captain is confident that these factors will help the team hit the ground running, giving them a solid foundation to build on throughout the season. “We need a good start this season if we want to have a chance at the league,” Miheso stated, underscoring the importance of early momentum.
Reflecting on Last Season’s Struggles
The previous season was a tale of two halves for AFC Leopards. The team endured a torrid start, with their first win not arriving until October. During the early weeks, Leopards hovered dangerously close to the relegation zone, sparking concerns among fans and management alike. However, a significant turnaround in the second half of the season saw the team climb the standings to secure a respectable fifth-place finish.
Miheso acknowledged that the slow start was a major setback for the team’s title ambitions. “That was not really good for our team. Hopefully, this season, we will have a good start because that is what we did not have last season,” he said. With this in mind, the captain and his teammates have focused on ensuring they are well-prepared for the new campaign.
The Importance of Pre-Season Preparation
Pre-season preparation has been a key focus for AFC Leopards as they aim to avoid the pitfalls of last season. Miheso highlighted the positive impact of the training sessions led by coach Tomas Trucha, noting that the team has benefited from the rigorous and well-structured pre-season program. “We started well with pre-season with the coaches and have had good intense training, so hopefully, this season, we will have a good start,” Miheso remarked.
The addition of experienced players to the squad has also been a significant boost for the team. Miheso is optimistic that these new signings will bring added strength and depth to the squad, enabling Leopards to compete at the highest level. “We have signed good experienced players who are going to help us, and hopefully, they are going to add some strength to the team,” he added.
AFC Leopards captain Cliffton Miheso opinion on what the team needs to end their 26-year Premier League title drought.
Despite the challenges of the previous season, Miheso is confident that AFC Leopards can be serious contenders for the Premier League title in 2024/25. He emphasized that as one of Kenya’s most storied football clubs, Leopards have a duty to challenge for every available trophy. “AFC Leopards is a big club, and every season, they should always challenge for the league and available trophies,” Miheso said.
The captain also highlighted the significance of the club’s pedigree, which he believes will play a crucial role in their pursuit of success. “This season is still the same because we are a big team and going to challenge for every trophy that is there,” he asserted.
Preparing for the Season Opener
As part of their preparations for the new season, AFC Leopards will face Ugandan Premier League side Express FC in a friendly match on Friday. This match will provide a valuable opportunity for the team to assess their readiness ahead of their FKF Premier League season opener against Mathare United on August 24.
Miheso is confident that the friendly match against Express FC will give the team a good indication of where they stand and what needs to be improved before the competitive fixtures begin. “Express is a good team, so it is a good chance to see where we are,” he said.
Conclusion: A Call to Fans
Miheso concluded by calling on the fans to continue supporting the team as they embark on what promises to be an exciting and challenging season. He acknowledged the vital role that fan support plays in motivating the players and driving the team toward success. “My call to fans is to continue supporting us,” Miheso urged.
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