Former AFC Leopards midfielder Charles Okwemba has publicly criticized head coach Tomas Trucha for his decision to bench several experienced players during the team’s narrow 1-0 loss to Posta Rangers in the FKF-PL match held at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday. Okwemba argues that the absence of these key players played a significant role in the disappointing outcome of the match.
In the pivotal match, notable players such as defensive midfielder Kayci Odhiambo, forward Victor Omune, and Rwandan striker Arthur Gitego were conspicuously left out of the starting eleven. Okwemba believes that had these seasoned players been included in the lineup, AFC Leopards would have stood a better chance of securing a victory.
“It goes without saying that football deserves continuity or consistency, and every coach must have their starting eleven,” Okwemba emphasized. His comments highlight the necessity of maintaining a stable and reliable squad, particularly after the team’s emphatic 4-0 victory against Mathare United in their season opener, where all the experienced players were instrumental in the win.
Okwemba pointed out that making significant changes to the starting lineup against Posta Rangers was a miscalculation. “Making these changes and leaving out these players was a mistake. I believe they must be regretting it now,” he added, expressing his concern about the team’s strategy and player selection.
The defeat is particularly troubling for the 12-time league champions, who entered the season with high hopes and aspirations to compete fiercely for the league title. After their strong start, Okwemba’s comments reflect a sense of urgency and disappointment regarding the current trajectory of the team. “Of course, it’s not acceptable. Where Leopards are coming from and the ambitions this team has, we are fighting for a league title. Losing our second match of the season is not good,” he remarked.
Okwemba’s call for consistency comes at a crucial time for the club, as he urged everyone involved—players, coaching staff, and club officials—to recognize the pressing need to end the prolonged title drought. “We have exhausted excuses for not winning titles. It’s time to start acting and showing results rather than just talking about winning them,” he asserted passionately. “We cannot continue to be a team that finishes a season trophy-less.”
AFC Leopards’ current performance and strategic choices have raised questions among fans and analysts alike. The team’s drop from first to fifth place in the league standings has put added pressure on both the players and the coaching staff. Currently, the team trails behind KCB, Kariobangi Sharks, Bandari FC, and Posta Rangers, all of whom are tied on four points after the initial rounds of matches.
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The situation has prompted Okwemba to emphasize the need for a renewed focus and dedication within the squad. He believes that the players must step up and demonstrate their commitment to achieving the club’s goals. “It should be a message to our players, coaching staff, and the officials that we are not a team that should finish a season trophy-less,” he concluded, highlighting the expectations that come with being part of a historically successful club like AFC Leopards.
As the team prepares for its upcoming fixtures, the call for consistency and the inclusion of experienced players will be vital for reversing their fortunes this season. Okwemba’s criticism serves as a reminder of the high standards that fans and former players expect from the club, and it will be interesting to see how the management responds to these challenges in the coming matches. The focus now lies on reclaiming the top spot and reinforcing the ambition to end the title drought that has lingered for far too long.
