AFC Leopards’ head coach, Thomas Trucha, is rallying his troops ahead of one of the most anticipated football clashes in the Kenyan Premier League – the Mashemeji derby against arch-rivals Gor Mahia. Scheduled to take place on November 24, this encounter is poised to be more than just another football match; it represents a deeper struggle for supremacy between two of Kenya’s most successful football clubs. Trucha, a seasoned coach with a strong tactical mindset, is confident that this year’s derby will mark a turning point for AFC Leopards, a club that has been starved of silverware for more than two decades.
Trucha’s confidence in his team’s potential is evident as he points to the depth and quality of the squad following a successful transfer window. He believes that the new signings, combined with the experience and talent already present, have positioned Leopards as genuine contenders for the league title. The coach is not just focusing on winning the league but also on reclaiming bragging rights in the derby, where Gor Mahia has dominated in recent years.
“We are not only focusing on the league title but also on the Mashemeji derby. We want to win both legs and send a strong message that AFC Leopards is back to its best,” Trucha confidently stated. He acknowledges that Gor Mahia has had the upper hand in the derby in the past, but he insists that the time has come for Leopards to reverse that trend.
The Mashemeji derby is more than just a regular fixture on the league calendar; it is a cultural and historical event that transcends football. Both clubs boast a rich legacy, with AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia being two of the oldest and most decorated football clubs in Kenya. Their rivalry is steeped in history, with fans on both sides attaching significant emotional value to the outcome of these matches. For AFC Leopards’ fans, winning the derby would not only restore pride but also signal the club’s resurgence as a top contender in Kenyan football.
After guiding AFC Leopards to a top-five finish last season, Trucha is determined to go one better this time around. His vision is clear: to deliver a trophy to the club’s long-suffering fans who have not seen their team lift the Kenyan Premier League title in 26 years. Trucha has stressed the importance of teamwork, discipline, and belief, factors he sees as essential in achieving their goals this season. He understands the weight of expectations placed upon him by both the management and the fans, but he remains unfazed, choosing instead to focus on the positives.
“We know our fans have been patient for far too long, and we owe it to them to bring home a trophy. The league title is within our reach, but we have to stay focused, work hard, and believe in ourselves,” Trucha emphasized. He is fully aware that the road to success will not be easy, especially with strong competition from other top teams in the league, including Gor Mahia. However, the coach believes that the recent squad reinforcements will give Leopards the edge they need to compete at the highest level.
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One of the standout acquisitions in the transfer window was Julius Masaba, a dynamic and skillful winger signed from Kariobangi Sharks. Masaba’s pace, dribbling, and ability to unlock defenses will add a new dimension to Leopards’ attacking play. He is expected to form a lethal attacking partnership with Harambee Stars striker Victor Omune and Burundian forward Arthur Gitego. Gitego, who was a contender for the Golden Boot last season with eight goals, has already shown his goal-scoring prowess and will be relied upon to lead the charge in front of goal.
Trucha’s faith in his new signings is unwavering. He believes that the fresh faces, coupled with the experience of seasoned players, have given AFC Leopards a balanced and formidable squad. “We’ve worked hard in the transfer market to strengthen all areas of the team. Every department is healthy, and we are confident that the players will rise to the occasion and deliver in key matches,” the coach remarked.
Leopards’ strong start to the season has already given fans hope. A convincing 4-0 victory over Mathare United in the opening fixture demonstrated the team’s attacking firepower and defensive solidity. However, Trucha knows that consistency will be key if they are to challenge for the title. Their next test comes against Posta Rangers at Machakos Stadium, and Trucha is keen to maintain the momentum.
“We’ve started the season on the right foot, but it’s just the beginning. We need to keep our focus and build on this result,” he concluded.
With a determined coach, a revitalized squad, and a burning desire to reclaim glory, AFC Leopards are poised for what could be their most important season in recent history. As the November 24 Mashemeji derby approaches, all eyes will be on Trucha and his men, eager to see if this could be the year that Leopards finally roar back to the top of Kenyan football.
