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AFC Leopards' head coach Thomas Trucha has reflected on the team's pre-season camp in Mumias, highlighting preparations for upcoming league challenges.
AFC Leopards head coach Thomas Trucha has shared an optimistic outlook on his team's preparations in Mumias as they ready themselves for a significant pre-season friendly against Uganda's Express FC.
The upcoming 2024/25 FKF Premier League season is pivotal for Ingwe who are determined to reclaim their glory after a long title drought.
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13:02 - 15.08.2024
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Leopards' pre-season camp in Western Kenya included several friendly matches against local sides, which provided the squad a robust platform to integrate new signings and test tactical variations.
These preparations culminated in their travel to Uganda for an invitational friendly on August 16 set to take place at the newly refurbished Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium.
"Everything we planned in this camp in Mumias happened, and we are looking forward to the start of the league. We believe the team is better than before. Now, in most positions, we have quality players who can step in for any injuries or yellow cards we may encounter, just as we did last season," Trucha expressed with confidence.
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09:56 - 15.08.2024
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The Czech national acknowledged the balance of opportunities and challenges that the new signings bring.
"It's a 50-50 situation. Yes, we signed quality players, but I believe we could have signed even more, given our ambitions. So, I'm not looking for excuses. Yes, I know we want to challenge for the title, we want to challenge for the cup, but only the start of the league will show where we stand," he added.
Under Trucha’s guidance, AFC Leopards aim to start the season with the same vigor they showed last year.
"We aim to start strong, like last season. The league is starting in a week, so I believe we are almost ready. It's a big team; there's big pressure, of course. Every game, you need to prove what you're capable of. I have coaches who have connections with Leopards from before. I'm happy for my players who understand what's at stake," he noted.
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06:44 - 15.08.2024
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The connection with the local football legends in Mumias, according to Trucha, has helped in building a strong team ethos among the players, emphasizing the importance of unity and a winning mentality.
"In Mumias, we are connected with AFC Leopards, and the legends always tell us what's at stake. So, yes, we are trying to build this blue and white family as one team, as one unit, always aiming for wins—there's nothing else to do. And not just for the first game, but for the start of the league in general. When this opportunity came to play an international game, it was always good to also check the international aspect of football since we want to be involved in international football," Trucha elaborated.
Looking ahead, Trucha expressed his excitement about the night game setting in Uganda, a change from the usual league matches in Kenya.
"I believe there will be a nice crowd. I hope that maybe next season or in the stadiums in Nairobi will open so we can do the opposite—that Express FC can come to us or anything from East Africa—to fill the Nyayo Stadium. I believe it will be a nice game under the lights, which we are not used to playing in Kenya, so maybe it’s another experience for the players. I'm looking forward to it, not only the Express game but also this game with MOFA, and from these two games, we have to select the best players for the Mathare United game," he added.
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06:15 - 15.08.2024
Austin Odhiambo returns to Gor Mahia as move to Belgium reportedly stalls
Harambee Stars' Austin Odhiambo returns to Gor Mahia training amid transfer speculations, boosting team's CAF Champions League preparations.
All eyes will be on their performance against the former CECAFA Kagame Cup champions and the tactical insights they carry forward into the season opener against Mathare United on August 24 at Dandora Stadium.
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