Former AFC Leopards player ahs shared insights on the club's struggles, highlighting the challenges and risks of a major team overhaul.
Former AFC Leopards defender Tedian Esilaba has shared his perspective on the current challenges faced by the Football Kenya Federation Premier League giants.
Esilaba, who was among the players released by the club at the end of the previous season, has weighed in on Ingwe's difficult start to the current season, where they have only managed to secure one victory in ten matches played.
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In a thoughtful and insightful post, Esilaba highlighted the potential benefits and risks associated with a complete overhaul of a team's player composition, shedding light on the intricacies of rebuilding a football squad.
"Changing too many players at once can disrupt the existing team chemistry," Esilaba wrote in a detailed social media post.
"Building strong bonds and understanding between players takes time, and introducing too many new faces may hinder team cohesion and communication on the field.
"When a team goes through major changes in its player composition, it can lead to inconsistency in performance. New players need time to adapt to the team's playing style, tactics, and strategies. This transition period may result in a period of underperformance until the new players settle in."
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One of the key points Esilaba made was the loss of experienced players during an overhaul.
"Overhauling the entire team often means losing experienced players who bring leadership, guidance, and stability to the team. The absence of seasoned players can impact the team's ability to handle pressure situations and make crucial decisions on the field," he noted.
Addressing the financial aspect of such a transformation, Esilaba emphasized, "Rebuilding a team with an overhaul of players generally requires significant financial investment. Transfers, signing-on fees, and wages for new players can put a strain on a team's budget, potentially limiting other areas of improvement or development."
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While acknowledging the excitement surrounding the arrival of new talent, Esilaba also pointed out the uncertainty associated with their performance.
"While bringing in new talent can be exciting, there is always an element of uncertainty around how new players will perform in their new environment. It is challenging to predict if they will live up to expectations or struggle to adapt to the demands of a higher level of competition."
Esilaba concluded his insightful commentary with a call for a balanced and strategic approach to team overhaul.
"To mitigate these risks, proper planning, careful selection of new players, and a gradual approach to change can be beneficial. It is important to strike a balance between maintaining the core of the team and introducing new talent to ensure a smooth transition and minimize the potential negative impacts of an overhaul change."
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Esilaba's journey with AFC Leopards began in 2021 when he made the pivotal decision to join their ranks after a stint with Nairobi City Stars.
His versatility and adaptability were evident as he previously played for Administration Police FC and Bidco FC, showcasing his ability to thrive in different footballing environments.
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