Former Kenyan star Ambani criticizes AFC Leopards' phone use pre-Derby, blaming distractions for their 2-0 defeat against Gor Mahia.
Former Kenyan international Bonface Ambani has expressed his disappointment with AFC Leopards players for using their phones just minutes before the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia.
Ambani, who had once donned the AFC Leopards jersey during his illustrious career, took to social media to voice his concerns about the team's lack of discipline and focus on the field.
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In a candid social media post, Ambani questioned why the coaching staff had allowed the players to engage with their phones so close to kick-off, highlighting the detrimental impact on their concentration and performance.
He posted a photo alongside his message, capturing the players engrossed in their phones, and urged the team to prioritize the upcoming match over distractions.
"Where is the concentration, players? What do you want in football? Just minutes before kick-off, why are you on your phones on the pitch? Your focus is at zero... AFC Leopards management, you're bringing this upon yourselves. What's going on?," Ambani captioned the photo.
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He further emphasized the need for players to disconnect from social media and refrain from taking phone calls in the crucial moments before a match.
Ambani argued that phone use could easily lead to distractions, such as checking notifications and reacting to social media posts, diverting their attention away from match preparations.
"Phone calls can distract players from their concentration. Instead of thinking about how to approach the match, they might be preoccupied with thoughts like, 'Where is so-and-so? Have they arrived? Where are they seated?," Ambani pointed out.
"Moreover, posting a picture can lead to distractions like checking who has reacted to it. And the possibility of receiving a phone call about someone's illness, whether it's your child, spouse, parent, sibling, or friend needing admission to the hospital, is a significant distraction," he emphasized.
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Ambani also called on coaches and team officials to address this issue promptly and put an end to the practice of allowing players to use their phones up until the last minute before a match.
He stressed the importance of creating an environment that fosters concentration and a single-minded focus on the task at hand.
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Unfortunately for AFC Leopards, the lack of concentration appeared to have taken a toll on their performance in the Mashemeji Derby. The team lost the match 2-0, with the encounter taking place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on a Saturday evening.
Gor Mahia emerged victorious, leaving AFC Leopards with much to contemplate regarding their pre-match routines and overall discipline.