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AFC Leopards coach Thomas Trucha has opened up about why he believes the charges he concocted off-season will totally be unstoppable against Gor Mahia this year.
AFC Leopards head coach Thomas Trucha has issued a confident warning to rivals Gor Mahia ahead of this season’s highly anticipated Mashemeji derbies.
After a promising start to the season, Trucha believes that Leopards are finally equipped with the tools necessary to challenge K’Ogalo’s dominance and end their 26-year wait for the FKF Premier League title.
Leopards opened their season in emphatic fashion, dismantling Mathare United 4-0 at Dandora Stadium, setting the tone for a potentially historic campaign.
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Trucha, determined to end the club’s title drought, is confident that the squad's newfound depth, quality signings, and bolstered morale will prove decisive in this year’s battles against their arch-rivals Gor Mahia, who have won nine titles since 2013, including their 21st league triumph last season.
Among the standout signings is Julius Masaba, the electric winger who joined from Kariobangi Sharks. Known for his pace and flair, Masaba is expected to inject dynamism into an attack already featuring Harambee Stars striker Victor Omune and Rwandese forward Arthur Gitego, who was a contender for last season’s Golden Boot after netting eight goals.
“We have done everything we can to strengthen our squad. All departments are healthy, and all we want is for the players to punch above their weight and deliver in the matches,” said Trucha as quoted on The Star.
This increased squad depth gives Trucha more tactical options and ensures that the team is better equipped to handle the grueling demands of the season, including the crucial Mashemeji derbies.
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The impact of AFC Leopards’ opening-day victory cannot be overstated. The 4-0 drubbing of Mathare United has given the players a surge of confidence, which Trucha believes will be critical as they seek to dethrone Gor Mahia.
The coach is confident that ending Gor Mahia’s dominance in both legs of the Mashemeji derby will further fuel the team’s morale and propel them to the title.
“We are not just eager to win the league this season, but also keen to beat Gor Mahia in both legs of the Mashemeji derby. Doing so will boost the morale of the players who have played second fiddle to our opponents for a long time now,” Trucha said.
He also highlighted the importance of delivering for the fans who have long endured the pain of trophyless seasons. “We are aware we owe our fans something to cheer them up after many seasons without a trophy. We can easily achieve our aspirations for a title if we put in extra effort and believe in ourselves,” he added.
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A major factor behind Trucha’s belief that AFC Leopards can finally overcome Gor Mahia is the strength of his attacking line. Victor Omune, fresh off his exploits with Harambee Stars, and Arthur Gitego, who has shown his goal-scoring prowess, provide a potent threat to opposition defenses.
With the addition of Masaba on the wing, the attack is now more versatile and unpredictable, giving Leopards an edge that was missing in previous seasons.
This attacking trio will be central to Leopards’ game plan against Gor Mahia, especially in the Mashemeji derbies, where they have often struggled to assert themselves.
Gor Mahia has long been a thorn in Leopards’ side, consistently outshining them in the Mashemeji derbies. However, Trucha is convinced that this year will be different, thanks to the team’s newfound depth, improved morale, and tactical flexibility. He stressed that victory in these derbies is more than just about rivalry; it’s about sending a strong message to the rest of the league.
“Moreover, there is always the thrill the fans get from winning a Mashemeji derby. We want them to leave the stadium smiling after our two matches against Gor this season,” Trucha said.
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