AFC Leopards captain Clifton Miheso has stepped forward to appeal to fans for patience amid a disappointing spell for the team. The recent poor form has caused frustration among the club’s supporters, who hold high expectations for the squad. With the team now on a four-game streak without a win comprising two draws and two losses Miheso is encouraging fans to continue supporting the team through this challenging period.
AFC Leopards, known by their nickname “Ingwe,” is one of Kenya’s most storied and popular football clubs, and as a result, there is constant pressure to perform. The team’s struggles in the FKF Premier League have left fans and players alike searching for answers. Miheso acknowledges this pressure, emphasizing that the team is aware of its responsibilities to the supporters and is committed to finding ways to turn the season around. The captain expressed his empathy for the fans, noting that they expect a level of performance that the team has not been able to deliver in recent matches.
“We understand the frustration,” Miheso said in a recent interview. “AFC Leopards is a big team, and there’s always that expectation from fans for us to perform well. We haven’t achieved that recently, and it’s not a good feeling for anyone. We’re asking the fans to stick with us because the team is giving it everything on the pitch.” Miheso’s role as captain involves not only leading by example but also helping to maintain morale within the team. His dedication to these responsibilities has been evident in his public statements, as he works to rally both his teammates and the fanbase during this trying time.
In recent matches, some supporters have shown their displeasure through heated confrontations, leading to isolated incidents of unrest. Miheso addressed these behaviors, reminding fans that football is, above all, a sport to be enjoyed and celebrated. He urged them to channel their passion in a supportive way and to steer clear of any actions that might detract from the spirit of the game. “Violence doesn’t benefit anyone,” he said. “We all want to win, but we should remember to respect each other and the sport. Let’s be patient, enjoy the game, and support our players as they give their best.”
Looking ahead, Miheso views the upcoming international break as an opportunity for AFC Leopards to regroup and reassess their approach. The break will provide the team with much-needed time to work on their tactics, address any gaps, and focus on overall improvement. Miheso expressed optimism that the extra time would allow the players to recover from their recent losses and refocus on sharpening their gameplay. For Miheso and the squad, this pause is seen as a chance to correct course and come back stronger.
The timing of the international break is especially significant, as AFC Leopards prepare for their next match, which promises to be a major test of their resolve. Following the break, they will face their longstanding rivals, Gor Mahia, in the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby on November 24. This match, which is always a fiercely competitive encounter, is likely to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. A strong performance in the derby could help to restore some confidence in the team and ease some of the pressure that has been building.
As the captain, Miheso is keenly aware of what this match means to the fans, and he is determined to motivate his team to rise to the occasion. He reiterated his commitment to leading the squad through this difficult phase, maintaining that their goal is to bring pride to their supporters and get back to winning ways.
In the meantime, Miheso’s message to the fans remains one of patience and unity. He calls on them to continue showing up, to support the players on and off the field, and to trust that the team is committed to turning their fortunes around. His words carry a sense of hope and determination that, with the fans’ backing, AFC Leopards can weather this storm and emerge as a stronger and more resilient side.
As they prepare for one of the most significant fixtures in their calendar, the team’s focus will be on hard work, discipline, and unity, with Miheso leading the way both on and off the pitch. The coming weeks will reveal whether the team’s resolve and the captain’s appeal for support can turn the tide for the beleaguered club.
