AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha remains cautious despite his team’s impressive start to the 2024/25 FKF Premier League season. The Leopards, popularly known as Ingwe, have performed well in the early stages, securing three wins in their first four matches. This start has placed them third in the league standings, just one point behind leaders KCB and second-placed Kariobangi Sharks. However, Trucha is refraining from making any premature claims about their chances of lifting the coveted title, which has eluded the club for over two decades.
In his measured response to the excitement building around the team’s early form, Trucha emphasized the importance of not getting carried away by short-term results. “Give us another two games to see what happens first. If the team continues to perform, then let us talk about our title chase after the six games. We have just started, it is a positive start, a start I would have liked, but we cannot talk now about the title,” said the Czech tactician.
The club kicked off their campaign with a dominant performance, hammering newly promoted Mathare United 4-0. This victory was an emphatic statement of intent, with the team showcasing their attacking prowess and ability to capitalize on opportunities. However, this momentum was briefly interrupted when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Posta Rangers in their second fixture. Despite dominating large portions of the match, they were unable to break through Posta Rangers’ defense, a reminder of the competitive nature of the league and the fine margins that often decide games.
Nevertheless, the defeat did not derail AFC Leopards’ early progress. They quickly bounced back in their next match, securing a hard-fought 1-0 win against Bidco United. This victory demonstrated the team’s resilience and ability to grind out results even in challenging situations. Ingwe followed this up with a 2-1 triumph over Nairobi City Stars at Dandora Stadium on matchday four, further solidifying their place among the league’s frontrunners.
Despite these positive results, Trucha remains cautious, pointing out that there are still areas in the team’s performances that need improvement. He noted that the win against Nairobi City Stars, while commendable, exposed some defensive frailties and highlighted the need for the team to minimize mistakes if they are to maintain their momentum.
“We want to keep improving, so we are not there yet. We must work on our mistakes and make them minimal. All the mistakes from the City Stars game will be worked on, we will strive to improve and keep taking it a game at a time,” Trucha said. His emphasis on continuous improvement is a clear indication that he is not getting ahead of himself, and he is encouraging the team to stay focused on their immediate challenges.
Looking ahead, AFC Leopards’ upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they can sustain their strong start and mount a serious title challenge. Trucha has identified the next two matches as key indicators of the team’s title credentials. The first of these will be a clash against Murang’a SEAL, a team that, while not among the traditional powerhouses of Kenyan football, will undoubtedly pose a stern test for Ingwe. Trucha believes that after six games, the team’s standing in the league will provide a clearer picture of their potential to challenge for the title.
“We will next face Murang’a SEAL, and to be honest, after the first six games of the season, it will tell you something about the team. Let us see where we will be by then. There is another FIFA international break in November, let us wait and see where we will be in another FIFA window break,” Trucha added.
This cautious approach reflects the weight of history that hangs over AFC Leopards. The club has not won the FKF Premier League since 1998, and this long drought has been a source of frustration for both the team and its passionate fanbase. The last major silverware that the club claimed was the domestic cup in 2017, when they defeated Kariobangi Sharks 2-0 in the final. Since then, however, the club has struggled to challenge for major honors, often falling short in crucial moments.
Last season, AFC Leopards finished fifth in the league with 51 points, a significant 22 points behind champions and fierce rivals Gor Mahia. This gap underscored the distance between the Leopards and the very top of Kenyan football, and while their early form this season is encouraging, Trucha is acutely aware of the work that still needs to be done to close that gap.
“We must be realistic. There is still a long way to go, and we must keep working hard. The title is not something we should talk about just yet,” Trucha concluded. His pragmatic approach suggests that while the team has shown promise, the journey to reclaiming the league title will require consistent performances over the course of the entire season.
In terms of individual performances, several players have stood out during AFC Leopards’ early fixtures. The team’s attacking players have been in fine form, with goals coming from a variety of sources. In their opening match against Mathare United, the team’s forwards were particularly impressive, capitalizing on defensive lapses from the newly promoted side to score four goals without reply.
In addition to their attacking prowess, the team’s defensive unit has also shown resilience, particularly in the tight victories over Bidco United and Nairobi City Stars. The ability to win games by narrow margins is often a hallmark of championship-winning sides, and while AFC Leopards are not at that level yet, these early results suggest that they are moving in the right direction.
However, Trucha has also emphasized the need for the team to maintain focus and avoid complacency. The FKF Premier League is known for its unpredictability, and even the most in-form teams can quickly lose momentum if they take their foot off the gas. Trucha’s experience as a coach has taught him the importance of consistency, and he is keen to instill this mindset in his players.
The upcoming international break in November will provide another opportunity for AFC Leopards to assess their progress. By that point, the team will have played six matches, and their position in the league table will give a clearer indication of whether they are genuine title contenders. Trucha has made it clear that he will not entertain any talk of a title challenge until after this break, preferring to focus on the short-term goal of winning each game as it comes.
For AFC Leopards’ supporters, the early signs are encouraging, but there is also a recognition that the team has been in similar positions before, only to falter later in the season. The club’s long history is filled with near-misses and unfulfilled potential, and while the current squad appears to have the talent and the determination to succeed, there are no guarantees in football.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this season will be different. If AFC Leopards can continue their strong form and build momentum, they could emerge as serious challengers for the FKF Premier League title. However, as Trucha has wisely pointed out, it is too early to make any bold predictions.
In the meantime, the focus will remain on improving the team’s performances and addressing any weaknesses that have been identified in the opening matches. Trucha’s cautious optimism suggests that while there is belief within the squad, there is also a recognition that success will not come easily. It will take hard work, discipline, and a consistent level of performance over the entire season if AFC Leopards are to finally end their long wait for a league title.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ingwe to see if they can maintain their early momentum and mount a serious challenge for the FKF Premier League crown. The team’s passionate fanbase, hungry for success after years of disappointment, will be hoping that this is the year their beloved club finally returns to the top of Kenyan football. But for now, as Tomas Trucha has wisely advised, it is best to take it one game at a time.
