AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s most storied football clubs, has appointed Kenneth Wendo as the assistant coach, signaling a strategic move to bolster their technical bench with experienced football minds. The former Kenyan international forward will work alongside Martin “Hazard” Anganda, assisting head coach Tomas Trucha in honing the skills of both the youth and senior teams. This decision aligns with the club’s vision of nurturing young talents while maintaining a competitive edge at the highest level.
A Well-Rounded Career
Wendo brings a wealth of experience to the Ingwe technical bench. Before transitioning into coaching, he enjoyed a successful playing career with several Kenyan Premier League teams. His journey started with AFC Leopards, where he first showcased his talents as a forward. He later played for Mathare United, KCB, Tusker, and Wazito FC. Wendo’s most notable achievement was winning the league with Tusker in 2012. After a stint at Mathare United and a season with Ingwe, he joined the now-defunct Wazito FC, where he eventually retired from professional football in 2018 due to persistent injuries.
His journey in football, coupled with his CAF ‘B’ coaching license, makes him a valuable asset to the AFC Leopards’ coaching staff. His background in the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), a renowned youth football program, has equipped him with the skills to mentor young talents and transition them into top-tier football.
A Dual Role for Development
Kenneth Wendo’s role at AFC Leopards is dual-faceted. As the youth team coach, he is responsible for nurturing the club’s budding talents. His experience with the Tusker FC Youth team, where he previously served, will be instrumental in developing a robust youth system. His knowledge of the game and understanding of young players’ needs will help bridge the gap between the youth setup and the senior team.
Wendo’s appointment also sees him join the senior team’s coaching staff as the second assistant coach, working under the leadership of Tomas Trucha. Alongside club legend Fred Ambani, who has been deputizing for the Czech coach, Wendo will bring his insights to strategize and implement game plans that enhance the team’s performance in the Kenyan Premier League. The combination of his tactical acumen and personal experience as a former player will provide the senior team with fresh perspectives and strategies.
Leadership’s Confidence in Wendo
The appointment of Wendo is seen as a strategic move by the club’s management to leverage his experience and passion for the game. Gilbert Andugu, the secretary general of AFC Leopards, expressed confidence in Wendo’s abilities. “Wendo is our former player, and we know his potential. That is why we decided to hire him as the second assistant coach. He fitted the bill of the coach who would juggle between youth and senior teams,” said Andugu.
This confidence from the club’s leadership highlights their commitment to fostering an environment where young talents can thrive and experienced players can guide the team to success.
Looking Ahead
As AFC Leopards continue their preparations in Mumias for the Western tour, the club is also on the lookout for a new number 10 and a youthful goalkeeper. These additions aim to strengthen the squad and provide depth, especially after the departure of Maxwell Mulili. The new goalkeeper will serve as an understudy to Levis Opiyo and Humphrey Katasi, ensuring that the club maintains its competitive edge between the posts.
With Wendo’s appointment, AFC Leopards are poised to strike a balance between developing young talents and achieving success on the pitch, reflecting a forward-thinking approach in their pursuit of excellence.
