Victor ‘Aguero’ Otieno has revealed how interim coach Fred Ambani played a pivotal role in revitalizing his career at AFC Leopards after a period of frustration and limited playing time under previous coach Tomas Trucha. Otieno, who joined the club in 2022, initially struggled to make an impact due to a transfer ban, which kept him from being registered for the main squad. He could only feature for the club’s youth team in the FKF Division 2, which was a frustrating experience after joining with high hopes.
After the transfer ban was lifted in August 2023, Otieno was finally registered, alongside several other new signings, as the club aimed to strengthen its squad after a challenging period. However, his journey did not get any easier. Under coach Tom Juma, who lasted just six games before being dismissed, Otieno started in four of those matches but found little consistency in the team’s performances. Even in a tough 2-0 loss to Gor Mahia, Otieno was one of the few players who tried to make something happen for his team.
The club made another managerial change, bringing back Tomas Trucha for a second spell as head coach. Trucha, who had left the club in his first tenure due to threats from club officials, had a more stable return. However, his tactics initially relegated Otieno to a bench role, with wingers Jaffari Owiti and Hassan Beja preferred over him, and Clifton Miheso playing in the number 10 position. As a result, Otieno only appeared occasionally as a substitute, which continued through the early part of the new season until Trucha was dismissed in December.
Enter Fred Ambani, who had previously served as an assistant coach to both Juma and Trucha. After taking over as interim head coach, Ambani’s approach immediately resonated with Otieno. The coach’s belief in his potential and his merit-based selection system allowed Otieno to finally get regular game time and regain his confidence. “Ambani has given me freedom to express myself,” Otieno explained. “That’s what has been favoring me because it’s my playing style.” Under Ambani’s guidance, the club’s overall performance improved, and Otieno’s newfound confidence was evident as he started regularly for the team.
Otieno also credits Ambani’s mentorship during his tough period under Trucha. Despite being overlooked, Otieno continued to train hard, receiving encouragement from Ambani. “He used to encourage me and tell me, ‘I know you have potential, but I have no power to start you. Keep pushing,’” Otieno recalled. “I just didn’t know that he would end up becoming head coach.”
Ambani’s emphasis on hard work has proven to be a key factor in Otieno’s resurgence. By rewarding players based on their training performance, the coach has fostered a more positive and competitive environment in the dressing room, which has benefitted players like Otieno. With his confidence restored, Otieno has set ambitious goals for the remainder of the season, targeting seven goals and eight assists. Achieving these targets would improve his chances of being considered for the national team, with aspirations of playing in the CHAN and ultimately earning a place in the Harambee Stars squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Otieno’s ambitions extend beyond personal success, as he is also eyeing a place in history. With Kenya’s new Talanta Stadium set to be completed in 2026, Otieno is determined to be among the first players to step onto the pitch at the new venue.
From being sidelined to becoming a key player for AFC Leopards, Otieno’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a coach’s belief in his players. Through Ambani’s support and his own determination, Otieno’s career has been reignited, and he now looks forward to a bright future with the club.
