This archive report was first published on 11 January 2020.
January 8, 2020, marked a significant day for AFC Leopards as they took on Posta Rangers at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County. The team's acting coach, Anthony Kimani, was at the helm, guiding the players through the match.
However, the team has faced a significant setback in the form of key player departures during the mid-season transfer window. Four players have left the team, including influential attacking midfielder Whyvonne Isuza, who joined Wazito. The club's financial status is a major concern, and if it does not improve, the number of departures could rise.
Kimani acknowledged the loss of key players, stating, 'No team likes to lose its important players. We would have liked them to remain with us but there are a lot of circumstances which force players to look for other teams; some just need a new challenge while others require financial stability.'
Despite the loss, Kimani remains optimistic, saying, 'It is indeed a big loss but this presents the young players who have potential with a chance to get some game time which they have been yearning for.'
Kimani has backed his youngsters, Marvin Nabwire and Austin Ochieng, to fill the void left by Kenyan international Isuza. Other players who have left the team include right-back Denis Sikhayi, who joined Wazito, winger Brian Marita, who moved to Tusker, and Moses Mburu, who opted out of the cash-strapped club.
Leopards are currently seventh in the KPL standings with 25 points in 16 matches. They will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Wazito at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos tomorrow.
