AFC Leopards have introduced four new players ahead of the upcoming FKF Premier League season, which begins on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
The 12-time Premier League champions believe that these new additions will bolster their squad as they aim to reclaim the league title, which they last won in 1998.
The fresh signings include Peter Manyang, the captain of the South Sudan national team, forward Sydney Lokale, wing-back Julius Masaba, and Samuel Semo. Additionally, the club has appointed Kenneth Wendo as the 2nd Assistant Coach. The announcements were made during the club’s gala night held at a city hotel.
Peter Manyang, 30, joins the team from Serbian First League side FK Radnički Sremska Mitrovica, where he has played since 2023. His previous clubs include Al-Ghazal and Amarat United in South Sudan.
Sydney Lokale, 23, comes from KCB, where he has played since 2022. He previously played for Kariobangi Sharks from 2018 to 2022 and was loaned to HIFK Fotbol in Helsinki, Finland, in 2020.
The other new signings are Julius Masaba from Kariobangi Sharks and Samuel Semo from Murang’a SEAL, both Premier League teams.
With the gala themed around restoring the club to its former glory, Chairman Dan Shikanda assured that the team would begin the season strongly, aiming to secure the league title.
“Our performance in the first 10 matches last season was below par. We’ve learned from our mistakes, and to win, we need to start strong,” Shikanda stated.
Head Coach Thomas Trucha shared Shikanda’s optimism, expressing his confidence in the squad’s ability to compete for the title in the 2024/2025 season.
“We want to kick off the season on a better note than last year and demonstrate that we are serious contenders for the title,” Trucha affirmed.
Captain Clifton Miheso also emphasized the need for improvement.
“Last season didn’t meet our expectations, but this year, we are determined to turn things around and give it our all,” Miheso said resolutely.
During the gala event, Victor Omune received two awards: Players’ Player of the Season and Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Kaycie Odhiambo was named Fans’ Player of the Season, while Kelson Amunya was honored as the Fan of the Season.
As the new season approaches, Leopards will begin their title campaign with an away match against newly promoted Mathare United on Saturday at Dandora Stadium.
