Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants AFC Leopards will be returning to continental football, as Kenya’s representatives in the CAF Confederations Cup in 2018 and they will be gunning for a better show this time, deputy coach Tom Juma says.
The team earned the slot courtesy of their 2 – 0 win over Kariobangi Sharks in the GOtv Shield final and the coach believes with good preparation they can scale greater heights.
In 2014, the last time Ingwe took part in the continental tournament, they were eliminated at the second hurdle by South African side SuperSport United and Juma acknowledges the challenge will be harder in Africa, thus the need for adequate preps.
“Continental matches come with a bigger challenge in their own respect and we will have to prepare well for that. I honestly don’t think there is a short cut to that and everyone knows. This is a big chance for us and we will make it count.”
The coach notes that support from the management is just as crucial as early preparations and is confident they will get that as well.
“We need to invest in early preparations and plan also for a good preseason program; this starts immediately the season ends. The management is aware of this and they have promised good support because there are many things to do in a short time, including getting the issue of players’ contracts addressed,” he added.
Leopards have not had a very productive campaign in the league but made up for it with the Shield win. They will be joined by fellow KPL giants Gor Mahia in continental action, K’Ogalo playing in the CAF Champions League after clinching the 2017 league title.
Soka.co.ke