by Agnes Amondi

Ahead of the 2020/21 FKF Premier League season opener on Saturday, AFC Leopards head coach Thomas Trucha said his team has “put him under pressure” with the level of performance displayed in training. He talked of a competitive team spirit in the squad with players out doing one another, in the hope of nailing a starting position.

“I believe we’ve had a very good pre-season.Since I arrived the players have responded very well. They are working hard and focused, everybody is giving his best.The team is so competitive that it puts me under pressure because we have good players but can only play 11.” Trucha examined.

Speaking with the clubs’ online TV site, Trucha is content in the preparations his team has done since he arrived in November. Further, he stated they shall only focus on themselves despite acknowledging the threat that the opponent possesses.

“We can only focus on ourselves. It’s important that we also assess the opponent but a huge part of our prep is to look at how we are going to play and compete. If everyone – players, and the technical bench – do their jobs well, I believe we have the team that can beat everybody”

“Tusker is a good team but we are also a good team. The best team on the day wins. My approach is to focus on every game as it comes”

The Czech Republic international will for the first time, lead his charges against the 11 time premier league winners Tusker FC at the Nyayo Stadium. Fans will not be allowed in, as per the Ministry of Health guidelines as part of its measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Nonetheless, the tactician noted that his team will still produce the performances expected by the fans and the club.

“AFC Leopards is a big team with a huge fan base and our supporters are very important. Even when they are not here, we will still do our best to win. I will make sure they enjoy the season now as they will once they can come to the stadium. Everything will be in our performances. We hope that they get behind us when we do well and if we are not performing as expected, they should also let us know,”

At the same time, Trucha also touched on players who are currently on national team duty with the Rising Stars in the CECAFA U20 Championship in Tanzania.

“They are in training and also getting game time. Right now I will use the players available. When they (U20 quartet) return, it’ll add pressure to the rest of the players plus add to the already intense competition in the team. That said, the best players will play”

“It’s not a disadvantage to these players that they are out for national duty. In fact, I’ll be happy if we have more and more players featuring for Harambee Stars.”

Opening Fixtures

Saturday

AFC Leopards vs Tusker – Nyayo Stadium – 3pm

Vihiga United vs Kakamega Homeboyz – Mumias Complex – 3pm

Bandari vs Sofapaka – Mbaraki Grounds – 3pm

Sunday

Nairobi City Stars vs Nzoia Sugar – Nyayo Stadium – 3pm

Kariobangi Sharks vs Wazito – Kasarani Stadium – 3pm

Posta Rangers vs KCB – Kenyatta Stadium – 3pm

Western Stima vs Bidco United – Moi Stadium – 3pm

Wednesday

Ulinzi Stars vs Mathare United – Afraha Stadium – 3pm

Gor Mahia vs Zoo – Nyayo Stadium – 3pm

Soka25east.com