AFC Leopards appoints Belgian Jacky Minnaert as head coach

Local titans AFC Leopards have unveiled Belgium national, Ivan Jacky Minnaert as their new head coach in a booming statement of their intent to wrestle the SportPesa Premier League title from archrivals and titleholders Gor Mahia.

The 13-time domestic league champions endured a nightmare SPL campaign last term but the former Rwandese giants Rayon Sports headcoach promised to bring back the groove at the Den when he was unveiled on Friday in Nairobi.

“Everywhere I go, expectations are high. We going to fight for the title and develop players and ensure the players have a high achievement.”

“For me it is difficult to work where people dont to fulfill. I’m open, I talk to everyone and I promise. If its something you can’t achieve then it is difficult to work and that is why i left Ryon Sport,” the new Ingwe boss said explaining why he ditched the Rwandese military side.

Jan Koops, the Dutchman who led Leopards to third in the 2012 season before returning to helm in the close season will now be charged with co-ordinating youth activities at the club.

Koops has led Leopards to fourth on four points after the opening two rounds of the SPL season with a draw against Mathare United and the 2-1 away defeat of bogey side Sony Sugar in Awendo.

Only Bandari, Ulinzi Stars and Posta Rangers are ahead of Ingwe at the summit of the table on goal difference with belief coursing in the Den that Leopards are poised to challenge Gor’s recent dominance.

In 2014, Leopards under James Nandwa led K’Ogalo to the alter in a second finish and were not a factor in the title race as Gor completed the season unbeaten.

Report by Abdi Rizack