Casa Mbungo: Diarra absence hurting Leopards

AFC Leopards head coach Casa Mbungo has decried the absence of Malian striker Ismaila Diarra who was released by the club in October citing breach of contract due to delay in paying his salary arrears .

Just recently, two other players namely Vincent Habamahoro from Rwanda and midfield powerhouse Tresor Ndikumana from Burundi asked the club for release letters to follow Diarra out as Leopards continue to struggle financially since their main sponsors pulled out early this year.

And according to the Rwandan coach, had Diarra been available for Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Nzoia Sugar at the Mumias Sports Complex, the big cats would have won the fixture.

“This is not a game to lose but to collect maximum points. We missed numerous chances and we have lost many players, if a player like Diarra was here he could have helped us but that’s football,” he regretted.

The weekend draw left Leopards in position nine with 17 points, eight behind leaders Gor Mahia after round 11.

Leopards hosts Mathare United at Afraha Stadium on Sunday in another clash expected to be mouthwatering with the Slum Boys sitting 10th but with an inferior goal difference than Ingwe.

Leopards’ captain goalie Benjamin Ochan is however optimistic that it’s just a matter of time for things to be fine noting that the Mathare clash won’t be an easy one.

“The result against Nzoia was not the expected one since we wanted a win but now we need to focus on the Mathare match.

It is a tough side but we will try to be consistent with the results as we aim to beat them,” he said.

On his part, Nzoia head coach Collins Omondi says his focus is on Kakamega Homeboyz .

“Homeboyz is a good side with a good young coach, it is a strong team than AFC (Leopards) and fans should expect fireworks,” he charged.

That is the real derby and I expect us to finish in a respectable position among the top teams,” Omondi added.

Nzoia host Homeboyz at Sudi Stadium on Saturday