Juma tells Leopards to show character against Ulinzi

AFC Leopards caretaker coach Tom Juma wants his players to give their all in the FKF Shield third place play-off set for Saturday, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Leopards tackle Ulinzi Stars in their 2018 season final match, in which a win will see them pocket Ksh. 750,000.

Juma offers a win against Ulinzi will not only denote a good season end, but a gesture of a ready to work Ingwe after the departure of immediate former head coach Rodolfo Zapata, sacked after a series of poor results.

“We are talking to our players to understand when beat Ulinzi, the prize money will be helpful in paying their bonuses. I am not sure whether players have been on a go-slow or not, I’m concentrating on preparing for the match hoping we can get a win,” Juma said.

The coach could not comment on reports that Leopards players ‘decided’ to lose all their last four premier league matches in order to force the release of their unpaid bonuses.

Now working with Team Manager Gilbert Selebwa and goalkeeper trainer Mathews Ottamax in the interim technical bench, Juma is looking beyond the Saturday match with the 2018/2019 season in mind.

“We have already given the executive a list of players we are hoping to bring at the den and we will wait to know who will be signed and who will be released soon. We will be ready to start the transfer business after the Saturday match,” he added.

This comes amid reports several first team players are on their way out, including striker Ezekiel Odera, Mike Kibwage, Duncan Otieno, Whyvonne Isuza and Alex Orotomal.

Leopards finished seventh on the 18-team Kenyan Premier League (KPL) log, and will open their 2018-2019 season against Kariobangi Sharks at Kenyatta Stadium – Machakos on December 8.