Kimani: Makwatta will continue taking penalties for Leopards

AFC Leopards interim coach Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani has backed his lead striker John Mark Makwatta to continue with his penalty-taking duties despite fluffing two attempts in the Saturday 2-0 win over Kisumu All Stars.

Leopards raced  to a 1-0 lead by half time courtesy of winger Vincent Oburu but Makwatta failed to widen the lead when the big cats were awarded a penalty with All Stars goalie Geoffrey Were diving to his right to palm his effort.

Makwatta however redeemed himself with a second half winner before missing a second penalty shortly thereafter this time sending his shot off the target much to the disbelief of Leopards fans who thronged the venue.

However in a post-match reflection with Citizen Digital, Kimani backed his main man to carry on with the duties.

“Yes, he will continue taking them (penalties),”he said when asked by this writer. “We know of his ability. I’ll have a word with him. At times these things happen and I’m sure if he gets another chance he’ll take it and probably score,” he explained.

The big cats have lost big name players in the recent weeks owing to the biting financial strain but have seemingly emerged unscathed with the team impressing under interim coach Kimani, their Saturday victory taking them to sixth on the log with 31 points.

Former club captain Soter Kayumba and Whyvone Isuza are some of the big name players who have made for the exit door and Kimani maintains that other players who didn’t get much playing time when the duo was still donning Ingwe colours are now showing that they are equal to the task.

“Despite the fact that some people have left (coach and players); their exit has given some players a chance to show their mettle,” he added. “Players like Mavin(Nabwire) and Austin(Otieno) have proved that they are equal to the task,” he explained.

Regarding All Stars,  Kimani said that the hosts offered a sterner test than the first leg clash but has warned that Ingwe are not about to rest on their laurels.

“It was a tough and better match than the one we had in the first round. All Stars is a good team moreso when playing at home. We got our chances and scored early,” he concluded.

The win hauled Leopards points tally to 31 from 18 matches.