Leopards are ready to hunt down KPL crown- Mativo

AFC Leopards assistant Head Coach Dennis Kitambi says his team is ready to reclaim the lost glory at the Den as they hunt for a first Kenyan Premier League title since 1998 when action gets underway this weekend.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Kitambi said the team has had a good pre-season and they are looking forward to the start of the new campaign after slumping to 13th last term.

Leopards will begin their 2017 season with a testing clash against fellow local titans Ulinzi Stars whom they played to a barren draw last weekend.

The match has been postponed since the soldiers are away in Egypt for their CAF Confederation Cup first round opening leg against Smouha on Friday.

“We have had enough time to understand each other. The friendly against Ulinzi which is one of the best sides in the league gave us a good feel on what we should expect this season and we hope this will be a total different Ingwe,” Kitambi asserted.

The former Tanzanian heavyweights Azam FC assistant coach believes Leopards have the squad needed to end their 19-year title drought after a promising start in 2016 ended in despair when the wheels came off towards the end of the first leg.

“We kept the players we felt were needed by the club and made good signings that have responded well. We have a united technical bench led by our head coach Stewart Hall who has great experience in club management.

“We have only one aim and that is to win titles and not just in an ordinary manner. We want to inject some style of play that will attract more fans to the stadium because they will be happy to watch Leopards play,” Mativo asserted.

The Assistant Coach who was drafted by Englishman Hall to the Den is expecting a tough season in his management debut at the KPL having monitored how their title rivals have been readying for the new campaign.

“Everyone has been waiting for the league to start. Gor Mahia have made some good signings and kept their best players. Tuskers FC have done the same and Ulinzi are a great side.

“Even those that have been promoted will want to fight and remain in the league. We will take one game at a time and target a top three finish by mid season then finish the final lap as the best team because our target is to be the best in every competition,” Mativo underscored.