Leopards considering shifting training base to Embu

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and local giants AFC Leopards are considering shifting their training base from Nyayo National Stadium to Embu Stadium ahead of the 2017 season.

Head Coach Stewart Hall expressed his liking for the stadium and its environs but bemoaned it is yet to attain standards that would make it eligible to host top flight league matches.

“The stadium looks good but there is still a lot to be done. For example, there is the need for a much more improved perimeter fence for security reasons,” Hall told Citizen Digital in Embu where the 12-time champions are in Embu for a friendly match against the county team on Saturday.

The Englishman has set a top five league position for the Leopards over the first leg of their campaign with an aim to finish higher when the league draws to a close.

A woeful 2016 campaign saw Ingwes slump to 13th in the KPL standings, registering their lowest finish since the top flight was re-branded in 2007 and the former Azam FC boss will hope he can count on the impact of his pre-season signings.

Hall has been behind a squad overhaul at the Den since his arrival, releasing 12 players and signing ten more as he continues laying down his markers at the club.

Under Hall, players were denied long off-season breaks owing to his emphasis on player fitness to match his high intensity style of play.

“I want players who are ambitious and thirsty for success. I tend to like the younger players because of their desire to learn so the job is usually getting them maintain their fitness levels,” Hall said.

Skipper Bernard Mang’oli said the squad is already looking in good shape having started their training early and have been focusing on getting their gel as a unit

The defender assured Ingwe fans they will return to the peak while also backing the club’s signings and new teammates to help fire them back to glory.

Leopards new signings include; Duncan Otieno (from Posta Rangers), Robinson Kamura (Mathare United), Whyvonne Isuza (Mathare United), Salim Abdallah (Posta Rangers), Samwel Ndung’u (Muhoroni Youth), Dennis Sikhayi (Western Stima), Gabriel Andika (Western Stima), Marcus Abwao (Nairobi Stima), Michael Kibwage Wanyika (Kakamega Homeboyz) and Ibrahim Mao (Sofapaka).

-Report by Anthony Muchiro.