Former Gor defender, Masika Axed by AFC Manager Minnaert

AFC Leopards have dropped 13 players as head coach Ivan Minnaert starts a restructuring process at the Kenyan Premier League giants ahead of the second leg of the season.

With barely three weeks remaining before the mid-season transfer window officially opens on June 1, the Belgian has cracked the whip releasing 13 players who seem to have been surplus to requirements at the den.

Interestingly, Kenyan international Eric Masika (pictured) and midfielder Khalid Jumaan, who rejoined Ingwe last year, were the biggest casualties last evening when Minnaert took the unusual step of revealing the names of axed players.

Former Gor Mahia defensive duo of Solomon Nasio and Israel Emuge have also been released alongside goalkeeper Daniel Kiptoo, Tom Murila, Geoffrey Ouma, Kevin Migunde, John Opwora, Eugene Wasilwa, and Anyanza, who all joined the club in January. Others are Clement Mata and Simon Sikuku.

Confirming their departure, Minnaert disclosed to Feverpitch that he has already identified their replacements.

“I’ve already given the management a list of 12 players whom I have been tracking. Six of them are experienced KPL players and first 11 choices in their respective teams, while the rest are foreigners. We’ve released the 13 players for different reasons and I would like to wish them all the best in their future endeavors,” said Minnaert.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Leopards are keen on signing Paul Kiongera (Simba, Tanzania) and Ismaila Diarra (Rayon Sports, Rwanda).

Minnaert, however, ruled our re-signing former AFC Leopards players who have been jostling for a return to Ingwe.

“My targets are not Wanga (Allan), Were (Paul) and Mudde (Musa),” he said.

Commenting on Sunday’s tricky match against Posta Rangers after their three defeats in a row (Ulinzi Stars and Western Stima) Minnaert said: “Of course if we play like we did against Ulinzi and the referees are not against us, we can catch up with the rest at the top. We just need to score more goals, but it’s unbelievable the way we have been losing.

“I don’t care about who we are going to play next. We need to be ready for every game and give our best.”