Czech tactician Trucha appointed new AFC Leopards coach

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda (left) announcing Coach Tomas Trucha's resignation from the club in Nairobi. Dec 3, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

AFC Leopards have confirmed the appointment of Czech coach Tomas Trucha as their head coach.

Trucha will replace Tom Juma who despite being appointed head coach in July, was relieved of his duties on Monday.

This is after Ingwe lost the Mashemeji Derby 2-0 to Gor Mahia last weekend. Juma has had a tough start at the helm of Leopards who in the six games, Leopards drew four and lost one. They are currently second-last in the log with four points.

The man tasked to restore normalcy at the den is Trucha who is making a comeback after a short stint in 2020. He was in charge of the Leopards for just over a month towards the end of 2020 before leaving.

"AFC Leopards Sports Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Tomas Trucha as head coach for two football seasons (2023/2024 and 2024/2025).

Tomas Trucha, a Czech national, is the holder of a UEFA Pro license. He was, until recently, head coach of Kelantan United in Malaysia," read a statement from the AFC Leopards signed by club Secretary General Gilbert Andugu in part.

"This is his second stint with AFC Leopards SC after being here for a short period in the year 2020. We wish them the best of luck as they take over their new roles at the club.".

Apart from Juma, goalkeeper's trainer Lawrence Webo and physiotherapist Bonaventure Odire have also left the club. Webo has been succeeded by Haggai Azande. Former club captain Bernard Mang'oli has also returned to the club as team manager.

Leopards' next match is against Bandari FC, who also parted ways with their head coach Twahir Muhiddin.