AFC Leopards’ head coach, Patrick Aussems, has attributed the team’s shock 1-0 loss to Mathare United in their recent Kenyan Premier League (KPL) fixture to a string of injuries affecting the squad.
The club, which is currently serving a transfer ban, has been forced to rely on players promoted from the academy last season. This situation has been compounded by a growing list of injuries that has left the team struggling to maintain their performance.
Speaking ahead of their next match against Posta Rangers at Nyayo Stadium, Aussems stated that the absence of key players contributed to their defeat against Mathare United.
“Bandi is currently nursing an injury. He has a meniscus problem which has been subjected to an MRI check to reveal the extent of the damage. Kayci aggravated an injury he sustained earlier in the warmup session before our tie against Mathare. Then Musa sat out with a dental problem,” he explained.
The Belgian coach expressed his optimism that the injured trio would recover in time for their upcoming match against Posta Rangers. However, the persistent injuries have become a major cause for concern for the team.
AFC Leopards’ 10-match unbeaten run came to an end with their defeat to Mathare United. The team is desperately seeking to end their 20-year title drought and currently sits in sixth place on the KPL log with 32 points, eight adrift of leaders Gor Mahia.
Despite the setback, Aussems reiterated his team’s determination to win the championship this season, saying, “That’s the best gift we can present to our fans who have been there for us through thick and thin.”
