Twelve-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions AFC Leopards are on the verge of welcoming back Czech Republic national Tomas Trucha as their new head coach.
This move comes after Trucha’s brief tenure in December 2020, which ended under contentious circumstances.
Trucha’s previous stint with the club was short-lived, marked by a hasty departure, citing threats directed towards him and his then-Ghanaian manager, Prince Channis.
These threats alleged favoritism towards players represented by his agency, creating a tense atmosphere within the club.
While Trucha left after just one game in charge, where Ingwe secured a 2-1 victory against Tusker at Kasarani, it remains unknown if he reported these threats to the authorities or the police, despite verbally informing Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda.
However, the stage is now set for Tomas Trucha to make a triumphant return to AFC Leopards, signing a two-year deal with the club at the end of October. With UEFA B and A PRO licenses under his belt, Trucha’s wealth of experience and expertise is expected to inject new life into the team.
“Tomas Trucha is on his way to rejoin AFC Leopards as Tom Juma’s replacement and is set to arrive this weekend as all negotiations are complete. The club is set to announce Juma’s departure any time this week,” a source at the den told Pulse Sports.
Before rejoining AFC Leopards, Tomas Trucha held the reins at Malaysian outfit Kelantan United, showcasing his ability to navigate various football landscapes.
In Africa, he was in charge of Botswana Premier League giants Township Rollers. His tenure began in July 2019 but was characterized by disappointing results, which eventually led to his departure.
The specific internal dynamics behind his sacking remain undisclosed, as the club chose to handle the matter discreetly.
Trucha’s time with Township Rollers was marked by an unfortunate failure to qualify for the previous season’s African Champions League group stages.
They faced a tough challenge in the preliminary round and succumbed to defeat against Tanzanian team Young Africans with a 2-1 aggregate score.
Tomas Trucha’s return to AFC Leopards comes at a crucial juncture for the club. As one of Kenya’s most decorated football clubs, AFC Leopards boasts a rich history and a passionate fan base.
The hope is that Trucha’s experience and tactical acumen will help the team climb the ranks of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League and potentially secure more silverware for the trophy cabinet.
