Why Leopards coach Tom Juma missed Shabana clash

Under pressure AFC Leopards coach Tom Juma was conspicuously missing as his side picked a 1-1 draw against Shabana in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match at the Ulinzi Sports Complex last weekend.

The former international has been under pressure from fans as the team has not won a game five rounds into the season.

In Juma’s absence, Fred Ambani and goalkeeper trainer Lawrence Webo handled the team.

Leopards team manager Albert Wesonga however downplayed Juma’s absence insisting that all is well.

“Juma is attending a CAF ‘B’ course and on Sunday, he had been signed to watch another match as it is part of his final examinations,” revealed Wesonga.

When pressed to answer why Juma couldn’t have handled the examination on Saturday and avail himself for the high-voltage fixture that attracted thousands of fans, Wesonga couldn’t give a clear explanation.

“He attended training on Saturday morning and two other week days. All is well and we expect him to come back in the coming days,” said Wesonga.

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Juma was elevated to the head coach position after Patrick Aussems left before the start of this season.

Leopards remain 14th position with four points after playing five matches.

They play arch-rivals Gor Mahia this weekend in their sixth match.

Meanwhile, after picking a point against Leopards, Shabana will camp in Nairobi for four days instead of travelling back to Kisii ahead of Friday’s match against Tusker.

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Shabana Organising Secretary Stephen Kiama thanked their fans for turning out in large numbers to cheer the team against AFC Leopards.

“We urge them to turn up again on Friday against Tusker. We are grateful for their support as this keeps pushing the players,” he said.