Dan Shikanda blames AFC Leopards’ poor results on bad playing surface
AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has sensationally claimed that his team’s poor run in the Kenyan Premier League is as result of poor playing surfaces.
While acknowledging that team’s results in recent league matches have not been pleasant, Shikanda has however expressed optimism that the club will soon return to winning ways.
In their last league match last weekend at Nyayo National Stadium, Leopards were thumped 4-1 by Bidco United, a result which Shikanda blamed on the venue’s poor turf.
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“The playing surface in Nyayo and Kasarani and other stadiums is working to our disadvantage. If Aussems tries to impact his philosophy of playing good football and the surface is bad, then we will still lose. The poor playing surface is working against our system of play,” Shikanda said.
At the same time, Shikanda has dismissed rumours about coach Patrick Aussems’ resignation, which were rife on Thursday, saying all is well at Inrwe’s den.
“Aussems has not resigned, he has been attending training sessions with the team and optimistic we will see a turnaround in the team’s results,” he said.
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After that loss to Bidco United, angry Leopard fans held the players and technical bench hostage before police intervened. The fans then held demonstrations in town and were again dispersed by police officers.
“I urge our fans not to take laws into their hands because we are addressing this issue. Everyone one was stressed after that embarrassing defeat to Bidco. Personally, I haven’t eaten well for three days because the office is always at the receiving end when things go bad,” Shikanda said.
Leopards’ only wins this season was 2-0 victory against Ulinzi Stars on November 19 and 1-0 triumph over Nairobi City Stars on January 4. The 12-time league champions are currently placed 10th with eight points from seven matches.
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