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Coach Marin pleads for his job at AFC Leopards


Romanian coach Dorian Marin is pleading for an opportunity to manage AFC Leopards having been elbowed out after only 13 days at the helm.

In an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, Marin also said he is certain of transforming the club into a force to reckon with in East Africa, but would require support from all stakeholders to make this a reality.

“This club has some amazing players and if handed a chance, I wish to nurture them into top talents capable of playing in Europe. I left a good job in Syria to come here because I’m certain of transforming Leopards into a dominant force in this region as was the case 20 years ago, Marin said.

Despite Marin’s plea, Leopards secretary general Oscar Igaida confirmed in a separate interview that the management had opted against hiring the former Eritrea national team coach.

SHOWN THE DOOR

It is understood that the European coach has been shown the door after falling out with several first team players during his short stint.

Said Igaida: “We are restructuring the team and bringing in new players to beef up the squad ahead of a grueling second leg campaign. The management has also opted against hiring Marian, so Tom Juma is the interim coach.”

Marian was brought in to replace Englishman Stewart Hall who himself only lasted six months before departing in June so as “to be closer with his family in Canada.”

Marian, 57, has however fared better than Portuguese Vitor Salvado, who was fired by Leopards a day after being hired, amid reports that he didn’t meet the qualification criteria.

Leopards, who are currently placed 12th on the SportPesa Premier League standings after 14 rounds of matches, are next lined up to face Kariobangi Sharks on July 1.