New AFC Leopards coach vows to revive life at the den
New AFC Leopards coach Dorian Marian has vowed to lead the club into a successful era on the pitch.
The widely traveled Romanian trainer, 56, is expected in the country on Thursday night – a decade after masterminding Eritrea’s historic home and away triumph over Harambee Stars during the 2008 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers.
Marian is set to replace departing Englishman Stewart Hall who is relocating to Canada to be closer to his family.
PLAY PRESSURE GAME
Marian told Nairobi News: “There currently is a 12 points gap (between Leopards and table toppers Gor Mahia). But as I did everywhere I’ve worked, I will teach the team to play a pressure game and get points even in harsh circumstances. In the long term, I will develop a winning culture and help the team towards success on the pitch.”
Leopards last tasted league success in 1998.
In the meantime, Leopards organising secretary Timothy Lilumbi has also confirmed assistant coach Dennis Kitambi will take charge of the team during the SportPesa Super Cup tournament in Tanzania.
Leopards will face newly promoted Tanzanian club Singida United in the lucrative eight team football tourney, which features the likes of Tusker, Gor Mahia and Nakuru All Stars, plus Tanzanian giants Simba and Yanga SC taking part.
GOOD PLATFORM
“This tournament will provide a good platform for us to try out new tactical solutions. There definitely is need for change, considering our performance so far this season has been average.” Kitambi, a Tanzanian national explained.
Kenya internationals Duncan Otieno and Robinson Kamura will miss the tournament owing to international commitments, whilst new signings Burundian Alexis Hakizimana and Keziron Kizito are ineligible to compete.
