This development has forced the club management, led by Dan Shikanda, to step up the search for a coach with Zahera coming up as the candidate. There has been contact between representatives of the coach and the club,” a source close to Leopards told
Goal on Sunday.
“But no agreement as yet. Mwinyi will be interested in listening to what they have to offer. Leopards are a sleeping giant who needs an African coach with continental experience that can steer them to glory,” he concluded.
Based in Paris, Zahera boasts the experience of East African football. He has handled Tanzania s Yanga SC in the past. He led the team to two consecutive second-placed finishes in the Tanzania Mainland League and a place in the group stage of the Caf Confederation Cup.
“The greatest ambition is to win the league, I believe the title is ours this time. We are all set and handle every game with a lot of discipline and that is why we have been consistent.”
The presence of experienced players in the squad is another reason why the young midfielder feels they are ripe enough to win the league.
“There is a lot of competition in the team especially the presence of experienced players like Humphrey Mieno, Jackson Macharia and Hashim Sempala,” Otieno added. “They have been guiding us a lot and that is why sometimes matches appear to be very easy.
Goal. For me, age is not important but the quality of the player. Even if you are a 16-year-old but with quality, I will play you. For me, the most important thing is the quality of the player.
[Against Mathare], I gave an opportunity to [Alphonse Onyango]. He came, played well, and scored. It is good to give the upcoming players an opportunity to play because it will give them confidence and I believe they will be better in the future.
The Portuguese tactician hopes to have some new players to improve the team but has promised to work with the available ones if his wish is not granted.
“It is a club that has given me so much since I arrived in 2018 straight from school. I have worked with some fantastic coaches and players and I believe this is the perfect environment for my development as a player.”
Mainge also made promises to the fans who are eager to see AFC Leopards lift the Premier League as their efforts have been fruitless in more than two decades.
“We have aims as a group and I believe with hard work and dedication we will achieve them,” he added.
“To the fans who have been supportive all through my journey, I don t take it for granted and the only way I can show my appreciation is to give my best every time I m out to represent the blue and white colours.