Ingwe have been embroiled in a coaching saga as Tomas Trucha’s contract dispute ends with both parties parting amicably.
After months of talks, Tomas Trucha’s tumultuous relationship with AFC Leopards has finally reached a resolution.
The Czech tactician, who had been at the center of a drawn-out saga over his contract with the club, formally parted ways with the FKF Premier League side, bringing an end to weeks of speculation and confusion.
While his exit came in November, it had not been officially confirmed until yesterday.
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Trucha, whose position came under public scrutiny following AFC Leopards’ 2-1 defeat to Shabana on November 27th, confirmed the development on January 24.
Expressing his gratitude, he reflected on his time at the club, acknowledging both its challenges and the rich history of the institution.
“I would like to express my gratitude for giving me the opportunity to be part of AFC Leopards with all its rich history. I thank the club chairman, NEC members, officials, and players. I wish AFC Leopards all the best for the rest of the season,” he said in an interview with the club website.
The drama began to unfold late last year after reports emerged that Trucha’s contract had been terminated by mutual consent.
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A top AFC Leopards official disclosed the alleged agreement after the Shabana match.
“We have talked with the coach and agreed to terminate his contract, all I can say is it is a mutual agreement from both parties, and I want to wish Trucha well in his next destination,” he told Flashscore.
However, Trucha’s absence during AFC Leopards’ subsequent 1-0 victory over Kenya Police at Dandora Stadium raised eyebrows. While assistant coach Fred Ambani oversaw that match, Trucha provided a conflicting account when contacted, insisting he remained bound to the club.
“I am sorry. I am still not free; I am still contracted to AFC Leopards,” he said at the time, adding further intrigue to the already muddled situation.
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When pressed on his absence from the touchline, Trucha clarified, “Because we agreed to part ways mutually, it is a procedure, so please just understand.”
Trucha’s tenure at AFC Leopards had its highs and lows.
The team showed flashes of brilliance early in the season, starting their campaign with an emphatic 4-0 win over Mathare United.
However, their momentum faltered, and subsequent losses to Posta Rangers, Murang’a Seal, and Shabana, coupled with the postponement of the Mashemeji Derby, created immense pressure on the coach.
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Despite these struggles, Trucha did manage to steer AFC Leopards from 17th place to a top-five position in the FKF Premier League and secure 3rd place in the FKF Kenya Cup during the 2023/2024 season. These achievements earned him praise from the club in their parting statement.
“AFC Leopards expresses its gratitude to Coach Tomas Trucha for his service rendered to the club, particularly in getting the team from 17th position to top-five positions in FKF Kenya Premier League 2023/2024 and 3rd place in FKF Kenya Cup 2023/2024. We wish him the best in his future undertakings,” the club said.
The final agreement between Trucha and AFC Leopards brings closure to a protracted chapter filled with uncertainty. While his stint at the Den was far from smooth, both parties appear to part on amicable terms, with mutual respect evident in their final statements.
AFC Leopards will now look to focus on stabilizing their performance in the FKF Premier League as they seek to build on their recent progress.
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AFC Leopards’ U45 Unit branch is spearheading a transformative 2025 agenda focused on fan engagement, and youth development, among other things.
Meanwhile, Trucha departs with his reputation intact and will undoubtedly be exploring new opportunities in his coaching career.
