‘There Are No Miracles In Football,’ Says Leopards Coach Zapata

AFC Leopards manager Rodolfo Zapata has blamed inexperience for the side’s inconsistent run in the Kenyan Premier League.

Ingwe has lost two crucial fixtures in a span of five days and the Argentine is feeling the heat.

It begun with a painful 2-0 loss in the Mashemeji Derby on Saturday as they handed their arch rivals Gor Mahia their 17^th league title at the Kasarani Stadium.

And even before the wound could dry, relegation bound Wazito FC rubbed salt on it, beating them 2-1 in a mid-week outing at Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium.

Leopards are now three points off second placed Bandari FC, who have played a game less, and the pressure is again pilling on Zapata.

“Most of these players are young,” the ex-Gaborone FC coach lamented while pleading for patience, “we need to be patient with them because they are still developing,” he said.

“That is the reason why they have been inconsistent at times,” he explained further.

With the league already gone with Gor Mahia, a second place finish would have been a morale booster for the 12-time champions but as it stands even that will be a mirage considering Bandari’s recent bullish form.

“It is not like we are enjoying what is happening, they are learning some vital skills.

There are no miracles in football either shortcuts,” he concluded.

Leopards have failed to build a formidable squad capable of competing in the past seasons partly because they hire are fire coaches for fun.

Read: Interesting Facts About Mashemeji Derby Before Saturday’s Clash

According to some sources Zapata could be next in line to be shown the exit door as some members of the executive committee are not impressed with him.

But he could redeem himself if he manages to retain the “Sportpesa Shield Cup.” The tournament resumes early next month at the quarterfinals level.

Ingwe are the tournament’s defending champions and stand a chance to play in the CAF Confederation Cup next season if they manage retain the title.

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