Aussems’ faith in youthful players won’t be deterred

AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems has vowed to maintain his  faith in young players who he says would play a big role in their quest for the elusive premier league title once football action resumes.

The Belgian tactician spoke on Wednesday afternoon after his side lost 1-0 to Kenya Police in a mouth-watering pre-season friendly build-up match at Nyayo Stadium.

“Young players need experience for them to grow, so all of them will have a chance to play even from the first match of the league,” he said.

New signing Dennis Simiyu scored the lone goal for Police FC who beat Leopards 1-0 in a match that saw both sides blow away several chances.

The first half was cagey with both teams creating few chances between them.

The tempo of the match increased in the second half with Police on a front foot.

Duke Abuya shot bound was cleared off the line by Washington Munene with Dennis Simiyu putting another chance wide. They kept piling more pressure on the Ingwe backline and broke the deadlock in the 86th minute.

DuKe Abuya corner take missed everyone with Dennis Simiyu waiting at the edge of the box to nod it home.

AFC tried to push forward in a bid to get an equalizer but could not breach a stubborn Police backline.

Next AFC will travel to Muranga to face Muranga seals with Police facing Gor Mahia at Nyayo stadium on Sunday.The friendly match is part of preparations as both teams prepare for the start of the league that had been scheduled for September 24 according to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Transition committee.

However, the former FKF Chairman Nick Mwendwa has been hinting to come back following the change of government.

According to the embattled football president in a series of tweets the league might start in a month’s time.