I’ll only return to Ingwe if they pay my dues, coach Aussems says
By edwin-otieno, July 13, 2022
AFC Leropards head coach Patrick Aussems yesteday said he would only return to the club after his outstanding dues have been cleared.
Aussems who is currently on holiday in his native Belgium country, broke his silence for the first time in more than a month after he left in a half in early June even before the season ended.
“Yoush should see me back next season if the Board clears last season’s dues as promised,” Aussems told People Sport on phone.
The Belgian tactician who helped a youthful Leopards side to a fifth position league finish in the troubled season, where they had been restricted to making signings, said he was happy at the team after bonding well with the players and the fans, and only needed things to be settled well before he embarks on his trip back.
“I have received other good offers but my priority remains AFC Leopards because of the hard working and dsciplined players and the passionate fans,” Aussems said.
The former Simba Sports Club tactician helped teh 12-times league champions to a third spot in his first season in charge of the side, before the fifth position finish this year. In his absencse, Tom Juma was in charge of the side in the last three league fixtures including last week’s Tony Lidonde Cup. After the Lidonde Cup, Juma said the academy players promoted to the senior team last season had eventually come of age.
Leopards edged top-flight rivals Nzoia Sugar 8-7 on post-match penalties to lay claim to the trophy and the accompanying Sh1 million prize money.
They survived a scare to beat National Super League side Vihiga Bullets 5-3 on their way to the finals.
“We have quite a good number of young players who have matured with time right from the very day we absorbed them from the youth team. Soon they will be able to compete for titles, perhaps, even win the league next season,” Juma said.