Meltdown at AFC Leopards after Aussems’ exit

FKF Premier League outfit AFC Leopards have admitted being left in shock following the abrupt resignation of head coach Patrick Aussems earlier this week.

The 58-year-old Belgian tactician forced Ingwe to go into the market searching for a new tactician to take charge ahead of the new campaign after he tendered his resignation while on holiday, back in his native country.

“For personal and private reasons, I won’t be able to renew my contract with AFC Leopards. Thanks to my players, my staff, the incredible fans for the last two years and I wish Ingwe all the best,” Aussem’s tweet read.

His exit has shocked Ingwe’s top hierarchy with Secretary General Gilbert Andugu revealing it caught them flat-footed since they had already agreed with the former Simba SC coach to extend his stay at the Den for another season.

“To be honest with you, all the members of AFC Leopards’ committee were shocked to learn that Aussems had taken the decision to quit the club,” said Andugu.

“It was shocking because before he requested to travel home for family issues, we had discussed with him on his contract situation which he gladly confirmed he will return to sign and continue with his role.”

Early last week, Ingwe chairman Dan Shikanda told People Sport he was confident Aussems, who was yet to win any title for the club, will return to renew his contract in readiness for the new campaign.

“He (Aussems) travelled home for family issues but he will definitely return to take charge of the team next season,” Shikanda said during the interview.

“We as the management of AFC have trust in the coach, he has the qualities to guide our team, and he will return soon to take us forward.”

Aussems, whose contract with Ingwe was to end in July, had left for Belgium with three league matches remaining and was thus missing in action when AFC Leopards suffered a 2-1 away defeat against relegated Vihiga Bullets, the 2-1 defeat against Sofapaka, and the 1-0 victory against Kariobangi Sharks on the final day of the season.

Meanwhile, former AFC Leopards official Suleiman Angulu welcomed Aussem’s exit insisting he was being paid too much money and producing zero results and urged the club’s top hierarchy to go for the services of a local coach if they wanted to realise success.

“At AFC Leopards, what we always want is nothing but success. However, two seasons under Aussems and we have won nothing, not even a cup to drink water,” Angulu quipped while speaking to People Sport.

He continued: “But do you know how much money he (Aussems) takes home as monthly pay? It is over Sh800, 000 but no success. I think it is time for AFC to put faith in local coaches.”

Aussems moved to AFC Leopards on February 9, 2021, taking over from fired Tomas Trucha after a successful stint with Tanzania’s Simba, whom he guided to the Mainland Premier League title in the 2018-19 season and reached the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League.

However, at AFC, success eluded Aussems since across the two seasons he was in charge, he finished without silverware. Last season, he guided AFC to the semi-finals of the Mozzart Bet FKF Cup but they lost 2-1 to eventual winners Kakamega Homeboyz.