After the 2-1 Premier League defeat against Shabana at Gusii Stadium on Wednesday, November 27th, a top Ingwe official confirmed to Flashscore that the Czech tactician will no longer handle the side.
“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,” the official told Flashscore.
True to the official’s words, Trucha was missing in action as AFC Leopards battled Kenya Police in their next league assignment.
During the fixture played at Dandora Stadium on Sunday, December 1st, assistant coach Fred Ambani took charge with Ingwe ending their five-game winless run by beating the struggling law enforcers 1-0.
I am still contracted to AFC Leopards
Flashscore sought to speak to Trucha about the situation, and the tactician confirmed that he was still contracted to AFC Leopards, contrary to the club’s statement that they had parted ways.
Asked to explain the situation, Trucha told Flashscore: “I am sorry. I am still not free, I am still contracted to AFC Leopards.”
Asked why he was not in charge when Ingwe faced Police, Trucha responded: “Because we agreed to part ways mutually, it is a procedure so please just understand.”
Pressed further to state whether he had left AFC Leopards, Trucha laughed before responding: “I did not leave yet. I am saying it is a procedure.”
When queried to explain what the procedure was, Trucha said: “Please understand or ask AFC Leopards official, they know better but I will explain once all is done, I can't talk now.”
When reached for a comment over the matter, a top Ingwe official, who did not want to be named, told Flashscore that Ambani had been handed the role to handle the side.
“He (Trucha) is looking for a way to terminate the contract but he is the one stepping down willingly, he wants to go, so for now he is not going to handle the team, we have given the team to Fred (Ambani),” said the official, who did not want to be named.
Trucha, who has managed teams in South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, and Malaysia, left AFC Leopards after nine matches. Out of the nine, Ingwe had managed three wins, two draws and four defeats.
In a recent interview, Trucha told the club’s official website why he was privileged to coach AFC Leopards. “Coaching these clubs comes with a lot of pressure. I like that feeling because it is a challenge for me. I like to be on the field, I love these games.
“Many coaches would love to be in this situation, and I am happy to be here. It is a privilege and a big honor to be part of this club. I want to do the best with my players to succeed.”
Trucha’s league performance this season
Trucha started off the new season on a winning note as AFC Leopards smashed promoted side Mathare United 4-0. He then lost the second game 1-0 against Posta Rangers, before Ingwe recovered to beat Bidco United 1-0.
His fourth game was against Nairobi City Stars which Ingwe won 2-1 before a 1-1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks. He then lost his second game of the season - a 1-0 defeat against Murang’a Seal at SportsPesa Arena.
After the Murang'a game, Ingwe recovered to beat Ulinzi Stars 2-0 before drawing 1-1 against promoted Mara Sugar, and it was at this game when pressure started to mount for him to resign or be fired.
Ingwe’s next fixture was against Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji derby but it was postponed owing to a lack of a stadium to host a high magnitude game with Kasarani and Nyayo still under renovation. He travelled to Kisii to face Tore Bobe in a fixture they lost 2-1 and could turn out to be his last game in charge at the Den.
Other coaches to have lost their jobs so far this season include Leonardo Martins Neiva of Gor Mahia and Salim Babu of Kenya Police. The Brazilian was fired after overseeing six matches in the top-flight while Babu was shown the exit door after seven matches.
In a recent interview with Flashscore, former Mathare United and Harambee Stars midfielder Noah Abich called on local clubs, especially Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, to put trust in local coaches.
“We have local coaches in Kenya who can do these jobs better than those foreign coaches but I don’t understand why local clubs don’t have trust with Kenyan coaches,” Abich told Flashscore.
“It is a shame that at this age and era, teams like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards cannot trust local coaches to win them titles, they should change that mentality and keep the trust, local coaches have also studied and have certificates, so they must be respected.”
He added: “Most of the foreign coaches come here to make money, they are paid a lot of money and if you don’t pay them, they will take you to FIFA and get paid a lot of money.”
Ingwe, who are lying seventh on the 18-team league table with 14 points from 10 matches, will next face Kakamega Homeboyz on Saturday, December 7th at Mumias Complex Stadium.
