The newly assembled AFC Leopards squad needs a great deal of time and effort to start posting consistent and positive results, assistant coach Tom Juma has said.
In an exclusive interview with the Star on Thursday, Juma appealed to Ingwe fans to exercise patience with the existing squad that was hastily patched up after a mass exodus of star players at the end of the season left the den deserted and vulnerable.
And as the 13-time Kenyan champions prepare to battle Ulinzi Stars at Thika Stadium on Friday afternoon, Juma has opted to tackle the problem head-on and asked the fans to stop building castles in the air.
"There is no way we can offload 16 players at a go and still expect to maintain our good form. There is an urgent need for us to beef up our entire playing unit if we expect to lay claim to silverwares. All departments must be improved," said Juma.
"All I can say is that we have prepared well enough to tackle Ulinzi but it would be unrealistic to promise a win at this time. The current crop of players we have at the moment are still too inexperienced and so I can't promise anything," said Juma.
Juma said they are nonetheless working around the clock to sharpen the claws of the newly recruited cubs who were promoted from the academy side.
He hoped the club would embrace the ongoing transfer window to sharpen the blunt attack.
"How do you expect us to register convincing results with such a young and inexperienced squad? The boys have really been giving their best shot in our matches but have nonetheless failed to match expectations in one way or another," said Juma.
"We are desperately in need of experienced players to give the impetus to charge for the title. As things stand, our fans shouldn't expect anything significant from us this season," lamented Juma.
"Our current first team consists of many players who were promoted from the youth team. They need to play a lot of games first before they can gather the kind of experience needed to win titles.
"We've been playing very well but our striking force is still blunt. You must have noticed that even Gor Mahia were crossing their fingers anxiously in wait for the full-time whistle because of the pressure we kept piling on them," said Juma.
The veteran gaffer, who turned out for the club during his heydays, also raised concerns about the quality of officiating.
"We started the season well with a win over Tusker but thereafter lost to Bandari due to questionable officiating - a controversial penalty and a not so convincing goal awarded.
The match match between Gor Mahia and Sofapaka at Kasarani Stadium highlights Saturday's fixtures. Champions Tusker will be seeking their first win in their tie against Wazito at Ruaraka as KCB battle Kenya Police at Utalii grounds.
Bidco host Nzoia at Thika while Posta Rangers and Nairobi City Stars will settle scores at the same venue in the first match. On Sunday, Bandari host newbies Talanta at Mbaraki grounds as Kakamega Homeboyz and Vihiga Bullets flex muscles at Bukhungu Stadium.
