AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has said the newly appointed head coach Tom Juma, will be treated as respectably as his predecessor, Belgian Patrick Aussems.
Shikanda said they had turned to Juma because of his expertise and expressed confidence in his ability to steer the team to the coveted Kenyan Premier League title.
"We intend to make him as comfortable as we can to provide him with a conducive environment for achieving positive results," Shikanda said.
"He has been around long enough and even guided the team in some matches when Aussems was away. He understands his job well," he added.
Although Shikanda did not delve into details, a highly-placed source at the club disclosed that Juma would enjoy the same trappings as Aussems.
"The club gave Aussems a car and a driver. He was also afforded accommodation at Safari Park Hotel because he turned down all the houses suggested to him," the source said, adding that the house's rent will be paid by the club.
Shikanda revealed that Ingwe will be heading to Mumias on Sunday for a 12-day-long residential training camp to sharpen their claws ahead of the start of the 2023-2024 season.
"The team will depart next Sunday and will remain there for 12 good days. We plan to play some build-up matches as well to entertain our ardent fans who are largely from this area," Shikanda said.
Shikanda also revealed that the 13-time Kenyan champions will host their opening encounter at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega against FC Talanta.
“We will switch our home ground to Bukhungu to allow the contractor to refurbish Nyayo Stadium as instructed by the government. We intend to communicate the decision to FKF,” he said.
Leopards' club secretary Gilbert Andugu also confirmed that they have registered Bukhungu as their preferred home ground. "We are also looking for an alternative pitch and will update the federation as soon as we find one."
The decision comes after Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba said Nyayo Stadium would be closed for renovation.
Leopards have been hosting their home matches at the facility for the past three seasons. Sports Kenya moved to refurbish the stadium to boost Kenya's chances of co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations jointly with Tanzania and Uganda.
The last major activity at Nyayo was the World U20 Rugby Trophy tournament that concluded last weekend.
Shikanda's remarks came even as club secretary Andugu confirmed that they had registered Bukhungu as their preferred home ground.
