Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards has finally dismissed head coach Tom Juma after weeks of resisting pressure from the fans who were eager to see the club legend gone.

The fans turned against Juma due to an abysmal start to the season that has resulted in the team dropping into the relegation zone and failing to secure a win in six matches into the new season.

Juma, who was promoted from the team manager’s role to head coach in July 2023 following the departure of Belgian coach Patrick Aussems, oversaw four draws and two defeats in the six matches he managed this season.

His relationship with AFC Leopards fans reached an irreparable low last Saturday when Ingwe lost 2-0 to Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby at the Kasarani Stadium.

Last month, Juma provided insight into the club’s disappointing start to the season – at the time AFC Leopards had played three matches without scoring and occupied 12th spot.

“You have to work every day and every week. If you look at the composition of our team, (we have) a lot of new players. It takes time before they gel,” Juma said.

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Weeks before the Mashemeji Derby, AFC Leopards fans called for Juma’s sacking, but AFC Leopards’ leadership has emphatically expressed their confidence in their head coach terming him the right person to lead the team.

In a statement released on September 20, 2023, the club stated, “The management of the Club is pleased to announce its unwavering confidence in the leadership of the technical bench, headed by Mr. Tom Juma.”

The management led by chairman Dan Shikanda has now bowed to pressure and let go of Tom Juma.