AFC Leopards coach Andre Casa Mbungo has defended under-fire striker Ismaila Diarra after his below-par performances in the opening two league games of the season against Kakamega Homeboyz and Kariobangi Sharks.
The new-signing misfired in both games and on Sunday against Sharks, he had to be taken off at halftime after irate fans demanded his withdrawal after a dismal first half in the barren draw against William Muluya’s side.
Coach Mbungo has however thrown his support behind the former Rayon Sports man. The Rwandese tactician says the attacker needs time to adapt to the Kenyan league and urged fans to be patient with the forward who he says will begin finding the back of the net soon.
“Fans should understand that Diarra is new in the Kenyan league and that he needs time to adapt. He is a quality player, no doubt but he still needs to adjust and fans should understand that. We have only played two games and people shouldn’t make it appear like something big. He will score goals once he has fully adapted, I am sure about that. I call on the fans to rally behind the team irrespective of who is playing because they all represent AFC Leopards,” he said.
Ingwe will be in action against Wazito FC on Saturday at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega and Mbungo says the team will give its best as both sides head into the game in search of their first win of the season.
“We will give our best. We want to win and so we have to be at our best. We will prepare well for the game and give our best, we want to win it for the fans,” he added.