AFC Leopards SC have sacked Robinson Kamura as the team captain, appointing utility defender Isaac Kipyegon as his replacement.
The strange decision was announced by head coach Patrick Aussems who said that the appointment was going to take immediate effect.
Kipyegon will be deputised by forward Elvis Rupiah and goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan.
The trio will lead the team as Ingwe intensifies its title hunt in the remaining Premier League matches and the FKF Cup.
Former captain Robinson Kamura who assumed the role from Dancun Otieno in 2017 has been used sparingly by Aussems who prefers a makeshift defence with Clyde Senaji and Kipyegon at the heart of the defence.
In November 2020, Kamura spelt out speculations that he was close to leaving the Den for Zambia. Reports had indicated that he was joining Nkana FC but he was quick to quash the rumours.
“I want to tell Ingwe fans that I am still here and I’m not going anywhere. Those are just rumours simply because my contract is expiring in December and now that I am the club captain they know that when they write that it will be read by many people,” claimed Kamura.
As it stands, the former Kenya champions are mathematically out of contention for the CAF Champions League ticket going by the Betking Premier league June 30 deadline.
A shocking 1-0 loss to bottom-placed Mathare United at Ruaraka Grounds on Wednesday confirmed Ingwe’s worst fears as they surrendered qualification for the CAF Champions League, shifting gears to the upcoming Betway FKF Cup final against Gor Mahia on July 4.
As it Tusker and KCB stand the highest chance while reigning champions Gor could still steal the slot through a superior goal difference if the two falter in their remaining round before the deadline.
The brewers have 44 points after 21 outings, while KCB have 42 points. Gor Mahia are third on the log with 38 points, one ahead of AFC Leopards who face Wazito next.
CAF has set June 30 as the deadline for the member associations to enter their representatives in the elite interclub competitions owing to the disruption of the regular calendar due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Traditionally, a country is represented in the CAF Champions League by the club that finishes top of the league charts.