AFC Leopards tactician Robert Matano reacts during a past match. The team lost 1-0 to traditional rivals Gor Mahia at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru Sunday. [Photo/Soka.co.ke]
Kenya Premier League side, AFC Leopards head coach Robert Matano has defended his side following the big cats' 1-0 loss to arch-rivals Gor Mahia Sunday.
Gor edged out Ingwe through captain Harun Shakava's 40th-minute header to win the 2018 KPL Super Cup.
However, talking to the press after the match, Matano said that with the team having made several new signings, it needs more time to integrate.
He said that Gor was justified to carry the day as despite making some signings too, most of its players have been together long enough making it a solid side.
''We were playing against a team that has been together for a long time now unlike ours which is made up of new players. Therefore, our loss is understandable as the players are yet to fully understand each other's abilities and strengths,'' he said.
Leopards' list of new players includes former Gor Mahia central Collins ''Gatusso'' Okoth, Nigerian midfielder Henry Uche and Ghanaian forward Prince Akoh all of whom participated in Sunday's match.
Gor, on the other side, is boasting of Ivorian striker Ephrem Guikan who was brought in on the dying moments of the match held in Nakuru's Afraha Stadium.