Struggling FKF Premier League outfit AFC Leopards confirmed the acquisition of Czech coach Tomas Trucha as their new head coach on a permanent basis in a bid to turn around the club’s dwindling fortunes this campaign.

The 51-year-old Trucha, who will be making a comeback to the Den for a second stint, replaced Tom Juma, who despite being appointed head coach on a permanent contract to succeed Belgian Patrick Aussems at the start of the season, was relieved of his duties on Monday owing to a string of poor results.

A statement from AFC Leopards signed by club secretary Gilbert Andugu obtained by Africa Top Sports confirmed the changes at the Den by saying: “AFC Leopards is pleased to announce the appointment of Tomas Trucha as head coach for two football seasons (2023-2024 and 2024-2025),” adding: “Tomas Trucha, a Czech national, is the holder of a UEFA Pro license. He was, until recently, head coach of Kelantan United in Malaysia.”

The statement continued: “This is his second stint with AFC Leopards SC after being here for a short period in the year 2020. We wish them the best of luck as they take over their new roles at the club.”

Ingwe’s display in the current campaign has not been impressive as they are yet to register a victory in the top-flight from six matches played so far. They have suffered two defeats – 1-0 against KCB and 2-0 against Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji derby – and went ahead to register four draws.

The defeat in the derby was the last straw for Juma, who was immediately fired, and his exit came after the club’s faithful had called for his resignation on three occasions after matches. Trucha is not new to AFC Leopards, as he was named the coach in 2020 but threw in the towel citing pressure from outside forces.

He arrives at Ingwe from Malaysian outfit Kelantan United, who are currently languishing at the lower reaches of their league table. He has also coached Botswana Premier League giants Township Rollers. In 2013, Trucha managed Czech third-division side TJ Valasske Mezirici before he left for South Africa, where he worked as a youth coach at FC Cape Town.

In 2016, he was appointed assistant manager of Viktoria Pizen, one of the Czech Republic’s most successful clubs, and in 2018, he was appointed manager of Orapa United in Botswana. His arrival will see him take charge of AFC when they face Bandari in their next league fixture at Mbaraki Sports Club next Sunday.