Leopards coach Zapata set to resign

AFC Leopards caoch Rodolfo Zapata is set to resign immediately after the Mashemeji derby this Sunday where they’ll be locking horns with champions Gor Mahia at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

According to a source close to the coach,  Zapata has fell out with a section of Leopards officials whom he accuses of interfering with the good plans he has with the club.

“He is resigning due to too much politics surrounding this club hence interfering with plans to implement our plans to the latter, “the source said.

“He had a wonderful plan to ensure that Ingwe wins the league come next season but a crop of some officials have played a big role in scattering everything,” added the source.

Zapata who is currently focusing on the Sunday derby has had a cordial relationship with the club chairman Dan Mule and Chief Executive Officer Abisai Jacob but it is alleged that some officials have been a stumbling block to the visions and dreams of the Argentine coach.

Zapata,who took over the coaching mantle in mid April, barely three months ago, has presided over nine league matches; winning five, drawn three and lost once.

The former Gaborone United(Botswana) coach has been working with the players who were under the immediate former coach Robert Matano and this has been a big challenge to him. According to the source, some of the players are yet to adapt to his football philosophy.

In a separate interview with Citizen Digital two months ago, Zapata indicated that he was hoping to get some players from Argentina, South Africa, Botswana and even Nigeria to help him beef up his squad to challenge for the league title which has eluded the club since 1998.

Efforts to reach the coach was futile. Leopards is set to hold an emergency meeting this evening under the leadership of chairman Mule , with captain Duncan Otieno and conditioning coach Mike Shamia and Zapata expected to attend.

Ingwe is keen on capitalizing on the woes of their perennial rivals Gor Mahia who are currently nursing the wounds of off-the-pitch tussles that has rocked their camp.

Sunday’s meeting will be Zapata’s first Mashemeji derby in the league; their last meeting with Gor being a defeat on  post match penalties in a Hull City challenge semi-finals match at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru this year.