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AFC Leopards coach Rodolfo sent on 'indefinite leave'

Rodolfo Zapata of AFC Leopards Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

AFC Leopards head coach Rodolfo Zapata has been sent on indefinite leave by the club management after their poor recent form.

Rodolfo's continued stay at the Den has been a subject of speculation in recent weeks, with the coach indicating that he would quit at the end of the season following Sunday's loss to Sofapaka in an FKF Shield semi-final.

However, speaking to KweséESPN after Wednesday's game against Tusker, the coach refuted the exit claims and said that he was preparing a report in readiness for next season.

Instead, Leopards have sent the tactician on indefinite leave.

"We have not sacked him," Leopards Secretary General Oscar Igaida told KweséESPN. "It's indefinite leave.

"There are in-house issues we need to sort out, and we decided to let the coach have some time out."

Zapata's assistants Tom 'Gaza' Juma and Gilbert Selebwa will take charge of the team for the remaining two matches of the season against Ulinzi Stars and Nzoia Sugar.

"Selebwa and Juma are two experienced coaches, and we expect them to do a good job in the remaining two games," added the club's Organizing Secretary Timothy Lilumbi. "We have full confidence in them."

It remains to be seen whether Zapata's suspension will mark the beginning of the end for the Argentinian coach, who joined the club in April as a replacement for Dennis Kitambi.