Blow for AFC Leopards as Patrick Aussems leaves club

Patrick Aussems has opted not to renew his contract as AFC Leopards head coach following the lapse of his current contract. 

The embattled Belgian confirmed on Monday that he was not renewing his contract at the Den despite being offered a lucrative contract by the club’s management. 

The 58-year-old joined AFC Leopards from South African side Black Leopards and endured a torrid time at Ingwe as they were slapped with a two-window transfer ban by Fifa. 

Aussems turned to the club’s Youth team which produced the majority of the players who featured during his reign. 

The former Standard Liege defender took to social media to announce his decision.

“For personal and private reasons, I won’t be able to renew my contract with AFC Leopards! Thank you my players, my staff, the incredible fans for the 2 years! I wish Ingwe all the best! Asante sana!” he posted on Twitter. 

In his first season at the club, he led Ingwe to a fourth-place finish, and two Cup semi-finals in the long run. 

The news comes a shock to many AFC Leopards fans who had hoped to see what he had in store after the end of the Fifa ban. 

Reports have emerged that the Belgian had asked for a hefty salary rise and improved terms with the Leopards but this did not go well with some of the members in the Ingwe hierarchy. 

Last week, Dan Shikanda, the AFC Leopards chairman said that they were keen to retain the tough-talking Aussems but the script has since changed with the current statement from the 6 ft 1 former defender. 

As it stands, long-serving assistant coach Thomas Juma will continue playing a caretaker role as the club’s head coach as they seek to hire services of a new head coach or even bolster the technical bench.