Chipo takes over the post with immediate effect on a one-year contract that will see him deputise Dutchman Pieter de Jong in readiness for next season where they are hoping to hit the heights again after a dismal 2014 KPL and GOtv Shield campaign by their lofty standards.
Ingwe also snapped up former Gor Mahia goalkeeper trainer Abdul Iddi Salim, also on a one-year contract and is expected to join the team next year as he is currently out of the country.
Leopards Deputy Secretary Asava Kadima told Capital Sport Chipo said he was the right man for the job as they hoped he will forge a great working partnership with de Jong following claims of frosty relations with his predecessor who was hired from fellow KPL side KCB after he was given the sack.
“He has vast experience and is one of the best local coaches with a CAF A licence. We have been convinced with his expertise, his vision and mission,” he added.
Chipo who leaves his job as head coach of Tanzanian Premier League side Coastal Union, home to former KPL stars Itubu Imbem and Rama Salim, brings with him a wealth of experience to the den.
He led military outfit Ulinzi Stars to three domestic titles in row in 2003, 2004 and 2005 followed by stints in Congo before deputising Francis Kimanzi at Stars where they led the side to qualify for the final round of 2010 World Cup and Nations Cup qualifiers where they were fired for German tactician Antoine Hey.
Chipo made a return to Ulinzi in 2012 where he worked as the Technical Director with Sammy Simiyu as head coach and Francis Onyiso as the assistant but left at the end of the campaign when the controversial post was shelved.
-Western tour-
AFC will be heading for a tour of Western Province starting Thursday where they will play two friendly matches before breaking for Christmas holidays.
“We will play against Bomet County combined on Thursday in Bomet on our way to Busia where we will play against Busia combined on Saturday. We will then break for the Christmas holidays after that and then resume in January for serious preparations for the new season,” Kadima added.
Ingwe are yet to land any transfer targets though the deputy secretary says they will not be signing in mass for the new season.
Kadima pointed out they will only be bringing in four new players and hope to keep a chunk of their first team regulars to keep consistency.
However, they are still sweating on renewing defender Erick Masika’s contract with the player yet to resume training with the club. Masika’s current contract expires on Decemer 31 and in an interview with People Sport last week, the former Gor Mahia defender said he will not be renewing his contract with the club.