AFC Leopards captain Kayci Odhiambo has vowed to address the early-season setbacks that undermined their title challenge last term as Ingwe seek to end their 29-year wait for the FKF Premier League crown.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsLeopards finished second behind arch-rivals Gor Mahia last season, missing out on the title by five points after a campaign in which dropped points at the start proved costly. With the new season underway, Odhiambo believes a strong opening run will be crucial to their ambitions.Gor Mahia's title defense off to perfect start in historic night clashSpeaking ahead of their clash against Bandari, the defender identified maximum points from their opening three fixtures as a priority, insisting that last season's experience must inform their approach this time round.The 1998 league champions began the previous campaign with three consecutive draws, sharing the spoils 1-1 with Sofapaka, 2-2 with Posta Rangers before playing out to a goalless stalemate against Bandari. Those results left them with six points dropped at a crucial stage of the title race.##NAJAVA_MECA_10028717##Odhiambo believes avoiding a similar start could make the difference as Ingwe look to sustain a consistent challenge against the country's leading sides.“Last season it was tough on us mentally because I think we lost the league in the opening matches of the season because we drew our opening three matches, and this translated to the finality of the league as we lost the title by the dropped points.Talanta Stadium confirmed for first major international sporting eventSo for this year, we have to mend that gap by starting strongly. To win the league, we have to win our first three league matches, and for us to achieve that, we have to start with the Bandari match,” he stated.The fixture against Bandari therefore presents Leopards with an immediate opportunity to demonstrate their renewed resolve before turning their attention to subsequent assignments against Kenya Police FC and Shabana FC.##NAJAVA_MECA_10028718##Beyond the title ambitions, the new campaign also marks Odhiambo's first season leading the club following the departure of former captain Victor Omune, who joined Mathare United. The appointment places the defender at the forefront of a squad carrying the expectations of a demanding fan base eager for a return to the summit.Government issues update on Moi Stadium Kisumu reconstruction [PHOTOS]Odhiambo acknowledged the weight of the responsibility but expressed confidence in his ability to guide the team through the challenge.“It's a heavy responsibility, but equally, it's an honour to lead such a big club into the new season. I am more than ready for the task ahead, and I feel I should reward the responsibility vested in me by ending the long, close-to-three-decade league drought,” he added.##NAJAVA_MECA_10028701##Leopards' pursuit of the championship will demand consistency beyond the opening fixtures, particularly against rivals expected to contest for the title. However, Odhiambo's message is clear: Ingwe cannot afford another slow start if they are to turn last season's disappointment into a genuine championship challenge.A positive result against Bandari would provide an early boost to their campaign ahead of the Kenya Police FC clash on Tuesday, 20 October and offer the new captain an opportunity to begin his leadership tenure by delivering on the club's immediate objective.Robert Matano slams current state of Kenyan football
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