AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems says they are targeting a top three finish this season in the Kenyan Premier League.

Aussems told a local TV in an interview on Monday night that he is impressed with the progress his young squad is exhibiting.

Leopards have endured close to 26 years without winning the Premier League title, and Aussems knows the desperation among the Ingwe fans to win it again.

However, he is not strictly committing himself to the title, but believes it is still possible to clinch it – in his top three agenda.

“We are targeting a top three finish this season, I love this club and I want to see the team succeed. That is why I stayed to honour my contract when some people thought I leaving because of the struggles at the club,” said Aussems.

The Belgian also noted it has been a rollercoaster to instill his philosophy in the team, after losing 17 senior players last season.

“I want a team that is good when it comes to manage the tempo. That takes time but these young players are willing to learn and improve every day, and that is what I like about them,” added Aussems.

Aussems hopes to keep the impressive form exhibited in recent matches, when he leads his charges against Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday.

“I want to see improvement in each and every game because we are putting in a lot of hard work to make sure things go the right way. The clean sheets we have kept have been great for us so we hope to continue with that in the coming matches,” he averred.

The 12-time Premier League champions are currently fifth with 25 points from 15 games.