AFC Leopards have always been at the heart of Kenyan football, a club that not only radiates rich tradition and rivalry but has consistently tugged at the emotions of its loyal supporters. Over the years, the club’s narrative has been constructed not just by its silverware or fierce battles in the “Mashemeji” derby, but by the human stories—the trials, triumphs, and transitions—that define its journey. This season, Ingwe’s evolution stretches from the corridors of boardroom power to the bench and even to the vulnerable world of a goalkeeper rediscovering his confidence.
Leadership renewal and the race for the chairman seat
The lifeblood of any major football club lies not only in the electric atmosphere on matchday but in the vision and stability of its management. For AFC Leopards, 2025 marks a significant shift. Incumbent chairman Dan Shikanda, having served from 2019 to 2025, has reached the end of his tenure, his eligibility capped by the club’s constitution. As the club approaches its critical Annual General Meeting (AGM) set for June 29, the stage is set for the next phase in the club’s administration—one that will influence Ingwe’s direction both on and off the pitch.
This leadership transition has attracted notable figures. Among the five men who have expressed their intention to run for the top seat are former international Boniface Ambani, outgoing treasurer Oliver Napali, previous club CEO Ronald Namayi, U-45 branch chairman Olympia Musonye, and Enosh Mutoka, who previously served as Commercial Director. Their diverse backgrounds reflect the broad spectrum of experiences vying to steer the club forward.
Beyond the chairman role, the race for Secretary General is equally compelling. Asava Kadima, who stepped into the club’s administration over a decade ago, has thrown his hat in the ring, alongside Robert Situma, Jesse Tetei, and Irene Wekesa. Outgoing Secretary General Gilbert Andugu, choosing not to contest his seat, has ensured members have ample time to renew and update their membership status, extending the window until April 29 in an effort to broaden participation and transparency.
Ambani’s coaching philosophy and the fight against Gor Mahia
In the vibrant emotional tapestry of Kenyan football, few narratives capture the imagination quite like the Mashemeji derby—the fierce, historic rivalry between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia. Here, results are not just tallied in points or trophies, but in pride, history, and legacy.
Enter Fred Ambani, a man whose legacy runs deep within AFC Leopards. Once a player in the club’s golden era, now interim coach, Ambani brings a unique blend of history and hope. His undefeated record against Gor Mahia, both as a player and now as a coach, has become a rallying cry for Ingwe’s faithful. Ambani’s deep personal association with the club is not just about nostalgia—it drives his stubborn refusal to accept defeat against arch-rivals.
Speaking ahead of the 96th historic meeting between the clubs, Ambani boldly stated his intent to preserve his unbeaten run, a statement that sent ripples of excitement and skepticism through the footballing fraternity. History has not always favored Leopards—since their first meeting in 1968, Gor Mahia have edged Ingwe with 33 wins to their 28, with an astonishing 34 draws, the latest stalemate coming in a tightly contested recent encounter.
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Despite Gor Mahia’s ascendance in recent seasons—completing doubles over Leopards with scores of 2-0 and 1-0 last year—Ambani’s optimism is contagious. “I cannot lose to Gor as a coach. I never did as a player and I want to stop their dominance over Leopards,” he declared, referencing not only personal pride but the club’s collective hunger for glory.
Under his interim stewardship, the club has responded positively. With only five losses and a game in hand, AFC Leopards currently sit fifth in the league with 37 points, trailing Gor Mahia, who are third on 43 points with a similar fixture backlog. Ambani’s focus, however, is not only on rivalry but on the mechanics of competitive football. He has signaled the need to sharpen the attack—one area he feels could unlock the team’s potential and bridge the gap to the league’s top contenders, namely Police, Tusker, Gor Mahia, and KCB.
Pressure, redemption and the human side of football
While drama unfolds in boardrooms and on the touchline, football’s most profound narratives often take shape in the hearts and minds of its players. For goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi, this season brought an agonizing low—a mistake in January’s match against FC Talanta that quickly morphed from a personal calamity into a viral spectacle. Katasi’s error, dispossessed by Emmanuel Osoro and culminating in a goal described as one of the most comical in FKF Premier League history, led to a torrent of criticism and his eventual substitution.
For many, this would mark the beginning of a spiral, yet Katasi’s story is about resilience. Shielding himself from the barrage on social media, he sought solace and perspective away from the digital noise, even instructing friends to keep hostile messages at bay. In his own words, “It was not easy for me after the game, as insults and threats were directed my way. Luckily, I am not on social media. I had to ask my friends not to share the insults and threats from social media users on my WhatsApp.”
Behind the scenes, Katasi refocused, intent on rebuilding both form and faith. “I am working hard behind the scenes to get back to my best. I am confident that I will play and make everyone at the club proud,” he reaffirmed. Such determination is vital for Ingwe—a club dependent not just on managerial acumen or tactical nous, but on the mental fortitude of its squad.
A shared journey shaping AFC Leopards’ future
The threads of administration, coaching, and the human struggle intertwine in ways that defy statistics alone. The club’s destiny will not be shaped by single moments or isolated figures. Instead, it is being woven collectively—by the ambitions of those competing to steer the club from the boardroom, by coaches daring to dream beyond past hierarchies, and by players who weather storms seeking the light of redemption.
As the AGM approaches and the final third of the FKF Premier League ticks away, the stakes for AFC Leopards are as immense as ever. Will a new chairman spark renewed ambition? Can Ambani translate passion and historical defiance into permanent success? Will players like Katasi turn misfortune into inspiration for themselves and the Ingwe faithful?
What is certain is that the journey of AFC Leopards—like all great sporting stories—is about more than titles or tribulations; it is about people, pride, and the relentless pursuit of something greater with every passing season.
