In the heart of Kenyan football, few names command as much passion and history as the AFC Leopards. As the giants of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League navigate yet another off-season, the club’s unique blend of renewal, nostalgia, and community engagement takes center stage. Despite enduring another campaign without silverware, AFC Leopards have managed to transform a period of challenge into a celebration of resilience, culture, and ambition.
Farewell to a captain, gratitude to a coach
The beginning of the off-season was marked by the emotional departure of immediate former captain Clifton Miheso, a player whose journey with Leopards has been driven as much by personal growth as by the collective will of the team. Miheso’s farewell was not merely a goodbye, but a tribute to the guidance of former coach Tomas Trucha, under whom he flourished as a player and leader. “A special thank you to our former coach, Thomas Trucha, whose guidance, trust, and vision shaped me as a player and leader. Your impact on this team and on me personally will never be forgotten,” reflected Miheso in his farewell message.
Both Miheso and Trucha represent the cyclical nature of football, each returning to Ingwe for a second stint, forging a bond that transcended results. While Trucha’s time ended earlier in the season due to a string of disappointing performances, Miheso’s gratitude shines as a testament to the human stories woven through the club’s tapestry.
Launching pre-season with purpose and pageantry
As the dust settled on the 2024/25 campaign, AFC Leopards wasted no time in turning towards the future. The launch of the pre-season, held at the Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma, featured a friendly against Nzoia Sugar FC and served as the grand precursor to the second annual Players’ Awards Gala. This fixture was more than a mere football match; it was the heartbeat of a week-long celebration designed to celebrate excellence and unite the Ingwe family.
Assistant coach Ken Wendo set the tone with a rallying call to the fans, urging them to come early and immerse themselves in the club’s vibrant cultural showcase. “Let them come and enjoy football,” he enthused, emphasizing that these moments transcend routine matches, reflecting a spirit uniquely AFC Leopards.
Embracing culture, community, and football
The gala was not a stand-alone spectacle. Thoughtfully curated by the U45 Unit Branch, the week included community service, youth tournaments, roadshows, cultural performances, and music. As Olympia Musonye, chairperson of the U45 Unit Branch, put it, “We’ve designed a week that reflects the true spirit of Ingwe: passion, excellence, and community.” This holistic approach ensures AFC Leopards’ impact is felt far beyond the pitch, through connections forged with supporters and the next generation of players.
| CASINO | BONUS | INFO | RATING | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
bonus
New players get 40 free spins and a Ksh 200 freebet!
See 6 Bonuses
|
info
BK 0000665 PG 0000405 Good combination of online casino and betting platform |
|
||
|
bonus
Bonus on 1st deposit: Free Bet up to 10,000 KES
See 3 Bonuses
|
info
BCLB 0000794 Licensed betting platform with a variety of bonuses and high odds |
|
||
|
bonus
Enjoy a welcome package up to 190000 KES + 150 FS!
See 12 Bonuses
|
info
BK 0000695 PG 0000419 A wide range of bonuses |
|
||
|
bonus
Welcome Casino Bonus
See 10 Bonuses
|
info
PG 0000423 A simple way to start playing |
|
Player reflections and promises to end the drought
If the past eight trophyless seasons have weighed heavily on the shoulders of fans and players alike, this year’s Awards Gala sparked a collective resolve. AFC Leopards last celebrated major success in October 2017, with their Mozzart Bet Cup win, and have since seen 27 years pass since lifting the league title. The hunger for glory remains as fierce as ever. In the words of Ken Owino, “We have not done well as players to reward the fans with a trophy, especially since this initiative started but we still appreciate these efforts and promise to at least bag a trophy next season.”
Ronald Sichenje, having delivered an impressive eight goal contributions, echoed this ambition: “These awards motivate us and give us a reason to work hard as we head into the new season.” Meanwhile, Kayci Odhiambo, candid about the team’s underwhelming sixth-place finish, underscored the privilege of being part of a club that celebrates its own in such a meaningful way. For him and for Brian Wanyama, the Awards Gala is more than recognition; it is a driving force, a reminder of what the club means both on and off the pitch.
Honoring excellence at the annual Awards Gala
The centerpiece of this off-season was undoubtedly the Players’ Awards Gala, a glittering evening at Masinde Muliro Stadium. The spotlight fell on defenders as Harambee Stars right-back Lewis Bandi claimed the Most Valuable Player accolade for the 2024/25 season. After two years marred by injury, Bandi’s story reads like a classic tale of perseverance. Accumulating 3,126 minutes across 32 matches, topping the passing charts, and returning to the national fold, he personified the spirit of Ingwe’s fight-back.
An AFC Leopards youth product, Bandi’s journey from Makadara Junior League to senior team standout, all the way to international recognition, provided a narrative arc that resonated with players and fans alike. His selection as Best Defender further underlined his impact, while the likes of Mousa Oundo and Levis Opiyo rounded out the MVP podium, highlighting the depth of talent within this squad.
Other standout honorees
- Best Midfielder went to Mousa Oundo, a central figure in the club’s engine room,
- The Fans’ Player of the Year, selected through a public vote, was Boniface Munyendo,
- The Goal of the Season belonged to Ovella Ochieng for his viral long-range free-kick against KCB, scored from near the halfway line.
Fan engagement was further amplified with unique innovations like the “10th Ticket” initiative, offering supporters rare VIP access to mingle with players and legends. Such ideas reflect a club realigning its identity around togetherness and celebration, even as trophies remain elusive.
Using the past to fuel the future
The resounding theme from players and staff has been reflection on shortcomings paired with open optimism about the road ahead. The collective promise to end the trophy drought is sincere and urgent, backed by preseason preparation and fan-driven motivation. For supporters, recognition at the gala—such as Best Male Fan (Collins Kasembeli from Bungoma) and Best Female Fan (Moureen)—brought community spirit to the forefront.
While history weighs heavy, AFC Leopards are channeling every ounce of disappointment into energy for the upcoming season. This off-season, marked by farewells, awards, community outreach, and an unwavering belief in brighter days, could well be the crucible where their next chapter of triumph begins.
For Ingwe faithful, the message is clear. The drumbeat of support, unity, and ambition continues. And as the new season beckons, a rejuvenated squad, heartened by the trials and celebrations of their off-season, stands ready to chase the glory that has for too long proved elusive.
