Sunday, June 29, 2025, became a defining day in the storied history of Kenyan football as Boniface Ambani was elected AFC Leopards chairman at the Stadion Hotel Ballroom in Kasarani. In a passionate and closely watched contest, Ambani, a club legend and former Harambee Stars striker, swept past his only challenger, Enos Vincent Mutoka, signaling a new dawn for the club affectionately known as Ingwe.
Why Ambani’s victory matters for the Leopards faithful
The dust has barely settled on a robust campaign season that captured the hopes—and let’s face it, the nerves—of AFC Leopards supporters across Kenya. For many, the election was about more than ballot counts; it was about picking a leader who could bring unity and credibility back to a club that has endured more than two decades out of domestic supremacy.
Boniface Ambani, who played a pivotal role in the club’s last league triumph back in 1998, returns not just as a champion of the past, but as a leader with the resolve and blueprint to restore the club’s lustre. His opponent, Mutoka, garnered respect as the club’s commercial director and campaigned on player recruitment, youth development and community engagement, but it was Ambani’s charisma and forward-thinking manifesto that ultimately won over the members.
How the votes stacked up—and what they mean
The numbers behind Ambani’s win tell a tale of overwhelming support and momentum. Across the five polling stations, Ambani collected 1,101 votes to Mutoka’s 656, a decisive advantage that underlines how compelling his vision is for a vast base of Leopards’ members. At each centre, Ambani consistently led, showcasing a campaign that connected at every level of the Ingwe community.
In total, 1,783 votes were cast. These high participation levels reflected just how invested the supporters are in the trajectory of their beloved team, and how momentous the leadership transition was perceived. The elections themselves were supervised by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), further emphasizing transparency and a desire for professionalism in club affairs.
The legacy Ambani inherits—and the challenges ahead
Before the ballots were counted, outgoing chairman Dan Shikanda, who had helmed the club since 2019, urged all stakeholders to unite behind the club’s incoming leadership. The call for unity was echoed by Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, underscoring the sense of community ownership that is at the heart of AFC Leopards.
Yet, the reality for Ambani is sobering. The club has not lifted the league title since 1998—a drought that stings for one of Kenya’s most decorated teams. Ambani, who helped deliver that historic title as a player, now faces the complex task of making the club both professionally run and financially sustainable in a hyper-competitive environment.
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Ambani’s ‘Starting XI’—the heart of his manifesto
The bedrock of Ambani’s campaign was his clear, actionable 11-point reform plan, known as the “Starting XI.” At its core, this blueprint is designed to modernize the club’s operations and reignite enthusiasm among both die-hard and casual fans.
The plan is built on four pillars – modernizing the club’s brand to reconnect with Kenyan football’s new generation, developing long-neglected infrastructure such as training grounds and club offices, enhancing fan and branch engagement, and introducing rigorous financial systems. Transparency and accountability are emphasized throughout, as is the creation of new roles for marketing, legal, and performance monitoring within the club’s structure.
- Modernizing the brand to re-engage fans,
- Prioritizing club infrastructure and training facilities,
- Developing revenue streams through merchandising and sponsorships,
- Promoting both the men’s and women’s teams equally and nurturing youth talent.
The last two points—placing equal attention on the women’s team and establishing sound financial management—reflect Ambani’s vision for inclusivity and the need for fiscal prudence, issues that supporters have clamored for in recent years.
Restoring pride—from club legend to transformative leader
Boniface Ambani’s journey to the chairman’s office is more than a triumphant return—it is a continuation of his deep connection with AFC Leopards. After stints with clubs in Tanzania, India, and Oman, and most recently as sporting director at Mara Sugar, where he guided the club’s rise to the FKF Premier League, Ambani brings both local heritage and global football insights to the table.
He has promised not only to return AFC Leopards to winning ways through strategic player recruitment, but also to prioritize player welfare and youth development. These issues resonate deeply with a fanbase that understands the importance of long-term investment over quick fixes. Ambani’s ambition to guide the club to the FIFA Club World Cup may seem audacious, but such boldness is what supporters crave after years of inertia.
Other key winners and new faces in the Leopards hierarchy
The chairman’s election was not the only drama during the AFC Leopards polls. Isaac Mulindi was elected secretary-general after a hard-fought contest that saw him secure 656 votes ahead of Robert Situma and Irene Sitawa. Newton Lime Luchacha clinched the treasurer’s seat with 676 votes, another ringing endorsement for a generation eager to break with administrative mediocrity.
These new appointments set the stage for a committed and dynamic leadership team determined to return ‘Ingwe’ to domestic glory and continental relevance.
The human story: dreams, unity, and raising the bar
Every election carries its own rhythm of hope, anxiety, and renewal. For the AFC Leopards community, this vote was about reclaiming lost pride and redefining what Kenyan club football can achieve. In his victory speeches and manifesto launch, Ambani stressed that this new era is about giving the club back to its rightful owners—the fans. Moments like these—where a former champion returns not just to reminisce, but to roll up his sleeves and construct a better future—are what make sport so emotionally resonant for both supporters and neutrals.
“This is the time to reset the club’s direction. Through IPOSIKU, we will revive the soul of this club and return it to the people,” Ambani declared, promising to lead with integrity and professionalism at every turn.
Looking ahead: can Ambani deliver on his promise?
With Boniface Ambani now officially at the helm, AFC Leopards stand at a crossroads. The expectations are weighty, the skepticism lingering—but there is also palpable excitement as the club embarks on this new chapter. The leadership’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and bold dreams has given fans a rallying cry. Only time will tell if Ambani’s “Starting XI” will translate from hopeful manifesto to tangible revival, but the journey promises to be one worth following closely.
For now, AFC Leopards’ faithful can enjoy the optimism of a fresh start, galvanized by the hope that success may once again return to the den.
