AFC Leopards Seek to Hunt Down Sofapaka as Kariobangi Sharks Target Bandari's Scalp

AFC Leopards will be hoping to start the 2025/2026 FKF Premier League season on a high when they take on Sofapaka in their first league game of the campaign at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.

Leopards, who are under new management led by former striker Boniface Ambani as chairman, are on a quest to return to the heights that made them great in the 20th century, with 1998 the last time they lifted the league crown.

That season, Ambani, alongside his brother Fred — who is incidentally the club head coach — were the strike partnership, with their goals crucial to them eventually clinching the league title that season.

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With both at the helm in their respective positions, their aim is to end that 27-year wait for the trophy, and a win over Sofapaka would go a long way in their efforts to achieve that objective.

The club have been proactive in the transfer window, completing 10 signings during the off season. Among the headline new recruits has been James Kinyanjui from KCB, Tyson Otieno from Kenya Police, Elias Mugane from Fortune Sacco as well as Rami Coulibaly from Chabab Alam Tanger.

Leopards have enjoyed a tremendous pre-season, which has seen them record a near-perfect winning ratio, and they will be hoping to carry on that momentum.

Head coach Ambani believes that the entire squad is geared up not just for the opening match but for a full-throttle title chase. He also called on fans for continued support and prayers.

“We’ve prepared thoroughly to face Sofapaka, and we’re aiming to start the season on a positive note. Whoever is better prepared will win the day,” said Ambani. “To the fans – I want to assure you, the team is ready. The players are committed to giving their all. With your support and prayers, we believe we can achieve great things. The more wins we gather, the closer we get to the league title.”

Sofapaka, by contrast, will be hoping they can carry on their dream run from the previous campaign under Ezekiel Akwana, which saw them secure a top-half finish into the new campaign.

Despite seeing a chunk of their squad, which included veteran Humphrey Mieno, Harambee Stars forward Edward Omondi and Jack Onganya depart to other clubs, the club have still signed 21 players, including Stephen Bonney from Vision FC in Rwanda.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Nairobi, just an hour before the Leopards’ match – Kariobangi Sharks will launch their campaign against Bandari FC at Kasarani Annex from 3:00 PM EAT.

Sharks have tended to start well in previous campaigns, before slowing down midway through, especially because of the high player turnover given the bigger clubs have always tended to snap up their best players.

A win over Bandari, who traveled from the Coast, would be the perfect way to start the season with some momentum.