From 1998 to 2025: Fred Ambani Vows to Give Long-Suffering AFC Leopards Fans the Title They Crave

AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has stated that securing both the FKF Premier League and Cup titles would be the greatest gift he could give to the club’s fans.

The team has struggled to leave a mark in recent league seasons, having last won their 12th league crown in 1998.

Their most recent trophy came in the FKF Cup on October 20, 2017, following a 2-0 win over a youthful Kariobangi Sharks side.

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Now, as preparations ramp up for the 2025/26 season, Fred Ambani believes they will have a smooth run and hopefully win the coveted titles.

Fred Ambani praised AFC Leopards fans for their unwavering loyalty, highlighting how they have supported the club through tough times.

He added that for the 2025/26 season, the aim is to spare fans any hardships, promising that if the team performs as planned, a rewarding outcome awaits at the finish line.

“AFC Leopards fans just have to wait to win the league at this point, that’s what they need, there is nothing less than that. If I give them the league and the cup, then I will have given them the best thing,” Fred Ambani said.

“I must admit that the fans have played a huge role in this team. When things are not okay, they are always with us and this season, we want things to go well so that they can be happy too.”

AFC Leopards have already begun their season preparations on a high, winning 4-2 in an international friendly match against New Kings FC.

To turn the dream into reality, AFC Leopards have made several key signings and promotions to bolster their squad for the 2025/26 season.

The most exciting of the new acquisitions is undoubtedly Elias Mugane, the prolific striker who finished as the top scorer in the 2024/25 National Super League season.

Joining from Fortune Sacco FC on a two-year deal, Elias Mugane brings a proven goal-scoring record to a side that has often struggled for a reliable finisher. Elias Mugane scored 22 goals and 9 assists last season.

The club has signed Samuel Ssenyonjo, a Ugandan international forward. Samuel Ssenyonjo joins on a two-year contract from Express FC and comes with an impressive pedigree, having finished fourth in the Ugandan Premier League's top scorer chart last season.

On the defensive end, the club has brought in Rami Lasso Coulibaly, an Ivorian centre-back from Chabab Alam Tanger.

Known for his tactical discipline and ability to read the game, Coulibaly is expected to provide much-needed stability at the heart of the defence. He will be joined by marauding right-back Brian Ojok Nyongesa, who arrives from Soy United.

The midfield has not been overlooked either, with the addition of Tyson Otieno, a skilful midfielder from reigning champions Kenya Police FC.

Winger James Kinyanjui joins from KCB FC and will provide pace and directness to the attack. The club has also made a move for goalkeeper Samuel Ambale Kusindi, a former youth player who returns to the club to provide competition for the number one spot.

Deng Kang, a South Sudanese attacking midfielder, and Jamala Obeid have also been promoted from the youth side.