After 28 years without a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title, AFC Leopards are mounting their strongest campaign in decades this season.
Coach Fred Ambani is confident his team has what it takes to end the long and agonising wait.
“We’ve strengthened every department—from defence to attack—brought in players with hunger and skill, and instilled a mindset of winning. The title is within our reach if we stay focused,” he said.
Leopards’ recent performances, including a decisive 2-0 victory over Nairobi United at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday, have left fans dreaming of glory once more.
The win elevated Ingwe to the summit of the KPL table with 26 points, two clear of long-standing rivals Gor Mahia.
The club, founded in 1964, has endured a 28-year league title drought, and Ambani’s stewardship is now under intense scrutiny as the season reaches its decisive phase.
While the result provides momentum, Ambani has emphasised the need for composure. “This position means nothing if we lose focus,” he said. “I keep telling the players that the table does not give you points. What gives you points is what you do on the pitch every weekend.”
He highlighted that confidence must be balanced with discipline. “We are happy, yes, but we are not satisfied. The danger comes when players start believing the job is already done. It is not,” Ambani explained.
The early stages of the season presented challenges for Ambani, with inconsistent results prompting some supporters to question his leadership. “There was a time when people wanted me out,” he admitted. “I understood the frustration because this is a big club and expectations are high.”
Nevertheless, the coach’s measured approach and support from the club hierarchy enabled stability. “I believed in the process, and I believed in the players we had recruited. I am grateful that the club stood by me. In football, panic destroys progress,” he said.
Ambani attributes the club’s resurgence to carefully targeted signings. “We identified exactly what we needed,” he said. James Kinyanjui, brought in from KCB, provides experience, while Tyson Otieno, from Kenya Police, adds strength and leadership.
Ugandan import Samuel Ssenyonjo has supplied creativity in the attacking third. “Ssenyonjo gives us creativity and intelligence between the lines,” Ambani noted. The club also signed Ellias Mugane from Fortune Sacco FC, last season’s National Super League top scorer.
“Mugane gives us hunger. He knows what it means to fight for every ball,” Ambani added, highlighting the balance between imported talent and homegrown potential.
With several fixtures remaining, Ambani stresses that depth is essential for sustained performance. “You cannot win this league with 11 players,” he said. “We rotate because everyone has a role. When one player drops out, another steps in without lowering standards.”
The coach emphasised internal competition as a tool to maintain performance levels. “The boys push each other every day in training. That is how champions are built,” he explained, underscoring the importance of cohesion and accountability within the squad.
Ambani has also addressed the pressure from supporters and media scrutiny. “I am asking our fans to support, but not to put unnecessary pressure on the players. This team is still growing,” he said.
He highlighted the unpredictability of the league despite their current position. “We must take it one game at a time. Gor Mahia are there, and other teams are not far. One bad result can change everything,” he cautioned.
Ambani also stressed the necessity of execution. “Winning the league is our ambition, but nothing comes without focus. We have the squad, we have the plan, now it’s about execution,” he said.
As the season progresses, Ambani continues to advocate for belief and humility. “We believe in ourselves, but belief must come with humility. If we respect every opponent and work hard, we give ourselves a chance,” he said. “As long as the players stay focused, disciplined, and hungry, we can compete.”
Under Ambani, AFC Leopards now face the remainder of the season with renewed purpose and a clear strategy. With talent, depth, and leadership aligned, Ingwe have the opportunity to rewrite decades of frustration and secure the Kenyan Premier League title that has eluded them since 1998.
by TONY MBALLA
