AFC Coach Boniface Ambani during FkF Premier League match against Ulinzi Stars at Dandora Stadium. April 23, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
The stepping down of AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has opened a fierce battle as former striker Boniface Ambani and ex-commercial director Enos Mutoka battle to convince 2,706 registered members that they are the right choice to revive the 12-time league champions.
The two aspirants laid out their visions during a live debate on a local media interview, where they clashed over the club’s management priorities but agreed on one thing — AFC Leopards must reclaim its former glory.
Ambani, who wore the Ingwe jersey as a striker and later returned as a youth coach, is banking on his deep ties with the club.
“There is so much to be done at AFC Leopards. I’ve been there as a player and a coach, so I understand the nitty-gritty of what it takes to bring back trophies,” he said.
AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s most storied football clubs, is headed for a crucial election this Sunday that could shape its future both on and off the pitch.
Ambani criticised past transfer strategies, accusing previous regimes of prioritising quantity over quality in player recruitment.
“We’ve always gone for numbers instead of quality. That has to change. Anyone joining the team must be a quality player,” he insisted.
Ambani also outlined plans to revamp the club’s merchandise strategy to create new income streams.
“We’ll professionalise how we handle merchandise — it can be a strong pillar of financial support for the club,” he added.
Mutoka, who previously served as the club’s commercial director, steered his campaign toward financial reform and partnership building.
“We want to bring AFC Leopards back to winning ways. I have the passion, and with the right partnerships, this team will be unstoppable,” said Mutoka.
He pledged to end the club’s struggles in the transfer market by securing better funding.
“We often miss out on top players because of finances. I’ll work tirelessly to bring in sponsors and give our technical bench the resources they need,” he promised.