Oundo fuels AFC Leopards’ growing title belief

AFC Leopards midfielder Mousa Oundo goes through the pre-match warmup drills during a past KPL encounter/AFC LEOPARDS 

Midfielder Mousa Oundo believes the time has come for AFC Leopards to make a serious push for the Kenyan Premier League title.

Oundo, the club’s defensive anchor and emotional compass, says the squad understands the weight of expectation from supporters who have waited decades to see Ingwe lift the league crown again.

“We know what this season means for the club and the supporters,” Oundo said. “For many years, the fans have waited, and we feel that responsibility every time we step on the pitch.”

Confidence within the Leopards camp has grown in recent weeks following their emphatic 5–1 victory over Shabana FC, a result that strengthened belief that the club can sustain a genuine title challenge.

After 22 matches, Leopards sit second on the standings with 43 points, six behind leaders Gor Mahia, but with a crucial game in hand. Despite the gap, Oundo insists the race remains wide open. “The title race is still open,” he said. “Six points is not a big gap in football if you stay focused and keep winning matches.

” Much of Leopards’ resurgence has been built on tactical discipline under head coach Fred Ambani, who has assembled a balanced team capable of defending with organisation while attacking with pace.

At the centre of that system is Oundo, whose ability to break up opposition play and distribute the ball quickly has become vital to the team’s structure.

“We respect every opponent, but we also believe in our quality,” he explained. “When we play with confidence and stick to the plan, we can beat any team in this league.”

The midfielder reaffirmed his commitment to Leopards in February 2025 when he signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until January 2027.

“I didn’t want to leave unfinished business,” he said. “This club has given me everything, and I want to be part of bringing success back to Leopards.”

His influence was recognised during the 2025 AFC Leopards Gala Awards, where he was named Midfielder of the Season and finished runner-up for the club’s Most Valuable Player award.

One of the defining moments of his leadership came in December 2025 when, wearing the captain’s armband, he led Leopards to a dramatic 1–0 victory over Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby, ending a painful five-year winless run against their fiercest rivals.

“That victory changed something in our mentality,” Oundo reflected. “It showed us that we can stand up in the biggest games and come out on top.”

While attackers such as Tyson Otieno and Ugandan striker Samuel Ssenyonjo often grab headlines with goals, Oundo says his responsibility is to maintain balance in the team.

“My job is to give balance to the team,” he said. “When the attackers go forward, someone has to make sure we remain solid behind them.”

The midfielder credits his football upbringing for shaping his mentality. His elder brother, former Kenya international Tom Juma, played a key role in guiding his career.

“He always reminds me that football is about discipline and consistency,” Oundo said. “Talent alone is never enough.” As the season enters its decisive phase, Leopards still face demanding fixtures against Tusker FC and Kariobangi Sharks. “We are not looking too far ahead,” Oundo said. “The focus is one game at a time, one performance at a time.”

Still, he does not hide his ultimate ambition. “The dream is to win the league,” he admitted. “Every player in this dressing room wants to bring that trophy back to Leopards.”

“We know the journey is not finished yet,” he added. “But if we keep believing, keep fighting, and keep working together, this could be our season.”