AFC Leopards captain Kayci Odhiambo at the gym/HANDOUT AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani believes the club’s new signings hold the missing pieces to a SportPesa League puzzle that has remained unsolved for 27 years, as Ingwe enter the new season with renewed ambition and financial muscle.
Ambani trusts that the arrival of Gambian striker Musa Ceesay adds a sharp new edge to the attack—a missing link that proved costly during last season’s campaign.
“Musa Ceesay brings the predatory instincts we lacked upfront last season, and he will be vital for us,” Ambani said.
The wind of change is blowing through the Den, boosted by a Sh25 million injection from President William Ruto. This financial support has provided the foundation for a grand revival, empowering Ingwe to build a stronger squad and push for domestic honors.
For Ambani, the mission is straightforward: restore Ingwe’s dominance and dethrone perennial rivals Gor Mahia.
“AFC Leopards fans just have to wait to win the league at this point; that’s what they need,” he stated.
A dramatic twist struck the Den when first-choice goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi crossed enemy lines to join Gor Mahia. What started as a routine squad rebuild suddenly became an urgent quest to find a worthy successor between the posts. Ingwe responded swiftly by signing Ugandan international Tom Ikara and Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa.
“Losing a key player to your rivals hurts, but securing Tom Ikara and Sebastian Wekesa restores our stability,” Ambani explained.
Ambani believes the club’s financial turnaround removes the long-standing obstacles that derailed previous title bids, allowing the team to focus entirely on winning silverware.
“The financial dark clouds that plagued this club for years are finally a thing of the past,” Ambani noted.
The club has cleared historical debts owed to former players and coaches while ensuring current salaries and allowances are paid on schedule. Ambani believes this stability will directly improve matchday performances.
“When players know their families are taken care of on time, their output on the pitch changes completely,” he added.
Beyond the squad, AFC Leopards are investing in operational infrastructure. The club is pushing to complete its dedicated training facility at the Kenya School for the Deaf in Karen.
“Having our own dedicated training facility in Karen will drastically cut operational costs and streamline our daily programmes,” Ambani said.
The technical bench has also been bolstered by the return of strength and conditioning coach Michael Shamia, giving Ambani confidence in the team’s physical readiness.
“With Michael Shamia back to handle our fitness, the squad will have the physical edge required for a grueling marathon season,” he remarked.
After years in the shadow of their fiercest rivals, AFC Leopards believe the stars are finally aligning. Backed by a stronger squad, improved finances, and renewed belief, the club has transformed from a side chasing survival into one hunting for trophies.
For Ambani, the objective is clear: “If I give them the league and the cup, then I will have given them the best thing."
