AFC Leopards Kelly Madada tries to dribble past APS Bomet players/ HANDOUTAFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani believes the club's demanding pre-season programme will provide the foundation for a stronger challenge for the 2026/27 Sportpesa League title as Ingwe continue their intensive residential training camp in Nakuru.
Having finished second behind arch-rivals Gor Mahia last season, Leopards have wasted little time returning to work, with the technical bench putting players through rigorous tactical, physical and team-building sessions before embarking on a two-week pre-season tour of Tanzania.
Ambani says every training session has been designed to raise standards after narrowly missing out on the league crown.
"We have started from zero because every season brings new challenges," Ambani said.
"The players understand what is expected, and the attitude they have shown since reporting to camp has been excellent."
The Nakuru camp has brought together experienced campaigners and several new signings, allowing the coaching staff to build chemistry before competitive football resumes.
According to Ambani, the emphasis is not only on fitness but also on developing a clear playing identity that the team can sustain throughout the campaign.
"Our priority is to build a team that works together in every department," he said. "Talent alone is never enough. We want discipline, intensity and understanding in every training session."
Leopards have strengthened key areas of the squad with the arrivals of goalkeeper Issa Emuria, winger Eric Namaan Balecho, defender Robinson Musungu and experienced Ugandan midfielder Taddeo Lwanga.
Ambani believes the recruits have adapted quickly to life at the club while increasing competition for places.
"Competition is healthy because it pushes everyone to improve," he noted. "No player should feel guaranteed of a starting place. Every shirt must be earned."
The technical bench has also been reinforced with Bernard Mwalala joining as assistant coach and Michael Shamia returning to oversee strength and conditioning.
Ambani believes the expanded technical team will allow every aspect of the squad's preparation to receive greater attention.
"We now have specialists who can focus on different areas of performance," he said. "That gives the players the best environment to improve physically, tactically and mentally."
The club will conclude the Nakuru camp before travelling to Tanzania, where friendly matches, including a meeting against Coastal Union, are expected to test the squad against quality regional opposition.
For Ambani, the tour represents more than simply chasing positive results. "Friendly matches are about learning," he explained. "We want to measure ourselves against strong opponents, identify our weaknesses and correct them before the league begins."
Leopards supporters have been encouraged by the club's transfer activity and renewed ambition after another season in which they remained in the title race until the closing stages.
Ambani has urged fans to remain patient as the squad continues to gel, insisting success will come through consistent work rather than early expectations. "Our supporters deserve a team that fights for every point," he said. "We know the expectations are high, but we are building something that can compete throughout the season."
The coach also challenged his players to embrace the pressure that comes with representing one of Kenya's most decorated clubs. "When you wear the AFC Leopards badge, you must be ready to give everything," Ambani said. "That responsibility should motivate us every single day."
With the opening league fixtures drawing closer, the former Kenya international remains optimistic that the hard work being put in during pre-season will translate into improved performances once competitive action begins.
"The objective is simple," Ambani concluded. "We want to become a team that our supporters can be proud of, and that journey starts with the work we are doing here in Nakuru."
