In a groundbreaking step that fuses football passion with cultural pride, AFC Leopards yesterday officially launched the Player Awards Gala and Cultural Week, slated for July 21–26, 2025, at Musinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County.
This year’s theme — “Our Culture, Our Pride” — underscores the club’s renewed focus on community, heritage, and unity. The week-long event will feature football tournaments, traditional cuisine, cultural performances, community outreach activities, and a glamorous awards gala celebrating players, fans, and supporters.
Speaking during the launch, Mr Musonye, Chairperson of the U45 Branch — the team behind the event — said this year’s edition would be “bigger and better.”
“This is more than just an event; it’s a national movement that brings together our heritage and football spirit. All are welcome,” Musonye declared.
The 2024 edition of the gala was hosted at The Maa Hotel in Nairobi, where Chief Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi graced the occasion as the guest of honour. During that event, several key awards were presented, including Best Branch, Best Fan, Best Player, Most Disciplined Player, Most Outstanding Player, and Best Coach — marking a new tradition in recognizing excellence across all levels of the club’s ecosystem.
Also present at this year’s launch was outgoing club president Dr. Dan Shikanda, who applauded the initiative and affirmed his continued support even as his term nears its end.
“I may be leaving office, but I will continue to stand with such visionary initiatives that preserve our club’s identity and uplift its image,” he said.
Club patron Alex Muteshi commended Musonye’s unwavering commitment and drive.
“We are grateful to Mr. Musonye for consistently seeking ways to raise the profile of AFC Leopards — not just locally, but globally,” Muteshi noted.
This cultural and football celebration builds on the success of previous years, promising a richer experience and deeper community engagement in 2025. Fans, cultural groups, and sports enthusiasts from across the country are expected to converge in Bungoma for what is shaping up to be one of the most unique events in Kenya’s football calendar.
With AFC Leopards at the helm, the intersection of football and culture is no longer a dream — it’s becoming tradition.
