AFC leopards fans are a disturbed lot. The last time AFC leopards won the Kenya premier league was in 1998.
With Shikanda’s term coming to an end in June this year, many questions still linger.
Six years ago when Shikanda vied, he sent mixed signals among the fanbase. Whereas some were skeptical of his ability to steer a club he once dumped for Gor Mahia during his playing time, others exuded confidence that he was going to replicate his playing prowess as a striker into club management. Many thought that the season for silverware was here. Their dreams remain as dreams six years down the road.
It is not lost that Dr Shikanda was a lethal striker both for AFC and Gor. He actually won many silverware with Gor and his stint at the national team was quite adventurous.
With Shikanda’s tenure as Chairman coming to an end this year, we can only leave his fate to history to judge him. The calm at the den and financial fortune thanks to the sponsorship the club currently enjoy has not translated into results. As he exit the club to focus on his other sporting engagement as an FKF NEC member for Nairobi, Shikanda owe it to AFC leopards members to ensure a seamless transition from his regime to the next.
Ingwe elections in June 2025.
This years elections have not attracted many contestants compared to other elections. This could be partly because of the strict constitutional requirements that lock out many would be aspirants.
For one to be eligible for election at AFC , he or she must have been a paid up member for the last three years proceeding the election year. This significantly locks out many would be contestants.
Bonface Ambani, Enos Mutoka, Ronald Namai, Oliver Napali and Olympia Musonye have all indicated their intentions to vie for elections as chairman.
Bonface Ambani
Bonface Ambani a former club player remembered for his exploits as Ingwe lifted the last league title in 1998 has declared his intentions.
Ambani a No nonsense player during his days has carried on with his military like discipline both in his post soccer engagements as coach, technical director at Mara FC and even in his private life as a business man.
Ambani proudly wears the badge of excellence and does not compromise standards.
The self declared Duke of Shiseno who never shys away from speaking his mind and taking a stand however unpopular is said to be disturbed with how club affairs are conducted and believes given a chance, he can turn around the club fortunes.
“Iam a winner and a go getter , my track record explicitly speaks of my achievements, Iam upto the task. AFC members will have an opportunity to decide the future of our beloved club. I have immense respect for the members and I strongly believe they will never settle for mediocrity.
Enos Vincent Mutoka.
Enos Motokaa is another member who has shown interest in replacing Shikanda. Calm but with a sharp eye for opportunities, Enos believes that Ingwe is rife for a turn around.
Just like Ambani and many others, Enos Mutoka whose grandparents were an integral part of the formation of AFC believes that as a club, Ingwe has no excuse for not competing for honours at the continental level.
“AFC leopards is a huge club with a reputation that we ought not to have let down the drain. Travelling across the continent donning the club jersey attracts some level of respect and attention from curious onlookers who will even mention club legends like Joe Kadenge, Murilla Controller, Abbas just to name but a few. It is this respect that we must rekindle as a club. I believe this is a collective call for members and the incoming NEC to help restore. I believe with my many years of experience as a marketer and a businessman and member of this great club, I have what it takes to help turn around our club’
Enos Mutoka will be one of the contestants to watch in June as the club go for the elections.
Olympia Musonye
Known for his passion for Ingwe, astute resource mobilisation and technical know how when it comes to management, Musonye represent the new crop of members who want to help the club to return to it’s past glory.
Although yet to formally announce his candidature but all indications point to the fact that he may vie but whether he vies or not, whoever will will his endorsement will have an upper hand.
“I started following Ingwe as a 9 year old , it’s exploits and how it used to beat teams left right and center brought joy to us all. It is this joy that is driving my support for the club. As members head to elections this year, it is my belief that we shall elect able managers of our club and move our club to new heights”
Olympia musonye
The youthful Musonye is credited for organising an Ingwe gala which recognised by rewarding players, technical bench and fans for their outstanding devotion to Ingwe. The magnificent gala held at the Maa Hotel was graced by Prime cabinet secretary Hon Mudavadi and Makadara law maker George Aladwa amongst other dignitaries. Musonye has never tired from giving his undivided support to Ingwe.
“The idea having the gala was to celebrate our players and fans for the collective efforts we put together in having AFC leopards running as a serious sporting entity in Kenya and beyond. We shall endeavour to hold this annually as promised last year. Ingwe gala will be a calender event”
Mr Musonye olympia
Ronald Namai
The question on many people’s lips is will he be second time lucky?
Ronald Namai a former club CeO will be throwing his hat in the ring for the second time as club chairman. Namai has been around for some time and may be in a position to know what is ailing the club.
Namai just like Ambani is a no nonsense member. He is never shy of speaking his mind. Case in point, he has vehemently dismissed proponents of the club going corporate terming it as a rushed decision.
Namai believes that AFC has what it takes to turn itself around but lacks the managerial capacity to do it.
“AFC leopards is a sleeping goldmine. This club has so much untapped potential. With the right people with Ingwe at heart, we can transform this club. I have what it takes to move this club high above. I will be sharing my vision for the club to members and hopefully this time round members will make a n informed decision putting the club above self”
Oliver Napali
Mr Oliver Napali the current club treasurer has also thrown his hat in the ring. The tough talking no nonsense treasurer seeks to turn around this great club that he has served for two terms as treasurer.
Nicknamed as Mr Gateman by Ingwe fans for his strictness when it comes to ensuring fans pay to watch matches, Mr Napali comes with a wealth of experience as an insider and therefore navigating the tough terrain won’t be hard.
“I know what this club means to members, I have been in the hot chambers where decisions are made. IAM tried and tested. I believe as I offer myself for the position of chairmanship we can turn around this club” says Napali.
The elephant in the room.
With the Shimoli led task force handing over their report to NEC after the lapse of six months, it is now upto club members to ratify the decision.
Ingwe membership is still divided on whether the club should transition or not.
Opponents of the report believe that the priority for the club should be bringing Ingwe back to its lost glory with the corporate agenda taking a secondary place.
Whatever decision the club members take during the AGM or during the club elections in June, the future of AFC Leopards will be at stake.
Julius Anyula Nakuti is a club steward and a paid up member of AFC Leopards.
