Ingwe Dream Big: AFC Leopards Move to Form Giant Sacco as CS Oparanya Rallies Club to Unite.
Kenyan football giants AFC Leopards SC are on the verge of forming what could become one of the largest Saccos in the country, following a high-level meeting held on April 12, 2026, at the Nairobi Hospital Amphitheatre.
The meeting, organised by the club’s Secretary General Isaac Mulindi, brought together club faithfuls and stakeholders and was graced by Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Wycliffe Oparanya, a former club official and longtime supporter.
Sacco Vision Takes Shape
Addressing members, CS Oparanya confirmed that the formation of the Ingwe Sacco is achievable, provided the club mobilises at least 1,000 members and raises a minimum of Ksh 10 million in savings.
“It is possible to start this Sacco,” Oparanya said. “But we must organise ourselves. With 1,000 committed members and Ksh 10 million in savings, Ingwe will have laid a firm financial foundation for its future.”
The Sacco is envisioned as a transformative vehicle to empower members financially while strengthening the club’s long-term stability.
Support for Player Welfare
In a significant boost to player welfare, the CS pledged support towards affordable housing for players. However, he emphasised the need for proper structures within the club.
“You must first recruit and retain serious players on long-term contracts,” he stated. “If that is done, I will personally support with a Ksh 700,000 deposit for 10 players.”
The move is expected to improve stability within the squad and enhance performance by giving players greater security off the pitch.
State House Visit Conditional on Clear Agenda
On the possibility of a visit to State House, Oparanya maintained that such an opportunity would depend on the club presenting a clear and meaningful agenda.
“A State House visit is possible, but it must be purposeful. We must go there with a structured plan that benefits the club,” he advised.
Community Unity and Immediate Support
The CS also confirmed his attendance at the Luhya Voice Forum slated for April 19 at Kabiro Grounds, signalling solidarity with both the community and the club.
Additionally, he agreed to facilitate transport for Ingwe’s upcoming fixture against Kakamega Homeboyz, clarifying that the assistance would be a one-off gesture.
“We will support the team’s travel this time, but the club must plan for long-term sustainability,” he noted.
Club Leadership Calls for Ambition
Speaking at the event, SG Isaac Mulindi thanked the club faithful for their unwavering support, applauded fellow NEC members for their unity, and recognised the technical bench and players for their efforts on the pitch.
“I want to thank our loyal supporters, my fellow NEC members for their unity, and the technical bench and players for their dedication,” Mulindi said. “Ingwe must dream big. Our focus now is to conquer Africa, but first we must reclaim the domestic title.”
He reminded members that the club last lifted the league trophy in 1998 — a historic triumph achieved when current club president Boniface Ambani and head coach Fred Ambani were part of the victorious squad.
A Moment of Renewal
Oparanya, a former club official, urged members to unite and pull together to restore the club’s past glory.
“Ingwe is bigger than all of us. If we unite and work together, we will make this club great again,” he said, while also thanking the current leadership for what he termed as exemplary work. He pledged continued support “as a fan, a Luhya elder, and a former official.”
The meeting ended on a high note, with a shared sense of purpose and optimism. With plans for the Sacco underway, renewed focus on player welfare, and a broader vision for institutional stability, AFC Leopards appear determined to translate ambition into action — on and off the pitch.
