In a spirited ceremony held at the KCB Simba Auditorium in Nairobi on Thursday, June 26, AFC Leopards legend Bonface Ambani launched his ambitious “IPOSIKU” manifesto ahead of the club’s highly anticipated elections set for Sunday, June 29. With a powerful message to “bring back life to the game,” Ambani unveiled his comprehensive “First Eleven” action plan aimed at restoring AFC Leopards’ lost glory and building a sustainable future for the club.
The former Kenya international, flanked by a team of trusted administrators, coaches, and club members, positioned himself as the face of change under the rallying cry of #IPOSIKU — a Swahili term loosely meaning “the time is now.” His agenda resonated with many in the hall, promising a total overhaul of Ingwe’s operations and a shift from years of mismanagement, dwindling fan morale, and missed football opportunities.
The “First Eleven” Plan
Ambani’s “First Eleven” manifesto outlines eleven transformative goals built around key pillars such as accountability, modernization, fan engagement, and income generation. Each item in the blueprint is designed to fix specific challenges the club has faced in recent years.
Here’s a breakdown of the plan:
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Professional Governance – Introducing structures that ensure transparency, ethical leadership, and board accountability.
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Modern Infrastructure – Investing in club facilities including training grounds, club offices, and digitized systems.
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Youth Development Programs – Establishing grassroots academies and building a pipeline for nurturing homegrown talent.
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Women’s Football Growth – Creating a fully-fledged women’s team to support gender inclusivity in the sport.
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Strategic Sponsorships – Developing revenue streams through merchandise, ticketing systems, and robust brand partnerships.
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Financial Transparency – Auditable financial records and real-time expense tracking tools to boost member confidence.
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Constitutional Reforms – Reviewing the club constitution to align it with modern football governance practices.
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Medical Fund for Players – Setting up a welfare scheme to ensure players access quality healthcare throughout the season.
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Fan Involvement – Encouraging vibrant branch activity and regular member consultation in decision-making processes.
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Capacity Building – Upskilling coaches, technical teams, and administrative staff for modern football demands.
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Club Rebranding – Reinvigorating AFC Leopards’ identity through digital marketing, public relations, and storytelling.
Ambani emphasized that his leadership will focus on transparency and inclusion, stating that fans, players, and partners must feel part of the club’s transformation. “Our mantra is not just a slogan. It’s a mindset shift. AFC Leopards deserves a model club that values fans, delivers performance, and inspires young footballers,” said Ambani.
Backed by Football Heavyweights
The unveiling event saw an impressive turnout from football stakeholders. Among the most vocal supporters was Athanus Obala, FKF’s Head of Projects and National Teams, who threw his weight behind Ambani. “Bonface has the football brain and heart for this job. He’s done it on the pitch, and he can do it again in the boardroom,” said Obala.
Former CEO Ronald Namai, who recently stepped down, also endorsed Ambani’s bid. “The club needs bold leadership and someone who understands the game deeply. That’s Bonface,” Namai noted.
Other notable attendees included:
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Acting club Secretary General Caroline Walusaga
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Outgoing treasurer Oliver Napali
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NEC member Diana Obayi
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Nairobi MCAs Clarence Munga and Hamisi Maleya
Their presence highlighted the wide support Ambani commands, not just within football but also among political circles.
A Call for Unity and Purpose
Ambani called on AFC Leopards members to turn up at the ballot with clarity, vision, and purpose. He stressed that the club’s glory days could be revived if fans, members, and officials aligned under a shared purpose. “I’m not running alone; I’m running with the hopes of every fan who wants to wear that jersey proudly again,” he said.
The former striker did not shy away from acknowledging the deep-rooted issues the club has faced, including financial mismanagement, poor performance on the pitch, and dwindling fan turnout. However, he framed these challenges as opportunities for radical transformation.
In a direct appeal to members, Ambani said: “We are tired of watching from the sidelines as our rivals build empires. Leopards must roar again. And it starts with the right leadership.”
A Battle of Visions
Ambani’s closest challenger in Sunday’s elections is former Commercial Director Enos Mutoka, who is also expected to unveil his campaign agenda in the coming hours. While Mutoka is seen as a capable administrator, insiders say he faces an uphill task matching the passion and people-centered approach Ambani brings to the table.
For now, all eyes remain fixed on the “IPOSIKU” promise — a bold and well-articulated roadmap that could redefine the future of one of Kenya’s most iconic football institutions.
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