AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s most historic football clubs, is facing significant financial challenges as they prepare for the 2024-25 Premier League season. The club, which boasts a rich legacy in Kenyan football, has issued an urgent appeal to its supporters and well-wishers for financial assistance to bridge a budget shortfall that threatens their upcoming campaign. With an expanded budget of Ksh150 million needed to fund their operations, the club is reaching out to its passionate fan base to help secure the necessary funds.
Increased Budget Due to Expanded Operations
The financial strain on AFC Leopards has intensified due to the club’s expanding responsibilities. Unlike previous seasons, the 2024-25 budget must now cover the expenses of three teams: the men’s senior team, the newly promoted women’s team, and the youth side. This expansion has significantly increased the club’s financial needs, pushing the budget from Ksh120 million last year to Ksh150 million for the upcoming season.
Club chairman Dan Shikanda emphasized the importance of securing additional funds to ensure the club’s stability. “We had a budget of Ksh120 million for the senior team alone last year, but we require Ksh150 million for the new season to be financially stable,” Shikanda said during the club’s first-ever end-of-season gala. The addition of the women’s team, which gained promotion to the FKF Women’s Premier League, has particularly contributed to the budget increase, as substantial resources are needed to run all three teams effectively.
Financial Performance and Revenue Streams
Despite the increased budgetary requirements, AFC Leopards have shown some positive financial growth. According to the club’s financial report released in June 2023 by Secretary General Gilbert Andugu, the club generated Ksh103,167,127 in revenue last year, a significant increase from the Ksh67,423,245 generated in 2022. This rise in revenue can be attributed to several factors, including a three-year sponsorship deal with betting firm Betika worth Ksh65 million per year, improved gate collections, and the Azam TV broadcast deal signed last year.
However, this increase in revenue has also been accompanied by a substantial rise in costs. The club’s financial report revealed that despite generating more income, AFC Leopards ended the year 2023 with a financial loss of Ksh8,596,663, a stark contrast to the Ksh5,185,576 profit made in 2022. The rising costs have been attributed to the operational expenses of managing multiple teams and the general inflation of expenses within the football industry.
Challenges of Sustaining the Club’s Operations
The financial challenges facing AFC Leopards highlight the difficulties of sustaining a football club with such a rich heritage and extensive operations. The club’s main cash streams, including sponsorship from Betika, gate collections, the Azam TV broadcast deal, and player sales, have proven insufficient to cover the expanded budget. While these revenue streams are critical, they fall short of the Ksh150 million needed to run the club effectively for the 2024-25 season.
One of the major challenges is the lack of significant player sales in recent transfer windows, which has limited the club’s ability to generate additional income. The absence of high-profile transfers has meant that the club cannot rely on this traditional revenue source to cover the budget shortfall. As a result, the club has been forced to look for alternative means of funding, including direct appeals to fans and well-wishers.
Call to Action: Support from Fans and Well-Wishers
In light of these financial challenges, AFC Leopards are calling on their dedicated supporters, local leaders, and well-wishers to step forward and provide the much-needed financial assistance. The club’s management believes that with the collective support of their fan base, they can bridge the budget gap and ensure a stable financial footing for the upcoming season.
“We are appealing to our fans, leaders, and well-wishers to step out and assist the team,” said Shikanda. The club’s appeal underscores the vital role that fans and the community play in sustaining the operations of a football club. AFC Leopards, affectionately known as “Ingwe,” have a long history of passionate support, and the club is counting on this loyalty to help navigate their current financial difficulties.
The financial support from fans and well-wishers will be critical in ensuring that the club can continue to compete at the highest level in the Kenyan Premier League. The funds raised will be used to cover essential expenses such as player salaries, training facilities, travel costs, and other operational needs. Additionally, securing the necessary funding will allow the club to maintain its focus on achieving its competitive goals for the season, including a strong performance in the league and cup competitions.
The Importance of Sustainable Financial Management
While the immediate focus is on bridging the budget shortfall, AFC Leopards are also aware of the need for sustainable financial management in the long term. The club’s management is working on strategies to diversify their revenue streams and reduce reliance on external assistance. These strategies include exploring new sponsorship opportunities, increasing merchandise sales, and enhancing matchday revenue through improved fan engagement.
In addition to these efforts, the club is also committed to financial transparency and accountability. By regularly publishing financial reports and engaging with stakeholders, AFC Leopards aim to build trust and ensure that all funds are used effectively to support the club’s operations and growth.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future with Collective Support
Despite the current financial challenges, AFC Leopards remain optimistic about the future. The club’s leadership is confident that with the support of their fans and well-wishers, they can overcome the budget deficit and continue to build on their rich legacy in Kenyan football. The upcoming 2024-25 Premier League season presents an opportunity for the club to showcase their resilience and commitment to success both on and off the field.
As the club gears up for the new season, the call to action for financial support serves as a reminder of the power of community and collective effort. AFC Leopards are not just a football club; they are a symbol of pride for their supporters, and with their backing, the club can achieve its goals and continue to thrive.
For AFC Leopards, the journey ahead may be challenging, but with the continued support of their passionate fan base, they are poised to navigate the financial obstacles and emerge stronger. The club’s appeal for help is a testament to their determination to uphold their legacy and continue competing at the highest level in Kenyan football.
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