As the 2024-2025 football season approaches, AFC Leopards are gearing up with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The new season kicks off on Saturday, 24 August, with Ingwe set to face Mathare United in their opening game. AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has expressed strong confidence in the club’s prospects for the upcoming season, citing a year of stability and strategic planning as the foundation for their anticipated success.
Shikanda, a former player for both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, brings a wealth of experience and passion to his leadership role at the club. He has deep roots in Kenyan football and understands the significance of Ingwe’s storied history. For 26 years, AFC Leopards have been waiting to reclaim the league title, a drought that Shikanda believes will finally come to an end this season. His optimism is grounded in the progress the club made last year, where they finished fifth in the league and reached the semifinals of the Mozzart Bet Cup, ultimately securing a third-place finish.
The 2023-2024 season was one of transition for AFC Leopards. The team faced significant challenges in the first leg of the season, struggling to find consistency and form. However, under the steady guidance of head coach Tomas Trucha, the club managed to turn things around in the second leg. Their resurgence saw them climb the league table and make a strong run in the Mozzart Bet Cup, narrowly missing out on the final. Shikanda credits the stability they have built over the past year as a key factor in their improvement.
“We’ve been trying to build a team since last year, and I can confirm we are stable, and next season will be better,” Shikanda said in a recent interview. “We have maintained our coach, so this will allow for an easy transition, which will stabilize the team. We are going to win the league.”
The decision to retain Tomas Trucha as head coach has been crucial for the club’s continuity and development. Trucha, who took over the reins last season, has brought a sense of discipline and structure to the team. His focus on building a cohesive unit has been evident in the team’s performances, particularly in the latter stages of the previous season. Shikanda believes that Trucha’s continued presence will provide the stability needed for the team to perform at its best throughout the upcoming campaign.
In preparation for the new season, AFC Leopards have taken a more strategic approach in the transfer market. Unlike in previous years, where the club made numerous signings, this time they have focused on quality rather than quantity. The club has signed four key players: Samuel Semo, Peter Manyang, Julius Masaba, and Sydney Lokale. These additions are expected to strengthen the squad in key areas, providing depth and competition for places in the starting lineup.
“We are signing about four key players, and then we shall have one developmental goalkeeper because we are building from the back for the future,” Shikanda explained. “Although we’ll have maybe a striker coming in later because we are also working on our attack, which was ranked 12th in goals scored.”
The decision to bring in a young goalkeeper, with Morgan Kwena, a standout from Shanderema Secondary School, being a primary target, underscores the club’s commitment to developing talent for the future. Building from the back is a strategy that Shikanda and Trucha believe will be crucial in solidifying the team’s defensive capabilities while also laying the groundwork for long-term success.
Currently, the team is in Kakamega, where they are intensifying their preparations for the new season. The players have been involved in a series of friendly matches to fine-tune their tactics and build team chemistry. A friendly match against MOFA FC is scheduled for Wednesday, after which the team will travel to Uganda for a match against Express FC in Kampala on Friday. These preparatory games are critical in ensuring that the squad is match-ready and in peak condition ahead of the season opener.
As the season approaches, the excitement and anticipation around AFC Leopards are palpable. The club’s supporters, who have long awaited a return to the glory days, are hopeful that this season will mark a turning point. Shikanda’s optimism, coupled with the team’s stability and strategic planning, has reignited belief among the fans that Ingwe can reclaim their position as Kenya’s top football club.
The upcoming season presents both challenges and opportunities for AFC Leopards. Competing in a highly competitive league, the team will need to demonstrate consistency, resilience, and a winning mentality to achieve their goals. The foundations have been laid, and with the right blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Ingwe are well-positioned to make a serious push for the title.
In the words of Dan Shikanda, “We are going to win the league.” This bold declaration reflects the confidence and ambition that now permeates the club. For AFC Leopards, the 2024-2025 season is not just another campaign; it is a chance to make history, to end a 26-year wait, and to restore the pride and honor of one of Kenya’s most iconic football clubs.
As the players take to the field on Saturday, 24 August, to face Mathare United, they will carry with them the hopes and dreams of their supporters. The journey to success is never easy, but with the foundation that has been laid, AFC Leopards are ready to roar back to the top. The new season promises to be an exciting chapter in the club’s history, one that could see Ingwe finally reclaim their rightful place as champions of Kenyan football.
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