AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s most storied football clubs, has not tasted Premier League glory since 1998. The club’s prolonged title drought has been a source of frustration for fans and stakeholders alike. Boniface Ambani, Mara Sugar Technical Bench Director and former Harambee Stars striker, believes the root cause of this dry spell lies in the club’s subpar player recruitment strategy.
Ambani asserts that the club’s failure to secure top-tier talent in the transfer market has hampered their chances of winning the league. “One of the problems that is eating up AFC Leopards is the signings. When you are signing you need the bench because a good team must have good players on the bench who are like the first eleven to have a healthy competition in the playing unit,” Ambani explained. His perspective underscores the importance of depth and competition within the squad, a crucial factor often overlooked in the club’s recent recruitment drives.
The former striker emphasized the necessity of strategic planning when entering the transfer market. “Don’t compromise with the signings. We don’t just sign because it’s time to rush to the market and sign players. Consider first of all which kind of players you require,” he added. This call for a more meticulous approach to signings comes at a time when Ingwe, as the team is affectionately known, is desperate to reclaim their former glory.
Ambani’s remarks highlight the need for a paradigm shift in the club’s recruitment strategy. Instead of hastily signing available players, the focus should be on identifying and acquiring talent that can genuinely elevate the team’s performance. This involves not only scouting for players who can make an immediate impact but also building a robust bench that can sustain the team through the rigors of a long season.
The disappointment surrounding AFC Leopards’ title drought is palpable, especially for those who have a deep connection with the club. Ambani himself harbors a personal stake in the team’s fortunes, given that his brother, Fred Ambani, is currently the assistant coach. “Fred is there now and it’s interesting that my brother is back as the assistant coach of AFC Leopards. But now he is not the head coach. I always wish that if he was the head coach of Ingwe then things might have been different as white and blue because we believe in merit,” Ambani lamented.
Fred Ambani, a former Leopards player, was the last to top the goal scorers’ chart when the club clinched their last league title in 1998. His presence in the coaching setup brings a sense of familiarity and hope, but his current role as an assistant to Czech head coach Tomas Trucha limits his influence. Trucha took over from Tom Juma in October last year, and while there have been improvements, the club still finished fifth in the league with 51 points, a significant 22 points behind champions Gor Mahia.
The gap between AFC Leopards and the league’s top teams highlights the work that needs to be done. For Ambani, the solution is clear: “We need to bring in quality players who can compete at the highest level and push the team forward. It’s not just about filling positions but ensuring we have the right talent to challenge for the title.”
As the new season approaches, AFC Leopards must heed Ambani’s advice and focus on smart, strategic signings. The right acquisitions could be the catalyst that propels Ingwe back to the pinnacle of Kenyan football, ending the 26-year wait for a Premier League title and restoring pride to their loyal fanbase.
