AFC Leopards chairman Bonface Ambani has broken his silence on the departure of Lewis Bandi to rivals Gor Mahia, insisting the club remains focused on building a stronger squad.
Bandi, who featured for Harambee Stars at the 2024 African Nations Championship, left Leopards on a free transfer to join Gor Mahia a decision that angered a section of Ingwe fans. Ambani, however, maintained that the defender’s choice had to be respected, comparing the situation to a parent letting a child move out to pursue new opportunities.
The former Leopards striker revealed that he personally identified Bandi back in 2018 when the player was still part of the junior Cubs set-up. Despite his disappointment, Ambani stressed that no individual is bigger than the club and replacements have already been lined up.
“There are so many players in Kenya who want to play for AFC Leopards,” he said, pointing out that the team had quickly filled the gap left by the full-back.
Ambani also used the opportunity to outline the new direction his administration is taking in player recruitment. He criticised the previous tendency of bloating the squad with average players, noting that in recent seasons the club carried as many as 36 players many of whom failed to make an impact.
Instead, the current management is determined to focus on quality over quantity. According to Ambani, the ideal squad should be leaner, composed of players with genuine hunger, fitness, and an understanding of what it means to wear the Leopards badge.
He emphasised that representing AFC Leopards requires more than just talent, pointing out that commitment to the club’s identity is a key factor in recruitment. For him, players must not only perform on the pitch but also embrace the pride and responsibility of playing for one of Kenya’s oldest and most decorated teams.
With the transfer window now closed, Ambani assured supporters that the rebuilding project is firmly on course. His vision is to create a squad that embodies discipline, commitment, and quality, restoring AFC Leopards to their rightful place among the country’s football elite.
