Newly elected AFC Leopards chairman Bonface Ambani has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the historic Kenyan football club into a money-making international brand. Just days into his tenure, Ambani, a former striker who led Ingwe to league glory in 1998, has made it clear that he intends to overhaul the club’s operations and image, aiming to restore it to prominence both locally and abroad.
AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s most iconic football teams, boasts a fan base of over 10 million. However, the club has long struggled with infrastructure issues, including the lack of a permanent home ground and limited commercial revenue. Ambani wants to change that. He believes the club is being treated like a local outfit despite its potential to function as a continental powerhouse.
“This club is an international brand,” he stated, highlighting the need for a complete revamp in how it operates and how stakeholders perceive it. His vision includes bringing in new leadership, engaging fresh talent in football management, and enhancing the club’s appeal beyond just matchday experiences by boosting entertainment value and visibility.
Ambani sees AFC Leopards as a sleeping giant whose true commercial and sporting potential has remained untapped. He stressed the importance of building a sustainable model through diversified sponsorship and corporate partnerships. Rather than relying solely on one major sponsor, he aims to court businesses particularly from Kenya’s western region, where the club enjoys strong support to invest in different aspects of the team.
He also pointed out that betting companies cannot fund youth teams, thus emphasizing the need to seek alternative partners for AFC Leopards’ junior structures. His plan is to professionalize and expand the youth system, setting the foundation for future success and long-term talent development.
Among his more ambitious proposals is the creation of a dedicated club television platform to deepen fan engagement and generate additional income streams. Ambani also wants to address the team’s logistical issues, such as transport for away matches. “We need to get them flown to and from fixtures, if we can secure a travel partner,” he said, underlining the need for modern professionalism in operations.
Ultimately, Ambani’s goal is to leave a lasting legacy. He envisions himself as the leader who took AFC Leopards from a struggling local club to a continental football brand. His approach blends football development, modern marketing, and strategic partnerships all aimed at restoring Ingwe’s pride and pushing it to new heights in the global football arena.
