Boniface Ambani has made a bold promise to transform AFC Leopards and lead the club to compete at the FIFA Club World Cup if elected chairman. With the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup serving as inspiration, Ambani envisions AFC Leopards playing on such a prestigious stage within two to three years of his leadership.
This year’s FIFA Club World Cup featured four African clubs, including Al Ahly, Wydad AC, Esperance de Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns, demonstrating the growing prominence of African football on the global stage. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) granted automatic qualification spots to the most recent CAF Champions League winners, while the remaining spots were allocated based on club rankings over the last four seasons.
Despite the current challenges Kenyan clubs face, Ambani remains optimistic that AFC Leopards can break through and join the elite teams competing at the Club World Cup. He insists that effective leadership and strategic planning are essential to turning this dream into reality.
Ambani plans to begin his tenure by signing high-quality players who possess the resilience and skill required to handle the pressure of playing for a historic club like AFC Leopards. He acknowledges the importance of building a strong squad capable of competing at the highest level, stating that with proper organization and time, the club will reach the pinnacle of African football.
In addition to squad improvements, Ambani emphasizes the need for better leadership within Kenyan football clubs. He argues that poor administration has long hampered local teams and that his approach would bring the professionalism and direction necessary for success. His goal is to restore faith among fans and ensure that players consistently perform when it matters most.
AFC Leopards, once dominant in Kenyan football, last claimed the Kenyan Premier League title in 1998 and won the FKF Cup in 2017. Ambani’s vision is to end the club’s long wait for silverware and return them to their rightful place among the continent’s football powerhouses.
He confidently asserts that leading AFC Leopards to new heights is achievable and not an insurmountable challenge. Ambani believes that with dedication and strategic leadership, AFC Leopards will soon become champions again, reigniting passion for football among fans across the country.
The upcoming chairmanship election sees Ambani competing against former club Commercial Director Enos Mutoka, with the future of AFC Leopards hanging in the balance. However, Ambani’s promises signal a renewed hope for one of Kenya’s most storied football clubs.
