AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has reaffirmed that the club will hold its elections on Sunday, June 29.
Shikanda, a transitional figurehead for six years, insists his three-year term, as mandated by the 2013 Sports Act, is finally ending.
"Under the Sports Act of 2013, the club constitution states that we were a transit committee for three years, with the next office to be elected for four years," Shikanda stated.
Beginning in 2019, he maintained that his mandate was never meant to be longer than three years.
Shikanda insisted that his administration is prepared to relinquish control despite holding the position for six years.
He also urged club members to choose leaders who will improve the team's performance both on and off the field.
"Let us elect those who will advance the club, among our members who are eligible to vote. As soon as possible, AFC need to go back to playing continental football," he stated.
Shikanda also denied any involvement in any efforts to postpone the elections. He reminded members that the election isn't just about choosing a chairman; it's about choosing a path —a path that will determine whether the Ingwe roar returns to its former glory or fades into a quieter, less triumphant future.
Three aspirants, Bonface Ambani, Enos Mutoka and Ronald Namai, have confirmed interest in Shikanda's position. Mutoka, former Commercial Director, enters with a pragmatic, detail-oriented manifesto.
His promise of a trophy-focused committee within 60 days, coupled with improved player welfare and the inclusion of club legends, paints a picture of methodical progress.
This contrasts sharply with the audacious claims of Ronald Namai, a former CEO, who boldly promises four league titles in four years – a statement that borders on the fantastical, yet speaks to the fervent desire for immediate, dramatic change.
Namai's focus on strong leadership and improved governance mirrors Shikanda's call, but his promises are far more ambitious.
The narrative is rich with the drama of high stakes. You are going to demand that I score three points in each game. Let me handle the rest," Namai said.
"I will give the team progress reports every three months. In my first four years, I’ll ensure we win four league titles.”
"The leadership is the key to the team's success. We will make changes to the club's governance to foster openness, sound leadership, and eventually success," he continued.
The clash between Mutoka's measured approach and Namai's bold pronouncements mirrors the larger struggle within AFC Leopards: the tension between cautious rebuilding and the desperate need for immediate success.
