AFC Leopards Hassan Benja in action against Zanzibar's New Kings/AFCLEOPARDSAFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani says the club now has the depth and hunger to finally end its long wait for a Kenyan Premier League title.
Speaking in an exclusive interview — just days after unveiling nine new signings at Dandora Stadium — Ambani struck a confident tone, urging fans to believe once more.
“These recruits are not mere additions — they are the heartbeat of our new dream,” Ambani said. “I’ve spent sleepless nights mapping our gaps, and I now see solutions in these players. They bring hunger, energy, and balance. AFC Leopards is no longer predictable — we can press high, dominate the midfield, or dig in and defend with grit. This is the depth we’ve prayed for.”
AFC Leopards last lifted the league title in 1998 and the drought has tested even the most loyal supporters. But Ambani insists this could be the turning point.
“I know the pain of that wait,” he said. “But I also know the power of belief. We must unite — players, coaches, fans — because destiny only favours the brave.”
The nine new signings were unveiled ahead of Ingwe’s 4–2 friendly win over Zanzibar’s New Kings FC—an event that electrified fans and symbolised the club’s ambition.
Among the newcomers is explosive winger James Kinyanjui, who joined from KCB on a two-year deal. The 25-year-old contributed five goals and 14 assists last season and is expected to play a key role this campaign.
“Joining AFC Leopards is a dream I’ve carried since boyhood,” Kinyanjui said. “This badge carries history and expectation. I want to repay that faith with assists, goals, and performances that make the fans proud.”
Ambani, who previously coached Kinyanjui at Wazito, described him as a “game-breaker” who brings pace, intelligence, and creativity to the squad.
“He knows when to stretch the defence and when to thread the killer pass. In tight games, that spark can decide titles,” he said.
Veteran striker Victor Omune welcomed the winger’s arrival, calling him “the missing puzzle piece” in Ingwe’s attack.
“With his delivery from the flanks, strikers like me will feast this season,” Omune said. “The atmosphere in training is electric. These signings aren’t just filling shirts — they’re raising standards.”
Ambani also spotlighted homegrown talents Jamal Obeid and Deng Kangi, saying their promotion proves the club’s future lies in nurturing local talent.
“These boys are proof that our future is rooted in our own soil,” he said.
Other new arrivals include Samuel Ssenyonjo, Rami Coulibaly and Tyson Otieno.
Club chairman Boniface Ambani echoed the coach’s optimism, describing the transfer business as the first step in a long-term project.
“This isn’t just about one season. It’s about restoring pride, building a dynasty, and ensuring AFC Leopards compete on every front,” the chairman said.
As the 2025/26 season looms, the coach's message to fans is loud and clear: “The time for excuses is over. The roar of AFC Leopards will be heard again.”
