BIG AMBITIONS

Leopards aim to rekindle past glory as Ingwe@60 gathers pace

The Ingwe@60 organising committee chairman Vincent Shimoli said their biggest focus is fan engagement.

In Summary

• The festivities will kick off with a dinner at a Nairobi hotel on Friday evening, a fundraiser ahead of their friendly match against Spanish side A.E Ramasa on Sunday at 4 pm.

• There will be more activities on Sunday with Ingwe Ladies facing Kisii Queens and a match between AFC Leopards and Shabana FC.

AFC Leopards patron Alexander Muteshi and club chairperson Dan Shikanda
AFC Leopards patron Alexander Muteshi and club chairperson Dan Shikanda
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

Preparations are almost complete as Kenyan Premier League giants AFC Leopards gear up for their 60th-anniversary celebrations at the Nyayo Stadium.

The Ingwe@60 organising committee chairman Vincent Shimoli said their biggest focus is fan engagement.

"We're not just celebrating a milestone, we're celebrating a legacy," said Shimoli.

"Our club has always been a pillar of the community. As we embark on this new chapter, we aim to garner even more support and success."

"We're more than just a football club we're a community," added Alexander Muteshi, the club Patron.

"Our focus is on nurturing youth talent and ensuring the welfare of our players, all while striving for excellence on the field."

The festivities will kick off with a dinner at a Nairobi hotel on Friday evening, a fundraiser ahead of their friendly match against Spanish side A.E Ramasa on Sunday at 4 pm. The Spanish side arrives on Saturday.

There will also be an inter-branches football tournament at Camp Toyoyo.

There will be more activities on Sunday with Ingwe Ladies facing Kisii Queens and a match between AFC Leopards and Shabana FC.

Gor Mahia Legends will face Ingwe Legends in a nostalgic clash.

Leopards have 13 Kenya Premier League titles, 10 Cups and have won the  Cecafa Club Championships five times. They have, however, not won the KPL title since 1998.

Shimoli added: "The drought of getting the title will end as we chart a course toward a prosperous future. The echoes of our illustrious past will be a beacon of inspiration for generations.”

The club's patron, Alexander Muteshi, said he aims to rejuvenate AFC's glory days through strategic player recruitment and youth talent development.

"To restore our glory, we aim to reorganise recruitment of players, talent identification and nurturing and scouting," Muteshi observed.

Leopards chairperson Dan Shikanda underlined the club's commitment to sustainability and growth and emphasised the need for financial stability and fan engagement.