AFC Leopards goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi/HANDOUT
AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani has defended the club's approach to player contracts and transfers after goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi agreed in principle to join arch-rivals Gor Mahia in one of the biggest moves of the 2026 transfer window.
The goalkeeper is set to cross the Mashemeji divide after contract renewal talks with AFC Leopards failed to produce an agreement, ending days of speculation over his future.
Speaking on Wednesday, Ambani said discussions with Katasi had been ongoing but insisted the club would not jeopardise its financial stability to retain any individual player.
"We recently met with Katasi and he presented the terms he would like in a new contract," Ambani said.
Katasi's current deal expires at the end of June, allowing him to negotiate freely with other clubs. He attracted interest from several teams before the league champions, Gor Mahia, emerged as frontrunners by offering a package that AFC Leopards were unwilling or unable to match.
"We told him we would review his proposal and discuss it internally. If we can reach an agreement, that is good for everyone. But if he receives a better offer elsewhere, we will respect his decision and allow him to move on," Ambani said.
Despite the uncertainty, Ambani noted that discussions had remained cordial throughout the process, adding, "We were still engaged in talks and hoped to find common ground before making a final decision."
However, developments over the past few days suggest Gor Mahia have convinced the goalkeeper to switch allegiance as they seek to strengthen their squad for domestic and continental competitions.
Katasi is expected to provide competition for national team goalkeeper Byrne Omondi and offer additional depth following uncertainty surrounding the future of Gad Mathews.
The transfer is expected to disappoint many AFC Leopards supporters, but Ambani argued that football clubs must make decisions based on sustainability rather than emotions or public pressure.
"You cannot make financial commitments simply to satisfy public pressure. Football must be managed responsibly," he said, noting that club executives must balance player demands against other operational expenses.
"We have salaries to pay, medical bills to cover and preparations for the new season to finance. The club has many responsibilities beyond one player," he added.
With Katasi heading for the exit, AFC Leopards are reportedly close to signing Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper Sebastian Wekesa to challenge for the number one jersey and help fill the gap.
Ambani also addressed the recent transfer of midfielder Lewis Bandi to Gor Mahia, another move that generated debate among supporters.
"Lewis is a player whose development I have closely followed and supported throughout his career," Ambani said.
He explained that the club had maintained open communication with the midfielder and expected to be involved in discussions regarding his future, noting, "We had agreed that if opportunities came his way, we would sit down and discuss them together before any decision was made."
Although disappointed to lose key players to their rivals, Ambani said departures are an unavoidable part of football that creates opportunities for younger players to step into the spotlight.
"When one player leaves, it creates space for another to emerge and make an impact," he said.
He pointed to previous examples of players who arrived from lower divisions and developed into important first-team members, concluding, "There are players who joined us from the lower divisions and went on to become key members of the team. That is how football works."
