The 2024/2025 FKF Premier League season followed an all too familiar script for AFC Leopards, hopeful, hyped, but ultimately turbulent, just like the previous 26 years.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsComing off a promising campaign under Czech head coach Tomas Trucha and with key signings made during the transfer window, many fans believed this could be the season Ingwe finally ended their eight-year trophy drought.The club was reinforced with the likes of Ovella Ochieng, Peter Maker, Samuel Semo, and Sydney Lokale.South Sudan national team captain Peter Maker Manyang Mabok has joined AFC Leopards.#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/Tl5WsiHA69— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) August 3, 2024 And true to expectations, Leopards started the season on a high, dismantling newly promoted Mathare United 4-0 on the opening day.The performance ignited optimism among fans, with some tipping the 12-time league champions to be title contenders.Lessons learned from opening weekend of FKF Premier LeagueThe win temporarily placed Leopards at the summit of the table. But reality struck just weeks later. Defeats to Posta Rangers, Murang’a Seal, and Shabana FC, coupled with the postponement of the Mashemeji Derby, brought mounting pressure.##NAJAVA_MECA_9001140##Trucha, reportedly at odds with sections of the dressing room, oversaw a sharp dip in form. By the time they fell 2-0 to Shabana, Leopards were 10th on the table with 11 points, 10 behind then-leaders KCB FC, with fans calling for his exit.Managerial Shake-Up: Enter Ambani and WendoGovernment reveals why Nyayo Stadium is not fully ready to host CHAN yetFollowing Trucha’s sacking, former Leopards striker Fred Ambani was named interim coach, assisted by Kenneth Wendo. The duo inherited a fractured squad, but Ambani quickly sparked a revival.Wins over Kenya Police FC, Bandari FC, and Tusker FC saw Ingwe climb back into top-four contention.By December, the club had risen to sixth place with 22 points, eight behind then-leaders Tusker FC but with two games in hand.Fred Ambani infuriated by persistent problem plaguing AFC LeopardsThere was a fresh belief that, if the team maintained form, they could join the title race.However, the start of 2025 brought fresh turmoil. Just before a crucial clash with FC Talanta, players boycotted training to protest delayed December salaries.The standoff disrupted preparations and culminated in a humiliating 4-0 loss at Dandora Stadium. The result angered fans, with some players targeted online.Still, Ambani kept faith.“We still have a realistic chance of winning the title. We want to keep winning our games. Winning the league as a player and coach will be an honour. It will be a big gift for me,” he told reporters in February.At the time, Leopards were fourth with 33 points from 20 matches.##NAJAVA_MECA_9002222##The Fade: Goal Drought and Title DriftBut as February wore on, the momentum faded.Leopards’ failure to sign an experienced striker in the mid-season window came back to haunt them.The team suffered a 1-0 loss to Posta Rangers, extending their winless run to six matches and dropping them to seventh on the log.Between February and April, Ingwe managed just five goals in nine league games. They won two, drew five, and lost two, four of those draws ending goalless.The matches they should have won slipped away due to wastefulness in front of the goal.Victor Omune on what needs to change at AFC Leopards to end 27-year league title droughtAmbani’s team had shown promise earlier, winning five and drawing four of nine matches between December and early February, including crucial victories against Kenya Police FC, KCB FC, and Tusker FC.But without a reliable striker, the wheels came off.Government completes Ksh6.7 billion renovation of Kasarani Stadium [VIDEO]The departure of Rwandese forward Arthur Gitego, who had off-field issues, left a gap Lokale could not fully fill.In his place, Ambani deployed wide players like Victor Omune, Ronald ‘Bebeto’ Sichenje, and Kevin Kimani as makeshift strikers.Eventually, youngster Christopher Koloti was entrusted with leading the line after spending the first leg on loan at Mathare United.Leopards failed to mount a serious title push, and the trophy wait continued. However, the fans found some solace in the fact that they did not lose to rivals Gor Mahia.AFC Leopards coach on two Ovella Ochieng qualities missed after suffering injuryIngwe finished the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League season in sixth place, collecting 51 points from 34 matches.Defensively, they showed strength with 12 clean sheets recorded across the campaign.However, their early elimination from the Mozzart Bet Cup was a disappointment, and a noticeable goal drought in the second leg of the season hurt their title ambitionsOne moment that stood out was Ovella Ochieng’s stunning free kick against KCB, a Puskás-worthy goal followed by a signature backflip that lit up social media.Ovella Ochieng’ for free kick for AFC Leopards Vs KCB in the Kenya Premier League https://t.co/pWeCaVsU4y pic.twitter.com/u7U1l9G2Se— The Truthful Men (@Dollar__SM) June 26, 2025 ##NAJAVA_MECA_9001216##Leopards @60: Structure, Stability, and a New ModelAs Leopards marked their 60th anniversary in 2025, the club organised its first-ever end-of-season gala to honour outstanding players.In March 2025, the team appeared set for a major structural transformation, with a proposal to shift from a society-run club to a Mixed Ownership Model aimed at balancing traditional and modern football management.AFC Leopards promised 51% club ownership under a proposed corporate structure, with the remaining 49% reserved for investors. pic.twitter.com/OcqzfgNLcR— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) November 29, 2024 Under the proposed structure, the club’s Members’ Sacco would retain a 51% majority stake, safeguarding fan ownership, while a newly formed Board would oversee the remaining 49% of shares. However, despite the progressive vision, the plan was not ratified at the club’s Annual General Meeting.Why Nairobi United captain rejected Ksh3.8 million offer from South Sudanese clubA New Dawn Through the BallotThe club turned another page on Sunday, 29 June, when members elected a new executive committee at the Stadion Hotel, Kasarani.Former striker Boniface Ambani, a hero of the 1998 title-winning squad, returned to take over as club chairman, defeating Enos Mutokah by 455 votes.Boniface Ambani elected new AFC Leopards chairpersonAmbani, visibly emotional, vowed to restore the club’s pride:“The glory is here. We were the last group to win the league 27 years ago. Being back here feels surreal, but I know exactly what the fans, players, and coaches need. The journey to restore Ingwe’s pride begins now.”Isaac Mulindi was elected Secretary General with 656 votes, replacing the late Gilbert Andugu. Caroline Walusaga had served in an acting capacity following Andugu’s passing in May 2025. Newton Lime was elected Treasurer, garnering 676 votes.Congratulations Bonface Ambani on your election as the new AFC Leopard’s Chairman. pic.twitter.com/lmAme1zz6E— Anyamah Wa Anyamah (@Wa_Anyamah) June 29, 2025 Season in NumbersFinal position: 6thPoints: 51 (from 34 matches)Clean sheets: 12Mozzart Bet Cup: Eliminated early
