The AFC Leopards Corporate Task Force has recommended that the club capitalize on its strong following in Western Kenya to increase membership and enhance its long-term sustainability.Despite AFC Leopards’ annual campaigns urging supporters to register as members, most of the new recruits come from urban centers, leaving out the club’s traditional support base in Western Kenya.The region, home to over 200,000 passionate Ingwe supporters, remains largely untapped in membership drives.##NAJAVA_MECA_8780704##Leopards has a deep-rooted connection with Western Kenya, having been founded in 1964 as Abaluhya Football Club, primarily representing the Luhya community.The club rebranded to AFC Leopards in 1980 but retained its strong ties to the region.Today, counties such as Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia, and Trans Nzoia remain its biggest fan bases, with many locals considering the club a key symbol of their footballing identity.Why Mohammed Bajaber foresees ‘bright future’ under Benni McCarthyOver the years, the region has produced some of AFC Leopards’ greatest players, with football powerhouses such as Kakamega High School, Mukumu Boys, and St. Peter’s Mumias serving as key talent pipelines.With these historical ties in mind, the task force, which is pushing for the club’s transition into a corporate entity, emphasized the need for strategic member recruitment in the region.“There shall be a deliberate effort to target the Western Kenya bedrock population for recruiting new members. This has been identified as a key growth area for the club moving forward, with a target of 200,000 new members in two years,” reads part of the task force’s report.##NAJAVA_MECA_8780267##Additionally, the task force recommended that AFC Leopards host at least half of its home matches in Western Kenya to strengthen fan engagement and loyalty.“Half, or thereabout, of the club’s home matches should be played in Western Kenya, which boasts millions of loyal supporters,” the report stated.To enhance the membership experience, the task force also advised increasing marketing efforts in the region, including high-profile exhibition matches during the off-season.Kariobangi Sharks end 11-game league winless run with Slum Derby victory over Mathare UnitedInfrastructure development was another key proposal, with the task force recommending immediate investment in a 20-acre parcel of land to serve as the club’s headquarters.The envisioned facility would include a stadium, training grounds, a youth academy, a women’s team, a clubhouse, hospitality facilities, real estate investments, and a permanent club office.
