AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani believes his side has laid a strong foundation to mount a serious challenge for the SportPesa League title next season after finishing runners-up in the recently concluded campaign.
Ingwe enjoyed one of their best league seasons in recent years, ending the campaign in second place with 64 points.
Ambani’s charges won 19 matches, drew seven and lost eight, scoring 44 goals while conceding 28. Despite their impressive run, they ultimately finished five points behind champions Gor Mahia, who lifted their record 22nd league title.
Speaking on the sidelines of the SportPesa League Gala Awards, Ambani expressed satisfaction with the progress his team made throughout the season, noting that few people expected AFC Leopards to emerge as genuine title contenders.
“We have done so well. Not many people expected that, but what we put in this season made us one of the best teams in the country,” said Ambani.
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Fred Ambani confident AFC Leopards can challenge for league title
The former Harambee Stars forward admitted that the season did not begin as planned, with a series of draws slowing down the team’s momentum. However, he praised his players for showing resilience and improving as the campaign progressed.
“We started slow, having had a number of draws at the beginning, which was not a good show. But with time the team gelled well and we then had a good team. I think we had a good season, as not many expected us to have such a good run. We feel we will come back next season as a better team,” he added.
For much of the season, AFC Leopards remained firmly in the title race and pushed eventual champions Gor Mahia all the way. Their consistency and improved performances gave supporters renewed hope that the club could once again compete for major honours after years of struggling to challenge at the top.
Although missing out on the title was disappointing, Ambani believes the experience gained this season will serve as motivation heading into the next campaign. He is convinced that with the right preparations and continued improvement, Ingwe can finally end their long wait for league glory.
The coach also pointed to Gor Mahia’s title celebrations as inspiration for his squad and the club’s faithful supporters. After watching their rivals stage a trophy parade following their championship triumph, Ambani said everyone associated with AFC Leopards is dreaming of experiencing a similar moment next season.
“It has been long since we had such. I feel our fans miss such moments, so as players, the technical bench, our management and fans, we are hopeful to have such a parade next season,” he said.
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After coming closer to the title than they have in many years, AFC Leopards will head into the new season with renewed belief and expectation.
Having established themselves as genuine contenders under Fred Ambani, Ingwe now face the challenge of taking the final step.
For a club steeped in history and backed by one of the most passionate fan bases in the country, the target is clear ,ending the long wait for league glory and bringing the SportPesa League trophy back to AFC Leopards