Bonface Ambani Eyes Reunion with Brother Fred to Revive AFC Leopards’ Glory Days

Bonface Ambani formed a strike partnership with his brother Fred the last time AFC Leopards won the league in 1998, and he hopes to rekindle it as chairman, with the latter already head coach.

Former Harambee Stars striker Bonface Ambani officially declared his intent to contest for the top seat at AFC Leopards a fortnight ago, aiming to restore the club’s lost glory. 

In a passionate and candid interview with NTV, the former striker outlined his bold vision to transform the 12-time league champions into a powerhouse both on and off the pitch—starting with better management, youth development, and a renewed culture of excellence.

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Ambani: This is How We Can Maximize Club Membership and Merchandising

“In football, especially at club level, management is where the biggest problems are,” Ambani said.

 “I want to take the bullet and show people what football management really is.”

Having played for AFC Leopards, Tusker FC, and Tanzania's Simba SC, Ambani boasts a wealth of experience and silverware, including three league titles in Kenya and one in Tanzania. 

He now wants to channel that winning mentality into administration, where he believes real change must begin.

“We only have 7,000 registered members—that’s very low,” he noted. “We’re also doing badly in merchandise sales and revenue collection. These are critical areas the club needs to focus on.”

Ambani’s Plan to Fix Woeful Recruitment Strategy

Ambani is also determined to professionalise player welfare and recruitment. Fans have long expressed frustration over the quality of players signed by the club, a concern Ambani promises to address head-on.

“Every player who joins Leopards must understand the meaning of that badge,” he asserted. “It’s not just any other club—this is a historic, international brand.”

To ensure long-term sustainability, Ambani, who previously coached the youth team, plans to revamp the club’s youth system. He previously coached the club’s junior team and believes in building from the ground up.

“We’ll host tournaments, scout talent in schools, and even seek partnerships—perhaps with schools in Iceland—to develop young players. We must form strong youth and reserve teams so players can grow through the system.”

Ambani’s Plan to Rekindle Old Partnership with Brother Fred

Notably, Ambani’s older brother, Fred Ambani, is the current head coach of AFC Leopards—a fact that has raised questions about potential conflict. Bonface, however, downplayed such concerns.

“It’s not the first time we’ve worked together,” he said. “In 1998, when we last won the cup, Fred and I were strike partners. Our relationship has always been professional and focused on getting results.”

This marks Bonface Ambani’s second attempt to vie for AFC Leopards’ top position after being locked out in his first bid. Now that he’s on the ballot, his mission is clear: to bring AFC Leopards back to its rightful place at the top of Kenyan football.

“I just want to leave a legacy,” he said. “So that when I’m sitting somewhere in my old age, I can say—I was part of the success of this great club.”