Ambani unveils his grand plans if elected AFC Leopards chairman on Sunday

AFC Leopards chairmanship aspirant Boniface Ambani on Thursday launched an 11-point manifesto ahead of Sunday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) where new office holders will be elected.

With a #IPOSIKU tagline, the former Kenya international outlined how he would revitalise the club and restore its standing as a footballing powerhouse during the launch held at the KCB Simba Auditorium, Upper Hill, Nairobi.

During the much-anticipated club elections, the former Kenya international will battle it out with the club former Commercial Director Enos Mutoka.

Ambani’s #IPOSIKU team, comprised of seasoned football administrators and technicians, says it is committed to re-establishing trust and ensuring the prosperity of AFC Leopards and all its stakeholders if given a chance to succeed the current team headed by Dan Shikanda.

He said the manifesto seeks to addresses the significant erosion of confidence the club has experienced over the past two decades and proposes a holistic approach to transform governance and stakeholders mindset.

“AFC Leopards has a rich history, but we cannot ignore the challenges that have led to a decline in confidence from the football family and the general public,” added Ambani, who was accompanied by family and friends.

“My team and I believe this is the opportune moment to make a positive change. Our ‘IPOSIKU’ mantra is about bringing back life to the game, ensuring it’s rid of any delinquency, and fostering increased stakeholder participation.”

The “IPOSIKU” agenda identifies four key areas for urgent attention: Re-branding and remodeling of AFC Leopards: A fresh approach to the club’s identity and operations; Infrastructural development: Focus on improving and building key club facilities; Improved stakeholder/branches relations; Strengthening ties with the passionate fanbase and allied club branches and Judicious generation and management of resources: Ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters.

To achieve these ambitious goals, the #IPOSIKU team has developed an 11-point “STARTING XI” action plan, designed to be accountable, transparent, and inclusive of all stakeholders, especially fans and allied club branches.

Key highlights of the “STARTING XI” plan includes improved and accountable governance by stablishing a virtuous governance structure with qualified personnel, focusing on accountability, transparency, compliance, and stronger relationships with FKF, CAF, and FIFA and sustainable infrastructural development through prioritisation of the construction of standard training pitches and properly furnishing club offices, with full transparency on all projects.

Others are club development and professionalisation, which would be achieved by introducing player awards, engaging FKF for professionalisation policies, and assisting clubs in income generation and marketing.

There is also a plan for youth football regularization and development, which will see establishment of a digital database for young players, creating structured youth programs aligned with international standards, and investing in academies.

Additionally, Ambani’s team, if elected, will focus on women’s football development and advancement through the prioritisation of the women’s team, establishing development programs, increasing female coaches, and providing better training and equipment.

According to Ambani, he would also prioritise income generation, resource mobilization, and management by implementing a stringent accountability framework for financial transactions, securing a kit sponsor (negotiations at advanced stages), and focusing on diverse income streams like merchandise and ticket sales were also captured during the presentation.

In matters of constitutional reforms, his team pledges to improve internal governance, ensure clear separation of powers, assign specific responsibilities to executive members, and inclusion of independent persons in key committees.

Other priorities, if given a nod by Ingwe members, include capacity development by focusing on developing skills for coaches, referees, administrators, medics, and other stakeholders at individual, organisational, and systemic levels.

The other agenda is to establish a dedicated medical fund with contributions from club revenues to support players with career-threatening injuries, and involving club legends in football development would be key for Ambani if elected into office.

He will also target the strengthening departments and creating new ones, including a legal department, a brand and communication department, a marketing department, and a monitoring and evaluation unit, to ensure efficient and impartial service delivery.

“We intend to restore confidence in the governance of football in our club for the good of our game and our country,” Ambani affirmed.

“The ‘STARTING XI’ is our commitment to the AFC Leopards family – a promise to deliver results with an unwavering focus on transparency and accountability,” he added.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Head of Projects and National Teams Athanus Obango Obala hailed Ambani who he said is the only person who can transform the club back to winning ways.

“I have worked with Ambani as an assistant Team Manager at the club and he has not changed in his passion to get everything right.I fully endorse his candidature officially because I know what he can do if voted in,” offered Obala.

Former AFC Leopards CEO Ronald Namai, who stepped down for Ambani, urged all Ingwe faithful to vote for Ambani, describing him as a trustworthy man who will make sure that everything is right and the club’s good image is restored.

“I know Ambani because I have worked with him, he is the right person to secure our club’s future,” Namai said.

The AFC Leopards hierarchy present during the launch included Oliver Napali, the outgoing treasurer, Caroline Walusaga, acting club Secretary General and Diana Obayi -a co-opted member in the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Others were Clarence Munga, MCA Kabiru Ward and Kangemi Ward MCA Hamisi Maleya.