AFC Leopards’ Ambani beats Gor Mahia’s Akonnor to win FKF PL Coach of the Month for March award
By Joel Masibo, April 9, 2026AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has been named the Kenyan Premier League Coach of the Month for March following an impressive run in charge of the 1998 champions, beating high-profile coaches, among them Gor Mahia’s Charles Akonnor, to the individual gong.
Fine run
Ambani’s recognition comes after guiding Ingwe to a string of strong performances that underlined the team’s resurgence and growing consistency in the league.
His tactical approach and ability to inspire results have seen AFC Leopards emerge as one of the standout sides during the period under review, guiding the team to a second position with 55 points, two behind leaders and arch-rivals Gor Mahia.
In a competitive race for the monthly accolade, Ambani edged out several high-profile coaches who also enjoyed commendable spells. Among them were Charles Akonnor of Gor Mahia, Julien Mette of Tusker FC, and Nicholas Muyoti of Kenya Police FC.
Ambani led Ingwe to an impressive league run, recording a massive 4 wins in a row from the side’s last 5 outings. Despite the stiff competition, Ambani’s impact at AFC Leopards proved decisive, with his Ingwe men demonstrating improved organisation, resilience, and attacking efficiency throughout March.
The award serves as recognition of both his leadership and the collective effort of the team during a crucial phase of the season. The achievement is expected to further boost morale within the AFC Leopards camp as they continue their push in the league, with Ambani now firmly establishing himself among the top-performing coaches in the Kenyan top flight, ahead of the 99th edition of the Mashemeji Derby, pitting Gor Mahia on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium.
Team’s motivation
Ambani’s recognition by the league organisers comes shortly after the club confirmed the AFC Leopards National Executive Committee hosting the players for lunch on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as a motivation factor following a string of good results at the den lately.
”After an impressive league run, recording a massive 4 wins in a row from our last 5 outings, the AFC Leopards SC National Executive Committee had the pleasure of hosting the squad for lunch yesterday. With all the players, technical bench and support staff present, it offered everyone a good opportunity to connect, share ideas and acknowledge their dedication and good work throughout the season,” the club said in a statement on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Club Chairman, Bonface Ngaira Ambani, also presented a token of appreciation to the team.