AFC Leopards fans warned against turning on players as title hunt gains momentum
By Luke Oluoch, January 24, 2026AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani has cautioned against the tendency of fans to revolt, stating that it could negatively impact the team’s title chances.
Speaking to a local TV station on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Ambani acknowledged the huge role played by fans in spurring the team’s title prospects.
However, he expressed concern over the trend of singling out or blaming players when results prove tricky.
Citing a firsthand case of criticism directed at Julius Masaba- a player who came clutch to decide the 98th Masanheji derby in Leopards favour- the chairman explained how such undue criticism could diminish a player’s contributions and dent confidence levels.
Saddening
“I get saddened when fans try to vent their anger onto the players when results go against them. They ought to support them and encourage them. I will urge them to be more considerate and not treat our players that way,” he stated.
The chairman also praised the club’s fan base that has been key to turning the team’s on-field fortunes this season—a turnaround that has coincided with his election as the new club chairman.
Leopards have enjoyed a stellar run and are now ranked among the early contenders for the title alongside Gor Mahia, Shabana, and Kakamega Homeboyz as the league enters its halfway stage.
“We have impressed upon the players what it means to wear the club’s colours and crest. The message has been: AFC is not an ordinary team. If you wear our jersey, know you’re fighting for the team,” he stated.
He further stressed that equal impetus has emanated from the fans, who have flocked to matches to support the club through all means as the 12th player.
Leopards, who last won the league in 1998, take their quest to build on their consistency to Sofapaka on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium.
Fred Ambani’s charges will be keen to reduce the point gap at the top after Gor Mahia edged Bidco United to stretch their league form and gap at the helm of the standings on Saturday, January 24, 2026.