Ambani challenges Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards to invest in their own stadiums
By Joel Masibo, February 6, 2026AFC Leopards Chairman Boniface Ambani has challenged two Kenyan football giants, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, to utilise their massive fan bases, step out of their comfort zones, and invest in permanent home grounds and training facilities.
Taking to his social media pages on Friday, February 6, 2026, Ambani warned that the impending closure of Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) renovations will leave both clubs without a place to call home.
With the two iconic stadiums set to shut down in early March, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, founded in 1968 and 1964, respectively, face an uncertain period that could disrupt their matchday routines and overall operations, as they have been utilising the two facilities to stage their home matches in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League and other FKF competitions.
Stadia closure
”The government is moving close to shutting down Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani for AFCON. That leaves the two clubs without a place to call their own home. It’s just simple in life, when you have your own thatched house, nobody will tell you what time to wake up or sleep. You’ll do what you want without any worry,” Amabni said.
Ambani likened the situation to living without a house, stressing that owning a home provides freedom, independence, and stability. He argued that as long as the two clubs continue to rely on public facilities, they will remain vulnerable to external decisions beyond their control. In his view, it is time for the clubs to chart their own destiny by developing their own stadiums and training centres.
Amani has also urged both managements and supporters to be clear about what they want as the country’s biggest football institutions. He expressed disappointment that despite commanding millions of loyal fans across the nation, neither Gor Mahia nor AFC Leopards has invested meaningfully in permanent infrastructure.
He contrasts this with smaller clubs such as Murang’a Seal, which boasts its own Sebastian Park built through individual initiative, describing the situation as embarrassing for the traditional giants.
Embarrassing situation
”Quite Shameful to the two that, Murang’a seals have their own so-called Sabastian Park done by an individual, while we have the masses and we can’t turn our fan base into something to be feared and respected around the world,” the AFC Leopards chairman added.
The former Harambee Stars striker has also made a rallying call to corporate Kenya and private investors to partner with the two clubs in building sustainable facilities. He challenges supporters to go beyond vocal backing and social media banter and instead contribute to tangible, long-term projects that would secure the future of their teams.
Ambani emphasises that the looming stadium closures should serve as a wake-up call and an opportunity to create lasting history. He urges fans to take pride in being part of a transformative journey that could elevate Kenyan football standards and restore the global respect once associated with the country’s most successful clubs.
As Kenya prepares to host AFCON, Ambani’s message resonates as a timely reminder that infrastructure development is key to progress. For Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, the moment may have arrived to turn their massive followings into a powerful force capable of reshaping the landscape of local football.