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KPL: Ambani elated as Waswa flies AFC Leopards to Mombasa for crucial Bandari tie
11th February, 2026 02:34 PM
AFC Leopards Chairman Boniface Ambani has expressed gratitude to businessman Joseph Waswa for facilitating air tickets for the entire travelling team for a crucial Football Kenya Federation Premier League clash against Bandari FC in Mombasa this Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Courtesy of Waswa, Ingwe, after their dramatic exit from the FKF Cup on Sunday, February 8, 2026, will travel to the coast in rare comfort in search of redemption ahead of their clash against the Dockers, who have shown resurgence after Bernard Mwalala took over the charges at Mbaraki.
The 13-time league champions, who are placed second on the log behind leaders and arch rivals Gor Mahia, have secured Kenya Airways flights for a 35-member contingent, comprising players, coaches and club officials, in a move seen as a significant logistical boost for the club.
Timely boost
Waswa on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, delivered the tickets to the club’s offices at Don Bosco Catholic Church in Upper Hill, Nairobi, handing them over to chairman Boniface Ambani and members of the National Executive Committee.
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Ambani publicly acknowledged the gesture, describing it as a morale booster for the team as they push towards the business end of the season.
“Joseph Waswa, thanks a million times and be blessed. Mr J. Waswa secured flight tickets for our boys and the entire technical bench to Mombasa. We shall keep on boosting the boys’ morale daily as we close on the title,” Ambani wrote on Facebook.
For years, AFC Leopards, like many local clubs, have relied on long road trips for away matches due to budget constraints, often leaving players fatigued before kickoff.
On his part, the Webuye politician said: ”For many of our local teams, long road journeys often mean fatigue and limited recovery time. By easing the travel burden, we give our players a better chance to compete at their best and represent their fans with pride. Football is more than a game — it is about discipline, teamwork, opportunity and hope for young people across our country. Supporting sports is one way of investing in our youth and strengthening our communities. I wish Ingwe safe travels and success in Mombasa. Go well and make the fans proud.”
The decision to fly the squad is expected to ease travel strain and allow the team adequate rest and preparation ahead of the demanding Coast fixture. “Air travel gives the players better recovery and preparation. It makes a big difference competitively,” a source within the club said.
Waswa’s involvement has raised eyebrows within local football circles, with many interpreting the move as more than a one-off goodwill gesture.
Flying a 35-member delegation is a costly undertaking typically associated with clubs enjoying strong corporate sponsorship, prompting questions about whether discussions are underway for a longer-term partnership between Waswa and the Leopards.
Sponsorship talk
However, neither the businessman nor club officials have formally confirmed any sponsorship arrangement. Waswa, known for his business and political engagements in Western Kenya, has increasingly been linked to community and youth initiatives. His latest intervention signals a growing interest in sports development and football support.
For AFC Leopards, the assistance comes at a crucial time as the club seeks stability both on and off the pitch.
With travel arrangements sorted, attention now turns to Saturday’s encounter against Bandari FC, traditionally a difficult fixture for visiting sides at the Coast. The improved logistics are expected to give Ingwe a competitive edge as they chase vital league points.
Whether Waswa’s involvement marks the beginning of a formal sponsorship remains to be seen, but for now, Leopards head to Mombasa with one less hurdle to contend with.
