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Ambani backs Mwalala to succeed at AFC Leopards after Bandari switch
01st August, 2026 10:07 AM
AFC Leopards chairman Bonface Ambani has tipped new club first assistant coach Bernard Mwalala to succeed at the den based on his vast experience in the local football ecosystem.
Taking to his Facebook page on Saturday, August 1, 2026, Ambani hailed the tactician as he assumes his duties at the Leopards after parting ways with coastal side Bandari FC recently.
“Ben Mwalala Sichangi aka Maasai, welcome to the den. Your experience in the KPL as a player, and now as an established coach, adds a lot of value to the club. Let’s do this, the way we used to do on the pitch. Karibu kijana as you join the technical bench, all I wanna wish you guys is best of luck. Once more, Karibu.” Ambani said.
Mwalala’s arrival
Ingwe made the announcement of Mwalala’s arrival on Monday, July 27, 2026, with the former Kenya international joining head coach Fred Ambani’s technical staff as the first assistant. The club lauded the vastly experienced coach, citing his impressive record with both local and regional clubs.
“Bernard Mwalala joins AFC Leopards as the first assistant coach,” the club said in a statement.
“The experienced, former FKF Cup-winning coach joins us from Bandari FC, where he served as head coach. He has also previously served as head coach at Nzoia Sugar FC, Kakamega Homeboyz, and Ulinzi Stars.”
Beyond Kenya’s borders, Mwalala served as an assistant coach at Tanzania’s Coastal Union before returning to the domestic league. Shabana FC and Bandari FC are among the top-flight sides he has guided in recent times, either in a head coach or assistant role.
Mwalala at Bandari
He will be fondly remembered at coastal club Bandari, where he was instrumental in guiding the team back to form after a challenging start to the 2025/26 season.
The Dockers went on to secure a top-ten finish and reached the semi-finals of the FKF Cup in the concluded campaign. Ahead of the new campaign, AFC Leopards have pitched camp in Nakuru County, where they are fine-tuning their preparations for the assignments ahead. The club is also reported to be planning to jet out to Tanzania for a series of pre-season friendly matches across the border.
