FKF PL: Why AFC Leopards are primed for decisive 2026/27 season
By Luke Oluoch, August 23, 2026AFC Leopards enter the upcoming FKF Premier League season facing a clear window to end their long title drought.
Coming off a remarkable campaign as 2025/26 runners-up, where they narrowly missed out on their title push, losing out to eventual champions Gor Mahia, Ingwe demonstrated they possess the defensive spine and tactical maturity needed to compete at the absolute top.
Speaking after the season, technical bench lead Fred Ambani reflected on the campaign, stating, “We are in a good place with the knowledge gained… there is plenty to learn as we head back to the drawing board to look at our offense,” he said as he urged the squad to “bring the same energy as we look to push and carry the league title.”
Transfer business
To solve their offensive shortcomings, management executed a busy transfer window by securing seven targeted additions. Highlighting the intake are Ugandan midfielder Taddeo Lwanga, defender Robinson Musungu from Mara Sugar, and goalkeepers Sebastian Wekesa and Tom Ikara.
Replacing departures like Victor Omune, Ingwe also added overseas attacking talent in Musa Ceesay and Adama Kanteh to build the squad depth required for a gruelling title race.
To cement their push for the title, Ingwe had enjoyed a fine preseason run, winning several test matches through their itinerary across the country and neighbouring Tanzania.
The brilliant off-season run came to a fitting finale with Saturday’s 1-0 win over KCCA FC to conclude their preseason.
Financial backing
Off the pitch, the club’s trajectory is bolstered by strong financial backing following a State House visit where President William Ruto promised critical operational support. This financial boost ensured stability for player compensation and match incentives throughout the campaign.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Ruto boosted the team with a Ksh10 million pledge during the club’s visit to State House. The head of state also committed to help them plug the Ksh 25 million deficit in the club’s current annual sponsorship kitty of Ksh 75 million and help them attain the Ksh100 million sponsorship target.
Furthermore, the appointment of Bernard Mwalala to the technical bench brings astute tactical intelligence and proven squad-building experience.
While perennial champions Gor Mahia, alongside emerging threats like Kenya Police, Tusker, and Nairobi United, present a fierce field, Ingwe now possess the foundational structure to turn last season’s close miss into silverware.