Table of Contents
- Boniface Ambani is the man whose focus is all about bringing positive change to AFC Leopards
- The 42-year-old garnered 1,101 votes against his competitor Enos Mutoka, who garnered 504 votes.
- The former AFC Leopards striker spelt his ‘Starting X1’ agenda, an 11-point manifesto which his leadership will border on
Boniface Ambani is the man whose focus is all about bringing positive change to AFC Leopards as its newly elected chairman.
He won the club elections on June 29 after months of campaigning and convinced the members that he was the club’s agent of change.
The 42-year-old garnered 1,101 votes against his competitor Enos Mutoka, who garnered 504 votes.
The election, held at the Stadion Hotel in Kasarani, was calm. It was conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He took over from Dan Shikand, who steered the Leopards for two terms. Shikanda is a former Ingwe player.
Boniface Ambani and His Plan For AFC Leopards
As he takes over the office and becomes the new club chairman, the former AFC Leopards striker spelt his ‘Starting X1’ agenda, an 11-point manifesto which his leadership will border on. SportsLeo digs deep into his manifesto’s main deliverables.
They are as follows:
Nurturing Young Talents
AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani. Photo/Nairobi News
As a former striker for AFC Leopards, Ambani says he values the input young talents bring to a team. One of his focus areas in his Starting XI manifesto is establishing a youth academy wing under AFC Leopards.
He explained that a youth academy gives a chance to nurture and grow local talent, which is critical for a team’s future development.
Modernise AFC Leopards Brand
According to Boniface Ambani, the Leopards’ brand needs a touch of refinement and modernisation. He said that he will work towards giving the Leopards a polished and professional look in the quest to attract more sponsors and fans.
In his plan is stepping up its digital presence, updating its logo and offering better and adequate club merchandise to willing buyers. Also, modernising the club will include investing more in the women’s team.
Upgrading Infrastructure
With transparency and accountability at the core of his 11-point agenda, Boniface Ambani is setting his sights on upgrading Ingwe’s infrastructure. AFC Leopards currently do not have a training ground of their own. They play most of their home matches at Nyayo Stadium and rent space to train.
Reports indicate that the club owns land near Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, but has been unable to use it due to an ownership tussle. Records indicate that the club acquired this piece of land back I the 90s during the late President Daniel Moi’s era, but its ownership remains a contested issue.
Ambani seeks to get the Leopards a permanent and club-owned training facility with all the needed amenities. He believes this will build the club’s image and motivation in the long term. Further, his plans to upgrade Ingwe’s infrastructure include building permanent club offices and furnishing them as required.
Boosting Fan Engagement
AFC Leopards Chairman Boniface Ambani. Photo/Goal.com
Positive changes at the club’s branch levels will boost fan engagement in general, according to Ambani. He said that AFC Leopards has untapped potential across the country, which, if properly tapped, will attract more fans.
If well incentivised, AFC branches will boost the club’s fan engagement.
Better Financial Management and Revenue Diversification
Boniface Ambani insisted that a lack of accountability and transparency has hurt major club operations in the past. His manifesto states that he will promote transparency in all ongoing projects for the club. In addition, he will explore revenue diversification avenues, including increasing club merchandise and match tickets.
Medical Fund
Ambani plans to start a medical fund for club players who sustain career-threatening injuries.
