Bring back the glory days, Mudavadi challenges AFC Leopards

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged AFC Leopards to rise to the occasion and make the club proud again.

Speaking during the AFC Leopards gala sponsored by the U45 Unit branch at the Maa Hotel, Mudavadi urged the players to pull up their socks and take the club back to the old good days.

Mudavadi, who is a die-hard Ingwe fan, wants them to break the jinx by wrestling the KPL title from bitter rivals Gor Mahia for the first time since 1998.

Mudavadi committed to attend more matches and urged the club’s 83 branches to follow the example set by the U45 Unit Branch.

Victor Omuno scooped the best player of the season for the 2023- 2024 season, taking home Sh75,000.  

The Central midfielder was outstanding as he emerged as the top scorer with eight goals and 15 assists in the league.

He was also voted Player of the Year to bag another cheque worth Sh75,000 for his efforts 

The ever-green Kayci Odhiambo bagged the Fans’ Player of the 2023 – 2024 season, which earned him Sh85,000. The utility player had a great season and made his international debut for Harambee Stars.

Despite a challenging start that saw Ingwe languish at position 17, the team made a strong comeback, finishing fifth in the league and reaching the semifinals of the FKF Cup competition. 

“We are very grateful to the fans for supporting us throughout the season. Despite not winning anything, we had moments that helped us prepare well for the upcoming season," said club captain Clifton Miheso. 

Chairman Dan Shikanda called on the players and coaching staff to strive for titles and trophies this season, acknowledging that mistakes from the previous season had been addressed.

 “We faced many challenges early in the season but the fans never gave up and the players responded. It’s only fair we organise such an event to celebrate everyone who makes this club unique."

U45 Unit branch chairman Olympia Musonye, a key figure in organising the event, expressed the branch’s commitment to transforming the club through resource mobilisation and expansion of its support base beyond the Luhya community.

“We are committed to ensuring our members attend every match and increase Ingwe's popularity," added Musonye

AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha praised the U45 Unit Branch for its efforts and urged other branches to follow suit.

"It’s great to see a branch like U45 honouring the club’s best performers. I only see this in Europe. We promise to reward you with trophies,” Trucha said.

Meanwhile, Leopards also unveiled their new players led by South Sudan captain, Peter Manyang,  forward Sydney Lokale, wing-back Julius Masaba and Samuel Semo.

Ingwe kicks off their season 2024/2025 against returnees Mathare United on Saturday as the Kenya Premier League gets underway this weekend.