AFC Leopards management during the handing over of the task force report at the MAA hotel Nairobi/HANDOUT
AFC Leopards long journey to structural transformation is almost complete, with a mixed ownership model set to replace the community club culture.
The club that arguably commands the biggest fan base in Kenya is in the final stages of shifting from the society-run system to a corporate model.
The Taskforce mandated to come up with the right gave their recommendation, pending ratification by members vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) slated for 30, March 2025 at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium.
After extensive research, the task force report recommended selling a stake in the club to interested parties who have the club's interest at heart while ensuring the community retains the majority of the shares.
Members' Sacco will retain a 51% majority stake, while the board will take control of the remaining 49% of shares, similar to the model run by Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Yanga SC.
Task force chairman Vincent Shimoli believes they will get it right this time around after educating the club fans across the country on the importance of the structure.
“An idea whose time has come cannot be stopped; we found it very easy to push the agenda, this module has been tried before but got a lot of resistance; however, this time round we will get it right.” Shimoli said.
Meanwhile, Ingwe chairman Dan Shikanda said the model is designed to safeguard democracy within the club, granting members the power to elect board representatives and bring accountability.
“At the end of the day, we would like the club to transit into corporate in a way that everybody will embrace. We urge all our members to meet on March 30 and again later in June 29, so that we can hand over the club to an elected office," Shikanda said.
According to the taskforce report, Leopards’ nominal value stands at an estimated Sh2 billion.
The Task Force appointed by the club’s NEC on August 28, 2024, is chaired by Vincent Shimoli, while Richard Ekhalie is the secretary. Club patron Alex Muteshi, the treasurer, Laureen Ateka, Ngarua Kamuya, Clarence Jumba, Bramwel Aino, and Nelly Mwashi are members.
