Nairobi, January 30 2026 — A sense of destiny is stirring at AFC Leopards. Former chairman Dan Shikanda has declared his belief that the storied club is on the brink of ending a decades‑long drought — not just by reclaiming the FKF Premier League crown, but by lifting the Mozzart Bet Cup as well.
Long Wait, New Momentum
Ingwe's last league triumph came in 1998, and the title has eluded them ever since. Yet Shikanda insists this season feels different. The Fred Ambani‑coached side sits second on the table with 36 points, with similar points to leaders and bitter rivals Gor Mahia, who have a superior goal difference.
Built to Win
“This is a team that has been built over the last three to four years,” Shikanda told Mozzart Sport. “The gaps that existed, especially in midfield, have now been fully addressed, and the unit has completely gelled.” He credits a deliberate recruitment strategy for transforming Ingwe into one of the league’s most consistent outfits — a side that blends defensive steel with attacking invention.
The Madada Effect
Shikanda singled out Kelly Madada as a signing that changed the club’s trajectory. Brought in on a long‑term deal in February 2024, the young midfielder has quickly become a fulcrum for the team. “When we signed Madada, we knew he was a player who would bring glory to the club and even to the country,” Shikanda said. His emergence has given Ambani a creative heartbeat in the middle of the park.
Spine, Wings, and a Missing Piece
The former chairman pointed to the team’s spine — from Humphrey Katasi through Kayci Odhiambo to Madada — and the pace on the flanks provided by Ronald Bebeto and Victor Aguero as evidence of balance and depth. Yet Shikanda believes the best is still to come: the return of injured forward Sydney Lokale. “Once Lokale returns from injury, there will be no team that can stop us,” he declared, suggesting Ingwe have an even sharper edge waiting in reserve.
Eyes on the Double
With players fully aligned behind the technical bench’s philosophy and momentum building across league and cup competitions, Shikanda is unabashed in his ambition. “I strongly believe the team is on solid ground. The players have gelled well with the technical bench, and no one will stop us. In fact, we are going for the double: league title and the Mozzart Bet Cup,” he concluded.
For now, blue‑and‑white supporters will cling to that conviction, dreaming that this season could finally rewrite a long chapter of near misses into one of historic triumph.
