AFC Leopards chairman downplays Lewis Bandi's exit to Gor Mahia
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 11.09.25. | 19:37
Bandi stunned Ingwe fans last month when he crossed over to Gor Mahia during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament
AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani has sought to ease concerns over the departure of defender Lewis Bandi to archrivals Gor Mahia, insisting the club has already moved on.
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Bandi stunned Ingwe fans last month when he crossed over to Gor Mahia during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
The youngster, who left on a Bosman transfer, had been expected to renew his contract at Leopards.
His switch triggered a heated debate among supporters, with Gor fans celebrating the acquisition while some Leopards faithful criticised both the player and the management for failing to secure his future.
Ambani, who previously coached Bandi in Ingwe’s youth ranks before his promotion to the senior team, downplayed the significance of the move, likening it to a parent letting a child pursue independence.
“Some people have said, ‘Oh, you let Lewis Bandi go.’ I didn’t. If he had to go, then so be it. But remember, who brought that young man in the first place? It was us,” Ambani told Sporty FM.
“It’s like being a parent — if your son decides to move out of the house, you don’t stop him. You support him, wish him the best, and move on.”
Leopards have since signed Brian Ojok from Soy United to plug the gap. The former Zoo FC defender has already earned Ambani’s confidence, with the chairman stressing that only players committed to the cause will be retained.
“That’s exactly what we did. He left, but the gap was filled immediately. There are so many players in this country who want to play for AFC Leopards,” he noted.
Ingwe’s transfer activity this window was relatively restrained. Despite parting ways with more than ten players, they only recruited nine, a strategy observers described as minimalist. Ambani explained that the club is prioritising quality over sheer numbers.
“It’s about quality. Nothing more than that. We need to bring in quality players. There’s a big difference between quality and quantity, and we are not chasing numbers — we are going for quality,” he said.
“Last season, for the past two seasons actually, the team had 34, 35, even 36 players. Imagine that. But many of them were just average. At least now, with what we have, you can see the difference — I can see it too.”
Head coach Fred Ambani has also vowed to mount a serious title challenge this season as Leopards bid to end their 27-year wait for a league crown.
Ingwe will kick off their campaign on Saturday, 20 September, against Sofapaka.
