AFC Leopards chairman explains why Lewis Bandi decamped to Gor Mahia
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 13.08.25. | 12:37
His move came as part of Gor’s major recruitment drive, which has also seen them sign Bryne Omondi and Siraj Mohammed from Bandari FC, as well as Tusker FC assistant captain Michael Kibwage
A stunned AFC Leopards chairman, Bonface Ambani, has revealed that a delay in handing assistant captain Lewis Bandi a contract due to the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) saw the defender cross over to arch-rivals Gor Mahia.
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Bandi’s shock switch to Gor Mahia was confirmed on Tuesday, leaving many Leopards supporters with a bitter taste after losing their assistant captain to their eternal rivals.
His move came as part of Gor’s major recruitment drive, which has also seen them sign Bryne Omondi and Siraj Mohammed from Bandari FC, as well as Tusker FC assistant captain Michael Kibwage.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Ambani admitted Bandi’s exit took the club by surprise.
“We didn’t expect it because he never told us he had offers. His contract had expired, and we were set to renew it,” Ambani said.
The former Leopards striker explained that the club had asked Bandi to focus on Kenya’s CHAN campaign before finalising his new deal.
“We didn’t want to interfere with his concentration while he was with the national team. We had verbal agreements and planned to conclude everything after the tournament.
He gave no indication he would leave, so this caught us completely off guard,” he added.
Despite the loss, Ambani remains confident the club will strengthen in the off-season transfer window.
“As I always say, no player is bigger than any football club. He chose a different path, and we wish him well. But we will replace him.
Players come and go. For that position, we will find someone even better. Our technical bench is already working on it,” he assured.
With just under three weeks before the transfer window closes, Leopards are yet to make any signings. However, Ambani has urged fans to remain patient.
“There’s no reason to worry. We have a plan and we are following it. Our fans should stay calm. We are reinforcing the team to ensure we can compete for the title next season.
The goal is to win the league, and we will do all we can to make that happen,” he concluded.
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