AFC Leopards’ cult-hero keen on returning to Kenya

Ndugwa played for Ingwe during the 2015 season, a season the 13-time champions faced serious financial challenges that eventually saw them lose a huge chunk of their key players to rivals.

He was among those who left Ingwe at the end of the 2015 season. He moved back to Uganda where he joined SC Villa for a season before moving to Onduparaka where he stayed for a year as well. In 2018 he moved to Wakiso where he was until he got released in February.

Ndugwa now says he wants to make a return to Kenyan clubs and is open to offers from interested FKF Premier League clubs.

“I want to return to Kenya, I have unfinished business there. My stay in Kenya was shortlived due to the challenges that my then team faced but I am ready to make a come-back, Kenyan league is one of the best in the region," the 29-year old forward told Mozzart Sport.

On whether there’s a specific Kenyan team that he would like to join, the attacker clarified that he is open to moving to any Kenyan top-flight team.

 “I do not have any preferred team really. I can join any top-tier club interested in my services. The goal is to get a team where I can showcase my talent,” he added.

Although he did not score many goals for Ingwe, one match stands out in his short stint at the Den.

On 7th June 2015, ahead of a league match against Sofapaka at the Nyayo National Stadium, Ingwe players downed tools due to a four-month salary arrear. 

14 players showed up for the match, but still, there was a problem, all the three goalkeepers skipped the match that had to be delayed for an hour for Leopards to raise a quorum. First choice keeper Wycliffe Kasaya, his understudy Joel Bataro and even rookie Ali Kesi all boycotted the match.

With Coach Zdravko Logarusic running out of options, and the possibility of issuing a walkover fast-looming, Ndugwa, a striker stepped forward and offered to play between the sticks. He went on to put in a good shift that culminated with him denying one of Kenya’s best strikers ever, John Baraza from the penalty spot. Ingwe registered a 1-0 win against all odds.

He is revered among the Ingwe faithful and is regarded as one of the club’s cult heroes.