CONFIRMED: AFC Leopards resign midfielder seven years after departure

AFC Leopards have continued their aggressive recruitment drive ahead of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season after completing the signing of midfielder Eric Namaan Balecho from Bandari FC on a two-year contract.

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The 12-time Kenyan champions confirmed Balecho's arrival on their official platforms, with the versatile midfielder making an emotional return to the club where his football journey began before embarking on a career that has seen him feature for several top-flight sides.

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Balecho, a product of the AFC Leopards Youth Team, returns to the Den seven years after leaving the club in 2019 in search of regular first-team football, when he joined Mount Kenya University, who were then plying their trade in the FKF Division Two.

Since then, he has established himself as one of the league's experienced midfielders through spells with Tusker FC, Murang'a Seal and most recently Bandari FC.

Confirming the move, the club welcomed back their former youth player in a statement.

"AFC is happy to announce that winger Eric Namaan Balecho has joined the club for a period of two years from FKF Premier League side Bandari FC. Welcome back to the Den, Erick."

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The reunion is expected to add quality and experience to Leopards' midfield as the club intensifies preparations for the new campaign.

Balecho becomes Ingwe's third confirmed signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Robinson Msungu and Uganda international Taddeo Lwanga, underlining the club's ambition to assemble a squad capable of challenging for major honours.

The club's activity in the transfer market signals a clear statement of intent after another campaign that ended in disappointment despite encouraging signs of progress.

Leopards narrowly missed out on ending their 28-year wait for league glory last season after finishing second behind fierce rivals Gor Mahia in one of the closest title races in recent years.

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Gor Mahia ultimately clinched their 22nd league crown, extending Leopards' wait for a league championship to 29 years.

With experienced additions already secured and more reinforcements expected before the transfer window closes, optimism continues to grow among the Ingwe faithful that the club is finally building a squad capable of reclaiming its place at the summit of Kenyan football.

The midfielder will now be tasked with using his experience and familiarity with the club's culture to help AFC Leopards mount what they hope will be a successful challenge for the 2026/27 FKFPL title and finally bring an end to a trophy drought that has stretched for nearly three decades.