Details of 12 key issues discussed during AFC Leopards meeting after fan unrest

Amid growing unrest among supporters following an unsatisfactory start to the season, AFC Leopards’ Council of Chairmen (CoC), a body comprising of branch chairpersons convened a crucial meeting during their recent retreat in Mombasa.

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The gathering took place on the sidelines of the ODM@20 Invitational celebrations held in the coastal city from Thursday, 9 to Friday, 10 October.

The CoC, led by Francis Imbenzi, met alongside members of the club’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to address the issues affecting the club on and off the pitch.

Sources indicate that the discussions covered 12 major areas, ranging from team performance and fan welfare to club administration and financial matters.

1. Fans’ Welfare and Conduct

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The meeting strongly condemned hooliganism directed at club officials and the technical bench.

The CoC resolved that any member involved in acts of violence or misconduct would face individual disciplinary action.

2. Support for the New Executive

NEC members requested patience from the branches, noting that they had only recently assumed office.

They asked to be given time to implement key decisions and stabilise the club.

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3. Technical Bench Strengthening

The technical bench was commended for efforts to identify weak areas in the playing unit.

The club announced plans to hire a qualified assistant coach with professional-level credentials to support head coach Fred Ambani’s technical setup.

4. Player Departures Clarified

The meeting clarified that players who left during the last transfer window did so either by declining new contracts or not being retained by the technical bench.

Key departures included winger Ovella Ochieng, goalkeeper Levis Opiyo, and defender Lewis Bandi , whose move to rivals Gor Mahia caused a stir among supporters.

5. CEO Position and Club Management

The CoC was informed that acting CEO Ronald Namai’s tenure will end after six months as earlier stipulated.

The position will then be advertised for competitive recruitment to fill the role substantively.

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6. Financial Constraints and Debts

NEC briefed the chairmen on the club’s inherited debts and assured them that steps were being taken to clear the arrears gradually.

7. Match Attendance Reporting

It was resolved that match attendance figures would now reflect the actual number of fans attending matches rather than the total revenue collected, for transparency.

8. Sponsorship and Branding Initiatives

The club announced that their shirt sponsor would soon begin branding AFC Leopards’ branch offices across the country to boost visibility and corporate identity.

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9. Azam TV Partnership Offer

AFC Leopards' members were briefed on an Azam TV offer where members can acquire a decoder, dish kit, installation, and one-month subscription for Ksh2,000.

Additionally, the first 10 members will receive free setups from the CEO’s office.

For business premises, members paying for a three-month package (Ksh 4,500) will get free installation of Azam kits under the club package.

10. Branch Welfare Scheme

The CoC is set to introduce a welfare fund to replace the current harambee system used during funerals and emergencies.

Each member will contribute Ksh100 for registration and Ksh 3,000 monthly per branch.

The welfare will also fund branch empowerment initiatives.

11. Constitution Review Input

The CoC presented its collective views on the proposed amendments to the club’s draft constitution, ensuring branch input in the ongoing reforms.

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12. Poor Run of Form and Fan Frustration

Members expressed concern over the team’s winless start to the season.

Leopards are yet to register a victory in their opening three FKF Premier League matches and also finished fourth in the ODM@20 Invitational Tournament after losing 1-0 to Shabana FC in the third-place playoff at Mbaraki Sports Club on Friday, 10 October.

Despite the challenges, both the NEC and CoC agreed to work together to stabilise the club and restore fans’ confidence as Ingwe seeks to turn around their season.