Mozzart Bet Cup winning coach lands key role at AFC Leopards ahead of 2026-2027 season

AFC Leopards have strengthened their technical bench ahead of the 2026-2027 FKF Premier League season after appointing experienced tactician Bernard Mwalala as the club's new first assistant coach.

The 12-time Kenyan champions confirmed the appointment on Monday, with the former Harambee Stars striker joining head coach Fred Ambani as Ingwe intensify preparations for the new campaign.

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In a statement, the club welcomed the seasoned tactician, highlighting his extensive coaching experience in Kenya and across the region.

"We have a new addition to our technical bench. Bernard Mwalala joins AFC Leopards as the first assistant coach.

The experienced former FKF Cup-winning coach joins us from Bandari FC, where he served as the head coach. He has also been head coach at Nzoia Sugar FC, Kakamega Homeboyz and Ulinzi Stars.

The former Kenyan international has also served as an assistant coach at Tanzania's Coastal Union and FKF Premier League side Shabana FC, among many others.

Welcome to AFC Leopards SC, coach Mwalala," said the club.

Mwalala arrives at Leopards after leaving Bandari FC, where he served as head coach before the two parties parted ways at the end of last season.

The former Harambee Stars attacker brings with him a wealth of experience accumulated over more than a decade on the touchline.

He guided Nzoia Sugar to promotion to the top-flight league and has also handled Ulinzi Stars, Kakamega Homeboyz and Bandari.

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One of the highlights of his managerial career came at Bandari, where he steered the Dockers to the 2019 Mozzart Bet Cup triumph, cementing his reputation as one of the country's most accomplished domestic coaches.

Before transitioning into coaching, Mwalala enjoyed a distinguished playing career, featuring for several clubs including Tanzanian giants Young Africans (Yanga) and Rwandan side Rayon Sports, while also representing Kenya at international level.

His arrival adds valuable experience to Ambani's technical team as AFC Leopards seek to build on an encouraging 2025-2026 campaign.

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Ingwe mounted one of their strongest title challenges in recent years before eventually finishing second, falling five points short of champions Gor Mahia.

With Mwalala now on board, AFC Leopards will hope the combination of Ambani's leadership and Mwalala's tactical expertise can finally help the club end a 28-year wait for the league title and restore the club to the summit of Kenyan football.