Why former AFC Leopards Chairman is confident they will complete a historic double this year

Former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda believes the stars are finally aligning for Ingwe to end their long wait for silverware, backing the club to clinch both the FKF Premier League title and the Mozzart Bet Cup this season.

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AFC Leopards last lifted the league title in 1998, and despite coming close on several occasions since, the crown has remained elusive.

However, Shikanda insists the current campaign feels different, pointing to the club’s steady rise and strong showing so far this season.

The Fred Ambani-coached side currently sits second on the log with 36 points, separated from log leaders Gor Mahia by a point difference.

“Yes, I still hold the same beliefs. This is a team that has been built over the last three to four years, and the gaps that existed, especially in midfield, have now been fully addressed, and the unit has completely gelled,” Shikanda told Mozzart Sport.

Ingwe have been one of the most consistent sides this season, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair to string together crucial results both home and away, a form that has propelled them to the top of the standings and firmly into the title conversation.

Shikanda credited the club’s recruitment strategy for laying the foundation of their title charge, singling out midfielder Kelly Madada as a transformative signing.

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Madada joined AFC Leopards on a long-term contract in February 2024. Despite his young age (he was 18 at the time and was not yet born when the club last won the league), he has shown significant promise.

“When we signed Kelly Madada, we knew he was a player who would bring glory to the club and even to the country, and he is now living up to those expectations,” he noted.

The former chairman also highlighted the team’s spine, which he believes has given Ingwe the balance needed to challenge on multiple fronts.

“If you look at the spine of the team, from Humphrey Katasi to Kayci Odhiambo to Madada, and then the wings, where we have Ronald Bebeto and Victor Aguero, you can see the strength of this side,” he said.

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Despite their impressive run, Shikanda believes AFC Leopards are yet to hit full throttle, insisting the return of injured forward Sydney Lokale could make the side even more formidable.

“In fact, AFC’s biggest weapon is yet to come. Once Lokale returns from injury, there will be no team that can stop us,” he added.

With the players fully buying into the technical bench’s philosophy and momentum building in both the league and cup competitions, Shikanda is confident Ingwe are on solid ground.

“I strongly believe the team is on solid ground. The players have gelled well with the technical bench, and no one will stop us. In fact, we are going for the double: league title and the Mozzart Bet Cup,” he concluded.

For now, the blue and white fans will be hoping that Shikanda’s confidence can turn into silverware.