Dan Shikanda Reveals Key Factor That Could End AFC Leopards Title Drought

Former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has expressed confidence the Fred Ambani-coached outfit will win the 2025/2026 FKF Premier League title “if stupid wrangles are avoided”.

Shikanda left his role as chairman after completing his two terms in office last June, with former Harambee Stars forward Bonface Ambani taking over as new chairman.

Leopards began the campaign with three consecutive draws but have since turned their fortunes around, stringing together three straight wins and maintaining a 14-match unbeaten run. 

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The club currently sits among the league’s top contenders, and Shikanda believes that stability — both on and off the pitch — will be crucial to finally delivering silverware.

“This is the year AFC Leopards will win the league,” Shikanda said. “We left a solid unit when we finished the season last year, playing attractive football. They started quite slow, but I was telling people to stop doubting them and just give the team a bit of time.”

“I watched them against KCB and they played well. They also did well against Shabana,” he noted. “They have only signed three or four players, and the starting eleven only has two new additions, so they have gelled well. I am very confident AFC Leopards will win the league this season if these stupid wrangles are avoided.”

The “wrangles” Shikanda refers to are the off-pitch leadership disputes that have occasionally disrupted the club’s focus in recent years. He emphasised that unity, patience, and support from fans will determine how far Ambani’s team can go.

“It will not win the league just because we have a good chairman or good coach, but because we have a good team,” he stressed. “The fans need to be patient. Rome was not built in a day. Give the coach time, and the leadership time. And to the players, they must play for themselves and also for the team as well.”

Since Bonface Ambani — a former Harambee Stars and Leopards striker — took over as chairman, the club has seen a renewed sense of direction.

 Under Fred Ambani, the team has blended experienced campaigners with young talents like James Kinyanjui, whose performances have been instrumental in their unbeaten start.

Shikanda, who himself featured for Leopards in the 1980s, says he sees the same hunger in the current generation that once propelled him to success.

“Playing in the 80s opened doors for me, and so I am sure doors will also open for them if they also play well for the club,” he said.

As AFC Leopards continue their charge up the table, optimism among supporters is steadily building. The ingredients for a title challenge appear firmly in place — a united leadership, a confident coach, and a determined squad.

For Shikanda, however, the formula for success remains simple: discipline, patience, and unity. “We have a team that can do it,” he concluded. “Now, it’s just about everyone pulling in the same direction.”