Brian Wanyama
AFC Leopards SC conducted an Award Gala which was sponsored by the Under 45 Unit Branch.
The much awaited AFC Leopards Gala awards were held on Wednesday evening at the Maa Hotel, Nairobi.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Honorable Musalia Mudavadi, addressing the AFC Leopards SC gala sponsored by the U45 Unit Branch, urged the club to revive its glorious past. He committed to attending more matches and encouraged the club’s 83 branches to emulate the example set by the U45 Unit Branch. His remarks came during the award ceremony for AFC Leopards S.C’s Best Player of the 2023-2024 season.
“I want to assure you that I will try and attend more matches this season,” said Mudavadi. “I also want to assure you that I will personally initiate a follow-up on the parcel of land given to you by the government and ensure that the small issue remaining is resolved.”
Mudavadi emphasized the need for the club to transition from its traditional management style to a more corporate approach. “This young branch (U45 Unit Branch) has shown us that we can do things in an organized manner. I urge the club’s executive office to fast-track the process of making the club corporate so that the dreams of fans, management, and players are realized.”
The U45 Unit Branch organized the event to recognize the contributions of players, fans, and branches throughout a season marked by ups and downs. Despite a challenging start, the team made a strong comeback, finishing fourth in the league and reaching the semifinals of the cup competition.
Club captain Cliffton Miheso reflected on the season, stating, “We are very grateful to the fans for supporting us throughout the season. Despite not winning anything, we had moments that helped us prepare well for the upcoming season.”
Chairman Dan Shikanda called on the players and coaching staff to strive for titles and trophies this season, acknowledging that mistakes from the previous season had been addressed. “If there’s one word that continues to define this club, it’s resilience,” Shikanda noted in a press briefing prior to the awards. “We faced many challenges early in the season, but the fans never gave up, and the players responded. It’s only fair that we organize this event to celebrate everyone who makes this club unique.”
U45 Unit Branch Chairman Olympia Musonye, a key figure in organizing the event, expressed the branch’s commitment to transforming the club through resource mobilization and expanding its support base beyond the Luhya community. “The gala represents a milestone moment in the club’s history, honoring the hard work of players and the passion of fans who steer the club forward,” Musonye said. “We are committed to ensuring our members attend every match and increase our popularity.”
AFC Leopards coach Tomas Trucha praised the U45 Unit Branch for its efforts and urged other branches to follow suit. “I usually see such things in Europe. It’s great to see a branch like U45 honoring the club’s best performers in this way. We promise to reward you with trophies,” Trucha said.
Awards presented during the event included:
Branch of the 2023-2024 Season: Executive Branch (Ksh 50,000 cash reward)
Fan of the Season: Mr. Kelson Amunya aka Cookmonjes (Ksh 30,000 cash reward)
Players’ Player of the 2023-2024 Season: Victor Omune (Ksh 75,000 cash reward)
Fans’ Player of the 2023-2024 Season: Kayci Odhiambo (Ksh 85,000 cash reward)
Players Best Player of the 2023-2024 Season: Victor Omune (Ksh 75,000 cash reward)
The event also saw the unveiling of the club’s new signings for the upcoming season:
Julius Masaba
Samuel Semo
Sidney Lokale
Peter Maker Manyang Mabok
AFC Leopards will kick off the 2024-2025 season on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Dandora Stadium against Mathare United.
