A.F.C. Leopards

History

The 1960s

From the 1960s or even earlier; the notion and formation of various Abaluhya teams for invitational matches became the forerunner of what eventually would become Abaluhya United. On 12 March 1964, the East African Standard newspaper published a report on the birth of a new club known as Abaluhya Football Club, which resulted from the amalgamation of Marama, Samia United and Bunyore; all Nairobi based clubs that were in Division 1 of the Kenya National Football League. The amalgamation process also included lower division clubs such as Kisa, Tiriki, Bukusu Brotherhood, Busamia, Lurambi, Butsotso, Bushibungo and Eshirotsa thus building its base and establishments that would make it a success in the future.

The 1970s and 80s: Legacy building and golden era

This was a period of sustained performance from the club, which brought it more fame. This included winning the Kenya National Football League in an unbeaten fashion, in the process becoming the first Kenyan club to do so.

AFC Leopards marked the 80s by marking a period of dominance majorly in the domestic and regional scene.

The 1990s and 2000s

In the 90s, achievements became less frequent, although in general, the team continued to win some championships thus never suffering a considerable title drought.

The beginning of dismal campaigns for the following 10 years, including relegation from the top tier.

Club Identity

A.F.C. Leopards has historical ties to the Luhya people, one of Kenya’s largest ethnic groups, who are primarily located in Western Kenya. The club was founded in 1964 as Abaluhya United FC, with the purpose of providing a platform for Luhya players based in Nairobi and other areas. This origin established a cultural link between the club and the Luhya people, which has influenced its identity over the years. The connection to the Luhya community is evident in the composition of players, coaches, and officials associated with the club, many of whom come from Western Kenya, especially Kakamega and nearby counties. This regional representation has contributed to a fan base that identifies with the club through shared ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In 1978, President Daniel arap Moi reaffirmed a policy initiated under Jomo Kenyatta that required all civic and sporting organisations in Kenya to remove names with explicit ethnic identifiers. As a result, Abaluhya Football Club, which had been associated with the Luhya community since its founding in 1964, formally changed its name to All Footballers Confederation Leopards Sports Club, commonly known as A.F.C. Leopards. Nevertheless, while A.F.C. Leopards has grown to attract supporters from various parts of Kenya, the relationship with the Luhya community remains an important aspect of the club’s identity.

A.F.C. Leopards has a long history of political patronage from prominent Luhya leaders. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Martin Shikuku and Moses Mudavadi (father of Musalia Mudavadi) served as early patrons, using their influence to secure employment for players in the civil service and to support club operations. More recently, Musalia Mudavadi, leader of the Amani National Congress and a lifelong Ingwe supporter, has provided direct financial assistance to the club. In June 2020, he donated KSh 633,000 to clear land rates on the 20-acre parcel allocated to the club in Kasarani and has pledged further support for a permanent stadium complex. A.F.C. Leopards has also attracted backing from other Luhya politicians, including Alfred Sambu (former Webuye East MP and ex-chairman of the club) and Cyrus Jirongo, as well as regional leaders such as Ken Lusaka and Edwin Sifuna, who in 2024 publicly endorsed plans to corporatise the club and invited wider investment to secure its financial future.

Honours

League

• Kenya National Football League/Kenyan Super League/Kenyan Premier League
  • Champions (12): 1966, 1967, 1970, 1973, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1998
• Kenyan Nationwide League
  • Champions (Promoted): 2008

Cup

• FKF President's Cup: 10
  • Champions (10): 1967, 1968,1984, 1985, 1991, 1994, 2001, 2009, 2013, 2017
  • Runners-up: 1987, 1997, 2000, 2003
• CECAFA Club Cup: 5
  • Champions (5): 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1997.
  • Runner's Up: 1974, 1980, 1985
• CECAFA Nile Basin Cup
  • Runners-up: 2014

Performance in CAF competitions

[[CAF Champions League|African Cup of Champions Clubs/CAF Champions League]]

• First round exits: 1971, 1972, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1993, 1999
• Second round exits: 1989
• Quarter-finals: 1974, 1990
• Semi-final: 1968

[[CAF Confederation Cup]]

• Preliminary round exits: 2010

[[CAF Cup]]

• Quarter-finals: 1994, 1997

[[African Cup Winners' Cup]]

• First round exits: 1992, 1992, 2002
• Second round exits: 1986
• Quarter-final exits: 1988
• Semi-final exits**:** 1985

Players

Current squad

Goalkeepers

Samuel Ambale (1)

Humphrey Katasi (22)

James Ssetuba (28)

Defenders

Kennedy Owino (27)

Peter Maker (24)

Vincent Mahiga (29)

Randy Bakari (4)

Fredrick Alushula (3)

Samwel Semo (28)

Rami Coulibaly (19)

Midfielders

Tyson Otieno (7)

Kayci Odhiambo (12)

Boniface Munyendo (18)

Musa Oundo (6)

Ronald Sichenje (30)

Kelly Madada (88)

Victor Omune (33)

Jamal Obeid (29)

Victor Otieno (50)

Deng Kang (20)

Brian Wanyama (8)

Forwards

Julius Masaba (10)

Samuel Ssenyonjo (14)

Maxwell Odongo (21)

Christopher Koloti (39)

James Kinyanjui (26)

Ellias Mugane (16)

Hassan Beja (80)

Footballing and medical staff

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Board of directors

Coaches and managers

References

Sources

• The Standard, 23 July 2006:
• Kenya Premier League,8 February 2009 :Over-flowing crowds finally a 'crisis'? Hope Centre ground fails to cope

References

1. https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/110342-sold-out-stadium-what-you-know-vs-what-law-says
2. "Kenya - List of Champions". [[RSSSF]].
3. admin. "The 2000s: Little success and decline".
4. Daily Nation, 5 January 2004: [http://www.nationaudio.com/News/DailyNation/05012004/Sports/Sports050120042.html Oyugi speaks on state of soccer] {{Webarchive. link. (17 September 2008)
5. link. (16 February 2012)
6. admin. (18 March 2019). "The 1960s: The Good Beginnings".
7. admin. (18 March 2019). "The 1970s: Legacy Building".
8. admin. (18 March 2019). "The 1980s: The Golden Era".
9. admin. (18 March 2019). "The 1990s: The New Era".
10. Onyango, Washington. (11 February 2023). "Mashemeji Derby: What makes record league champions tick". [[The Standard (Kenya).
11. Njoroge, Gishinga. "Ethnic thread runs in sports: defying stereotype despite ethnic bias". [[The Standard (Kenya).
12. (30 January 2010). "Paralysis at AFC Leopards shows sorry state of local football". [[The Standard (Kenya).
13. Kinyanjui, Jeff. (6 June 2020). "Mudavadi rescues financially crippled AFC Leopards". Nairobi News.
14. Ashihundu, John. (25 March 2024). "Western leaders back AFC Leopards' privatisation plans". [[Daily Nation]].
15. (27 June 2025). "2022 Annual General Meeting: Club election results".
16. "Troubled Leopards send Dutch coach De Jongh packing". Daily Nation.