AFC sooth ‘Mashemeji derby’ pain with new bus bought by ardent fans
By Charles Thuku, March 10, 2020
President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday officially handed a swanky new bus to AFC Leopards in a brief ceremony at State House, Nairobi.
This makes Leopards the only club in the country to own two ultra modern buses.
The sleek 51-seater machine, purchased from Chinese manufacturing firm Golden Dragon, was gifted to the team through international fund-raising expert Nelson Sechere.
An ardent fan of Leopards, Sechere is a consultant with African Capacity Building Foundation, a specialised agency for African Union.
There were some moments of excitement amongst Leopards players and officials at State House when President Uhuru rode in the new bus that has several features among them a DVD Player, TV screens and an Air Conditioner.
Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda said the old bus—christened Beast—will complement transport to the club’s senior team while also serving the junior outfit.
“The acquisition of the bus is a milestone to the team as it will make our movement to several venues across the country much easier,’’ said Shikanda.
During the interment of the club’s legend Joe Kadenge last year, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa had promised to use his connections to secure Leopards a new a bus. And the promise was duly fulfilled, thanks to the philanthropy of Sechere who has in the past pledged to help source for sponsorship for Ingwe to make it financially stable.
Shikanda has thanked Uhuru for honouring the team’s invitation to come and cheer Ingwe during Sunday’s ‘Mashemeji’ derby against arch rivals Gor Mahia which saw Leopards lose 1-0.
“The President’s presence shows that he has a passion for football and it has given the sport a big impetus in the eyes of the corporate world from whom we are seeking for sponsorship,” added Shikanda.