Timely boost for AFC Leopards as defender returns from injury
AFC Leopards will have the services of defender Lewis Bandi at their disposal for their remaining FKF Cup and FKFPL fixtures.
The 21-year-old made his comeback against Bidco United in the FKFPL, coming on for Randy Bakari in the 85th minute. Despite Leopards losing the game courtesy of a 68th minute strike by Bidco’s Samuel Ndung’u, the defender expressed his elation at getting back into action.
“Football is everything to me and I am so happy to be back on the pitch. I missed playing competitive football. Thank you to all our fans for the great reception on the field and all the encouraging messages.”
Comeback
The defender who was a regular for Ingwe under Patrick Aussems made his comeback to the team after one year on the sidelines. A horizontal tear to his anterior horn lateral meniscus forced Bandi to undergo a surgery procedure.
Returning to regular first team football is top priority for the right-footed defender who had a number of suitors including Tusker and Tanzanian side Ihefu FC after him just before his injury.
Bandi is prepared to overcome competition from his teammates to secure a place in the Tomas Trucha-coached side.
“There is a lot of competition in the team, which is a very good thing, and I’ll have to work hard to command a starting role in the team,” Bandi was quoted by the team’s official website.
The youngster joined AFC Leopards’ youth ranks of in 2015 while still schooling at Dagoretti High School before penning down his first contract with the club in October 2020.
Bandi would hit the headlines in 2023 when Aussems, the head coach denied any knowledge of his whereabouts soon after their FKF Cup clash against Kakamega Homeboyz.
AFC Leopards vs Police
With the FKFPL set to resume in mid-June, attention shifts to the FKF Cup where Leopards face Police FC in what should be an absolute cracker. Leopards saw off Compel FC in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 score line while Police sailed into the last four with a convincing 4-0 win over Sofapaka.
Bandi, however, is optimistic about his side’s chances and urged fans to support the team as they go in search of their only silverware this season.
“We will do our very best as usual. I urge our fans to turn up in numbers this Sunday to support the team, and for sure, we won’t disappoint them.”
The match previously scheduled for Dandora will be played at the Police Sacco Stadium from 3.00 pm.
