AFC Leopards has officially launched preparations for the 2025/26 season with a series of medical assessments aimed at ensuring player readiness.

The club confirmed the development via a post on X, dated August 1, 2025, stating, “2025/26 The boys pulled up for their medicals under the watchful eyes of our team doctor, Patrick Ngusale. May the pre-season training begin. #OurForever #INGWE”

The update was accompanied by images of players undergoing electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, highlighting the club’s commitment to prioritising player health and safety ahead of a demanding season in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

Focus on player welfare

The medicals, overseen by team doctor Patrick Ngusale, included ECG screenings, which are instrumental in identifying potential cardiac issues among athletes. A 2021 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that early detection of heart abnormalities through ECG testing reduced the risk of sudden cardiac death in athletes by up to 80 percent.

The renewed emphasis on thorough pre-season assessments comes in the wake of past shortcomings. Notably, in 2022, a league match was cancelled due to the absence of vital medical equipment, sparking criticism over the preparedness of clubs. AFC Leopards’ current approach reflects a shift toward greater professionalism and athlete-centred planning as they look to improve on last season’s performance.

Governance reforms

Even as the team gets physically ready, off-pitch matters remain a concern. On August 1, 2025, Secretary General Isaac Mulindi issued a statement condemning growing disunity within the club’s ranks. He warned against rogue operations by individuals and branches that, he said, were bypassing the club’s constitutionally mandated organs.

“There are individuals and even some branches who seem to forget that AFC Leopards is a community club, governed by a board and guided by the NEC and managed by the Secretariat headed by the Secretary General, a position I hold by the will of the members,” said Mulindi, who took over the role following the death of Gilbert Andugu earlier this year.

He indicated that formal action may be taken against continued disregard for club protocols, reiterating that the club belongs to its members—not to individuals or factions.

Constitutional review

In a move to address long-standing structural issues, the club on July 30 announced the formation of a Constitution Review Team comprising key figures including Asava Kadima, Ibrahim Alubala, Bramwell Luane, Irene Sitawa, Suleiman Angulu, CEO Ronald Namai, and a representative from the Sports Registrar. The team is tasked with aligning AFC Leopards’ operations with the Sports Act 2013 and modern governance standards.

The club has invited fans and members to submit reform proposals before September 2025. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has also thrown his weight behind the revival efforts, urging unity and proposing a monthly fan contribution model to help the club reclaim its place among Africa’s football giants.

As preseason training begins, AFC Leopards face a crucial balancing act—blending improved player welfare with internal reforms—to restore their former glory.