AFC Leopards’ stars thriving under Fred Ambani’s ball-playing tactics
By Luke Oluoch, January 16, 2026Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side, AFC Leopards, is currently enjoying a new lease of life in the 2025 season under coach Fred Ambani.
After enduring an inconsistent run earlier, Ingwe appear to have found their groove and turned the corner, now ranking among the early contenders for the 2025 league title.
From slow starters to leaders
Following their first defeat to Mara Sugar, Leopards bounced back to record statement wins, including a recent victory in the 98th Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia and a dominant performance against Tusker FC, further demonstrating the team’s depth and potential.
One of the key changes in Fred Ambani’s strategy has been his bold shift to possession-based football, with a purposeful approach that prioritises building from the back.
Ambani endured a torrid start and repeatedly called for patience and trust in his process as Ingwe struggled through the opening phase of the league.
With his philosophy now seemingly clicking, Ingwe have emerged as one of the league’s best sides, their confident play evoking memories of former champions.
Thriving players
James Kinyanjui and Julius Masaba, along with full-backs Brian Nyongesa and Samuel Semo, have been among the new stars enjoying the new philosophy under Ambani.
The players have proved instrumental to the new tactics. While providing defensive cover, the full-backs—now deployed as wing-backs—have been crucial in adding width, a facet that makes the side one of the most difficult opponents to face in the league at the moment.
Also central to the team’s resurgence has been former Mathare United and Kenya Police ace Tyson Otieno. A tricky player to mark, Otieno has provided a reliable creative hub, sitting at the heart of the team’s offensive moves and creation of chances leading to goals.
His switch from Police ranks among the shrewdest transfer deals of the season, if fan sentiment is anything to go by.
In fact, Leopards’ title chances this season could well hinge on whether the attacking midfielder-cum-winger can stay injury-free as the second half kicks off.
The league hopefuls have also enjoyed remarkable success from the stellar displays of youngster Kelly Madada.
Thanks to his ball-playing ability and composure, the former AFCON U17 team member has emerged as one of the side’s most relied-upon stars, effectively linking midfield and defence. Among his standout attributes are his simple passing and ability to operate in tight areas despite his slender frame.
His contributions include a couple of well-taken goals against Sofapaka and at Dandora Stadium, as well as his recent strike against Nairobi United. His performances have earned praise from former Kenyan international Titus Mulama, who has repeatedly lauded his football brain and deft touches.
Impressive, Katasi
Also worth mentioning is first-choice custodian Humphrey Katasi, who has been a reliable presence in the team’s defensive shape. Playing behind a backline that now concedes far fewer goals, Katasi has been a solid contributor to Ingwe’s mean defence this season as the last line of defense.
With six clean sheets already to his name, he has made the shaky starts of Levis Opiyo at the beginning of the season a thing of the past. His continued form and presence in goal could well serve as the springboard for Ingwe’s title credentials this term.