Ambani: Managing pressure, signings inspired Leopards to league summit
By Luke Oluoch, December 24, 2025AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has spoken out on the secrets behind the club’s stealthy rise to emerge as genuine title contenders for the 2025 Football Kenya Federation Premier League title.
In an interview following Ingwe’s ascent to the top of the league standings after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bidco United on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Ambani attributed the success to the collective effort and dedication of players and people behind the scenes.
Impact of new players
“It has been a collective effort with the players central to it. We have brought in new players, and now they have gelled into a family. We are now working as a family—you can see the likes of Tyson Otieno; his inclusion has given us something different . We also brought in Kinyanjui and Masaba, who have come in strongly and brought something new,” he stated.
He opined that the team is going for the league title in what is a proud moment for him as a coach and the legend of the club.
“As a coach, I am proud we are going for the league. People took our success for granted, but they are now seeing the process. This is the approach that will lead us to greater things in the future,” he added.
The coach also revealed how he approached the monumental task of managing expectations and pressures incidental at one of the most followed clubs.
Handling pressure in Ingwe
One of his key methods, he explained, is to always shield his players from the undue pressures associated with the demanding environment that comes with playing for the 13-time league champions.
Among the facets he has worked on to change in the team included mental aspects of ensuring the players approach their games with proper mental attitude and motivation too.
From a slow start to becoming the best-ranked team heading to Christmas, Ambani reflected on his journey after taking the mantle of the club sometime last season.
Patience
The coach came under pointed criticism as Leopards started the season and has attributed his continued stay at the club to the confidence shown by the team’s management.
“The office believed in me; had they gone with the fans’ wishes, things would be different. So we have to thank the office. They gave us time to turn things around to where we are now. I believe the fans are now seeing the process paying off, and it is a good feeling,” he added.
Among his standout successes in the season has been leading Leopards to an elusive Mashemeji win over Gor Mahia. The victory formed part of a string of outcomes that have seen the club taste defeat only once in the league this term.