AFC Leopards unveil expert panel for player awards gala

AFC Leopards Chairman Boniface Ambani, after announcing the 2025 Player Awards Gala and Cultural Wee expert panel. [AFC Leopards ]

AFC Leopards has named a five-member panel of football experts to spearhead nominations for the club's Player Awards Gala, set for July 26 at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County.

The awards, which aim to celebrate standout performers from the season, will feature five categories: Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Midfielder, Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, and Fans' Player of the Year.

The nomination committee brings together seasoned voices familiar to Ingwe fans and Kenyan football followers. These include:

• Gregory Mulemi, a long-time Leopards supporter and journalist

• Jos Khadongo, the club's video analyst

• Joseph Kwanya, a radio host and FKF Premier League Spaces moderator on X

• Dollar Khagali and Brian Odhiambo, both well-known sports journalist

"We've been deliberate in selecting a panel that understands both the technical and emotional side of the game. The gala night is about recognising excellence, but doing it in a way that's open, inclusive, and reflective of the club's values. We are confident the team selected will give us deserving winners across all categorie" said Olympia Musonye, Chairperson of the U45 Unit Branch organizing the event.

Fans will get a rare chance to mingle with players and club legends, with the initiative already sparking excitement among supporters eager to be part of the celebration.

Club Chairman Boniface Ambani, fresh from his election victory, praised the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening fan-player relations.

"It's important for our players to know their effort is seen - and for fans to feel they're part of that journey. We are fully behind this initiative and encourage the Ingwe faithful to grab their tickets early, turn up loud and make this a memorable event," Ambani said.

To cap off the day, the AFC Leopards senior team will face off against Nzoia Sugar in an exhibition match - setting the stage for an evening of football and celebration.