Just who will save AFC Leopards from extinction?

AFC Leopards players ready to play Murang'a Seal in their Mozzart Bet Cup tournament at The Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The 2023-2024 season has been a turbulent period for AFC Leopards, a beloved community football club affectionately known as Ingwe.

Mired in a whirlwind of on-field and off-field tribulations, the team found itself perilously close to relegation. This period marked a stark contrast to their past glory, with the club having secured 12 FKF Premier League championships historically.

The previous season had already set a grim tone, with AFC Leopards finishing a distant seventh, 19 points behind the leaders Gor Mahia. A crushing 2-1 defeat against Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Cup semi-finals further compounded their woes.

Meanwhile, their arch-rivals Gor Mahia continued to ascend, clinching their 20th FKF-PL title, a record-extending achievement.

AFC Leopards' troubles intensified between April and June, attributed to delayed salaries and internal disputes, which even led to a reshuffling of the team's captaincy. The situation worsened with the departure of Belgian coach Patrick Aussems in July due to unpaid dues, resulting in a Fifa tansfer ban.

His successor, Tom Juma, struggled to steer the team back to its winning ways. The 2023-2024 FKF Premier League season commenced disastrously for AFC Leopards, leading to Juma's dismissal after a winless six-match run.

Under Juma's brief tenure, the team faced defeats against KCB and Gor Mahia, and managed only draws with FC Talanta, Muhoroni Youth, Kenya Police, and Shabana.

Juma's replacement, Tomas Trucha, previously faced personal safety threats during his tenure at the club. Trucha's second stint didn't bring the hoped-for revival, with the team managing only two wins in 16 games.

Criticism was levied against the club's transfer committee for poor recruitment strategies, often influenced more by community ties than merit. This led to an unbalanced squad that appeared unprepared and disjointed.

The team's lackluster offensive play was evident, with a scoring record among the lowest in the league, heavily reliant on penalties and set pieces.

Coach Trucha emphasised the need for a new striker during the January transfer window to alleviate the goal drought. However, structural issues within the club persisted. Former players and coaches criticised the club's leadership for a lack of transparency and accountability, and for setting unrealistic expectations.

The club's frequent changes in players and coaching staff hindered the development of a consistent style of play. The AFC Leopards community faced criticism for sub-tribal politics and a lack of unity.

As 2023 concluded, the Leopards were just a point above the relegation zone. The upcoming transfer window presented an opportunity for turnaround, but the club's ability to capitalise on this remained uncertain.

In stark contrast, Gor Mahia FC experienced a year of triumph. The club not only maintained their form, but also extended their dominance in Kenyan football. After securing their 20th league title in the 2022-2023 season, they continued their unbeaten streak in the 2023-2024 season, leading the FKF Premier League.

Gor Mahia's 2023 journey was marked by overcoming substantial challenges, including a Fifa ban over disputes with former players. The lifting of this ban allowed them to strategically bolster their squad. Notable was their victory in the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards, spearheaded by Benson Omalla's remarkable performance.

Coach Jonathan McKinstry's leadership transformed Gor Mahia into a formidable force. His tactical expertise and management skills fostered a winning culture and unity within the team. The attacking partnership of Omalla and Austin Odhiambo proved particularly effective, causing trouble for defenses league-wide.

Gor Mahia's strategic recruitment, focusing on local talent following the lifting of the Fifa ban, added depth and quality to their squad. Their defensive stability and potent attack made them a powerhouse in the league.

As they approached 2024, Gor Mahia remained unbeaten, a testament to their resilience and ambition. Despite earlier disqualification from the CAF Champions League due to licensing issues, they were focused on not just defending their title but also making an impact on the continental stage.

While AFC Leopards grappled with internal strife and mismanagement, Gor Mahia's resurgence underscored the importance of strategic planning and unity in achieving sporting success.

In the FKF Cup, Kakamega Homeboyz made history after stunning Tusker to win their first ever title.

The season resumes on January 6 next year after the festive season.