AFC Leopards Gala Award Set as Team Prepares for Uganda Trip

By Catherine Muema On Aug 13, 2024

By Shadrack Nyakoe

The stage is set for the highly anticipated AFC Leopards Gala Award ceremony, scheduled for August 21st.

AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda, along with members of the U45 Unit Branch, have expressed their enthusiasm for the event, which is expected to be a significant milestone ahead of the new season.

Currently, the team is in Mumias for pre-season training and will travel to Uganda on Thursday for a friendly match against local champions Express FC at the Wankulukuku Stadium in Kampala.

The Gala Award, organized by the U45 Unit Branch, aims to recognize the outstanding contributions of players, fans, and branches that defined the rollercoaster 2023/24 season.

During a press conference held on Tuesday morning at a Nairobi hotel, Shikanda, alongside U45 branch members—including Praxides Mushira, Tuta M’irimba (Treasurer), Cicilia Wangare, and Josephat Masinza (Organizing Secretary)—pledged their unwavering support for the team.

In his speech, Shikanda affirmed the team’s readiness for the upcoming season and urged fans to continue their support.

“We all know the challenges we faced during the early stages of the season, but the fans never gave up, and the players responded. It’s only fair that we organize this event to celebrate everyone who makes this club unique,” he said.

The gala represents a landmark moment in the club’s history, offering a platform to honor the hard work and dedication of the players and the passion of the fans who help drive the club forward.

The awards ceremony will feature five distinct categories: Player of the Season, Best Player of the Season, Fans’ Player of the Season, Fan of the Year, and Branch of the Year.

The U45 Unit has shown exceptional commitment to supporting the club through the Gala Award. Club Patron Alex Muteshi highlighted the event’s broader significance, noting, “This gala is more than a celebration of our club’s rich legacy and the incredible efforts of those who make AFC Leopards what it is.”

Olympia Musonye, Chairperson of the U45 Branch and a key organizer, added, “Organizing this gala is our way of giving back to the club and celebrating the hard work of our players, fans, and branches. We welcome support from corporates and individuals and hope this marks the beginning of bigger things for the club and Kenyan football as a whole.”

Among the players contending for top honors are Kayci Odhiambo, Vincent Mahiga, veteran winger Clifton Miheso, and forward Victor Omune.

The Branch of the Year category has drawn numerous entries, representing the club’s nationwide reach, including Baba Dogo, Bungoma, Githurai, Kajiado, Kawangware, and Toronto-Canada branches, among others.

The awards gala night will take place just two days before Ingwe kicks off their 2024-25 Kenyan Premier League season with an away match against promoted side Mathare United on August 25th.