AFC Leopards Chairman, Dan Shikanda, has expressed his excitement ahead of the club’s inaugural Player Awards Gala, set to take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, in Nairobi. The event, organized by the U45 Unit Branch, aims to recognize the outstanding contributions of players, fans, and branches that defined a rollercoaster 2023/24 season for Kenya’s second most successful football club.
Leopards began their campaign with high hopes but struggled to find momentum in the first half of the season. However, a strong comeback in the second half saw the team finish fourth in the league and reach the semifinals of the cup competition.
“If there’s one word that continues to define this club, it’s resilience,” Shikanda remarked during a press briefing held a week before the awards. “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 added.
The gala marks a milestone in the club’s history, providing a platform to honour the hard work and dedication of players, and the passion of fans who together, steer the club forward.
The awards ceremony will feature five distinct categories, each designed to acknowledge the diverse contributions within the club. The categories include Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Fans’ Player of the Season, Fan of the Year, and Branch of the Year—the latter recognizing the branch that has shown exceptional commitment to supporting the club.
Alex Muteshi, the club’s Patron, emphasized the event’s broader significance, stating: “This gala is more than a celebration of our club’s rich legacy; it’s about honouring the incredible efforts of those who make AFC Leopards what it is. I am especially pleased to see a category for rewarding our fans. Every club can play football, but not every fan can play Isikuti the Leopards way.”
Olympia Musonye, Chairperson of the U45 Branch and key organizer of the event 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 warmly welcome support from corporates and individuals across the board and hope this is the beginning of bigger things for the club and Kenyan football as a whole.”
Among the players contending for top honours are the talented Kayci Odhiambo, Vincent Mahiga, the evergreen winger Clifton Miheso, and forward Victor Omune. The Branch of the Year category has attracted numerous entries, representing the club’s national presence. These include branches from Baba Dogo, Bungoma, Githurai, Kajiado, Kawangware, Toronto-Canada, Facebook Branch, Kitengela, and Kayole, among others.
The awards gala night will be held just two days before Ingwe kicks off their 2024/25 Kenyan Premier League season with an away match against the promoted side, Mathare United, on August 25.
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