Presidential visit to Ruto revives AFC Leopards dreamy plans to build own stadium

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League giants AFC Leopards have revived plans to own a football stadium which will be used to host their home games and other competitions.

Speaking to SportPesa News, AFC Leopards Secretary General Gilbert Andugu noted that the plans were brought back to the table during a meeting with President William Ruto.

Andugu pointed out that the club sought President Ruto's help in acquiring a piece of land which will then be used to set up the stadium.

"It is true the club revived the plans of building our own stadium. This was part of the discussion with the President. We asked him to assist the club in acquiring land which will then be used to build the said stadium," Andugu told SportPesa News.

Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 355 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot

The club officials, accompanied by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, an ardent supporter of Ingwe, informed the President that the late former President Daniel Arap Moi had allocated them land behind Kasarani Stadium. 

The FKFPL side was gifted 20 acres of land by Moi in 1992 with Gor Mahia also a beneficiary of Moi's generosity, getting 20 acres as well in Embakasi.

Andugu revealed that the club is keen to follow up on the modalities to see if Ingwe can possess the said piece of land behind Kasarani Stadium.

"There is a land that we were given by the late President Moi. Although it was a long time ago and it was through a public announcement, we are trying to revive the initial plans to convert the land into a stadium," Andugu maintained.

"In step one, we will try and see if we can acquire the land and then we re-launch the plans for building the stadium if the acquisition process becomes successful," he added.

ALSO READ: Kennedy Owino: From forgettable Gor Mahia stint to heroic switch to AFC Leopards

How the Stadium Will be Built

Being a community football club, Andugu made it clear that the fans and other stakeholders must be involved in every step and action.

To actualize the plans to give Ingwe a stadium, Andugu noted that the club officials will launch a sensitization exercise which will help get ideas from the members.

Besides engaging the stakeholders, Andugu disclosed that there are plans to turn the club into a corporate entity.

The Secretary-General underscored the importance of going corporate noting that it was key to helping Ingwe generate much-needed revenue.  Being a corporate entity, the club will easily get sponsors to help in the course of setting up their home ground, the SG reiterated.

ALSO READ: Wanyama suffers humiliating defeat as Odada gets victory in Denmark

The idea was also supported by President Ruto during the State House meeting.

“They (leaders) briefed me on the impressive plans to transform Ingwe into a formidable corporate entity. We fully support these progressive plans, and invite other football clubs to follow suit by taking advantage of the transformative agenda my administration is rolling out through our Talanta Hela flagship initiative under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports,” President Ruto said in a statement, after the visit where he donated Ksh10 million for their 60th anniversary

However, Andugu did not reveal the timelines set by AFC management in turning the club into a corporate entity and following up on the plans to build a stadium.

ALSO READ: Spanish-based Amos Wanjala explains reason behind Harambee Stars no show

Past Interventions

In June 2020, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi donated Ksh600,000 to help Ingwe process the title deed for a 20-acre parcel of land, to jumpstart the process of constructing the club’s stadium.

"We want AFC Leopards to have a permanent home. Let the club leaders do their strategic plan and make this sporting complex become a centre of pride for the sporting fraternity in this country," Musalia said back then.

"AFC Leopards has many fans and is an inspiration to many young people. We want to be part of the journey (developing Ingwe's Sports Complex) as we continue supporting our club," he added.

However, to date, the club is yet to kickstart the process. But with the new focus, Andugu insisted that the dream will become a reality.

ALSO READ: Manchester United vs Liverpool: FA Cup Preview, Team News & Prediction