All set for bigger and better AFC Leopards gala awards
AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda (left) with club patron Alex Muteshi (centre) and U45 United Branch chairman Olympia Musonye in Nairobi on June 23, 2025.
What you need to know:
- The ceremony will feature various categories, including Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Fans’ Player of the Season.
- Club chairman Dan Shikanda has urged club members to elect officials who have what it takes to elevate the team to the highest level.
Plans are complete for this year’s edition of AFC Leopards gala awards, with the event organizers revealing that there will be more awards up for grabs in various categories.
The event, to be held in Bungoma town from July 21 to July 26, will for the first time see Ingwe Legends being rewarded in a loyalty programme.
Speaking to Nation Sports in Nairobi on Thursday, Olympia Musonye said his U45 United Branch has partnered with the County Government of Bungoma to reward those who performed exemplary well in the 2024/25 season.
“We have chosen the theme ‘Our Culture, Our Pride: Showcasing Kenya through football and Cuisine’ because Ingwe is not just a club, it is a cultural movement,” Musonye said.
“This year, we are turning that flame into a bonfire. One that will light up Masinde Muliro Stadium, the streets of Bungoma, and the hearts of every Ingwe fan across the nation,” he added.
This is the second time U45 Unit branch is providing a platform to honour the hard work and dedication of players and the fans’ passion.
The awards ceremony will feature various categories, including Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Fans’ Player of the Season, Fan of the Year, Branch of the Year, Ingwe Legends. Emerging stars will also be honoured during the event.
During last season’s awards held at Maa Hotel and Suites in Hurlingham Nairobi, attacking midfielder, Victor Omune scooped two major awards and pocketed Sh175,000.
The 32-year-old won the Player of the Season award, which came with a prize money of Sh100,000. He pocketed an extra Sh75,000 after being voted the Players’ Player of the Season.
Defender Kayci Odhiambo was awarded the Fan’s Player of the Season, a category voted for by Ingwe supporters, with the award coming with Sh85,000 cash prize.
Executive Branch was voted the Branch of the Season and received Sh50,000 with Sh30,000 going to Kelson Amunya, popularly known as Cookmonjes, who was voted the Fan of the Season.
The year’s gala event will also feature a tree planting exercise, reinforcing the club’s commitment to environmental conservation.
“We will have a taste of Kenya, literally, as communities come together to share their unique cuisines in our Cultural Food Court and celebrate through songs, dance, storytelling and cultural diversity,” Musonye said.
“It is only fitting that we use this platform to honour both the game and heritage that makes us who we are,” he said.
Musonye further revealed that there will be an inter-county tournament, where upcoming players will showcase their talent.
Club patron Alex Muteshi acknowledged the event’s broader significance.
“This gala is more than a celebration of our club’s rich legacy. I thank the Bungoma County Government for partnering with U45 United Branch as we hope to challenge for the league title next season,” Muteshi said.
Meanwhile, with the date of the club elections drawing closer, club chairman Dan Shikanda has urged club members to elect officials who have what it takes to elevate the team to the highest level.
The club polls are scheduled for July 29, 2025 at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani in Nairobi. Mr Shikanda is ineligible to vie after serving for six years since 2019.