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A section of AFC Leopards supporters is calling for head coach Fred Ambani's demotion following the team's second consecutive draw in the FKF Premier League, raising questions about the club's leadership and performance.
A growing number of AFC Leopards fans are demanding the demotion of head coach Fred Ambani, advocating for a new head coach to steer the club. This follows Ingwe's 2-2 draw against Posta Rangers in their second FKF Premier League match of the 2025/2026 season at Dandora Stadium on Friday, October 3, 2025. The draw has intensified scrutiny on Ambani's leadership, with supporters expressing visible frustration and suggesting he is better suited for an assistant coach role.
Ambani's tenure as head coach, which began in September 2025, has yet to yield a win for the 1998 league champions. His appointment followed a stint as interim coach from November 2024, during which he guided the team to a fifth-place finish with 36 points in the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League season. However, the current season has seen AFC Leopards open with a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Ulinzi Sports Complex, followed by the recent 2-2 stalemate against Posta Rangers.
The calls for Ambani's demotion highlight a pattern of fan dissatisfaction when results do not meet expectations. AFC Leopards, a club with a rich history in Kenyan football, consistently faces pressure to perform at the highest level. The transition from an interim role to a permanent head coach position often brings increased scrutiny, and Ambani's inability to secure a win in the opening matches of the new season has quickly fueled discontent among the fan base. This situation is not unique to AFC Leopards, as fan pressure frequently influences club management decisions in Kenyan football.
The vocal demands from supporters place significant pressure on the AFC Leopards management. Club officials will need to weigh fan sentiment against their long-term strategic vision for the team. The performance of the team in the initial stages of the league is crucial for building momentum and maintaining fan engagement. Continued poor results could impact ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and overall club morale. Analysts suggest that such developments could influence public debate surrounding club management and potentially lead to policy adjustments within the club regarding coaching appointments and performance metrics.
The immediate risk for AFC Leopards is a potential decline in team morale and fan support if the current winless streak continues. For Fred Ambani, the pressure to deliver results will intensify, potentially affecting his coaching decisions and the team's overall strategy. In the long term, frequent changes in coaching staff can disrupt team cohesion and hinder the development of a consistent playing style. The club's management faces the challenge of balancing immediate performance demands with stability and strategic planning.
It remains unknown how the AFC Leopards management will respond to the fan outcry. The timeline for any potential decision regarding Ambani's position is also unclear. Furthermore, the specific criteria and safeguards the club employs for evaluating coaching performance have not been publicly detailed.
Observers will be keenly watching the AFC Leopards' upcoming fixtures to see if the team can secure a win and alleviate fan pressure. Any statements or actions from the club's management regarding Fred Ambani's position will also be a key focus. The performance of individual players under the current coaching setup will also be under scrutiny.
This situation is comparable to past instances in Kenyan football where fan dissatisfaction has led to coaching changes. The dynamics between fan expectations, club management decisions, and team performance are a recurring theme in the FKF Premier League.
