Hold it! AFC Leopards isn’t in your league
AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda addresses the press on August 1, 2020 at Panafric Hotel during a luncheon hosted by city-based management consultant Eluid Owalo where he presented Sh300,000 as a boost to the team during coronavirus pandemic.
What you need to know:
- With mutual respect, you avoid labeling people in unhelpful ways. Instead, we celebrate the unique things each of us brings and difficult conversations can be handled with civility.
- Mutual respect underpins good relationships. Every club has the right to exist and be heard.
The saying that goes “football is a gentleman’s game played by hooliganism” is a familiar one.
That being the case, however, I must point out in this article thathat my focus is on some football managers who are increasingly turning the Beautiful Game into a competition of egos.
AFC Leopards Football Club and their perennial rivals Gor Mahia are institutions. They have a history no any other club in Kenya can compete with, and that is why they are the most discussed clubs in Kenyan football circles.
AFC Leopards' Collins Shichenje (left) vies for the ball with Wazito FC's Piscas Kirenge during their Kenyan Premier League match at the Kenyatta Stadium on January 12, 2020.
Recent comments by a chairman, who is not in these reputable clubs’ league, is increasingly bringing the local game into disrepute. He needs to be reminded that previous attempts by people of his ilk to rival to rival the two dominant clubs failed miserable.
Do you recall Volcano United that was founded by a wealthy hotelier Gerry Saurer? What about Shamako Babes whose main financier was Shaban Olum? There was also Oserian FC that was owned by a European tycoon.
Presently, Kenyan Premier League sides Wazito and Sofapaka have failed to make an impression, despite their financial muscle.
Mutual respect
Ingwe and K’Ogalo have remained strong for a number of factors because they have solid backing from their legion of fans, as well as strong academic and professional backgrounds.
AFC Chairman Dan Shikanda is a veterinary doctor. He is a former Harambee Stars and Leopards player. On the other hand, Gor boss Ambrose Rachier is a reputable lawyer, a banker and senior lecture at Strathmore University.
It’s about time Football Kenya Federation and the Kenya Premier League asked club owners to declare publicly their source of income. The big boys of the league can exist harmoniously with upcoming teams because together we can achieve much.
AFC Leopards fans sing and dance along Kenyatta Avenue on March 8, 2020 on there way to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani ahead of their Kenyan Premier League match against Gor Mahia.
With mutual respect, you avoid labeling people in unhelpful ways. Instead, we celebrate the unique things each of us brings and difficult conversations can be handled with civility.
Mutual respect underpins good relationships. Every club has the right to exist and be heard.
