NAIROBI – The Ugandan flag is flying high in the Kenyan Premier League as AFC Leopards, home to goalkeeper James Ssetuba and striker Samuel Ssenyonjo, finished the year 2025 at the summit of the table.
Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bidco United on December 23, ‘Ingwe’ moved to 24 points, marking the first time in over a decade that the club has led the standings after 15 rounds of matches. The result has ignited belief that the 28-year league title drought, dating back to 1998, could finally be coming to an end.
“We are going for the title”
Speaking to Roramedia Sports after the historic win, AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani did not mince his words regarding the club’s ambitions.
“We are going for the title. It is the belief of everyone in the team,” an elated Ambani said. “It has been a long time since Leopards last won the league and I do not see any reason why we should not aim for it. We just need to keep believing, stay united as a team, and take one game at a time.”
The Ugandan Influence
For Ugandan fans, the rise of the Ingwe is particularly significant. Goalkeeper James Ssetuba has been a pillar of reliability between the sticks, while forward Samuel Ssenyonjo, who has scored once this season, continues to provide the attacking threat needed to dismantle Kenyan defenses.
The duo presence has added a “Cranes” flavor to the den, making AFC Leopards one of the most-watched Kenyan sides for football enthusiasts in Kampala.
Coach Ambani credited the team’s current form to a “process” that the club management trusted, even when results were inconsistent earlier in the season.
The Road Ahead
The New Year brings an immediate and massive test for Ssetuba, Ssenyonjo, and the rest of the Leopards squad. They are set to face perennial heavyweights Tusker FC on Saturday, January 10—a match that many pundits believe will be the ultimate litmus test for their title credentials.
As the Kenyan league takes a break, the two Ugandans find themselves in a position many only dream of: leading one of East Africa’s most decorated clubs toward a historic piece of silverware.
