AFC Leopards Rally Supporters and Well-Wishers to Overcome Financial Challenges Ahead of the New Season
AFC Leopards are making a heartfelt plea to their loyal supporters and dedicated well-wishers, seeking crucial assistance as the club faces significant financial hurdles heading into the new Premier League season.
The iconic Ingwe club has outlined a budget of Ksh150 million for the 2024-25 campaign. However, the club is struggling to fully fund this ambitious budget on its own, prompting the need for external financial support. This financial strain is largely attributed to the club’s expanded commitments, now managing three teams: the men’s senior side, the Leopards Women, and the Leopards Youth squad. The recent promotion of the Leopards Women to the FKF Women’s Premier League adds another layer of financial demand, requiring substantial resources to compete effectively at this higher level.
Club Chairman Dan Shikanda addressed these challenges at the club’s first-ever end-of-season gala on Wednesday, highlighting the financial pressures. “Last year, our budget for the senior team alone was Ksh120 million. With the addition of the women’s and youth teams, we now require Ksh150 million to ensure financial stability for the new season,” Shikanda explained, as reported by Nation.
Despite an impressive increase in revenue, the financial outlook remains tight. The club’s financial report for 2023, released by Secretary General Gilbert Andugu in June, revealed that AFC Leopards generated Ksh103,167,127 in revenue, up from Ksh67,423,245 in 2022. However, this boost in income was offset by a significant rise in costs, resulting in a loss of Ksh8,596,663 in 2023, compared to a profit of Ksh5,185,576 in the previous year.
Ingwe’s primary revenue streams include a lucrative three-year sponsorship deal with betting firm Betika, valued at Ksh65 million per year, gate receipts, the Azam TV broadcast deal signed last year, and player sales. Despite these income sources, the club has not secured any major player sales in recent transfer windows, further impacting their financial situation.
Shikanda emphasized the urgency of the situation, appealing directly to the fans, leaders, and well-wishers for their support. “Currently, we don’t have the necessary funds to meet our expenditures. We are appealing to our fans, leaders, and well-wishers to step forward and assist the team,” he urged.
As AFC Leopards strive to overcome these financial challenges, the backing of their passionate fanbase and the broader community will be instrumental in keeping the club afloat and ensuring their continued success on the field. The club’s call for support highlights the critical role that fans and well-wishers play in the sustainability and growth of their beloved Ingwe.
