AFC Leopards Toronto Branch fan club celebrates Ingwe’s 60th anniversary
Kenya’s oldest football club AFC Leopards (Ingwe) has been celebrating their 60th anniversary, and the Toronto Branch fan club’s celebration was momentous. Over 40 members and supporters of AFC Leopards Toronto Branch fan club attended the celebrations which doubled up as the launch of the North American branch.
Legendary fans Hannington Suchi and Eng. Everett Wakoli graced the occasion. Suchi narrated a brief history of AFC Leopards since its inception in March 1964 and answered questions from attendees. He highlighted epic moments of the football club in terms of matches, tournaments and legends. He also gave a detailed account of AFC Leopards’ leadership that continues to shape the club’s legacy and image to date.
The festivities included a cake-cutting ceremony, dancing to cultural tunes and AFC Leopards – Toronto Branch new memberships registration.
Under the leadership of interim chairman Gabriel Werunga, the fans’ club has lined up several activities in the coming summer months. “We will have a barbecue, a sports clinic, and soccer matches against various GTA teams.” Said Werunga as he thanked members including those who contributed towards the event’s success but couldn’t attend the launch.
Contact [email protected] to buy Ingwe jerseys and other club-branded merchandise.
The history of AFC Leopards dates back to the 1960s. From the 1960s or even earlier, the notion and formation of various Abaluhya teams for invitational matches became the forerunner of what eventually would become Abaluhya United.
The East African Standard Newspaper published a report on the birth of a club called Abaluhya United F.C. which resulted from the amalgamation of clubs including Marama, Samia United and Bunyore. It also included clubs such as Kisa, Tiriki, Bukusu Brotherhood, Busamia, Lurambi, Butsotso, Bushibungo and Eshirotsa. This was reported in the newspaper on 12th March 1964, making it AFC Leopards’ official birthday and setting the foundation for the club’s growth.
After building their legacy in the 1970s, AFC Leopards had a golden era in the 80s when they dominated domestically and regionally.
In its 60 years, the club’s growth has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the Kenyan Premier League 12 times, the Kenyan Cup 10 times and the CECAFA Club Championship five times.
Even Kenyans who aren’t typical football fans will remember legendary AFC Leopards players including the late Joe Kadenge, Dr. JJ Masiga, Wilberforce Mulamba, Josephat Mulira, Micky Weche, Mohammud Abbas (goalkeeper), Noah Wanyama, and current Club chairman Dr. Dan Shikanda.
Ingwe jerseys and other club-branded merchandise are available for sale. For these and other inquiries including new membership, please contact the fans’ club via email at [email protected].
Ingwe is Luhya for leopards.
~WakenyaCanada
