Lewis Bandi ditched AFC Leopards for Gor Mahia. Image || AFC Leopards

AFC Leopards chairman Bonface Ambani has explained how the new club management is recruiting new players, explaining the qualities they must posess after Lewis Bandi abandoned ship for Gor Mahia.

AFC Leopards Chairman Boniface Ambani has broken his silence on the departure of Harambee Stars right back Lewis Bandi to arch-rivals Gor Mahia, insisting the club’s focus now is on recruiting quality players with the hunger to succeed.

Bandi, who starred at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), opted to cross over to Gor Mahia on a free transfer — a move that angered many Leopards fans. 

Ambani, who as a former striker guided Ingwe to their last league title back in 1998, revealed he was personally responsible for identifying the defender back in 2018 when he was still part of the Cubs set-up.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Addressing the issue in an interview with Sporty FM, Ambani was keen to stress that the club had no choice but to respect Bandi’s decision.

“Some people have said, ‘Oh, you let Lewis Bandi go.’ I didn’t. If he had to go, then so be it. But remember, who brought that young man in the first place? It was us,” Ambani said.

“It’s like being a parent — if your son decides to move out of the house, you don’t stop him. You support him, wish him the best, and move on. 

“That’s exactly what we did. He left, but the gap was filled immediately. There are so many players in this country who want to play for AFC Leopards.”

Ambani emphasised that his administration’s goal is to build a leaner but stronger squad — unlike in recent years where the team had been bloated with average players.

“It’s about quality. Nothing more than that. We need to bring in quality players. There’s a big difference between quality and quantity, and we are not chasing numbers — we are going for quality,” he explained.

“Last season, for the past two seasons actually, the team had 34, 35, even 36 players. Imagine that. But many of them were just average. At least now, with what we have, you can see the difference — I can see it too.”

The Leopards boss reiterated that new signings must not only be fit but also understand what it means to represent the club.

“As president of the club, I need my team to perform. I’m not just there to occupy the seat — I also need to understand what’s going on. We want a playing unit that is fit and fully aware of what the badge means. Players must play for the badge.”

With Bandi gone and the transfer window now shut,  Ambani assured fans that AFC Leopards’ rebuilding process is firmly on course, with an emphasis on identity, commitment, and quality.