AFC Leopards' Summer 2026 Transfer Targets: Building for a Title Push

AFC Leopards have wasted no time licking their wounds after finishing four points behind Gor Mahia in the 2025-26 KPL. Sources close to the club tell GoliNews that Ingwe's management has identified three positions to strengthen during the June-July transfer window, with a budget of approximately KES 15 million earmarked for new signings.

A Commanding Centre-Back

The priority is a dominant aerial centre-back. Leopards conceded 25 goals last season — four more than Gor Mahia — and the majority came from set-piece situations. The club has been linked with Bandari's towering defender Ibrahim Shambi, who won more aerial duels than any other player in the KPL last season. Shambi's contract expires in December, but Bandari may be willing to negotiate a fee to avoid losing him for free.

An alternative target is Kenneth Muguna, a former Gor Mahia man now playing in Tanzania. At 30, Muguna brings experience and leadership, though his wages would test Leopards' salary cap. The club's scouts have also been watching two Ugandan centre-backs in the Uganda Premier League.

A Creative Number 10

Leopards' attack was the second-most potent in the KPL with 48 goals, but too many came from direct, physical play rather than creative build-up. Coach Francis Kimanzi wants a technical playmaker who can unlock compact defences in matches where opponents sit deep against Ingwe. The dream signing would be KCB's midfielder Rooney Onyango, whose vision and passing range are considered the best in the Kenyan league.

A Left-Footed Winger

The third target is a natural left-footed winger to provide balance on the right side of the attack. Leopards have relied heavily on their left flank this season, making them predictable against well-organised defences. Mara Sugar's surprise package Kelvin Wafula — who scored seven goals and provided nine assists from the right wing in his debut KPL season — is understood to be on Leopards' radar.

Financial Reality

Whether Leopards can deliver on these ambitions depends largely on their commercial revenue and season ticket sales. The club's partnership with a Nairobi-based telecommunications firm, announced in March, is expected to inject significant funds. But the KPL transfer market has become more competitive, with clubs increasingly reluctant to sell to direct rivals. Leopards may need to look beyond Kenya's borders to get the reinforcements they need.