Partying at AFC Den: Leopards success in 2013 season down to unity within the club says Aladwa

By ROBIN TOSKIN

NAIROBI, KENYA: If there was anyone who doubted the importance of unity at the giant AFC Leopards den, the 2013 local football season is your answer, according to secretary general George Aladwa.

AFC Leopards crowned their best season on Sunday since 1998 when they beat Gor Mahia 1-0 to lift the GOtv Shield besides finishing second in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

“We have set the bar in terms of unity. The technical staff, club officials, players and the fans have shown unrivalled sense of unity,” Aladwa said.

He added: “The sponsors through Managing Director Peter Kebati and Director Marketing and Corporate Communications Pamela Lutta have been very supportive of AFC Leopards.”

After the humiliation of finishing third last year, despite leading the league standings for most part of the season — Aladwa, the former mayor of Nairobi — said they were not ready for another round of wrangles.

Formidable group

“The chairman Kasavuli (Allan) has been an inspiration together with our patron Cyrus Jirongo. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has stood with us, always extoling the importance of unity. Together with myself, club trustees Tim Wanyonyi (Westlands MP), Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini MP) and nominated senator Elizabeth Ongoro have all been supportive.”

He added: “The fans have been very supportive, too. They have travelled with the team all over the country. The branches, members of AFC and friends of the club have done a lot towards the GOtv victory and second place in the league.”

Aladwa also revealed that Nairobi businessman Lalji Diamond will support the GOtv champions next year.

AFC Leopards will now represent Kenya in CAF Confederation Cup next year and preparations will start as soon as the festivities die down.

“We have the issue of the coach to settle. The executive is happy with the work Nandwa (James) has done this far. We are ready to offer him a two-year contract. We really hope and trust he will accept it,” the Leopards secretary general said yesterday.

Nandwa has been quoted saying he is open for talks and would take the job if they match his terms.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman Sam Nyamweya, however, says AFC Leopards must first make a formal approach because Nandwa has a commitment to Harambee Stars.

For now, however, Aladwa insists it is time to celebrate the achievement.

 “We will treat the players to a luncheon at Teazers Restaurant on Wednesday and an award gala on December 6. They deserve it. All leaders, who would like to talk to the players should feel free to come to Teazers on Wednesday,” he said.               — [e-mail]