Exclusive: Daring Youngster Dreaming to Inspire AFC Leopards To First League Title Since 1998

Kelly Madada was not even born when AFC Leopards last lifted the Kenyan Premier League, but the youngster is daring to dream of inspiring the club to end the 26-year-long wait for the coveted title in his first season at the club.

Despite enjoying solid backing from their fans over the years, political goodwill, relatively stable finances, and other factors that contribute to the success of a club, Leopards have been unsuccessful in the hunt for the league title since 1998.

The club has also been underwhelming in the Mozzart Bet Cup, formerly known as the Shield Cup, as Ingwe have gone for seven seasons without winning it and consequently, representing the country in continental matches.

However, Madada who grew up supporting the club is determined to help deliver the elusive league title this season and restore the lost glory at the Den.

I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR HELPING WIN 13TH LEAGUE TITLE

Even though he is not experienced as far as featuring in the top tier is concerned, Madada has vowed to build on his impressive start and bring glory to the club.

The 18-year-old treated fans to eye-catching displays in his first league start, registering two assists in Leopards' 4-1 win over Tusker on Wednesday at Dandora Stadium.

Prior to the match, Madada had to contend with cameo appearances, with fans calling on the technical bench to give him more minutes thanks to the flashes of brilliance demonstrated in the few minutes he played.

When the big moment came, Madada did not disappoint despite the fact that Leopards were up against a formidable side in Tusker, who were on the back of four straight wins.

The performance he put in against the Brewers left Ingwe faithful convinced that he was part of the missing jigsaw in the race for the league title.

While the majority of Leopards players have been insisting that it is early to declare the team ripe for the title, Madada feels that they have what it takes to deliver and he wants to be at the centre of it.

"I want to be remembered as a player, who helped Leopards lift the 13th league title. A good number of the players, myself included, were not born when the club last won the league title. We are, however, determined to write history this season. We have the capacity to deliver it, " Madada told SportsBoom.com.

AMBANI RIGHT MAN TO TAKE LEOPARDS TO PROMISED LAND

Reacting to the coaching conundrum at Leopards, Madada said interim coach Fred Ambani had proved himself equal to the task and expressed confidence that the old boy to steer the club to the league's podium.

Ambani has managed to stabilize the Leopards ship, which was sailing in uncharted waters under coach Tomas Trucha, who was shown the door two weeks ago.

Under the soft-spoken tactician, Leopards have won twice and shared points once, rising to the top five of the competition with six points off leaders KCB.

Besides that, Ambani, alongside his younger brother Bonface, commands respect amongst Leopards fans as he was part of the squad that last won the league title.

Madada says the positive start Ambani has had at the club, qualifications and his legendary status are enough ingredients to fire the club to the league title.

"We have been doing well from the time he took over. Apart from the results, we are also playing good football. He knows what it means to win the title having done so as a player. He is also experienced and qualified to lead us all the way to the podium," said Madada.

MADADA EYEING HARAMBEE STARS DEBUT

Having realized massive success with the national U20 team, the Rising Stars, Madada is hoping to graduate to the senior team next year and possibly debut in March.

Madada was in the Rising Stars team that punched a ticket to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following the second-place finish in the CECAFA qualifiers.

Despite Kenya losing 2-1 to Tanzania in the final, Rising Stars qualified for the AFCON, whose host nation and dates are yet to be confirmed.

Madada said he was drawing inspiration from his teammate Hassan Beja, who has caps for both junior and senior national teams.

The attacking midfielder, who gained significant fame during last year's school games with Shanderema Secondary School is hoping that his performances will earn him a place in the Stars team for the World Cup qualifiers.

Stars will return to action in March next year where they are scheduled to play away to Gambia before hosting Gabon.

"I wish to secure my first call up to the senior team next year. I am counting on my hard work and performances at the club to propel me to the team. If my friend and teammate Beja has done it, I believe I can also make it," he added.