AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has challenged his side to build on last season’s second-place finish by mounting a serious title challenge as they begin their 2026/27 FKF Premier League campaign against Bandari FC on Wednesday, 14 October.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsIngwe face the Dockers at Police Sacco Stadium, with Ambani stressing the importance of winning their opening fixture as they seek to end their 29-year wait for the league title.Talanta Stadium confirmed for first major international sporting eventSpeaking to the club’s media ahead of the encounter, Ambani said the team’s objective was to improve on last season’s performance and reclaim the championship.“Definitely, we cannot do anything below the second position from last year’s performance, so now we aim higher and, for sure, we are going for the title.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027761##“We have talked to the players about the need for a solid outing. We want to start strongly, and that is what we have made them aware of because this season we are aiming higher and want to win big. That explains the emphasis on starting strongly against Bandari FC,” he stated.Tusker FC coach differs with McCarthy over Harambee Stars' 2027 AFCON title ambitionsLeopards finished second last season, albeit five points behind arch-rivals Gor Mahia, who lifted the title after another closely contested campaign.The result left Ingwe facing another season without the league crown, having last won the championship in 1998. Ambani will now be tasked with guiding the club to a stronger campaign and closing the gap on their rivals.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027782##Wednesday’s encounter offers Leopards an early opportunity to collect maximum points and establish a positive foundation for their title bid. However, Bandari will provide their first test as the new campaign gets underway.The club is also seeking to end a nine-year trophy drought across all competitions. Their hopes of winning the Mozzart Bet Cup last season ended in the Round of 64 following elimination by FKF Nairobi East Regional League side BB Bread.Robert Matano slams current state of Kenyan footballA strong league campaign for the Ambani-led charges will be central to meeting the expectations of Leopards supporters, who have waited years to see the club return to the top of Kenyan football.The 12-time league champions will be keen to avoid dropping early points as they pursue their first championship in close to three decades, with Wednesday’s clash marking the first step in their quest to dethrone Gor Mahia.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027786##
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