AFC Leopards have moved a step closer to establishing a permanent home after securing a 15-year lease for the grounds at Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf, with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya leading a high-profile government delegation to inspect the proposed training facility.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe visit marked a significant milestone in Ingwe's long-term infrastructural ambitions, with the club unveiling plans to transform the grounds into a modern, world-class training complex capable of serving both the senior team and future generations of players.Role Mariga, Wanyama played in Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars appointmentThe inspection brought together Sports CS Salim Mvurya, Cooperatives and MSMEs Development CS Wycliffe Oparanya, President's Senior Advisor Moses Kuria, Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, AFC Leopards patron Alex Muteshi, chairman Bonface Ambani and the school's principal, Tecla Chemogo.According to AFC Leopards, the project stems from a productive engagement with the government and is part of a broader vision to give the 12-time FKF Premier League champions a permanent training base after years of operating without one.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878676##In a statement, the club appreciated Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf for agreeing to the long-term lease, saying it was looking forward to "developing the premises into a world-class training facility following a 15-year lease agreement."The club further revealed that the meeting also discussed the registration of the AFC Leopards Travellers SACCO, an initiative being spearheaded by CS Oparanya to help stabilise the club's financial base through sustainable income streams.Gor Mahia land nightmare draw in CAF Champions League against 2025 championsAFC Leopards also acknowledged President William Ruto for fulfilling a pledge made during a previous breakfast meeting at State House after the Head of State released Ksh10 million in support of the club.Speaking after the inspection, Mvurya reaffirmed the government's commitment to the project, revealing that technical teams from Sports Kenya would soon begin the next phase of the process.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878683##"Over the coming days, technical teams led by Sports Kenya will finalise the feasibility assessment and advise on the implementation timelines in line with H.E. President William Ruto's directive," Mvurya said.He added that the facility is envisioned to serve not only AFC Leopards but also community football clubs within Nairobi and its environs by providing a conducive environment for talent identification, nurturing and development.Harambee Stars prospect closing in on English League One transfer after Everton exitThe Sports CS noted that the project forms part of the government's wider investment in sports infrastructure, including the construction of 33 new stadia, while also strengthening Kenya's preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the ground could serve as a training base for one of the participating nations.Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria also backed the initiative and proposed that the new facility be named after one of Kenya's greatest football icons.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878689##"I proposed to CS Salim Mvurya that the training grounds be named the Joe Kadenge Training Academy in honour of my late friend and legend Joe Kadenge," Kuria posted on X (formerly Twitter).If implemented following the ongoing feasibility assessment, the project will finally hand AFC Leopards a permanent training home after years of operating without one while leaving a lasting legacy for both the club and the wider football community through improved infrastructure and expanded opportunities for talent development.
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