AFC Leopards Football Club has dismissed rumours that it is planning to form a ladies’ team in the near future.
According to club chair Dan Shikanda, although the club has a long-term plan of establishing a ladies’ team, the preparations for the same are still in their infancy.
Shikanda explained that there is a lot of work that goes into forming a team, whether starting from scratch or acquiring an existing one. He emphasized that it is not something that can be completed overnight.
“What you have heard so far are just rumours. However, we have plans of establishing a ladies team and at the right time we will unveil the same. There is so much that goes in forming a team, whether starting from scratch or acquiring an existing one. This is not something that will be completed either today or tomorrow,” Shikanda said.
Despite denying rumours of an imminent formation of a ladies’ team, Shikanda expressed the club’s intention to create one. He pointed out that a ladies’ team for a club of Leopards’ stature would boost the fortunes of one of Kenya’s most decorated clubs. He also mentioned that it is much easier to secure sponsorship for a ladies’ team.
If the club goes ahead to form a ladies’ team, it would be a significant development in Kenyan football. The formation of ladies’ teams in professional football clubs is a trend that is gaining momentum globally. Professional football clubs in Europe, for instance, have established solid youth structures, including youth and ladies’ sides.
AFC Leopards Football Club is currently enjoying a rich vein of form in the FKF Premier League, where they are placed fifth with 29 points from 17 matches. They are eight adrift of table-toppers Gor Mahia. The team is looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches when they face Wazito FC next Wednesday at Nyayo Stadium.
