AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has been named the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for December 2025 after steering Ingwe to an impressive run that lifted the club to the top of the FKF Premier League standings.
Ambani’s recognition follows a strong December campaign in which Leopards collected 10 points from four matches, registering three wins and a draw in a month that marked a turning point in their title ambitions.
The highlight of the run was a memorable 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby, a result that silenced critics and handed Leopards crucial bragging rights in Kenya’s biggest football fixture.
Ingwe also picked up wins against Ulinzi Stars (2-1) and Bidco United (1-0), while their only dropped points came in a goalless draw against defending champions Kenya Police.
Speaking during the award presentation in Nairobi on Wednesday, Betika Marketing Executive Marya Wachira lauded Ambani’s impact, singling out the derby victory as a defining moment.
“We are extremely proud of Coach Ambani for winning the December 2025 award. Triumphing in the country’s biggest derby is no small achievement, and we are delighted to celebrate his efforts while encouraging him to keep pushing for even greater success,” Wachira said.
Ambani edged out strong competition from coaches across various sports disciplines. Among the nominees were NCPB handball coach Bryan Mathews, 3×3 basketball coach Zadock Adika, Africa Youth Championships athletics coach Victor Ng’ani, and national team coach Evans Owino.
Also shortlisted were DCI Women’s Volleyball head coach Patrick Sang and Catholic Monks Rugby coach Simon Jawichire, who both enjoyed impressive league starts with their respective teams.
A visibly delighted Ambani dedicated the award to his players and technical staff.
“This recognition means a lot to me. I’m proud of the hard work the team has put in, and we are motivated to build on this momentum as we push for the league title in the new year,” Ambani said.
Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) President James Waindi described the AFC Leopards tactician as a symbol of inspiration for former players transitioning into coaching.
“Coach Ambani’s achievement highlights the value of persistence and growth. His journey is encouraging to many former players aspiring to succeed in coaching, and we are proud to honour him,” Waindi noted.
The Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month Award continues to spotlight outstanding coaching excellence across Kenyan sport, rewarding performance, consistency and impact at the highest level.
