Ambani: Christmas top spot strengthens Leopards' KPL title belief

Samuel Semo’s first-half strike just a minute into the half-hour mark, a fine volley finished with an excellent assist from Julius Masaba, secured the three points for Ambani’s side in a 1-0 win against Bidco United on Tuesday.

Leopards usurped Tusker to claim top spot with 24 points, level with the Brewers but with a superior goal difference ahead of a two-week Christmas and end year festivities break.

For Ambani, whose expert hand is steering Ingwe back on top, the triumph was deeply personal, rooted in gratitude and a profound sense of collective ownership.

Reflecting on the journey, Ambani hailed the support and trust placed upon him, especially by the Club's management saying the Christmas top spot ‘feels distinct’.

"First, I would like to thank the office, because the office believed in me," he said. "Because if they hadn't believed in me, something would not have happened. If they had gone with the fans' wishes, things wouldn't be the way they are right now.

“So, we have to thank the office first for believing in us and giving us time to change the team. We've really changed the team. We believe the team will do great things."

He revisited the early-season doubts, where fans clamored for change. "I believe the fans have now started seeing the process, and you can see how they're feeling from the pitch. It's a good thing."

Yet, he deflected individual glory, insisting on unity. "It's not me alone. It's me, the players, the technical bench, and the office. It's a collective responsibility. I, as Ambani, I'm so proud." This mantra of shared burden extended to his leadership style.

“I told the players not to put pressure on me. Because if you put pressure on the coach, you'll have an issue. You can handle it. I handled the pressure."

Ambani highlighted key contributors, like Julius Masaba's comeback: "He had so much pain when he had an injury. He's been recovering and then he's coming on so strongly, and that athlete is giving the team something different."

As Leopards gear up for their Tusker clash post-festivities on January 10, Ambani's sentiments paint a picture of a coach who relishes the team's evolution—not as a solo feat, but as a symphony of belief, patience, and collective will.