AFC Leopards coach Ambani bags SJAK Coach of the Month for December

 Fred Ambani has been named Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month (COM) for December after guiding AFC Leopards to the top of the FKF-Premier League after 14 rounds of the 2025-2026 season.

In December, the ex-Ingwe player guided Leopards to three wins and a draw, silencing critics when he took the Mashemeji Derby bragging rights when they stunned favorites Gor Mahia 1-0.

Other wins included a 2-1 win over Ulinzi Stars and a narrow 1-0 victory over Bidco United.

Ingwe only dropped points against defending champions Kenya Police when they shared points after a 0-0 stalemate.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Marya Wachira, marketing executive of a betting company that sponsors the award, congratulated Coach Ambani while noting the immense pride, especially following the win for what is arguably Kenya’s biggest football derby.

“We are very proud of Ambani for taking home the December 2025 award; it is no mean feat, especially noting that he emerged victorious in the country’s most significant football derby, and therefore we take this opportunity to celebrate with him and recognize his efforts and urge him to produce more upsets moving forward,” noted Ms. Marya.

Other nominees were National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) handball coach Bryan Mathews for helping his side to sit top of the Kenya Handball Federation league table by winning against Kisiwa National Polytechnic and Equity.

The 3x3 basketball team coach Zadock Adika was also in the mix after claiming bronze at the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup 2025 in Madagascar.

Kenyan coach for the Africa Youth Championships, Victor Ng’ani, was also nominated after guiding the squad to the top of the table with four gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.

Team Kenya coach for the 2025 Africa Youth Championships, Evans Owino, was also nominated, having overseen the national team’s overall seventh-place finish in Angola.

DCI women's volleyball head coach Patrick Sang was also nominated for thrusting his side onto the top of the league, ending 2025 in style following three wins against Nairobi Prisons, Kenyatta University, and Young Spykers.

Catholic Monks Rugby head coach Simon Jawichire also joined the long list after guiding his side into winning all three opening matches and into sitting top of the second-tier standings with 15 points.

 "I'm proud of my team's hard work and dedication. We're excited for what lies ahead in this New Year as we seek to challenge for the League title."

SJAK President James Waindi congratulated coach Ambani, saying, "This award recognizes coach Ambani’s outstanding contribution to Kenyan football.

 He's an inspiration to many former players who dream of becoming coaches at one time, and we're honored to have him leading the charge at a big club like AFC Leopards.