This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
On Wednesday night, AFC Leopards launched a mobile application aimed at offsetting the financial shortfall caused by the sudden withdrawal of sponsor SportPesa. The club's chairman, Dan Shikanda, explained that the app will enable the club to register 100,000 active members worldwide, generating an estimated Sh100 million each year.
Shikanda, a medical doctor and former striker at Leopards and the national football team, emphasized that the app will bring in much-needed revenue, stating, "Our sponsors have been giving us Sh52 million each year, which is nowhere near enough considering our annual budget is Sh100 million."
He added, "Now we are our own sponsors. This app offers us liberation and a great opportunity at stability."
Supporters, including Makadara lawmaker George Aladwa and former Harambee Stars coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee, hailed the innovation, with Aladwa noting that the app will make it easier to track income and prevent mismanagement.
Leopards coach Casa Mbungo urged supporters to embrace the app and vowed that the team will perform better than their current 11th place position in the Kenyan Premier League standings.
The app offers various services, including daily and monthly registration, membership subscription, and merchandise purchase, all at a fee. Members can access the app by dialing 417# on their Safaricom phone.
Leopards will commence their 2019/2020 Kenyan Premier League season with a game against Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.
