Africa-Press – Kenya. AFC Leopards SC midfielder Kelly Okonji Madada has issued a firm rallying call to his teammates, urging them to sustain their intensity and sharpen their focus as the FKF Sportpesa Premier League title race edges into a defining stretch.
The 20-year-old midfield orchestrator, growing in stature with every outing, insists Ingwe are no longer spectators in the title race but serious challengers poised to shape the destiny of the crown held by Kenya Police FC.
“We are not just playing matches now — we are fighting for something meaningful and big,” said Madada. “Every game feels like a final, and we must approach it with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.”
AFC Leopards SC head into Sunday’s assignment against Murang’a Seal at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, riding a wave of three hard-fought 1-0 victories, a run that has cemented their hold on second place.
With 52 points on the board, they remain four points behind table-toppers and arch-rivals Gor Mahia, a margin slim enough to keep hope alive but wide enough to demand perfection. Madada insists that sustaining that momentum will require discipline of the highest order.
“We have worked very hard to build this rhythm, and now we must protect it at all costs,” he said. “At this stage of the season, you can’t afford lapses in concentration because even a small mistake can undo everything.”
The Shandarema High School alumnus, widely admired for his creativity and ability to strike from a distance, was quick to downplay individual praise, instead placing emphasis on collective success.
“I enjoy contributing with goals and assists, but football is about the team first,” he said. “If the team is winning and moving forward, that is what truly matters.”
Turning his attention to the upcoming clash, Madada warned against underestimating Murang’a Seal, describing the fixture as a potential stumbling block if approached casually. “There are no easy matches in this league, regardless of the positions on the table,” he said. “Murang’a Seal will be motivated, especially playing at home, and we must be ready to match their fight and determination.”
He stressed the importance of maintaining full concentration throughout the contest.“We cannot afford even a brief moment of relaxation,” he added. “We have to stay disciplined in our shape, organised in our approach, and clinical when opportunities present themselves.”
Madada also underlined the mental demands of such high-stakes encounters. “Football at this level is as much about the mind as it is about ability,” he said. “Decision-making, focus, and composure will be crucial for us.”
With the gap at the top still within reach, Madada acknowledged the growing belief within the squad while maintaining a grounded approach.
“Yes, we want to win the title — that is the ambition driving us,” he said. “But we understand that it will only come if we handle each game properly.”
He reiterated the importance of staying present. “We cannot get carried away by what is ahead,” he said. “Our focus has to remain on the next match, because that is where the difference will be made.”
Head coach Fred Ambani has expressed confidence in Madada’s development, highlighting both his technical qualities and his growing maturity.
“He is a player with immense potential and a very strong mentality,” said Ambani. “What stands out is his willingness to learn and his commitment to improving every day.”
The coach pointed to the midfielder’s versatility as a key asset. “He can control the tempo of the game, create chances in tight situations, and even score from range,” Ambani noted. “Those are qualities that make a big difference at this level.”
Ambani also emphasised the need to manage the youngster’s progression carefully.
“We are guiding him step by step to ensure he continues developing in the right way,” he said. “He has shown great maturity, but we want him to keep growing without unnecessary pressure.”
Madada credited the Leopards’ recent run to a strong sense of unity within the squad, noting that internal competition has pushed players to higher standards.
“We are working as a team, supporting each other and pushing in the same direction,” he said. “That togetherness is helping us improve with every match.”
He believes that shared belief could be the decisive factor in the title race. “We know what we are capable of, and we trust each other,” he said. “We respect every opponent we face, but we also have confidence in our own strength.”
As Leopards prepare to face Murang’a Seal, Madada made it clear that the objective remains unchanged. “We are going into that match with one goal — to get the three points,” he said. “Nothing less will satisfy us.”
Ambani echoed the sentiment, calling for composure and execution. “If we stay organised, remain disciplined, and take our chances, we will give ourselves a very good opportunity to win,” the coach said. “The belief within the squad is strong, and that is important at this stage of the season.”
With the title race entering a crucial phase, Leopards know that every result now carries added weight. For Madada, the message is simple but firm.“We are ready for the challenge,” he said. “Now it is about showing it on the pitch.”
