The struggling AFC Leopards have appointed the former Harambee Stars international to join forces with the new Rwandan coach, Casa Mbungo, to help turn around the dwindling fortunes at the den. However, the appointment is on a temporary basis.
He spent his last season with Tanzanian club Young Africans (Yanga) where he scored 18 goals in 22 matches. After an Achilles tendon retired in the Spring 2010.
According to Goal, Ingwe Secretary General Oscar Igaida says he has faith in Ambani, and the two will definitely help the team progress. “We have appointed Ambani to help Mbungo but on interim basis; he will however, still serve as the head coach of the junior side. The two, we believe, will help us get to our rightful place.”
“As usual we are dedicated to help this team hit greater heights and that is why we go for the best,” Igaida told Goal in an interview.
AFC Leopards lost 2-1 to Mount Kenya United on Wednesday and will be aiming to bounce back when they face rivals Gor Mahia in the derby on Saturday.
Earlier, Casa Mbungo had challenged the players to redeem the club’s image.
“I am blessed, I feel lucky. AFC Leopards is still the biggest team in Kenya and until the other day the most successful club. We have to work hard and restore these bragging rights,” he told Goal after being unveiled.
”I have been accorded a warm welcome from the management, fans and players and the hard work now begins. We have to bring our confidence back, work hard and win games.”
Mbungo replaced Serbian Marko Vasiljevic, who quit after the team lost to Bandari in a league match on Sunday. He is remembered for tutoring strikers Jacques Tuyisenge and Francis Mustapha, who are currently turning out for Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia.