AFC Leopards Bring Back Balecho on Two-Year Deal
AFC Leopards have completed the signing of experienced midfielder Eric Namaan Balecho from Bandari FC on a two-year contract as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season.
The 12-time champions of the country’s top flight announced the move on their official social media channels, welcoming the player back to the Den after a lengthy absence.
Balecho returns to the club seven years after departing in 2019 in search of regular first-team opportunities, having originally come through the Leopards youth system. Since leaving, he has built a solid reputation across the Premier League with spells at Tusker FC, Murang’a Seal and most recently Bandari, gaining valuable experience that he now brings back to his former home.
In their announcement the club stated, “AFC is happy to announce that winger Eric Namaan Balecho has joined the club for a period of two years from FKF Premier League side Bandari FC. Welcome back to the Den, Erick.” The deal makes him the third confirmed arrival of the transfer window following the captures of Robinson Msungu and Uganda international Taddeo Lwanga.
Last season Leopards finished as runners-up, narrowly missing out on the title to rivals Gor Mahia and extending their wait for a league championship that last came in 1998. The addition of Balecho and the other new faces forms part of a deliberate effort by the technical bench to add depth and know-how as they prepare for another serious challenge in the 2026/27 campaign.
Supporters will hope the returning midfielder can help spark a revival at a club with a proud history, as the squad continues to take shape with the clear ambition of ending the long title drought and restoring the Leopards to the summit of the country’s football pyramid.
