Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards rescued by government as Namwamba blasts them for signing ‘third grade’ foreigners

Kayici Odhniambo leaves Alpha Onyango helpless during their 2-1 win over Gor Mahia on Sunday. Photo Credit: AFC Leopards

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Kayici Odhniambo leaves Alpha Onyango helpless during their 2-1 win over Gor Mahia on Sunday. Photo Credit: AFC Leopards

FOOTBALL Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards rescued by government as Namwamba blasts them for signing ‘third grade’ foreigners

Joel Omotto 07:56 - 29.07.2023

The Sports CS has lashed out at K’Ogalo and Ingwe over their appetite for unproved foreign players and coaches who have landed them in trouble

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are set to receive Ksh5 million each to help them pay money owed to former players and coaches which have seen them get punished by FIFA.

Gor were kicked out of the CAF Champions League after their club licence was revoked due to their inability to pay money owned to former players Adama Keita, Jules Ulimwengu and Sando Yangayay on time while Leopards are under a transfer ban because of over Ksh20 million owed to ex-coach Patrick Aussems.

Leopards were in May 2022 ordered to pay Aussems a $145,000 (Ksh20.6 million) fine over breach of contract and by the time he left this month, he had not received his dues, leaving the club facing further sanctions.

The situations have left the clubs in difficult positions and government has now come to their rescue.

“This especial parachute fund of Ksh5 million each will go to Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards to settle their debts but we will not give you this money, we will send it to FIFA directly,” Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said on Friday night during a Champions’ reception that honoured various athletes and artists, past and present.

“The management of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards must take full responsibility for this mess. This is shameful. Stop picking third grade foreign players and coaches when we have good players here to choose from and coaches who are capable as Robert Matano, Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee and Francis Kimanzi have shown.”

CAF conducted the Champions League draw on Tuesday but Kenyan champions Gor Mahia were not part of the teams, having seen their club license revoked under Article 16 8(b) of the CAF Club licensing regulations for “violating its obligation” in paying former players on time and Namwamba is unhappy that the club did not seek his intervention.

“Gor Mahia you have embarrassed me, I had big plans for you but you have let me down. Why did you keep quiet until the last minute? Why did you not tell your Minister of Sports when I have an open-door policy?” he posed.

“I talk to CAF president Patrice Motsepe and FIFA president Gianni Infantino directly. Shame on you, you have denied these young men an opportunity to play at an international competition.”

Meanwhile, the government also rewarded Gor Mahia Ksh5 million for winning the FKF Premier League, the same amount going to FKF Cup winners Kakamega Homeboyz and Ulinzi Starlets as well as Women’s Premier League champions Vihiga Queens.

National Super League winners Shabana FC were awarded Ksh3 million while runners-ups Murang’a Seal got Ksh2 million. The CS also announced a Ksh9 million package to be shared among all Premier League teams in what is a one-off outlay as they source for a league sponsor next season.