Why AFC Leopards failed to sign former Gor Mahia midfielder

© AS Kigali

TRANSFERS Why AFC Leopards failed to sign former Gor Mahia midfielder

Kiplagat Sang • 17:30 - 06.07.2023

The Premier League winner was a target for Ingwe, who are keen to strengthen their squad this transfer window.

AFC Leopards have cooled their interest in Lawrence Juma after the midfielder made huge financial demands.

The former Gor Mahia midfielder had emerged as one of the key targets for Ingwe, but the 1998 Premier League champions have ended their pursuit owing to massive financial demands.

Ingwe are in the market for new players after being barred from the recruiting process for two seasons. The former Nzoia Sugar midfielder was approached by the club, but they could not match what he asked in order to agree to a deal with them.

Juma is one of the experienced midfielders in the country, and Ingwe wanted him in their ranks in order to help them chase their Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) ambitions.

The former Nakuru All Stars midfielder is currently on the books of Rwanda's top-tier side, AS Kigali. He joined the club after parting ways with Sofapaka, a club he joined from Gor Mahia.

After pursuing him for quite some time, Batoto ba Mungu finally landed their man in January 2021. He left K'Ogalo after being part of them for four seasons and winning three straight Premier League titles.

Gor Mahia had signed him from Nozia Sugar in 2017, and Juma grabbed the opportunity and established himself as a top-level midfielder. 

While at Gor Mahia, he enjoyed rather regular call-ups to the Harambee Stars squad, especially under Francis Kimanzi.

Apart from Juma, John Avire was also a target for AFC Leopards, but the forward's salary demands also pushed the club to stop the pursuit.