NAIROBI, Kenya, November 11 – One lives in mortal fear of a pestering landlord. Another has nothing to feed his family. One more is in a state of anguish.
The three men described above whom Capital Sport cannot name are not jobless louts playing hide and seek with rent or running away from their responsibility but players of glamorous local football giants, AFC Leopards, whom we’ve established are yet to be paid salaries, bonuses and allowances.
Having stomached a wretched campaign where pay disputes with their employer became a mainstay as they faded from challenging the title to sixth on the final standings, the affected Leopards playing unit have warned their otherwise disregarding executive to either pay-up of face a mass exodus from the Den in the close season.
“We were supposed to meet the officials today (Tuesday) and discuss the way forward but we have not received any communication. When we call officials, they take us round throwing the blame to other Executive Committee members.
“We have not received our salary for October yet sponsor Mumias (Sugar) has released the money. How do they want us to survive? I’ve received calls from the landlord because I have not paid my rent, I have a family too that needs to be taken care of. The officials should know they are not treating us well,” one of the players lamented.
“If this situation continues we will lose players because we can’t play without money. We would rather earn Sh20, 000 (USD222.3) a month rather than get Sh100, 000 (USD1,111.7) that doesn’t come in time.
“This has contributed to our dismal performance this season and if things are not rectified now, next season it will be worse. AFC Leopards has all the qualities and if we meet Gor Mahia (champions) at the moment we will beat them even 4-0 but there is no motivation at all.
“There is no respect between players and officials and it all starts with lack of leadership.”
Attempts to get chairman Allan Kasavuli or secretary George Aladwa fell flat after the former said he could not answer any queries at the time while the latter could not be reached.
