NAIROBI, Kenya, December 29 – AFC Leopards could lose defender James Situma to Tusker FC, after the Harambee Stars full back requested the club to release him.
Leopards assistant Secretary General, Professor Asava Khadima confirmed to Capital Sport the Brewers are after Situma’s signature but are yet to agree on terms since his contracts ends next June.
“Yes, Tusker has approached us, saying they are interested in signing him (Situma) but we are still weighing their request,” Khadima told.
Tusker FC CEO Charles Obiny, says they have already had talks with the former Sofapaka captain and are just waiting for Ingwe to release him.
“Situma approached us and we agreed on the terms but we were unable to sign him because his club has not released him yet. He told us he has written a resignation letter since they have not been paid their salary since October.
“Once he clears with Leopards and federation we will sign him because we are strengthening our squad for next season after the expiry of defender Martin Kiiza’s contract,” Obiny underscored.
The 10-time Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions who released custodian and skipper Samuel Odhiambo on disciplinary grounds, have only signed center back Donald Mosoti from Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Nakuru All Stars midfielder Cersidy Lumumba.
Others set to depart the KPL top 8 champions are reserve keeper Boniface Oluoch and Uganda Cranes midfielder Khalid Aucho after they become free agents on Thursday while forwards Joshua Oyoo and Rodgers Omondi have been loaned to KCB.
Meanwhile, Leopards are not interested in signing Ugandan Robert Ssetongo as reported.
“Ssentongo is not in our plan; we are holding talks with a defender, midfielder and striker whom I cannot reveal their names until the deal is done,” Leopards assistant Secretary General stated.
-KCB eye Mwinyi-
Elsewhere, KCB are chasing after Chemelil Sugar midfielder Hamisi Mwinyi.
Club chairman George Odhiambo says they have offered a good contract for Mwinyi, who won the 2014 Fair Play Player of the Year, to consider.
“Mwinyi is a quality player who is also quite young, which are qualities we are looking to have on our side as we prepare to make a big statement in the coming season.
“We have not completed our signings. We conducted trials recently and intent to sign seven payers. The club management is going to work round the clock to try and clear with the clubs of the seven players who passed the mark before we resume training in January,” Odhiambo declared.
Mwinyi scored four goals in the just concluded season to become Chemelil’s second highest scorer after Meshack Karani who netted five goals.
If a deal is reached, the lanky midfielder will become the third key player to exit the Sugar Millers after their keeper Jairus Adira and forward Georson Likonoh left to join Sony Sugar and Posta Rangers respectively.
The bankers offloaded seven players among them Sosthenes Iddah, Hedmon Mauda, John Odhiambo and Caleb Wafula.
