AFC Leopards chairman Walter Onyino resigns

The chairman of cash-strapped club AFC Leopard Walter Onyino has resigned over what he termed as ‘club politics’.

In a statement sent to newsrooms by the club’s National Executive Committee, Onyino found it difficult to execute his mandate under the current environment that has seen emergence of a different faction claiming to be bonafide leaders of the club.

“It is very unfortunate to report that Walter Onyino has stepped down from the position of Chairman citing the on-going politicisation of club matters which has made it difficult for him to execute his mandate appropriately,” read the statement in part.

Onyino has, however, promised to continue supporting the office to ensure the programs he had initiated are achieved.

In Onyino’s absence, AFC Leopards vice chairman Dan Mule takes over the chairmanship, albeit in an interim capacity ahead of the club elections slated for December 12th, 2015.

The club hierarchy condemned the violence witnessed during the Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards club that led to the stoppage of the match with only 27 minutes to go. At the point of cancellation, both teams were locked in a barren draw.

Chaos began in the 63rd minute after Gor Mahia were awarded a penalty after AFC Leopards captain Jackson Saleh was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

Ingwe further refuted claims of a purported take over by a faction led by Mathew Opwora saying there have been no changes in its leadership.

“This group conducted an illegal SGM in January which led to their suspension as club members. They have continued to use various offices to fraudulently acquire letters to cheat the public.”

They dismissed a letter circulated by Opwora-led team claiming leadership saying all issues that the team has with the current office are pending in court.

“The public is warned against trading or dealing with the group. The club will not take responsibility for any business transactions or agreements signed by the group.”

The club further revealed that it has signed a one year a contract with Frontiers East Africa, who will be in charge of the sport marketing with negotiations on-going to bring other sponsors on board.

“The club received USD 20,000 from super sports sponsorship that was used to pay 1 month salary for players and technical bench. This helped reduce part of the financial burden and therefore the club has planned for a major Fund raiser that will be held on 2nd October, 2015 at Nyayo Stadium basketball gymnasium.”

AFC Leopards NEC also called on club supporters to stand with the team by subscribing to the *245# and giving monthly subscription.

So far, the club revealed that Sh 100 supporters have subscribed to the initiative which has seen them voluntarily contributing Sh 300 and Sh 1,000 on monthly basis with a total of Sh 82,000 being raised from the initiative.

Meanwhile, AFC Leopards is set to hold a Special General Meeting on 17th October 2015, to discuss and adopt the financial reports for the year, 2013 and 2014 as guided during the last Annual General Meeting on 30th June, 2015.