Court orders Bank to pay AFC Leopards players their dues

A Kibera Court has ordered First Community Bank to pay AFC Leopards their dues following a petition filed by the club’s executive committee under the chairmanship of Dan Mule.

The past week saw two factions claiming to be the bonafide leaders of the club engage in counter-accusations over the management of the funds raised during a Harambee graced by Deputy President William Ruto.

The fundraiser saw a total of Ksh 4.6 million though reports indicate that only Ksh 4.1 million was deposited in the bank with the players only receiving a month’s salary.

According to Mule, the decision by Mathew Opwora-led faction to pay the players a month’s salary was in contravention of the prior agreement between the executive committee and the players to pay them two month salary arrears.

“We had agreed with the players that they will be paid their salary for two months, but Opwora and his team decided to pay them one month salary,” said Mule.

The confusion emerged weeks to the fundraiser which saw Opwora and his team take over the running of the club, locking out Onyino and his deputy Mule, after acquiring a letter purportedly written by the Registrar of Societies giving them legitimacy to run the club.

The government through the Ministry of Sports has since revoked the letter, terming it as fake.

AFC Leopards players had vowed not to honour Wednesday’s league match against Sofapaka FC if their salary arrears are not paid.

The match is set to be played at City Stadium in Nairobi at 4PM.

Mule, who took over the chairmanship in an acting capacity after the resignation of Walter Onyino, further assured fans that the team will feature in Wednesday’s match against Sofapaka rubbishing reports indicating otherwise.

“There are rumours being peddled by enemies of the club that the team will not take part in today’s match. I have spoken to several players including Captain Jackson Saleh and they have assured me that they will attend the match.”

Mule urged fans to turn up in large numbers and support the team saying an increase in attendance will result in huge collections that will facilitate proper running of the club.

AFC Leopards have been ingrained in financial turmoil since the withdrawal of Mumias Sugar Company which was the main sponsor.

The troubles at the den led to the departure of several star players including goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya, James Situma, Jacob Keli, Martin Imbalambala, Noah Wafula and Joseph Shikokoti among others.