Need fresh elections? Avail Sh3 million, Shikanda tells Sports Registrar

AFC Leopards new boss Dan Shikanda has told the Sports Registrar to cough out the Sh3 million needed for the club to go to fresh elections.

The Sports Registrar has declined to recognise Leopards new leadership citing the failure to follow the laid down electoral process.

The Registrar also argues the previous office of led by Dan Mule should remain in office until a new constitution is put in place.

However, according to Shikanda, Leopards does not have extra funds for fresh elections after spending on new players.

Speaking with Mulembe FM in a morning sports show Emibayo Extra, Shikanda said that the club does not have extra funds for the exercise.

“We went to elections and won and that is why we are already sharpening Leopards squad for the season 2019-20.

“Elections require Sh3 million which the club does not have,” an angry Shikanda retorted.

The former Leopards and Gor Mahia player at the same time scoffed at those claiming they’ve taken over the club on interim basis before fresh elections are conducted.

“Some people think that we have to go back to elections which are not there. We don’t have time for re-elections since the league is around the corner, the club is already preparing for the new season,” Shikanda added.

Also, the club boss has assured that everything that was required was reached unlike the sentiments from the registrar.

Shikanda is among those who were elected on June 23 together with Oliver Shikuku as secretary general and Maurice Chichi as treasurer.

However a letter from the Sports Registrar dated July 22 signed by Rose Wasike and copied to Maurice Amahwa said that the Dan Mule office, which handed over the leadership reins to Shikanda will continue to manage the club’s affairs until a new date for elections is set.

“I however, advice you to let the three interim officials (Daniel Mule, Oscar Igaida and Oliver Napali), to continue spearheading amendment of the club’s constitution in line with the Kenyan constitution 2010, the Sports Act No.25 of 2013, the Sports Registrar’s Rules and Regulations of September 2, 2016 and the club’s international legal instruments,” the letter read.

“I expect the three officials to involve the stakeholders [including you] since constitutional amendments entail consultation of stakeholders before adoption of the same.

“This will go a long way in streamlining the current wrangles within the club and also holding a free and fair election for the club.

“I urge the interim officials as named above to immediately embark on amendment of the constitution and after which ensure free and fair elections are held in accordance with the Sports Act and as earlier advised.”

The Shikanda office has already signed seven new players among them five foreigners to spearhead the club in its bid to lift a first league trophy since 1998.

Leopards finished at position 11 last season and have since offloaded eight players among them speedy winger Paul Were who opted not to renew his contract at the club.

Leopards returned to Nairobi on Saturday after a 10-day camp in Mumias as they intensify their training ahead of the new season.

They launch their 2019/2020 KPL campaign on September 1 against Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu Stadium.