The trouble with Ushuru:Rich shirt sponsor, but players on strike
Players of National Super League (NSL) leaders Ushuru FC are yet again on a collision path with the club management owing to unpaid allowances.
Since the start of the week, the players have been on a go-slow demanding for allowances stretching up to 22 matches.
And with cracks emerging in the playing unit at a decisive moment, it may hinder the club’s quest of making a returning to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) at the end of the campaign.
The club was last season relegated from the topflight after recording poor results, finishing second from bottom on a paltry 26 points.
But even as Ushuru fights the football battle of a life-time to regain admission to the KPL, long-serving coach Ken Kenyatta is unmoved by the trouble in his team, maintaining that they’ll weather the storm and clinch the NSL ticket.
“It’s so unfortunate that we are facing such a challenge (delayed payment of bonuses) at such a time, but we can’t blame the players for their move because they are championing their rights,” he said, adding: “Yesterday (Monday) I had a lengthy talk with them and they promised to get back to action as we plan to accomplish the business of the season.”
The tax-collectors are currently on top of the NSL table with 67 points with only five matches remaining to the end of the season.
But even at the apex of the log, they are not sitting pretty as the tussle for the two automatic tickets to the top-tier is fierce with chasing KCB is on equal points though with an inferior goal difference, while third placed Vihiga United is third on 65.
But why is the club struggling when they have the rich and stable Kenya Revenue Authority as their shirt sponsors?
“We can’t blame our sponsor for the in house challenge because when it comes to salaries, the players are paid on time. The challenge is on the allowances and KRA being a parastatal, there is always a procedure. I have been engaging them and we are waiting for the final signature .Soon the money will be out.”
NSL Nov 1 fixtures
Kenya Police v Isibania FC 1pm
KCB v Administration Police 1pm
Nairobi City Stars v Bidco United 2pm
Agro Chemicals v Modern Coast Rangers 3pm
Palos v Vihiga United 3pm
GFE 105 v Wazito 3pm
Nakuru All Stars v St. Joseph FC 3pm
Talanta FC v Ushuru FC 3pm
Kibera Black Stars v Nairobi Stima 3pm
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