AFC Leopards clears Habamahoro, Kayumba pay dispute
AFC Leopards have cleared salary arrears to three of its former players in a move that could return the club into good books with Fifa.
Leopards secretary Gilbert Andugu confirmed the club had paid Rwandans Soter Kayumba and Vincent Habamahoro, alongside Burundian Bienvenue Shaka.
The trio had sued the Kenyan Premier League side at Fifa, leading to an indefinite transfer ban.
“We’ve cleared with the three players and they have communicated with Fifa. But the case is not closed. We are in talks to settle two others namely Ghanaian Gideon Waja and Alex Kouassi from Ivory Coast,” said Andugu.
The Fifa ban meant Leopards played three league matches this season without the services of its dependable players namely Victor Omune, Cliff Nyakeya, Emmanuel Lwanga, Ronald Shichenje, Loren James, Victor Otieno, Abubakar Musha, Joseph Lopaga and Musa Oundo and Nesta Olum.
These players were denied registration by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on the orders of Fifa.
Omune, Nyakeya, and Lopag have since been cleared to return and were part of the squad that lost 1-0 to Posta Rangers in a league match at the weekend.
Andugu says the club is hopeful of recruiting players in January, 2023.
“The return of Omune and Nyakeya is a big boost to our attacking department. They will improve us,” said club coach Patrick Aussems.
The side is however missing the services of central defender Tedian Esilaba, and midfielders Musa Saad and Daniel Sunguti who are nursing injuries.
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