Kenyan footballer accuses South African club of practising witchcraft
By DAVID KWALIMWAKenyan footballer Kevin Kimani has sensationally accused a South African team of practicing witchcraft.
According to the SoccerEast, Kenyan international claimed his former employer – second tier South African side Jomo Cosmos – demanded that he and his teammates “visit” a witch doctor on the night of April 29, 2016.
This ritual, according to Kimani, was to be conducted “deep in a forest” with the team reportedly heading to this “venue” aboard the team’s official bus.
Kimani, who’s formerly played for Tusker, Sofapaka and Mathare United in the Kenyan Premier League, claims to have declined the offer, a decision that led to a strained relationship with the club officials and his subsequent dismissal.
These claims are contained in the player’s submissions to the Fifa Dispute Chambers, in which Kimani has sued the club and is demanding about Sh4.5 million in compensation for unlawful termination.
Kimani left Cosmos – a club owned and coached by former South Africa coach Jomo Sono – three months into his 15 month deal that was to lapse in December 2016. He remains unattached.
Cases of the use of witchcraft in African football are increasingly common, with a number of clubs in the Kenyan Premier League and its Tanzanian equivalent also reportedly engaging in the practice.
Kimani is the sibling to international volleyball star Janet Wanja.
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