Leopards to play behind closed doors
AFC Leopards will play two of their last league matches this season behind closed doors, the Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) has ruled.
Leopards will begin the two-match empty stadium sanction on Saturday against Western Stima at the Kasarani Stadium before hosting Mathare United on October 18 at the same venue in the absence of their fans.
IDCC imposed the penalty on the club after Ingwe fans were found guilty of causing trouble during their away league match against Thika United on June 27 in Thika.
Leopards lost the contest 1-0 but the game had to be halted twice as the goons unleashed widespread terror.
The 13-time league champions are likely to face more punishment next week when the IDCC makes another ruling on the abandoned Mashemeji derby between Gor Mahia and the former on August 23 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The match was abandoned in the second half after Leopards fans went on the rampage stoning match officials and hurling objects on the pitch after Gor Mahia were awarded a penalty in the 65th minute. Gor Mahia were awarded the match with a 2-0 win.
“The IDCC met last Wednesday and we are expecting their report soon, latest next week,” KPL chief executive Jack Oguda said.
LEADERSHIP WRANGLES
The cash-strapped club has had a season to forget jumping from one problem to the other. The players have gone on strike severally over salaries while head coach Zdravko Logarusic has repeatedly absconded duty for the same reason. Ingwe has also been dogged by persistent leadership wrangles.
However, club interim secretary general Asava Kadima on Wednesday said they welcomed IDDC’s ruling “with grace” and called on the fans to desist from violence.
“You have to take responsibility when you have been penalised. Our fans need to know that violence doesn’t help the club’s course. We have accepted the ban and it’s a strong message that we do not accept hooliganism,” Kadima said.
At the same time, Kadima said the club leadership is not at war with anyone even as they await the outcome of a court case lodged by the Mathews Opwora led faction.
“I’ve been made to understand that they (Opwora group) went to meet the players. If they are going to motivate the team, we welcome them wholly but if they are in it for political reasons then, it’s another matter,” he said.
A group led by Walter Onyino was elected two months ago to steer the club on an interim basis but the Opwroa faction is claiming legitimacy.