Serial offenders AFC Leopards are back in governing body FIFA’s black book for yet another payment default to aggrieved former player.The twelve-time Kenyan champions cannot field their impressive array of players signed in the concluded January mid-season transfer window after former defensive stalwart Kayumba Soter returned to FIFA seeking full settlement of Ksh1.8 million awarded last year following a protracted litigation.The Rwandese had been awarded Ksh1.8 million after Ingwe were adjudged to have terminated his contract wrongfully. Sources within the club intimated to Mozzart Sport that the player asked the club to pay a lump sum of Ksh1.6 then remit the remainder in instalments.Fifa slaps AFC Leopards with two-year transfer ban after the FKF Premier League club defaulted on a ruling to pay Rwandan midfielder Vincent Habamahoro Sh1.8 million in accrued wages, fines, and damages in January.#sports #news #updates pic.twitter.com/l7TMP6dFWC— Kingdom TV (@KingdomTV247) March 23, 2021 Mozzart Sport is yet to verify independently if the information is correct or propaganda by Ingwe ahead of the Mashemeji Derby next weekend.Efforts to reach AFC Leopards management for comment were futile as the club executives ducked phone calls while football governors in the country FKF and FKF Caretaker Committee are playing cat and mouse with general official information and particular information from FIFA. AFC Leopards paid Ksh600,000 then went mute on the player leaving him no choice other than going back to FIFA.The global governing body which has in recent years come down hard on clubs and federations infringing on players’ contractual rights has consequently barred Leopards from fielding their mid-season acquisitions.Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa has told AFC Leopards to honour their deal of signing Rwandese defender Soter Kayumba.According to Kalekwa, AFC Leopards could not afford the defender at that time. #TheScoreKE pic.twitter.com/o7OjwDySQG— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) May 24, 2020 The ban is a huge set-back to AFC Leopards who are smarting from a previous ban that left the club devastated and flirting with relegation.To have on their books a lethal arsenal comprising returnee John Makwata, a one-time golden boot winner, highly rated wide forward Cliff Nyakeya and midfielders Josphat Lopaga and Victor Omune among others without being able to field is depressing.The club has recently seen loyal fans trooping back to their games in thousands with a view of cheering Ingwe into a revival. The grim development will no doubt dent the fans’ spirits and possibly freeze a cheerful dressing room that has shown positive intent in very difficult and near-hopeless situation.AFC Leopards face long-time rivals Gor Mahia in Kenya’s biggest fixture next weekend and would have benefitted from their big name signings.Nyakeya, a former Gor Mahia Youth player hoards a wealth of international experience having featured for Harambee Stars and Egyptian side Al Masr. Makwata on the other hand needs no introductions at Ingwe having led the lines for Ingwe before going pro in Zambia.
