After a two-month legal battle, South African outfit, Marumo Gallants have been ordered by world football governing body, FIFA to pay Kenyan international Ovella Ochieng R428,817 (around Ksh.2,911,000).The former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder reported the club to FIFA back in July after it failed to settle his dues claiming that he did not feature for the club during his close to six months stint.Nabwire on why Police could land maiden league titleOvella penned a one-year deal with Gallants who were under the tutelage of former Harambee Stars head coach Sébastien Migné and had worked with him in the national team setup.The axing of Migné back in October 2021 for ‘insubordination and using abusive language’ towards the club’s Technical Director Harris Choeu further dwindled the hopes of Ovella featuring for Gallants.##NAJAVA_MECA_6697011##The fleet footed winger was not registered for the South African Premier Soccer League 2021-2022 season and hence failed to make a single appearance for the club before leaving in the January transfer window to join Botswana giants Township Rollers.FIFA’s Disciplinary Resolution Chamber ruled in favour of Ovella as the club were ordered to pay the player or risk a FIFA ban.“The Single Judge of the FIFA DRC (correctly) rejected the club’s argument that it was not be obliged to pay the salaries of the player due to the fact that he did not render any services to the club, as the registration of the player could not be timeously affected with the South African Football Association.Kibwage tastes freedom after running down contract at SofapakaThe Single Judge mentioned that the Club was bound to a valid employment contract with Ochieng, and that it shall be considered that it had breached said contract, by not properly registering Ochieng and by failing to pay his monthly remuneration.The FIFA DRC awarded Ochieng payment of his arrear salaries and compensation,” read a communication from FIFA that was shared by international sports lawyer Evert De Bruyn.Gallants have another Kenyan in their books in the name of Sven Yidah who joined the club in the 2022 off season transfer window from Nairobi City Stars.
