AFC Leopards are enjoying good times on and off the field with the latest development coming at the Employment and Labour Relations Court after Justice James Rika dismissed their former goalkeeper John Busolo’s case in which he was seeking compensation from the club amounting to Ksh 3.7 million for breach of contract.Busolo, who served both as a keeper and later as a goalkeeper trainer at Ingwe, had sought compensation following what he claimed was an unfair termination of his contract in 2016.##NAJAVA_MECA_7992051##During that period, the legendary custodian was entitled to a Ksh 100,000 monthly salary and addition of Ksh 10,000 in bonuses for every match won.In his argument, Busolo said he was dismissed from duties after going several months without payment despite having been promoted to the capacity of goalkeepers’ coach at the club in 2016.”On April 4, 2016, barely four months into the contract, the head coach told the Claimant (John Busolo) that he was not going to continue working with him. The coach hired his goalkeeper trainer. The Claimant was relegated to the training of the Youth Team, contrary to his contract,” stated part of the court document.After getting demotion to the Ingwe Cubs, Busolo was in for more shock when two months later he learned his salary had not been deposited, and upon inquiry was informed that his contract with Leopards had been terminated.”On 8th July 2016, his salary had not been deposited in his bank account. He called the Respondent’s (AFC Leopards) Secretary-General, who informed him, that his contract had been terminated. He was advised to visit the Respondent’s Head Office and collect his termination letter.”Former AFC Leopards coach sues clubIn the court documents, the former Kenyan international goalie was seeking Ksh 200,000 for two months salary, Ksh 360,000 salary arrears between January 2016 to June 2016, Ksh 90,000 in house allowances, Ksh 60,000 in bonuses, Ksh 1.2 million for 12 months salary in compensation over unfair dismissal and Ksh 1.8 million anticipatory salary for the remainder of the contract.However, in their response, Leopards urged the court to dismiss the case because Busolo was never employed as a goalkeeper trainer and deserted duty at the club.In his ruling, Judge Rika noted a clause in Busolo’s contract that stated that all disputes should be resolved at the management level, and later in case of difficulties Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was to be consulted and thus dismissed the case in favor of Ingwe.Rika added that the Employment and Labour Courts had no authority to hear and determine the matter.”Any dispute that is not resolved under [a] or [b] above, shall be settled by Arbitration, by the Arbitration Act 1995, Laws of Kenya, or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof for the time being in force, or by FIFA Regulations,” read part of the judgment.Petitioner wants Peter Orero barred from holding Kenya Basketball Federation postRika further said Busolo had raised guanine concerns over his contract but via the wrong channel.The outcome comes as a reprieve to Ingwe who are still battling lawsuits with their former members of the technical bench in Bonaventure Odeka, Lawrence Webo, and Tom Juma.
