AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has disclosed that the club lodged a formal protest with the federation concerning the suitability of Police Sacco Stadium for hosting a high-stakes match such as the Mozzart Bet Cup semi-final clash between AFC Leopards and Police FC.The game, held at Police Sacco Stadium, was abruptly halted just before the hour mark due to an unfortunate incident involving second assistant referee, Samuel Kuria, who was struck by an object resulting in injury. At the time of suspension, Police FC held a narrow lead of one goal to nil, courtesy of Tito Okello’s header in the 7th minute.##NAJAVA_MECA_8126239##Addressing the press amidst the chaos, an exasperated Shikanda pointed fingers at the Football Kenya Federation for mishandling the fixture by selecting Police Sacco Stadium.”We penned a letter to the federation expressing our concerns about the inadequacy of this venue for such a high-risk encounter as Leopards vs. Police. Regrettably, our concerns fell on deaf ears. Are we progressing or regressing? Would we expect anyone to risk bringing their loved ones here? It’s simply untenable.”Shikanda emphasized that the Leopards had raised valid security and safety apprehensions, especially regarding their supporters, if the match proceeded at that location.”This stadium lacks the capacity to manage even a crowd of 1000. We anticipated 10,000 fans. Despite our repeated pleas, the federation has consistently turned a blind eye to club concerns. In our typical matches, we are allocated 2-4 RDU platoons for security. Yet today, in a crucial fixture like this, a season-defining showdown, they’ve allocated only one.”BREAKING: Michael Olunga set to buy Swedish clubThe chairman revealed that the club had suggested relocating the match to Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu, in the event that Ulinzi Sports Complex was unavailable. However, the federation declined, citing financial constraints from other teams. Shikanda argued that given Leopards’ readiness and Police FC’s financial stability, their fixture should have been moved to Kisumu while the other semi-final remained at Police Sacco Stadium.In response, FKF issued a statement indicating that the Leagues and Competitions committee had decided to resume the remainder of the match today at 11 a.m. at the same venue—an announcement Shikanda vehemently opposed.”We categorically reject this proposal. If this is the path they wish to take with our football, they are essentially suffocating its essence.”Football enthusiasts now await eagerly to see whether Shikanda and, by extension, Leopards will participate in the remaining minutes of the game.EXCLUSIVE: AFC Leopards to boycott Mozzart Bet Cup semifinal against Police
