Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) president James Situma has warned players against engaging fake agents in football as the organization prepares for its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) since the 2023 elections.KEFWA is set to meet with its members on Tuesday, August 27, at Zetech University Campus in Ruiru, where key issues regarding the body’s governance will be discussed.Speaking exclusively to Mozzart Sport, the former Harambee Stars defender emphasized the significance of this year’s AGM, highlighting its focus on equal gender representation and encouraging participation from both men’s and women’s teams.“This year’s event is unique as we push for equal representation in gender. We expect members from both the women’s and men’s teams to attend,” Situma stated.##NAJAVA_MECA_8290609##Situma, whose football career spanned over a decade with stints at FKF Premier League giants AFC Leopards, Tusker, and Sofapaka, has cautioned players about the dangers of engaging with fraudulent agents.His warning comes just days after the passports of four top-tier players were confiscated due to allegations of using a forged Football Kenya Federation (FKF) letterhead and the CEO’s signature in their visa applications.The players, who were supposed to trial with a Latvian club, ended up using forged documents due to their agent’s deception.“Players need to be cautious of people who claim to be agents but aren’t genuine. These fake agents often make deals behind people’s backs, leaving the players in difficult situations,” Situma warned.Explaining KEFWA’s non contracted players’ initiativeHe reiterated KEFWA’s commitment to prioritizing players’ interests and urged those struggling to find legal representation to seek assistance from the association.“If players face any challenges in finding representatives, they should come to us. We offer help for free to ensure they are dealing with the right people,” Situma added.Situma also encouraged players to embrace professionalism and maintain transparency with their clubs about potential deals.“Players should communicate openly with their clubs when such deals come up because, ultimately, the club will decide their future,” he advised.With the transfer window nearing its end, the former Kakamega Homeboyz defender emphasized the importance of understanding contracts before signing.“Players should take the time to thoroughly review their contracts. If they don’t understand something, KEFWA is here to help them with interpretation,” he explained.STARS ABROAD: Joseph Okumu features against Marseille as Collins Sichenje clocks 90 in SerbiaFounded in 2011, KEFWA aims to advocate for players’ welfare against poor treatment by their parent clubs.Following the AGM, all eyes will be on the association to see how it addresses the increasing conflicts surrounding players’ contracts.
