Former AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops is urgently appealing to the club to pay him the millions it owes, so he can afford a pacemaker to address his life-threatening heart condition.The 83-year-old Dutchman, who resides in Busia County and relies on well-wishers for support, is in dire need of medical assistance. Koops, who nearly led Ingwe to a league title in 2012, has emphasized the seriousness of his health situation, urging AFC Leopards to settle the Kshs. 9 million debt to help him purchase the pacemaker.##NAJAVA_MECA_8507685##The coach’s heart issues began in 2004 when he suffered heart failure while working in Germany, leading doctors to fit him with a pacemaker. Now, after 20 years, the device needs replacement, but he is not in a good financial position. “It would be fair if AFC Leopards recognized the urgency of the situation and responded instead of remaining silent,” Koops told the Daily Nation.The veteran coach first joined AFC Leopards in 2011 on a two-year contract with a monthly salary of KES 110,000. The club still owes him 10 months’ salary, totaling Kshs. 1.1 million from that first stint. He returned to the club in 2016 on another two-year deal with a KES 250,000 monthly salary, but after eight months, he was dismissed due to the club’s financial struggles.Koops claims he is owed Kshs. 5.3 million from this second contract, which, with an annual interest of 8%, brings the total debt from the two stints to over KES 9 million.Harambee Stars prospect elated after signing new deal in IrelandDespite the substantial amount the club owes him, Koops’ primary concern is securing the funds for the pacemaker. He has expressed a desire to resolve the matter amicably, avoiding legal action. He had given the club a payment plan that he hoped they would adopt.”Though I’ve contacted lawyers, I don’t want to take the club to court. If they can cover the cost of the pacemaker, I’d be satisfied. I’m asking for KES 1.892 million from my first contract, paid in four installments of KES 473,000, so I can get the life-saving treatment,” he explained.Koops has attempted to reach AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda for months, but his efforts have been unsuccessful. As his health deteriorates, Koops continues to hope and pray for a resolution.Efforts to reach the Ingwe chairman for a comment proved futile as he did not answer calls.Why FKF is poised to sack coach Engin Firat
