AFC Leopards of the Kenyan Premier League have asked FIFA to waive the suspension and allow them to acquire new players.
The team’s assistant coach, Tom Juma, stated that if they do not bring in new players like their opponents, they risk underperforming during the 2021/2022 season.
“The ban has already hit us; this is a top-tier league, and the youth are unaccustomed to playing at this level; we hope FIFA will allow us to sign players similar to those of our competitors,” said Juma.
Leopards received a suspension after failing to pay former coach Casa Mbungo and ex-players. The total amount owed is $120000.
Apart from the suspension, the club witnessed an exodus of players due to financial constraints. Elvis Rupia, Collins Shichnje, Clyde Senaji, Hansel Ochieng, Benjamin Ochan, John Oyemba, and Robinson Kamura are among those who went.
Leopards, locally known as Ingwe, started the new season positively after edging out the defending champions Tusker FC 1-0 in a match played at Thika Stadium, central, Sunday.
Their next opponent is KCB, which finished in the second position last season. After KCB, they will host the former champions Gor Mahia.
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