This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
With the 2019/20 Kenyan Premier League season just around the corner, Kisumu All Stars, fondly known as The Blue Eagles, are facing a crisis that threatens to derail their maiden appearance in the top tier.
The club, sponsored by the Kisumu county government, earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League after finishing second in the National Super League with 80 points, alongside Wazito who were crowned champions with 81 points.
However, the club's financial woes have left them struggling to replace the nine players they released after the end of last season. According to sources, the club's preseason training is in limbo due to lack of funds, with officials at Kisumu County's Ministry of Sports blamed for the crisis.
"The club may fail to sign any new player because there are no funds. Preseason training may even fail to take place as well. We are facing mass exodus because the players have not signed their contracts," a source revealed.
Despite holding trials at Moi stadium in Kisumu, where over 50 footballers turned up to try their luck, the club has failed to sign new players, with reports indicating that the remaining players have threatened to leave because they are not under contract.
Even the club's coach, Henry Omino, may walk out since he is yet to be offered a contract over a month since taking over.
"We are afraid he will leave and the club will be in total chaos. He does not have a contract and might leave because nothing is forthcoming. He has raised countless issues concerning preseason preparations. He has identified several players but the club has failed to sign them because it cannot offer the signing fee," the source disclosed.
When contacted, the club's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nicholas Ochieng' stated that they are waiting for some approvals from the county government before signing new players.
However, Kisumu County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Sports Achie Alai only stated that it's "work in progress" when asked about the crisis.
