This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
On Thursday morning, AFC Leopards players boycotted training, demanding to be paid two months' salary arrears. The players' decision came as the club struggles to pay its wage bill, which stands at approximately Sh4.5 million per month.
According to the club's chairman, Dan Shikanda, the team owes its players and technical bench two months' salary arrears. Shikanda stated that the club is looking for means to save the situation, citing the lack of a sponsor as a major challenge.
"We shall pay our players, but we still don't have money. The situation has been tough because we don't have a sponsor, and it is unfortunate that some of them didn't show up for training," Shikanda said.
One of the players, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that he didn't attend the training session due to stress and the need to find alternative means of earning money.
"I can't pay my bills because I don't have cash. I understand the situation at the club, and I can't blame the management for all these. At least they should struggle and give us something small to ease the situation," the player said.
The exit of SportPesa, a betting firm that signed a three-year deal worth Sh156.4 million with the club in April last year, has caused significant financial instability for the club. The club has also failed to pay its players' sign-on fees fully, leading to bitterness among some of the players.
According to the minutes of the club's National Executive Meeting on October 1, the club has a wage bill of approximately Sh4.5 million per month, translating to arrears of about Sh9 million. The club has also not paid a local hotel in Kakamega Sh800,000 for services rendered and allowances amounting to Sh350,000.
