This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
Shabana FC coach Gilbert Selebwa has parted ways with the National Super League side, citing salary arrears that date back to May 2019.
Selebwa, a seasoned tactician, made the decision to leave the Gusii Stadium-based team after what he described as 'unbearable' promises from the club administration.
“The club has financial problems, and I have not been paid my salary since May this year. I have been patient with their promises until they became unbearable,” Selebwa said in an interview with Citizen Digital.
He added that the club administration's failure to clear the air on his remuneration had forced him to jump ship, leaving him with no choice but to seek alternative employment to provide for his family.
However, club chairman Jared Niverton has refuted Selebwa's claims, stating that the coach chose to quit the club after falling out with his players.
“Mr. Selebwa fell out with players, especially in the Ushuru game, that we lost 2-0 at Ruaraka. His conduct during that game annoyed the players and fans at large,” Niverton claimed.
Niverton also accused Selebwa of making away with the team's training equipment, leaving the club in limbo.
The chairman further rubbished claims of the club owing Selebwa salary arrears, stating that the club had signed no new players during the said time as all contracts became effective at the start of the season.
Selebwa claims the club owes him arrears worth Sh400, 000, which Niverton described as a 'huge lie.'
The team will now look to hire a new coach who can win the trust of the players and the backroom as they aim to get promoted to the premier league.
“We want to have a coach by the end of next week. He should be someone who can unite the players and the fans. We need to make the club a family because the fans are important, for they have stood by us regardless of the situation,” Niverton said.
