This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
Kenyan international footballer Paul Were has reflected on his challenging time at AFC Leopards, a stint he describes as the most difficult in his professional career. The 2020 experience was marked by financial struggles, with the club facing months without pay, leaving Were to fend for himself and his family.
“The club was going through a very difficult time financially and we were going for months without pay. It was very difficult for me to meet my basic needs. I also support my family and I couldn’t do that,” Were told Nairobi News in a 2020 interview.
Were's situation was further complicated by the emotional toll of being reduced to a state of financial insecurity, a reality that affected his mental well-being and, consequently, his performance on the pitch. He expressed his gratitude to fans who showed support, but ultimately felt compelled to leave the club in search of more stable circumstances.
Were's decision to join Greece's third-tier side Egalao 1931 was motivated by the opportunity to revive his football career in a more familiar environment. Having featured in seven matches and provided three assists before the league was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, Were is eager to return to action and scale up the ranks.
As he settles into his new team, Were remains optimistic about his prospects, citing his experience in Greece as a factor in his decision to return. With the league on hold due to the pandemic, Were and his teammates are currently training from home, awaiting the resumption of play.
