AFC Leopards punish three players for featuring in an unsanctioned match

AFC Leopards' Victor Omune during training. Photo: AFC Leopards

AFC Leopards punish three players for featuring in an unsanctioned match

Joel Omotto 12:45 - 01.11.2024

AFC Leopards have followed in the footsteps of Mathare United by sanctioning their players following their involvement in a recent nondescript match.

AFC Leopards have become the second FKF Premier League side to sanction their players over their involvement in an unsanctioned match.

Leopards have reprimanded Victor Omune, Kennedy Owino and Julius Masaba for two weeks for featuring in a recent nondescript tournament that has since elicited varied reactions.

“AFC Leopards has suspended Victor Omune, Kennedy Owino and Julius Masaba with immediate effect for two weeks and without pay for breach of contract. The three were involved in an unsanctioned match in October without the knowledge of the club,” the club said via statement posted on social media.

The suspension of the three robs coach Tomas Trucha key players at a time when he is under pressure to deliver positive results from fans.

Omune, Leopards Player of the Season in 2023-24, and Owino, are among the tactician’s go-to men but he will have to do without them for Sunday’s match away to Ulizi Stars.

Leopards’ reaction comes two days after Mathare United also suspended four players, while Gor Mahia are reportedly considering sanctions on a number of their stars over the same.

Mathare players Kevin Kimani, Elli Asieche, Brian Ouru and Eric Mulu were also handed two-week suspensions without pay on Wednesday with Gor Mahia still conducting internal investigations before deciding their punishment for Paul Ochuoga, Chris Ochieng, Enoch Morrison and Musa Masika.

The four were dropped by coach Leopard Neiva from the matchday squad ahead of Monday’s Premier League encounter between Gor Mahia and Nairobi City Stars, a match K’Ogalo lost, to the disappointment of their supporters who accosted some of them as well as the coach.