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Miheso has advised fellow footballers to carefully read and understand their contracts after opening up on his nightmare spell at South African club Golden Arrows, where one of the club's officials threatened him 'at gunpoint' amidst a negotiation dispute.
AFC Leopards captain Clifton Miheso has recounted a harrowing experience from his time at South African club Golden Arrows, where he claims his contract was terminated under duress at gunpoint.
The Kenyan international detailed the shocking ordeal during a candid interview on The Tiki Taka Show, urging young players to be cautious when handling contracts and sharing lessons learned from his turbulent career abroad.
A gunpoint contract termination
Miheso joined Golden Arrows ahead of the 2016–17 season following an impressive stint with AFC Leopards. However, what should have been a career milestone turned into a traumatic experience. According to Miheso, the club’s then-CEO, Gordon Masondo, forced him to terminate his contract at gunpoint in January 2017.
“They forced my termination at gunpoint. That was the first time I saw a gun at close range. I think it was just to scare me off, but it was not right,” Miheso revealed.
Miheso filed a complaint with FIFA in 2017, seeking $22,000 (Ksh.2.8 million) in unpaid wages and calling for sanctions against Golden Arrows.
“They did not want to give me my money back. I looked at the paper, and what they were giving me was not what we had agreed when signing the deal. I think the CEO was sacked eventually. The club is okay, but that guy was sacked,” Miheso added.
The incident left a lasting impact on the then-24-year-old, who said he fled South Africa out of fear for his safety.
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“I was still young and did not know how to handle these issues. My heart was broken, and I never even wanted to think about it anymore. You have to go through such moments to learn.”
Lessons learned and advice to young players
Reflecting on the ordeal, Miheso, who now holds a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy after benefiting from a scholarship programme created by the Kenya Footballers’ Welfare Association (KEFWA), emphasised the importance of thoroughly understanding contracts and being cautious with agents.
“At the time, I did not focus on my contracts. Now I am very careful, and I have to read everything carefully rather than delegate it to the agent to do these things for you,” he said.
He also advised football administrators to treat players with dignity, noting the broader impact such incidents have on the sport and upcoming athletes.
“If a player hears that Miheso’s contract was terminated at gunpoint, it will discourage him. If it is a contract, just sit down with them and negotiate like you did when signing. I do not understand why you would force them out like that.”
Despite the challenges, Miheso’s time at Golden Arrows also highlighted the role of proper broadcasting in opening doors for players. He credited his move to South Africa to a standout performance for AFC Leopards against Ulinzi Stars in an FKF Cup tie, which was televised by Supersport.
“The coach (Clinton Larsen) saw that video and asked I got signed. The good thing is that it was clear footage. Even now, I don’t think that it is the football that has taken a step backward. I think it is the lack of packaging. If packaged well by broadcasters, it could help footballers.”
Miheso expressed optimism about the current FKF broadcasting deal with Tanzanian network Azam, which he believes will help players showcase their talent and secure international opportunities.
“Right now, Azam videos are quality. Before it came in, the packaging was not right. Now that they are here, it will boost players to launch their professional careers.”
Miheso's story is a stark reminder of the challenges footballers face both on and off the pitch. While his ordeal in South Africa serves as a cautionary tale, his resilience and advocacy for better player treatment and contract understanding underscore his commitment to inspiring the next generation.
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