Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas “Toto” Shimanyula has demanded changes at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), accusing its leadership of exposing clubs to mounting financial losses through delays in starting the Kenyan Premier League season.
Shimanyula questioned the leadership of FKF president Hussein Mohammed, saying clubs were being forced to pay players and meet other financial obligations despite the uncertainty surrounding the league calendar.Speaking at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega during the unveiling of 19 new players and the club’s new kits, Shimanyula said the prolonged delay was hurting clubs financially.
“We are paying our players salaries every month, but they are not working because the league has not started. This is a loss to the clubs,” he said.
The Homeboyz boss said clubs invest heavily in recruiting players and preparing their squads, making a predictable league calendar critical to their operations.
“When you sign a player, you have a contract with him. Whether the league has started or not, you are expected to pay him. The longer the league takes to start, the more losses the clubs make,” Shimanyula said
He called on FKF to listen to clubs and other football stakeholders, warning that failure to address their concerns could trigger calls for changes in the federation’s leadership.
Photo|Toto with Kakamega Homeboyz Team
“If the stakeholders in Kenyan football feel that there should be changes, then there should be changes in the leadership of FKF,” he said.
Shimanyula said the interests of clubs, players and fans should be central to decisions affecting Kenyan football, arguing that uncertainty over the competition calendar was undermining the growth of the sport.The chairman also welcomed government efforts to tackle betting-related offences and match-fixing, saying strict enforcement was necessary to protect the integrity of the league.
“We must protect the integrity of our league. Anyone involved in activities that compromise the game should face the consequences,” he said.
He added that decisive action against those involved in match-fixing would restore discipline and confidence in Kenyan football.
“It will bring discipline and dignity to our football. We want a league where the outcome of every match is determined on the pitch,” Shimanyula said.
Photo|Kakamega Homeboyz Team in Bukhungu Stadium
Homeboyz have recruited 19 new players as they prepare for the new campaign, with Shimanyula expressing confidence that the revamped squad will strengthen the team once the league finally gets underway.