OTIENO HEADING TO LEOPARDS? Former Gor forward in talks with Ingwe

KPL AT NYAYO .Posta Rangers' Timothy Otieno, left and Omar Mbongi of Ulinzi FC during their Kenya Premier League at Nyayo National Stadium on sunday, April 9, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD.

AFC Leopards are keen on signing Posta Rangers forward Timothy Otieno in the June transfer window.

The club has made an approach to the player, who is on loan from Gor Mahia, as they seek to steady a sinking ship in the second leg of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

Otieno confirmed he has held talks with an AFC Leopards official, but insisted the deal can only go through with the blessing of his parent club, Gor Mahia.

“I met one of the AFC Leopards representatives a few weeks ago and gave them my terms. Furthermore, I made it clear that they have to consult Gor Mahia. If they offer me a good deal, I will join them,” he said.

Otieno was almost forgotten last season when then Gor Mahia coach Frank Nuttall sidelined him after an injury layoff.

His move to Rangers has enabled him rediscover his form and now remains one of the league’s top scorers on four goals. He was also named March player of the year by Kenya sports journalists.

With reports that his former employers Gor Mahia are interested in his services, Otieno insists he is not ready to go back after the treatment he got at the club.

“If the AFC Leopards deal does not work out, then I would prefer to finish my loan stay at Rangers. They have treated me well and provided a conducive environment to perform.

“Towards the end of last year, I was not treated well at Gor Mahia as the then coach Frank Nuttall sidelined me for no apparent reason. So, I don’t have the motivation to go back,” he said.

Elsewhere, SportPesa has reinstated shirt sponsorships for Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards four weeks after it suspended the same over hooliganism.

The betting company at the same time announced a number of measures it believes will help end the vice.

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said they have changed their mind on sponsoring the two clubs after they agreed to develop a security plan that would help end hooliganism.

“We are happy there is commitment from the police and the clubs to end hooliganism. As a result, we have decided to reinstate the shirt sponsorship,” he said.

Among the measures announced include recruitment of stewards by the National Youth Service (NYS) on behalf of the betting company as well as establishment of mobile courts in the stadia.

“There will be non-uniformed officers in stadia to mingle with fans and identify the trouble makers. We are also suggesting that a security meeting be held at least three hours before their matches,” added Karauri.