By BEN AHENDA
AFC Leopards have identified a 10-acre piece of land in Nairobi in which they plan to build a clubhouse, a training ground and residential houses for all their players, secretary general George Aladwa said over the weekend.
Aladwa said they are in the process of transforming and professionalising the team to match some of the topsides in the English Premier League (EPL) sides like Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea, which all have these facilities.
In order to operationalise their work, he said they have already secured an office in Upper Hill.
The former Nairobi mayor added it has become expensive to run a big club like AFC Leopards while hiring every facility in the course of its assignments.
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“We have to set a precedent in the Kenyan football history where our clubs also own assets and can even rent others to make profits for their own sustainability,” he advised.
Without revealing details of the whole programme, Aladwa welcomed more sponsors to support AFC Leopards development agenda and assured their fans that they are still in pursuit of the premiership title.
He revealed that their current sponsors Mumias Sugar Limited have agreed to revise the sponsorship from the current Sh20 million per annum upwards.
On the possibilities of releasing defender Peter Opiyo who sneaked out of the country for professional trials, he said he is still a bonafide player and will not be leaving any time soon.
“Opiyo is still a bonafide player and has another year to clear with us before we start talking about selling him. He will not be released any time soon,” he told reporters at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on saturday during their GOtv pre-quarter-final Cup match against Chemelil Sugar which they won by a solitary goal.
He said the acquisition of Harambee Stars deputy coach James Nandwa was a strategy to retain and maintain the club’s winning momentum, which worked when they broke the ten-year-old jinx of losses to Millers.
Nandwa replaced Belgian Luc Eymael who was sacked last week following a 3-1 defeat against the same side (Chemelil Sugar) in a KPL match at Mumias Sports Complex.
“What is crucial to us is for a handsomely paid professional coach to deliver results. If he cannot, then we better have another one who can meet our expectations,” he went on.
Aladwa said players would always be motivated by being awarded prize money whenever they win matches.
After their 1-0 weekend victory against Chemelil Sugar at Afraha Stadium, the team received Sh300,000.
“This is to make them happy and stable before they receive their salaries,” he noted.
The lone goal was scored by Charles Okwemba.
