Mieno signs Sh9.6m deal with Tunisian club

By Gilbert Wandera

Former Sofapaka midfielder Humphrey Mieno has signed a three-year deal with Tunisian side Club Africain.

The deal is worth Sh9.6 million for Sofapaka who have made just their second major sell this year. It comes hardly a month after the club sold off former captain James Situma for an almost similar amount to FK Trinek of Albania.

According to the details of Mieno’s deal, he will be paid Sh2, 125, 000 for the first year, Sh2,550,000 for the second year and Sh3 million for the last  year of  his contract.

Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa confirmed the deal yesterday and said the player will be in Tunisia by this weekend to begin his new contract.

He said they have already received half of the transfer fee and expect the remaining amount within 30 days.

“We are very happy for the player because this is a positive move in terms of his career growth and we can only encourage him to move forward,”

“I’m confident that it is the beginning of a bright future for him and this club,” he said.

Kalekwa said they would still retain a 25% stake in the player.  “We are confident that even before the end of the three years he will have made a move to Europe and the club can get more money,”

“It has been a wonderful year for our club inspired by a good performance in the Confederation Cup,” he said.

Sofapaka were eliminated in the fourth round of the Confederation Cup after going down 4-3 to Club African of Tunisia.

Mieno said he was delighted by the move and hopes to make a mark in North Africa.

“I’m extremely delighted by the move and promise to give my best in Tunisia.  It is a well run club and hope to take my football to the next level,” he said.

He added: “I understand that not many Kenyan footballers have done well in North Africa, but I hope to change that perception and encourage other players to follow suit.”

Mieno added that he eventually hopes to move to Europe after his contract ends in Tunisia.

The former Sofapaka midfielder will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of other local players who have attempted to move to North Africa.

Former Gor Mahia striker Peter Dawo was among the first Kenyans to play in North Africa when he was signed by Egyptian giants Zamalek in 1988.

After him many other Kenyans have moved to North Africa, but have not had much luck.