Gor unhappy as KPL fails to clear Imbem and Mbugua

 

Gor Mahia are upset with the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) for barring them from signing two players ahead of the second leg, which kicked off last weekend.

Gor could not field former Tusker forward Itubu Imbem (pictured) and Osca Mbugua formerly of Nairobi City Stars against Western Stima on Saturday after failing to get clearance from the league company in time for the restart of the league.

Club secretary George Bwana said the action by KPL was unfair and unwarranted.

“We did everything as per the rules and are shocked that KPL has declined to approve our signings as it ought to be,” said Bwana.

Bwana dismissed reasons given by the company that one of the players Mbugua has a running contract while Imbem lucks a work permit.

“We have evidence that Mbugua is no longer a City Stars player after we paid his club a transfer fee while Imbem got his permit two years ago and we have been informed by the Immigration department that it is still valid and can be used,” said Bwana. 

KPL rules

Bwana sees KPL’s action as sabotage and said the club is considering other options on dealing with the matter.

But KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda insisted that the club must get a new work permit for Imbem if they want to use him during the league’s second leg.

“Our rules are very clear. Any club that acquires a foreign player must get a work permit for them even if they did have one with another club and this is what Gor ought to do if they want to use the player,” said Oguda.

Oguda also said that Gor couldn’t be allowed to sign Mbugua because they have already signed the maximum number of players required during this transfer window.