AFC’s Coast branch tells off club over players’ ban

By Ernest Ndunda

Crisis facing AFC Leopards deepened yesterday after its Coast branch backed the players and dismissed the suspension of coach Nick Yakhama and five players as inconsequential.

Branch officials, led by their chairman Maurice Amahwa, said a group led by Julius Ochiel who purport to be at the helm of the club, have no mandate from members to run the club’s affairs.

"As far as we are concerned, we do not recognise Ochiel’s team and they need to desist from speaking on behalf of the club," said Amahwa.

On Thursday, Ochiel suspended coach Yakhama and players Thomas Biketi, Victor Omondi, Zadock Shaban, Humphrey Oyando and Frankline Obare for alleged insurbornation.

"As Coast branch we support AFC Leopards players who have passed a vote of no confidence in Ochiel team," said Amahwa at the Mbaraki Sports Club.

"We shall only support AFC Leopards if Ochiel and his team are not in office," said Amahwa.