By Gilbert Wandera
Mathare United put a restrictive clause when former striker Joseph Nyagah left the club to join Rangers.
Under the clause, the striker is not allowed to play against his former club in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).
Last Sunday, Nyagah was withdrawn from the squad at the last minute within hours of the two team’s clash at Nyayo National Stadium, which ended in a barren draw.
But Rangers assistant Michael Naam who was unaware of the arrangement said it messed up his game plan and it was the cause of the result.
"It was frustrating having to remove him from the team when all week long he was in our plans for the team. This just put us off from the game," admitted Naam.
He said no one really told him about the agreement and he only learnt of it a few hours before the two teams took to the pitch and fought out a barren draw.
"I have never heard of such an agreement anywhere in the world and perhaps KPL should look into it," he said.
Rangers General Manager Yobes Ongeri said he was not aware of any agreement that Nyagah cannot play against his former club but admitted that they owe United Sh25,000 transfer fee.
"All I know is that we owe them some money and we are making arrangements to pay before the end of the month. This should not, however, affect his ability to turn out for us against his former club and I am also surprised that it came up before Sunday’s tie,"
"Maybe the former officials of the club can shed more light on the matter. The information I have is that Nyagah left United after the club failed to pay him his salary for several months bringing to an end whatever agreement they had," he said.
The same arrangement also affects former Mathare United veteran goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng who is on loan at Tusker having joined the Ruaraka side at the end of last year.
Mathare United Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sam Mwai admitted that they have indeed signed an agreement with the two clubs barring the two former players from playing against them.
"Yes, I can confirm the same and we will have the option of either selling or returning them back when the loan move is over," he said.
KPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jack Oguda said he was aware of the agreement between the two clubs.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join