JMJ, Congo denounce take-over report, but are partners

By GILBERT WANDERA AND ERNEST NDUNDA

Nairobi based JMJ Academy have denied reports that they have acquired former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Congo United.

According to JMJ chairman Jean Marie Abeels, the reports are false and should be dismissed.

He explained that they have only entered into a partnership with the club which was struggling financially, which that is legally allowed.

"I want to categorically deny such reports and put the record straight that ours is a partnership only and we have followed all the required procedures in this situations," said Abeels.

Congo United Patron Fadhil Bayusuf also denied the take-over story and confirmed Abeels clarification that they only entered into a partnership "under a mutual agreement that JMJ would be their sponsors".

Abeels said the Academy cannot get involved in an illegality, considering that they have contributed to the promotion and development of Kenyan football.

Players salaries

"Our agreement states that we will take over all the costs of running the team and pay players’ salaries and allowances with the team still retaining its Mombasa base."

"Some players from Congo United are already with us here and have begun training with the rest of our squad," he added.

He was responding to a statement by FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya dismissing the alleged sale of Congo United.

Nyamweya said on Monday that they will not allow the club to take part in the division one league if indeed the sale has taken place as the slot is reserved for a Mombasa based side.

FKF Nec member Hussein Terry and Mombasa sub-branch Chairman Hassan Tito said the Congo United slot in Division One was reserved for a team from Mombasa.

Bayusuf said JMJ Academy has fully sponsored Congo United to meet its obligations.

He said Congo United would participate in Division One league with the aim of bouncing back to the top-flight league next season.

The National league kicks off this month.