Ole Magelo returns as Leopards Chairman
Football
By
GILBERT WANDERA
| May 25, 2012
By GILBERT WANDERA
Alex ole Magelo is back as AFC Leopards chairman after a court in Nairobi threw out an order barring him from running the club.
Judge Joyce Khaminwa threw out a case presented by Sammy Aina on Wednesday for lack of merit.
The ruling will bring to an end a long-standing battle to control the club, whose effect was overflowing to the playing unit affecting the team’s performance in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL)
Aina, who claims to have been elected as Leopards chairman early this year, had moved to court barring Magelo and his group from running the club.
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Reacting on the ruling, Magelo said yesterday that justice has been done and immediately reaffirmed that genuine elections of the club will be held on June 17 as earlier planned.
“I always knew that I was right. I’m delighted that the court has proved me so. I want to urge all fans to rally behind my office so that we can take this great club to greater heights,” he said.
Magelo said he will use remaining time, before the elections, to complete members registration and prepare a legitimate voters register.
“I welcome everyone who has the club’s interests at heart to come and offer themselves for election,” he said.
Seek new term
Magelo will defend his seat and expressed optimism that he will be re-elected for another term. AFC Leopards officials serve for only one-year term. The official said he will make efforts to ensure the club signs well during this transfer window to ensure that they win the league at the end of this season.
“The wrangles have really cost us and that is why some of our key players are leaving. I’m determined to bring it to an end and ensure we sign properly so that we can continue with our quest to win the league,” he added.
Among those who have had enough at the club include midfielder Salim Kinje, who has left to join Tanzanian champions Simba.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF), two weeks ago, appointed a six-man management team to run the club until leadership wrangles end and elections are held. The ruling means the management team service is suspended. AFC Leopards finished KPL first leg in third position with 28 points after dominating from the start.