Chikati double signs for Leopards and Homeboyz

Kariobangi Sharks Francis Manoa (left) and Moses Chikati of Kakamega Homeboyz FC during KPL match at Camp Toyoyo on Saturday April 21, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Defender Moses Chikati could be banned for double signing after both AFC Leopards and Kakamega Homeboyz registered him as their player.

Leopards have vowed to sue the player for allegedly accepting a Sh200,000 signing fee only to extend his contract with the Kakamega-based side.

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Mulee said they signed the player one month ago after he informed them his contract with Homeboyz was coming to an end at the end of December last year.

“We were by law allowed to talk to him as he had less than six months remaining on his contract and he accepted money from us and signed a contract that was to commence at the beginning of this year.

“Later, we got information that he has extended his stay at Kakamege Homeboyz even after accepting our money.

“This is unacceptable and we will report the matter to the police since it is a criminal offence.

“We have also lodged the case at Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

“It is a clear case of double signing and we will not let it go. These cases have become too many and it is time FKF took action to protect clubs.”

But Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula accused Leopards of not following laid down regulations in signing players.

Shimanyula, who claimed the player’s contract expires in 2022 said they are considering reporting Leopards to Fifa for player tapping.

“The Sh200,000 they gave Shikati was a Christmas gift. As an established club, Leopards should be aware that before you sign any player from another club, you must talk to their current employer to find out if they are available.

“They never did that. No one called me. They went behind our backs and offered him a contract yet his current one runs until 2022.

“It serves them right and we are pursuing our right to report them to Fifa for tapping,” he said. Shimanyula complained that the big clubs in SPL have the habit of trying to lure players from other clubs without following the laid down procedures.

Leopards made five additions to their squad at the end of the transfer period on Friday.

The additions are Isaac Kipyegon formerly of Zoo Kericho, Rwandan Eric Ndayishimiye, Yeka Tatuye (Alliance, Tanzania), Lawrence Luvanda who was unattached and Marcel Kaheza formerly of Simba.

Overall, there has been minimal activity in the transfer window with most clubs opting to renew contracts of existing players.

Rangers made the biggest number of signings after acquiring 17 players.

The biggest signing is that of Dennis Oliech by Gor Mahia who are reported to have forked out Sh3.5million to sign him in a two-year deal.