AFC Leopards official in trouble over crowd violence

AFC Leopards Chairman Allan Kasavuli and Organizing Secretary Timothy Lilumbi (L) addresses the press after unveiling the new Coach Hendricks Pieter De Jong to the team at Nyayo National Stadium on Monday [Courtesy]

AFC Leopards Organising Secretary Timothy Lilumbi will face disciplinary action from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) over an attack on match officials last weekend.

The KPL announced yesterday that Lilumbi and some fans were guilty of attacking match officials.

“Following review of the referee’s and match commissioner’s reports on the match between AFC Leopards and Nzoia Sugar, it has been found that Timothy Lilumbi together with some supporters assaulted the match referee and his assistants,” KPL wrote.

“KPL has zero tolerance on assault against match officials and as such has instituted disciplinary proceedings against Lilumbi and AFC Leopards before the disciplinary committee.”

“The case will come up for hearing on Friday, January 11 from 10 am.”

The statement from KPL comes two days after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) condemned the incident and ordered AFC Leopards to identify the fans who attacked the match officials.

This is the second time that Leopards have been caught up in a similar incident. Two weeks ago, their fans also attacked match officials over claims of poor officiating.

The club could be fined or deducted points should they be found guilty.

Meanwhile, winger Victor Ndinya and left back Yusuf Muhammed have signed for Wazito.

Ndinya, who returned from trials with Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy in the USA, will be useful in the flanks for his speed, passing ability and goals, Wazito coach Muhammed Dmchulla said. Ndinya said he hopes his short stint in MLS will help improve his game.

“American soccer is intense and the trials were great. I learned a lot and gained a lot experience from big players”, he said. “I want to score goals create chances and help the team win the league,” Ndinya added.

The signings bring to a close a busy transfer window for the club that was relegated from the KPL last season.

Wazito are second in the National Super League with 14 points.