FOOTBALL AFC Leopards midfielder Clifton Miheso's message to fans after winning bonus saga

Ingwe midfielder Miheso has spoken out after a bonus dispute that saw players boycotting training on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

AFC Leopards wing wizard Clifton Miheso has come forward with a reassuring message for the club's supporters following a tumultuous week marred by a training boycott over delayed payment issues. 

Ingwe recently resumed their preparations for the upcoming FKF Premier League match against Nzoia Sugar, scheduled for Sunday 3 March, at the Nyayo National Stadium, which will follow days after their domestic cup victory against PAC University.

AFC Leopards had halted their training sessions last week, citing grievances over unpaid winning bonuses.

However, with the squad back in training, Miheso expressed optimism about the team's prospects and their determination to improve their standings in the league.

"Being number eight in the standings currently is not good for AFC Leopards. When we started the league, we had many new players and a new coach, Tom Juma, and we needed time to gel.

"It was a hard start for us, but until now, we have gelled. Along the way, we got a new coach, Tomas Trucha, and from the matches that we have played, we have been improving each game," Miheso stated on KTN television."

Despite securing a goalless draw against a formidable Kakamega Homeboyz in their last outing, Miheso acknowledged the challenge of catching up with league leaders Gor Mahia but remained focused on achieving a respectable finish. 

"We are trying to finish in the top three, but you never know; something can happen to the top team, and we might find ourselves sneaking in, but we want to finish in a respectable position," he added.

The midfielder's comments come in the wake of reports that the players had received allowances of Ksh20,000 each, despite winning five of their last six league matches.

 The delayed payments had led to a refusal to train on Wednesday 21 February 21 even after a meeting with the club's chairman, Dan Shikanda. 

It is noted that Leopards' players are each paid between Ksh5,000 and Ksh10,000 per win as a bonus.

Despite the financial challenges, AFC Leopards relies on sponsorship from Betika, estimated at Ksh65 million a season, along with gate takings, merchandise sales, membership fees, and donations from well-wishers, to fund its operations.

 Currently, Leopards are placed eighth in the 18-team league standings, with 31 points from 22 matches, trailing the table-toppers and arch-rivals Gor Mahia by 16 points.

"Our next match is against Nzoia Sugar, and we will fight to get the win and continue our journey to rise in the table," Miheso concluded.

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