FKFPL top scorer in stand off with Ulinzi amid interest from Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards

Ulinzi Stars head coach Stephen Ochola was forced to explain the surprise absence of his leading striker, Paul Okoth, after the Soldiers were held to a one-all draw by Nairobi United last Sunday.

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Okoth, who tops the FKF Premier League scoring charts with nine goals, was not included in the matchday squad, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

Addressing the issue after the match, Ochola attributed the forward’s absence to illness, saying the striker had fallen unwell during the Christmas break and the club did not want to risk his health.

“He has been unwell, and we did not want to take any chances. He has been recovering since the festive break, but we have other players who can step in,” Ochola said.

However, that explanation has now been cast into doubt.

Mozzart Sport has since learned that Okoth was not ill and was, in fact, present at the stadium, watching the match from the stands as his teammates battled to secure a point.

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Sources at the club indicate that the real reason behind his omission is an ongoing standoff over his future.

The striker is understood to be pushing for a move away during the January transfer window, a request the club’s management and technical bench are reluctant to grant due to his importance to the team.

“Paul is not unwell. He wants to leave the club, but the management wants to keep him at all costs.

They even offered him a contract extension since his current deal expires at the end of the season, but he declined because he has already decided to continue his career elsewhere,” a player at the club told Mozzart Sport.

Several FKF Premier League heavyweights, including AFC Leopards, Kenya Police FC, Gor Mahia and KCB FC, are reportedly monitoring the striker’s situation closely.

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Okoth has enjoyed an impressive campaign since joining Ulinzi Stars, finally finding consistency at the top level after previous spells with Kariobangi Sharks and Sofapaka.

It now remains to be seen whether the military outfit will soften its stance and allow the in-demand forward to leave this month, or stand firm and let him see out his contract before departing as a free agent at the end of the season.