Kalekwa promises to pay former players before the season ends

Having missed on the opportunity to acquire new arsenals in the mid-season transfer window owing to the ban imposed by FIFA , Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa has vowed to roll up his sleeves and clear with his former players.

Sofapaka were blocked from signing and registering new players in December last year after Zurich found them guilty of firing Ghanaian midfielder Jedinak Nana who rushed to the global body in search for justice.

The player who joined the club in January 2020 on a two-year contract and was released a season later is claiming Ksh.1.3 million which is equivalent to the value of his annual contract and Ksh113 000 in legal costs from the club.

Apart from the Ghanaian player, FIFA tightened the rope on the club after failing to clear with Burundian centre back Moussa Omar within the timelines given by Zurich. Omar is claiming 6900 USD which translates to Ksh 783,840 on current exchange rates.

Additionally, the club is staring at yet another ruling against them from FIFA after Togolese goalkeeper Moubarak Aigba reported them for delayed salary remittance. 

Despite the admitted limited finances, Kalekwa revealed his plan of clearing with the three players and get off FIFA's red list before the next window.

"The challenge has been lack of finances but we intend to pay our former players their dues so that we can be free to sign new players next time. I laud the current players and the members of the technical bench for the work they have done thus far in the season, " he said.

Kalekwa vows to get Sofapaka off FIFA's red list

Meanwhile, the Congolese businessman hinted of strengthening the club's junior team in a bid to give more talented and young footballers the opportunity to showcase their talents.

The club has in the past promoted outstanding players from the junior team and should status quo remain in as far as the transfer ban is concerned, the club is likely to promote more rookies to the senior team.