Omondi yet to sign contract with SA club Swallows
Gor Mahia Kevin Omondi celebrates his goal against Western Stima on March 16, 2014 during the Kenya Premier League at City Stadium. Kenyan midfielder Kevin Omondi is yet to officially join Moroka Swallows, the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirmed. PHOTO| CHRIS OMOLLO
What you need to know:
- However, sources close to Omondi, who previously turned out for Nairobi based talent nurturing institution FISA Academy, insist the player is very much part of Swallows’ coach Zeca Marques plans this season
- These two developments have fuelled speculation that the South Africa’s Home Office is slowly enacting new rules that make it difficult for foreign based players getting admission into the league
Kenyan midfielder Kevin Omondi is yet to officially join Moroka Swallows, the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) club has confirmed.
The former Gor Mahia midfielder was widely reported by both the Kenyan and South African media as having penned a two-year deal with Swallows in June, a development that has now been refuted by the club’s hierarchy.
“The boy (Omondi) is here with us (in South Africa) and is being monitored by our technical team alongside other foreign players.
“The moment we receive a go-ahead from the coach we shall sign him,” Swallows general manager Sipho Xulu told Daily Nation Sport on phone from South Africa on Monday
These reports perhaps explain why the Harambee Stars player has yet to competitively feature for the Johannesburg based club in the league, six matches into the competition’s 2014/2015 season.
WORK PERMIT
However, sources close to Omondi, who previously turned out for Nairobi based talent nurturing institution FISA Academy, insist the player is very much part of Swallows’ coach Zeca Marques plans this season; only that his competitive debut in the PSL has been held back by delays in processing for him a work permit.
“Omondi delayed in collecting his certificate of good conduct from the Kenya Police, and this in turn delayed his work permit application process in South Africa,” a Gor Mahia official, who asked not to be named because of the matter's sensitivity, told Daily Nation Sport.
“We however expect him to be cleared soon and are encouraged because (Paul) Were only got cleared two weeks ago,” the source said.
Another Kenyan, Paul Were, started playing competitively in the PSL for his new club Amazulu FC two weeks ago, two months after signing for the team.
These two developments have fuelled speculation that the South Africa’s Home Office is slowly enacting new rules that make it difficult for foreign based players getting admission into the league.
