AFC Leopards, Homeboyz tussle over Thiong’o’s signature

The alleged signing of Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder Peter Thiong'o by AFC Leopards continues to be shrouded in controversy  with both sides claiming ownership of the player.

Thiong'o Friday confirmed to Nation Sport that he has signed a two-year  contract with AFC Leopards and will cross over to the den after his current contract with Kakamega Homeboyz ends in October.

In a case reminiscent of how striker Vincent Oburu double signed for both  AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia in 2017, the 20-year-old Thiong'o could not tell whether he signed a contract or a pre-contract with Ingwe.

By the time of going to press, Nation Sport's efforts to get a copy of the contract from the player and his agent didn't bear fruit.

"I have signed a two-year contract and will be joining AFC Leopards after the one I have with Homeboyz has expired. However, I can decide to buy my current contract and  I decide to sign early enough so that I can be tied to Leopards and avoid interest from other teams," said Thiong'o.

If indeed he signed a pre-contract then the idea of buying out his contract raises questions. On the other hand, signing a legally binding contract is against the law and would draw a harsh penalty from Fifa because his current one with Homeboyz is still running.

In 2017, Oburu also then 20, double signed for both Gor and Ingwe but K'Ogalo came to his rescue, withdrawing from the case and allowing him to join Leopards. He has since joined Wazito.

Dirty tricks

AFC Leopards CEO Victor Bwoba fell short of confirming whether they have signed Thiong'o saying the club will soon unveil its new signings.

"I can't say anything but we will issue an update on our new signings. For now you should be patient and wait," said Bwoba.

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula accused AFC Leopards of going behind his back to sign the youngster. Shimanyula has in the recent past engaged in a war of words with Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda over the player.

"You can't sign my player without engaging me and the dirty tricks they are employing won't work. Neither Thiong'o nor his agent has talked to me. He didn't even attend our team meeting last week," said Shimanyula.

"Let Leopards wait for the player's contract to end then sign him but for now I am ready to make him not play football until his contract ends. I have been a loyal employer and if he wants to move he should have engaged me and follow the due process," he underlined.

I'm now a Leopard

However, Thiong'o says he will not return to Homeboyz.

"I want to thank everyone at Homeboyz including the management and technical bench. It was a pleasure playing for them and giving me a platform to shine. However I am now contracted to AFC Leopards and that is where my future belongs," he added.

AFC Leopards coach Anthony Kimani also referred this reporter to the club's management but conceded Thiong'o is a good player who he would love to have in his squad.

Thion'go had been in great form for Homeboyz in the 2019/20 season bagging eight goals before the league was prematurely suspended due to coronavirus pandemic.

The Ol bolossat High School alumnus, who joined Homeboyz in 2018 from St Joseph's, believes he will star for Ingwe and deliver their first KPL title since 1998.