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Kisumu All-Stars in a fix as county government ends partnership

The move will have a damaging effect against a team that already is suffering from funds limitation

The County Government of Kisumu has officially ended its support for Football Kenya Federation (FKF)-National Super League side Kisumu All-Stars FC effective immediately sending panic to the supporters.

A memo seen by Informer Media stated that the closure of the partnership was due to challenges with finances. The move will have a damaging effect against a team that already is suffering from funds limitation.

Otenga, as the lakeside team is popularly known by its fans, learnt of the development on Thursday vide a letter to Club CEO Benjamin Basole informing them of the huge decision. The issue caught the playing unit and officials’ off-guard with no immediate solution in sight. The contract between the club and the county government reportedly ended December last year but negotiations were ongoing for renewal.

“This is to bring to your attention the County Executive Committee’s decision on the non-renewal of the contract of the Kisumu All-Stars FC and the subsequent cessation of any other funding from the County Government of Kisumu. You are therefore requested to communicate the same to players and the technical bench in due time,” the letter read in part.

The concerns by the County, stems from the fact that a lot of money was being used to run the club with limited or no returns. All-Stars with 37 employees in total, were two seasons ago in the top tier league but has been plagued by financial difficulties for a lengthy period now. Basole expressed disappointment with the decision.

“We have people who have been reliant on this club. Since its inception, the team has nurtured raw talent, with some players now competing in top-tier leagues,” he stated.

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“We need time to transit and naturally the guys are shocked with the decision. Now it is back to the drawing board. It has been tough times and now it is likely to get worse,” he added pointing out that on several occasions he had funded the team operations out of pocket.

Team Coach Charles Bruno has called on the fan base and playing unit to stay calm. “First and foremost, we are alive, and we should be grateful for that. My phone has been buzzing non-stop, and I understand why, but I want to emphasize that this is not a sad day. Everyone associated with this amazing club—our players, my technical team, our fans, and even our immediate family and friends—should not be sad,” he posted in his Facebook page.

 

 

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