AFC Leopards: Duncan Otieno Is Our Player

Kenyan Premier League giants AFC Leopards know nothing about the reported departure of defensive midfielder Duncan Otieno.

The 26-year-old signed a two-year contract just two weeks ago and the club says that it has a binding factor between the two parties.

Otieno was on Saturday reported to have joined Zambia Super League side Lusaka Dynamos but Ingwe has now come out to confirm that the Kenya international has a running contract with them.

“With a view to reinforcing our team, we procedurally contracted Duncan Otieno to once again play for us upon expiry of his contract with Nkana FC of Zambia that ended on 31st October 2020. The player was glad to rejoin us and hence signed up to be in “The Den” for the next two years beginning with the forthcoming 2020-2021 season,” reads part of the club statement.

“Correspondingly, all processes required and documentation was done in the TMS to firm up this agreement. However, the player was unsettled by the agent who notified him of another offer and opted to pursue it despite having already entered into a contract with the club.

“Later, according to unsettling media reports, it emerged that the player and his agent have signed with Lusaka Dynamos. This step is not procedural as we have had no contact with the Zambian club concerning their desire to sign the player. If indeed this is the case, then Lusaka Dynamos and the player are in breach of FIFA transfer rules and hence should be ready for the consequences.

“Accordingly, the National Executive Committee has deliberated to have appropriate lawful action initiated to settle this situation by moving to report the matter to FIFA for player tapping and double signing.”

Otieno returned to Ingwe after the end of his two-year-contract at Nkana where he failed to renew his contract due to the financial situation at the club.

Leopards, who aiming for an improved performance in the new season, will start their campaign on November 20 at home against Western Stima.