Kenya Premier League Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jack Oguda, has stated clearly that Gor Mahia new catch Baron Oketch was duly signed and hence was eligible to earn his maiden appearance for K’Ogalo on Sunday against Tusker FC in the Top 8 Tournament.
“Baron was signed by Gor Mahia and we (KPL) received all the documentation required; the same was forwarded to FKF. KPL is part of the federation (FKF) and since Baron was registered with us even when he was at Stima, he was eligible to play for his new club (Gor Mahia).” Jack told Soka25east.com this evening.
The sentiments were echoed by Gor Mahia acting Secretary General Ronald Ngala; “We don’t know what Tusker wants from us. FKF is yet to develop a new rule book for players registration, and they communicated the same that players currently registered by KPL will maintain their status until the end of 2016 when the federation will give them new numbers. If we played the Brazillian (Thiago Silva) then they would have had a case against since the player is not registered locally.”
The Brewers in a letter to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Monday, through their CEO Charles Obiny, sought Gor’s disqualification from the tournament which they lost 2-0 in the semi final first leg citing Baron’s ineligibility since he had not been registered by the federation.
But they were referred back to KPL’s Independent Disciplinary Committee (IDCC) by FKF who stated that they are not the organizers of the tournament.
KPL have since communicated back to Tusker in a letter, clarifying the matter.
Baron Oketch signed a two year deal with the Kenyan Champions from Westen Stima in the June mini transfer window.
Second leg of the match will be played on Sunday 19 at Nyayo, with the aggregate winner to face the winner between Ulinzi Stars and Muhoroni Youth who drew nil nil in their first round clash.
