The hanging cloud over Kenya’s Harambee Stars participation in the return leg of the second round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier away to Cape Verde on Tuesday 17 finally cleared in a dramatic fashion this afternoon.

Stars who have been camping at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani ahead of Monday morning departure to Praia, refused to board the charted plane for the 24 hours long flight to the capital of Cape Verde unless all their outstanding allowances dating back to October when they played Mauritius in the preliminaries are cleared to the last coin.

And they meant it word for word, as all players stood in one voice to demand for their rights with the clarion call being, “no money no trip”.

Kenya were 1-0 victors over the Islanders in the first leg of the tie played on Friday 13 in Nairobi and for their wonderful effort against one of the best teams in Africa in terms of World ranking, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the government promised to pay all monies owed to them including air tickets refund for the foreign based pros before they depart for Praia.

True to their word, the federation through the Secretary General Michael Esakwa brought the money but not in full. According to the players, they were to be paid the usual allowance of Kshs 5000 per day for the thirteen days but Mr Esakwa brought Kshs 2000 less of the daily earnings and for three days less.

The other pertinent issue was the non payment of 20 players who didn’t make the cut for the trip but were part of the initial camp; the traveling party stood in solidarity with them, arguing that from past experiences where dropped players are let go without their dues being paid, they could not take the FA’s word on paying them a day later.

The development irked the players and after sensing being shortchanged they vowed not to accept anything less than the full amount or else they boycott the flight, and they never caved in to demands for “patriotism”.

After several phones calls involving the officials present and their bosses the total sum was finally availed and paid and the players left for Wilson Airport for their chartered plane for the away duty.

Traveling Party:

The team of twenty is missing Gor Mahia’s Musa Mohammed, the defender reported to the team’s last training at Kasarani and told coach Bobby Williamson that he was having a fever and he had to be dropped. Musa left camp and was not available this morning during the stormy meeting.

Al Khartoum’s Akumu Antony who was a stand out in the midfield during the home win was also omitted, the lanky midfielder has accumulated two yellow cards and hence not illegible for the reverse tie while striker Allan Wanga of Azam FC was excused to go attend a family matter.

The three together with Posta Rangers’ goal keeper Ian Otieno and Ulinzi’s Brian Birgen will join the team on Wednesday before they leave for CECAFA Senior Challenge to be held in Ethiopia from Saturday 21.

Bandari United defender Abdulatiff Mohammed who was a sure start ahead of Omar Mbongi in the left full back position in the first leg game has been dropped entirely from the team; the player unexpectedly told the technical bench a day to the match that he was having an injury.

Kenya XX:

Keepers: Bonface Oluoch and David Okello

Defenders: Omar Bongi,Harun Shakava,David Ochieng,David Owino,Edwin Wafula

Wingers: Kevin Amwayi,Clifton Miheso,Ali Abondo, Kevin Kimani

Midfielders: Victor Wanyama,Stephen Wakanya,Johana Omolo,Eric Johana, Collins Okoth,

Strikers: Michael Olunga,Jacob Keli, Christian Bwamy,Jesse Were.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com