Dropped Wazito players demand compensation
Wazito forward Augustine Otu celebrates after scoring during their Kenyan Premier League match against Zoo at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on March 1, 2020. He was one of the 12 players dropped by Wazito on June 06, 2020.
What you need to know:
- Local players who were axed include former Tusker winger Victor Ndinya, Teddy Osok, former Sony Sugar striker Derrick Otanga, goalkeepers Steven Njung’e and Kevin Omondi
- Badoer took to Twitter to weigh in on the latest purge revealing that the axed players were signed behind his back and were not committed to the club
- CEO Dennis Gicheru was non-committal on when they would pay the axed players their dues
A section of Wazito players who were released on Monday are now demanding to be paid the remainder of their contracts.
On Monday, the Kenyan Premier League side owned by tycoon Ricardo Badoer axed 12 players, both foreign and local citing harsh economic times occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the dropped players who spoke to Nation Sport on condition of anonymity said their contracts were terminated without notice as required by labour laws.
In addition, release letters issued by the club did not explain how they would be paid their dues after the unprocedural dismissal.
Local players who were axed include former Tusker winger Victor Ndinya, Teddy Osok, former Sony Sugar striker Derrick Otanga, goalkeepers Steven Njung’e and Kevin Omondi.
Foreigners Augustine Otu (Liberia), Piscas Kirenge (DR Congo), Issifou Bourahana (Togo) and Paul Acquah (Ghana) were also shown the door.
"I received a call from one of the club officials and when I went to the office, I was handed a termination letter. Nobody was talking to me when I tried to enquire about payments. It was a sad experience," said one player who didn't see the axe coming their way.
"Ricardo recently told us he wouldn't reduce his workforce or implement salary cuts because he cares for our families. Now we are faced with hard times, there is no football and we are not sure when we will be paid," he added.
Badoer took to Twitter to weigh in on the latest purge revealing that the axed players were signed behind his back and were not committed to the club.
"Today Wazito cleaning continues. Kicking out players that were recruited without my approval. All they did was to lose games without my approval. I wish them the best on the streets where they belong. They lacked self respect for the game," tweeted Badoer.
CEO Dennis Gicheru was non-committal on when they would pay the axed players their dues.
"The owner of the club is on the issue and each and every player will be called. I can't say more but we shall reach a mutual agreement with them on how to sort out the issue," said Gicheru.
Wazito Monday parted ways with British coach Stewart Hall on mutual consent.
