AFC Leopards unveil players: Joseph Shikokoti defends his Sh700,000 transfer fee to leopards

By GILBERT WANDERA

AFC Leopards’ new signings from left  Austin Emeka, Jacob Keli, Wycliffe Kasaya, Khalid Jumaan, Joseph Shikokoti, Titus Wamalwa, James Situma and Musa Mudde when they were unveiled by the club in Nairobi, yesterday.  [PHOTO: DENIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

When he joined AFC Leopards three weeks ago, former Tusker defender Joseph Shikokoti was criticised for having been too expensive.

The club’s fans were astonished at the Sh700,000 paid for his transfer to Leopards, but the player has moved to defend the amount.

Speaking when he was unveiled alongside other new signings yesterday, Shikokoti explained that the high amount paid for his services was necessary as he still had a one and a half year contract remaining at Tusker.

“What most fans do not understand is the fact that I still had a long contract running with Tusker and so Leopards had to pay for me to be released from it,”  he explained.

Shikokoti further said his decision to join Leopards was due to the desire for new challenge and at the GOtv shield champions he believes he has it.

“Joining Leopards is a big challenge for me and this is what I was looking for. I had nothing much to do at Tusker  because I had already won the league with them and so there was no more challenge. I was looking for a new ambition and I have it here,” he added.

Shikokoti, however, warned the fans not to expect miracles from the new signings but promised that they will do their best to win titles.

“What I can promise them (fans) is that we will deliver but they should not expect any miracle. The results will take hard work and time to come,” he added.

Jacob Keli, another major signing by the club, said he expects a tougher league this season.

“Last year it was very tough competing in the KPL and we expect it will even be tougher. With a number of new players coming on board, we will need some time to understand each other but once that happens, our fans should expect good results,” he said.

Keli is joining the club from KCB and after a successful season during which he won the golden boot and was also voted the best player.

AFC Leopards chairman Allan Kasavuli said they are satisfied with the new signings but are still open to bringing on board any good player if they come across with days before the transfer window closes.

“We are not done yet and if we see a good player, we will not hesitate to bring them on board. Our door is still open,” he said.

Coach James Nandwa defended his signings and expressed confidence that they will deliver.

“There has been doubts about our signings but the fact is the players are the best and I believe they will deliver. They have the experience to help us do well this season,” he said.

Other new signings at Leopards are Titus Wamalwa, Mussa Mudde, Wycliff  Kasaya and James Situma.

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