Ruthless purge as Ushuru FC axe 20 players

Joseph Saasia

National Super League side Ushuru FC have instituted a ruthless purge in its restructuring exercise sacking 20 players ahead of the 2020/2021 season, Citizen Digital can authoritatively report.

The Taxmen have struggled to get back to the country’s top tier since they were relegated in 2016 after they finished at position 16 with 26 points from 30 matches.

Some of the players affected include Edwin Mwaura, Bonface Barasa, John Ndirangu, Bonface Makhacha amongst others.

“We regret to inform you that we will be ending your term of employment with us as from July 1, 2020,” read the letter, sent to one of the affected players and which Citizen Digital has accessed.

The letter is dated May 29 and signed by club’s acting CEO Stephen Mathenge.

“Please consider the aforementioned date as your last day of work. This is done in compliance with the minimum notice period required by your contract,”the letter read in part.

The released players will be served with the clearance letter once they are cleared with the club and be allowed to join any team of their choice as free agents.

“You are required to return any of the company’s material, documents or equipment to which you had access during the period of your contract,” the statement added.

“You should be issued with a release letter upon returning all effects and cleared by the club’s technical bench. As with all employees, you are bound by our confidentiality and data protection policies.

“You are entitled to be paid salary for the month of June in accordance with the terms of your contract. You are free to enter into contractual negotiations with other interested football clubs or parties within this notice.

“We would like to thank you for your contribution and wish you all the best for the future.” the statement went on.

It is not clear how many players the tax collectors will bring on board for next season.

The current campaign was halted by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on April 30 and Nairobi City Stars were promoted to the Kenyan Premier League alongside Thika based outfit Bidco United.

Vihiga United finished third and will play Kisumu All Stars in the relegation/promotion play offs.

However the Sports Tribunal (SDT) is expected to make a ruling after the managers of the top tier KPL insisted they have exclusive rights to make decisions affecting the top league, accusing FKF of crossing the red line.