Former Kenyan international Boniface Ambani has expressed his disapproval of Gor Mahia players who have demanded a share of the prize money awarded to the club by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for winning the league. The players initiated a go-slow last week, insisting on a share of the Ksh 5 million prize money, which escalated on Monday morning when they refused to train. This action led Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier to dismiss those unwilling to train, leaving only a few new players and some from last season to continue their training at the gym.
The players have further threatened not to travel to Nigeria for the inaugural Coal City International Cup starting Thursday if their demands are not met. Amid this growing tension, Ambani has criticized the players for their demands, emphasizing that prize money is not included in their contracts.
“Let me educate these players. I was once a player, and I understood my contract very well. I never bothered with the club’s prize money. Why?” Ambani posted on social media. He explained that clubs have various financial obligations and not all funds need to go to the players. Ambani, who played for Oserian Fastac, Tusker FC, and AFC Leopards, elaborated that a club hires players and pays them a monthly salary, which is rightfully included in their contract.
“The club pays you win bonuses and draw bonuses throughout the season, and it’s in your contract. The club pays for your travel and accommodation expenses throughout the season. The club pays for your medical expenses anytime you get sick or injured, and it’s stipulated in your contract. And so on,” he continued.
Ambani advised the players to negotiate for prize money clauses in their contracts if they want a share of the winnings. “The only thing you need to do is ask the club to include in your contract what you will earn if the club wins the league or finishes in second or third place. If that is not stipulated in your contract, forget about the club’s end-of-season earnings. That’s how they recover their expenses on the players and the team throughout the year. It’s as simple as that,” he concluded.
A club source also criticized the players for their demands, calling them unreasonable. “We do not understand where this notion that players have to get a share of the prize money comes from. This is the club’s revenue. Their salaries and allowances are up-to-date, and we don’t know why they would want to get every penny that comes to the club. We have other expenses to pay for, and for us, this is a case of gross misconduct and insubordination. If they do not resume duty, there will be consequences,” the source stated.
This strike comes just over a fortnight before the club’s CAF Champions League debut. They are set to play Al Merreikh Juba FC on August 16th in the first leg of the CAF CL preliminary round. The timing of the strike is critical, as the team’s preparation for the Champions League is at risk, potentially affecting their performance in the continental competition.
Ambani’s comments have sparked a debate on social media, with some agreeing with his stance, arguing that players should adhere to their contracts and understand the financial dynamics of running a football club. Others, however, feel that the players have a right to demand a share of the prize money, given their contribution to the club’s success on the pitch.
The situation highlights a broader issue within football clubs regarding the distribution of funds and the importance of clear communication and contract agreements between players and management. The need for transparency in financial dealings and mutual respect is crucial to maintaining harmony within the club.
For Gor Mahia, the immediate focus must be on resolving this dispute to ensure the team is in the best possible shape for their upcoming fixtures. The management will need to address the players’ grievances while also ensuring the club’s financial stability is not compromised. Finding a middle ground where the players feel valued and fairly compensated, without jeopardizing the club’s financial health, will be key to moving forward.
The players, on the other hand, need to consider the long-term implications of their actions. While their demands might be justified, the manner in which they are made and the timing can have significant repercussions on their careers and the club’s future. Open dialogue and negotiations, rather than strikes and refusals to train, could lead to a more amicable resolution.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Gor Mahia will navigate this challenge. The club’s leadership will be tested, and their handling of this dispute will likely set a precedent for future player-management relations. For the fans, the hope is that a resolution is found quickly, allowing the team to focus on their upcoming CAF Champions League campaign and continue building on their recent successes.
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