B. OdhiamboArabe in the dark over Luanda Villa suspension
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 25.10.23. | 11:28
Luanda Villa have not paid players since their promotion to the second tier
Gerishom Arabe has yet to be informed of his suspension from National Super League (NSL)side Luanda Villa, the player has confirmed.
“I am just reading on the social media and other news sites about my potential suspension from the club, I have not received any formal communication that I’m no longer supposed to step at the training ground," he told Mozzart Sport.
"I'm still at home attending to some personal stuff that the club hierarchy is aware off and despite several calls to them no one has bothered getting back and having a word with me," added the former Kisumu All Stars defender.
On Monday, the league newbies suspended their best stopper from last season, terming him an orchestrator of go slows within the dressing room and was banished from the team on gross misconduct, incitement and insubordination; actions that the Executive Committee firmly trust creates bad affection and undesired influence to other members of the dressing room.
To his defense, the highly rated player among his peers, confirmed that troubles started at the club after a contingent of players approached the management inquiring about their delayed allowances that had not be remunerated since their promotion to the second tier.
The petrified player further noted that the playing unit has been struggling to meet their day to day demands, something that he acknowledges to have played a part in the inconsistent results been posted by the once ambitious club.
“It is true the playing unit demanded for their allowances, we have families back at home that need to be fed but going to them daily without anything and they know you are out for them is somehow hurting. The playing unit has not received any incent from them since we got here and after the Kajiado game we were given Ksh. 100 that prompted a bitter reaction from us,” he added
The former Vihiga United versatile player also indicated that in addition to non-payment, the Luanda based club had not issued contract to their players that make it an uphill task for the majority of them to seek redress from the relevant authorities.
“None of the players has a valid contract with the club, we are not given any papers to sign while joining the club, we just get into a verbal agreement and that’s all. In such a case even if your rights are violated you have nothing to hold them accountable for,” he added.
Arabe said that he had turned down offers in the off season transfer window to remain at Mumboha shrine, but now finds himself in murky waters that he regrets his initial decision.
"I turned down three offers to stay here, but I know this is football and people tend to forget easily; however, I'm waiting for them to contact me," he regretted.
The player has however, left the door open for reconciliation as he hints at having unfinished business with the club.
“I am ready for a sit down with the club to try and find a long-lasting solution. I have been here for quite some time and I feel there’s a lot that I can still offer to the club,’ he concluded.
As Arabe was banished from the team for a period of one month, the club National Executive Committee further issued stern warnings to the trio of Samuel Maya, center back Gregory Shikanga and attacker Timothy Ndayala.
