Odindo Ayieko
22 June 2011
Nairobi — Western Stima plan a warm send-off for their striker Francis Chinjili on Saturday in the final of the Kenyan Premier League Top 8 at Nyayo National Stadium against Ulinzi Stars.
Stima arrive in Nairobi by air on Thursday morning from Kakamega, a welcome departure from the laborious road trips.
Chinjili, who has already signed for AFC Leopards, has been instrumental in Stima’s charge to the final of the competition whose winner pockets Sh1 million.
However, while Chinjili has expressed his desire to play this final game for Stima before officially donning the stripped blue of Ingwe, the two clubs will have to discuss on Thursday before he is allowed on the pitch.
“We had an agreement with the player that he plays for us in this final game. We are in talks with him but I think there is a slight confusion with his new club which we will sort out once we arrive in Nairobi,” said Stima chairman Laban Jobita.
The player has stated that he wants to sign off on a high and will be available for Stima if both clubs agree.
“Technically, I have moved to AFC Leopards, but Stima wanted me to complete all these remaining matches before I settle down with Leopards in the second leg of the KPL,” he said.
“Stima has been my home and has offered me an opportunity to resuscitate my career after a torrid year at Sofapaka. I would love to pay back by helping them win this competition.”
Stima eliminated Tusker FC and Sofapaka to reach the finals while Ulinzi beat Karuturi Sports before a boardroom decision saw them make the finals after their match with Gor Mahia ended in chaos.
The Kakamega side will be without defender Robert Kwaye and utility player Kevin Oluoch for this fixture.
KPL champions Ulinzi have meanwhile been in town since Monday, shaping up for the game at Jamhuri Boys High School.
The soldiers will however be without two of their key players who have helped them reach this level.
Striker Mike Baraza, who scored in the game against Gor and also against Karuturi, has since joined Leopards alongside left-back Collins Kisuya.
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