AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda has emphasized the importance of signing foreign players by FKF Premier League clubs.
The club has recently signed foreigners. Despite parting ways with Rwandese International Arthur Gitego in the mid-season transfer window, Shikanda believes getting players from other countries improves the league’s standards.
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“It’s not a must for AFC Leopards to buy foreign players, but it’s important because we are a big club and trying to set standards,” Shikanda told Radio 47. “If we can sign two or three quality foreign players, it is beneficial for the team.”
He cited record champions Gor Mahia as an example, recalling how they turned their fortunes around by signing top talents from Uganda.
“Take a look at Gor Mahia when they had not won the league for some time. They went for big names from Uganda, like Walusimbi and Khalid Aucho, and they started winning again,” he said.
However, the FKF Nairobi Region NEC member was quick to clarify that the 1998 league champions already had talented players within their ranks.
“I’m not saying that we don’t have quality players, we do. But to compete at the highest level, you must have players who can drive the team forward,” he added.
His remarks come at a time when AFC Leopards has strengthened its squad by signing Ugandan Goalkeeper James Setuba from Kakamega Homeboyz and Fredrick Alushula from Kariobangi Sharks in the mid-season transfer window.
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