Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Henry Kitegenyi (white) is among the suspended players at Mbarara City
Search
The chances of Mbarara City FC surviving relegation from the Uganda Premier League this season have declined after a fresh strike over unpaid salaries hit the Ankole Lions. The mayhem came on the eve of their league game against Lugazi FC at Rwamwanja Stadium on Saturday, where only 11 players travelled to Kamwenge for the game, which ended goalless. Following the incident, the club management decided to impose an indefinite suspension on four players, thought to have led the strike.
They are Henry Kitegenyi, Ibrahim Thembo, Innocent Wafula and Fahad Emuran, for their alleged involvement.
“The four players have been given indefinite suspension due to their behaviour, which is deemed unprofessional and inconsistent with the values of the club. Their actions have compromised the integrity of the team and brought the club’s reputation into question, which we take very seriously,” read part of the club statement.
“We hold our players to the highest standards of conduct both on and off the field, and this type of behaviour does not align with our commitment to professionalism and respect for the footballing community. The club will continue to monitor the situation and work towards resolving this matter. We remain dedicated to upholding the values of discipline, respect and teamwork, which are fundamental to the success of our club,” it read.
Innocent Wafula and Henry Kitegenyi have been suspended by Mbarara City
One of the players, who requested anonymity due to the situation at hand, revealed to Torch Media that they have gone several months without payment and that it was time to inform management after having been ignored for a long time. “We as players are concerned about what is happening because we have families to take care of. It has been an election period and all concentration was shifted to politics, leaving us in debt and suffering even when we have been working (playing). We need money to cater for our families and needs,” he said.
However, an official refuted the claims of several months of unpaid salaries, saying instead that players had only not been paid for the month of December.
It should be noted that Mbarara City FC is owned by Mwene Mpaka, son of Bright Rwamirama, who last week retained the Mbarara City South MP seat after winning the elections, alongside his father, who also retained the Isingiro North seat after running unopposed.
The 11 commandos, as they were referred to against Lugazi, ensured the team collected a point against their fellow relegation strugglers, but the result left Mbarara City in 14th position with 11 points from seven games, and their chances of survival this season remain slim.
