Malian Striker Leaves Broke Kenyan Giants

Veteran striker Ismail Diarra has terminated his contract with Kenyan Premier League giants AFC Leopards by mutual agreement.

The 27-year-old Malian joined Ingwe in June and his contract was set to expire at the beginning of August next year.

Sources indicate that the lethal forward opted to leave after growing increasingly frustrated with the club’s failure to pay his salary.

Diarra made three league appearances in Coach Cassa Mbungo’s team and on all occasions, the striker has come under fire from the club’s fans due to his poor form.

When sought for comment, Dan Shikanda, the chair of AFC Leopards dismissed the case of non-payment but admitted that there have been occasional salary delays.

“When salary delays it does not mean that there is no salary. There is no player that we haven’t paid,” said Shikanda.

Leopards’ financial problems emanate from the sudden withdrawal of SportPesa as the club’s jersey sponsor.

The gaming firm pumped Sh55 million into this club each year but was forced to exit the Kenyan market in September following a tax row with government.

Diarra formerly played for Mali’s Cercle Bamako, Egyptian side Ismaily and Rayon Sports of Rwanda.