A Tanzanian football club is demanding a refund from Kenya’s Gor Mahia after a transfer deal fell through when the player rejected the move.
The big-spending Tanzanian side, Singida Black Stars club formally requested Gor Mahia to refund the transfer fee paid for full-back, Rooney Onyango, who has since declined to move to Tanzania.
The two clubs had agreed on a transfer fee of $ 40,000 (approximately Ksh 5.1 million) for the player, who still has several months remaining in his contract.
An insider from Gor Mahia confirmed the development to Mozzart Sport stating, “It’s true that Singida has written to us demanding a refund if we cannot complete the transfer.”
“We’re unsure of the exact amount, but the initial agreed sum was USD 40,000. We are working to resolve the issue internally and hope to find an amicable solution soon,” the source revealed.
Singida Black Stars Eyes for Gor Mahia Defender Onyango Despite Rejection
Late last year, Singida Black Stars expressed interest in signing the right-back. After receiving approval from Gor Mahia and Onyango, the club proceeded with a transfer fee payment.
However, it remains unclear whether Singida Black Stars paid the full transfer amount upfront or only a portion, pending the finalization of the move.
Also Read: 10 Top European Football Coaches Fired in 2024
Gor Mahia’s secretary general, Sam Ocholla, had earlier confirmed that an agreement was reached for Onyango’s departure in January.
“The player informed us a few weeks ago that he had agreed terms with Singida, and we have been talking to them and indicated that we don’t have a problem letting him go. He will leave this month and join the Tanzanian side,” Ocholla told Mozzartsport.
However, Onyango refuted that he is headed to Singida, saying he rejected the transfer, as he eyes a move elsewhere.
“I am not going to Singida Black Stars, that’s for sure. I turned down the offer to join the team, and that’s my final decision. It’s not up for discussion,” Onyango told Mozzart Sport.
Also Read: Top Five Most Expensive Football Transfer Deals in 2024
Rooney Onyango Football Profession
Onyango has made the right-back spot his own over the last two and a half seasons, earning a call-up to the national team, where he was also a favorite of former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat.
The former Wazito ace joined K’Ogalo in 2022 and has won two league titles although his stay has not been without its fair share of troubles.
Onyango was reported to be close to leaving the club last season following claims that an Italian club had expressed an interest, but the deal ran into headwinds and also fell out with former coach Leonardo Neiva early this season over a disciplinary issue.
The 23-year-old is currently away on international duty in Zanzibar with Harambee Stars who began Mapinduzi Cup campaign against Burkina Faso on Saturday and will be facing Tanzania today.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.
