NAIROBI - Two batches of Harambee Stars’ contingent have had to cool their heels in Conakry and Lagos after Sunday’s 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Conakry.
KPL officials attributed the incident to a scam at Conakry Airport. Fans and officials who thronged Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JIKIA) to receive the team went home crestfallen when the would-be flight came minus the team.
“We are in the process of trying to get them back by tomorrow morning (Wednesday) aboard Kenya Airways from Lagos,” KPL Managing Director Jack Oguda said.
According to Oguda, the team was scheduled to leave Conakry aboard Bellevue Airlines of Nigeria at 18h00 to Lagos via Abidjan.
“The airline and airport officials misdirected our national team to the wrong side of the airport to allow the other local travellers to be secretly boarded onto the plane which was overbooked.
“The Captain flying to Lagos allowed 15 members of our National team to board the plane in business class at no extra cost on realizing that there had been a scam by the Bellevue Airline staff to mislead the team.” Oguda was remorseful to fans and the media.
“We apologize for any inconveniences caused to our members this morning and shall keep you posted on any further developments,” said.
The contingent in Lagos who missed the Kenya Airways connecting flight to Nairobi due to the late arrival include Francis Kimanzi, Joseph Kyenzi, James Nandwa, Dennis
Oliech, Jamal Mohammed, Robert Mambo, Patrick Oboya, Mulinge Ndeto, Noah Ayuko, Kevin Ochieng, Austin Makacha, John Njoroge, George Owino and Allan Wanga.
Macdonald Mariga was in the group but left for Europe from Abidjan.
The remaining contingent in Conakry include, Titus Kasuve, Patrick Naggi, Gerald Chege, Bob Munro, Njoroge Gichinga, Peter Serry, Wycliffe Makanga, Francis Ouma, Duncan Ochieng, Edgar Ochieng, Osborne Monday, Lloyd Wahome and Joseph Shikokoti.
|
