AFC Leopards is due to hold its general elections in June this year. According to the club constitution, a general election shall be held 90 days after the Annual General meeting of the election year.
With the Dr Shikanda and Oliver Napali having served as chairman and treasurer for two terms, they are now ineligible for re elections thus rendering their positions vacant. Club SG Mr Gilbert Andugu has also chosen not to defend his position despite his eligibility status. Andugu has opted out due to his health condition.
16 ELECTION 16.1 The election of the office bearers of this club shall be by Secret ballot at a Special General Meeting to be held 90 days after the Annual General Meeting of the election year. 16.2 Terms of officer for office bearers: a) Chairman – 4 Years b) Secretary – 4 Years c) Treasurer – 4 Years d) Coopted Committee Members – 4 Years All to serve for maximum of two terms.
With the elections fever gripping the club, Newton Luchacha Lime has announced his. Intentions to contest for the position of club treasurer.
Lime an active member of the club, is also chairman emeritus of the vibrant Buruburu Branch.
Newton Lime is a career civil servant of long standing. His keen eye for excellence, strict and staunch follower of the law provides Ingwe with the ideal candidate to look after the club’s coffers.
But what drove him to AFC and eventually his interest in the treasurer’s seat?
“I come from Western Kenya the bedrock of AFC leopards. As a young man, I used to join my elder brother’s, in tuning to KBC radio just to listen to Jack Oyoo Silvester whenever Ingwe was playing. This then crept into my DNA and when I came of age, it was by default that I support AFC leopards. When it comes to soccer, AFC comes first other teams follow.” asserts Lime.
Ever since the club returned to top flight football, Ingwe has faced turbulent times in terms of how it handles it’s finances. This is one area that Newton Lime wishes to offer his expertise in making Ingwe greater again.
While speaking at. Obulala branch in Kawangware, Lime pointed out 5 main areas that he believes will turn around the sleeping giant.
*Financial Transparency *Sustainable and practical budget. *Proper debt management *Leverage on Technology *Players recruitment and retention
Financial transparency. Lime believes that transparency in how Ingwe handles finances is key.
To achieve this transparently Lime referees to the club constitution for guidance
14 FUNDS 14.1 The funds of the club shall be used for the promotion of the objects as enumerated in Rule 4 hereof and it shall be lawful for the club to pay to the Secretary General and Treasurer such honoraria for their services as the National Executive Committee shall deem fit and further that it shall be lawful for the club to provide subsistence for players and it shall be proper for the club to pay the QQ a staff a salary and bonuses. 14.2 All moneys and funds shall be received by and paid to the Treasurer and shall be deposited by him in the name of the club in any bank or banks approved by the Committee. This he promises to adhere to. Sustainable and practical budget
Lime believes that living within your means is an integral ingredient to a successful enterprise.
“Under my stewardship as the club’s treasurer, I will focus on helping the club draw a sustainable and reasonable budget devoid of wastages. The club will focus on items that bring returns/trophies without straining or wasting resources” Lime.
Proper debt management There is no doubt that past regimes entered into contractual obligations with different entities and defaulted. We have had tough times with FIFA,former players and coaches.
To mitigate on the implications of all these on our club, Lime is offering to structure a well thought out debt management strategy that will enable Ingwe thrive as it continues it’s core business of not just playing but winning titles.
“I will put in place proper debt management protocols that will save our club’s image. Ingwe doesn’t deserve negative mentions in courts and media on account of debts. If we truly love our club, trust me with this docket and I will deliver to you Ingwe that we shall all be proud of” Lime continues.
Leverage on Technology In the current ever changing world, without embracing technology as a component in financial ethics is a recipe for under development.
“As your treasurer, I will endeavour to leverage on the existing technological inventions to control both ticketing and other financial management.Technology plays a pivotal role in how we handle finances” Lime.
Players recruitment and retention
Players are an asset, best recruitment regime and player retention is key for the growth of any soccer club.
“Player recruitment, retention and selling is one area that we should purpose to engage into with military precision.I will use my financial knowledge to assist the club in ensuring that we recruit the best players who will give us not only trophies but returns when sold. We must also retain our very best players. Of late as a club our turn over in terms of those players who join and leave is not depicting signs of a club keen on re establishing itself as a soccer power house.”
According to Alex Jumba, Newton Lime is the ideal candidate for the top job at the den.
“At this point in time where Ingwe is struggling to return to it’s golden days, having Newton Lime incharge of the treasury docket will not only restore our confidence in how club’s monies are handled but will also ensure investor confidence. I have no doubt in Lime’s ability to steer this club to greater heights” Jumba.
Lime’s candidature is currently exciting masses as we get closer to the elections date. Lime is poised to replace Oliver Napali as the next club treasurer but he will have Mr Edward Buhasho and Patrick Kanyangi to content with on the ballot.
