ISL 2017/18: Kerala Blasters management allegedly tried to 'sabotage' Kizito Keziron deal
A lot seems to be happening in and around Kerala Blasters this month. Ever since they sacked manager Rene Meulensteen and reinstated former boss David James at the helm of affairs at last year's ISL runners-up, there have been a few exits and some new signings.
One of these signings, who joined the side in the January transfer window, is Ugandan midfielder Kizito Keziron. The introduction of Keziron immediately turned around Kerala's fortunes, as he dominated the midfield in their 1-1 draw against FC Pune City, and two successive wins against the Delhi Dynamos and Mumbai City FC.
The 21-year-old, however, suffered a dislocated shoulder in the next match at Jamshedpur, and is now in fear of being ruled out of the season, and could also be dropped from the squad.
Although Kizito had officially signed for the Blasters in January, the Ugandan had been in the mix of things before the start of the season. However, certain contract issues with his former club AFC Leopards had reportedly delayed the transfer till mid-season.
However, a former member of the coaching staff, who wished to remain unnamed, revealed to Sportskeeda that Kizito could have joined Kerala Blasters ahead of the season, and blamed the management for not showing adequate interest to bring the player in before the season started.
The source even went on to allege that Kerala Blasters management tried to cover the whole thing up. "It is just a cover. The management didn't even sign his contract until November even though everything had been agreed in August," said the source.
According to the source, Kizito was the one missing jigsaw piece in the puzzle (a midfield lynchpin), who would hold the team together, in the early part of the season under Meulensteen.
"All our performance lacked was a midfielder, who could keep and move the ball -- Keziron. They have done everything possible to sabotage the deal," the source further alleged.
While Kizito's performances did lift Kerala up for a while, the Ugandan has now been rendered injured and could be dropped from the club, if his injury persists for some time. It remains to be seen, however, as to how the club deals with its current situation.