ISL 2017: Keziron Kizito to join Kerala Blasters after sorting out transfer with AFC Leopards
What’s the story?
Kerala Blasters, who are aiming to strengthen their squad for ISL 2017, have been given the go ahead to sign Ugandan midfielder Keziron Kizito.
In case you didn’t know
The 20-year-old was part of the Kochi-based team’s pre-season camp. However, KBFC couldn’t sign him earlier as he was under contract with Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards, who have decided to release him recently.
Heart of the matter
The AFC Leopards are said to have agreed to release Kizito as early as next week. Club sources also said that the Leopards are set to earn around the amount of Kenyan Sh 1 million from the ordeal, with other added benefits as well.
The official paperwork of the transfer is set to be completed within next week. However, there is some uncertainty over the player's availability ahead of the Blasters' opening ISL match against defending champions ATK at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Kochi, on November 17.
What’s next?
Even after getting the green signal from AFC Leopards, Kerala Blasters won’t be able to field Kizito before January, 2018 as the summer transfer window is closed and they have to wait for the winter window.
"Most of the paperwork for the transfer had already been completed, and we have no issues with his transfer to Kerala Blasters," said club chairman Dan Mule.
Had the Blasters signed and registered the Ugandan before the end of the summer transfer window which closed in August, he would have been able to play for them right from the start of ISL 4.
Author’s take
This might well turn out to be a very good move for Kerala as they have already judged Kizito’s capabilities in the pre-season. KBFC have a healthy midfield comprising of players like Arata Izumi, Jackichand Singh and Milan Singh Ongnam, and this addition will further boost their squad.
This is a long ISL season and players will get injured along the line, so getting a back-up during the month of January serves really well for the Blasters.