AFC Leopards have moved in to avert looming showdown between them and a top Busia club over the transfer of a player.

The Kenya Premier League club yesterday agreed with Kolongolo FC over midfielder Bernard Ongoma's terms plus the player's mandatory and development fees. Kolongolo team manager, Peter Musumba said Ongoma has been offered a three-year contract with AFC Leopards.

Kolongolo FC had claimed that the irregular acquisition of their midfielder maestro Ongoma by "Ingwe" was unacceptable until formal procedures are finalised. The club was appalled to learn that Leopards had started fielding Ongoma as part of their team.

"We are deeply concerned that a club of Leopards stature can move to contact a player and retain him without consulting his club," Musumba said. To diffuse the mounting tension, Leopards vice chairman, Walter Onyino initiated the negotiations which led to the striking of the deal. "There should be no cause for alarm. Club vice chairman has made a bigreak through in striking the deal which we have accepted," Musumba said. Musumba said AFC is also looking towards long term relationships with the club as far as nurturing talent is concerned. Kolongolo is waiting to feature in the mini-league for Nationwide slots.

Kolongolo FC has also reached an agreement with Chemelil FC and released their top goalkeeper Japheth Wamunga at an undisclosed fee. Wamunga was signed by Chemelil after completing one-week trial at the club early this month.