Gor Mahia defender Shafik Batambuze is pleading for well-wishers to help him raise funds that will cater for his medical bill as he undergoes knee surgery.
The Ugandan left-back ruptured his ACL and is in desperate need of surgery. Gor Mahia had initially agreed to pay for his surgery but in an interview on Monday, Batambuze revealed that the club is currently in hard financial times and will find it hard to come up with the sum expected to be around 400,ooo kshs.
I picked my injury when we were going for the quarterfinals clash in the CAF Confederations Cup (last season) then aggravated it when we returned for league action against Bandari FC.
“I just went to rest without going for the MRI scan, I healed and came back to play when we were up against Ulinzi Stars and picked another injury. I sat out for some time, healed again, and came back this season when we were up against Aigle Noir at Kasarani this after playing in the first leg against the same opponents without any problems.
“It was becoming too much and decided to go for an MRI scan at which they decided that I needed surgery so that’s where we are now.
“The injury is on my left knee and the problem now is all on the money. Our main sponsors cut ties with the club and it has become very hard for them to finance the operation. They need Ksh 400k so I have decided to open a PayBill number to seek help. If Ill collect the amount I will go for the surgery,” Batambuze said.
Batambuze adds to a long list of players having to seek medical help from fans and friends after clubs failed to pay for their medical services. Others include Curtis Wekesa, Philemon Otieno both from Gor Mahia and Posta Rangers duo of Cavin Odongo and Jockins Atudo.
For anyone who wishes to contribute to Batambuze’s fundraiser, the pay bill number is 891300, Account number BHACHU.