The eagerly-awaited FKF Premier League clash between Shabana and Posta Rangers failed to take off at Gusii Stadium on Saturday after match officials were reportedly recalled. Thousands of fans who turned up to watch Shabana play at Gusii Stadium for the first time in 18 years went home disappointed.
According to Shabana Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama, the match commissioner attended the pre-match meeting and all was set for the game.
I don’t know why the referees failed to attend the game. We tried to make a follow-up with the federation but did not get a conclusive answer, he said.
FKF released a statement promising to investigate why the match officials did not attend the game.
FKF is investigating the matter and is committed to ensuring that the integrity of the match is upheld. We are working diligently to secure alternative match officials for the game but if they don’t arrive in time, it may be necessary to reschedule the match to maintain the standards of officiating that our league demands, said the statement.
Some unverified reports claimed the game did not kick off due to security concerns. However, Kisii County Commander Charles Kases dismissed reports of security concerns as baseless.
I had a good number of uniformed and plainclothes officers at the stadium. There is nothing like security concerns here, said the police chief.
Shabana coach Sammy Pamzo Omollo and Posta Rangers’ Kawinzi expressed their disappointment over the turn of events.
It has been 18 years since Shabana played in the KPL at Gusii Stadium. Everybody was prepared then the unfortunate happened. I don’t have a reason why we have not played this game. I’m not sure what happened to the referees, said Omollo.
It is unfortunate that Shabana fans are going home without watching their team because we were prepared. Whatever happened is very unfortunate not only for Shabana but for football in general because everybody wants to play, said the tactician.
Kawinzi said he was disappointed because they were ready to face Shabana.
I can’t speculate on why the game was not played. The people concerned should answer that question, said Kawinzi. He said the atmosphere and conditions at the stadium were perfect for the game.
Macubamba Robba, a staunch Shabana fan faulted the football governing body. We have waited for 18 years for this game. Sadly, the federation decided to recall referees. They can take our games even to the US but that will not stop Shabana fans, he said.
Ennywealth
