Category: News

IDCC decisions: Gor Mahia fined, Sammy Omollo banned

The Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee has fined Gor Mahia Sh200,000 for crowd trouble attributed to their fans during their league match against Ulinzi Stars at Moi Stadium.

The tribunal has at the same time banned Posta Rangers coach Sammy Omollo from sitting on the technical bench for three matches because of violent conduct. Omollo was additionally given a three-match suspended sentence from sitting on the technical bench if found guilty of a similar offence.

The league body had charged Gor Mahia before the IDCC with the offence of failing to control their members, supports and/ or fans during the match.

IDCC found Gor Mahia in breach of Rules 3.4 (a) and 3.5 (B) of the Rules of Kenyan Football.

The disciplinary body averred that there was chaos during the match after Ulinzi had equalized 2-2 with Gor Mahia fans showing their displeasure by throwing objects onto the pitch causing the game to be stopped for 15 minutes.

Said the ruling: “Gor Mahia FC had the responsibility of controlling their supporters and members and ensure that they behave in a fair manner. The Rule provides as follows; ‘Members and supporters: Clubs are responsible for the conduct of their members and supporters and must ensure they behave in a fair manner and refrain from violent, threatening, abusive, obscene and other provocative and unsporting conduct or language at a match’.”

IDCC warned it would henceforth consider docking three league points from any team whose fans will be found guilty of engaging in acts of hooliganism.

On the Omollo case, the Posta Rangers head coach was charged by Kenyan Premier League with the offence of violent conduct during their league match against Sofapaka on August 26 at Narok County Stadium.

IDCC found Omollo guilty of pouring water on his counterpart Sam Ssimbwa in the 89th minute and also punching him on the face after the final whistle of their eventful match.

“It’s therefore not in doubt that the conduct by Mr Omollo was unsporting hence qualifies for the punishment provided for under Rule 7.3 of the Rules of Kenyan Football. However, in as much as one may want to sympathise with the friendship between Mr Omollo and Simbwa which is said to have been developed from their playing days when they used to play for their respective national team’s i.e. Kenya and Uganda, the rules of the game must be followed strictly by all parties,” said IDCC.

The committee also found Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru not guilty in a case the league had charged him of provoking members,supports and /or fans of Gor Mahia FC by celebrating in front of them after he scored during their league match on July 2 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

The Independent Disciplinary & Complaints Committee (IDCC) is the Tribunal for solving disputes in the game of football managed under the auspices of the Kenya Premier League Limited.

Kerr apologizes to linesman after Gor beat Sofapaka

After winning what was viewed be the mid-week’s big match where Gor Mahia hosted Sofapaka in Kusumu, Gor’s coach Dylan Kerr has apologized to the linesman for a decision he thought the linesman got wrong.

Gor Mahia beat Sofapaka 2-1 courtesy of George Odhiambo and Meddie Kagere to stay on course for the 16th league title but Sofapaka’s goal was contested with Gor players protesting to the linesman for what was seen as an offside goal.

Kerr says his team started well but slowed down after the first goal though players defended well. “First half we started brilliantly and we could have gone two goals up.

After the first goal, we stopped being Gor Mahia maybe players were tired and gave the ball away too easily putting ourselves under pressure”.

“We defended all set pieces well but their goal was miss shot and deflected and I apologise to the linesman because he got the decision right after looking at the highlights.” Kerr told the official Gor Mahia website.

Gor Avenge First Leg’s Loss To Sofapaka With A 2-1 Win

A goal in each half by Blackberry and Meddie Kagere rallied Gor Mahia to a deserved 2-1 victory over Sofapaka on Wedesday September 27 at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

In a match that Sofapaka were hungry for the three points in a bid to edge closer to the league leaders, George `Blackberry’ Odhiambo took Gor ahead in the 9th minute after his shot from outside the box went straight past keeper Mathias Kigonya. Meddie Kagere had himself to blame for not doubling Ko’galo’s lead four minutes later, directing the ball after he had been fed with a sumptuous cross by midfielder Kenneth Muguna.

Red-hot striker Umaru Kasumba then continued with his goal scoring prowess with a successful header in the 40th minute to bring Sofapaka back into the game despite offside pleas by Gor Mahia defenders.

Ezekiel Okare and Hilary Echesa were then introduced in place  Morven Otinya and Bernard Mang’oli immediately after the restart as head coach Sam Ssimbwa sought stability in the midfield area.

Echesa then almost proved costly for his side in the 58th minute after committing a needless tackle on Francis Kahata which left the center referee with no option but to point to the penalty spot. Tuyisenge rose up to take the resultant spot kick but missed it, much to the relief of Sofapaka’s technical bench.

Meddie Kagere however restored Gor’s lead in the 63rd minute after connecting to Walusimbi’s cross past Kigonya. Boniface Oluoch ensured his side’s lead was preserved with a brilliant save to deny Okare who had attempted to score from close range.  The league leaders defended their 2-1 lead till the final whistle to register their 14th win of the season and stretch the gap at the helm tp eight points.

Gor Mahia Starting XI: Boniface Oluoch, Godfrey Walusimbi, Karim Nzigiyimana, Harun Shakava, Musa Mohamed, Kenneth Muguna, Ernest Wendo, George Odhiambo, Francis Kahata, Jacques Tuyisenge(Timothy Otieno), Meddie Kagere(Philemon Otieno).

Unused Subs: Fredrick Onyango, Oliver Maloba, Jean Baptiste, Anthony Mbugua, Joash Onyango

Sofapaka Starting XI: Kigonya Mathias (GK), Willis Ouma, Humphrey Okoti(Samiuel Mutira), Rodgers Aloro, Jonathan Mugabi, Kennedy Oduor, Michael Oduor, Bernard Mangoli(Hilary Echesa) (C), Umaru Kasumba, Feni Ali, Morven Otinya.

Unused Subs: George Opiyo(GK), Francis Ochola, Magonya Brian, Leroy Otieno

Will Sofapaka Complete A Double Over Gor Or Become The Next Casualties?

On Wednesday September 27, Sofapaka face a date with destiny when they take on league leaders Gor Mahia in a catch up match at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu from 16:00.

The match is very important to both teams who are considered as this year’s closest rivals for the league title.

Sofapaka

Sitting nine points behind Gor Mahia, Sofapaka go into the match eager for a win that would reduce the gap to six points and enhance their confidence going into the finals stages of the season. The Ssimbwa coached side is also well aware that a loss on Wednesday against their title competitors will be a setback for them in their quest for the title given the gap that between the two sides.

After the deduction of points earned against Zoo Kericho and Nakumatt FC, Batot Ba Mungu fall to the 4th  position in the table standings with 36 points from 23 games. They have so far recorded nine wins, nine draws and five losses. They however boast of a bigger goal difference only second to Gor after scoring 30 goals and conceding 19.

Sofapaka will aslo draw inspiration from their 2-0 victory against Kógalo in the first leg encounter, one of the only two sides to overcome the leaders in the opening half of the campaign.

They will once again bank on lanky forward Umaru Kasumba to lead their attack after the Ugandan international was declared fit following a slight knock during their last game against Kakamega Homeboyz.

Gor Mahia

On their part, Gor head into the match knowing that a win against Sofapaka will stretch the gap between them to 12 points, therefore enhancing their possibility  of being crowned this year’s champions.

The leaders are perhaps the most affected by Nakumatt and Zoo Kericho’s suspension from the Premier League as they have lost ten points from that ruling, settling for 45 points instead of the initial 55.

The deduction means that they will have to work extra hard to reclaim the eight-point gap that has been slashed to five by Kakamega Homeboyz who trail them at second place.

Gor have so far managed 13 wins, 6 draws and 3 losses which have earned them 45 points. The goals they have scored in the 22 matches amount to 34 and have only conceded 14, making them the meanest side so far.

The attracting trio of Meddie Kagere, Jacques Tuyisenge and George `Blackberry’ Odhiambo who have formed a formidable partnership are expected to steer them upfront.

Head to head

The two side have met seven times in the last three years, with Gor claiming three wins compared to Sofapaka’s two. Two of the other encounters have ended in draws.

Kigonya, Mangóli Back In Starting Lineup As Sofapaka Name Squad For Gor Tie

Sofapaka head coach Sam Ssimbwa has unleashed a strong starting lineup that is set to take on Gor Mahia on Wednesday September 27, 2017 at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

From the team that lost 2-1 to Kakamega Homeboyz, Ssimbwa has made seven changes to match Gor Mahia’s strength with an aim of overcoming the league leaders.

After missing the last four games through a shoulder injury, first choice goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya makes his way back into the starting lineup and will be shielded in defense by Willis Ouma, Aloro Rodgers, Okoti Humphrey and Mugabi Jonathan. Kennedy Oduor and Bernard Mangóli will pair up in midfield while the attacking trio of Michael Oduor, Ali Feni and Morven Otinya play just behind sole striker Umaru Kasumba.

Starting XI:  Mathias Kigonya (GK), Willis Ouma, Aloro Rodgers, Okoti Humphrey, Mugabi Jonathan, Oduor Kennedy, Oduor Michael, Feni Ali, Kasumba Umaru, Mang’oli Bernard, Otinya Morven

Substitutes: Opiyo George (GK), Mutira Samwel, Ochola Francis, Echesa Hillary, Magonya Brian, Otieno Leroy, Okare Ezekiel

Epic duel as Gor, Sofapaka cross swords

After playing three matches without registering a win, Sofapaka will be aiming to recapture their fading glory in the Kenya Premier League when they take on league leaders Gor Mahia on Wednesday’s mid-week fixtures at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

The Batoto ba Mungu will be hoping to welcome back their first choice goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya who has been sidelined for four league matches after dislocating his shoulder against Posta Rangers last month.

Kigonya’s absence has seen coach Sam Ssimbwa rotate the gloves between Ruben Juma and George Opiyo and Wednesday’s  match is considered key for the 2009 champions.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Ssimbwa said his focus is to win against the 15-time champions, predicting a tough contest.

Solid team

“I t will be a very hard match for us keeping in mind that Gor is leading the league. They have a very solid team from goalkeeping to striking. I am sure of having Kigonya back between the posts though I’ll have to do without midfielder Mohamed Kilume who is out with a knock as well as top scorer Umaru Kasumba who remains doubtful after picking a knock in the last match.

Sofapaka has relinquished six points and dropped two places on the KPL log in the new revised fixture but Ssimbwa believes this is an ideal time to prove their worth, the table changes notwithstanding.

At the same time, Gor Mahia assistant coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno believes the match will be tough but is adamant his side will fight hard to secure the three points.

“We have been experiencing a good run so far, all players are in good form. I have no doubt that we will beat Sofapaka.”

Sofapaka has not lost to Gor since the 0-2 defeat in Kisumu in the first leg last season. In the second leg, the teams drew 0- 0 as Sofapaka struggled to rise from the relegation zone.

The Batoto Ba Mungu however got a sweet revenge inflicting K’Ogalo with a painful 2-0 defeat in the first leg and Wednesday’s contest should make for an intriguing showdown.

Other midweek matches will see Ulinzi Stars taking on Thika United at the Afraha Stadium, Nakuru while Mathare United entertain AFC Leopards.

Wednesday Fixtures

Gor Mahia v Sofapaka, Kisumu

Ulinzi Stars v Thika United, Afaraha-Nakuru

Mathre United vAFC Leopards.

SOFAPAKA FACES A TOUGH ENCOUNTER WITH GOR MAHIA

After falling victims of circumstances in which they dropped from the second to fourth position in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) chart, Sofapaka will be gunning to beat table-topping Gor Mahia in a midweek match at Moi Stadium in Kisumu today as they seek to climb up the ladder.
Last week, Kenya Football Federation (FKF) were forced to drop Nakumatt and Zoo Kericho from the top-tier league following a successful legal suit filed by the former federation chairman Sam Nyamweya who has been vouching for a 16-team league.
The amendment of the league affected the initial standings and while some of the clubs had their positions improve others dropped including Sofapaka and they now have to play catch-up.
With the suspension of Zoo FC and Nakumatt from the league, Sofapaka have relinquished six points and dropped two places to fourth on the log but all and sundry within the team believe they are still in contention for the title.
It’s on this background that Sofapaka have sounded war-drums in a bid to bounce back in the contention for the gong whose winner will represent Kenya in the 2018 Africa Champions League.
As it stands, Gor are leading the chart with 45 points followed by Kakamega Homeboyz with five points shy, but the Technical Director of Sofapaka Martin Ndagano is categorical that the team can regain its second slot and even overtake Gor, Kakamega Homeboyz and Ulinzi Stars who are above them in the latest pecking order after the amendment of the league.
Ndagano said Sofapaka’s turning point of their ambitions could start today in Kisumu against a K’ogalo side which they overcame 2-0 in the first leg match.
“Of course, the unprecedented development as pertains the composition of teams in the league is a big blow to us.  But I must say it would be foolhardy crying over spilt milk and we want to register every point we can lay our hands on beginning with the fixture against Gor,”
He added:”We don’t expect things to be any easier since Gor will draw great inspiration from their large pool of fans in Kisumu but they better understand that we have a reputation to protect as a team that beat them in the first leg clash. I expect our boys to give them pound for pound throughout the match,”.
Sofapaka, who have been in camp in Kisumu for the last three days, have had a disappointing run of three win-less outings and nothing will be as sweet for them than beating Gor.
And the good news for Sofapaka is that the team’s first choice goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya who had been nursing a dislocated shoulder has fully recuperated and is available for selection.
On the flip side, Sofapaka will be without mercurial midfielder Mohammed Kilume who suffered a knock during the 2-1 defeat by Kakamega Homeboys in Mumias Complex last weekend and will be replaced by the equally talented Humphrey Okoti
The team’s red-hot striker Umaru Kasumba who also sustained a slight injury in the fixture has been declared fit to be named in the first eleven.
Sofapaka’s defence will have to be on full alert to stop Gor Mahia strikers Jacques Tuyisenge, Meddie Kagere and George “Blackberry”Odhiambo who were instrumental when the Green Army beat Cup holders Tusker 2-0 last weekend.

SOFAPAKA VOWS TO FIGHT ON, DOWNPLAYS LOSS TO HOMEBOYZ

Sofapaka have declared that they have not given up on their 2017 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title hopes despite losing 2-1 to Kakamega Homeboyz at Mumias Complex last weekend.
The team’s deputy coach John Baraza said they are unfazed by the dropping of points, adding that it’s not over yet until it’s over.
“People may have written us off especially after our closest challengers Gor Mahia extended their 12-point advantage over us, but this is football where common sense dictates that you should not give up especially this time when the league matches are unpredictable,” said Baraza.
Commenting on Sofapaka’s defeat at the hands of Homeboyz, Baraza said the players gave a very good account of themselves although he had misgivings over some decisions by the match referee including the penalty he awarded the hosts.
“I don’t usually like to talk about officiating but the penalty he (referee) awarded to Homeboyz left a lot to be desired. It was not a handball at all and after Homebyz converted, our players seemed demoralized,” said Baraza.
Ugandan Rodgers Aloro was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box with the referee immediately pointing to the spot for Jeremy Wanjala to take responsibility to give Homeboyz the opening goal.
Despite the loss, Baraza gave plaudits to his charges for a job well done against a battle-hardened Kakamega Homeboyz.
“Away matches are tricky but the team was able to hold its own by going down fighting. We should come out stronger in subsequent fixtures,” said Baraza.
In the meantime, Mohammed Kilume and Umaru Kasumba who received minor knocks during the weekend match are going through therapy and could be fit before Sofapaka’s midweek match against KPL table-toppers Gor Mahia at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Wednesday, according to Baraza.
“The players received knocks which are not serious and they should be up and about against Gor in Wednesday’s crucial tie,” said Baraza.
Sofapaka left Mumias for Kisumu on Sunday evening and held their first training at the lakeside town yesterday in preparations for the fixture against Gor.

Gor Lead Trimmed To Five In Amended SPL Standings

The Kenyan Premier League Limited on Monday released the amended 2017 SportPesa Premier League (SPL) table where leaders Gor Mahia FC are now only five points clear of their closest challengers, Kakamega Homeboyz FC.

It follows the suspension of Zoo Kericho FC and Nakumatt FC from the top-flight competition last week.

The revised standings factored the redistribution of points won or lost against the two sides pending the outcome of the appeal by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) against last Thursday’s High Court ruling that invalidated the 18-team SPL in favour of 16 sides.

A day later, KPL announced Zoo and Nakumatt who were the beneficiaries of the expanded competition, would take no further part in the competition until the Court of Appeal rules on their fate.

“Above are the latest SPL standings after the weekend’s matches. The Standings are in compliance with the High Court ruling that nullifies the participation of Nakumatt Football Club and Zoo Football Club as stipulated in article 28 (d) of the decision,” KPL wrote on Monday.

They cited part of the ruling delivered by Justice John Mativo at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi that stated, “A declaration be and is hereby issued that Kenyan Premier League shall have a maximum of 16 teams during the 2017 season, consisting of the fourteen (14) Kenyan Premier League teams which qualified for sporting merit on the field during the 2016 plus the two (2) highest ranked clubs at the end of the 2016 season in the Football Kenya Federation’s National Super League.”

Form guide

“As a consequence, all points earned or lost against the two clubs are not reflected on the League Standings and the Form Guide has also been amended accordingly.

“An amended Discipline Table will be sent tomorrow (Tuesday) after yellow and red cards that teams received against Nakumatt Football Club and Zoo Football Club have been deducted,” the SPL organising body added.

Record SPL winners, Gor lead the log on 45 points but their advantage has been trimmed from 12 in the 18 team standings to five over second-placed Homeboyz (40), with Ulinzi Stars FC (37), Sofapaka FC (36) and Kariobangi Sharks FC (35) rounding the top five.

K’Ogalo who sunk SPL champions, Tusker FC 2-0 over the weekend, completed the double over Nakumatt and beat Zoo once, shedding nine points from their tally of 54.

The Brewers are seventh on the new log on 33, 12 behind the front runners.

Muhoroni Youth FC (19) are still bottom of the log with the same tally as Thika United FC who occupy the other relegation place with 2008 SPL titleholders, Mathare United FC (20) hovering just above the drop zone.

Former FKF President, Sam Nyamweya filed the civil suit challenging the expansion of the SPL from 16 to 18 arguing among others, the Memorandum of Understanding between the federation and KPL to cap the number of teams was still binding.

SOFAPAKA SUFFERS SETBACK IN KPL’S TITLE FIGHT

Sofapaka’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title hopes were yesterday dealt a big blow after they lost 2-1 to Kakamega Homeboyz at Mumias Sports Complex yesterday.
Batoto Ba Mungu should count themselves unlucky to lose the match after they created numerous scoring chances which went to waste, mainly through Umaru Kasumba and Ezekiel Okare.
Sofapaka started the match on a high winning two consecutive corner kicks which were scrambled to safety by a stubborn Homeboyz defence.
After prodding Homeboyz defence in the early exchanges, Sofapaka snatched the lead in the 40th minute when Okare floated a cross that Kasumba converted past David Juma between Homeboyz posts.
Sofapaka then found themselves on the back-foot when Rodgers Aloro handled the ball inside the box prompting the referee to award Homeboyz a penalty with Jeremiah Wanjala putting the shot past goalkeeper George Opiyo for the hosts to level the terms.
Wycliff Opondo grabbed the winning goal for Homeboyz against the run of play following  a lapse in Sofapaka defence
Sofapaka coach Sam Ssimbwa introduced Morven Otinya for Hillary Echesa in a bid to add punch in the striking line but the changes did little to alter the result of the match.
Homeboyz, who held Sofapaka to a barren draw in the first leg match in Nairobi last April, haven’t lost a game in seven consecutive assignments and have maintained their fourth position in the league chart following the win over Sofapaka.