The reigning National Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) ball games champions St Anthony Boys Kitale suffered a significant defeat after they were beaten 2-0 by their arch-rivals St Joseph’s Boys Kitale.
St Joseph’s were crowned the Trans Nzoia County champions and will therefore represent the county at Rift Valley Schools regional games that will hold in Bomet this month.
Last year, fear had gripped St Anthony’s Boys after Cosmas Nabungolo was transferred to head St Joseph’s, their neighbours and arch-rivals in both academics and sports.
It is the same Nabungolo who elevated academics and co-curricular activities at St Anthony’s Boys before he was transferred to St Peters’ Mumias in Kakamega.
In the high stakes match held at Kipkeikei Secondary on Monday, July 8, 2024 its turning point came in the 28th minute when Athman Shungu intercepted a cross and fired a shot to the far left, giving St Joseph’s an early lead.
In the second half, St Anthony Kitale pressed hard for an equalizer, but St Joseph’s capitalized on a defensive lapse with Rickson Simiyu doubling St Joseph’s lead in the 68th minute, killing the game in entirety.
The match however was marred with interruptions by the spectators who invaded the pitch at the 87th minute leading to immediate abandonment of the game with St Joseph’s crowned the new Trans Nzoia County champions and will participate in the regional games slated to take place in Bomet from July 16.
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St Anthony Boys Kitale has launched an appeal against St Joseph’s Boys Kitale.
In the appeal seen by Education News, St Anthony cited fielding of players aged over 19 years by their opponent.
“Integrity and transparency within the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) are foundational elements that we have tirelessly advocated for. It is disheartening, therefore, to witness episodes that jeopardize these values.
“Our recent match against St Joseph’s Boys Kitale brought to fore significant concerns regarding fair play. It has come to our attention that an overwhelming majority of their players, 98 per cent to be precise, have cases to answer and are not supposed to participate in the Under-19 school games, a violation that cannot be overlooked,” the appeal reads.
They called for accountability as well as integrity from their opponent which they felt that was not available at the match.
“In response to these infractions, we have initiated legal proceedings against St Joseph’s Boys for fielding ineligible players. Our action is not merely in response to a lost game but stems from a deep-seated principle that every participant in youth sports should adhere to the rules that ensure a level playing field. Accepting such impunity would be a disservice to not only our team but to the spirit of fair competition that nurtures true talent and sportsmanship.
“The incident, while unfortunate, does not deter our resolve. It reinforces our commitment to fighting for a transparent, just, and equitable sporting environment. Losing with honour in the shadow of such adversity is, in itself, a profound honour. It underscores our dedication to upholding the principles of fair play, a tenet we believe is essential for the growth and development of youth sports in our society,” the appeal also reads.
By Vostine Ratemo
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