Confusion has marred the replay of the high school semi-final matches in Trans-Nzoia County, which were abandoned on Saturday, June 21, at Ndura Sports Complex and Kiminini Primary School grounds, as a new venue for the rescheduled games is yet to be confirmed.
The semi-final between St Joseph’s Boys Kitale ‘JOBO’, coached by renowned talent developer Cosmas Nabungolo, who is the school’s chief principal and his former school, St Anthony’s Boys “Solidarity Boys”, under chief principal Simon Masibo, was disrupted following a controversial refereeing decision. The referee failed to award St Joseph’s a penalty after a St Anthony’s player handled the ball inside the box in the 80th minute.
At the time, St Anthony’s were leading 3-2, with two of their goals coming from penalties—something that sparked protests. St Joseph’s, coached by Nabungolo, had already filed an official complaint accusing St Anthony’s of fielding two over-age players.
After the jury committee sat and reviewed evidence from both sides on Sunday evening, it was established that the claims were true. Two St Anthony’s players were found to be above the age limit of 19, in violation of KSSSA regulations, which prohibit players over 19 from competing in school games. The two players were barred from taking part in the replay.
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The two schools are now expected to face off again behind closed doors at a venue that was to be announced on Monday, with referees drawn from outside the county.
As of the time of going to press, the sports officials have not communicated the venue, time, or date of the match.
A source within the sports association revealed that the match will be played tomorrow, but the venue remains undisclosed.
The second semi-final between Bwake Boys and Goseta Boys was also abandoned in the second half after a spectator invaded the pitch and punched a Goseta player, sparking chaos. Police had to intervene and disperse the crowd at Kiminini Primary School. At the time, neither team had scored.
The Goseta Boys from Kwanza and the Bwake Boys from Trans-Nzoia East are both coached by individuals who were once mentored by Cosmas Stephen Nabungolo, the former principal of St. Anthony’s Boys. Tactiticians John Mukongolo (Goseta) and Geoffrey Murunga (Bwake) will add another layer of personal stakes to an already tense showdown.
In the girls’ football category, the final will also be replayed after former national champions Wiyeta Girls appealed Rift Valley champions St Joseph’s Girls’ win, citing the use of an ineligible player who had not completed the official transfer process.
The final, played on Saturday, June 21, at St. Anthony’s Kitale, ended in a penalty shootout with St. Joseph’s Girls winning 4-3.
Another final set for replay is the boys’ volleyball match between defending champions Andersen and St Anthony’s Boys. It was abandoned after fans invaded the pitch while St Anthony’s were leading 1-0 in the first set at Kitale School.
However, not all appeals bore fruit. St Anthony’s protest against Bwake Boys in the Rugby 7s final was dismissed due to a lack of sufficient evidence. Bwake were therefore confirmed as champions.
By our reporter
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