Champs Tusker wobble after tasting bitter Sony Sugar loss

By Gilbert Wandera

Nairobi, Kenya; Champs Tusker wobble after tasting bitter Sony Sugar loss 

It took eight long weeks for the un-beaten run of two teams, KCB and Tusker, to end in the competitive Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

The results have finally put all teams on equal terms and is likely to witness more open play as the fear of losing has been purged out.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) who until last weekend were un-beaten, went down 2-1 to Gor Mahia at City Stadium. However, they still remain at the top of the summit with 15 points.

The bankers have been at the top of the league since the season kicked off and so far have defied any suggestions that theirs is just a flash in the pan.

Defending champions Tusker, might have had one too much, as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to struggling Sony Sugar in a match that was full of significance.

Unknown position

Tusker could not have wished for a worse start. After four matches they remain in the bottom half of the table in position 15 with just one win to boast of.

“We’ve played only four matches while other teams have played eight. After being bundled out of the CAF Champions League our focus has now totally shifted to the local league, it’s only a matter of time before we catch with those at the top,” said coach Robert Matano.

But for Sony coach Sammy Omollo, the win could not have come at a better time.

The coach was facing pressure to start winning after going seven matches without victory, his prayers were answered in a big away, against giant Brewers, a team he handled just two years ago. It made it a double joy for the former Kenyan international.

Another significant aspect of the eighth week of the KPL is the low number of goals scored by teams.

Goal drought

On Saturday for example only one goal was scored in the four matches played. Chemelil Sugar stopped Homeboyz 1-0 at home.

It was a huge improvement however on Sunday with a total six goals being scored but on average the number of goals scored so far is still worrying.

Two coaches have expressed concern over the level of officiating in the season so far and have called for an urgent intervention.

Western Stima coach Francis Barasa is particular, saying it’s a developing and deliberate trend employed by the officiators to deny his team victory in the last three matches.

He said this even as his side was denied a genuine goal against Sofapaka on Saturday.

Barasa pointed out that it was the third time his side was being robbed of victory and he called on the referees to improve.

“We were robbed of victory against AFC Leopards and then against Mathare United. Today it has happened again and it is disappointing,” he said.

Bandari coach Twahir Muhiddin has also raised concern over the officiating and claimed he has been a victim himself many times.

“The standards of the league have continued to get better but the refereeing remains a concern. Something must be done urgently,” he said.