In the thrilling end to the Trans Nzoia county football championships, St Joseph’s Boys Kitale emerged the winner, qualifying them for the Rift Valley regional competitions. Their win came after a closely contested final against St Anthony’s, played in whose final result ended 2-0 in favor of St Joseph’s. The win was allowed to stand after verification, following an appeal by St Anthony’s citing the eligibility of some players.
St Anthony’s appealed the outcome, claiming that St Joseph’s had played ineligible students who had not achieved the required 90-day attendance in school. These allegations were, however, quashed after St Joseph’s produced original documents and verification through the KNEC network.
According to chairman of the jury, principal Patrick Munikah, evidence availed by the complainants was not sufficient. “The documents that were produced by the complainants were not authentic. Checked them on the internet and we confirmed that they are genuine students of St Joseph’s and had fulfilled all the requirements,” affirmed Munikah.
St Joseph’s Boys coach Amos Juma remained bullish all through the appeal process, insisting their case was in order. “My boss would never encourage the fielding of ineligible players. He is only concerned about nurturing the talents of the students he teaches, that is why he established an academy at the school. Nabungolo knows the rules too well to field mercenaries for the school team,” Juma said.
Fielding questions from the press, Juma said their build-ups started way back in last year after the team lost at the semi-finals to St Anthony’s. He assured fans that they are ready and determined to perform at the regional competition in Bomet, where the team has pitched a training camp.
The girls’ soccer category will be represented by St Joseph’s Girls after winning following an appeal over the initial win by Wiyeta Girls. St Joseph’s Girls lost 1-0 but protested the result, citing fielding of overage players by Wiyeta. The evidence proved one player was overage hence St Joseph’s Girls proceeded for the Bomet extravaganza.
There was compelling evidence for the appeal in the arguments presented by Principal Rosebella Munzala Orwaro, who brought to the fore her past experiences and successes at Wiyeta. “If I had lost fairly, I would have accepted it. Last year they beat me 1-0 and I accepted,” she said, urging teachers to use legitimate students in school games and to ensure fair play. This year, I prepared a team mostly composed with first and second year students; there are very few third and fourth year students,” said Munzala.
In another development, an appeal on St Anthony Boys and Bwake in rugby lacked sufficient evidence therefore – qualifying – Bwake to represent Trans-Nzoia in the Rugby 7s. St Anthony conceded to Bwake, paving the way for them to participate in the regional championships.