Sammy Kitula
6 July 2009
Nairobi — You shouldn't vent your anger on referees. Good players, especially at the Kenyan Premier League, will be the first to advocate for that. They will bite their lower lip if they feel there's a poor decision from the man in the middle or those running the lines.
Well, that changed for Gor Mahia and Chemelil Sugar in Sunday's premiership match at the Nyayo National Stadium. Despite Chemelil winning 2-1, both sets of players left the field scratching their heads in frustration. The camps were unanimous that central referee Isaac Ochieng' dominated the 90-minute affair.
"I think Chemelil played very well. It's not a case of sour grapes from us, but one or two key referee decisions were not given; so we're a bit disappointed with the interpretation," said Gor's stand-in coach Gideon Ochieng'. "We've had some great referees this year. We had three-point control and the officials weren't at their best."
Even Sony Sugar's head coach, Francis Baraza, who attended the match, couldn't hide his dismay. He lamented what he called "pretty average all-round refereeing".
Beat hasty retreat
Central to the issue was Gor's equaliser in the 19th minute. While linesman David Sajero had raised his flag for offside, referee Ochieng' beat a hasty retreat only for George Odhiambo to score amid shouts from the Chemelil bench. His indecisiveness at such a crucial moment wasn't clear.
Another moment of reckless officiating was witnessed in the 85th minute when Ochieng' pointed to the spot after a Chemelil player was thought to have handled the ball in the box.
Although George Odhiambo didn't convert the spot kick that could have seen Gor Mahia level the scores, it was another contentious decision from the city referee altogether.
Chemelil coach Zedekiah Otieno agreed the opposition had key decisions go against them.
The winning goal of Josek Kizito was a gem. A bit of space and he hit it sweetly, beating Francics Akango, Erick Masika and George Odhiambo to the net. Once again, the numerous "vuvuzelas" went silent.
Against the current
But while the referees were being crucified at Nyayo, AFC Leopards were swimming against the current in Mombasa against Bandari.
After completing a baffling transfer of 21 players in the month-long window, Ingwe failed to claw their coastal opponents, losing 2-0 to the hosts.
Bandari's new coach, Yusuf Chipo, happily remarked: "This was a very good start for me and my new team."
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