What’s Going On with the County Semi-Finals?
So you’ve been following the high school sports scene in Trans-Nzoia County and you’ve noticed things haven’t been smooth lately. The boys’ football semi-finals (and a few other matches) were thrown into total chaos on Saturday, June 21 and the drama hasn’t stopped since.
Both games at Ndura Sports Complex and Kiminini Primary School were abandoned in chaos and as of now? Still no word on when or where the replays will be.
JOBO vs Solidarity Boys: More Than Just Football
Let’s talk about one of the biggest games: St Joseph’s Boys Kitale (aka JOBO) vs St Anthony’s Boys (Solidarity Boys). These two are no strangers to intense matches but this one took it to a whole new level.
The game was stopped after a very questionable refereeing decision. In the 80th minute a St Anthony’s defender handled the ball in the box. Clear penalty right? Well the ref didn’t see it that way and that sparked outrage.
To make things even more heated St Anthony’s was already leading 3-2 and two of their goals were from penalties. You can imagine how that went down with the St Joseph’s fans and coaching staff.
Player Eligibility Allegations
Now here’s where it gets even messier. St Joseph’s led by veteran coach and school principal Cosmas Nabungolo filed a protest. Their claim? That St Anthony’s had fielded two over-age players which is a big no no under KSSSA (Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association) rules. Only players under 19 are allowed.
A review committee looked into the matter and surprise surprise they found St Joseph’s was right. The two players were indeed over-age and have since been banned from playing in the replay.
So When’s the Replay?
Good question. Both teams are expected to play again behind closed doors with neutral referees from outside the county. But as of now no one has officially confirmed the venue, date or time. A source whispered that the game might be tomorrow but nothing has been announced publicly.
Second Semi-Final Turns Ugly After Pitch Invasion
The other semi-final between Bwake Boys and Goseta Boys wasn’t much better. This one was stopped in the second half after a spectator ran onto the pitch and punched a Goseta player. Things got out of hand quickly and police had to intervene to control the crowd.
At the time the score was 0-0. Interestingly both coaches John Mukongolo (Goseta) and Geoffrey Murunga (Bwake) are former students of Cosmas Nabungolo adding a layer of legacy and personal rivalry to the drama.
Girls’ Final Also Under Review
It wasn’t just the boys’ matches that had issues. The girls’ final between St Joseph’s Girls and Wiyeta Girls is also going to a replay. Wiyeta appealed after losing 4-3 on penalties, claiming St Joseph’s used a player who hadn’t completed her transfer papers.
The appeal was upheld so the win was scratched and we wait for a new date to settle it once and for all.
Volleyball and Rugby? Yep, More Trouble There Too
You thought volleyball was spared? Think again. The boys’ final between Andersen and St Anthony’s Boys was stopped midway through the first set when fans stormed the court at Kitale School. St Anthony’s was leading 1-0 at the time.
Meanwhile in Rugby 7s, St Anthony’s tried to challenge Bwake Boys’ win but didn’t have enough evidence to back it up. The protest was dismissed and Bwake Boys are champions.
So What’s the Bigger Picture Here?
Honestly, all this mess shows that there are real problems in how school sports are being managed. Between poor officiating, lack of player eligibility checks and crowd control, something needs to change.
Students deserve a fair, safe and organized environment to showcase their talent. Hopefully the upcoming replays (once they’re scheduled) can bring some order back to the pitch—and let the players focus on what matters most: the game.
