Omalla at the double as Kogalo keeps pole position
League leaders Gor Mahia FC returned to winning ways after beating hosts Bandari FC two goals to one at Mbaraki Stadium. A brace from league top scorer Benson Omalla made sure that Kogalo take all the three points to remain top of table. A consolation goal on 75th minute by an in-form Andrew ‘Roma’ Juma for Bandari side wasn’t enough leaving them 7th position.
Second placed Tusker maintained their pursuit for Gor’s top spot after two wins in a row. Brewers who on round 22 stupefied the stubborn AFC Leopards by a solitary to maintain the chase, Robert Matano’s side on Wednesday beat 15 th placed Mathare United FC two nil to attain 48 points, that’s four points shy of league leaders but with a game in hand after 24 rounds.
Nzoia Sugar United repeated their fine form to deepen the woes of relegation threatened Wazito FC. In the second half, two goals (50th and 80th minute) from former Nyahururu Griffons FC Joseph Mwangi, now plying his trade with the millers oozed out any possibility of Ugandan tactician Paul Nkata’s side from bouncing back. A beautiful strike from Nzoia’s danger man Sijee saw Salim Babu’s side in front by end of first half.
At Police Sacco Stadium, a six-goal thriller was witnessed when Kenya Police FC clashed with City Stars ending 4:2 in favour of Police FC. A brace from Elvis Rupia, Clifton Miheso and Derrick Otanga sent the law enforcers displacing AFC Leopards to sixth having two games in hand.
Ingwe who were coming from a defeat by a single goal versus Tusker in their previous match, drew with FC Talanta on Thursday afternoon at Nyayo Stadium to remain sixth with 40 points. Same as fifth-placed Kenya Police FC but the latter has a better goal difference.
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In other matches, one of the oldest squad in the FKF PL Kakamega Homeboys stunned the youngest team in Kariobangi Sharks (21.45 years) by three goals to nil. Posta Rangers narrowly beat oldest team (27.57 years) Bidco United by a solitary goal. Also, KCB further condemned struggling Vihiga Bullets by thumping them 3:0 at Police Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Notably, the teams are still struggling to get their fans back to stadium and depend on gate collections as an one of the sources of income. Normally, no one gives a breakdown with regards to how much has been raised through gate collections. As a result, it’s never clear how the funds has been used.
Furthermore, getting simple statistic for specific players of certain teams is a Herculean task. In developed leagues the data is readily available for quick perusal and comparisons.
Kwenya Kwanza government is on the on digitisation spree, the Ministry of Sports should consider offering a framework to help local teams follow suit.
“It’s not that the teams can’t digitise, but its convenient when it comes to making sure that holding those in charge accountable difficult” a source close to one of the big clubs alleged.
The Football Kenya Federation should come up with a mechanism to enable teams move to the next face which is data driven for purposes of efficiency and accountability.
