Kisii county secondary schools football champions St Joseph’s Nyabigena have been disqualified for fielding ineligible players during the county championships held at Nduru High School two weeks ago.
Kisii county Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association secretary Geoffrey Nyantika confirmed the disqualification, adding that runners-up St Vincent Omwari have also been disqualified for similar offenses.
“During the hearing, Nyabigena admitted their offence and launched a case against Omwari. The Ministry of Education investigated and found them guilty. Consequently, both schools were found guilty of fielding ineligible players,” said Nyantika.
During the county championships, Nyabigena beat Omwari 1-0 to lift the title.
Nyantika said that the third-placed team, Ndonyo Mixed from Etago subcounty will now represent the county at the Nyanza regional games scheduled for Maranda School and Nyamira Girls on July 17 to 22.
In the playoff, Ndonyo beat Machongo 3-0. Ndonyo had lost 2-0 to Nyabigena.
Nyantika added that the jury made their recommendations to the Ministry of Education for further action against the two schools alongside Nyabite Secondary from Nyamache subcounty, who are also accused of fielding ineligible players during the county championships.
According to a source in the Ministry of Education, the two schools now face a two-year ban. The coaches also face a similar ban.
Speaking during the county championships, KSSSA Kisii county chairman Fred Mogaka was alarmed by the fielding of such players during school games.
“Instead of punishing schools, individuals who perpetrate this should be disciplined. It’s unfair to ban a school for mistakes done by individuals,” said the Kisii School principal.
“If these players think they are exceptionally talented, they should join clubs like Shabana not play for schools. School games are meant for students,” Mogaka spoke amid cheers from students.
Ndonyo, coached by Geoffrey Onchomba aka Mourinho, will replace Nyabigena in Pool ‘A’ of the regional championships which also has regional champions Kisumu Day, St Mary’s School Yala and representatives from Migori County.
The Migori county championships will be concluded on Saturday.
Onchomba said: “We are going to Siaya to compete. Even though this decision has been made late, I think the boys are ready."
Onjiko Boys, Usenge, Matutu PAG and Agoro Sare will face off in Pool ‘B’.
