By Muhanguzi Tola
tolakofa1@gmail.com
Falcons’ soccer team head coach Boniface Mutuku has questioned referees’ officiating following a few controversial incidents that saw two of his players red-carded in a Sunday FKF Division 2 fixture.
“If you look at the referee sometimes he was emotional, also retaliating against the players. That is something to be looked at in future because as a referee and a professional, you don’t need to engage with the players,” said coach Mutuku.
Speaking after a 2-1 win against Itoleka FC at the Bethel grounds, the coach further commended the team for their resilience and fighting spirit. Two second half set piece goals were enough to overturn a one goal deficit in a match that almost had the visitors walk out midway. The goals, each from a free kick by Barrack Khaseke were netted by Daniel ‘Dante’ Zevai and substitute Wallace Anene.
Joash Olwaga picked up the first red card after committing a foul that yielded the visitors’ only goal from the resulting free kick. Keeper Kennedy Omondi received the second, whilst defending a corner. Defender Mahisi Luzolo was forced to pull on the goalkeeping gloves, producing some superb saves that kept the score line in Falcon’s favor.
The coach’s remarks were backed by team captain Barrack, who expressed his displeasure in the referee’s decisions as he commended his teammates’ discipline. According to him, referees make good decisions and bad ones, but it’s really disappointing when they make decisions that affect the game.
The team’s fitness has been a key discussion point, with most of the first team players nursing injuries, with the team having as many as four fixtures in one weekend. Team manager Millicent Tipatet has acknowledged that fatigue is a challenge on the players, hence the frequent injuries.
“A lot of people have been injured. I think we need to work on our conditioning more but for the next game we’ll be good to go,” said Tipatet.