FKF tie hangs in the balance as Bandari, Sofapaka squabble

 Luqmann Mahmoud at Mbaraki, Mombasa

The fate of the FKF Shield round of 16 match pitting defending champions Bandari FC and Sofapaka set for this afternoon hangs in the balance after sharp difference emerged between the two sides.

Despite a directive from FKF that the match be played behind closed doors from 4pm, the host scheduled the match for 2pm, causing a mix-up.

According to Bandari team manager Wilson Oburu, the Mbaraki Sports ground is booked for another function from 4pm hence the need for a 2pm kickoff.

“We communicated to FKF on the matter but they insist on 4pm while this is a KPA facility and we can’t go against them,” the former Harambee Stars goalkeeper told Citizen Digital at the match venue.

On his part,  Sofapaka coach John Baraza insists they’ll only follow the fixture time as shared by the organizers.

“We will come(to the match venue) at 4pm and not other time, just wait at the ground,” Baraza told this writer on a phone interview.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Kenya Ports Authority issued a directive to the team not to honour the fixture, just three hours to kickoff time.

“This is with reference to the letter that you released on 13th March 2020 regarding the Corona Virus that the FKF matches will go on as planned. Regrettably following and relying on the government directive, our sponsors through the Managing Director has directed that the match should not proceed as planned,” the statement addressed to the federation read in part.