Mwalala lashes out at intimidated referees after Leopards defeat

Bandari head coach Bernard Mwalala has lashed out at match officials who are intimidated by fans leading to ‘questionable calls’ in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches.

Speaking after his side’s 2-1 away defeat to AFC Leopards, Mwalala claimed his team’s failure to win the match was prompted by the referee’s decision “to revisit” his decisions due to fan pressure.

“There have been cases of fans intimidating the referees and I have personally observed the behavior for a while. When we played Gor Mahia the same thing happened as well as against AFC. I think it’s high time that the referees stopped succumbing to pressure from fans,”lamented Mwalala.

“We had several chances of winning our match against AFC Leopards, at some point my players were brought down and the referees awarded Leopards a free kick instead of us, it all happened due to intimidation from the fans, maybe he feared Ingwee fans could attack him if he didn’t favour them.”

Vincent Oburu broke the deadlock in the 16th minute before Alex Orotomal leveled for Bandari in the 57th minute, red hot Whyvonne Isuza rising to the occasion for the umpteenth time to bag the winner for Cassa Mbungo’s men.

Mwalala however said he is focusing in representing the country in the CAF Confederations Cup next season by winning the FKF Shield. The coastal side bundled out Western Stima 4-1 to storm to the semi finals of the Cup competition and are drawn against  Coastal division side SS Assad in the semi final.

“It’s too early for me to say if we will clinch the KPL title but what I am really focusing on is to win the Shield cup, we really need to play in the CAF Confederations Cup, and I believe we can achieve it if we continue working together.

“What is needed is to work on the striking department; they waste a lot of chances and it has cost us in previous matches,’’ added the ex- Nzoia United coach.

Bandari are third on the KPL table with 45 points, 10 points shy of leaders Gor Mahia. Bandari take  on Ulinzi Stars on Thursday at  the Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa in their next assignment.

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AFC Leopards Bernard Mwalala Kenyan Premier League Bandari head coach fan pressure lashes at referees

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