Nzoia United, Kariobangi Sharks refute match-fixing claims

National Super League (NSL) champions Nzoia United FC head coach Bernard Mwalala has refuted claims their last match of the season against Kariobangi Sharks FC was fixed.

Ten-man Sharks 1- 0 victory was Nzoia’s second defeat this season and their first loss at home in a result that left both teams celebrating after sealing the 1-2 in the second tier in what places them in pole position to be promoted to the Kenyan Premier League.

The ‘convenient’ outcome for both sides led to allegations cash changed hands since Nzoia had nothing to lose whilst a loss for Sharks who are associated with Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa could have opened the door for Zoo Kericho to finish second.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, former international Mwalala condemned game fixing claims where Nzoia reportedly ‘accepted Ksh1m’ saying his side gave their all in a bid to score but Sharks played well.

“That is a fallacy because Sharks had only one shot on target which they scored and defended well the victory till the last minute. We were unlucky not to score despite my boys going an extra mile for victory.

“A football match has three results and unfortunately we fell to defeat but according to me, it was the best we have played this season,” Mwalala.

Sharks boss, William Muluya, also slammed the allegations as baseless rumours.

“If it was a fixed match, then we could have scored more than one goal. We were one man less for the second half and Nzoia had chances to score and emerge winners,” said Muluya.

Nzoia ended the season on a staggering 92 points with Sharks sealing second on 83, two points above Zoo who walloped FC Talanta 5-0 on the final day as Nakumatt FC sealed fourth on 77.

Zoo and Nakumatt are waiting nervously to see whether they will play top tier football next season as the tussle between FKF and KPL on whether to adopt an 18-team format for the 2017 campaign rages on.

-Report by Ali Endere