Zico accounts for Bandari loss

KCB head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was on Wednesday a disappointed man after losing to Kenyan Premier League (KPL) rivals Bandari FC, saying the referee determined the result instead of how it was to be achieved.

Zico, in what is becoming a common song among coaches in the league, said center referee Israel Mpaima awarded Bandari undeserved penalty which changed the flow of the proceedings, eventually the visitors losing 2-1 at the Mbaraki Sports Club.

Mpaima pointed to the spot adjudging defender Brian Otieno to have been fouled by Sammy Mwangi inside the box, but according to Zicco, the decision was not misplaced.

“From the clips it’s very clear that it was our player who was pushed only for us to be penalized. It’s very unfair if you can work hard throughout the week to get results only to for a referee to water down your efforts through such a decision. It’s really heartbreaking because Mpaima is a very experienced referee. He should have done better,” observed Zico.

However Zico who is also the Harambee Stars acknowledged his charges also gifted Bandari another easy goal, further complicating their Mombasa trip.

“We conceded another easy goal so it was going to be a tough order for us and by the time we scored our consolation, it was like just five minutes left and so Bandari knew how to hold onto their win,” noted the tactician, highly regarded for his defensive tactics.

Further, Zico underlined the hot coastal weather in the early kickoff was not either working into his side’s favour.

“It’s very unfair to play in Mombasa in February at 2pm. It’s not good for the players and I don’t think it’s something to encourage. We are talking about player’s welfare, which should be paramount to everyone involved.  The match should have started at least at 3pm,” he told.

According to Zicco they are now eyeing to finish the league among the top four teams and they are on course of achieving it.

Mbaraki’s loss was their second in a row, leaving the bankers at fourth with 38 points, from 20 matches.