Fights broke out Tuesday during the highly anticipated Pool A matchup between Musingu Boys and Koderobara Boys at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national ball games in Gusii Stadium, Kisii County.
The clashes started moments before the final whistle when a large group of Koderobara fans in a stand behind one of the goals advanced on Musingu supporters in a neighbouring area, throwing objects and breaking through a line of side officials.
Fighting between rival supporters and charges by baton-wielding police saw the match delayed by almost half an hour, with several fans injured as they pushed into metal barriers at the stadium. Then, Musingu was leading 1 – 0, and it was in the 78th minute.
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It was the latest violent football-related incident to mar the national secondary school football games, after ugly scenes between the same Koderobara fans and Machakos Boys supporters when the centre referee cancelled Koderobara’s goal, claiming it was scored as the goalkeeper was still lying down injured on Monday evening.
However, in the recent Musingu Boys vs Koderobara game, few expected the chaotic scenes as it was intended to showcase the best of secondary school soccer between the 2024 Kakamega County Secondary School football champions and Nyanza region’s football giants, respectively. But can it be understood?
It was disappointing for both Koderobara Boys players and fans because they were earnestly hoping for an important and big win that could keep them alive in the KSSSA national football title race after a disappointing performance in the games;
In the past matches, Koderobara Boys drew with Kirangari 2 – 2 and 0 – 0 with Machakos School. The referee resumed their game against Musingu, which they lost 1 – 0, driving them out of the competition.
In an interview with journalists after the game, Musingu head coach Brendan Mwinamo condemned the violence as he expressed optimism about clinching the coveted title they last won in 1984.
“It has been a long time. It is hard work, and we thank God as well. It is not easy to get here. I just want to promise our supporters that we will give our best, but we are not coming here as visitors, we want to be the national champions,” he said.
After the win, Musingu is proceeding to the semifinals and will this Wednesday face St Joseph Boys, which thrashed Dr Aggrey Boys High School 6-0 to qualify in Pool A.
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