By Reuben Olita
Drama unfolded during the finals of the Kokare Sports Festivals soccer tournament on Monday, 1st January 2024, when FC Amagoro fans caused the abandonment of the match disputing the goal scored by their opponents Kokare FC.
The two teams had battled to a goalless draw in the first half before Elias Etee broke the deadlock with a sublime goal in the 65th minute of the match officiated by Kenya Premier League match James Wandera from neighbouring Bungoma County.
With 20 minutes to the end of the game, FC Amagoro fans invaded the pitch protesting at the decision by the referee to allow Etee’s goal, which they claimed he scored after handling the ball.
The fans remained put despite the intervention of security personnel, forcing the referee to end match after 10 minutes with Kokare awarded the match and their fans taking to the field to celebrate that historic victory against the defending champions.
FC Amagoro stunned the sponsor Oita Etyang when they surrendered the uniforms they had been awarded before the finals and walked away in protest, leaving the sponsor and fans perplexed.
Etyang regretted the incident, saying FC Amagoro had their own reasons for rejecting the uniforms, which they have accepted, adding that they would be rebranded and donated to Aloet FC.
Following that unsporting behaviour, FC Amagoro forfeited second position awards of Ksh35,000, a ball and a trophy that was given to Kapina, which took third position while Koteko, which had finished fourth was elevated to third position and received a trophy, a ball and Ksh25,000. Kokare pocketed Ksh50,000.
All other 12 clubs that participated in the football bonanza received a set of uniforms and a ball. They included Akudiet FC, Akapijan, Kengatuny, Pool FC, Kifaru, Kasogolkapel, Aboloi, Umoja FC, and Korisai.
Despite the fan trouble, the sponsor was happy that the festivals ended well, attributing its success to management and community support
and good officiation from referees.
” We want to make the fourth edition of the Cup this year even bigger by extending it to the entire Constituency, noting that the massive turnout was a confirmation that people love football,” he said.
Mr Etyang, who works in Zambia, said he has identified potential talents among clubs that took part in the tournament, pledging to have them join top Zambian clubs, including Power Dynamos, and Mufulira Wanderers.
No sitting leaders attended the finals save for Malaba Municipality chairman Julius Ekwenye and former Chief Officer for Education and Vocational Training in the County Government of Busia, Joel Barua.
Others included CAF B license coach Felix Oucho, Mabunge RC principal, Mr Eric Otwane, Bishop Philip Adeka, and 2nd vice chairperson Athletics Kenya Western Region, Anne Otiti.
Mr Etyang said he had not invited any sitting leader, considering that it was a free event, noting that it was their own discretion to attend as ardent supporters or not.
The rugby title went to Border Links from Busia, with Malaba Bulls settling for second position. Kokare emerged tug-of-war champions with Amoni taking second position.
David Kemboi won the half marathon in a time of one hour and 19 minutes while Godfrey Okilipa took second position in 1:21.00. Edgar Omanyala took third position. Mercy Asale took the women’s title.
Kocholia won both the men and ladies’ volleyball titles. Kapina captured Ajua crown with Kokare, taking second position. Harrier Naliaka won the 100m crown.
