Chikati bears the brunt of match fixing

Former Kakamega Homeboyz defender Moses Chikati is getting it rough two years after being convicted of match fixing.

The central defender alongside the duo of Festus Okiring and Festo Omukoto were slapped with a four-year ban from football activities after being found guilty of manipulating the outcome of matches while at Homeboyz.

At the centre of the conspiracy was Ugandan national George Mandela who was handed a life ban.

Chikati who resorted to boda boda business at Khayega Market to make ends meet after FIFA through Football Kenya Federation rendered its ruling from the investigations says he has financially sunk into regrettable lows and cautioned active players against engaging in match fixing.

 “I have been living from hand to mouth from the time I was banned. I have been doing boda boda business but the proceeds are not enough to fend for myself and family as opposed to when I was playing football. I caution active players to stay away from the vice or anything which puts their careers on the line,” he opened up.

The former Chemelil Sugar player who is halfway his ban revealed its effects left him an isolated man who could not access any football pitch to keep fit.

Chikati who insists that he has a long way before calling it a day said he was forced to be content with road running and gym work to maintain his shape as he not access the pitch and train with the comfort from teammates.

“Before I head to the market, I do some road work and gym work to keep fit which are not enough to keep me fully fit. Despite the soiled reputation, I believe I will come back stronger and pick from where I left. Before the ban, I was at my peak and I am certain through hard work I will rise again,” he expressed.

Chikati in the meantime added his voice in the call to local based players to invest while they are active. He said he has learnt his lesson the hard way and will try his luck in business once he returns to the pitch.

“I would not be suffering this much had I invested when I was playing. I plead with my colleagues to establish a solid fall back plan when they are still active,” he added.