NSL: Gucha Stars demand justice as Mombasa United distances itself from botched kickoff

Gucha Stars have called on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to strictly follow its regulations and arrive at what they term a fair and accurate decision after their National Super League (NSL) away fixture against Mombasa United failed to kick off.

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The Kisii-based side was scheduled to face promotion-chasing Mombasa United on Saturday, 20 November, at Mbaraki Sports Club, but left the Coast without a ball being kicked following a dispute over kickoff time.

Gucha alleges that they were denied access to Mbaraki Sports Complex during their scheduled warm-up after arriving at the venue at 11:00 am in preparation for what they insist was a 1:00 pm kickoff.

According to the visitors, Mombasa United informed them upon arrival that the match had been rescheduled to 3:00 pm, a development that sparked confusion and tension at the venue.

The visitors claim the situation effectively locked them out of the stadium during their planned pre-match preparations, forcing them into a logistical dilemma.

When 3:00 pm came, Mombasa presented their squad at the venue alongside match officials and declared themselves ready for kickoff.

Gucha, however, had already left the stadium and did not honor the fixture.

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Under the tutelage of veteran coach Sammy Okoth, Gucha maintain that they were fully aware the match was set for 1:00 pm, and that any last-minute changes would have seriously jeopardized their carefully arranged travel and matchday plans.

In a statement posted on their official Facebook page, Gucha revealed that Mombasa United had initially requested the fixture be moved from Sunday to Saturday, a request they accepted in good faith, as supported by email correspondence seen by Mozzart Sport.

“Our match had earlier been scheduled for Sunday. Due to pitch unavailability, and in the spirit of sportsmanship, we accepted the home side’s request to move it to Saturday at 1:00 pm,” read part of the statement.

“Our team’s logistical plans, including travel bookings, were aligned with this timeline. It was surprising that despite readjusting us to Saturday at 1:00pm, the home side did not factor in that another Division One match was scheduled at the same venue.”

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Gucha further stated that abrupt changes on short notice risked severely inconveniencing their preparations, which they say were done in good faith to accommodate the host’s earlier requests.

On the other hand, the Coastal side has strongly denied responsibility for the abandoned fixture, distancing themselves from claims of wrongdoing and insisting they acted in accordance with FKF directives.

In an official statement, the coastal club explained that although the match was initially scheduled for 1:00 pm, Mbaraki Sports Club had also been booked for a Division One fixture between Mombasa Stars FC and Kangemi All Stars, resulting in an unavoidable scheduling conflict.

United say that at 10:00 am, officials from all four teams held a joint pre-match meeting, after which FKF officials from Nairobi were consulted and issued a directive that the Division One match would kick off at 1:00 pm, while the NSL clash would be played at 3:00 pm.

“All officials present, including representatives from Gucha Stars, agreed to this ruling,” Mombasa United stated.

The club further accused Gucha Stars of circulating misleading information, claiming they had been locked out of the stadium.

“At approximately 1:20 pm, while the Division One match was ongoing, Gucha Stars began circulating misleading photos and claims suggesting they had been locked out. This assertion is false and misleading,” the statement added.

Mombasa insists that at the officially approved kickoff time of 3:00 pm, their players, officials, and match personnel were present and ready, waiting on the pitch for over 45 minutes in full compliance with FKF regulations, before the match was eventually abandoned.

United concluded by terming the incident unprofessional and reiterated that they bear no responsibility for the failed fixture, adding that the outcome now rests with FKF, which is expected to review the match officials’ reports before making a ruling.