Ouna defends Cheche after red card

Mathare United head coach Frank Ouna has labeled the red card dished to his experienced centre back David 'Cheche' Ochieng during their 1-0 loss to AFC Leopards as soft and harsh.

Cheche was sent off in the final quarter of the game staged at the Ruaraka grounds on Thursday for elbowing Elvis Rupia in the full glare of the centre referee Peter Waweru. 

Consequently, the FIFA accredited whistler served the former Harambee Stars with his marching orders a decision which Ouna had a dissenting view on it.

The former Harambee Stars assistant coach in his post match remarks admitted that Cheche raised his arm and elbow but did not strenuously hit the marksman whose first half goal made the difference. 

" It was too soft even the player who was apparently elbowed just stood there and walked way. I think the referee was carried away with the reaction from the player and the Leopards technical bench," said the former Gor Mahia assistant. 

Ouna who took over the reigns two weeks ago admitted that he is mulling to switching to the traditional style of play accustomed to the club as a way of cheating relegation. 

" We have been playing long balls and that is not the Mathare style of play. For us to survive we have to play our style. We can not be changing style of play every now and then. We have to pick one struggle," he added.

Following the loss, the 2008 league champions who will enjoy a two-week break remain at the rock bottom of the log with eight points from seventeen rounds.