KBF men's final hits yet another snag

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's final pitting champions Ulinzi Warriors and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) might be delayed yet again. 

In a case filed at the Sports Dispute Tribunal (SDT), Dennis Opiyo via an Application dated the 13 April 2022, has called for the disqualification of Warriors in the playoffs and the ongoing playoffs be declared null and void. 

His application, that was mentioned on Tuesday, 19 April before the Tribunal, has also called on the tribunal to order KBF to restart the 2021 national men’s playoffs in accordance with the rules.

No dates yet for KBF men's final as KPA appeal

Opiyo says KBF violated League and Competition Rules with regard to the qualification of teams for the men’s 2021 playoffs.

In his petition, Opiyo, says that a scoresheet issued by KBF dated 27 November 2021 indicting that Embakassi Youth (EMYBA) Basketball Club forfeited the match between themselves and Warriors be declared a forgery, therefore illegal, null and void. 

"The respondent has, in the ongoing 2021 national Basketball league flagrantly violated the rules laid down for team participation for purposes of qualification to play in the league playoffs and has fraudulently manipulated results for matches not played, thereby giving one of the league participants, that is, Ulinzi Basketball Club men’s team as unfair opportunity to participate in the playoffs," read the application. 

Nyakinda unperturbed by online trolls

Opiyo, who have been vocal on social media on the issue alleges that Warriors' Valentine Nyakinda had not played three league games as per the rules of the league. 

The application was certified as urgent and mentioned on Tuesday, a determination date was set for Thursday 21 April. 

The final series between the two finalists vegan kn the weekend in Mombasa and is tied at 1-1, Warriors having won game one while KPA won game two.