Ambani shields Mara Sugar from match-fixing claims

©Mara Sugar FC

FOOTBALL Ambani shields Mara Sugar from match-fixing claims

Kiplagat Sang 07:42 - 15.06.2023

After a 7-0 win recently, the Sugar Millers were accused of manipulating the results.

Former AFC Leopards striker Boniface Ambani has defended Mara Sugar FC from recent allegations of match-fixing.

After Mara Sugar thumped Silibwet Leons 7-0, Migori Youth questioned the result and alleged the match was manipulated in favour of the Sugar Millers.

Mara needed the exact scoreline to leapfrog Migori to the third position on the log, and after the Monday game, accusations of match-fixing emerged.

"The consistency in this team and the incentives we have offered our boys are unmatched in National Super League," Ambani said on Facebook.

"Remember, we were once in position 10, and we gradually started the rise. When we overtook the teams in the 9th, 8th, 7th, 6th, 5th, and 4th positions, why was everyone quiet?

"Let any referee or any single player or official in this nation confess where we as Mara have ever fixed a match. Give to Caesar what belongs to him."

To sharpen the players, the former Yanga SC striker revealed that he has been coaching Mara Sugar’s attackers.

"I, at times, train those strikers positioning and scoring daily when I am in Mara with the assistance of Xavier Francis. For every goal a player scores, I give him Ksh200 and Ksh100 for an assist," added the retired footballer.

"Who does that in the NSL or KPL at large? If teams can't invest in and motivate their own players, let them close the doors and go back to the village. Players and coaches turnover in Mara is next to zero."

While looking back at his stints at various clubs, Ambani asked their rivals to put their houses in order.

"Learn to keep players and let them stay together. If the management is difficult for them, my services are right here. At a cost. I do not know if they are capable. Pay your players, pay them well," he concluded.

"Allowances in time and more incentives. Ask AFC Leopards, ask Sindo United what I did to those teams. I don't compromise with standards."

Ambani serves the club as a technical director. Meanwhile, the Football Kenya Federation is yet to make a statement regarding Migori Youth’s allegations.