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Further debate has been raised following the unusual way in which Sharks’ two spot-kicks were taken during their win over Mathare United.
The level of officiating in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) has been an unending subject of discussion following a number of questionable calls in most matches.
Coaches all over the league have complained over wrong calls made by match officials but even as FKF tries its best to resolve the matter, mistakes seem to have become commonplace.
The latest example was witnessed during Kariobangi Sharks’ 2-1 league win over Mathare United on Tuesday where all three goals were scored through penalties.
While there was no problem with the awarding of the penalties, there was plenty to debate about the technique in which Sharks’ two spot kicks were taken.
Sharks won the first penalty following a foul in the box and forward Tyson Otieno stepped up to take the kick. However, on his way to taking the kick, he feinted twice, before kicking the ball which he slotted home to break the deadlock and he would repeat the technique later in the match.
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17:50 - 25.04.2023
FKFPL Tyson Otieno's brace from penalties earns Sharks Slum Derby bragging rights over Mathare
The former Wazito midfielder netted two penalties in either half.
Mathare were then awarded a penalty after Daniel Otieno was fouled in the box and Curtis Wekesa stepped up to effortlessly score but they did not stay level for long as Sharks were awarded another penalty.
Otieno was handed the honours again and like his first penalty, feinted three times, before kicking and scoring. However, based on to the rules, these techniques are not allowed and the referee should have booked the Sharks player after the first feint, and ordered him to retake the penalty.
According to IFAB, who make the rules of the game, feinting in the run-up to take a penalty kick to confuse opponents is permitted as part of football.
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11:00 - 26.04.2023
FKFPL Sam Koko berates Mathare’s “rashness in decision making” during defeat to Kariobangi Sharks
Slum Boys gave away two cheap penalties with incredible degree of rashness throughout the fixture.
However, feinting to kick the ball once the player has completed his run-up is considered an infringement of Law 14 and an act of unsporting behaviour for which the player must be cautioned.
The decision to allow the technique to be used on Tuesday, therefore, brings into focus the level of officiating in the league once more, showing just how far FKF are on their way to restoring order.
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