On Wednesday, the Doris Petra-led Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competition Committee docked Homeboyz three points and awarded them to the Kisii based former local giants alleging their head coach Edward Manoah was on the technical bench on September 13 and led them to a 2-0 win despite being suspended.
The same committee awarded Shabana maximum points against another former KPL outfit, Agro Chemicals for fielding an ineligible player in yet another match they also lost 2-0 with the six points putting them in good stead to return to the top flight for the first time since 2006.
Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula who told Capital Sport Friday, they would fight the decision to the end and have launched an appeal to the Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC).
“We cannot accept it, this is the second time they are doing so. They did it in the first-leg where they were awarded six points against Busia United and St. Joseph. Awarding them another six is impunity.
“They have stolen from us and we are appealing to IDCC and hope they will give us a fair hearing if they don’t then we will proceed to the newly formed sports tribunal until we get justice,” Shimanyula charged.
The chairman accused FKF of bias and ‘forcing’ Shabana back to the KPL but was certain they will return to the league just one season after they were relegated.
“In our last game against them, we protested one of their players had accumulated yellow cards but no action was taken. First of all, Shabana did not enter the Nationwide League in the right way, until when will they be helped?
“We are not going to give up, we will make sure we collect maximum points in our remaining three matches but it won’t be easy because all teams are strong,” Shimanyula decried.
FKF CEO Michael Esakwa told Capital Sport he could not reveal anything in detail about the decision but said Homeboyz had room to appeal.
“That was the decision of the Competition Committee after meeting on 8th of this month but they (Homeboyz) can appeal if they feel the decision was not right so I don’t want to comment further that that,” Esakwa stated.
This is not the first time the National League has been marred with uncertainty after questions were raised last season when Nakuru All Stars were promoted to the first tier despite West Sugar appealing against the decision as Petra’s committee was put to the sword.
The outcome means Shabana lead the standings on 40 points, one ahead of Homeboyz while Zoo Kericho are third on 37.
Homeboyz are yet to play former KPL side Karuturi Sport, Busia United and West Sugar while Shabana who has produced excellent players like former Harambee Stars forwards Mike Okoth, Henry Motego and Simeone Mulama face Nzoia, St. Joseph and Finlays Horticulture.
Only one team will from Zone B will earn promotion to next season’s KPL, joining another team from Zone A.