Ken Kenyatta commends 'professional' referee Opulu despite Talanta’s loss to Nzoia Sugar

Photo Credit: Courtesy

FKFPL Ken Kenyatta commends 'professional' referee Opulu despite Talanta’s loss to Nzoia Sugar

Festus Chuma 07:00 - 05.05.2023

The gaffer maintains that Talanta will continue to fight on despite suffering defeat on Wednesday afternoon

In the period that many referees are vilified in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) for dubious and astonishing decisions, referee Andrew Opulu has been hailed by FC Talanta coach Ken Kenyatta for his sense of professionalism despite losing 1-0 to Nzoia Sugar on Wednesday afternoon.

Talanta could not hold their back together in the injury time to the end of the match, conceding a 91st minute goal in a match that was played away at Sudi Stadium.

Speaking in a post-match interview after a hotly contested encounter that saw his side ending the game with ten men, Kenyatta said Opulu who was assisted by Arnold Kimutai and Timothy Oditi was fair, firm and in full control throughout the match.

“There is a slight improvement in terms of refereeing. Today the referee was fantastic and had the game under control,” Kenyatta said, insisting that his team’s defeat had nothing to do with lousy officiating but rather a bit of hard luck.

“ My players played very well throughout until they got that chance, and they used it wisely, and as you know, football is a game of chances, and when you utilize them, you carry the day.

I admit I have lost somewhat, and no one is to blame. I was reduced when Machika got a red card, and for now, to plan for our next game so that we can add to our points tally,” he concluded.

During the match, Alfred Tanui came in as a second-half substitute, scoring the all-important goal in the 91st minute.

The loss saw FC Talanta drop to 15th on the log with 27 points from the 28 matches they have played so far this season.

Talanta will next face Kenya Police in a league match set to be played at Kasarani Annex on Sunday afternoon.