Bandari FC interim coach Razak Siwa has issued a stern warning to fans and critics regarding the rising trend of match-fixing allegations, urging the Kenyan football community to exercise caution before accusing players of integrity breaches following on-field mistakes.
Siwa has emphasized that errors from goalkeepers and defenders are a normal part of the sport rather than immediate evidence of match manipulation.
The veteran tactician, who was elevated from his role as goalkeeper trainer following the dismissal of Moroccan coach Mohammed Borji, pointed out the double standards often applied to different positions on the pitch.
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Bandari FC interim coach Razak Siwa hits back at critics
He questioned why defensive lapses are met with immediate suspicion while offensive failures are overlooked.
A goalkeeper committing an error is a very normal thing, even in Europe it happens. Here in Kenya when a goalkeeper makes an error we are quick to shout, it is betting, why?
When these are just common occurrences, so even in Europe when can say they are betting on matches. It is normal for any goalkeeper in the world to make a mistake because it also happens in training.
So when a forward fails to score, should we also label it as betting?” said Siwa in an interview with Sportpesa Blog.
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The former Harambee Stars and Yanga SC goalkeepers trainer further highlighted the psychological toll these accusations take on the playing unit, noting that such claims hinder the development of local talent.
He advocated for a culture of support rather than condemnation to help players recover from high-pressure mistakes.
We have to be considerate, these allegations are demoralizing our goalkeepers. Let’s remove these thoughts from our minds while watching matches, goalkeepers are also human beings and we have to build them to be better players.
Of course there are some with question marks but when a goalkeeper commits an error in a match, back him to come out strongly by trusting him in the next game,” he added.
Siwa urges journalists to help professionalize Kenyan football
Siwa also called on journalists to take a proactive role in professionalizing the Kenyan game drawing comparison from neighbours Tanzania to illustrate how a collaborative relationship between clubs and the press can elevate the game.
As members of the media, you can help us to make things better. For example in Tanzania, they make engagements with media and as you can see their football is growing with so much visibility. So journalists also play a big role in building the game.”
Since taking charge on temporary basis,the veteran tactician remains unbeaten in three matches, having secured draws against giants Gor Mahia and Posta Rangers, alongside a victory over Mathare United in the last Sportpesa League match before the festive break.
The Mombasa based club will resume their campaign on January 10th against Kakamega Homeboyz at their home, Mbaraki Sports Complex.