What next for troubled Kessy?
Simba SC defender Hassan Kessy during a training session. Kessy, who has been in constant trouble with the Msimbazi club, has been suspended for five matches. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
Simba SC have imposed a five-match suspension on their right back Hassan Kessy following a “deliberate” foul, which cost the Msimbazi Reds points against Toto Africans on Sunday.
Dar es Salaam. Simba SC have imposed a five-match suspension on their right back Hassan Kessy following a “deliberate” foul, which cost the Msimbazi Reds points against Toto Africans on Sunday.
The suspension means the 2015/16 league season for the controversial defender is over, sparking speculation over his future at the former champions.
Kessy, who crossed to Msimbazi from Mtibwa Sugar, was sent off after a dirty play on Edward Christopher, leaving 10-man Simba struggling to cope with Toto Africans assaults.
Simba fell to a 1-0 defeat, which dimmed their hopes of winning the Vodacom Premier League title for the first time in four seasons.
Simba information officer Haji Manara told reporters that the decision to suspend Kessy was made by the executive committee after reviewing the foul.
“The club’s executive committee sat and resolved that Kessy must serve a five-match ban. It was a nasty foul which cost the team and would have put Christopher’s life in real danger,” said the outspoken official.
“The suspension should serve as a warning for other players who resort to deliberate fouls.”
Kessy was reportedly beaten by Simba’s Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Agban in the dressing room after the match. However, Manara said the committee has no grounds of punishing the Nigerian for there was no proof that he assaulted Kessy.
“The committee cannot act on rumours. The head coach (Jackson Mayanja), assistant coach, team captain and team coordinator did not inform us about the incident. But we will investigate about it and disciplinary measures will follow against Agban if he committed the offence.”
Questioned over the incident, coach Jackson Mayanja and his captain Mussa Hassan Mgosi claimed that they did not see the duo clash.
Reports have it that Yanga and Azam are closely monitoring Kessy’s situation with a view to prizing him away from Simba.
Title race
Speaking about Simba’s chances of winning the title, Mayanja said they were still firmly in the race for the prestigious crown. “We have five matches and our biggest rivals have six, so you can’t write us off now. We are still in it,” said the Ugandan tactician whose side has collapsed lately. “I don’t believe that Yanga and Azam will all their matches. They will surely drop points and we are ready to capitalise on any slip-up.”
Mayanja said the team will camp in Zanzibar for a week ahead of their match against Azam FC on April 30.
