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The clash between URA FC and Wakiso Giants is a highly anticipated fixture in the Uganda Premier League; their matches always promise intense gameplay that keeps fans on the edge of their seats for the entire 90 minutes.
The clash between URA FC and Wakiso Giants is a highly anticipated fixture in the Uganda Premier League; their matches always promise intense gameplay that keeps fans on the edge of their seats for the entire 90 minutes.
In their recent encounter, the atmosphere was no different from their previous meeting, where Wakiso Giants were defeated 1-0 at Lugazi.
The team expressed dissatisfaction with the officiation, claiming it was biased. Such grievances are common among losing sides in football, especially in Uganda.
Drawing parallels to South African football, on incident during the URA, Wakiso Giants match mirrored a situation in the game between TS Galaxy and Mamelodi Sundowns.
In latter match, the Bafana Bafana midfielder was stretchered off after his leg was broken by Sundowns’ Bongani Zungu in the 58th minute. The referee’s decision in that scenario was spot-on.
Within just five minutes of the game starting, Enock Walusimbi, the URA captain, was on thin ice. His tackle on Samson Kigozi, the Wakiso Giants’ midfielder, was dangerous enough to potentially end his career. By sheer luck, the injury wasn’t as severe as the one Zungu inflicted on Bernard Parker.
So, what does the rulebook say about such tackles?
According to Law 12 of the IFAB Laws of the Game: “Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side, or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”
Walusimbi’s challenge clearly wasn’t aimed at the ball but targeted Kigozi’s shin, especially with Kigozi’s foot planted firmly on the ground. This indicates the excessive force used, jeopardizing Kigozi’s safety.
If the referee had been better positioned, he might have made a more informed decision. The fourth official could have intervened in moments like these, especially when the primary referee doesn’t have a clear view.
The reserve referee’s role, as per the game’s laws, is to assist in such situations.
Incidents like these should never be overlooked. Both players could suffer long-term consequences. For instance, Murushid Juko was fined over Shs10m for similar behavior, which hindered his opportunities with the national team until he announced his retirement.
On the flip side, injured players like Kigozi could face prolonged recovery periods or might not even return to the field. Kigozi’s subsequent substitution is a testament to the severity of such actions in the sport.
The author is a former FUFA referee
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