Mean Machine RFC are set to move to the Sports Disputes Tribunal to challenge a decision by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) that awarded Mombasa RFC five points and deducted two points from the university side following the abandonment of their league clash last weekend.
The fixture, scheduled for March 7 at the University of Nairobi Lower Kabete Grounds, failed to kick off after disagreements over the condition of the playing surface.
According to sources within Mean Machine who spoke to Two5four on condition of anonymity, the club is unhappy with the ruling and believes the decision did not fully consider the events that unfolded before the match was called off.
“We are disappointed with the decision that has been made. From our perspective, the situation on the day was not properly evaluated and the ruling feels unfair to the club,” the source said.
“As a result, the club leadership has resolved to escalate the matter to the Sports Disputes Tribunal so that the issue can be independently reviewed.”
In a report submitted after the incident, Mean Machine outlined the sequence of events leading up to the abandonment, noting that the referee had initially inspected the pitch and asked the home side to address minor issues.
“The appointed referee arrived at the venue at approximately 1:50 PM and conducted an inspection of the field of play. During this inspection, he identified ant holes on the pitch and instructed that they be filled. This request was promptly complied with by the home team,” part of the letter reads.
The report further indicates that the referee later confirmed the field had been corrected.
“At approximately 2:20 PM, the referee confirmed that the ant holes had been adequately filled and indicated that no further field-related corrections were required,” the statement added.
Mean Machine also said players had taken further steps to address concerns raised later regarding a kerb near the touchline.
“Players from Mean Machine voluntarily brought soil using sacks and buckets and covered the kerb area extensively to eliminate any potential safety concern,” the letter states.
Despite the measures taken, the students claim that Mombasa RFC opted not to proceed with the match.
However, a source within the Mombasa camp defended their decision, maintaining that the pitch posed a safety risk.
“The pitch was not in a condition we felt was safe for our players. We raised concerns because we have a duty to protect the welfare of our team,” the source told Two5four.
The dispute now looks set to be determined outside the rugby structures, with Mean Machine preparing to seek intervention from the tribunal in what could become a significant case for the KRU Championship.
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