Investigate match-fixing claims

The local football fraternity was left in shock after Jean Marie Ntagwabira, the immediate former Rayon Sports coach and one of the two assistant managers of the national football team, the Amavubi Stars, told a news conference on Saturday that he had personally bribed players to influence the result of a football game.Ntagwabira dropped the bombshell on the day he announced his departure as Rayon coach, saying he gave cash to Rayon players way back in 2009 to concede goals during a competitive match with SC Kiyovu, which he was coaching at the time.The confession, the climax of a bitter feud between the coach, and his now former employers as well as several senior players, is the strongest hint yet on match-fixing in local football.For a man of Ntagwabira’s standing and calibre to come out, free from any pressure, and admit to having paid money to influence a result, three years ago, points to a deep-seated scandal in local football, which risks bringing the league into serious disrepute.If his comments are anything to go by, the local football administrators, Ferwafa, prosecution and other ant-corruption organs have enough reason to immediately launch thorough investigations into these claims.Such corrupt tendencies hamper the progress of sport as it goes against all principles of fair play.It is, therefore, important that a criminal investigation into these malpractices is urgently launched and those found guilty brought to book.

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Investigate match-fixing claims