We Are Destroying Them” – Coach Abdul Iddi Salim Warns Against Match-Fixing Labels on KPL Goalkeepers
Veteran goalkeeping coach Abdul Iddi Salim has issued a stern warning regarding the rising trend of labeling Kenyan Premier League (FKF-PL) goalkeepers as “match-fixers” whenever they commit on-field blunders.
Salim, a highly respected figure in Kenyan football with a resume that includes stints at Harambee Stars, AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, and Kenya Police FC, believes that these unproven allegations are toxic and are slowly eroding the quality of the goalkeeping department in the country.
Speaking on the immense pressure faced by those between the sticks, Salim noted that the quick rush to judgment by fans and stakeholders is damaging the psychological well-being of players.
“We should not condemn players when mistakes happen, just as we praise them when they do well,” Salim stated. “Goalkeepers have off days just like in any profession, and mistakes are part of the game. Let’s keep supporting these players.”
The tactician pointed out a double standard in how players are treated, noting that while strikers can miss clear chances without much suspicion, a goalkeeper’s error is almost immediately met with accusations of integrity breaches. He urged the football fraternity to highlight the positive moments and match-winning saves rather than focusing solely on the negatives.
Defense of Stephen Ochieng
Salim specifically addressed the recent scrutiny aimed at Shabana FC’s custodian, Stephen Ochieng. Despite being a key player for the “Tore Bobe” side, Ochieng has recently faced a backlash following high-profile errors.
“The Shabana keeper, for instance, has been doing well. He makes one mistake and suddenly everyone wants his head,” Salim lamented.
He warned that the culture of “calling for heads” instead of offering technical support is counter-productive to the growth of the national game.
“We are not building these keepers; we are destroying their self-belief, and things will only get worse. If we continue putting them under this kind of pressure, we won’t have any confident keepers left in the league,” he added.
A Call for Professionalism
The issue of match-fixing has been a dark cloud over Kenyan football for several years, but Salim argues that using it as a blanket explanation for every technical error is a dangerous path.
According to the former international coach, the focus should shift back to technical development and mental coaching to help keepers recover from mistakes, rather than character assassination that could end careers prematurely.
As the FKF Premier League enters its crucial stages, Salim’s comments serve as a timely reminder to fans and clubs to protect their assets and maintain the integrity of the sport without resorting to unfounded claims.
