Joyceline Jepkosgei wins the 2016 Marseille Cassis (Jean-Philippe Borg – TeamPhoto) © Copyright

MARSEILLE, France, Oct 30 – Henry Kiplagat and Joyline Jepkosgei of Kenya triumphed at the 38th edition of the challenging Marseille Cassis, an IAAF Silver Label Road Race in southern France, on Sunday.

As soon as the gun sounded, a large group lead by Rwanda’s Gervais Hakizimana detached itself from the rest of the field.

Then, about three kilometres into the race, both Kiplagat and Edwin Rotich ramped up the pace and opened a gap over the rest of the pack.

They hit the five-kilometre mark in 15:15 and continued to push hard during the tough 327-metre climb up to the Col de la Gineste. They went through the halfway point in 31:43, two kilometres before starting the descent towards Cassis.

The gap between the leading duo and the chase pair of Remmy Ndiwa and Ezrah Sang continued to grow as Rotich and Kiplagat passed 15 kilometres in 46:03.

They then took advantage of the downhill section to hurtle down the descent towards the waning stages.

With 500 metres to go, Kiplagat injected a big surge on a small hill to drop Rotich and pull off the victory in 59:28. Kiplagat covered the final five kilometres in a swift 13:25.

“I’m very happy to win today,” said the 34-year-old, who holds a half marathon personal best of 1:00:01. “I thought I wouldn’t be in a very good form but when I saw I was at the front I took my chance.”

Kiplagat succeeded 2012 and 2015 winner Edwin Kipyego who was unable to make the trip to France to defend his title, thus thwarting his bid to become just the third runner to win this event three times.

Rotich, who couldn’t respond to the late race charge, crossed the line five second in arrears to settle for second.

“I was troubled by some foot problem in the end,” said a disappointed Rotich, who clocked a 59:32 half marathon lifetime best a week ago. “I would have preferred that Edwin Kipyego took part in the race to run faster.”

Kiplagat led a Kenyan 1-2-3 as Ndiwa wound up third in 1:00:45, just three seconds ahead of Sang.

Henry Kiplagat wins the 2016 Marseille Cassis (Jean-Philippe Borg – TeamPhoto) © Copyright

Jepkosgei shatters women’s course record

In the women’s contest, Jepkosgei produced a dominating performance to win in 1:07:00.

No one could sustain her pace and she never faded, even on the challenging Col de la Gineste, as she forged on to lower the previous course record, set by Kenya’s Mercy Kibarus in 2012, by 54 seconds.

It should be noted that last year’s winner, Peres Jepchirchir, ran faster, prevailing in Cassis in 1:06:01.

But the course was shortened by about 400 metres due to road works near the start line in Marseille.

“I’m really satisfied to win,” said the 23-year-old, who finished 18th overall. “I still felt in a good form following my new 31:08 10 km personal best (in early September).

I struggled a lot with the succession of uphill and downhill sections but I’m very happy.”

With her victory Jepkosgei extended the Kenyan winning streak in the women’s race to seven editions.

Her compatriot Parendis Lekapana was a distant second in 1:09:25 as Ethiopia’s Godfay Afera rounded the podium in 1:10:20.

The race began in cool and sunny conditions, but temperatures later reached nearly 25 C in the finishing area at the port de Cassis. Approximately 15,000 runners entered the race.

Leading Results:

Men –

1. Henry Kiplagat (KEN) 59:28
2. Edwin Rotich (KEN) 59:33
3. Remmy Ndiwa (KEN) 1:00:45

Women –

1. Joyline Jepkosgei (KEN) 1:07:00
2. Parendis Lekapana (KEN) 1:09:25
3. Godfay Afera (ETH) 1:10:20

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Mark Korir winng the 2016 Frankfurt Marathon (Victah Sailer/organisers) © Copyright

FRANKFURT, Germany, Oct 30 – Mark Korir led a Kenyan podium sweep in the men’s race at the 35th Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, on Sunday.

Mamitu Daska of Ethiopia claimed the women’s race where Kenya’s Sarah Jebet settled for third in 2:27:07.

In the men’s race, Korir won a three-way battle in 2:06:48, more than 30 seconds clear of compatriots Martin Kosgei and Cybrian Kotut.

In the women’s contest, Daska collected her second Frankfurt victory in 2:25:27, dramtically fending off a late-race challenge by Germany’s Fate Tola.

Korir’s mid-race move the key

A lead group of eight was guided by three pacemakers through the first half in 1:02:58, according to the pre-race plan.

In the 27th kilometre, Ethiopia’s Tadesse Tola, the fastest in field with a PB of 2:04:49, was the first to drift back, leaving Korir, Kotut, Kosgei, Birhanu Achamie of Ethiopia and pacemaker Vincent Rono at the front at 30 kilometres, reached in 1:30:09.

Korir upped the tempo, dropping Achamie and the pacesetter.

Korir, the 2015 Paris Marathon winner, began his decisive attack with five kilometres remaining, and was never significantly threatened en route to the race’s dazzling indoor finish area in Frankfurt’s Festhalle.

“When the pace dropped after 35-k I put the pressure on – and won,” said Korir, who’s 2:06:48 performance was the year’s eighth fastest. “After having to drop out in the Paris Marathon this spring I was very disappointed. I wanted to redeem myself and I really enjoyed this race.”

Kosgei was pleased with his 2:07:22 runner-up finish, a substantial improvement over his previous best of 2:09:50 set in Hannover in 2015.

“I knew from my training that I was in better form than before,” Kosgey said. “But it was a surprise to achieve second place.”

Kotut, the current Paris Marathon champion, suffered a hamstring injury late in race which ultimately left him out of contention.

“Everything was okay until 35-k when I got the injury,” said Kotut, the younger brother of marathon great Martin Lel. “Nonetheless I am happy to have run 2:07 despite the problem.”

Further back Bobby Curtis of the US was fourth in 2:11:20, equalling his lifetime best, with Tola fifth in 2:11:52.

Daska holds on, Kebede drops out

Mamitu Daska winning the 2016 Frankfurt Marathon (Victah Sailer/organisers) © Copyright

In the women’s race, as expected the Ethiopian pair of Mamitu Daska and Sutume Asefa Kebede established an early lead.

Their early tempo suggested a possible attack on the course record of 2:21:01, set in 2012 by fellow-Ethiopian Meselech Melkamu.

Soon after they passed the halfway point in a promising 1:10:40, Daska pulled ahead alone.

However, she was hit with stomach problems around the 25-kilometre mark, forcing her to briefly stop, but still holding a safe lead.

That changed after kilometres (1:57:50), when Tola, running her first marathon since obtaining German citizenship, began working her way towards the front.

By 37 kilometres she moved into second just as Kebede dropped out.

Daska was clearly struggling from the 35th kilometre, where she had an advantage of 2:40. “It was my aim to win the race, but it was getting really tough because of the problems,” she’d later say.

Slowing dramatically, her lead was cut to 1:24 five kilometres later. Continuing to fade even as Tola pressed on, Daska still held on for the win, holding off the challenger by 15 seconds.

Had the race been some 300 metres longer, the finishing order would have been reversed.

“I could have run 15 seconds faster, but I did not see Mamitu Daska early enough,” said Tola, who clocked 2:25:42. Nonetheless, she wasn’t disappointed. “It was a great race for me, I am really happy.“

Leading Results:

Men –

1. Mark Korir, KEN 2:06:48
2. Martin Kosgei, KEN 2:07:22
3. Cybrian Kotut, KEN 2:07:28
4. Bobby Curtis, USA 2:11:20
5. Tadesse Tola, ETH 2:11:52
6. Birhanu Achamie, ETH 2:12:19
7. Weldu Gebretsadik, NOR 2:12:20
8. Koen Naert, BEL 2:12:27
9. Moses Masai, KEN 2:13:23
10. Rene Cuneaz, ITA 2:15:32

Women –

1. Mamitu Daska, ETH 2:25:27
2. Fate Tola, GER 2:25:42
3. Sarah Jebet, KEN 2:27:07
4. Lindsay Flanagan, USA 2:29:28
5. Charlotte Purdue, GBR 2:30:04
6. Martina Strähl, SUI 2:30:58
7. Helen Tola, ETH 2:31:27
8. Mona Stockhecke, GER 2:31:30
9. Tracy Barlow, GBR 2:32:05
10. Milda Vilcinskaite, LTU 2:34:48

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Harambee Starlets midfielder Christine Nafula controls the ball under pressure from Egypt’s Michelle Habiba during their friendly match on October 28 in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 31- Ahead of their debut at the Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) in November, Egyptian national women’s football team head coach Mohammed Mostafa has challenged Harambee Starlets to build their physical stature.

Mostafa whose side was beaten 1-0 by Starlets in a friendly match at the Kasarani Stadium last Friday, said he was impressed with the Kenyan side but warned them if they don’t improve physically they might be in line for a tough AWCON, especially against West African sides.

“They (Kenya) play very well. They are organized technically and tactically and pass the ball very well. Their style is just like ours but one thing I noticed is that they are not very physical. I watched their game against Cameroon and you could see when the Cameroonians started playing physically it became hard for them,” Mostafa told Capital Sport.

“At Cup of Nations, they will be facing West African countries who are physical. I feel that if they improve in this, then they will be able to compete well with the rest. Apart from that, I think they are a good team,” the tactician added.

Starlets head coach David Ouma has disclosed he will be taking the remaining three weeks of training to build up the physical state of the team, with his eyes fixed on a semi-final slot at AWCON.

-Neddy, Enez blow-

The tactician says he is impressed with how much his girls have grown over the last three months, but admits missing two key players in Neddy Atieno and Enez Mango will be a huge blow for him.

Mango will be unavailable due to job commitments with her employer Google, while Atieno has started military training with the Kenya Defense Forces at the Recruit Training School in Eldoret.

“Missing these two players is a huge blow because they have been with us every step of the way in preparation. We tried everything to secure them but it became impossible. We will have to work with replacements and with three weeks remaining, there’s enough time to work out a cover,” Ouma said.

Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma shouts instructions from the touchline during the team’s friendly match against Egypt on October 28 in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

-Team improved-

 “As a team we have improved so much and in terms of fitness of the players, I am more than happy with what we have. It is true we lack a bit in terms of physicality but it is an issue we will address. I can confidently say that at this moment we are ready for the Cup of Nations.”

The team is expected to resume training on Tuesday evening at Kasarani after a three day break which was also used to do medical tests on all the players. Their next assignment will be a final friendly against AWCON hosts Cameroon in Limbe on November 6.

The coach hopes the Ministry of Sports will approve its budget to allow them stay over in Limbe until the Nations Cup which kicks off on November 19.

“We are playing the friendly in the city of Limbe which is where we will play our group matches. It is a town in the seaside with a different altitude and weather to Nairobi. It will be very vital for us if we can get to remain there after the friendly so that the girls can acclimatize,” Ouma offered.

The team is expected to travel out on Friday by when Ouma is expected to have named his final squad of 21 for the Nations Cup.

Kenya which is pooled in Group D with holders Nigeria, Mali and Ghana begin their campaign against the Black Queens of Ghana on November 20 at the 20,000-seater Omnisport Stadium.

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Tusker FC Youth team will conduct Trials from Thursday to November 5 at the team’s training Ground in Ruaraka.PHOTO/Tusker FC Youth Facebook

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 31 – Tusker FC Youth team will conduct trials for talented footballers in a bid to reinforce the under 20 team.

The selection will be conducted at the Ruaraka Sports Complex starting Thursday to Saturday with a probability of a friendly match on the same weekend.

The process will be conducted by the Tusker Youth team coaches and will be strictly monitored to avoid age cheating and any other malpractices.

Candidates are requested to carry with them their original birth certificate and the photocopy, their identification cards and if in school, a document proving the same.

Those from outside Nairobi are requested to find friends or relatives who can accommodate them since the team will not carter for it. Players will be selected on merit.

Started in 2012, the youth team was formed with an aim of identifying players with excellent football skills and assisting them in achieving their football ambition while also empowering them with academic enrichment.

The team is tasked to produce quality players for the Tusker senior team and also contribute to various clubs in the country.

The youth team actively participates in year round Aberdares Branch FKF Regional League.

The newly recruited U-20 team will reinforce the other players to play in the Kenya Premier League U-20tournament at a date to be announced later and the league matches.

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Australian rugby legend David Campese is set to visit Kenya this week.PHOTO/KRU

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 31 – Australian legend David Campese is expected to visit Kenya this week for a series of activities that will culminate in a keynote address at the Nondescripts RFC dinner on Saturday.

Campese, who was capped 101 times by Australia between 1982 and 1996, will conduct sessions with the Kenya women’s and men’s sevens teams on Tuesday, before attending a cocktail with the rugby fraternity on Friday.

Famous for  his “goose-step” — a hitch-kick motion which left opponents stumbling to try to tackle him, Campese (Campo) scored 64 tries during his fourteen year stint with the Wallabies.

He was a member of the Eighth Wallabies for the 1984 Tour of Great Britain that won rugby’s “grand slam”, the first Australian side to defeat all four home sides, England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, on a tour.

Campese was a member of the 1986 Wallabies that beat the All Blacks 2-1 in New Zealand, only the fifth international and second Australian team to win a Test series in New Zealand.

 In 1988 Campese received a standing ovation from the crowd and applause from his teammates after scoring a zig-zagging try for Australia against the Barbarians at Cardiff Arms Park.

 In October/November 1991 Campese as acclaimed the Player of the 1991 World Cup, scoring six tries in as many matches for the victorious Wallabies.

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The coach confirmed that within the next month, he will undertake a complete audit of the club as he seeks to lay a strong foundation for a proper start after the 2016 Kenyan Premier League season comes to an end.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 31- New AFC Leopards head coach Stewart John Hall has underlined his scouting policy, saying he will not sign players above 24 years as he officially took over the den on Monday.

Hall, who is looking at bringing AFC Leopards back to it golden days, said he will prefer a youthful outlook and working closely with the AFC youth team.

“There is potential and talent in Kenya. There will be no journeymen. Transfer targets will be of a particular age where they can be developed, polish, not only performing for Ingwe but can also be sold for a profit,” Hall affirmed after being unveiled by club officials.

The coach confirmed that within the next month, he will undertake a complete audit of the club as he seeks to lay a strong foundation for a proper start after the 2016 Kenyan Premier League season comes to an end.

After that, the former Azam FC coach will make a raft of recommendations to the club over what he deems fit to be changed, ranging from the training ground (which he already doesn’t like), training equipment, technical staff and above all the playing unit.

“I know Ingwe very well, the history and the tradition. I also know how long they’ve gone without success and I assure everyone I will work very hard to change the fortunes of a fantastic club and get them back on the road they deserve to be on,” he said.

The tactician, who was described by AFC Secretary General Oscar Igaida as the club’s ‘biblical Moses’, said he is ready for the new job and though he is coy on his targets for the next season has promised to bring the smile back to Leopards fans’ faces.

“I’m here because I want to be here. I’ve taken a cut in salary in personal condition because I want to be here. Ingwe is a sleeping giant and it’s a great time to take over the club because they had hit rock bottom. For a club of AFC’s stature with their fan base and passion for the club to be 13th on the log tells the whole story,” the Englishman who left Tanzania in May after six years said.

AFC Leopards head coach Stewart John Hall was officially unveiled on Monday.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

He put out a damning statement on the club’s current crop of players after watching them lose 3-1 against his former club Sofapaka on Friday at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

“I think the players lacked heart, they lacked passion and they played as almost they are confused. It’s been a difficult season and because of that some of the players seem to have lost focus and they don’t go out with clear objectives. They didn’t look like they were enjoying what they were doing and that is something we will need to work on,” he said as he analyzed his first impression of the new club.

Hall who becomes the ninth AFC Leopards coach in four years will be given freedom to choose his own assistants with former goalkeeper trainer Iddi Salim set to return and former Kenya Lionesses head coach Mike Shamiah being likely to take over the role of physical trainer.

The contracts of the two are yet to be finalized with Hall, who speaks highly of Salim saying he is still working out a relationship with them and will decide whether to retain them or not.

The new coach has however ruled out the possibility of working with another foreign coach like he did during his time in Tanzania saying there are enough good coaches within the country.

The management through chairman Dan Mule said they will hand him a five-man shortlist to pick from.

Hall has a history of working with youth teams, having at one time coach the Birmingham City FC Youth team and also worked with the Tanzanian Under-17 and Under-20 teams. The coach was also instrumental in the knitting out of the Azam Academy which is ranked one of the best in the region.

He has told Capital Sport he will work closely with Youth team coach Boniface Ambani who he says he has a lot of respect for over his success during his playing days in Tanzania with giants Young Africans.

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Geoffrey Mutai celebrates after winning a past race. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 1- Geoffrey Mutai, a two-time New York and 2012 Berlin Marathon champion will be the star attraction for this year’s Baringo Half Marathon which will be held on Saturday in Kabartonjo.

Mutai leads a list of 250 athletes who have already confirmed participation in the annual event with other big names in the race squad including 2007 All Africa Games silver medalist Josephat Menjo, Japan based athlete Amos Kaptich and former Kass Marathon champion Amos Mibei.

Winners of both the men and women’s races will walk home with Sh200,000, second place finishers Sh100,000 while bronze winners will walk home with Sh70,000.

The race which received a sponsorship boost of Sh3mn from Lotto Foundation and Sh200,000 from the Baringo County Government will for the first time feature a 12km wheelchair race whose winner will pocket Sh30,000.

“We want to see this marathon grow in leaps and bounds and reach the heights of the Stanchart Marathon in Nairobi. That’s why we are ready to invest and see that it grows,” Baringo Sports County Executive Emily Kibet said.

His sentiments were shared by title sponsors Lotto’s CEO Brian Waluchio who said; “We strongly believe that community supported initiatives such as the Baringo Half Marathon can greatly change livelihoods and uplift people through social development.”

(L-R) Baringo County Executive for SPorts Emily Kibet, Lotto CEO Brian Waluchio, Athletics Kenya Vice Chair Paul Mutwii and legendary kenyan athlete Douglas Wakihuri during the launch of this year’s Baringo Half Marathon. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

The race is run and organized by former marathon world record holder Paul Tergat through his foundation.

Meanwhile, Kibet has disclosed to Capital Sports the county is in the process of putting up two high attitude training facilities in the area with Sh16mn already allocated for the two.

Also in the pipeline are two stadia within the county whose budget is approximated at Sh450mn.

“We are working on two stadia of international standards one in Eldama Ravine and one in Kabarnet. We have secured the two and what we are working on is levelling the ground and before the end of this year, we should have been able to create a football and volleyball pitch,” Kibet said.

The County Executive has admitted the county has missed out on producing top athletic talent in the country because of lack of training facilities and she believes the two stadia coupled with another two high altitude training camps will be a solution.

“We have started by putting up hostels in both of them then next we will look at building a kitchen and catering facilities. We want to build something close to or even better than the camp in Iten,” Kibet added.

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Former Gor Mahia Secretary General and chairmanship aspirant Chris Omondi address the press alongside other aspirants. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 1- Aspirants for the forthcoming Gor Mahia elections have written to the Sports Tribunal and the Football Kenya Federation complaining over the manner in which the club is handling the electoral process.

Of particular concern to the aspirants is the voter register which is being prepared by the current office and they are uneasy, suspecting the incumbents might be putting in a list favourable to hand them undue advantage in the December polls.

“This is not something new to us and we find it fishy that the office is saying they prepare the list then hand it over to the independent electoral body. We know what they are capable of doing. What we want is the independent body to handle the whole process,” former Secretary General Chris Omondi who is now eyeing the chairman’s seat told Capital Sport.

They have called for a halt to the ongoing voter registration owing to what they term as incredible and flawed process, asking Gor fans to boycott the process until the office adheres to election guidelines as stipulated in the club Constitution.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the 16 aspirants who also included another chairmanship hopeful Dan Oketch faulted the registration fee instituted by the current executive committee saying the change from Sh1,000 to Sh500 is unconstitutional.

“You can’t build a club with strangers. It’s not the right way to do things. But the office has overlooked branches and relevant stakeholders in the ongoing process. By setting registration fee at Sh500 the office has opened club elections to anyone who can afford the money without necessarily being fans of the club,” Omondi who resigned from the club two years ago said.

Other than petitioning the tribunal and federation, the aspirants have also sought audience with club patron Raila Odinga concerning the matter and hope a solution will be arrived at early enough.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier set 11th December as the date for club elections but the process has already hit a snag at the initial stage.

“A mutually agreed upon electoral body should take over the process from the registration onwards because the office holders might give them a skewed voter register.” Oketch said separately.

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The rally has attracted top guns among them Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, Baldev Chager, Rajbir Rai, Tapio Laukannen.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 1- The ‘Flying Finn’ Tapio Laukanen is hoping to become the first ever foreign driver to win the Kenya National Rally Championship ahead of the penultimate round of the 2016 KNRC season in Kitengela this weekend.

Laukkanen only needs to finish second overall to clinch the season’s accolade and make history, but he will face stiff competition from defending champion Jaspreet ‘Jassi’ Chatthe who still has minute title ambitions.

Tapio has for the last two seasons raced on a Kenyan competition licence and as such, eligible for the coveted title.

The KCB Kitengela Rally has attracted a star- studded entry that includes youngsters Manvir Baryan and Karan Patel who recently participated at the World Rally Championships in Spain.

Former British and Finland rally champion Tapio Laukannen.PHOTO/FILE

There are also over 10 entries in group N (for homologated cars) including leader Ian Duncan in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 10, Farhaaz Khan in an Evolution 9 and Karan in an Evolution 10.

Karan is making a return to the KNRC front after tackling five Europe-based rounds of the World Rally Championship.

The former 85cc East African motocross champion scored points towards the Drive D-Mack Fiesta Trophy (DDFT) as well as savoring a taste of asphalt and gravel stages in rallies of Poland, Germany, Catalunya Spain, Finland and Portugal.

“How awesome would it be if Kenya had some tarmac stages incorporated into our national rallying? I’m thinking that it would be ideal for us to have tarmac rally stages on select closed public roads which will call for tarmac specification dampers, springs, brake discs and pads and wheels and tyres,” Karan said.

Karan also added that he is itching to rev his Evolution 10  car (“Phoebe”) this weekend.

“After spinning a Ford in the WRC, I can’t wait to get back into my beautiful beast of a machine (Evo). It was amazing racing in the WRC. We didn’t quite make it to the finish in Spain because I crashed the car in the second last stage of the rally but for the stages we did and completed, we gained invaluable experience.”

“So  we didn’t finish on paper but in my mind I have accomplished something great given that I’m new to the car and the rallies and I feel I am walking away knowing that I am a better driver,” Karan who is a the 2014 KNRC Division 3 and Group S Champion said.

In the star-studded list, Duncan is the only driver amongst the top 7 still running a Group N car as most top teams have since upgraded to R4 and R5 machines.

Tapio has indeed swept the ground with all his opponents in his traditional Subaru R4, with youngsters Rajbir Rai and Manvir both gaining considerable pace in their Ford Fiesta R5 super cars.

Kabras Sugar Racing trio of multiple champion Baldev Chager, Onkar Rai and Tejveer Rai will be running their hi-tech R4 Evolution 10s, same as Chatthe.

Although focus will be centered more on the high-flying speed merchants,  lower categories of KNRC are sure to also offer spectators some hair-raising thrills on Kajiado’s black cotton soil.

The 2WD category has attracted four entries, including champion Leonardo Varese, rising star Alex Lairang’i, leader Eric Bengi and Sammy Nyorri.

KNRC Division 2 leader Mahesh Halai will be up against Eric Bengi in what has become a two-horse race.

Shamba Boyz driver Mahesh Halal in past action. PHOTO/Courtesy

Kisumu’s Chandrakhant “Chandu” Devji Chabhaddia hopes to resume his hunt for the Group ‘S title at the wheel of a Subaru Impreza GC8.

Chandu leads the ‘S’ class which is a preserve of cars with expired homologation.

There’s a fabulous fight in prospect in Division 1 with runaway leader Onkar Rai taking his fight to the likes of Farhaaz Khan and Asad “Kalulu” Khan

The Classic Car Class has Rajvinder Jutley in a Ford Escort MK2 and Ramesh Vishram navigated by Riyaz Ismail in a similar car.

The Rally will be flagged-off at KCB Kitengela Branch on Sunday morning preceded by reconnaissance on Friday and scrutinizing at Sikh Union Club on Saturday.

Three stages running exclusively in Kajiado County will be repeated twice for a competitive mileage of approximately 140km.

The 2016 KNRC has been to Kajiado, Wundanyi, Elementaita, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nanyuki and back in Kajiado.

The eighth and final leg which is the prestigious Guru Nanak Rally is slated for late November in Naivasha.

ENTRY LIST-KCB KITENGELA RALLY 2016

1. Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop (Ford Fiesta Proto-MENENGAI OIL)
2. Rajbir Rai/Tim Challen (Ford Fiesta R5-RAI RACING)
3. Tapio Laukkanen/Pasi Torma (Subaru Impreza R4-MULTIPLE RACING)
4. Baldev Chager/Ravi Soni (Mitsubishi Evolution10-KABRAS SUGAR RACING)
5. Jasi Chatthe/Gugu Panesar (Mitsubishi Evolution 10-Team KIBOS)
6. Ian Duncan/Amaar Slatch (Mitsubishi Evolution 10-LIQUID TELECOM)
7. Manvir Baryan/Drew Sturrock (Ford Fiesta R5- MULTIPLE RACING)
8. Karan Patel/TBA (Mitsubishi Evolution 10-FILMICO RACING)
9. Onkar Rai/Kavit Dave (Mitsubishi Evolution10-KABRAS SUGAR RACING)
10. Tejveer Rai/Zahir Shah (Mitsubishi Evolution10-KABRAS SUGAR RACING)

The post Flying Finn Tappio eyes historic KNRC title appeared first on Capital Sports.

Posta Rangers head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno.PHOTO/ FILE.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 1- Kenyan Premier League side Posta Rangers has asked its head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and his assistant George Maina to ‘take leave’ for the remaining two games of the season.

Posta chair  John Tonui said they allowed the two to ‘rest’ as they have not taken leave since the beginning of the season.

Asked why the coaches were asked to take leave with only two matches remaining, Tonui said; “You know anyone can take leave anytime and we allowed them to take a rest because the season has been long. We have not sacked them.”

Both Otieno and Maina were non committal when reached for comment over the same. In a short response, Otieno said, “That is an issue of the office so I wouldn’t like to comment on it,” further throwing into disarray their fate at the club.

Tonui said the contracts of the two will be reviewed at the end of the season and said chances the two will still be at the helm of the club next season ‘are high’. Otieno’s contract comes to an end in June 2017 while Maina’s ends in December.

“We will have a review of the whole season and see whether what they have done is enough for us to be with them next season, but chances are high,” the club chairman said.

Posta is currently placed eighth on the Kenyan Premier League standings with 39 pints but have only won two out of 13 second leg matches.

“We started the season very well and we were even number two at some point but now we have dropped so far. It is a concern for us as the management,” Tonui offered.

While Maina joined the mailmen in 2014, Otieno was hired by the club in August last season after leaving Sony Sugar, helping them to gain promotion to the Premier League.

Otieno started his reign on a high, seeing the side maintain a top five spot in the first leg where he was ultimately named the league’s best coach in April.

Former Posta players Pascal Ochieng and Lawrence Webo will now take charge of the team in the two remaining games away to Sony Sugar and at home to Ushuru FC.

The post  Posta’s Zico, Maina sent on ‘leave’ appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenyan international Victor Wanyama celebrating after scoring the winning goal for Tottenham against Crystal Palace. PHOTO/scioperosport.com

LONDON, United Kingdom, Nov 2- Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Victor Wanyama is the only Tottenham Hotspur summer signing to have made an impact at White Hart Lane so far.

Tottenham made four signings in the previous transfer window, with Georges Kevin N’Koudou, Vincent Janssen and Moussa Sissoko all moving to the North London club alongside Wanyama.

However, N’Koudou, Janssen and Sissoko have all struggled to make an impact in their initial appearances at White Hart Lane.

Janssen is still yet to score a goal from open play for Spurs, Sissoko has failed to inject much quality into Tottenham’s attack, and N’Koudou has generally been used as an impact substitute.

Ferdinand said: “Of the four they bought, only Wanyama has made a real impact on the side. He has started very well, yet the others haven’t really added to the team in terms of goals or performances. I’m sure that is a frustration for Mauricio Pochettino at the moment. Tottenham are drawing too many games and I believe they have just become a bit too predictable.”

At the same time, Wanyama speaking in a separate interview believes it’s the small details that Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino focuses on which improves the club’s players.

The 25-year-old Kenyan international has been a revelation at Spurs, settling in quickly and bossing the team’s midfield battles home and away, having started every Premier League game since his arrival in the summer.

Mauricio Pochettino delights in Victor Wanyama’s solo goal that earned Spurs maximum points. PHOTO/DAILYMAIL

When asked how Pochettino, who also managed the midfielder at Southampton, had helped him adapt to life at the North London side, he said: “It’s how the manager acts, he works really hard. That makes us get much fitter to compete and improves players.”

“I’ve improved. Every game I have a lot to learn. That’s the most important thing. I’ve improved everything, in every aspect. The small details the manager goes into, they make us improve very much.”

The Kenyan captain is preparing with his team-mates to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League at Wembley on Wednesday night.

He revealed that playing in Europe’s elite competition was merely a bonus and not the main reason for him joining the Lilywhites.

“It was not only about the Champions League, but also to come to a top club and compete for the title. That’s every player’s ambition,” he said.

“The Champions League is a bonus. Everyone wants experience in Europe. We’ve got it and hopefully we can keep it for many years.”

On the match against the Germans he added: “We know Wembley is a good stadium. Everybody wants to play there. It’s just like any other pitch when you are on it. We have to go on the pitch and play as usual.

“We know it’s a tough group, but we need to take it game by game and then hopefully we can get some positive results and it can see us through.”

The midfielder scored for Celtic in their famous victory against Barcelona in 2012 and believes the Tottenham fans can create a similar atmosphere to that at Celtic Park at Wembley this week even if it’s a very different stadium.

Victor Wanyama wheels away in celebration after scoring the winner for Celtic in a 2-1 result against Barcelona in 2012. PHOTO/DAILY RECORD

“We know we have great support from our fans. Hopefully they will be lighting the stadium up so it can help us get a result,” he said.

“It’s different [to Celtic Park], but still we can hear our fans and the most important thing is to deliver on the pitch.”

On playing on a larger pitch compared to White Hart Lane, Wanyama added: “For me it’s no difference. It’s 11 v 11 so it doesn’t matter if we’re playing on a big pitch or small pitch. We need to adapt and do the business.”

The post Wanyama is Spurs’ best summer signing- Ferdinand appeared first on Capital Sports.

Patrick Makau during the 2015 Fukuoka Marathon. PHOTO/IAAF

FUKUOKA, Japan, Nov 2- Former world record-holder Patrick Makau will aim for a hat-trick of Fukuoka Marathon titles when he lines up for the IAAF Gold Label Road Race on December 4.

The 31-year-old Kenyan triumphed in the Japanese city in 2015 and 2014. Only four other men have three or more wins in Fukuoka. The last man to win three times in a row was Toshihiko Seko, who was victorious in 1978, 1979 and 1980.

Makau is one of three men in the field with a sub-2:05 personal best.

World silver medalist Yemane Tsegay of Ethiopia and James Kwambai of Kenya will be competing in Fukuoka for the first time.

Tsegay has a best of 2:04:48 and finished third at this year’s Boston marathon while Kwambai’s best is 2:04:27 and earlier this year he won the Daegu Marathon in 2:10:46.

The field also includes the likes of Eritrean record-holder Yared Asmerom, Polish record-holder Henryk Szost and prolific Japanese racer Yuki Kawauchi.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s 2012 Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist Tariku Bekele and Kenya’s 2015 Marugame Half Marathon champion Paul Kuira will be making their marathon debuts.

Elite list for Fukuoka Marathon

Patrick Makau (KEN) 2:03:38

James Kwambai (KEN) 2:04:27

Yemane Tsegay (ETH) 2:04:48

Dmytro Baranovskyy (UKR) 2:07:15

Yared Asmerom (ERI) 2:07:27

Henryk Szost (POL) 2:07:39

Kazuhiro Maeda (JPN) 2:08:00

Yuki Kawauchi (JPN) 2:08:14

Amanuel Mesel (ERI) 2:08:17

Benjamin Gandu (KEN) 2:09:18

Mulaku Abera (ETH) 2:09:27

Cuthbert Nyasango (ZIM) 2:09:52

Tomoya Adachi (JPN) 2:09:59

Chiharu Takada (JPN) 2:10:03

Paulo Paula (BRA) 2:10:23

Reid Coolsaet (CAN) 2:10:28

Yoshiki Otsuka (JPN) 2:11:40

Tariku Bekele (ETH) debut

Paul Kuira (KEN) debut

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Tusker FC left back Shafik Batambuze in action for the club in a past match. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 2 – After an impressive season with GOtv Shield champions and Kenyan Premier League leaders Tusker FC, left back Shafik Batambuze has earned his maiden call up to the Uganda Cranes national team ahead of the next international week.

Batambuze is among the 19-foreign based players called up by head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, with the list also including Gor Mahia’s Godfrey Walusimbi who has been a consistent figure in the Cranes team over the last five years.

“I feel great to have finally earned this call up after working very hard throughout the season. It has been my dream to play for the national team and now my hope is that this opens up a door to a permanent stay,” Batambuze said, shortly after receiving news he will be in coach Micho’s plans.

He adds; “I would love to go to AFCON, but again that depends with the coach and the plans he has. I will go to training, work hard and if given a chance to play, I will prove my worth,” the former Western Stima and Sofapaka man noted.

Speaking to Capital Sport, Cranes coach ‘Micho’ says the left back totally deserves a chance to play for the Cranes and challenged him to prove his mettle.

“He totally deserves it. I have been following him up this year and I must say he is a talented lad. He will be compared to others and he stands a chance to be in the team. The ball is in his court to prove that he has what it takes,” the Serbian tactician offered.

Batambuze who has been key in Tusker’s run this term after joining from Western Stima in January will fight out for a place against Joseph Ochaya who plays for Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) and Gor’s Walusimbi for a starting role on the left of Cranes’ defense.

Batambuze though has the ability to play as a left midfielder.

Shafik Batambuze vies for an aerial ball with Ulinzi Stars’ Enosh Ochieng during the GOtv Shield final on October 20, 2016 in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Cranes will play against Zambia in an international friendly match at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on November 8 before facing Congo Brazzaville four days later at the same venue in a 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier.

Meanwhile, Micho has wished Nkata, his former assistant at Sports Club Villa all the best as he guns for a maiden league title as head coach with Tusker FC.

The Serbian has described Nkata as a great gentleman of the game and says he totally deserves to win a double in Kenya, having worked hard to rise through the ranks from his native Uganda.

Nkata’s first job in Kenya was at Nairobi City Stars, then left for Muhoroni Youth where he led them to their highest ever Premier League finish before the money bags at Ruaraka lured him back to the City.

The post Batambuze eyes AFCON slot after maiden Cranes call appeared first on Capital Sports.

Robert Matano converses with benjamin Nyangweso before Ulinzi’s GOtv Shield final match against Tusker FC on October 20, 2016. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 2- Ulinzi Stars head coach Robert Matano eyes a comeback to the Kenyan football scene next season after spending the last three months off the touchline owing to a kidney ailment.

Speaking to Capital Sport, Matano said he feels stronger after undergoing intense medical care and hopes that by December he will have recovered full strength to allow him go back to what he loves doing best.

“I am still under medication though now I feel stronger. I can walk about but not for long and I can do so many things on my own. It has been an incredible process and I thank my doctors for what they have done to see me get here,” Matano, referred fondly by friend and foe as ‘The Lion’ said.

He adds; “I will bounce back stronger and in a big way. That’s all I can say. Basing on what the doctor will tell me by next month, I will be back on the touchline in February when the new season starts.”

Matano immediately went into medication after returning to the country from Kigali, Rwanda where he led Ulinzi to reclaim the East Africa Military Games title after losing it to the Rwandese last year in Kampala, Uganda.

He has been away from the team since and in his absence, they lost the final of the GOtv Shield to Tusker FC while their Premier League campaign went out in smoke by September. He believes things would have been different if he were around.

“I had so many plans for the second leg and it is quite unfortunate I wasn’t available. It was not something of my making but I am quite sure if I was around things would have been different. I am sad that the team is not in a good place on the table now but hopefully next season, we improve,” Matano who won the league with Sofapaka in 2009 and Tusker in 2012 added.

The tactician was present during the GOtv Shield final loss to Tusker, but could only watch from the stands as Allan Wanga’s goal broke the hearts of Ulinzi fans.

The tactician has also issued a heartfelt note of gratitude to the football community for their help during his ailment.

“It was such an honor for everybody from the team to fans, fellow coaches, KPL and FKF to come up and be with me when I needed help. I am not there yet and I still need their help but for all they did during that time, I want to say thank you,” the tactician added.

Matano’s contract with Ulinzi ends in December but the club is yet to put in a word on whether or not it will be extended.

The post I will bounce back stronger, says Matano appeared first on Capital Sports.

Victor Wanyama nsuccessfully attempts to stop Kampl from scoring. PHOTO/Daily Mail

LONDON, United Kingdom, Nov 3- Tottenham suffered more Champions League misery at Wembley as a 1-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday left them in danger of failing to qualify for the last 16.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are playing their European matches at Wembley this season while White Hart Lane is being redeveloped and the temporary move has proved a disaster for the north London club.

Already beaten by Monaco in their first game at their adopted home in September, Tottenham were rocked at Wembley again as Kevin Kampl bagged Leverkusen’s second half winner.

Since winning their first match at the rebuilt English national stadium against Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final, Tottenham have now lost six consecutive games at Wembley.

It could have serious consequences for Tottenham’s Champions League campaign as Leverkusen’s first ever win in England lifted them above the Premier League team into second place in Group E.

Tottenham, without a win in their last six games in all competitions, are two points behind Leverkusen with two games remaining against Monaco and CSKA Moscow.

Pochettino had called on his players to embrace the Wembley experience and an English club record home crowd of 85,512 packed in to support them.

But once again they looked totally out of sorts and laboured to find any rhythm.

A series of sloppy Tottenham passes around their own penalty area almost presented Leverkusen with a chance in the first minute and the lethargy gripping Pochettino’s side wasn’t limited to the defence.

With Harry Kane still not fit enough to feature after his ankle injury, Son Heung-min started up front in place of Vincent Janssen.

Son had scored five times this season, but the South Korean was starved of service against his former club.

An injury to Mousa Dembele, who was replaced by Janssen, did little to improve Tottenham’s momentum.

– Careless –

Leverkusen’s Slovanian midfielder Kevin Kampl runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League group E football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayer Leverkusen at Wembley Stadium in north London on November 2, 2016

It took over half an hour before Tottenham had a shot when Christian Eriksen’s strike was pushed away by Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Leverkusen’s players trained among the joggers and dog walkers of London’s Regent Park on Wednesday morning and that low-key build-up seemed to relax them after a difficult spell in the Bundesliga.

They should have been in front just before the break when Kyle Walker carelessly lost possession to Julian Brandt on the edge of the penalty area.

When Brandt picked out Javier Hernandez a goal seemed certain, but the former Manchester United striker’s shot was deflected away by Jan Vertonghen.

Dele Alli had the ball into the net on the stroke of half-time, but the Tottenham midfielder’s effort was ruled out for a foul by Janssen in the build-up.

Pochettino’s team emerged in more vibrant mood after half-time and Alli appealed in vain for a penalty when he was sent sprawling by Omer Toprak’s lunge.

Eriksen dragged his shot narrowly wide while Tottenham continued to protest and the hosts threatened again when Walker drilled a low strike past the far post.

More negligent Tottenham defending, this time from Eric Dier, gifted Hernandez with another good chance, only for the Mexican to let him off the hook with two tame shots.

Leverkusen finally made Tottenham pay for their error-strewn display in the 65th minute.

Charles Aranguiz’s shot deflected off Ben Davies and then Walker before trickling through to Slovenia winger Kampl, who slotted past Lloris from close-range.

Dier smashed a free-kick against the crossbar in the closing moments, but that was the extent of Tottenham’s tepid and ultimately fruitless push for an equaliser.

The post More Wembley woes for Wanyama’s Spurs appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya’s Jemima Sumgong wins the women’s race of the 2016 London Marathon/ PHOTO- AFP

‘S-HEERENBERG, Netherlands, Nov 3- Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong will compete against two-time world champion Edna Kiplagat at the Pfixx Solar Montferland Run over 15km in the Dutch city of ‘s-Heerenberg on 4 December.

Sumgong won this year’s London Marathon in 2:22:58 and went on to take gold over the classic distance at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Earlier in the year she set a half marathon PB of 1:06:58.

The Montferland Run will be her 15km debut and organisers are hopeful that the 48:32 course record, set by Bezunesh Bekele in 2010, could be challenged.

Kiplagat, who won back-to-back world titles in 2011 and 2013, finished second at the Montferland Run in 2011.

Although she missed out on selection for this year’s Olympic Games, the 37-year-old has been in great form, finishing third at the Tokyo Marathon, second at the Chicago Marathon and setting a 10km PB of 31:06 in Boston.

The post Sumgong to face Kiplagat in ‘S-heerenberg appeared first on Capital Sports.

Tusker FC head coach Paul Nkata during a past Kenyan premier League match. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3- Paul Nkata, the Tusker FC coach is not expecting any kind of favours from AFC Leopards when the two sides lock horns at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Sunday, in a match that will determine the destiny of this season’s KPL title.

Tusker who occupy the apex of the log can win the title with three points against AFC Leopards, arch rivals to second placed defending champions Gor Mahia.

“It is not going to be an easy match and I don’t expect any favour from them. We will approach that match just like we have done in all the other 27 matches we have played, with seriousness and we will give our all,” Nkata told Capital Sport.

Gor will be cheering on their arch rivals against Tusker as a drop in points by the brewers in that match coupled with a win for K’Ogalo against Muhoroni Youth will mean the final game of the season pitting Gor and Tusker will determine the winners of this season’s title.

Nkata is keeping his cool even as the brewers put champagne on ice and says it is not over until it is over hoping the side does not drop the pot at the doorstep.

“I am excited of course because I am on the brink of history. I am proud of the boys and what they have done but it is not over until it is over. We have to go into that match with our heads cool and hopefully, we finish the job then,” Nkata added.

Tusker FC players celebrate after scoring in a past Kenyan Premier League match. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

The Ugandan, formerly an assistant coach at SC Villa in Uganda with current Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic has only won one title as head coach, the Ugandan FA Cup with Uganda Revenue Authority in 2014.

Having won the GOtv Shield two weeks ago, Nkata is already dreaming of the prospect of lifting a double.

“It will be great joy for me because it will be the first time it’s happening in my career. I think winning such away from home is a motivation to other young coaches that they can do it. What has worked for us this season is that we have been playing like a family and there’s great understanding in the team,” Nkata offered.

The tactician had come under immense scrutiny when he took over at Tusker in January having decamped from Muhoroni Youth with critics lining him up for the sack before mid season.

But fast forward to November, the Ugandan looks vindicated.

“I remember when I took over I said I would win a trophy. Here we are now and I am almost winning a second. I feel that I have proved my doubters wrong. I never doubted myself even for a moment and I am pleased with what we have achieved as a club,” Nkata offered.

Ahead of the AFC Leopards match, Nkata will be without skipper James Situma and defender Eugene Asike who are both out injured.

While Situma might return in time for the final match against Gor where the trophy will be presented Asike’s season is over after failing to recover since the GOtv Shield win over Ulinzi on October 20.

The post Nkata expects no favors from AFC Leopards appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya 7s coach Innocent Namcos Simiyu.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3- New Kenya Sevens head coach Innocent Simiyu is banking on experience from the Safland Sevens as he prepares for his debut season as head coach following his appointment to the hot seat last month.

The Kenya Rugby Union confirmed Kenya will participate in the tournament to be held in the Namibian city of Swakopmund between November 12 and 13.

Defending champions South Africa, USA, Germany, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Nigeria have all confirmed participation.

“It comes at a very good time for us because it is just two weeks before the season formally kicks off. It will be a good platform to test the players, see how far we have come in terms of preparation and look into what to improve ahead of the new season,” Simiyu who has taken the team through training in the past two weeks said.

The 33-year old, former 15s and 7s skipper says he has been impressed with what he has seen in training, though he admits there is still so much work to be done before the season opening leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai from December 2.

“It has been all about checking the standards of the players called up. There is some progress but work still has to be done because most of them are coming from off season. We have been improving daily though,” Simiyu offered.

The coach believes the Namibia tournament will help him select the final squad while underlining some of the things he will seek to implement as he starts his two-year reign.

“We have to look at winning and keeping possession, a playing pattern that we will seek to implement, scoring as well and the strength and conditioning. These are the major things we want to see from Namibia,” the tactician added.

Meanwhile, Simiyu is not in a hurry to pick his assistant with some quarters pointing to Humphrey Kayange as the possible figure to work alongside the new coach.

Simiyu has told Capital Sport that he will name his second in command at an opportune time, ruling out the possibility of that happening before the Dubai Sevens.

Kenya Sevens Provisional Training Squad;

Andrew Amonde (KCB, Captain), Dan Sikuta, Aluda Beda, Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Derrick Mayar, Ian Minjire, Samuel Oliech (Resolution Impala Saracens), Elton Isiaho, Alex Olaba (Strathmore Leos), Oscar Ouma, Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru), Willy Ambaka, Eden Agero, Frank Wanyama (Kenya Harlequin), Collins Injera, Billy Odhiambo, Dennis Ombachi (Mwamba), Martin Owilla, Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Alvine Otieno, Leonard Mugaisi, Bush Mwale, Cyprian Kuto, Oscar Ayodi, Augustine Lugonzo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz)

The post Simiyu banks on Safland 7s ahead of debut season appeared first on Capital Sports.

“I know Adie is a worthy opponent and it’s going to be a hard battle but what I know is I am going for a knock out and nothing less,” Rahman said

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3- Two time former world heavyweight champion Hasim Sharif Rahman has told Kenya’s Bernard Adie to expect a tough bout when they fight on Saturday at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, warning him of a knockout in less than three minutes.

The 44-year old American, 2001 WBC, IBF and IBO title holder has a rich background from the 62 pro bouts he has had since turning professional on December 3, 1994.

He has won 50 fights, 41 of them on knock outs, lost nine fights, six on knockout and has drawn twice.

“I know Adie is a worthy opponent and it’s going to be a hard battle but what I know is I am going for a knock out and nothing less,” Rahman said during the pre-bout press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Rahman, who hails from Baltimore, Maryland, stunned the world when he knocked out three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis to storm the world stage in 2001 in style.

He is currently being coached by former world (light and heavy) champion Michael Lee Moorer.

Homeboy Adie, 43, insists he is not shaken by Rahman’s decorated boxing career and will be gunning for victory on Saturday in front of his home fans.

“I am not scared of another man’s history, I am going to write my own history by defeating Rahman in the ring,” noted Adie.

The Kenyan pugilist who hails from Karachuonyo, Homa Bay county has had a total of 17 fights since turning professional on June 5, 2010.

He has never been lucky in his quest for global and continental titles. He lost a Global Boxing Union world cruiserweight title to Agron Xhila of Macedonia in March last year and suffered a knock out against Zack Mwekasa of South Africa in the contest for Africa Boxing Union heavyweight title in  June 2014.

The organizers of the bout, Bigger Than Life promotions were forced to change plans for the bout after earlier opponent, Marcellus Brown, also from the US was barred from travelling to Kenya for the fight on child support ground.

“We had made all arrangements for Brown to travel to Kenya unfortunately he couldn’t make it after he was halted from travelling outside States by the authorities,” said EJ Mathews, the fight promoter, CEO and Founder of Bigger Than Life Promotions.

However, Mathews was glad they were able to get a quick replacement through Rahman who agreed to the terms and conditions of the fight.

Mathews said the weekend bouts will serve as a knock out battles for title fights slated at the venue on January 21, 2017.

“We want to change the face of boxing in Kenya. We want boxers to be well paid, well treated and respected by promoters,” noted Mathews.

Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) President Hillary Alila said their partnership with the US based promotional firm will revamp the game in Kenya and define a whole new level of relationships between boxers and promoters in Kenya.

Main Fight

Heavyweight: Hasim Sharif Rahman (USA) versus Bernard Adie -10pm

Other notable fight cards

Super middleweight: Daniel Wanyonyi versus Ibrahim Mutamba (Tanzania)-9pm

Super featherweight: Michael Shaka Nyawade versus David Rajuli (South Africa)-8pm

Featherweight: Anderson Sifuna versus Fred Sayuni (Tanzania) 7pm.

The post KO in less than 3 minutes, USA’s Rahman warns Kenya’s Adie appeared first on Capital Sports.

Harambee Starlets players and technical bench members pose for a group photo with FKF President Nick Mwendwa. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3- Harambee Starlets, the national women football team has warned their opponents at the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) to underrate them at their own peril, sounding confident as they packed their bags ready for a historic sojourn to Cameroon.

Kenya is pooled in group B alongside defending champions Nigeria, Mali and Ghana and the girls who will be making their debut at the biggest women’s tournament on African soil said they feel equal to the task and will make history in the West African nation.

“No one should underrate us because we have shown what we can do in all the build-up matches we have played. We have trained well, played good friendly matches and our confidence levels are high. We are ready for the assignment,” Skipper Ann Aluoch said on Thursday.

The team leaves Nairobi on Friday morning for a two week camp in Limbe, Cameroon, including a friendly match against their hosts on Sunday. The sea-side City 303 kilometers away from the capital Yaounde will also host the Group B matches.

Harambee Starlets players during a luncheon hosted in their honor prior to departing to Camerron for the African Women’s Cup of Nations. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

“It is something so important for us to go to Limbe and camp for two weeks because that’s where we will play our group matches. It will give us ample time to acclimatize and the girls can settle in well. Psychologically, this will give us an advantage when the tournament starts,” head coach David Ouma offered.

The team has enjoyed one of the best ever pre-tournament preparatory steps having had two different training camps out of the country.

They played in the COTIF tournament in Spain after which they stayed for a further one week, playing friendly games against local clubs. They also most recently had a 10-day training camp in Morocco, playing two friendly matches as well.

The girls have also played build-up matches against Egypt and Cameroon, both set to play at the AWCON on top of playing at the CECAFA Women’s Championship and another friendly match against Uganda’s She-Cranes.

“When we came into office, we were warned that the government will not be willing to support us. But they were all wrong. Everything we have done has been principally because of the government and I want to thank them for the part they have played,” FKF President Nick Mwendwa said during a luncheon to see off the girls.

“I am not saying we are going there to win. We have said, we want to get to the semi finals and anything on top of that is a bonus. I am confident in these girls and I am optimistic they will make it,” Mwendwa added.

18-year old Nyakach high School goalkeeper Lilian Awuor has made the cut for the team travelling to Cameroon. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Ouma has named his final travelling squad and has included five new faces including 18-year old Nyakach High School goalkeeper Lilian Awuor.

Also making the cut to the final travelling contingent is Thika Queens’ Lydia Akoth, Vihiga Queens Lilian Adera, Nyamira Starlets’ Janet Moraa and striker Sharon Bushenei who is tasked with filling the boots of Neddy Atieno.

“Any coach would love to have his best squad at any tournament. It is unfortunate we will not have Neddy, Mwanahalima Adam and Enez Mango because of issues beyond us. But we have a capable squad. We have selected the best we could have,” Ouma offered.

Kenya opens its AWCON account against Ghana on November 20 at the 5,000-seater Ominsport Complex in Limbe.

Starlets squad to Cameroon:

Goalkeepers; Samantha Akinyi, Vivian Akinyi, Lilian Awuor

Defenders; Elizabeth Ambogo, Wendy Asol, Ann Achieng, Irene Ogutu, Dorcas Shikobe, Carolyne Anyango, Doris Anyango, Ann Aluoch, Lilian Adera

Midfielders: Cheris Avilia, Corazone Aquino, Jacky Ogol, Lydia Akoth, Christine Nafula.   Forwards: Sharon Bushenei, Esse Akida, Mary Kinuthia, Janet Moraa, Mercy Achieng’.

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