Ulinzi Stars takes on AFC Leopards at the Afraha Stadium in a past match. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 5 – Ulinzi Stars, Kenya’s representatives in next year’s CAF Confederations Cup will officially write to the Football Kenya Federation, requesting to use the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru as their home ground for continental assignments.

Ulinzi chairman Lt Col Erick Oloo said the Stadium has the ability to host international matches especially after it earned a facelift mid this year for the Madaraka Day Celebrations.

“It is important to have the home ground advantage and playing our games at Afraha, in our home town of Nakuru will give us that. We will write to FKF to ask them to request CAF Inspectors to come over and inspect the stadium so that we play our CAF games here,” Oloo said.

The last time Ulinzi played continental football in 2011, they used the Nyayo Stadium as their home ground as Afraha didn’t tick all the right boxes to host any international fixtures.

Prior to the June 1 National Holiday, the county and national government renovated the spectator stands as well as the changing rooms, but one grey area that remains is the quality of the playing surface.

The country government has however promised to refurbish the same.

The military side will be hoping to make a positive return to continental football with memories of their 5-0 loss at the hands of Egyptian giants Zamalek in 2011 still lingering in their minds.

They resume early training on Wednesday and have planned to play at least two international friendly matches before breaking for Christmas.

“We want to start preparing early because our target is to make a mark on the continent. We have talked to some clubs in Uganda and Tanzania to see the possibility of squeezing in at least two friendly matches which will help gauge our level of preparedness,” Oloo affirmed.

The soldiers also plan to bulk up for the new season with 25 players picked from the recently concluded Chief of Defence Forces Cup being called in for trials. The team has also been boosted with the return of skipper Stephen Ochollah who has been away for the last one year on military duty.

Striker Mark Bikokwa has left for military training and will not be expected back until the second leg of next season.

“The coaches will be given a free hand to select from the 25 they scouted at the CDF Cup. If we fail to get the quality we require, then we will look outside the military set up to bring in players who can help us do well next season,” the chairman noted.

The club will have a full in-tray when they return to training on Wednesday, including discussions on the contract situations of head coach Robert Matano and midfielder Joseph Kuria who were out of the team in the second leg due to sickness and injury respectively.

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Lauren will be the Guest of Honour during the last two days of the Arsenal coaches training clinic at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies involving coaches from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and the National Super League (NSL).

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 5 – Arsenal legend and Olympic Gold medalist Lauren Bisan Etamé-Mayer is expected in the country on Thursday to join The North London club’s community trainers who are conducting a coaching clinic in Kenya.

The former Cameroon international spent six seasons at the North London club, having arrived in the Summer of 2000 from Spanish side Mallorca, just after leading the Indomitable Lions to the Olympic Gold medal in Sidney Australia.

He was a key member of the ‘Invincibles’ Arsenal squad which won the English Premier League with a 49 game unbeaten run in the 2003/2004 season, his second league title in England having also lifted the coveted silverware in the 2001/2002 season.

The Cameroonian went on to win three FA Cup titles and two Community Shields with Arsene Wenger’s side before ending his career with Portsmouth and Cordoba CF in Spain.

Lauren will be the Guest of Honour during the last two days of the Arsenal coaches training clinic at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies involving coaches from the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and the National Super League (NSL).

The training, the second of its kind is organized by KPL title sponsors SportPesa who are also the official Arsenal betting partner in Africa.

The Arsenal community coaches at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies on Monday morning as the coaches clinic began. PHOTO/COURTESY

The first training camp was conducted in May and involved grassroot coaches with another Arsenal legend Sol Campbell being the Guest of Honour.

Arsenal community coaches Drew Tyler, James Colinese and Jonny Georgiou are conducting the week-long course. Tyler was part of the May camp while Colinese and Georgiou will be coming in for the first time.

“We are looking forward to the training camp and to help develop football in Kenya.  It’s important to be working closely with the local premier league coaches and for us to gain further understanding of their current levels and individual outlooks on the game,” Colinese, who will be tasked with leading the program said during the launch on Monday morning.

“Train a coach well and you have automatically improved the game of like 20 players at one-go. That is why we have taken a wholesome approach to ensure that our coaches also get proper lessons on what works best in this game,” the league sponsors CEO Ronald Karauri added during the launch.

 Aside from being trained on talent identification, the course, which comprises of both practical and theory lessons, will also focus on defensive play and conditioning.

The post Arsenal legend Lauren to visit Kenya appeared first on Capital Sports.

Gecheo picked up a spinal injury after a tackle and was stretchered into a waiting ambulance straight to hospital where he underwent surgery on Monday

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 6 – The rugby fraternity in Kenya was thrown into mourning on Tuesday morning with the news of the demise of Nondescripts RFC centre Ogeto Gecheo at a Nairobi hospital where he was recuperating after suffering a freak injury during the club’s Kenya Cup fixture against Strathmore Leos on Saturday.

Gecheo, a starter in Nondies’ 43-10 loss to the Leos at their home-ground in Madaraka picked up a spinal injury after a tackle and was stretchered into a waiting ambulance straight to hospital where he underwent surgery on Monday.

The 20-year old, also younger brother to Nondies’ chair Auka Gacheo who is the Supersport East Africa General Manager had plates affixed on his vertebral column but unfortunately lost the battle in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

“It is a huge loss for us as a club and a very difficult time to lose such a budding great player. He was a very mature person despite his age and when he spoke, he commanded audience. It was his first year at Nondies and had done really well,” head coach Christian Josiah told Capital Sport.

On the circumstances that led to his death, he said; “He successfully underwent surgery yesterday (Monday) and was in high spirits. We talked, was very cheerful and was even looking forward to the rehabilitation period. Unfortunately this morning (Tuesday), he developed breathing problems and passed on.”

He added that the death of the University of Nairobi first year Computer Science student has hit them hard, admitting the whole Nondies fraternity is put aback by the loss.

“We have to be with the family at this moment. It is tough for them,” Josiah added.

The rugby fraternity took to social media to express their grief at the sudden loss.

“Resolution Impala Saracens fraternity has learnt of the unfortunate demise of Ogeto Gecheo, former Impala Academy Captain. Ogeto who had transferred to Nondescripts RFC always showed great leadership promise. His input was always felt. We’ll miss him dearly,” his former club tweeted on their official handle.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with the @nondescriptsrugby family following the untimely demise of outside centre Ogeto Gecheo. Ogeto succumbed to an injury sustained during the Strathmore Leos v Nondies over the weekend. May he rest in eternal peace. #RIPOgeto,” Mwamba RFC posted on their Instagram account.

Another Kenya Cup side, Kenya Harlequins tweeted; “Very sad day in Kenya Rugby, our condolences @Nondies and @AukaGecheo and family. RIP OG until we meet again.”

Capital FM sends its heartfelt condolences to his family and Nondies as a whole following the untimely demise. May his soul Rest in Peace.

The post Nondies centre passes on after freak injury appeared first on Capital Sports.

AFC Leopards players hurdle together before a past Kenyan Premier League match. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 6- Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards has declined an invite from the Zanzibar Football Federation to play at the annual Mapinduzi Cup in January next year, with head coach Stewart Hall instead choosing to focus on building up the side for the new season.

Ingwe resumed training on Monday, barely three weeks after the season ended as Hall who took charge of the team in October seeks to change the fortunes of the club which finished 13th in the just concluded season.

“The coach (Hall) declined to accept that invite and instead said he wants to spend the whole of December with the players as he seeks to implement his philosophy. The earliest we can play any friendly matches is in January,” Oscar Igaida, the AFC Leopards Secretary General told Capital Sports.

The former Azam FC head coach has promised to turn the fortunes of the club which has been dwindling in oblivion, clogged by wrangles and infighting season in season out.

Igaida says the team targets to bring in seven new players as the Briton looks to pump fresh blood for the side’s campaign next season.

“We will beef up all departments as the coach recommends. He has his list of players ready and as the office we will start engaging with the targets. We want to have at least seven new players in the new team. Next season we will be a force to reckon with,” Igaida noted.

Among the players within Leopards’ wish-list is the Western Stima duo of Kenneth Muguna and goalkeeper Gabriel Andika with the two confirming contact from Ingwe.

Meanwhile, the club has officially parted ways with defender Edwin Wafula who only returned to the club in June after leaving earlier in the season for Bandari where he failed to settle down.

Wafula was among the five players suspended by the club in October over allegations of indiscipline, but were pardoned after a hearing with the club’s executive.

AFC Leopards head coach Stewart Hall passes instruction to defender Cresten Mwanzo during his first match in charge on November 6, 2016. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

While the others, Charles Bruno, Lucas Indeche and Yussuf Juma decided to stay on and fight for a place in the team, Wafula made a decision to leave on mutual consent.

The fifth player, Kepha Aswani who was Ingwe’s top scorer in 2016 with 12 goals will have his hearing with the club on Tuesday evening where he hopes to clear his name.

“It will be all up to the coach to decide whether he will want them in the team or not. For us as an executive, our job is to look at the disciplinary matters,” Igaida affirmed.

In a previous interview with Capital Sports, Hall said he would do a radical surgery on the club to ensure they will be competitive next season after a woeful 2016.

“There is so much we need to change at the club to ensure we are competitive. For a club of AFC’s stature to finish 13th it says a lot about the team. We will look at every department and come up with a plan to ensure we are definitely better next season,” Hall said.

The post AFC Leopards decline Mapinduzi Cup invite appeared first on Capital Sports.

Sports Disputes Tribunal vice chair Elina Shiveka (left) confers with a member during the KPL, FKF hearing on Tuesday, December 6 2016. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 6- Football Kenya Federation has opted out of mediation with the Kenyan Premier League limited to resolve the impasse over the expansion of the top-tier league to an 18-team format.

The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) had asked the two bodies to look for a settlement outside its jurisdiction and if that failed, they were ready to mediate in search of a lasting solution.

However, while appearing before the tribunal on Tuesday afternoon, FKF through their lawyer Ken Ochieng said they will not take the mediation route but instead make their submissions and let the tribunal make its ruling.

“These are the instructions I have been given. My client feels that there will be no agreement reached and that is why we have not appointed a team for the same. We will make our submissions and let the tribunal make its ruling on the matter. We feel that mediation will drag this process longer and it is a matter of urgency so it is better for the tribunal to take up and give the way forward,” Ochieng said.

The tribunal had asked each side to nominate three individuals to sit on the mediation table to solve the crisis with KPL having already nominated incoming chairman James Musyoki, his outgoing counterpart Ambrose Rachier and Mathare United top dog Bob Munro.

FKF officials from left Chris Amimo, Muriithi Nabea and Michael Ouma during the KPL, FKF hearing on Tuesday, December 6 2016. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

After consultation, SDT deputy chair Elyna Shiveka who chaired the meeting in the absence of her boss John Ohaga said the matter will go into full hearing with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday December 13.

“We were ready for mediation and it is quite interesting that FKF are not ready for it when this honorable tribunal had already agreed to mediate. My clients will oblige with the wishes of the honorable chair,” Geoffrey Obura representing KPL said.

His sentiments were echoed by KPL chair Ambrose Rachier who told Capital Sport on the sidelines that they were ready to negotiate to end the impasse.

“We will let the tribunal do its work and wait for the ruling. We were ready to sit down and talk and come up with agreements, but it seems they are not ready for that,” Rachier said.

The tribunal has also extended orders barring FKF from discussing and implementing their wishes until the matter is heard and determined.

KPL officials obtained an injunction from the tribunal prior to FKF’s Annual General Meeting in October, barring them from discussing and adopting the decision to expand the league to an 18-team format.

KPL argued the same was contrary to the agreement signed between the two bodies last year which underscored that for any changes to be made to the top tier, then both sides must agree.

“We only want the tribunal to interpret for us the MoU we signed last year. Contrary to what many people believe, we are not against the expansion of the league, if it is done procedurally,” Rachier said.

Sports Disputes Tribunal members GMT Ottieno and Robert Asembo during the KPL, FKF hearing on Tuesday, December 6 2016. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Since their failed meeting at the Kasarani Stadium early November, the two sides have had only one official meeting with the second which was set for Monday afternoon failed to take off due to the unavailability of the FKF lawyers.

Capital Sport has learnt that the elephant in the room is the financing of the two extra teams with broadcast partners Supersport saying they will not add more money to the already agreed amount.

Also, league partners Sportpesa are said to have offered an extra Sh5mn which according to KPL is a drop in the ocean.

A source privy to the matter told Capital Sport that in the minimum, Sh33mn is needed to finance the two extra teams who will bring up an additional 66 matches to the league roster.

“That was the amount floated when the issue first came up. If no money is added, then the league managers will be forced to slash down the allocation to the other teams so as to finance the two new ones. Obviously it is not a matter that will be received with open arms. That is the big point of contention,” the source said.

It is understood that KPL are ready to agree to an 18-team format as long as the federation gives them a guarantee that the extra costs will be fully taken care of.

The post FKF opts out of mediation over league impasse appeared first on Capital Sports.

Preparations for the 2016 Games were marred by massive political and economic crises rocking Brazil and organisers were embarrassed by low attendances and problems with transportation, crime and water pollution © AFP/File / Antonin THUILLIER

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Dec 6 – “Everything worked” during the Games in Rio de Janeiro earlier this year, the International Olympic Committee said Tuesday, insisting the event was the best it could be under difficult circumstances.

“Someone called them the most perfect imperfect Games, it’s actually quite a good characterisation,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams told reporters in Lausanne.

Preparations for the 2016 Games were marred by massive political and economic crises rocking Brazil and organisers were embarrassed by low attendances and problems with transportation, crime and water pollution.

Considering the challenges, the IOC hailed the event as a success.

“With the results we can really take our hat off (to organisers),” Christophe Dubi, the IOC’s Olympic Games chief, told reporters, saying that “it is amazing what they delivered considering the difficulties”.

“Were the Games perfect? No,” he said, adding though that “from an operational point of view everything worked”.

The IOC meanwhile published a study claiming Rio 2016’s legacy on the city had been “formidable”.

“All the venues have a purpose after the Games, the city has been transformed, with a mass-transit transport system,” Dubi said.

Despite the IOC’s enthusiasm, four months after the Games Rio finds itself severely affected by the historic recession lashing Brazil, with hospitals running out of supplies and civil servants marching in the streets over missing pay cheques.

The post Rio the ‘most perfect imperfect Games’ – IOC appeared first on Capital Sports.

Posta Rangers forward Timothy Otieno after scoring a brace against Muhoroni Youth in their season opening. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 7- Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo’s first task as the new head coach of Posta Rangers will be to convince striker Timothy Otieno to make permanent his loan move from Gor Mahia which expired at the end of the 2016 season.

The former FC Talanta forward was Posta’s top scorer in his season-long loan from the record 15-time Kenyan Premier League champions scoring six goals despite missing a huge chunk of the season with injury.

“He is a player we really want to keep because his quality is undoubted. When he was on the pitch you saw a different Posta from when he was not there. I have talked to him, but the final decision will be his to make. Hopefully he decides to remain,” Omollo told Capital Sport.

Meanwhile, the coach who takes over from Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno says he will not make major changes to the squad and will maintain the same team, adding he believes they have the ability to achieve the targets set by the club’s management.

He had a meeting with the players and is already excited by the enthusiasm they have exhibited as well as the hunger to do better than their 2016 fourth place finish last season.

“This is a squad well capable to challenge any top side in Kenya right now and I wouldn’t want to do any kind of overhaul. They are players who can do very well if given direction. Maybe we add three players to complement the weak areas. I am pleased with the squad and with their vision to take themselves higher next season,” Omollo added.

He will have the privilege of working with players he coached during his league winning stint at Tusker FC. Midfielders Moses Otieno, Joseph Mbugi, Jerry Santo, defenders Jockins Atudo and Charles Odette as well as striker Dennis Mukaisi all worked with him at Ruaraka in 2011.

“I can say it is quite fortunate because they are players who understand me, know what I require and know my work ethic. It is a familiar territory. I can’t say it will make things easier because times have changed, but at least it will make the work bearable,” Omollo affirmed.

Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo was appointed Posta Rangers head coach on a one-year-deal.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

The tactician says he is ready for the challenge, making a return to the Premier League after three years.

His last assignment was with Sony Sugar where he was coincidentally succeeded by Zico who he now succeeds at Posta.

In 2015, he joined his former Indian club East Bengal as assistant coach with the club winning the Indian Premier League. He returned home mid this year and has been working with Division one side Zetech University and Super Eight league side Jericho All Stars.

“I come back to the league better and wiser. The experiences I have picked up in India and just being out watching all the matches in the local league have been immense. The game is evolving everyday and it is good to have a view of every kind of playing pattern. It makes you better,” the tactician notes.

The mailmen will return to training in January where the hard work starts and he hopes just like he did with Ruaraka, he can make his new side title contenders.

The post ‘Pamzo’ hopes to convince Gor loanee Otieno appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge celebrates after winning the Men’s Marathon athletics event of the 2016 Olympic Games at the Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro on August 21, 2016

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 7- Marathoners Eliud Kipchoge and Jemimah Sumgong are the frontrunners for the male and female athletes of the year award as Athletics Kenya prepares to fete the best performers on the track, field and road in 2016 on Wednesday night.

While Kipchoge won Kenya’s second ever men’s marathon gold at the Rio Olympics, Sumgong made history by being the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic Marathon Gold ahead of Kenyan turned Bahraini Eunice Kirwa and reigning world champion Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia.

The duo’s year ended perfectly with an Olympic Gold and it came hot on the heels of a triumph in the treacherous London Marathon earlier in April. Sumgong was further accorded with promotion by her bosses at the Kenya Air Force following her tremendous achievements.

The two have also been nominated in the road running category with Kipchoge fighting it off with World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, 2015 New York marathon champion Stanley Biwott and reigning Paris Marathon champion Cyprian Kotut.

Sumgong will contend for the female road racing title with 2010 World Half Marathon champion Florence Kiplagat, Visiline Jepkesho and 2012 London Marathon champion Mary Keitany.

For the Male Athlete of the Year, Kipchoge will battle it out with Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto and his 800m counterpart David Rudisha.

Kipruto upset the status quo in Rio when he beat seasoned steeplechaser Ezekiel Kemboi to the water and barrier race gold with the latter being disqualified for stepping off the track.

The 21 year old former World Junior champion had a superb season in the run up to the Olympics, being crowned the overall Diamond League winner in the race after winning six out of the seven races in the year.

It was a contrasting season for Rudisha who endured a tough year only to revive his dwindling fortunes with a spirited and well calculated run to an Olympic gold.

Other nominees in the category include reigning World Javelin Champion and Olympic silver medalist Julius Yego and African 400m hurdles champion Boniface Mucheru.

In the female Athlete of the Year category, Sumgong faces stiff competition from Olympic 5,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot who delivered one of the most memorable runs at the Olympics to return Kenya to the queen’s throne in the 12-and-a-half lap race in Rio.

Having lost the 10,000m race to Almaz Ayana, the diminutive Kenya Police athlete showed a clean pair of heels to the Ethiopian in the 5,000m race, one she had domineered in during the Diamond League.

Also nominated is Hellen Obiri who picked silver behind Cheruiyot in Rio, stepping up from her preferred 1500m specialization. Prior to the Olympics, Obiri had won two Diamond League races in Eugene and Monaco, having just come back from maternity leave.

Her performances have also earned her a nomination in the comeback athlete of the year category.

Olympic 1500m champion faith Kipyegon and 800m bronze medalist Margaret Nyairera complete the list for the female athlete of the year. The two have also been nominated for the middle distance athlete of the year category.

AK Awards nominations:

Athlete of the Year

Male- Eliud Kipchoge (Marathon), Conseslus Kipruto (3,000m SC), David Rudisha (800m), Julius Yego (javelin), Boniface Mucheru (400m-H)

Female- Vivian Cheruiyot (10,000m, 5,000m), Jemimah Sumgong (Marathon), Faith Chepng’etich (1,500m),  Hellen Obiri (5,000m), Margaret Nyairera (800m)

Young Athlete of the Year

Male- Rogers Kwemoi (10,000m),  Amos Kirui (3,000m SC), Kipyegon Bett (800m), Kumari Taki (1,500m)

Female- Cellphine Chespol (3,000m s/c), Maureen Thomas (400m), Emmaculate Chepkirui (5,000m):

Sprinter Athlete of the Year

Male-  Boniface Mucheru (400m-H), Harun Koech (400m), Mike Mokamba (200m)

Female- Maureen Jelagat (400m), , Maureen Thomas (400m), Margaret Nyairera (800m)

Middle Distance Athlete of the Year

Male- David Rudisha (800m), Ferguson Rotich (800m), Asbel Kiprop (1,500m), Timothy Cheruiyot (1,500m)

Female- Emily Cherotich (800m), Faith Chepng’etich (1,500m), Margaret Nyairera (800m)

Long Distance Athlete of the Year

Male- Paul Tanui (10,000m), Augustine Choge (3,000m),  Douglas Kipserem (5,000m), Mangata Ndiwa

Female- Vivian Cheruiyot (10,000m), Hellen Obiri (5,000m), Hyvin Kiyeng (3,000m SC), Alice Aprot (10,000m), Sheila Chepkirui (5,000m)

Field Athlete of the Year

Male- Julius Yego (Javelin), Matthew Sawe (high jump), Alex Kiprotich (javelin)

Road Running Athlete the Year

Male- Eliuld Kipchoge (Marathon), Geoffrey Kamworor (Half Marathon), Stanley Biwott (Marathon), Cyprian Kotut (Marathon)

Female- Jemimah Sumgong (Marathon), Florence Kiplagat (Marathon), Visiline Jepkesho (Marathon), Peris Jepchirchir (Half Marathon), Mary Keitany (marathon)

Comeback Athlete the Year

Hellen Obiri (5,000m),  Abel Kirui (Marathon), Augustine Choge (World Indoor)

Coach of the Year- Esther Kavaya (Africa Cross), Julius Kirwa (Rio Olympics), Richard Metto (Rio Olympics- Marathon), David Kitur (Africa Championships), Robert Ngisirei(World Under-20)

The post Athletics Kenya to fete top performers of 2016 appeared first on Capital Sports.

Gecheo picked up a spinal injury after a tackle and was stretchered into a waiting ambulance straight to hospital where he underwent surgery on Monday

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 7 – Kenya Cup side Nondescripts will hold a touch rugby tournament in honor of departed centre Ogeto Gecheo who passed away on Tuesday in Nairobi.

The touch rugby will be held on Friday December 9, 2016 at Jamhuri ASK Showground off Ngong Road which is Nondescript’s home from to 2pm and it’s open to all rugby lovers.

Thereafter Nondies will have tributes from family, friends and players. The event will also double up as a fundraiser to help the family meet the send-off costs.

Gecheo will be buried on Tuesday December 13, 2016 in Njoro, Nakuru County and as plans for the burial are finalized, friends and family are meeting at the Gecheo residence in Loresho daily from 6PM. Mpesa donations can be sent through 0727748290.

“The function will be opened to all rugby clubs in Kenya. We are planning to start at around 2pm and then afterwards we will have tributes from family, friends, players and people who knew Ogeto Gecheo. It will also sum up as a contribution where guys will contribute towards his funeral expenses,” Nondescripts Team Manager Kevin Were said.

Ogeto got injured during a Kenya Cup tie against Strathmore Leos on December 3 at Madaraka. While making a tackle, a disc slipped in his neck leading to spinal damage with the injury causing numbness from his neck down.

 ‘OG’ as he was referred by his peers and team-mates was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital and was operated on in the early hours of Sunday where plates were affixed on his vertebral column.

The procedure was largely successful with OG regaining sensation and motion in his upper body.

He was scheduled to begin physiotherapy immediately on advice from the surgical team at the hospital but sadly he developed breathing difficulty early Tuesday morning and was pronounced dead at about 3am.

The post Nondies to hold tourney in honor of Ogeto appeared first on Capital Sports.

Eliud Kipchoge and Vivian Cheruiyot all smiles after picking their male and female athlete of the year awards. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 8- Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and world champion Vivian Cheruiyot were named Kenya’s male and female athletes of the year at the annual Athletics Kenya awards held at a Nairobi hotel on Wednesday night.

Draped in a meticulously sparkling black suit complete with a crisp clean white shirt, Kipchoge majestically walked onto the stage to pick his maiden award on Kenyan soil for the first time since beginning his athletics career 13 years ago.

The 31-year old ended 2016 on a high, a year that saw him pick Kenya’s second ever marathon gold, coming hot on the heels of his second successive London Marathon title in April.

“I feel really honored by this award and it is a motivation to the young athletes never to give up. In 13 years, I have never walked up to a Kenyan stage to pick up any award. I am here today. It is because of hard work and believing in myself,” an emotional Kipchoge said as he received the award from Kalkaba Malboum, the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) president who was the chief guest.

The award is a second for Kipchoge in the space of less than two months having received the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) Best Marathon Runner Award for the second time in October.

In April he won the London Marathon for the second straight time, setting a course record of 2:03:05. He then followed that up by winning his first, and Kenya’s second Olympic gold medal in the marathon, in a time of 2:08:44.

“It has been a great year for me to be honest. Winning the marathon was a huge success and it came at a time in which I felt my body was in the right shape,” the former 5,000m athlete.

Kipchoge beat off competition from Diamond League winner and Olympic 3,000m Steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto and 800m champion David Rudisha who however won the middle distance athlete of the year award.

“Having won the World title last year in what I consider not my best form, then struggle through the season and win the Olympic gold for the second time, it is a huge thing for me. I now feel that my body is coming back to shape and the David Rudisha of yesteryears is coming back,” Rudisha told Capital Sport after collecting his award ahead of Ferguson Rotich and Asbel Kiprop.

-Pocket Rocket-

Vivian Cheruiyot picks her award from Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) president Kalkaba Malboum and AThletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei in a ceremony in nairobi on December 7, 2016. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Cheruityot, nicknamed the pocket rocket was named female athlete of the year after her stellar performance in the Olympics which saw her scoop gold in the 5,000m race at the Rio Olympics, coming immediately after losing the 10,000m race to Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana.

The four-time World Champion edged out marathoner Jemimah Sumgong who made history in Rio de Janeiro by becoming the first ever Kenyan to win the women’s marathon gold.

Sumgong, a corporal at the Kenya Air Force was however awarded the female road runner athlete of the year award.

“This has been one of the best years of my career. Rio was my fourth Olympics and in all the three others I attended, I was never lucky to win a medal. After losing the 10,000m to Ayana, I went in and challenged myself to take her on in the 5,000m and I successfully did. Getting this award today is a huge thing for me,” Cheruiyot said while announcing Rio was her last ever appearance on the track.

Cheruiyot also bagged the female long distance athlete of the year award with Diamond League winner and Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Kipruto winning the male award.

At the same time, 2016 Chicago Marathon champion Abel Kirui was handed the comeback of the year award after battling injury for the last two seasons and go on to win a grueling Chicago marathon race.

World Junior 3,000m steeplechase champion Celiphine Chespol won the female young athlete of the year award with his 800m counterpart Kipyegon Bett scooping the corresponding male award.

Full list of winners:

Athlete of the Year

Male- Eliud Kipchoge, Female- Vivian Cheruiyot

Young Athlete of the Year

Male- Kipyegon Bett (800m), Female- Cellphine Chespol (3,000m s/c)

Sprints Athlete of the Year

Male- Boniface Mucheru (400m-H), Female- Maureen Jelagat (400m),

Middle Distance Athlete of the Year

Male- David Rudisha (800m),Female-Faith Chepng’etich (1,500m)

Long Distance Athlete of the Year

Male- Conseslus Kipruto (3,000m s/c), Female- Vivian Cheruiyot (10,000m)

Field Athlete of the Year

Julius Yego (Javelin)

Road Running Athlete the Year

Male- Eliuld Kipchoge (Marathon), Female- Jemimah Sumgong (Marathon)

Comeback Athlete the Year

Abel Kirui (Marathon)

Coach of the Year

Julius Kirwa (Rio Olympics)

The post Kipchoge, Cheruiyot named Kenya’s 2016 best appeared first on Capital Sports.

Tottenham Hotspur’s striker Harry Kane (R) scores past CSKA Moscow’s goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev as Spurs take a 2-1 lead during the UEFA Champions League group E football match between Tottenham Hotspur and CSKA Moscow on December 7, 2016 © AFP / Glyn KIRK

LONDON, United Kingdom, Dec 8 – Tottenham rounded off a frustrating Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory over CSKA Moscow that secured the dubious consolation of a place in the Europa League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were already eliminated from the Champions League before Wednesday’s final Group E fixture, but they finished on a high note with their first victory at Wembley at the third attempt.

After falling behind to Alan Dzagoev’s strike, Tottenham equalised through Dele Alli and Harry Kane netted in first half stoppage-time before goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev’s own goal sealed the points.

Tottenham ended third in the group and the north Londoners will enter the Europa League when the knockout stages begin in February.

Playing in the less glamourous of Europe’s club competitions, with its gruelling itinerary and far-flung destinations, might be something of an unwanted burden for Tottenham given the potential to damage their Premier League ambitions.

But the Europa League winners qualify for the Champions League so Pochettino’s men may yet end up taking it seriously.

“I’m happy. The performance was good because it showed we can win here. That was important for us. It can change the bad feeling at Wembley,” Pochettino said.

Tottenham Hotspur’s midfielder Dele Alli (R) shoots to score their first goal during the UEFA Champions League group E football match between Tottenham Hotspur and CSKA Moscow on December 7, 2016 © AFP / Glyn KIRK

“Against Chelsea, Swansea and tonight we have played better. We’re starting to show our real quality again.”

Defeats against Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen in their other group matches at Wembley had played a major role in Tottenham’s exit and contributed to a negative feeling about the stadium among players and fans.

But with Tottenham likely to spend the whole of next season as tenants at Wembley while White Hart Lane is redeveloped, Pochettino was keen for his team to make themselves more at home by beating CSKA.

The swathes of empty seats at kick-off suggested many Tottenham supporters had already made up their minds about the Wembley experience.

But the stay-aways missed Tottenham’s only emphatic performance of the tournament.

– Extra gear –

Early on, Alli headed wide from Christian Eriksen’s cross before Son Heung-Min’s low strike was pushed out by CSKA goalkeeper Akinfeev.

Tottenham Hotspur’s defender Kyle Walker (L) vies with CSKA Moscow’s midfielder Georgi Milanov during the UEFA Champions League group E football match between Tottenham Hotspur and CSKA Moscow on December 7, 2016 © AFP / Glyn KIRK

Another flowing Spurs attack saw Kyle Walker feed Kane, whose instinctive first-time pass released Eriksen, only for the Danish winger to shoot straight at Akinfeev.

Alli wasted a good chance to open the scoring when his tame shot from eight yards barely forced Akinfeev to move.

Not for the first time in their strangely lethargic European campaign, Tottenham were punished for a lackadaisical mistake in the 33rd minute.

A high punt towards CSKA’s Zoran Tosic should have been easy for Jan Vertonghen, but the Spurs defender allowed his opponent to win the header and Dzagoev, unchecked by Eric Dier, raced onto the loose ball before firing past Hugo Lloris.

Faced with elimination from Europe, Tottenham found an extra gear and Alli equalised five minutes later when he controlled Eriksen’s cross on the left side of the penalty area and whipped a fine finish into the far corner.

Tottenham had failed to score more than once in each of their past nine Champions League games, but 30 seconds into first half stoppage-time, they ended that dismal sequence.

CSKA Moscow’s goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev (R) reacts after scoring an own-goal during the UEFA Champions League group E football match between Tottenham Hotspur and CSKA Moscow on December 7, 2016 © AFP / Ben STANSALL

Eriksen chipped a pass towards Danny Rose and the left-back’s low cross found Kane, who wasted no time dispatching a cool shot past Akinfeev for his seventh goal in his last six appearances.

Having established the lead, Tottenham looked far more composed after the interval and Kane came close to his second goal when he tested Akinfeev with a lunging volley.

Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld, back from a knee injury, came off the bench for his first appearance since October.

And Tottenham wrapped up only their second Champions League win this season in the 77th minute when Alli headed goalwards and Akinfeev saved before accidently nudging the ball into his own net.

The post Wanyama’s Spurs sink CSKA to earn Europa berth appeared first on Capital Sports.

All 16 Diamond Race winners from the IAAF Diamond League final in Brussels with IAAF President Sebastian Coe (Giancarlo Colombo) © Copyright

MONACO, France, Dec 8 – In a major restructure, the IAAF Diamond League has adopted a championship-style model with the finalists competing for a prize pool of Sh326.4mn ($3.2mn).

From next season, athletes will earn points in the first 12 IAAF Diamond League meetings to qualify for two final meetings where Sh10mn ($100,000) will be at stake in each of the 32 Diamond disciplines, including Sh5mn ($50,000) for each winner.

In previous seasons, athletes accumulated points throughout the IAAF Diamond League season with the overall winner of each of the 32 events being the athlete with the most points, irrespective of whether they won the final.

The season is now a race to reach the finals with the winners crowned as IAAF Diamond League champions. As in a championship, the performance of athletes in the final alone will determine who the champion will be and the prize money won.

The IAAF Diamond League finals will now offer a dramatic showdown between the world’s best athletes, a true climax to a four-month race across four continents.

Sebastian Coe, IAAF President and chairman of the Diamond League AG, commented: “After seven seasons which have established the IAAF Diamond League as our premier circuit, it is important to assess its impact and build for the future. These decisions are the first step to growing the attractiveness of the series.”

FINALS – prize money structure for each of the 32 events

1st $50,000 (Sh5mn)

2nd $20,000 (Sh2mn)

3rd $10,000 (Sh1mn)

4th $6000 (Sh611,000)

5th $5000 (Sh509,000)

6th $4000 (Sh407,000)

7th $3000 (Sh305,000)

8th $2000 (Sh203,000)

In the horizontal jumps and throwing events, there will be a return in 2017 to six attempts for all athletes.

This follows last season’s experimental format where all athletes were given three attempts but with only the top four athletes being given three further attempts.

The post Sh326.4mn prize money for finals of 2017 DL appeared first on Capital Sports.

Milcah Chemos has announced that she will transit from 3000m steeplechase to 5000m and 10,000m PHOTO/courtesy

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 8- After returning from a long injury lay off close to two years, 2013 World 3,000m steeplechase champion Milcah Chemos has announced she will be ditching the water and hurdles race for the 5,000m and 10,000m beginning 2017.

Chemos, 30, has been missing from competitive action since winning silver at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 with a back injury which required surgery.

 “It was a major injury and quite delicate because something that involves surgery is not easy. That is the reason I don’t want to go back to hurdles. It has been a painful thing to move on because I was so used to the steeple and now having in my mind I have never run 5k, it is not easy,” Chemos told Capital Sport.

The National Police Service athlete enjoyed quite some substantive success in the steeplechase, having picked her first major trophy in 2010 during the African Athletics Championships in Nairobi.

Chemos would go on to win the Commonwealth Games title in Delhi that same year and has subsequently won the IAAF Diamond League trophy in 2011 preceding her World Championship title in 2013.

She now hopes to translate the same success to the longer distances and she plans to participate in at least two international races before the national trials for the World Championships later next year.

“I have to try and get the qualification times with two races outside the country next year. I am also planning to run in the Kenya Police Cross Country Trials and that is where I think I will test my endurance. It will tell me where I am and whether I’m ready or not,” a widely smiling Chemos added.

She knows only too well it is a treacherous path to her debut but has promised to work her socks off to get a place in Kenya’s team to next August’s World Athletics Championships in London, United Kingdom.

“I have to work harder and I have even doubled my effort in training because the workout for the 5k and 10k is different from a steeple work out. I am that lady who doesn’t fear and God willing, I will hunt for a medal in London,” Chemos confidently affirmed.

With Vivian Cheruiyot announcing her departure from the track, Chemos hopes to battle to pick the crown from her, though she acknowledges the competition will be stiff.

Behind, in the steeplechase, she is confident she has left Kenya’s heritage in the able hands of Hyvin Kiyeng and youngster Celliphine Chespol who she has personally mentored and remains confident the two can carry the mantle, despite competition from Kenyan-born Bahraini Ruth Jebet.

-Chemos receive silver-

Meanwhile, Chemos was presented with her bronze medal from the 2012 Olympics and silver from the 2011 World Championships after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) stripped Russian Yuliya Zaripova of her gold medals at both events for doping.

During the 2012 London Olympics, Chemos finished fourth behind Zaripova, who won gold while at the 2011 worlds, she finished third, a race also won by the Russian.

“Though it has been too long, at least I have the medals now. I have come to learn my genuine name and personality will always remain. It is a lesson to dopers that no matter how long it takes, your time will come. If you are a cheat you will always be a cheat,” excited Chemos told Capital Sport with her two medals in hand.

The athlete has at the same time promised to unite Kenyan athletes and help fight for their rights as well as take up the serious issue of doping having been appointed the athletes’ representative at Athletics Kenya.

“It is not an easy thing. For the last one month, it has been a lot of hard work and I have come to know about the problems athletes face that I didn’t know before. I am going to help them especially those not paid their race winning cash. The most important thing is to unite them because I believe the enemy of an athlete is a fellow athlete,” Chemos offered.

The post Chemos gears up for 5,000m, 10,000m switch appeared first on Capital Sports.

All KPL and National Super League (NSL) clubs are required to comply with the FIFA/CAF club licensing rules and of all the 36, only three have been cleared, one provisionally issued with a certificate and 11 submitted documents.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 8- Sofapaka might have miraculously evaded the axe of relegation on the pitch, but they might find themselves fighting the same battle in a different field as they are one of the Kenyan Premier League clubs yet to hand in club licensing documents to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Other clubs who have not submitted their documents include Western Stima, Mathare United, Muhoroni Youth, Bandari FC and the relegated duo of City Stars and Ushuru FC.

Nick Mwendwa, the FKF president says that the federation will observe directives from CAF that only clubs handed certificates will be allowed to play tier one and two football.

“There is no extension because there will be no other 2016 after December 31. If you don’t comply, you shall not play in the KPL. If you are in the KPL and you are not issued with a certificate, then you shall be relegated. You will apply for the certificate at the NSL and again, if you don’t comply, you will be relegated to Division one,” Mwendwa offered.

All KPL and National Super League (NSL) clubs are required to comply with the FIFA/CAF club licensing rules and of all the 36, only three have been cleared, one provisionally issued with a certificate and 11 submitted documents.

CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup bound Tusker FC and Ulinzi Stars as well as second tier side Wazito FC are the only three clubs to have been certified while Kakamega Homeboyz have a provisional clearance.

The deadline set by CAF for compliance is December 31, but all clubs must have submitted their documents by December 16, to allow for a 14-day appeal period for clubs whose documents will have been rejected by the FKF club licensing committee.

“This is a process that has been going on for two years. It is not our process, but a FIFA and CAF project. I think this will bring a huge change to football because it will ensure security for our clubs in terms of development. Maybe we can’t see the fruits immediately, but in 2019 it will have taken full effect,” Mwendwa stressed.

The only other clubs to have submitted documents include the two giants AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, Chemelil Sugar, Thika United and Sony Sugar. From the NSL, Palos FC, Kariobangi Sharks, KCB, Nakumatt and Zoo Kericho have applied.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

The only other clubs to have submitted documents include the two giants AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, Chemelil Sugar, Thika United and Sony Sugar. From the NSL, Palos FC, Kariobangi Sharks, KCB, Nakumatt and Zoo Kericho have applied.

Only the clubs who will have had their certificates issued by December 31 will be allowed to play.

“Even if 10 clubs will have been certified, they are the ones who will play the League. These are things that we passed in our AGM and entrenched in our statutes and we cannot go against them. Clubs have had a long time since April 2 when the first workshop was conducted and there should be no excuse,” Mwendwa added.

Among the requirements for the CAF club license include youth structures, infrastructure, administration, coaching, legal and financial.

Clubs must have approved youth teams of the age range of 10-14 and 15-21 complete with infrastructure, qualified personnel and a well laid out financial structure. The youth education programme must further show the club’s commitment to support mandatory and complementary school education for young players.

Under stadia, clubs must prove ownership or lease of a permanent home ground certified under local law. Each stadium must have a control room which ensures an overall view of the inside of the stadium for security purposes.

The stadia must also have proper floodlights, first aid and doping control rooms, covered seat areas, sanitary facilities, media facilities and a set area for people with disability.

Under administration, clubs are required to have a fully functional secretariat complete with a club Chief Executive, finance officer, medical officer, media officer and a head of youth development.

A sticky area that has caught in its web many clubs is the financial section which requires all clubs to provide audited financial statements, ownership structure and contracts of existing sponsorship agreements.

The post KPL clubs risk relegation over club licensing appeared first on Capital Sports.

Legends Sunday Oliseh of Nigeria (right) with Kalusha Bwalya of Zambia (left) having a pep talk. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 8- Several football academies based in Nairobi are set to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of former Nigerian midfielder Sunday Oliseh who will conduct a coaching clinic at the Ligi Ndogo grounds on December 21.

The former national team coach and captain who led the Super Eagles to the Olympic gold medal in 1996 in Atlanta will be in Kenya for a three-day tour to help promote the German Bundesliga courtesy of broadcast partners Startimes.

“This initiative is largely driven towards promoting Bundesliga whereas looking at opportunities whereby we can be able to leverage on the success of these European leagues towards developing our home grown talent,” StarTimes Public relations manager Alex Mwaura said while announcing the legend’s visit.

Oliseh’s experience in the German Bundesliga is not doubted having won the league title with Borussia Dortmund in the 2001/2002 season and also played for FC Koln and VfL Bochum.

Former Bandari FC, Sony Sugar and KCB head coach who now heads Star Soccer Academy poses with StarTimes staff with some of the equipment to be used diring the one-day football clinic in Nairobi.

“It is a huge thing to learn from a player such as Oliseh who has played and coached at the highest level of football. The last time Kanu (Nwankwo) was here the players were really motivated because they resonated with his story. There has been a lot of difference and now that we are priviledged to be part of this again, I am so pleased,” former Bandari and KCB head coach Rishadi Shedu who now heads Star Soccer Academy said.

The clinic will involve several academies from around the city, but Mwaura has disclosed they have been thinking about devolving the same to other counties over the next visits by Bundesliga and African legends.

Oliseh will also be the chief guest during the StarTimes media quiz challenge with the winners set to be rewarded a television set and original autographed Bundesliga balls.

The former Ajax and Juventus man is also expected to join fans during the live screening of the Bundesliga clash between his former club Dortmund and Augsburg.

The post Oliseh to conduct coaching clinic in Kenya appeared first on Capital Sports.

Tusker FC team lifting the 2016 Kenyan Premier title after beating Gor Mahia 1-0 on the final day at the Nyayo National Stadium.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9 – Kenyan Premier League and GOtv Shield champions Tusker FC are planning for a pre-season training camp in Europe or Asia as they prepare for a return to the CAF Champions League next season as well as the defence of their twin titles.

Tusker Chief Executive Officer Charles Obiny disclosed to Capital Sport they are in talks with several clubs as they seek to move an inch higher and give the players a tougher and better stage of training ahead of an expected uphill season.

“We are talking to some people in Turkey and some in Asia to see the possibility of giving the team an opportunity to train there for two or three weeks because they have better facilities than us. It will be a great avenue for the team to gel especially with new players we want to bring on board and I hope that will be the beginning of new things to come,” Obiny disclosed.

“We have been going round talking to other clubs on how they have succeeded and whether we can borrow a leaf from them. They have enlightened us on what we should do and we are trying with our little resources to see what we can achieve.”

This will be the first time in a long time a Kenyan club will be going out of the continent for a training camp. This year, Tusker had their pre-season camp in Uganda where they played against several top flight sides, one factor that has been credited for their success this season.

Obiny has admitted it will be tough for them next season especially defending their titles, but remains confident the team has the ability to do it.

-Preparations-

Tusker FC head coach Paul Nkata with the Kenyan Premier League trophy.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Head Coach Paul Nkata believes the side’s performance in 2017 will be hugely dependant on how well they will have prepared.

“It is a tough call next season for us. Definitely, we have to prepare better and having camps outside the country is a huge thing for the club. Hopefully we will be better with that kind of training,” Nkata added.

Meanwhile, the club has landed their first transfer acquisition with out-of-contract Thika United defender Vincent Omumbo joining the Ruaraka based club on a two-year deal. The club is also chasing for the signature of Ugandan midfielder Sadam Juma who plays at Express FC.

“We have held talks with the club and though there is nothing concrete at the moment, I am positive we will have fruitful talks in the coming days. He is a very good midfielder, aggressive and with a keen eye on goal. I know he is going to be a huge signing for us if we get him,” Obiny said.

-Ssempala to Vietnam-

Tusker FC players celebrate Shafik Batambuze’s winner at the Afraha Stadium in nakuru. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

The club might also lose another Ugandan midfielder Hashim Ssempala who is currently on trials in Vietnam. Obiny says if the player who joined Tusker in June impresses his suitors, then they will give him an opportunity to leave.

The club is also in search of a striker with sources close to Capital Sport intimating they are directing their eyes to West Africa.

“We need a very good striker who can complement Allan Wanga. I think that was one area last season in which we struggled in a bit. We are not intending to sign many players. Just three and we are good to go. Overall we have a very good squad,” the official complemented.

He also added they will give head coach Nkata everything he requires to make the team stronger, adding they kept faith in him when nobody else gave him a chance when he was hired from Muhoroni Youth in January.

“No one gave him a chance when he came and everyone was saying he cannot make it. We talked to him and assured him of our support and that is why we are where we are today,” Obiny added.

The team is expected to resume training on December 27.

The post Tusker set for Europe pre-season camp appeared first on Capital Sports.

James Colinese explains a point during a session with KPL and NSL coaches on December 8, 2016. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9 – The week-long Arsenal-led coaching course involving Kenyan Premier League, National Super League and Women Premier League coaches comes to a close on Friday evening and the community coaches from the North London club have been impressed with the level of knowledge among the local tacticians.

This is the second installment of the partnership undertaken by Arsenal’s official Africa betting partner SportPesa who are also the KPL title sponsors and partners with the Football Kenya Federation.

“They’ve got some great knowledge and a lot of experience. They have got a lot of ideas in and around the way in which the game can be played and over the last couple of days it has been very interesting speaking to them and getting to know the challenges they are facing with regards to the game,” James Colinese, the Arsenal community coach leading the project told Capital Sport.

The coach disclosed they have been working to entrench the ‘Arsenal way’ of playing on the coaches by also trying to fuse the same philosophy with their own way of coaching.

“They are getting there. They’ve got a lot of their kind of ways in which they look at the game and their ideas on how they want to play and now crossed over to playing the Arsenal way. It is just how the structure and design can be brought out to further develop their players in playing the Arsenal way,” Colinese added.

Ulinzi Stars head coach Benjamin Nyangweso dribbles as Nakuru All Stars’ Nick Yakhama and Thika United’s James Nandwa watch during a practical session at an Arsenal-organized coaching clinic in Nairobi on December 8, 2016. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

The coaches themselves have been impressed with the knowledge imparted on them, but some say a huge part of ‘The Arsenal way’ will be tough to implement due to poor state of pitches in the country.

“There has been so much to learn but again, some aspects might be a challenge to implement especially on passing. If you look at most of our pitches in Kenya, it is not easy playing that free-flowing kind of football,” Ushuru FC coach Ken Kenyatta said.

William Muluya, whose side Kariobangi Sharks are one of the clubs known of playing the tiki-taka passing game associated with The Gunners added;

“We have learnt so many different ways of looking at the game. Not only learning from the Arsenal coaches but also interacting with the other coaches as well. It has been a very positive learning period.”

Meanwhile, Tatiana Elaguila who is the coordinator of the program and Partner Services Executive at Arsenal said they will be looking to work with a similar group over a long period of time as opposed with taking up a different group of coaches every time they come.

She noted the objectives of the program will only be achieved if it is passed on over a consistent group.

The post Arsenal trainers impressed with KPL, NSL coaches appeared first on Capital Sports.

Former Arsenal Star in an interview with Capital Sports on December 9, 2016. PHOTO/Moses Muoki

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9- Bigger emphasis on talent development in the grassroot will unearth more football talent like Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama in Kenya and the East African region, former Arsenal right back Lauren Bisan Etamé-Mayer has said.

Speaking to Capital Sport on the sidelines of his visit to Kenya, the 1996 Olympic Gold medalist says the reason European leagues are not littered with players from the East Africa region is because of lack of emphasis on talent development.

“A few years back I was in Rwanda and Uganda with Arsenal and this was a big issue discussed. I think this is because in this part of Africa there is not so much focus on football but athletics because they are the best in the world,” the 39-year old said.

 “We have to go to early basis. Getting down to the grassroot and picking the players at an early age is the secret because it is when they get everything. If this happens in future we will see more players from this side of Africa playing in the English Premier League and not only Wanyama.”

Lauren has heaped praise on The Kenyan midfielder whom he says has progressed hugely over the years since he first saw him playing for Celtic.

“I watched him from way back when he was in Celtic, then Southampton and now Tottenham. He has grown and has been doing a fantastic job. He is outstanding in Tottenham since he joined them and he keeps progressing. He’s going to be one of the best examples to young players in Kenya,” the Cameroonian said of the 25-year old midfielder.

Former Arsenal Star Lauren autographs a jersey for Capital FM legendary Deejay Adrian Washika. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

At the same time, Lauren has challenged African coaches to explore opportunities of coaching abroad especially now that the continent is also full of European coaches.

Though he feels disappointed none of the tacticians at the moment has taken up the challenge, Lauren believes that it is just a matter of time before an African coach handles one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“We won the gold medal at the Olympics with a Cameroonian coach. So it shows that they also have the ability their European counterparts have. The Europeans have to accept as well that African coaches can manage European teams because we are living in a world of globalization. In future things will be that way. We will see more coaches and African players in Europe,” he added.

Lauren is in Kenya to officially close a week-long coaching course in Nairobi, organized by Kenyan Premier league sponsors SportPesa and Arsenal academy trainers to train KPL and National Super League coaches on ‘playing the Arsenal way’.

“This is an amazing project bringing coaches to teach locals the Arsenal way which is fantastic. Kids will have opportunity to learn about the Arsenal way through these coaches and we see how that can translate to get the kids getting to the highest level,” the Spanish based Business Administration student opined.

Having joined Arsenal from Mallorca in 2000, Lauren was part of Arsenal’s ‘invincilbles’ squad that won the EPL on a 49-match unbeaten run in 2003/2004.

He looks back with Nostalgia and terms the moment ‘magic’.

Former Arsenal Star Lauren chats with Capital in the Morning presenter Renee Ngamau at the Capital Studios on December 9, 2016. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

“It was unbelievable! What we did is gonna stay there for ages. What happened is we improved the defensive play we were used to; 1-0 2-0 results. We maintained the solid shape at the back but we played much better football and started scoring more goals,” he said.

Being part of a gem brought into the limelight by the Gunners coach Arsene Wenger, Lauren has urged patience with the Frenchman while tipping him to win the Premier League for the first time since 2005.

“We all understand there is a lot of demand. People want Arsenal to win the league but we have to be positive. Arsene has contributed a lot. He took players from nothing; Fabregas, Anelka, Nasri Clichy…. we have to keep him; he is the strongest man and can still lead that boat. At the end of the season, we’ve got to be happy Arsenal will lift the title,” Lauren offered.

He adds; “We have to be positive because the team has been improving every single year. The gaps have been filled up. Arsenal are much better at the back, stronger in the middle. This generation has played three or four years together. This season the team will be up there.”

He has also urged the Arsenal board to do everything in their power to keep Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, his favorite player at the club. There has been much debate in the recent weeks over the contract situations of the two who have anchored Arsenal’s brilliant run this season.

“Alexis (Sanchez) without a doubt stands out. South American players give extra. Since the first day he signed, I said that he is a top player. He is always out there pressing the defenders, asking for the ball, looking for spaces to score. He assumes his big player role and plays like it is the last game of his career,”

“Of course the club cannot go bankrupt for the two. There has to be a balance but those two players have to be at the club, the club has to do an effort to keep them,” he added.

The post Grassroot development will unearth more Wanyamas – Lauren appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kariobangi Sharks FC are on the verge of promotion to the Kenyan Premier League.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9- With the uncertainty over whether two or four clubs will be promoted to the Kenyan Premier League next season, Kariobangi Sharks will be out to give themselves 100% assurance on Saturday when they face National Super League leaders Nzoia United who have already been promoted.

Sharks are placed second on the National Super League standings with 80 points, two away from third placed Zoo Kericho who will be at home to FC Talanta on the final match day of the NSL season.

“It is going to be a very tough match because we are playing away against a tough opponent. The approach to the match will need a lot of concentration and cautiousness because any mistake in the match will be costly,” Sharks head coach William Muluya told Capital Sports.

He says the side has prepared well for the tie and will not be under pressure, despite seeking a firm assurance they will play top flight football next season.

“This is the final day of the season and we need to go out there and enjoy ourselves. This match is going to be like a final and in a final you don’t need to rush or panic. If we are going to get into the premier league it is going to be a huge plus for not only me but the players who have been doing it for me,” Muluya added.

The former Mathare United team manager joined Sharks in June after leaving his post with the Slum Boys and has turned around their season after a poor start.

He has paid tribute to his players for their hard work and only hopes they will be rewarded by earning promotion.

“We have worked together and everyone has pulled in one direction. Not that it wasn’t there before, but it is taken into more detail now. We have had so much support from the management thus the focus by the players has been better,” Muluya added.

Zoo and Nakumatt FC are the two other sides with a promotion chance. The two sides will be promoted if the Football Kenya Federation has its way to expand the league into an 18 team format.

The two can also squeeze into second if either one of them wins their weekend matches and Sharks slip against Nzoia who have lost only once this season.

Fourth placed Nakumatt will be at home to Wazito FC.

The post Kariobangi Sharks to throw all at Nzoia for promotion guarantee appeared first on Capital Sports.

Manoel Dall Igna of France and Leonard Mugaisi of Kenya in action during day one of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament, December 10, 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo:  Christiaan Kotze/SASPA/World Rugby)

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 10- The Kenya Sevens rugby team began their campaign at the Cape Town Sevens in South Africa on a positive note, beating France 33-14 and revenging for the 24-14 loss they suffered at the hands of the French in Dubai last weekend.

The last time Shujaa beat France was in Singapore last season, and they went on to win the main cup for the very first time.

That piece of history might be a good omen for Shujaa especially as they seek to better their performance from Cape Town last season when they went all the way to the main cup semis.

An emphatic display from Innocent Simiyu’s men saw Billy ‘the kid’ Odhiambo and Willy Ambaka score a brace each while Leonard Mugaisi scored Kenya’s fifth try of the match.

Ambaka broke the deadlock touching down on the left after some patient build up from the Kenyans with the 26-year old showing superb power to wade off his chasers and skillfully evade a tackle from France captain Terry Bouhraoua a few yards away from the try line.

Augustine Lugonzo should have taken Kenya strides ahead but his pace faded off as he approached the try line and his last ditch effort to make the chance count ended in a forward pass to Nelson Oyoo.

From the restart, France went ahead with skipper Bouhraoua showing good pace to power away from his markers and touch down under the posts, converting for a 7-5 lead.

At the buzzer however, Kenya ensured they went into the break in the lead with Odhiambo touching down his 52^nd career try evading a tackle from Bouhraoua three metres away from the try box with a brilliant hand off.

Straight from the restart in the second half, Shujaaa picked up from where they left and Ambaka touched down for his second try of the afternoon with a powerful run under the posts. Lugonzo converted to give Shujaa a 19-7 lead.

Dan Sikuta had an opportunity to stretch Kenya’s lead further from an Andrew Amonde offload, but the French backline caught up with him before getting to the try line and won back possession.

But there was no stopping the Kenyan boys as Leonard Mugaisi simply touched down under the posts after some good powerful work from Sikuta to push the challenge closer to the try box.

Odhiambo then stretched Kenya’s lead to 31-7 before Lugonzo added the extras for Kenya to move all clear at 33-7. France though reduced the gap at the buzzer with skipper Bouhraoua touching down and converting as the game ended 33-14.

Kenya’s next match will be against Olympic champions Fiji at 4:26pm and a win will see them progress to the main cup quarters.

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