Agnes Barsosio winning in Ceske Budejovice (organisers) © Copyright

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 4 – Fighting unseasonably warm conditions, Agnes Jeruto Barsosio of Kenya set a new race record to highlight the sixth Ceske Budejovice Half Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, on Saturday.

With the mercury holding steady at 27 C throughout the late afternoon contest, the 34-year-old clocked 1:09:53 to put a big dent in the previous record of 1:10:40 set last year by Ashete Bekere of Ethiopia.

In the men’s race, Justus Kangogo broke from the elite pack before the halfway point and maintained his momentum en route to a 1:02:47 win.

The women’s race began with two clear favourites: Kenyans Lucy Kabuu and Rebecca Chesir. But in the end, however, both were outperformed by their compatriot Barsosio who left all her rivals behind in the fifth kilometre en route to the new race standard.

“I’m really pleased with the win and the personal record,” said Barsosio, whose previous lifetime best of 1:10:50 was set in 2015. “Completing the race in under seventy minutes today is something I consider a huge success and I’m truly delighted that I’ve finally done it.”

Chesir was a distant second in 1:13:05 with Ukrainian Olga Skrypak surprising with a 1:14:12 clocking to round out the podium.

Justus Kangogo winning the Ceske Budejovice Half Marathon (organisers) © Copyright

In the men’s contest, Kangogo’s efforts were assisted early on when another pre-race favourite, Abraham Akopesha, lost his shoe in the first seven kilometres. Kangogo then pulled away for good and was never threatened.

“I think it was one of the most difficult races I’ve ever run,” said Kangogo, who improved to 59:41 at the Rome-Ostia Half Marathon in March.

“I was on my own for a long time, and was pretty surprised to see the others drop off so soon. Today’s time may well be a fair way off my personal best, but given the heat which didn’t give us any rest throughout the whole race, I have to say I’m pleased.”

Well back, Paul Kariuki Mwangi took second in 1:04:33 with Brazil’s Paulo Paula pulling off a surprise to finish third in 1:05:25. Japans Hideto Yamanaka also experienced a successful European debut, finishing fourth place in 1:06:19.

Wilson Kipsang, one of the finest marathoners in recent years, was hit by a calf problem and didn’t finish.

Leading Results:

Men –

1. Justus Kangogo, KEN 1:02:47
2. Paul Kariuki Mwangi, KEN 1:04:33
3. Paulo Paula Roberto, BRA 1:05:25
4. Hideto Yamanaka, JPN 1:06:19
5. Solomon Gachoka Kagimbi, KEN 1:07:44
6. Donald Mitei, KEN 1:09:04
7. Oleksandr Sitkovskyy, UKR 1:09:27
8. Petr Pechek, CZE 1:10:20
9. Vasyl Matviychuk, UKR 1:10:43
10. David Vas, CZE 1:11:53

Women –

1. Agnes Jeruto Barsosio, KEN 1:09:53
2. Rebecca Kangogo Chesir, KEN 1:13:05
3. Olga Skrypak, UKR 1:14:12
4. Joy Kemuma Loyce, KEN 1:14:14
5. Veronicah Njeri Maina, KEN 1:15:08
6. Pauline Naragoi Esiko, KEN 1:17:58
7. Lucy Liavoga, KEN 1:19:05
8. Ayaka Fujimoto, JPN 1:19:15
9. Maki Ashi, JPN 1:20:17
10. Ivana Sekyrova, CZE 1:21:15

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Tusker FC players (L-R) Mike Khamati, Allan Wanga, Clifford Alwanga and Collins Shivachi during a past match in Nakuru. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 5 – Thirteen time Kenyan Premier League champions AFC Leopards will seek to put a silver lining in their otherwise dark half of the 2017 season when they take to the pitch on Monday afternoon against Singida United in their Super Cup opener.

The tournament, sponsored by betting firm SportPesa brings together eight teams from Kenya and Tanzania with the eventual winner not only winning the Sh3mn in cash prize but also a chance to play English Premier League side Everton in a friendly match next month.

Kenya’s other representatives, Tusker FC, the reigning domestic league champions will take to the pitch in the late kick off at 4pm against Tanzanian giants Yanga.

Ingwe has had a tough start to the season and are current placed 12^th on the standings with 15 points, 12 shy of leaders Gor Mahia. They have not won over the last seven matches.

New head coach Dorian Marin will be on the stands watching the team for the first time, and the players will be tasked with putting their best feet forward in what is set to be an audition infront of the new boss.

They will be without defender Robinson Kamura and midfielder Duncan Otieno who are with the national team Harambee Stars while midfielder Andrew Tololwa and striker Mungai Kiongera are nursing injuries.

AFC Leopards’ Andrew Tololwa goes up in the air to try head in a corner during their match against Sofapaka at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on April 26, 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

A win against the newly promoted Singida will be a much needed morale booster and ease pressure on the side.

Tusker FC on the other end, will be on a relatively different platter. The defending champions have crawled back from a disastrous start to the season winning all their last seven games to move all the way to joint top on the log.

They however come up against the recently crowned Tanzanian champions who are however set to give playing time to most of their second string players.

“We are going there to do our best because it is a chance to play against a European team and the players are hugely motivated by this. All of them are working in training with that in mind. We will not be pushovers,” Tusker FC Chief Executive Officer Charles Obiny said.

Meanwhile the sponsors have confirmed the tournament will be an annual festival with next year’s edition set to be held in Kenya.

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri says the company has been challenged to organize the tournament in a bid to grow the local game.

“For decades since the Gossage Cup started in 1926, Kenyan and Tanzanian teams have been involved in classic football battles which have excited  and captivated their supporters at home and across Africa. We realized the need to bring back the glorious days of Kenyan and Tanzanian football by launching this tournament,” he said.

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Ulinzi Stars players James Saruni, John Kago, Boniface Onyango, geopffrey Kokoyo and Rodgers Omondi pose with the new kits bearing the logo of new sponsors Elitebet. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 5 – Kenya Defence Forces football team Ulinzi Stars on Monday unveiled betting firm Elitebet as their new shirt sponsors, a deal that will last until the end of the season.

Though the financial details of the deal up for renewal at the end of the season were undisclosed, Elitebet Managing Director Waiyaki Hinga described it as multi-million package with the company set to fully kit the team as well as take care of logistics and match winning bonuses.

“It is more like an open cheque and not entirely tied on any financial figure. We have set out what we are supposed to do and it will cover the team from the Premier League, cup games, military games, as well as CAF assignments,” Hinga told Capital Sport.

He added; “We will sit down at the end of the season and make analysis on the sponsorship and basing on various factors including performance, we will renew.”

The announcement comes barely a week after Parliament shot down a proposal by the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich slapping a 50 per cent tax imposed on betting and gaming firms.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony on Monday morning at the Defence Headquarters, Kenya Defence Forces Football Association (KDFFA) chairman Brigadier Aphaxard Kiugu promised that the funds will be put into the intended use.

Kenya Defence Forces Football Association (KDFFA) chairman Brigadier Aphaxard Kiugu and Elitebet Managing Director Waiyaki Hinga pose with the new jersey during the unveiling of the partnership on June 5, 2017 at the Defense Headquarters. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

“At Ulinzi, we are soldiers first and always guided by very tough principles. This money will be used very well and for its purpose. We thank Elitebet for choosing Ulinzi and we know this is going to be a boost to the team,” said Brigadier Kiugu.

Except for the KDF logo, Ulinzi has been without a shirt sponsor since the departure of South African petroleum company Engen who had sponsored them over two seasons. Prior to that, the military outfit also had sponsorship from Metropolitan Insurance.

“Every club has financial needs and to us, it is no different. This is a huge boost for us because we will now be able to pay good bonuses to the players and also prepare better for matches,” Ulinzi Stars Vice Chairman Major Joe Birgen said.

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AFC Leopards players watch as Kitinyu Tafadzwa scores Singida’s goal. PHOTO/East Africa TV

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 5 – AFC Leopards progressed to the semi finals of the SportPesa Super Cup after beating host side Singida United 5-4 on post match penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

AFC scored all their five spot kicks while Singida’s Chuku Salum skied his effort as Ingwe who had come from a goal down pulled themselves into the money bracket.

Youngster Vincent Oburu proved his worth with a 68^th minute equalizer, pulling his side level after Kitinyu Tafadzwa’s first half header had given the recently promoted Singida the lead.

On the penalties, Atupele Green and Hamisi Shango kicked off well for Singida scoring the first two with AFC leopards responding through Bernard Mang’oli and Oburu.

However, Salum’s effort which was the third for Singida went high above the bar with Allan Katterega getting AFC into the driver’s seat converting Ingwe’s third, though Singida keeper Said Lubawa had a slight touch on it.

Nhivi Simbarashe and Elisha Muraiwa scored the final two for Singida, but it counted for nothing as Duncan Otieno and Gilbert Fiamenyo responding will well taken kicks.

Singida opened the scoring early with Tafadzwa glancing a header home from the near post after rushing earliest to meet a Jackton Robert corner. The host team got the corner after Salim Abdallah cleared off the line after Andika had spilled the ball on the path of an opponent.

AFC Leopards striker Vincent Oburu in action against Singida United. PHOTO/SportPesa

Prior to conceding, Ingwe had gone close twice. Fiamenyo struck a shot against the crossbar after outmuscling his marker inside the box in the seventh minute while three minutes later, Mang’oli’s shot from the edge of the box but his effort was a few inches off target.

Leopards thought they had drawn parity on the quarter hour mark but Oburu’s well taken low effort was ruled out for offside after Fiamenyo’s defense splitting pass found the youngster a few yards above the opponent’s last line of defense.

The visitors seemed to have upped the tempo and minutes later, a mishap inside the box saw the defense clear the ball off the line with the keeper out.

In the second half Ingwe were more resilient and they attacked from the onset. Fiamenyo should have done better with a header off an Otieno delivery but the keeper saved.

Eight minutes later though, Oburu who had been barred from playing in the first leg owing to double signing showed just why he is an important addition to the team when he raced off his marker on the left before shooting past Lubawa.

Otieno’s ferocious shot from the edge of the box was punched away by the keeper with 10n minutes left as Ingwe piled the pressure. None of the two sides could break in the dying minutes and the game was decided from 12 yards out.

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Tusker skipper James Situma wheels away from a Yanga opponent during the Super Cup in Dar es Salaam on June 5, 2017. PHOTO/SportPesa

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 5 – Clifford Alwanga saw his penalty saved while Stephen Owusu rattled the crossbar as Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker FC bowed out of the Super Cup with a 4-2 post-match penalties loss to Tanzanian champions Yanga on Monday evening.

The game was forced into penalties after a barren draw in regulation time and Yanga proved to be the more clinical from 12 yards out as they progressed to the semi finals.

Skipper Nadir ‘Cannavaro’ Haroub and Obrey Chirwa scored the first two for Yanga before Noah Wafula and Brian Osumba responded in style for the brewers.

However, after Maka Edward had scored Yanga’s third, Alwanga stepped up and saw keeper Deogratius ‘Dida’ Munishi dive to his left to parry out the effort. Andrew Chikupe kept the advantage on for the home team and with Owusu missing the fourth, it was game over for Tusker.

It wasn’t a classic game of many chances. Scoring opportunities were few and far in between. Chirwa had the first opportunity for the hosts with a well taken shot from the left which went against the crossbar.

Allan Wanga and Mike Khamati were busy on the other end trying to run the Yanga defense dry, but they couldn’t get the much needed spaces to threaten Munishi in goal.

Yanga kept pushing and were the better side in the opening half. Chirwa was a constant threat and in the 35^th minute, his shot from inside the box ricocheted off two Tusker defenders and almost found its way in but rolled just inches off.

In the second half, Tusker put up a bit of pressure in attack and Moses Ndawula was presented with a glorious opportunity 12 minutes in, but he volleyed over from the edge of the box.

Chirwa would have broken the Tusker hearts with a last minute effort after he picked up the ball at the edge of the box but his ferocious thump went over and the game had to be decided on penalties.

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Gor Mahia striker Meddie Kagere wheels away in celebration after scoring the winner in K’Ogalo’s 2-1 conquest over Sony Sugar at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on April 15, 2017. PHOTO/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 6 – Meddie Kagere found the back of the net twice to send Kenyan Premier League side Gor Mahia in the semi-finals of the Super Cup after beating Zanzibar’s Jang’ombe Boys 2-0 at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Tuesday.

After squandering a couple of chances in the first half, Kagere nodded home in the 64th minute from a well delivered Kenneth Muguna cross on the right flank before completing a brace in the 84th minute from the spot when a Jang’ombe player was judged to have handled George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo’s ball in the box.

Gor now joins arch rivals AFC Leopards and Tanzanian giants Yanga SC in the last four.

Dominant Gor fluffed opportunities in the first half when Wafula saw his cross collected by the Jang’ombe keeper after breaking down on the right flank.

K’Ogalo used the wings to attack with Kagere combining well with Timothy Otieno but the Ugandan-born Rwandese forward saw his effort go wide.

At the half-hour mark, Kagere was unlucky again when Otieno lofted a cleaver pass to him only to see the Jang’ombe keeper parry his shot for a fruitless corner before he missed a one-on-one chance with the keeper seven minutes later.

Kagere had received a fine through pass from the midfield but placed his shot far left, going wide.

On the stroke of half-time, Muguna saw his header cleared by Jang’ombe defenders from a Francis Kahata free-kick.

-More to follow-

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Harambee Stars First Coach Stanley Okumbi (right) with Belgian based midfielder Johanna Omolo.PHOTO/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 6 – Belgium based midfielder Johanna Omolo and Bulgarian based left-back Abud Omar have been ruled out of the Harambee Stars squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier away to Sierra Leone on June 10.

The duo picked up injuries while playing for their respective clubs and will not be part of the team that is scheduled to depart for Freetown, Sierra Leone on Thursday (June 8) at 09:50hrs.

However, the Zambian trio of defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino, midfielder Anthony Teddy Akumu and forward Jesse Were are expected to link up with the team this evening in Machakos.

Swedish based attacking midfielder Eric Johanna reported to camp this morning to join the foreign based players already in camp; captain Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspur, England), defender Brian Madela (Maritzburg United, South Africa), defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma (Kolkheti Poti, Georgia) and defender Joseph Okumu (Free State Stars, South Africa).

China based duo of winger Ayub Timbe and striker Michael Olunga as well as United States based center-back David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng are expected to link up with the team on Wednesday morning.

The team will be hosted for luncheon at a Machakos Hotel courtesy of Football Kenya Federation on Wednesday after the morning training session that will be open to media.

The qualifier which will be Harambee Stars’ opener campaign as they seek to return to the continental showpiece for the first time since 2004 will be played at the Freetown/Siaka Stevens Stadium, kicking off 1630hrs local time.

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Kenya’s Darwin Mukidza attempts to boot in a penalty during an international test match against Germany at the RFUEA ground on May 27, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 7 – KCB RFC Fly-Half Darwin Mukidza will skipper the Kenya Simbas in Saturday’s Elgon Cup first leg clash away to Uganda in the absence of regular Wilson Kopondo who sits out through a shoulder injury.

Making the squad of 23 named by Team Manager Simiyu Wangila on Wednesday is Newcastle Falcons back-row Joshua Chisanga.

Chisanga returns for the first time since sealing the move to English Premiership side that saw him miss 2016 internationals as well as 2017 opening match against Germany in May.

Speaking to Kenya Rugby Union ahead of their departure, the utility back who features for current Kenya Cup champions KCB said, ” I feel privileged, I am handling an elite group of players and look forward to their cooperation in executing whatever plans management has. We expect to register a positive result.”

Mukidza, who made a try scoring debut for the Simbas in the 41-15 win over Portugal in Nairobi on Saturday 30 May 2015, has featured in the team’s last 11 consecutive tests since then.

Moses Amusala, Peter Karai and Dennis Karani maintain their position in the forwards as Simon Muniafu and Oliver Mangeni  set to pair at lock for once against Uganda.

Davies Chenge, Eric Kerre and Martin Owila are the trip’s back-rows, Biko Adema and Samson Onsomu go as half-backs while Jacob Ojee, Patrice Agunda, David Ambunya, Mukidza and Tony Onyango making the entire back-line.

KCB skipper Curtis Lilako who missed last international match against Germany due to form issues makes the team after receiving a call up in late May.

Joshua Chisanga in training.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Skipper Wilson Kopondo is ruled with an injury sustained during the test against Germany but he’s in the run to be fit for the second leg of the Elgon Cup. Darwin Mukidza captain the team in Kampala.

Starting line-up will be named on Friday in Kampala.

Uganda has already named the squad that includes Kenyan based duo of Philip Wokorach and Ivan Kirabo who have had a fantastic Kenya Cup season with double losing finalists Kabras Sugar.

Last year’s first leg of the Elgon Cup saw Kenya beat Uganda 48-10 in Kampala before claiming a 45-24 in the return leg in Nairobi.

Squad;

1.Moses Amusala (KCB), 2. Peter Karia (KCB), 3. Dennis Karani (Resolution Impala Saracens), 4. Simon Muniafu (Resolution Impala Saracens), 5. Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), 6. Eric Kerre (Resolution Impala Saracens), 7. Davis Chenge (KCB), 8. Martin Owila (KCB), 9. Sam Onsomu (Resolution Impala Saracens), 10. Biko Adema (Nondescripts), 11. Jacob Ojee (KCB), 12. Patrice Agunda (SportPesa Quins), 13. David Ambunya (SportPesa Quins), 14. Darwin Mukidza (KCB), 15. Tony Onyango (Menengai Cream Homeboyz).

REPLACEMENTS 16. Philip Ikambili (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), 17. James Kubasu (Resolution Impala Saracens), 18. Curtis Lilako (KCB), 19. George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), 20. Joshua Chisanga (Newcastle Falcons, England), 21.Kelvin Masai (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), 22. Isaac Adimo (SportPesa Quins),23. Leo Seje (Resolution Impala Saracens).

Management: Jerome Paarwater (HEAD COACH), Charles Ngovi, Dominique Habimana (ASSISTANT COACHES), Richard Ochieng ( S&C), Chris Makachia (PHYSIO), Simiyu Wangila (TEAM MANAGER).

-By Raga House-

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Conseslus Kipruto in the 3000m steeplechase at the IAAF Diamond League final in Brussels (Giancarlo Colombo) © Copyright

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 7 – Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto and World Javelin Champion Julius Yego will highlight the fourth leg of the IAAF Diamond League in Rome, Italy on Thursday night.

Proved unbeatable in the 3000m steeplechase last year, winning six times on the IAAF Diamond League circuit, the Kenyan will look for more of the same in his 2017 debut in the event.

Kipruto was well off his best on his first race of the season in Doha, finishing 12th in the 3000m in 7:49.00, but should prove a different athlete back over the obstacles this week.

However, his compatriot Jairus Birech has always proven tough to beat in this realm and will look to reclaim that dominance, as will the event’s former king, Ezekiel Kemboi, who surrendered his Olympic title to Kipruto last year.

In the men’s javelin, Germany’s Thomas Rohler heads a star-studded field.

During his last appearance in this realm – in Doha last month – the Olympic champion unleashed the longest throw in 20 years when launching the spear 93.90m, the sixth best throw of all time, and with ideal conditions set to grace the Olympic stadium on Thursday for the 37th edition of the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea, the 25-year-old will be looking for more heroics.

However, he will take on a field loaded with quality, facing 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott and a trio of world champions in Yego, Vitezslav Vesely and Tero Pitkamaki.

-Dibaba-

Genezebe Dibaba of Ethiopia competes in the 5000m during the 2017 Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meet, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on May 26

The women’s 5000m will see another world record attempt for Genzebe Dibaba, who came up short when chasing older sister Tirunesh’s mark of 14:11.15 in Eugene 11 days ago.

However, this time around the Ethiopian is likely to have more company in the shape of Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, who clocked a world-leading 14:22.47 for the distance in Shanghai, three seconds quicker than Dibaba managed in Eugene a fortnight later.

Others to watch include Kenya’s Irine Cheptai, the world cross-country champion, and Ethiopian junior Letesenbet Gidey, who clocked 14:36.84 behind Obiri in Shanghai.

The men’s 800m will feature a clash between some of Europe and Africa’s finest, with European champion Adam Kszczot and fellow Pole Marcin Lewandowski taking on a sextet of formidable Kenyans.

Chief among them is 2016 Diamond Trophy winner Ferguson Rotich, though U20 star Kipyegon Bett may well be the pre-race favourite, having taken an impressive win in Shanghai in 1:44.70, where he relegated two-time Olympic champion David Rudisha to fourth.

Nijel Amos is another intriguing entrant, the Motswanan who has run 1:41.73 seeking to return to top form.

The women’s 1500m will be headlined by Sifan Hassan, the world indoor champion, who has run more than three seconds quicker than anyone in the field.

The post Conseslus, Dibaba highlight Rome DL appeared first on Capital Sports.

Jesse Were (Jersey 22) with team-mates during Harambee Stars training morning session at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

MACHAKOS, Kenya, June 7- Zesco United forward Jesse Were has been ruled out of Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone due to injury as First Coach Stanley Okumbi named his 20-man travelling squad on Wednesday.

Okumbi explained that Were, who sat out of the morning training session at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos picked up a knock on Tuesday and will not be able to play.

The squad will also miss the services of Belgium based midfielder Johanna Omolo and left-back Aboud Omar (paying in Bulgaria) who were injured on club duty last weekend.

Okumbi has named several new faces in the final squad with Sony Sugar’s Boniface Muchiri, Tusker’s Jackson Macharia, Gor Mahia’s Ernest Wendo and Kariobangi Sharks’ Masoud Juma being among the new players who might make their international debuts in Free Town.

The squad will be skippered by Victor Wanyama who plies his trade with English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Harambee Stars players jostle for space during training at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Kenyan Premier League top scorer Stephen Waruru has also made the cut having impressed the coaching team during the past two weeks of training.

Squad to Sierra Leone

Goalkeepers: Boniface Oluoch, Patrick Matasi

Defenders: Simon Mbugua, Joseph Okumu, Musa Mohammed, David Ochieng, David Owino, Brian Mandela, Eric Ouma.

Midfielders: Victor Wanyama, Ernest Wendo Jackson Macharia, Anthony Akumu, Samuel Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Eric Johanna.

Strikers: Massoud Juma, Michael Olunga, Stephen Waruru, Boniface Muchiri.

The post Jesse Were out of Sierra Leone AFCON match appeared first on Capital Sports.

Harambee Stars first coach Stanley Okumbi looks on during a training session at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on June 7, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

MACHAKOS, Kenya, Jun 7 – Harambee Stars first coach Stanley Okumbi is looking on for a positive start when the team starts its 2019 African Cup of Nations campaign against Sierra Leone on Saturday away in Free Town.

The tactician has affirmed the technical bench has done its homework on their first opponents into the 2019 journey to Cameroon and is confident they have gathered enough steel to pick in at least a point from the West African sojourn.

“We have looked at their games during the last African Cup of Nations qualifier and we know their threats, strengths and weaknesses. We have prepared accordingly and I am confident that we will have good results. At least we want to get a point away from home but our ambition is to go out there and get a win,” the tactician said after the team’s penultimate training session on Wednesday in Machakos.

Despite the multitude of problems they have been facing on the local front with no active league over the past four years, Sierra Leone will be no pushovers especially looking at their performance during the qualification phase for the 2017 AFCON.

They finished second in Group I of the qualifiers, just a point below Ivory Coast. They only lost one match, a slim 1-0 result away to Sudan. Against giants Ivory Coast, they picked home and away draws, while winning at home against Sudan.

Their squad is mostly made up of foreign based players, among them being USA based Kei Kamara, one of their top scorers.

Harambee Stars assistant coach Musa Otieno has a chat with Ayub Timbe, Eric Johannah and skipper Victor Wanyama during a training session at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on June 7, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Other foreign based stars in the Lone Stars squad include Turkey-based David Simbo and Alfred Sankoh, skipper and FC Zurich defender Umaru Bangura, JS Hercules Midfielder Abdul Sesay, Olimpija Ljubljana winger Julius Wobay and BK Hacken striker Alhassan Kamara.

“We know they are not an easy team and we are not underrating them in any way. They might have problems domestically, but in football, anything is possible. We are taking a game at a time, we know we are in a tough group but we are only thinking about a match as we go,” the tactician said.

Okumbi will miss the services of three first team players, Bulgaria based Aboud Omar, Belgium based Johannah Omollo and Zesco United forward Jesse Were all who are ruled out with injury. However, he says he will keep faith in the squad at his disposal.

“Everyone in the squad is capable and I am confident in the players we will travel with. They have put in hard work over the past two weeks of training and even though the foreign based players came a week later, they understand everything we do and have blended in so well,” the tactician added.

Okumbi says the team has put behind their backs the disappointment of the last campaign when the team bowed out of contention for the 2017 Cup of Nations with back to back home and away losses to Guinea Bissau who went on to qualify.

He says the focus is on getting the team to qualify for 2019 and they will do all at their disposal to get the ticket to Cameroon.

Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama during a training session at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on June 7, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Meanwhile, Football Kenya Federation chief Nick Mwendwa has castigated a section of the fans for what he termed as ‘tact to destabilize the team’ ahead of a crucial game over the social media campaign over Stars’ allowances.

There was a cloud of discontent on Tuesday when it was revealed that Stars players are paid Sh1500 in allowances daily while in camp and Mwendwa sought to clear the air.

“The government told us that they could only pay Sh750 for the players when they are in the country since they already cater for food and accommodation. As a federation, we thought that was very little and we added up a further Sh750 to make Sh1500,” Mwendwa said.

“There is no single day that these players have failed to be paid their allowances. We take care of their welfare with a lot of detail and what I am not happy about is this issue being raised a few days to an important game. Why was it not raised earlier?” he posed.

Skipper Victor Wanyama sought to steer clear of the issue and only said; “If there is a problem then the federation is here and it will be sorted. For us, the focus is on the game against Sierra Leone.”

The team departs for Freetown on Thursday evening.

The post We’ve done our homework on Sierra Leone – Okumbi appeared first on Capital Sports.

AFC Leopards defender Salim ‘Shittu’ Abdallah vies for the ball with a Yanga opponent during the SportPesa Super Cup in Dar es Salaam on June 8, 2017. PHOTO/SportPesa

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 8 – Goalkeeper Ian Otieno saved two penalties and scored the winner as AFC Leopards sailed to the final of the SportPesa Super Cup with a 4-2 post-match penalties win over Tanzanian champions Yanga.

The game was forced to penalties after a barren draw in regulation time and Otieno, making his first start for Leopards since the Mashemeji Derby early May saved from Said Musa and Said Juma, while stepping up to score the winner.

The shot-stopper who left the field of play in tears after the 3-0 drubbing by Gor Mahia made a return in contrasting fashion, leaving the Uhuru Stadium pitch in Dar es Salaam carried sky high by his teammates after his heroics.

He will have a chance of redeeming his image if Gor make it to the final as they are taking on National Super League side Nakuru All Stars in the other semi.

Skippers Bernard Mang’oli for AFC and Nadir ‘Cannavaro’ Haroub for Dar Young Africans both started positively scoring their kicks.

AFC youngster Marcelus Ingotsi however saw his attempt saved by Deogratius ‘Dida’ Munishi but his blushes were saved with Otieno going down well to save from Said Musa.

Allan Katterega and Aubrey Chirwa scored thye next penalties keeping the scores at 2-2 and Duncan Otieno took Ingwe to the lead with a well taken fourth spot kick.

Ian then made another super save, stretching fully to his right to punch away Said Juma’s attempt. With Ingwe needing to score the fifth to close up the deal, Otieno took responsibility on his own shoulders, stepping up to strike the effort straight through the middle.

AFC Leopards defender Dennis Sikhayi goes full stretch to block the ball from a Yanga opponent during the SportPesa Super Cup in Dar es Salaam on June 8, 2017. PHOTO/SportPesa

In open play, it was a competitive show of might between the two East African giants, but the scoring opportunities were few and far in between. AFC’s chances came through a well floated Duncan Otieno freekick into the area but Salim Abdallah couldn’t put a hair on it.

In the 24^th minute, Katterega had a brilliant first touch to pull him away from his marker, but his eventual volley was awfully wide.

Yanga’s best chance of the opening half came in the 37^th minute with Aubrey Chirwa’s curling freekick missing the target by a few inches.

The second half as well didn’t provide many scoring chances but each side had at least one clear.

In the 72^nd minute, Chirwa showed his prowess to position himself superbly inside the box from a corner, but his final shot unmarked at the edge of the six yard box ended wide.

Ingotsi then took a shot first time inside the box four minutes from time but Yanga keeper Munishi managed to pick out the effort.

The post Otieno heroics sends AFC to Super Cup final appeared first on Capital Sports.

Meddie Kagere celebrates his goal against Nakuru All Stars in the Sportpesa Super Cup on June 8, 2017. PHOTO/Sportpesa

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 8 – Gor Mahia will face arch rivals AFC Leopards in the final of the SportPesa Super Cup on Sunday after beating second tier side Nakuru All Stars 2-0 in the second semi-final at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Thursday evening.

Meddie Kagere and George Odhiambo scored in either half to send Gor into an all Kenyan final with the winner getting a chance to play English Premier League side Everton FC in a friendly match on the 13^th of next month.

AFC Leopards had earlier sailed to the final after beating Tanzanian champions Yanga 4-2 on post match penalties.

Kagere scored a header at the stroke of half time before Odhiambo finished off with a simple finish with six minutes left as K’Ogalo ensured a Kenyan team will face the Merseyside club in the July friendly.

Despite losing, All Stars showed they could match up with Gor with an emphatic display especially in the first half. They had a close chance in the 24^th minute when a little bouncing cross from the right found Geoffrey Maina inside the box but his connection went just wide.

In the 28^th minute, Kenneth Muguna put Timothy Otieno through on goal with a neat pass, but the striker could not beat the All Stars keeper one on one.

Gor Mahia players line up before their match against Nakuru All Stars in the SportPesa Super Cup semi-finals on June 8, 2017. PHOTO/SportPesa

The National Super League side continued to fight and push for an opener but they could not find the right rhythm when it came to the final third. In the 38^th minute, some good play saw Baraka Nturukundo meet a low cross from the right, but his volley went straight to the keeper.

With the half seemingly headed for a barren draw, Kagere who hit both in Gor’s 2-0 quarter final win over Jang’ombe pounced once again, glancing in a header from a Wellington Ochieng cross from the left.

In the second half, Gor commanded more chunks of play and three minutes in, Odhiambo saw his effort from close range saved by keeper Martin Lule.

Gor made changes with Amos Nondi coming in for Innocent Wafula and the youngster should have done better in the 73^rd minute but he volleyed wide from close range.

Odhiambo however put the game beyond All Stars with a neat finish in the 82^nd minute, slapping the ball home after it had come off the crossbar.

Substitute Olover Maloba had taken on a daunting run on the left before his cheeky chip over the keeper bounced off the bar.

The post It’s Mashemeji Derby for Super Cup final appeared first on Capital Sports.

Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru (right) celebrates alongside teammate Daniel Waweru after scoring the lone goal that ended Posta Rangers’ unbeaten run on Sunday May 21 at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 8 – Pint-sized Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru targets a second career golden boot after announcing his return to the Kenyan Premier League with outstanding form scoring seven goals in 10 matches.

Waruru who scored 12 goals in 2012 to finish the season as the top scorer believes he can better the scoring feat five years later with 21 rounds of matches left to play.

“I believe I can do it; it is all about self belief and hard work. I can’t stay comfortable now just because I have scored seven goals in 10 games. This is a push for me to work harder and score more goals,” Waruru, also the current league top scorer told Capital Sport.

“I have targets as to the number of goals I want to score and I will work hard to achieve them. But at the moment the primary thing for me is to see the team perform well whether I score or not,” adds the finisher.

The striker stayed out for close to two seasons after leaving the team to head to a peace keeping mission, toeing the line of his first call as a soldier.

-First game, first goal-

Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru listens to words from head coach Benjamin Nyangweso during their Kenyan Premier League match against Mathare United on April 23, 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

He came back towards the close of last year but had to wait until the fourth game of the 2017 season to finally get his chance. He entered the field of play as a substitute in Ulinzi’s match against Tusker and barely 20 seconds on the pitch, bang! He had scored.

“I kept telling my teammates that I would come back in the fourth match of the season and score. They used to laugh thinking I am joking. Only Riky (Jacktone Odhiambo) believed me and when I did exactly that, they were shocked,” Waruru narrated to Capital Sport.

He admits it has not been easy for him to get back to tip top form but praises the belief the technical bench and team mates had on him as the motivation for him to get back to his best.

“In the mission, there is not so much time to train nor play football. It happened only once in a while and when it did, it was just for fun. Just to kill off the boredom of work. I had to really work hard when I came back. One and a half years is no short time,” narrated the former Thika United man.

Other than achieving a second golden boot, Waruru hopes he can steer Ulinzi to their fifth Kenyan Premier League crown and a first domestic title since their KPL Top 8 conquest in 2011.

-Winning title-

Harambee Stars players Stephen Waruru and Ovellah Ochieng during water break during a training session at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on June 2, 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

He believes the team which has stayed together for close to three seasons now has the right mentality and ability to challenge for the title having finished up the first leg placed third on the log.

“We are playing so well and everyone is putting in the hard work. The good thing with the team is that we push each other to work. I see the same spirit we had in 2010 when we had a resolve as players to work had to win matches,” he added.

Apart from doing well for his club, Waruru hopes to make a mark for the national team as well especially having made the cut to the team that travelled to Sierra Leone for Saturday’s 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier.

With the absence of Jesse Were through injury, Waruru might get the nod to partner Michael Olunga in the forward line.

“I am ready if given the chance to play. I am quite pleased to get this chance and this adds more confidence to me. Hopefully I will keep on because that is the most important thing,” Waruru added.

The post Waruru targets golden boot after return to form appeared first on Capital Sports.

Hellen Obiri strides to win the Rome Diamond League and set a national 5,000m record on June 8, 2017. PHOTO/IAAF

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 8 – Olympic silver medalist Hellen Obiri ran the race of her life, completely blitzing away reigning world 1500m champion Genzebe Dibaba to win the 5,000m race at the Rome Diamond League in a national record time of 14:18.37 the fastest in the world this year.

The pre-race talk was about Dibaba’s assault at the world record but once Obiri saw that the Ethiopian was not in the right shape to attack the pace, she took the bull by the horns and opened a gap of almost 300m to win the race.

With five laps to go, Obiri punched up the pace to move to the front with Dibaba who seemed to be struggling shuttling herself to the back of the leading pack of four athletes.

Obiri then threw the gauntlet down, pushed the pace more and opened a gap of close to 100 metres as she approached the 4,000m mark. The Kenyan never looked back and with her eyes on the clock pushed from the home stretch, taking the race in record time.

On the way of setting the world lead, Obiri took almost four seconds off her personal best time over the distance, a huge morale booster as she prepares for the national trials ahead of the IAAF World Athletics Championships in London come August.

-Kipruto beats El Bakkali-

Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto clears a hurdle on his way to winning the 3,000m race at the Rome Diamond League on June 8, 2017 in a World Lead time. PHOTO/IAAF

Earlier on in the 3,000m steeplechase, Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto held off a late challenge from Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali to win his first race of the season, crossing the line in a world lead time of 8:04.63.

El Bakkali came home second in a personal best time of 8:05.17 while Jairus Birech narrowly piped World Junior champion Amos Kirui to third. Kirui had given Conseslus a chase up to the final bend when he drained off.

Conseslus kept his calculations close, spending most of the race closely in front. He perched just behind the two pace setters up to the 2,00m mark when he strode to the front and never looked back from then.

Youngster Kirui tried to challenge him in the final lap but every time the 19-year old took a stab at the pace, Kipruto doubled his steps.

The Olympic champion and El Bakkali cleared the final water hurdle together but in the final 50 metres, Conseslus kicked in his trademark strong finish to win the race.

Multiple world champion Ezekiel Kemboi who plans to run on the track for the final time during the World Championships in August faced a tough evening finishing a distant 17^th in a time of 8:33.07, just two places above the last finisher Italian Yuri Floriani.

-Bett floored by Pole-

Poland’s Adam Kszczot holds off Kipyegon Bett to take a close tactical win in Rome on June 8, 2017. PHOTO/IAAF

In the 800m race, World Junior champion Kipyegon Bett failed to match his heroics from Shanghai, finishing second in a time of 1:46.00 behind Polish star Adam Kszczot who crossed the line in a time of 1:45.96.

It was a scrappy race with bodies coming together in the final lap, something that caused Ferguson Rotich to lose precious time and finish second from bottom with Botswana’s Nijel Amos crossing the line last.

Elsewhere, World javelin champion Julius Yego threw a season best throw of 82.19m as he stepped up his preparations for the title defense.

He should be however wary of German Olympic Champion Thomas Rohler who once again surpassed the 90m mark, throwing 90.06.

The post Obiri dazzles Dibaba to set 5,000m National Record appeared first on Capital Sports.

Mary Keitany of Kenya crosses the finish line to win New York City Marathon on November 6, 2016

NEW YORK, United States, Jun 9 – Defending champion Mary Keitany will go for a fourth consecutive victory at the New York City Marathon after she was confirmed by the organizers of the IAAF Gold label Road Race.

Keitany, also the London Marathon champion has dominated the race in New York for three consecutive years and is confident of bagging a fourth in the November race.

“Another top finish for Mary would give her the second most titles in the event after Grete Waitz,”said Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners and race director of the New York City Marathon.

Keitany, 35, has won the New York City Marathon each of the last three years, including a dominating performance last year in which she surged ahead at Mile 14 to finish the course on a solo run in 2:24:26.

Her 3:34 margin of victory was the greatest in the women’s race since 1980, and she became the first able-bodied runner since Grete Waitz to win the event three years in a row.

Keitany is a two-time winner of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, taking the series titles in 2012 and 2016.

This year, she has already won her third career London Marathon in April, breaking the women’s only marathon record in a blistering time of 2:17:01.

“I’m so excited to return to New York to race for my fourth consecutive New York City Marathon title. Being among the all-time leaders in New York City is truly an honor, and while it will not be easy to defend my title, surpassing a legendary runner like Paula Radcliffe for the second-most victories by a woman in the event would be incredible,” she said.

Keitany was named in the provisional Kenyan team for the IAAF World Athletics Championships in London, but turned down the offer.

The post Keitany confirmed for New York Marathon, eyes fourth  title appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya Simbas players walk up the pitch during their international testmatch against Germany at the RFUEA Grounds on May 27. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

KAMPALA, Uganda, Jun 9 – Kenya 15s Head Coach Jerome Paarwater expects Uganda to come hard at his charges when the two sides face off in the first leg Elgon Cup action at the Legends Rugby Club in Kampala on Saturday.

Speaking on Friday less than 24 hours before the huge clash Paarwater said he expects a tough duel which will open up the way for the Rugby Africa Gold Cup with the return tie against Uganda in a fortnight also doubling up as a cup game.

“We want tough games. Hopefully Uganda can come hard at us on Saturday. We were fortunate to have the game against Germany, as well as the training camp in Cape Town as build ups. Everything we have done so far must come out tomorrow,” said Paarwater of his team’s preparations and expectations.

The Simbas opened up their campaign this year with a last minute 30-29 loss to Germany in a test match two weeks ago, results that followed up a 10-day training camp in Western Cape, South Africa.

Kenya’s Samson Muniafu evades an attempted tackle by Germany’s Ben Ellerman in an international test match at the RFUEA ground on May 27, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Paarwater said the team gained a lot from both the camp and Germany match and among the things they worked on included set pieces and final ball execution.

For his squad to Kampala, the South African tactician has blended in youth and experience with Newcastle Falcons’ Josh Chisanga earning a place, same as KCB’s Curtis Lilako and Kenya Harlequins’ Isaac Adimo.

Commenting on the new additions to the squad, Paarwater said, “They bring new energy to the squad, we also need to bring in younger guys having a squad system is going to be important as we can’t overplay the guys.”

The squad will be skippered by KCB fullback Darwin Mukidza in the absence of Wilson Kopondo who picked up an injury a few minutes into the second half of the Germany game.

K’Opondo speaking prior to the team’s departure said he is confident the boys will deliver even in his absence.

“We have a good bunch of guys and leaders in the team so I have no doubt they will represent well. I am definitely gutted that I will not make it for this game but hopefully depending on the doctor’s words I will be back soon,” the skipper noted.

Kenya skipper Wilson Kopondo in action during an international test match against Germany at the RFUEA ground on May 27, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

The Simbas hope to replicate their dominance over Uganda from last year when they won 93-34 on aggregate. They won the first leg in Kampala 48-10 before finishing up the job with a 45-24 score in Nairobi.

Uganda has named in their squad two players, danger-man Philip Wokarach and scrum-half Ivan Kirabo who both turn out for Kabras, losing finalists in both the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup.

Wokarach put up a man of the match performance in last year’s second leg in Nairobi with his trademark kick and chase and he should be one of the players to be looked out for in Saturday’s duel.

-Paarwater quotes courtesy kru.co.ke-

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Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama during a training session at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on June 7, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 9 – Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama admits losing out on an opportunity to play at the African Cup of Nations in January this year still hurts the team as they feel they had an opportunity to return to Africa’s premier tournament but blew it away.

Stars finished bottom of Group E with minnows Guinea Bissau making it into the biennial championship, more so after back to back home and away wins over Kenya.

“Last time we saw the underdogs managing to go through a tough group and make it to the AFCON and when we look back, we feel so bad we didn’t make it and that motivates us to go on and try push ourselves to make sure we qualify for 2019,” Wanyama told Capital Sport.

The imposing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder feels a personal responsibility to steer the team to the continental championship with the last time Kenya participated being in 2004 when he was still an upcoming teenager.

“It has been a long time for sure and I think we need to work hard as a team to get there. We know how prestigious it is for a player to represent a country at AFCON and personally as a captain I would like to achieve that,” Wanyama, beaming in confidence said.

The 25-year old is upbeat that head coach Stanley Okumbi has gathered together a great team and having built it over the past one year, he feels it is now their chance to show what they can do on the big stage.

Okumbi has led the team to a streak of 10 unbeaten matches, but most of those have come in friendly matches.

“The future is bright. We have been doing well over the past few matches and now we have to show what we were building is a real thing. Hopefully Saturday we start with positive results and take our first step towards qualifying for AFCON,” added the captain.

Harambee Stars assistant coach Musa Otieno has a chat with Ayub Timbe, Eric Johannah and skipper Victor Wanyama during a training session at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on June 7, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

On missing three key players, Wanyama says; “We are a bit unlucky missing them but I think the players who have been chosen will do their best and hopefully we come back with victory from Sierra Leone.”

Wanyama’s sentiments are shared by his deputy David Owino who says they have a decent chance to qualify for the Cup of Nations especially with most of the senior players seeing this as the most ideal time.

“We have tried and failed before. We have learnt the lessons and now we need to start well. We have analyzed the situation and our group; we know we need to play well and ensure that we win all our home games and fight for at least a point away,” Owino who turns out for Zambian top tier side Zesco United said.

The post 2017 AFCON miss still hurts, admits Wanyama appeared first on Capital Sports.

Vincent Kipyegon jumps over a barrier during the Kenya Trials for Cali IAAF World Youth Championships in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 10 – Over 400 athletes will be seeking to earn selection when Athletics Kenya (AK) conducts Trials for the IAAF World U18 Championships on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Trials will bring together 80 athletes each selected from the Primary and Secondary Schools National Sports Association Games as well as 282 athletes that were chosen from the Regional Trials held in May at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

The criteria of selecting the national team will be based on the first two athletes to cross finish line in all the events.

The team selected will head to residential camp immediately to prepare for the games that will run from July 12-16 at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.

World U18 Local Organising Committee Chairman Barnaba Korir said Team Kenya will field participants in all events except the Pole Vault as the country seeks to maximize on home advantage to become the overall winners especially after the withdrawal of defending champions United States of America.

The last time Kenya emerged overall winners was at the sixth edition in 2009 held in Bixen, Italy where they collected a total of 14 medals, 6 gold, 7 silver and 1 bronze.

According to world under eighteen youth athletics championship local chairman Barnabas Korir, Kenya will be represented in all events during the championship to be held in Nairobi apart from Pole vault.

Kenya will have the privilege as the first African country to host the global event that is only open for competitors who are 17 years or younger.

This will be the last IAAF World U18 event after the IAAF Council Meeting, held after the 2016 Summer Olympics, decided to conclude the championship with the intention of improving under-18 competitions at continental level instead.

The post Trials for World U18 set for Tuesday and Wednesday at Nyayo appeared first on Capital Sports.

Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama speaks to Capital Sports in an interview in Machakos on June 7, 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 10 – Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama had a remarkable performance in his debut season with English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, a club he joined in the summer of 2016 after spending three seasons with Southampton FC.

The transfer from the English South Coast to the capital was a big one for the 25-year old who moved to Europe at the age of 15 and his exploits saw him earn plaudits from friend and foe, including club legends and opposition coaches.

Wanyama was touted as one of the ‘signings of the season’ and his contribution at the heart of the Spurs midfield was a core reason for the club’s impressive performance, only missing the Premier League title by a few points.

Capital Sports sat down with the burly, combative midfielder as he narrates his experience in North London, highs and lows of the season and aspirations for the new campaign.

Q: Victor, you have had a great season with Spurs. How has it been especially being a new member of the squad?

A: I think it was a very good season for me especially being in a new team and getting playing time regularly. It was not very hard to blend into the team because I have worked with Poch (Mauricio Pochettino) before and I understand him and he understands me as well.

As a team, despite failing to win the Premier League, I could say we had a good season because we finished at a better position and number of points than we did last season and to me that’s positive.

Q: You have talked about Pochettino and it’s very interesting as it seems you two have a very strong relationship because you said previously he played a huge role for you moving to Spurs. How is it like working with him?

Wanyama celebrating with manager Mauricio Pochettino.

A: I have a very strong relationship with the boss and we are very close. It is not only me but the whole team as a whole because he is not just a coach but like a father to all of us. He is always advising us and keeping us on track and I don’t think there are too many coaches who can do that. It is great having him as a coach.

Q: You guys have a very hard working group of young players, very talented and top class. It hasn’t been easy definitely getting to play week in, week out?

A: Yeah, it is not easy because there is a lot of competition in the team. Everyone works hard and no one wants to be left out of the team. For me, I think that is something very positive because it has made me work harder and get better. Competition makes you a better player and that is why I managed to play well in each game.

Q: Any particular players who you can say have contributed to you being the best you have been?

A: Spurs is like a family; we are not only friends and team mates on the pitch but we are a family as well. There is Dembele (Mousa) and Dier (Eric) who always push me because we play close to each other but generally the whole team has contributed.

Q: The English Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world especially in terms of competition and following. Are there matches you can say are your favorites to play in?

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama in action against Chelsea’s N’Golo. PHOTO/Getty Images

A: I think I enjoy all the matches we play in but definitely, the games against the league’s biggest clubs; the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City… they are great to play in as a player. Not only because of the competition on the field but the atmosphere as well. All the time it is electric.

Q: You are a defensive midfielder and your first duty of course is to shield the back four and break up opposition play. But we have seen you go up and score five goals this season.

A: We balance a lot in training and the coordination we have is very good which gives you an assurance that if you move up the field, there is someone covering you up and vice versa. The manager also gives us freedom to move and I think that makes us want to go up and help attacking players score.

Q: Of the five goals you have scored, you definitely have a favorite, don’t you?

Tottenham Hotspur’s midfielder Victor Wanyama (L) heads a goal past Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on August 20, 2016

A: Yeah, my favorite is the goal against Crystal Palace where we went on to win 1-0. I loved it because I scored towards the end of the game and it was my home debut. It gave me a huge boost of confidence and I was pleased as well. I think it was memorable. I can’t forget the feeling.

Q: Then there is this thumping header you scored against Manchester United…

A: Oh, that was a good goal especially after I missed an open scoring chance against them in the first leg. My team mates and the coaches were taunting me and joking about it all week in training after that game and I told them I would come back strong, prove them wrong by showing I can score as well.

Q: Talking of scoring, you guys have one scoring machine in your team, Harry Kane. He is also one of your close friends in the team huh?

A: Harry is a great guy, a world class striker and his finishing is a joke! (chuckles). When you see him in training, he does it so easy and you enjoy. I think he is one of the best I have played alongside and as a team we are lucky to have him.

Totenham’s Mousa Dembele and Harry Kane celebrate a goal with Victor Wanyama. PHOTO/courtesy

Q: Kane won the EPL Golden Boot but this was after coming back from a long injury lay off. Do you think things would have been different if he was around all season?

A: He missed lots of games and when he came back everyone saw what he can do. If he was there maybe things would have been different from when we didn’t have him. Hopefully next season we can all be present together and I am sure things will be better.

Q: Spurs came very close to winning the league this season. Where do you think things didn’t work out for you guys?

A: Despite failing to clinch the title, we are proud of ourselves. We had a very solid performance playing at home because we were unbeaten. But the problem was our away form. We dropped very vital points away from home like the game against West Ham. That was our biggest undoing. If we were better playing away, we would have won. That should be our focus next season.

Q: Definitely you guys have to be pushing for titles next season. Do you believe you have the right frame to push for silverware?

Tottenham Hotspur’s Victor Wanyama jumps onto teammates as they celebrate a goal by English defender Danny Rose during a English Premier League football match against Liverpool at White Hart Lane in London, on August 27, 2016, which was a 1-1 draw

A: Yeah sure. We have picked up very many lessons this season and of course the only thing we missed was silverware. We have everything we need to win trophies now. In the league I believe we will go one better and I have so much faith in the squad.

Q: Champions League football beckoning again for you guys. Looking forward to a better performance after failing to get off the groups in the past season?

A: Last time, we didn’t have very many players who had played in the Champions League before and we lacked much of experience. Now, we have that feel of playing in Europe. We know what to do in each game and we will perform better.

Q: White Hart Lane, your fortress is closed down for expansion and you will play your home games in Wembley. Looking at the performance you had in the Champions League last season at the national stadium, are you afraid you guys will struggle?

A: No, not at all. I think it was just a matter of luck as well as familiarization with the stadium. Now at least we have that small experience and we should be doing better.

Q: Any final words to your fans?

I would like to thank them very much for the support they have given me this season. They have been part of the success with all their messages of love and hope next season we can have a better outing.

Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama with Capital Sports reporter Timothy Olobulu after an interview in Machakos on June 7, 2017.

Q: Thanks so much Victor for your time and all the best with your endeavors.

A: Thanks too for having me. Cheers!

The post Capital Sports one on one with Wanyama appeared first on Capital Sports.