Ulinzi Stars head coach Robert Matano has said their poor start on the KPL second leg is not permanent.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 5 – The game of musical chairs that is the AFC Leopards coaching job continues to revolve, with former Sofapaka and Tusker FC title winning coach Robert Matano set to return to the club for a period of six months beginning next Monday.

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Mule has confirmed to Capital Sport that the tactician, fondly referred to as ‘The Lion’ has agreed personal terms with the club and is scheduled to report to training July 10 to take charge of the club dwindling at 12th spot in the Kenyan Premier League log.

“We have had talks with him and reached an agreement. We have asked him to go clear with his former team Bidco United then report to training on Monday. I am confident that he is going to return the team to the top,” Mule said.

“We have a good team in terms of players but our problem has been discipline. That is the sole reason we settled on Matano because of his track record on that area. We trust he will put the team back together,” Mule declared.

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

The former Ulinzi Stars boss will take charge for an initial six months, up to the end of the season and the contract will be reviewed in December with an option of extending.

Matano has had two previous spells with Ingwe, having coached the side in 2010 and 2011.

The tactician, the only coach to win the Kenyan Premier League title with two different teams started off the year as the tactician of second tier side Nairobi City Stars before leaving last month to join Thika-based Bidco United.

After leaving Tusker at the end of the 2013 season, Matano moved to Nakuru where he joined four-time champions Ulinzi Stars, working with the military side until the end of last season when his contract expired amidst health issues.

Under the new coaching structure at the den, Matano will be assisted by Tom Juma who had been holding brief after the departure of Dorian Marin while Tanzanian Dennis Kitambi will drop down to the role of Team Manager/Analyst.

AFC Leopards head coach Dorian Marin shouts instructions to his players during their Kenyan Premier League match against Mathare United on June 17, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

-Lidonde sacked-

Meanwhile, the club has fired Team manager Tony Lidonde and goalkeeper Alex Mwangi over what Mule termed as ‘an internal issue’. With Kitambi already taking over the TM, Mule says they will settle on a new goalkeeper trainer over the next two weeks.

Ingwe has been a club notorious of hiring and firing coaches with Matano set to become the fourth man at the helm this season and the 17th since 2009. They started off the season with English coach Stewart Hall who however, left at the start of June.

They then picked on Dorian Marin, but the Romanian would go down as the shortest serving coach having managed the team for only two weeks.

He left after disagreement with the team’s leadership despite having handled the team in the Super Cup in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and their league match against Mathare United.

The former Kenyan international who has previously worked with Administration Police and Muhoroni Youth says he is optimistic the club will rise despite finding them struggling at 12th spot on the Kenyan Premier League table. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Former Kenyan international Juma then took charge but has only been in charge of three matches before Matano’s imminent arrival.

Gilbert Selebwa, Edward Manoah, Nick Yakhama, the late Chris Makokha, Robert Bollen, Jan Koops, Tom Olaba, Luc Eymael, James Nandwa, Pieter de Jongh, Zdravko Logarusic, Ivan Minnaert and Ezekiel Akwana are among the coaches who have occupied the hot seat that is AFC Leopards coaching job since their return to top flight in 2009.

Interestingly, the huge coaching turnover has not come with trophies attached to them. The club has only managed to win the GOtv Shield in 2013 under the tutelage of James Nandwa who went on to be sacked in 2014.

They are still waiting on a maiden Premier league title since 1998.

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Ben Davies celebrates scoring Tottenham Hotspur’s sixth goal with Kenya’s Victor Wanyama.PHOTO/courtesy

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 5 – Victor Wanyama’s debut season at Tottenham Hotspur was hugely impressive and was hailed as the North London club’s signing of the season, his influence hardly unnoticeable as Spurs finished second in the English Premier League standings.

Wanyama arrived at White Hart Lane last summer in a Sh1.5bn deal from South Coast club Southampton FC, re-joining his former coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The Harambee Stars captain has not only received praise from pundits and former players but his current team mates who have been at awe with his talent and work rate.

Left-back Ben Davies has hailed Wanyama for his phenomenal contribution to the club, joking that his beastly attitude and hard yards are not only visible on match day but on the training pitch as well.

“We see what he can do in training quite regularly and you are better off just not going near him if you want to keep the ball! Hopefully there is more of the same to come from him next season,” Davies told the club’s official website.

He has praised the players’ attitude and prowess on the ball, not only winning tackles and possession in midfield but spraying up the team in attack.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama (right) against Chelsea’s N’Golo Kanté .PHOTO/courtesy

“Victor (Wanyama) has been top drawer. He is a top player. I think some people perhaps had doubts about how good he is on the ball before he arrived here but I think he silenced everybody on that straight away.”

“It’s not just his defensive work. On the ball he’s an excellent player and he’s been superb for us over the course of the last year,” the Welsh international added.

Wanyama raked in five goals from deep his defensive midfield position, marking his home debut with a match winning late goal against Crystal Palace.

The midfielder has promised that more will be seen of him from the coming season as Spurs seek to challenge for trophies as well as decent performance in the UEFA Champions League.

“As a player, I want to improve every day. I think better should be expected from me next season both at the club and national team. At the club our ambition is to win trophies next season and I know we can. I hope to play a big role for the club,” Wanyama said in a previous interview with Capital Sport.

A few Spurs players have already resumed pre-season training but Wanyama expects to fly out to London next week after concluding his holiday.

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Briton Dylan Kerr has previously managed Tanzania giants Simba SC.PHOTO/courtesy

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 5 – Gor Mahia FC has appointed Dylan Kerr as the head coach with the Briton expected to link up with the team on Saturday ahead of the team’s departure for Tanzania.

The decision to appoint Kerr comes after an Executive Committee Meeting held on Tuesday evening.

Currently attached with Chesterfield FC academy as the head coach, Dylan is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender for known clubs like Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds, Doncaster, Reading and Burnley amongst other clubs.

The 50 year-old was born in Malta and with a 13 years coaching experience, started his coaching career in the United States with Phoenix – Arizona before finding his way to Scotland as a Football Development Officer at Argyll and Bute in 2005.

CONFIRMED: GOR MAHIA FC TO APPOINT DYLAN KERR AS HEAD COACH #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/9gNjyT89Qc

— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) July 5, 2017

In 2009, Dylan was appointed as an assistant manager by South African club Mpumalanga Black Aces.  He also coached Tanzanian giants Simba SC in 2015-2016 season.

-By official Gor Mahia Website-

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

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 6 – The Kenya 15s team has been boosted with the return of influential skipper Wilson Kopondo ahead of the crucial Africa Gold Cup match against Tunisia on Saturday at the RFUEA Ground.

Kopondo has missed the last two matches after picking up a shoulder injury in the season opening test match against Germany, but according to assistant coach Dominic Habimana, the captain has shown tremendous improvement to walk back into the starting 15.

The Kenya Harlequins star will be one of the six changes that head coach Jerome Paarwater has made from their last match against Uganda with George Nyambua making his full test debut as well as Leo Sejje.

“We are lucky to have Kopondo back in the second row, it’s a great addition to the team and he gives a lot of moral and leadership to the young boys that we have this year and they like playing with him, so I think they will give their whole this weekend. Nyambua (George) is coming up well and we are happy to see him for the first time this season,” Habimana said.

At the same time, Under-20 prodigy Steve Otieno has been named in the team and will be looking to make a mark as Kenya looks to find its first win in Africa Gold Cup after being held to a 33-33 draw by Uganda.

“It’s a new experience but it’s one that is adaptable to and I’m honored to be part of the team, working alongside some of my role models and I hope to be even better than them.”

There are four changes off the bench, Oscar Simiyu, Martin Owila, Dennis Muhanji and Lyle Asiligwa all included in the match day 23.

Oliver Mang’eni is bereaved while Simon Muniafu sits out through injury. Patrice Agunda, James Kubasu, Biko Adema and Brad Owako are all rested for this encounter.

Simbas squad:

15. Tony Onyango, 14. Darwin Mukidza, 13. David Ambunya, 12. Leo Seje, 11. Jacob Ojee, 10. Isaac Adimo, 9. Sam Onsomu, 1. Moses Amusala, 2. Peter Karia, 3. Dennis Karani, 4. Wilson Kopondo (captain), 5. George Nyambua, 6. Eric Kerre, 7. Davis Chenge, 8. Joshua Chisanga Replacements 16. Philip Ikambili, 17. Oscar Simiyu, 18. Curtis Lilako, 19. Martin Owila, 20. Steve Otieno, 21. Lyle Asiligwa, 22. Kenny Andola, 23. Dennis Muhanji.

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Harambee Stars players walk off the pitch at half time during a friendly match against Mozambique on November 12, 2016. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 6 –The national football team Harambee Stars has dropped a massive10 places in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday to see Kenya sit 84th globally with 408 points.

This is as a result of Kenya’s 2-1 away loss to minnows Sierra Leone in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier opener played June 10 in Free Town at a time the Stanley Okumbi team were ranked 74th, 39 places way above Sierra Leone.

The loss highly benefited Sierra Leone who climbed an enormous 30 places up to now sit 83th, just one place above Kenya.

Despite dropping three places to occupy position 74, Uganda are still bossing the CECAFA region, followed by Kenya while Tanzania are third after going up 25 places to sit 114th globally.

Rwanda are fourth in the East African region and placed 127th in the world while Ethiopia who is Kenya’s opponent in the 2019 AFCON Qualifier closes the top five at position 136 after going down 11 places.

Egypt remains top in the African continent despite dropping four places to position 24 worldwide, Senegal is second and at position 27, DR Congo made a major comeback to rise up 11 places to be ranked third in Africa, Tunisia are fourth at position 34 while African champions Cameroon rounds up the top five best teams in the continent at position 38.

Globally, World Champions Germany are back at the top after beating Chile 1-0 to win the FIFA Confederations Cup, hence moving up two places to dislodge Brazil who dropped to second.

Argentina are third, EURO World Champions Portugal occupy the fourth spot while Switzerland went four places up to sit fifth.

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Kenya Simbas in training.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 6 –Having started their Rugby Africa Gold Cup campaign with a 33-33 home draw against Uganda, the Kenya 15s side will be taking no chances against Tunisia when they tackle the North Africans on Saturday at the RFUEA Ground.

Tunisia started their campaign last weekend suffering a 53-7 loss at the hands of defending champions Namibia and despite that result, the Simbas will not take the match lightly.

“We learnt our lessons from the match against Uganda. We went into the game overconfident and we rushed things because we wanted to score early goals. We ended up making many mistakes but now we have learnt our lessons. We are going to take this match seriously because I know Tunisia are good especially their forwards,” deputy skipper Darwin Mukidza told Capital Sport.

“This will be a tricky game which will need a different approach because the two countries play a different brand of rugby, but I am confident we have trained well enough to get a win at home,” the skipper added.

Placed fourth in the log, Kenya will be looking to scale up and pick their first win at home this season, having lost to Germany in a test match in May and then drawing with Uganda in the Gold cum Elgon Cup match a fortnight ago.

Kenya Simbas Forwards head coach Dominique Habimana (left) and Team Manager Wangila Simiyu (right) when naming the team.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

Assistant coach Dominic Habimana reiterated the same sentiment, but says the charges will not be under pressure as they head into the fixture.

“We expect a tough match. They are rough but we want to contain them in the forwards. With the Africa Cup, every game is a must win. We are disappointed of course to drop two points against Uganda and now we have to rectify. We can’t drop more points,” Habimana commented.

Kenya has a good record against Tunisia having won five of the last eight meetings between them. The last meeting between them was at the RFUEA Ground on June 28 with Kenya winning 46-15.

Head coach Jerome Paarwater has named a strong squad for the tie on Saturday, making six changes in the squad, including a starting berth for returning skipper Wilson Kopondo.

Team manager Wangila Simiyu has also affirmed the team will be going out all offensive and has urged fans to come out in large numbers and support just like they did against Uganda and Germany.

“Tunisia will come in like a wounded lion because they lost to Namibia. They would like to prove a point in Kenya, so we cannot underrate them. We expect a very explosive and physical game,” Simiyu noted.

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

He has also acknowledged the past two weeks of training have seen them improve massively and he expects a different performance against the Tunisians.

“We have seen good improvement in our scrummaging. We have also worked on the flow of our game. We also have an altitude advantage and if we play a fast game, they will not take the pressure on it. Our intention is to run that game,” Simiyu added.

Meanwhile, Kenya Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Ronald Bukusi has said the Union is working on modalities to ensure that head coach Paarwater spends more time with the team especially as they head towards 2019 World Cup Qualifiers.

Paarwater has been spending limited time in the country with the team, most of the time being in South Africa. Two days to the Tunisia match, Paarwater is yet to link up with the team.

“It is something we are looking at actively to ensure we are well prepared. In the run up to the qualifiers, all this is being taken into consideration, Bukusi said.

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A section of Gor fans caused a halt of close to 20 minutes after Stephen Waruru scored an 88th minute equalizer, with the club accusing the Ulinzi assassin of making an abusive gesture to the fans thus instigating the violence.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 6 – Gor Mahia, Ulinzi Stars and striker Stephen Waruru have been charged by the Kenyan Premier League Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) over the violence that erupted last Sunday during the 2-2 draw between the two sides at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) has charged Gor for the throwing of water cans and stones to the pitch attributed to their fans during the match while Leading KPL top scorer Waruru is accused of provoking K’Ogalo supporters by celebrating in front of them after his late equalizer.

The respondents are expected to appear before the disciplinary committee next week even as Ulinzi Stars and Waruru continue claiming their innocence.

Waruru, who was booked for stripping his shirt, was accused by Gor Mahia of showing the middle finger to the fans after his late goal, but the forward has categorically stated the accusation as a blatant lie.

Meanwhile the IDCC will have a busy schedule in the coming week with several cases also set to land on their tables.

Tusker FC have been charged twice, first having failed to produce player cards in their match against Zoo in Kericho while the second charge sees them accused of player tapping by Sony Sugar.

Zoo played the May 10 match under protest over an administrative lapse by the reigning KPL champions who failed to carry player cards for that game, a requirement in all leagues across the country. However, Tusker will only forfeit points from that match if it is proved they fielded a player not registered.

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

At the same time, Tusker have been reported by Sony Sugar for tapping four of their players.

The Brewers are accused to have approached Salim Babu’s players without following due process. Tusker though ended up signing one, midfielder Boniface Muchiri but not before a heated push and shove that saw them part with a considerable amount of money, rumored to be close to Sh400,000.

Elsewhere, Muhoroni Youth and its chairman Moses Adagala find themselves in hot soup again, charged with several counts of crowd trouble.

First, Muhoroni has been charged for denying Sony Sugar players and technical staff access to the checking area contrary to Rule 3.4 (a), and the same match, played in Muhoroni on April 17, was delayed for 12 minutes due to unavailability of adequate security personnel.

Adagala has also been accused of leading a group of home fans in invading the pitch and charging towards match officials. He is accused of also trying to force his way into the match officials’ changing rooms which is contrary to the rules.

Separately, the League has also charged Muhoroni for an attack on members, supporters and fans of Nzoia Sugar during a league match between the two clubs played on May 20 in Muhoroni.

The post Gor, Ulinzi and Waruru charged over Kisumu trouble appeared first on Capital Sports.

Eliud Kipchoge takes part in a training session at the Kaptagat in western Kenya, on March 17, 2017

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 6 – Having run the fastest Marathon race ever, clocking 2:00:25 at the Monza Formula One Track in Italy, Olympic Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge will be targeting Dennis Kimetto’s 2:02:57 world record at the Berlin Marathon in September.

The time clocked in Monza was not taken into consideration as an official record as it involved optimized ‘laboratory test’ conditions, but the 33-year old will have a real chance of engraving his name on the history books in September.

“I was very close to breaking the two-hour barrier in Monza. Now I believe the Berlin Marathon is the perfect venue for attacking the official world record,” Kipchoge told the Marathon’s official website after being announced as one of the men to grace the race.

His 2:00:25 run in Monza was achieved with rotating pacemakers and providing him with a wind shield to boost performance from start to finish. This is not permitted in normal races. Under current rules, a maximum of three pacemakers can be employed but substitutions are not allowed.

Eliud Kipchoge wins the men’s marathon at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Getty Images) © Copyright

With his form, Kipchoge will find the lucky stars aligning to his favor with the last six records having been broken in the German city with its conditions of wind and road terrain providing a superb platform to run record time.

In a short video posted on his official twitter account, Kipchoge said; “I am happy to be announced to participate at the Berlin marathon, I am happy to participate and I am confident I will run a beautiful race.”

Over the last 14 years, the Marathon World Record has been broken six times, all coincidentally in Berlin. Of the six, four have been courtesy of Kenyans.

World Cross Country legend Paul Tergat lowered American Khalid Khannouchi’s record of 2:05:38 to 2:04:55 in 2003. His huge competitor of road running, Ethiopian Haille Gabresellasie returned to the German City four years later, lowering the record further to 2:04:26.

Kenyan distance runner Eliud Kipchoge (AFP / Getty Images) © Copyright

The following year, in 2008, Gabresellasie further took the record down, timing 2:03:59. Three Kenyans, Patrick Makau, Wilson Kipsang and Kimetto then went on to be the successors of the record in 2011, 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Makau ran 2:03:38 before Kipsang plucked 15 seconds off the record to run in 2:03:23. Kimetto then broke the 2:03 barrier, becoming the first man to run a marathon under two hours three minutes, timing 2:02:57 in 2014.

Kipchoge came close to lowering the record during the London Marathon in 2:03:05, coming only eight seconds shy of Kimetto’s record. He famously looked at the screen and smiled in regret, having slowed down in the final few kilometers of the race.

The 33-year old will not be new to the Berlin Marathon having won it in 2015 with a time of 2:04:00. This was despite running almost three quarters of the race with his insoles flapping off his shoes. He was also in the field in 2013 when Kipsang broke the record and he finished second in 2:04:05.

This year’s Berlin Marathon will be the first Kipchoge is taking part in after his Monza experience. He had taken a month long rest but has now resumed training at his North Rift base, eyes on another milestone.

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AFC Leopards fans wondering what went wrong after seeing their team thrashed 3-0 at home by bitter rivals Gor Mahia in Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Nayo National Stadium on 7th May, 2017.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 6- They might have taken their GOtv Shield second round home tie against Nairobi Stima to their ‘traditional home ground’ in Mumias for a touch of good luck just to get their mojo back, but AFC Leopards desperately need a win.

Ingwe have not won over the last eight Kenyan Premier League matches and find themselves dropping down the pecking order but in the GOtv Shield they have a perfect chance of redeeming themselves.

“Things have not been going our way but I still believe that we can get things together. We only need that win to boost our confidence and that is what we want to do with the Nairobi Stima match,” stand-in coach Tom Juma told Capital Sport.

However, AFC Leopards who won the Shield in 2013 will find a potential banana skin in Nairobi Stima who are flying high in the National Super League, currently placed second on 35 points, same as leaders Vihiga United but with an inferior goal difference.

Juma concedes it will not be a walk in the park against the second tier side, but holds solace in the fact that his boys are hungry for a win especially to ease pressure off their backs.

“Nairobi Stima is a good team and I have watched them play. We should not take that match for granted and I have told the players as well that we cannot afford to relax. They have players with Premier League experience and it will not be easy,” Juma added.

AFC Leopards’ midfielder Whyvonne Isuza vies for the ball with Nzoia Sugar’s Victor Omondi in a Kenyan Premier League match on April 1, 2017 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

AFC Leopards progressed to the second round courtesy of a 15-1 hiding they gave Siaya based side Dero FC in the first round, but Juma will not be dwelling much on that, instead choosing to put his concentration on switching off Stima.

“For us, we don’t look at the opponent. We are taking a match at a time and giving it the seriousness it deserves. We can’t even talk of winning the title despite the fact it has been almost four years without any. It is a step at a time,” Juma noted.

Stima are on a run of 14 unbeaten matches since their 2-0 loss to Ushuru FC on March 26. From the 14 games, they have picked 10 wins and four draws, conceding only two goals in the process.

The side led by former Kenyan international Ibrahim Shikanda boasts of an experienced side. Ivan Anguyo, Joseph Shikokoti, Evans Maliachi, Cain Okeyo and Victor Omune, a former AFC Leopards man, are among the ex-KPL faces in the squad.

Heading into the Mumias fixture, Ingwe have been dealt a major blow with four first team players missing with injury.

Defender Marcus Abwao, a former Nairobi Stima player, Salim Abdallah as well as midfielders Allan Katterega and Whyvonne Isuza have all been out nursing injuries and will not be fit enough to walk into the pitch on Saturday.

Juma, who is warming the seat for the imminent arrival of Robert Matano next week, least worried that the absence of the four will lean them off favor for the tie.

The post Troubled Leopards seeks GOtv Shield solace appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kakamega High School will face Upper Hill in the semifinals.PHOTO/courtesy

NYERI, Kenya Jul 6- The Green Commandos of Kakamega High School will face Nairobi’s Upper Hill in the semi-final of the boys football in the ongoing Kenya Secondary School Sports Association Term 2B Games being held in Nyeri Primary School.

High flying Kakamega finished top of Pool A with nine points after winning their last group match 2-0 against second placed Kathungi with Henry Juma netting in either half to give the Green Commandos the deserved victory.

Kathungi will take on St Anthony who thrashed Ramisi from Coast 3-0 to finish top of group B.

In the girl’s category, 2015 national champions Wiyeeta will play Jabini in the first semifinal after the Rift Valley region champions won their third straight match in pool A, beating Nginda Girls 2-1.

Wiyeeta will play Jabini in the first semifinal.PHOTO/courtesy

Despite the win, Wiyeeta coach Awo Wafula was still not happy with the results.

“Finishing first in the group is a good statement but our aim was to win the group. Every game is like a final to us we want back this title and also the East African title,” added Wafula.

Diana Achieng gave the Rift Valley side the lead on the 36th minute before Martha Amunyolele doubled the lead six minutes later while Idah Akoth scored the consolation goal for Nginda on the stroke of halftime.

Jabini qualified after finishing second in Pool B despite a 1-1 draw with Group winners Kobala.

The second semifinal will be a mini ‘Mashemeji Derby’ pitting Nyanza Champions Kobala and their Western counterparts Ibinzo.

Ibinzo defeated Kwale by 2-0 with Cynthia Shilwatso netting the brace to finish second in Pool A.

Girls Volleyball.PHOTO/Courtesy

In volleyball, debutants Kangundo will play Nyanza Region Champions Sangera in the first semifinal.

Despite losing their first two matches, the Eastern Champions defeated Coast Champions Waa Boys 3-1 to finish second in pool A behind champions Malava Boys of Western.

Malava outclassed Hospitall hill of Nairobi 3-1 (27-25, 21-25, 25-9 and 25-19) and will now play defending champions Cheptil, who despite losing their final match in a five set thriller 3-2 (30-28, 16-25, 25-15, 15-25 and 17-19) finished second.

In the girl’s category, national champions Malava will play Western Champions Lugulu, while 2015 East African Champions Kwanthanze will play Nairobi’s, Soweto.

The post Green Commandos to face Upper Hill in football semis appeared first on Capital Sports.

Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 7 – Osaka 2007 World Champion Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei has become the latest Kenyan elite athlete to respond to reports linking her to doping contained in hacked documents released by the Fancy Bears.

Hackers Fancy Bears published documents on July 5 which state Jepkosgei’s biological passport was suspicious and further data is required.

In a press release, Jepkosgei expressed her shock and disappointment, saying the report has already damaged her reputation and image, calling on IAAF to clear up the issue even despite the world athletics governing body issuing an apology to affected athletes on Thursday night.

“This news has deeply saddened and disappointed me as an elite athlete who dedicated her whole career to compete clean and fair. Unfortunately, in the light of the latest Fancy Bears report, whose authenticity can only be confirmed by the relevant authorities, I must say that this has already done a huge damage to my reputation and image which I built through hard work, dedication and commitment,” Jepkosgei, the Beijing 2008 Olympic silver medallist in the women’s 800m declared.

“Although IAAF has issued a statement highlighting that there was no violation of the anti-doping rules, I would do everything possible and within my means to ensure that they (IAAF), an institution that I highly respect and abide by their rules eventually clear up this situation,” she added.

Janeth Jepkosgei competing at the 2015 Beijing IAAF World Championships.

Jepkosgei, referred as ‘Eldoret Express’ stressed she has never gone against the World Anti-Doping rules, following the release of hacked documents which appear to show her test results once caused suspicion.

“Never in my 15 years as an athlete, have I ever violated the rules by taking any prohibited substances or engaged in methods that are against the set regulations. I’m a strong believer of clean sport and I have practiced that my entire career, that’s why I don’t condone cheating and anyone found breaking or bending the rules deserves to be punished.”

“I’m aware that this story might have generated doubt among my fellow competitors who over the years I enjoyed to compete with, but I can assure everybody that whatever I have achieved in my career was achieved in respect of fair and clean way.”

“Hence, I hope this gets cleared up so that I can maintain and not lose the trust I have built over time. Protecting my name, my image and my entire career which has been defined by transparency is my first priority and I will not let it to be destroyed,” Jepkosgei, the 2009 and 2011 world silver medallist concluded in her statement.

This comes a day after world champions Asbel Kiprop (1500m) and Javelin African record holder Julius Yego took to social media to slam the report.

1500M world champion Asbel Kiprop will lead the Kenyan relay team at Sunday’s World Cross Country in Kampala, Uganda.PHOTO/courtesy

“To a few who believes in hard work sacrifice hope & breakthroughs the truth will outstand every challenge because the process is indeed truth fair play & transparency manifesting itself in our sport. I enjoy every bit of it & happy to be associated to. #FancyBears,” Kiprop who is aiming at defending his men 1500m title posted on Facebook on Thursday night.

Yego, the Rio Olympics silver medallist said he would make his blood profile and urine sample data public.

“Still can’t believe how my name got into there !! Yego my name is clean and will ever be clean ! I will put all my test both urine and blood on the limelight some day!” the Olympic silver medallist, two-time African and Commonwealth champion stated.

The Fancy Bears report threatens to overshadow the London 2017 IAAF World Championships to be held in August from 4th – 13th.

The post Jepkosgei responds to Fancy Bears doping report appeared first on Capital Sports.

Upper Hill edged out Kakamega High 4-3 on penalties to reach the final.PHOTO/courtesy

NYERI, Kenya July 7- Nairobi’s Upper Hill stormed to the final of the boy’s football in the ongoing Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Term 2B Games after edging out the Green Commandos of Kakamega High 4-3 on post-match penalties at the Nyeri Primary School on Friday.

The entertaining match ended in a barren draw after extra time to force for the shoot outs that went in favour of Upper Hill, the 2013 champions who will face former champions St. Anthony’s in the decider after the Kitale based side St. Anthony’s eliminated Kathungi 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Upper Hill, who are the Metropolitan champions, qualified for their first final in four years and have to thank their goal keeper Duncan Okinyi for saving three spot-kicks from Henry Juma, Boniface Ooko and Joshua Otieno.

Upper Hill edged out Kakamega High 4-3 on penalties to reach the final.PHOTO/John Gathua

His counterpart Job Ochieng from Kakamega High stopped two from Finly Osoro and Thomas Nganda.

Upper Hill’s Daglas Mokaya, Peter Oudu, Tom Oluoch and Peter Oyier converted their kicks while Alpha Chris, Ronald Sichenje and Yusuf Maingi scored for the Green Commandos.

St Anthony’s solitary goal came through two minutes to added time with Silas Ogana scoring the all important goal to see the 2017 boys final have a mouth watering clash when they face Upper Hill.

-Girl’s Final-

In the girl’s category, Ibinzo from Western will take on Rift Valley Champions Wiyeeta in the final after beating Kobala from Nyanza 2-0 with their goals coming from Cynthia Shilwatso and Mary Ayeta.

Wiyeeta registered a similar score line against Jabini where Gentrin Shikangwa found the back of the net twice in the 6th and 9th minutes.

Kwanthanze will face Cheptil in the girls volleyball final. PHOTO/courtesy

The girls volleyball final will be a cracker where former champions Kwanthanze from Machakos battle it out with Cheptil.

Kwanthanze thrashed Soweto by straight sets while Cheptil knocked out Lugulu by a similar score line.

In boy’s volleyball semi-final, Malava beat Cheptil by straight sets to book a final date with Sengera who beat debutants Kangundo 3-1.

-By John Gathua

The post Upper Hill edge out Kakamega to storm final appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 7 – Since the beginning of the IAAF World Under-18 Championships in 2009, Kenya has only managed to win three medals in sprint races and none in the field events.

Julius Kirwa (2005, Marrakech) and Alphas Kishoyian (2011, Lille) came closest with 400m silver medals while Alex Sampao won bronze in 2013 in Donetsk, Ukraine.

But as the country, famed for producing the best middle and long distance athletes prepares to host the final showpiece in the Under-18 age cadre, athletes and coaches have vowed to wipe off that grim piece of history and ensure that on home soil, Kenya wins its first ever sprint gold.

“We are in a new era. This is a youth event and new talent is being discovered here. People have been saying that Kenya cannot produce medals in sprints. That is just but a saying. This time round we are going to win medals, and that is an assurance I am giving as a captain. What we have done so far is going to give us good results,” Team Captain David Saruni, himself a 400m hurdler told Capital Sport.

The team has been putting up their final paces at the Nyayo National Stadium, before shifting to residential training at the athletes’ village at Kenyatta University on Sunday.

Saruni, a Form Four student at Mogonga High School in Kisii, who is among the athletes touted by sprints coaches Rose Tata Muya and Andrew Maritim as some of the stars to watch, believes they will deliver the medals and adds the home advantage will play a key role.

“We have trained well with some of the best coaches in the country and at the moment it is now upon us to deliver. Running infront of the fans at home will be a big thing and that will add us confidence. We promise to bring medals home,” the articulate speaking Saruni noted.

-Tata Muya expertise-

Youth sprints and hurdles coach Rose Tata Muya helps an athlete set up her blocks during training at the Nyayo National Stadium on July 7, 2017.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Tata Muya, who still holds the national 400m Hurdles record from 1983, is encouraged with the shape of the hurdlers whom she has been personally handling and is confident that Kenya will scoop medals.

“I look at these athletes and I am quite optimistic we will get something. They have the technique, they have the drive and come next week, we will be counting the medals. These are future world beaters and I think if we got enough support, Kenya would be producing great sprinters in future,” Muya noted.

Kenya will have a record number of 20 sprinters at Kasarani and coach Maritim believes from them, several medals will crop up.

“In the seniors, we have seen Kenya do well with the 400m hurdles. It is true we have not previously done well in short races but this time, things will be different. As coaches we have worked hard in training.”

“We have worked so much on reaction and technique because those are the minor details that are key in winning sprints. They have improved because most of these athletes came here raw. We should expect good things from Kasarani,” the tactician explained.

-Moraa-

Youth sprints and hurdles coach Rose Tata Muya feeds instructions to 200m, 400m sprinter Mary Moraa during training at the Nyayo National Stadium on July 7, 2017.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Mary Moraa will be doubling up in the 200m and 400m and she has promised to deliver, declaring her interest is in a medal in both events.

“We will be at home and the confidence we have is great. Everyone is working hard in training to make sure we are in shape,” the beastly athlete on the track, but soft spoken and shy on the sides declared.

Kenya will also be represented in the 100m hurdles with James Mucheru and Peter Wambua handed the responsibility of leading Kenya to a record medal.

National Schools champion Wambua, a Form Three student at Kwanthanze High School in Machakos, has a realistic target of reaching the final, though he expects stiff competition from South Africa and Jamaicans.

“People say Kenyans cannot do well in sprints but we want to show them that we are equally good. My main aim is to get to the final. From there, it is anybody’s game. I am confident and I am ambitious,” the 17-year old with a personal best of 14.7 said.

-Field athletes ambitious-

Team Kenya javelin representative Ita Nao trains at the Nyayo National Stadium track on July 7, 2017.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Kenya will also field a record number of 23 athletes in the field events and just like their sprint team-mates, they are more than determined to win medals in areas that Kenyans have not been popular with.

Class Eight pupil Ita Nao who holds the javelin National Schools title with a throw of 64m is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Julius Yego who became the first ever Kenyan to win a world title in the field events.

The resident of Naroosura Location, Narok South District who only knew how to throw a javelin due to his Maasai culture, targets an ambitious throw of 70m at Kasarani and he has been mainly working on his technique.

“It is possible and I am very confident that I can win. Everyone is talking of a gold medal in training I will also be going for one. I know there are very good throwers from other countries, but I believe in myself,” Nao said.

High jumper Evans Kipchirchir also bears the same sentiments that Kenya can surprise the world.

“We are at home and we have that confidence. It will not be easy, but what we can promise Kenyans is that we will be going for medals. We only ask them to come out and give us support on the field and we will not disappoint,” Kipchirchir asserted.

Kenya World U18 team:

Girls

Field events: Shot put- Peninah Akoth, Sharon Mukite, Triple jump-Janeth Chemutai, Mary Wangeci, Javelin-Cynthia Chebet, Dorothy Chepngetich, Long jump-Gloria Mulei, Janeth Chemutai, High Jump-Faith Kipsang, Discus –Vivian Jeptoo, Harriet Chiluyi

Sprints: 100m hurdles-Nusra Rukia, Philian Kerubo, 100m-Beatrice Anyango, Hyvin Chepkoech, 200m- Mary Moraa, Beatrice Anyango, 400m-Mary Moraa, Sharon Jebet, 400m hurdles-Irene Akinyi, Leah Jeruto.

Boys

Field Events: Discus-Joseph Nyaga, Nicholas Kiprotich, Shot put-Joseph Nyakundi, Reynold Kipkorir, Triple jump-Musyoka Mwema, Vincent Kilel, Javelin-Ita Nao, Nicholas Kiprotich, Long Jump-Vincent Kilel, High jump-Micah Kipkirui, Evans Kipchirchir.

Sprints: 100m-Elijah Matayo, Kelvin Nyagodo, 110m hurdles-Peter Wambua, James Mucheru, 400m hurdles-Moitalel Mboke, David Saruni, 200m-Philemon Konari, Elijah Matayo, 400m- Kelvin Sawe, David Sanayek.

The post Kenya eyes sprints, field medals at IAAF U18 appeared first on Capital Sports.

Tusker players after Sofapaka match.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 7 – Seventh placed National Super League side Palos FC will hope to add more misery on wounded defending champions Tusker FC when the two sides lock horns in the second round of the GOtv Shield on Sunday at the Kinoru Stadium in Meru.

Tusker saw their eight-match unbeaten run checked last weekend after losing 1-0 to Bandari at the same venue and Palos now hope they can replicate the Dockers’ performance and also leave Meru with a victory.

Palos head coach Hezbon Nyabinge will be taking charge of his fifth match with the second tier club since taking over after leaving his deputy coaching role at Western Stima and he hopes he can keep his record intact.

“Tusker is a tough team because if you look at their form despite losing last weekend, they are up there in the KPL table. They are the defending champions of this tournament and they want to retain it, which makes that game even tougher,” Nyabinge revealed.

“However, we know what we can do as a team and we have trained well for this kind of game. We want to go there and be competitive, push Tusker to the edge and hopefully get a win to progress to the next round,” he added.

Palos FC players pose for a group photo.PHOTO/FILE

Nyabinge has not lost since taking over at the team in May, winning against MOSCA before back-to-back draws against Bidco United and Vihiga United. They also won 4-1 against Griffin’s in the GOtv Shield round of 32.

However, Tusker are more than determined to defend the title and their statement of intent was loud and clear when they beat Mombasa based SS Assad 9-1 in the first round match. Against Palos, head coach George ‘Best’ Nsimbe is taking no chances.

“Knockout games are tricky and we can’t underrate anyone. We expect this match to be as tough as it has been against any other Premier League opponents. But we know our ambition as a team is to defend the title and we will work to do so,” the Ugandan coach offered.

He has also hinted the possibility of rotating the squad to give players who have not had much of playing time in the league an opportunity to pick the much required match fitness.

– Other fixtures-

Gor Mahia Meddie Kagere celebrates with Timothy Otieno.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

In other top ties this weekend, Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants Gor Mahia will be hoping for a perfect send off to their historic tie against English Premier League side Everton FC in Tanzania when they host Bandari FC at the Thika Sub-County Stadium.

K’Ogalo stand-in coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno will have his final say as the team boss with newly appointed head coach Dylan Kerr set to arrive in the country just a day before, but will most likely sit at the terraces and watch his new charges in action.

Gor, who last won the Shield in 2012, are under pressure to perform with their results in the league also bringing some unease amongst their supporters. K’Ogalo lost 2-0 to Sofapaka in Meru before drawing 2-2 with Ulinzi Stars last weekend, results that have upped pressure on their shoulders.

Bandari on their side, winners of the tournament in 2015 are hoping for their second ever title while head coach Paul Nkata will be seeking to win it for the second time in a row, with a different team.

The two sides have already met in the league with Gor winning 2-1, but Bandari have vowed to dig deep and revenge.

Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru celebrates his second goal with team mates Geoffrey Kokoyo and Brian Birgen against Mathare United in a Kenyan Premier league match at the Afraha Stadium on April 23, 2017.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Elsewhere, Ulinzi Stars will face Sony Sugar for the second time in less than a month in the other second round tie clashing KPL teams. The result when they last met was 1-1, but the military side who reached the final last year will be going all out for victory.

Head coach Benjamin Nyangweso will hope the team will pick up from where they left off in the second half of their last meeting, but wary that the Sugar Millers pose a huge threat to their ambition.

“Sony is a good team and they showed that with their performance last time we met. We however, have an ambition to go all the way and win this title and we will give it our all,” Nyangweso said.

GOtv Shield round of 32 fixtures

Saturday: Zetech v Kakamega Homeboyz (2 p.m.), AFC Leopards v Nairobi Stima (Mumias Complex, 4 p.m.), Mwatate United v Butterfly FC (Wundanyi Stadium, Voi), Kenpoly v Kariobangi Sharks (2 p.m.), Nakumatt v Modern Coast (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos 4 p.m.), Ulinzi Stars v Sony Sugar (Afraha Stadium), Coast Stima v Nzoia Sugar (Mbaraki Complex), Karatina Homeboyz v GFE 105 (2 p.m.), Sofapaka v Western Stima (Thika Sub-County Stadium, 4 p.m.).

Sunday: Young Divers v Eldoret Youth (Mbaraki Complex), Wazito v KCB (2 p.m.), Ushuru v Vihiga United (Camp Toyoyo 4 p.m.), Bidco FC v Rainforest (2 p.m.), Gor Mahia v Bandari, (Thika Sub County Stadium 4 p.m.), Taqwa v Savannah (2 p.m.), Tusker v Palos (Kinoru Stadium Meru 4 p.m.).

The post Palos plot on Tusker downfall in GOtv Shield appeared first on Capital Sports.

Gor fans in a previous KPL match

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 7 – Gor Mahia fans popularly known as the Green Army have taken to twitter through a hashtag #SomeoneTellDailyMail to slam United Kingdom’s daily tabloid newspaper for referring the record 15-time Kenyan Premier League champions as ‘unknown club from Kenya’.

Gor Mahia are set to face English Premier League side Everton FC in a friendly match in Tanzania on July 13 and Daily Mail reported that the match could be Wayne Rooney’s first appearance for the Toffees if the England record goal scorer completes a return to his boy hood club.

However, it is the way they referred Gor Mahia that evoked K’Ogalo fans who did not take the matter lightly.

However, Daily Mail rectified their report with a headline reading “Everton confirm opponents for tour of Tanzania are Gor Mahia FC… but could it be Wayne Rooney’s first game after he returns to the Toffees?”

Daily Mail had reported;

“Talk of Wayne Rooney returning to Everton this summer has gathered pace after Manchester United agreed a £75m fee for the Toffees striker Romelu Lukaku. United are set to waive a fee for Rooney should he move back to the club where he started his career, making a switch to Goodson Park even more likely.”

“Interests has grown as to who will be the first opponents to an Everton side featuring Rooney and they could be an unknown team from Kenya.”

#Someonetelldailymail @OfficialGMFC is a well known club @DailyMailUK @kot pic.twitter.com/p9ugzaS8Eq

— mugendi wa Kinyua (@martomuge) July 7, 2017

#SomeoneTellDailyMail – we are #Sirkal

— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) July 7, 2017

LRT, as if Daily Mail isn’t shitty gutter press already, they called Kenya ‘most riskiest’ place in the world! FOHWTS! #SomeoneTellDailyMail

— Queen Of Saigon (@ItsLynnie) June 16, 2014

#SomeonetellDailymail that @Lupita_Nyongo aint mexican n’ his a father is both a proff n’ a @RailaOdinga Cycophant(not refugee) frm kisumu

— Collo Moseti Collo (@collomoseti) January 17, 2014

#SomeonetellDailymail That @Lupita_Nyongo is not a Mexican actress whose parents were Kenyan refugees. What is this?? http://t.co/U8l7qlLAqC

— Pauline Njoroge (@paulinenjoroge) January 17, 2014

Noticed that the press tends to be quite accurate, except when they’re writing on a subject I know something about. #SomeoneTellDailyMail

— Daniel Muhuni (@danmuhuni) January 17, 2014

The only thing more frustrating than slanderers is those foolish enough to listen to them. #SomeoneTellDailyMail

— Daniel Muhuni (@danmuhuni) January 17, 2014

@mailonline A bush is a bush, not African bush!! #SomeoneTellDailyMail #SomeoneTellCNN #PictureForStuart #TweetLikeAForeignJournalist

— McAkuku© 2016 (@KellyMcAkuku) March 6, 2013

#SomeoneTellDailyMail Gor Mahia cannot be referred to as ‘little known’ when we keep shining in this region. #Sirkal

— Tom Bwana (@TomBwana) July 7, 2017

#SomeoneTellDailyMail that Rooney had to make a move to Everton to play @OfficialGMFC so, Gor Mahia can’t be referred to as ‘little known’.

— Tony Anelka (@tonyanelka) July 7, 2017

#someonetelldailymail Gor Mahia is the Father of all teams in East and central Africa

— Dancun otieno (@Dancuno73331704) July 7, 2017

#SomeoneTellDailyMail @Mailonline & @Mailfootball that Gor Mahia @GMFC is bigger that @Everton

— #Ochizzy (@ken_ochizzy) July 7, 2017

#SomeoneTellDailyMail that their article won’t affect @Everton intentions to play with@OfficialGMFC .

— Elvin Mangeni (@ElvinSons) July 7, 2017

#SomeoneTellDailyMail that Gor Mahia has beaten Nottingham Forest in a friendly. Little known my FOOT!!!!! #DailyMail

— DAN OKETCH (@DANOKETCH) July 7, 2017

#SomeoneTellDailyMail that Gor Mahia is known internationally …. We are Kogalo Sirkal pic.twitter.com/jXM8SbUOBk

— Faith Ogaya (@FOgaya) July 7, 2017

#SomeoneTellDailyMail ‘little known ‘ my foot. Gor mahia is a big team

— Evangeline karimi H (@Evangelinekari5) July 7, 2017

The post Gor fans slam Daily Mail on twitter after referring the club as ‘unknown’ appeared first on Capital Sports.

The launch of the Numi Cricket Challenge.PHOTO/courtesy

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 7 – It was an evening of pomp and color at the Nairobi Gymkhana lounge on Thursday night during the official launch of the Numi Cricket Challenge which was graced by the Indian High Commissioner in Kenya, Suchitra Durai and International Cricket Council top official Dev Govindjee.

Despite the recent dropping fortunes of Kenyan cricket, all the speakers at the glittering event that included the high commissioner, the top ICC match official and the NPCA boss were all agreed that the future was bright with the staging of high profile youth events like the forthcoming “Numi Challenge” providing the much needed solution of a large base of youthful players for the country to pick from.

The four day cricket extravaganza will bowl off on 12th July in Nairobi with over 400 youth of various age groups participating.

The tournament which is organized by Starfield Sports Ltd, a local sports consultancy firm in conjunction with Obuya Cricket Academy will feature four categories of under 9, 11, 15 and 19.

The inaugural tournament which replaces the annual Obuya youth cricket tournament which has been running for the last eight years is expected to be bigger, more exciting and lucrative in terms of prizes after several reputable firms confirmed sponsorship of the event.

According to the tournament director, Veer Dave, a lot of emphasis will be placed on promoting youth cricket this year especially among the underprivileged children.

Over 30 teams have already confirmed participation including four from East Africa Cricket Foundation comprising of three girls teams and one boys’ team of under 19 years.

Other top teams that have confirmed participation are Premier, Simba Union, Mombasa Simba Cricket Academy, Kanbis,  Nakuru Cricket Club, Nakuru Pirates, Lenana, Starfield and Obuya Cricket Academy.

The girl’s competition has attracted four teams including a team from Kwhisero in Kakamega County.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the tournament, Karan Kaul, a director of Starfield Sports Ltd said “Our two brands have come together to realize their shared vision of developing cricket in Kenya, and using cricket to help develop the society. With the combined knowledge and experience, the Obuya Star Field Tournament has endless possibilities”.

The post Pomp and color marks the launch of the Numi Cricket Challenge appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya 15’s Youngster Steve ‘Security’ Otieno powers past Tunisia’s Ashraf Dhif during a Rugby Africa Gold Cup match played at the RFUEA Ground on July 8, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 8- The Kenya Rugby 15s team made an emphatic statement after their below-par performance in their Rugby Africa Gold Cup opener against Uganda a fortnight ago, hitting a century past a hapless Tunisia at the RFUEA Ground on Saturday evening to record their first win of the tourney.

The Simbas ran in 15 tries to win 100-10 as they dazzled the North Africans with a pacey approach to the match, leading on to what might easily turn out to be the biggest victory on home soil in a competitive match.

With the fans chanting ‘100! 100!’ in the dying minutes of the match with the scores at 93-10, Jacob Ojee who had scored the game’s first try dotted down and Kenny Andola converted as Kenya hit the magic three figure.

Tunisia who last weekend lost out 53-7 to Namibia in their opening match left the pitch clutched up together, tears rolling down their eyes as the humiliating defeat sunk down in their minds.

“First of all, I must say thank you to the Kenyan fans who clapped for us as we got off the pitch. That shows great sportsmanship. But the loss today is not an embarrassment to us. It is an embarrassment to those players who refused to come down here and play this game,” Tunisia’s Saif Bousaada said after the match.

Fans cheer on Kenya during a Rugby Africa Gold Cup match against Tunisia played at the RFUEA Ground on July 8, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

“This team is like the second team for Tunisia made up of players of 2 or 21 years all of who play in the Tunisian league which is not very strong,” Bousaada added.

A number of Tunisia’s first team players, most of who play in the French leagues turned down call ups to the team, leaving head coach Hedi Mohamedali with no choice but to field a squad mostly made up of home based players.

Nonetheless, Kenya took in the victory with a lot of ease with head coach Jerome Paarwater only complaining they shouldn’t have conceded the two tries that Tunisia ran in.

“I must confess that I didn’t expect the scores to be this big. I am very happy with how we played today. The only concern is that we were a bit shaky with the kick off and our defense also had some issues,” Paarwater stated after the match.

Skipper Wilson Kopondo, who made a return to the team after missing the last two games with injury, said the team was impressed with the result, but has cautioned his teammates not to let the result get into their heads.

Ojee broke the deadlock with a quick try after picking out a fraction of space between the Tunisia defense and Mukidza added in the extras Kenya going 7-0 up. Mukidza then struck home a penalty to take the scores to 10-0.

Kenya 15’s deputy captain Darwin Mukida prepares to make a conversion during a Rugby Africa Gold Cup match against Tunisia played at the RFUEA Ground on July 8, 2017. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Kenya had started the match with high pace, keeping to the pre-match plans that would see them capitalize on the Nairobi attitude by tiring off the opponents early.

Fullback Mukidza then extended Kenya’s score to 17-10 from a well executed try.

The deputy skipper picked the ball in the middle of the pack, sprayed out wide to Ojee who used his superb pace to beat off his markers and just as the last man was approaching for a tackle, laid out to Mukidza who dotted down.

Ojee was in the thick of things once again with another burst of pace on the left, offloading to David Ambunya who dotted down and Mukidza converted for a 24-0 score.

Erick Kerre joined the party with the fourth try of the match, picking up the ball from skipper Kopondo who had used his strong arms to fend off the Tunisians before spotting Kerre’s run and beautifully laying up. Mukidza’s attempt with the conversion was wide.

The North Africans made an immediate response with Houcem Khalfi touching down on the eight, but Kenya cancelled out through Samson Onsomu from a Leo Sejje offload.

Joshua Chisanga’s immense power saw Kenya pick up their sixth try of the match after the Newcastle Falcons man pushed away his markers before offloading for Ojee who dotted down his second try of the match and the fourth in the Gold Cup to stretch the scores to 41-5.

Tunisia pulled one back almost immediately, Ashraf Dif dotting down after push and shove on the left.

Kenya though went to the break 46-10 up with Chisanga getting a try of his own with another of his trademark powerful runs.

Davies Chenge, Tony Onyango, Sejje, Martin Owila, Steve ‘Security’ Otieno, Kerre and Sejje all dotted down to stretch Kenya’s dominance to 93 points. With the crowd charged for a converted try to make it to a century, Kenya camped in Tunisia’s half but the visitors were determined not to cave in.

Ultimately, Ojee delivered what the fans had been crying out for, powering through on the left to dot down and Andola converted.

The post Emphatic Simbas hit Tunisia with century appeared first on Capital Sports.

UpperHill’s James Peter in action in a past match. PHOTO/KSSSA

NYERI, Kenya Jul 7-Nairobi’s Upperhill have been crowned boys’ football champions after beating Nzoia Region’s St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale 3-1 on post-match penalties in the final of the Kenya National Secondary School Sports Association Term Two games on Saturday in Nyeri.

Despite going down to 10-men, St. Anthony’s pushed to take the game to penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in the regular 90 minutes.

On penalties, Upperhill players Douglas Mokaya, Tom Oluch and James Peter scored to give their team an edge while Ken Mukuria was the sole player to score for St Anthony.

“It has been a long journey and I feel I have achieved a lot personally,” Upperhill Captain Ramadhan Abdalla beamed after the win.

The boys from the Nzoia Region started the match with superb pace, dictating the tempo and were duly rewarded in the 33rd minute via a Mohammed Kazungu bullet that gave the Upperhill keeper no chance.

St Anthony dominated the high octane and physical match on the first and part of second half but Nairobi’s Upperhill changed strategy, playing a more offensive game and they managed to get the much sought equalizer in the 76th minute through Moad Machozi.

Goal-scorer Kazungu quickly turned from hero to villain when he was sent off with 10 minutes to time for a second bookable offense. Kazungu had picked up the first yellow for stripping his jersey in celebration while the second was for a poor tackle.

In the girl’s category, last year’s runners up Wiyeta defeated Ibinzo 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Machakos County’s Kwanthanze at the same time continued their dominance in volleyball, winning the girls’ title with a straight sets win over Cheptil. In the corresponding boys’ final, Sangare shocked the form books beating the highly fancied Malava 3-1.

-By John Kahiu-

The post Upperhill downs St. Anthony to win nationals appeared first on Capital Sports.

AFC Leopards Fans try to push their team on during the 1-1 draw with Zoo Kericho at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on May 15, 2017. PHOTO/ Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 8- First half goals from new signing Aziz Okaka and defender Joshua Mawira saw AFC Leopards lift off their dark cloud, beating Nairobi Stima 2-0 at the Mumias Complex to progress to the third round of the GOtv Shield.

Ingwe, winners of the Shield in 2013, were under pressure to register a win, coming off a poor league record of eight winless matches and playing at their traditional home ground, the blessing for victory was never too far away.

Stand-in coach Tom Juma, who was handling his last match before the arrival of Robert Matano next week, handed a first team debut to Burundian striker Alex Kitenge while other new boys Keziron Kizito, Okaka and Victor Majid started.

Okaka, signed in June by the 13-time Kenyan Premier League champions showed just why Ingwe went for his signature, giving the side the lead inside the first three minutes, slotting past the keeper after being picked out by a Dennis Sikhayi.

Eight minutes later, Nairobi Stima who had previously conceded only two goals in 14 matches found themselves conceding the same number in 11 minutes when Mawira rose high inside the box to power home from a Kizito corner.

In the second half, Stima upped their attacking game, but Leopards managed to hold them off and should have had a goal of their own but Vincent Oburu’s shot on the hour mark came off the upright.

Elsewhere, 2014 champions Sofapaka eased into the next round with a 1-0 win over Western Stima at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Hillary Echesa scored the all important goal for Batoto ba Mungu connecting home a Meshack Karani cross.

In the early kick off, Gambian striker Ebrimah Sanneh scored his second goal in as many matches as Kariobangi Sharks went through with a 2-0 win over Kenpoly.

GOtv Shield Round of 32 results and fixtures (Kick off 3 p.m. unless stated)

Saturday: Zetech v Kakamega Homeboyz, AFC Leopards 2 Nairobi Stima 0 (Mumias Complex), Mwatate United 0 Butterfly FC 2 (Wundanyi Stadium, Voi), Kenpoly 0 Kariobangi Sharks 2, Nakumatt 0 (8) Modern Coast 0 (7) (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos), Ulinzi Stars 0 Sony Sugar 1 (Afraha Stadium), Coast Stima v Nzoia Sugar (Mbaraki Complex), Karatina Homeboyz v GFE 105, Sofapaka 1 Western Stima (Thika Sub-0 County Stadium).

Sunday: Young Divers v Eldoret Youth (Mbaraki Complex), Wazito v KCB (2 p.m.), Ushuru v Vihiga United (Camp Toyoyo 4 p.m.), Bidco FC v Rainforest (2 p.m.), Gor Mahia v Bandari, (Thika Sub County Stadium 4 p.m.), Taqwa v Savannah (2 p.m.), Tusker v Palos (Kinoru Stadium Meru 4 p.m.).

The post AFC beats Nairobi Stima to lift off dark cloud appeared first on Capital Sports.

The Kenya Under-19 team celebrate after qualifying to the World Cup. PHOTO/Sports News Arena

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 8 – Written off after a first round defeat and probably the huge wins that Uganda were registering in their last five matches, the Kenya Under-19 cricket team bounced back to book their world cup ticket, their first ever.

Kenya beat Uganda by seven wickets to qualify for New Zealand 2018, their first U19 World Cup in 16 years. They needed an emphatic win to secure a better run rate and they did exactly that.

The atmosphere at the Nairobi Gymkhana after the last ball of the match underlined the importance of the victory. Students who had jammed the grounds to support the team ran onto the pitch to celebrate with their heroes.

Apart from winning the toss, everything else went against Uganda upto the last ball of the match that was dislodged to the boundary for the winning runs by Thomas Ochieng.

After bowling out Uganda for 60 in 17.1 overs, Kenya were to score the required target of 61 in 9 overs to qualify for the global showpiece and they did that with three balls to spare.

With nothing to lose, Kenya began the chase on a high scoring 10 in nine balls before Aman Gandhi was bowled. Ochieng who was promoted to the opening slot in place of Dennis Musyoki added 16 in three overs with Sachin Bhudia.

With Kenya slightly behind the run rate, Bhudia tried to go for the big shots but was trapped lbw by Trevor Bukenya on 12.

Aveet Desai lasted in the crease for only four balls scoring seven before Uganda made it three down.

Kenya finally got a match winning stand in Ochieng and Ankeet Hirani who added an unbeaten fourth stand of 28 runs.

Hirani announced his arrival in the crease by hitting a huge six off Kenneth Waiswa. Ochieng too managed a six in his 22 balls 26 when he brilliantly hit Bukenya to the dugout.

Coach Jimmy Kamande who was part Kenya’s World Cup that reached the semi finals of the world cup was thrilled.

“We are back to the World Cup!”

“The players knew that they had nothing to loss and that they are going to do whatever they could to get close even if it’s not qualifying. And they did that in style,” Kamande said.

Having elected to bat, Uganda were caught flat footed as early as the third over when they were reduced had been reduced to 5 for 3 and never recovered.

After being reduced to 12 for 4 after 7.5 overs, they somehow looked poised to bounce back at 32 for 4 after 12 overs until when the loss of four wickets for no run saw them reduced to 32 for 8.

Less than 24 hours after announcing his arrival on the international arena with a man of the match performance, Maxwell Ager was once again the architect of Kenya’s good bowling at the top bagging two of the first three wickets.

After Gerald Mwendwa had picked up the second by reducing Uganda to 5 for 2, Ager made it 5 for 3 when he bowled Eddy Agaba for a three ball duck.

Mwendwa then made it 12 for 4 in the eighth over when he had Kenneth Waiswa for one.

Steven Waboswe and Siraje Nsubuga looked like they would revive the innings with a sixth wicket stand of 20 runs in five overs until Bhudia stroke with the dismissal of Waboswe in the 13th over.

Uganda went on to lose three more wickets for no run in seven balls to drop to 32 for 8.

Rogers Olipa and Richard Agamire put on 28 to pushing them to 60 . But Abishekh Chidambaran ended what could be a dangerous stay of Olipa dismissing him with his first ball.

-By Sports News Arena-

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