Bett who is in his first ever senior appearance in a World Championship is the lone Kenyan in the final after both Emmanuel Korir and Ferguson Rotich failed to make the cut

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 12- After bagging bronze at the London IAAF World Championships in the men’s 800m, Kipyegon Bett has now set his sights on 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

The 19-year old World Under-20 champion hopes he can go for gold in the competition where his role model and the man he is touted to replace, world record holder David Rudisha, is also eying a medal in.

“Getting a bronze on my first ever World Championships is a big achievement. It was tough but I am glad I got something at the end of the day. Now, my target is to continue improving. My next big goal is the Commonwealth Games next year. I want to go for gold,” Bett told Capital Sport from London.

Bett was the only Kenyan in the 800m final on Tuesday and he had to endure a tough finish to win bronze in 1:45.21 ahead of Britain’s Kyle Langford who was cheered on by the home fans. France’s Pierre Ambrose Bosse took gold ahead of Poland’s Adam Kszczot who took silver.

“It was a tough race especially in the final 200m. The athletes were strong and I had to dig deep to make sure I got something. I think that is something I need to work on hard when I get back to training. My finishing kick can be better,” he added.

Bett further revealed that he took advice from Rudisha with whom they had several conversations with prior to his departure to London.

“We talked a lot before going to London because we were training together and he gave me advice. It is sad that he couldn’t be here but all in all, I hope we will be together in the Commonwealth Games,” the youngster revealed.

The bronze medal was a decent gift to an otherwise good season that has seen him win one race on the IAAF Diamond League circuit, powering home first in Shanghai mid May. On top of that, he was part of the silver medal winning Kenyan team at the IAAF World Relays in Bahamas.

He then went on to finish second in Rome, Paris and Rabat and he hopes to climax the season with at least one more win when he lines up in the third last and final legs in Birmingham and Brussels.

“Definitely I want to finish the season strongly. It has been a great one since this was my first and definitely I am proud of what I have achieved. I want to keep on working harder because I have to maintain the same performance. It is not easy but I love challenges,” Bett further added.

Bett has had quite a successful debut in the seniors and he has lived up to the promise he made earlier in the year when he was named most promising male sportsman at the annual Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA).

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Muktar Edris crosses the finish line ahead of MO Farah to win the gold medal in the 5,000m at the London IAAF World Championships. PHOTO/IAAF

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 12- A well executed team tact by the Ethiopian athletes in the men’s 5000m floored home boy and crowd favorite Mo Farah on his final goodbye racing on track for Great Britain as 2012 World U20 Champion Muktar Edris won gold.

Kenya entirely missed out on a medal with the only representative Cyrus Rutto crossing the finish line 13th after burning out in the final two laps of an electric race, clocking 13:84.64.

A huge dip of strength by Edris saw him cross the line in 13:32.79 with a striving Farah only managing silver in a time of 13:33.22. Kenyan-born American Paul Chelimo, Rio 2016 silver medalist came through for the bronze just dipping past Kejelcha who was fourth.

Farah sunk into the turf, drained, disappointed and in disbelief. It was not the script he had eagerly waited for on his final track race, more so infront of his home fans.

More so, the sold out crowd at the Olympic Stadium in London was dumbfounded, silenced and left in ohs! Their home boy was floored right on their track.

“I gave it my all, 110 percent,” said Farah.

“I don’t think there was any more I could have done. They (the Ethiopians) run as a team.

“Never feel like you can’t beat the Kenyans and Ethiopians — anything is possible.”

At the bell, Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, the reigning World Indoor Champion popped up to the front, signaling his teammates Edris and Selemon Barega to follow suit as they sought to block Farah out of the inside lane and shield the lead.

Muktar Edris celebrates in Mo Farah’s style as the Briton watches in disappointment.

“Mo has many victories but now I have one,” said the 23-year-old.

“I am the new champion for Ethiopia. That’s why I did the Mobot. I am the next champion.

“I have won the gold in front of his home crowd. I didn’t have much support but we did it. I did the Mobot out of respect as well for him.”

It was the exact kind of tact that the Kenyans and Ugandans tried to use against the reigning double Olympic champion in the 10,000m, but only this time, the Ethiopians did it with a little more finesse and determination.

Knowing that the plot was going to be used again, Farah also changed tact and chose to run at the front for the entirety of the race. In the longer distance, he had either run at the back or in the middle of the pack.

The group remained intact for most part of the race with Rutto, Kenya’s only hope for a medal after his compatriots performed dismally in the heats also sticking to the front.

With five laps to go, Australia’s Patrick Tiernan opened up the field bursting to the front and the chasing pack equally responded though not with 100 percent vigor.

With 800m left on the race, Rutto began to drift away as the three Ethiopians surged up the pace, Farah following keenly waiting for the opportune time to pounce and employ his devastating final kick.

But it seemed that his usual script had already leaked to the Ethiopians who formed a wall infront of him at the ball and pumped up the pace, leaving the Briton to dig deeper and earlier than he is used to.

Muktar Edris pumps up the pace against Mo Farah in the final of the 5000m race at the IAAF London World Championship

At the home straight, Kejelcha pumped up with Edris and Barega following suit as Farah and Chelimo followed. In the final 100m, Farah showed his kick, pumping up the pace and moving all the way to second from fourth while Chelimo also surged.

It looked as though Kejelcha would be going for the gold, but his compatriot Edris had sapped in more energy for the final stretch, striding powerfully into the front while Farah chased in.

Edris maintained his pace and eventually crossed the line ahead with Farah managing to power to second and Chelimo squeezed out a second Ethiopian on the podium, dipping past Kejelcha for the bronze.

This is the first time Farah is losing a track race at a major championship in the 5,000m since the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he was sixth in the heats. The Briton was also looking to make history by winning a double for the third consecutive time and a 5,000m title for the fourth time in a row.

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The Kenya Simbas in a past match. Photo/KRU

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 13 – The national 15s team have received an official invite to participate at the Hong Kong Cup of Nations set for November 10-18 in the Asian nation.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) confirmed they have received an official invite from the event organizers and will be ready to compete in the week-long tournament.

The competition will see the Simbas come up against defending champions Russia, currently ranked 21st in the world, hosts Hong Kong who sit 24th globally and 28th ranked Chile.

The tourney, which replaced the HKRU’s autumn international test series, has been played since 2015 with Russia emerging victorious in the two editions held since then. Other teams that have featured in the competition include Zimbabwe, Portugal and Papua New Guinea.

The Simbas, who finished second at the recent Africa Gold Cup, are currently preparing for a two match test series against Hong Kong in Nairobi August 20 and 26.

The Jerome Paarwater charges will be using those matches in preparation for the busy 2018 season that will see them seek qualification to the 2019 Rugby World Cup to be hosted in Japan.

Also in the 2018 campaign, the Simbas will be looking to retain the regional Elgon Cup as well as aiming to reclaim the Africa Gold Cup.

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Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia, silver, Hellen Onsando Obiri of Kenya, gold and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, bronze, pose with their medals for the Women’s 5000 Metres final during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 13 – Hellen Obiri produced a jaw-dropping performance to floor Ethiopian star Almaz Ayana and storm to the women’s 5000m gold on the last day of the London IAAF World Championships on Sunday.

Obiri proved to her words that she was in the best form of her life when she matched Ayana’s steps up to the bell and unleash the afterburners at the back straight to leave defending champion Ayana trailing and went on to claim her first ever world outdoor title in 14:34.86.

Ayana settled for silver in a season’s best of 14:40.35 to end her dreams of bagging double in the championships after winning gold in the women’s 10,000m on the opening day.

Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands grabbed bronze in 14:42.73 to make amends after missing out a medal in her favourite 1500m final that was dominated by Kenyan Faith Kipyegon.

Hellen Onsando Obiri of Kenya crosses the finish line to win gold in the Women’s 5000 metres final during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for IAAF)
Copyright Notice – 2017 Getty Images

Obiri, the Olympic silver medallist, said that she gained confidence as Ayana failed to press the accelerator and try and shake her off.

“I was telling myself to go,” she said. “I could see Ayana was not going so I thought, why not? So I said, go. I am mentally strong so I knew I was capable.

“When I crossed the line I was extremely happy, and just wanted to celebrate. All my emotion came out. I wanted the 5000m gold a lot.”

The win for Obiri saw Kenya reclaim the gold for the first time since 2011 when Vivian Cheruiyot won it in Daegu, South Korea and become the second Kenyan woman to ever win the crown.

Kenya’s Hellen Onsando Obiri celebrates after winning the gold medal as she crosses the finish line of the women’s 5000-meter final during the World Athletics Championships in London Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) The Associated Press

Ayana, the 10,000m world record holder, had decided to inject some much-needed zip into the pace with nine laps to run and only Obiri was able to match her.

The field was suddenly splintered with Hassan, also from Ethiopia but who came to the Netherlands as a refugee aged 15, leading a group of five contesting the minor medal.

Ayana was unable to burn off Obiri as she had done her rivals in the 10,000m — which she won by over 46 second– with the Kenyan content to let her 25-year-old rival do all the pace-setting.

Her strategy paid off perfectly as heading into the final lap she moved up onto Ayana’s shoulder and then delivered her coup de grace.

Hellen Onsando Obiri of Kenya crosses the finish line to win gold in the Women’s 5000 metres final during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for IAAF)
Copyright Notice – 2017 Getty Images

Ayana said what she had done in London was even better than her winning the 10,000m in Rio.

“It was a difficult race,” said Ayana. “I am better at leading it to get the win rather than challenging in a final sprint. It was difficult to push Hellen (Obiri) through to the finish line.

“Compared to Rio this is a bigger achievement. I’ve had many injuries this year so I am very happy with two medals,” she said.

Ayana said that she had paid for her astonishing victory in the 10,000m and had run through the pain barrier.

“I have been injured for the whole season and haven’t been able to get over it. The pain came back after the 10,000m. I did my best today but Hellen was too good at finishing. It was all I could today.”

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Elijah Motonei Manangoi of Kenya reacts as he crosses the finish line to win gold in the Men’s 1500 metres final during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for IAAF)

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 13 – Elijah Manangoi stunned three-time champion Asbel Kiprop to claim gold in the men’s 1500m as Kenya finished second overall with five gold medals at the 2017 London IAAF World Championships on Sunday.

Manangoi, who entered the race as the fastest this year, clocked 3:33.61, finishing 0.38second ahead of compatriot Timothy Cheruiyot who bagged silver in 3:33.99 as Filip Ingebrigtsen of Norway claimed bronze in 3:34.53.

This saw Kiprop’s bid for a fourth successive world title thwarted as he could only manage ninth in 3:37.24, missing to equal Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj’s record fourth straight world titles.

Manangoi’s gold enabled Kenya to finish second overall in the 10-day event with a total of 11 medals, 5 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze.

It was a drop from the 2015 performance in Beijing, China when Kenya made history by topping the world for the first time ever with a total of 16 medals, 7 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze.

“It was such a good race and I’m so pleased to be a world champion,” said Manangoi, whose younger brother George won the world U18 title over the same distance last month. “I had a difficult race as Timothy raced very well, but I had that extra strength.”

Elijah Motonei Manangoi of Kenya races clear to win gold in the Men’s 1500 metres final ahead of Timothy Cheruiyot of Kenya and Filip Ingebrigtsen of Norway during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for IAAF)

It’s not often that team tactics are used at major championships. It’s even rarer that they work.

Whether it was by luck or design, the Kenyan trio in the 1500m final ran together for much of the race and were rewarded with two out of a possible three medals.

The winner, however, was not the man who had won the past three titles. Instead, Kiprop could only look on as his teammates Manangoi and Cheruiyot battled it out for top honours.

Cheruiyot was the early leader. He was joined by Manangoi as they covered the first lap in 1:01.63 with Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s Chris O’Hare and Czech Republic’s Jakub Holusa following close behind.

Kiprop moved up into third place just before the half-way mark, ensuring Kenya filled the top three spots with just two laps to go. At the 800-metre mark, the Kenyan trio had a lead of about five metres on the rest of the field but it didn’t last long as Norway’s Filip Ingebrigtsen detached himself from the chase pack in a bid to join the leaders.

Elijah Manangoi wins the 1500m at the IAAF World Championships London 2017 (Getty Images) © Copyright

As the bell sounded for the final lap, Spain’s Adel Mechaal and Bahrain’s Sadik Mikhou had joined Ingebrigtsen on the heels of the Kenyan leaders. Cheruiyot and Manangoi were moving through the gears in their drive for the line, but Kiprop started to struggle.

Ingebrigtsen moved into third place with half a lap to go, but couldn’t quite get on terms with Cheruiyot and Manangoi. The Kenyan duo entered the home straight side by side, but Manangoi proved the stronger of the two, kicking on to win in 3:33.61.

Cheruiyot took silver in 3:33.99 while Ingebrigtsen held on for third, clocking 3:34.53. Mechaal crossed the line in fourth, just about holding off a fast-finishing Holusa, who had overtaken Mikhou further up the home straight.

Marcin Lewandowski and Nick Willis rounded out the top eight as Kiprop placed a distant ninth.

“We prepared well for this,” said Cheruiyot, who trains alongside Manangoi. “He is my friend, so I am happy for him to win gold and for me to win silver.”

It was the third time in the past four World Championships that Kenyan athletes had filled the top two spots in the men’s 1500m.

-Material from IAAF used in this report-

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Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi, silver, Caster Semenya of South Africa, gold, and Ajee Wilson of the United States, bronze, pose with their medals for the Womens 800 metres during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 13 – Kenya’s Margaret Wambui Nyairera missed a medal after finishing fourth in the women’s 800m as Caster Semenya won a third world title on the last day of the London IAAF World Championships on Sunday.

Nyairera, the Olympic bronze medallist finished fourth in 1:57.54 as South African Semenya, dogged by gender accusations since shooting to fame in 2009, dominated the race in a World Lead of 1:55.16.

Burundian Francine Niyonsaba came second in 1:55.92 ahead of American Ajee Wilson who claimed bronze in 1:56.65.

Wilson made a move with 250 metres to run, Kenya’s Olympic bronze medallist Margaret Wambui immediately falling off pace.

Caster Semenya of South Africa races clear to win the Womens 800 metres during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for IAAF)

Hitting the home straight, Wilson and Niyonsaba were neck and neck before Semenya, the the defending Olympic champion and also world champion in 2009 and 2011,  moved smoothly outside the lead duo and motored through the line for a convincing victory.

Semenya is back in the spotlight following a study funded by the IAAF and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that showed female athletes with naturally high levels of testosterone enjoy a competitive advantage of up to 4.5 percent over their rivals.

Caster Semenya of South Africa competes during the Womens 800 metres final during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images for IAAF)

The 26-year-old South African was one of a number of women taking medication to lower her testosterone level until 2015 when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) suspended an IAAF rule that enforced a limit on naturally occurring levels.

Semenya has studiously avoided the controversy, instead concentrating on her track performances and she won a bronze in the highly competitive 1500m on Monday in the opening race of her ambitious bid for a distance double.

Semenya, who stands to be awarded the 2012 Olympic gold medal after Russian winner Mariya Savinova was disqualified for doping, now has to await further meetings between the IAAF and CAS to discover if she again has to take testosterone suppressing medication.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta with the Olympic and Paralympic champions at State House when they paid him a courtesy call late 2016.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 14 – President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta has congratulated the Kenyan Team that finished second at the IAAF World Championships in London, a Championship that ended on Sunday night.

Kenya finished a place lower than their performance from two years back in Beijing, China where they came off top of the world with 16 medals; seven gold, six silver and three bronze. In London Kenya was second to the USA having managed 11 medals; five gold, four silver and two bronze.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our fantastic team in London for the great pride and joy they have given to millions of Kenyans coming second in the World. The races yesterday were fantastic, congratulations Team Kenya,” Kenyatta said in an address to the nation on Monday afternoon outside Harambee House, in his first public appearance since winning last week’s election.

The team is expected to return to the country on Tuesday morning.

Assistant coach Bernard Ouma who is a specialized middle distance coach expressed his delight at the performance of the team and attributed it to a concerted effort of team work.

“It was a good performance from the team and we are happy with our achievements from London,” Team Kenya assistant coach Bernard Ouma told Capital Sports in a brief response from the British capital.

Ouma’s own athlete, Elijah Manangoi wound up Kenya’s campaign in emphatic fashion, bringing home the gold medal in the 15000m succeeding his teammate Asbel Kiprop who has won it over the last three editions of the championship.

Hellen Obiri had also made sure Kenya’s national anthem would wow the fully sold out Olympic Stadium in London, blazing away Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana to the 5000m gold medal.

Other gold medalists came from Faith Kipyegon in the 1500m, Conseslus Kipruto in the 3,000m steeplechase and Geoffrey Kirui in the men’s marathon.

Timothy Cheruiyot (1500m) and Edna Kiplagat (marathon) won silver medals for Kenya while Hyvin Kiyeng (3,000m steeplechase), Kipyegon Bett (800m), Paul Tanui and Agnes Tirop (10,000m) won silver.

The lows

Rudisha will not be defending his world 800m title due to injury. Photo/COURTESY

With two of the defending champions from Beijing two years ago missing out on the London showpiece due to injury, there was always going to be a challenge to replicate that performance that united a nation and saw Kenya stand tall amongst its peers.

David Rudisha, the 800m defending champion and world record holder pulled out of the team just a day before he was scheduled to travel due to a quad muscle injury picked up during training. His absence put more stir in the two-lap race team that was already shrouded in controversy.

Despite coming in third at the trials and earning an automatic slot into the team, United States based athlete Michael Saruni was axed from the team in favor of Diamond League winner Ferguson Rotich.

Efforts to reinstate him into the team after Rudisha pulled out were successful, but he failed to compete in London due to a visa hitch.

Of the three who competed in London, only youngster Kipyegon Bett managed to reach the final where he fought off stiff competition to bag the bronze medal. The biggest disappointment was however with Emmanuel Korir.

The youngster making his debut in the world stage went into the championship with the world leading time of 1:43.10, but he could not make it past the semi-finals where he disappointingly finished 4th. Compatriot Rotich viewed by Athletics Kenya as topping in form over Saruni finished third in his heat.

But it was a big win for the 19-year old Bett who was also making his debut as he went on to claim a first ever senior medal.

-Steeplechase worries

Hyvin Kiyeng battles the Americans in the final of the IAAF World Championships in London

London brought forth a worrying trend for Kenya in both the men and women’s steeplechase. United States won more medals in what is considered Kenya’s signature event. Emily Coburn led a 1-2 finish for the USA in the women’s event while Evan Jagger won bronze, a first time ever for the Americans.

Conseslus Kipruto though ensured Kenya kept its tradition of winning the water and barrier race with Olympic champion Hyvin Kiyeng only managing a bronze in the women’s race.

Kenya has seemingly gone to slumber while most of the other countries, especially European nations have gone back to the drawing board and re-strategized, investing in better training and tactics to match the Kenyans.

If anything is to go by from the London sojourn, then Kenyan coaches have all to worry about ahead of next year’s commonwealth game and the next World Championships in Doha, Qatar in 2019.

-Men mismatch in 10,000m and 5,000m

Kenya’s Paul Tanui leading the men’s 10,000m at the IAAF London World Championships on August 4, 2017 at the Olympic Stadium.

Mo Farah has retired from track racing and it might spell some good luck for Kenyans still trying to make glory in both long distance races as witnessed in the world championships.

The Kenyan trio of two-time World Cross Country champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Bedan Karoki and Paul Tanui tried to employ a tact against the Briton in the 10,000m race, but it flopped right on their faces with only Tanui coming home with a medal.

It was worse in the 5,000m when Kenya only had one representative in the final; Cyrus Rutto. More embarrassing was that a Kenyan, Davis Kiplang’at was lapped by the leading group in the first heat. The unusual scenario attracted even the attention of foreign press.

Kenya has struggled to fight down Farah and the Ethiopians in the two races and the coaches led by the big man Julius Kirwa have their work cut out heading back home.

-Yego out injured

Kenyan javelin thrower Julius Yego (Getty Images) © Copyright.

It wasn’t twice lucky for 2015 World Champion Julius Yego in the javelin final. The ‘YouTube Man’ managed only three throws out of the possible six. The first one being a ‘no-throw’, Yego thrust the javelin to 76.29 in the second attempt and 75.31 in the second. He couldn’t proceed for the final three.

“Disappointing to get a recur of groin partial tear again same as it was in Rio in the warm up area! But it’s sport; things do happen not the way we want, sorry for my fans will get well soon,” Yego posted on his Facebook page.

In Rio at least, he managed to get a silver medal after two attempts. The best of 76.29 was a far cry from his 97.72 African Record he set two years back in Beijing.

The Highs

Hellen Onsando Obiri of Kenya crosses the finish line to win gold in the Women’s 5000 metres final during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for IAAF)
Copyright Notice – 2017 Getty Images

Hellen Obiri was one of the standout performers from London. The 28-year old showed she is good enough to replace multiple champion Vivian Cheruiyot when she blazed apart defending champion Almaz Ayana in the final of the 5,000m, on a season she had vowed to finally win an outdoor title.

She headed to London with the world leading time in the 12-and-a-half lap race and she did not disappoint, sticking by Ayana from the moment she pulled away from the rest of the field.

Obiri’s devastating final kick with almost 300 metres to go attracted huge cheers and applause and the ecstasy in which she crossed the line told half the story of a woman determined to make her own mark as much as possible.

The 2012 3,000m World Indoor champion picked silver in the same race in the Rio Olympics last year and the world championship title tag was the only missing feather from her decorated cap.

-Kipyegon shows her colors

Faith Kipyegon holds her fist high after winning the 1500m gold medal at the London IAAF World Championships on August 8, 2017. PHOTO/AFP

Whether and Olympic champion can comfortably replicate the same form at the worlds has always been a pertinent question. Faith Kipyegon gave a resounding answer; YES!

Kipyegon, 23, showed a clean pair of heels and unmatched determination to win the 1500m gold, just over a year after winning the Olympic title in Rio. Against a tough surging group that included 800m champion Caster Semenya and American Jenifer Simpson, Kipyegon showed she was boss.

It was also an upgrade of the silver medal from two years back in Beijing and the biggest trademark of that race was the final kick. Throughout training prior to the championship, Kipyegon had concentrated on speed-work, blazing sub-55 marks in the 400m almost on daily basis.

Her focus now is on defending her commonwealth crown next year in Gold Coast, Australia.

Elijah Motonei Manangoi of Kenya reacts as he crosses the finish line to win gold in the Men’s 1500 metres final during day ten of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for IAAF)

In the corresponding men’s race, Elijah Manangoi read from the same script. But what was more evident from the race was the team-spirit Kenya’s representatives had all through the race from the preliminaries to the final.

In the preliminaries, Manangoi ran with Asbel Kiprop in both the heats and the semis and they could always be seen signaling each other to ensure they both qualified.

In the final, it was more evident. The Kenyan group of three, Manangoi, his training partner Timothy Cheruiyot and Kiprop hurdled together, in prayer and final sharpening of team tactics. With a lap to go, the three were hurdled together at the front again and from there, it was everyone by himself.

Manangoi, pushed by the pain of missing out on the Olympic final in Rio due to injury was out to prove his doubters wrong and he did so in emphatic fashion. His training partner at the Rongai Athletics Club Cheruiyot picked silver.

Kiprop could only jog to ninth after coming short of sprint power at the home straight and it was duly time to say goodbye for the three-time champion as he now eyes to switch to the 5,000m, possibly at the Commonwealth Games next year.

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Bandari FC players celebrate at the Thika Stadium after eliminating Gor Mahia from the GOtv Shield on July 9, 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 14- Kenyan Premier League clubs are relieved after the league management postponed midweek fixtures that had been slated for Wednesday, with most of them ill-prepared owing to last week’s uncertainty over the General Elections.

KPL said in a statement on Sunday that after consultation, the games will be shelved and new dates announced, just less than four days after the weekend matches were also shelved.

“This discussion has been taken in light of the political situation of the country at the moment which has made it difficult for players and technical staff to report back to their Clubs for the purpose of engaging in meaning training and preparation to honor those matches,” the statement from the league top brass noted.

Clubs had quietly hoped the matches would be pushed forward with most failing to raise enough numbers in training. However with normalcy returning to most parts if the country, matches are expected to resume this coming weekend.

Posta Rangers head coach Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo Sammy watching his team during training. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

“It has been tough getting players to training because you can’t really risk with the security situation in the country. We will see how things pan out and hopefully we can get back to training this week,” Posta Rangers head coach Sammy Omollo said.

Gor Mahia’s Dylan Kerr who looks to lead K’Ogalo back to the title was also disappointed that his side has missed out on a whole week of training.

“It is quite strange because we have been told no training for the whole week. It really kills the momentum of the team that we had picked and we now have to work harder to get where we were. In football one week without training is so much. But I hope the players have been keeping fit on their own,” the Englishman added.

The postponement of the two match-days now gives the league managers logistical headache with a whole month having been lost earlier in the season due to court cases while an increase in the number of teams means a lengthened calendar.

Clubs will now be forced to fit into a tight schedule with international match weekends and GOtv Shield matches also scrambling for the little space available.

“It is a challenge but clubs will have to bear with it. There’s so much time lost and we have to recover,” KPL CEO Jack Oguda said.

A few matches have been slotted for this weekend which had been initially preserved for the GOtv Shield quarter finals.

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Eldoret Youth FC players hurdle together during a past match at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. PHOTO/Courtesy Futaa.com

NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 14- Division One side Eldoret Youth is keen to upset the form books with their focus set on lifting the GOtv Shield as they prepare to face Kenyan Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks in the quarter finals on Saturday.

Head coach Peter Milombe has asserted that his side has the potential of upsetting the big boys and lift the title based on their current form. This might be a historical feat if they achieve their target, being the first ever third division team to win the tournament.

But Milombe’s immediate focus will be on the quarters and has admitted it will not be easy to trounce Premier League side Sharks and maintained they will have to face each game at a time.

“We were affected by the election break but everybody is back we are good to go. We know they (Kariobangi Sharks) will come into this game very much prepared. We respect them but we are also ready. Our goal is to lift the shield. We cannot come this far just to push; we want to win games,” a confident Milombe roared.

The team resumed training last Saturday ahead of the tie that will be staged at the Nyayo Stadium on Sunday and the tactician is confident his side will get into shape especially now that they have no injury worries.

Eldoret Youth hope to capitalize on a shaky Sharks side which has failed to record a win in their last three league games. Sharks are placed eighth in the KPL standings with 20 points and will be coming into the tie focused on bouncing back.

William Muluya’s Premier League charges easily booked a quarter final slot after beating two-time champions Sofapaka 3-1 in the round of 16.

Meanwhile, Eldoret Youth on the sides are also eyeing promotion to the second tier National Super League next season.

“We are very confident of achieving that target because so far we have been playing very well in Division One. We need to maintain the discipline and hope we can make it to the top league next season,” he says.

The tactician adds; “We hope to translate the same performance in the GOtv Shield.”

The post Eldoret Youth ready to defy odds in GOtv Shield appeared first on Capital Sports.

(L-R) Geoffrey Kirui, Elijah Manangoi and Timothy Cheruiyot pose for a photo with one of the Team Kenya coaches. Photo/TIMOTHY OLOBULU

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 15- With the London IAAF World Championships concluded, Athletics Kenya (AK) head coach Julius Kirwa has admitted that more work needs to be done to increase Kenya’s scope and depth of athletes.

Speaking to Capital Sport early Tuesday morning after the team arrived from London, Kirwa expressed concern that the team lacks cover if most of the top athletes are absent either due to retirement or injury.

“If you look at our team, we are few and we need to do something. Now that we are back, we will meet with all the coaches in the country and analyze our performance from London then embark on a plan to get more athletes to back up those already there,” Kirwa said.

“If you look at the women’s 1500m, we have only one strong lady. We need to back up, same to 5000m. We have a problem. Even in the 10,000m if the three guys wake up one day and say they will not run, then we will be in a crisis,” the coach further explained.

Kenya finished the competition second overall in the rankings with 11 medals, 5 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze, one place dip in performance compared to the previous championship held in Beijing, China in 2015 when the athletics power house finished top of the world for the first time.

-Eyebrow-raising in some of the races-

(L-R) Courtney Frerichs of the United States, silver, Emma Coburn of the United States, gold, and Hyvin Kiyeng Jepkemoi of Kenya, bronze, pose with their medals for the Women’s 3000 metres Steeplechase during day nine of the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships London 2017 at The London Stadium on August 12, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Kenya failed to win a single medal in the men’s 5000m with the only Kenyan in the race Cyrus Rutto finishing a disappointing 13th in the final. Worse was when one of the Kenyans, Davis Kiplang’at was lapped during the semi-finals.

In the 3000m steeplechase, a race considered to be the country’s stronghold, Kenya won only one medal each in both the men and women races. In the men’s race, Olympic Champion Conseslus Kipruto guarded Kenya’s pride by claiming the title.

However, Hyvin Kiyeng could not defend her title after she finished third behind USA’s Emma Coburn and Courtney Frerichs. More embarrassing was when Beatrice Chepkoech forgot to go past the water hurdle and had to go back to jump before joining the leading team again.

Evan Jagger, who won bronze in the men’s race, tweeted; “Stat of the year: America won more Steeplechase medals than Kenya at the 2017 World Championships. Incredible.”

Coach Kirwa has admitted that there is some concern but says all issues will be addressed as Kenya seeks to strengthen its hold of the events it is traditionally known to dominate.

“I agree with you there is a problem. We had a lady in the race; she was good, but she was overwhelmed. I talked to her and told her not to go off early but wait instead, she decided to run. We are worried we don’t know what happened. Someone missing steeplechase barrier; it was something up to now I haven’t understood what happened,” the tactician added.

-Kirwa contended-

Team Kenya coach Julius Kirwa at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport departing for London ahead of the IAAF World Championships that gets underway from August 4-13.Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA

But despite the few hiccups that curtailed the team’s perfect rush for medals, Kirwa was contended with the medal haul and says the athletes gave their best to ensure Kenya scooped more medals than any African country.

“I think this is the toughest championship we have ever been to and to get such kind of performance is fantastic. People might say we didn’t do well but compare us with USA who participated in more events than us. We are better,” the coach added.

His sentiments were echoed by his assistant Bernard Ouma who said the mistakes done by the athletes will only spur them to do better and should not be used as a yardstick to measure their success in the championship.

“The achievement was satisfactory and we are pleased. We did our best as per the strategies. Mistakes are bound to happen and the mistakes are the challenges that define the winners and losers. We will learn from them,” he noted.

The coaching team will now shift their attention to prepare for 2018 Commonwealth Games which will be held in Gold Coast, Australia.

The post We are short of depth, admits athletics coach Kirwa appeared first on Capital Sports.

Willy Ambaka is set to make a return to the Kenya Simbas for the 2018 assignments. Photo/COURTESY

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 15- Kenya 15s Team Manager Wangila Simiyu has hinted that former Sevens star Willy Ambaka will be considered for duty next year when the team kicks off its 2019 Rugby World Cup qualification campaign.

The former Kenya Harlequins player left the country in June to join New Zealand second tier side Manawatu Turbos and Simiyu believes the experience picked up by the winger will be vital to Kenya’s World Cup campaign.

“Ambaka is definitely someone we are looking at because he is now playing in the 15s and the experience he will get especially in New Zealand is immense. We would want to tap into that and once the time is ripe, the Union will make contact with his club and we will see,” Simiyu told Capital Sport.

Ambaka, who previously had a pro-stint in the French second tier before returning to Kenya to play for Quins, had been a pillar for the Sevens team Shujaa over the past three seasons until the opportunity to play in the spiritual home of 15s rugby arose.

Kenya Rugby Union boss Richard Omwela (left) with Kenya Simbas Team Manager Wangila Simiyu.Photo/COURESY

His experience will now come vital as the 15s side aim to qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever, having come inches close during the last qualifiers in 2015.

“He (Ambaka) brings in a lot of positives. He brings in power which will help us in the physical games and also, tactically and technically he comes in as a better player,” the Team Manager further added.

Simiyu affirmed that back-row Joshua Chisanga who has featured in the English Leagues with Newcastle Falcons will still remain to be part of the team and his expected combined talent with Ambaka will strengthen the team.

He has meanwhile called upon the Kenya Rugby Union to ensure the team starts preparations for the qualifiers as soon as possible to ensure the squad is well conditioned to charge for the single ticket to Japan.

Kenya Simbas Team Manager Wangila Simiyu.Photo/COURTESY

With lessons picked from the just concluded Africa Gold Cup where Kenya finished second behind Namibia, Simiyu says the team needs to bulk up and condition well to ensure they can compete with their biggest rivals Namibia.

“From what we saw in the Gold Cup, technically and tactically we are okay. The challenge is that we can’t handle those physical games. An example is the Namibia match. All the tries they scored was because of our mistakes and their decision to go physical. We could not match,” Simiyu said.

“We need more aggression to ensure we can cope up with power play. With more conditioning, we should get there. But we need to start preparations as soon as possible. We are playing against Namibia and Zimbabwe whose players are playing regularly in the Vodacom and Curry Cup,” he added.

“To compete with them, we need to prepare very well. We can’t take chances,” he further warned.

-Hong Kong test match-

The Kenya Simbas with their runner up trophy after the test match against Germany on May 27, 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

The team coached by South African Jerome Paarwater will play two test matches against Hong Kong on August 20 and 26 as part of their preparations for next year’s crucial fixtures. They will also participate in the Hong Kong Cup of Nations set for November 10-18 in the Asian nation.

The Simbas will face hosts Hong Kong, Russia and Chile in the tourney.

Meanwhile, the team for this weekend’s first test against Hong Kong will be named on Wednesday and Wangila has hinted they will hand opportunities to more youngsters as they look to hand them experience and a platform to prove themselves.

“We have had some very good young boys who have shown promise and it is time to give them a huge match to prove themselves. These test matches will also open our eyes to see who slots where in the team,” Simiyu asserted.

The team will have two training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, having broken camp on Sunday.

“It is a match that we are taking with big attention. Hong Kong is ranked one place above us and it would be important to win to get those vital ranking points,” Simiyu underscored.

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Kenya’s 1500m runners celebrate on the track at the 2007 IAAF World Championships in London © AFP/File / Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 15 – Kenya is to launch a bid to host the athletics world championships in 2023 after successfully staging two other international competitions in the last 10 years.

No African nation has ever staged the sport’s flagship event, but Kenyan sports minister Hassan Wario said Kenya had shown its capability when it brought together athletes from 130 countries to compete in the IAAF World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi in July.

“We have shown that we are capable to host smaller events, and it has now reached a time when we should host big competitions,” said Wario at a welcome reception for Kenyan athletes who finished second overall at the just-concluded world championships in London, beaten only by the United States.

“Kenya became the first African nation to win the world championship in Beijing in 2015, it is only fitting that we should be the first country to bring the championships to Africa,” Wario said.

“We have a plan to build three big stadiums in Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret and seven additional new ones in other parts of the country.”

Wario echoed the recent call by Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) president Hamad Kalkaba Malboum for Africa to be awarded the World Championships by 2025.

Malboum said six African countries, including Kenya, are capable of hosting the event.

The Qatari capital of Doha is set to host the 2019 IAAF World Championships before Eugene, Oregon, stages the 2021 edition.

The post Kenya to bid for 2023 IAAF World Championships appeared first on Capital Sports.

Mathare United head coach Francis Kimanzi gestures during a past Kenyan Premier League match at the Thika Stadium. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 15 – Mathare United head coach Francis Kimanzi has no regrets settling for a young squad this season despite performing dismally in the first leg of the 2017 Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

Kimanzi, the most qualified coach in the East African region with UEFA Level B license, has experienced a bumpy first leg to see the 2008 KPL champions languish at the relegation zone, sitting second last at the bottom of the 18-team log with 17 points.

However, the former Harambee Stars head coach has ruled out any chance of Mathare signing experienced players even in feature, believing in building a young team.

“You can do nothing on a player who is out of contract because it depends on the offer the player gets from other clubs. I am confident of maintaining the team next season because most of them have long contracts running,” Kimanzi told Capital Sport on Tuesday after the team’s morning session at their Goan Institute training ground.

Mathare United head coach Francis Kimanzi passes a tactical point to his players during their match against Posta Rangers on April 17, 2017.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Kimanzi, who has also coached Sofapaka and Tusker FC, challenged other KPL sides to believe in youthful players and give them playing time even though it might cost them some points.

“It is wrong not to have trust in these kids. We need to take risks and clubs must trust the young generation in order to have great teams tomorrow rather than bring old players from other county to play.’’

Former Laiser Hill Academy captain David Owino echoed his coach by ruling out any transfer move next season.

Owino is one of the players featuring in the KPL for the first time and has been consistent in midfield for Mathare.

“The possibility of me moving to another Premier League side is close to impossible, for now I can only consider an internationally move. For now I am concentrating in the playing for Mathare,” Owino asserted.

At the beginning of his second spell at Mathare early this year, Kimazi’s side faced a setback when major players left the club in mass exodus to force the renowned coach resort in to building a new team.

Mathare United, who will be seeking to avoid relegation, next hosts Zoo Kericho at the Ruaraka Spots Club on Sunday.

The post Kimanzi has no regrets in going for youthful team appeared first on Capital Sports.

Ladies 7s and 15s new jerseys.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 15 – This year’s George Mwangi Kabeberi Sevens hosted by Kenya Cup side Mwamba RFC will be held on September 9-10 at the RFUEA Grounds, Ngong Road.

The tournament was first played in 1986 to commemorate the passing away of the charismatic George Mwangi Kabeberi, one of the founding members of the Mwamba club.

Over the years, the significance of the tournament has been expanded to honour departed club members, including recently departed Leeroy Okara, Absalom “Bimbo” Mutere, Abedeen Shikoyi, Jimmy Owino and lately Victor Wayodi among others.

“Kabeberi Sevens  is regarded as one of the best sevens leg on the National Sevens Series  and we aim to improve the experience every year,” tournament director Anthony Karanja said.

“Feedback we’ve received has indicated a strong need for a ‘family experience’ which is why we shall  block out a section of the stadium as an alcohol-free zone, with the Kiddies Village there to provide entertainment for the little ones during the day – free of charge. One section will be the party stand again and we’re excited to see what fun ways fans will come up with to show their support for their teams and the other teams in action,” he added.

The start of the 2017 National Sevens Series was pushed to September due to the just concluded Kenya General Elections.

Consequently, the Driftwood Sevens hosted by Mombasa RFC, which was supposed to get the sevens season underway on July 22- 23  will  be held on the weekend of September 2-3 in Mombasa with the Kabeberi Sevens, originally set July 29-30  now taking place in September.

The post Kabeberi Sevens set for weekend of Sep 9 appeared first on Capital Sports.

FKF president Nick Mwendwa handing over footballs to Nairobi East sub branch for the U13s and 15s development in December 2016. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16- Following a successful outing by the Kenya football U13 team in United Kingdom where they featured in the Southampton Shield Cup, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Technical Director Andres Spier affirmed they will organise more local and international tournaments to give the young talents exposure.

Spier, who was in charge of the team, asserted that apart from competing and winning the inaugural Southampton Shield Cup tournament, they have learned a lot in terms of player development and importance of tapping talent at a tender age.

‘’Under 13 Is a golden age of learning and a perfect age to start training players since its in this age bracket that a player can easily develop. From now moving forward we want to constantly have such activities where we organise such tournaments with them (under 13 team) in order to keep them together,” Spier added.

Since Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) stopped handing exposure to the U13s and U17s where they used to play in the Norway Super Cup annually, this is the first time FKF has taken the initiative in their bid to form a team that will represent Kenya at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Among players who benefited from the MYSA initiative is Harambee Stars shot-stopper Arnold Origi who plies his trade in Norway after being scouted from the tournament.

Spier believes that it is in providing the young players with international exposure that the national football team Harambee Stars will be at par with world heavy weights in football.

“This is a great opportunity for talented players from all over the country to have this kind of exposure as early as possible in their careers. Previously it has only been a select few from the rich academies because they can afford it. Now an open opportunity has been presented,” FKF head of Youth Football, Chris Ammo told Capital Sport in a past interview.

FKF had named the 20 man squad in August after receiving an invitation by Southampton earlier in April to field the U13 football team at the tournament. The competition brought together over 40 teams around the world.

Southampton seeks to make the tournament a regular fixture in the calendar for youth football club around the world by making the tournament an annual eight day tournament.

The post FKF eye more U13 international tournaments appeared first on Capital Sports.

Abel Kirui celebrates after winning the Chicago Marathon

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 17 – Defending champions Abel Kirui and Florence Kiplagat will line up alongside world record-holder Dennis Kimetto, half marathon world record-holder Zersenay Tadese and three-time Olympic gold medallist Tirunesh Dibaba at the IAAF Gold Label road race, Chicago Marathon October 8.

In a tactical race last year, Kirui held off Dickson Chumba to win by three seconds in 2:11:23. The two-time world champion has a personal best of 2:05:04 and finished fourth at this year’s London Marathon in 2:07:45, his fastest time since winning the second of his world titles in 2011.

Kimetto returns to Chicago for the first time since setting a course record of 2:03:45 in 2013. Prior to that, he ran the fastest marathon debut in history in Berlin in 2012 (2:04:16) and in 2014 he became the first athlete in history to cover the marathon within 2:03, clocking a world record of 2:02:57 in Berlin.

Tadese, a six-time world champion on the roads and cross-country, has only finished three marathons. While his official personal best is 2:10:41, the 2004 Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist ran 2:06:51 in the Breaking2 marathon so will be looking to replicate that kind of form in Chicago.

Kenya’s Stephen Sambu made his marathon debut in Chicago in 2016, finishing fifth in 2:13:35. With PBs of 26:54.61 for 10,000m and 1:00:41 for the half marathon, it would appear the 29-year-old is capable of significantly improving his marathon PB.

Japanese quartet Kohei Mastsumura, Yuki Takamiya, Chihiro Miyawaki and Ryoichi Matsuo add further strength to this year’s field. Matsumara is the fastest of the four, having set a PB of 2:08:09 at the 2014 Tokyo Marathon.

Kiplagat returns to chase her third title in a row and her fourth podium finish. The 2010 world half marathon champion has a marathon PB of 2:19:44 and held the half marathon world record until earlier this year.

Dibaba started 2017 by becoming the third-fastest woman of all time when she finished second in London in 2:17:56.

Dibaba is a three-time Olympic gold medallist, a five-time world champion on the track and a four-time winner of senior titles at the World Cross. She made her marathon debut in 2014 with a third-place finish in London in 2:20:35. More recently, she took the silver medal in the 10,000m at the IAAF World Championships London 2017.

Valentine Kipketer returns to Chicago after finishing third last year in 2:23:41. The Kenyan finished sixth at this year’s Boston Marathon.

Australia’s Lisa Weightman heads to Chicago on the heels of her best career performance to date, a 2:25:15 fifth-place finish at this year’s London Marathon. She has represented Australia at three Olympics and numerous World Championships. She earned the bronze medal in the marathon at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Others in the field include Poland’s Karolina Nadolska, Mexican record-holder Madai Perez, Danish Olympian Jessica Draskau Petersson and Peru’s Rocio Cantara Rojas.

The post Kimetto to face defending champion Kirui in chicago appeared first on Capital Sports.

Tusker FC players disappointment after succumbing to their second loss to Thika United over the weekend.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 17 – Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker FC have been deducted three points after the Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) verdict favoured Zoo Kericho.

Zoo Kericho were awarded the maximum points with a 2-0 win following a dispute that was filed at the IDCC, accusing Tusker FC of not producing their players’ cards in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match hosted at the Kericho Stadium June 27.

Tusker had won the match 2-0 but they were found guilty of breaching the KPL Rule 7.5 (c) and will now be docked three points that will see them have 29 points from 31 and drop to fifth from third in the standings.

Zoo Kericho players line up before their Kenyan Premier League match against Ulinzi Stars at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on April 30, 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

On the other hand beneficiaries Zoo Kericho will have 26 points and climb to 10th place, dislodging Nakumatt FC.

“The committee sympathizes with Tusker FC, for their breach we are convinced it was not deliberate. However, rules are rules the uniformity and consistency in their application breeds predictability and sanity in the sport,” part of the ruling read.

“Our hands are tied, and we must apply the rule as it is. Tusker FC automatically forfeited the match as per Rule 7.5 (c) and as per rule 3.8 on forfeited matches, the match is hereby awarded to Zoo Kericho, on the prescribed score of 2-0 basis. The two goals of Tusker are cancelled and do not count.”

Zoo will now face 2008 KPL champions Msathare United in their next fixture on Saturday at the Ruaraka Grounds while Tusker will be in action in the GOtv Shield quarter finals where they face National Super League side Vihiga United.

-Adagala banned-

Muhoroni Youth chairman Moses Adagala.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Meanwhile, in another ruling, Muhoroni Youth chairman Moses Adagala was slapped with a four month ban from attending KPL matches effective Wednesday, 16 2017 and also fined Sh200,000. The club was also fined Sh200, 000.

This is after an incident that occurred May 13, where Adagala is accused of leading fans to invade the pitch during a league match against Ulinzi Stars.

“We find Muhoroni Youth FC guilty as charged and Mr. Adagala equally of violating Rule 3.4 (a), in that they failed to ensure proper and fair behavior of the fans, and encouraged violent and threatening conduct,” the ruling read in part.

“We are guided in our verdict by Rule 7.8 of the rules which provides that the committee has the discretionary power to take disciplinary action against clubs for gross or repeated misconduct by officials, players or supporters of their club. Muhoroni Youth FC is hereby warned that repeated infraction and misconduct will if proven risk their suspension from the League.”

The post Tusker docked points, Adagala hit with four months ban appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kariobangi Sharks defender celebrating.Photo/Goal.com

NAIROBI Kenya, Aug 17- Kenyan Primer League (KPL) side Kariobangi Sharks have suffered a major setback after the Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) upheld Pascal Ogweno’s red card suspension, extending it to six games.

The defender was shown a straight red card after handling the ball in his box in their match against Poster Rangers April 22 and will now miss Kariobangi Sharks’ fixtures against Western Stima, SonySugar, Bandari, Mathare United, Sofapaka and Posta Rangers.

Kariobangi Sharks were also slapped with Sh100, 000 fine.

“Having weighed the gross nature of the misconduct vis-à-vis the apology tendered, the committee hereby suspends the player for six games and any missed games on account of the red card to be counted as part of the six game ban,” IDCC ordered.

The red card came in the 37th minute of the game that was won by Posta Rangers with John Mbugi scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory.

“The club is responsible for gross miss conduct of its players and the action by Pascal Ogweno amount to gross miss conduct.”

-Muhoroni fined-

Meanwhile, Muhoroni Youth were found guilty of demoralizing Sony Sugar FC by not allowing the team for a warm up before the match played April 22.

However, IDCC issued them a stern warning and should it recur, severe action will be taken.

“We find Muhoroni Youth FC guilty on the first account. However, Muhoroni are hereby warned not to repeat such conduct and any such repetition to draw stern action from the committee.”

The post Sharks suffer blow as Ogweno’s suspension upheld appeared first on Capital Sports.

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

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 17 – Kenya has been handed a tough draw for the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup where they will battle it out with defending champion West Indies, hosts New Zealand and 2012 winners South Africa in Group A.

Despite being in the Pool of death, Kenya captain Sachin Budhia is optimistic they will overcome but said their intention is to take a match at a time.

“It’s definitely a great opportunity for us to participate in the ICC U19 World Cup. We would like first to finish as the top associate team in the 2018 ICC U19 World Cup, but more importantly, not look too far ahead but take each game, one at a time,” Budhia said after the draw was announced on Thursday.

Three-time champions India and Australia are clubbed together in Group B along with Zimbabwe and East Asia Pacific qualifier Papua New Guinea.

The West Indies will play the inaugural Group A day-night fixture at Bay Oval in Tauranga on the opening day of the event which runs from January 13 – February 3 featuring 16 teams across seven venues in four cities – Christchurch, Queenstown, Tauranga and Whangarei.

The 10 Test playing nations (prior to Afghanistan and Ireland’s recent inclusion) gained automatic qualification to the event along with the best finishing associate from the last edition, Namibia.

The Kenya U19 Cricket team celebrating after qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

They are joined by five regional qualifiers in the biennial tournament that showcases future stars every two years. Past alumni of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup include current captains Steve Smith (Australia), Virat Kohli (India), Kane Williamson (New Zealand) and Sarfraz Ahmed (Pakistan).

Bangladesh, Canada, England and Namibia comprise Group C while two-time champion Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Asia qualifier Afghanistan and Europe qualifier Ireland form Group D in what is the 11th edition of the tournament and the third to be held in New Zealand.

The top two sides from each group will advance to the Super League while the remaining eight teams will figure in the plate championship.

The quarterfinals, semifinals and final of the Super League will be among the 20 matches to be broadcast live. The final will be played at Bay Oval in Tauranga on 3 February while both semifinals will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch January 29 and 30.

The plate tournament will run simultaneously but end with the final at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Christchurch on 28 January.

Entry to the grounds will be free for the ICC U19 World Cup giving cricket fans in New Zealand a superb opportunity to see tomorrow’s stars today. The event will replicate a major ICC tournament in terms of organization and playing facilities giving players their first taste of competing on the global stage.

Teams will get to tune up for the main event with practice matches from 8-11 January.

CC Head of Events Chris Tetley: “The ICC U19 World Cup plays an important role in the progression of young talent onto the global stage. The list of past and current players who had their first taste of a major event at this tournament is a long one and I have no doubt we’ll be witnessing some of tomorrow’s stars in New Zealand next year.”

The Kenya U19 Cricket team

Tournament Director Brendan Bourke: “This will be the most accessible international event ever staged throughout New Zealand, with free entry to all games, so we look forward to opening the gates to our match venues in a little under five months’ time.

The captains of the teams coming through the Qualifiers are looking forward to the tournament, which is a stepping stone in the development of all participants – players and match officials.

Afghanistan captain Naveen-ul-Haq: “The aim is the same as that of any cricketing nation – this dream of winning the World Cup. For us it is also the same, to go out there and play some positive cricket and lift the trophy for the country.

Canada captain Bhavindu Adhihetty: “We have the skill and the strong mental belief that we can upset any full-member nation on a given day. As any other team, we set ourselves on the goal of hopefully winning the World Cup and proving that Canada is another up and coming massive cricketing nation.”

Ireland captain Harry Tector: “The guys are obviously delighted to be going to the U19 World Cup. It is a great stage to showcase their talents and we hope we can go to New Zealand and show how good a team we are.”

Papua New Guinea captain Vagi Karaho: “It is a really big opportunity for us to play in the World Cup.

“The qualifying tournament has been a learning curve for us, our pathway to the World Cup. We have achieved that and are proud of it.”

The post Kenya drawn with West Indies in U19 Cricket World Cup appeared first on Capital Sports.

Bandari FC players celebrate at the Thika Stadium after eliminating Gor Mahia from the GOtv Shield on July 9, 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 18 – With the GOtv Shield resuming this weekend, reigning Kenyan Premier League Coach of the Year, Paul Nkata is determined to guide Bandari past Sony Sugar when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Bandari, who won the GOtv Shield in 2015, have had a great turn of fortune after the arrival of Nkata from Tusker at the beginning of the season where he claimed double winning the KPL title and the first ever GOtv Shield crown for Brewers.

The Dockers knocked out record 15-time KPL champions Gor Mahia and Nakumatt FC in the rounds of 32 and 16 respectively to reach the quarter-finals.

Speaking to Capital Sport on Thursday, Nkata said that his target this season is to finish top eight in the League, but winning the Shield would be a plus for him.

“We are in the competition to win not just to participate but our target this season has been to  finish top eight in the league. The Shield has not been in my plans but if we win and go through to the final and even win it that will be a plus for us,” Nkata revealed.

Bandari FC head coach Paul Nkata issueing instructions.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Bandari occupy fifth spot on the KPL table with 29 points, having played 19 games and the clash against Sony will not be easy despite the Sugar Millers sitting 14th in the standings with 19 points.

“We have been preparing for the GOtv Shield match against Sony since Monday, we are just polishing. We are ready though our challenge this season has been traveling, we travel a lot more than other teams but we are used to it now. We hope for the best,” Nkata added.

On the other hand, Sony head to this clash not being best of form having  recorded one win from three league matches and will hope to rediscover themselves and  bounce back.

Sony bundled out Ulinzi Stars and Nzoia Sugar FC in the GOtv Shield rounds of 32 and 16 matches respectively to reach the last eight.

Sony Sugar head coach Salim Babu when conducting training with the team at their Awendo’s Green Stadium. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Sony last reached the quarters of the Shield tournament in 2015 but were eliminated by Nakumatt FC 3-1 on post match penalties after the match ended 1-1. Last season they pulled out of the domestic cup following what the club termed as financial constraints.

Other GOtv Shield matches slated for this weekend will see National Super League side Vihiga United play defending champions Tusker FC on Saturday.

On Sunday, Kariobongi Sharks take on Division One side Eldoret Youth FC, National Super League side Wazito FC will square it out with AFC Leopards.

The winner of the tournament will not only earn a spot to represent Kenya in the CAF Confederations Cup but also walks home with Sh2mn cash prize.

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