NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 27- Korogocho based football academy Acakoro was handed a priceless gift on Monday when President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the National Youth Service to vacate from the piece of land they had occupied eating up into almost half of the team’s training ground.

Acakoro, famed for its U-11 side’s victory over Barcelona in the Donauauen Cup in 2016 had been forced to either train in shifts in the squeezed field or seek alternatives, thus hindering their training regime.

But on Monday, the President directed that the NYS vacate the field, asking Cabinet Secretary for Gender and Youth Margaret Kobia who was present to ensure that is followed up and the same is implemented.

“The young man I was sitting next to tells me their pitch in Korogocho was taken away by the NYS and now we have agreed today and madam CS is there, she will rectify that situation. NYS will relocate to a new place and make sure you fix their field and you sort it out so that they are able to play their game,” President Kenyatta said, directing the orders to Kobia.

The President was speaking on Monday during the hosting of the FIFA World Cup trophy at State House in Nairobi where Acakoro was one of the teams invited for the event.

Sports CS Rashid Echesa has meanwhile told Capital Sport he will also push to see that the same is implemented, adding it will be good news especially with his ambition of strengthening grassroot football.

“That is a Presidential directive and there are no two ways about it. It will be done and I will make sure as the CS for Sports that the directive is followed to the latter,” Echesa who took charge from Hassan Wario said.

Acakoro has been up in arms over the pitch which had been taken up since 2015 and efforts to talk to county government officials over the challenge hit uneven rocks.

The community playing field, perched deep in the Korogocho slums had been a safe haven for the sprawling talent in the area. However, just off the blues, the Youth Service put up structures eating into almost a third of the field and fenced off the area.

Harambee Stars stand-in coach Stanley Okumbi who is a founder coach of the academy has expressed ecstasy at the news, saying that the team had struggled to give the upcoming players quality training with limited space.

“The academy has been growing and we have been forced to hire a nearby school at the cost of Sh35,000 a month which is very expensive for a community academy like us,” Okumbi lamented.

He added; “This is very good news for us and I am only hoping that the orders are obeyed and above all, the pitch restored to its previous state. Some goal posts had been uprooted while there are structures that had been built there which need to be rooted out,” Okumbi noted.

Meanwhile, the President said he would donate a full kit to the team.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 27- With just three games into the new season, Sofapaka tactician Sam Ssimbwa has already made a damning assessment on his side, saying they are not good enough to compete for the Kenyan Premier League title.

Sofapaka has won only one match, a nervy 1-0 victory away to Kakamega Homeboyz and lost against Bandari (3-0) and Mathare United (3-1). After the three matches, Ssimbwa is not convinced that his team can compete for the ultimate prize.

“Gauging from these two losses, I think we are not good enough to compete for the trophy. We can play like participants but not good enough to challenge for the trophy,” Ssimbwa said after his side’s 3-1 loss at the hands of Mathare United on Sunday.

The Ugandan tactician was disappointed with the performance of his charges especially in the manner they conceded the first and second goals, saying they were gifts to their opponents.

And now, the tactician who rejoined Batoto ba Mungu at the beginning of last season does not believe that with the current trend which sees them drop seven points behind the leaders they can challenge for their second league diadem.

“If you are competing, you take each game like a final. But if you look at the two games we have lost, are we playing like a final? If we go on like that we shall be participants and not be relegated but can’t fight for anything. Three games with three points and you think you will compete?” posed the tactician.

He added; “We are competing with the likes of Gor Mahia, but if you look at them, they already have nine points from three games.”

-Rift in the team-

Meanwhile, the tactician has hinted a possible rift with the team’s management in terms of signing and releasing of players, insinuating that he might not have been consulted when new players were brought into the squad.

He was particularly critical of the release of defender Jonathan ‘Dante’ Mugabi and midfielder Feni Ali, saying they were two of the club’s best players last season and didn’t understand why they were released.

Batoto ba Mungu were busy in the transfer window and brought in high profile names including strikers Stephen Waruru and Kepha Aswani as well as Burundian defender Mousa Omar.

They had been touted to bring in Zanzibar midfielder Abdul Aziz Makame but the deal fell flat on its belly on the final day of the transfer window.

“You don’t sign names, you sign position. Did we want strikers only? Feni, our best midfielder who scored six goals and had nine assists in the second leg alone went.  Our best defender Dante went. Who were the replacements?” the coach posed, refusing to comment on whether or not he had been involved in the club’s transfer activity.

Ssimbwa however remains hopeful that his relatively new squad will grease up as the season progresses, though he remains pessimistic they will stand a chance of fighting for the league crown.

“Maybe we shall improve with time but by then the title contenders will have left us. We shall play, the trophy might be difficult for us,” he said.

The 2009 league champions will have little time to rest as they will immediately switch their attention to a catch-up fixture against AFC Leopards on Wednesday at the Narok Stadium, same venue they suffered an embarrassing 3-0 loss at the hands of Bandari.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 27 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the Ministries of Sports, Education and Interior to finalise the development of a curriculum that will see golf introduced to public schools.

The President was speaking on Tuesday at State House when handed over the national flag to the Junior Golf Foundation team that will represent the country at the All Africa Junior Golf Challenge in Morocco.

Kenyatta congratulated the team and wished them success as they prepare to travel to Morocco for the tournament which runs from March 3-10.

“As you go abroad with my blessings and my best wishes, express yourselves.  Let your talent shine,” the President told the Junior Golf Foundation team.

As the President spoke on improving sports in the country, he also assured skaters who attended the flag presentation ceremony at State House that they would be provided with space for their use at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani. The skaters currently practice their skills at the Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi.

Sports and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Rashid Mohammed Achesa, Principal Secretaries Josephat Mukobe and Kirimi Kaberia accompanied the team and officials of the Junior Golf Foundation.

Earlier, President Kenyatta held talks with the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Jean Todt, who paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 28 – The Federation Internationale I de Automobile (FIA) President Jean Todt opened the WRC Safari Rally Project headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday and said he was impressed by the level of commitment  Kenya, led by President Uhuru Kenyatta is making towards the re-admission of the Safari Rally Back to the FIA World Championship by 2020.

It was a ceremony tinged with emotions as he came face to face with a photograph of himself as a dashing navigator of Timo Makinen in a Peugeot 504 taken 40 years ago sliding through mud in a passage control back to the car after his time card was stamped.

“It is with emotions that I am here today in Nairobi to open the WRC Safari Rally Project. A lot of things came to my mind when I saw that photograph in the small headquarters when I was 27 years old,” said Todt.

“East African Safari was the reference point in the world of motorsport. If you are not a local then you cannot win was the reputation of the Safari in the rest of the world,” said   Todt who made a stopover in Nairobi specifically to open the offices and get a briefing from Kenyan officials regarding Kenya’s preparations for a World Rally Championship (WRC) Candidate Event next year and possible return to the WRC in 2020.

Earlier he held private talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta who pledged his support for a WRC Safari as part of his legacy in his second and final term in office. The government has pumped in US$2.5 million in this financial year.

In response Todt said he was impressed by the progress so far compared to three years ago.

“It is Speed for action,” he said as the FIA and himself personally wants the Safari back in the WRC. It will not be an endurance event but as a national asset, it will offer the world a glimpse of the “most beautiful country in the world from Mount Kenya to the sandy beaches of Mombasa,”

“I took part in eight times. My heroes were people like Joginder Singh, Nick Norwicki and Shankland (Bert),” he added.

“I say it was a reference because I took part in eight times and never finished apart from 1973 when we finished third with Ove Andersson,”  He said this demonstrated    the uniqueness of the event as an asset for Kenya  which  markets the “most beautiful country in the world,” .

He admitted that he was very sad when the Safari lost the WRC status in 2002. But Kenya must match commitment with action and meet all conditions required of it was meaningful  he expressed his satisfaction with the progress Kenya is making including the government’s support and use of closed roads.

“Today I met with President Kenyatta who pulled me aside and told me that he wants the Safari back in the WRC as part of his legacy,” said Todt who added that this is the first meaningful commitment he has seen from the government in the last 15 years. He also praised the Kenyan private sector for the role it is playing to actualize the Safari dream.

“I am your friend but you must deliver. I would want a good Safari used to promote road safety in Africa, “added Todt who is the United Nations Secretary General Special Envoy on Road Safety.

Kenya Principal Secretary in the sports ministry Peter Kaberia said the government’s commitment towards the Safari is total and the crown in the jewel will certainly return home. So far apart from the free office blocks, the government has committed US$2.5 million towards the project.

The Chief Executive Officer of the WRC Safari Rally project Phineas Kimathi enumerated the journey so far covered in the last two years since meeting Todt in Europe in 2016.

Kenya’s largest KCB Group CEO Joshua Oigara said the private sector is fully behind the Safari because of its unique position as a national asset.

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NAIROBI,Kenya, Feb 28 – Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr has asked the Kenyan Premier League to lessen their burden in the domestic campaign by spacing out their league fixtures to help them give their best in continent football.

The record 16-time KPL champions will be playing Tunisian giants Esperance in the CAF Champions League first round tie at home on March 7, but before then they will have played three matches within a week.

They played Kariobangi Sharks last Sunday, just two days after arriving from Equatorial Guinea, then play Tusker FC on Wednesday and Bandari on Sunday.

“KPL have killed us. We are the only team left in CAF and the expectation on me and the team is phenomenal. Playing three matches within seven days is crazy. If I get injuries because of these fixtures, I will lose top players,” Kerr said.

“Then, I have to bring in bench players. I mean it’s the situation we have to deal with but KPL have to think about it. We want to do well for Kenyan football,” the British tactician told Capital Sport.

He was forced to field most of his ‘second choice’ players against Sharks last weekend and his side was lucky enough to scrape off with a 2-1 win. He is however expected to field a strong squad for both Tusker and Bandari.

“I have to try out different players now so that we can take care of this situation. We need to make sure that every player is ready in the event that one of the strong starters suffers injury,” the coach further explained.

His focus will be on Esperance, a side that beat them 8-2 on aggregate during their last meeting in 2014, and he remains confident they can match up the Tunisians and edge them out to make a group stage appearance.

“This is a match worth Sh56mn and to be honest that’s our big focus now. The players have to look at the big picture. With this kind of match you get enormous exposure on TV, on social media and as a player that opens up avenues. I really hope the players look at it this way,” the coach said.

He added; “I have watched their clips and they are a big, strong team. We’ve got to match them and I believe we have the ability, energy and speed. We need to work on what we can do to counter them.”

“I’ve got to be confident, believe and trust in my players.”

Kerr whose side sits on nine points in the standings with nine points have an opportunity to move top of the log on Wednesday when they host Tusker in Machakos.

K’Ogalo picked four points off the brewers last season, drawing the first leg 0-0 before winning the return fixture 2-0.

Despite Tusker having started the season slow, Kerr expects a tough encounter especially when he comes up against former striker Timothy Otieno released from the team at the end of last season.

“Timothy will definitely be running down trying to prove a point, that I was wrong to release him. It will be tough for us because Tusker is a very good team,” the tactician offered.

Sam Timbe’s men haven’t started the season as strongly as they had hoped to, currently sitting 13th with four points from one win (2-1 against Nzoia Sugar) and a draw (0-0 against Posta). They started the season on a slow with a 2-0 loss away to Chemelil.

A loss to Gor will further pile pressure on Timbe, but the Ugandan tactician must be fancying his chances especially after watching how Sharks shut down the reigning champions on Sunday.

Matches between these two sides have always been tough, but Gor have still somehow found a way out. Over the last 19 meetings, Gor has won eight times and lost four, while the remaining ended in draws.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 28- New Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa has promised that the government will avail money to national teams and sports federations within the next two weeks especially those hit by the exit of sponsors.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Kenya Rugby Union and the Boxing Association of Kenya were hit a financial blow when sponsors Sportpesa exited due to the 35pc tax signed into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“We are working on something as a government around the Sports Fund. We have done a supplementary budget and submitted it to Parliament and in the next two weeks we will have money to sponsor our teams,” Echesa told Capital Sport.

The government through the ministry of sports also last week financed Gor Mahia and AFC leopards’ travel to their continental assignments by purchasing air tickets and Echesa has assured that they will continue supporting Gor who continue with their continental journey.

The Kenya Rugby Union has been severely hit with the exit of sponsors especially ahead of a busy year.

The Kenya Sevens team is taking part in the World Rugby Sevens Series and will also be part of the Commonwealth Games while the 15’s side will be taking part in the World Cup qualifiers beginning March.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Commonwealth Games to be held in Gold Coast, Australia in April, Echesa has affirmed that he will stand firm to ensure that the shenanigans that surrounded Kenya’s management in the run up to the Rio Olympics in 2016 does not happen again.

“Those are our ambassadors and deserve to be treated well. You will not hear anything about mismanagement. I am committed to ensure that things are done in the right way,” The CS said.

He is also confident that the new National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) body which came into office last year will ensure that the team is managed in the best way possible.

Echesa takes over the ministry after a trouble ridden stint under his predecessor Hassan Wario but despite the pressure to perform, he is confident he will prove all his doubters wrong and turn the ministry around.

“There’s a lot of pressure yes but I want to believe God’s time is the best. I will prove them (doubters) wrong; that I promise. I have worn these shoes before and I know how it fits and where it pinches. Watch me keenly and I will want to disapprove those who thought i can’t do it,” the ministry boss added.

Among the issues of priority to him include the completion of renovation works at the Kasarani, Nyayo and Kipchoge Keino stadia.

Echesa has also re-affirmed his promise of working with County Governments in tapping and nurturing talent with President Kenyatta having on Monday reiterated that the national government will also play a key role in the same.

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MACHAKOS, Kenya, Feb 28- Ivorian striker Ephraim Guikan had perhaps what could be ranked as the miss of the season as Kenyan Premier League holders Gor Mahia was held to a 0-0 draw by Tusker FC at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday.

Guikan had the goalmouth at his mercy from four yards out with 15 minutes left on the clock but somehow failed to hit the target slamming the ball into the crossbar when it was harder to miss than score.

The result sees K’Ogalo move to 10 points, same as Mathare United who have however, scored fewer goals compared to the record 16-time KPL champions.

Once again, with the CAF Champions League in the horizon, Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr rung changes from the team that won 2-1 against Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday.

He also changed his system, dropping to a 3-5-2 formation with Humphrey Mieno and Cersidy Okeyo both starting against their former employers partnering in midfield.

Joachim Oluoch and Charles Momanyi were both drafted into the starting team as well, joining Harun Shakava in the three-man defense while Innocent Wafula plied the right wingback position.

Youngster Eliud Loukwam signed straight from school at the beginning of the season was handed his debut for Gor, starting up as the point-man in attack alongside Ephraim Guikan.

Tusker had the first two chances of the game, first, former boy Timothy Otieno trying to pick out Boniface Oluoch off his line with a dipping effort which went wide before Boniface Muchiri headed wide from a Robert Achema cross.

In the sixth minute, a quick one-two change of passes at the top of the box between Loukwam and Lawrence Juma saw Wafula pick out the ball, but he had a heavy touch as he strode into the box with keeper Boniface Oluoch coming off to collect.

Gor came very close to opening the scoring in the 14th minute when Momanyi rose decently to meet a Juma cross, but the ball evaded the target by a whisker.

Four minutes later, Loukwam had a brilliant opportunity to mark his debut with a goal, but he over-cooked the meal.

Another one-two touch of passes saw Guikan set up Loukwam, but the youngster tried too many touches on the ball when he should have just tapped home one-time, his final effort being deflected for a corner.

The frantic start however fizzled off as the pace of the game died down, each side playing cautiously. Tusker were sitting back and hoping to hit on the counter using the pace of their front three of Muchiri, Achema and Amos Asembeka.

They should have punished Gor with 10 minutes left to half time after Momanyi lost the ball cheaply on the left. Otieno took up the gift, steamed forward to pick out Asembeka whose shot on the weaker left foot went inches over the bar.

At the stroke of half time, Otieno had an opportunity to hit his former employers, but he headed over from a good position after being picked out by a Muchiri cross.

In the second half, both coaches sought to shuffle their cards with Timbe pulling out Achema for Mathew Odongo while Kerr brought in Kevin ‘Ade’ Omondi for Wafula. Later, the tactician also pulled out Liukwam for Meddie Kagere.

However, the pace of the game couldn’t pick up until the final 15 minutes.

In the 75th minute of the game, a swift counter attack saw Kagere spring with the ball upfield from the left before picking out Guikan’s run, the Ivorian facing veteran Duncan Ochieng one on one.

Ochieng managed to block Guikan’s effort superbly with the forward managing to get a second bite of the cherry when the ball rebounded off the keeper. However, he slammed the ball on the crossbar with an open goalmouth.

Seven minutes to go, Gor Mahia almost paid for that blunder but Momanyi cleared off the line when Jackson Macharia’s header skipped over Boniface Oluoch.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, February 28 – The 19th edition of the Safaricom Lewa Marathon will be held June 30 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with organisers aiming to raise awareness about the projects and communities that have benefitted from funds raised.  

The annual event is held to raise funds for wildlife conservation and community development, with up to 13,000 runners from all over the world having taken part in the race since inception.

Over Sh40m was raised in 2017 bringing the total amount raised over the 19 years to over Sh 675m.

“For the last 19 years, the Safaricom marathon has had a huge impact on the lives of communities in Lewa and the protection of the endangered species in the conservancy and across the country,” Joseph Ogutu, Director, Strategy – Safaricom, said during the launch on Wednesday.

We remain committed to supporting this cause because we have seen the difference it’s making to wildlife conservation and to the communities in and around the projects we support,” he added.

Among the projects include: Lewa Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust, Mt. Kenya Trust, Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, Space for Giants, Koiyaki Guide School, Olare Orok Conservation Trust, Lamu Marine Conservation Trust, Watamu Turtle Watch, Bongo Surveillance Project, Kibodo Trust, Tsavo Trust, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Big Life Foundation and Borana Conservancy.

The marathon has supported the conservation of some of Kenya’s highly endangered species, notably the Black Rhino, the Leather-back Turtle, Grevy’s Zebra and Mountain Bongo.

In addition, the funds support community initiatives around education, healthcare, employment and economic empowerment in different geographies, with beneficiaries spanning Central, Northern, Western, Rift and Coastal regions.

“The marathon’s phenomenal impact is far reaching across Kenya and the awareness it raises for our benefices’ projects spans across the globe, an achievement that everyone at Safaricom, Lewa and Tusk Trust is tremendously proud of. We have proven that when we run together we can protect our future.” Mike Watson, CEO – Lewa Conservancy, said.

Keeping to the tradition of the title sponsor, Safaricom will donate Sh14.8mn towards the event.

As has been the case, the Safaricom Marathon will have three race categories: the 5KM Children’s Fun Run for 10 to 14 year olds and 15-17 year olds, the Half Marathon (21KM) for individuals, teams and corporates, and the Full Marathon (42KM), which is open to individual runners.

Last year, Philemon Baaru successfully defended his title in the full marathon while Margaret Lepakana won the women’s title. Philemon Kiprono dominated the men’s Half Marathon while the women’s 21km race went to Betty Karambu

For more details on registration, which opens March 1, participants can visit https://www.safaricommarathon.com/

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 28 – Sofapaka bounced back to winning ways after beating AFC Leopards 2-1 in a Kenyan Premier League catch-up fixture played on Wednesday at the Narok Stadium.

The win saw Sofapaka climb to seventh on the log with six points, giving a sigh of relief to under fire head coach Sam Ssimbwa.

AFC Leopards on the other hand remain 11th with four points though they have a game in hand.

-More to follow-

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1- Gor Mahia’s Ivorian striker Ephraim Guikan is okay after a freak injury that saw him momentarily lose consciousness in the dying minutes of the side’s match against Tusker FC on Wednesday in Machakos.

Guikan went for an aerial ball and had a mid-air collision with Tusker FC players, falling awkwardly on the ground with his tongue being trapped at the back of his mouth.

Swift action from Tusker FC midfielder Hashim Ssempala prevented him from swallowing his tongue while Tusker FC team doctor Wycliffe Makanga, also the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) medical committee Secretary rushed to the pitch to stabilize him.

“He is okay now. We had to take him to Kenyatta Hospital to see a specialist and read the scans through after leaving Machakos and the good news is that he is stable,” Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr said.

Players on the pitch frantically called for help when Guikan went down especially after he failed to make any movement after going down.

He is expected to have the mandatory seven-day resting period recommended by FIFA’s medical committee after concussions and will be unavailable for Gor Mahia’s game against Bandari on Saturday.

“For Esperance, we will wait. He has to go back to the doctor and get a go ahead to be back because that is a serious kind of situation,” Kerr added.

While Guikan will be out, Kerr’s side is boosted with the return of Rwandese forward Jacques Tuyisenge who picked up an ankle injury in their match against Zoo Kericho. Tuyisenge will also be available for the CAF tie against Esperance after sorting his passport issues.

“He would have been part of the team on Wednesday but he hasn’t trained whole week as he was out in Rwanda sorting his passport issues. He should be available for Saturday against Bandari and the Esperance game as well,” the coach said.

Kerr continues to lament that his side has been forced to constantly change the starting team especially having been faced with a fixture of four games within 11 days.

“I don’t think there is a coach who changes the team as much as I have to do. Look at what has happened to Guikan, could happen to another top player on Saturday and I find myself in an awkward situation,” lamented the tactician.

He will be hoping to use the Bandari match as a preparatory platform for the Esperance game on Wednesday at the same venue and has hinted he will use his strongest squad after using mostly fringe players for their last two KPL matches.

The post Gor’s Guikan okay after freak injury appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – The 2018 Rift Valley Marathon has received Sh1, 950,000 from pan-African free-to-air broadcaster, Kwesè Free Sports, ahead of the race scheduled to run March 17 at Mosoriot, Nandi County.

The race is a global destination event that attracts runners from all over the world who participate in the magical experience of running with the Kenyans in Nandi County also known as the ‘SOURCE OF CHAMPIONS’.

Launched in 2012 by RUN FOR LIFE, the marathon has attracted more than 1000 participants from more than 15 countries across the globe and it has awarded Sh2mn in prize money, offered trips to Canada for race winners, awarded unique prizes including bicycles, livestock, maize seeds, and the world famous Kenyan Calabash to participants.

“Kwese is keen to grow and contribute to local sports in Kenya, this is a commitment we uphold in all our markets and we are thrilled to be part of this year’s Rift Valley Marathon,” Kwesé Free TV General Manager, Monicah Ndungu said.

“This is a race that has served as training ground for some of the most successful Kenyan runners competing on the global stage including Vivian Cheruiyot, BartonjoRotich, Abel Kirui, Wesley Korir, Stanley KipletingBiwott, and, AsbelKiprop to name a few. We are now at the forefront of making it not only a successful event but also a memorable one,” she added.

“We are really excited about the Kwesé Rift Valley Marathon partnership as our synergies are well aligned for the future of Sports in Africa and as we strive to grow the race into the biggest in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020, we hope to attract runners from around the world to come run with the Kenyans and experience the beautiful scenic Nandi County and the magical Rift Valley”, Rift Valley Marketing Director Sharon Allela, stated.

Providing the best in premium sports to fans across the continent free of charge is crucial to this pan-African broadcaster, Kwesé is also committed to fostering partnerships that build lasting momentum for local sports programs in Kenya.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – Following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s order, the National Youth Service (NYS) has vacated the football ground it had occupied in Korogocho, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Margaret Kobia announced on Thursday.

Kobia also directed the NYS to level the field, plant grass and put goal posts immediately so that the area youth can begin to host tournaments in Korogocho.

The CS further directed the NYS to rehabilitate a community building bordering the field, which had been occupied by the NYS personnel who have been carrying out community service in the area.

On other issues raised by the area youth pertaining to the management of the field, after various groups laid claim, the CS directed the local government administration to find a lasting solution.

Korogocho based football academy Acakoro was handed a priceless gift last Monday when President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the NYS to vacate from the piece of land they had occupied eating up into almost half of the team’s training ground.

Acakoro, famed for its U-11 side’s victory over Barcelona in the Donauauen Cup in 2016 had been forced to either train in shifts in the squeezed field or seek alternatives, thus hindering their training regime.

The President directed that the NYS vacate the field, asking Cabinet Secretary for Gender and Youth Margaret Kobia who was present to ensure that is followed up and the same is implemented.

“The young man I was sitting next to tells me their pitch in Korogocho was taken away by the NYS and now we have agreed today and madam CS is there, she will rectify that situation.

NYS will relocate to a new place and make sure you fix their field and you sort it out so that they are able to play their game,” President Kenyatta said, directing the orders to Kobia.

The President was speaking during the hosting of the FIFA World Cup trophy at State House in Nairobi where Acakoro was one of the teams invited for the event.

The Director General of NYS Richard Ndubai, who accompanied the CS, said work on the playground was to start immediately and take about one week to complete both assignments.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1- Tusker FC boss Sam Timbe is impressed by the improvement his side has recorded since their first Kenyan Premier League match of the season and remains optimistic they will perform better than they did last season.

However, he has asked his charges to increase their input both on the training ground and on match days as they look to firm up and challenge for a respectable finish this season.

The Ugandan tactician was forced to build up an almost entirely new team after inheriting a shell of a squad at Ruaraka, most first team players having left at the close of last season

“With a well built side you come and polish from where you find but here I have had to start with new players. For them, they don’t understand my philosophy and they have to be trained into that philosophy,” Timbe told Capital Sport.

He adds; “At times it takes long and also at times depends on the quality of the players you have. But I am happy they are picking up and showing some good football. If they get to my philosophy well, we will be okay.”

Four games on, the team has amassed five points from one win and two draws having lost their opening tie away to Chemelil Sugar.

Timbe talked at length of imprinting his philosophy of building play from the back whish he says the team is yet to fully grasp, but remains optimistic with more training they will be able to play perfectly well.

He was disappointed in part with the tactical implementation against Gor Mahia on Wednesday, a match that ended 0-0 in Machakos but he was contend with the single point picked.

“There are times we should have built up play well, but I am happy with what we got. I have added a point; it is a marathon and a step is better than nothing. We will find a way to sharpen to be in a better position,” the coach noted.

The brewers switch their attention to Ulinzi Stars who they face on Sunday at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru with Timbe looking for an improved performance from his charges.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1- Five-time African women volleyball club champions Kenya Prisons have vowed to bring the glory days back and reclaim the African title when they line up at this year’s championship to be held in Egypt from March 6-15.

Prisons last won the title in 2013 when it was held in Madagascar, but have struggled to replicate the form that saw them win four titles in a row.

Team Captain Evelyn Makuto says the team has the hunger to win the trophy again and has tipped her teammates to show that in the court when the tournament serves off in the North African city of Cairo.

“Everyone wants this cup and we are hungry for it. We have gone four years without it but now, we are going for it. Our preparations this year have been better than the previous years and we promise to reclaim that trophy,” the experienced left attacker told Capital Sport.

Prisons came close last year only losing out gas by losing in the semi-finals, but went on to win bronze in the championship held in Tunisia. In 2014 they won silver after losing to Algeria’s GSP Alger by straight sets in the final.

Head coach David Lung’aho has attributed their below par performances over the last four years to squad disruption with some of his key players travelling in and out of Europe for professional stints but this year, he says he has the best squad to do duty.

The only absentees from his squad will be setter Jane Wacu who is in Seychelles while young middle blocker Ann Lowem is still recovering from an ankle injury picked up while playing for the national Under-23 team last year.

“The build up has been impressive and we are ready. We have put up one of the best team over the last four years and the team spirit is very high. The players are focused, I believe in them and I can see us getting the trophy back,” the tactician said after seeing the side through a training session on Thursday.

Lung’aho has named a strong team to Cairo with three debutants included while the experienced Brackcedes Agala has been dropped.

Kwanthanze High School graduates Lorene Chebet and Sharon Chepchumba have been included in the team, joining setter Herma Jepyegon in a very seasoned Prisons team.

“Herma is coming in as a setter to replace Wacu and we are very confident in her abilities. Chebet and Chepchumba have also worked very hard in training and proved to be equal to the task. Chebet is actually in my first six and has proved to have the quality that deserves to play,” the coach noted.

He added; “She has given the seasoned players like Edith Wisa a run for their money and they should watch out because she is developing really fast.”

Lung’aho also notes that the team will not be affected despite the absence of Wacu, saying the matter is now behind their backs and will focus on what they have, adding they have full confidence in her replacement.

Captain Makuto also added they will be playing to win the title for Wacu who has served the team for close to two decades.

A record number of 21 teams including holders Carthage of Tunisia have confirmed participating in the nine-day tournament and Lung’aho says this will widen the pool of competition for them.

“We need to fight from day one. We expect very tough competition from our own rivals Kenya Pipeline, the two Egyptian teams, the defending champions and not forgetting teams from Cameroon. It will be tough,” the tactician said.

Skipper Makuto added on to say they will not underrate anyone but will instead give 100 percent in every match they play.

“We are ready for anyone and we will give our best without looking at who we are playing. Our target is on the trophy and that is what we will work on,” Makuto added.

Kenya Prisons team

Joy Lusenaka, Herma Jepyegon, Loise Jepkosgei, Emmaculate Chemtai, Edith Wisa, Shyrine Jepkemboi, Diana Khisa, Lorine Chebet, Mercy Moim, Everlyne Makuto, Sharon Chepchumba, Yvonne Wavinya, Elizabeth Wanyama, Judith Tarus.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – Hellen Obiri’s efforts to reclaim her World Indoor title in the women’s 3000m were thwarted after the Kenyan finished fourth in a race that saw Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba win gold for the third time in a row on the opening day of the 2018 edition in Birmingham on Thursday.

Genzebe clocked 8:45.05 to win gold ahead of Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands who returned a seasons best of 8:45.68 to take home silver while home based Laura Muir settled for bronze in also a seasons best time of 8:45.78.

Obiri, who won the title in 2012, faded to fourth after clocking 8:49.66, missing a medal as his rival Dibaba reigned supreme with a superb performance to see her complete a hat-trick of titles.

“I’m very happy to be world indoor champion for the third time,” said Dibaba, who, along with most of the rest of the 3000m field, will line up for the 1500m heats tomorrow. “This is a great competition and the race was fantastic. This day is for me and my country.

“I wasn’t good in 2017, but 2018 is my time.”

It was a slow pace race that saw Briton, cheered by home crowed take the lead as the pack went through the 400m in 1:15 while defending champion Dibaba was cruising at the back of the bunched group.

With seven laps to go, they went through 1600m in 4:58 with Klosterhalfen leading with the big four of Dibaba, Obiri Hassan and Muir not making any sign of opening up the race.

However, hitting the 2000m mark, Dibaba charged up as the pack started breaking up with Obiri moving to second.

Dibaba proved that she is an indoor performer when she had to work round that last lap as Hassan and Muir battled for the minor medals, but in reality neither were able to challenge the Ethiopian who always looked to have an extra gear.

With a second half of 4:03, a last kilometre of 2:37.43 and a final lap of 29.44 seconds, Dibaba recorded her fastest ever closing splits from her world indoor 3000m victories.

Muir made up ground on Hassan in the closing stages, but the Dutch record-holder managed to hold off the Briton to take silver, 8:45.68 to Muir’s 8:45.78. Obiri, meanwhile, faded on the final lap and finished a distant fourth in 8:49.66, just ahead of USA’s Shelby Houlihan.

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STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Mar 1 – Veteran Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic hinted on Thursday that he could return to international football in time for the World Cup in Russia.

The 36-year-old Manchester United player has suffered with injuries over the last 12 months and retired from Sweden duty after Euro 2016.

“I miss the national team,” he told Swedish press.

“If I want, I do it. I want to feel that I can deliver a good performance.”

The former Paris Saint-Germain star has only played five Premier League games this season for Jose Mourinho’s United, with his last match ending when he was replaced at half-time in a 2-2 draw with Burnley in December.

Sweden qualified in Ibrahimovic’s absence with a famous 1-0 victory over four-time world champions Italy in a two-legged playoff last November.

Ibrahimovic has scored a Swedish record 62 international goals in 116 matches.

The Scandinavians kick off their World Cup campaign against South Korea in Nizhny Novgorod on June 18, before further Group F games against holders Germany and Mexico.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 2- AFC Leopards head coach Robert Matano has been asked to step aside from the team until after a meeting with the Executive Committee on Tuesday over what the club has termed as ‘indiscipline’ and concerns over the team’s performance.

Also, midfielder Collins ‘Gattuso’ Okoth has been suspended from the club pending an outcome of the same meeting over indiscipline and has been asked to show cause why action should not be taken against him.

“What we have done is asked Matano to step aside from the team until Tuesday when he meets with the Executive Committee. I cannot divulge the details exactly but what I can say is that the issues revolve around discipline and performance of the team,” AFC Leopards Secretary General Oscar Igaida told Capital Sports.

On Okoth’s case, Igaida explained that the midfielder failed to train with the rest of the team while in Madagascar for their CAF Confederations Cup tie against FOSA Juniors.

“He was staying in the same hotel with everyone else but when it came to training, he was missing in action. He also failed to turn up for training when the team returned from Madagascar. His seven days to show cause why expires on Tuesday and from there we will take appropriate action,” Igaida added.

AFC Leopards were dumped out of the Confederations Cup on the away goal rule after a 1-1 aggregate result over FOSA while they have played three games in the league losing, one drawing the other and winning one.

“We have an agreement with the coach that we should be reviewing the performance every five matches. AFC is a team which should be in the first round of the Confederations Cup and as at now, we should be talking of three games and three wins. We just want to find out why the team is not doing well,” Igaida said.

He added; “There are also issues with discipline both from the technical bench and the playing unit as well.”

-Kitambi to temporarily take charge-

His assistant Dennis Kitambi will temporarily take charge of the team in training and for their Kenyan Premier League tie against Sony Sugar on Sunday in Awendo.

Matano joined the team in July last year from National Super League side Bidco United and helped them to the GOtv Shield title as well as safely guarding them to safety against the relegation axe.

However, Ingwe are not new to the circus of hiring and firing coaches as they have had close to 20 men at the helm since their return to top flight football in 2009.

Last year, they had Stewart Hall in the beginning, then Romanian Dorin Marian who lasted only two weeks and replaced by Tom Juma before Matano came on board.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 2- Fidelity Insurance and the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) on Friday renewed their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) coach of the month partnership for a further one season.

The deal worth close to Sh1.4mn will see the insurance provider continue in awarding the top flight league’s best coaches for the next nine months, retaining the monetary package of Sh75, 000.

“Because of the harsh economic times, we were torn between letting it go or meeting halfway with SJAK. But we said we have been in this arena for the last two years and against all odds when everyone else is pulling out we continue with our small token every month,” Fidelity Insurance Marketing and Business Development Manager Nicholas Malesi said.

The Sh1.4mn sponsorship perk will cater for not only the monetary award handed to the winning coach each month but also go into the commemorative plaque as well as logistical arrangements.

“We are here to re-affirm that we will continue giving what we have had and we believe for the two years we have done this we have personally touched the lives of those coaches in a better way and we hope to continue to contribute to the growth of this game and also for our coaches to get noticed,” Malesi further added.

-SJAK President-

SJAK President Chris Mbaisi was pleased that the insurer was committing to another one year of the partnership and remains hopeful that there will be room for bigger engagement in the near future.

“We are grateful to Fidelity insurance for partnering with us since 2016. We have come a long way in this journey and it is my happiness to see them remaining one of our key partners,” Mbaisi said.

He has at the same time challenged Fidelity to next season look into a package for the assistant coach as well as look into sponsoring the annual coach of the year award at the SJAK gala.

“We are not lucky in terms of increment but I urge Fidelity going forward to look into rewarding assistant coaches as well because they are the ones who work a lot behind the scenes,” noted Mbaisi.

“We also want them to partner with us for end year awards because sponsoring the monthly award, it is only honourable that they come on board for the coach of the year as well,” he added.

Malesi says they will put the same into consideration and probably kick off with the end year awards before considering awarding assistants from next season.

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NAIROBI, KENYA, Mar 2- Ahead of the African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Egypt next week, seven-time champions Kenya Pipeline will have to deal with an injury hit squad as they travel to North Africa.

Japheth Munala’s side will be without Christine Siwa for the nine-day championship with the centre having picked up a tear in her hand muscles while libero Aggripina Kundu, Yvonne Sinaida, Esther Wangeci and captain Noelle Murambi will be racing against time to be fit for the championship.

“It has been tough for us but I am still confident that we can go there and do well. Apart from Siwa who has been completely ruled out of the championship, I am hopeful that the rest will be fit in time because those are injuries they can manage before our first game,” Munala said.

Pipeline have also been forced to minimize their training over the past one week after being forced out of the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Gymnasium due to the ongoing Table Tennis Continental Cup being held in the upper gym of the venue.

The reigning Kenyan champions had hoped to secure the African Nazarene University indoor complex for training, but it was also booked for another event.

“It has been tough because we have been forced to do only aerobics in the gym for the whole week. It is not ideal because this is the week we should have done our fine tuning. I hope that the two days we will have before the championship can be of help to us,” the coach noted.

Pipeline travel to Cairo on Saturday via Abu Dhabi and they will be hoping to reclaim the title they last won in 2005.

They have struggled to assert their dominance over the last decade, only coming close in 2015 when they lost 3-1 to hosts Al Ahly in Cairo. Last year, they finished a dismal fifth.

“We will have to do our best and improve on that fifth place finish last year. We expect a lot of competition because teams have improved and the biggest thing is that we hope for fair pooling. The girls look ready and hopefully, we get to do better,” the tactician offered.

Vice Captain Triza Atuka is upbeat that the team can do well.

‘Last year wasn’t very good for us and the first thing on our minds is to improve on that performance,” the 24-year old middle blocker noted.

The team was hosted for breakfast by their sponsors on Friday morning where they were officially handed over the Kenya Pipeline flag to represent the country in North Africa.

Kenya Pipeline Squad

Setters: Janet Wanja, Rose Magoi

Right attackers: Christine Ngugi, Esther Wangeci

Left attackers: Monica Biama, Noelle Murambi, Naomi Too, Leonida Kasaya

Middle blockers: Triza Atuka, Beldine Akinyi, Yvonne Sinaida, Raelle Simiyu.

Liberos: Aggripina Kundu, Celestine Nyongesa.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 2- Despite an explosive start that has seen them pick up 10 points in their first four matches of the season, Mathare United head coach Francis Mathare believes there is still room for improvement for the side that evaded relegation by a whisker last season.

The Slum Boys are one of the only four unbeaten sides this year and their 10-ppoint haul after three wins and draw is double the amount they had managed at the same point last season.

“It’s still too early but with four games already and with 10 points, it’s a good step and a good motivation for the young players who struggled a lot last year. It shows development and maturity. They have taken the first few games with a big punch and it builds lots of confidence and I am seeing lots of room to improve,” Kimanzi said.

Mathare’s emphatic 3-1 win over a star-studded Sofapaka side last weekend was biggest testament that Kimanzi’s charges would not be engaging in the murky wars of relegation again and the tactician says he is reaping the fruits of keeping faith in a young squad.

Kimanzi lost almost the entire first team cog from the 2016 season and instead of going for seasoned players, he chose to stick to youngsters and they have proved him right with their performance thus far.

“They are becoming another force with only their second season in the league. Most were new and complete beginners, but we can see what one year can do with a good environment for development,” the coach said.

He added; “They have become so solid and I am enjoying the way they play, the way they make decisions in attack and defending. I love what they have developed into after 16 months of work.”

Mathare hope to keep the form flying this weekend when they travel away to Thika United, a side which has found it tough to get their feet on the ground with just two points off their first four matches.

-Kariobangi Sharks look to bounce back-

Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks tactician William Muluya hopes his side can recover from last weekend’s slim loss against Gor Mahia, saying his side was not pressed down despite letting off Gor with an easy win.

Sharks had rallied from a goal down to hold the 16-time champions to a 1-1 draw, but a mistake saw them drop hopes for a win.

“We played well but we were punished for our mistakes. Football is a game of chances and if you make mistakes you are punished. That’s not the end of our fight. We will ensure we improve for the return leg,” Muluya said.

Wazito have had a mixed start to their debut season in top flight winning one, drawing another and losing the other of their opening three games.

They return to their Camp Toyoyo base on Sunday hoping to replicate the result they had on their opening day, a 1-0 win over Sony Sugar.

“It has been a tough start definitely with some lessons to pick here and there, but the team is getting better. It will be tough against Sharks because they are very tactical and organized but I am hopeful we can get a positive result from the match,” the coach opined.

In other fixtures to be played this weekend, Sofapaka will host Posta Rangers at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos tomorrow, head coach Sam Ssimbwa hoping they can build on from their 2-1 win over AFC Leopards in midweek.

The two sides lie side by side at sixth and seventh in the standings both having picked up six points. Unbeaten Posta have drawn thrice and won once while Sofapaka have won twice and lost a similar number.

Posta boss Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo will hope to use the advantage that they will be fresher than their opponents who had to travel to Narok for their midweek engagement.

“Despite that I think this will be a very tough match for us but overall, I expect us to get a win. Sofapaka has a very good forward line and it is one area we should really be cautious about,” Omollo said.

Statistically, Posta walk into the tie shoulders high as they have won half of their last 10 fixtures against Batoto ba Mungu, losing three and drawing twice. Last season, they picked four points off Sofapaka winning the first leg 1-0 and drawing the return tie 1-1.

KPL Weekend fixtures:

Saturday: Chemelil Sugar v Zoo Kericho (Chemelil), Vihiga United v Nakumatt (Bukhungu), Nzoia Sugar v Kakamega Homeboyz (Sudi Stadium), Sofapaka v Posta Rangers, Gor Mahia v Bandari (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos).

Sunday: Thika United v Mathare United (Thika Stadium), Sony Sugar v AFC Leopards (Awendo), Wazito v Kariobangi Sharks (Camp Toyoyo), Ulinzi Stars v Tusker FC (Afraha Stadium, Nakuru).

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