NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 3 – Kenya’s record try scorer Collins Injera grounded two tries as Shujaa overcame Russia 19-12 to keep their hopes of reaching the Main Cup quarterfinal alive at the USA Sevens in Las Vegas.

Jeff Oluoch put Shujaa 5-0 up after latching on the inside pass from Nelson Oyoo.

Innocent Simiyu’s charges would soon lose Sammy Oliech to injury before Injera popped up to touch down,Eden Agero with the conversion to stretch the lead to 12-0.

The Russians grabbed a try moments before the break to trail 12-5.

German Davydov’s converted effort drew the Russians level before Agero converted Injera’s try after a patient Shujaa build up.

In the opening match, Kenya lost 14-19 to France.

Kenya face Fiji  at 11.36pm

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 3 – Sofapaka climbed to third on the Kenyan Premier League table after goals from Stephen Waruru and Kepha Aswani saw the Batoto ba Mungu overcome Posta Rangers 2-1 at the Machakos Stadium on Saturday.

The result saw Sofapaka collect their second back-to-back win and ease pressure on Ugandan tactician Sam Ssimbwa, who last weekend slammed his players after losing 3-1 to Mathare United.

This win for the 2009 KPL champions comes after they beat AFC Leopards 2-1 in mid-week catch up fixture.

Waruru, signed from Ulinzi Stars at the beginning of the season netted the opener in the 42nd minute, after nodding home a Kevin Kimani set-piece to enable his side head to the break leading 1-0.

Both sides rung changes in the second half and it’s Sofapaka who responded with Aswani doubling the lead in the 48th minute.

However, Gerson Likono pulled one goal back in the 80th minute but Posta could not manage to salvage a point as Sofapaka held on to win the game.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 3 – Mighty Gor Mahia opened a three-point lead at the summit of the Kenyan Premier League after winning 2-0 over visiting Bandari in match played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.

K’Ogalo found the opener on the stroke of half time through Felly Mulumba’s own goals before talisman Meddie Kagere added the second in the 62nd minute.

The win sees Gor control the league table on 13 points, three ahead of Mathare United who face Thika United away on Sunday.

Gor, who are unbeaten this season, could have taken the lead in the 25th minute when Francis Kahata floated the ball in the area, to see Kagere powerfully head but Bandari shot-stopper Farouk Shikhalo pushed the ball for a fruitless corner.

The goal came in the 44th minute after Bandari soaked in pressure, seeing defender Felly Mulumba deflect home Wesley Onguso’s cross for the own goal and hand the defending champions a 1-0 lead at the break.

Gor were dominant the second half with their efforts paying dividends in the 62nd minute after Kagere fully maximized on Shikhalo’s blunder to score the second goal for Gor. Shikhalo had come out to clear the ball, but he missed to hand Kagere the golden opportunity to easily tap home past an empty net.

As it has been Gor head coach Dylan Kerr’s norm this season, he substituted Kahata for Boniface Omondi and Kagere who went out for Kevin ‘Ade’ Omondi.

The changes increased the tempo of the match and in the 74th minute George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo made a good run on the left wing to set-up Onguso, who cut in and to smear a measured pass to Boniface Omondi, but Shikhalo was alert to save the danger.

Gor now turn attention to continental football where they host Tunisian giants Esperance in the opening leg of the First round at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday next week.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 3 – Impala Saracens set up a mouth watering Kenya Cup quarter final against rivals Kenya Harlequin after the Gazelles played to a 9-9 draw against champions KCB RFC in a match played at the Lions Den on Saturday.

In the other quarter final pairing, Kabras Sugar, who finished third will lock horns with Strathmore Leos.

The winner between Impala and Quins will book a semifinal date against KCB while Homeboyz will play the winner between Kabras and Strathmore Leos in the other semi.

The quarters are scheduled for next weekend (March 10) while the semis will be played on the weekend of March 17.

Strathmore Leos went through despite falling 20-7 to Homeboyz and this is after Nakuru lost to Mwamba 17-12 at the Nairobi Railways Club.

Kabras finished third thanks to their 58-3 victory over Blak Blad. The 2016 champions entered this encounter sitting fourth but the bonus win takes them to 43 points, two above Impala.

At the Lions Den, Impala were under pressure to win the match for them to qualify for the quarters and got the slot despite the draw.

The points were all from penalties as no team managed to cross over in the clash staged at a rainy KCB Sports Club.

Mark Kwemoi scored for Impala while Darwin Mukidza slotted for the defending champions.

-By Raga House- 

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 3 – Veteran Andrew Amonde struck a late try to help Kenya snatch victory away from Fiji after winning 17-14in their final Pool A match and qualify to the Main Cup quarterfinal at the Las Vegas 7s in USA on Saturday.

Kenya will now face Argentina in the Main Cup quarters on Sunday morning at 5:10am with the big clash seeing Fiji battle it out with New Zealand in the biggest clash of Day 2.

After France had beaten Russia 31-7 in the other final Pool A fixture, Kenya needed to beat Fiji to progress to the Main Cup quarters and they exactly did that after coming a try down to upset the titans.

Fiji took the lead when Jerry Tuwai who broke away. Amenoni Nasilasila carried on the move to see their hard work pay as they weaved through the solid Kenyan defenders. As a result, Paula Dranisinukula had a walk in out wide and Nasilasila added the conversion.

However, Kenya responded after using their physic and instead of playing wide as their norm, to see them go through the middle of the park with hard runners with Collins Injera making the final punch through to level the proceedings at the interval.

Kenya nearly punished a scrappy Fiji side when Paula Dranisinukula’s wayward pass was kicked through by Billy Odhiambo and, for once, Jerry Tuwai could not safely collect in the back field. As a result Kenya had a scrum five metres out, however they gave the ball back to their opponents at the breakdown before Fiji knock-on.

Fiji were reduced to six men after Vatemo Ravouvou was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle. Kenya maximized on the advantage to take the lead when Injera went from east to west before delivering a try-scoring pass to Willy Ambaka on the far left but missed the conversion, leading 12-7.

However, a lapse of concentration from Kenya gifted Fiji back the lead when Jerry Tuwai puts the switch back inside off a scrum to see Naduva pick the ball and fly awayto the try-line before Mesulame Kunavula added the conversion.

But as Fiji thought they had won, Kenya snatched away the victory on the hooter when Amonde grounded the winner to spark Kenyan fans at the stands who went wild. Amonde was too powerful for Fiji as he received the ball from Injera after pushing the opponents to their corner.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 4- Kenya will face Australia in the fifth place semi-final of the Las Vegas Sevens on Sunday night after failing to go past Argentina in the Main Cup quarter finals early morning.

Having powered past Fiji with an Andrew Amonde try past the buzzer to make it to the Cup Quarters, Shujaa faced the Pumas in the last eight, but fell short losing 17-12.

Argentina ran in three tries, one of which was converted while Kenya touched down twice through Willy Ambaka and Nelson Oyoo whose try was converted by Eden Agero.

Shujaa will now be in the running of a minimum 10 points and a maximum 12. If they progress to the fifth place final, they will be assured of 12 points, same as they picked during the last leg in Hamilton, New Zealand.

A loss against Russia will see them amass 10 points which will take their total haul this season to 45 after five legs, a five-point deficit from their initial target at this stage of the season.

Elsewhere, South Africa, the defending champions and current World Rugby Sevens Series leaders, booked their semi-final spot at the Las Vegas Sevens with a 29-17 victory over Australia.

The Blitzboks reached the quarter-finals unbeaten, wrapping up pool play early Saturday with a 24-19 victory over England.

In Sunday’s semi-finals at Sam Boyd Stadium they’ll take on Argentina, 17-12 quarter-final winners over Kenya.

South Africa, whose run to the series title last season included a triumph in Las Vegas, are looking for another US victory to boost their series lead.

South Africa and Australia were level 12-12 at halftime, but South Africa dominated after the break with tries from Cecil Afrika, Ruhan Nel and Selvyn Davids before a late consolation score by Australia newcomer Jeral Skelton.

“We knew Australia were a quality side so we’re very happy with the performance tonight,” said South Africa captain Philip Snyman. “We knew they were going to be physical and take us on at the rucks. We said we needed to man up and make sure we hung onto our ball.”

With their win over Kenya, Argentina also reached the semi-finals unbeaten.

“We are having a great weekend,” said Argentina’s Gaston Revol. “This game was really hard, so physical. Kenya is very strong. We knew that, we knew we had to be strong and we did so we are happy.”

Fiji booked their semi-final berth with a dramatic 14-10 victory over New Zealand, setting up a semi-final meeting with the United States, who eliminated England 17-12.

Jerry Tuwai’s try after the siren lifted Fiji to the victory in a tense duel that saw New Zealand up 10-7 at halftime — an advantage they kept until the final play.

The Kiwis, second in the series standings coming into the weekend, had earlier downed Scotland 26-17 in their last pool match to book their quarter-final berth.

Fiji had topped Pool A despite falling 17-14 to Kenya in their last group match.

US coach Mike Friday was under no illusions as to the difficulty of the task awaiting his side against a Fijian side coming off a victory in the previous leg at Hamilton, which boosted them to third place in the series standings.

“We will need to be incredibly disciplined in defense to contain the Fijians and both physical and accurate in attack to control the ball,” he said.

Perry Baker’s hat-trick accounted for all of the United States tries against England.

Two of them saw him race the length of the pitch, after his first with the support of Folau Niua off an England penalty.

“I am pleased with how the entire group have moved forward today,” Eagles coach Mike Friday said. “The squad as whole, although not perfect in game one, are learning together and it’s important for the less experienced players to get out there and play.”

-Additional report from AFP

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 4- Eric Kapaito struck a hatrick as Kariobangi Sharks picked their biggest win yet this season with an assured performance as they outclassed Premier League newbies Wazito 4-1 at the Camp Toyoyo Ground in Nairobi on Sunday.

Elsewhere, AFC Leopards picked their second win of the season with a 2-0 win away to Sony Sugar at the Awendo Stadium while in Thika, Mathare United failed in their bid to close down on leaders Gor Mahia, drawing 1-1 with Thika United.

At the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Tusker’s struggles this season continued as they lost 1-0 to soldiers Ulinzi Stars, the soldiers picking their second win this season.

It was Sharks however who provided the day’s best entertainment, hitting Wazito on a day they had specially set as their own fan-day in a rain soaked Camp Toyoyo. They were aided by horrendous errors from the Wazito backline which gifted them easy goals.

Kapaito had for himself a man of the match performance, not only scoring thrice but also setting up the opener for Duke Abuya.

Sharks who had not won in their last three matches came into the tie hungry to write off their underachievement and showed their hunger from early on.

They had their first opportunity at goal in the seventh minute when Kapaito cited Wazito keeper Eric Ogwade off his line, but his effort at volleying the ball first time into the net failed as the ball went wide.

It remained to be a tactical battle in the first quarter of an hour, but while Frank Ouna’s Wazito was held back in their shape, Sharks were up hitting every ball up in attack.

Wazito’s structure finally collapsed with two quick fire goals in the 22^nd and 24^th minutes, all coming off errors. Kapaito stole the ball off Wazito defender Brian Odhiambo before poking it for Abuya who had the simple task of guiding the ball into an empty net.

Two minutes later, they were 2-0 down this time keeper Ogwade gifting them with a goal. The shot stopper’s attempt at clearing the ball from the right fell on kapaito’s path and the attacker signed at the beginning of the season from Talanta took a first time aim at goal hitting the bull’s eye.

Sharks should have been three up in the 27^th minute but Abuya was selfish with the ball. The forward strode away on the left, and from a tight angle attempted to beat the keeper who saved the effort for a corner.

The high pressing game insisted upon by Sharks coach William Muluya had proved a masterstroke as they won many balls off the Wazito backline but could not utilize with the chances.

Wazito halved the deficit to carry some hopes of a comeback three minutes to the break when centre back Odhiambo rose highest inside the box to nod home a corner from Joakim Omollo.

However, the error prone defender was pulled out at the beginning of the second half with coach Ouna moving off the five-man backline that had failed to work and in came forward Piston Mutamba.

But even with the change of personnel and formation, Sharks continued to dominate.

Patillah Omotto came close to adding Sharks’ third with a wonderful curling freekick from the edge of the box but the effort went inches over.

On the hour mark though, it was 3-1 and a sucker punch to Wazito’s effort at a comeback. It was another horrendous performance from the keeper who was caught out with a shot from distance by Kapaito.

The on-form forward almost nodded home another goal in the 68^th minute but his header unmarked at the back post from a Michael Bodo cross went wide.

But there was no stopping the steam-rolling Sharks train as Kapaito completed his hatrick with a glancing header at the near post off a Henry Juma cross from the right.

Wazito had a late chance to finish off the game with some pride, but they wasted two chances, at a go, first Brian Oswe failing to beat John Oyemba one on one from a Joe Waithira cross with Omollo sending the rebound high into the sky.

Wazito remain 14^th on the standings with four points after five matches while Sharks rise all the way to fourth from 10^th with eight points.

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BIRMINGHAM, United kingdom, Mar 4- Bethwell Birgen won Kenya’s only medal at the 2018 IAAF World Indoor Championship in Birmingham, claiming bronze in the 3,000m race on the final day of the Championship where Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha defended his title.

Birgen managed to break up a potential Ethiopian medal sweep, clocking an impressive 8:15.70 and improving on his eighth place in the 2014 event.

He kept a low profile throughout the race but appeared when it mattered most to take his first major championship medal. Compatriot Davis Kiplangat finished seventh out of the 12 athletes who started the final after clocking 8:18.03.

Kenya’s final medal hope rested in youngster Vincent Kibet in the 1500m race, but he failed to perform after finishing last clocking 4:02.32 in a race won by Ethiopia’s Samuel Tefera while Poland’s Marcin Lewandowski won silver.

In the 3,000m Hagos Gebrhiwet just missed out on a medal with a 8:15.76 clocking with the world 5000m silver medallist beating Spain’s European indoor 3000m champion Adel Mechaal (8:16.13) to the line in fifth.

Kejelcha successfully defended his title with a powerful display of front running over the final kilometre of a tactical final.

The 20-year-old IAAF World Indoor Tour winner took charge after 2000 metres, which was reached in a comfortable 5:51.71 following a pedestrian 3:08.24 opening kilometre.

Frustrated by the pace and with energy saved from the first 10 laps, Kejelcha unleashed a final kilometre of 2.22.70. Having covered the final lap in 26.82, Kejelcha refused to heed his prime position and crossed the line a clear winner in 8:14.41.

His winning time is the slowest in the 32-year history of the championships by more than 10 seconds, but that mattered little to the Ethiopian.

“I’m very happy to be the world indoor champion again,” said Kejelcha. “During the race, I saw everyone was very confident but I was the one controlling everybody. When I pushed, I went with my friends and I was able to show off my power. I’m very happy for my country and my people.

“This year, I have been second sometimes but my coach has been working with me to make my race seamless. Before, I had a problem with my speed in the last few laps and I couldn’t control the race, but I’ve been training a lot on that and now I’m very good with my kick at the end.

“Next year, I want to break the 5000m world record.”

His compatriot, 18-year-old Selemon Barega, managed to sneak the silver medal in the closing metres, clocking 8:15.59 to Bethwell Birgen’s 8:15.70.

World U18 and U20 champion Barega captured his first senior international medal in the process, in a season in which he has registered a world-leading 7:36.64.

–Additional reports courtesy IAAF

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 4- Impala Saracens won the third round of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Women’s 10-a-side festival, stopping leaders Homeboyz’s unbeaten run with a 10-5 win in the Main Cup final at the KCB Sports Club on Sunday.

The Sarries progressed to the final after a well executed 14-0 semi-final victory over Nakuru RFC while Homeboyz progressed to their third consecutive Main Cup final by virtue of luck after winning the coin toss following a 5-5 tie after full time.

Homeboyz who had won the opening two rounds of the festival had hoped to continue with their impressive run and bag a third consecutive title, but the resilient Impala ensured they as well got a bite of the cake.

Mwamba finished fifth overall with a 20-0 win over Comras while Northern Suburbs ended a disappointing campaign with a seventh place finish that was secured by way of a 10-0 win over Blad Babes.

–Info Courtesy KRU Website

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 5- Kenya picked up 10 points from the Las Vegas Sevens after a narrow 26-21 loss to Australia in the fifth place semi-final early Monday morning, taking their points haul after five rounds of the tournament to 45.

This result is a two-point dip from the team’s performance during the previous leg in Hamilton, New Zealand and consequently, head coach innocent Simiyu is now five points off his initial target of 50 points by this time of the season.

James Stannard dotted down Australia’s match winning try in extra time sudden death after a brilliant Willy Ambaka try converted by Eden Agero had brought Shujaa to a 21-21 score at the end of regulation time.

Stannard managed to find some space after the Aussies won a penalty a few meters off the Kenyan try line and he powered himself across the try line to hand his side the priceless win and an assured 12 points.

Stannard had started off the scoring for Australia early on in the game with Kenya responding through Jeff Oluoch and Agero adding in the extras.

John Porch then took Australia back into the lead a minute to half time, Tom Lucas converting for a 14-7 lead. Lachlan Anderson dotted down the Aussies third try of the game just before the break with Lucas converting.

However, Billy Odhiambo made a quick response in the second half to bring the game to a seven point difference and Ambaka who has had a brilliant tournament in Vegas turned the style in superb fashion with two minutes left.

The big and strong Ambaka used his arm strength to push away to challengers before dotting down on the left and Agero ensured the two extra points were booted home with a well executed effort.

With no winner in the regular 14 minutes, the game stretched into an extra five minutes with the winner determined by the first person to dot down and after a turnover, Australia ensured they picked up the win.

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Nairobi, Kenya, Mar 4- Kenya will once again battle out with Fiji in the Group Stages of the World Rugby Sevens series after the two sides were pooled together in Pool C of next weekend’s Vancouver Sevens in Canada.

Shujaa who beat the Fijians 17-14 in their Group A meeting in Vegas this weekend to qualify for the Main Cup quarter finals and will also tackle perennial rivals France and Spain in the pools at the sixth stop of the Series.

Innocent Simiyu’s charges finished seventh in Vegas after picking 10 points to take their total haul to 45, remaining perched at eighth in the World Rugby rankings.

The team will be optimistic of improving their performance under the cold conditions in Canada and Willy Ambaka is confident that the team is finally getting its mojo after a slow start to the season.

“We started slow but we have started picking up step by step. We have to take in the positives because we have some very tight games and fix a little bit of the mistakes that we have had and I believe we will be good to go in Vancouver,” Ambaka said.

Shujaa failed to make it off the groups during last year’s Canada Sevens, finishing third behind South Africa and England. They went on to lose to Samoa 26-7 in the Challenge Trophy quarter finals.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 5- Seven-time African Women Volleyball Club Champions Kenya Pipeline will begin their journey to break a 13-year wait for their eighth title when they take on hosts El Shams in the opening day of the 2018 edition in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday.

El Shams will be the toughest opposition for Pipeline in the group stages with the Egyptians having reached last year’s final losing 3-2 to eventual champions Carthage of Tunisia.

Pipeline, and by extension Kenya Prisons have been placed in relatively manageable pools for the championship which will climax on March 16.

Pipeline will also face off with Cameroun’s FAP, DGSP of Congo and Uganda’s Vision Club in Pool C.

Kenya Prisons will meanwhile begin their hunt for a first title since 2013 with a match up against Ivory Coast’s Asec Mimoas while they will also duel with Cameroun’s Injs, Nigeria’s Customs and Douanes from Burkina Faso in Group D.

A record 22 teams have confirmed participation for the event and both Kenya teams have accepted that competition will be tougher this year.

“An expanded pool of teams definitely means that the competition becomes stronger and as a team we are ready for that. We expect competition from of course our own local rivals Pipeline, the host teams and the Cameroonian teams as well,” Prisons head coach David Lung’aho said.

Pools

Pool A: Al Ahly (Egypt), Nkumba University (Uganda), Nyong (Cameroun), Rwanda Revenue Authority (Rwanda)

Pool B: Carthage (Tunisia), Harare City (Zimbabwe), Chlef (Algeria), Bafia (Cameroun), Botswana Defense Forces (Botswana)

Pool C: El Shams (Egypt), Kenya Pipeline (Kenya), FAP (Cameroun), DGSP (Congo), Vision Club (Uganda).

Pool D: Kenya Prisons (Kenya), Injs (Cameroun), Customs (Nigeria), Douanes (Burkina Faso), Asec Mimosa (Ivory Coast).

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 5- Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr says his side is motivated by the ‘underdog tag’ ahead of Wednesday’s CAF Champions League showdown against Tunisian giants Esperance in Machakos.

The last meeting between these two sides ended in an 8-2 drubbing with the two-time African champs leaving Nairobi with a 3-2 result and topping up the cake with a healthy 5-0 win in the return tie in Tunis.

“I have received so many calls and people in Tunis think that this is going to be a very easy win for Esperance. Well everyone has their own opinion and we respect them but for me and my team we are going in to win,” the tactician said.

Gor Mahia will hand themselves a massive advantage if they win the first leg tie and Kerr is confident his side has what it takes to ensure they pick up the massive advantage from Machakos.

“I think I have a good squad which can score goals and the best thing we can do from the first leg is ensure that we don’t concede an away goal because that will make things difficult for us. I have a feeling that we can always go away and score a goal,” the tactician offered.

-Esperance arrive in Nairobi-

Esperance have already arrived in the country and will be training at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Tuesday evening ahead of the duel.

Kerr insists that they are not afraid of the Tunisians and will be hoping to appease the spirits of the 1987 team that delivered a masterstroke of a performance to beat the Tunisians to the Mandela Cup.

“What happened in 2014 remains in the past and now the players have to look at what is ahead of us and the opportunity that they have to create history. They should grab this opportunity because to some, it might never happen again,” he says.

“We are mentally prepared and I trust the boys and their abilities,” the tactician further added.

Gor Mahia are enjoying some good form in the Kenyan Premier League, having amassed 12 points out of four matches, a record that has come even as the tactician has been tinkling with his squad to manage the effects of fatigue with a tight calendar.

Kerr will however miss the services of right-back Wellington Ochieng who suffered a twisted ankle during their tie against Bandari on Saturday, but he should have a huge squad to select his team from with no other injury.

“It is such a shame that Wellington will not be part of the team because he was one of the players who were very excited about the Champions League. It was heartbreaking to see him in tears over the prospect of missing the game but I hope this will offer a motivation to his teammates on just how much this means to everyone,” the coach noted.

Gor Mahia will still have a chance to make it into a continental group stage even if they lose to Esperance. They will drop down to the CAF Confederations Cup play-off with the pairings set to be done after this round of matches.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 6 – Just as it was at the USA Sevens in Las Vegas, Kenya will once again open their campaign at the Canada leg with a Pool C clash against France at 9.14pm EAT on Saturday.

Shujaa will then face Spain at 12.46am on Sunday before wrapping their preliminary round against Fiji at 4.40am.

The Canada Sevens, taking place at the BC Place in Vancouver, is the sixth round of the 2017/18 HSBC Sevens World Series.

Shujaa, who collected 10 points at Las Vegas Sevens, currently sit eighth on the log with 45 points and will be looking to at least reach the Main Cup Semifinal for the first time since 2016.

Shujaa Schedule, HSBC Canada Sevens

Saturday 10 March

9.14pm v France

Sunday 11 March

12.46am v Spain

4.40am v Fiji

-By Kenya Rugby Union Website-

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 6 – Kenyan champions Kenya Pipeline opened their Women’s African club Championship campaign with a bang after outclassing 2018 runner up Shams of Egypt by straight sets in a match played at Ahly Hall on Tuesday.

Pipeline showed consistency as they overcame Shams 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-21) in 84 minutes in Pool C.

Shams led regularly in the first set as they were near to win the set when Pipeline rebounded to win narrowly 25-23.

Pipeline had the upper hand in the second and third sets to win both and clinch the important victory.

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MOMBASA, Kenya, Mar 7- Free scoring Bandari FC midfielder Anthony Wambani has been named as the February Sportpesa/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya Player of the Month.

Having scored three crucial league goals that won the coastal outfit six points, the 18-year old won the coveted 49 inch LG television set as well as Sh150,000 in cash shared in a ratio of 2:1 with his Bandari compatriots.

A season opening brace against a fancied Sofapaka on Match day one and a solo effort against newbies Wazito FC has propped Wambani among the most influential players in the league so far.

Wambani was drawn alongside compatriot Farouk Shikalo, Mathare United’s Crispin Oduor and Meddie Kagere in the final shortlist.

Shikalo stepped into the big boots of retired Wilson Obungu and kept four clean sheets goalkeeping for Bandari while the influential Oduor and Kagere scored crucial goals for their teams.

The Bandari teenage star however, found favour among the football scribes who gave him 18 points.

Oduor who’s goal against Sofapaka ranks as the best witnessed so far finished a close second with 16 points while Kagere was a further 2 points down at third place.

Other than the four players who made the final cut Mathare’s Francis Omondi and injured Gor Mahia right back Wellington Ochieng were among the nominees.

Wambani threw the gauntlet down upon receiving his first recognition for his football heroics, vowing to help his club vie for silverware this year.

Bandari are 6th on the log thanks to Wambani’s contributions but the midfielder playing his second top-flight season believes more is yet to come from him.

“I’m glad I got off well this season and my prayer and hope is that I get even better because I believe there is more I can show. This award is humbling to me as I did not expect it even though I knew I did well in February.”

“It’s an inspiration and my focus is more vivid now. I know I can get to the top and realize my dream of emulating Victor Wanyama and making it big in Europe.” The teenage midfielder said

Bandari Coach Ken Odhiambo lauded Wambani and the entire squad for the fine start to the season. The tactician is focus on bettering the coastal outfit’s performance following an underwhelming 2017.

“We strengthened with a view of challenging for the title and os far I’m impressed with what the boys have done. Besides the loss to Gor Mahia we have managed to get points from traditionally tough opponents and it’s even better when we do not concede goals. I believe we have the capacity to vie for silverware and probably return to the continental stage.” The former City Stars coach said.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, March 7 – The 2018 Standard Chartered Bank Road to Anfield football tournament that was scheduled for Saturday has been moved to March 17 to accommodate Liverpool FC legend, Bruce David Grobbelaar who will grace the tourney.

Grobbelaar will be in Kenya next week to attend the finals of the Road to Anfield five -aside football tournament that will be hosted at the St Mary’s School.

The one-day event gives Standard Chartered Bank clients and media teams a chance to fight for a ticket to Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC as Capital FM seeks to win the local title for the third time in a row.

Grobbelaar is a former Zimbabwe international footballer who played as a goalkeeper, most prominently for Liverpool FC between 1981 and 1994.

The original eccentric genius between the sticks, Bruce will be best remembered for the wobbly-legged penalty heroics which brought Liverpool the 1984 European Cup and inspired Jerzy Dudek to the same feat in Istanbul 21 years later.

Bruce played 626 matches for the Reds in a glittering 14-year career in which he established himself as one of the Reds’ greatest ever custodians and also returned six First Division titles, three FA cups and three League cups.

His brand of showmanship, athleticism and unshakeable confidence ensured he kept hold of his first team place while Fagan and Dalglish were in charge of the Reds.

After leaving the Reds for Southampton, Bruce represented Plymouth, Bury, Lincoln, Motherwell, Chesham United and Northwich Victoria, as well as trying his hand at coaching Zimbabwe and managing in South Africa.

The 60 year old has been the goalkeeper coach for Ottawa Fury FC of the North American Soccer League since 2014.

During his two day stay, Bruce will conduct coaching clinics for select age group teams.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 7 – London marathon defending champion Daniel Wanjiru is ready to retain his title when this year’s race will be held April 22.

Wanjiru says that he is been given an all clear sign after an impromptu medical checkup in the Netherlands and will now focus his energies on training.

Wanjiru finished second at the inaugural The Big Half marathon in London on Sunday.

“After The Big Half marathon, I went to the Netherlands for a general medical check-up. I was not injured but I wanted to just make sure all is well before I continue my training for London Marathon,” Wanjiru said.

“I felt confident out there as I know I’m in great shape,” he added.

-By Xhinua- 

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MACHAKOS, Kenya, Mar 7- Gor Mahia will be left ruing their missed chances especially in the first half after being held to a 0-0 draw by Tunisian giants Esperance in a first round CAF Champions League first leg tie at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday.

The record 16-time Kenyan Premier League champions, beaten 3-2 at home by the same opponents four years ago had an opportunity to finish the first leg with a handsome score-line, but their scoring let them down on an afternoon they should have had more than three goals.

Positive for them though is that they didn’t concede an away goal and will be heading to Tunis for the return tie in 10 days time with the hope that they can match the reigning Tunisian champions and come up with a result that can sail them into the group stages of continental football.

Esperance goalkeeper Noel Ben Sherifia had twice produced brilliant saves to ensure his side remained in the game, while also playing his fair share of time wasting antics, slowing down the pace of the game.

Without a natural right-back as both Wellington Ochieng and Karim Nizigiyimana are out injured, Gor head coach Dylan Kerr took the gamble of pulling wide a central defender, putting Joachim Oluoch in the position.

The lanky defender played his part brilliantly to ensure the speedy Esperance wingers do not find space to move.

It was the visitors who were the first to produce a goal scoring chance, Youssef Blaili finding some shooting space from 30 yards out but the ball rolled wide.

As the game built up, Gor grew in confidence and started passing the ball around with ease. They had the first effort at goal in the ninth minute when Meddie Kagere rose up to meet an Oluoch cross from the right, but he couldn’t get a powerful impact, the ball going over.

The home side came ever so close in the 16th minute when Jacques Tuyisenge was sent through by a brilliant Francis Kahata pass but his powerful shot from the right thundered under the upright.

Seven minutes later, Sherifia pulled a brilliant save when he reacted fast to punch away a shot from Kagere from the edge of the six yard box after the forward was set up by George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo.

A minute later, Sherifia once again produced a one of a kind save, diving swiftly to his right to make a one-handed save off a beautiful glancing header from Tuyisenge who met a Philemon Otieno cross.

Gaining confidence that they could actually open up the Tunisians, Gor played more attacking football and in the 27th minute had another chance when Kagere was sent through on the left by Odhiambo, powered into the box but his eventual shot went wide.

The Tunisians fell behind in defense as they attempted to soak in the pressure and Gor had another superb opportunity in the 37th minute when Joash Onyango’s powerful header from the right across went inches wide from a Kahata corner.

-Second Half- 

Esperance came a more attacking side in the second half and made changes to that effect, Blaili coming off for Anis Ben Hijra while Yasinne Khenissi was hauled off injured for striker Bilel Nestri.

The visitors were more industrious going forward and they were almost gifted on the hour mark when lack of communication between Boniface Oluoch and Shakava saw Haythen Jovini find some space to throw in a boot, but lucky for them the ball rolled out.

Jovini was then brought off for Maher Ben Shaieri as he seemed to have tired off, the Esperance coach going for the kill with a fully attacking squad.

As Esperance piled bodies forward, Gor found a chance on the break and Godfrey Walusimbi tried his luck with a shot from distance but it sailed wide.

Kerr made changes bringing off Kahata for Kevin Omondi, Philemon Otieno off for Bernard Ondiek while Samuel Onyango came on for Odhiambo.

However, they still couldn’t get a goal to quench their thirst, Kagere once again seeing his point blank effort cleared off the line by the Esperance defense.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 7 – Gor Mahia displayed an eye-catching football but the Esperance shot-stopper Noel Ben Sherifia stood tall to deny them in a 0-0 draw first leg of the CAF Champions League First Round. Here is how it went down in pictorial at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday.

Gor Mahia captain, Harun Shakava has rallied his team-mates to put in hard yards of training even as they eye place in the history books by being the first Kenyan team to progress to the group stages since Tusker in 1994.

The record 16-time Kenyan Premier League champions, beaten 3-2 at home by the same opponents four years ago had an opportunity to finish the first leg with a handsome score-line, but their scoring let them down on an afternoon they should have had more than three goals.

Esperance goalkeeper Sherifia had twice produced brilliant saves to ensure his side remained in the game, while also playing his fair share of time wasting antics, slowing down the pace of the game.

Without a natural right-back as both Wellington Ochieng and Karim Nizigiyimana are out injured, Gor head coach Dylan Kerr took the gamble of pulling wide a central defender, putting Joachim Oluoch in the position.

It was Esperance who were the first to produce a goal scoring chance, Youssef Blaili finding some shooting space from 30 yards out but the ball rolled wide.

Gaining confidence that they could actually open up the Tunisians, Gor played more attacking football and in the 27th minute had another chance when Kagere was sent through on the left by Odhiambo, powered into the box but his eventual shot went wide.

Esperance resulted to time wasting and the center referee Egyptian Gehad Zaghloul did not spare them.

Victory away in Tunis or any kind of a draw with scoreline will see Gor sail through to the prestigious group stages for the first time many years.

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