Two lucky winners will earn a full sponsorship from KCB Bank in conjunction with Visa to watch live the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 21 – Two lucky winners will earn a full sponsorship from KCB Bank in conjunction with Visa to watch live the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The campaign which ends on April 30, gives any KCB Visa Card user a chance to win the grand prize of the trip to the World Cup which kicks-off in June 14 with hosts Russia opening the prestigious tournament against Saudi Arabia.
To be eligible, KCB customers will only be required to acquire and frequently use any of the tier-one leader’s Cards.
Apart from the coveted grand prize, KCB will also be rewarding customers with cash prizes during the campaign. At least 80 lucky customers will take home Sh5,000 each for using their KCB Cards.
Commenting about the campaign, KCB Group Marketing and Communications Director Angela Mwirigi said the main aim of the campaign is to remind customers of the numerous KCB Cards benefits which have frequently been underutilized.
“All customers are included in this campaign. But over and above this we are saying, we not only want to reward our customers but educate each and every one of them that any KCB Card has so much to offer beyond withdrawing money at the ATM. It is time we ensure that our customers enjoy all the benefits,” Mwirigi said.
KCB Debit Card benefits include access to establishments countrywide and over 24 million outlets worldwide such as restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals, petrol stations etc. Customers can also withdraw at any Visa branded ATM worldwide apart from KCB ATMs.
“Also, payment for goods and services at point of sale is free and can be conveniently used anywhere you see VISA sign,” Mwirigi added.
The campaign also aims at enlightening customers on the benefits of using KCB Credit cards. Some of the existing key benefits include the KCB Simba Points which are earned every time you transact with your credit, debit or pre-paid card.
The points are redeemed to reward customers with great discounts on travel, shopping, movies among others.
KCB Bank has also established strong partnerships with numerous business segments including supermarkets, hotels, airlines etc. where customers using their KCB Cards get discounts of up to 35%.
KCB Bank has developed various credit cards to fit diverse customer needs. They include Platinum Card, Gold Card and Classic Card.
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 21 – Kenyan athletes will seek to find inspiration elsewhere as they wait for their allowances and bonuses ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Gold Coast, Australia from April 4-15.
With over 120 athletes going to the Games, Kenya will send one of the biggest contingents as it seeks to improve on its last medal haul of 25 (10 gold, 10 silver and five bronze).
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) President Paul Tergat has been working around the clock to get athletes paid their allowances after several elite runners like Olympic 800m champ David Rudisha, World 500m champ Asbel Kiprop opted out of the games citing failure by the government to pay their allowances dating as far back as London 2012 Olympics.
“I want to commend our athletes for their patience and understanding and remaining focused in training in view of performing well at the games even as we seek to get their cash,” Tergat said on Tuesday evening.
Kenyan athletes are entitled to 15 U.S. dollars each as their local daily allowance and 200 dollars while overseas.
Moreover, those who bag gold in major championships like the Commonwealth Games are entitled to 10,000 dollars, while 7,500 dollars is given to runners up and 5,000 dollars goes to third place finishers.
Kenya’s first batch of athletes are expected to depart the country next week for the Club Games.
From Right: Chapa Dimba Western Regional Coordinator Edwin Nandwa, Safaricom Western Regional Operations Manager-Retail Services,Edwin Sang, Hon. Robert Makhanu,Minister for Social Services, Youth, Sports and Culture –Kakamega County and Henry Mbayala,Kakamega County Administrator in theMinistry of Youth and Sport address the media during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Finals Press Briefing held in Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega County.
KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Mar 21 – The inaugural edition of the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom youth football tournament enters home stretch this weekend in Kakamega County as 15 teams, 8 boys and 7 girls battle it out for top honours in the National Finals at the Bukhungu Stadium.
The opening ceremony of the tournament will be held on Thursday morning at the Bukhungu Stadium as Kakamega High School is also scheduled to host some of the quarter final matches.
“We started the tournament with over 1,600 teams back in September and we are looking forward to seeing the best 15 sides in action this week in Kakamega,” Sylvia Mulinge, Director Consumer Business, Safaricom, said.
In the boys’ quarterfinals, Mukumu Boys from Western will face Shimba Hills from Coast in a mouth watering clash as Al Hayat from North Eastern take on Nairobi champions Gor Mahia Youth.
Ombek Red Devils were crowned the Nyanza Boys Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom champions after beating favourites 2-1 in an entertaining final played at the Gusii Stadium on 10th December 2017. Photo/GERALD ANDERRSON
In the other last eight games, Ombek Red Devils from Nyanza will play Euronuts from Central and Mwingi Junior from Eastern will face Rift valley’s Kapenguria Heroes.
Thirteen players from the tournament have been called up to the national under 20 team while another 6 have been snatched up by various Kenya Premier League clubs.
“Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom has given an opportunity for us to discover young talented players especially from the grassroots. The likes of James Omsinde and John Njuguna have earned call ups to the national under 20 team while gifted players such as David Majak, Fredrick Krop and Oscar Kengwa have been signed up by Kenya Premier League teams,” FKF boss Nick Mwendwa stated.
-Girls quarters-
Bishop Njenga, who received Sh200, 000 prize money, celebrating after winning the Girls Western Western Region Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom.Photo/GERALD ANDERSON
In the girls’ category, Waa Girls from Coast will play Tar Tar from Rift as Beijing Raiders from Nairobi face Arch Bishop Njenga from Western.
Plateau Queens from Nyanza and Ngakaa Talent Academy from Eastern will also battle for a place in the last four. Limuru Starlets from Central got a bye to the semis as there was no girls’ team from North Eastern.
Teams that qualify for the semifinals are set to pocket Sh 250,000 each, while the finalists will take home Sh 500,000. The overall winners in each category will receive Sh 1mn, as well as a trip to London for a one week training camp.
While in London they will also get a chance to interact with the tournament’s Brand Ambassador Victor Wanyama, who turns out for English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
Gor Mahia players walking out of the pitch during half time during their Kenyan Premier League match against Kariobangi Sharks on February 25, 2018. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 21 –Kenyan champions Gor Mahia were paired with South African club SuperSport United in the CAF Confederation Cup play-off round following a draw conducted on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt.
Gor, who were relegated to Africa’s second best club competition after being eliminated by Esperance of Tunisia in the CAF Champions League first round, will host the first leg between April 6 and 8 with the return leg scheduled 10 days later away in South Africa.
The winner of this clash will earn a ticket to the prestigious group stages.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 21 – Nyanza Golf Club’s David Odhiambo and Frank Matilo will be the first Kenyan professionals to tee-off at the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open that gets underway on Thursday at the Muthaiga Golf Club.
The two will tee-off at 7:30am while Railway Club’s Afred Nandwa will tee-off at 7:50am as Kenyans seek to win the prestigious title for the first time ever.
Jeff Kubwa will be the next Kenyan to tee-off at 8:10am, also from the first tee. Speaking during the Barclays Kenya Open Pro-AM Kubwa expressed his confidence going into the tournament.
Frank Matilu
“We have prepared well and are confident of a great week at the Kenya Open, we urge Kenyans to come out in large numbers and support us.”
Last year’s top Kenyan finisher Simon Ngige will get his campaign underway at 12:10pm while Kenya’s most successful player at the Kenya Open, Jacob Okello will tee off at 12:40pm.
While speaking on his preparations, Okello noted that it will be much harder playing in the rain, “With the rains the golf course will be a lot tougher, we have however played for a while under these conditions, so it should not be a problem for Kenyans.”
Dismas Indiza
Kenya’s Dismas Indiza will tee off the the next game following Okello at 12:50pm.
Last year’s hole in one winner Oliver Lindell will get his 2018 Kenya Open campaign going at noon from the first tee.
Other players to watch out for include 2009 Kenya Open winner, Gary Boyd (10th tee at 12:20pm), 2010 winner Robert Dinwiddle (10th tee, 7:30am) and 2016 champion, Sebastian Soderberg, (10th tee at 7:40am).
A total of 156 golfers will play two rounds on Thursday and Friday, after which the field will be reduced based on the performance of the opening two rounds.
The players that will make the cut will play a further two rounds on Saturday and Sunday, for a stake of the Sh62.5mn prize kitty.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 22 – Vet Lab’s Nelson Simwa and Railways Club’s Alfred Nandwa are currently leading the Kenyan team of local Professionals who teed-off on Thursday morning at the PAR-71 Muthaiga Golf Club in Day 1 of the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open.
Both are currently level-par after 11 and 13 holes respectively on a day where both have had intervals of good play.
Simwa started off on the back nine, where he holed a bogey on the 14th before sinking birdies on the Par-4, 15th and Par-5, 18th to take him 1-under.
Nandwa started off on the 1st tee, where he holed birdies on the 2nd and 4th before sinking bogeys on the 6th and 11th to level par. Local sensation Jacob Okello and Dismas Indiza are slated to tee-off on the 1st at 12:40pm and 12:50pm respectively.
Englishman Mathew Nixon led the morning pack for the better part of the money with a score of 5-under over 15 holes – having started on the back nine.
He has sunk birdies on the 10th, 13th, 15th, 18th and 3rd holes to continue with his perfect start to the campaign.
But it is four-time Challenge Tour champion and five-time European Tour champion, Michael Hoey from Northern Ireland, who leads the pack with a 6-under score thru 14 holes.
Starting off on the 1st, he holed a birdie on the 3rd, 4th, 10th, 13th and 14th. He grabbed an eagle on the 7th with his only shortcoming for the day coming in the 8th where he sank a bogey.
Tar Tar will meet Bishop Njenga in a mouth watering clash. Photo/GERALD ANDERSON
KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Mar 22 – Former Schools National champions Tar Tar will square it out with Arch Bishop Njenga in the Girls Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom semi-finals after edging out Waa from Coast 3-2 in the quarters played at the Bukhungu Stadium on Thursday.
In the other semi, Plateau Queens from Nyanza who whitewashed Ngaaka Talent from Eastern 7-1 will meet Limuru Starlets who represent Central.
The Girls semi-finals are slated for Friday at the Bukhungu Stadium.
The opening match of Day 1 was an eye catching one as former Girls Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association champions Tar Tar from Rift Valley and Waa locked horns.
Waa had taken a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Sidi Sharma who found the back of the net three minutes after kick-off and Mayram Tania who scored in the 8th minute to see the Coast side head to the break on top.
However, tables turned in the second half as Waa found themselves on the receiving end with Elizabeth Nafula grabbing the headlines after notching a hat-trick to enable Tar Tar make a commendable comeback.
Nafula pulled one back five minutes into the second half before netting two goals in a space of five minutes in the 64th and 69th to seal the win for Tar Tar.
To reach the last four, Bishop Njenga saw off Beijing Raiders from Nairobi 7-1 in a match hosted at the Kakamga High School.
-Plateau Queens too good-
The second Girls match at Bukhungu was a one sided affair as Plateau Queens raided Ngaaka who scored the consolation goal from the spot thanks to a Doris Wafula goal on the half-hour mark.
Valentine Awour scored two goals while Beverline Achieng, Monica Molly, Mercy Akinyi and Lanoline Aoko struck a goal each.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 22 – Geoffrey Kamworor may not be the fastest man in the field for the 23rd edition of the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships but the two-time defending champion will certainly start as favourite on Saturday.
The Kenyan’s margin of victory alone at the last two world half marathon championships – 13 seconds in 2014 when he won in what remains the championship record of 59:08 and then a massive 26 seconds two years ago when he crossed the line just two seconds slower than his 2014 standard – would have afforded him that status anyway but his form in recent months has reinforced the impression that he will be the man to beat.
After finishing sixth in the stunningly high-quality IAAF World Championships London 2017 10,000m last summer, he notched up a win at the New York City Marathon in November and in the last few weeks has sharpened up on home soil with two very good cross country wins including taking his national title in 28:32.
On the fast Valencia course, with almost perfect racing conditions predicted for the late Saturday afternoon start time with a temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius expected, and maybe some light rain, the two most pertinent questions are:
Can Kamworor add to his streak of winning a world title every year since 2014 – alternating between winning the world half marathon championships and world cross country championships – and can he improve on his five-year-old half marathon best of 58:54?
“The focus will be on me as usual. However, I have trained well and hope to travel to Spain without any concerns. I feel no pressure and will be running my own race,” he told Kenyan media earlier this week.
With Kenya having won the team title on 15 of the previous 22 occasions this championship has been contested, it’s no surprise that most of the main challengers to Kamworor on paper look as though they are going to come from his own team.
Okombo the young pretender
Jorum Okombo turned only 20 in December but has already run three races in under one hour in little more than the last six months.
He clocked a best of 58:48 when finishing second in the Copenhagen Half Marathon in September and more recently ran 59:36 to finish fourth in the RAK Half Marathon last month.
However, having run four quick half marathons since September, it is reasonable to ask how much Okombo will have left in his legs on his debut in a Kenyan vest.
The other three men in the Kenyan team – Alex Oloitiptip, Barselius Kipyego and 2017 world cross country championships silver medallist Leonard Barsoton – also all have career bests well under one hour.
Oloitiptip impressed when finishing third in Copenhagen in September with a personal best of 58:51 but his two half marathon outings so far in 2018 have been much more modest.
Barsoton was two places behind his compatriot in the Danish capital in a best of 59:28 but, perhaps, the man who could be poised to make his mark in Valencia from this trio is Kipyego, who won the Usti Nad Labem Half Marathon in a personal best of 59:14 in September.
Other countries will inevitably feature although none have the strength in depth of Kenya.
Cheroben has local knowledge
The fastest man in Valencia will be Bahrain’s Abraham Cheroben, who won in Copenhagen in an Asian Area Record and 2017 world-leading time of 58:40, which moved him up to third on the world all-time list for the distance.
Cheroben’s international championship record is modest, highlighted by a 10th place in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games 10,000m, but he won at the 2017 Medio Maraton Valencia Trinidad Alfonso EDP in 59:11, an IAAF Gold Label road race and just a month after his victory in Copenhagen, and he will bring with him the advantage of knowing a lot about the championships’ host city and course.
He also won in Valencia in 2014 and 2015, setting the present course record of 58:48 at the former race, and although the course has been modified for these championships there will still be many landmarks that he will recognise and, in turn, Cheroben will be recognised and get plenty of cheers from the local running aficionados.
Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer, just 21, broke through to international recognition in 2017 helped by finishing fourth at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships and then fifth – one place in front of Kamworor – in the IAAF World Championships 10,000m.
Yimer has continued his upward trajectory in the first few months of 2018 with an excellent second place at the RAK Half Marathon in 59:00.
On this occasion, Ethiopia have sent a relatively weak team in terms of depth but in Yimer and his compatriot Leul Gebresilasie – who was second in Valencia behind Cheroben in a personal best of 59:18 last October and then followed it up with a stunning marathon debut in 2:04:02 in Dubai two months ago – they have two men who should be part of the battle for individual medals.
No less than 12 men are entered with career bests under one hour.
Among them, and leading the North American challenge, will be the USA’s Leonard Korir, who ran a personal best of 59:52 from the Delhi Half Marathon in November and who is undefeated in his three outings in 2018, while the top man from the old continent is Turkey’s 2017 European cross country champion Kaan Kigen Ozbilen, who has a best of 59:58.
Mohit, who booked his ticket to play at the Kenya Open during the last qualifying round of the PGK tournaments, teed off from the 10th tee, hitting 6 birdies on his way to posting a score of 2-under par round of 69, to finish the day tied in position 21. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 22 – Sigona Golf Club’s Mohit Mediratta finished as the best placed Kenyan, after Round one of the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open played at Nairobi’s Muthaiga Golf Club on Thursday.
Mohit, who booked his ticket to play at the Kenya Open during the last qualifying round of the PGK tournaments, teed off from the 10th tee, hitting 6 birdies on his way to posting a score of 2-under par round of 69, to finish the day tied in position 21.
South African based Stefan Andersen was the next best placed Kenyan finishing the first round on one under par, to see him tied in 34th place. Riz Charania (T54) rounded up the list of top three Kenyans, finishing on par.
Scotland’s Ross Kellet and England’s Max Orion finished tied top on the overall standings, the duo playing an almost identical round of 6-under par. Ross shot Eagles on the 4th and 10th holes, raking up four birdies, with Orion hitting 7 birdies.
The two finished one shot ahead of England’s Michael Hoey, Sweden’s Simon Forsstrom and South Africa’s Jaco Ahlers,who were tied at 5-under par.
Friday’s action tees-off at 7:00am, with the first Kenyan’s on the tee being Mathew Omondi and Erick Obura. The overnight Kenyan leader Mohit Mediratta tees-off at 7:10 AM from the first tee.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 23 – World Record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei will return to racing in Valencia on Saturday with fond memories of her last visit to Spain’s third-largest city.
On that occasion, on 22 October last year, the Kenyan runner improved her own world record set in Prague back in April by one second when she crossed the line at the 2017 Medio Maraton Valencia Trinidad Alfonso EDP, an IAAF Gold Label road race, in 1:04:51.
If Jepkosgei was to go into new territory over the distance at the IAAF/Trinidad Alfonso World Half Marathon Championships Valencia 2018, for the third time in less than 12 months, it would not be the first time a world record has been set at these championships.
The Netherlands’ Lornah Kiplagat won the 2007 title in 1:06:25, still the world record for a women-only race.
Kiplagat had also won the previous year when the event was contested for the only time over 20km in a world record for that distance of 1:03:21.
However, it is a mark of how much the event has evolved in the past decade that Saturday’s winner – whether it is Jepkosgei or anyone else – is expected to run something in the region of a minute faster than Kiplagat did in 2007 on the super-fast course close to the Mediterranean.
Despite her credentials and such a magnificent 2017, which also included a 10km world record, it is not a foregone conclusion that Jepkosgei will take her first world title.
She showed she was far from invincible when she could only finish fifth at the RAK Half Marathon last month.
With the late-hour withdrawals of Fancy Chemutai and Mary Wacera, the Kenyan team is completed by 2017 Istanbul Half Marathon winner Ruth Chepngetich and Pauline Kamulu.
Chumba targets Bahrain’s first medal
After Kenya achieved a sweep of the individual women’s medals in 2014 and 2016, it’s not beyond comprehension that they might take the top three places again, but Bahrain’s Eunice Chumba could possibly dent those hopes.
Chumba set an Asian record of 1:06:11 when winning in Copenhagen last September and will be bidding to become her country’s first ever medallist at the championships.
Her form since the start of the year, though, has been a little bit less formidable and she managed only sixth in Houston and then a relatively modest 11th at the RAK Half Marathon.
Nevertheless, even if Chumba misses out on the individual medals, Bahrain has sent a squad with four women having run faster than 1:09:00 which suggests that they might take their first medals ever in the team competition.
Netsanet Gudeta was Ethiopia’s leading finisher in 2014 and 2016, finishing sixth and fourth respectively, and on both occasions led her country to team silver medals.
She cannot be discounted from medal consideration, especially after her most recent half marathon outing, in Delhi last November, resulted in a personal best of 1:07:26.
Jadidi Ndambuki (left) and Myles Muriuki chatting after a recent training session at their school’s football ground. Photo/AMOS ABUGA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 23 – June 2018 couldn’t come sooner for two teenagers from Parklands Baptist Primary school after being selected to be part of the sixth edition of the Football for Friendship (F4F) tournament that will precede the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia.
Jadidi Ndakumbi and Myles Muriuki both 12-years-olds and class seven pupils in the school based in the heart of Westlands in Nairobi, have been given the chance to take part in the age group tournament.
Jadidi for his silky skills on the pitch, and Myles for his exemplary leadership skills and journalist abilities impressed selecting coaches and teachers.
To be part of F4F, an International Children’s Social programme implemented by Gazprom company – official partner of FIFA and the World Cup, an initiative that involves the young generation throughout the world in promoting the most important human values among their peers – friendship, equality, peace and respect for different cultures and nationalities intrigues Myles and Jadidi,
Jadidi Ndambuki exhibiting his juggling skills. The 12 year-old has been selected to take part in the sixth edition of the Football for Frienship tournament in Russia in June. Photo/AMOS ABUGA
Jadidi, who wants to be a professional football player in future, says God has answered his prayers to finally travel out of the country to meet other equally talented kids to socialize and get to learn their culture and make friends.
“I have always loved to play football ever since I was a young boy, through the sport I have been able to make friends not only in my school but also kids from neighboring schools.
Soon I will be able to meet many more young footballers from around the world,” Jadidi, the second born to Andrew and Lilian Ndambuki explained.
Coach Stanley Achima (centre) instructing Jadidi Ndambuki to his (right) and Myles Muriuki in a recent training session. The two youngsters will be part of the footballer for friendship tourney in Russia. Photo/AMOS ABUGA
“I will be supporting Argentina and Germany in the world Cup because I know they have the potential to lift the trophy, Though Brazil cannot be ruled out as well. It could have been better to support Kenya, but unfortunately they will not be at the World Cup,” he offered.
Myles on the other hand caught the eye of the selectors for his dedication not only to tell his story but also that of his friends through the art of writing.
“Through writing, I am able to tell the world my feeling and that of my friends, as a footballer, I like to document the happenings in our school football team, that is my passion for a while now,” Myles disclosed.
“I want to be a journalist when I grow up, this is because the profession is fun and most importantly because I want to tell the world what is happening,” Myles the first born to Nicholas and Rachel Muriuki narrated.
-Earn opportunity to train-
Myles Muriuki (left) and Jadidi Ndambuki posing for a photograph. The two will be Kenya’s ambassodors at the 2018 Football for Friendship Tournament in Russia. Photo/AMOS ABUGA
The tournament will also be beneficial to the youngsters as the footballer will get an opportunity to be trained by some of the world best coaches and for the aspiring Journalist Myles, he will be guided further on how to tell his story and become a better scribe.
According to development coach Stanely Achima who has handled Jadidi from an early age, he describes the youngster as an extremely talented footballer and a good leader of the game.
“His dribbling capabilities are a joy to watch, offensively he scores a lot of goal and also creates so many more for the school’s under 12 team, he also falls back to help the team when we are under pressure. I have no doubt he will go far,” Achima who was part of the selecting committee lengthened.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of PJSC Gazprom Victor Zubkov, has good feelings about the tournament that will be marking its sixth edition.
“F4F is supported by 211 countries and regions! For the very first time, young athletes from all parts of the world where football is played will meet on the same field. We live in an age where people all over the world seek to unite behind the principles of equality and respect for each other,” Zubkov noted.
The tournament will bring together 32 International Teams of Friendship athletes of different nationalities, different genders and different physical abilities to play in one team.
The age of players is 12. Each International mixed Team of Friendship will be trained by Young Coaches – football players of 14-16years from different countries.
The tournament will run from 8-15 June 2018 and the youngsters will also have the opportunity to watch the opening ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the first match pitting host Russia and Saudi Arabia at the Luzhniki, Stadium in Moscow.
KCB RFC are unbeaten this season will face Kabras in the final
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 23 – Defending champions KCB Rugby Club have made one change ahead of Saturday’s Kenya Cup final against Kabras Sugar to be hosted at the Lions Den in Ruaraka.
Collins Wanjala replaces Arthur Owira on the bench. Owira is away on international duty with the Kenya Sevens squad at this weekend’s Victoria Falls Sevens in Zimbabwe.
Coach Curtis Olago has resisted the urge to tinker further with his charges, keeping faith in the squad that started last weekend’s 15-0 home semifinal shutout of Resolution Impala Saracens.
KCB15. Darwin Mukidza, 14. Adrian Opondo, 13. Peter Kilonzo, 12. Brian Omondi, 11. Jacob Ojee, 10. Shaban Ahmed, 9. Mike Wanjala, 1. Oscar Simiyu, 2. Peter Karia, 3. Curtis Lilako (c), 4. Nick Ongeri, 5. Oliver Mang’eni, 6. Davis Chenge, 7. Brian Nyikuli, 8. Peter Waitere REPLACEMENTS 16. Griffin Musila, 17. Nelson Nyandat, 18. Moses Amusala, 19. Martin Owila, 20. Felix Ojow, 21. Marlin Mukolwe, 22. Ken Moseti, 23. Collins Wanjala.
Tar Tar Girls beat Bishop Njenga to reach Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom final. Photo/GERALD ANDERSON
KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Mar 23 -Two goals scored in either half were enough to send powerhouse Tar Tar to the final of the Girls Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom after spanking rivals Arch Bishop Njenga 2-0 in a semi final that saw two former Schools champions clash at Bukhungu Stadium on Friday.
A dominant Tar Tar from West Pokot, representing Rift Valley Region, got their opening goal in the 21st minute from Martha Nanjala who timely connected a rebound that had rattled the bar.
Tar Tar found the second after the break through Lindi Nanjala who scored in the 59th minute to wow their fans who travelled with the team to cheer them.
Tar Tar Girls in action. Photo/GERALD ANDERSON
The West Pokot team pressed Bishop Njenga, who comes from Western region on their half and they could have broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with their first shot on target, but keeper, Stella Ahono saved Sylvia Baraza’s effort.
Ahono once again came to Bishop Njenga’s rescue three minutes later when she bailed out his team with a top drawer save for a fruitless corner.
However, Bishop Njenga finally soaked in pressure the 26th minute when the defenders poorly cleared a ball in the penalty box that had hit the woodwork for Martha to powerfully strike home.
Tar Tar player heading towards Bishop Njenga goal. Photo/GERALD ANDERSON
The goal woke up Bishop Njenga who surged up front, forcing the Tar Tar shot-stopper, Lillian Ochieng to parry over a screamer from Violet Wanyonyi in the 29th minute.
A minute later on the half-hour mark, it was the turn of Bishop Njenga goal keeper Ohono to come through for her team, finger tipping a long range cracker from Viona Nelima for a corner that went wasted.
There was no improvement in the second half for the home team Bishop Njenga with Lindi Nanjala nodding home a cross from the left wing in the 59th minute to seal the win and storm into the final to be played on Sunday.
KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Mar 23 – Plateau Queens from Nyanza ripped apart Limuru Starlets from Central 6-0 to storm the Girls final of the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom where they will meet Tar Tar on Sunday.
Mercy Akinyi was the star of the day after striking four goals while Margaret Atieno and Valentine Awour netted a goal apiece.
Limuru Starlets, who got a bye to the semi finals were poor in defence seeing them concede three goals in the first half.
Plateau Queens star Mercy Akinyi in action against Limuru Starlets in the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom semis. Photo/GERALD ANDERSON
Atieno scored the first goal in the 19th minute with a fine finish from the left before Akinyi opened her floodlights of goals in the 28th minute with a super goal.
Against the run of play, Akinyi well positioned inside the box unmarked, back-heeled Beverlyne Achieng’s cross from the left to get an applause from the fans.
She added a second goal in the 32nd minute from a long range that was executed outside the D-area to beat Limuru Starlets custodian Susan Njeri.
Mercy Akinyi from Plateau Queens was the star of the semi final of the Girls Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom against Limuru Starlets. Photo/GERALD ANDERSON
Plateau could have scored a third goal five minutes to the interval, when Sylvia Nabwire broke through from a counter attack, only to go for glory.
On resumption, a hapless Limuru were on the receiving end with Akinyi completing her hat-trick through a header in the 68th minute before Awour netted the fifth goal after two minutes.
Akinyi rounded off the rout from the spot with a well converted penalty in the 74th minute.
Mohit opened round two with a bogey, before settling down to hit six birdies and impressively closing the round with an eagle at Muthaiga’s 18th hole.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 23 – Sigona’s Mohit Mediratta kept his good form at the 2018 Kenya Open, following up his score of 2-under par in round one, with a 1-under par score after round two, to take his total score to 3-under par, placing him tied for 20th.
Mohit opened round two with a bogey, before settling down to hit six birdies and impressively closing the round with an eagle at Muthaiga’s 18th hole.
As things stand, Mohit is projected to make the cut, which currently sits at par. Also projected to make the cut are Riz Charania who has so far played two rounds of par.
Currently Germany’s Max Schmitt is top of the overall leader board, after shooting an impressive round of 6-under, two shots better than what he managed in round one to take his overall score to 10-under par.
Norway’s Kristian Johannessen is placed second on an overall score of 8-under par, one ahead of Justin Walters who is still out on the course.
Harambee Stars winger Ayub Timbe in action during training.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24 – Harambee Stars winger Ayub Timbe has been ruled out of the team’s friendly match against Comoros with an ankle injury while Girona FC striker Michael Olunga is doubtful in the game slated for Saturday night in Morocco.
Olunga, who suffered a hamstring muscle strain in training, is set to undergo a late fitness test ahead of the match that is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm Kenya time.
“We were hopeful that Timbe who has been carrying a nagging ankle injury would recover in time for the match,” Harambee Stars interim coach Stanley Okumbi said.
“Unfortunately, the medics have just informed us that they have ruled him out for today’s match as playing him risks aggravating the injury.
That notwithstanding is that we continue to monitor Olunga’s situation, which means that he may need to undergo a late fitness test to ascertain whether he is fit to play a role in the match but as it stands now he is a doubt and we may not know until very late whether it will be safe to play him,” explained Okumbi.
Harambee Stars are slated to play Comoros and the Central African Republic, away in Morocco, in two international friendlies, which are in preparations for the team’s 2019 AFCON qualifier against Ghana.
Kapenguria Heroes star David Majak overpowers Ombek Red Devis players. Photo/GERALD ANDERSON
KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Mar 24 – Backed by their loyal fans, Kapenguria Heroes booked a place in the Boys Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom final after coming down twice to knock out Ombek Red Devils 3-2 in post-match penalties in a scintillating semi final played at a well attended Bukhungu Stadium on Saturday.
This is after the match ended to a 2-2 draw in regular time with Kapenguria Heroes star David Majak once again shinning after scoring all the goals for the West Pokot team that represents Rift Valley region.
Ombek took the lead through Alex Abok on the half-hour mark before Majak, now with Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz levelled on the stroke of half time from a header.
The second half saw Ben Ogot reclaim the lead for Ombek in the 65th minute but Majak cut short their hopes of winning after netting the equaliser in the 75th minute
Kapenguria will now face favourites Gor Mahia Youth in the final on Sunday where the winner will pocket Sh1mn and earn a trip to London where they will train with the tournament’s brand Ambassador, Victor Wanyama at his Tottenham Hotspur backyard.
Kenya Commercial Bank captain Curtis Lilako and his assistant Darwin Mukidza lead teammates in celebrating their Kenya Cup win against Kabras Sugar at the Lion’s Den on March 24, 2018. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
Nairobi, Kenya, Mar 24- Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) RFC sustained immense pressure from Kabras before edging out the Western Kenya based side 29-24 and retain the Kenya Cup title with an unbeaten run.
Kabras who were determined to revenge for both last season’s loss in the final and this year’s regular season loss looked primed to cause an upset especially after going ahead at some point in the opening half, but they could not sustain a spirited KCB side.
KCB ran in four tries, three of which were converted and booted home one penalty for their 29 points while Kabras ran in three tries, none of which were converted and added in three penalties.
Ugandan Philip Wokarach was Kabras’s best player on the pitch, contributing to 14 of the 24 points the sugar belt side had, but they will live to rue their missed conversions as it would have made a massive difference in the match.
Charles Cardovillis’ men put up a gallant fight especially in the final five minutes of the game, pressing the bankers inside their own 22 and were only undone when they dropped the ball and KCB kicked out after the buzzer had gone.
Kenya Commercial Bank’s Jacob Ojee attempts to go past the Kabras Sugar duo of Felix Ayange and Brian Tanga during their Kenya Cup win final at the Lion’s Den on March 24, 2018. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
Former Kenya Simbas skipper Brian Nyikuli broke the deadlock after powering over the try line from a rack a few metres away from the box. Darwin Mukidza booted home the extras as the holders went 7-0 up.
The home side were boosted numerically when Kabras lost Asuman Mugerwa to the sin bin and right from where he plucked off from the bankers manufactured a try.
Wokarach however reduced the deficit when he booted home a penalty and Kabras went ahead for the first time in the game via a Johnston Mungao try.
KCB were punished for losing their heads from an easy line out, trying to pass the ball quickly but Mungao pounced to intercept and race down to dot down.
George Nyambua stretched Kabras’ lead further with their second try of the match when he sneaked in under heavy KCB bodies off a maul to make it 13-7 for his side. Wokarach’s effort from the conversion in what looked like an easy position for him went wide.
Kabras had managed to bully KCB off the game bumping their strong bodies and at some point, none of the KCB players wanted to go into contact after some heavy knocks from the visitors.
Calm down, we got this! Kenya Commercial Bank coach Curtis Olago showing confidence on the touchline during their Kenya Cup final against Kabras Sugar at the Lion’s Den on March 24, 2018. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
The never say die bankers, pushed on by their passionate coach Curtis Olago crawled back into a one point lead. Brian Omondi greased through a tackle to dot down after a beautiful offload from Peter Kilonzo with Mukidza adding in the extras.
The holders ensured they went into the break with a healthy 19-13 lead when Jacob Ojee dotted down on the left after some patient build up which resulted in the ball being swung to the left catching the Kabras backs asleep.
After the break, Kabras came aiming to overturn the lead and they kicked off well with Wokarach booting home from a penalty. However, the six-point lead was restored when Mukidza responded also via a penalty.
Kabras Sugar’s Steve Oluoch is pulled down by KCB’s Oliver Mang’eni during the Kenya Cup final at the Lion’s Den on March 24, 2018. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
The game’s tempo picked up when the dancing feet of Philip Wokarach lit up the full-to-capacity Lion’s Den, the Ugandan dancing away from his markers on the right before extending a hand over the line.
The try took the game to a 22-21 score and Wokarach should have taken the side into the lead from the conversion, but he hit wide.
Seeing that the had dodged a bullet, KCB went on the attack from the restart and the superb martin Owila took them eight points clear with a wonderfully taken try, pushing away to burly Kabras players with one arm and extending to touch down under the posts.
Mukidza converted as KCB went 29-21 up.
But, there was to be late drama with Kabras not willing to let go of the title in sight and they managed to reduce the gap with Wokarach’s third penalty of the game. However, despite the late effort, KCB’s resistance pulled them through.
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 24 – Former champion Sebastian Soderberg heads into the last round of the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open perched at the top of the leader board after shooting a round of 5-under par in round three to take his overall score to an impressive 12-under par.
Soderberg, who shot a one under par in the first round, seemed to get better with time, following up that round with a 6-under par on Friday.
On Saturday he hit four birdies and an eagle and at one time looked prime for another 6-under score before a bogey on the 16th meant he finished on 5-under par.
Speaking after his round, Soderberg mentioned that it was a great day of golf for him. “It was generally a good day, I had a great stretch where I shot 5 under on 6 holes, I didn’t play as well in the closing stretch but I am overall happy with that round.”
On his plans for the final round, “I hope I can stay focused going into tomorrow, as the competition is really tight.” He added.
The Swede leads German duo of overnight leader Max Schmitt and Philipp Mejow by two shots, the two are currently tied at 10-under par. Mejow who played an impressive round of 7-under par finished the round without dropping a single shot, hitting 7 birdies and 11 pars.
Overnight leader Max Schmitt, failed to replicate his round 2 form, hitting five bogeys and four birdies to finish round three on par.
Kenyan duo of RizCharania (68) and MohitMediratta (T70) struggled in round three returning scores of 3-over par and 7-over par respectively. RizCharania currently holds an overall score of 3-over par with Mohit on 5-over par.
Round 4 play will tee off at 7AM, with Kenya’s MohitMediratta teeing off at 7:10 AM, RizCharania will be on the tee ten minutes after Mohit.
The leading pack of Max Schmitt, Philipp Mejow and Sebastian Soderberg will tee off at 11:10 AM.
Geoffrey Kamworor after his third straight world half marathon title in Valencia, Spain on March 24, 2018. PHOTO/IAAF
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24- Geoffrey Kamworor lived up to his pre-match confidence, showing he is on his way to becoming a road-running legend with his third consecutive World Half Marathon victory in Valencia, Spain on Saturday evening.
Kamworor who took charge of the race from gun to tape clocked 1:00:02 to win his third consecutive World title over 21km.
Elsewhere, World Record holder Joycilline Jepkosgei led compatriot Pauline Kaveke to silver and bronze as Ethiopia’s Netsanet Kebede won the title in a new women’s only record of 1:06:11.
However, Kenya lost the men’s team title with Ethiopia taking pole after their athletes finished in cumulative better positions than Kenyans.
Also, the women’s team title went to Ethiopia with Kenya having been hit with a numerical disadvantage after Mary Wacera and Fancy Chemutai pulled out pre-race.
Leonard Barsoton was Kenya’s next best finisher after Kamworor, finishing a distant 12th with Barselio Kipyego 15th, Jorum Okombo 18th while Alex Oloitiptip did not finish.
Just like he did in Cardiff two years ago, Kamworor took control of the race from early on and started pulling away from the chasing mark after the 15km mark to carry with him a 70-metre lead.
The men had crossed the 10km mark in 29:28 with a group of six at the front, lead by Turkey’s Kaan Kigen Ozbilen and Kamworor.
After he pulled out from the pack, there was no looking back as the Kenyan blazed to the finish line with Kenyan-turned Bahraini Abraham Cheroben finishing second in 1:00:22 while Eritrea’s Aron Kifle took bronze in a time of 1:00:31.
Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei races during the 2018 World Half Marathon in Valencia, Spain. PHOTO/IAAF
In the women’s race, world record holder Jepkosgei seemed to have started well controlling the tempo, but failed to hold on to the pace with Ethiopia’s Kebede steaming away.
“The wind was too strong for me today. I am very happy with my second place,” Jepkosgei said after the race.
Jepkosgei led the pack to a 15:39 split in the first five kilometres as the race seemed to be well within world record pace, the leading pack whittling down to five.
With the record holder seeming to stride down, Kebede took the cue and pumped the pace, running alone at the front, extending her lead with each stride. She reached 15km in 47:30, four seconds ahead of Kaveke.
Kebede did not look back and went on to smash Lornah Kiplagat’s record, winning the first individual medal for Ethiopia since 2012 when Meseret Hailu led an Ethiopian 1-2 finish.
Jepkosgei clocked 1:06:54 while Kaveke finished the race in a new Personal best time of 1:06:56.
Barselius Kipyego wins the Usti nad Labem Half Marathon (Organisers) © Copyright
Abraham Cheroben winning the Copenhagen Half Marathon (Organisers) © Copyright
Joyciline Jepkosgei in Monaco (Giancarlo Colombo) © Copyright
Eunice Chumba wins the Copenhagen Half Marathon (Organisers) © Copyright
