NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24- Substitute Clifton Miheso scored a late equalizer as Harambee Stars were held to a 2-2 draw by Comoros in a friendly match in Marakech, Morocco on Saturday evening.

Under stand-in coach Stanley Okumbi, Stars had gone ahead via a third minute penalty from captain Victor Wanyama, but Comoros, ranked 132^nd in the World roared back to equalize through Youssof M’Mchangama.

Bakar Djmel’s effort with 20 minutes left saw the islanders take a 2-1 lead, but Kenya left it late before Miheso beat the Comoros keeper one on one with nine minutes left on the clock.

Okumbi made several alterations to his starting team, the returning Ismail Gonzalez starting out on the right side of defense while David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng partnered David Owino at the heart of defense.

Captain Victor Wanyama started in midfield alongside Johannah Omollo with Francis Kahata, Jesse Were and Michael Olunga leading the front three in attack.

Kenya had a brilliant start to the game when they won a penalty inside the first five minutes, skipper Wanyama stepping up to send Comoros keeper Ahamada early the wrong way for the opening goal of the tie.

Olunga should have doubled Kenya’s tally barely a minute later when he did well to find shooting space but his shot came off the crossbar.

However, Comoros responded almost immediately when M’Changama pulled a decent effort from distance catching Kenya keeper Patrick Matasi off his guard.

The goal seemingly lifted Comoros’ spirits as they kept possession more, but Kenya nearly caught them on the counter but Francis Kahata could not maximize on a lucky rebound off the Comoros keeper after he failed to hold on to Eric Johannah’s shot.

With the scores tied at par as at half time, the second stanza was always set to be interesting.

Okumbi threw in his first card, pulling out Kahata for Paul Were, a like for like change that would inject some fresh pace into the game.

In the 67^th minute, Okumbi made another change, bringing in the returning MacDonald Mariga and Miheso for Omollo and Jesse Were.

However, it was Comoros who looked to be hungrier as they went ahead just four minutes later, Djemel unleashing a ferocious shot that Matasi could only watch as it hit the net.

It was a text-book goal from the islanders with Djemel having come to the end of a team move that involved all the 11 players, including the goalkeeper touching the ball before it was rifled into the net from inside the box.

Despite going down, the Kenyans gave a spirited fight and Olunga had a header collected by the keeper at the back-post after rising unmarked to meet up a Miheso freekick.

Paul Were also had an effort on his favorite left foot from the edge of the box but it was blocked by a forest of legs.

Stars finally equalized with nine minutes left when Miheso kept his calm after racing onto a long ball to beat the Comoros keeper easily one on one. Almost immediately, Olunga came close with a stinging left footer that went inches over.

Stars will now shift their attention to their second friendly match in Marrakech where they will face the Central African Republic on Tuesday.

The post Kenya held by lowly Comoros in Marrakech appeared first on Capital Sports.

KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Mar 25 – Plateau Queens from Nyanza stunned favourites Tar Tar from Rift Valley after winning 4-3 in post-match penalties to be crowned the Girls Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom champions in a pulsating decider hosted at a full to capacity Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.

This is after the match had ended 1-1 following Tar Tar’s late equaliser through Cheyesh Jeniffer who cancelled out an own goal that had sent Plateau ahead in the 66th minute.

Plateau won Sh1mn prize and a life time trip to London where they will train for one week as well as receiving mentorship from the tournament’s brand ambassador Victor Wanyama.

Plateau goalkeeper, Judith Osimbo won the Golden Glove, Mercy Akinyi scooped the Golden Boot award after netting five goals while Beryl Eshiteku from Plateau was named the Most Valuable Player.

Both teams got the support of their 12th man and as teams were ushered into the pitch, the fans -Plateau seating on the left side of the stadium and Tar Tar on the right, were competing on who will be loudest in rallying support to their respective teams.

Tar Tar fondly referred as the Super Maroon, entered the match as favourites, going by their past experience and not only getting support from the County Government of West Pokot represented by their Sports  CS, they took time to sing their anthem conducted by their band.

It was a tense final with both sides approaching the match with caution where Plateau went for a 2-3-3-2 formation as Tar Tar preferred for a more attacking approach.

-Second Half-

It was Osimbo the busiest, pulling a crucial save in the 4th minute when she rushed of her line to clear the ball that was miss-cued by her stopper Winnie Akinyi.

The Plateau defence was caught off-guard most of the times with their back-fine failing to clear away dangers, handing their keeper much task to perform though they were good on attack orchestrated by Sylvia Nabwire on the flanks but the solid defence of Tar Tar could not allow her to break through.

In the 38th minute, Tar Tar was dispossessed in the midfield for Nabwire to break through on the left to cut cross for Margaret Atieno who feebly shot direct to keeper Lilian Achieng.

The second half was more of open play as Plateau’s attack paid dividends when Tar Tar failed to handle pressure to see their defender Lindi Nanjala flick a header for own goal to silence the Tar Tar fans and send theirs into a frenzy.

The goal changed the dynamics of Tar Tar who surged forward in search of the equaliser which came three minutes to stoppage time courtesy of a well taken shot by Cheyech from 18 yards to force the match into post-match penalties.

Osimbo was the heroine when she saved one kick before a Tar Tar player blazed over as her corresponding counterpart from Tar Tar rescued one.

Plateau converted four kicks against Tar Tar’s three.

The post Plateau upset Tar Tar to be crowned Girls Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Champs appeared first on Capital Sports.

KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Mar 25 – Kapenguria Heroes custodian Brian Lumumba grabbed the headlines after saving three penalties to inspire his West Pokot team shock favourites Gor Mahia Youth 3-0 in post-match penalties to lift the Boys Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom title at a packed Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.

Kapenguria went home with Sh1mn prize money and earn a fully paid one-week trip to London where they will benefit from clinics and mentorship from Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama.

The match had ended 0-0 with both sides firing blanks but it was Kapenguria who fluffed a number of glorious chances including a feeble shot towards the Gor Goalkeeper, Caleb Omondi from star David Majak two minutes for stoppage time.

Lumumba was named the best goalkeeper, Ben Ogot from Ombek Red Devils scooped the Golden Boot after scoring four goals while Kapenguria Heroes star, Majak won the Most Valuable Player award.

Despite failing to save any penalty in post-match, Gor shot-stopper Omondi rescued the K’Ogalo juniors several to thwart Majak’s shots with fantastic saves.

Majak forced Omondi to fully stretch and punch away the powerful set-piece for a fruitless corner.

On the other end on the quarter-hour mark, Gor should have gone ahead if Sellasie Otieno had not miss-cued in the box.

Two minutes to the break, Omondi once again stood tall in between the sticks to keep his side in the game and see both sides share spoils at half time.

There were no goals in the second half despite the chances created and Kapenguria Heroes through Majak were denied by the Gor keeper who tipped the shot over the bar.

Heading to post-match penalties, Kapenguria converted all their opening three penalties through Gabriel Poriot, Fredrick Krop and Collins Kibet while Gor squandered their kicks with Alpha Onyango seeing his first penalty well saved, same as Mathew Mwendwa’s that was parried away before Geoffrey Omondi blazed his over.

The post Kapenguria shock Gor Youth to lift Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Boys title appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24- Former Kenyan Premier League sides Ushuru FC and Nairobi City Stars stepped up their bid to return to the country’s top flight despite starting the season low with wins on Sunday in the National Super League.

Ushuru were 3-1 winners over Nairobi Stima while City Stars picked up a nervy 2-1 win over Kibera Black Stars, both games staged at the Camp Toyoyo Ground in Nairobi.

The tax collectors put up a mature performance to pick their third win of the season in eight games and head coach Ken Kenyatta hopes it will spur them to bounce back to the top.

“There’s still a long way to go but we need to keep on bagging points to get back to the top. It was a tough match today but we put up some good shift which saw us win. It has given us some motivation moving forward,” head coach Ken Kenyatta said.

Bill Oporia scored twice after Benson Amianda’s opener while Nairobi Stima scored a late consolation through former Tusker FC forward Stephen Owusu from the penalty spot.

Amianda broke the deadlock in the 16^th minute when he rose highest inside the box to thump a header past the Ushuru keeper, meeting up with Fan Ngaira’s corner.

Before the goal, both teams had chances at goal, first Oporia failing to guide the ball into an empty net from a yard out after Enock Agwanda had squared the ball to him from the right in the 12^th minute.

Two minutes later, Stima had a chance but Owusu could not punish an error from Ushuru defender Nelson Marasowe who lost the ball cheaply. The Nairobi Stima Ghanaian forward’s attempt to stick the ball into the bottom right corner was met with a well taken save from the Ushuru keeper.

After going ahead, Ushuru dictated the tempo of the game. Stima did well to try and disrupt the tempo, but they did not use the ball well when they had possession, often losing it cheaply in the final third.

Ushuru should have doubled the lead in the 35^th minute when Oporia picked up Oscar Mbugua with a well weighted pass inside the box, but the midfielder could not beat the Stima keeper one on one.

His blushes were however wiped three minutes to half time, much thanks to Stima keeper Daniel Odhiambo’s butter fingers, the shot stopper failing to hold on to a cross from Agwanda and Oporia having the simple task of nodding the ball inside an empty net.

Oporia completed his brace 13 minutes after the restart with a decent finish inside the box after picking up a Patrick Macharia miscued shot to place it calmly beyond the keeper.

Stima had a late consolation with 20 minutes left on the clock when Owusu scored from the spot after John Kang’ethe was brought down inside the box by Fredrick Kentile.

In the early kick off, City Stars capitalized on a slow start to the game by Black Stars scoring two quick goals, Stephen Iganji breaking the deadlock three minutes into the game before Abdulrahman Mango doubled the tally in the 13^th minute.

Black Stars pulled one back in the 25^th minute through Ronald Ochieng. They should have had more goals especially in the second half when City Stars sat back to defend, but poor finishing cost them.

“We started badly gifting them two easy goals which we should never have and ended up paying for it. I think I am pleased with my team because most of them are young and playing at this stage for the first time. We will grow as we progress,” Black Stars coach Geoffrey Oduor said.

The post City Stars, Ushuru pick vital NSL wins appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24- Kenya survived a nervous second half before beating hosts and defending champions Zimbabwe to the Victoria Sevens title at the Victoria Falls School Ground on Sunday evening.

Two unconverted first half tries from debutants Levi Amunga and Brian Wahinya, both who turn out for Kenyatta University side BlakBlad saw the second string squad, led by senior team assistant coach Will Webster pick the title in their debut.

Zimbabwe came back an improved side after the break with Riaan O’Neil dotting down on the left to half the deficit, but Kenya held their nerves to pick the title.

Kenya had a good start to the tie and the stat in the first half showed just how dominant they were. Of the 12 tackles they attempted, they missed only once while the hosts attempted only five tackles and had only three being successful.

Amunga, on his first outing with the national team showed shy he should be considered for the bigger assignments when he dotted down from a 50-metre sprint, after Kenya had won back possession from a Zimbabwe scrum.

The Blakblad player spotted space after the ball was swung to his direction in the right, stepped back to the left and put on the after burners to sprint away to the try line, greasing through two tackles on the way.

His teammate Wahinya had the easy task of booting home the conversion under the posts but he hit the upright.

Another mistake in the scrum by Zimbabwe saw Wahinya make amends when the scrum half picked the ball straight on to sprint away on the left beating the sleeping Zimbabwe backs.

In the second half though, the defending champions came spirited. They kept possession straight from the restart and O’Neill found some space on the left after a patient build up and touched down.

Kenya’s charge was further punctured when Frank Wanyama was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle and Zimbabwe kept possession in an attempt to take the numerical advantage.

There were some nervous moments after Kenya finally won the ball back with less than 50 seconds left, but lost it again from a knock on.

Fortunately, Zimbabwe could not do much with the possession won and Kenya forced an error into a penalty and with the buzzer gone, kicked the ball out to preserve the win.

Shujaa won the tournament unbeaten and had met the Zimbabwe side in the groups winning 14-12. They had beaten South African side False Bay 17-0, Zambia 36-0 and Lesotho 52-0 in the other group matches on Saturday.

In the quarters, they were no match for Spartans, winning the tie 43-0 before beating Uganda 17-0 in the semis. The Ugandans ultimately won bronze after beating Zambia in the play-off.

The post Kenya beats Zim to clinch Victoria 7s title appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 25 – Italian Lorenzo Gagli was on Sunday crowned the winner of the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open at the Muthaiga Golf Club.

33 year old Gagli had to face Sweden’s Jens Fahbringin a play-off after the two were tied on a 273 score of 11-under par after 18 holes.

It took three play-off rounds at Muthaiga’s 13th hole to separate the pair, with Jens Fahbring hitting his third tee shot inside the water hazard to hand Lorenzo Gagli the win.

Gagliwho started the day 4 shots behind the overnight leader, played a round of 3-under par, hitting four birdiesto take full advantage of the leading pack’s dropped shots.

Overnight leader Sebastian Soderberg folded after the first three holes on the day, hitting 4 bogeys and one double bogey to return a score card of 3-over par after the round, taking his overall score to 9-under par, to see him finish tied for 6th place.

Lorenzo Gagli, walks away with Sh10mn (80,000 Euros), with Gagli pocketing 55,000 Euros, the trio of Philipp Mejow, KalleSamooja and Nico Geyger who tied in third place won 30,000 Euros.

Speaking on his win Lorenzo Gagli thanked his family, management, tournament organizers, sponsors, the Muthaiga Golf Club and spectators.

“It is an amazing feeling to stand before you today, it is a great honour to win my first title in Kenya, I want to thank my parents, management, sponsors, the Muthaiga Golf Club for keeping the course in perfect shape, also the spectators for the support.”

Kenyan duo of MohitMediratta and RizCharaniafinished placed T71 and 69th respectively, the two returned similar scores of 3-over par on the day, to take their scores to 8-over par and 6-over par respectively.

Speaking on his overall performance at his first appearance at the Kenya Open, Mohit expressed his pleasure but bemoanedhis bad luck in rounds 3 and 4.

“It has been a beautiful experience playing in my first Kenya Open, I’ve had a wonderful time competing in front of a home crowd. Being my first Kenya Open I have done myself and everyone proud.”

“Unfortunately I haven’t had the weekend that I was hoping for, but it has proved to me that I can play at the highest level. I can only grow from here and I hope to come back next year as a better golfer.” He added.

For their efforts, RizCharania and MohitMediratta were each awarded KES. 100,000 by the Kenya Open Golf Limited on top of the prize money from the tournament.

This year’s tournament attracted a total of 156 players from 30 countries including Kenya’s contingent of 22 professionals and 4 amateurs.

Speaking at the trophy presentation ceremony, President Uhuru Kenyatta, challenged the Kenya Open Golf Limited to get the tournament to the European Tour, by the year 2019.

To this effect the President doubled the Government’s commitment to the tournament to 2.2 Million Euros and urged the other sponsors to up their contributions.

“I appreciate the important role the size of the prize kitty plays in growing this game, in this regard this is the richest tournament in the European Challenge tour, this has enabled us attract some of the best golfers in the world.

“However we need to do more, I want to see us in the European tour next year, so that our own golfers can compete with the best in the world. Equally important getting on the European tour I believe will see our events aired live across the world and it will be a great boost for our tourism and helping us get jobs for our young men and women.”

“To join the European tour, the prize money has to be much higher, recognizing the benefit to the country in terms of potential increase in trade, investment and tourist visitors which entirely will lead to job creation.”

“I am persuaded and very happy to announce an increase in our government contribution from 1 Million Euros to 2.2 Million Euros and I call upon others who have been supporting this game to also borrow a leaf and also up their contributions.” He added.

The President also urged the Kenya Open Golf Limited to hasten the plans for the Safari Tour as a platform to expose Kenya’s juniors and professional golf players to top competition.

“The Kenya Golf Limited has informed me of plans for the Safari Tour, which will be a professional Golf tour that will also serve as a training ground for our juniors and our amateurs, by exposing them to not only competition here but also from other regions we will go a long way in sharpening and positioning them to be top prize winners in the future.”

Speaking after a successful tournament, Tournament director Mr. Patrick Obath spoke about what it takes and what it means to host a European Tour event.

“Hosting a European tour needs a different level of organization, when the President talked about creating employment, this will be from the numbers expected to visit the country during the tournament.”

“We will be having up to 700 people coming into the country directly involved in the tournament. Adding the spectators we expect to host around 3,000 people during the two weeks of the tournament,” he added.

The post Italian Gagli clinches 2018 Barclays Kenya Open title appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 26- Harambee Stars will be without skipper Victor Wanyama when they face the Central African Republic (CAR) in the second of their two friendly matches in Marrakech, Morocco on Tuesday evening.

Wanyama played and scored from the penalty spot in the first friendly tie against Comoros on Saturday evening, but Capital Sport has learnt he has already travelled back to his North London base with Tottenham.

The club is said to have asked that Wanyama plays only one of the two friendly matches as he is still on the recovery path from a knee injury that kept him off action for close to four months.

His tactician Mauricio Pochettino has been using him mostly as a second half substitute in league matches while he has been a starter for the Argentine in the FA Cup matches.

For midfield duties, stand-in coach Stanley Okumbi will now look up to his elder brother MacDonald Mariga who came on as a second half substitute on Saturday, Johannah Omollo and Teddy Akumu.

Stars will hope for a better show against CAR having not played to expectation against a Comoros side ranked 132^nd in the world.

Clifton Miheso who scored the equalizer for Stars against Comoros admits the team should have done better but hopes they can up their performance against CAR.

“I wasn’t really satisfied with the match because we should have won the game considering the number of chances we missed. We should have won that game by a big margin. But it’s a learning curve and I hope we can win the next match,” The Zambia based winger added.

He added; “We expect a tough match because at this stage, there is no easy team in Africa. Every game we face is tough and we have to perform.”

Stars are using the build up matches to prepare for their 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana in September at home.

The post Wanyama out of Stars’ CAR Tuesday friendly appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 26- Once again, it was yet another action packed weekend in sports both locally and internationally, some providing spectacular photographic moments.

From Geoffrey Kamworor earning a three-peat of the World Half Marathon Championship to KCB retaining their Kenya Cup title and Lorenzo Gagli bagging the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open title, we re-live the weekend that was, in photos.

-Kamworor bags World Half three-peat

We start off in Valencia, Spain where Geoffrey Kamworor showed that he is on the way to becoming a road running legend when he bagged his third consecutive World Half Marathon title.

Kamworor dipped slightly over an hour to bag the title, but Kenya lost the team title with the next best placed man after Kamworor coming in at 12th.

Joyciline Jepkosgei led Pauline Kaveke to a 2-3 finish in the women’s race won by Ethiopia’s Netsanet Kebede in a new women’s only record of 1:06:11.

-Italian Gagli clinches 2018 Kenya Open title

Italy’s Lorenzo Gagli beat Sweden’s Jens Fahrbring in the third hole of a sudden death play-off, to claim the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open Golf title at Muthaiga Golf Club yesterday.

The two players had tied on 11 under par 273 after the end of regulation play with Gagli firing three under par 68 in the closing round, while Fahrbring posted 67 to also bring his total to 11 under par.

The two went to the par three-13th hole for the play off, where they parred the hole twice, before Gagli claimed the third hole with a par, to clinch his first victory and the 10-million shilling prize money.

-I would rather enjoy my K’Ogalo, says Baba

The new BFFs in town, President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga walked side by side to the 2018 Kenya Open final day in Muthaiga.

But while President Kenyatta is an ardent golf fun, Baba seemed not to fancy the ‘gentleman’s game’ a lot.

“It was nice watching the 2018 Barclays Kenya Open but I think I’ll stick to watching the Mighty Gor Mahia,” Raila tweeted after the evening’s session in Muthaiga.

-Unbeaten KCB retain Kenya Cup title

It was the closest Kabras Sugar have come to toppling Kenya Cup giants KCB and Saturday’s final at the Lion’s Den in Ruaraka provided a spectacle for neutrals.

Well, the Bankers, unbeaten this entire season showed their superiority holding on for 29-24 win, but Kabras left the pitch feeling that sooner rather than later, they will topple the Lions.

But one thing that was worth fancying from the tie was Curtis Olago’s confidence.

The KCB tactician never seemed to bat an eyelid even when the game was under immense pressure and he cut out a composed figure on the touchline.

While his opposite number Charles Cardovillis was animated on the bench, Olago kept his calm, but burst out as soon as the final whistle went.

-Kapenguria Heroes, Plateau Queens to Chapa Dimba with Wanyama in London

Kapenguria Heroes from West Pokot and Plateau Queens from Nyanza Region were crowned national champions of the inaugural Chapa Dimba na Safaricom tournament yesterday.

Kapenguria upset pre-match favourites Gor Mahia Youth 3-0 on penalties with keeper Brian Lumumba saving all of Gor’s attempts while Plateau won the girls’ title with a 4-3 wins over Tar Tar, also on penalties.

The two teams walked home with one-million shillings in prize money and a priceless one-week trip to London where they will benefit from clinics and mentorship from Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama.

-Harambee Stars draw Comoros in Marrakech

Not the best of performances from Harambee Stars who on Saturday evening came from behind to draw 2-2 with Comoros, ranked 132nd in the world.

Clifton Miheso wiped the blushes off Stars who might find themselves dropping in the next release of rankings after the draw.

-Ushuru, City Stars aim to get back to PL business

Playing in the second tier is no joke! It is a tough league where everybody treats a game like a final ultimately hoping to dive into the big boys’ pool, the Kenyan Premier League.

Ushuru FC and City Stars have tasted the sweetness of the waters that trickle from the KPL and despite starting their season slow, both sides are aiming to get back to the top.

They won their weekend National Super League ties and hope to keep a consistent run throughout.

-Oh, poor Hami, It’s Vett’s title!

Sebastian Vettel won a thrilling duel with world champion Lewis Hamilton to steal the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday.

The four-time world champion got the jump on the Mercedes ace off a miscalculation on the pit stop under Virtual Safety Car conditions and held off Hamilton for his second straight win in Melbourne and third overall.

Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen resisted a challenge from Australian Red Bull racer Daniel Ricciardo to take third and join Vettel on the podium.

The post In Photos: The weekend that was appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 26- Having lost their second consecutive Kenya Cup final to KCB, Kabras Sugar plot to put all their effort into the Enterprise Cup, which they also lost to the bankers last year, and ensure they finish the season with silverware.

The Kakamega based side pushed the bankers to the wall in the Saturday final, losing by a one-try margin and head coach Charles Cardovillis believes it is a match they should have won.

“In finals rugby you have to play consistently throughout the 80 minutes. There were bits and pieces where we lost concentration and our execution wasn’t what we needed it to be. We missed on those chances and that’s where we lost the game,” the tactician said after the gruelling encounter.

Kabras at some point enjoyed a 13-7 lead, but a lapse saw them drop to 19-13 at half time. They would have sneaked in a win in the late minutes of the match after piling pressure, but they could not execute their plan to detail.

Cardovillis was not entirely disappointed with the result, saying there were positives to pick from and believes it is just a matter of time before they bring down KCB following failed attempts in two consecutive seasons.

“Sometimes people focus so much on the negatives but we should pick up on the positives and polish on them ahead of the Enterprise Cup. There are just a few things we need to fine tune and we will be complete. The gap has been reducing and this year was the closest final,” the tactician added.

He also notes; “The focus now is on Enterprise. Last year we lost to the same team but we have to ensure that we get a silver lining to the season. We have had a good one with positive moments and now we need to get a trophy for it.”

Kabras kick off their Enterprise Cup campaign on April 21 in the Quarter finals against the winner between BlakBlad and Mombasa RFC who meet in the pre-quarters tie when the Cup begins on April 14.

Holders KCB, Kabras, Impala Saracens and Nondescripts were handed byes to the quarterfinals. Nondies benefited from the pick of the draw and replaced Homeboyz in the quarters after the deejays forfeited their bye having fielded an ineligible player in last season’s semi-final loss to KCB.

Homeboyz will host Kenya Harlequins in the pick of the pre-quarterfinal rounds where the winner of this match will be away to Nondescripts in the quarters a week later.

Kisii host Mwamba at the Gusii Stadium, the venue of their shock  18-12 Kenya Cup win against the same opponent on February 3. The winner of this match faces defending champions KCB in the quarters

Strathmore Leos will host Nakuru RFC with the winner taking on Impala in the quarters.

Pre-Quarters- April 14

PQF1 Kisii v Mwamba – Kisii

PQF2 Blak Blad v Mombasa – Kenyatta University

PQF3 Strathmore Leos v Nakuru – Strathmore

PQF4 Homeboyz v Kenya Harlequins – Jamhuri Park

Quarters- April 21

QF1 KCB v winner PQF1 – Ruaraka

QF2 Kabras Sugar v winner PQF2 – Kakamega

QF3 Impala Saracens v winner PQF3 – Impala

QF4 Nondescripts v winners PQF4 – Jamhuri Park

Semis- April 28

Winner QF1 v Winner QF4

Winner QF2 v Winner QF3

Final

May 5 – RFUEA Ground

The post Kabras vow to give their all in Enterprise Cup appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 26- Both Nairobi City Stars and Ushuru FC were relegated at the end of the 2016 Kenyan Premier League season, but, they now eye a return to the high table of Kenyan football next year.

Ken Kenyatta’s Ushuru came close last season after finishing third in the regular season, but slipped to a 2-1 aggregate loss to Thika United in the play-off thus failing to land back into the top flight.

City Stars on their side have struggled to get back to the top but they hope the 2018 season can come with better tidings.

The two sides have not started the new NSL season as strong as they would have wished but each bounced back into hope over the weekend with vital wins. Ushuru were 3-1 winners over Nairobi Stima while City Stars beat Kibera Black Stars 2-1.

“It was vital for us to get this win because we haven’t started the season strongly. It comes as a relief to the players especially in our bid to get back to the top tier league,” former captain John Amboko who now serves as the team’s head coach said.

He however hopes that the team’s financial status can improve to aid in their bid, but he says nonetheless, they will fight to keep their dream on course.

“We just need to take a step at a time and keep the winning momentum. It is hard because of financial issues but hopefully things can get better,” the tactician offered.

Ushuru meanwhile ensured the dream stayed on course with their third win of the season and head coach Ken Kenyatta has challenged his boys to pull up their performance after a sluggish start.

“It hasn’t been an easy season but hopefully we pick up as we progress. Last season we got to the play-off and lost and this season, our ambition is to go all the way. It is not easy though because every team has that single dream and the competition is tough,” Kenyatta said.

Ushuru and City Stars lay side by side at 10th and 11th on the log with 11 points a-piece, though the taxmen have a better goal aggregate.

Meanwhile, Western Stima, relegated from the top tier at the close of last season continued with their journey back to the top, picking their fifth win in eight matches beating fellow promotion hopefuls Bidco United 1-0 in Kisumu.

Bidco lie third on the standings with 14 points, three behind the leaders.

Kenya Police meanwhile kept their push to earn promotion with a nervy 2-1 win over Nakuru-based St. Joseph’s Youth in Naivasha. The side coached by renowned tactician Charles ‘Korea’ Omondi are second in the standings with 15 points, two behind leaders and a match at hand.

Meanwhile, the youthful Kibera Black Stars dream of making it into the top tier in their second season in the NSL. They currently sit fifth in the standings with 14 points off four wins and two draws.

“We have dropped some points in the last three matches and lost some tempo but those are the lessons that our young boys have to take,” head coach Geoffrey Oduor said.

“Each of the 19 teams in the NSL want to get promoted and we are also taking that seriously. We are taking a match at a time and giving it the best shot. If we end up getting it, then that will be a plus for us,” the tactician added.

NSL Weekend Results

KCB 3-1 GFE 105, AP4-2 Nakuru All Stars, Western Stima 1-0 Bidco United, Modern Coast 0-0 Talanta, Isibania 1-2 Coast Stima, Kenya Police 2-1 St Joseph’s Youth, Nairobi City Stars 2-1 Kibera Black Stars, Ushuru 3-1 Nairobi Stima, Kangemi All Stars 2-1 Green Commandos.

The post Ushuru, Nairobi City Stars eye KPL return appeared first on Capital Sports.

WEST POKOT, Kenya, Mar 26 – After their triumphant Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom victory, Kapenguria Heroes were treated to a warm reception during their home-coming as the Kapenguria town came to a standstill to welcome the conquers on Monday.

Living truly to their name, Kapenguria Heroes defied all the odds to stun Gor Mahia Youth 3-0 in post-match penalties to lift the inaugural tournament’s title and earn a life time trip to London for a week-long training in May and receive mentorship from Harambee Stars skipper and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama.

The team that got an overwhelming backing from their fans and officials from the County Government, who travelled all the way from West Pokot to Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium, started their convey at Kitale town shortly after 2pm.

Led by a County Government chase car, the convey that also comprised of Tartar Girls, who come from the region as well, had a stop over at Murkwijit, located at the border of Trans Nzoia and West Pokot where they were received by traditional dancers, had a jig with the teams before being congratulated by the County Sports minister Emily Chepoghisho.

Now in their home county, the convey cheered on the road side by the residents, then snailed through Psigrio before passing the busy Makutano all the way to Kapenguria Town before heading to Governor John Lonyangapuo’s office where they met another set of traditional dancers who sung and dance for the heroes.

In a rare occasion the residents coming from all ages were allowed to flock in the governor’s premises.

A very cheerful Lonyangapuo, who had some time to dig at Gor Mahia, rewarded the team with goodies, giving both Kapenguria and Tartar who were runner-ups in the Boys category Sh100, 000 each and promised to organise a breakfast date with Deputy President, William Ruto and lunch with President Uhuru Kenyatta in April.

“Gor Mahia gave birth to Gor Youth who they fainted on Sunday as we beat them, they got a shock so we want to show them that we also have talent in soccer,” Lonyangapuo said while receiving the team outside his office.

“There are many people in Kenya including some here they are asking themselves can anything good come out of West Pokot? But the grace of God was upon us and we beat all the teams and reached the final. For that effort we are going to reward teams. Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning I am going to pay Sh200, 000 school fees for the 22 players from Tartar and have breakfast with them,” Lonyangapuo added.

Kapenguria Heroes despite not having a proper training facility, has produced top players thanks to the tournament that saw South Sudanese striker David Majak, Fredrick Krop and goalkeeper Brian Lumumba join Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz for a three-year contract.

The post New champs in town Kapenguria treated to heroic home coming appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 26- A late goal from Doston Tursunov saw hosts Uzbekistan pick up a narrow 1-0 win over Kenya’s Under-23 team in a friendly match at the Istiqlal Stadium on Monday evening.

The reigning Asian Under-23 champions revenged for the 2-1 loss they suffered under the Kenyan side coached by Mathare United tactician Francis Kimanzi on Friday, scoring six minutes into stoppage time.

Kimanzi made only one change from that team that won last week, Vihiga United centre back Bernard Ochieng starting ahead of striker Chris Onyango with Joseph Okumu retaining the captaincy.

The hosts came into the tie charged to make amends from their misgivings in the first of the two friendly games, taking the game into Kenya’s half from the first minute.

However, the defence marshalled by Okumu managed to hold their own and ensure they didn’t collapse under pressure.

Uzbekistan continued with the pressure in the second half, camping in Kenya’s half and forcing teh Kenyans into tackles that resulted in dangerous set pieces, but none could trouble the backline.

From a good scoring position in the 52^nd minute, Uzbekistan won a free-kick but Islam Kenjabayev drove it straight to the wall and booted the rebound way up into the stands.

From a swift counter attack, Kenya nearly broke the deadlock after 54 minutes. Bolton Omwenga broke away on the left and curled in a wonderful cross, but Piston Mutamba’s connection came up against the upright.

Ulinzi Stars midfielder Ibrahim Shambi followed it up with the goalkeeper down, but his header from the edge of the six yard box came off the crossbar.

The hosts knew they had to act fast to get a goal and Aziz Turghunbev came close when he dribbled into his favourite left foot, unleashed a dipping effort from range but keeper Timothy Odhiambo pushed it behind for a corner.

The home side kept pushing and were awarded in virtually the last minute of play when Tursunov broke into the box to head home a cross from the right.

The team now comes back home with lots of positives from the two games with the eyes fixed on next year’s African Under-23 Championships which will also act as Africa’s qualifiers for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

The post Junior Stars fall to Uzbekistan in friendly appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 26- David Ouma has returned as the national women football team head coach and Richard Kanyi, the man who had been holding brief after the tactician left, says he is more than excited to have Ouma back.

The former Sofapaka and Posta Rangers tactician led the team to their first ever African Women’s Cup of Nations in 2016 as well as silver in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Women’s Championship before departing for other duties in the federation.

Kanyi took charge of the team last year and led them to a fourth place finish in the COSAFA Women’s Championship where they were an invited side.

Ouma returns to the side just in time as they prepare to face Uganda in the first round of the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) which will be held in Ghana late November.

“David has the experience because he has been there. We are working as a team now because this belongs to Kenyans. It is high time we bring our heads and expertise together to see that this team goes to the AWCON and does well,” the tactician offered.

Ouma joined the team in training last week Monday before they travelled to Zambia for a friendly match against the hosts, winning 3-0.

“I am glad to be back at the team and I bring with me the experience and understanding of being at the AWCON. We would like to continue being among the best teams in Africa and I am hoping we can work together as a team and get this result,” Ouma said.

A new face also joining the technical bench is experienced goalkeeper trainer Iddi Salim.

The win in Zambia was a huge motivator for the team as they prepare for the first leg against Uganda’s She-Cranes next Wednesday in Machakos with the return tie set for April 8.

“It is very motivating for the team because we gained a lot in terms of giving all the players an opportunity and also testing our systems. Winning builds confidence and at the moment, we are somewhere up there,” Kanyi offered.

The team landed back from Zambia on Monday night and headed straight to camp in Machakos with a week of preparation left before they tackle the Ugandans.

Ouma who led Starlets to two wins over the Ugandans during his last tenure believes they will not come in the same side and has urged the team to exercise caution.

“We don’t expect it easy because definitely Uganda has been working hard since we last played against them. We will take each leg seriously and the good thing is that we are starting at home which will make it a bit more comfortable for us,” Ouma noted.

A win for Kenya over the two legs will earn them a ticket to the second round of qualification where they are scheduled to face Equatorial Guinea. Winning this two-legged tie will earn them a ticket to their second ever AWCON.

“We know how it feels to play at the AWCON and definitely, we will work hard to be there again. It is not easy; we need to work harder in the two qualification matches. But looking at my teammates and how much we have gelled, I am convinced that we have what it takes,” midfielder Corazon Aquino noted.

Meanwhile, Kanyi has disclosed that the team has invested in a sports psychologist to help them build their mental strength ahead of the two games.

The post Kanyi excited with Ouma’s Starlets return appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27-President Uhuru Kenyatta has fired warning shots to sports federations accused of mismanaging athletes, saying they should style up and ensure that all Kenyan sportsmen and women are well taken care of.

The President said sports federations have a mandate to ensure Kenyan teams are well trained, prepared and catered for financially even as they go out to represent the country in various fields.

“Every time we agree on what needs to be done should be fulfilled. Am perturbed that this has not been happening,” President Kenyatta said.

This comes in the wake of complains from athletes that are headed to the Commonwealth Games in Australia over lack of proper kitting and non-payment of allowances which brought a near go-slow to training, less than two weeks to the games.

The head of state has said the country has an obligation to honour its sportsmen and women who raise the country’s flag high.

He said sports federations, including the Athletic Kenya, Kenya Golf Union, Kenya Football Kenya Federation, Kenya Rugby Union, Cricket Kenya and Kenya Hockey, had to style up and ensure that they fulfil their mandate.

“We don’t take for granted that it takes a lot to be where you are. It takes a lot of effort to participate in the variety of international competitions,” said the President.

President Kenyatta told the team that whatever the Government has allocated in terms of allowances and rewards is their entitlement and they should not shy away from demanding them from federations.

“There are things we agreed that need to be done for the rugby team, golf teams and other sportsmen and women, as we demand that they meet our expectations we also should do our part,” said President Kenyatta.

Kenyatta spoke on Tuesday morning at State House, Nairobi, as he handed the team headed to Gold Coast, Australia the flag.

The team will be skippered by World 1500m champion Elijah Manangoi. The Kenya Police Service coincidentally also happens to serve in the President’s elite VIP protection unit.

Meanwhile, speaking during the hand-over ceremony, Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa assured the sportsmen and women of his commitment to uplifting their standards as well as taking care of their wellbeing.

“I know our athletes have been undergoing a lot of frustrations. This will no longer happen under my watch,” he assured the President and the team.

The Commonwealth games will run from April 4th to 15th in Gold Coast, Australia. The Kenyan team of 300 includes the Para-athletes team.

–Additional information courtesy PSCU

The post Uhuru warns mismanaged sports federations appeared first on Capital Sports.

GOLD COAST, Australia, Mar 27- He will be one of the oldest competitors in the marathon course at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia, but irrespective of his 44 years, Kenya’s Kenneth Mungara will be the one to beat.

The current Gold Coast Marathon race record holder (2:08:42) made a late start to marathon taking up the sport 11 years ago.

A former barber, the veteran runner swapped the scissors with joggers after cutting the hair of other athletes.

“I believed I could run well,” Mungara told GC2018.com

“I watched other runners coming to my barber shop, I observed them, and I thought I can beat them in running. That is how it all started.”

Residing in a small town called Limuru, with a population of 4,800, the father of six has competed in over 20 marathon races since his debut in 2006.

Three of the races have been on the stretch of road between Runaway Bay and Burleigh with his first win coming in 2015.

The world masters record holder (40-45), also claimed first place on the Gold Coast upon his return in 2016 before settling for second place last year.

But the Commonwealth Games debutante doesn’t believe his history on the Gold Coast streets will give him the edge come April 15.

“Everyone running is a winner and this is the game in which one needs to play well all the time, otherwise winning is not possible,” Mungara said.

“It is about the training for the race and then racing well.

“Success is from God and from hard work and this is what I firmly believe in.”

Mungara, alongside his teammates will be out to reclaim Kenya’s title which was lost to Australia’s Michael Shelley at the Glasgow 2014 Games.

The GC2018 Athletics Ambassador claimed the title in just 2.11:15 with Kenya’s Stephen Chemlany finishing 43 seconds behind him for the silver.

Mungara, a four-time Toronto Marathon winner, is doing everything in his power to be race ready.

“Long run, speedwork twice a week, tempo and easy recovery running,” Mungara said when asked what his training schedule looks like.

“I train seriously, because I have people who support me watching and I can’t disappoint them. I train six days per week and do around 10 sessions per week on average.

“I also do lots of exercise and mentor younger athletes in my group.”

Kenya has named a strong marathon contingent for GC2018 with 2017 Copenhagen marathon winner Julius Nderitu and 2017 Kosice marathon winner Sheila Jerotich joining Mungara.

And Mungara is ready to do his family and country proud with his six children especially eager to see their dad wear the black red and green.

“Yes! The Member of Parliament, Governor, friends, my parents, wife and children, of course,” Mungara responded when asked if his hometown will be watching the race.

“I am at the training camp at the moment and when I visit family, my children ask me to watch the race to see how well I’ve done and I have to remind them that it is not done yet, that they need to be patient.

I am happy to represent my country, many people dream of wearing the Kenyan vest, not only me, and because I was given this privilege and responsibility, I need to make sure I use it well.

“I am coming to win the race, that’s the only plan.”

The Kenyan marathon team heading to GC2018 includes:

Men

Julius Nderitu (PB of 2:08:01)

Kenneth Mungara (PB of 2:07:36)

Nicholas Kamakya (PB of 2:06:34)

Women

Hellen Musyoka (PB of 2:35:58)

Sheila Jerotich (PB of 2:27:34)

Shelmith Muriuki (PB of 2:38:18)

-Courtesy Gold Coast 2018 official website

The post Mungara ready to tear Gold Coast course at 44 appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27- Ten-man Harambee Stars suffered a 3-2 loss at the hands of 121^st placed Central African Republic (CAR) in their second FIFA friendly match played in Marrakech, Morocco on Tuesday evening.

This follows the 2-2 draw with Comoros on Saturday, two results that will definitely see the national football team plunge in the next FIFA rankings having failed to win against two teams placed way lower than them.

CAR put the game to bed with what seemed to be a soft penalty in the 70^th minute with Foxi Kethevoama and Eudes Dagoulou having scored in between Eric Johannah’s equalizer.

Michael Olunga scored a late second for Kenya, but it was too little too late.

Stars’ day went from bad to worse when right back Ismail Gonzalez was sent off for bad-mouthing the referee with 14 minutes left on the clock.

-More to follow

The post Harambee Stars hit by CAR in Marrakech appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27 – Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Girls champions Plateau Queens were on Tuesday hosted for a lunch by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o after their success in the inaugural youth football tournament that took place over the weekend at Bukhungu stadium.

The Plateau Queens who represented the Nyanza region defied all the odds to edge out favourites Tartar Girls from West Pokot 4-3 in post-match penalties to be crowned champions, pocket Sh1mn prize and a trip to London for a week-long training and a metorship with the tournament’s brand ambassador Victor Wanyama.

“I want to thank the coaches who have natured these girls who have made our Kisumu county proud. We wish you all the best when you go to United Kingdom get the skills so that you can shine in your career,” Nyong’o said.

The match had ended 1-1 after Tartar’s late equaliser through Cheyesh Jeniffer who cancelled out an own goal that had sent Plateau ahead in the 66th minute.

Plateau goalkeeper, Judith Osimbo won the Golden Glove, Mercy Akinyi scooped the Golden Boot award after netting five goals while Beryl Eshiteku from Plateau was named the Most Valuable Player.

Osimbo was the heroine when she saved one kick before a Tar Tar player blazed over as her corresponding counterpart from TarTar rescued one.

The post Nyong’o hosts Chapa Dimba Champions Plateau Queens appeared first on Capital Sports.

MOMBASA, Kenya, Mar 28 – Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) forward Felmas Adhiambo Koranga has been named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK)/StarTimes player of the month for February.

Koranga beat other eight athletes to the coveted gong including Winter Olympian, Sabrina Wanjiku, rugby ace, Darwin Mukidza of Kenya Commercial Bank, Tokyo Marathon champion, Dickson Chumba and Stacy Ndiwa who won the Athletics Kenya’s National Cross Country Championships.

Others were wheelchair tennis player, Jane Ndenga, Commonwealth Games Trials winner, Edward Zakayo, KPA men’s Most Valuable Player, Evans Letting, and 2018 IAAF World Indoor Tour 1500m winner, Beatrice Chepkoech.

The 22-year old Social Work and Community Development Student was unanimously voted for by the panel of journalists handling the prestigious monthly prizes sponsored by pay television channel, StarTimes.

The former Shimba Hills player led KPA to dethrone arch rivals, Equity Banks Hawks, from the 2017 Kenya Basketball Federation Women’s Premier League title whose curtains came down at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa on February 24, 2018.

Koranga scored a game high 19 points to steer KPA to a 74-49 (20-09,23-17,18-6,25-5) win against Equity in the decisive Game Three.

Koranga was also named the league’s Most Valuable Player after steering her club to win the best of five play-off series with a 3-0 aggregate.

“It was a tough 2017 season. We played as a team. We were able to win the regional contest and post good results at the continental championships because of unity,” underlined Koranga who led KPA to retain the 2017 Fiba Africa Zone V Clubs Basketball Championships trophy at Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala, Uganda in December.

Koranga, who commanded KPA to a fifth place finish at the Fiba Africa Women’s Clubs Championships in Luanda, Angola, received the monthly reward at the Makande Hall in Mombasa on Wednesday.

“This is a great surprise, thank you StarTimes for being the sponsors and SJAK for considering me for this prize.

“This truly goes a long way to inspire and motivate me to work harder. It is also an inspiration to other basketball players to work hard,” she underscored.

The Nakuru based player walked away with a trophy, StarTimes 42-inch digital television set and KSh100, 000.

StarTimes Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Mr. Japheth Akhulia, said Koranga has a bright future in the game owing to her tender age and talent.

“StarTimes is glad to recognise Koranga’s ability in the discipline. This is meant to also inspire other players, especially girls, to take up sports which has both health and financial benefits as a career,” Akhulia emphasised.

“Star Times will always endeavour to encourage our sports men and women through these awards as a way of recognizing their dedicated efforts in the industry,” added Akhulia.

SJAK chairman, Chris Mbaisi, said the association ventured into the unique monthly awards to give non-football players a chance to be recognized.

“We are happy that these awards are already inspiring players to work hard to accomplish their aim.

“If you are an athlete, put more effort in your category. It is this extra effort that has seen Koranga being rewarded as a champion today,” Mbaisi stressed.

The post Felmas named Sports Personality for Feb appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 28 – After failing to win in their last two FIFA International friendly matches, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has sent packing the Harambee Stars technical bench with interim coach Stanley Okumbi ‘redeployed’ as the U20 head coach.

Harambee Stars, who are yet to jet in the country from Morocco where they played the two friendly matches, drew 2-2 against Comoros before losing 2-1 to lowly ranked Central African Republic.

Okumbi was named interim head coach after Belgian Paul Put resigned in February 19.

According to FKF communications director, Barry Otieno, the federation resorted to re-organise the technical bench so as to pave way for the new head coach set to be unveiled in May.

Okumbi has been in the Harambee Stars technical bench since 2015 when Nick Mwendwa was elected FKF President and has faced criticism from football stakeholders.

Since his appointment, Okumbi has only managed five wins out of 19 matches that he was in charge.

Harambee Stars, who lost their opening 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifier away to Sierra Leone, will welcome the Black Stars of Ghana in their second match in September before facing Ethiopia.

The post Harambee Stars technical bench sent packing appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 28 – They say a picture is worth a thousand words; here is how Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Boys champions Kapenguria Heroes were welcomed back home in a grand ceremony at their West Pokot County.

Now in their home county, the convey cheered on the road side by the residents, then snailed through Psigrio before passing the busy Makutano all the way to Kapenguria Town before heading to Governor John Lonyangapuo’s office where they met another set of traditional dancers who sung and dance for the heroes.

The post In pictures: Kapenguria Heroes homecoming appeared first on Capital Sports.