NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 29- The last time the Zimbabwe Sables played in Nairobi, they ran off 26-21 winners against the Simbas at the Nyayo National Stadium to clinch the Victoria Cup in 2011.

Assistant coach Brendan Dawson now deputizing South African Peter de Villiers was head coach then.

Dawson speaking on Friday evening after the team had their final training session before Saturday afternoon’s Rugby Africa Gold Cup tie at the RFUEA Ground has warned Kenya they should expect the same result, but was quick to add that they will be facing a tough opponent.

“I have played here before as a coach and as a player and this is not new ground for me. I have been here, won against Kenya and also lost. But the last time I was here, we were winners. We know how to do it,” the tactician told Capital Sport.

The Southern Africans carry a better head to head tally against Kenya, having won 12 of the last 19 meetings between the two.

The most painful of the wins Zimbabwe has had over Kenya was in July 2014 when they beat Simbas 27-10 in Harare to crush their World Cup dreams.

However, ahead of Saturday’s clash, Zimbabwe know history will count to nothing especially when the tie is a crucial aspect of the qualification to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

“We expect a very tough game because Kenya is a very aggressive side and they play the ball out wide well at high tempo. They have very skilled players who can play the ball well and we need to come out really hard in defense,” Dawson said.

He added; “It will be very big competition on the field and that should make for an interesting match. We know they can be quite solid at home but at this stage, I don’t think there’s really much about home advantage.”

Zimbabwe started the competition on the wrong footing, picking a 23-23 draw at home against promoted Morocco. Kenya on their side started off beating the North Africans 28-24 at their backyard in Casablanca.

Dawson says that result will have no bearing for Saturday’s game.

“Morocco should not be underestimated because they have improved drastically. It was a tough game playing them and honestly we are happy with the point we got. We move into the second match completely different from the first game and we want to pick a win,” the coach further said.

The acquisition of former South African coach Peter de Villiers was a statement of intent from the Sables and Dawson says that he has brought in a lot of positive influence in the team.

Zimbabwe starting line up

1. Denford Mutamangira 2. David Makanda 3. Farai Mudariki 4. Johannes Stander 5. Fortunate Chipendu 6. Takudzwa Mandiwanza 7. Connor Pritchard 8. Tapfuma Parirenyatwa 9. Ernest Mudzengerere 10. Lenience Tambwera 11. Mathew McNab 12. Brandon Mandivenga 13. Kudzai Mashawi 14. Takudzwa Kumadiro 15. Shingirai Katsvere

Replacements

16. Mathew Mandioma 17. Cleopas Kundiona 18. Lawrence Cleminson 19. Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa 20. Brian Nyaude 21. Jeremiah Jaravaza 22. Tafadzwa Mhende 23. Dylan Baptista

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 29- Approximately 350km away from the capital city, Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was laughing and kicking the travel bugs away as his new employers Tusker FC trained at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu ahead of Saturday’s league assignment against Vihiga United in Mumias.

Back at the city, Matasi’s former coach at Posta Rangers Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo is a man struggling to come to terms with the exit of the shot-stopper who has won the golden glove twice playing for the mailmen and has been a pillar of their performance.

“Losing a player such as Matasi is a huge blow for me. He has been one of the core figures in the team and it is quite hurting to see him go. Of course we wish him the best because as a coach you have to accept that a player has to look for a new challenge,” Omollo told Capital Sport.

“I know I can’t get such quality like his in this transfer window, but we will have to continue with the ones we have because they are also good keepers,” the coach opined.

The goalkeeper’s absence was visible when he was out with the national team earlier this month and an even bigger testament of his influence was last Tuesday when they suffered a massive 5-0 loss at the hands of Gor Mahia in Kisumu.

In that particular game, another pillar of the team Jockins Atudo suffered an early red card.

Posta have managed to acquire the services of former Muhoroni Youth, City Stars and Gor Mahia keeper Gradus Ochieng who will deputize Boniface Barasa. Martin Musalia has chosen to leave the club.

Omollo has pointed out that it has been difficult to hold on to some of the best players due to the club’s weak financial muscle. They were destined to sign keeper David Okello, an almost similar replacement to Matasi, but the custodian preferred a move to Mathare.

They were also set to sign Edwin Lavatsa from Tusker, but the striker preferred a move elsewhere, joining Wazito FC.

“We had an agreement with both of them (Okello and Lavatsa) and I knew that we would be signing them. However, there is some financial issue that came up and it proved difficult when someone else stepped in and gave them what they wanted,”

“But hopefully we get to sort out ourselves soon because football is about money. Without it, it is difficult to compete,” Omollo further added.

Posta will be at home against Zoo Kericho on Sunday at the Camp Toyoyo ground and without both Matasi and Atudo, Omollo hopes his charges can pick up from the ruins of two successive losses.

“Zoo is a tough team and we need to be at our best and ensure we get a good result. We have not performed well over the past few games and our positioning on the log is also not good,” Omollo admitted.

Only three points separate the two sides at 11^th and 13^th in the standings, Zoo keen to pick maximum points and drag themselves off the snare of relegation.

Zoo won the first leg 1-0 away in Kericho and the mailmen will be thirsty for revenge when they play in the blazing Toyoyo turf.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 29- Kenya Simbas head coach Ian Snook says the departure of his assistant Murray Roulston will not distract the team ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Africa Gold Cup tie against Zimbabwe, but has warned that it will come to bite in the long run.

Murray announced on Thursday that he will be vacating his role as Snook’s assistant after the Zimbabwe game, pointing out to lack of a work permit and some owed dues which he said have taken time to be paid out.

“I don’t think it will have an effect at all because I think the boys are used to adversity. They can cope with most things …. certainly they can cope with a lot more than I could realize,” Snook told Capital Sport as he took the team out for the final session before the Zimbabwe game.

He added; “It is not hurting right now but it will hurt Kenyan rugby in the long run with him not being here which is a big shame really. This did not catch me with surprise because I knew what was happening and we have to move on. It’s life as it is.”

Roulston will be on the bench on Saturday during the Zimbabwe clash but that will possibly be his last time out in the red and black of Kenya.

Kenya Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Ronald Bukusi has however told Capital Sport that they will make an attempt to sort out the issues with the New Zealander now that the government has promised to release Sh21mn to the Union within the next few days.

This promise was made on Friday morning by the Sports Chief Administrative Secretary Hassan Noor during a press briefing where it was announced that the Kenya Tourism Board will be coming in as the Kenya Sevens sponsors.

“He is an asset; a huge asset. We will do what we can but it’s all about whether we are able to manage resources enough to provide what is needed. We have been broke and a lot of our problems will be solved with money,” Bukusi said.

“We will wait to see whether we will get the money promised and then we will try to address some of the issues he brought up,” added the CEO.

Snook himself has not given away much on whether or not he will follow his countryman out, having disclosed when he was unveiled that he specifically asked Murray to accompany him to Kenya.

“Unlike Murray I will keep things to myself,” Snook said briefly when asked whether or not he will lead the technical bench for the duration of his contract.

Nonetheless, the team will stick their eyes to the prize when they take on Zimbabwe on Saturday and they will be looking to notch their second win of the Gold Cup to keep their dreams of a maiden qualification to the World Cup alive.

The Simbas started their campaign with a 28-24 win over Morocco in Casablanca and they will be looking for an improved performance against a potentially tougher Zimbabwe side.

“There is plenty of excitement with the boys and they are calm ahead of the game. We watched Zimbabwe’s videos in their game against Morocco and we realized it will be a big task. They have speed on the outside and size on the inside and it’s gonna be difficult,” the tactician noted.

He added; “It’s a World Cup qualification year they have got de Villiers (Peter) who is an international coach with lots of experience. They have heavily invested and are obviously better prepared than last year so they will be a better team,” the coach said.

He has disclosed that within the past week of training, they have worked to improve on the scrum as well as set piece play, especially line-outs.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 30- Sofapaka new signing Piston Mutamba says he targets a minimum of 15 goals this season adding that he wants to help the 2009 Kenyan Premier League champions fight for at least one trophy this season.

Mutamba signed early June from Wazito FC has scored thrice for the club, twice in the league and once in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield. His total tally for the season in the league is seven.

“I am pushing to score more goals because the minimum bar I have set myself is to score at least 15 and be among the league’s top scorers at the end of the season. Also, I want to keep my place in the national team and to do that I need to keep scoring,” Mutamba who made his debut with Harambee Stars this year noted.

He has settled in quick at the club and has become a mainstay in a forward line that has Stephen Waruru and Kepha Aswani, who were among the league’s top three scorers last season.

“I have settled in fast because of the kind of welcome Sofapaka have given me. It has been very easy because of the support of the coaches and players. Now I want to repay their faith to help them clinch a trophy,” he said.

“When I came in, they told me that one of their targets is to win at least one trophy and I will do my best to help them achieve that. We have a chance in both the Shield and the League and we have to be at our best,” the lanky forward further noted.

Mutamba will come up against his former employers on Saturday afternoon when Sofapaka take on Wazito at the Camp Toyoyo Ground in Nairobi’s Jericho estate and he will seek to add his goal tally.

Sofapaka are looking to bridge the gap between them and leaders Gor who established a 15-point gulf with their 1-0 win over Sony Sugar on Friday evening.

Wazito on their end have had a disastrous spell failing to win any of their last seven games and sit bottom of the standings. The first leg meeting ended in a 1-0 victory for Wazito and Sofapaka will be coming in for revenge.

In other league matches set for this weekend, third placed Mathare United who have picked three successive draws will be away to Bandari in Mombasa looking to bounce back to winning ways and revive their faint title hopes.

Mathare have been on a rebuilding of sorts with goalkeeper David Okello and James Situma included in the match day squad and expected to make a debut.

Bandari on their end have been silent in the mid-season transfer market and will be out to ensure they get a win to squeeze into the top three. History does not favor the dockers against Mathare as they have won only one of their last 15 meetings with Mathare winning seven and the rest ending in draws.

Of the seven wins Mathare have recorded against ken Odhiambo’s men three have been in Mombasa while they have picked a point off the Coastal city four times. They have never lost.

Elsewhere in Mumias, a relatively new look Tusker FC take on Vihiga United, head coach Robert Matano under pressure to pick the side up from the rubbles.

The brewers are 10^th in the standings with a paltry 24 points, but mid-season transfer activity that has seen the arrival of new players led by Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi might spur them on.

KPL Saturday fixtures

Wazito v Sofapaka (Toyoyo), Bandari v Mathare United (Mombasa), Chemelil Sugar v Nakumatt (Chemelil), Vihiga United v Tusker FC (Mumias).

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NAIROBI, Kenya, June 30 –Pre-race favourite Philemon Mbaaru lived up to his expectations as he battled tough conditions to clinch a hat-trick of titles at the Safaricom Marathon as the 19th edition graced by the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta went down at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on Saturday.

The women’s category saw Jane Ngima take the title in 2:51:36 after flooring Esther Macharia who clocked second in a time of 2:53:41 as Mary Mwaniki completed the podium finish returning 5:29:31.

Being one of the toughest marathons in the world since its being run in the wilderness, the race delayed for almost five minutes to allow the organisers clear the Rhinos and elephants on the course.

However, that did not affect experienced Mbaaru who cruised to his sixth Safaricom Lewa Marathon men’s title, recording 2:22:21, dropping three seconds from the time he won with last year.

The 36-year old beat his close contender Peter Wahome who was second in 2:22:33 while Silas Gichovi settled for third in 2:23:23.

Running under scorching sun in the event where wild animals are privileged to be among the spectators, Mbaaru had dismissed claims that he won the race because he clearly knows the course well but attributed stiff competition imposed by Wahome.

“The competition was very tough because you never know what to expect from every athlete. The first loop was not bad because I was leading with a big gap but in the second loop the second placed kept me in check, running behind my shoulder but I put more effort to beat him,” Mbaaru, who trains in Nyeri, Nanyuki Highway said.

“The secret of winning is training hard as well, not the case of knowing the course, if an athlete has a big mileage he/she will win the race,” Mbaaru, who won Sh150,000 and a mobile phone for winning the prize added.

Battling the tough terrain that had six water stops and five misting stations to cool the heat, Mbaaru made the turning point at the 38km, out kicking Wahome and go all the way to cut the tape under warm reception of his wife who was waiting for him at the finish.

Delighted Mbaaru, the 2014 Casablanca winner, will be preparing to compete in an international race in September.

-Half Marathon-

Moris Munene dominated the men’s Half Marathon winning in 1:05:39 ahead of Kiprono Kipkemboi who clocked 1:06:07 while Silas Kimutai completed the podium finish in 1:06:243.

The corresponding women’s race was ruled by Lepekana Perendis who timed 1:16:34, cutting the tape ahead of Esther Wangui who finished in 1:20:01.

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GOLD COAST, Australia, Jul 1 – Kenya’s Kenneth Mungara, 44, took his third win in four appearances at the IAAF Gold Label race, and Ruth Chebitok not only garnered the first win by a Kenyan woman but also took down the race record.

Having won in 2015 and 2016 (the former in an Australian all-comers’ record of 2:08:42), Mungara was denied a hat-trick last year when Japan’s Takuya Noguchi sped by late in the race to win by five seconds.

A final spurt from another Japanese runner, Kenta Murayama, almost thwarted the 44-year-old Mungara again this year, but this time he held off the desperate late charge to win by a second in 2:09:49.

Murayama’s 2:09:50 was a personal best by more than seven minutes and a performance more in line with his 27:39 and 1:00:50 credentials for the 10,000m and half-marathon respectively.

Denied the win this year, Japanese runners took the next three places. Behind Murayama came another big improver in Jo Fukuda, whose 2:09:52 was more than five minutes faster than his previous best, while defending champion Noguchi finished fourth in 2:10:15.

Despite several strong contenders in recent years, no Kenyan woman had won on the Gold Coast in the previous 39 editions of the race.

That seemed likely to change on paper this year, the two fastest in the field being Agnes Jeruto Kiprotich (also known as Agnes Barsosio) at 2:20:59 and Chebitok at 2:25:47.

-Trengove drop off

It proved to be the case on the road, too, as the two Kenyans and Australia’s Jess Trengove led from the start, racing through half way in 1:12:17 and still together approaching 25 kilometres, where Trengove dropped off a few seconds.

Chebitok sustained her pace pretty well all the way to the finish, crossing the line in 2:24:49, taking 45 seconds off the race record set by Abelech Afework last year. It was the third race record in as many years as the elite women’s field continues to be strengthened race on race.

Trengove took second place in 2:26:31, a 30-second improvement on the personal best 2:27:01 she ran in the 2017 London Marathon. Barsosio, second at 30 kilometres, lost three minutes to the winner from that point, struggling home in third place in 2:27:46.

The marathon and the associated half-marathon incorporated the Oceania Road Championships. Trengove won the women’s marathon championship from Celia Sullohern (fifth in 2:30:19) and Alice Mason (10th, 2:43:47).

-Mungara prevails in three-man sprint

Once again, the Gold Coast course produced a close finish in the men’s race.

Mungara won by 12 seconds in his race record year of 2015, beat Yuki Kawauchi by just one second the following year and lost by five seconds to Noguchi last year.

Mungara and Murayama had dashed 19 seconds clear of Fukuda and Noguchi at 35 kilometres, but Fukuda had clawed his way back to the two leaders by 40 kilometres.

There was little change as they dashed south along the Gold Coast Highway to the finish, Mungara establishing a break, albeit not a decisive one.

Turning into the parkland finish, Mungara was clear and he held off Murayma’s late charge to take the win, 2:09:49 to 2:09:50. The gallant Fukuda was two seconds further back in third place.

Crowd favourite Kawauchi, making his seventh straight appearance in the Gold Coast race, was off the leading pace by 15 kilometres and finished ninth in 2:14:51. He has a first, a second, two thirds and a fourth in the race.

-Pace slowed

After a first five kilometres in just on 15 minutes, the pace slowed a little as the leading pack went through half way in 1:04:20. The pace slowed again to 35 kilometres and the 35 to 40-kilometre split was the slowest of the race.

Chebitok slowed at the same point in the women’s race (17:07 30 to 35 kilometres and 17:29 35-40), but by that point she had the win in her keeping, with a margin of 1:26 to Trengove who, in turn, was almost 50 seconds ahead of Kiprotich.

The winning time was a personal best for the 27-year-old Chebitok, who won the Barcelona Marathon earlier this year in her previous best of 2:25:49.

After dropping back at 25 kilometres, Trengove fought back to catch Kiprotich just before 35 kilometres and the top three places did not change from that point on.

In recent years, the nine fastest marathons run on Australian soil have all come on the Gold Coast. Now it is the women who are re-writing the all-comers’ list.

Chebitok’s 2:24:49 replaced Afework’s previous race record as the fourth-fastest women’s marathon ever run on Australian soil.

The only faster marathon remains the Sydney Olympic race won by Japan’s Naoko Takahashi in 2:23:14, from Lidia Simon of Romania, 2:23:22, and Kenya’s Joyce Chepchumba, 2:24:45.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 1- Skipper Pierre Kwizera scored in the 89^th minute as Rwandese champions Rayon Sport rallied from two goals down to hold record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia to a 2-2 draw in their opening game of the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Sunday.

K’Ogalo looked to be on their way to victory after Jacques Tuyisenge and Humphrey Mieno scored in the first half both off Ephraim Guikan assists, but the Rwandese champions came off better in the second half and rallied for a point.

Malian forward Ismaila Diarra pulled one back from the penalty spot before Kwizera popped up with the equalizer just a minute to full time.

Head coach Dylan kerr fielded his strongest squad for the tie, only switching in defense where Charles Momanyi started ahead of Joash Onyango while at right back, Innocent Wafula was preferred for Philemon Otieno who was rested.

-Gukian assists

Ephraim Guikan, handed the duty of filling the boots left by Meddie Kagere who left the club for Tanzania’s Simba showed he is just about doing that when he laid in the assist for the opener.

His good work on the ball saw him earn space and slice a low cross which was duly tapped home by Tuyisenge. He created the second goal in same fashion, this time Mieno doing the duty of directing the ball on target.

However, Gor seemed to have faded off in the second half and the Rwandese took advantage, Diarra who had missed an open chance in the first half scoring from the spot after Mieno’s handball in the 63rd minute.

They kept on the pressure and it bore fruit in the sunset minutes of the game when Kwizera finished off an assist from Kevin Muhire to share the spoils.

Gor must now win their second group match on Tuesday against Burundi’s Lydia Ludic to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 1- Allan Wanga came back to haunt his former employers striking twice as Kakamega Homeboyz beat AFC Leopards 3-0 at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Sunday in a match marred by crowd trouble.

The game was halted for close to half an hour after a section of AFC supporters threw projectiles into the pitch protesting a disallowed goal by Whyvonne Isuza which had been cancelled for offside.

The match officials had to wait before the situation normalized and the game ran on for the few minutes that were remaining.

Homeboyz used the opportunity to drive the final dagger into Ingwe’s Ali Bhai scoring the third goal with a neat finish.

At the Thika Sub-County Stadium, Ulinzi Stars returned to winning ways, Elvis Nandwa striking twice as the soldiers beat hosts Thika United 2-0 to move fourth in the standings.

The soldiers had lost three of their last five matches to see their title hunt slowed down, but the win in Thika will revive their faintest of hopes.

Nandwa opened the scoring in the third minute with a little chip that beat Thika keeper Eliud Emase after running behind the defense to pick out a cross from Masita Masuta.

Ulinzi should have doubled their lead in the 11^th minute but Geoffrey Kokoyo’s header at the back post from a corner was cleared off the line and Daniel Waweru’s rebound also blocked with Thika clearing desperately.

The home side had a brilliant opportunity to get back on level terms when James Kinyanjui little ball from midfield found Valentine Nyantika through on goal, but the forward’s shot with keeper Timothy Odhiambo off his line went wide.

Nandwa should have had his brace in the 38^th minute when he picked up another Masuta ball inside the box but his poor first touch let him down after he had beaten the defense.

Five minutes to the break, Masuta had a chance of his own when he turned well inside the box but his shot came off the bar.

In the second half, Thika tried to build in the pressure, but just couldn’t get quality in the final third. They found themselves two down in the 69^th minute when Nandwa rose in well to head home a Waweru cross, keeper Emase caught flat footed.

Thika coach John Njogu made some changes including bringing in the experienced Hajji Mwachoki, but nothing they could do salvaged their hunt.

Ibrahim Mwiti came close 15 minutes from time with a freekick but the effort was straight to the keeper.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 2- Harambee Stars defender Musa Mohammed has penned a two-year contract with Zambian Club Nkana FC, barely two months after leaving Albanian second tier side KF Tirana.

Mohammed penned the deal after a series of talks and looks set to begin life at his new address. The defender had been a prime target for Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka FC while his former employers Gor Mahia were also interested in getting him back.

“It is a new chapter in my career and I am very pleased to join this club. It has been a tough last few months for me but all that is in the past and I am looking forward to this new challenge and doing my best,” the defender told Capital Sport.

“What happened at Tirana was tough for me but I took the lessons and now I want to put all that energy to succeed here at Nkana. It is a great club with a great vision and hopefully I help them achieve their targets,” he added.

The defender has already trained with the side who were held to a 1-1 draw by Buildcon on Sunday. They are placed sixth in the standings with 34 points, 17 behind leaders Zesco and with 16 matches left before the season ends.

Mohammed joins a legion of Kenyan players currently in Zambia with the trio of Jesse Were, David Owino and Jesse Were turning out for champions Zesco while John Mark Makwatta and Clifton Miheso play at Buildcon.

Andrew Tololwa and Ian Otieno play for Red Arrows while Ismail Dunga turns out for Napsa Stars. Sources also indicate that KPL top scorer Elvis Rupia and former Tusker FC defender Eugene Asike might also make the move to Zambia.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 2- Former Kenyan international Bernard Mwalala has resigned as Nzoia Sugar head coach with immediate effect over what he termed as ‘personal reasons’, a decision he says he took painfully.

Mwalala tendered his resignation to the club’s management on Monday morning bringing to an end a hugely successful spell of close to four years that saw him aid the side to return to top flight football.

“This is a decision that I made a long time ago and it was only a matter of time. I made the decision due to personal reasons and I will take some bit of time to rest before making a decision on the next move,” Mwalala told Capital Sport.

Mwalala helped the side gain promotion to top flight at the end of the 2016 season when they won the National Super League, barely a year after taking charge. He has also seen the side become one of the teams to beat in the top flight.

“I am proud of the work I have done at this club both as a player and as a coach. Nzoia gave me the opportunity to be what I am today and I will forever be indebted to them. This was a hard decision to take but sometimes in life, you have to change,” added the coach.

Nonetheless, things have not been rosy for the youthful tactician since the departure of former chairman Yapets Mokua.

At some point, Mwalala had said he was resigning from the club but rescinded the decision, but this was always a ticking time bomb. The club has also been facing tough financial times due to the struggles experienced by their sponsors.

Time and again, players have gone on go slows protesting lack of pay, something that has hugely dampened the morale of the players.

Mwalala has also been quietly frustrated that the club has lost most of its good players without the club making a fight for them and was particularly disappointed at the end of last season when Lawrence Juma left for Gor Mahia while Masita Masuta left for Ulinzi Stars.

“We have always tried our best to replace the departed players and I think we did well with that. I leave the club at a good place and hopefully they continue in that same spirit,” the coach added.

Meanwhile, Vihiga United have confirmed that ex-Kakamega Homeboyz coach Mike Mururi has joined them with Edward Manoah being elevated to the position of Technical Director.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 2 – Kenya 15s head coach Ian Snook is not getting carried away with the positive start the team has had in their Rugby Africa Gold Cup campaign winning back to back against Morocco in Casablanca and Zimbabwe at home over the weekend.

The two victories see Kenya occupy second spot in the standings with eight points, seven behind leaders Namibia who have played a match more and picked bonus points in all of them.

“We got to play a few more games and then we wait to see what happens. Next weekend we are up again. We have had two close wins but we are just taking it one at a time and we hope for the best,” the tactician said after the nervy 45-36 win over Zimbabwe at the RFUEA Ground on Saturday.

“We have had three games since Rowlie (Murray Roulston) and I came here and we have kept on improving. We were better than last week despite the very short turnaround. The boys performed out of their skins. They had them in it to come back they were exceptional in the last 10 minutes,” the coach added.

Against Zimbabwe, the Simbas were staring at possible defeat until substitute Dalmas Chituyi popped up with a brace of tries to rescue the day for the home side and ensure Snook’s unbeaten run since taking charge remained intact.

Snook was full of praise for the debutant as well as the other players who came in with the likes of Moses Amusala, Oliver Mang’eni and Martin Owila bringing in power off the bench to ensure Kenya was better on the scrum from where the two tries came from.

“We probably should have given him 12 minutes instead of 10 and he would have made three tries,” Snook joked on Chituyi’s powerful impact.

He added; “The reserves who came in brought a lot of difference; Mang’eni did very well in organizing, Owila was also superb… all who came on proved what it is about to come on and make a difference.”

Skipper Davis Chenge who struck thrice in the first half was also delighted with the win and praised the boys who came on for giving the team the necessary push to ensure the campaign to qualify for the World Cup remains intact.

“Our intention was to run them down with intensity which we did well in the first half but in the second half we didn’t do that well. We had a couple of mistakes which slowed down our momentum and gave them an opportunity to come back. But we were able to regroup ourselves especially the guys from the bench came in and gave us a great push to turn the tables,” the skipper said.

He added; “There was that reality of the possibility of losing at home which is not something we want and we also we remembered we need maximum points to qualify for the World Cup which is our main goal and we had to dig deep, work together and win the game which we were able to do.”

Kenya will now regroup to work on a few areas of weakness before turning their claws on Uganda, a side they have already faced and beaten earlier on in the Elgon Cup.

Biggest on the minds of the Kenyan continent is to win by a better margin to earn a bonus point that would give them a competitive edge against Namibia, seen as the greatest rivals to the throne. Teams earn bonus points by winning by three tries or more or losing by seven points or less.

“I know for this tournament points are important. We haven’t been able to earn bonus points but we need to keep our heads straight and ensure we play with the same intensity throughout the game,” the captain said.

Snook has meanwhile said the boys are unfazed despute what is happening off the pitch among other issues assistant coach Roulston saying he is stepping away.

“These boys put up with stuff every day. Even at the game we only had one bus and we had to organize our own transport here. Nothing seems to faze them they just keep calm and move on; they have handled it really well,” the coach said.

He added; “Hopefully we get a long term plan here as well. We have come in and we have tried to do a lot in a short time. There’s so much talent around here; we have watched school games and it’s just a pity we are not better organized to take advantage of that,” the tactician further stated.

Nonetheless, the boys will spread their tentacles towards Mount Elgon, looking to exert their dominance against the Ugandans who picked up a point in their last visit to the Kenyan capital.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, July 3 – Demoted Nakumatt FC tactician Anthony Mwangi has been named the Fidelity Insurance Coach of the Month for May.

With his fete Nakumatt became the 1st team to scoop both player and coach’s gong in a single month following Boniface Mukhekhe’s crowning last week.

The 33-year-old Mwangi was in charge of Nakumatt’s technical bench when they recorded three victories and a draw to claim the most number of league points in May.

Ten points garnered in their best run of the season also lifted Nakumatt from relegation zone to mid table comfort. Sofapaka also recorded three victories and a draw but Batoto Ba Mungu tactician John Baraza lost out to Mwangi on superior goal count.

In spite of the stellar performance in May, Mwangi has since been redeployed to the role of assistant coach with American Melis Medo taking over as the head coach.

Nakumatt launched their May campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Zoo FC in Kericho followed by a 2-2 draw against AFC Leopards in Machakos.

They then defeated Tusker FC 2-1 in Machakos before beating Posta Rangers 2-0 in the last match of the month at Camp Toyoyo Grounds. The good run saw them move from the foot of the Kenyan Premier League table to 12th position.

Mwangi, a former Liberty Academy, and Mathare Youth coach took home with Sh75,000 courtesy of sponsors, Fidelity Insurance, and personalized trophy. He attributed the fine run on financial incentives brought in by new owners and paid tribute to Melis who had just joined the team in a consultancy capacity then.

“The injection of financial investment by new owners helped transform the team during that month but I must give credit to the players for rising to the occasion. We previously went into games without proper training but since finance was availed preparations were better. The players did their part and I’m grateful it won me this award,” The soft spoken Mwangi remarked

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NAIROBI, Kenya, July 3- The formalities of the past few days are almost over and its all systems go as Muthaiga Golf Club prepares to host the fifth and final Pro-Am qualifier of the forthcoming KCB Karen Masters.

The Muthaiga round of “KCB Road To The Masters” will be used as a yardstick to ascertain the last six qualifiers to the KCB Karen Masters Pro-am.

The Karen Masters, which makes its debut on the Sunshine Tour on its second edition, becomes the country’s second biggest golfing extravaganza after the Kenya Open which is a round of the European Challenge Tour.

So far 24 golfers (6 per club) from Ruiru Sports Club, Limuru Country Club, Eldoret Club and Nyali Golf & Country Club have already confirmed their slots for the Pro-am of the Karen Masters with the last batch of qualifiers to be named after Muthaiga.

Rightly so, home, staff, lady and guest golfers will be gunning for last available qualification honors on the lush green fairways and greens of the Par 71 course better known as the “Home of Golf”.

Although no one knows what’s up the sleeves of the big field for Saturday’s play, scintillating displays coupled with cutthroat tussles for Pro-am slots is sure to treat Nairobi fans to some exhilarating displays of golfing artistry.

Those who failed to make qualification slots in the past four events have a chance of savoring the “once in a lifetime golfing opportunity” on homestretch.

Among the staff golfers expected to grace the weekend showdown include KCB Group HR Director Paul Russo, Group CFO Lawrence Kimathi, Finance Director Sam Munyua and Peter Mwaura, Corporate and Communications Manager. Mwaura, who is incidentally the Captain at Ruiru Sports Club, won the staff prize in Limuru to book an early slot to the Pro-Am of Karen Masters.

KCB Group Marketing and Communications Director Angela Mwirigi said the Bank is committed to nurturing golfing talent across the country.

“KCB Road To The Masters series presents the greatest opportunity for any golfer and we are excited as a Bank to increase our participation at this year’s event. What’s more, we envisage giving hundreds of golfers an opportunity of playing alongside Sunshine Tour professionals.”

The overall winner, men’s winner, guest winner, staff winner, lady winner and one wild card winner will get automatic slots of playing at the Pro-am of the KCB Karen Masters that tees off at the Par 72 Karen Country Club on Jul y 17. The main event will take place from July 19 to 22.

The KCB Karen Masters was officially launched on the 30th of May 2018 at Karen Country Club a few weeks after Sunshine Tour technical gave the course a clean bill of heath.

English pro Tom Murray and amateur Fernando Wangila won the KCB Karen Masters Pro Am with a remarkable score of 10 under par 62.

Dutchman Will Besseling shot an impressive 12 under to win the inaugural KCB Karen Masters.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 4 – Relegation fighting Thika United and Wazito FC have been the most active in the recently closed June Mid-Season transfer window, Thika leading the recruitment with 19 new players while Wazito and Chemelil have raked in 16 new players each.

Quite absurd numbers for clubs in mid-season, but all have been caused by a massive exodus of players, the common denominator being tough financial times.

It has been worse for Thika who have been forced to recruit all their 18 new players from the lower cadres having lost a massive number of first team players.

Skipper Dennis Odhiambo moved to Sofapaka, Christopher Oruchum, Saad Musa and Eugene Mukangula moved to AFC Leopards while defender Samuel Mwanje left for Posta Rangers.

The massive departures left them dented and they now have to fight for survival with a hugely inexperienced side.

“It is the situation we find ourselves in but we will have to fight with what we have. It is tough but we have to work for it,” Coach John Njogu, himself recruited barely two months ago said after his side’s 2-0 loss against Ulinzi Stars on Sunday.

Perhaps the only ‘big name’ arriving in Thika is Derrick Nzosi who has been signed from Muhoroni Youth with the striker having had an unsuccessful stint at Mathare United. Experienced midfielder Hajji Mwachoki also returns to the side, but as a pale shadow of his former self.

Former Sofapaka man Herritier Luvualu has also joined the side from second tier Bidco United.

Chemelil Sugar have also followed the Thika United model having lost most of their players due to tough financial times. They have gone for new faces while also promoting three players from their youth team.

The situation might be the same at Wazito FC, but the names that have landed on their team sheet for the second half of the season are slightly different. Head coach Frank Ouna has gone for a blend of youth and experience.

“Most of the players we have signed have been more of a necessity rather than a need. When you lose 15 players from your team, then you have no choice. We decided to go for experienced players because of the situation we find ourselves in. They know what it takes to be in that situation and what needs to be done,” Ouna said.

Wazito have had an upgrade of sorts in their goalkeeping department, landing the signature of former Mathare, Tusker and Posta Rangers keeper Martin Musalia after he was dropped at Posta Rangers.

The club has also landed Geoffrey Kataka, Jackson Saleh, Edwin Lavatsa and former Gor midfielder Erick Ochieng.

Other notable inclusions in their second leg squad is Tyrone Owino who comes in from Sony Sugar having had stints at Bandari and Nakumatt, Derrick Onayngo from Mathare United and former Tusker FC left back Isaac Otieno.

“I am confident that these players will help us get out of that zone. There’s only a three point difference between us and the 13^th placed team. We just need to get into a winning mentality for the remaining games of the season,” the coach added.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia was the least active in the transfer window bringing in only one player. They have replaced Meddie Kagere who left for Simba SC with Burundian Francis Mustafa who joins them from Rwanda’s Kiyovu Sports.

-Other notable transfers

In other notable transfer of the 33-day window, Bandari FC has raided Sony Sugar and made away with two of their attacking gems’; Benjamin Mosha and Yema Mwana.

Sony on their end have raided neighbors Chemelil plucking off keeper John Waw, Kevin Wesonga and Collins Neto while Ezekiel Otuoma returns to the sugar belt after failing to make the crack at AFC Leopards.

The club has also opened its doors again for striker Enock Agwanda who left the club at the end of the 2012 season to join Sofapaka. His journey then took him to Gor Mahia, Bandari and lately Ushuru FC.

Four-time champions Ulinzi Stars have signed two players, Striker Elijah Mwanzia joining from Mathare United while Eugene Ochieng’s move is made official after completing his military training. He was with Sony Sugar previously.

Geoffrey Kokoyo, Mark Bikokwa and Omar Boraafya return to the squad after completing various military courses.

Relegation fighting Vihiga United have meanwhile signed striker Philip Muchuma from Chemelil Sugar while Morven Otinya joins from Nzoia Sugar. Vitalis Akumu returns to the Western region after an unsuccessful stint with Sofapaka while Stephen Wakanya re-unites with his former coach Mike Mururi after leaving Nzoia Sugar.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 5- Kenya 15s head coach Ian Snook has made four changes to the starting team that plays Uganda on Saturday afternoon in a Rugby Africa Gold Cup match which will also double up as the return leg of the Elgon Cup.

Two of those changes have been informed with injury, Tony Onyango and youngster Edmund Anya missing out after picking knocks against Zimbabwe in last weekend’s 45-36 win while the other two have come off tactical changes.

The experienced duo of Felix Ayange and Vincent Mose return to the starting team and Snook expects them to play a huge role as they look to keep their Gold Cup campaign on track. Jacob Ojee and Oliver Mang’eni who started off the bench are also drafted in the starting team.

“Anya got a few knocks in the game against Zimbabwe and so we thought we give him a full rest. Felix comes in on the wing for Tony (Onyango) who had some health issues. He could have played but we don’t want to put him under a lot of pressure. Oliver brought in a lot of impact off the bench and we thought good for him to start,” Snook said about his changes.

He added; “Felix has been outstanding in training and has been very keen to come on. He has dug in and worked hard so we are expecting a good performance. We know what he can do on the wing, so we really expect him to take the chance.”

Max Kang’eri and Kenya Cup winning captain Curtis Lilako who were part of the match day squad last weekend are also rested from the test against Uganda.

On the bench, Snook will have for the first time this season France based Simon Muniafu who will look to impress coming on as well as Kabras Sugar tight head prop Hillary Mwanjilwa who will be in line for his debut.

“We like what we see. He’s been training hard and we think he is a tough character. We need to look at him in the game because we didn’t have any pre-season games unfortunately, so we have to look at players in the game. We are still looking at players, still trying to get the strongest squad together,” the tactician further said.

The Ugandan Rugby Cranes come to Nairobi breathing revenge having lost 34-16 in the first leg played in May at the Legends Club in Kampala. The last time they were in Kenya’s capital they scraped off with a draw.

The side will see the return of Kabras Sugar star Philip Wokarach who has missed their first two games of the season for the Cranes. Wokarach was man of the match during the team’s last visit to Nairobi.

The team also has a host of players who play locally, and they will look to make the most for their national team.

Snook expects a tough game from the visitors but is keen to keep the Gold Cup campaign sailing having picked back to back wins against Zimbabwe and Morocco to place second with eight points in the standings.

“I am expecting a ferocious fast performance from them. Last time they put us under a lot of pressure with direct running and physicality and I’m sure that they plan to play again the same way. They have pace and skilled players capable of scoring tries and I am expecting a fairly fast game,” Snook said.

Kenya trails leaders Namibia with seven points though the Southern Africans have played a match more and have picked bonus points win in all their games.

Kenya in contrast have not picked a bonus point, but Snook is unfazed saying; “As long as we beat them in the final game, then those bonus points will not haunt us.”

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NAIROBI, Kenya, July 5- The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) on Thursday unveiled a 10-man team that will represent the country in this year’s Victoria Cup.

In a press release, KGU chairman Lucas Marang’a said that he has confidence in the team constituted to represent Kenya in the tournament.

“We have some of the best players drawn from different clubs in the country. As a Union, we are confident of retaining the Victoria Cup winners title for the 3rd time in a row,” Marang’a noted.

The 10-man team include John Karichu (Limuru Country Club), Mike Kisia (Vet lab) and Edwin Mudanyi (Vet Lab).

Others are Dennis Saikwa (Royal Nairobi), Isaac Makhoha, Daniel Nduva, Paul Muchangi and juniors Agil Is-Haq of Nyali Golf and Country Club Mombasa, Muthaiga’s Mutahi Kibugu, and Zubair Khan (Muthaiga).

The practice round starts on July 25, with the tournament officially teeing off on July 26 ending on July 28, 2018.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 5- Gor Mahia squeezed into the Quarter Finals of the CECAFA Kagame Cup on Thursday with a 2-0 win over Djibouti’s Ports courtesy of first half goals from Philemon Otieno and defender Charles Momanyi.

But, even as Gor made it to the last eight of the regional competition, the screaming absence of midfield creative Francis Kahata raised eyebrows coming at a time when he is heavily linked with a move to Tanzanian champions Simba SC.

After back to back draws against Rwanda’s Rayon Sport and Burundi’s Lydia Ludic, head coach Dylan Kerr was vocal of Kahata’s concentration in the tournament.

“I think Francis is being derailed and unsettled by all the talk of moving to Simba and he is not playing at his best,” Kerr told local media after the draw against Ludic.

And, Kerr might have just thrown down the hammer on the former Thika United midfielder who has enjoyed two glorious seasons at Gor by completely living him out of the 18 that walked out of the tunnel to play Ports.

Heading into the match against Ports, Gor needed a win at all costs to guarantee themselves a place in the quarters after back to back draws.

Head coach Dylan Kerr made changes, Boniface Oluoch returning in goal in place of Shabaan Odhoji while midfield workhorse Ernest Wendo earned his place back in the middle of the Gor pack.

And they started just as they had wished with Otieno scoring his second goal in the tournament from the edge of the box after quarter of an hour with a low shot that found the keeper off his feet.

Momanyi then cemented the win before half time with a simple header inside the box. Gor lived dangerously in the second half with Oluoch time and again called to duty, but they just managed to hold on to the win.

Gor finished top of the group on five points on account of goal difference with Rayon coming in second also with five points after beating Lydia Ludic 3-1.

The post Kahata left out as Gor storm CECAFA quarters appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 6- Kenya 15s head coach Ian Snook has allayed fears that he might follow his assistant Murray Roulston out of the team, saying he will stay on until the final game of the Rugby Africa Gold Cup against Namibia.

Before the game against Zimbabwe, Roulston announced that he was stepping down from his role due to lack of work permit as well as delayed payments and reimbursements.

“As from the beginning, my intention is to go through to the Namibia game then see where we are and see whether I am still required or not. We signed a one year contract with the option of two if we get through to the World Cup. When I came definitely I knew things wouldn’t t be smooth sailing,” Snook told Capital Sport.

The tactician has revealed that the passion and dedication showed by the players in training and on match days has played a crucial role in convincing him to stay and try get the job done.

“There’s always a little bit of thought in your mind that is it worth it? Then you get to the boys and see them putting in so much and then I put in as well, so we will keep it that way for now,” the coach said.

Roulston officially served his notice on Thursday and is set to leave the country by the 20^th of this month. He has however continued to work with Snook and was on the bench against Zimbabwe last weekend.

“I don’t expect him (Roulston) to have a change of heart. He is serving his notice now and will be flying out around the 20^th. He is working just as hard as he was before and at the moment we are trying our best to make the most of him before he leaves,” Snook said of his assistant’s imminent departure.

Snook says the issues raised by Roulston are yet to be resolved, but says he is hopeful things will be better, his focus remaining getting Kenya qualified for the World Cup in Japan next year.

“The things Murray raised I am going through them as well, but I am going through the process and I know there are some good people here who work to make sure things are done. I know there is a huge money issue here because otherwise we would have had several warm up games in South Africa,” the coach said.

He added; “The work permit hasn’t arrived yet; what we are working on right now are two-month permits. What we are looking for is the stamp on our passports, but we haven’t gotten there yet. But I am sure we will have that soon.”

The Kenya Rugby Union has insisted that there isn’t nothing much they can do to salvage the situation, but the stars seem to shine on them with the Sports Ministry last week saying Sh21mn would be released to cater for the Union’s budgets.

KRU has been struggling since the pull out of headline partners SportPesa at the start of the year and they have solely been relying on government help.

The post I am not leaving, says Simbas boss Snook appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 7- The Kenya Simbas completed a double over neighbors Uganda, beating them 38-22 at the RFUEA Ground on Saturday to retain the Elgon Cup title in a match that also doubled up as a Rugby Africa Gold Cup match, a qualification tournament for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Just like during last weekend’s game against Zimbabwe, the Simbas dipped in the second half and there were nervous moments when the visitors narrowed the gap after trailing 28-5 at the break.

The Ugandans scored 17 points in the second half while Kenya only had three points off a penalty and a converted try.

Nonetheless, Ian Snook’s men ensured the job was done picking their third win of the Gold Cup and fourth since the New Zealander took over. His first match was against the Ugandans away in Kampala where they won 34-16.

What kicked off as a nervy start after Kenya had broken the deadlock quickly turned out into a field day for the Simbas as they mauled the Rugby Cranes with ease.

Jacob Ojee who returned to the starting 15 after missing last weekend’s win against Zimbabwe broke the deadlock within the opening five minutes dotting down on the left after Kenya pressed the Ugandans in their own 22.

Darwin Mukidza booted home the extras to give the home boys a 7-0 lead.

The Ugandans were not just about to lay low and watch as the Kenyans walked over them and they were almost getting away but Mukidza’s interception to tap the ball away from Philip Wokarach ensured the score remained intact.

Ivan Magomu had broken away in the middle sprinting away before offloading to Wokarach who was headed for the try box before Mukidza happened.

But, the visitors kept the pressure on, pinning Kenya back and they were rewarded when Wokarach dotted down on the right. He missed the conversion, Kenya retaining a 7-5 lead.

No sooner had they conceded a try than the Simbas responded with skipper Chenge dotting down his fourth try of the competition after he sneaked in behind the Uganda defense from the scrum.

Uganda had been punished for a high tackle after Vincent Mose had sprinted away after the Kenyans turned in possession from the restart before offloading to Felix Ayange who was tackled by Michael Wokarach as he sniffed the try line.

The conversion was good by Mukidza, a 14-5 lead handing Kenya the comfort.

Scrum half Samson Onsomu then added the third try for the Kenyans after some good play from the Kenyans and despite a late attempt by the Ugandans to tackle, the pint sized Onsomu had already dotted down.

Again, Mukidza worked his magic with the conversion for a 21-5 lead.

Ayange making his first appearance this season crowned off his moment with Kenya’s fourth try of the game from a brilliant move by the Kenyans off the counter, Mukidza offloading intelligently for Ayange taking away two markers with him.

The conversion went in as Kenya went to the break 28-5 up.

The Ugandans came back with intent in the second half and Ivan Magomu earned them their second try of the game after greasing off tackles to dot down on the right. Wokarach booted home the two points as they squeezed the gap to 28-12.

Kenya responded with Mukidza picking three points off a penalty after the Kenyans won a foul inside the Ugandan 22 but opted for points, Mukidza stepping up.

Snook made some changes, last weekend’s hero Dalmus Chituyu coming on for George Nyambua while Biko Adema came in for Peter Kilonzo. Moses Amusala and Peter Karia were also brought on board for Coleman Were and Patrick Ouko.

But, it was the Ugandans who kept on pounding and they had their third try through Michael Wokarach who dotted down on the right after some kick and chase from Aaron Ofoyrwoth who was playing ‘at home’ as he turns out for Kenya Harlequins.

Wokarach’s conversion was wide, but the Ugandans were sniffing blood as they went 31-17 close.

Kenya’s chase was further punctured when Andrew Chogo was sent to the sin bin and the Ugandans made the most of their numerical advantage picking their fourth try of the game through Philip Wokarach despite a late tackle from Onsomu.

The gap now at 31-22, the Ugandans saw the challenge as a mission possible.

However, the Kenyans still had much fight in their veins and Moses Amusala dotted down Simba’s fifth try of the game on the left after sneaking through space. With virtually the last kick of the game, Mukidza converted for a full time score of 38-22.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 7- Kenyan referee Aden Marwa Range’s glowing and rising career as a football arbitrator has been nipped in the bud with the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) handing him a lifetime ban after he was caught on tape receiving a Sh60,000 ‘gift’ in an expose aired by British broadcaster BBC in June.

Of the 22 match officials who have been disciplined by CAF following a Disciplinary Board meeting on Saturday, Marwa has been handed the biggest penalty of a life time ban from any CAF activity while the rest, mostly from West Africa have been handed bans of between two to 10 years.

Jallow Ebrima, a Gambian assistant referee and Togolese referees Yanissou Bobeou have both been suspended for 10 years, something that raises concern on Marwa’s case as all were more or less snared in the same trap.

CAF did not disclose much about their findings other than communicating the disciplinary measures taken on the match officials caught in the web of the expose.

Ivory Coast match officials BI Valere Gouho Marius Tan and Coulibaly Abou have been handed the least disciplinary measure, each being suspended for two years.

Eleven other officials, 10 Ghanaian and one Liberian have been suspended pending investigations and are expected to appear before the disciplinary board on August 5.

The investigative piece done by Ghanaian journalist Anas exposed purportedly receiving a 600 USD ‘gift’ from undercover journalists while on official duty during the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.

The report forced Marwa to resign from his World Cup duty, one that would have seen him come back home from Russia with a handsome pay-cheque of slightly over Sh2.5mn.

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