NAIROBI, Kenya, March 19- AFC Leopards coach James Nandwa, can finally breathe easy after Allan Wanga scored a first half penalty against Sony Sugar to inspire a 1-0 win and a first victory this season during a keenly contested mid-week Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clash played Wednesday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The Harambee Stars assistant tactician was under pressure to win after drawing three and losing one, forcing him to throw the kitchen sink against Sony who were yet to taste defeat this season from the onset.

Besides Wanga, Nandwa unleashed the Calvary with Paul Were, Michel Khamati, Jacob Keli, Bernard Mang’oli being accommodated in the first XI in a bid to scour for the elusive goals.

At the end of the tense 90 minutes, with Leopards surrendering the initiative to the Cane Cutters in the second half, the relieved tactician who dodged a bullet, declared he would take one match at a time and urged the Ingwe fraternity, who voted with their feet by refusing to turn up in large numbers, to maintain patience as best is yet to come.

“I’m happy because at least we have won our first match this season after drawing four. We struggled in the second half but I’m comfortable with the three points.

“We were rewarded for our patience and we now focus on our next match where we need to push forward a bit and score goals since the league is getting tough each day. We have injuries but we still need a midfielder who can create chances and at the same time defend,” Nandwa said after the match.

He was referring to the need to fill the void of the departed Peter ‘Pinches’ Opiyo, the lynchpin who left the club for Finland.

On the other hand Sony tactician Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno conceded defeat but lay to his side for being the architects of their own downfall.

“The match was tough but we created more chances than Leopards who got theirs and utilized it through a penalty after my defender pushed Keli.

“I’m not concerned with the league position at this point since we are concentrating on winning the rest of the matches and if we lose we take it positively and rectify on our next game,” the former Harambee stars coach stated.

With Leopards showing more desire from kick-off, the first chance fell to Keli with five minutes of play with his shot from the right flank that flew off target.

The 2013 top scorer was at it again two minutes later, cutting in to provide a cross but there was no one inside the box to finish.

The visitors responded with Sylvester Wanyama setting up Marwa Chamberi who unleashed a 40-yard cracker that sailed over the cross bar.

Leopards almost reaped rewards with nine minutes on the clock when speedy winger Were brought in a corner that saw Victor Odemba clear the danger before the much maligned Former Thika United keeper, Lucas Indeche, then rose to the occasion when he punched Keli’s long range shot out for a fruitless corner.

The Sugar Millers had their chance in the 15th but Chamberi headed Charles Odette’s cross direct to grateful Ingwe keeper Martin Musalia. Samuel Onyango picked the lose ball from the center to pull the trigger but his effort went wide as Mike Khamati’s cross from the right flank was easily picked by Indeche on the other end in a period the match see-sawed between the sides.

Leopards piled on the pressure and their Ugandan import, Musa Mudde could have opened his account for the team but his deflected shot just went above the bar in the 20th.

Indeche had to pull a brilliant save to deny right back James Situma with his well taken free-kick thereafter.

The decisive moment of the match came when the marauding Keli, who looked the most danegerous outlet for Leopards, was tripped in the box by defender Alfred Onyango and referee Sylvester Kirwa had no choice than to point to the spot.

That moment needed a man and up stepped club darling, Allan Wanga, to send Indeche the wrong way and slot in his spot-kick to left and open his KPL account much to the joy of the pockets of Ingwe faithful who turned up for the game.

From then on, Ingwe, with so much attacking riches at their disposal, elected to sit on their lead as stung Sony took the game by the scruff of its neck.

With a minute to the breather they could have restored parity when Edwin Oduor beat defenders from the left wing to cross in but his effort found no one to slot home as Ingwe enjoyed the advantage at the break.

On resumption, Onyango missed a guilt edged chance to level after he headed wide Chamberi’s cross with Steve Biko hitting the post in the 66th to come even closer with Leopards’ defence rocking from a wave upon wave of the green-shirted opponents’ attacks.

Musalia denied Oduor once again in the 80th after Leopards second choice custodian punched the forwards thunderous shot out for a fruitless corner.

Biko had another miss three minutes later, this time hitting the post from the edge of the box with Musalia beaten but Oduor’s close range header went wide as the relieved Leopards claimed their first win this season.

The result saw Leopards leap to ninth from with six points while Sony remained second with 10 wondering how they did not at least settle for the point they deserved.

Leopards next invite table toppers Chemeli Sugar on Saturday while Sony plays Nairobi City Stars on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 19 – Former Lunch Bar Quins boss Philip Jalang’o, is the new Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) vice chairman after edging by the thickness of a vest past incumbent Alexander Sasha Mutai, in polls held Wednesday during KRU’s Annual General Meeting at RFUEA Grounds.

Jalang’o who was serving as the Union’s Director of National Squads and Elite Performance garnered 22 votes beating Mutai who doubled up as chair of Commercial and Marketing Committee by a single ballot in the tightest of contests where serving boss, Mwangi Muthee, found no challenger as he soared to his second term after wresting control from long serving Richard Omwela.

Nondescript RFC’s Eddy Omondi grabbed the Secretary General seat with 32 votes after trouncing Ochien’g Ahaya who garnered 11.

The post fell vacant after holder Jack Okoth was appointed KRU Chief Executive Officer.

Gabriel Ouko was elected unopposed as the treasure while Peninah Wahome from Kenyatta University (34 votes), Nakuru RFC’s Dennis Ombui (33) and, Moses Ndale (20) were elected new directors.

Boss Muthee will serve as chair until 2015 when the current office elapses.

Election results

Vice Chairman

Philip Jalang’o 22

Alexander Mutai 21

Treasurer

Gabriel Ouko- unopposed

Secretary

Eddie Omondi  32

Ochieng’ Ahaya  11

Directors

Peninah Wahome  34

Dennis Ombui  33

Moses Ndale    20

Rajinder Sembi   13

Chiro Nyinge   12

Oscar Owaga   11

Andrew Musangi   6

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 20 – After being humbled 51-7 by SWD Eagles last weekend, Kenya national 15s head coach, Jerome Paarwater, has once again re-jigged the side ahead of their third Vodacom Cup match against Border Bulldogs.

Paarwater has retained captain Wilson K’Opondo who scored Kenya’s only try while reinstating the Kang’ethe twins James and Joseph, Max Adaka, Oliver Mang’eni, Brian Nyikuli who has overcome a bout of pneumonia and Fabian Olando among others who were rested last weekend.

“The guys are working hard, and looking to bounce back from last weekend’s result. We have our strongest available squad for the match against Border.

“The mood in camp is upbeat, we have no serious injuries to report and the boys are definitely looking forward to this weekend’s encounter which will be their first game away from Cape Town,” Paarwater told Kenya Rugby Union from Cape Town.

Paarwater made 11 changes that went down to SWD Eagles having opened their Vodacom campaign with a stunning 17-10 victory over Eastern Province.

Forwards Curtis Lilako, Edward Oseko, Duncan Mwangi, Anthony Mutai and Davis Chenge were handed their first starts with the Kangethe twins, Mang’eni and Nyikuli being rested.

Adaka was relegated to the bench with Lyle Asiligwa, Eden Agero, Darwin Mukidza and Austine Gumo all starting in the backs in place of Edwin Achayo, Kenny Andola, Nick Barasa and Olando while forwards Emmanuel Mavala and Martin Owila started on the bench.

The team is fielding in the South African tournament as Tusker Simba XV as the only invitational side.

SQUAD

15. Isaac Adimo, 14. Leonard Mugaisi, 13. Fabian Olando, 12. Nick Barasa, 11.Cyprian Kuto, 10. Kenny Andola, 9. Edwin Achayo, 8.Joshua Chisanga, 7.Brian Nyikuli, 6. Mike Okombe, 5. Wilson Kopondo (Captain), 5. Oliver Mang’eni, 4. Wilson Kopondo (captain), 3.Joseph Kang’ethe, 2. Max Adaka, 1.James Kang’ethe

Replacements

16. Curtis Lilako, 17.Edward Oseko, 18. Tony Mutai, 19. Martin Owila, 20.Lyle Asiligwa, 21. Dennis Muhanji, 22.Tony Onyango

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 20- Former Harambee Stars number one keeper and captain, Francis Onyiso, is the new 2010 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions, Ulinzi Stars head coach after Salim Ali tendered his resignation from the post Thursday.

Confirming the change of guard at the Kenya Defence Force side to Capital Sport, club CEO Capt Joe Birgen, said the former custodian famously known as ‘Kenya One’ who was the assistant to Salim takes over the main role with team captain Stephen Ocholla his deputy.

“We had full support for the coach but we were surprised when he tendered his resignation letter today (Thursday). There was pressure from our fans who were concerned since we are yet to win our first match this season, something that I think he couldn’t handle any more.

“We have to keep the club moving and that’s why we have appointed Onyiso who has a lot of experience both in the league and notational team to take charge and will be assisted by our very able captain Ocholla,” the CEO explained.

Civilian Salim, who was appointed in December 2012 taking over from military man, Benjamin Nyangweso after stints at Sofapaka and Mathare United has failed to marshal the troops to reclaim the crown they marched to in emphatic fashion 2010.

Ulinzi have yet to command a win to the barracks this season after drawing all five of their KPL games, earning the tag ‘draw specialists’.

Salim’s abrupt throwing of the towel comes barely a day after Ulinzi chairman Lt Col JS Mwinyikai, gave the beleaguered tactician the dreaded vote of confidence pointing out that the team has been playing well only lacking in scoring power.

The former Stars assistant coach becomes the third head coach to part ways with his club this season after Francis Baraza was sacked by Western Stima and German Oliver Page relieved his duties by new comers Nakuru Top Fry where the latter has taken over.

Onyiso will be on the firing line this weekend when he faces 2011 and 2012 titleholders Tusker FC on Saturday in an early kick-off at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium in a televised clash.

Ulinzi finished eighth in Salim’s first season in charge with claims he found it difficult to impose his ideas on the military outfit. The soldiers flickered at the start of the second half of the campaign before injuries and suspensions robbed him of key players.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 21- League champions Gor Mahia, have been handed a boost by the return of keeper and skipper Jerim Onyango, who is expected to feature on Saturday when they travel away to Top Fry all Stars in one of the eight Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches lined up this weekend.

K’Ogalo will look to bounce back when they take on a side that many have predicted are potential relegation candidates after plucky Thika United ended their perfect start to the season in Wednesday’s goalless draw.

However, head coach Bobby Williamson, says they are not going to take the match lightly since the league debutantes might pick up their form against them.

“There is no easy game in the league any body can be any one and I’m sure they will win the love of their supporters. We expect a tough match since they are prepared to face the champions.

“We have set standards this season and we will try and maintain them since our fans demand that. When we draw we feel like we have lost the match so we have four clean sheets so far and we hope we can keep the fire burning,” Williamson who has a game at hand against 2011 and 12 champions Tusker FC, told Capital Sport Friday during their training at Nairobi’s City Stadium.

As it is expected the busy Nakuru town will have an influx of invading Green Army fans who will travel from Nairobi in caravans and captain Onyango has called upon them to give them vociferous backing to lift them to victory.

“I’m very grateful to be back since I have been out for two weeks and luckily I’m fit and I just hope for a win come Saturday though it’s a tricky fixture its not that easy as its seen in the papers so we will treat them the way we have taking on other big teams.

“I’m seeing a good season ahead once more since we have able goalkeepers (David Juma and Joel Bataro) who can replace me any time and as the defence our motto this season is to keep as many clean sheet as possible and midfielders to supply the ball and the forwards to score,” K’Ogalo first choice shot-stopper who was ruled out in the last two matches with shoulder injury stated.

The Scotsman will be without three defenders, Musa Mohamed who is scheduled to attend trials in South Africa, Ugandan Israel Emuge and Kevin Oluoch who are nursing injuries but the former Cranes tactician expressed no worries since Harambee Stars dependable stopper David Owino, Haron Shakava, left back Godfrey Walusimbi and Solomon Nasio will do the duty.

Gor’s top scorer Dan Sserunkuma is expected to lift his side as he has in the previous matches even though he missed Wednesday’s penalty against Thika.

On the other side Top Fry stand-in coach Peter Okidi, will see their lethal forward Wilson Andati, who has been out for three weeks with a knee injury and midfielder Maurice Odhianmbo make a come back.

In other fixtures, 2010 champions Ulinzi Stars will be away to square it out with Tusker FC in an early kick-off before struggling AFC Leopards host table toppers Chemelil Sugar in a televised match at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The troubled military side will see former Harambee stars number one Francis Onyiso, on the touchline for the first time to command his charges against the Brewers after the abrupt resignation of Salim Ali who has been at the Defence Forces side for a season.

It’s yet to be seen how skipper Stephen Ocholla, will double up as the assistant coach and help the former champions record their first victory after drawing all their five matches.

In the second match, Leopards who ended their winless run against Sony Sugar will be looking to win their second successive match but it will not be easy since the cane cutters have a better head to head record after trouncing Ingwe in both legs last season.

The den is however invaded by injuries, with keeper Wycliffe Kasaya and captain Martin Imbalambala yet to recover from knoks.

On Sunday, Nairobi City Stars will invite Sony Sugar before KRA welcome 2009 champions Sofapaka at Nyayo while Muhoroni Youth will travel to Machakos to lock horns with Mathare United at Kenyatta Stadium.

Thika United will play KCB at Ruaraka Grounds while Western Stima will wrap the day’s fixture against Bandari at Mumias Sports Complex.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 22- Kenya will face Fiji in the Main Cup quarter finals of Tokyo 7s after a narrow 12-7 win over hosts Japan secured their passage in a tense last Pool D encounter at Prince Chichibu Stadium on Saturday.

Having failed to reach the last eight in Las Vegas and Wellington legs of the HSBC World Series, coach Paul Treu, had to wait for their last preliminary tie to make their fourth Cup quarters this season after once again coming unstuck against South Africa in the opening tie.

The home team managed to hold the experienced Kenyan side with winger Dennis Ombachi, utilizing defensive mistakes to punish the hosts as he stretched to find a gap and touched down to break the deadlock as Biko Adema, missed the conversion.

Kenyan all-time- try scorer Collins Injera, silenced the crowd when he ran through to the touch line to score a try that saw Kenya lead 12-0 to the breather.

Japan resumed the last half  aiming to finish the night on a high and the country’s XV star Yoshikazu Fujita gave them hope by darting left and right and finding the line to reduce the deficit Katsuyuki Sakai converted but it was too late for them as they were only left to fight for the Bowl as the match ended 12-7 in favour of Kenya.

In the first match, Treu started on the wrong footing once again failing to break through Blitzbokke’s defence as they went down 26-12.

As expected the clash was always a spectacle, given the Springboks’ current form and Kenya’s passionate support but the Tokyo 7s defending champions gained the continental bragging rights after showing dust the former for a third time brushing them off 26-7.

Kenya broke the deadlock with Billy Odhiambo touching down in the third minute as Biko Adema’s kick went through the post.

Treu charges could not manage to hold on their defence with South African Justin Geduld breaking through to score his first try in the tournament but missed the conversion for Kenya to lead 7-5 in half-time.

On resumption, captain Andrew Amonde proved his return to the sixth round, with his great power to drive over from close range and touch down but Adema squandered the conversion as they extended 12-5 lead.

The defending champions came back strongly with Frankie Horne, having a brilliant run to pass the ball to  Branco du Preez who broke through Treu’s back row to slide under the post as they converted to restore parity.

More gaps opened up as Werner Kok made a turnover move with ease to pass Preez who sealed the win with a brace of side-stepping tries for Kenya to fall down 26-12.

In their second Group B match, Treu needed to collect the maximum points to have hopes of making it to the Cup quarters and they made it after thrashing Argentina 24-7.

Kenya enjoyed possession for the entire game with winger Dennis Ombachi, opening the first try as Adema made no mistake to convert for a 7-0 lead.

The Pumas defence continued to shake with the back row missing tackles that gave Oscar Ouma, chance to double but Adema’s kick went at the side of the post as they enjoyed a 12-0 lead to the breather.

Despite the score, both teams entered the last half pretty level as the pace slowed. Argentina showed their intent to reduce the deficit by stretching the Kenyan lines with Martin Rodriguez breaking through to touch down and convert but indiscipline saw them reduced to six men.

Kenya made them pay for their uncharacteristic missed tackles, with Oscar Ayodi and Horace Otieno, completing the route as vice captain Collins Injera converted but Michael Agevi missed his as Treu bagged three crucial points.

In the other Sunday’s Main Cup quarter finals, South Africa will play USA while series leaders New Zealand will face Australia as Canada squares it out with England.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 22- Champions Gor Mahia were stunned by basement side Top Fry 2-0 in Nakuru as fellow giants AFC Leopards reverted to type by being held to a barren draw by bogey side Chemelil in Nairobi in Saturday’s Kenyan Premier League action.

In the day’s other match, 2011/12 champions, Tusker FC ascended to the top of the log by bottling Ulinzi Stars 2-1.

The biggest story of the day came at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru when John Ndirangu scored a brace as bottom placed Top Fry AllStars registered their first ever win in KPL in a game where the champions lost their keeper, David Juma, in the first minute before Harambee Stars defender, David ‘Calabar’ Owino was also stretchered off as K’Ogalo failed to hit the heights that had seen them register three wins and a draw in their title defense before Saturday.

For Top Fry, it was the most resounding way to announce their belated arrival to the top flight having lost their five games on the bounce.

Ndirangu drew first blood in the 47th after capitalising on a rear guard mix-up to tap in beyond returning captain Jerry Onyango before he sealed the points with his second in the 61st with a well taken strike.

In the first match of a televised double header, Tusker assumed the leadership of the nascent season on 13 points after goals from Clifford Alwanga who netted from the spot in the 19th before Khalid Aucho secured victory with a 73rd minute conversion from the edge of the area.

Ulinzi, who were led out by former Harambee Stars keeper, Francis Onyiso, after his predecessor, Salim Ali, threw in the towel on Thursday as head coach, levelled matters at 1-1 with a well worked goal on the stroke of half time from Stephen Waruru but it was not to stop them from slumping to their first defeat after five successive draws in 2014.

In the later match, Leopards fell further off the pace when they were neutered by Chemelil to pile more pressure on their head coach, James Nandwa, after Ingwe failed to follow up on their midweek 1-0 win against fellow sugar manufacturers Sony Sugar.

Despite fans chanting ‘Nandwa must go’, the beleaguered Ingwe coach was upbeat his side will pick up in their next match, urging fans to be patient.

“We created many chances and it’s only that lady luck was not on our side. Our midfield was not at the best and that’s why I introduced Charles Okwemba before the first half ended and I can say that he changed the game.

“It’s normal in football so if the fans want me to leave, i will if the management says so. For now I’m focusing on our next match against Top Fry next weekend and we will be going back to the drawing board to make my forwards score,” the Harambee Stars tactician stated after the match.

Chemelil coach Mike Mururi, who saw his side drop to second on the log, was happy to collect a single point away.

“The match was good since the boys played tactically well but only lacked the finishing power which I will work on when I return home as we prepare to host KRA. I was not under pressure to win this match that’s why I’m satisfied with the one point.”

The visitors were the first to threaten with three minutes after kick-off but Willis Ouma directed his low taken free-kick straight to Martin Musalia’s arms.

Hamisi Mwinyi, followed in closely with a long range shot but Musalia dealt with it skilfully to give time Ingwe to settle in the high paced game.

Leopards’ chance came in the 13th when Jacob Keli beat defender Jackson Sale at the left flank but he failed to bring the cross in the box as Chemelil defenders cleared the danger.

Two minutes later, Daniel Mutahi could have opened the scores after beating Leopards back four to be hacked down outside the box for a free-kick that he wasted.

Keli was at it once again from the left wing this time round bringing in a cross that Samuel Ouma headed for a fruitless corner.

In the 20th, Matasi stepped up to save Leopards after punching Mutahi’s cracker for a corner that they wasted.

With pressure piling on the host, Bernard Mang’oli tried to break the deadlock in the 27th but he blasted wide for Smith Ouko to pick the pall for counter attack, but his strike went over the cross bar.

Nandwa introduced Okwemba for Hassan Muhammad, who changed the game with Titus Wamalwa, bringing in a cross from the right to find stand-in captain Allan Wanga who was denied by the cross bar in the 38th.

Two minutes to the breather, Georson Likono failed to lift his side despite beating defender Edwin Wafula, in the box but lacked the finishing power as both sides shared the spoils to half-time.

Leopards started the last half on a brighter note with Wanga attempting in the 48th but he looped over Mang’oli’s corner.

Mang’oli blasted wide after controlling Musa Mudde’s pass in what was seen as a clear chance for him net in the 66th.

Keli thought he had scored after receiving a pass from Wanga in the 75th, only for referee to rule his goal off-side.

Matasi was forced to pull a great save four minutes latter to deny Likono’s free-kick 20 yards from the box with Keli heading wide Mang’oli’s cross far wide in the 81st.

Hilary Echesa saw his strike blocked in the dying minutes by Leopards defender for a fruitless corner with Augustine Etemesi coming in for Were, but time was not on their side as both teams shared one point each after a barren draw.

In other results, defending champions Gor Mahia, suffered a shock when they were fried 2-0 by Top Fry All Stars at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium.

John Ndirangu notched a brace in the 47th and 63th minutes to sink the hopes of the champion’s clean sheet this season.

Back at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, Tusker Fc beat former champions Ulinzi Stars 2-1, with Clifford Alwanga and Ugandan Khalid Aucho netting for the Brewers while Stephen Waruru scored the consolation for the military side that was led by their new coach former Kenyan number one Francis Onyiso.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 22- Kenya’ s Wilson Kiprop has cleared space in his trophy cabinet to accommodate the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships gold as he bids to stop Eritrean giant, Zersenay Tadese, from collecting a record sixth title.

The 2014 edition will go down on March 29 in the Danish city of Copenhagen and the Kenyan winner of the men’ s race in 2010 is upbeat a repeat success is on the card against the five-time winner whom he stunned to the top medal in Nanning, China.

Speaking from his home to Justin Lagat in a post uploaded on RunBlogRun website, Kiprop is confident he is in his best shape after injuries curtailed his progression in the seasons following his triumph, including the ignominy of pulling out of the London 2012 Olympics 10,000m final.

“I have heard it is going to be flat and fast. The last two half marathons I recently ran were also on faster courses; the New Delhi and the RAK half marathons.

“So, I can say these races have prepared me well for a faster course. Unlike courses with hills where some athletes who are best suited for such terrains can take advantage of the hills to shake off the rest, faster courses are fairer and better as long as you have done enough speed and endurance training,” Kiprop said of the Danish course he hopes to mow the threat of Tadese.

“It may get a little boring though, as you will be running in one pattern and same body posture all the way, but I prefer them to hard courses,” he added.

“I don’t want to say much. All I can say for now is that, I am very determined to win the gold medal there,” the 2010 champion underscored.

Besides the individual honours, Kiprop is rallying his compatriots to grab the team honours for the seventh successive time to complete the double.

“We want it just to be like the 2010 outing where we won both the individual as well as the team gold medals,” he stated displaying the two medals he won in Nanning.

On the mission to topple Tadese, the Kenyan hopeful admits it will take something special to dethrone the Eritrea who has owned the event almost unchallenged since 2006.

“Sometimes much attention is given to other athletes and then a new one emerges during the race and wins it. I am confident with the training I have done. I feel that I have already done over 80 percent of my preparations and only little finalizing remains to be done in the next few days,” he explains.

Kiprop is simmering with belief that this time round, his prospects have improved as opposed to Nanning when his triumph was greeted with consternation when he lined up as the underdog.

Prior to China he had never run under one hour in the half marathon but since his landmark victory, he has achieved the milestone on five occasions.

His sub 60 roll of honour reads thus 59:15 (Berlin/Apr. 2012/second), 59:15 (Ostia/Mar. 2013/won), 59:39 (Lille/Sep. 2010/won), 59:45 (UAE/Feb. 2014/third) and 59:49 (Delhi/Dec. 2013/third).

In Nanning, Kiprop pulled clear from Tadese to cause an upset and snap his streak of four on the bounce coming into the race as the freshly minted African champion over 10,000m.

His team mates at the time and sub-60 runners Sammy Kitwara, Silas Kipruto and Moses Mosop filed home to secure the team title ahead of Eritrea.

Athletics Kenya (AK) selected 2011 World Cross junior gold medallist and runners up at Berlin Marathon, Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor, Robert Kwemoi Chemosin, Simon Cheprot, Kenneth Kiprop Kipkemoia and Cyprian Kimurgor Kotut to partner Kiprop in the men’s squad.

Jemimah Jelagat Sumgong, the 2012 Boston Marathon runner-up will front the country’s women team alongside Mary Wacera, Sally Chepyego Kaptich, Lucy Kabuu and Gladys Cherono.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 23 – Australia crafted the latest heartbreak for Kenya in the HSBC World Series with a 36-0 mauling that saw Paul Treu’s side crash out of the Plate semi-finals of the Tokyo 7s Sunday at the Prince Chichibu Stadium.

Kenya who collected 10 points in the sixth round in Japan to take their tally to 57, were relegated to the Plate after suffering a 43-19 humiliation at the hands of Fiji in the Main Cup quarter-finals to book a date with Australia who were edged out by series leaders New Zealand in another last eight clash.

Treu is yet to match his predecessor Englishman Mike Friday and New Zealand strength and conditioning coach Chris Brown’s performance after failing to go past the Cup quarters for the fifth time since he was appointed last November.

Many expressed hopes including Kenya Rugby Union chairman Mwangi Muthee, after the former Blitzbokke tactician had set a Cup semi final target for Tokyo 7s, but instead the team meekly surrendered.

In the Cup quarters, Kenya started the match on a brighter note with Billy Odhiambo finishing off a quick-fire move after several loose balls. Biko Adema converted to see them open the score sheet.

Fiji continued to pile pressure on the Kenyan defence and their hard work paid off two minutes later with Pio Tuwai breaking through to touch down but Emosi Mulevoro, missed the kick.

Fiji found their rhythm with Kenya being punished for their defencive mistakes through Donasio Ratubuli who powered under the post to open the gap as Mulevoro did not miss his conversion this time round.

Kenyan all-time leading try scorer Collins Injera, levelled for his side when he charged down his kick forward to rack up his 178th career try but Adema missed the conversion to see both sided locked 12-12 at the breather.

Before Kenya could settle in the last half, Fiji welcomed them with a fashion quick-fire straight from the off to take the lead through Samisoni Viriviri who slide under the post but Mulevoro wasted the kick.

Treu charges responded swiftly through skipper Andrew Amonde who finished off a move that started in their own goal line to score his second try of the tournament with Adena making no mistake this time round to convert.

Little did they know this was their last try as Fiji declared battle attacking the Kenyan back and it did not take long before Viriviri utilized fine passes from his team-mates to score his seventh score of the weekend.

Treu introduced new comer Maxwell Theuri and Oscar Ayodi in the dying minutes but his efforts were fruitless as debutant Vatemo Ravouvou rounded off a great move to pierce through the gap to touch down as Mulevoro’s kick went through the post.

Two more tries were on the way when Stefano Cakau and Leo Naikasau secured the victory with Ravouvou converting one to send Kenya to the Plate semi-finals with a 43-19 route.

In the Plate semis, Kenya could not bounce back and to make it worse for the first time in the tournament they were bundled out without  scoring a single try despite having seasoned players.

Nick Malouf showed some gas to open the scores with Cameron Clark converting for a 7-0 lead. Moments later on, Greg Jeloudev dived over for his seventh try of the weekend in the corner after a swift move out wide but went ahead to miss his own kick as they led 12-0 at half-time.

Kenya resumed second-half charged with an attack minded with Oscar Ouma, trying to break through but could not manage to squeeze the solid back row as Clark grabbed the ball to run through the line and pass it to Afa Pakalani who ran through the center to scored his first try that Clark converted to extend the lead.

Treu brought in Horace Otieno and Daniel Sikuta, who were  not effective as they failed to stop debutant Alex Gibbon who stepped in to punish Kenya for their poor tackle to give Australia fourth try.

Sam Myers easily touched down twice to seal the victory after Sikuta and Patrice Agunda were sent to the sin bin to give their opponents chance to nail it off with a 36-0 to meet USA in the finals.

Kenya will now look to pick up and better their performance for next weekend’s seventh round at Hong Kong 7s.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 24- Francis Onyiso is not disappointed after losing on his debut as head coach of Ulinzi Stars in their 2-1 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) defeat to log leaders Tusker FC as he embarks on drilling the soldiers to stop the rot that sees them winless this season.

The former Harambee Stars number one custodian faced a baptism of fire after taking command of the military outfit two days after his predecessor, Salim Ali, surrendered the reigns abruptly.

Goals from Clifford Alwanga from the spot and Khalid Aucho in the second half edged out the contest after Stephen Waruru had hauled the sides level in the first half.

However, despite drawing five and suffering their first reverse this season, Onyiso is confident his troops have the artillery to fire in the KPL as he urged them to convert their chances into goals.

“This was my first match since I was appointed as head coach and I’m happy the way my boys played on Saturday against Tusker. We created a lot of chances but our main problem is on finishing, so if we work out on that we will be good to go since our defence is strong having conceded three goals.

“There will be a lot of improvement in our next match and if we win three matches we will be up on our feet for the title race since we have only lost once,” the new tactician who also serves as the keeper trainer expressed.

The 2010 champions who are placed 12th on the log with five points will welcome Thika United this weekend at Afraha Stadium in another tricky fixture for Onyiso as he settles in his new task.

In highlight results, champions Gor were fried 2-0 in Nakuru by newcomers and basement side, Top Fry, whilst AFC Leopards were forced to a barren draw by Chemelil in Nairobi as Sofapaka blanked KRA 3-0 away.

Tusker are perched at the top of the table with 13 points, one ahead of Chemelil Sugar while Sony Sugar lie third with 11 with Bandari (four) and KCB and Top Fry Nakuru on three apiece propping the rear.

RESULTS SUMMARY

SUNDAY
KRA 0 – 3 Sofapaka Nyayo
Mathare United 0 – 1 Muhoroni Youth Machakos
Thika United 2 – 1 KCB Ruaraka
Western Stima 2 – 2 Bandari Mumias
City Stars 1 – 1 Sony Sugar Nyayo

SATURDAY
AFC Leopards 0 – 0 Chemelil Sugar Nyayo
Top Fry Nakuru 2 – 0 Gor Mahia Afraha
Tusker 2 – 1 Ulinzi Stars Nyayo

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 24 – Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has given all soccer academies in the country an April 30 deadline to register with them or they will be considered to be operating illegally.

According to a statement circulated to newsrooms on Monday, the academies will go through scrutiny by a four-member committee consisting of FKF acting vice-president, Robert Asembo, technical committee chair Elly Mukolwe, former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee and CEO Michael Esakwa, before they are cleared to conduct their duties.

Mulee owns a football academy, Liberty Sports, based in Nairobi’s Upper Hill with such institutions required to submit a detailed report on their coaching capabilities, facilities and related matter of soccer development in accordance with FKF’s code.

“This has been a sector of our development that has been neglected with individuals masquerading as football experts deceiving Kenyans into believing that they can help sharpen the enormous talent we have in the country.

“It’s a fact that some of these people have ended up conning innocent youths who are easily gullible as they seek to develop their own talents. Parents have fall victim to fraudulent schemes in the name of taking players for greener pastures within Africa and abroad,” part of the statement signed by FKF President Sam Nyamweya read.

It continued to warn that, “FKF will no longer watch this unfold because our business as custodians of football is to ensure everything is run with order and due professionalism as required by FIFA whose guidelines we subscribe to.”

A lot of players in the Kenyan Premier League were scouted from various academies in the country with some getting lucrative deals abroad.

AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars winger Paul Were, Gor Mahia duo right back Musa Mohamed and midfielder Kevin Omondi gained their training basics from Nairobi’s Fisa Academy.

Mulee’s Libery has nurtured Thika United’s Michael Olunga with others joining the top-flight from JMJ and Ligi Ndogo academies.

The National Youth Talent Academy was a victim of FKF’s backlash in 2012 when Nyamweya forced sponsors Safaricom to cancel the Sakata Ball Season 3 that was feeding the state owned institution with players following a row over management of the competition.

Sofapaka forward Enock Agwanda and Abdimalik Mohammed were among the beneficiaries of the Sakata competition.

EUGENE, Oregon, March 25- Kenya’s Milcah Chemos will bring her gold-medal smile and steeplechase talent back to the Prefontaine Classic in what is shaping up as a Kenya v Ethiopia battle over the barriers on 31 May, organisers for the IAAF Diamond League meeting announced on Monday.

Chemos, the 2013 IAAF World Championships winner, is the fourth fastest ever in the event, with a best of 9:07.14 and she is the only runner to win the women’s steeplechase at the Pre Classic, doing it twice.

Her most recent Pre Classic victory, 9:13.69 in 2012, led a parade of the five fastest ever on American soil. Her success is especially notable in the IAAF Diamond League, having won the Diamond Race in her event every year since the inaugural season in 2010.

Her opponents at the historic Hayward Field, which will stage the IAAF World Junior Championships later this summer, include the two women he finished directly behind her in Moscow, her compatriot and silver medalist Lidya Chepkurui and bronze medalist Sofia Assefa, from Ethiopia.

The loaded field also includes Ethiopia’s Hiwot Ayalew, who finished just out of the medals in fourth place in Moscow. Ayalew also claimed a silver medal at last year’s IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

London 2012 Olympic Games silver medalist Habiba Ghribi, from Tunisia, and the Kenyan pair of Purity Kirui and Fancy Cherotich will also be on the start line.

The U.S. will be represented by 2012 Olympians Emma Coburn and Bridget Franek, both finalists in London, as well as Jamie Cheever, the second-fastest American last year after Coburn.

European interests will be represented by Great Britain’s Eilish McColgan and Germany’s Gesa-Felicitas Krause, the latter is the European junior record holder.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 25- Champions Gor Mahia, will be without dependable defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino, holding midfielder Anthony Akumu and keeper David Juma, for their crunch fixture against log leaders Tusker FC in a televised mid-week Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match on Wednesday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The trio picked up knocks on Saturday during Top Fry Nakuru’s tie where they suffered their first defeat of the season courtesy of John Ndirangu’s brace that saw Owino and Juma stretched off.

However, head coach Bobby Williamson, was troubled by the unavailability of his three key charges, Haron Shakava, Timona Wanyonyi and Herbert Kompany in training.

They were named in Harambee Stars Under-20 squad that is currently camping at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium ahead of their Africa Youth Championships qualifier against Tanzania on April 6.

Of the three, only defender Shakava turned up for Wednesday’s training with forwards Wanyonyi and Kompany missing though they are drafted in the Scotsman’s squad.

The former Uganda Cranes tactician revealed to Capital Sport on Tuesday they expect a difficult match since the Brewers have an advantage of leading the log.

“We are prepared for the match though we are affected by few injuries but we will give it our best. We will give other players opportunity to see what they can do but at the same time we need a positive result since we are three points behind Tusker and we don’t want the gap to get bigger because we want to get above them.

“Every game is important especially for Gor, it doesn’t matter whether we play top or bottom placed team, so tomorrow’s match is very crucial to us since our fans always want a win.

“We disappointed them on Saturday against Top Fry match and we will try not to repeat that performance,” Williamson told after conducting their training at City Stadium.

It’s expected to be a high paced and more tactical match since both sides has seasoned players and tacticians who start their build up from behind and scoring most of their goals through set pieces.

K’Ogalo left back Godfrey Walusimbi, is upbeat they will bounce back after Top Fry loss adding the defeat will not keep them off the track as they seek to beat the Brewers who have a better head to head record after overwhelming them in last season’s both legs.

“The team is good despite losing Saturday’s match but that will not affect our performance since its normal in football so we will put our heads up and look forward to win tomorrow against Tusker.

“It’s a difficult game given that they are also chasing the league and they are ahead of us with three points but it’s better we play them (Tusker) now since they are our competitors at the moment. If we beat them it will be to our advantage because we will be at par,” the Cranes defender stated.

The recovery of defenders Israel Emuge and Kevin Oluoch might have come at the right time since they are expected to partner with Solomon Nasio and Walusimbi at the back.

Ugandan Geoffrey Kizito will wear the shoes of Akumu in the central midfield assisted by Kevin Omondi, Shaban Kenga, Patrick Oboya and probably Joseph Kariuki with Jared Obwoge and Dan Sserunkuma on the attack.

Unlike Gor, the 2011 and 12 champions will enter the match motivated by their 2-1 win over Ulinzi Stars last Saturday, noting that they are yet to lose a match this season.

The on form Tusker has a depth squad that has seen them ranked as the top team that has most goals after founding the back of the net 10 times, even though Kimanzi has always been bringing in last season’s top-scorer runners up, Jesse Were as substitute.

K’Ogalo’s defence will have to be on the look out since the likes of Clifford Alwanga, Kevin Kimani and Ishmael Dunga combines well with midfielders Brian Osumba, Khalid Aucho, former Gor Ali Abondo and Osborne Monday to fire for goals.

Tusker’s back seems to stand tall with Harambee Stars Jockins Atudo leading the pack that consists of Athman Buki, Fredrick Onyango and Lloyd Wahome.

Both teams will be playing their match at hand with Tusker having the advantage of opening the gap to six points if they win while defending champions will be looking to catch up with Kimanzi’s charges that are ahead of them by three points.

Will K’Ogalo end Brewer’s clean sheet this season or will the latter continue dominance over Gor? The question will be answered on Wednesday after the center referee’s final whistle.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 25 – This year’s official match ball for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) was unveiled Tuesday by German firm Puma in Nairobi.

The ball branded ‘Puma KBL match’ will be use starting this weekend with each of the 16 clubs in the competition supplied with 20 to see them through the season.

Puma and KPL entered into a deal in 2012 with the current contract expiring next year.

The ball, which depicts logos of the KPL and Tusker, is constructed from 32 panels with equal surface areas for reduced seam stress and near perfect round shape.

The PU panel with under-glass design provides soft touch and high abrasion resistance. Panels are strengthened with multi-layered polyester; viscose and blended backing for enhanced stability, with the backing laminated with a layer of natural latex for increased water repellence.

Panels are hand stitched using heavy gauge thread; which is pre-stretched and waxed. The seams allow an even flow of air for a perfect aerodynamic performance, a six-wing latex bladder for superior touch and Puma Air Lock valve for air retention.

The FIFA Approved mark guarantees the highest level of performance and excellent size and shape retention, game after game.

Speaking during the unveiling, KPL and Gor Mahia chairman, Ambrose Rachier, said the agreement with the firm had saved clubs the prohibitive cost of procuring balls.

“One of the greatest challenges in KPL clubs is financial constraints we experience every day so any enterprise that saves us a coin must be welcome and that’s why I thank Puma for coming to our aid and reducing the cost of acquisition of balls.

“As experienced over the last two years the Puma match ball has helped in increasing the pace of the game and competitiveness in the league,” Rachier stated.

“We have seen the competitiveness gone up and using the PUMA balls has ensured that our players enjoy the game with the standard ball in the entire season,” KPL CEO, Jack Oguda, added.

Puma Head of Marketing for Middle East Africa, Abdelhamid Oraibi, represented the firm at the launch.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 26- Is Saturday the day 2006 Commonwealth 10,000m Lucy Wangui Kabuu finally ascends to the middle step of the podium for her nation since turning to the roads when the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships go down in Copenhagen, Denmark?

The 30 year-old mother of one was bizarrely overlooked for the London 2012 Olympics women’s marathon team despite stating a strong case for inclusion when she ran a lifetime best of 2:19:34 on her storming debut at the Stanchart Dubai Marathon where she was beaten to second by Ethiopia’s Asifelech Mergia.

That has only be bettered by Mary Keitany (2:18:37) and former world marathon record holder, Catherine Ndereba (2:18:47), her heroine and mentor, in the Kenyan all time list for the marathon.

“She has the time yes, but she is not experienced. She is one for the future,” the no-nonsense Athletics Kenya (AK) boss, Isaiah Kiplagat, scoffed at the time when she was omitted from the London party despite a huge clamour to have the 2006 Commonwealth 5,000m bronze winner included.

A gentleman’s agreement between the runner, her management and AK saw Kabuu decline an invite for the London Marathon last year to compete for her nation at the World Championships in Moscow where it all went belly up after running 2:44:06 to finish 24th.

“On the eve of the race, she ate nothing because the food there did not go down well with her. She decided to give it a go but without energy, she fell back but she hang on to finish,” her spouse, Josphat Maina, told Capital Sport on Wednesday.

“I will do my best since I have prepared well for this. Last year, I was disappointed about what happened because I believed I had a good chance to bring something for my country but it was not to be. The rest I leave it to God,” Kabuu said ahead of the team’s departure on Wednesday night.

Having stuttered in Moscow, she heads to Copenhagen as the figure head of a loaded Kenyan team that has been tipped to run away with both individual and team honours on Saturday in the women’s race.

While the dominance of Kenya’s women at these championships does not quite match that of their men, and having failed to live up to their billing of favourites two years ago in the Bulgarian city of Kavarna, they have nevertheless been the best-performing nation over the past 20 years, amassing five individual wins – including a Tegla Loroupe hat-trick from 1997-99 – and eight team victories.

Kabuu, whose 1:06.09 personal best in Ras Al Khaimah last year made her the fastest woman on a record legal half-marathon course in 2013 and joint sixth on the all-time listings is the one to watch out for.

She looks more than ready to reclaim the honours from their perennial rivals Ethiopia, who virtually cleaned up at the last running of these Championships in Bulgaria, taking the team title and the individual gold and silver.

Neither the champion nor the silver medallist of 2012, Meseret Hailu and Feyse Tadese, will be in Copenhagen but even if they were it is hard to see them withstanding the renewed onslaught of the Kenyans, despite the fact that they will be without the services of Florence Kiplagat, who set a world half marathon record (pending ratification) of 1:05.12 in Barcelona last month.

Following her switch to the roads in 2011, she has won all but one of her five half marathons, earning victories at the Great North Run and the Delhi Half Marathon, but this will be her first appearance at the World Half.

Kabuu is joined by the 2013 World Championships 10,000m silver medallist Gladys Cherono, who set a personal best of 1:06:48 in winning at Prague last year.

Mary Wacera Ngugi has a personal best of 1:10.32, but that could be due to revision following her recent win at the World’s Best 10k in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she finished more than a minute clear of a top class field which included Cherono in a time of 32:06, a personal best by almost two minutes.

Kenya can also call upon World Championships 10,000m finalist Sally Chepyego, who is based in Japan and won their effective national trials for these championships, the Okayama Half Marathon on Christmas Eve last year, in 1:08.24.

The fifth and last runner, Mercy Jerotich Kibarus, who has stepped up from the reserve position to replace Kiplagat, has a personal best of 1:08:18.

Given those statistics, it is hard to see either the Ethiopians, or what looks like a hugely consistent Japanese team, matching Kenya.

Ethiopia’s effort looks like being headed by Netsanet Kebede, the 23-year-old who finished third in this month’s Rome-Ostia Half Marathon in 1:08.53, and 22-year-old Genet Yalew, 2011 World Cross Country Championships junior women’s silver medallist and winner of last month’s national trial in Addis Ababa, where she clocked 1:10.58 on her debut at the distance.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 26 – League Champions Gor Mahia will battle it out with Thika United in the preliminary round of this year’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top- Eight knock out tournament that kicks-off on the weekend of April 5 and 6.

In other pairing Cup winners AFC Leopards will take on Bandari while Sofapaka will square it out with defending champions Tusker FC in the toughest as KCB play Ulinzi Stars.

The annual competition was launched in 2010 with intention of collecting funds that will be channeled in the KPL Under-19 tournament that is being held three times in a year (April, August and December) when the schools are on holiday.

Speaking on Wednesday when conducting the draw, KPL CEO Jack Oguda, said the fourth edition will be spread across the Counties where the teams come from with Machakos, Nakuru and Kisumu being on fore front.

“We realized it is a challenge trying to get more sponsors to join our league. We urge our fans to turn up in large numbers so that we can collect money for this year’s under-19 tournament. Last year we raised Sh1.3m (USD 15,194.2)

“We want to develop soccer in the grass roots and that’s why we decided to take this year’s competition to regions where the league is played.

“We will have a Governing Council meeting to determine which team plays who, when and the venue since we have to review the league’s fixture to ensure they don’t clash,” the KPL chief declared.

KPL and Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier, said they are looking forward to start established youth structures that will see young footballers grow to the senior level.

“GOR and AFC performed poorly in the continental scene simply because they were playing teams that have depth in terms of talent which they tap from a tender age. We should emphasize in youth football but not getting people who are above 20 years and start training them hoping they will compete with North Africans and teams from Europe.”

Organisers earlier on announced the eight-team competition will be staged on weekends unlike its weekday floodlights tradition.

Four teams will be eliminated in the preliminary knock out round with the same number earning berths to the semi-finals that will be played in home and away basis.

At this stage KPL will cater for the teams logistics and allowances with the finals set for June 14 where the winner will take home Sh1m (USD 11, 534).

Tusker beat Thika United United 5-3 on post-match penalties after 2-2 draw in regulation time to see them lift the third edition.

No team has ever defended the title with Batoto Ba Mungu claiming the inaugural (2010) Ulinzi Stars (2011), K’Ogalo (2012) and the Brewers (2013).

Fixtures:

Gor Mahia Vs Thika United

AFC Leopards Vs Bandari

Sofapaka Vs Tusker

KCB Vs Ulinzi Stars

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 26- Champions Gor Mahia must be wondering what they need to do to win a football match after contriving to draw 1-1 against nine-man Tusker FC in a dramatic top Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match played at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday.

Teenage defender, Haron Shakava for K’Ogalo and forward Ismael Dunga from the spot, shared the goals either side of each half as the Brewers remained at the summit in a game that had it all.

Playing against nine men for over ten minutes when red mist descended on Ugandan Martin Kiiza and Lloyd Wahome in five manic second half minutes, referee Sylvester Kirwa getting both red cards right, Gor have no one else to blame for not making a statement of intent against a side tipped to dethrone them from their perch.

“We should have won the game especially when they went down to nine men, they lost their discipline. If we had got the second goal, the game would have been over.

“I don’t know how close the referee was to the penalty but he gave it and it cost us. I’m not happy about the refereeing,” Gor coach, Bobby Williamson, who was as dull as the overcast weather the match was played under said.

His opposite number, Francis Kimanzi, was as chirpy as Chelsea FC head coach, Jose Mourinho, a man he has been compared to in terms of tactical astuteness, as his side escaped their first major test in their title quest largely unscathed despite losing their discipline.

“It’s a good, game, I’m very satisfied! If I was the president of the team I would pay them double allowance for playing with nine and coming out of the point,” the former Harambee Stars tactician, sounding ‘Mourinho-esque’ quipped.

And deflecting questions about his side’s unruliness, Kimanzi again borrowed from the leaf of the Portuguese national in charge of the current English Premier League front runners.

“I hope the league is not going to be won in a stolen manner. A team must win games by possessing the game,” he added although he admitted Wahome deserved to go off for tackling Dan Sserunkuma from behind as the last man.

He had reservations for Kiiza’s red saying both players went for the ball although he sympathised with the bad injury suffered by Patrick Oboya, who had just come on as a substitute, who was stretcher-ed off the pitch.

The last act of rowdiness in the game that ignited after the second red saw George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo, on for Oboya; get into a tussle with former team mate, Ali Abondo, with the K’Ogalo winger given a yellow although Williamson claimed his player was punched.

The three incidents happened between the 74th and 80th minutes of the crunch encounter as both teams harried to wrest the initiative but in truth, Gor were the better side bossing possession, chances as well as nosing ahead.

K’Ogalo who needed a response after being stunned 2-0 at basement club Top Fry in Nakuru last weekend, started the game like a house on fire, with their ‘Daddy’ Kevin Omondi, rising to prominence from the off.

It took him seven minutes to send a wicked free-kick that brought the best out of Samuel Odhiambo in the Tusker goal and after missing another guilt-edged chance, Omondi came even closer to opening the scoring.

Gor, who were rampaging on both flanks, snapped the Tusker off-side trap with man-of-the-match, Shaban Kenga, freeing Omondi with an exquisite pass that he collected and chipped Odhiambo only for the ball to bounce back from the cross bar on 32 minutes.

The champions however, got the goal their play deserved when Chakava rose highest to head in three minutes to the breather from the second of successive corners and after Omondi spurned two further chances at the start of the second, Tusker delivered a sucker punch.

A lightening break fed Jesse Were in the box and Chakava turned to villain when he hauled him down, Kirwa blowing for the penalty that was dispatched with panache by Dunga to the right of Gor skipper, Jerim Onyango, who otherwise had little to do on 54 minutes.

The only other occasion either side came close to breaking the deadlock was when a deflected Kenga shot rebounded off the post and was hacked off the line by defender Jockins Atudo 18 minutes from full time.

By then, Gor were a man to the good before being given a better opportunity to capitalise but Tusker remained firm until the final whistle evoked mixed emotions on both camps.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 27- Former Chicago champion and 2:03:06 marathoner, Moses Mosop, is set to compete at the May 11 2014 Volkswagen Prague Marathon after recovering from his latest injury set back that forced him out of Boston.

“Life of a professional marathon runner is paved by challenges, hardships and opportunities and through that process I’ve got a chance to compete in Prague and be part of celebrations of 20th edition of this IAAF Gold Label Road Race.

“After an injury during my preparations for 2014 Boston Marathon, I thought that my spring marathon season is over before it started, but after consultation with my management team I’ve learned about interest from RunCzech and Prague Marathon organizers,” Mosop, who won the 2007 World Cross senior silver medal said in a statement released by his management, International Athletics Consultancy (IAC).

Mosop was in the elite field for the April 21 Boston race where he made his name in the 2011 edition when he blasted to 2:03:06 to follow compatriot, Geoffrey Mutai, who astonished in 2:03:02, across the tape for second although the course elevation drop ruled their times as official world records.

“I’ve heard good stories about racing in Prague and Czech Republic from several top athletes and friends and I am more than happy to compete in Prague and my goal is to achieve 2:06 or 2:07 time and then take onto some fast and shorter road races in USA during summer before World Marathon Majors’ event in autumn,” the 2011 Chicago Marathon champion added.

He was injured in the first week of February, after a fartlek session on a slightly downhill course, where he felt pain in his right knee and as time passed the pain increased.

Mosop visited an established physiotherapist in Eldoret and was instructed to cease running for period of two weeks, which negatively affected his preparations for Boston, causing subsequent withdrawal from the race.

Injuries have blighted the world 30,000m record holder having finished only three races in the past two years, a sixth finish at the Paris Half Marathon and third placing at Rotterdam Marathon in 2012 and in 2013, an eighth finish on his return to Chicago.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 27 – With three rounds of 2013/14 HSBC Sevens World Series remaining, Paul Treu is running out of tournaments to achieve the Main Cup semi-final benchmark with Kenya having reached the last four on five occasions last season.

After collecting 10 points in Japan where they were bundled out 36-0 by Australia in the Plate semis, the South African will once again be put to test when they take on Tokyo 7s winner Fiji, Wales and little known Sri Lanka in a tricky Pool A of the seventh round in Hong Kong.

Kenya had a good run in Hong Kong last season when Englishman Mike Friday and New Zealand strength and conditioning coach Chris Brown led them to their fourth Main Cup semis although the rank and file at the bloated technical bench and Kenya Rugby Union have been dead-set against drawing comparisons.

Treu and KRU top honchos have been preaching patience as the former Blitzbokke tactician builds a side for the 2016 Rio Olympics but results in the HSBC Series circuit that are a true measure of ability have been disappointing.

The team has to improve in ball handling and tackling that was wanting last weekend in Japan where experienced captain Andrew Amonde touched down only once with his vice, Collins Injera managing to score two tries despite being the team’s all-time try scorer.

Winger Dennis Ombachi, Horace Otieno, Oscar Ayodi and Billy Odhiambo have been outstanding in trying to run with the ball on the flanks but they are yet to master the South Africa’s contact style of play.

The side has been losing points on the conversions with Biko Adema, who is the Kenyan kick-man failing to sent the ball between the posts.

Treu charges open their campaign on Friday at 2:30pm local time against Sri Lanka a side they have never met in a World Series but a big result for Treu over the Indian Ocean side should give him the momentum to win one more match to progress to the Cup quarters on Sunday.

They will then face last year finalist Wales on Saturday at 8:46am a team that is placed 10th on the log.

Wales boast to have a better head to head record after wining 14 out of 27 meets though Kenya emerged victorious in their last encounter in Las Vegas where they won 21-17.

Despite being on the high and low this season the side is always threatening having always proven to be a difficult opponent for Shujaa.

The last preliminary Group A will be a tall order for Treu since they will be facing a rejuvenated defending champions Fiji at 2:16pm a team that has been on form throughout the series.

The Ben Ryan coached side are favorites to top the pool after having this season’s leading try scorer Samisoni Viriviri and a supporting squad that features the likes of Emosi Mulevoro and Donasio Ratubuli.

This will be a sweet moment for Kenya to revenge their 43-19 loss to the Pacific Islanders who eliminated them in Tokyo’s Cup quarters.

Kenya has only beaten Fiji once in London’s tour last season to qualify to the Cup semis with the latter winning 23 out of the 24 meets.

Kenya’s fixtures at the Hong Kong Sevens

Friday 28 March

Kenya vs Sri Lanka 2:30 pm (Kenya time)

Saturday 29 March

Kenya vs Wales 8:46am (Kenya time)

Kenya vs Fiji 2:16pm (Kenya time)

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 27 – Former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Ulinzi Stars have appointed Robert Matano as the new head coach to replace Salim Ali, while Benjamin Nyangweso who led them to their last title in 2010 returns as the assistant.

Former Harambee Stars number one keeper and captain, Francis Onyiso, who was appointed as care taker coach last Thursday after the abrupt resignation of Salim reverts to his former position as goalkeeper trainer in a busy day at the Lanet Barracks based side.

Confirming the change of guard at the military side to Capital Sport, club CEO Capt Joe Birgen, said they decided to bring in an experienced technical bench to command the troops to salvage a season they are yet to fire into a win after drawing five and losing one.

“Pressure from our fans has forced use to make immediate change in out technical bench and that’s why we went for experience. We are pleased to have him on board since he has the qualities including maintaining a high standard of discipline which is our priority as a military side.

“I can confirm that Matano will be at the touchline during our match on Saturday against Thika United and we are sure he will use his experience to enable us reclaim the title.

“Its in good faith that we decided to let our very own Onyiso who was serving in acting capacity to continue with his role as the keeper trainer which he is best at and we congratulate him for leading the team well at our last match against Tusker although we lost,” the CEO who also serves as club’s Officer-in-Charge told.

Matano who led Tusker to their 10th title in 2012 before he was shown the door at the end of last season after failing to reclaim the trophy revealed to Capital Sport that it’s an honor for him to be the coach of the four time champions.

“I’m very happy to be back in the football scene and this time round coaching a big club like Ulinzi Stars. We have finalized every thing and my first duty is to meet with the players and plan for Saturday’s  match against Thika United.

“I have big plans for the club and as you know every club that I have had full stint at I have never disappointed them so I’m hoping to repeat the same in Ulinzi. They will pick up it’s only that people don’t understand that every club has its downs and ups so we will pick up very soon since I’m dealing with the champions who have also won Top-Eight,” Matano who was recently reported appointed as AFC Leopards technical director confirmed.

Onyiso has been in charge of the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) side for the past six days and his first test against Tusker was not pleasant as they went down 2-1 to the league leaders.

This will be the fourth KPL club for the no-nonsense coach to lead after winning his first silverware with Sofapaka in 2009.

Matano’s first competitive assignment is a home tie against fifth placed Thika United on Sunday.