NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 15 – National women’s volleyball team head coach Japheth Munala says the squad’s target heading into next month’s FIVB World Championships in Japan will be to get to the second round, at least.

Munala says the experience picked up by the team over time, especially the brilliant performance at the FIVB World Grand Prix three years back where they emerged champions of Group Three gives them confidence that they can go on and register good results.

“I think we are capable of doing well in Japan and in the least, we should get to the second round. From there we can work our way up. If you look at how we played in the Group Three of the Grand Prix against big teams, that alone shows that we have the ability,” Munala said.

In the Grand Prix, Kenya beat the likes of Mexico, Australia and Peru in the final to clinch the title.

At the World Championships, they will be in Pool D against Serbia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Kazakhstan. The top four teams from the pool which plays its matches in the Japanese city of Hamamatsu will qualify for the second round.

Skipper Mercy Moim also promised the girls will do their best in Japan.

“We are ready for the challenge. Every player who has been named in the final team is determined to go and do the country proud. We have trained well and the focus is on performing better than all previous World Championships,” Moim noted.

The Malkia Strikers make a return to the World Championship after missing the last showpiece in Italy where Africa was represented by Cameroon and Tunisia. They start their campaign on September 28 against Kazakhstan.

The last appearance by Malkia at the World Championships was in 2010 where they left without winning a single set nor a single match. They lost by straight sets to Brazil, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, Italy and Czech Republic.

The team has been in camp since June in preparation for the World Championships and Munala is confident they have done enough to be ready, despite only missing build up matches to test their readiness.

“I feel that we are ready and the remaining two weeks will be for sharpening and polishing a few areas like reception and blocking. The girls have really done well and we haven’t had problems with preparations like the previous times,” the tactician added.

Munala has already named his squad of 14 for the Championships almost a month before they travel and he has put in a blend of youth and experience which he says will be vital to challenge for a second round spot.

He has named two national team debutants in the squad, Kenya Prisons duo of Loreen Chebet and Sharon Chepchumba. The two are fresh from High School, having cleared form four last year at Kwanthanze High School.

“This is a good squad and everyone who is there is there by merit. The young girls have worked so hard and I don’t have a doubt they will do well in the first team,” the tactician said.

Chepchumba and Chebet are both looking forward to their maiden travel with the national team and are confident they can squeeze into the starting team.

“For me, yes it’s a good thing to be named, but the final joy will be when I am taking that plane to Japan. I want to work hard enough not to let down the coaches because they have trusted in me to give me the chance,” the middle blocker said.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has disclosed they will travel early to Japan and hold a 10-day training camp for final preparations before the championship begins.

‘We have made arrangements with our friends in Japan and that will be a good thing to acclimatize and play a few friendly matches. This time we have had very smooth preparations because we managed to get National Oil on board as sponsors so everything is okay. If they don’t perform, then that is up to them and the coach,” KVF boss Waithaka Kioni said.

Malkia Strikers squad to Japan:

Setters: Jane Wacu, Janet Wanja.

Middle blockers: Edith Wisa, Trizah Atuka, Lorine Chebet, Christine Siwa

Left attackers: Mercy Moim, Noel Murambi, Sharon Chepchumba, Leonida Kasaya

Right attackers: Violet Makuto, Emmaculate Chemtai,

Liberos: Elizabeth Wanyama, Aggripina Kundu.

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Nairobi, Kenya, Aug 15 – Athletics Kenya on Wednesday questioned why the men’s 4×400 relay team did not receive an invitation to compete in next month’s IAAF Continental Cup in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

The Kenyan quartet of Jared Momanyi, Alfas Kishoyian, Aaron Koech and Emmanuel Korir won the gold medal at the African championships in Asaba, Nigeria, earlier this month, but none of the athletes were included in the African team.

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has named just three athletes for the four-man event: Botswanans Nijel Amos and Baboloki Thebe, and South African Phora Thapelo.

“We are surprised that none of our athletes have been included in the team for the men’s 4×400 relay, and yet the team won the African title in a championship record of 3:00:92,” Athletics Kenya chief Jackson Tuwei said.

“We don’t know what criteria was used (by the CAA) to pick the runners to make the relay team.”

Kenya, which topped the standings in Asaba with 19 medals, including 11 golds, will be represented by only nine athletes next month, while former champion South Africa has the highest number of athletes, with 20 in the team.

The Continental Cup is held every four years since 2010, replacing the previous Athletics World Cup and involves teams from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Nigeria has 16 athletes, Morocco has a total of six athletes, while Egypt and Ethiopia both have four athletes on the team.

Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Burundi, Swaziland, Uganda and Djibouti only have one athlete each on the team.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16 – Gor’s highly anticipated friendly match against English Premier League side Everton FC will be played in November, after being pushed from the initial anticipated date early this month.

According to match organizers SportPesa who sponsor both teams, the game will be played at Goodison Park either on November 6 or 7.

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said the tour will give Gor Mahia players a chance to play with the best and sample one of the oldest and best stadiums in the world – Goodison Park.

Karauri added that the friendly will be a good exposure platform for the Gor Mahia players whom he said have given their best to put Kenya on the global and regional map in matters football.

Gor earned a chance to play Everton after emerging the winner of the second edition of the Super Cup held between June 3 and 10 in Nakuru, Kenya, featuring eight teams from East Africa.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the players and Kenyan football because it is worth more than anybody could offer money for,” an elated Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr said.

“I am very excited. It is an opportunity for Gor Mahia to put Kenya on the global football map by playing one of the most established clubs in the UK,” added Kerr.

This will be the second time that Gor Mahia face Everton, after meeting for the first time at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in July last year losing 2-1 with former England captain Wayne Rooney scoring a wonder goal on his first match for the toffees after returning to the club from Manchester United.

This year however, Rooney will not be in as he has sealed a move to the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States where he is playing for DC United.

However, Gor will still have an opportunity of playing against world class players including England’s World Cup star Jordan Pickford, Colombia’s Yerry Mina and ex-Barcelona man Andre Gomes.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16 – Russian company Betmaster is the latest entrant into the lucrative Kenyan market, launching in Nairobi as its first African home with plans of expanding to Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ghana.

The company hinges on the campaign of responsible betting and offers a unique user friendly platform for passionate sport fans.

The betting firm will have several user-friendly initiatives such as Betmaster news, a weekly newsletter that the firm will be making available every week both online and published inside one of the leading newspapers on Saturdays.

The publication will offer advice, detailed analysis, statistics and betting tips on all major leagues that will allow Kenyans to make informed decisions when betting.

Betmaster new markets director, Thanos Marinos noted that Africa has become a hub for a lot of foreign investments contributing favorably to economic development and Kenya is one of the 3 largest betting markets in Africa.

“Our business will be guided by our ethos of innovativeness and responsible betting. Betmaster Kenya market is launching in tandem with Betmaster Mozambique so all of us, from the shareholders to the management and the customer service employees, are very excited and proud to see our brand positioned strongly in Africa,” Marinos said during the company’s launch.

He also disclosed that the company will look to expand its wings to DRC and Uganda.

The main drive for the company is to ensure that their clients get a safe and trusted environment where they can place their bets and win via their website betmaster.co.ke and sms-based betting options.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16 – They might not have done it in superb fashion as they have done for the better part of the season, but they did it anyway.

Gor Mahia moved closer to clinching a record-setting 17^th Kenyan Premier League title with a 1-0 win over Chemelil Sugar at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Thursday, opening a 17-point gap on top of the standings with a match at hand.

Eliud Lokuwam scored barely 10 minutes after coming on in a scrappy game that didn’t provide much of attacking spectacle especially for most of the second half.

But that mattered less; the most important thing was the result. With maximum points against Sofapaka and AFC Leopards in their next two games, Gor will be confirmed champions.

With the CAF Confederation Cup tie against Rayon Sports lingering in the horizon on Sunday, head coach Dylan Kerr made sweeping changes to his squad, giving the entire second team an opportunity to prove their worth.

From the team that won against Kakamega Homeboyz in Kisumu on Monday afternoon, only keeper Shabaan Odhoji started. The rest of the first team players were not even on the starting team, the coach choosing to give them a complete rest.

The game took a bit of time to get into rhythm and Gor’s first chance of the game came after 14 minutes when Bernard Ondiek’s shot from inside the box flew wide after a goalmouth scramble off a Wesley Onguso corner.

Four minutes later, Chemelil keeper Richard Aimo pulled off a brilliant double save to keep his side into contention.

He first did well to spread his body on the ground nicely to block a shot from Ephraim Guikan after the Ivorian controlled beautifully a pass from Lawrence Juma before going at goal with his weaker right foot.

From the rebound, Aimo was at hand once again to give a powerful punch to the ball after it was sent right back in with a rifling shot from Ondiek.

Chemelil struggled to create chances and tried to catch Gor off the break. In the 28^th minute, a through ball was threaded to Bernard Biko, buthe wasn’t fast enough to it as Odhoji came off his line to clear.

Nine minutes from the break, Felix Oluoch had the sugar millers’ first effort on target with his header off a Francis Ochollah cross from the right heading straight into Odhoji’s arms.

Gor were forced into a change two minutes to halftime with Guikan being forced out injured after a heavy collision with the Chemelil keeper going for a high ball. His place was taken by Innocent Wafula.

There wasn’t much to talk about in the second half from a scrappy display, none of the two sides being able to keep the ball for more than five touches.

The game changing moment came in the 68^th minute when Kerr introduced Lokuwam for Samuel Onyango. The youngster repaid the faith Kerr had in him scoring the winner within 10 minutes of coming on.

A through ball from Cersidy Okeyo into the box saw keeper Aimo clash with his defenders as he came out to collect, Lokuwam taking advantage to bounce the ball off their path and slam into an empty net for his first goal in Gor colors.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16 – The Athletics Integrity Unit has issued a notice of charge to London 2017 IAAF World 800m bronze medalist Kipyegon Bett for failing to submit to sample collection and has been provisionally suspended from all competitions.

Bett becomes the fourth Kenyan this year to be charged with a doping offence by the AIU after triple World 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop, Simon Kalalei and long-distance athlete Lucy Kabuu.

The 20-year old who won the IAAF World Junior 800m title in Poland in 2016 will now not compete in any IAAF event until the case is resolved.

According to the AIU, A Provisional Suspension imposed in a non-doping case does not in any way abrogate the presumption of innocence and it is not an early determination of guilt. Rather, it is an order made on a precautionary basis to safeguard the interests of the sport.

In doping cases, a Provisional Suspension is mandatory under the IAAF Anti-Doping Rules following an adverse analytical finding for any non-specified substance on the Prohibited List.

Bett’s suspension comes just two weeks after Kabuu was handed a temporary suspension after her samples showed presence of morphine in her system which is a prohibited substance under the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) list.

Long distance runner Kalalei was temporarily suspended in June after his urine samples showed presence of blood boosting drug EPO, the same fate that befell multiple 1500m champion Kiprop.

Kiprop’s case however has already been referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal, same as Bahrain’s World 3,000m steeplechase champion Ruth Jebet whose urine samples also showed presence of EPO.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16 – The Kenya 15s have lost in each of their last three visits to Namibia, including last year’s 45-7 defeat. But as they head into Saturday’s crucial Rugby Africa Cold Cup tie in Windhoek, the Simbas are keen to turn the tide and pick a win against the division’s top form team.

Ian Snook’s charges are placed second in the standings with 17 points, three behind leaders Namibia and will have to win the tie at all costs to qualify automatically for next year’s World Cup in Japan.

“I believe it is mission possible,” skipper Davis Chenge roared after the team beat Tunisia 67-0 in their last match at the RFUEA Ground last Saturday.

Kenya know too well that they find themselves facing their biggest test this season and having been run close by Uganda, Morocco and Zimbabwe, the work is cut out for them heading into Southern Africa.

“We know it is going to be a tough task, but we go there looking for victory. We know Namibia, we have watched their games this season and some of us have also played against them. We will see how to exploit their weaknesses and also work on our strengths to ensure we are a strong team,” Chenge said.

Namibia have picked up bonus point wins in all their four victories where they have managed to dot down 45 tries, 34 of them converted and scored two penalties for a high score of 294 points thus far.

But despite knowing the pedigree of the team they face on Saturday, the Simbas are not scared. Coach Snook is optimistic that if the systems run to plan, then they will leave Windhoek with a ticket to Japan next year.

“Our plan all through has been to qualify directly and that remains the plan we have. We need to work harder especially working on our defense and we will be okay. I trust these boys and I trust their hard work,” the tactician noted.

The Tunisia victory over the weekend was Kenya’s first bonus point win and the performance was a reassurance to Snook and his charges that they can battle for a place in the World Cup.

“It was a pleasantly good performance and very many things worked well for us and obviously there were a few which didn’t but we will work on them,” the tactician said.

An unfortunate loss at the hands of Namibia on Saturday will mean the Simbas drop to the repechage tournament which is scheduled to take place in France in November.

Kenya will face Hong Kong, Germany and Canada with the winner getting a ticket to Japan.

“I think even if we get to the repechage, we still have a good chance of qualification because we have played Germany and Hong Kong before and I know those are teams we can beat. We haven’t faced Canada but I believe if we get our systems working we can get victory. But our number one goal remains getting the automatic ticket,” further noted Chenge.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16 – Kericho’s Reuben Langat has intensified his training ahead of the forthcoming Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup grand finale to be held in the Mediterranean city of Antalya, Turkey in late October.

Langat, who emerged the victor during the event’s Nairobi qualifiers at Windsor on July 27, is at the moment putting final touches to his preparation ahead of the grand finale which returns to Belek for the umpteenth time.

He is leaving nothing to chance as he prepares to carry the country’s flag up against several other qualifiers from various Turkish Airlines destinations.

“The essence for now is to improve some facets of my long and short game,” said Langat.

“Over the past few days since qualification I have been working hard to perfect my swing and I’m glad it’s closer to where I want it to be. I’m putting well at the moment which is good for my short game.  The game plan for Turkey will be to keep the ball on the fairways and putt well on the greens..”

Mustafa Ozkahraman, the General Manger of Turkish Airlines Nairobi said:

“We would like to offer our congratulations to everyone who made the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup qualifier in Nairobi such a special occasion,” he added.

“It was a fantastic tournament and well done to our winner Reuben Langat. They still have so much to play for in Antalya but everyone else will be looking forward to see him come back with the coveted trophy.”

“As Turkish Airlines we are committed towards golf tourism promotion which is a major global industry. We are proud to be associated with the Turkish Airlines Open which is a round of the European Tour and the Turkish Airlines Challenge which is a challenge tour event.”

The sixth staging of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Amateur series -one of the globe’s biggest corporate amateur tournament -touched down for the first time in Nairobi last year on July 27.

The second edition saw Langat fire 40 stableford points to beat home golfer Ravi Gandhi and Zamin Nasser to second and third respectively on countback at the Windsor course on July 27.

“In fact the win came as a pleasant surprise to me because all I knew when I played 40 I thought the winner would be in a range of 42 to 44. I would like to be associated with the Turkish Airlines anytime, any day for their unswerving support in golf tourism.”

Last year, Moses Kiragu won the Kenyan qualifiers at Muthaiga and was ranked 14th with 64 points out of 110 players who traveled from various Turkish Airlines destinations to Antalya.

“It was a very good experience. The exposure was beyond my expectations. I met people from all walks of life.”

The 2017 TAWGC concluded in spectacular style with the flagship Grand Final, hosted at the Titanic Deluxe Golf Hotel, Belek between Saturday 30th October and Wednesday 2nd November.

London’s Luke Eustace was crowned Champion after the two-round Grand Final at Titanic Golf Club, which was a tightly-contested affair with only 3 points separating the top 5. In the final round, the Englishman built on an impressive first round of 40 stableford points with a further 41 points, for a combined total of 73 points to claim the top prize by two points from Cape Town’s Warren Espey (40+39, 79).

The Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Amateur Series became the widest reaching in corporate golf in 2017 with almost 8,000 participants contesting a 100-event Qualifying Series, which took place in 60 countries worldwide.

For the Grand Finale winners, a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the Pro-Am of the Turkish Airlines Open awaits.  Over previous years, Finalists have partnered among others, Henrik Stenson, Martin Kaymer, Victor Dubuisson, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and 14-time Major Champion Tiger Woods in the pre-tournament Pro-Am.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 17 – Kenya Simbas head coach Ian Snook has made two changes to the squad that goes to the battle field on Saturday to take on Namibia in a must win Rugby Africa Gold Cup match at Windhoek’s Hage Geingob Stadium.

George Nyambua starts at blindside ahead of Martin Owilah who drops to the bench while Tony Onyango slotting in at fullback in place of Vincent Mose who started last weekend’s game against Tunisia, but has not travelled to Namibia.

Willy Ambaka who made his Simbas debut last weekend continues at 14 as the Simbas look to vie for a ticket to next year’s World Cup in Japan.

Kenya need a win at all costs to book an automatic ticket to Japan, but a loss will see them drop to the repechage tournament to be held in France in November.

“We know it is going to be a tough task, but we go there looking for victory. We know Namibia, we have watched their games this season and some of us have also played against them. We will see how to exploit their weaknesses and also work on our strengths to ensure we are a strong team,” skipper Davis Chenge said ahead of the tie.

The match will be played at 5pm Kenyan time.

Simbas starting team

15. Tony Onyango, 14. William Ambaka, 13. Peter Kilonzo, 12. Darwin Mukidza, 11. Jacob Ojee,10. Isaac Adimo, 9. Samson Onsomu, 1. Patrick Ouko, 2. Colman Were, 3. Joseph Odero, 4. Andrew Chogo, 5. Oliver Mang’eni, 6. George Nyambua, 7. Elkeans Musonye, 8. Davis Chenge (captain)

REPLACEMENTS 16. Peter Karia, 17. Moses Amusala, 18. Curtis Lilako, 19. Malcolm Onsando, 20. Martin Owilah, 21. Mohammed Omollo, 22. Felix Ayange, 23. Dalmus Chituyi.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 17 – After the completion of the continental championships, Africa’s held in the Nigerian city of Asaba, focus shifts to the Birmingham leg of the IAAF Diamond League on Saturday evening.

Kenya’s legion will be led by four recently crowned African champions and one silver medalist as athletes look to accumulate points in the third last leg of this season’s series.

World, Commonwealth and now African 1500m champion Elijah Manangoi will step down to the 800m distance as he looks to finish off the season well, seeking his second Diamond League victory this season.

Manangoi has thrice lost to training partner Timothy Cheruiyot in the Diamond League this season over 1500m but had one over his mate in Asaba where he beat him in a championship for a third consecutive time.

He had previously done that at the London World Championships last year, the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia and now the African Champs.

“I think for me, I am a better Championship runner than in the Diamond League and it comes from experience. I know how to manage and run a Championship race better and that is why I beat Timothy. A Diamond League is a different ball game because it is just one race and that’s it,” Manangoi told Capital Sport.

His only Diamond League victory this season came in Oslo at the Bislett Games where he ran a mile and won the race. He finished second behind Cheruiyot in Doha, Monaco and Rome.

“I am happy with how my season has gone and more importantly winning the African title. I just want to focus on finishing my season well and switch focus to the World Championship in Doha next year,” Manangoi noted.

He will contend for the Birmingham title with African 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Korir who has enjoyed a decent season, managing to pick a personal best time of 1:42.05 over the two-lap race.

Korir has won in Doha, Eugene and London where he set his PB and looks set to continue his streak and accumulate more points to earn a place in the final and fight for the prestigious Diamond League title.

The Polish duo of Marcin Lewandowski and Adam Ksczot, the latter fresh from being crowned European champion will also be in the mix.

Meanwhile, World, Commonwealth and African 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri will step down to the 3,000m race for the second time this season and she hopes to put up a better performance compared to Doha where she finished 14^th in the same race.

Over 5,000m though, Obiri has been impeccable, winning the Diamond League meet in Rabat while she finished third in Eugene. In London at the Anniversary Games, she finished third over the mile.

Also in the race are cross country specialists Lilian kasait and Agnes Tirop.

In the men’s steeplechase, Conseslus Kipruto who won in Rome and finished second in Eugene will be looking to accumulate the points when he lines up against season’s surprise package Benjamin Kige.

Kige has won in Eugene, Hungary and Rabat and finished second in Rome and fourth in Monaco. Fresh from winning the African title, Kipruto will be going into the race more or less to enjoy himself, but has vowed to fight for a win.

Winny Chebet at the same time will be gunning for glory in the 1500m race, buoyed by her first major Championship title having won the African title in Asaba. Chebet, coached by the hugely successful Bernard Ouma hasn’t had a good season in the circuit.

She has finished 10^th in Doha, fifth in Eugene, ninth in Lausanne and seventh both in Rabat and London where she ran the 1,000m and mile respectively. Hopefully, the weight of her African crown will push her to success.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 17 – Kenya’s hope of qualifying to next year’s CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations continued to gather momentum as they won their second straight game of the CECAFA region qualifiers, hitting nine past a hapless Djibouti at the Azam Complex in Chamazi on Friday evening.

Richdonald Bolo put up a man-of-the-match performance, hitting a hattrick and providing two assists as the Kenyan side picked a successive victory following their opening day 4-0 win over South Sudan.

Kenya got off to the mark early after dominating the match =, Keith Imbali breaking the deadlock with a delightful shot from range.

Saidi Musa should have doubled Kenya’s tally in the 14^th minute but he could not get a better finish after Tony Odhiambo’s cross from the left found him unmarked at the edge of the six yard box.

A period of dominance, Kenya showing their passing prowess culminated in two goals within two minutes which saw the Junior Stars take a 3-0 lead to the break.

Musa slotted in a simple finish from inside the box after some quick interchange of passes which ended in a cutback for Musa to tap home. Richdonald then scored the first of his three two minutes later with a tap in unmarked on the right after a deflected shot.

Kenya continued with the dominance in the second half and just seven minutes in, they were 4-0 up, Richdonald hitting his second with a sweet finish on the volley after controlling the ball, juggling away from his markers before sending in a bullet.

Eight minutes later, it was 5-0, a sweeping team move from Mike Amenga’s charges and Nicholas Omondi came to the end of it with a shot from distance which was spilled inside the net by the Djibouti keeper.

Richdonald then set up a quick brace by Mathew Mwendwa in the 62^nd and 71^st minutes, as Kenya continued its dominance.

The red-hot winger then completed his hattrick late on with Imbali also adding his second with a ninth late on, another red hot shot from distance greasing between the keeper’s palms.

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SYDNEY, Australia, Aug 18 – Usain Bolt says he’s deadly serious about becoming a professional footballer and plans to show the world what he’s capable of after arriving in Australia Saturday for a trial stint with an A-League club.

The superstar athlete has been given the chance to prove his worth by the Central Coast Mariners, who have agreed to let him train with the team indefinitely in his pursuit of a playing contract.

They hope to turn him into A-League material in time for the start of the 2018/19 season in late October.

Bolt, wearing a Mariners scarf, was met by a media scrum at Sydney airport and said he would push himself hard to make the grade.

“I always put my best foot forward and I’m going to show the world what I’m made of,” he said.

“This is real,” added the 31-year-old when asked if it was simply a stunt.

“I’ve said since my last season of track and field that I want to play football and I know what I can do.

“I’m grateful to the Mariners for giving me the opportunity and am happy to call Australia home for now.”

Bolt has already tried out with teams in Germany, Norway and South Africa, to no avail, since retiring from athletics last year.

Despite being an eight-time Olympic champion and the fastest man on earth, he admitted to being nervous about what lay ahead in the small town of Gosford, 75 kilometres (47 miles) north of Sydney, where the club is based.

“Nerves will always be there, but I’m more excited than anything else,” said the Jamaican, who is set to have his first training session on Tuesday.

Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp has made clear Bolt won’t be getting any special treatment, although extra security guards will be on hand and club training sessions moved to a larger venue to accommodate the legions of fans who are expected to turn up to get a glimpse of Bolt.

“The one thing we’ve been really firm on is that Usain, while trialling for a contract, be treated the same as any player,” Mielekamp said this week.

“Obviously, we understand the realities of having somebody of his profile. But (when it comes to football) there will be no advantages.

“And that’s what Bolt wants — this is about his football journey. He’s coming here for the right reasons.”

Bolt dominated sprinting since taking double individual gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He went on to win a further six Olympic golds and pick up 11 world titles.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 18 – Kenya’s Gosrani Naiya, Janvi Nipul, Shah and Shah Dev Bijesh bagged bronze medals at the 2018 Africa Youth Chess Championship that concluded on Saturday in Kisumu County.

The trio will be part of the team that will represent Africa in the upcoming World Youth Chess to be held in Georgia in September.

Chess Kenya president Bernard Wanjala lauded the participants for the glorious championship.

“We have had a great tournament this year, as a country we are extremely proud of all the players who made this year’s edition memorable,” said Wanjala

Gosrani ended the weekend on a high note with 7 points after defeating Kenya’s Muthoni Vivian during the 9th round in the girls U14 category.

Youngster Woman Candidate Master Janvi Nipul scooped the third position in the U8 girls category while Kenya’s 3rd ranked Shah Dev Bijesh finished third during the outing in the under 18 boys category.

Gostani attributed her win to determination and routine trading noting that she was confident of shining in the next level of championship.

“The competition was stiff and am happy that have been able to overcome the strong challenge a book a slot for the historic championship,” she said.

“My target is now on how I can improve on weak areas that caused me very delicate points. I want that thank Chess Kenya, the government and my parents for sponsoring my being here,” she added.

Janvi Shah, who was the youngest in the competition, said she is looking forward to an improved performance when she represents Africa in the upcoming World Youth Chess Championship.

“I’m so much humbled by my performance, it gives me courage and vigor to fight for more divisions in Chess and I want to thank everyone who supported in this noble course,” Shah said.

In other results WFM Nassr Rania of Algeria emerged victorious in the under eighteen ladies’ category hankering eight points while her nemesis and country mate Nassr Lina a WIM scooped Gold medal in the Under sixteen categories with six points.

Kanyi Melissa and Nzambi Catherine both finished at bottom positions.

In the Under fourteen boys’ category FM Cheikh Ziyad of Egypt will represent Africa in the World Chess Championship after emerging best overall scooping six points tied alongside Kanyike Victor while Oosthuizen Jacobus who came third with five points.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 18 – The Kenya Simbas will contest the repechage tournament of the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualification against Canada, Hong Kong and Germany in November after losing 53-28 to Namibia in the final Rugby Africa Gold Cup decider in Windhoek on Saturday evening.

The Simbas converted all of their four tries while Namibia scored two penalties, a penalty try and dotted down seven tries in the victory.

Consequently, the Southern Africans picked the automatic African qualification ticket while Kenya will battle with the three representatives from the other continental qualifiers for a place in Japan next year.

The home side, coming into the title decider on the back of decent form having hit bonus point wins in all their four previous games got off into a good start, former Under-20 captain Cliven Loubser booting home a penalty for a 3-0 lead.

However, Kenya struck back almost immediately with Willy Ambaka dotting down his third try in two games with Darwin Mukidza booting home the extras as Kenya went into the lead 7-3.

But, the hard hitting Namibians soon re-took the lead, Chrysander Botha dotted down their first try of the game, gliding down under a cloud of tackles with Loubser adding in the extras.

From the restart, Namibia turned over possession after skipper Davis Chenge’s effort to hold on to the ball failed, the home side launching forward and Louis Van der Westhuizen was at the end of it dotting down and the Conversion sent through for a 17-7 lead.

The impressive Loubser then added in the second try but missed the conversion as the Namibians took more advantage of their wave of possession going 22-7 up.

Van der Westhuizen dotted down his second try of the game when Namibia pushed over the line from a maul and Loubser did not make a mistake with the extras booting home for a 29-7 lead at half time,

Namibia won a penalty and decided to go for the points and Loubser made no mistake to stretch their lead.

Ambaka got his second of the game as Kenya mounted a response, the Kenya Sevens star greasing away from three tackles before powering his way under the posts after a little kick from Isaac Adimo sent him flying away. Mukidza made no mistake with the conversion, Simbas going 32-14 close.

But the hosts responded immediately even before Kenya could settle down, Tjeriko, Mahepisa dotting down and the kick sent between the sticks.

Simbas day turned from bad to worse when Namibia were handed a penalty try and Ambaka sent to the sin bin after he was adjudged to have tripped Johann Tromp as he whizzed away on the left chasing a kick.

Despite the numerical advantage, Simbas have in a fight and substitute Malcom Onsando dotting down after an offload from Mukidza. Kenya had been patiently prying on the Tunisians and when a pocket of space presented itself, Mukidza took advantage.

But the little joy of an out of sorts comeback were blown right on Kenya’s faces when Botha scored his second off a quickly executed counter. The Simbas lost the ball and when they thought they would be given a penalty, the ref had none of it.

Janco Venter stole the ball and ran off with it and just as he was almost on the line, decided to give it to Botha to do the honors. The conversion was sent through, Namibia going 53-21 up.

Substitute scrum half Mohammed Omollo dotted down Kenya’s fourth try of the game after being flicked through by Jacob Ojee, but it did little to prevent the damage with less than five minutes left on the clock, Namibia managing the game to win.

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BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, Aug 19 – African 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Korir continued with his impressive season, going for another sub 1:43 performance on his way to winning the race at the Birmingham leg of the IAAF Diamond League on Saturday.

Korir who has put out an ambitious target of running sub 1:40 in the next two years showed no signs of slowing down as he picked up his fourth Diamond League victory having won in Doha, Eugene and London where he set his new Personal best of 1:42.05.

Bram Som led the field through halfway in 50.2, before Kenyan champion Jonathan Kitalit tried to stretch away from Korir – only for his compatriot to power past 70m out to win in 1:42.80, not quite as stunning as his 1:42.05 in London, but a meet record nonetheless.

Kitilit was runner up in 1:43.53 while world, Commonwealth and African 1500m champion Elijah Manangoi placed third in a PB of 1:44.15.

Meanwhile, with his great Moroccan rival Soufiane El Bakkali scratching before the start, Conselsus Kipruto lined up clear favourite for the 3000m steeplechase.

The reigning world, Olympic and African champion duly delivered the victory – despite offering a consoling hand after fellow Kenyan Benjamin Kigen stumbled at the final water-jump and allowing Ethiopia’s Chala Beyo to temporarily pass him in the home straight.

Securing his spot in the Diamond League final, Kipruto prevailed in 8:14.33, with Beyo second in 8:14.61 and Kigen regaining his composure to cross the line fifth in 8:17.43.

The men’s long jump produced an equally impressive winner, South Africa’s world and Commonwealth champion Luvo Manyuonga prevailing with a meeting record leap of 8.53m.

The Kenyan athletes in Birmingham duly dedicated their victories to fallen colleague Nicholas Bett who passed on after a car crush two weeks ago.

They posed with a Kenyan flag with the writings ‘RIP Nick, #47.79″

-Additional info courtesy IAAF

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 19 – Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr wants his players to focus on building their own history in continental football even as he urges them to borrow the inspiration from the 1987 Nelson Mandela Cup winning squad.

Gor Mahia play Rwanda’s Rayon Sport in a crucial CAF Confederations Cup Group D tie at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Sunday night, and a win will earn them a ticket to the quarter finals of the Confederations Cup for the first time in their history.

“It is good, the club prides itself with the 1987 squad that won the Mandela Cup. That is good. But, what I tell these players every day, make history for yourselves. Let everyone now talk about the 2018 squad and not the 1987 one,” Kerr said speaking to Capital FM’s Saturday Music and Sports show.

He added; “We have a chance, we have a good squad to do it and I believe we can make history for this club. We want to take Kenyan football to the African map and I only hope these players see themselves the way I see them. They are brilliant.”

Gor Mahia lead Group D with eight points, only sitting ahead of second placed USM Alger on goal difference. A win against Rayon on Sunday will book them a ticket to the quarters and if USM drop points in Tanzania, K’Ogalo will only need a point in their final group match to top.

“The most important thing for us is Sunday and ensure qualification. Matters of topping the group can come later but once we have the three points and through, that is what matters to us,” the coach added.

he also noted; “I am confident we are going to the Quarter finals and if we do go on and win, we will be at the final. I can assure you.”

Kerr says he is hugely impressed with how his side has prepared for the game on Sunday, saying he likes their spirit and desire and hopes they can replicate that on match day.

“I watched them in training and honestly I was hugely impressed. The desire, the passion, the work rate… I just stood out there and I was looking at them like.. wow! I just want to translate that on the pitch. We are playing on a good surface so we should be able to get things going,” the coach added.

He will miss the services of goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch who has failed to recover in time after injuring his shoulder while striker Ephraim Guikan is also ruled out after picking an injury following a collision with the Chemelil Sugar goalkeeper during their league clash last Thursday.

Jacques Tuyisenge is also not at 100 pc fitness and might be limited in his playing time, but Kerr says he knows he will have a strong squad.

The tactician also has a challenge at left back with Godfrey Walusimbi out working on a move to Soith Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs.

Philemon Otieno who has been the team’s patch up star might make an appearance at left back having played there against Bandari and Posta Rangers. Karim Nizigiyimana might earn his first CAF start at right back.

The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg at a rain-soaked Nyamirambo Stadium in Kigali.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 19 – Boniface Muchiri’s 65^th minute strike was enough as Tusker bounced back from last weekend’s home loss against Bandari, beating visiting Zoo Kericho 1-0 to go fifth in the Kenyan Premier League standings.

Zoo had hoped to pick maximum points on their sojourn to Nairobi to fully give them comfort off the nightmares of relegation, but they couldn’t get anything past Patrick Matasi.

Despite the loss, the Kericho based team remained 12^th in the standings with 32 points, nine off the drop zone.

In the other results, Posta Rangers beat Ulinzi Stars 1-0 in Kakamega while Vihiga United and Kakamega Homeboyz played to a 1-1 draw at the Mumias Complex.

Earlier in the morning, Kariobangi Sharks were hammered 2-0 by an impressive Sony Sugar at the Camp Toyoyo Ground.

In Ruaraka, the game didn’t provide much of scoring chances but the home side should have gone to the break ahead on the balance of possession having seen much of the ball.

Zoo had the first chance of the game after four minutes, Kepha Ondati coming to the end of a sweeping team move finding the ball from distance but his rasping shot went wide with the Tusker backline caught off their lines.

In the seventh minute, Tusker’s June acquisition David Juma had a chance on target when he swung in a header from a Timothy Otieno cross but it swung straight into keeper Martin Elung’at’s arms.

The game’s fight squared down in midfield with the two sides fighting to get the possession. Tusker had an edge, but they couldn’t find a way past the stoic Zoo defense that guarded their lines well, marshaled by Sabiri Sindani.

In the 28^th minute, Elung’at was forced into a brilliant save tipping over Boniface Muchiri’s swinging freekick from the edge of the box after curling it beyond the wall.

Three minutes later, David Gateri also had a chance from another set piece, but a training ground routine didn’t yield much of results as the left back swung the ball straight to the keeper’s arms.

Zoo were almost caught off a minute to halftime when Johnson Ligare’s back pass to his keeper with Muchiri intercepting it, but he could not get the ball into the back of the net despite side stepping the keeper, Sindani coming to the rescue and clearing.

In the second half, Matano started off with a change in personnel, Paul Kamau coming on for Osumba. Kamau almost made an immediate impact when he looked to have been axed inside the box but the ref waved play-on.

Tusker continued to press and on the hour mark came close with Macharia striking a sweet effort on the volley but it went straight to the keeper.

Five minutes later through, the home side broke the deadlock, Muchiri’s well struck shot from the edge of the box whistling through a forest of legs before ending into the bottom right corner with Elunga’at’s effort at keeping it out ending in futility.

Six minutes later, Otieno should have had his name on the score-sheet when he was sent through by Macharia, but his effort under pressure from SIndani was saved by Elung’at.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 19 – Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia find themselves in a tricky situation in their hope of qualifying for the quarter finals of the CAF Confederations Cup for the first time ever after losing 2-1 at home to Rayon Sport of Rwanda on Sunday night at Kasarani.

Eric Rutanga’s sublime freekick in the 55^th minute proved the winner as Gor quickly moved from qualification favorites to needing maximum points at all costs in their final game away to USM Alger to progress.

With the result, Rayon move to six points, two behind Gor and will need to beat Tanzania’s Yanga by a big margin in their final group match and hope Gor lose away to USM. If Gor pick a point at USM and Rayon beat Yanga in Kigali by a margin of less than four goals, then Gor will be through.

Gor came into the tie needing just a point to qualify for their first ever quarter final but it wasn’t just their day as Rayon travelled in hungrier to win.

Gor were stunned at home just two minutes into the tie when Bonfilscaleb Bimenyimana struck the opener with a neat connection inside the six yard box connecting to a Djabel Manishimwe cross from the right.

Manishimwe had managed to skip past Wellington Ochieng before looking up and citing the run of his teammate before sliding in a low cross.

Gor were exposed on the right side of defense with Ochieng yet to hit peak match fitness after returning from injury less than a month ago.

He had been slotted on the right side of defense with head coach Dylan Kerr switching Philemon Otieno to left back in the absence of want-away Godfrey Walusimbi.

But despite going down, Gor kept their search on and in the sixth minute, Kahata had an opportunity with a freekick from the right side but he curled it just over.

Rayon were threatening with their pace and trying to take advantage of the Gor backline’s lack of it.

Bimenyimana almost struck a second on the quarter hour mark when he rushed on to a long ball from keeper Abouba Bashunga, but Gor keeper Shabaan Odhoji was off his line to block though on collision with the lanky forward.

The danger man once again came to the fore of a Rayon attack in the 18^th minute when he was sent through by Francois Mugisha, but his execution after shouldering away Joash Onyango let him down as he shot wide.

Gor did themselves a world of favor getting back on level terms after 23 minutes when Mustafa shielded away a challenge from Abdoul Rwatubyaye before gliding into the box from a Jack Tuyisenge through pass and sliding a low shot past Bashunga.

The sizeable crowd at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani burst into celebration and the noise levels reached deafening crescendo as Gor put themselves right back in chance to make history.

The goal seemed to have awoken Gor’s fight as they played better, passed better and created spaces to run in.

But, the weak defense line was almost exposed again when Ange Mutsinzi picked up a cross that fizzled across the face of goal from the right but his shot was blocked by Onyango before keeper Odhoji picked up.

Gor continued to pile the pressure upfront, looking for that second goal that would inject some adrenaline in their feet. Four minutes to the break, Kahata came close with a header off a Goerge Odhiambo cross but it sailed straight to Bashunga.

After the break, Gor started brighter but were stunned 10 minutes in when Rutanga struck a curling freekick from the right, dipping at the back post with keeper Odhoji well beaten.

The Stadium was stunned to silence.

The tide of confidence now swung Rayon’s way as the Rwandese champions dictated the tempo and created more of the chances.

In the 58^th minute, the visitors almost scored the third when Bimenyimana swung in a header from a Mutsinzi cross, but Odhoji produced a fine save to pick the ball from the top right corner.

Kerr rung in the changes, Ochieng brought off from his nightmare evening at right back and in came Lawrence Juma. The change saw a tilt in formation as Gor went three at the back in search of a goal.

Samuel Onyango was brought in for Mustafa and was taked with running down the entire right flank in the new formation.

Gor kept piling the pressure and would have won the game in added time but Mieno’s shot from inside the box was blocked on the line.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 20 – Rayon Sport left back Eric Rutanga has opened the door for a possible move to Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, a statement that would be music to K’Ogalo fans’ ears coming at a time when Ugandan Godfrey Walusimbi is edging closer to the exit.

On Sunday night, Rutanga might have scored the goal that potentially puts Gor on the verge of exiting the CAF Confederations Cup and his celebration infront of the K’Ogalo faithful did not help matters much, but he might soon be their answer to left back problems.

“If Gor Mahia want me, I can come. But, they have to talk to the club and pay the money required. I am ready to come here any day. Gor Mahia is a good team with good players and huge fan base. It would be great to come here,” Rutanga told Capital Sport on Sunday night.

Rutanga still has one year to run on his Rayon contract and with the transfer window of both countries already closed, the two clubs might engage in talks for a possible move in January.

Gor’s lack of a trusted left back was hugely exposed in their loss to rayon on Sunday with regular right back Philemon Otieno pushed to the left while Wellington Ochieng, yet to hit full match fitness after returning from injury started on the right.

K’Ogalo were left with a void at left back after Walusimbi left in a huff to South Africa where he engaged in talks with Kaizer Chiefs. Gor boss Dylan Kerr says he feels betrayed by the player but maintains life will move on even if he is gone.

“What he did was selfish. He left us without caring of the club, without caring of our league campaign, without caring about the Confederations Cup. It was selfish from him on his teammates and the club. He doesn’t care about the club; only the money,” an agitated Kerr said.

But Rutanga’s arrival might spell some new lease of life to Gor especially with his performance against them on Sunday where he scored a sublime set piece. He also scored the equalizer when the two sides played in the first leg in Kigali.

And his hope that both Gor and Rayon proceed into the Quarters of the Confederations Cup might even make him more loveable to the Gor faithful.

“I am very happy that we came to Kenya and won. The focus now is on the final game against Yanga which we will treat as a final and I know we will win. I also pray for Gor to beat USM in Algeria so that we can go through to the quarters together,” the left back said.

He added; “It will be good for two teams from East Africa to go through. I believe if Yanga can beat USM, then Gor too can get a win in Algeria.”

Rutanga has heaped praise on his teammates for their performance against Gor, saying they came in determined to go all out and get a win.

“It was a blow for us to be here without four of our first team players but I am grateful we could win. We worked hard as a team and Gor too did not make it easy for us,” Rutanga further explained.

The post If Gor want me, I am ready to come – Rutanga appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 20 – Runaway leaders Homeboyz RFC are top seeds for this weekend’s Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa as they look to cement their lead in the fourth round of the National Sevens Circuit.

Homeboyz continued with their impressive form this season after claiming their third consecutive Main Cup title with a 19-7 victory over Nakuru RFC at the Kabeberi Sevens in Machakos over the weekend, taking their total season tally to 66.

Captain Leonard Mugaisi was first on the scoreboard as he landed a center post try for the Deejayz with Olindi adding the twos. Kenya Sevens star Nelson Oyoo was quick to spot a gap and swing through it equalizing the scores as Donald Aluoch kicked in the conversion.

The second half saw Alvin Otieno and Johnston Olindi land a try each with Olindi converting his own try.

They will look to keep that flame burning in Mombasa where they also hope to defend the title they won last season. They will be in Pool A alongside Mean Machine, Menengai Oilers and hosts Mombasa.

Meanwhile, Kabeberi losing finalists Nakuru will be in Pool B with Kenyatta University’s BlakBlad, Kisii and Kisumu RFC.

Pool C looks like the tournament’s pool of death as it has KCB who finished third in Kabeberi, Kabras Sugar, Strathmore Leos and Impala Saracens while Pool D is equally tough with Kenya Harlequin, Mwamba, Nondies and Makueni.

To win the bronze in Machakos, KCB were 17-10 winners over Kenya Harlequins.

Driftwood Sevens

Pool A: Homeboyz, Mean Machine, Menengai Oilers, Mombasa

Pool B: Nakuru, Blak Blad, Kisii RFC, Kisumu RFC

Pool C: KCB, Kabras Sugar, Strathmore Leos, Impala Saracens

Pool D: Kenya Harlequin, Stanic Mwamba, Nondescripts, Makueni

-By KRU

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