Bandari also donated an assortment of foodstuffs which included bags of sugar, maize meal, beans, loaves of bread and biscuits among others food items.
MOMBASA, Kenya, Aug 20 – Kenyan Premier League side Bandari FC were joined by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) and electronic manufacturing company LG in a Community Social Responsibility (CSR) visit to Green Olive Children’s Home in Mtwapa, Mombasa on Monday.
The three donated food items and a 49-inch LG television set worth Sh300,000 as part of the CSR activity.
LG Electronics Marketing General Manager East Africa Moses Marji said they are proud to be associated with Green Olive Children Home with the kids visibly excited with the goodies presented to them..
“We are excited to have touched the hearts of destitute children and making a difference in their lives,” said Marji who also thanked the home for their philanthropic initiatives.
“We are humbled by Madam Ether Kyendo for restoring the dreams and hopes of the kids. She has managed to do it by herself through donations, which is truly inspiring,” added Marji.
Bandari Team Manager Wilson Oburu thanked the Home for offering the kids an opportunity to realize their potential in life at a tender age.
LG Electronics Marketing General Manager East Africa Moses Marji said they are proud to be associated with Green Olive Children Home
“We are glad that the home has extended an enabling environment through which destitute kids get a lifetime opportunity through talent identification and empowerment,”Oburu said.
“On behalf of Bandari FC we take this opportunity to to thank the home, SJAK and LG for enabling us to partake in this worthy course,” he added.
SJAK was represented by Secretary General Mike Okinyi, newly elected treasurer Alex Isaboke and committee member Samson Ateka.
Bandari also donated an assortment of foodstuffs which included bags of sugar, maize meal, beans, loaves of bread and biscuits among others food items.
The television set was mounted into the homes’ hall where young kids will savor various TV channels, thanks to a StarTimes set top boxer (STB) and antenna also donated by SJAK.
Green Olive Children Home that houses over 30 destitute kids, takes care of vulnerable, orphaned and abandoned children. The home imparts valuable training skills to the children to enable them support themselves in life.
Enock Agwanda poses with his July SportPesa/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya player of the month accolades. PHOTO/SJAK
AWENDO, Kenya, Aug 21 – Sony Sugar forward Enock Agwanda has won the SportPesa/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Kenyan Premier League players of the month FOR July after rejuvenating his snoozing career following a return to his boyhood club.
Agwanda scored twice for Sony and provided a similar number of assists as the Sugar belt side rose from the ruins of a disastrous first leg to move into the top half of the league.
On the war to claiming the prestigious gong that comes with a cash reward of Sh100,000 and a 49-inch LG Television as well as Sh50,000 for the team, Agwanda beat teammate Tobias Otieno and Bandari FC keeper Farouk Shikhalo.
“I am very happy to get this award. I didn’t expect it and it is such a pleasant surprise. The month of July was good for us as a team and it marked my continuous improvement. In June I scored one goal, then two in July and now in May I am on three already,” Agwanda said.
The forward christened ‘Jowi’, loosely translating to ‘buffalo’ in the local Luo dialect becomes the first Sony Sugar player to bag the award since its inception four years ago.
Agwanda left Sony Sugar in 2011 for Sofapaka and between that period and his return to the club In June has played for Gor Mahia, Bandari and lately Ushuru where he stayed for six months before taking the decision to re-join his boyhood club.
Enock Agwanda receives his July SportPesa/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya player of the month accolades. PHOTO/SJAK
“It was a very tough decision to come back to Sony but I got much encouragement from my wife and extended family. My wife especially convinced me to come back and play football because she told me no matter how much you go down, with hard work you can always come back up,” the forward noted.
“Things became difficult at bandari when I picked a hamstring injury and getting playing time was tough. I am happy that I can now go back to the field and score goals,” explained Agwanda.
He further says; “I came and found a coach who really trusts me and I am happy with him. I owe where I am today to him because he has really worked on me.”
Sony have had a rejuvenated spell and have won five matches on the trot to climb to eighth in the standings and Agwanda believes they can push to finish within the top five.
The forward has disclosed there is immense competition for places in the team and that’s the reason they have improved rapidly, saying every player is working hard to guard his place jealously.
Sony’s performance has been top notch and have picked wins against teams ranked higher than them including Ulinzi Stars, Mathare United, Sofapaka and Kariobangi Sharks.
Filmline Ltd Director, Mr Kalpesh Solanki ( C) with Star Field Sports Directors Karan Kaul (L) and Veer Dave (R) at the Nairobi Gymkhana during the unveiling of the official cricket team jerseys for the Hayer One Star Field Youth Cricket tournament.
Nairobi, Kenya, Aug 21 – The Star Field Youth Cricket League, first held in 2017 returns this August under the sponsorship of property developers, Hayer One.
Event organizers, Star Field Sports has also attracted sponsorship from Crown Paints Kenya, Flimline, Chui Auto Springs, Executive Healthcare Solutions and MacCoffee.
Speaking at the official launch of the event, Hayer One’s Sales Director, Bharat Rao, said supporting the youth sporting event is aligned with their business philosophy.
“We are not just property developers but human developers too. More importantly, this sponsorship is aimed at supporting the growth of cricket talent within East Africa.”
To be held in various clubs in Nairobi from 22 – 25 August, The Hayer One Star Field Youth League 2018 will feature the Uganda Under-19 Cricket team, losing finalists in the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup Africa Region Qualifiers.
This category will undoubtedly be the league highlight. The local Under-19 boys to give Uganda competition will be defending champions, Kanbis Sports Club, Sikh Union Nairobi, Swamibapa, Cutchi Leva, Ruaraka and Mombasa U19 Select.
Uganda Cricket team National Coach Steve Tikolo (2nd Left) and MacCoffee Country Manager Abhishek Rana (2nd right) during the Hayer One Star Field Youth Cricket tournament official team jerseys unveiling at Nairobi Gymkhana. With them are Directors Karan Kaul (L) and Veer Dave (R) of Star Field Sports.
Other age groups are Under-9, Under-11,Under-13, Under-15 and Women. Three Womens teams will be drawn from Nakuru and Nairobi battling out for the Women’s Trophy.
Clubs in the city hosting the event and putting their facilities to good use include:Nairobi Gymkhana Sports Club, Sikh Union Sports Club, Ruaraka Sports Club, Parklands Sports Club, Premier Club, Jamhuri High School and Nairobi Club.
Youth representatives from the following clubs are expected to send teams to compete in the four-day cricket bonanza:
Starfield, Sikh Union, Kanbis, Ruaraka Sports Club, Swamibapa, Mombasa Simba Union, Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj, Pumwani, Premier Academy, East African Cricket Foundation, Nakuru Pirates, Peponi Secondary School, as well as Cricket Kenya, Uganda Cricket Association and two youth teams from Tanzania in the Under-13 Category.
Star Field Sports Director, Karan Kaul, said the participation of the Ugandan side will spice up the event while at the same time give the upcoming players good exposure as they knock the doors of the national junior team.
“Having seen the growth of development of cricket in Uganda, it will create more of a competitive atmosphere for the rest of the local teams participating”.
Kenya 15s skipper Davis Chenge goes over for a try during the Rugby Africa Gold Cup match against Zimbabwe at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi on June 30, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 21 – Kenya 15s skipper Davis Chenge is confident the team can put up a good show and challenge for a spot in next year’s World Cup in Japan through the repechage tournament scheduled for November in France.
The Simbas dropped to the repechage after losing the African qualifier to Namibia, going down 53-28 to the Southern Africans in the Rugby Africa Gold Cup decider last Saturday.
“I believe with good preparations we will be able to compete for a place. It is a tough tournament yes, but the boys are really psyched to go for it. We will work on our mistakes and by the time we get to the repechage, we will be better,” the skipper said.
“It was a tough loss against Namibia but credit to the guys they gave their all but Namibia were just better than us. They capitalized on our mistakes and won the match.” Added Chenge.
His sentiments were shared by head coach Ian Snook who lost his first match since taking charge of the SImbas at the beginning of the season.
“The boys gave 100pc in the game and the commitment was fantastic. We lost our shape a bit in decision making and played much into their hands, but we gave absolutely everything on the pitch,” the tactician noted.
Kenya played Hong Kong in Cup of Nations action at the Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday 18 November 2017
Nonetheless, the tactician has said the team was hugely let down by lack of a good pre-season as they never had any high-profile test matches to prepare for the Gold Cup.
The team had planned to have a week-long high-performance training camp in South Africa, but the same fell off in the last minute due to a cash crunch at the Union.
“You need to be playing at high level to produce good results. To be better we need to have more games because I look at these boys everyday and I am sure they have what it takes to play at the high level, we are only let down by the lack of preparedness,” the coach further added.
In the repechage, Shujaa will face Germany and Hong Kong, two sides which they have faced before. Germany came into Kenya last year and played two test matches, drawing one and winning the other. Simbas also played Hong Kong last year in an invitational tournament and lost.
However, they had beaten the Asians when they played in Kenya.
The winner of the four-nation tournament that also includes Canada will head into next year’s World Cup.
Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr reacts during their CAF Confederations Cup match against Rayon Sport at the Kasarani Stadium on August 19, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 21 – Gor Mahia head coach Dylan kerr is faced with a huge headache ahead of him with a possibly fate defining next two weeks in wait.
The British tactician could wrap up a second league title since joining Gor over the next two matches; Sofapaka on Wednesday in Narok and arch rivals AFC Leopards on Saturday at the Kasarani Stadium.
But, he has a do-or-die clash against USM Alger in the CAF Confederations Cup on August 29 to look out for.
A loss to Rwanda’s rayon Sport on Sunday night put the record 16-time Kenyan Premier League champions in a precarious situation as far as their continental ambitions are concerned and the now have to go to North Africa and pull out a win beyond all costs.
“It is tough for us and the FKF and KPL should have helped us by shelving some of these fixtures, but they refused. What can we do? We have two crucial games, very tough games and one is against our big rivals and then we have to look at USM which is a must win game. We have to make tough decisions,” the tactician said.
Kerr has either to rest some of his key players for one of the two league matches or both and preserve them for USM Alger. But, the game against AFC on Saturday is not just your ordinary match. It is the battle for bragging rights.
The Gor Mahia that started their CAF Confederations Cup match against Rayon Sport at the Kasarani Stadium on August 19, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
“We will look at who is fresh and who is ready for that game but to be honest, our focus is on the USM match,” the tactician noted.
Gor would have wrapped up a spot in the quarter finals had they even drawn against Rayon in Nairobi, but they couldn’t get a way past the Rwandese.
“We prepared well, we worked hard and the atmosphere in training was great but it just didn’t happen. Credit to Rayon, they came here to win and basically made us work hard. We didn’t click. In the first half we conceded an early goal which is unlike us and we gave the ball away too many times,” the tactician said.
“No excuses, it just wasn’t our day. It just didn’t work for us,” a dejected Kerr further noted.
He said that their tough run of citures hasn’t given them time to prepare well as most of the sessions have just been more of recovery than working on tactical preparation for the next game.
His sentiments were shared by skipper Harun Shakava who said the players are suffering from fatigue while most of them are playing beyond the pain barrier carrying injuries.
Gor Mahia striker Francis Mustafa vies for the ball against Rayon Sport’s Abdul Rwatubyaye in a CAF Confederations Cup match at the Kasarani Stadium on August 19, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
‘It is very tough because we are genuinely tired. Travelling, playing, recovering… it takes a toll on players. We have players who are playing with injuries and it is hard to demand 100 percent from them. We asked the federation and KPL to postpone some of our games but they refused,” the defender noted.
He added; “We are out here representing Kenya and it is not good to see that we don’t get enough support. But we will fight on, all is not lost,” Shakava opined.
The team is still optimistic they will pull off the success of going into the Confederations Cup quarter finals, despite needing all points away to USM.
Sony coach Patrick Odhiambo named July coach of the month. Photo/SJAK
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 – Sony Sugar tactician Patrick Odhiambo was on Wednesday morning named the Fidelity Insurance Coach of the Month for July.
The immediate former Chemelil Sugar head coach beat Bandari’s Bernard Mwalala to become just the second winner of the gong from the club since the inaugural award three years ago.
Sony Sugar, who played four games that month, collected the most points in July after beating Sofapaka 2-0, Nzoia Sugar 2-0 and Mathare United 2-0 but fell to AFC Leopards 1-0. Bandari, on the other hand played one match less in July winning two games and drawing one.
“I’m very thankful to God, to my players and team management for the good work that has culminated in this award. It has taken a lot of hard work and sacrifice to reach here. When I took up this job it seemed impossible to revive the club. It was a huge risk, but I was confident in my ability and moving from 18th to 8th on the table is testament,” Odhiambo said.
Sony Sugar head coach Patrick Odhiambo with his players. Photo/SJAK
The tactician decamped Chemelil to Sony mid-season re-energizing the 2006 Kenyan Premier League champions who were languishing in the relegation zone.
“I identified a weakness in the team and engaged everyone in addressing it. Leadership was lacking and I had to sign up one or two players to give the rest direction. Fortunately, everything went well and players responded positively,” Odhiambo noted
His focus is to win the rest of his league games and finish in the highest possible position.
“I’ve got phenomenal players in the likes of Agwanda Enoch and the rest who have played key roles in our rise and hope we continue on our form,” Odhiambo added.
Cyprian Kuto shows a clean pair of heels to a Rwanda opponent during the Safari Sevens tournament at the Kasarani Stadium on September 24, 2016. PHOTO/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 – After a one-year absence, the prestigious Safari 7s tournament returns with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announcing that 13 teams out of 16 have confirmed participation for the event scheduled for November 9-11 at the RFUEA Grounds.
Making the announcement during the launch on Wednesday, KRU acting CEO Sylvia Kamau said Safari 7s will return to RFUEA Grounds, Ngong road after Seven years where Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium hosted events.
Among teams invited and confirmed participation for this year’s edition are Samurai, Emerging Boks from South Africa, University of Johannesburg, Spain, Uganda, Portugal, Namibia and Wales, Ireland, Apachi 7s, Blue Bulls and Golden Lions.
“The Safari Sevens returns to its spiritual home after an eight year hiatus that saw the tournament played at the Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums in the intervening years from 2011 to 2016. The return of the tournament to the RFUEA Ground is one that is bound to trigger nostalgia, an electric atmosphere both on and off the pitch, something to look forward to,” she announced.
“Already, invites have been sent out to a host of international teams including the USA, Portugal, Namibia, Ireland, Wales, Emerging Boks, Spain, Uganda, Blue Bulls, Apache Sevens, Samurai, University of Johannesburg and Western Province as the Safari Sevens Organizing Committee (SSOC) seeks to put together a quality line up of teams for the event,” she added.
“We are working with a minimum budget of Sh30 million but as of now we don’t have a main sponsor; the organizing committee is working on that, working to fundraise for the tournament and they have had meeting now and then.”
Teams participating at the tournament including hosts Shujaa, who are the defending champions will use the competition as a platform for preparations ahead of the 2018/19 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series which will kick off in Dubai 7s on December 30-1.
In 2017, the tournament was cancelled by KRU as the tournament was in between electioneering period.
After 2013’s edition that was hosted at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani, the tournament recorded low numbers in 2015 and 2016 leading to KRU to rethink about it and therefore the decision to return to RFUEA.
Kenya 7s are the Safari 7s defending champions after beating Samurai 38-21.
Sports Principle Secretary Ambassador Peter Kaberia. Photo/TIMOTHY OLOBULU
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 – The National Assembly is set to launch investigations into graft allegations in the Ministry of Sports that led to the loss of Sh1.7 billion during last year’s IAAF under 18 world youth championships.
Chair of the Public Accounts Committee Opiyo Wandayi says an invite has already been dispatched to top ministry officials to appear before the committee on 27th of this month to shed light on the allegations.
According to Opiyo, Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia and top officers in the finance department should explain how the unaccounted funds were used.
“We cannot let this issue pass since it has generated huge public interest. The officials must respond to the queries raised,” said Opiyo at Parliament buildings on Wednesday.
“Because of the public interest generated on this matter, they (ministry officials) must come and respond to the queries clearly and fully without fail,” Wandayi said.
Opiyo said the committee would not turn a blind eye on the matter especially at the time that the country’s top leadership led President Uhuru Kenyatta is keen on fighting and eradicating corruption.
“Until and unless the ministry responds the Principal Secretary in the ministry will have to come with all the officials who are involved in procurement to explain their side of the story,” he said.
According to the Auditor General’s report, out of the Sh3.5 billion allocated to the Ministry to sponsor the event, his findings revealed that Sh1.7 billion cannot be accounted for.
Wakhu oozed confidence from the first tee box firing an impressive last round of 6 under par 65 and had his campaign effectively sewn up when Dismas Indiza faltered on the last round.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 – David Wakhu rallied from a four stroke deficit at penultimate stage to win the opening round of the new Safari Tour at the Par 71 Nyali Golf and Country Club.
Wakhu oozed confidence from the first tee box firing an impressive last round of 6 under par 65 and had his campaign effectively sewn up when Dismas Indiza faltered on the last round.
Wakhu round of 6 under went down as a new course record for Nyali Club – which took his total for the tourney to 284.
Indiza who impressed by shooting 5-under par 66 yesterday finished 4 over par for the day to take his tournament total to 287.
Golf Park’s David Wakhu follows the flight of his tee shot on the final day of the Nyali Golf Club’s leg of the Safari Tour Golf Series.
The long hitting Mumias professional played a disappointing 39 on the front nine and 36/on the back nine for a total of 3 over par 75 gross to settle for second.
Joint third on a score of 4over par 288 were Riz Charania and Eric Ooko who led the first two days.
Kopan Timber and Greg Snow finished joint fifth on 6 over par 290 gross.
Wakhu said his win at Nyali will be a major morale boost for his Safari Tour campaign.
‘I’m glad to have laid my hands on the top prize of the new Tour. The setting of the course really suited my game and more so after Indiza’s massive lead on penultimate day. I take this opportunity to thank my caddy who took me round the course in a manageable manner.”
Asked about Indiza’s flop, Wakhu added: “In golf its not over until its over. You just can’t tell the final outcome even when.at the top But despite trailing him by four strokes I just played my game.”
Round three leader Indiza was left to rue his shot game and indeed a bad day at the office on the final day.
“My putting was pathetic. I really tried to make up for my earlier undoing in tje first nine but in vain,” said Indiza.
“I hit the fairways really well but again the shot game let me down,” added Indiza.
Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman Peter Kanyago (left) hands a dummy cheque to the inagural Safari Tour golf series winner David Wakhu at the Nyali Golf Club.
Kenya Open Golf Chairman Peter Kanyago said the Tour was started to prepare local pros the moment the Kenya Open was upgraded to European Tour status.
The Chairman added that they have plans to takes the Safari Tour regional.
Speaking in Mombasa after the four day extravaganza, Kanyago added that they also have plans to bring a Challenge Tour event to Nyali.
The Safari Tour will see the pros compete for a Prize of Ksh 750,000 and the under par bonus of Ksh 250,000 per event.
With no one playing under par at Nyali, course, the pros shared a prize fund of Ksh 1million.
In the curtain raiser, Windsor Golf and Country Club’s Riz Charania led his team of Said Bajaber, Justin Kaburu and Reaz Alibhai to win the Safari Tour Pro-Am event at the Nyali Golf and Country Club with a combined stableford score of 82.
Charania posted an individual score of level gross on what was a tough windy and rainy day at Nyali. Speaking after his round, Charania praised his team of amateurs for playing well. “I was lucky to be paired with a team of golfers who were fun to play with and who obviously know their golf course very well,” he said.
FINAL RESULTS- SAFARI TOUR ROUND ONE
David Wakhu 284 (0)
Dismas Indiza 287 (3)
T3. Rizwan Charania 288 (4)
T3 Eric Ooko 288 (4)
T5 Kopan Timbe 290 (6)
T5 Greg Snow 290 (6)
Safari Tour Calendar 2018/19
Event 1 – Nyali Golf & CC – 18 – 22 August
Event 2 – Vet Lab SC – 1 – 5 Sept
Event 3 – Limuru Country Club – 27 – 31 October
Event 4 – Thika Greens- 10 – 14 November
Event 5 – Karen Country Club – 15 – 19 December
Event 6 – Muthaiga Golf Club – 12 – 16 Jan
Event 7 – SAFARI TOUR CLASSIC – FEBRUARY – Venue TBC.
Action in Kenya’s final Group B match of the AFCON U17 Qualifiers against Ethiopia. Photo/FKF
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 – Kenya crashed out of the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations qualifier after succumbing to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Ethiopia in the final Group B match of the CECAFA Region Qualifying Tournament.
The match was played on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kenya drew the first blood when Alphonse Omija nodded home from a corner by Mathew Mwendwa.
Ethiopia Captain Beyene Baisse would, however, score two goals in quick succession, both from long range, to turn the game in their favor.
Keith Imbali restored parity just before the break to spur hopes for a comeback but as the Junior Stars pushed forward for the winner, Baisse would notch his hat trick off a swift counter-attack late in the match. A late goal for Ethiopia, in a similar fashion, would further seal Kenya’s fate.
The loss sees Kenya end the first round third in Group B with six points from four matches, behind Ethiopia and Uganda, who are set to grace the semifinals slated for Friday, August 24, 2018.
Starting XI
Bixente Lazaru (GK), Arnold Onyango(C), Alphonce Omija, Oscar Kamori, Telvin Maina, Nicholas Ochieng, Keith Imbali, Said Musa, Mathew Mwendwa, Richdonald Bolo, Ezekiel Mogendi
Gor Mahia fans show full support for their team. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 – Gor Mahia thrashed Sofapaka 3-0 in a Kenyan Premier League clash hosted at the Narok Stadium on Wednesday to go massive 20 points clear at the top of the table, needing just one point in their next match to seal a record 17th title.
K’Ogalo, who entered the clash at the back of a 1-2 loss to Rayon, got its goals from Joachim Oluoch who netted the opener two minutes to the half time whistle before Innocent Wafula doubled the lead on the 63rd minute.
Samuel Onyango then sealed the win six minutes to stoppage time to see the 16-time record Kenyan Premier League champions open a massive 20 point lead at the summit ahead of second placed Bandari.
The win left Gor needing just a point when they face bitter rivals AFC Leopards on Sunday in the second leg of the Mashemeji Derby to retain the title with six matches to spare.
Sofapaka, who stretched their winless run to three matches, remained fourth on the log with 44 points.
Sofapaka could have gone ahead early when they were awarded a penalty after Gor defender Charles Momanyi brought down Ezekiel Okare in the box but Kepha Aswani squandered the opportunity, this is after K’Ogalo third choice shot-stopper Fredrick Odhiambo punched away the spot kick to keep the champions in the game.
On the other end, Gor utilized their chance well to break the deadlock on the 42nd minute when Oluoch fired a Samuel Onyango rebound past Sofapaka goalie Wycliffe Kasaya.
In the second half, Sofapaka suffered a double blow on the 62nd minute when Kasaya failed to clear a back pass from Mohammed Kilume after being charged down by Lawrence Juma who nicked the off him forcing Kasaya to bring him down.
Kasaya was handed his marching orders with keeper Kigonya coming in place of Mico Justin for Innocent Wafula to score the resultant penalty.
In the 83rd minute, Samuel Onyango secured all three points for Gor with a curling effort into the left-hand post after being played through by Cercidy Okeyo.
Kenya’s Mary Keitany wants to recapture the New York Marathon title.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 – After falling short to second place last year, veteran Mary Keitany will be out to recapture the New York City Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label race, slatted for November 4 in USA.
Keitany and her compatriot, 2018 Virgin London Marathon champion Vivian Cheruiyot, will join previously announced Shalane Flanagan, the 2017 winner, and 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden of the US in a race that features 10 Olympians and three Abbott World Marathon Majors race champions.
Keitany, 36, is the women’s only marathon record-holder who finished runner-up in this race last year after notching three successive titles.
In 2016, she had a dominating performance in which she surged ahead at Mile 14 to finish the course on a solo run in 2:24:26. Her 3:34 margin of victory was the greatest in the women’s race since 1980, and she became the first able-bodied runner since Grete Waitz to win the event three years in a row.
“I was disappointed not to defend my title last year, but I was not 100 percent healthy and Shalane ran a strong race,” said Keitany, the 2012 and 2016 World Marathon Majors champion. In April 2017, Keitany won her third London Marathon title, breaking the women’s only marathon record in a blistering time of 2:17:01.
Joining Keitany from the international side will be two Ethiopians, reigning IAAF World Half Marathon champion Netsanet Gudeta and Mamitu Daska, who finished third in New York last year.
Molly Huddle, who was third in New York in 2016, 2018 Boston Marathon runner-up Sarah Sellers, 2016 New York runner-up Sally Kipyego, and 2017 fifth-place finisher Allie Kieffer are also in the line-up.
Edith Chelimo is the defending champion of the women’s Safaricom Iten Road Race.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 23 – Defending champion and the Berlin Half Marathon 1st runner’s up Edith Chelimo headlines a deep women’s field for the 8th edition of the Safaricom Iten Road Race slated to run on Saturday in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The men’s race will be led by defending champion Jorum Lumbasi.
In the women’s race, Chelimo face stiff competition from Joan Chelimo, the winner of this year’s Kisii Half Marathon.
“We expect an increase in the number of participants in this year’s race based on the registration and enquiries we have received so far. The preparations are in top gear and we are working with all the stakeholders to ensure seamless success of the event,” race organizer Kibet Biwott announced.
The 10km road race will be flagged off at Bugar, located between the Eldoret – Kapsowar road, at 8.30am and will at Iten grounds.
“We continue to be part of this journey that transforms the lives of our customers by nurturing grassroot talents and giving an opportunity to our athletes to earn from their talents. We are pleased to be part of a journey that grooms more champions from our community to represent us at bigger international meets,” Director Strategy and Innovation, Safaricom, Joseph Ogutu said.
The Iten Road race aims to nurture young talented athletes and support sports at the grassroot level.
Safaricom has sponsored the race to a tune of Sh1 Million, a kitty that will see winners walk away with Sh50,000, while the 1st and 2nd runners up will pocket Sh40,000, and Sh30,000 respectively in both the men’s and women’s races.
After the Iten showpiece, the Safaricom Athletics Series will head to Mombasa for the Mombasa International Marathon, after which the Series will hold the Isaiah Kiplagat Memorial Ndalat Gaa Cross Country and Madoka marathons in October.
The KCB Autocross championship will be staged at the scenic Batian view on Sunday 26th August 2018.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 23 – Teenager Hamza Anwar will be looking to improve his best time of 09:04:44 in the 2WD NT during this weekend’s KCB Autocross 8 outing that will be staged in Nanyuki town.
Hamza who is being tutored by his father Asad Anwar clocked 1:58:18 during the 3rd heat setting a record time to emerge victorious during the 7th round in Nairobi.
Rehan Shah will be aiming for another top finish in the 4wd turbo .Rehan faces stiff competition from Sahib Omar, veteran driver Robert Grow and Lovejyot Singh, Gerald Maina and Jackson Wandeto.
“I am aiming to defend my championship, the autocross has significantly changed due to KCB sponsorship and we are grateful as drivers,” Rehan said.
Legend Asad Anwar said… “I am very keen on seeing my son improve his speed and tenacity, KCB has made our dreams come true, the number of youngsters joining the game has improved greatly and we are grateful for that.”
The 2WD turbo battle will be lead by Imran Hakada who clocked 07:59:67 during last outing. Hot on his heels will be Zameer Verjee, Junaid Shah and Shaz Ismail.
The open category will witness spirited efforts by Alfir Khan, last outing winner Kirit Rajput, Asad Anwar Shalien Mughal and Imran Hakada Rajveer .
The KCB Autocross championship will be staged at the scenic Batian view on Sunday 26th August 2018.
Nairobi County Senator Johnson Sakaja joins Major Kariuki and his family during the launch of the Josiah Gathura Kariuki memorial Tournament. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 24 – Josiah Gathura Kariuki was your normal bubbly, jovial and quite playful 18-year old, moving about life and keeping his passion for football alive, every weekend hustling his dad to drive him to training.
He had dreams not only of being a good footballer and probably going pro, but was also set to travel to the United Kingdom to study Business and Economics.
But on a chilly morning on May 3, 2017, the dreams drowned in a pool of blood and with the biting bang of a bullet, Josiah took his own life with his father’s gun, at their home, in a bathroom.
“It was one of those incidents that we never saw coming. Josiah was your normal kid; very agile, focused, hard working and everything was going on well for him. He looked like he was well into his way to the future. We couldn’t suspect anything,” his father, Major (Rtd) Michael Kariuki, Safaricom’s Head of Security told Capital Sport.
What they did not know is that Josiah, who had previously struggled with depression, had come to his tether’s end. He had had enough with life and in the thick of the moment decided enough was enough.
Major Michael Kariuki and his wife Kathy Kariuki during their interview at the Capital FM offices. PHOTO/Sam Wanjohi
Devastating news. His parents had been away on vacation in London and as soon as the news reached them, they cut short their trip. Josiah was admitted in intensive care but couldn’t hold on to his young life.
The bullet, shot at close range with his father’s Ceska gun, had ripped through his head.
“We knew that he had been dealing with depression and we had put in good support structures and had even retained a counsellor for him. But the thing about depression is that it pushes you to a corner that you feel obliged to fight back in a way that shows you as strong,” the retired Army Major further explained.
For struggles that he had fought with for a while, the thick of the moment, the flicker of an eye, he was pushed to the extreme. Suicide.
“As a parent, you ask yourself, why didn’t I see it happen? Could I have done better to prevent it?” his step mother Kathy Kariuki said.
As the family commemorates one year since the unfortunate events, they have made a decision to help out other families and young people who might be headed to the same direction by putting up a two-day football event, Josiah’s first love.
The Josiah Gathura Memorial Foundation Tournament at the Impala Ground on Saturday and Sunday will attract a total of 50 teams from the Under-18, 19 and 23 men’s category and an open women’s category for a prize money of Sh225,000.
Major Michael Kariuki addresses guests during the launch of the Josiah Gathura Kariuki memorial Tournament. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
“Soccer is a very popular sport and therefore we felt it would be a good avenue to use to mobilize many young people and bring them into one space then together with mental health professionals influence them,” Major (Rtd) Kariuki noted.
“Soccer was Josiah’s first love and we decided to use it because he loved the game and this will be a good memory for him,” he added.
He has also hinted there are plans to have the tournament played across all the counties and probably more than once a year as they seek to alleviate the suicide problems as well as create awareness for mental health.
“There’s a lot of stigma around the issues of mental health and no one wants to talk about it. The young men especially feel as though it is weak to come out and say ‘I am depressed’ because of the way society is set up,” Major Kariuki noted.
“This is a problem that does not have boundaries whether you are rich, poor, old or young. It affects everyone.”
Among plans that the foundation has include setting up a website and toll-free number where those suffering from mental health can voice their issues as well as seek professional help.
The foundation will also seek to empower parents, teachers and the society at large especially in creating an environment where the young people will find comfort in voicing their issues.
Major Michael Kariuki introduces his family during the launch of the Josiah Gathura Kariuki memorial Tournament. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
“Parents need to be aware of the environment their kids live in. There’s a lot of pressure now because it’s different times. As parents, we need to be present for these kids and listen to them,” Ms Kariuki said, sentiments that were shared by her husband.
“Parenting is complex nowadays and our young people are faced with a lot of challenges, more than they can handle. It is important for us as parents to create time with our kids not just a matter of chasing money everywhere and living the responsibility of raising the kids to house helps or drivers. We need to create an environment at home that is conducive for our children to express themselves,” he noted.
Last September, when the world marked the World Suicide Prevention Day, it was disclosed by the World Health organization that up to 7,000 suicides are reported in Kenya annually with tens of thousands more attempting to kill themselves in what is often blamed on depression.
According to a Ministry of Health research also conducted then, about 7mn Kenyans had attempted suicide which accounts to almost 16pc of the entire population.
According to a research conducted in June this year, the number of suicides reported in Kenya rose by 58 per cent between 2008 and 2017 to reach 421.
Also, the research conducted by The World Population Review ranks Kenya at position 114 among 175 countries with the highest suicide rate.
AHF Kenya Chairman Amb Stephen Ndungu Karau tees off in a past AHF Chairman Golf Challenge
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 24 – Over 200 amateur golfers will converge at the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club course on Saturday for the 3rd edition of the annual AHF Chairman’s Golf Challenge.
The event has attracted leading players including member golfers, ladies, staff players, guests and juniors.
The events has for the past few years been held at Kiambu Golf Club and will be gracing the Muthaiga greens and fairways for the first time.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Kenya who are celebrating their 10th anniversary in Kenya this year are hoping to make the event bigger and better over the next few years.
“We are overly excited to grace the ‘home of golf’ in Muthaiga and this is one of the concepts we have had over the years as part of the strategies of engaging industry captains in HIV interventions including highlighting avenues for Public Private partnerships,” AHF Kenya Chairman Amb. Stephen Karau, said.
“The AHF Kenya Chairman’s tourney seeks to leverage on sports to reach out to the high end Kenyans, captains of industry and senior government officials with a message of HIV/AIDS. After years at Kiambu we are finally at the home of golf and hope to visit several other courses countrywide. Standards have been set for the event and only the sky’s the limit,” he added.
AHF Kenya Chairman Amb Stephen Ndungu Karau tees off in a past AHF Chairman Golf Challenge
AHF deals with HIV prevention, treatment and advocacy. They conduct free HIV testing, provide free condoms and treatment to all Kenyans. They current operate in nine counties, Nairobi, Makueni, Mombasa, Kilifi, Homabay, Kisii, Kwale, Muranga and Turkana serving more than 51,000 Clients in the HIV care and treatment program.
During the tournament health wellness services including Blood sugar, Body Mass Index (BMI) as well as HIV Testing will be offered at the club, Muthaiga Police station and Mathare area.
Among those going for the staff prize are the chairman Dr Amb Stephen Ndungu Karau, Dr Wamae Maranga and Samuel Kinyanjui who is the country director.
Also listed to play from the first tee Furrer S., Okeyo AO, Farrar D, Gondi P and Shah Chandu.
From the 10th tee will be Mugo N, Gakiria G, Murage L, Gaita D, Icharia M, Njau R, Mwangi CG and Mokaya P among others.
Gor Mahia’s Kevin Omondi vies for the ball with AFC Leopards’ Duncan Otieno. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 24 – Like the famous words from Lucky Dube’s renowned single ‘Nobody can stop reggae’ from the album Prisoner released in 1989, nobody can stop 16-time Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia at this point of the season.
With seven matches to go before the season wraps, K’Ogaloneed just a point to clinch their record breaking 17th title making them the most successful club in Kenyan football history.
AFC on their end are 20 points adrift their bitter rivals and coming into the clash, they will be fighting for bragging rights and probably, delaying Gor’s party to the title.
“Gor are champions already. Whether we delay them or not, it does not change their destiny,” AFC team manager Gilbert Selebwa said before adding; “This is a derby and we know how much pride it gives us and the supporters if we win. That is what we are going for.”
The first leg played just over a month ago ended 2-1 in favor of the green side of the divide, George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo’s well taken volley handing K’Ogalo maximum points.
This was the second meeting between the two sides having also met on May 1 in the SportPesa Hull City Challenge, Gor winning on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate in regulation time.
Gor Mahia players celebrate with a Hull City jersey after beating AFC Leopards in the play off on May 1 in Nakuru. K’Ogalo will play the Championship side in a friendly match on May 13
But when they meet on Saturday at the Kasarani Stadium, AFC will be gunning for revenge against the two losses.
“I respect Gor Mahia but we are AFC Leopards and obviously want to win. We have a huge commitment to our fans as a club and I also have a personal commitment to them. We will give it our best and fans should expect an exciting game. The first 20 minutes will be the key,” AFC head coach Rodolfo Zapata said.
The fans do not want their team to be the one rolling the red carpet for their arch rivals and watching them pop champagne and devour bones of meat in celebration of a league title right under their eyes.
In their quest though, Ingwe find themselves under-strength with up to seven first team players set to miss the match. Top scorer Ezekiel Odera will be serving the first of his two match ban having accumulated five yellow cards on top of a previous red card.
Gor Mahia left back Godfrey Walusimbi attempts to go past AFC Leopards’ Dennis Sikhayi during the Kenyan Premier League Super Cup at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on January 28, 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
What is considered as their first choice defense line is entirely out with injury. Central defenders Salim Abdallah and Robinson Kamura as well as wingbacks Dennis Sikhayi and Moses Mburu are all out.
Midfielders Marvin Nabwire and Jaffery Owiti will also miss the tie with injury.
While AFC will miss top players by virtue of injury, if Gor will miss players then it will be by virtue of choice. They will be playing that game on Saturday, but their hearts mind and soul are in their CAF Confederations Cup crunch tie against USM Alger in Algiers on Wednesday.
Head coach Dylan Kerr played his second string squad against a full strength Sofapaka squad on Wednesday and surprisingly got a massive 3-0 result. Will he take the gamble again having played the first team in the first leg?
“I don’t know honestly because we’ve got a massive game on Wednesday in Algeria. The squad that played against Sofapaka showed that they really want to play and that gives me a headache for Saturday. We will see who is fit and who is fresh then make a decision,” the tactician noted.
Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr carried shoulder high by fans in a previous match
He will have the services of keeper Boniface Oluoch back with the shot stopper having returned to first team training having recovered from a shoulder injury. The only absentee will be Ephraim Guikan who is yet to recover from a nasty knock he sustained in their game against Chemelil Sugar.
Kerr has insisted they will treat the game with utmost seriousness, saying they not only to wrap up their league campaign but also carry the bragging rights from the derby.
“It’s a massive game for the players and supporters and we want to win. Regardless of the squad that will go out, I know we can win. The team that played in the Hull Challenge was different and we won. I trust these players and all have shown they are equal to the task,” Kerr noted.
He added; “We respect AFC a lot because they are a decent team and we know it will be a tough game.”
Both teams are on a run of four straight wins. Over their last 21 meetings across all competitions, Gor have the upper hand having won 11 of those meetings and picked draws in five, losing a similar number.
The last time Ingwewon against their arch rivals was in March 2016 when they won by a solitary goal with Lamine Diallo stepping off the bench to score a late winner at Kasarani.
Nyongesa, a father of nine died on Friday night at about 1:00 am following a long battle with prostate cancer which was diagnosed at stage four. Photo/COURTESY
NAKURU, Kenya, Aug 24 – Fallen former Harambee Stars assistant coach Sammy Nyongesa will be remembered for many great deeds among them establishing the National Youth Centres which produced superstars.
Nyongesa, who died on Friday in Nakuru, has mentored hundreds of football players among the Ambrose ‘Golden Boy’ Ayoyi, Sammy Abida, Joseph Odera, John ‘Mo’ Muiruri, Sammy Taabu, Isaiah Otieno, Dickson Anyanga, Simon Wakhaya, James Odawa and John Navikhonelo.
His own son, Michael Barasa went through the National Youth Centres to become a prolific player who rose to become the AFC Leopards Captain besides playing for Nakuru’s Ulinzi Stars and later Western Stima as well as leading the attacking front in the Harambee Stars team.
Nyongesa, a father of nine died on Friday night at about 1:00 am following a long battle with prostate cancer which was diagnosed at stage four.
The 77-year-old former player winner of different football titles had been admitted at the Nakuru War Memorial hospital where he passed on.
He started his football career in Kitale where he played for Kitale Elgon Stars in the 60s and rose to be named Football Player of the year in 1977 and later won Coach of the Year Award in 1979.
Nyongesa, who was described by his students/mentees as cool, humble and a strict disciplinarian also trained coaches in Nakuru before he was grounded by disease.
One of his trainees, Hassan Hussein who coaches 08 Community Football Club in Nakuru West said the country has lost a great mind and diligent patriot who gave his life to football growth.
“He taught us the importance of professionalism, discipline, sacrifice and integrity in our work and the need to pass knowledge to the younger generations,” he said.
Husein added that even in sickness, Nyongesa still spared time to mentor young footballers and he established Nyayo team, a club of boys aged between 10-15 years which was training at an open field near his home in Ngata farm.
Nyongesa’s wife, Rose Atieno said people are gathering at their home for burial arrangement while his husband’s body is at the Nakuru War Memorial Mortuary.
A close family confidant said his final send off might be delayed to allow his two sons who are working abroad time to travel home.
Valary Aiyabei Jemeli in action during the Safaricom athletics series Iten 10KM road race. The former Barcelona Marathon Champion crossed the line in 33.18.0 minutes to emerge the winner ahead of Lucy Cheruiyot 33.27.2 and Lydia Njeri 33.34.8 in second and third positions respectively.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 25 – Former Barcelona Marathon champion Valary Aiyabei and reigning Lagos marathon champion Abraham Kiptum dominated the women’s and men’s 8th edition of Safaricom Iten 10km Road Race that went down on Saturday in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Jemeli, defeated a host of runners to emerge victorious in women’s race that started at Bugar Centre before ending at Iten town.
Running on home ground, receiving cheers from fans lined up on the course, the 2015 Kass marathon champion stepped in the lead 100m after start and enjoyed the lead until the finish line, though she had difficulties in uphill with Lucy Cheruiyot the 2016 Madoka half marathon taking advantage to close the gap.
With her expectation high to win Beijing marathon, Jemeli who won the race, said she will be working on her way to improve on her uphill running, which has been costing her various first positions.
“I came here for speed work ahead of my Beijing marathon. Coming from the same area, I know the route and utilized it very well” said Jemeli who cut the tape in 33:18.0.
She added that as a marathoner, she did not expect to win because 10km is a faster race.
“I am surprised by the win because, as a marathoner, my speed is slow though I managed to beat them all,” said Jemeli, who has dominated local races like cross country and road races.
She finished ahead of Cheruiyot who clocked 33:27.2 before Lydia Njeri completing the podium in 33:34.8.
Nursing the injury he sustained during Kabarak half marathon, Abraham Kiptum, won the men race in 28:39.0 trouncing Daniel Kipchumba (29:08.1) Samuel Chebolei (29:09.9).
The two time Lagos marathon champion, who will be travelling to Nigeria to defend his second title said he will do his best to lower his own time.
The runner who also ran away with the Daegu marathon course record will be hoping to defend his title next year.
“My aim is to lower both course records and enter history books. Today’s race was competitive and running on home ground, it was great to win despite my back and shoulder injury, we tahnk the organizers of this race for doing a great job in Iten,” Kiptum said.
The Safaricom Area Sales Manager- Edoret Maurice Oyamo said that Safaricom will continue to support the the Road Race in order to develop more talents across the region.
“We are delighted that today’s Iten 10 Km Road Race has brought together elite runners who have shown us their mantle. We will continue to support this race going forward and also include other category races within the festivities of Iten Road Race,” said Maurice.
Safaricom has sponsored the race to a tune of KES 1 Million, a kitty that will see winners walk away with KES 50,000, while the 1st and 2nd runners up will pocket 40,000, and 30,000 respectively in both the men’s and women’s races.
Next month, the Safaricom Athletics Series will head to Mombasa for the Mombasa International Marathon, after which the Series will hold the Isaiah Kiplagat Memorial Ndalat Gaa Cross Country and Madoka marathons in October.
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium, Aug 25 – Lewis Hamilton tip-toed his way to a memorable record fifth pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday as he and Mercedes handled the capricious weather conditions at the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit with tactical aplomb.
The championship leader produced a decisive lap in the final drying seconds of a rain-hit session in one minute and 58.179 seconds to outpace nearest rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, who is 24 points behind him in the title race, by 0.726 seconds.
“That was excruciating, an awesome lap, you really nailed it in that last sector,” Hamilton’s race engineer Pete Bonnington told him on team radio.
“That was one of the toughest I can remember,” said Hamilton who had claimed the 78th pole of his career thanks to well-timed laps in the improving conditions at the end of the session.
Esteban Ocon took third place for the re-born Force India team, under new ownership, ahead of his team-mate Sergio Perez and Romain Grosjean of Haas, their teams taking a positive view of the conditions and timing their tyre-changes perfectly.
Kimi Raikkonen, in the second Ferrari, had looked a likely front-row qualifier before heavy rain swept across the circuit and he ended up sixth ahead of Max Verstappen and his Renault-bound Red Bull team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
Kevin Magnussen, in the second Haas, was ninth and Valtteri Bottas, in the second Mercedes, 10th, with the Finn knowing that he starts Sunday’s race from the back of the grid after collecting grid penalties for taking a limit-breaking fourth new engine.
