NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 30 – Suspended Athletics Kenya (AK) vice-president David Okeyo, has been banned for life from the sport and ordered to pay Sh15mn (USD150,000) by the IAAF Ethics Board after being found guilty of diverting federation funds for personal gain.

At the same time, the three-person IAAF Ethics Board that heard and determined their case following investigations led by Sharad Rao acquitted suspended AK Treasurer, Joseph Kinyua stating he was not covered under the 2003 Code of Ethics that prosecuted Okeyo.

Another separate case involving AK CEO, Isaac Mwangi, who was forced to step aside from his role following allegations he solicited monies from athletes who tested positive for banned substances in a view of clearing or reducing their bans is still in progress according to the 74-page Ethics Board judgment.

Charges against the late AK President, Isaiah Kiplagat, were dropped after he passed away in August 2016 in a sequence of cases that rocked the administration of the most-successful sporting federation in Kenya and sparked the inglorious end to the 22-year tenure at the helm of the federation by the former with his trusted lieutenants, Okeyo and Kinyua going down with him.

Speaking to SportPesa News soon after the bombshell verdict became public, Okeyo said; “My lawyers will appeal the decision.”

He has been given the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, within 21 days of the date of the decision (August 30).

-Hounded out

“I have always maintained my innocence and today’s verdict vindicates me. I was hounded out of AK in 2013 after serving the organisation diligently in turning around their finances and then subjected through this process.

“I have forgiven those who accused me and it is my wish to put that matter to rest,” Kinyua remarked after the ruling.

Okeyo has been ordered to pay world governing body IAAF a cost award of Sh10mn (USD100,000) and AK Sh5mn (USD50,000) within 90 days by the panel of Board Catherine M.E O’Regan (chairperson) Kevan Gosper and Annabel Pennefather.

He was charged alongside Kinyua and Kiplagat with diverting funds from American sports apparel manufacturer, Nike to their pockets, a charge that the long-serving official who was had been elected to the supreme IAAF decision-making organ, the Council, before he was suspended denied.

“Mr Okeyo should be expelled from his office as a member of the IAAF Council and banned for life from taking or holding any office in the sport or taking part in any Athletics-related activity. The Panel imposes this ban with effect from the date of this decision.

“The Panel notes that Mr Okeyo has been found to have committed breaches of the Code on ten occasions over a long period of time

“Moreover, the effect of his conduct was to deprive Athletics Kenya of income from its sponsor that could have been better directed to support the development of the sport of athletics in Kenya,” the Board ruling read in part.

“In the view of the Panel the pattern of conduct warrants serious sanction to establish the firm principle that federation officials must act scrupulously and transparently in managing the finances of their federations in order to protect the name and reputation of the sport of athletics,” it added on Okeyo who prior to the 2015 elections, served as the head of the IAAF Cross Country Commission.

-Code of ethics

On Kinyua, the Board said it could not convict him since unlike his co-accused, he has never held office at the world body having served as AK treasurer to a decade.

Similar conduct

“Although Mr Kinyua has been found to have engaged in similar conduct, because he was not bound by the 2003 Code of Ethics he cannot be found to have been in breach of that Code,” the judgement read.

Having been first suspended in November 2016, the Board extended the sanctions in May last year before the case that was scheduled to be heard in Cape Town, South Africa was switched to Nairobi where the accused had their day in January.

Mwangi was suspended from his role in February 2016 when two female sprinters, Francesca Koki and Joy Zakari Nakumincha accused him of demanding a USD20,000 (KSh2m) in bribes to reduce their suspension after they tested positive for banned substances at Beijing 2015.

-Soliciting

Since then, two more athletes, have come forward to accuse the CEO of soliciting bribes with Mwangi’s defence denying all counts levelled against him.

Statements that had not been included in the record beforehand, that were circulated yesterday in relation to two witnesses: Agatha Jeruto and Matthew Kisorio.

“The party who is affected by the statements objected to their inclusion. Decision reserved until Thursday morning (1 February 2018).

“I’m minded to admit the statements on the basis that any party who considered that they would need further time or would need to lead further evidence as a result of those statements would be entitled to do so,” O’Regan wrote in the judgement in relation to the case against Mwangi.

-Courtesy of SportPesa- 

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 30 – The Kenyan team to the 2018 World Masters Athletics Championship in Malaga, Spain was flagged off on Thursday morning at the Sports Ministry headquarters by Chief Administrative Secretary Hassan Noor.

The team of 32 athletes will depart the country next Tuesday for the 10-day championship that will gun off on September 6 in the Spanish city.

CAS Noor has urged the team to replicate the same performance shown by Kenya’s team to the African Senior Athletics Championship in Asaba, Nigeria early in the month where they finished top of the standings.

“Kenya is sports powerhouse in the world and we do not have a doubt that you will go and do well. We are confident that you have prepared well and as a ministry we have done everything to see to it that you are comfortable,” Noor, representing CS Rashid Echesa said.

Among the highlight athletes in the team is four-time 3,000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi.

The team will be skippered by 2010 Commonwealth Games 400m champion Mark Mutai.

“As a team we are ready for the championship. We have trained well and the only remaining thing for us is to go out there and win the medals. We promised that we will do so,” Mutai told Capital Sport.

-35 and above

Masters Athletics is a championship organized for athletes over 35 years of age. During the last Championship in Perth, Australia, Kenya scooped 10 medals having sent a team of 15 athletes. This year, they have promised to do more.

At the same time, Mutai has urged the ministry to ensure that the Masters Athletes are rewarded same as the elite group of athletes who are rewarded with up to Sh1mn for gold medal wins.

“We will look at that but I don’t think it should be different. If anything, the Masters should be awarded even more,” CAS Noor said.

Among the athletes in the group of 32 is 66-year old Stephen Kamande who won silver in the 21km road race in Perth but will be doubling up with the 5,000m in Malaga.

He says he has trained well enough and believes he will bring both gold medals home.

“You see, the President told us old men to stop taking alcohol and engage in activities that build the nation and for me and others, we decided to come and do athletics. This is our calling and we enjoy doing it even at this advanced age,” Kamande said.

“I won silver in Australia but now, I want to go and get that gold medal. I feel my body is in very good shape,” he added with a wide grin on his face.

Team Kenya to Spain

William Bett – 5,000m and Half marathon, Peter Bii -5,000m, 8km cross country and 10km road race, Joshua Bondo -Shot Put, Discuss, Innes Chenonge -5,000m, 10km road race, Nelly Jeptanui -800m, 1,500m, Stephen Kamande -5,000m, half marathon, Ezekiel Kemboi -1,500m, 3,000m steeplechase, Rebecca Kerubo -shot Put, Discuss and hammer throw, Isaac Kiberenge -800m, 1,500m, Francis Kimeli -5,000m, half marathon, Robert Kimutai -5,000m, 3,000m steeplechase, 8km cross country, Joshua Kipchumba -5,000m, 10km road race, Dennis Kirui -800m and 1,500m, Eliud Kirui -5,000m, 3,000m steeplechase, Joyce Kirui -5,000m, 8km cross country, 10km road race, Carolyne Kola -long jump, tripple jump, Francis Komu -5,000m, half marathon, David Langat -5,000m, 8km cross country, 10km road race, Mark Mutai -400m, 200m, Tom Musinde -100m, 200m, Elizabeth Muthuka -400m, Samuel Ndereba -5,000m, 10km road race, Susan Nyageringa -1,500m, 2,000m steeplechase, Isabella Ochichi -5,000m, 10km road race, Elizabeth Olaba -Shot Put, hammer throw, discuss throw, Stephen Oyaro -5,000m, half marathon, Silas Sang -5,000m, half marathon, Khadijah Shungi -5,000m race walk, 10km race walk, Erick Sikuku -5,000m race walk, 10km race walk, Irene Wamuyu -200m, 400m, Florence Wasike -200m, 400m, Paul Yego -5,000m, 8km cross country, 10km road race.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 30 – Kenyan professional golfers will this weekend descend on the Vet Lab Sports Club for the second leg of the 2018 Safari Tour Golf Series.

The series which teed off at the Nyali Golf & Country Club last weekend, is set to attract over 30 professionals, playing for the Sh1mn prize kitty.

The field will be led by Golf Park’s David Wakhu who won in Nyali alongside the likes of Dismas Indiza, Riz Charania, Eric Ooko, Greg Snow and Kopan Timbe.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Kenya Open Golf Limited chairman Peter Kanyago expressed his delight at attracting a larger number of professionals to the second leg as compared to the first.

“We are delighted to see a larger pool of players expressing their interest to play in the second leg of the Safari Tour, we are looking forward to a more competitive and exciting five days of golf here at the Vet lab sports club.”

-Series leader

Series leader David Wakhu will look to carry on his good form from Nyali where he played an impressive last round of 6-under to claim the overall title. On his part, Dismas Indiza will be out to make up for the last round slip up in Nyali which saw him finish second.

Wakhu expressed his confidence and noted that he won’t change much heading into Vet Lab, “I am confident of my preparations ahead of the second leg and look forward to a great tournament, and hopefully I can carry on my form from Nyali, into this leg.”

The tournament which starts on Sunday, 2nd September, will be preceded by a Pro-Am event on Saturday, where the professionals will be paired with amateurs for a round of golf.

The overall winner of the tournament after the four rounds of play between 2nd and 5th September, will bag around Sh180,000.

Kanyago concluded by urging golf enthusiasts and the general public to come support the local professionals as they prepare for the 2019 Kenya Open Championship.

“I want to call upon golf enthusiasts and the general public to join us at the Vet lab and support our local professionals as they step up their preparations ahead of the 2019 Kenya Open Championships.”

The professional golfers will also conduct a free golf clinic for junior golfers at the Vet Lab Sports Club.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 30 – This year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will see the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage Rashid Echesa participate when the annual race will run October 28 in the capital city.

Over 20,000 participants from across the world are expected to take part in this year’s competition that will be flagged off the Nairobi Railways Ground.

The CS who was speaking when he received his running kit for the race from the Stanchart Marathon delegation led by Local Organising Committee Chairman Peter Kiragu, called upon Kenyans to register for the Marathon which will mark 15 years since inception this year.

The initiative has raised over Sh250 Million with proceeds going towards support of the Seeing Is Believing initiative which aims to prevent curable blindness among children.

The CS reiterated the Ministry’s commitment in supporting local events that place Kenya on the global map in sports.

Registration will go on till September 30 with all registrations, individual and corporates done online via www.sc.com/ke/Nairobimarathon at a fee of Sh2,000. Thereafter, participants will collect their running kits from October 22 at the kit collection EXPO at KICC grounds.

Since the launch of the Seeing is Believing initiative in 2003, the Bank has raised more than Sh250 million. Among the programmes funded so far include screening of 6.2 million people, 170,000 surgical interventions, training of over 2000 health workers and upgrading of more than 10 health facilities around the country.

The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2018 will feature six race categories; 42km male and female, 21km male and female, 10km male and female, 21km wheelchair male and female, 5km Family Fun Run race and the popular 3km CEO challenge.

The organizers have maintained last year’s route for the 2018 race. However, some minor changes will be made on the location of the race starting points at the Railway Club venue.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 30- Kenya was dumped out of the African Under-20 Women’s Volleyball Championship after losing the second straight match 3-1 (25-20, 19-25, 23-25, 29-27) against Cameroon at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani Gymnasium on Thursday evening.

The loss means Kenya finished third from the group with Cameroon finishing top having won all their matches while Nigeria finished second to qualify for Saturday’s semi-finals.

Coming into the Thursday evening tie, Kenya needed to win the game by at least three sets to one to pip Nigeria who beat them by a similar score-line yesterday, but despite starting well, they crumbled under pressure and allowed Cameroon to take control.

“I don’t think I am entirely disappointed because these girls played really well. Considering we have not trained together for long or played any friendly matches as a team before this championship, I think we did well,” head coach Paul Gitau said.

He added; “Most of these girls joined the team on Saturday from the school games and there was no way we could get the team working well together when the competition started on Sunday. If we had prepared better, we would have done well.”

His sentiments were shared by his Cameroonian counterpart Anong Pierre.

-Good players

“Kenya has good players, but you could see from how they played they have not trained together. I watched them in the first two games and I knew they are weak in defense and that is where we capitalized on,” the tactician said.

Cameroon will now play Rwanda in the semi finals on Saturday while second placed Nigeria will face tournament favorites Egypt.

The Junior Malkia Strikers had a brilliant start to the game, Emmaculate Misiko, Belinda Nanjala and crowd favorite Pamela Owino doing well on the blocks. Kenya took an 8-3 lead at the first technical time out.

The pressure continued and Gitau’s girls showed promise going 16-8 ahead at the second technical time out.

However, on resumption, Cameroon came back better and despite Kenya going 24-16 in what seemed to be an easy set, they dropped the levels forcing Gitau to call in a time out.

Things did not improve when the two sides went back to the court and Cameroon pushed the score to a four point gap at 24-20, necessitating another time out. ON coming back, Kenya just but managed to sneak in the set.

-Confidence

The Central Africans had built up some confidence with their performance at the end and in the second set, they played better, forcing a slim 8-6 trail to the Kenyans at the first technical time out.

The close contention continued upon resumption and Kenya still managed a slim 16-15 lead at the second technical time out. However, in the final third of the game, Cameroon came stronger and scored five unanswered points off simple errors by Kenya.

Cameroon’s left attacker Moussal Mimoset was Kenya’s chief destroyer, her strong bullets on either side of the net proving too hot for the Kenyan blockers to handle.

The Cameroonians led 23-19 forcing Gitau to signal for a time out, but it did little to reduce the damage as Cameroon went on to win 25-19.

Scores at 1-1, Kenya was under immense pressure as dropping another set practically mean the end of the competition for them.

And the pressure clearly showed as Cameroon struck in five quick points with no answer and went on to lead 8-4 at the first technical time out and 16-13 at the second, Kenya giving in a push.

The home girls, pushed on by a partisan crowd having gone to within three points had some confidence to take over the leadership and they did so going 19-18 up forcing a time out call by Cameroon.

The two sides ran each other neck to neck, but it was Cameroon who sneaked out with the win, Kenya’s Lydia Emokol serving into the net with the scores at 24-23 in favor of Cameroon.

With all done and hopes of a semi-final dashed, Kenya went in to fight for pride in the tie breaking set and they led 8-7 at the first technical time out. However, Cameroon regained their confidence to lead 16-14 at the next break but from then on, it was neck to neck between the two sides, Cameroon ultimately picking a 29-27 win.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 30 – Olympic, World, Commonwealth and African 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto showed sheer grit and determination, winning the water and barriers race at the Zurich Leg of the IAAF Diamond League on Thursday night, wearing just one shoe for six laps.

Kipruto’s left shoe plucked off his ankles after just two laps and he made the decision to kick it away, taking on the massive challenge of going over the barriers and bruising his feet on the tartan track with bare feet.

He produced one of the best ever finishes in the Diamond League this season, powering past Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali to take the victory and the winner takes it all Diamond Trophy, accompanied by a massive cash reward of Sh5mn (USD50,000).

Kipruto crossed over the line biting his teeth while edging the Moroccan by a slim margin, winning in 8:10.15 while El Bakkali came in second timing 8:10.19.

It all seemed to be going down well with Kipruto staying just behind the pace setters. But the script was just about to change in the second lap when the World Champion had to kick away his shoe and went on to run with one for the next six laps.

With three laps to go, El Bakkali and American Evan Jagger moved to the front of the pack but Kipruto stuck on their necks.

Jagger dropped with 600m to go, with El Bakkali seeming firm in control. A small trip close to the bell with Ethiopia’s Beyo Chala almost saw the Moroccan drop off, but he stood firm to take the lead at the bell.

With his long strides, he started pulling away from Kipruto with Jagger now pulling some strength to narrow the gap. At the final water jump, El Bakkali had opened a gap of almost 20m, but on Kipruto’s face he was never just going to watch Sh5mn walk run off his face like that.

He dug deep into his energy reserves, gathered all his determination and took on El Bakkali, going past him by a fraction on the line.

-Cheruiyot beats Manangoi

Meanwhile, Timothy Cheruiyot asserted his dominance over training partner and World Champion Elijah Manangoi in the Diamond League, beating him for the fourth time to clinch the Diamond Trophy and the Sh5mn cash reward.

Cheruiyot took his sixth victory in the Diamond League this season, winning in a time of 3:30.27 while Manangoi held on for second spot clocking 3:31.16.

The two stuck to the frontm just behind the pace setters from the onset and once they dropped off, it was just a matter of who between the two Rongai Athletics Club members would go home with the trophy and the cash.

-Obiri shows class

Another exciting affair lay in wait in the 5,000m with Hellen Obiri withstanding a late surge from Netherland’s Siffan Hassan to bag the Diamond Trophy.

Obiri stuck in the lead for the entirety of the race apart from the last three laps when she was boxed in between compatriot Agnes Tirop and Ethiopia’s Teferi Senbere with Hassan breathing on her neck.

However, the Kenyan World, Commonwealth and African champion seemingly saved the best for last as she bolted off from the leading pack in the final 300m with Hassan following in her long strides behind her.

It seemed that Obiri was struggling to keep charge at the home straight as Hassan swung her way to close the gap, but Obiri showed experience and composure to stride home in 14:38.39 as Hassan came second in 14:38.77.

Teferi was third while Caroline Chepkoech and Agnes Tirop finished fourth and fifth respectively ahead of Genzebe Dibaba.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 31 – The National Sevens Circuit takes a break this weekend to resume September 8-9 when the penultimate round, the Dala Sevens takes place at the ASK Mamboleo Showground in Kisumu.

The circuit will then conclude with the Christie Sevens at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi on the weekend of September 15.

Series leaders Homeboyz saw their run of three successive cup titles broken at last weekend’s Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa when they fell to a 36-21 cup semi loss to Mwamba.

Mwamba would later fall to a 12-7 sudden death loss to Top Fry Nakuru, a feat that saw Mitch Ocholla’s charges break the deejays’ monotony on the series thus far.

Despite last weekend’s blip though, it is Homeboyz still firmly perched on top of the circuit log with 81 points, 11 clear of second placed Mwamba with KCB, semifinalists at all four rounds played third on 66. Nakuru, beaten finalists in Machakos and cup winners in Mombasa completing the top four on 63 points.

With overall circuit champions Kabras Sugar down in sixth place and way out of contention, it is the deejays title to lose.

Top three finishes in Kisumu and Nairobi will be enough to hand Paul Murunga’s charges the title, as they would garner a minimum 115 points, a tally that would not be surpassed by the chasing trio even if any of them won the remaining two legs.

-By KRU Website–

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 1 – As expected, world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech dominated the women’s 3000m steeplechase, clocking 8:55.10, the third fastest performance in history to win the Diamond League trophy at the last final in Brussels.

Jepkoech tailed pacesetter Caroline Tuigong for the first 1000 metres, but then forged on alone, slowly padding her lead with each passing lap. Norah Jeruto fared best, finishing second in 8:59.62, her first journey into sub-9 territory. Hyvin Kiyeng was third in 9:01.60 to round out a Kenyan 1-2-3.

-Unstoppable Korir

Emmanuel Korir was a dominant victor in the men’s 800m, heading off Marcin Lewandowski of Poland in 1:44.72. The Polish was next in 1:45:21 ahead of Ferguson Rotich who clocked 1:45.28.

However, Kenya faound it rough in the men’s 5000m as Ethiopian Selemon Barega clocked a world U20 record.

Breaking away from compatriots Hagos Gebrhiwet and Yomif Kejelcha with 250 metres to go, the 18-year-old went on to a 12:43.02 run to become the fourth fastest ever over the distance, trailing just Kenenisa Bekele, Haile Gebrselassie and Daniel Komen whose performances were all world records.

For his part, Barega knocked more than four seconds from the previous world U20 mark of 12:47.53 set by Gebrhiwet in Paris six years ago.

“I came for the win and was not at all thinking about a time, but in some way everything came together,” said Barega, whose previous best was 12:55.58.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 1 – Kenya Simbas has been handed a major boost ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup repechage after former captain Wilson Kopondo was named in a 33-man squad scheduled to report training camp on Monday.

Kopondo has been out due to injury, missing the Africa Gold Cup cum 2019 World Cup qualifier where Kenya lost to Namibia in the decider.

The squad sees the inclusion of new faces Thomas Okidia, Ephraim Oduor and Elvis Namusasi while there was no space for seasoned players Curtis Lilako, Oscar Simiyu, Isaac Adimo, Edmund Anya and Erick Kerre.

The Marseille repechage is the Simbas final stab at qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup after missing out on the African berth when they finished second to eventual qualifiers Namibia during the Gold Cup which also doubled up as the African round of qualifying.

They will be up against Canada, Germany and Hong Kong in the round robin competition whose winner will secure a ticket to compete against New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Namibia in Pool B of next year’s tournament in Japan.

The team starts training on Monday 3 September.

Squad

FORWARDS:

Props: Patrick Ouko (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Moses Amusala (KCB), Thomas Okidia (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar)

Hookers: Colman Were (Kabras Sugar), Peter Karia (KCB), Philip Ikambili (Menengai Cream Homeboyz)

Locks: Wilson Kopondo (Kenya Harlequin),  Andrew Chogo (Kabras Sugar), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Malcolm Onsando (Kenya Harlequin)

Backrow: George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Dalmus Chituyi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Elkeans Musonye (Strathmore Leos), Davis Chenge (KCB), Martin Owilah (KCB)

BACKS

Scrum halves: Samson Onsomu (Resolution Impala Saracens), Mohamed Omollo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Xavier Kipng’etich (Resolution Impala Saracens)

Fly Halves: Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Elvis Namusasi (Regional Logistics Mombasa)

Centers: Leo Seje (Resolution Impala Saracens), Maxwell Kang’eri ( Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Zedden Marrow (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Felix Ayange ( Kabras Sugar)

Back Three: Tony Onyango (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Vincent Mose (Resolution Impala Saracens), Jacob Ojee (KCB), William Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin)

Utility: Biko Adema (Nondescripts)

-By KRU website-

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 1 -The first of this season’s IAAF Diamond League finals in Zurich produced a classic sprint finish in the women’s 5000m, where Kenya’s Hellen Obiri held off Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands But it will be remembered for the shoe – or rather, the missing shoe.

There have been numerous examples of athletes losing shoes on track and road but it is hard to recall tougher circumstances than those in which Kenya’s world and Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto suddenly found himself a minute and a half into his race as his left shoe was sent flying by an opponent’s foot.

With more than three quarters of the race ahead of him, he had to fight down any natural tendency to panic and re-cast his race strategy against a field that included the eager 22-year-old Moroccan, Soufiane El Bakkali, whom he had beaten to world gold in London the previous summer.

The Moroccan must have thought he had done enough as he drove for home around the final bend with the field in his wake.

But Kipruto wouldn’t give in. All the way down the finishing straight, the smaller man with the white top and the bare foot refused to let El Bakkali move clear, and after clearing the final hurdle a metre or so behind the leader, he found the drive, somehow, to move past and win. It was the performance of a champion.

El Bakkali dropped, exhausted to the floor. When he was finally helped up by two other runners, he smacked his fist into his palm before leaving the arena.

“I have big pain,” Kipruto said after finishing a stride ahead in 8:10.15 to El Bakkali’s 8:11.19. “I am injured because I lost my left shoe. That was a mess. But it motivated me to fight as hard as I could, so the race went well.”

Provided the injury Kipruto sustained isn’t too serious, the two men are due to race against each other at next week’s IAAF Continental Cup, but that time they will be on the same team, representing Africa.

Rarely has any athlete had to run so far on the track with such a handicap, but Kipruto’s compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic marathon champion, had to put up with faulty, rather than absent, shoes for a far longer period when his insoles started flapping out halfway through the 2015 Berlin Marathon. Like Kipruto, he still found a way to win.

At last year’s IAAF Diamond League meeting in Eugene, another Kenyan runner, 18 -year-old Celliphine Chespol, produced an extraordinary piece of running as, despite losing one of her shoes on the penultimate water jump, she pressed on to finish second in 8:58.78, a world U20 record which made her the second fastest runner of all time.

The most acrimonious case of footwear malfunction occurred on the final lap of the men’s 10,000m at the 1993 IAAF World Championships in Stuttgart, when leader Moses Tanui had his heels clipped by the then up-and-coming Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie.

Tanui reacted, waved his arms, and then flung off his partially dislodged left shoe and made an immediate effort to outsprint Gebrselassie, but the latter passed him to win the first of what would be four world 10,000m titles.

“I could not grab the last lap the way I wanted,” Tanui said in a TV interview while carrying a Kenyan flag and still wearing one shoe. “If I had my shoes, he would not beat me.”

Curiously, those Stuttgart championships included two other shoe-related incidents. In the men’s 400m final the shoes being worn by the reigning Olympic champion Quincy Watts of the United States effectively disintegrated during the race.

“When I tried the shoes on in warm-ups, I kept hearing this funny popping sound,” Watts later told the USC athletics site.

“I checked my spikes and everything was tight and nothing was loose. So then once the race started I realised, ‘Hm, after the first 100, I’m normally in better position and I’m not catching these guys, and not only am I not catching these guys, they’re actually moving away from me!’

“And then all of a sudden I hear this flapping sound again, and I look down and I see my shoe opening and closing, flapping like a banana peel at the bottom. And I said, ‘Oh my God, it’s my shoe.’ And at that point with about 140 meters to go, I just sucked it up and gave everything I had.”

Watts missed the podium by one place.

There was a third footwear malfunction in Stuttgart as the insole in one of the shoes being worn by US Olympic steeplechaser Mark Croghan came apart after the first water jump of the final.

Croghan, who confessed he had used insoles he had bought himself from a local outlet, still managed to finish fifth in a personal-best time.

Maybe it’s something about Stuttgart. British athletics followers of a certain age will recall the incident at the European Championships at that venue in 1986 when Brian Whittle, setting off on the third leg of the 4x400m final, lost one of his shoes as he took the baton when the incoming Kriss Akabusi trod on it.

Whittle had to run the entire circuit with a single shoe on. He recorded a split of 45.09 and he, Akabusi, Derek Redmond and Roger Black took the gold.

Skip forward to 2015 and another US track and field athlete hit footwear problems at an IAAF World Championships.

Jenny Simpson had her shoe partially dislodged by an opponent’s foot in the 1500m final as she made a move around the halfway point of the race.

“Pretty intense jostling, and that’s where I started to lose half of it,” Simpson told Universal Sports. “I was clinching my toes as hard as possible.

“Of all things in my mind, what I was thinking was I didn’t want to kick the shoe into the crowd of people and take anyone else out. It was terrible for me, but I didn’t want to ruin anyone else’s race.”

Simpson eventually kicked the shoe off with about 600 metres left and despite continuing to try to give chase to the eventual winner, Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba, she was passed by a succession of runners and eventually finished 11th.

By then, she said, her thoughts were turning to preserving her foot – which was already bleeding – from too much damage.

“It’s not that it’s so intensely painful that you can’t keep running, but it’s for training,” Simpson added. “You can’t run on a foot that doesn’t have skin. As everyone went by me, I just thought, I’ll get them next week.”

A little earlier in 2015, Simpson’s compatriot Ajee Wilson lost her right shoe when clipped by another runner while jockeying for the lead approaching the final bend in the US Championships 800m final.

Wilson still managed to earn a World Championships place as she finished third by 0.04 of a second.

“I didn’t really have time to think,” Wilson, who later withdrew from the 2015 World Championships because of a leg injury, told media after the race. “It kind of was halfway on, so I wiggled it off.”

Etenesh Diro had one of her shoes clipped in a tangle with another runner as she ran in the pack with a couple of laps to go in her steeplechase heat at the 2016 Olympics.

The Ethiopian caused something of a pile up as she knelt on the track and attempted to replace it, unsuccessfully, before discarding both it and her sock and finishing the race with one bare foot.

A disconsolate Diro finished outside the qualifying places, but was allowed to progress following an appeal.

But the most famous Olympic example of barefoot running occurred back at the 1960 Rome Games, where another Ethiopian – Abebe Bikila – arrived as a late replacement to run the marathon and found that the shoes issued to him by the team did not fit comfortably.

He ran barefoot and set a world record in what would be the first of two historic Olympic marathon victories for him – albeit that by the time of the second, at the 1964 Tokyo Games, he had a pair of shoes he found comfortable.

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MACHAKOS, Kenya, Sep 2 – Robert Matano’s hope of clinching a second consecutive Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield title with a second different team were quashed on Sunday afternoon after Tusker lost 2-1 at the hands of Sofapaka in a quarter final tie played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Ezekiel Okare stepped off the bench to score the winner in the 72^nd minute after Umaru Kassumba had cancelled out Jackson Macharia’s early goal for the brewers.

It was a highly technical and tactical approach between the two sides and the chances were few and far in between.

Both goals in the opening half were scored within the first 10 minutes and were spaced three minutes in between each other. Apart from that, both Mathias Kigonya for Sofapaka and Patrick Matasi for Tusker didn’t have much to do with their hands.

Tusker were first to taste the back of the net, Macharia coming to the end of a brilliant team move by the brewers.

-Team play

Boniface Muchiri broke away on the left after some quick interchange of passes left Sofapaka exposed and with space and time, the winger looked up to cite Macharia’s run and sliced in a low cross.

The dreadlocked midfielder took a brilliant first touch away from his marker before slotting the ball low into Kigonya’s far right.

But the lead only lasted three minutes as Batoto ba Mungu drew back level in the ninth minute when Umaru Kassumba towered above the Tusker defense to nod home a freekick from Kevin Kimani.

From then on, the two sides took on each other in a terse tactical battle, most of which was concentrated in the middle of the pack.

Tusker had two chances off set pieces, the first a training ground routine with Muchiri and Peter Nzuki skipping over the ball before Timothy Otieno whipped it over and the second was an awry attempt by Muchiri which skied over the target.

In the second half Sofapaka head coach John Baraza began with a tactical change bringing off Teddy Osok who was living dangerously with a yellow card and in his place came Brian Magonya.

-Game changer Okare

After 18 minutes, Okare was brought in for the off color Piston Mutamba and he almost had an immediate impact when he picked up a loose ball at the edge of the box but his snap shot went just wide.

He however made the difference in the 72^nd minute when he simply tapped in from two yards out unmarked after Michael Oduor’s low cross from the right found him isolated and he had the simple task of changing the ball’s direction into the net with Matasi beaten.

After conceding the second, Tusker made offensive changes, the ineffective David Juma being hauled off for Sidney Ochieng.

But, the brewers could not break the Sofapaka backline and were almost conceding a third on the other end but Stephen Waruru’s connection from a Kimani cross went inches wide with Matasi well beaten.

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MACHAKOS, Kenya, Sep 2- Kariobangi Sharks progressed to their third successive Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield semi-final after beating Gor Mahia 4-2 on post match penalties at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday evening.

The game was forced into penalties after a barren stalemate in regulation time and on spot kicks, Bernard Ondiek and Joachim Oluoch missed with Sharks’ only miss from 12 yards being midfielder Patillah Omotto.

It compounded what looks like a doomed week for Gor, the Kenyan champions having been also dumped out of the CAF Confederations Cup after losing 2-1 away to Algeria’s USM Alger.

Gor held on to survive a 0-0 result after 90 minutes with Sharks guilty of several missed chances.

On penalties, Gor’s fairy tale seemed to be developing well when Fredrick Odhiambo saved from Omotto. Francis Mustafa scored for Gor with pascal Ogweno replying scoring Sharks’ second spot kick.

Gor’s Ondiek however erased all that advantage skying his penalty over the bar. Sharks went on to score through Bolton Omwenga and Boniface Omondi sent Gad Mathews the wrong way to keep the scores tied at 2-2.

Keeper Mathews the turned to face his opposite number and he made no mistake, with Gor failing to keep the tempo with Oluoch striking his effort against the crossbar.

It was now left to Duke Abuya to finish off the job and the striker made no mistake, scoring to send Sharks to the semis.

-Squad changes

In what has now turned out to be his signature this season, Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr made changes to his squad, sticking to the same group of players that have been playing in the Shield while his first team was rested after only returning from their CAF Confederations Cup sojourn late in the week.

Fredrick Odhiambo retained his place in goal, Charles Momanyi started in defense while Ernest Wendo was also preferred in holding midfield, the rest of the team being changed.

On the balance of chances created, Sharks should have at least been two up by half time. Kerr’s face turned red in anger at his team’s poor defensive display and no sooner had the half time whictle blown than he marched down to the dressing room for some half time hair dryer.

Sharks had the first real chance after 12 minutes, Patillah Omotto’s looped ball from midfield landing on Harrison Mwenda’s path but the winger volleyed the effort wide with a clean path to goal ahead of him.

On the other end two minutes later, keeper Gad Mathew made a decisive touch diving from his line to palm Francis Mustafa’s cross away right infront of Bernard Ondiek’s head as he prepared to glance it into the net.

-More chances

Nonetheless, Sharks continued dominating the chances and on the 20^th minute, Mwenda was gifted with another chance when Duke Abuya’s cut back from the right found him at the edge of the box, but thw winger’s connection went over.

Sharks thought they had broken the deadlock in the 27^th minute when Eric Kapaito tapped the ball home from close range after George Abege’s knock down, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

The visitors had two more chances towards the break, all going begging. Mwenda’s cross from the right destined for Abuya at the far post ended in disappointment as the striker failed to land a decisive touch with acres of space ahead of him.

Two minutes to the break, Kapaito saw his header go off the bar after nodding the ball beyond Fredrick Odhiambo in goal from an Abuya chip.

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NAIROBI, Monday, Sep 3 – Greg Snow and Sujan Shah led a field of 20 professionals who made the cut to play in the last rounds of the second leg of the 2018 Safari Tour.

With the cut line set at a score of 8-over, overnight leader Greg Snow returned a score of 4-under par to take his overall tally to 7-under par 137, three ahead of second placed Sujan Shah who returned identical scores of 2-under from the two rounds for a total of 140.

Snow lauded his game over the two opening rounds and hoped that he could carry on the great form into the next rounds.

“I am happy about my game over the last two rounds, I played well and will be working towards retaining this form going into the next two rounds.”

The hard hitting Dismas Indiza recovered from a 3-over 75 score to post an impressive 3-under after round 2 to finish at par (144), tied with Nelson Mudanyi.

The visiting trio of Elisante Lambris, Nuru Mollel (Tanzania) and Philip Kasozi (Uganda) had a favourable outing at the challenging Vet Lab course to finish with the CUT bracket.

Speaking after his round, Ellisante noted how the fast greens were a challenge for him but expressed his delight at making the CUT.

“The greens here are some of the fastest I have ever played in, it has been a challenge for us, but I am happy to have made the cut and look forward to playing even better in the following rounds.”

Other pros to have made the cut include winner of the first leg of the Safari Tour, David Wakhu, CJ Wangai, Njuguna Ngugi and Jacob Okello.

Round three is set to tee off on Wednesday at 9am, with Charan Tethy and Justus Madoya getting the round underway. Greg Snow, Dismas Indiza and Sujan Shah will tee off at 10am.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 3 – Kariobangi Sharks head coach William Muluya has challenged his players to go on and win the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield title having grown in performance every season, reaching the final last year and losing 2-0 to AFC Leopards.

Sharks booked a slot in their third consecutive semi-final on Sunday after shocking favorites Gor Mahia with a 4-2 victory on post-match penalties after a barren stalemate in regulation time.

“We had a good intention going into this match and basically it’s a job they started which I think they should now go on and finish. We came third in the first attempt then last year we were second, now we should go ahead and clinch it,” the tactician told Capital Sport.

He has admitted that he had been worried that the team’s missed chances in the entire 90 minutes would come to haunt them in the shoot-out but has praised his players for keeping their composure and clinching a slot in the semis.

They will now square out with Ulinzi Stars, the same side that plucked them at a similar stage in their debut appearance in 2016 with a 4-1 blanking at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

Meanwhile, three-time champions Sofapaka have their eyes fixed on a fourth crown especially having failed in their bid to clinch the Kenyan Premier League title.

-Baraza eyes history

John Baraza was at the heart of all their three titles as a player, banging in the goals to help them win, but is now on the opposite side of the fraction, leading the team as head coach.

Ahead of him, he stares at the potential history making feat of winning the title both as a coach and player and this is something he says he relishes and is pushing him to ensure the side qualify for another final.

“It is always good to have that history. I have season in leagues abroad coaches winning titles they won as players and it is always a good feeling. Look at Zidane winning the Champions League as a player and coach; I also want to have that achievement,” the young tactician says.

But biggest motivator he says is the prospect of playing continental football and increasing the opportunities for his players.

“I give them (players) a good example with Gor Mahia. Look at how they have put themselves on the African map so well by playing in the Confederations Cup. This is something that we can achieve as well. These players need to understand that playing out there increases your chances of growth. Walusimbi is now in South Africa and he was just here,” the coach said.

Batoto ba Mungu will now square it out with reigning champions AFC Leopards in what will be an epic semi-final clash.

-Matano blames lack of quality

Meanwhile, coach Robert Matano who led Ingwe to the title last season failed in his bid to reach a third consecutive final and become the first coach to win the title back to back with two different sides after his Tusker side lost 2-1 to Sofapaka.

Matano led Ulinzi Stars to the 2016 final where they lost 1-0 to Tusker before leading AFC to the crown last year. The tactician now says that his Tusker side didn’t have the requisite quality to battle Sofapaka, but notes they will regroup to challenge for the crown next season.

“We didn’t have the quality to match Sofapaka. Although we have the players to win matches, the real quality and how you can compete was missing. We don’t have that experience enough but they fought well,” Matano said after the game.

His focus now will be pegged on the league where he hopes to aid his side to a top three finish. They are currently sixth in the standings with 43 points.

The post Go and win it – Muluya to Sharks on Shield appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 3 – Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne had five foreign based players in camp on Monday evening as preparations began in earnest ahead of Saturday’s crucial African Cup of Nations Qualifier against Ghana at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.

The Zambia legion of keeper Ian Otieno (Red Arrows), Teddy Akumu, Jesse Were and David Owino (Zesco) as well as Clifton Miheso (Buildcon) joined a bigger group of local based players in training though Miheso sat out with a bout of flu.

The tactician expects to have more players trickling in on Tuesday and by evening should have his entire squad as he carefully sifts out the best 18 to name for Saturday’s do or die tie.

“I am happy to start with some new players today. In June it was only with locals and some foreign based players and it was a long time to wait for four months before I could have my entire squad together,” Migne said after conducting the first session on Monday.

He added; “Hopefully tomorrow 9Tuesday) I can have all the players in and we can start develop a good link and look at them to get a good line up for Ghana.”

The Sweden based David Ochieng and Eric Johannah (IF Bromma) as well as Ovellah Ochieng and Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma (Vassalund) are already on their way and should be available for the Tuesday evening session at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies.

There’s a huge hope that skipper Wanyama will be available for the tie with the midfield enforcer having just returned to full training and only made the bench for his club Tottenham Hotspur in last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Watford in the English Premier League.

Wanyama has been out with a recurring knee problem and has missed the entire opening four games for Spurs including a huge chunk of the pre-season.

The team is already without the suspended duo of Brian Mandela and Ayub Timbe with the latter’s absence set to be especially felt after hitting top form for his Chinese Super League side Beijing Renhe.

Stars began their campaign for the qualification to next year’s Cup of Nations with a bad footing losing 2-1 away to Sierra Leone and the match against Ghana on Saturday will have a huge bearing on whether their campaign goes north or South.

“We are playing against one of the best teams in the continent and we know it is a tough game. But if we are mentally strong, we can win. We are playing at home and we have to make sure we win so that our chances of making it to the Cup of Nations remain high,” assistant captain Owino said.

Midfielder Francis Kahata has also called upon fans to turn out in large numbers at Kasarani and cheer on the team as they keep the dream of making it to the Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004 rolling.

The post Migne begins preps to bring down Ghana appeared first on Capital Sports.

MOMBASA, Kenya, Sep 4 – The 15th anniversary celebrations of the annual Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) will be held in Mombasa County, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the County Government on Tuesday.

This will be the first time that the awards, primarily held in Nairobi are hosted outside the capital.

The event will not only see the County host the gala but also partner with SOYA in initiatives that will promote nurturing the uptake of sports disciplines such as water sports and beach games as Kenya looks to increase its portfolio and build a competitive edge in the sporting arena.

Speaking at the ceremony, SOYA Founder, Paul Tergat noted that the potential of the SOYA event growing to become a phenomenon in the East African region and beyond is huge and needs to be supported.

“We are very excited that SOYA has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. We owe this to our dear partners led by our title sponsor safaricom who have believed in our mission and continuously support this initiative. More so, today we are happy to partner with Mombasa County in this noble idea to host the SOYA awards outside Nairobi County,” he said.

He also noted the importance of having the celebrations across the county as a way of promoting the country through sports tourism.

“Most of our sportsmen and women have traveled far and wide across continents world over. However, they also need to equally visit the other parts of their country. I, therefore, believe we need to partner with counties to host this event across the country as a way to showcase the treasures we have and promote sports tourism in Kenya using our brand ambassadors,” Added the former Cross Country great.

-Visit Mombasa

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho said that hosting SOYA, a premier initiative outside Nairobi was an honor and great privilege.

“We are honored to partner with you in an initiative that not only promotes sports but pays tribute to our sports personalities who ably fly our flag high be it locally, nationally or internationally,” he noted.

He noted the importance of a partnership such as this as it will motivate the upcoming sportspersons from the county and beyond to nurture and grow their talent as they venture into various novel sports activities for leisure and as a career as well.

“We the people of Mombasa County welcome SOYA here and we are looking forward to hosting a great event and welcome the people who have traditionally attended the event to visit Mombasa for the event. We will provide the necessary support to ensure we grow the number of sports persons, enthusiasts, participants and fans in various unique sports activities that we have to offer,” he said.

Present to witness were representatives from the event’s title sponsors, Safaricom PLC led by the Company’s Head of Department, Coast region, James Maitai.

“As a brand, Safaricom is extremely proud of the growth we have seen since the inaugural SOYA Awards. We have been a part of SOYA’s birth, growth and development from the start.”

“We are very excited that this noble initiative that Paul Tergat started 15 years ago is now moving from its traditional home in Nairobi. We are looking forward to a great partnership during the awards here in Mombasa in the January 2019,” said Mr. Maitai.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 4 – Vivo Energy Kenya on Tuesday announced a Sh1mn sponsorship for this weekend’s Dala Sevens in Kisumu, the penultimate stop of the 2018 National Rugby Sevens Circuit.

Speaking at the official announcement of the sponsorship, Kenya Rugby Union Honorary Secretary Oduor Gangla thanked the company for supporting the tournament and appreciated their commitment in growing the sport both locally and internationally.

“We are excited by the entrance of Shell as sponsors for this year’s Dala Sevens. With corporate sponsorships like this guaranteeing the game’s growth, the potential to dominate the sport on a global stage in the near future is realistic. Such platforms provide opportunities for Kenyan rugby professionals to compete at a world stage,” Gangla said.

Also in attendance during the partnership launch, was Dala 7s’ executive committee member, Gideon Kidenda, who expressed Kisumu RFC’s excitement on the return of Vivo as a sponsor of the tournament.

He lauded the company for the sponsorship, support and involvement of Vivo Energy Kenya with the Dala Sevens tournament.

“On this 15th edition, we assure rugby fans that we will have a bigger tournament following on the growth in popularity that the tourney has had over the years. We are gracious to Vivo Energy for their sponsorship and thank them for investing in an event we deeply treasure,” he said.

Vivo Energy Kenya Lubricants Sales Marketing Manager, Stephen Gikonyo said the game’s adrenaline, the players’ energy reflected the qualities of the company’s products and was pleased to be joining in as sponsors.

“we are bringing the same energy to the Dala sevens rugby tournament where we believe that the talent of current players and budding stars will be showcased. “

“We are confident that we will see demonstrable value in the circuit, to grow our investment in the game. We are cognizant of the importance of corporate sponsorships and involvement in Kenyan sport. We are glad to be part of this exciting sports renaissance in the country that Rugby has critical role in.,” said Gikonyo.

This partnership will be the second time Vivo Energy will be sponsoring the Kisumu rugby sevens tournament following a successful engagement that begun in 2016.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 4 – Muthaiga Golf Club’s Greg Snow ended round three of the second leg of the Safari Tour Golf Series at level par to maintain his overall score at 7-under par to retain the overall lead.

Snow started the day with pars on the 1st and 2nd holes before dropping shots on the par-4 3rd.

Birdies on the par-3, 6th and the par-5, 7th ensured a perfect start to his day. He however dropped shots on the par-4 9th to take his first nine score to 36.

On the back nine, he birdied the par-3, 16th before dropping shots at the par-4, 18th for a total of 36 and total of 72 for the round.

A resurgent Dismas indiza (Mumias) and Nelson Simwa (Vet Lab) shot the best round of the day returning a 2-under par 70 score each; to take their overall tally to 2-under par 214 and 4-over 220 respectively for the tournament.

Speaking after the round Dismas Indiza was content with his display and looked forward to a better showing in the final round.

“I am happy with my game today, I played well and only faltered at the greens, but overall my play has been satisfactory. I am looking forward to an even better display tomorrow as I challenge Greg Snow.”

Indiza opened his round with pars on the 1st and 2nd, following this up with a bogey on the challenging 3rd. He however recovered well to post birdies on the 5th, 7th and 8th holes to return a score of 34 after the first 9.

He followed this up with a par 36 in the second 9 holes to take his round score to 70, tied with Nelson Simwa.

Sujan Shah who started the round impressively, returning a 1-under score after the first nine, he kept this form going into the second nine and looked on course to finish at 1-under, before he dropped three shorts on the hilly 17th, to return a round score of one over par, taking his overall score to 3-under par, placing him second on the leader board, one shot ahead of Indiza.

Charan Tethy who is also the PGK chairman recovered well in round three, returning a 1 under par score, having posted scores of 2 over and 6 over in the opening two rounds respectively. Golf Park’s Jacob Okello finished the round at par, tied with Greg Snow.

The final round of play will tee off at 8am on Wednesday with Tanzania’s Elisante Lembris and David Opati getting the round under way, with the leading group of Indiza, Shah and Snow, teeing off at 9am.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 4 – The Camp Toyoyo Grounds in Nairobi’s Jericho Estate played host to high profile visitors on Tuesday evening with reigning African champions Cameroon, led by new coaches Clarence Seerdof and Patrick Kluivert holding a training session there.

The Indomitable Lions have been in the country from Sunday evening as they prepare to face Comoros in an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifier on Saturday in Moroni.

The team had initially held three training sessions at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani and needed to have a feel of an artificial turf as it is the same surface they will play on against Comoros.

Seedorf and Kluivert, both former Netherlands internationals who replaced fellow Dutchman Hugo Broos at the helm of the team led the team to a light session at the Toyoyo turf, doing a bit of fitness checks and ball drills as they gear up for Comoros.

Among the high-profile names which descended on the Toyoyo turf includes Paris Saint Germain striker Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting who moved to the French capital on deadline day from English second tier side Stoke City.

Also present was Brighton’s Gaetan Bong and former West Brom defender Allan Nyom who moved to the Spanish La Liga to sign for Leganes after Albion were demoted from the English top tier.

Choupo Moting and striker Vincent Aboubakar who plays in Portugal with giants FC Porto spotted trainers and did not have a run in with the rest of the squad as they sat out, possibly nursing a few knocks.

While naming his squad for this tie, Seedorf sensationally left out AFCON winning skipper Benjamin Moukandjo and winger Cristian Bassogog from the squad saying he would not pick any squad members from the Chinese leagues.

Moukandjo plies his trade alongside Kenyan international Ayub Timbe with Beijing Renhe while Bassogog, named Most valuable Player at the 2017 AFCON plays for Henan Jianye.

With a restricted closed-door session, a few eager fans giraffe-ed their heads over the Toyoyo perimeter wall to catch a glimpse of the African champions and some to have a glimpse of childhood heroes Seedorf and Kluivert who were among the best in their generation.

Cameroon will host the 2019 AFCON and have thus qualified but are playing in the qualifiers nonetheless.  While the rest of the groups will have the top two teams qualifying, Cameroon’s group will only have one more team going through.

The Central Africans currently top Group B after beating Morocco 1-0 in their opening match. After playing Comoros on Saturday, their next assignment will be back to back home and away games against Malawi.

Cameroon squad to play Comoros

Goalkeepers: Fabrice Ondoa (Oostende/BEL), Andre Onana (Ajax/NED), Carlos Kameni (Fenerbahce/TUR)

Defenders: Collins Fai (Standard Liege/BEL), Felix Eboa Eboa (Guingamp/FRA), Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui (Slavia Prague/CZE), Ambroise Oyongo Bitolo (Montpellier/FRA), Yaya Banana (Panionios/GRE), Jerome Onguene (Red Bull Salzburg/AUT), Gaetan Bong (Brighton and Hove Albion/ENG), Allan Nyom (Leganes/ESP)

Midfielders: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Fulham/ENG), Georges Mandjeck (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Adrien Tameze (Nice/FRA), Pierre Kunde Malong (Mainz/GER)

Forwards: Edgar Salli (Nuremberg/GER), Fabrice Olinga (Mouscron/BEL), Vincent Aboubakar (FC Porto/POR), Stephane Bahoken (Angers/FRA), Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting (Stoke City/ENG), Karl Toko Ekambi (Villareal/ESP), Paul-Georges Ntep (Wolfsburg/GER), Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu (Young Boys/SUI)

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 5 – Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne has confirmed that captain Victor Wanyama, his elder brother MacDonald Mariga and sensational winger Paul Were will not be part of his squad for Saturday’s African Cup of Nations Qualifier against Ghana in Nairobi.

Wanyama has just returned to first team training with his club Tottenham Hotspur and will not be ready for the game while Mariga is said to be finalizing on a move after leaving Spanish Segunda B side Real Oviedo.

“He is injured as you know. Has some difficulty with his knee and we cannot take risk because of his future career and it’s a huge problem because he is the captain and one of the best players in the team. He plays for Tottenham and that shows how much he is important. But what Can I do? I cannot cry. I have to find a solution; I have to find another option,” the tactician said.

He also added; “We need to improve also on the professional level. For example Lloris (Hugo) is injured but he was in Paris on Monday to have a check-up with the medical team of the French national team. It is not the case here and we need to improve this for the future.”

There is also a bit of concern on deputy skipper David Owino who has also returned from injury, but had to be checked by the doctors after the Wednesday morning session.

‘It is only a slight pull, but I will be okay to play. I will look at it today but I am certain it is not serious,” Owino said.

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