NAIROBI, Kenya, April 14 – Sacked KCB head coach, Abdallah Juma, is at pains to explain the club’s poor form that led to his dismissal on Sunday night.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Coach of the Year earned plaudits by leading the Bankers to the top four last season but the team slumped to their sixth defeat in nine games on Saturday in a 2-1 reverse to visiting Bandari to remain rooted at the bottom.

“It’s a nightmare. Since I started coaching, I have never witnessed something like this, I was at Thika United for nine years and I never had a bad run like this season, same as when I was at Bidco United and Congo United that’s why I suspect something must have gone wrong in the technical bench,” the axed coach told Capital Sport on Monday.

“In fact today (Monday) I decided to stay indoors to try and convince myself that I’m no longer the coach of KCB.

“It’s very painful and I was actually stressed, I tried to look left, right and centre to find a solution why I was not winning but could not find an answer. May be I did not have luck because I tried my best but it was not working,” Abdallah who was appointed in December 2012 narrated after failing to notch a win this term.

However, the coach was proud to leave the club with his head high having led the Bankers to the Top 8 for the first time and boast of nurturing top players like midfielder Brian Osumba and forward Clifford Alwanga who are currently at Tusker.

“We had a meeting with the chairman yesterday (Sunday) and since I had not performed well I had no option but to accept and give someone else a chance and who knows, maybe they will start winning.

“I’m not the first coach to be sacked, and I don’t feel bad to exit the league early since I’m last year’s coach of the year. My regret is I will miss the Top 8 this weekend against Ulinzi Stars since it was my desire to lead the team in the competition.

“I’m sure coach Robert Matano will come knowing KCB are demoralised and that’s why I’m cautioning the players to be ready for anything,” the former Under 20 national coach added.

Juma becomes the fourth coach to shown the door the door this season after newcomers Top Fry Nakuru fired German Oliver Page, Western Stima parting ways with Francis Baraza and recently AFC Leopards sacking James Nandwa.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 15 – Ninety players will converge at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club for the 90th Tanahill Shield golf tournament through the Easter weekend.

The players will be drawn from nine golf clubs; Muthaiga, Sigona, Karen, Windsor, Mombasa, Limuru, Western, Railways and Royal in the round robin competition.

Speaking when launching this year’s event, Royal captain Karim Pisani said the tournament will have a competitive edge since teams will be fighting to avoid relegation.

“This tournament is acknowledged as the premier amateur golf event in the country and it’s usually very competitive.

“So to allow other teams like Kiambu and Vetlab to participate in future, the team that finishes last will be relegated to pave way for the next team that will be selected by the club’s committee members,” he explained.

“The course preparation is underway and it will be ready when the tournament kicks-off on Friday, we started working on the greens three months ago and with the help of the rain it’s in good condition to host the event,” Pisani added.

Title sponsor Coca-Cola injected Sh2.3m (USD 26,558.9) to this year’s event, Sh200, 000 (USD 2,309.5) up from last year.

“Coca-Cola entered a partnership with the Tanahill Golf tournament last year where we signed a three year deal worth Sh7m (USD 80,831.5) that will run until 2015. We hope the slight increase will have a great impact in the event.

“90 years is indeed a long time and to consistently attract and maintain first class standards that have made the event what it is today, is not an easy task,” Coca-Cola Marketing Manager Mona Karingi, said when unveiling the cheque.

Since its inception the tournament has accommodated nine teams with the host club committee inviting the club of their choice.

Muthaiga and Sigona Golf Club are the defending champions after tying in 2013.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 15 – Harambee Stars has entered into a two-year partnership with Italian manufacturers, Studio Sport, that will supply playing and training kit to the national football team for free.

The Joma brand will also be won by all teams that operate under Football Kenya Federation (FKF) with Under-20s having the privilege of using the kit first on Wednesday when they play Italian Under-18 in a friendly match at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium.

Speaking when signing the memorandum of understanding between FKF and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Tuesday, federation president, Sam Nyamweya, said the kit package comes as ‘part of the agreement between the two federations that promised to work together’.

“I want to thank the Italian federation for giving us a kit sponsor who will take care of our national football teams including the women for free.

“Today (Tuesday) we have entered into a partnership with Italy so that we can have exchange programmes. We have agreed that from the merchandise sold 50 percent will go towards the federation and clubs to support their needs,” Nyamweya announced.

“This is the re-birth of Kenyan football and one of the European countries coming to support us is a big step. We have a support from the two governments and I believe from now on our players and clubs will work in collaboration with clubs in Italy. They came with their national Under-18 team and that by itself is a testimony of commitment from Italy to FKF.

“We are serious about our national team Harambee Stars and our aim is to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations,” the FKF boss added.

Joma sales representative in Italy, Maurizio Ramacciotti, said this was one way of building a strong relationship with Kenya.

“When we decided to support this partnership with FKF, we approached it with very high quality kits under Joma brand. For the next two years all the teams and officials will be kitted for free then when the deal elapse in 2016, we will discuss a new contract.”

At the same function, FIGC vice President, Archimede Pitrolo, signed an agreement with their Kenyan counterparts that will promote and develop relationship between the two countries giving opportunity to young players improve their football skills.

“We would like to set up a very good friendship with Kenya. Italian football is way ahead compared to Kenya but we are willing to cooperate and provide skills at the same time we commit ourselves to support and develop football in your country.

“We will also exchange progmmes that will enhance our integration since we have different cultures,” the vice president assured.

The Azzuri Under-18 team arrived in the country on Monday to face Kenya Under-20 on Wednesday, a match that the host will use to prepare for their African Youth Championships return leg against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.

Italy will then wrap up their tour in the country with a build up match against Gor Mahia Under-20 on Friday at the same venue.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 15- A team of Inter Milan legends starring Italy 2006 World Cup winning star defender, Marco Materazzi and Kenya midfielder, MacDonald Mariga, will take on national team Harambee Stars in a planned friendly on May 25.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, Archimede Pitrolo, the Italian federation FIGC vice-president, said the Nerazzuri side to feature against Stars will also contain members of the 2010 treble winners who will not make the country’s squad for Brazil 2014 World Cup with retired Honduran striker, David Suazo, who scored 100 goals in 300 appearances in Serie A among those who could play in the fixture.

“I confirm that we have made arrangements for Inter Milan legends and those players who will not make it to the Italian national team for the World Cup, will be in Kenya to play in the friendly match that will see Mariga play for us (Inter).

“I think this will be a good exposure for the Kenyan players who will learn a lot from the legends,” the football boss stated.

Under current English Premier League titans Chelsea FC coach, Jose Mourinho, Inter won the Scudetto, Copa Italia and UEFA Champions League with Materazzi and Mariga who returned to the national team after a two year absence in the aborted friendly against Sudan in late February part of the squad.

The heavily tattooed Materazzi earned international infamy at the final of the 2006 World Cup when his insult directed at France legend, Zinedine Zidane, earned the icon a red card after he head butted the defender as the Azzurri went on to lift the title on penalties.

Inter are currently chasing to seal qualification to next season’s Europa League and are sitting fifth in Serie A on 53 points, 14 points behind Napoli who are holding the last Champions League place in third.

The Italian giants have already signed Manchester United captain, Nemanja Vidic and are eyeing his team mate, Patrice Evra and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres for next season.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 16 – Kenya Premier League bottom side, KCB has appointed goalkeeper trainer Daniel Oluoch as the caretaker coach until further notice.

Oluoch takes over following the dismissal of Abdallah Juma and his assistant Jerim Owuor, who were sacked on Sunday after a winless run in nine games left them rooted at the basement on three points.

Confirming the development, club chairman Ali Agil, said they are in a process of searching a new head coach to steer the team that finished fourth last term back on track.

“The search for a new coach is intended to rejuvenate the team and give it fresh momentum to be more competitive and successful like last season.

“KCB wishes to recognize the immense expertise and effort of Juma and Owuor that led the team to a best position ever. We would like to wish them all the best in their future endeavors,” the chairman added in a statement.

Oluoch’s first competitive assignment will be against Ulinzi Stars in the KPL Top 8 quarter-final at Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday.

KCB who were reputed as pace setters in previous seasons, were tipped to perform better this year especially after scooping five top accolades at the KPL awards of 2013.

Jacob Keli – player of the year and top scorer, Brian Osumba – midfielder of the year, Juma-coach of the year and Josephat Okal – Team Manager of the year were recognised as the Bankers broke into the top four.

However, the team seems is struggling after the departure of forwards Keli to AFC Leopards and Clifford Alwanga to Tusker FC as well as Osumba also at the league leaders.

Juma was shown the door a day after picking his sixth defeat when he went down 2-1 to visiting Bandari on Saturday.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 16 – Thika United forward David King’atua scored a brace to help Kenya Under-20 come from two goals down to draw 3-3 with visiting Italy Under-18 in a thrilling friendly match played at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.

The host were using the match as preparation for their return leg African Youth Championship qualifier against Tanzania to be played in Dar-es-Salaam this weekend after settling for a goalless draw in Machakos a week ago.

Moreno Ricardo opened the scoring after 10 minutes before Zottino Francesco doubled the advantage in the 21st through a penalty.

King’atua pulled one back in the 36th before Gor Mahia midfielder, Timona Wanyonyi, levelled early in the second half but the hosts found themselves 3-2 down after Ricardo notched his brace seven minutes later.

A minute past the hour mark, King’atua pulled the sides level once again for 3-3 to close the goal fest that had the scanty crowd that gathered at the stadium entertained nonetheless.

“It was a good learning experience knowing the Italians have  good structures right from the age of six. According to me the boys gave their best and kudos to them. My technical bench has really worked a lot to build the team.

“We have learnt a lot especially in set pieces where they are good at but on the overall, we played well despite lacking composure inside the 18 yard box. This is a good sign that we can go places if we can put our structures right,” John Kamau, who coaches King’atua at Thika United said after the pulsating encounter.

“Otherwise it was a morale booster ahead of our Tanzania game,” he added.

Italian coach, Massimiliano Moras, lauded the Kenyans recovering from a two-goal deficit to force the stalemate.

“In the first half we played well but my players relaxed in the second but we were playing a stronger team. Our opponents showed good impression because they were tactically and mentally fit,” he acknowledged.

Kamau started with a strong side that featured eight Kenyan Premier League players but it took his charges half an hour to settle in the game.

The visitors were the first to threaten after three minutes with Ricardo receiving a pass from Lenzini Cosimo, only for his effort to hit the cross bar.

After piling pressure in the Kenyan defence, their efforts paid through the forward who headed home Marconi Kevin cross from the left to break the deadlock.

Wanyonyi could have leveled in the 18th after receiving a through ball from Bandari forward Victor Ndinya, leaving him with keeper Beleve Marco to beat but he missed his kick as the relieved visitors defence cleared.

Three minutes later, Francesco doubled for Italy through a penalty after Nardi Mattia was hacked down in the box by Thika United defender, Vincent Mumbo with referee Davis Omweno not hesitating to point to the spot.

John Nairuka had the first shot on target for Kenya in the 25th striking straight at the keeper from the right.

The Thika United striker had another chance a minute later but he tapped wide from Wanyonyi’s header.

King’atua pulled one back  in the 36th, deflecting Ndinya’s shot just inside the box to beat keeper Beleve Marco.

Kenya should have made it 2-2  on the stoke of half-time but Ndinya headed wide Wanyonyi’s cross with no defender on his shoulder as the home team trailed 2-1 into the break.

The hosts returned a better side, restoring parity in the 49th through Wanyonyi who connected Nairuka’s pass from the right.

However, the draw was cancelled three minutes later where Ricardo took advantage of a defensive mix up to score his brace and take the Italians back in front.

Kamau charges did not cow and went on the attack and their efforts brought reward when the effervescent King’atua found the back of the net for his second in the 61st after Wanyonyi set him through.

Kenya dominated in the dying minutes with substitute Sammy Mejja seeing his shot hit the crossbar as the match ended 3-3.

The Italian side will next play Gor Under-19 in their last build up match at the same venue on Friday.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 17 – League champions Gor Mahia have been boosted by the return of Harambee Stars midfielder Anthony Akumu, who will be available for selection when they face plucky Thika United in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top 8 quarter-finals at Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium on Sunday.

Akumu makes a comeback after missing four matches following the knock he picked three weeks ago at Top Fry Nakuru.

However, K’Ogalo will once again miss the services of their captain and custodian Jerim Onyango, who was sidelined when the team beat Ulinzi Stars 2-1 in Nakuru.

This will be the first Top 8 match for coach Bobby Williamson, and the Scotsman says his charges will be aiming to reclaim the trophy they last lifted in 2012.

“We are looking forward to the game since it’s a competition we want to do well but we will have to work hard. We know how Thika plays, very defensive minded and they don’t concede easily but we have worked on that and I hope our forwards will be up to the task.

“We will try to win the game in regulation time, but for them (Thika) I don’t know their plan maybe they will defend the game and rely on penalties. We will consider what to do in the next two days of our training before the match so that will can be ready in either way,” Williamson told Capital Sport after completing their training session at Nairobi’s City Stadium on Thursday.

His opposite number John Kamau, had a different opinion saying there is nothing special about K’Ogalo since they have managed to hold them three times out of the last five encounters.

“Top 8 is a game like any others the only difference is that it’s a knock out game and as a coach I’m only left with one option and that’s to win the game because if I lose I’m out of the tournament. As a team we would like to improve on last year’s performance so it’s a match that we will give the most desirable attention and God willing we emerge the winner.

“The only special thing about Gor is the fans who act like their 12th man on the pitch which might make the difference but we are ready for them since we have played against them and we know how they play. The shift of venue does not affect me since I’m comfortable to play anywhere anytime because I’m ready,” the Thika United coach stated.

For Thika they will be looking to win the title for the first time after coming close last season where they lost 5-3 on spot-kicks to Tusker FC in the final after settling for a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

On the other hand Gor will be going for their second and hope to make history by becoming the first team to reclaim the trophy.

The Brookside sponsored side has been a hard nut to crack for K’Ogalo and no one can forget when they denied them the league title in 2012 after forcing a 1-1 draw in the last match of the season that saw Tusker crowned champions.

Both teams understand how the other plays with Thika having the bragging rights after holding K’Ogalo to a barren draw in their last encounter one month ago.

As Williamson will be fielding players who have not been regular, the likes of midfielders Dan Onyango and Joseph Kariuki as well as forward Jared Obwoge, his counterpart will be parading a strong first XI that comprises of keeper Hamuza Muwonge, defenders Simon Mbugua, Sammy Mejja and captain Dennis Odhiambo.

Kamau’s midfield will be manned by Joseph Kuria among others, with Moses Arita and David King’atua upfront.

In the first quarter-final Ulinzi will be up against struggling KCB at the same venue on Saturday.

Winner of each match will join defending champions Tusker FC and AFC Leopards in the home and away semi-final that kick-off next weekend.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 18 – Sacked KCB head coach, Abdallah Juma has made a swift return to the technical bench after he was appointed the assistant at AFC Leopards on Friday to replace Mickey Weche who was axed alongside his boss James Nandwa a week ago.

Juma was sacked by the Bankers last Sunday after his sixth loss to the season that left KCB rooted at the bottom of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and will know his new boss next week when Ingwe unveil a head coach from overseas.

Also joining the Den is their former forward Richard Madegwa as the Team Manager and coordinator of youth programmes as Washington Muhanji, who has been in charge of the team on an interim role reverting to his position as the goalkeeper trainer.

“I’m delighted to announce the appointment of the two experienced gentlemen who will join as from today (Friday) as we wait to announce our new head coach next week. The process has taken long but it’s because we wanted to get the right people that will steer our team to good performance.

“We urge our members and fans to be patient and give the new technical bench support since as officials we have faith in them,” club secretary, George Aladwa said while making the announcement.

“It’s a good opportunity since Leopards is a big club that has experienced players. My good friend Muhanji has already briefed me on where the team has reached and I can say we are good to go. I’ve spoken with the team doctor who confirmed some of the injured players will be back soon.

“We are waiting for the head coach who will join us next week and I will give him all the support that he needs. I don’t see any pressure coming from fans because some of them have congratulated me and wished me all the best,” the immediate former KCB tactician who was at a loss to explain why he was axed told of his new appointment.

“I have no problem being the assistant because the officials wanted someone who knows Kenyan football well in the technical bench to advice the foreign head coach. I’m up top the task and my aim is to lift Ingwe to the top four where they belong,” the delighted Juma told Capital Sport.

Ingwe who are placed 11th in the KPL log on 11 points and will play Mathare United at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium in the mid-week fixture on Wednesday next week.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 18 – Super sub Francesco Zottino notched a brace in the second half to help visiting Italy Under-18 side beat Gor Mahia Under-19 3-1 in a friendly match played at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium on Good Friday.

Dellovo Andrea netted the opener in the 12th minute before Francesco found the back of the net twice in the 60th and 65th with Cliff Nyakeya scoring the consolation ten minutes later to seal the result.

This was the last build up match for the Azurri who completed their three day tour in the country after playing to a 3-3 draw with Kenya Under-20 on Wednesday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

K’Ogalo juniors who play in the Nairobi County League and have won all their matches thus far succumbed to a superior side but valuable lessons will be learned from testing their might against the Italians.

“We have tried since we assembled the team one month ago, so we had a short time to prepare but I appreciate the boy gave their best and we lost to a better side. I believe the Italian side has vibrant structures from the academy level that has enabled them to play together for long.

“None of my players has played in the Kenyan premier league so with time I believe we will put brilliant performance if we continue to play with big teams like Italy and today’s friendly match was a good exposure. The opponent was good in set pieces and I need to coach my boys on how to mark when we lose the ball,” Gor coach Maurice Onyango said after the match.

“Today we played better because we did not lose the ball and we chose the best format of play. I’m very happy with the boys because that was good results, we had to build a new tactic after drawing our first match against Kenya-Under 20,” the Italy coach Massimiliano Moras stated.

The host started brightly and had the first attempt in the opening minutes but Emmanuel Olinga’s shot from a Hajji Achkobe cross was saved by Italian custodian Dini Andrea.

The visitors went ahead in the 12th after Dellovo unleashed a low shot into the back of the net from inside the box.

In the half hour mark, Cliff Nyakeya could have leveled when he beat defenders but Dini cleared the danger with his left foot before keeper Vincent Odhiambo produced a fine save from Burzaghi Riccardo’s free header with the ball rattling off the crossbar for a fruitless corner in the 43rd to see Gor trail 0-1 into the breather.

In the second period, Moras introduced Francesco for Tomanin Thomas and the forward changed the Italian game as he doubled in the 65th after heading home Delloro’s cross from the left wing.

He was at it again five minutes later after beating the back four to net his brace and the third goal for Italy.

Nyakeya scored the consolation goal in the 75th as he went on to miss a clear chance in the dying minutes when his attempt went straight to Dini before the centre referee blew the final whistle for the visitors to win 3-1.

PRAGUE, April 18- Fresh from winning the men’s and women’s races respectively at the London Marathon, world record-holder Wilson Kipsang and two-time world champion Edna Kiplagat have signed up to compete at the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon, an IAAF Silver Label Road Race, on June 21.

Their victories last weekend in the British capital strengthened their claims to being the top marathoners in the world at present.

Kipsang defeated an Olympic and world champion, a course record-holder, the defending champion, and a man who ran the fastest marathon ever. His winning time of 2:04:29 was a course record and his fifth sub-2:05 race.

Last year, Kiplagat became the first woman to retain the world marathon title, successfully defending the gold medal she won in 2011. With her recent victory in London, she defeated the 5000m world record-holder, the half-marathon world record-holder and the defending London champion.

Kipsang and Kiplagat will now turn their attention to making an impression on the half-marathon distance in Olomouc.

The race in the small city of about 110,000 residents in Moravia in the eastern part of the Czech Republic has become popular locally and is an important part of the successful international RunCzech series of seven races.

Both Kipsang and Kiplagat will be competing in the Czech Republic for the first time. Their respective PBs of 58:59 and 1:07:41 are quicker than the course records of 1:00:44 and 1:10:38.

“The world is used to seeing athletes of this calibre only in well-known big city events like those in London or New York, but we are showing that a small city with a commitment to quality and a beautiful setting can compete with those cities,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the organising committee.

The full elite start list will be announced at a later date, but it will feature athletes with the credentials to challenge the obvious favourites.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 19 – Teenager Chrispinus Onyango was the hero as struggling KCB sailed to semi-finals of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top 8 after gunning down favoured Ulinzi Stars 2-1 in a thrilling encounter staged at Machakos Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday.

Onyango who was in KCB’s Under-19 squad last year scored the first and set up the second for Paul Kiongera to turn up a man-of-the-match performance as stand-in coach Daniel Olouch enjoyed victory on his debut, the first for the Bankers in ten outings this season.

The budding striker struck first in the 23rd minute before laying the ball to his partner, Kiongera to net the second a minute from time as substitute Allan Abulala halved the deficit in added time for the final score.

KCB stemmed a miserable run that saw them fire their head coach Abdallah Juma on Tuesday as Robert Matano in the Ulinzi dugout saw his grip on the Top 8 trophy he won last year with Tusker slip from his grasp.

“This is a platform we can use for our next matches. We won today because I told the players to believe in themselves and if they do that, we are capable of doing as well as last year when we finished fourth.

“We set out to allow Ulinzi to attack us and hit them at the counter and the strategy worked. Chrispinus did well in our Under-19 team last season and he can work well with Kiongera to give us the goals as they did today,” Oluoch, who expressed his interest on succeeding Abdallah on permanent basis underscored post-match.

“I do not have a proper striker and we need to get players who can finish the chances we created soon. For now, I will work with what I have but we did not play well today. The spirit in the team is good since I came here, that is not a problem,” Matano rued.

Oluoch rested regular keeper Sammy Okinda and preferred to start with Zachary Onyango who was instrumental as the Bankers dominated the first-half in terms of chances on goal as Ulinzi monopolised possession.

KCB threatened after six minutes when Onyango beat defender Geoffrey Kokoyo in the box only for him to blast over before Kiongera missed a one-on-one chance four minutes later after he failed to beat keeper Francis Ochieng with his hurriedly taken shot.

The former on-loan Gor Mahia forward was at it again in the 23rd, taking the advantage of Kokoyo who failed to clear the danger in the 18 yard box but again he pulled his shot wide.

The Banker’s efforts were rewarded two minutes later through Onyango who beat the offside trap to take full advantage of slack defending after referee Davis Omweno waved play on after Kiongera was fouled to slot the ball through Ochieng’s leg with a deft shot.

Ulinzi piled pressure looking for the equaliser with Kevin Amwayi coming close twice through his long-range shots but KCB enjoyed the first-half lead.

KCB were dealt with a huge blow in the 52nd when custodian Onyango got injured while attempting to make a clearance and Caleb Adola to replace him as the pattern from the first half manifested itself in the second with Ulinzi having more of the ball.

Ulinzi custodian Ochieng was booked for a harsh tackle on Kiongera five minutes later for a free-kick at the edge of the box but the latter’s shot was deflected out for a fruitless corner.

After attempting for several occasions, Kiongera finally found the back of the net one minute to full-time but it was thanks to another telling contribution from the teenager.

After the referee waved the advantage, Onyango left Amos Mwamburi trailing in his wake despite his best efforts to halt his run after a poor back pass and from a tight angle, he fed Kiongera who wrapped an instinctive left foot strike to the net for 2-0.

With seven minutes of added time indicated by fourth official, Peter Waweru, the Bankers had not wrapped the job and were made to endure a nervy five minutes when in the next attack, Abulala heading in a Stephen Waruru cross for 2-1.

Kiongera had the chance to wrap up the match when in a counter attack, he evaded three flailing Ulinzi defenders but could not fashion a finish, his hesitancy allowing them to regroup and hack clear but the damage had already been done.

KCB now joins defending champions Tusker FC and AFC Leopards in the two legged semi-final set to run from next weekend.

The tournament continues on Sunday when league champions Gor lock horns with plucky Thika United at the same venue.

BOSTON, April 19- Defending champions Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia and Rita Jeptoo of Kenya are among a host of past winners in Monday’s 118th Boston Marathon, all mindful of last year’s bombing tragedy.

Two bombs hidden inside backpacks exploded near the finish line of last year’s race, killing three people and injuring more than 250 others, leading to tighter security at marathons worldwide.

But it also sparked a “Boston Strong” movement, celebrating those who battled back from injuries and a city’s determination to bounce back, a spirit to which baseball’s Boston Red Sox dedicated their 2013 World Series crown.

“Runners, we get knocked down, we have to come back,” said four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers. “It’s just like what happened with the bombing. You can’t keep marathoners down.”

Rodgers will serve as the grand marshal of the event, although a hamstring strain suffered two weeks ago will keep him from running the 26.2 miles.

“After the bombing last year, I wanted to run Boston this year,” he said. “I was in pretty good shape for an old timer at 66.”

Other past Boston Marathon greats return to join this year’s field of 36,000 runners, including 56-year-old Joan Benoit Samuelson, the 1979 and 1983 Boston women’s winner and 1984 Olympic champion.

“Because of what happened last year and because it’s the 30th anniversary of (winning the) Olympic marathon, I’m here for a myriad of reasons,” she said. “I’m either going to run as hard as I possibly can or I’ll run with my daughter or son.”

Amby Burfoot, 67 and the only man to win a Boston Marathon and Olympic Marathon, was unable to finish last year’s race due to the bombings but is back to finish this time.

- Shock and horror -

And then there are the elite runners, whose race last year was over before the explosions that brought shock and horror but whose efforts set the pace this year for the determined thousands who will follow.

Desisa, trying to be the first repeat Boston men’s winner since 2008, won last year in two hours, 10 minutes and 22 seconds, five seconds ahead of runner-up Micah Kogo of Kenya and six ahead of countryman Gebre Gebremariam.

Last year’s Dubai champion was second at the 2013 world championships last August in his only marathon since Boston, although he captured a half-marathon triumph two months ago in the United Arab Emirates.

Reigning Chicago Marathon champion Dennis Kimetto set a course record and personal best of 2:03:45 last year in the Windy City but his best runs have come on flatter courses rather than the hilly layout Boston offers.

Kogo was fourth at Chicago in addition to second at Boston last year and Gebremariam has not won since his 2010 New York triumph, his first bid at the distance.

Other hopefuls include Ethiopia’s Markos Geneti, the Dubai Marathon runner-up last Janaury in 2:05:13 who last won in his marathon debut at Los Angeles in 2011, and Kenya’s Wilson Chebet, a three-time Amsterdam winner and former Rotterdam champion who was fifth in 2012 in his only prior Boston start.

On the women’s side, Jeptoo, 33, won last year at Chicago as well, trimming her personal best to 2:19:57. Her training partner, compatriot Jemima Sumgong, was second at Chicago last year and in Boston in 2012 by only two seconds and might be ready for victory this time around.

Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba, who went to China and won the Xiamen Marathon earlier this year for her first title at the distance, and 2013 New York Marathon runner-up Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia, figure to contend.

Kenya’s Sharon Cherop, the 2012 Boston winner, and compatriot Caroline Kilel, the 2011 Boston champion, could challenge once again.

And Shalane Flanagan will try to become the first American woman to win at Boston since Lisa Larsen Weidenbach in 1985 after a fourth-place showing last year in her Boston debut.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 20 – Talisman Dan Sserunkuma scored his first goal in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top 8 to lead Gor Mahia to the semi-finals following a 2-1 win over bogey side Thika United in the last quarter-final played at Machakos Kenyatta Stadium on Easter Sunday.

The league champions now joins defending champions Tusker FC, AFC Leopards and debutants KCB in the last four that will be played in a home and away basis from next weekend.

Sserunkuma netted the opener in the 44th minute before Rama Salim extended the lead in the 59th as skipper Dennis Odhiambo scored the consolation for Thika in the 65th from the spot.

K’Ogalo suffered an early blow that forced coach Bobby Williamson, to do two early substitutions after his dependable players were stretched off from action piling more injury woe on the league champions and previous Top 8 winners.

Stand-in- captain and Harambee Stars defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino, was the first to get out of field of play after aggravating an ankle injury that kept him out earlier in the season following a hard tackle by Moses Arita in the 6th for Ugandan Israel Emuge to take his place.

Innocent Mutiso was the next victim 10 minutes later after colliding with Joseph Kuria to pave way for George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo.

“It was a difficult match for us at 2-0 we thought we were comfortable and then we gave away the penalty though it did not look genuine to me but we could have scored more goals. We will work out on our negatives and hope to improve in our upcoming matches.

“The first half was very physical and the referee did not book any one, which left us with a big blow since we lost two crucial players. I’m happy with the partnership of Sserunkuma and Rama that has helped us win the last two matches,” Gor coach Williamson said in a post match interview.

“We played well despite conceding very simple goals through transitions because it was a build up then we lost the ball and lack of concentration cost our second goal. I was forced to bring out my captain Odhiambo, who was injured and it’s also good since he gives other players chance.

“We are now left with the league and the GOtv shield to concentrate on and we hope to give it a good punch,” Thika tactician John Kamau who led his side to the final last year rued.

Williamson kept faith with the squad that won 2-1 last Sunday at Ulinzi, making no change that saw their first choice custodian and captain Jerim Onyango, start on the bench.

Salim could have put his charges ahead when he came close twice in the 14th and 17th but the midfielder wasted Musa Mohammed and Godfrey Walusumbi’s great crosses from the left wing.

Gor’s top scorer Sserunkuma attempted to break the deadlock four minutes later after Walusimbi set him up only to see his efforts hit the side netting.

Teenager Timonah Wanyonyi, pressed Thika defenders twice but luck was not on his side as he blasted wide on both occasions.

The opening goal finally came on the stroke of half time through Cranes forward Sserunkuma who notched his first goal in the competition after his fellow countryman Geoffrey Kizito set him through affording him all the time and space to unleash a cracker that beat keeper Hamuza Muwonge to send the Green Army into raptures.

Thika resumed the better side in the last half with captain Odhiambo giving his side the first shot on target in the 57th that went direct to keeper David Juma before Simon Mbugua’s attempt to halve the scores went futile.

Two minutes later, Salim doubled the lead for K’Ogalo after controlling Mohammed’s cross to send the ball home from close range and net for his third goal of the season.

Kamau charges pulled one back through Odhiambo from the spot after a K‘Ogalo defender handled the ball in the area to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Thika forwards Bernard Meki and Arita struggled to impress on their end but could not manage to break through Gor’s solid defence.

The Brookside sponsored side however, had their chances in the dying minutes with King’atua shooting straight to Juma as Arita’s strike from close range went wide.

K’Ogalo enjoyed the final attempt on goal with two counter attacks but Salim headed wide while Wanyonyi could not reach Sserunkuma cross to see Muwonge come out of his line to rescue in the final minute of action.

Gor joins defending champions Tusker FC, AFC Leopards and KCB in the two legged semis.

BOSTON, April 21- Rita Jeptoo defended her Boston Marathon championship by blazing over the Boylston Street finish line in a course record to capture her third overall title.

There was to be no Kenyan double after veteran Meb Keflezighi, 38, became the first American man to win Boston since Greg Meyerin 1983.

Keflezighi finished in an unofficial time of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 37 seconds with Kenyan duo, Wilson Chebet (2:08:48) and Franklin Chepkwony (2:08:50) trailing each other close for second and third.

Jeptoo won the race in 2:18:56, seven minutes, 29 seconds ahead of her winning time from a year ago. Besides last year, the 33-year-old also won the race in 2006.

Jeptoo broke away from the pack after the 22nd mile and then proceeded to blow the group away. At mile 24, she ran an unbelievable 4:48 split.

Ethiopian Buzunesh Deba finished second in a blistering 2:19:59.

American Shalane Flanagan thrilled the massive crowds by leading for most of the race.

The Marblehead native was in the lead up to the 30K mark, but then slowly faded from the lead pack that included Ethiopians Mare Dibaba, Meselech Malkamu, Buzunesh Deba, and Kenyan Jemima Jelegat Sumgong.

An American woman has not won the race since Lisa Larsen-Weidenbach did it in 1985.

In one of the most memorable victories in Boston Marathon history, Keflezighi became the first American man since 1983 to wear the laurel wreath.

With the backdrop of so much tragedy, in front of many of those gravely wounded in last year’s attacks, Keflezighi raised his arms in victory as he crossed the finish line at 2:08:37.

He looked up to the sky, then kissed the ground three times. He took a bow, then emotion won out as he put his hands over his face and broke into tears.

Keflezighi’s win was entirely unexpected. Turning 39 next month, his best days seemed to be in his past, especially given the Kenyan stronghold on the race.

Since 1991, a runner from Kenya has won the men’s race 19 times.

Keflezighi was cheered by massive crowds from Hopkinton to Boylston Street wearing a red and white top and blue shorts. He’s the first American man to win in Boston since Greg A. Meyer in 2:09:00 in 1983.

Keflezighi was born in the African nation of Eritrea but immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was 12 and lives in San Diego with his wife and three daughters.

Keflezighi didn’t race last year but was in the stands, leaving only about five minutes before the bombs went off. Today Keflezighi, a three-time Olympian, returned to the same spot and gave the city a reason to cheer.

The 2004 Olympic silver medalist won his last major marathon at the Olympic trials in 2012. He also won the New York marathon in 2009.

Keflezighi broke away from Josphat Boit, an American runner who was born in Kenya, midway through the race. By mile 17, Keflezighi had a minute lead over the pack that included defending champion Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia.

LEADING RESULTS
MEN

1 19 Keflezighi, Meb 2:08:37 USA
2 7 Chebet, Wilson 2:08:48 KEN
3 11 Chepkwony, Frankline 2:08:50 KEN
4 23 Shafar, Vitaliy 2:09:37 UKR
5 5 Geneti, Markos 2:09:50 ETH
6 16 Kimurer, Joel 2:11:03 KEN
7 22 Arciniaga, Nicholas 2:11:47 USA
8 24 Eggleston, Jeffrey 2:11:57 USA
9 15 Lonyangata, Paul 2:12:34 KEN
10 14 Annani, Adil 2:12:43 MAR

WOMEN
1 F1 Jeptoo, Rita 2:18:57 KEN
2 F10 Deba, Buzunesh 2:19:59 ETH
3 F2 Dibaba, Mare 2:20:35 ETH
4 F3 Jemima Jelagat 2:20:41 KEN
5 F25 Melkamu, Meselech 2:21:28 ETH
6 F12 Duliba, Aleksandra 2:21:29 BLR
7 F17 Flanagan, Shalane 2:22:02 USA
8 F6 Cherop, Sharon 2:23:00 KEN
9 F15 Ongori, Philes 2:23:22 KEN
10 F8 Linden, Desiree 2:23:54 USA

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 21 – After identifying the semi finalists of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top 8, it’s an anxious wait for defending champions, Tusker FC, local giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards as well as debutants KCB ahead of the last four draw that will be conducted on Tuesday.

Many will be waiting to see if league champions K’Ogalo and bitter rivals Ingwe will set up the first KPL Top 8 derby final after the latter pulled out in 2012 when they were paired together in the quarters due to security concerns.

Gor went ahead to claim the title after edging out Ulinzi Stars 2-0 and it will be eagerly waited to see if they will become the first team to reclaim the trophy.

The two have never met in Top 8 and it will depend on the draw to see if they will meet early or in the finals depending if they win their semis.

However, this year’s competition was full of surprises that saw debutants KCB shock Ulinzi 2-1 in the quarter-finals to register their first win of the season despite struggling in the league that has seen them rooted at the bottom of the log with three points.

If that was not enough, K’Ogalo finally had sweet revenge on bogey team Thika United who denied them their 13th KPL title the same year after forcing 1-1 draw to gift Tusker their 10th silverware.

After being a stumbling block in the last five encounters, Gor finally ended the ‘curse’ by eliminating last year’s finalist 2-1 in the domestic Cup courtesy of their current top scorer Dan Sserunkuma who netted his first goal ever in the competition and the resurgent Rama Salim.

“I’m under no pressure ahead of this match, my opponents (Gor) might be because they view themselves as a big team. For me I have beaten them and I will be going for another win,” Thika United coach John Kamau, said in a pre match interview.

“I don’t believe on bogey teams for me every team can be anyone so Thika is a strong team and our main aim is to perform well in the tournament and since it’s a knock out we will be looking forward to win the game in regular time,” his opposite number Bobby Williamson, who was leading his charges in the competition for the first time stated.

For the Bankers, the win was a sigh of following their poor run in the league that resulted to the sacking of their head coach Abdallah Juma who failed to register a single victory in nine matches.

Caretaker coach Daniel Oluoch, steered the team to their first win of the season after gunning down the soldiers through teenager Chrispinus Onyango, who was the hero and Paul Kiongera, to see coach Robert Matano crash out of the competition he won last season with Tusker.

Of the four teams that are in the last four, KCB will still be seen as underdogs and it’s yet to be seen if they will pull another shock against the three big teams (Gor, AFC and Tusker FC).

The fifth Top 8 also saw past winners, Sofapaka and Ulinzi exit the tournament in the early stage.

Batoto Ba Mungu who were inaugural winners in 2010 found the going tough when the Brewers eliminated them 6-5 on post match penalties while Leopards cruised past newcomers Bandari.

Ingwe who are experiencing a poor stint in the league narrowly sailed to the semis after the Docker’s defender Omar Islam netted an own goal in the third minute of added time to give the then coach James Nandwa, breathing space after receiving pressure from fans.

However, it’s unfortunate the Harambee Stars assistant coach will not finish what he started after he was fired days later.

On the other hand it was a hard fought clash for the defending champions under new coach Francis Kimanzi, who had to advance to the semis through the spot-kicks after battling to a 1-1 draw with Sofapaka.

It was not an easy ride in the penalties either after both sides were forced to head to the sudden death kicks where Tusker keeper and shot-stopper Samuel Odhiambo was the hero, after stopping Eugene Asike’s penalty.

K’Ogalo and Tusker are seen as favorites to reach the finals since they enjoy a good run in the league with Brewers leading the log with 18 points, one ahead of Gor after nine rounds of KPL matches.

Gor and Tusker will be looking to reclaim the title while Leopards and KCB will be going for their first.
For the first time the tournament was staged in three different counties, Nairobi, Machakos and Nakuru as the semis that are scheduled to run next weekend will take place at the same venues in home and away basis.

The winner will pocket Sh1m (USD 11,534).

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 22- Four-time Boston winner, Catherine Ndereba, has backed Rita Jeptoo to surpass her chequered record at the world’s oldest marathon after the 33-year-old clinched her third crown on Monday in a staggering 2:18:47 route best.

Racing like poetry in motion, the defending champion held on to her crown by uncorking blistering splits from the Heartbreak Hill to the tape to become the first woman after Ndereba to win three titles there following her previous success in 2006.

The two-time world champion who stands alone as the only woman to win Boston four times paid homage to Jeptoo’s performance that took her to number 5 on the all time list.

“I’m happy for her and what she did although I just missed the race. She is capable of winning four or even five times,” Ndereba told Capital Sport on Tuesday.

The legend who won her fourth Boston title incidentally at 33 in 2005 after victories in 2000, 2001 and 2004 believes Jeptoo is getting finer as the years progress.

“Age is gold it doesn’t matter. It depends on what you want to put in and how you go about it. As you get older, it becomes easier for you to set goals and as long as you do not have disruptions, you can achieve anything,” the two-time Olympics silver medallist added.

“Experience is the best teacher and we can see that with the likes of Edna (Kiplagat, London champion, 34) and Rita. For Boston, Rita knew the course so well, she could even run with her eyes closed and that gave her the advantage over the rest of the field.

“She knew what to expect and that helps a lot in planning and training for the race. I’m not surprised by the time she ran which was very good. As long as you have trained well and on the day when the weather is good and a bit of back wind, any time is possible,” Ndereba explained.

She added: “When I see the girls doing what they are doing now, I’m pleased I was able to demonstrate to them that it is doable. It’s only a matter of believing and training and what we are seeing in the country at the moment as far as women are concerned is a result of that.”

Jeptoo became the first to run sub-2:20 at the difficult course after the pack came through halfway in 1:09:28 following the furious pace set by home favourite, Sharlene Flanagan.

At the crest of Heartbreak Hill, Jeptoo took control with a series of blistering mile splits coming down through Brookline to the finish, including an almost-unbelievable 4:47 for the 24th mile.

Alone by then, Jeptoo was chasing only Margaret Okayo’s course record of 2:20:43 from 2002, and it was almost a foregone conclusion. After covering the final 2.195km section in 6:51 – just three seconds slower than Keflezighi’s split for the same section – Jeptoo crossed the finish line in 2:18:57, taking her to fifth on the world all-time list.

“I was not expecting to run fast like today, but I’m happy,” Jeptoo told IAAF. “I was surprised because the race was like on fire! I managed to think of all my training. Last year you saw nobody pushing because they’re looking for me, and everybody follows me. But today I pushed all day.”

“I’ve never started like that. My body was not responsive at the beginning. Maybe after 25km I felt like, ‘I’m OK,’ and I started from there.”

Jeptoo and Keflezighi each won $150,000 for their victories; Jeptoo will add an additional $25,000 for the course record.

Flanagan trailed in seventh in 2:22:02, the fastest-ever US time on the Boston course, and told reporters she would keep coming back until she won.

-Additional reporting iaaf.org

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 22 Local giants Gor Mahia and bitter rivals AFC Leopards were kept apart in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top 8 semi-finals conducted on Tuesday inviting the prospect of a derby finale.

Defending champions Tusker FC will host league titleholders K’Ogalo in a repeat of last season while Leopards will be away to face debutants KCB in the first leg of last four ties.

The first legs will go down on May 21 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium with the returns slated for June 4 at the same venue.

“We decided to reschedule the semi-final dates that were initially set for this weekend to accommodate Harambee Stars Africa Nations Cup qualifies that were announced by CAF.

“We will have a meeting with all the head coaches on Saturday to harmonize the fixtures until the end of the season, this has been hesitated by the interruption of the GOtv Shield, Cecafa Club fixtures,” KPL CEO, Jack Oguda, said during the draw.

K’Ogalo and Ingwe have never met in the competition and the first time they were paired together was in 2012 where Leopards pulled out of the tournament citing security concerns.

Last year the pair were eliminated in the quarter-finals with Gor having the opportunity to turn tables on the Brewers, now under Francis Kimanzi, for toppling them last season as they failed to hold on to the crown.

“This is a tournament that we will be looking to defend so we have already taken a step and that is to play two matches in the semis so every time we win a match we create an opportunity or a challenge for the team to play in another match. For us its important we compete to the end and retain the trophy.

“I will not be minding on how we played in the league since this is a different tournament they might change their tactics so for me I will be concentrating on my team,” Kimanzi said after the draw.

“You can run but not hide and for us we want to settle that score but it will not going to be an easy game. The last time we played to a 1-1 draw that gave us a lot of encouragement.

“I think they have a good squad this year but we can match them and also being defending champions we want to prove to them we are also there and we want the trophy once again,” Gor assistant head coach, Bobby Ogolla, stated.

“It’s good that we are playing Tusker because playing against Mashemeji (Leopards) would have put us in a very awkward position because it would mean we play them again in the GOtv Shield and League in succession.

“If we sail through we can play them in the finals if they qualify but for now its not the right time to play the derby,” he added.

On the other hand, Leopards assistant coach Abdallah Juma will have the opportunity to get back at the Bankers who sacked him a week ago when he leads Ingwe against KCB in the other semi-finals.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 22 – Athletics Kenya (AK) has invited over 104 athletes for Saturday’s final Safaricom Relays Series meeting where the country’s team for the May 23 and 24 inaugural IAAF World Relays Championships in Bahamas will be selected.

The event that was initially scheduled for Kasarani has been shifted to Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium to attract more spectators.

AK has appointed a five member panel of selectors led by National Olympic Committee Kenya chairman Kipchoge Keino, national coach Sammy Rono, Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch, athlete’s representative Noah Ngeny and Joyce Odhiambo to decide the final team.

“We have invited all athletes who have been consistent and set good times since the Safaricom relay series started and also those who have competed in the World Championships, Olympics and World Indoor Games but it will be up to the panel of selectors to decide who makes the team.

“We shall run the straight events first where we have invited athletes for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m then the panel of selectors will decide who makes it to the main relay event that will kick-off in the afternoon.

“We are taking this event very seriously since Kenya is the world record holder of 4x800m and 4x1500m men and women. Looking at the way our athletes have prepared for this event a record can be set during the Trials in both events so we have proper timing equipment,” AK vice-president in charge of administration and competitions, David Okeyo said in a media briefing at Riadha House on Tuesday.

He urged all athletes invited to confirm their participation by Friday so that they can work on the final start list and logistics.

The Local Organising Committee has proposed the names of coaches and officials that will accompany the team to Bahamas but will have to wait until Wednesday to be ratified by the Executive Committee.

The team that will be named will head to camp from May 1 to 16 before they depart the following day for the first World Relay Championships.

Athletes will compete in the 4 x 100m, 4 x 200m, 4 x 400m, 4 x 800m and 4 x 1500m races with the country focused on presenting strong men and women team for the latter events where it is hinging most of her medal prospects on.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 22- Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has lifted night match ban that it had slapped on Kenya Premier League (KPL) clubs due to security concerns in the aftermath of last year’s Westgate Mall terror attacks in Nairobi.

The decision comes a week after giant clubs Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards lodged a complain with KPL petitioning to have the ban lifted to enable clubs generate more revenue through gate collection especially for midweek matches.

However, lifting of the ban comes with stringent conditions.

“The Federation is pleased to notify you that the earlier ban on hosting night matches involving premier league teams has been lifted. However, strict security measures and water tight security plans have to be put in place to ensure optimum safely during the matches,” FKF Secretary General Michael Esakwa said in a statement.

FKF announced a ban on night matches last year amid security concerns following the Westgate siege last September that left 67 dead and over 175 injured.

Before the ban, night matches that used to kick-off at 7pm under floodlit had become popular with local fans.

Meanwhile, former KPL champions Tusker FC has been given the go ahead to use Meru’s Kinoru Stadium for their home matches.

The Stadium was among venues blacklisted from hosting league matches by KPL owing to poor state of the facility that was under renovation by Meru County Government.

At the beginning of the season, Brewers had expressed interest of using the venue as their home ground with club director Charles Obiny, confirming to Capital Sport they will play their first match on May 11 against newcomers KRA.

“Our first match at Kinoru Stadium will be against KRA since both FKF and KPL inspected the field. The only thing we were waiting is for the grass to grow and since it’s a rainy season by the time we play there it will be in good condition,” Obiny told.

“FKF is pleased to inform you (Tusker) that Kinoru Stadium has been approved as suitable and appropriate to host premier league matches and your request to host home matches at the stadium is hereby granted.

“In lieu of this, your club is advised that they can now use the stadium for their home matches with immediate effect. As a Federation we congratulate your club for this noble move in taking the game of football to Meru County as this will give fans in the area an opportunity to watch high level matches,” a statement from FKF read.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 24 – If you are a Gor Mahia die hard fan, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) needs you for funds to keep the club from going under due to a crippling cash crunch it finds itself in.

On Thursday, the club announced it was broke and launched a mobile phone pay bill number 350100 to mobilise their devoted Green Army faithful to raise monies keep K’Ogalo running after their three-year sponsorship deal with Tuzo lapsed last month.

It comes two days after Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) slapped the league champions who moved to the summit of the KPL on Wednesday with a 3-0 win over Muhoroni with a Sh118m tax lien as it continues to pursue a new sponsor.

Now operating without a sponsor who was paying players salaries amounting to Sh1.8m per month, K’Ogalo officials have been forced to depend on KPL broadcast rights holders SuperSport monies and gate collections to settle their monthly expenditure that runs to Sh4.5m per month.

“We are running out of money there is nothing to hide the fact is we don’t have money. So if we are not able to participate in the league simply because we cannot afford to fuel our bus for our away matches,

“If we don’t have money we cannot operate and that’s why I’m appealing to all well wishers, fans and friends of Gor to support the club financially through the playbill number to help us offset some of the most pressing bills, most important to see players salaries,” chairman Ambrose Rachier said whilst making the impassioned plea during the launch of the pay bill number.

To compound the situation, Brookside Dairies, the owners of the Tuzo brand have withheld March salaries after KRA wrote them a demand letter for back taxes as Gor officials scramble to avert disaster.

Other recurrent costs in danger of not being met in the ongoing cash woe include weekly travelling allowances and match bonuses for players and staff as well as running the secretariat.

“As you are aware KRA are claiming from us a huge figure of Sh118m and have moved to cripple us by serving our agencies notices to nearly all our financial sources.

“While we are taking appropriate action to address this unfortunate claim, we wish to send a passionate appeal to all K’Ogalo adherents to come forward and contribute generously before we soon come to a halt,” the chairman implored.

“KRA’s effort is to make sure we don’t receive money and we won’t be surprised if somebody comes at the gate to grab our entry collection because there is that deliberate effort to make sure we don’t obtain money and I’m wondering why Gor since no other club has been approached,” he claimed, ignoring the fact that archrivals AFC Leopards and Western Stima are on record settling their dues with the taxman.

“But at the moment we are making appropriate consultations before we decide to take action since the issue is having a negative impact on our potential sponsors,” the chairman added on the KRA issue.

According to Rachier this development will not affect the performance of the team despite not paying March salaries for staff including head coach Bobby Williamson, since they have held a meeting with the players and technical bench to inform them on financial constraints.

Meanwhile, his vice John Pesa, called upon the Green Army to maintain patience and allow the systems they have put in place to function and succeed.

“We are now getting some firms to sell our tickets and yet some fans misunderstand the process.

“Let us have issues that are tangible rather than having blame games that money is being stolen yet we have no funds, this is an area we are very concerned about because as you understand we don’t have a sponsor so we need to collect the money at the gate promptly and efficiently so that we can function well,” he noted.

Gor are perched at the top of the KPL log with 20 points, two ahead of Chemelil and Tusker who are jointly placed second after playing 10 rounds.