NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 26 – Forward William Wadri has been twice voted as man of the match at the SportPesa Cup here in Dar es Salaam, his scintillating displays and two goals off set-pieces playing a vital role in seeing Bandari qualify for the final in their debut.

The Ugandan who joined the dockers at the start of last season from Ugandan side Maroons hopes that he can maintain the magic as Bandari faces Kariobangi Sharks in Sunday afternoon’s final at the National Stadium.

“I think that puts me under some little pressure because I have to work hard and show that it has not been a fluke. I have to maintain the hard work and probably do more. It has not been easy the past two games, but getting man of the match for both matches has really motivated me,” Wadri noted.

Head coach Bernard Mwalala has also praised the influence of the dreadlocked-silent assasint noting he has been at the centre of Bandari’s attack in the tournament.

“I think he has done really well over those two games and getting man of the match in all is not a fluke. It shows that he has that class and I am really happy with how he has performed so far. Not only him but the whole team as well,” Mwalala said.

The 24-year old has played for Proline, Kampala City Council and Vipers in the Ugandan top tier before moving on loan to police in the 2016/2017 season then to Maroons and finally to Bandari.

Last season he bagged nine goals in his debut year in Kenya’s top tier and this season after eight games, he has scored twice.

But, biggest on his mind right now is clinching the Sportpesa Cup title and earning the right to play Everton FC in a friendly match next July.

“It will be a tough game because these are two teams familiar with each other. Everyone wants it and it will take some hard work and determination to be the ultimate winners. We believe in ourselves as a team and hopefully we win the trophy,” Wadri noted.

His sentiments are echoed by keeper Faruk Shikhalo who has also played a starring role for the side in their quest for the title and especially their win over Simba on Friday evening.

Shikhalo has called on his teammates to draw in their last straws of effort and ensure the Cup takes the shorter roite from Dar es Salaam, straight to Mombasa.

“It will be very tough. Good thing is that the trophy is going back to Kenya and that is good, But we want to win it. The players have that belief because we have come from so far and wi think it is possible,” the shot stopper further stated.

Bandari upset the form books when they beat home side and pre-tournament favorites Simba with a 2-1 scoreline in a scintillating final on Friday and head coach Bernard Mwalala pointed the performance to growing belief within the group of players.

Mwalala now hopes his boys can carry that same belief to the final.

“We executed our tactic well not to allow Simba play and everything worked out to our plan. We pressed high and attacked and that made us score twice after going down by a goal,”

“The players knew that this was their chance to show the continent that they are worth it, and earn a chance to play Everton. The mental preparedness was great and they fought so hard. They took this as their last chance. It will be a tough final but we are ready for it,” the tactician further noted.

Bandari will have beautiful memories of their last meeting with Sharks and will hope that this will be a recurrence of the same. The dockers won 3-0 at their Mbaraki Sports Complex when these two sides last met in July last year.

Prior to that, Sharks had won all their previous top flight meetings 1-0.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 26 – Three-time World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor warmed up for the World Cross Country Trials with a title defence at the National Police Cross Country Championship held at the Ngong Race Course on Saturday.

Kamworor, who will be eying a hat-trick of titles at this year’s World Cross that will be hosted in Denmark come March 30, cruised past a competitive men’s 10KM team to cut the tape in 29:36.1, beating Josphat Boit who came second in 29:53.9.

Coming third place is Isaac Temoi from the General Service Unit (GSU), returning 29:58.8 in the Championship that was ran under hot conditions.

Emmanuel Bett from Central was third in 30:08.7 while Mathew Kisorio completed the top five finish, clocking 30:10.5.

In the corresponding women’s race, Margaret Chelimo from Eastern dominated the race in 33:09.2 ahead of 2015 World women’s steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng who was second in 33:43.5 as Paskalia Chepkorir completed the podium finish, returning 33:55.3.

Beatrice Chepkoech, the World Women’s Steeplechase record holder was fourth in 34:00.4 while Edith Chelimo wrapped up the top five in a time of 34:03.0.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 26 – KCB Rugby club were to good over Nakuru RFC after mauling Wanyore 49-6 in the Kenya Cup round 8 played at the Lions Den in Nairobi’s Ruaraka on Saturday.

The Bankers started the first half of the match with explosive plays as the took the early lead through Oliver Mangeni after some brilliant build up play from the back line.

Peter Waitere added the second try shortly after with Darwin Mukidza adding the two points through a clean conversation.

Flanker Felix Ojoo added more points on the board after a maul from the line out just five meters out to keep the lead going into the half time break.

After the break Top Fry Nakuru looked to put on a more defensive front to stop the ever-attacking KCB and managed to get the first points of the second half for the visitors after a penalty kick.

KCB responded instantly by adding another try of their own through after relentless pressure in the last ten meters. Peter Waitere got his second of the afternoon after a good scrum from the pack with Mukidza adding the further two to leave the score at 33-6.

After a calmer period in the game where both teams seemed to have equal amounts of possession inside centre Esau Otieno made sure he got on to the scoresheet after he forced his way through two defenders to get beyond the white chalk to make 42-6, including the two added points from the conversion.

The big man Andrew Amonde also got in on the free flowing tries after to make it 49-6 on the board with only a few minutes left on the clock.

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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Jan 26 – Duke Abuya sat out of Kariobangi Sharks’ training session on Saturday at the Uhuru Stadium here in Dar es Salaam ahead of Sunday’s SportPesa Super Cup final having picked up an injury in their semis win over Mbao FC.

Abuya came off midway through the second half limping, throwing huge concern for Sharks especially after he failed to train on Saturday. However, that seems to be only a precaution as word from the Sharks camp is that the forward will be able to play on Sunday.

Abuya was key for Sharks during their 3-2 win over Yanga in the first round, scoring twice and assisting the other, but had a particularly off color day against Mbao until he limped out injured.

He was replaced by last year’s Kenyan Premier League player of the year and top scorer Eric Kapaito who himself is coming off injury. The fitness of the two will be key for William Muluya’s charge as he looks to clinch the title and Sh3mn cash prize that comes with it.

Sharks are looking to bag their second major trophy after their Football Kenya Federation Shield triumph last season and with an opportunity to play Everton on the cards, the motivation of the side is at an all time high.

“We can obviously not think about Everton before playing the final but all in all once we get that opportunity, we will be ready for it. We want to make history by being the first African team to beat Everton,” assistant coach Collins Omondi stated at the pre-match presser on Saturday evening.

Sharks progressed to the final after a hard earned post-match penalties win over Tanzania’s Mbao FC and heading into the final, head coach William Muluya has only one target; clinching the title.

“It was a very tough semi-final because if you look at both teams, they are made up of youngsters. We knew there was a high possibility of going into penalties and we prepared well for it,” Muluya said.

On facing Bandari at the final, the tactician stated; “It is good that we are two Kenyan teams in the final and both of us would want to carry the accolade back home. But whoever prepares better and makes less mistakes will carry the day. I have prepared well and I believe I will carry the day,” noted the tactician.

Sharks lost to Bandari for the first time in the second leg of last season, going down 3-0 in Mombasa having won all the previous meetings by a solitary goal.

However, the two sides do not expect history to count for anything.

“This is a tournament and a different ball game altogether and things will be different. It will be tough but we are ready for it. Everyone is focused and I want to urge all Tanzanian fans to come out tomorrow and watch the game and support football. We promise a good match,” skipper Eric Juma commented.

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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Jan 27 – Zambian Clatous Chama scored the winning penalty as last year’s finalists Simba SC beat Mwanza-based Mbao 5-3 on spot-match spot kicks at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam to clinch the bronze medal at the 2019 SportPesa Cup in Tanzania.

The game had to go the full length to penalties after a barren stalemate in regulation time and Chama who came on as a second half sub scored the fifth Kick for Simba just after Mbao’s Ratesh Kotecha had skied his effort.

Simba had scored the first four through Emmanuel Okwi, Nicholas Gyan, Serge Pascal Wawa and keeper Deogratius Munishi.

Mbao had scored through Said Khamis, Babilas Chitembe and Vincent Philipo.

On the balance of chances, Simba should have comfortably won the game in regulation time but were too wasteful.

In the opening 10 minutes of the game, Wekundu Wa Msimbazi dominated proceedings with Sadney Urikhob having most of the opportunities infront of goal. He twice shot on target but in both instances, he shot too close to the keeper.

In the ninth minute of the game, he had perhaps the best chance when Rashid Juma’s cross found him at the edge of the box but he took too many twists inside the box and his eventual shot was weak.

Shiza Kichuya also had a chance wen Urikhob turned provider cutting back the ball for him, but the midfielder’s effort was saved by the impressive Mbao keeper Metacha Mnata.

Meddie Kagere was a tightly marked man for Simba and he rarely found space to run in as the Mbao defense kept him closely guarded. He only managed one shot, but couldn’t find its way on target.

In the second half, Simba coach Patrick Aussems made changes including bringing on Emmanuel Okwi for Kagere while Clatous Chama also came in for Kichuya.

Okwi brought some excitement in attack with his pace and came close after 12 minutes when his first time volley off a Rashid Juma cross went against the crossbar, Mnata well beaten.

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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Jan 27 – Kariobangi Sharks are the new champions of the SportPesa Cup after beating Bandari by a solitary goal in the final at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday evening.

Crowd favorite Harrison Mwenda scored the lone goal on the hour mark to hand Sharks their second major trophy since gaining promotion to the top tier in 2017.

The young squad not only fly back home with a bumper Sh3mn cheque to their credit but also earn an opportunity to face English Premier League outfit Everton FC in a friendly match at the Moi Sports Centre in Kasarani in July this year.

The two coaches maintained their strongest teams with Sharks’ William Muluya making only one change, Shaphan Oyugi starting ahead of the suspended Sven Yidah. Duke Abuya who was a huge doubt having limped off in the semis was passed fit to start the tie.

Bandari caused the first scare in the second minute of the game when the exciting Abdallah Hassan struck a low shot from the right but keeper John Oyemba made a good save to turn the ball behind for a corner.

In the 10^th minute, David King’atua’s freekick from the right landed on Bernard Odhiambo’s head at the backpost but his nod went just wide.

King’atua had a go at goal himself in the 21^st minute with a freekick at the edge of the box when Yema Mwana was axed by Tom Teka, but his powerful effort went just over.

Five minutes later, Oyemba was forced into a brilliant save, diving to his left to palm away the ball after Mwana had latched onto a cross from Hassan.

Sharks were almost punished after skipper Patillah Omotto lost the ball cheaply in a dangerous area and Hassan picked it up to send in a cross.

Sharks were not in their usual element and kept losing the ball especially in the middle of the pack and didn’t create many chances either.

In the 36^th minute, Bandari keeper Faruk Shikhalo almost gifted Sharks a goal when he came off his line and George Abege beat him to the ball to set up Vincent Wasambo. However, the midfielder chose to swing in a cross instead of going for goal and the Bandari defense cleared.

They came very close in the second minute of added time when Abege won the ball at the edge of the box and shot on the turn, but the effort went inches wide.

Sharks came back a bit more organized in the second half and had a sniff at goal just two minutes into the second 45 when Abege tried his luck from a distance, his shot pushed away for a corner by Shihalo.

Bandari boss Bernard Mwalala made an eye raising change, bringing off midarks made a change, Mwendwa making way for Eric Juma as Muluya now sought to lock the game with a one goal lead.

Mwalala made more change, Mwana and King’atua coming off for Keegan Ndemi and Darius Msagha, changes that were meant to bolster the attack.

But, Sharks kept possession, choosing to deny Bandari any sight of the ball.

Muluya made more changes, Sidney Lokale coming on for Abege while with five minutes left defender John Kuol came on for Vincent Wasambo to add more bodies behind the ball.

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LONDON, United Kingdom, Jan 27 – Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama made his first appearance in two months for Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday night as the North London side was knocked out of the FA Cup following a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace.

Wanyama has missed the last 10 weeks due to a niggling knee injury and came on as a second half substitute replacing Eric Dier as Spurs’ hopes for a trophy took another tumble.

Coincidentally, the burly midfielder’s last match for Spurs was a league match against Palace on November 10, a match he played for the entire 90 as they won 1-0 at Selhurst Park.

Connor Wickham gave the unfancied Eagles, 29 points adrift of Spurs in the Premier League, a ninth-minute lead before a penalty by former Tottenham winger Andros Townsend made it 2-0.

Spurs’ Kieran Trippier missed with a penalty before half-time as Tottenham suffered more spot-kick woe following Thursday’s shoot-out defeat by Chelsea in a League Cup semi-final.

Tottenham pressed for a goal in the second half but Palace, just three points above the relegation zone, upset the form book to record a deserved win.

This reverse left Mauricio Pochettino still searching for his first trophy as Tottenham manager since the Argentinian joined from Southampton in 2014, with Spurs’ last piece of silverware the 2008 League Cup.

It is also bound to intensify the debate over whether Spurs need to change their transfer strategy and spend big in the closing days of the January window.

Spurs were without injured England stars Harry Kane and Dele Alli, while the in-form Son Heung-Min had still to return from international duty with South Korea at the Asia Cup.

Pochettino, however, decided to omit Christian Eriksen, with the influential playmaker not even among Spurs’ substitutes at Selhurst Park.

For all they are third in the Premier League, Spurs are nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

And, with title-holders Manchester City also ahead of them, it would be a surprise if Tottenham — last crowned champions of England in their ‘Double’ season of 1960/61 — ended the season top of the table.

– ‘So Painful’ –

The Champions League is now Tottenham’s only hope of a trophy this season, with Pochettino’s men playing German club Borussia Dortmund in the last 16.

Pochettino said his side had suffered a “painful” defeat, telling BT Sport: “Palace did not do much, but they scored and deserved to go through to the next round.

“It was so painful to lose the game like this. There were some key moments, like the (missed penalty), which would have changed everything.”

He added: “We have to look forward to the Premier League and Champions League.

“We are in a crazy run of fixtures, but this is how it is in England. We cannot complain and just try in the two competitions to give our best.”

It took Palace a mere nine minutes to open the scoring, Wickham following up after a Jeff Schlupp shot was blocked by Spurs goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Palace then made the most of a bizarre incident when Spurs’ Kyle Walker-Peters handled a cross into the box.

It was a clear penalty and Townsend made no mistake from the spot, slamming the ball into the middle of the goal.

“It was good to get the goal in the first 10 minutes and give us the platform to build on,” said Wickham, whose goal was his first in any competition since November 2016.

Meanwhile Townsend turned Tottenham’s knowledge of his spot-kick technique against them.

“I took a few penalties for Spurs, so I knew they would be telling the keeper to go the other way,” he explained.

At 2-0 down, Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, making his first Spurs start since January 2017, had two good chances well-saved by veteran Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

But Speroni wasn’t needed when, after Patrick Van Aanholt brought down Juan Foyth, Trippier blasted the ensuing penalty well wide of the post.

Tottenham pressed hard in the second half, but Speroni saved well from Fernando Llorente to keep them at bay.

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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Jan 28 – Bandari FC head coach Bernard Mwalala has revealed he will be dipping into the Tanzanian towns of Singida and Mwanza to strengthen his squad when the Kenyan Premier League transfer opens.

Though he declined to peg any names on the ambition, Mwalala who says he wants to strengthen his side for a shot for the league title says several players from Singida and Mbao FC impressed him during the SportPesa Cup in Dar es Salaam and he will look to get their services.

“There are two or three players who have impressed me from those two teams and definitely when the window opens, we will look to get them and strengthen our squad especially in the attack line,” Mwalala said.

Among the players who impressed at the SportPesa Cup including keeper Metacha Mnata who was named keeper of the tournament, forward Raphael Siame who was Gor Mahia’s chief destroyer in the quarters and left back Amos Charles.

Mwalala believes if he can get at least two more quality players into his side then they will be a force to reckon with and improve on their second place finish in the league last season.

Bandari reached the final of the SportPesa Cup on their debut, losing to eventual champions Kariobangi Sharks by a solitary goal.

Despite the loss, Mwalala says he was impressed with the performance of his players and said they picked so many vital lessons that will aid them going back home.

“It has been a learning process for us and I think we also leave as winners. We have reaped so much from this tournament and it will give us such a huge advantage going back home to the league,” Mwalala said.

“We have a very young team and this was their first time at such a stage and also for me as a coach and despite losing the final, we can’t go back home with our heads down. We have been the darling of the crowd and played beautiful football,” Mwalala who formerly played for Yanga here in Dar stated.

The tactician was also full of praise for youngster William Wadri who was named the tournament’s Most valuable Player after picking the man of the match accolade in two of Bandari’s three games in the tournament.

“He (Wadri) deserves it. He has not only played well here but in the KPL as well. He is disciplined on and off the pitch and works hard in training. This is the fruit of hard work and now it gives him more motivation because more people have seen him and a big team can now come and ask for his services,” the tactician stated.

Bandari fly back home Monday and their concentration will be directly swung to the Western Kenya town of Kakamega when they face Kakamega Homeboyz in a rescheduled league tie at the Bukhungu Stadium.

The dockers who have not lost this season hope for the positive vibes to continue as they look to bridge the gap between them and leaders Mathare United who are in flying form this season.

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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Jan 28 – Former Everton FC forward Steven Pienaar has urged Kariobangi Sharks, winners of the 2019 Sportpesa Cup, to maximize the opportunity that comes with playing the English Premier League side in a friendly match next July in Nairobi.

Sharks earned the opportunity after edging out Bandari in the final on Sunday evening in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and will welcome the Merseyside club to Nairobi at a date to be confirmed in July as part of Everton’s pre-season training.

“It’s a good opportunity for the players. If I am a player playing against a Premier League team, I want to show my talent and this is an opportunity for them to show that they are good and hopefully, one or two of them can get scouted and move abroad,” Pienaar who played over 250 times for the Toffees stated.

He added; It is a good and rare chance for them and I am sure they will be motivated for that game.”

Sharks players have themselves vowed to do themselves a world of good by giving their best in the friendly, saying it will be an opportunity for them to market themselves to the outside world.

“Facing Everton is a huge game. Everyone wants to play in England or Europe and that we have the opportunity to play against a European team is enough motivation for us to prepare for that game. It will help us a lot in terms of confidence,” midfielder Patillah Omotto stated.

His sentiments were echoed by head coach William Muluya who said;

“Playing Everton is something huge for these players and especially noting that they are coming to Nairobi, we will want to give our best for them,” the tactician stated.

Pienaar believes that if they prepare well, then they will give Everton a run for their money.

The South African international who finished his career playing back at home with Bidvest Wits has been in Tanzania for the past four days as Everton’s ambassador to the tournament and part of the ‘Kits for Africa’ campaign carried out by the Liverpool based club.

“It is a big thing for the region for Everon to come and play here. It gives the youth and opportunity to see some of their heroes and for those playing a chance to go out there and follow their dreams,” he said.

Adding; “Having come from the same circumstances, I know how it feels to overcome lots of challenges and play at the top.”

“Everton is the people’s club and that is why it is so close for them to come out here and help the people and help the young kids as well become better players and better people.”

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – Governor’s Camp are the 2019 winners of the Chairman’s Polo Cup after edging White Cap 4-3.5 in an entertaining season finale match played at the Nairobi Polo Club on Sunday afternoon.

The winners needed an incredible own-goal from the tournament’s best playing female player Miranda Romjin to win the match in the fourth and final Chukka.

For the match White Cap had led from the first whistle all the way to the last Chukka, Miranda and the team must have felt hard done.

The victory saw Mombasa Island Cargo Terminal (MICT) dominance in the tourney come to an end having won the last two editions of the tournament.

Last January, MICT successfully defended the title. The victories coming against Royal Salute and Samsung respectively.

Moses Wainanga (0.5), Athony Wahome (0),Kevin Kiambie (0) and Magda Jurkoweck (-1.0) were the players in Governor’s Camp side.

Johnson Asenga (1.5),Phyllipa Gulden (0),Simon Muchene (-1.5) and  Miranda Romjin (-1.5) turned up for White Cup.

Phyllipa Gulden quick goals in the first and second Chukka gave White Cup a dream start, having been boosted by superior horses as described by Tournament’s Most Valuable player Tony Wahome.

Tony Wahome the scorer of Governor’s Camp second goal of the match after Moses Wainanga had pulled one back had his teammates to thank for a spirited fight back.

“The match was very tight which was determined by a fraction. I must say we the own goal was the ice breaker.”Tony who was sympathetic to Miranda afterwards reflected.

” The season has been tough for the players but more so the horses, I am certain the three months will be sufficient to recuperate, “The Nairobi Polo Club ground’s man offered.

Handcap 1.5 Johnson Asenga was the other scorer for the runners up, his goal coming between Wainanga and Wahome’s. All the three goals coming in the third Chukka.

At the beginning of the fourth Chukka Wainanga might have sounded the warning bell after a brilliant individual goal made it made the difference between the two sides just a fraction. At that point, it was anybody’s game to win.

The match winner could come late in the Chukka Miranda’s ambitious attempted clearance ending in her own goal much to shock and excitement from teammates and opponents in equal measure.

Wahome, who had previously been named the MVP in the Davies Cup this January says he is hoping to improve his Handcap from (0).

“To upgrade you need horse power. I am thankful to Nairobi Polo Club vice Chairman Raphael Nzomo for giving me his horses from the Nzomo Stable, the guy is literally there for everyone,” He added.

In the third place play off,Amani Nzomo, scored four times as Samurai defeated Murban Polo 6-2.5. His elder sister Hiromi and Rowena StichBury the other scorers. John Asenga scored two for Murban.

The new season will kick off in May at Manyatta Polo Club.

-By Amos Abuga-

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – Zameer Verjee, Kunal Patel, Tsorav Soni, Illyun Mughal and Imran Hakada were the star attractions as the KCB Kenya National Autocross Championship season opener culminated dramatic fashion at The Great Rift Valley (TGRV) racetrack in Mai Mahiu.

Fans who turned who turned out at the track were treated to some exhilarating displays of motoring artistry on a jot and dusty day.

Zameer attributed his Two Wheel Drive Non Turbo victory to meticulous driving lines and speed.

“It was a very hot and dusty day but a great run on the volcanic ash soil. After upgrading to a new class, the Rage Buggy looks great and I’m hoping for the best in the next rounds,” said Zameer who beat Sameer Nanji to second place with Rajveer Thethy coming in third and Sarry Mughal fourth.

Zameer also racked up two championship bonus points for setting the Fastest Time of the Day (FTD). He cleared his third heat run in a time of 2.38.40.

“What a great way to start a season, scoring maximum points and the bonus, I’m chuffed,” Zameer went on.

But  Sarry had a good consolation with his son Illyun Mughal winning the Bambino Class.

Illyun, the youngest driver at Izmir Racing beat defending champion Yuvraj Rajput to second.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for Tsevi Soni who wasn’t classified on Bambino class results due to mechanical gremlins to his buggy.

Tsevi drive the practice heat bit his buggy packed up prior to the first heat.

Imran Hakada clocked 7:39.81 minutes to win the Open class a head of Shalien Mughal and defending champion Kirit Rajput.

Nanyuki based Kunal Patel started off the season in awesome.

“The. track was all good and the buggy reliability spot on. The essence will.be to keep up with the pace and maintain the tempo,” said Kunal who beat Imran Hakada and Nazir Verjee to the podium dash. After the best of three heat total, Kunal romped home in  7.39.82 beating Hakada by a 7second margin.

The pee wee class for kids aged 7-8 years was equally entertaining.

Tsorav Soni beat girl driver Kiana Rajput by a massive 5 minutes margin.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – This Friday and Saturday will see lady professional golfers, who feature on the Ladies European Tour, play two Pro-Ams on Vipingo Ridge’s PGA Baobab Course during their inaugural visit to Kenya.

With 13 professionals now confirmed to attend the event, more than 36 Kenyan golfers are scheduled to participate alongside them.

Among these local players are 13-year-old Alyssa Jamal who earlier this month won Lady Captain’s Prize golf tournament at Nyali Golf and Country Club -an incredible fete for this young player beating participants with many more years of experience.

Jamal, who has a handicap of 8, is a promising junior athlete from Nyali Golf Club and Vipingo Ridge welcomes this younger generation to participate in such high-profile events, believing in the incredible part sport has to play in the development of Kenyan children and young adults.

Other notable local players include former Ladies National Golf Champion, Naomi Wafula. The 20-year-old, from Kitale Golf Club, has already enjoyed a sterling career despite her age, representing Kenya in golf throughout her teens. Last year, she won the Nyali Bowl at the Ladies Coast Open.

Mike Round Turner, General Manager at Vipingo Ridge stated “We look forward to welcoming these incredible young women and all the players involved to Vipingo Ridge later this week. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic event -one that we hope will showcase Kenya as a safe and quality destination for international sporting events.”

The Tour professional players will be on route from the Fatima Mubarak Ladies Open in Abu Dhabi to the Australian Ladies Classic Bonville and therefore will be making a stop in Kenya between tour events. The Pro-Ams, which will see amateurs pair with the LET professionals.

All 13 LET players have ranked in the top 100 in the 2018 Order of Merit, with Florentyna Parker from England being the most famous in the field after three professional wins and representing Europe in the 2017 Solheim Cup in Des Moines, USA. Parker placed 13th in the Order of Merit last year.

Other players confirmed to attend are Noemi Jimenez Martin from Spain who finished 19th and Camilla Lennarth (Sweden) who was 23rd. Vipingo Ridge, in collaboration with U.COM Event, is hosting both events and is proud to promote Kenyan golf and its unique golfing destinations to the world.

Guy Moran, Head of Property and Development at The PGA, commented: “This event promises to be a triumph helping to put Kenyan golf on the map, especially by promoting ladies golf throughout the country and further afield. The PGA fully supports such activities and congratulates Vipingo Ridge, U.COM and partners for putting together a world-class Pro-Am at relatively short notice. We look forward to seeing many more of the same.”

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – The Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) on Monday unveiled sponsors for the 2019 Kenya Open Golf Championship, as the event draws near, and preparations hit top gear.

The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Tourism as well as the Ministry of Sports, Barclays Bank of Kenya, Kenya Breweries Limited and Hemingways Hotel were unveiled as some of the confirmed sponsors as conclusion on other sponsorships come to a close.

While making the announcement, KOGL Chairman, Peter Kanyago, thanked the sponsors for their renewed support of the Kenya Open Golf Championship, noting that the change in sponsor categories was necessitated by the improved status of the tournament.

“I note with gratitude that the journey towards the promotion of the tournament to the European Tour could not have been possible without the support accorded to us by our sponsors over the years. And for that, we remain truly grateful.”

Speaking at the same event Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala expressed the Government’s belief in the potential that the Kenya Open has in growing Kenya’s Tourism.

“I am delighted to announce that the Ministry of Tourism, through the Kenya Tourism Board, will be sponsoring this year’s Kenya Open Golf Championship. Through the sponsorship, we believe that the Kenya Open will prominently position Magical Kenya to the global audience through the TV broadcasting opportunities that comes with the new status,” he said.

On his part, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Sports and Heritage Amb. Kirimi Kaberia reiterated the Government’s commitment in supporting the growth of Golf in the country.

“The Government remains committed towards the growth of the sport and last year’s announcement by His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta on the intention to increase the Kenya Open prize money kitty from 1.1 Million Euros to 2.2 Million, was a clear indication of this commitment.”

He added: “I am delighted to note that this year’s tournament will for the first time be played under the prestigious European Tour, after the increase in prize money. The promotion to the European tour is set to further strengthen the country’s position as a global sporting giant.”

Commenting on Barclays Bank’s commitment to this year’s Kenya Open, Barclays Bank of Kenya Chief Finance Officer, Yusuf Omari, said:

“Over the past 9 years, we have worked hand in hand with KOGL to grow the profile and stature of the Kenya Open and as we look back, we are proud to have played integral role in giving the tournament a global status, now part of the main European Tour.”

While commenting on the tournament preparations, Kenya Open Tournament director Patrick Obath noted that the course at the Karen Country Club will be re-arranged to cater for both players and spectators.

“The course at Karen is going to be played in a different way to allow more room for spectators movement as well as the seating infrastructure that is going to be set up. The current 13th hole will be the first tee. Players will then play the 14th through the 18th holes, then go back to the 10th, 11th and the 12th for the first nine. They will then cross over to the first tee and play it the normal way,” he said.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 30 – Fresh from winning their maiden SportPesa Cup in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Kariobangi Sharks are thrown straight back into Kenyan Premier League action when they take on league leaders Mathare United at the Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Sharks arrived in the country on Monday evening and held a light session at their Utalii Ground base on Tuesday as they look to continue their form with victory against their ‘slum rivals’ Mathare United.

Striker Harrison Mwendwa who struck the decisive goal to beat Bandari 1-0 in last Sunday’s Cup final hopes the team can pick up from that point and ensure the good form continues even into the Premier League where they hope for a maiden title.

“We are now used to winning the Cup competitions and I think it is now time for us to try and win the league. We are motivated after winning in Dar es Salaam and now we bring all that hard work to the league,” Mwendwa told Capital Sport.

Sharks who are placed fifth in the KPL standings have also not lost this season same as Mathare, but the latter have picked up more wins and sit at the apex with 23 points, nine ahead of fifth placed Sharks.

Mathare only managed their first win over Sharks in the second leg of last season when they won 2-1, having picked a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

In 2017, Sharks beat Mathare 2-1 and 3-0 in the two meetings in their debut top flight season. With a side that is currently on a roll, Sharks know only too well it will be even tougher despite their motivation.

Mathare have dropped points only twice in nine matches and have won three matches on the trot, a run that has made coach Francis Kimanzi believe that they are in some good run and can challenge for the title.

“Mentally we are getting stronger and better. The race is still tough and the road is really long. But if you are at round nine with an almost perfect record you feel motivated as a team. We have a good record up to now, and if we can improve it the next two rounds will be better,” Kimanzi stated.

He comes up against his prodigy William Muluya who was his understudy at Mathare before he made the big leap to Sharks mid-2016, aiding them to earn promotion to the top tier.

Muluya has enjoyed instant success at Sharks and led them to their maiden title last year when they clinched the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Shield title. Will he add on a league title to his decorated hat?

Meanwhile, while Sharks battle Mathare at Kasarani, Bandari who they beat to the title in Dar will be at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega taking on Homeboyz, a side in disarray just two days after their head coach Paul Nkata and his assistant were fired over claims of match fixing.

Veterans Allan Wanga and Dvaid Juma will handle the team on interim basis over the next two games as they look to steady the ship of a side that’s languishing at 13^th in the standings with only two wins off nine matches.

Wanga, speaking to Capital Sport says their main aim is to stabilize the ship and get results before the side goes in for a permanent boss in the next few weeks.

“It is a tough challenge but the good thing is that we understand each other as teammates and we will work to see the team get results,” Wanga said as he looked on to Wednesday evening’s duel.

Bandari might be hugely affected by fatigue having taken the long trip from Mombasa to Kakamega, a distance of almost 850km.

But, the dockers will not be deterred as head coach Bernard Mwalala looks to ensure his unbeaten start to the new season remains intact.

Meetings between these two sides have always been close calls with only three goals scored over the last five matches played between them. Last season, Homeboyz won the first leg 1-0 in Kakamega before losing by a similar margin in the return tie in Mombasa.

Overall, Bandari carries the advantage in head to head over their last eight meetings, winning four and losing two while the remaining games ended in draws. Of the four wins, only one has been at Bukhungu, a 3-2 victory in March 2013.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 30 – Kakamega Homeboyz stand-in coach Allan Wanga led from the front literally, scoring twice as the side bounced back to break Bandari’s unbeaten start to the season with a 4-0 thrashing at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.

Wanga scored twice, one from the penalty spot and the other in the second half as Homeboyz who dismissed head coach Paul Nkata this week romped back to victory.

At the Kericho Green Stadium, Zoo Kericho bounced back from their weekend 3-2 loss to Sofapaka to beat AFC Leopards 1-0.

Elsewhere at the Kasarani Stadium, Kariobangi Sharks and Mathare United remained the league’s only unbeaten sides after they played to a 0-0 draw in what was an exciting ‘Slum Derby’.

The opening 45 minutes was especially exciting. The posts were struck thrice and there was one disallowed goal.

Though the game started on a slow with both sides sizing each other, it gathered up to be an exciting affair against two of the league’s three unbeaten sides.

Mathare had the game’s opening chance in the 13^th minute when David ‘Messi’ Owino cut through inside the box from the left, but his thunderous shot with keeper John Oyemba well beaten came against the upright.

Two minutes later, Cliff Nyakeya had a chance when a well weighted James Kinyanjui cross from the right found him at the backpost but his header went over.

Sharks were slowly growing into the game and they had a goal disallowed in the 25^th minute when Nixon Omondi deflected George Abege’s shot from the edge of the area off a training ground free kick routine, but the assistant had the flag up for offside.

Almost immediately, Sharks should have gone ahead but Vincent Wasambo’s first time volley from the right had a slight deflection for a corner.

Wasambo should have done better with the chance with keeper Job Ochieng pushing Michael Bodo’s cross into his path unmarked.

William Muluya’s side continued to push Mathare off their comfort zone and nine minutes to the break they had the crossbar to thank with Duke Abuya’s effort having been deflected against the post.

Abuya sneaked in at the back post unattended to link up to a Patillah Omotto corner but his effort, the defenders and keeper Ochieng left dazed was up against the woodwork.

Two minutes on the turn Abuya was denied by the woodwork once again, this time off a brilliantly executed Sharks counter.

Keeper John Oyemba comfortably picked the ball off a corner, fed Harrison Mwendwa who turned on the afterburners to break into the Mathare half and feed off Abege. The Ugandan teed up Abuya whose shot was deflected against the bar.

Abege picked up the rebound, but took too much time on the ball allowing James Situma to rush back and poke the ball away before he could locate the trigger.

Four minutes to the break, Mathare had a chance but keeper Oyemba was at his supreme best. The keeper stretched fully on his right to punch away a cross from Nyakeya and managed to bounce back and make a super block to deny Kevin Kimani who rushed to it.

Sharks made changes at the start of the second half, Harrison Mwendwa being forced out with a suspected hamstring and was replaced by James Mazembe while Abege was replaced by Sidney Lokale.

Mazembe almost had a positive impact in the 67^th minute when Bodo’s well weighted cross from the right found him at the backpost but his swinging volley went awry.

Mathare were enterprising in attack, the exciting Kinyanjui doing

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 30 – Kenya’s Harambee Stars have been paired against Burundi in the first round of qualification for the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers which will be held later on this year at a date to be revealed by CAF.

Stars will be looking to qualify for the tournament for the first time ever having missed in all the past four editions. The team missed out on playing the competition last year after Kenya was stripped of the hosting rights and the side will be looking to earn a ticket for next year’s tournament in Ethiopia.

This is the second time in the qualification process that Kenya has been paired against Burundi. The two sides clashed in the 2014 qualifiers where Burundi won 1-0 on aggregate after winning the first leg and forcing a 0-0 draw in the return tie in Nairobi.

For the 2016 event, Kenya missed out after losing 2-0 on aggregate to Ethiopia, losing the first leg away in Bahir Dar before drawing 0-0 in the return tie in a match that saw Kenya miss three penalties in both home and away legs.

Head coach Sebastien Migne has been keenly following the local league and will be hopeful of putting up a strong squad for the qualifiers.

If Stars go past the first round, then they will be paired up against the winner of the tie pitting Tanzania and Sudan with the winner joining Ethiopia for the competition next year.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 31 – That James Oduor Radido, known to his peers as ‘Odu Cobra’ was, is and will forever be a man of the people was testament on Thursday morning as hundreds thronged the All Saints Cathedral church in Nairobi for the sports journalist’s requiem mass.

Oduor was among the 21 people confirmed dead after a deadly terrorist attack at the DusitD2 Complex in Nairobi’s 14 Riverside Drive on January 15.

Speaker after speaker eulogized the avid football lover whose life was cut short just a day before his 35^th birthday as he tried to rescue people at his workplace with South Korean Electronics Company LG whose offices are housed in the expansive establishment.

Family members, friends from his place of birth in Kariakor, fellow sports journalists and a myriad of people he interacted with while doing what he loved best, football, remembered him for his wit, friendliness and selfless nature.

“We have lost a great friend, we have lost a colleague and a mentor. To us, Odu was more than a friend,” Keke Roy, with whom he started his famous ‘Wadau TV’ with said as he struggled to balance tears in his eyes.

His dad, Fredrick Radido struggled to remain strong in the wind of emotions and eulogized his late son as a great person.

“He was not just my son, but my best friend. We enjoyed stories together, we laughed and we shared banter,” Dr. Radido said.

His mother Margaret added; “Odu was a person who came into the house and everyone would know he is there. He would give me stories of tournaments of who won and I don’t know who lost and I had to participate even if I didn’t understand anything or he wouldn’t give me peace,”

She added; “So we should all remain strong even in the face of his death. If he walked in here right now, we know what he would say; “Wajamaa… Niaje.. ndio mimi hapa.”

A short clip was played of most of his witty moments shooting his pilot show Wadau TV which was a YouTube channel purely dedicated to the fun side of the game.

One of the witty parts in the videos that sent the entire congregation to laughter was; “Ng’ombe inafaa kutembea na ng’ombe rika yake’ Huwezi tembesha ng’ombe kubwa na ndama. Itakunywa maziwa yote (A cow is supposed to walk with a cow its age. You cannot let a cow walk with a calf because it will suck all the milk,”

As he paid her tribute, Oduor’s mother in law further underlined ‘Cobra’s’ love for the beautiful game.

“My daughter would call most of the times and say, the only thing they quarreled with Odu over was football. He was always away playing football. But I told her, let him be,”

“I remember when he came to visit me at my place in Italy with my daughter, he wanted to go to all the football stadia around, no matter how far. Even when I asked him how he would get there, he was relentless and said he would go, and come back. That was Odu for you. He was fearless,” she added.

Oduor is survived by a widow, Dianah, with whom he officially tied nuptials with last year. They have known each other for over 10 years at Oduor’s first workplace.

“I remember I used to be a facilitator and in my class whenever someone failed to answer a question, I would send all of them to run outside to the wall and come back. One day, the whole class couldn’t answer my question and I sent them out to run, and there was Jamo; he ran and came back with a flower for me. That was Jamo for you. That is how our journey started,” an emotional Dianah recalled.

“I remember we always prayed every morning before we went to work and it was no different that day. We kept chatting and exchanging banter the whole day until he went silent. His ‘last seen’ on WhatsApp was 3:56pm,” she added.

Oduor, survived by wife Dianah and two children aged four and two years will be laid to rest at his parent’s rural home in Ugenya, Siaya County on Saturday.

Rest in Peace Mdau. #Hatufurahii

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 31 – Five-time world cross-country champion Paul Tergat has become the latest famous athlete to donate competition kit to the IAAF Heritage Collection ahead of the ‘IAAF Heritage Cross Country Running Display – 1819 to 2019’ which will open in DOKK1, Aarhus’ library and culture centre.

Tergat has generously given the uniform which he wore when striding to his third gold medal in Turin, Italy in 1997. The kit will be on show in Aarhus.

“I really glad to be able to donate my kit to IAAF Heritage and to support their historic exhibit in Aarhus,” confirmed Tergat. “I’m looking forward to seeing the display when I visit the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in March.”

Tergat who is also the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) boss is one of a half-a-dozen winners of the world title who have been invited to Aarhus to celebrate 200 years of cross-country running when the 43rd edition of the championships take place on Saturday 30 March.

The discipline of cross-county running, as we know it today, was first recorded in 1819 in the English school of Shrewsbury as a paper chase game called ‘Hare and Hounds’.

The IAAF Heritage display takes visitors along a timeline from those early days to the establishment of the sport across the UK in the 1830s and then, via its mention in Thomas Hughes’ famous 1857 Rugby School novel Tom Brown’s School Days, across the Atlantic to America.

The opening ceremony of IAAF Heritage Cross Country Running Display – 1819 to 2019 takes place in Aarhus on 28 February. The exhibit will remain open until the IAAF World Cross Country Championships Aarhus 2019 on Saturday 30 March.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 1 – Gor Mahia head coach Hassan Oktay says he is under no pressure as the side prepares to take on Egyptian giants Zamalek in the first Group D match of the CAF Confederations Cup at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Oktay who took charge at Gor two months ago has been increasingly under pressure with the team struggling for results, but the Cypriot has told Capital Sport he is not letting the pressure get on his nerves ahead of the important duel.

“Pressure is always there in football and I understand Gor Mahia because it is a big team and we are required to always win. But that will not affect me or the team. We know what is required of us and we know we have a lot to do,” the tactician said.

He added; “The team is improving day by day because we did not have a good pre-season and now we have to work double.”

Gor failed to defend their SportPesa Cup in Dar es Salaam and were dumped out in the first round after losing on penalties to Tanzania’s Mbao.

They came back home and were welcomed with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of KCB but managed to recover some ground with their 2-0 midweek win over Sony Sugar in Nakuru.

“It was very important for us to get that win because of the confidence of the players. It has put us at a very good place mentally and the focus is on for Saturday,” the tactician stated.

He knows it will not be a walk in the park against Zamalek, a side that boats of good history in continental football and players who can match any side.

“I have done my homework on them and I definitely know it will be a tough challenge for us. They have good players who are in their national team and that shows they are a very quality side. We are ready for them,” the tactician noted.

“We have looked at their strengths and weaknesses and we have devised a strategy to beat them. We know it will work because we have players who can execute it very well,” he further stated.

Gor will be boosted with the availability of defensive duo Harun Shakava and Ernest Wendo while star striker Dennis Oliech, Nicholas Kipkurui and left back Geoffrey Ochieng have all been registered and cleared to play.

However, midfield kingpin Ernest Wendo and striker Francis Mustafa will be suspended for the tie having picked up subsequent yellow cards in the last two CAF matches.

“It will be great to have them available because they make the team stronger. Dennis has shown what he can do in the few games he has played in and I know he will help us a lot,” Oktay noted.

Meanwhile, the tactician has said the squad will not be affected despite the exit of Ivorian striker Ephraim Guikan who bolted out of the club to join Zambia’s Buildcon.

There was already some strained relations between the two.

“We have a lot of strikers in the team and I don’t think it will affect us,” the coach said.

In Wendo’s absence, Oktay will look on Cersidy Okeyo to do the marshalling job in midfield while Kenneth Muguna might be called upon after making a return in the midweek win over Sony in Nakuru.

Muguna had been a long time absentee at the club over what the coach has now termed as a misunderstanding and has affirmed the midfielder is an integral part of his plans.

“Someone made a joke and he took it seriously. But I called him and we had coffee together and we cleared everything. He is like my son and when there’s a misunderstanding, we solve it and move on, He is a good kid and played really well against Sony. He is a part of this team and I am happy we put everything behind us,” the tactician stated.

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NAIROBI, KENYA, Feb 1 – Kariobangi Sharks boss William Muluya has hinted he will have to heavily rotate his squad for Sunday’s Kenyan Premier League clash against Sofapaka in Machakos to mitigate the effects of fatigue amidst a congested calendar.

The tactician says he has to look out for the welfare of his charges as they will be playing their fifth match in two weeks.

Sharks played against Mathare United on Wednesday, barely 48 hours after jetting back from their SPortpesa Cup triumph in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and had to make all three changes due to injuries.

“We did all three changes and again we had more players who were struggling inside the pitch so I think it is time I give a chance to those who didn’t play much in Tanzania,” the tactician stated.

Winger Harrison Mwendwa was stretchered out with a hamstring strain while Vincent Wasambo also limped off with a troubled calf. Striker Duke ABuya has been playing beyond the pain barrier having injured his ankle in Dar es Salaam.

Among the players who might be dipped into the starting squad for Sunday’s trip to Machakos include skipper Eric Juma who has mostly been used as a second half substitute having returned from injury.

Last year’s Kenyan Premier League player of the year Eric Kapaito might also get a first start this season having as well returned from injury.

Sharks remain unbeaten this season after nine rounds and have accumulated 15 points, nine off leaders Mathare United.

Muluya has positively affirmed that his side which won last year’s Shield title are gunning for the title and has vowed they will work to their last bits of strength to achieve that target in only their third season in top flight.

He is however cautious of Mathare United who he has said should not be left to open a bigger gap than they already have.

“It’s a very tricky league and whoever opens a gap might take it early and that’s why I am afraid of Matahre. It’s a short league and very tight,”

“A nine point gap is not really bit because there are still many games left. We are in a good position and anyone can win the league. For us, we really want to win and I think it is a very realistic target. Had we not drawn those many matches we would have been at the top,” he said.

He added; “We want to play in the Champions League because I think it is more lucrative.”

They come up against a Sofapaka side that has been on the surge winning two of their last three games with coach John Baraza weaving his magic to hois the side into the top eight.

Batroto ba Mungu had struggled in the early stages of the season winning only once in seven games before Baraza took charge from Melis Medo who chose to resign.

Baraza says the secret to the side’s turn in fortunes was his decision to give the players more freedom to express themselves, plucking a page off Manchester United’s caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“I have not changed much since I came in but what we have done is to give the players more freedom to express themselves and now we see the results on the pitch. I think that is working for us because the players are not limited in their style of play,” the tactician told the club’s official website.

Sofapaka are just a point off Sharks and are confident of upstaging them on Sunday and breaking their unbeaten run.

“Sharks is a very tough team but we are also a tough outfit. We have our strategies worked out in training and we are ready for them. We will give them a good game and we are hopeful we can vie for the three points,” Baraza further stated.

The tactician though won’t have pleasant memories of the last time the two sides met, this being in last year’s Football Kenya Federation Shield where Batoto ba Mungu blew a 2-1 lead with eight minutes to go to lose 3-2.

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