NAIROBI, Kenya, April 24 – The Cecafa Nile Basin Cup Winners Cup and Under-23 tournaments have been added to the regional football calendar by the governing body.

Nile Basin competition will feature teams that finished second or won their respective domestic cups in the 12 member countries while the September Under-23 tourney is aimed at getting Cecafa teams ready for the Rio 2016 Olympics with both events running in Sudan.

The two events that will run annually join the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup and Club Championships on the regional football menu.

GOtv Shield winners, AFC Leopards, will represent the country at the inaugural Nile Basin Cup that runs from May 20 to June 5 with SC Victoria University and Azam FC representing Uganda and Tanzania.

“This year we are spreading our competition across the region and we have lined up four tournaments despite the fact we have a tight schedule which has the FIFA World Cup.

“We have tried to squeeze our events so that we run our programmes as much as possible and enable our teams and clubs to play football at any level,” Cecafa Secretary General, Nicholas Musonye, said Thursday during the launch of the 2014 calendar.

“The purpose of introducing new competitions is to enable our teams improve on performance. It is our responsibility as Cecafa to look for more competitions for our teams.

“All our teams are out of the CAF Champions League and Confederations cups which is not a very good scenario so we are trying to reverse it by having many competitions and engaging our teams to the highest level,” the regional body boss added.

He continued: “It creates a bad sign of football in this region and it’s very sad when all the 12 countries have no team in the group stage. You saw how Gor Mahia and Leopards were turned round like amateurs and yet these are big teams.”

The Secretary General confirmed this year’s Senior Challenge Cup will take place in Ethiopia in November and December.

“Our delegation will visit Addis Ababa after the World Cup to finalise arrangements and sponsorship,” Musonye underlined.

This will be the first time for Ethiopia to host the event since 2006.

Rwanda will host the Club Championship in August that is usually sponsored by country’s President Paul Kagame with TP Mazembe and Vita Club both from DRC Congo taking part as guest teams.

“This year’s Club Championships will be a big one since it will be part of the 20th anniversary of the Rwanda Genocide and we must stand with the people of Rwanda,” the secretary general underscored.

Kenya will be represented by Gor who were crowned last season’s champions for the first time in 18 years.

NAIROBI, April 25- An inaugural road race which aims at enhancing the image of the Nairobi city and promoting the metropolis as the hub of Africa will take place on March 18.

The Nairobi Diamond 10km Run has been organized by the Athletics Kenya Nairobi County branch to showcase the city as a safe destination despite the upsurge in acts of terror in the recent past.

“The race will be one of the most lucrative races and biggest in the region considering the prize money and consolation prizes on offer,” Barnabas Korir, Nairobi County Athletics Kenya chairman said during the launch Thursday.

“We expect top athletes to compete in the event, and so far several elite athletes have confirmed participation,” Korir said.

Organizers are offering a total pool of 120,000 dollars for the winners.

Korir said Leonard Komon, world 10km record holder and Kenneth Kemboi, former African Champion in the distance are among athletes who have confirmed participation.

Korir said the race, themed “Our country, our, our city, our pride”, will show the unity and aspirations of the Kenyan people general and residents of Nairobi in particular.

“As Kenya embarks on an expedition to lobby for the World Youth Athletics Championships in 2017, we want to show the world as a safe and secure place. Those who participate in events of this magnitude for health reasons are also invited,” Korir, a former Kenyan international athlete said.

Rose Kimonye, Brand Kenya CEO said Kenyans should be encouraged to run for good causes.

“The outcome will be growth of sports tourism and identification of young talent. From where I sit, I can tell you about the immense publicity Kenya received from the participation of the First Lady at the London Marathon last week,” Kimonye said.

Korir said the race will take every precaution to ensure the safety of participants adding that the event will be observed under tight security.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 25- National rugby 7s head coach, Paul Treu, has signalled his intent to lead his side to the Main Cup semifinals for the first time in his tenure when the team wraps up the 2013/14 HSBC World Series season in Glasgow and London.

Treu who has come under intense scrutiny for the team’s limp displays since he took charge in January is under pressure to end the season on a high, making four changes to the side that will depart for Scotland on Monday as he unveiled his troops in Nairobi on Friday.

Seasoned flanker Philip Wamae, center Felix Ayange, winger Michael Wanjala and forward Tony Owuor were included in his 12-man traveling party for Scotland and England.

The four take the places of captain Andrew Amonde who is ruled out for eight weeks with arm injury, Mwamba’s Dan Sikuta who picked a knock in Hong Kong, back Oscar Ouma who is out due to family commitment and Lunch Bar Quins Maxwell Theuri who debuted in the last two legs in Japan and Hong Kong.

The team that is placed ninth on the log with 60 points for the eighth leg in Glasgow that runs on the weekend of May 3 and 4 before traveling to London a week later for the ninth and final leg of 2013/14 season.

“It is going to be a difficult challenge in the last two legs since we will be missing four of our key players. But I call upon the senior players who are experienced to steer the team and ensure we finish the season on a high.

“We are taking one game at a time and we need to get over Wales and Argentina since it will be a challenge to beat Fiji because they have beaten us in the past,” the South African declared when unveiling the squad.

“It will make no sense if we register similar results in Glasgow this time round. I don’t think we will go to this tournament for the sake of it because some of our key players are out of the squad, we want to go there and really do well since the players have a lot of urgency and hunger to perform better,” he continued.

Treu who collected three points to lift the Shield in Hong Kong courtesy of 17-10 win over Portugal is aiming to reach the last four for the first time after managing to sail through five quarter-finals in Gold Coast, Dubai, Port Elizabeth, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

“The criticism we are not performing well is justified since there is always high expectation from our supporters especially after the team finished fifth last season and comparing now where we are lying ninth, its something that we would like to improve on since we want to enter the last two legs with a lot of confidence and hope to progress to the semis or finals since we have won the Bowl and Shield.

“We have seen the impact when we lose key players on injuries and if you take a look at the top four teams like New Zealand, Fiji or South Africa, when they lose players they fail to progress to the next round and for us its even worse because loosing our captain Amonde is a big blow considering he has been inspiring the team so its difficult to replace them but we will pick ourselves up and hope for the best,” he underscored.

“Its like a see saw at the moment because we don’t know what to expect particularly when we are heading to UK tour since for England and Wales they will be at home, so it is not going to be easy but we have done our home work well and have a couple of days to polish and hopefully we will come out of day one qualifying for the Cup quarters,” Treu added.

Kenyan all time leading try scorer Collins Injera, who is currently third on the all time list with 183 will captain the team.

“It was always going to be a challenging season and from the players perspective we took it head on where sometimes it went well and sometimes it dint because of the mistakes we made on the pitch. I think it had to happen since we are on a new system,.

“Going forward we have learnt from our mistakes and heading to the last legs it’s about finishing on a high and building the confidence bearing in mind there is Commonwealth and Olympics qualifiers coming,” the stand-in skipper explained.

Speaking at the same function, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Mwangi Muthee said, “We will be facing our toughest pool since we are going to meet top class teams but the bigger the challenge the bigger the expectoration and we are asking players and technical bench to make sure they step up and play the best of their rugby since we want to finish the season on a high.

“We have very many youngsters who are knocking the door eager to play in the national 7s team, so after London we will have learnt our mistakes and if there is any correction to be done, it will be done during off-season where we will get a new squad that will go to camp in preparation for 2014/15 season that will be very important since it will be 2016 Olympics qualifiers.”

Kenya is drawn in Pool C for Glasgow 7s where they will take on Wales, Argentina and Tokyo 7s champions Fiji in Glasgow 7s.

Squad: Collins Injera (c), Horace Otieno, Patrice Agunda, Felix Ayange, Billy Odhiambo, Dennis Ombachi, Biko Adema, Philip Wamae, Michael Wanjala, Oscar Ayodi, Tony Owuor, Michael Agevi.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 25- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has refuted allegations it is targeting specific clubs in their purge against tax-defaulting local football outfits.

In a statement, the taxman also advised affected teams on how to resolve claims lodged against them for back taxes, penalties and interest.

Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions, Gor Mahia, announced Thursday they were broke after losing sponsorship and being slapped with a Sh118m tax lien by KRA with chairman Ambrose Rachier alleging the taxman’s move was a witch hunt against K’Ogalo.

“A number of football clubs were found not to be filing returns or paying relevant taxes e.g. PAYE for their employees and players as well as withholding taxes from those engaged on contract for example coaches.

“It is important to note that Sporting Clubs are required by law to withhold and remit payroll taxes (Pay As You Earn) as well as withholding taxes where they apply as part of Statutory deductions under Sections 37(1) and 35 (1) of the Income Tax Act Cap 470,” KRA said in a statement signed by acting Deputy Commissioner, Marketing and Communications, Ezekiel Maru.

“Under the Income Tax Act, Sporting Clubs are not exempted from making returns and such returns must be accompanied by audited accounts.

“In the absence of a return the Commissioner is empowered by law to carry out an assessment of and to estimate taxes due and any interests that may have accrued thereof,” Maru explained.

“KRA is committed to enhancing voluntary compliance through informed awareness. In this regard, the Authority has put in place elaborate educational programmes targeting existing and potential taxpayers.

“Clubs who may need guidance/assistance on how to comply should contact their relevant tax stations or contact Samuel Aboge on email: Samuel.Aboge@kra.go.ke or Telephone 2813130,” the statement added.

While launching mobile pay bill number 350100 to raise funds from their fans on the Safaricom platform, Rachier claimed KRA were strangling the revenue streams of the local giants by targeting their income sources that were boosted by the KPL television rights deal with SuperSport and until March, Brookside Dairies sponsorship.

“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 archrivals AFC Leopards and Western Stima also came under the taxman’s crosshairs.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 25- Series leader and national rally champion Baldev Chager is not sure what to expect from the two new Proton ST2000 cars driven by Alistair Cavenagh and Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo at the KCB Home Loan Kiambu Rally.

But the 2013 KCB Safari Rally winner reckons the nature of the tight and twisty terrain in Mboi Kamiti, Cianda, Migaa and Tatu City may just favour the light- weight Potons “as the Group N Mitsubishi Lancer EVOX is heavy comparatively.”

However, what’s up the sleeves of the Proton aces will be known when the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship round three event traverses the vast Kiambu County in two days of riveting action.

History is in the making in the Rallye Sports Club (RSC) organized leg this weekend as it marks the first time that local drivers will be savouring the world-class S2000 Formula which has previously graced the prestigious KCB/ARC Safari Rally with Fiat Abarth’s Grande Punto and a VW Polo that were driven by Umberto Scandola of Italy and Jon Williams of South Africa.

“To be very honest I don’t think I know what to expect from them Protons. I don’t even think Alistair and Flash do either. Only this weekend we will we know the true outcome. But as always, we will try doing our best. The essence is to have a well prepared car and take it as it comes,” the titleholder said.

Chager added that the closed roads concept is a bonus to all crews “but it all also depends on the nature of the stages.”

Ian Duncan in his EVOX can not be ruled out in this historic Kiambu duel and is anticipated to fight ‘like a wounded lion’ having not scored any points this season.

Duncan retired in Malindi with a broken suspension arm and withdrew from Machakos citing safety.

Although fast rising EVOX youngsters can not graduate sitting around the same dining tables with the top four (Alistair, Flash, Chager and Duncan) Jaspreet Singh Chatthe, Onkar Rai and Rajbir Rai must have surely stepped up from eating crumbs.

Alasdair Keith’s high-octane driving antics have been admirable to all and sundry; having racked up credible stage times in his non-homologated Subaru GC8.

Keith will be attempting to kill two birds with one stone considering that he is leading both the Group S and Division 2 classes.

“We are well prepared for Kiambu and looking forward to a well run event.
Obviously, our goal for this year is to win the Group S title. We are happy to currently be in the lead.

“However, we cannot afford to be complacent and will push to the very end,” underscored Keith who has seen the S Class title elude him in the past two seasons.

The Two-Wheel Drive Class has proved quite tricky and unforgiving for defending champion Dennis Mwenda who has to contend with playing second fiddle to his adversaries this season.

The Class has attracted big names like Leo Varese, Gurmit Thethy and rookie Nishal Shah in VW Golf. Nishal is nephew to renowned Kisumu driver Bimal Shah of Swan group of companies.

“We are all set with my partner Edward Njoroge. We have been waiting for the event and we are hoping this time round our old Proflex shocks hold.

“The new ones we ordered are not ready yet. We changed springs but didn’t get settings right. Had problems from that in Malindi and drove most of the Machakos rally on the same. We have identified the problem and sorted,” Mwenda said.

Gurmit thinks this year’s championship -unlike the last 2 years- will be closely contested and may go all the way to the wire.

“I am going to approach Kiambu cautiously. There is nothing special but just a normal drive. So far this year I have been driving off pace as I wanted to get used to the new VW Golf Mk3 as its driving style is different from what am used to. So the upcoming event will also see us drive just normally,” said Gurmit.

Leonardo believes the return of former champions into the Two Wheel Drive Championship this year will not only injected quality but will go a long way in invigorating the rest of the field to up their ante to the second tier series.

“I’m really excited to see past champions back in competition and it feels really great when you come out tops and you know you have defeated big names. The champions have made the series very competitive and we are looking forward to Kiambu with great expectations.

“There is a lot competition at the moment and I here even in the next competition Adnan (Suhail) in making a comeback,” said Leonardo.

Machakos Rally was the first time that four 2WD champion faced-off in a a single race. Two more former 2WD champions Jasmeet Chana and James Kirimi participated in the Machakos tour in 4WDs and survived the full course.

The four champions who spiced up Machakos were Varese himself, Charan Thethy, Nadeem Kana (2012) and Mwenda (2013) who is the defending champion.

ITINERARY

SATURDAY

START – KCB KIAMBU (12:00pm)
12:18pm: CS1 GATATHA 1-KACHOROBA 1 (20km)
1.01pm: CS 2 MIGAA ESTATE START -MIGAA ESTATE END 1 (8.70km)
SERVICE A (MIGAA ESTATE) 30 min
1.51pm: PARC FERME IN – MIGAA

SUNDAY

8:23am::CS 3 TATU CITY START 1-TATU CITY END 1 (27.00km)
9:01am: CS 4 MARRIOT 1-MBOI KAMITI 1 (16.80km)
SERVICE B (MIGAA ESTATE) 20 min
10:09am: CS 5 GATATHA 2-KACHOROBA 2 (20.00km)
10:52am: CS 6 MIGAA ESTATE START 2-MIGAA ESTATE END 2 (8.70km)
SERVICE C (MIGAA ESTATE) 20 min
REGROUP (MIGAA ESTATE)
12:30am: REGROUP OUT
12:53pm::CS 7: TATU CITY START 2-TATU CITY END 2 (27.00km)
1:31pm::CS 8 MARRIOT 2-MBOI KAMITI 2 (16.80km)
1:59pm: CS 9 MIGAA ESTATE START 3-MIGAA ESTATE END 3 (8.70km)
SERVICE D (MIGAA ESTATE) 10 min

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 26 – Incumbent first vice-chairman, Charles Nyaberi was toppled as Waithaka Kioni retained the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) chairmanship for the third term following heated national polls held Saturday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The Confederation of Africa Volleyball vice-chairman won by a land slide after garnering 84 votes against his challenger Metropolitan Region Secondary Schools Sports Association vice-secretary, Moses Mbuthia, who got three in an exercise that was preceded over by Kenya National sports Council chairman Nderitu Gikaria.

Nyaberi who served for the last two terms was the only candidate who failed to recapture his seat after losing by a single vote to former national vice-chair Martin Makhoha who received 44 votes in the closely contested affair.

Kipkemei Sirma retained his post as second vice-chairman after getting 79 votes, trouncing Western Committee member, Ibrahim Efumbi, who garnered six votes as national men volleyball spiker, Philip Maiyo, managed to get only two votes.

Incumbent Secretary General, Evans Wasike, was elected unopposed while immediate treasurer Kenneth Tonui, retained his seat after flooring South Rift vice-chairman Isaac Tirop who polled 41.

Acting Organising Secretary, Ismael Chege will assume the role on permanent tearms after getting 73 votes against challenger John Oronge’s 14.

“I express gratitude to the entire volleyball fraternity for once again demonstrating their confidence in my leadership.

“Over the last four years the biggest asset we have been able to craft in the federation is a good reputation that has enabled us be stable and going forward we shall energize our efforts to secure corporate partners for us to raise the standard of volleyball in the country since resources remain a big challenge to us,” Kioni said in his acceptance speech.

“We will introduce under age competitions at international volleyball level for age groups under 17, 21 and 23 where we will partner with Kenya National Secondary School Sports Association to nature talent.

“Our main focus will be to revamp beach volleyball and at the same time we will be lobbying with the Government to ensure our national teams access the indoor public facilities,” he added.

OFFICE BAERES

Chairman: Waithaka Kioni

1st Vice-chairman: Martin Makhoha

2nd Vice-chairman: Kipkemei Sirma

Secretary General: Evans Wasike

Deputy Secretary General: Ben Juma

Treasurer: Kenneth Tonui

Deputy Treasurer: Martin Kimondo

Organising Secretary: Ismael Chege

Deputy Organising Secretary Ndirangu Gwanya

Committee members

1. Emily Mbotela

2. Joseph Kosgei

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 26- World champions, Asbel Kiprop and Eunice Sum fulfilled their favourite roles to perfection to book their berths in the 23-strong Kenyan team for the inaugural IAAF World Relays in Bahamas.

The meet was headlined by the new world record* in the women 4X1500m ran by Moscow Worlds silver winner, Mercy Cherono, World Indoors finalist, Irene Jelagat, Ann Karindi and Perine Nenkampi who breezed to 17:05.8 to shatter the previous standard of 17:08.34 run at the University of Tennessee in the US.

AK vice-president in charge of competitions and administration, David Okeyo, confirmed they would apply for the record to be recognised by world body IAAF since all requirements for consideration including electronic timing, doping control and wind measurement were in place.

The quartet bettered the 17:08.17 ran by Sum, Karindi, World Indoor silver winner, Helen Obiri and Margaret Chelimo on April 5 during the last Safaricom Relay Series meet at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani but the mark was not recognised as a world record since hand timing was used.

Kiprop and Sum took their places with convincing wins in their individual time trials before anchoring their men 4X1500m and women 4X800m teams to victory as the Safaricom Relay Series Final Bahamas selection showdown concluded in Nairobi on Saturday.

AK went against expectations in deciding not to enter athletes in the 4X100m, 4X200m and especially the 4X400m with federation vice-president in charge of competitions and Meet Director, David Okeyo, saying, “They did not get the qualifying times.”

Hopes that the stellar cast on show would attack and mow down the 4X1500m and 4X800m world records on the day saw electronic timing and doping control in place but were dashed when the athletes did individual time trials before returning for the relays in the afternoon session.

Kiprop eyes Bahamas glory

He came in as the biggest name on show and with measured pace, never exerting himself at any point of the race he led from the gun, two-time world champion, Asbel Kiprop, duly delivered, taking his men 1500m time trial in 3:36.55 to lead the qualifiers to Bahamas.

The Beijing Olympics gold medallist then teamed up with bridesmaid and Commonwealth champion, Silas Kiplagat (3:36.68), Collins Cheboi (3:36.74) and Joseph Magut (3:36.85) who sealed the top four to uncork victory in the men 4X1500m in 14:44.77.

“This is a good start to the season from me. My team mates and I can deliver both the gold and world record in Bahamas if we work as a team and get our tactics right.

“I would be delighted to win another gold medal for my country since competing for my nation at every opportunity is my motivation,” the lanky Kiprop asserted.

Olympics and Worlds finalist, Nixon Chepseba and Hillary Maiyo who finished sixth and fifth in the time trial join the quartet in the men 4X1500m squad via the outside selection rule.

World Youth titleholder, Alfred Kipketer, enhanced his reputation further by crushing the field in the men 800m individual selection race, crossing the line in 1:44.2 to lead the charge to Bahamas.

Job Kinyor, a son of former Boston Marathon titleholder, Salina Kosgei and retired 400m Hurdler and 1994 Commonwealth Games bronze winner, Barnabas Kinyor, lived up to family pedigree by leading the challengers home in 1:44.6 as third placed Ferguson Rotich, a Moscow Worlds competitor (1:44.9) and Sammy Kirongo (1:45.3) sealed the automatic tickets.
“Last year was the firt time out of the country when we went for the World Youth and I cannot believe it I will go for my first event outside as a senior. The aim is to go there and win and if the world record comes, it would be a dream come true,” the slightly dazed Kipketer said.

Fifth finisher, Nicholas Kiplagat (1:45.7) got the wildcard nod with Olympics bronze winner, Anthony Chemut, who was sixth (1:46.0) missing out on the Bahamas party.

Sum leads mentor Jepkosgei

At the finish, a beaming Eunice Sum, who stunned the world in Moscow with a maiden world title, waited for her mentor and Osaka 2007 winner, Janeth Jepkosgei, to cross the line before the pair embraced warmly as they achieved their target to represent their nation in Bahamas.

“What makes this special is that I shall be in the same team with my mother in athletics as we try our best to bring glory to our country. We train together and now we shall do something great for our nation,” Sum who outlasted her idol over the last 300m to romp home victorious in 2:03.2 against 2:03.9.

“It is a wonderful feeling to run with my daughter. Last year, I knew she could win the world title and now we will be going for another world title together. I’m grateful for having a long career and after the disappointing London 2012 Olympics and missing out on Moscow, this is a huge relief,” the equally glowing 2008 Olympics silver winner Jepkosgei said.

Behind them, Kenya Prisons runner, Sylvia Chesebe (2:04.8) and former World Youth winner, Cherono Koech (2:05.2) sealed the remaining slots with selectors adding Agatha Jeruto and Miriam Chepkemoi to the list.

The top four teamed up to bag the honours in the 4X800m relay in 8:23.13.

In the women 1500m showdown, Moscow silver medallist, Mercy Cherono deployed the afterburners after the bell to outclass World Indoors finalist, Irene Jelagat at the homestretch to carry the day in 4:11.49 against 4:12.27.

“After my silver in Moscow, winning gold in Bahamas will be the best way to get my year going since nothing makes me happier than running for Kenya,” the former World Junior titleholder enthused.

Together with Ann Karindi (4:15.35) and Perrine Nenkampi (4:15.67) who followed home in third and fourth, the leading pair prevailed in the women 4X1500m event in 17:05.72 to round off a fulfilling day.

Two-time World Cross junior champion and national women 1,500m record holder, Faith Chepng’etich was given a wildcard for Bahamas without competing and Sheila Chepng’etich earned the wildcards in the World Relays squad.

The team will report to camp on May 1 ahead of their departure for the May 24 and 25 relay showpiece on May 18.

*Pending IAAF ratification

KENYA BAHAMAS TEAM

4X800m MEN: Alfred Kipketer, Job Kinyor, Ferguson Rotich, Sammy Kirongo, Nicholas Kiplagat

4X800m WOMEN: Eunice Sum, Janeth Jepkosgei, Sylvia Chesebe, Cherono Koech, Agatha Jeruto, Miriam Chepkemoi

4X1500m MEN: Asbel Kiprop, Silas Kiplagat, Collins Cheboi, Joseph Magut, Hillary Maiyo, Nixon Chepseba

4X1500m WOMEN: Mercy Cherono, Irene Jelagat, Anne Karindi, Peris Nenkampi, Sheila Chepng’etich, Faith Chepng’etich (wildcard)

Coaches: Esther Koech, Elykanah Nyangau, Billy Kosgei

Physios: Caroline Kamau, Peter Nduhiu

Team leader: David Okeyo, AK Vice-President

Deputy team leader: Isaac Mwangi, AK CEO

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 27- Harambee Stars will launch their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations bid with a relatively easy two-legged knockout tie against tiny Comoros Islands in the preliminary qualification round for the 30th edition of the biennial continental showpiece; according to the draw released by CAF.

The winner of the two-legged knockout tie between Stars; who are ranked 32nd in Africa and 109 in the world in the latest FIFA Rankings against the team that is 50th in the continent/198th in the world will face the winners of the clash between Liberia and Lesotho in the second round.

Should they navigate the second stage against most likely fading force Liberia, Adel Amrouche’s side who last joined the Afcon party in 2004; will enter a tough final qualification pool featuring last year’s beaten finalists, Burkina Faso, the side Kenya registered their sole victory in the finals with a 3-1 reverse in Tunisia, Angola and Gabon in Group C.

It will be the first time for Kenya to face the Comoros in a FIFA/CAF sanctioned match with Stars hosting the islanders between May 16 and 18 for the opening leg with the away fixture slated for the Madaraka Day weekend of May 31 and June 1.

Second round matches are programmed for July 18 to 20 for the first leg with the returns between August 1 and 3 with the final qualifiers taking place from September 5 and 6 to November 19.

The deciding qualifiers will see teams battle for 15 places to join hosts Morocco for the final tournament next January.

Ivory Coast, Cameroon in ‘Group of Death’

One of the most revered teams between titans Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon will miss the party after they were drawn together in Group D.

Four-time winners, Cameroon, will have to contend with rivals, the Elephants and DR Congo with the proverbial ‘group of death’ completed by the winner of the Swaziland/Sierra Leone – Gambia/Seychelles.

The Indomitable Lions have been absent from the last two editions of the showpiece African football tournament and will be seeking to make the grade this time.

Another interesting group is Group F which houses record winners, Egypt, Tunisia and Senegal to be joined by the winner of Burundi/Botswana – Central African Republic/Guinea Bissau.

Reigning champions, Nigeria find themselves in Group A with South Africa, Sudan and the winner of Namibia/Congo – Libya/Rwanda.

Group B has Mali, Algeria, Ethiopia and the winner of Sao Tome e Principe/Benin – Malawi/Chad.

Ghana’s Black Stars are in Group E with neighbours Togo, Guinea and the winner of Madagascar/Uganda – Mauritania/Equatorial Guinea preliminaries whereas Zambia, victors of the 2012 edition held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are in Group E with Cape Verde, Niger and the winner of Tanzania/Zimbabwe – Mozambique/South Sudan.

DRAW SUMMARY

Group A: Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Namibia/Congo/Libya/Rwanda
Group B: Mali, Algeria, Ethiopia, winner of SaoTome/Benin/Malawi/Chad
Group C: Burkina Faso, Angola, Gabon, winner of Liberia/Lesotho/Kenya/Comoros
GroupD: Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, DR Congo, winner of Swaziland/SierraLeone/Gambia/Seychelles
Group E: Ghana, Togo, Guinea, winner of Madagascar/Uganda/Mauritania/EqGuinea.
Group F: Zambia, Cape Verde, Niger, winner of Tanzania/Zimbabwe/Mozambique/SouthSudan.
Group G: Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, winner of Burundi/Botswana/CAR/GuineaBissau.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 27-Former titleholder Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo; navigated by Tim Jessop, gave the latest Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) sensation and crowd-pleasing Proton ST2000 a dream debut on the local scene with a stirring fight-back win in the third round KCB Home Loan Kiambu Rally on Sunday.

Tundo took the lead at the 27km CS7 Tatu City stage when his closest challenger and reigning national champion, Baldev Chager was forced out after his Mitsubishi EVO X developed gear-box problems.

True to his nickname ‘Flash’ Tundo blinded the rest of the competition with the tiny buzzing machine that whet the adrenalin rush of hundreds of enthusiasts who trooped to savour the closed-circuit rally.

Veteran ace Ian Duncan and Amaar Slatch (EVOX) and Quentin Mitchell co-driven by H. Green (Subaru N16) shared the podium with the winner who powered through the grid from ninth to victory after chasing down front runner Chager.

A total of 19 out of 33 cars that started Day Two survived the demanding 281km course in the picturesque farm fields in the vast Kiambu County.

Regional Governor, William Kabogo led by example, amazing spectators with a show of might as he crisscrossed the route in his private chopper although he was also listed among those who would part in competition on four wheels in a rally car pre-event.

Alasdair Keith won the Seasons’ Class while KNRC debutant Taiti Wachira in an ex-Ben Muchemi EVO6 navigated by Mutuma M’Marimba finished second. Wachira romped home ninth overall in the finishing order.

Leo Varese (in position 12), won the 2WD category edging out national champion Dennis Mwenda who trailed him to the ramp.

Tundo drove like a man possessed on Sunday, trying to make up for four minutes lost through a puncture on Saturday’s first stage with his world class Proton belying its name by zooming past the twisty routes through farms and large estates with consummate ease.

Though Tundo’s pace was blistering, he fought a great battle with Chager who retired while leading the pack after extending his overnight lead through to CS 6 before bowing out a stage later.

The ‘Flying Sikh’ who deposed Tundo from the KNRC pedestal last season, had earlier complained of the same problem before the cars left the regroup at Migaa to tackle the last three stages of the event.

With Tundo attacking the private farm stages relentlessly, Chager was compelled to fight back winning CS5, tying with his rival at the 8.7km CS4 Migaa stage, over and above the CS1 stage win he had racked up on Saturday.

Tundo’s fellow Proton debutant, Alistair Cavenagh was an early major casualty at CS3 when his machine folded from the rumble.

“We retired when the engine started overheating. We were happy to have set the second fastest time on that stage. We need a couple of events to get in sync with the car. It’s a complete difference experience. We have to be more aggressive and learn to brake on time.”

Earlier, Rajbir Rai who had a good run Saturday bowed out after the throttle sensor of his Mitsubishi Evo 10 developed issues in the early morning Tatu City Stage run.

The repeat run of Tatu city stage also claimed the Subaru N12 of Maneah Halai with power steering woes.

Nakuru hosts the next round on the weekend of May 24 and 25

RESULTS SUMMARY

1. Carl “Flash” Tundo/Tim Jessop (Proton ST200) 1:58.22
2. Ian Duncan/A. Slatch (EVOX) 1:59.08
3. Quentin Mitchell/H. Green (Subaru N16) 1:59.38
4. Jassi Singh Chatthe/Dave Sihoka (EVOX) 2:01.43
5. Peter Horsey/Bella Erskine (EVOX) 2:05.14
6. Jasmeet Chana/ Ravi Chana (EVO9) 2:11.32
7. Alasdair Keith/Tariq Maliq (Subaru GC8) 2:17.11
8. Tejvir Rai/Zahir Shah (Subaru N16) 2:21.35
9. Taiti Wachira/Mutuma M’Marimba (EVO6) 2:21.42
10. Karan Patel/Tauseef Khan (Subaru GC8) 2:24.12
11. Joost Zurbier/Hanig Machiel (Toyota Tornado) 2:26.29
12. Leonardo Varese/ Kigo Kareithi (Toyota Celica RSI) 2:34.09
13. Dennis Mwenda/E. Njoroge (Toyota Sprinter GT) 2:34.29
14. Hapz Sagoo/Gurveer Padhal (Subaru N10) 2:35.27
15. Steve Mwangi/Steve Nyorri (Subaru N10) 2:38.46
16. Joel Muchiri/Julius Mwachuya (Subaru GC8) 2:39.54
17. Rashid Kabi/Allan Muhindi (Subaru N11) 2:48.51
18. Nishal Shah/Avhit Bhij (VW Golf) 2:58.47
19. Evans Kamau Njacha/James Kinyanjui (Subaru N10) 3:04.58

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 28- Kenya Rugby Union is talks with International Rugby Board (IRB) to have the national team play two test matches ahead of their 2014 defence of their African title in Madagascar.

The team that returned from their two-month tour of South Africa where they featured in the Vodacom Cup will take on Portugal, ranked 24th in the world, on June 7 and 11 in Nairobi as the side bids to qualify for a first ever Rugby World Cup next year by winning the continental Division 1A tournament.

“Consultations with the IRB are on for the team to play two top class rugby Tests before heading to Madagascar.

“This is historic. Outside Namibia (22nd) Zimbabwe (31st), Kenya (32nd) has never played such a reputable rugby nation and these will actually be the first ever real rugby Tests with an overseas opponent,” Muthee said at a welcome dinner for the side in Nairobi.

“The task down in South Africa was to prepare for the forthcoming 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifiers in Madagascar in June,” the chair added.

Muthee expressed gratitude to Western Province and the South Africa rugby unions for hosting the national side and facilitating their participation in the Vodacom Cup.

“We are negotiating with SARU so that we can remain in the Vodacom Cup next year and possibly permanently. And in this regard we extend welcome to sponsors so that some of our matches can actually be hosted in Nairobi,” the chair underscored.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 28- Armed with skills perfected at English champions, Manchester United, four youngsters who represented the country at the third Airtel Rising Stars Soccer Clinic in Dar-es-Salaam returned home Monday bubbling with optimism.

Gerald Oketch, Ibrahim Shambi, Lilly Awuor and Mwanahalima Adam from Upper Hill, Kathungi, Olympic and St John’s Kaloleni secondary schools were among 70 participants from 13 countries who received training from United Soccer coaches.

“It was a good experience since the kids learnt a lot like dribbling skills, how to defend and attack if one is off the ball.

“We have talent in our country but the young players fail to develop their football skills at a tender age since we lack proper facilities. We pitched camp at Azam Sports Complex where they have a well equipped gym, swimming pool, three training grounds and one high class stadium,” team chaperone, John Musonye, said at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Shambi bagged the Adnan Januzaj award for dribbling and domination in attack, Awuor scooped the Ryan Giggs prize for skill of breaking out of tight situations whilst Adam was accorded the Star Award.

“After getting this experience I will share with my colleagues at Upper Hill to ensure we retain the national title and take the East African trophy this time round,” Oketch, the 16-year-old holding midfielder who dreams of playing for league champions Gor Mahia said.

“I will give my colleagues hints and we will have to change a lot for us to lift this years’ Airtel Rising Stars trophy,” Form 4 student Awuor, echoed.

“I will improve since I want to be scouted to play professionally one day,” 16 year old midfielder, Shambi who aspires to play for Bandari said added.

The five-day training that came to a climax on Sunday saw Kenya join Malawi, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, DRC, Niger, Madagascar, Gabon, Seychelles and host Tanzania.

The annual soccer clinic offered to youngsters from across Africa gives the upcoming players opportunity to develop their skills under the United Soccer Schools curriculum which intends to produce well balanced soccer players.

The two coaches Neil Scott and Andrew Stokes undertook a thorough program covering the technical and physical aspects of soccer.

The fourth edition of Africa Airtel Rising Stars championships will be held in Gabon from September.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 29 – A shocking video showing Kenyan athlete, Eliud Magut, being urged on to finish the 2014 St Anthony’s Marathon in the Italian region of Padua despite collapsing thrice has surfaced.

Concerns have been raised why organisers and race marshals who are alongside him let him continue before falling thrice in the barriers as he was urged on to the finish before finally being put in an ambulance.

Magut, the winner of Cannes Marathon in France in 2012 where he ran 2:10:31 in November, months after finishing second in 2:16:30 at the Kigali Peace Marathon in Rwanda is 28 was running in his third attempt over the ultimate distance.

He was gunning to finish third behind winner Fatna Maraoui and compatriot Pharis Kimani who was second.

Reports from Italy on the video posted on the Internet question why action to aid the clearly suffering Magut was taken too late.

“We understand regulations athletes should not be touched and everything… but it is not possible that this man could not be rescued when he gave evident signs of not being in himself?

“And if he died as a result of a collapse? What would have happened? The ambulance was not far away…Is it possible that a doctor could not take responsibility for a decision that could even be life-saving?” Italian website atleticalive.it wrote.

Contacted, Athletics Kenya (AK) officials said they were not aware of the incident but would look into it and establish the welfare of Magut.

On November 30, 2008 another Kenyan athlete, Barnabas Kipkoech, died in Goiania, after collapsing competing at a half-marathon in the central-western city of the South American nation.

The deceased who is survived by a widow and two sons was brought home for burial following the intervention of AK and the Government.

Reaction on the Magut video posted below on social media was swift.

“Seriously, should organisers of the Padova Marathon have allowed this to happen? Isn’t this an insult to Kenyan athletes?

“Magut would have died as the medics watched, urging him on like a prize horse! Athletics Kenya really must act on this sort of modern slavery, in my opinion. Absolutely disgusting! The health of the athlete must come first,” veteran Nation Media Group and 2012 IAAF Journalist of the Year, Elias Makori, posted on his Facebook wall alongside the link of the said video.

His colleagues took the cue to lay on organisers and slate race officials, AK and the Government for compromising the welfare of the runners in allowing unscrupulous managers to exploit their talent with little regard to life.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 29 – Athletics Kenya (AK) has bowed to pressure and included sprint teams for the inaugural IAAF World Relays Championships set for May 24 and 25 in Bahamas.

London Olympics semi finalist, Anthony Chemut and leading female metric miler, Hellen Obiri, who won the third medal at last year’s Worlds in Moscow, have also been handed wildcards after being sidelined following Saturday’s Bahamas Trials in Nairobi.

AK boss, Isaiah Kiplagat, named Stanley Kieti, Said Ruto, Stephen Baraza, Boniface Khagai and Walter Moenga in the men 4X200m squad whilst also announcing they would email world body IAAF to request the inclusion of the men 4X400m team.

This brings the squad selected so far for Bahamas to 30 after 23 were named after the Trials on Saturday.

In his address to the press, Kiplagat said the changes were made after going through IAAF rules where they established there were no entry standards in the 4X200m event with the 4X400m nearing the required mark for inclusion.

“We decided to give the sprinters a happy moment since they were really affected when we did not select them, we have therefore decided to take the 4x200m men only to show we appreciate and need them.

“We did not enter the women team because we are too far below in the standings so lets take the men first and see how they will perform and that why we have mixed the team with 100m and 200m athletes,” Kiplagat declared.

At the same time the federation has appealed to IAAF to consider the 4x400m men who missed the qualifying mark by 1.26 seconds after recording 3:05.36 during the Trials.

“We did not meet the qualifying standards for the 4x400m relays however, according to the information, we have found out only 19 teams that have qualified and the rule states that there must be 24 teams and the IAAF says to fill that gap they will consider the teams who are so close to the qualifying mark but subject to the request to those countries to be considered for the position.

“We therefore sent an email to IAAF to consider of men’s team and we hope to receive the results by today (Tuesday),” he explained.

Commonwealth 400m champion, Mark Mutai, who among the short-distance athletes dismayed for the initial Bahamas snub welcomed the turnaround.

“I’m very happy to hear AK have finally considered the 4x200m team, it was very sad for the sprinters to be left out for the world championship since this is where they can build their careers.

“I hope they will consider us too the 4x400m team since we usually run good time outside the country. Competing against best athletes in the world will encourage us reach the world qualifying standards and it will enable us prepare effectively for international events like Commonwealth Games,” the athlete who anchored the 4X400m team to glory during the 2010 African Championships told Capital Sport.

“We are ready to represent the country in Bahamas since we have a strong team that only missed the qualifying mark by an inch,” he added.

During the 2010 continental showpiece Mutai, led Boniface Mucheru, Solomon Bwoga and Alex Sampao to victory in 3:05.36 in the 4X400m during the Trials.

UPDATED BAHAMAS SQUAD

Men
4x200m: Stanley Kieti, Said Ruto, Stephen Baraza, Boniface Khagai, Walter Moenga.
4x800m: Alfred Kipketer, Job Kinyor, Ferguson Rotich, Sammy Kirongo, Nicholas Kiplagat, Anthony Chemut.
4x1500m: Asbel Kiprop, Silas Kiplagat, Collins Cheboi, Joseph Magut, Hillary Maiyo, Nixon Chepseba.

Women
4x800m: Eunice Sum, Janeth Jepkosgei, Sylvia Chesebe, Cherono Koech, Agatha Jeruto, Miriam Chepkemoi.
4x1500m: Mercy Cherono, Irene Jelagat, Anne Karindi, Peris Nenkampi, Sheila Chepng’etich, Faith Kipyegon, Hellen Obiri.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 29 – Kenya’s bid to host the 2017 World Youth Championships will take off in earnest after Athletics Kenya (AK) secured prerequisite financial guarantee letters from national and Nairobi County governments should the country land the IAAF event.

The process of putting together the necessary documents is now underway with AK set to unveil a 2017 World Youth Bid Committee next week.

AK boss Isaiah Kiplagat said the committee will involve all stakeholders to start bid documentation that has to be handed to the IAAF Council before September 22 with the final decision taking place in November during the World Athletics Gala in Monaco.

“We have received confirmation from the Government through the Ministry of Sports and from Nairobi Governor, Evans Kidero, that they will support the event since an approval is required from the city where the event will be held.

“We have done this before and we will not have a problem in preparing for such competitions since we have hosted two major events successfully. I’m happy President Uhuru Kenyatta has encouraged sports federations to apply for hosting rights in some of the international championships and I’m glad we are the first to do so,” Kiplagat declared at a press briefing at Riadha House on Tuesday.

This will be the third time AK will be looking to host a major championship after successfully staging the 2007 IAAF World Cross Championships in Mombasa and 2010 CAA Africa Senior Championships in Athletics in Nairobi.

IAAF announced on March 7 on its website the opening of a new bid processes for several events including the 2017 World Youth.

The biennial global showpiece is open to athletes who are 17 years or younger and has produced athletes who end up becoming stars such as double Olympics and Worlds sprint champion, Usain Bolt of Jamaica, 2011 double World champion, Vivian Cheruiyot and recently graduated two-time World Cross junior champion, Faith Chepng’etich among others.

The event first ran in 1999 in Bydgoszcz, Poland while the 2015 event will be staged in Cali, Colombia with Donetsk, Ukraine hosting the latest running last year.

Kenya will battle it out with USA and Argentina after IAAF confirmed to have received application bids from the three countries.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 29- South Africa ruling party ANC may be forced to apologise to Kenya after its Sports and Recreational Minister, Fikile Mbalula, said the country’s swimmers would ‘drown in the pool’ at the Olympics in a terrible gaffe.

South Africa’s Mail and Guardian reported on their website Tuesday that Mbalula made the snide remarks during a meeting between editors and top ANC leaders to address various issues affecting the Rainbow Nation.

“You can’t transform sports without targets. But at the same time, South Africa wouldn’t be like Kenya and send athletes to the Olympics to drown in the pool,” the publication quoted Mbalula saying.

The minister was responding to a question on the theme of social cohesion, when a reporter questioned the issue of some national teams remaining stubbornly white.

“The comment was met with some titters in the room and an embarrassed grin from the rest of the assembled ANC leaders. The comment also drew some alarm on Twitter,” the Mail and Guardian wrote on their website, mg.co.za.

The country’s president and ANC leader, Jacob Zuma, made a similar gaffe in October last year when he said, “We are in Johannesburg, this is Johannesburg. It’s not some national road in Malawi,” in a slur interpreted to paint Malawi as backward.

That incident saw South Africa’s top diplomat in Lilongwe summoned to explain the remark by the aggrieved Malawi government and it remains to be seen whether Kenya will follow suit and demand an apology.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 30- Twitter came to a standstill as enraged Kenyans turned their guns on motor mouth South Africa Sports Minister, Fikile Mbalula, after his disparaging remarks on the country’s swimmers.

Moments after news filtered through the Africa National Congress (ANC) leader had said “South Africa wouldn’t be like Kenya and send athletes to the Olympics to drown in the pool,” when responding to a question, the country’s online community made the #somebodytellsouthafrica and #someonetellmbalula trend on Twitter.

The backlash made news in South Africa as the ‘Twitter war’ spilled into Wednesday although most of Mbalula’s compatriots joined the incensed Kenyans in slamming the careless gaffe in their #someonetellkenya response.

Some of the hilarious tweets from include; “@Musembi13: si u Fikilie (think) no? RT @G4Gitonga: #someonetellmbalula I’m struggling to spell his name..”

‏”@prince1drake #someonetellmbalula he is the reason dettol does its cleaning research in south africa”

“@Colonel_edu Having a big head does not mean you have brains in your case i think yours is for supportn your ears #someonetellmbalula”

“@Abdirashid_MM #someonetellmbalula we have @PLO_Lumumba to give him English and oratory classes for free. We are philanthropic.”

“#someonetellmbalula, #someonetellsouthafrica, our president twitter a/c @UKenyatta has 409k followers compare @SAPresident 318k followers…”

Disgusted South Africans also joined in admonishing the minister who has a history of making ‘hot-headed’ comments.

‏”@jamesstyan Embarrasing is when kenyans remind the SA sports minister that #nkandla cost more than the country’s olympic budget. #someonetellmbalula”

Earlier this year, the blubbering minister called South African football Bafana Bafana “a bunch of losers” after they lost against Nigeria in the African Nations Championship in South Africa before being forced to backtrack.

His nation was also not spared in the roasting as #someonetellsouthafrica trended through Tuesday evening and Wednesday with side-splitting memes added to great effect.

“#someonetellsouthafrica you guys sell gold and we win it back in marathons,” said Chrissjones, ‏@matagarochris, on Twitter.

“@Skawd #someonetellsouthafrica Kenya athletes are enough to finish their gold mines #RETWEET @ComedyCentralKE”

“@fbosben44 #someonetellsouthafrica by virture of being south they cudn’t assist in search of Malaysian jet”
“@fndaga: #SomeoneTellSouthAfrica that our very own @Lupita_Nyongo won an #Oscar while their own #Oscar killed his girlfriend”

CNN also tweeted “The rest of twitter at a standstill as Kenyans ‘massacre’ South Africa in tweef. #SomeonetellSouthAfrica”

In a failed to fend off the backlash, the minister through his unverified handle, @MbalulaFikile responded; “The media here always blow what we say out of proportion.”

He went on, “SAs, Kenyans instead of coming up with #tags to insult each other,come up with tags to advise each other on ways to develop our continent.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 30 – Kenya will send a huge contingent of 195 athletes in 16 disciplines to the 20th Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3, with Rugby 7s being the only team sport.

At the same the country will send 121 to the second Africa Youth Championships set for May 22-31 in Gaborone, Botswana with athletics, the sport that won 11 gold medals from the last edition in Delhi, India 2010 commanding the lion share of the Glasgow slots.

Commonwealth Games chef-de mission, Stephen Arap Soi, added they will include 20 Paralympians the Scotland party.

“Federations are currently conducting their trials and the only team that has automatically qualified is the Rugby 7s team.

“The major Trials will be for athletics that will be held from June 5 to 7 this will give us an allowance of four days to do final entry by name,” Soi who is also National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Noc-k) assistant treasurer declared.

“We have a challenge in the number of elite athletes with disability since we had slotted 20 but since the International Paralympics Committee has informed us only 11 have qualified, we will have to finalize the details when the team enters residential training,” he added.

Kenya will be looking to better her record performance at the Club Games in Delhi where they finished ninth overall with 32 medals; 12 gold, 11 silver and nine bronze, with swimmer Jason Dunford and boxer Joshua Makanjio the only competitors to bag honours outside athletics.

Badminton, Cycling, Judo, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Weight Lifting, Wrestling, Squash, Shooting, Elite athletes with disabilities and Triathlon are the other disciplines that will sent their talent to Scotland in national colours.

The team will report to camp on June 16 and depart for Glasgow in three batches with the first leaving on July 13.
Speaking at the same function, leader of delegation for the continental Youth Championships, Fridah Shiroya, said they will be sending a big team to Gaborone to better their 2010 returns in an event where Nigeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and South Africa dominated the inaugural edition in Rabat, Morocco.

“The teams have already been selected by various federations and will enter to camp from Monday next week at Nairobi’s YMCA. The teams are in very high spirit since they are young and we expect them to perform well.

“We have got release letters for some of them and we are hoping those who will not be able to come to camp will be able to train wherever they will be according to their requirements, so we are set for Gaborone,” the Noc-k treasurer announced.

Stars expected to make a statement at the games include World junior 3000m champion; Mercy Chebwogen and Africa Youth 800m champion Robert Biwott.

The Africa Youth Games that will serve as a qualifier for Nanjing Youth Olympics, which will be held in China in August.

Gaborone will cater for 2,500 young athletes participating in 20 sport disciplines for athletes aged between 14-18 years.

Already the International Sport Federations of athletics, basketball and swimming have agreed to use the event as a qualifying tournament for the Summer Games.

Kenya will be fielding 45 athletes and nine officials for the Youth Olympics as they are set to depart August 30.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 1 – Kenya 7s stand-in captain, Collins Injera, is upbeat they will up their game and finish the 2013/14 season on a high when in the penultimate HSBC Sevens World Series in Scotland this weekend at Scotstoun Stadium.

The country’s record try scorer who is currently third on the all time list with 183, however, disclosed it will be an uphill task since they are drawn in a tricky Pool C where they will open with Wales before taking on Tokyo 7s champions Fiji and wrapping up their preliminary stage with Argentina.

“We have learnt our mistakes despite it being a challenging season. We are heading to the last two legs with one mission and that’s to finish the season on a high

“It will not be easy in Glasgow because we will be meeting strong teams who already know how we play since they have beaten us in the season, so it’s a tough Pool but we will try our best and aim for the Cup if possible,”
Injera told Capital Sport before departing for the eighth round of World Series.

Head coach Paul Treu, is beginning to feel the pressure after a string of poor results that saw him set a target of leading his charges to the first semi-final since he took charge last November.

But question marks about his ability to deliver the Olympics medal he was hired to win at the Rio 2016 Games remain since the team is yet to execute his tactics almost a full season into his tenure.

The South African has lacked consistency and firepower they enjoyed last season where they reached five semis and came close to lift the Wellington 7s Main Cup only losing to England 24-19 in sudden death under Englishman Mike Friday.

His reign has not been a complete disaster since the team has reached four quarter-finals in Gold Coast, Dubai, Port Elizabeth and Tokyo 7s although it’s an illustration of how high the bar has been set for the two-time Rugby Sevens World Cup semi finalists that those performances have been met with disquiet .

At this stage last season the team that is placed ninth with 60 points had accumulated 77, leaving the former Blitzbokke tactician with the challenge to steer Shujaa rousing performances in the last two legs to starve off the simmering criticism.

Treu will be looking to bounce back in Glasgow, coming from lifting the Shield in Hong Kong, as he picks up his broken pieces despite the team affected by injuries where they will miss four of their key players, skipper Andrew Amonde who is ruled out for eight weeks with arm injury.

Also joining the list are Mwamba’s Dan Sikuta who picked a knock in Hong Kong, back Oscar Ouma who is out due to family commitment, Lunch Bar Quins Maxwell Theuri who debuted in the last two legs in Japan and Hong Kong and Philip Wamae, who is the latest blow after picking injury during training.

Forced change

This forced Treu to make latest change in the squad, calling veteran Humphrey Kayange who is based in United Kingdom to team up with half fly Felix Ayange, winger Michael Wanjala and forward Tony Owuor.

Kenya will kick-off her campaign with Wales who beat them 10-7 in Hong Kong at 12:52PM local time setting up an opportunity for Treu to revenge but a slip will as well see Wales leap frog them in the standings.

Wales’s injury woes this season has left them in a tight spot but coach Gareth Williams, will be banking on key players like Lee Williams and Adam Thomas to put in big shifts and capitalize on the ‘home’ support and lack of travel in these final two tournaments.

Shujaa will then square it out with Tokyo 7s winners Fiji at 3:36pm local time (+3GMT), hoping to end their poor run against the Islanders who are third on the log.

Fiji head coach Ben Ryan, has made three changes from the side that played in Hong Kong with Viliame Mata, Leo Naikasau and Semi Kunitani replacing Setefano Cakau, Joeli Lutumailagi and Samu Saqiqa.

Pio Tuwai and the season’s leading try scorer with 40, Samisoni Viriviri, are all included in the squad.
Fiji will be looking to continue with their consistency that has seen them improve in conditioning, going ahead to win Cup twice in Dubai and Japan.

Kenya will then round up their group match with a tricky encounter against Argentina who are one place above them in the table by a point at 7:09pm.

The Los Pumas had hit four successive Cup quarter finals just like Kenya before stumbling at the last two hurdles in Tokyo and Hong Kong, where they reached the Shield and Bowl competitions.

Their slip-up is not likely to last for long and their presence at this pool with Kenya, makes the group of death.
After Glasgow 7s, Kenya will head to London a week later for the ninth and final round of 2013/14 season HSBC Sevens World Series that will run on the weekend of May 10 and 11 at Twickenham Stadium.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 1- Kenyan Premier League (KPL) bottom placed KCB has appointed Rashidi Shedu as the head coach replacing Abdallah Juma, who was sacked two weeks ago after going nine matches without recording a single win.

Goalkeeper trainer Daniel Oluoch, who was in charge of the team on interim basis leading them to KPL Top 8 semi-finals after eliminating Ulinzi stars 2-1 and handing the team their first win of the season against Top Fry Nakuru, reverts to his position as they club ruled to go the tried and tested way.

Confirming the development to Capital Sport on Thursday, club chairman George Onyango, said they settled for the former Bandari tactician since he is familiar with the Bankers.

“I confirm we have employed Shedu as our head coach with immediate effect. He trained the team today (Thursday) ahead of our Ulinzi match, we have given him a free hand to select his assistant who they will cordially work together.

“We want to go back to our winning ways and that’s why we decided to bring on someone who will pick up immediately and that’s how we landed at Shedu since he had a long association with the team,” the chairman declared.

“Shedu’s main objective will be to steer the club finish top 8 and it’s possible since we have quality players who can do the job and on top of that he is an experienced coach with papers.

“As I said earlier, our Top 8 win against Ulinzi Stars was the breakthrough and nobody will stop us. For those who are saying KCB will not finish among the Top 8 watch the space,” he added.

On his part Shedu said his first task is to revive the Bankers but vowed to take one match at a time.
“I accepted the offer since KCB is my home and I’m looking forward to working closely with Oluoch who has been with the team for a long period.

“We must start winning matches and I’m certain we will do it since the team has quality players having worked with some of them but it will not be all that easy since the league is very competitive,” the newly appointed coach stated.

Shedu who has also coached Sony Sugar and Super league side Bidco United, left Bandari at the beginning of last season after guiding the Dockers to promotion.

His first task will be to lead his charges for a second win of the season when they travel to Nakuru to face another struggling side Ulinzi at Afraha Stadium on Saturday.

KCB who finished fourth last season are sitting second last in the log with six points after winning once, drawing three and losing six.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 3 – Kenya’s chances of reaching a first 2013/14 HSBC Sevens World Series Main Cup semi-final is a step away after sealing a slot in the last eight with a 33-19 victory over Argentina in Glasgow on Saturday.

Paul Treu’s side only made the quarters by virtual of try difference after earlier going down 24-19 to Wales and 24-17 to Tokyo 7s champions, Fiji, in their opening two Group C encounters in what was a keenly contested pool.

Treu has set a last four target in Glasgow and the season closing London 7s as his target after sailing through to four Main Cup quarter-finals in Gold Coast, Dubai, Port Elizabeth and Japan legs since he took charge last November.

Against Wales, Biko Adema broke the deadlock after two minutes when he dashed through two tackles and touched down before his boot converted for 7-0 lead.

Wales responded swiftly attacking with six-men where Ross Jones scored with space to spare at the corner but missed the conversion as they reduced the deficit to two points.

Fly half Oscar Ayodi changed the angle moments later when he broke through to give Kenya a second try and notch his13th of the season as Adema converted to open a 14 -5 lead.

Poor handling of the ball by Ouma gifted Wales a second as Jason Harries sprinted out wide to touch down and ensured the kick went though on the stroke of half –time to leave the sides 14 – 12 at the break.

On resumption Kenya’s record try scorer Collins Injera, gave Treu’s side the lead with a solo effort when he picked-up the pace to beat three defenders and drive into the corner for his 184th career try.

Luke Morgan compensated for his earlier yellow card with a stellar solo run down the left only to be grounded by two Kenyans but managed to get a final hand over the line to level the scores at 19-19.

It was a thrilling end as Will Price finished off in injury time when he held the ball with both hands and beat Michael Wanjala’s tackle to slide in the corner to beat Kenya for the second time in a row.

In the second match, Kenya was looking for the win over a side that has beaten them twice this season to keep their hopes of a fifth Main Cup but it all went sour, when the Islanders came from two tries down to win 24-17.

Treu charges kicked-off well scoring three tries in the first half with stand-in captain Injera turning to accelerate and sweep across the Scotstoun turf from inside his 22 meter line to touch down his 185th try.

Elder bother Humphrey Kayange sent the Kenyan contingent inside the stadium into raptures when the veteran flopped over from close range to score his 137th career try and extend the scores to 12-0.

Series leading try scorer Samson Viriviri, pulled one back after powering through from the right to notch his 42nd of the season only for Emosi Mulevoro, to miss the conversion.

But once again Kenya impressed as Billy Odhiambo broke through a weak tackle to touch down the third and his 10th career try as Injera’s kick went wide for a 17-5 lead in the breather.

Fiji returned a better side as Viriviri touched the white wash from the right flank and reduce the deficit to seven before Benito Masilevu restored parity for a 17-17 after bursting through the middle and convert to set up a thrilling encounter two minutes to the hooter.

Desperate Kenya defending and hoping for their second-ever win over Fiji since 1999 Waisea Nacuqu shuttered their dreams when he touched the line seconds after the full-time hooter to win 24-17.

The last was the decider with Wales and Argentina sharing a win apiece as Fiji booked her place by winning all their encounters.

And yes they did it with Kayange and Odhiambo giving Treu the perfect start, the latter showing why he could be a future star in 7s with a sizzling run through the middle to notch his third try of the season as Wanjala converted for a 7-0 lead.

Injera then finished a quick-pass after a move down the flanks for the second try that Wanjala kicked through before Cachi Paz pulled one back on the stroke of half-time.

On resumption, Kayange proved the difference with a fine display of running rugby and puts the game to rest after receiving a long ball from his elder brother Injera.

Franco Sabato, struck back for Argentina, but Odhiambo shoots down Argentina for his second of the match to send Kenya to the Cup quarters with a resounding 33-19 win.