Mwamba RFC’s Tony Owuor with team-mates during their Kenya Cup match against Homeboyz. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 16 – Kenya Sevens speedy winger Collins Injera crossed the white wash thrice as Mwamba RFC thrashed Homeboyz 19-46 in the 13th round of the Kenya Cup hosted at Impala Club on Saturday.
In Other results Impala Saracens lost 20-15 to Nakuru while Kenya Harlequin were held to a 22-22 draw by Menengai Oilers, Kabras mauled Blakblad 69-0, KCB RFC were 50 – 5 winners over Nondies while Strathmore beat Mean Machine 10 – 7 in a University Derby.
Mwamba ran in seven tries, three of which were converted and two penalties against Homeboyz’s three touch downs and two conversions.
Joining Injera on the scoresheet for Mwamba were Patrick Ruhiu, Greg Odhiambo, Billy Ohiambo and Alex Arturo.
Homeboyz fly-half Evin Asena converted Abel Matanda’s try as well as Bruce Shiemi’s but Bryan Juma’s try was not converted.
Mwamba picked five points and a bonus as Homeboyz missed out on a bonus.
The win takes Mwamba to fifth with 38 points pending Impala’s match against Nakuru at 4pm.
Homeboyz hold on at eighth with 27 points ahead of next week’s clash with Kenya Harlequins.
Simon Ngige hits fourth shot off the 18th green bunker on round three of the 2019 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 16 – The remaining two Kenyans at the 2019 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship Simon Ngige and Justus Madoya continued with their steady streak to advance to the fourth and final round of the tournament.
Simon had the best outing of the day among the two, retuning a round of 70 to take his total for tourney to 3-under par 210, leaving him tied a decent 22nd alongside among others the victorious 2018 Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn and 2015 Kenya Open Golf Championship winner Hadyn Porteous.
Ngige, who is making his 13th Kenya Open appearance, started the round with a birdie at the par-4, first before holing consecutive bogeys at the par-3, fourth and the par-4, fifth. He then holed a birdie at the par-4, seventh to card a first nine total of 35; having held par on the other holes.
Simon Ngige preparing to putt at the 18th green of the Karen Country Club on the third round of the 2019 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship.
On the back nine, he holed his third par-5, 11th birdie of the tournament before following it up with an eagle at the par-5, 12th.
He dropped a shot at the par-3, 14th but quickly made amends for it with consecutive birdies at the par-3, 16th and the par-4, 17th.
It is on the 18th green that he found trouble; his second shot landing into the right bunker, leaving him struggling. He eventually settled for a triple bogey to card a back nine total of 35.
Ngige, who has made the cut only twice before at the Kenya Open Golf Championship, said:
“My first goal was to make birdie at the first hole as I haven’t managed to do so all tournament. I managed to do so, and that gave me the focus and momentum I needed for the day. I was playing well today and only really struggled at the last hole where I got a triple bogey. But that is golf, and we shall go again tomorrow and try and get the best from the round.”
Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resorts Justus Madoya follows the flight of his shot on Round Two of the 2019 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship at the Karen Country Club.
On his part, Madoya carded a first nine total of 36 courtesy of a couple of bogeys at the par-3, second and the par-4, eighth and a lone birdie at the par-4, ninth; having held par on the rest of the holes.
On the back nine, he carded a total of 36 courtesy of a bogey at the 16th and a birdie at the 12th having held par on the rest of the holes.
Speaking after the round, Madoya said:
“It has been a good day and I thought I would go for something like five-under par, but I missed a number of putts that cost me. To prepare for tomorrow, I am headed for the practice green to perfect my putting ahead of tomorrow.”
“The course was in great shape, and it was not as windy as it has previously been. I therefore cannot complain about the course and weather conditions. They were okay.”
Madoya tees off for the final round tomorrow at 7:56am while Ngige tees-off at 10:57am.
Spain’s Adri Arnaus celebrates after holing a birdie during third round action at the 2019 Magical Kenya Open.
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 16 – Italy’s Guido Miglozzi and Spain’s Adri Arnaus played rounds of 7-under par and 6-under par respectively to charge to the top of the leader board after round three action at the Karen Country Club for a total score of 14-under par, 199 apiece.
The duo, who were playing partners in game 39, started the day four and five shots behind overnight leader Louis De Jagger.
They went on to take full advantage of De Jagger’s slip-up, to post the two best scores of the round and of their European tour careers, for a share of the lead heading to the final round of action.
Miglozzi was the first to make a move on the leader after holing a birdie on the par-3, second to make the most of De Jagger’s bogey on the first.
The Italian followed this up with a hat-trick of birdies, from the 5th to 7th holes for a front nine score of 31.
On his part, De Jagger was doing just enough to hold on to the lead this far, with a par score of 35 after his first nine holes.
This while Arnaus had gone one better with five birdies through the same holes for a first nine score of 30 to make for a captivating race to the finish with a three-way tie.
De Jagger was the first to make his move with back to back birdies at the 10th and 11th to break away momentarily with Arnaus and Miglozzi managing one birdie at the same holes. It was the Spaniard’s turn for back to back birdies on the 12th and 13th, with Miglozzi managing pars on the same as De Jagger dropped a shot on the 12th.
The South African would fade away in the last five holes dropping three shots at the 13th, 15th and 16th coupled with birdies on the 14th and 18th while holding par at the 17th to relinquish the lead with a total round score of 1-under par to take his overall tally to 13-under par, 200.
Arnaus would hold par on the 13th and 14th before dropping a shot at the 15th with Miglozzi holing a birdie on the 13th and holding par at the 14th and 15th, they both held par at the Johnnie Walker sponsored, par-3 16th.
Miglozzi seemed to have secured the lead after hitting a birdie at the par-4 17th with Arnaus holding par.
The Italian would however drop a shot at the 18th to take his round’s score to 7-under par, 64 with Arnaus hitting birdie for a round’s score of 6-under par 65 to see the two share of the lead on 14-under par after three rounds.
Italy’s Guido Miglozzi during third round action at the 2019 Magical Kenya Open.-1
Speaking after his round Adrian Arnaus expressed his delight with his performance especially in the front nine while hoping to maintain the same in the last round.
“I would have loved to have been here after my front nine yesterday – that’s what I was playing for. I am happy that I was able to turn it around and it has been a lot of fun so far, and hopefully it will continue to be tomorrow.” He said.
“Yesterday over the front nine I didn’t quite feel as good as I was having thoughts about my swing, but after that it all seemed to click and I have been able to implement new swing thoughts over and over since.” He added.
Speaking on his preparations for the final round he said: “I have been in this position before, and I think that everything in the past is going to help me – all I have to do is try and play good golf again tomorrow.”
On his part Arnaus lauded his solid performance in the round, mentioning that his work on the greens was finally paying off.
“I played very solid out there today. My putting was really good, I have been working at that a lot on the greens over the past few days, and I saw a lot of good results from that today.”
Speaking on the course conditions, he said: “It is a very tough course and you have to keep the ball on the fairway. The greens are getting tougher and tougher so you have to keep the ball in play to give yourself a chance here.”
On his plans for the final round, he added, “I am confident with my game, and I am hoping that my best game – like I played today – will be enough tomorrow.”
A second CUT was applied at 3-over par, 216 after the round, to see the initial field of 79 trimmed to 72 and ties, for the last round to be played tomorrow at the same venue. Among those who missed the cut to play in the final round include Spain’s Borja Virto, Welshman Oliver Farr.
Round four action tees off at 7:11 AM, with Chilean duo of Nico Geyger and Hugo Leon getting things underway, the leading group of Adri Arnaus and Guido Miglozzi will tee off at 12:50 PM, from the first tee.
Italian Guido Migliozzi kises the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship trophy after he was crowned champion at the tournament
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 17 – Italian Guido Migliozzi held off stiff challenges from Justin Harding, Louis de Jager and Adri Arnaus to be crowned the 2019 Magical Kenya Open at the Par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club as the annual event played host to a first European Tour.
Kenya’s best finisher was Simon Ngugi who finished 25th overall in only his third cut for the final round.
Migliozzi, 20, had his campaign effectively sewn up when his challengers failed conquer his 16 under par 268 gross total in the last three holes.
The Qualifying School graduate was in uncharted territory at Karen Country Club, playing just his 14th European Tour event with no previous top tens to his name.
He has three wins on the Alps Tour, however, and the Italian drew on those experiences to card a 69 and get to 16 under, one shot clear of playing partner Adri Arnaus and South Africans Louis de Jager and Justin Harding.
He made up for his compatriot Lorenzo Gagli who won last year’s event in a three-way playoff at Muthaiga. Gagli couldn’t make the cut in Kenya this time round after failing to make the +2 cut on Friday.
The 2019 Magical Kenya Open winner Guido Migliozzi celebrates after making the last put at the tournament
The young Italian carded a two-under-par 69 on a tense, gripping final day to win by a single shot before an enthusiastic crowd led by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
This went down as his first European Tour win and indeed first top 10 on any major circuit, having graduated through Qualifying School, prior to which his three victories had all come on the Alps Tour.
The last round yesterday witnessed a dramatic finish as four players sat at the top of a congested leaderboard heading into the closing stages.
Adri Arnaus and Guido Migliozzi entered the final round leading at 14 under and they stayed there at the turn, with Louis de Jager and Kalle Samooja joining them at the summit having played ten holes.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar was then at 13 under, a shot clear of last week’s winner Justin Harding and Frenchman Romain Langasque.
The four leaders were all looking for their maiden European Tour victories as the event in Nairobi made a dramatic European Tour debut.
Bhullar put his tee shot to 15 feet on the par three second and a wonderful approach to closer range on the par four next meant he was in a tie for the lead.
Spaniard Arnaus went just over the back of the second green and failed to get up and down and, with Bhullar flying the fourth green off the tee and leaving his second in the rough for a double bogey, Migliozzi was the solo leader.
The 2019 Magical Kenya Open winner Guido Migliozzi tees off at the fourth round of action.
Samooja made a smart par save on the first and an 18 foot putt on the second had him within one of top spot, with playing partner De Jager dropping a shot on the same hole.
Arnaus then had a terrible piece of luck as his second shot at the third hit the flag and went off the green, leading to a bogey.
Finn Samooja had bogeyed the fourth in the first three rounds and he made it an unwanted full house on Sunday to hand Migliozzi a two shot lead.
Leaderboard
-16 Guido Migliozzi (Italy)
-15 Adri Arnaus (Spain) , Justin Harding (RSA), Louis De Jager (RSA)
Gor Mahia striker Jacques Tuyisenge celebrates after scoring Gor’s lone goal against Petro Atletico during their CAF Confederations Cup Group D match at the Kasarani Stadium on March 17, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 17 – Nine-man Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia defended with their lives to see off a 1-0 victory over Angola’s Petro de Luanda and progress to the quarter finals of the CAF Confederations Cup for the first time in their history.
Rwandese forward Jacques Tuyisenge scored the lone goal off the penalty spot in the 56th minute after Boniface Omondi was hacked down inside the box by Carneiro Augusto.
Gor had to play half the game without their coach Hassan Oktay, 55 without defensive midfielder Ernest Wendo, and 16 without left back Shafik Batambuze, all shown red cards by ‘trigger happy’ Morrocan referee Redouane Jiyed.
The North African was issuing cards like confetti.
Gor had an opening half to forget with their coach and defensive midfielder both red carded. Wendo was the first to see red on the evening, getting a straight sending off in the 35th minute after a high boot tackle on Vladmir Etson Antonio after a miss-control of the ball.
Head coach Oktay was sent off just 10 minutes later after fiercely protesting a decision from the referee, his sending off coming just four minutes after he had been warned by the match official.
Gor Mahia fans celebrate Jacques Tuyisenge’s goal against Petro Atletico during their CAF Confederations Cup Group D match at the Kasarani Stadium on March 17, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
Batambuze was then sent to the dressing room 16 minutes from time for a second yellow card in less than five minutes. He was handed the first after going to ground and taking time back up while the second was for blocking an opponent.
Despite all odds stacked against them, the record Kenyan champions sailed through and earned a hefty Sh35mn payday for their efforts.
Needing a win at all costs to progress to the quarter finals, the wave was clearly against Gor Mahia’s ambition. Other than the red cards swung their way, they had registered just two shots on target in the entire half.
The first was in the fifth minute when Petro lost the ball in a dangerous position at the edge of the xix yard box. Boniface Omondi picked up, fed Jacques Tuyisenge but the Rwandese shot straight at the keeper.
Petro were not defensive and also had their efforts at goal. In the 16th minute, Ricardo Job swung in a corner from the right but Wilson Pinto’s connection went wide.
Gor Mahia midfielder Francis Kahata vies for the ball against a Petro Atletico player during their CAF Confederations Cup Group D match at the Kasarani Stadium on March 17, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
In the 22nd minute, Ricardo had a clean shot at goal himself when he raced on to Tiago Leal’s delivery with a cross from the right, but the pint sized winger could not direct his header on target.
Gor had much of the ball, but their decisions in the final third, especially Lawrence Juma’s in midfield always let them down. Their passes upfront were of poor quality and the front two of Tuyisenge and Nicholas Kipkurui had little to feed off.
After Wendo’s sending off, the burden was always going to be heavy. Tuyisenge had to play alone upfront with Kipkurui dropping in to help in midfield.
Gor should have gone to the break a goal up when they won a freekick in a promising position 20 yards from goal. Shafik Batambuze stepped behind it, but is curling effort went straight to the keeper with little trouble behind it.
Two minutes on the turn, Ricardo had a brilliant opportunity when a cross off the right found him unmarked at the backpost but his shot under a bit of pressure from Philemon Otieno hit the side netting.
Gor Mahia striker Nicholas Kipkurui vies for the ball against a Petro Atletico player during their CAF Confederations Cup Group D match at the Kasarani Stadium on March 17, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
In the second half, it was evident Gor were scenting blood and Tuyisenge showed his instincts with a header just a minute after the restart off a Batambuze cross that went inches wide.
Te minutes later, he sent the Kasarani Stadium into pandemonium.
The Rwandese stepped up, shot to the far right to score perhaps what will rank as his most important goal for Gor.
Tuyisenge should have added a second in the 70th minute when he was laid up by Francis Kahata, but his shot from the edge of the area was stopped by the crossbar.
Even with Batambuze’s red card, Gor still attacked and were denied by the upright again when Juma was sent through on goal from the right.
Thika Golf Club’s Simon Ngige follows the flight of his tee shot on the final round of the 2019 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 17 – A superb birdie chip off the edge of the 18th green saw Thika Golf Club’s Simon Ngige end his 2019 Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship campaign with a round of 69 for a tournament total of 5-under 279 to see him finish tied in 25th.
He was the best placed Kenyan at the European Tour event, a feat that saw him earn €10,615 (equivalent to Sh1.2mn) in his best ever performance at the Open.
He carded a total of 33 on the first nine courtesy of birdies at the par-3 second, the par-5, sixth and the par-4, seventh; with his only dropped shot at the first nine coming at the par-3 fourth. On the back nine, he shot a lone bogey at the par-5, 11th and holed the incredible birdie at the 18th to card a total of 36.
Speaking after the round, Ngige said he was pleased with his performance, adding that he now looks forward to playing at more tournaments.
“I had a lot of fun on the course and loved the fact that there were fans around me who made me feel comfortable. The golf course was in great shape and the wind wasn’t as severe as it has been through the week; so generally, it was a good day for me,” he said.
He added:
“I am going to Zambia in a week for the Zambia Open then the Zimbabwe Open. I am driving well off the tee and I just need to practice on the green from Wednesday.
Speaking about the impact the 2018/19 Safari Tour Golf Series has had on local Pros, Ngige said:
“The Safari Tour has been really good to us. For years, we have yearned for a Tour that engages us for a year; and now we have the Safari Tour which has tested us and pushed us out of our comfort zones. I look forward to playing at the 2019/2020 season of the tour.”
Meanwhile, Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort’s Justus Madoya, ended the tournament with a round of 75 to leave him tied in 72nd place with a total score of 4-over par 289.
ivian Cheruiyot takes a dominating victory at the Lisbon Half Marathon
LISBON, Portugal, Mar 17 – Living up to pre-race expectations, Vivian Cheruyiot shattered the course record at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday, clocking one hour, 6 minutes and 34 seconds, lowering compatriot Rose Chelimo’s 1:08:22 record set in 2015.
On an almost perfect day with just some slight winds for the runners to contend with, Cheruyiot, the 2016 Olympic 5000m champion, ran on her own from the 10km point en route to her victory and she ended up improving her personal best of 1:07:43 set at last year’s Great North Run.
At Friday’s pre-race press conference, Cheruyiot promised to mount an assault on her personal best – and she followed through.
“It was a good race for me,” she said. “Only the strong wind made me run slower. I raced to beat my personal best, and I’m happy. It was a great test the London Marathon, next month.”
Ethiopian Zeineba Yimer (road running world rank: 13) was second, more than a minute after the winner in 01:08:07.
Debutante Sandra Tuei Felis rounded out the podium in 1:08.14 with countrywoman Linet Masai further back, clocking 1:08:51 for fourth, and another Kenyan debutante, Caroline Chepkemoi came next in 1:09:13.
The men’s race was different, with a strong group of 14 still in contention until the 15th kilometre. The action began after that; three kilometres later Geremew (marathon world rank: 4) broke away and took the lead for good en route to his victory in 59:37, not far off of his 59:11 personal best set in 2014.
“I’m not in the best shape and I didn’t run well,” Geremew offered. “Even so I’m happy with this win, a perfect test for my race in the London Marathon in April.
He was the first of 14 men to reach the line in under 61 minutes. His compatriot Berehanu Wendim Tsegu was second in 59:42, an impressive debut. Kenyan Isaac Temoi was third in 59:44, also a personal best.
-Jepkosgei reigns Supreme in New York
Joyciline Jepkosgei victorious at the New York City Half Marathon
Elsewhere, Joyciline Jepkosgei and unheralded Belay Tilahun of Ethiopia won their New York City racing debuts at the 2019 United Airlines NYC Half on Sunday.
Jepkosgei, the half marathon world record-holder, won her first-ever race in the United States on a solo run to the finish in a time of 1:10:07. The world championship silver medallist in the distance became the sixth woman from Kenya to win the event, and the first to do so since 2014.
“This season I am preparing to debut in the marathon, and this was a great half marathon to see how my body feels,” Jepkosgei said.
Fellow Kenyan Mary Ngugi came through the finish line one minute later in 1:11:07 to take second place, 15-hundredths of a second ahead of last year’s champion, Ethiopia’s Buze Diriba.
Tilahun, a 24-year-old member of West Side Runners, recorded his surprise victory in a time of 1:02:10 with an exciting kick through the final two miles.
Eritrea’s Daniel Mesfun finished second in 1:02:16 after leading for the majority of the race, while U.S. Olympic silver medallist Paul Chelimo took third in 1:02:19 in his half-marathon debut.
-Kenyans dominate in Seoul
In Korea, Kenyan Thomas Kiplagat Rono of Kenya and Desi Jisa Mokonin of Bahrain took convincing victories at the Seoul Marathon.
Kiplagat led four men under the 2:07 mark, clocking 2:06:00 to win his third career marathon. The 32-year-old knocked nearly two minutes from his previous lifetime best of 2:07:52 set at the 2014 edition of the Joongang Marathon, Seoul’s annual autumn marathon.
Elisha Kipchirchir Rotich was second in 2:06:12, a massive improvement on his previous best of 2:07:32, set when winning the Eindhoven Marathon last October.
Mike Kiptum Boit rounded out the podium sweep for Kenya, clocking 2:06:24 to beat Ethiopian Fikre Bekele who clocked 2:06:27, career bests for both.
-Kipsaat, Maiyo win in Taipei
Mathew Kipsaat wins in New Taipei City (Wan-Ting Mao
And finally in Taipei, Kenyans Mathew Kipsaat and Naomi Jepkogei Maiyo ran to race record performances at the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon.
Kipsaat ran comfortably in a four-man lead pack until the 29th kilometre when he decided to forge on alone en route to a 2:11:17 victory to smash the previous race record of 2:13:05 set by William Chebon Chebor in 2016.
“I feel very happy to break the record,” said Kipsaat, who added the win here to his victory at the 2017 Las Palmas Marathon. I hope I will be invited back next year, and I will keep improving my time.” His personal best is 2:09:19, set at the 2017 Rome Marathon.
Kipsaat ran well, building an 18-second lead by the 30th kilometre, extending it to more than a minute by kilometre 35 and to more than two minutes by kilometre 40.
Philip Cheruiyot Kangogo (marathon world rank: 299) was a distant second in 2:13:57 with Alex Chepkwik Saekwo (marathon world rank: 241) clocking 2:15:18.
In the women’s race, Maiyo was more patient.
A lead group of five reached the midway point in 1:16:58, with Maiyo finally making her decisive move after the 35th kilometre. She was 38 seconds clear of Meseret Sisay by kilometre 40 and added to it over the waning stages before crossing the line in 2:34:08 to clip 45 seconds from the previous course record.
“I prepared to run good before the race, but didn’t expect to break record,” said Maiyo, who set her lifetime best of 2:31:31 in Cape Town in 2017.
Sisay was second in 2:34:51 with Ednah Mukhwana third clocking 2:35:01.
Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line to win the men’s marathon in Rio de Janeiro on August 21, 2016
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 – Reigning Olympic champion and world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has donated one of the shoes in which he sped to victory in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games marathon.
The winning left shoe of the 2018 IAAF World Athlete of the Year will be one of the featured items in the “IAAF Heritage World Athletics Championships Exhibition”, a six-month display which will open in Doha on 18 April.
“I’m really pleased that my career will be permanently represented in the IAAF Heritage Collection,” said Eliud Kipchoge, who has also given a signed copy of the book detailing his world record run in Berlin.
“My running career has still far to go but I’m proud to donate one of my shoes from my Rio victory to be preserved for future generations of fans and publicly displayed. I hope it helps to motivate more people to take up the wonderful sport of running.”
In one month, in a special ceremony on the evening of Thursday 18 April, IAAF President Sebastian Coe together with Dahlan Al Hamad, IAAF Vice President and Director General of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 Local Organising Committee, will officially open the IAAF Heritage Exhibition in the City Center Doha, Qatar’s largest shopping mall.
The 400m2 exhibition will feature the world’s largest ever display of athletics artefacts and memorabilia, dating from 2nd Century B.C. to the present day.
In text, photographic and video displays, the exhibition succinctly tells the story of the sport’s 3000-year history.
Introductory displays cover athletics as it emerged from the ancient Olympic Games in 776 B.C. The story is carried through to the first modern Olympic Games of 1896, the foundation of the IAAF in 1912 and to creation of the IAAF World Championships in 1983.
At the heart of the exhibition are 10 huge display panels summarising the history of the 16 editions of the IAAF World Athletics Championships.
Additional specialised displays include the histories of the six continental Areas, Qatari athletics and the development of ASICS spikes. There is also a preview of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 accompanied by a SEIKO countdown clock and QNB display.
Six video screens, including a small cinema room where longer championship highlights will be screened, will offer plenty of competition footage from world championships history.
Along with interactive features, there will be plenty of variety for all ages of visitors to enjoy and explore in the exhibition which will run until the 7 October, the day after the end of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.
Nakuru Ladies celebrate after winning the fourth round of the Kenya Rugby Union women’s 10-a-side Rugby Festival
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 – Nakuru RFC rose to the top of the Kenya Rugby Union women’s rugby 10=a-side festival after seeing off a tough Impala side 5-0 in the final of the fourth round held at the Impala Club on Sunday.
With the victory, Nakuru rose top of the standings with 17 points, same as second placed Impala but with a better points difference.
Freshia Awino crossed the chalk for the all important try as Nakuru dismantled the defensive wall mounted by Impala with the girls from the rift remaining in contention to become the first club outside the capital city to lift the crown.
“We still have a lot to do as the competition is tight and the points difference is a tie between us and the defending champions Impala so we can’t celebrate fully yet but we are going back to the drawing board,” said Felix Oloo,Nakuru Head Coach.
Meanwhile, Homeboyz beat Mwamba RFC 19-5 to clinch the bronze trophy while Nothern Suburbs hit Shamas to finish fifth with Kisumu Dolphins and Comras concluding the standings for round four.
Harambee Stars U23 defender Johnston Omurwa (centre) is congratulated by teammates Ovella Ochieng (left) and Chris Onyango (right) after scoring the opening goal during their Olympic 2020 Qualifier against Mauritius on November 14, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 – The Harambee Stars Under-23 squad departed the country Sunday night for Khartoum, Sudan with focus sharply inclined towards earning a place in the Under-23 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Egypt later this year.
The Junior Stars under the tutelage of Mathare United tactician Francis Kimanzi are looking to emulate the seniors when they take on hosts Sudan in the first leg of the second qualification match in Khartoum on Wednesday night.
“It is another challenge and we expect a good result because last time we tried and got some good results against Mauritius. This time we are lucky because we have almost the same group that did the job in the first game and that gives us a slight advantage,” Kimanzi said as the team left on Sunday.
He added; “We expect a tough game but we are looking forward for positive results.”
Kimanzi’s charges will look on for a positive result in the first leg before welcoming the Sudanese to the return fixture in Nairobi next Tuesday with the winner of this tie facing either Nigeria or Libya after which the winner earns a place in Egypt.
Consequently, taking part in the U23 AFCON will be used as a qualification tournament for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
“We go to Sudan with huge motivation and we hope we can sustain it to the game and earn a positive result. We are focused and we have a set of players who have been active competitively in the league and that gives us an edge,” Kimanzi further stated.
This is the second time in three years Kenya heads out to Sudan for an age-grade competition with the first having been in the Under-20 qualifiers in 2016 where Kenya drew 1-1 but the second leg was called off after a successful Sudanese protest on the documents of some Kenyan players.
Harambee Stars Under-23 head coach Francis Kimanzi watches on during training. PHOTO/FKF
In that match, Teddy Osok, now the assistant captain of the U23 team played a vital role in midfield and he hopes to have the same influence this time round and aid the team to victory.
“We have prepared very well in the few days we have been in camp and we know it will not be an easy game in Sudan. But we have to fight to get positive results,” the Wazito FC midfielder noted.
Kimanzi’s squad to Khartoum is endowed with enough experience with skipper Joseph Okumu leading the foreign legion that travels in for the tie.
Other foreign based players in the squad include winger Ovellah Ochieng and Georgia based Alwyn Tera.
The new faces in the squad include Sofapaka striker John Avire who has scored five goals so far this season and he comes in place of teammate Piston Mutamba who has been overlooked for the away trip.
Also included is Nairobi Stima midfielder Curtis Wekesa.
Travelling squad to Sudan
Goalkeepers
Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks)
Defenders
Mike Kibwage (KCB), Johnstone Omurwa (Mathare United), David Owino (Mathare United), Yusuf Mainge (AFC Leopards), Joseph Okumu (Real Monarchs, USA), Boniface Onyango (Kariobangi Sharks), Moses Mudavadi (Bandari)
Midfielders
Teddy Osok (Wazito), Tobias Otieno (Sony Sugar), Ibrahim Shambi (Ulinzi Stars), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks), Alwyn Tera (FC Saburtalo, Georgia), Peter Thiongo (Kakamega Homeboyz), Curtis Wekesa (Nairobi Stima), Sven Yidah (Kariobangi Sharks)
Forwards
Boniface Mukhekhe (Mt Kenya United), Ovella Ochieng (Vasalund FC, Sweden), Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), Jafari Owiti (AFC Leopards), John Avire (Sofapaka)
Gor Mahia striker Jacques Tuyisenge wheels away in celebration after scoring the lone goal in the club’s 1-0 win over Angola’s Petro Atletico in a CAF Confederations Cup Group D clash at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 17, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 – Gor Mahia forward Jacques Tuyisenge has revealed he could not sleep for four days prior to the club’s CAF Confederations do-or-die Group D tie against Petro Atletico, saying he couldn’t stop thinking of getting the team into the quarters for the first time ever.
Tuyisenge delivered the all important goal, scoring a 56th minute penalty as the nine men of Gor soldiered against the 11 of Petro to sail into the last eight, a historical feat that will forever last in the Rwandese’s memory.
“I couldn’t sleep. Every time I was thinking of this game especially because last year we came close but couldn’t achieve it. I was very anxious about everything and all I wanted was to come to the pitch and fight for the badge, fight to see the team qualify,” Tuyisenge, with a smile brandished all over his face told Capital Sport.
The Rwandese, bought by Gor at the beginning of the 2016 season for a reported record fee of Sh4mn showed nerves of steel to step forward and slam home the penalty in the wake of pressure and a huge numerical disadvantage.
And he showed his passion with a wild celebration, nearly bursting into tears as he wheeled down the left flank to leap in celebration.
Gor Mahia striker Jacques Tuyisenge wheels away in celebration after scoring the lone goal in the club’s 1-0 win over Angola’s Petro Atletico in a CAF Confederations Cup Group D clash at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 17, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
“I have played tough games in my life, I have scored goals, but none can compare to this. As a team, our aim was to go there and make history and see the team in the quarter finals. We believed and we ensured it happened,” Tuyisenge added.
He has also lavished praise on the club’s fans who turned out in large numbers, braving the Kasarani cold to cheer the side on as they chased history.
“I want to thank the fans for their support because if they were not there, what we achieved today would not have been possible. They came in handy especially when we were nine men down. Whenever you felt the slightest hint of fatigue and you heard their voice on the stands, you got the energy to play on,” he said.
Adding; “For us strikers, we got the energy to run up and down to defend and try get a goal at all costs and you couldn’t think of giving up because of the fans. You could even say you’d rather leave your all on the pitch than let them down.”
A placard by a fan urges Gor Mahia striker Jacques Tuyisenge to score during their CAF Confederations Cup Group D clash against Angola’s Petro Atletico in a at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 17, 2019.
The upbeat Tuyisenge now believes the club can go all the way to the final after earning a ticket into the knockout rounds and says more should be expected from the team.
“The knockout stage is all about keen planning. If we do our homework well we can achieve anything we want. I am telling you, we can even go to the final,” stated the striker.
Gor Mahia will know their quarter final opponent on Wednesday evening when the draw is conducted in Cairo. Group winners (Zamalek, RS Berkane, CS Sfaxien and Al Hilal) have been seeded and will be pooled against second placed teams (Gor, Hassania Agadir, Etoile du Sahel, Nkana).
Teams from the same group cannot be paired against each other meaning Gor cannot draw Zamalek in the quarters. They will either face Berkane from Morocco, Tunisia’s Sfaxien or Sudan’s Hilal.
Kenya Prisons in action during their CAVB African Women Volleyball Club Championship game against Uganda’s Nkumba University in Cairo on March 18, 2019. PHOTO/CAVB
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 18 – Kenya Prisons fought back from a set down to beat Uganda’s Nkumba University three sets to one in their second group match at the African women volleyball club championship in Cairo on Monday night.
Prisons found themselves trailing after losing the opening set 26-24, but managed to recover winning the second set 27-25 and following that up with 25-16 and 25-22 in the next two.
Nkumba were on the verge of taking a 2-0 lead having bossed the second set, but Josp Baraza’s girls managed to steady the ship to sneak in and win 27-25 to give themselves a lifeline and some hope of picking victory.
They made easy work in the next two sets to pick their second victory in the championship having started off with a straight sets win over Ivory Coast’s Asec on Sunday.
Prisons got into the court just over 24 hours after arriving in Cairo following their late clearance and they showed no signs of fatigue winning easy in sets of 25-12, 25-13 and 25-8.
Meanwhile, KCB head coach Japheth Munala will be looking to win the second consecutive match and qualify for the quarter finals when they face Egypt’s Sporting Club this afternoon.
-Munala happy
Munala says he is happy with the shape of his team especially after starting off their campaign with victory over Congo’’s DGSP on Saturday.
“I am happy with how the team is fairing so far and our target is to seal the quarter final place before facing Tunisia’s Carthage in our final match. I have watched the Egyptians training and on the court and I am confident if we get our strategies right we can win,” Munala said.
In the early serve off, Kenya Pipeline will also be looking out for qualification to the quarters when they take on another Egyptian opponent, Shooting Club.
Kenya’s Collins Injera offloads against Fiji on day one of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Vancouver on 10th March, 2018. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 19 – The Kenya Rugby Union said on Tuesday it had reached an agreement with seven dissenting players to return to the national team for the remainder of the World Sevens Series season.
Kenya have been forced to field a team of inexperienced players in the opening six rounds, after the KRU and the senior squad members failed to strike a deal over new salary contracts before the start of the campaign.
The exiled players, including all-time leading try scorer Collins Injera and former national team captain Andrew Amonde, had refused to take a 50 percent pay cut in terms offered by the cash-strapped KRU but will return for the final four legs of the series.
“The Kenya Rugby Union held a meeting with the senior Shujaa players (who participated in the 2017/2018 World Sevens Series) and agreed to terms on a return to work formula for the remaining part of the season,” the KRU said in a statement.
Kenya face the threat of losing their full-time place in the Sevens World Series as they sit in 14th place, four points above Japan in the relegation spot.
The next leg of the series takes place in Hong Kong, where the Shujaa finished second in 2018, between April 5-7.
World champion Hellen Obiri with the Diamond League trophy.
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 21 – After outcry from the Kenyans and Ethiopians, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has clarified it will not entirely remove 5,000 metres races from the Diamond League programme.
Instead, the IAAF says individual meeting directors will be free to include 5,000m races on their programmes, but outside the live television broadcast window.
Last week, Kenyan and Ethiopian athletics federations protested against the alleged removal of the distance races from the Diamond League circuit with Ethiopian Athletics Federation Interim President Derartu Tulu urging the IAAF to reconsider the decision”.
In a statement , IAAF Head of Communications Nicole Jeffery also said claims that the 10,000m race had been scrapped from the Diamond League were unfounded as the race was never part of the programme.
“DL meet directors have the opportunity to include a 5,000m race outside the 90-minute international broadcast window if they desire, and some have already said they will do this, including Eugene.
“We expect the same number of 5,000m races to be available next year as this year,” said Jeffery in the statement.
“The 10,000m has never been part of the Diamond League.”
Jeffery also explained that the removal of the 10,000m from the IAAF World Under-20 Championships programme was meant to protect young athletes and ensuring their longevity.
“The distance events that were part of the World U20 Championships in Tampere last year were 5,000m and 10,000m for men and 3,000m and 5,000m for women. The IAAF Council decided in December to approve the 3,000m and 5,000m for both men and women for Nairobi 2020 (World Under-20 Championships), because our research has shown that, in general, it is not good for the longevity of a young athlete to run the 10,000m at world level too early, and we want our best young athletes to have long careers,” she explained.
“There will be the same number of distance races in Nairobi as there were in Tampere.”
At their Council meeting in Doha about two weeks ago, the IAAF ruled that their decision to remove the 5,000m from the broadcast programme was based on consultations and research.
Market feedback
“We made the decision to reduce the 5,000m distance to a 3,000m distance based on clear market feedback from the broadcasters and fans,” the IAAF had said in a statement last week.
“Also, a consistent programme of DL disciplines was important across all of the meetings and in our athlete feedback, the distance runners communicated to us that they did not want to compete in the 5,000m at six regular meetings and the final.
“It is essential for the DL brand that the top athletes are present at all DL meetings so this did not work for the series.”
Jeffery added that the IAAF has been fighting for distance races noting that there was a valid reason from making the IAAF World Cross Country Championships a biennial event, rather than an annual one.
“The World Cross Country is now every two years, but in the alternate year we have the World Half Marathon Championships, so there is still a distance world championship every year,” she explained. Last week, the IAAF said broadcasters had requested for a “faster, sharper and slightly more concentrated product.”
At the Doha meeting, the IAAF also said the Diamond League meetings will be reduced from the current 14 to 12 from next year.
“In addition to the 90-minute international window, please be aware that the DL meetings will also offer a further 30 minutes of additional coverage to their own domestic broadcaster, which will include extra events,” the IAAF said.
Sofapaka FC striker Umaru Kasumba has been named the February SportPesa/LG Player of the Month for February. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 20 – Sofapaka hitman Umaru Kasumba has scooped the February Sportpesa/LG Player of the month award in a ceremony that took place on Wednesday at the team’s training backyard, Eastleigh High School.
The Ugandan talisman netted four goals in three games, in the process helping Sofapaka, the 2009 Kenyan Premier League Champion, register three wins and a draw.
Kasumba opened his February account with a goal in Batoto Ba Mungu’s 2-0 win over Kariobangi Sharks, before netting Sofapaka’s opener as they came from behind to snatch a point against Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium.
He wrapped up the month with a brace in an emphatic 4-1 victory over then league leaders Mathare United at Kasarani Stadium.
Sofapaka striker Umaru Kasumba eyes on the ball during training. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Kasumba trounced Bandari’s Congolese striker Yema Mwana and Gor Mahia’s Nicholas Kipkirui to scoop the gong after getting 19 points while Mwana came in second with 15 as Kipkirui finished in third with 14 points in a selection conducted by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Football Commission.
“I’m very pleased to win this award because it is my first ever.
It presents a challenge to me Because I have to keep performing. There cannot be room for complacency since I want to win the golden boot this year
I have the advantage of being coached by someone who won the golden boot four times during his playing time,” Smiling Kasumba said.
Sofapaka striker Umaru Kasumba display’s his trophy with LG Budget Allocation and Digital Marketing Manager Hiram Macharia (Left) and Sportpesa’s Trizah Akoth (Right). Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
With the award, he went home with Sh100, 000 courtesy of sponsors Sportpesa, a personalized trophy and a 49-inch TV courtesy of LG Electronics. The entire Sofapaka team also pocketed Sh100,000.
He becomes the third recipient of the award this year after Kakamega Homeboyz attacking midfielder Peter Thiong’o who won the December award, and Bandari FC winger Abdalla Hassan who bagged it in January.
Sofapaka striker Umaru Kasumba is congratulated by teammates afer bagging the February SportPesa/LG Player of the Month award. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Kasumba still harbours the dream of playing for Uganda Cranes and wants to keep scoring until he catches the eye of national team selectors.
“It is every person’s dream to play for their country and I’m hoping that with the hard work I’m putting in, one day my time will come. I cannot fault them for overlooking me now, I just have to work and work until I impress them,” he added.
Leonard Rono from Kapsoit FC (with the ball) and Khakuli Welington from Kapenguria Heroes (West Pokot) during the ongoing Safaricom Chapa Dimba Rift-Region, Semifinals in Narok Stadium.
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 20 – The fourth round of the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Season 2 heads to Rift Valley Region this weekend with the Eldoret ASK Showground hosting the matches for both boys and girls showdown.
The games will see eight youth teams from Rift battle it out for the region’s supremacy and a chance to play in the national finals set for June in Meru County.
Solidarity boys from Transzoia will play Al Ahly from Kajiado while Narok’s White Rhino FC will take on Tumkas boys from Uasin Gishu in the boys’ semis. In the girls’ category Itigo Gils from Nandi will face Bomet Queens as Kitale Queens from Transzoia meet Nakuru West Queens.
“The teams are ready, and we are set for the weekend. We have had competitive games with a crop of new teams coming into the limelight. We expect very entertaining football over the weekend and hope the regional winners will again emerge champions in the national finals like last year,” Evans Omondi, Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Rift Region Coordinator said.
Regional winners will receive a cash reward of KES 200,000 each and join Bishop Njenga Girls and Lugari Blue Saints from Western, Manyatta Boys and Ndhiwa Queens from Nyanza as well as Super Solico and St Mary’s Ndovea from Eastern for the national finals.
The runners-up will also pocket KES 100,000 each among other individual prizes. The competition aims at scouting for youth talent, developing grassroots football, and ultimately propel gifted players to the national team.
This year an all-star team will be selected to attend a training camp in Spain during which they will play against local youth sides.
Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela during a training session at the Kasarani Stadium on March 20, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 20 – Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne will need to re-organize his cards for the trip to Ghana ahead of Saturday’s final African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match in Accra with defender Brian Mandela doubtful.
The burly defender sat out of the final 20 minutes of Wednesday morning’s session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani with a suspected muscular problem and Migne confirmed to Capital Sport the defender might miss the tie.
“Mandela is not sure to play and it’s a huge problem for me. We need to find solution and maybe develop another option. It is not easy because this is Kenya and we don’t have so many foreign based players. But we will try to find a solution and this is a good opportunity for me to see other players,” Migne said.
He added; “There are other players who I have not played since I came in like Owino (David) or Masud. This is their chance to show what they can do.”
Mandela’s injury comes just few days after it was confirmed that striker Michael Olunga is unavailable due to a hamstring strain.
In Mandela’s absence, Migne will have plenty of options with Gor Mahia’s Joash Onyango back from injury while David Owino might be in line for a start having missed the last three international games with injury.
Harambee Stars new call up Christopher Mbamba (Centre) vies for the ball with Ismail Gonzalez during a training session at the Kasarani Stadium on March 19, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
Meanwhile, new call up, Sweden-based Christopher Mbamba is racing against time to get his documentation right before the team travels to Accra early Thursday morning.
The winger born in Zimbabwe to a Namibian father and a Kenyan mother earned a first ever call-up to the national team for this trip to Ghana, but the only impediment is his paperwork.
“He (Mbamba) missed the session in the morning because he was working on his documentation and I hope by the end of the day he will be able to get it,” Migne said.
“He is an interesting players and will compete to be on final list for AFCON. I asked him to come because I saw his quality and I watched him in some games and it was interesting to see. But I need to know him more and see whether he can compete well with the group,” the French tactician stated.
Stars will hold their final training session on Wednesday evening after which Migne will nae his final list of travelling players early morning Thursday.
Geoffrey Oduor Gangla all smiles after being elected the Kenya Rugby Union chairman. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 20 – Geoffrey Oduor Gangla has been elected as the new Kenya Rugby Union chairman after beating his closest competitor Sasha Mutai by 13 votes in the election exercise carried out at the RFUEA Grounds on Wednesday evening.
Gangla managed to get 33 votes against Mutai’s 20 with former Kenya Commercial Bank RFC chairman Asiko Oworo only managing two.
He (Gangla) will now have to resign from his position as the Union Honorary Secretary to take over the new post for a period of four years as per the Sports Act (2013).
Geoffrey Oduor Gangla all smiles with outgoing chairman Richard Omwela after being elected the Kenya Rugby Union chairman. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
He takes over from Richard Omwela who chose not to defend his seat despite being constitutionally allowed to.
The election was carried out despite a letter from the Sports Ministry on Tuesday evening asking for its postponement for ‘consultations’.
“We received the letter yesterday but decided since there is no court order or a decision from the members in an AGM not to carry out the election, we will continue as per our constitution,” said Omwela as he addressed the AGM.
Gor mahia players celebrate Francis Kahata’s goal against NA Hussein Dey in a CAF Confederations Cup match at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on February 24, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 20 – Record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia will face Moroccan side RS Berkane in the quarter finals of the CAF Confederations Cup after the draw was conducted on Wednesday evening in Cairo.
Gor secured a first ever slot in the quarter finals of the continental championship after finishing second in Group D following their last day 1-0 win over Angola’s Petro Atletico at the Kasarani Stadium last Sunday.
“I had a feeling we would get a team from Morocco. I know it is going to be tough because North Africa is never an easy ground but we will prepare well for them. Now the homework is get to watch some few games and know how they play,” Gor Mahia head coach Hassan Oktay said.
He added; “At Gor we don’t have such technology to track opponents but we will work with what we have. I know we have lost matches in North Africa but this time, it will change. We are determined to make more history for Kenyan football.
Gor will start the tie at home on April 7 before playing the return leg in Berkane a week later
Berkane who were promoted to the top tier in the 2012/2013 season lie ninth currently in the Moroccan Botola league with 27 points off 21 matches and have lost their last two domestic matches.
The Moroccans topped their group with 11 points having won three matches, drawn two and lost one. They were in the same group with local rivals Raja Cassablanca, Hassania Agadir and Congo’s Otoho.
They beat Hassania home and away, beat Otoho at home and drew away, lost 4-2 away to Raja and drew at home.
Elsewhere, Musa Mohammed and Duncan Otieno’s Zambian employers Nkana will face a trip to Tunisia to take on CS Sfaxien, the only unbeaten side from the group stages.
Harambee Stars Under-23 players line up before their match against Mauritius in the first round of the 2019 AFCON U23 Qualifiers. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 20 – Red hot Al Hilal forward Waleed Bakhiet scored twice as hosts Sudan beat Kenya’s Emmerging Stars 2-0 in the first leg of the African Under-23 Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Khartoum on Wednesday night.
Bakhiet scored a goal in either half as the Sudanese took a huge advantage ahead of next week’s return leg at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Tuesday.
The Francis Kimanzi coached team will need to win the game by a margin of three clear goals to progress to the final round of qualification where a meeting between either Nigeria or Libya awaits.
The AFCON Under-23 will also be used as a qualification tournament for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Starting XI
Brian Bwire (GK), David Owino, Yusuf Mainge, Mike Kibwage, Johnstone Omurwa, Teddy Osok (C), James Mazembe, Ibrahim Shambi, John Avire, Alwyn Tera, Jafari Owiti
Substitutes
Timothy Odhiambo (GK), Boniface Onyango, Tobias Omondi, Sven Yidah, Boniface Mukhekhe, Ovella Ochieng, Sydney Lokale
