Gor Mahia head coach Hassan Oktay on the touchline during their SportPesa Cup match against Tanzania’s Mbao FC at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on January 23, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 21 – Gor Mahia’s Hassan Oktay has been named the Fidelity Insurance Kenyan Premier League coach of the month for February after leading his side to a run of four wins and a draw in five matches.
The Cypriot who took charge of the team at the start of the new season in December beat Sofapaka’s John Baraza and Posta Rangers’ John Kamau to the gong after receiving the most votes from the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) football committee.
Oktay led K’Ogalo to victories over arch rivals AFC Leopards, Vihiga United, Sofapaka and Tusker FC while they drew 1-1 with Western Stima.
Kenya Sevens players Sammy Oliech and Jeff Oluoch during the World Rugby Sevens Series. PHOTO/World Rugby
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 21 – New Kenya Rugby Union boss Oduor Gangla says he will focus his energy on fixing the current problems bedeviling the national sevens team as he looks to work on better player welfare for national team players.
Shujaa has been forced to play the first five legs of the series with an inexperienced squad after senior players boycotted training after their contracts were reviewed, slashing their salaries.
But this week, the Union said in a statement that the senior players have agreed to get back to training to help save the team from relegation as a core team in the World Series, Gangla now says he will ensure the matter is taken to rest at the earliest possible opportunity.
“The most important in all this is that both parties are committed to finding solution. Given the challenges we have faced we have moved a long way we are trying to get amicable solution in the interest of Kenyan rugby,” Gangla said.
He added; “There is an agreement in place on the key principles on a return to work formula. Te issues surrounding length of contract, compensation and where we start off is just about fine tuning so that no one feels disenfranchised in any way.”
The team is placed 14th in the World Sevens rankings with 18 points after six rounds and are preparing for the Asian tour of the series which will take them to Hong Kong and Singapore next month.
Geoffrey Oduor Gangla all smiles with outgoing chairman Richard Omwela after being elected the Kenya Rugby Union chairman. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
Meanwhile, despite being in the board that saw the national team problems escalate, Gangla says he will bring in a fresh face of leadership having taken over from Richard Omwela.
“Our styles basing on our background and experiences are different. I have been involved in club rugby having served as the Impala chair for about four seasons and that also brings in a different flavor in the game. You will see stronger emphasis in the local game. I am all about academy rugby and international relations and definitely we will work to improve the game,” Gangla further stated.
He added; “Richard has done well, and it will be unfair if his legacy is judged coming down from what has happened over the last six months.”
Oduor Gangla casting his vote during the Kenya Rugby Union elections at the RFUEA Grounds on March 20, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
“Confidence from people out there is about the vision, going out there and telling people where you want to take the game. Don’t look at me having served in the previous board and limit my vision to just the challenges we have had in the board. Its about where we want to go,”
At the same time, Gangla says the first order of business will be re-constituting the board after four new directors were voted in.
“Some members had some key dockets and they are no longer there, Now we have to convene a board meeting at the earliest opportunity available and reconstitute the board. Most of the things we have planned including the creation of the Kenya Rugby Limited can only happen with a functional board,” Gangla noted.
Meanwhile, the new boss says he is ready to work with Sasha Mutai and Asiko Owiro who he defeated in Wednesday evening’s poll.
“We had discussions with Sasha and Asiko that regardless of outcome of elections we must work together because we are passionate about the game and with different strengths. I will follow up that commitment we made to each other during campaign,” he added.
Sasha Mutai during the Kenya Rugby Union elections at the RFUEA Grounds on March 20, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
This comes even as Mutai expressed shock at his loss but stated he would always be in rugby despite failing for a second time to clinch the top post at the Union.
“We were working out the numbers in the morning and I thought I was winning, but things change in politics. It’s an interesting day in rugby politics today. The affiliates didn’t want change. They are the ones who own the game all we can do is wish new team the best,” Mutai said.
“I will always be in rugby; this is the game I love. Four years is a long time let’s see what happens; let’s see what the new office can do,” he further added.
Gor Mahia striker Jacques Tuyisenge kneels down to celebrate after converting a penalty during the Kenyan Premier League match against Mathare United at the Kasarani Stadium on January 6, 2018. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 21 – Congolese club AS Vita are the first to openly express their desire to sign red-hot Gor Mahia forward Jacques Tuyisenge, but it now emerges that there are several other suitors circling around the Rwandese forward.
Tuyisenge’s contract is in its sunset days at the club and three years after he joined them, an opportunity to leave might be opening up for them.
“When I am anywhere, I always give my 100pc and focus on the team. In January, I was to go to France and the club came and even offered Gor money but the club told me to remain for a while because ther didn’t have a striker at that time and I remained,” Tuyisenge told Capital Sport.
He added; “Yes, my contract is almost ending but till the last day, I will always give 100pc to the team. If they see that I am doing some good work in the team then they are free to add me a contract. But if an opportunity opens up for me to go, I will. For now, I am only thinking of Gor.”
Gor Mahia players Francis Mustafa, Jacques Tuyisenge and Karim Nizigiyimana celebrate with the 2018 Kenyan Premier League title at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu on September 30, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
Vita have been trailing Tuyisenge for a while and with their lead striker Jean Marc Makusu reportedly heading to North Africa, the Rwandese who arrived in Gor at the start of the 2016 season tops their priority list.
Meanwhile, head coach Hassan Oktay says he is already preparing himself psychologically for Tuyisenge’s exit and believes he can get an able replacement though it will not be easy.
“It is not only Vita that are interested. There are very many clubs who have approached him even from Cyprus. But I like Jack because he is very disciplined and despite all that he has not lost his focus,” Oktay stated.
He added; “If a good offer comes for him I know he will leave because it is good for him also. We are working to get another striker.”
Gor have been relient on Tuyisenge who has always finished among the top three scorers in all the three seasons he has turned out for the record Kenyan champions, helping them to win the league title twice in a row.
The record Kenyan champions struggled to replace Meddie Kagere when he left for Simba SC and a Tuyisenge departure will definitely be hardly felt.
Kenya Prisons volleyball team in action during the CAVB African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Cairo, Egypt in 2019
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 21 – Trouble is brewing for the Kenya Prisons Women’s Volleyball team after the State Department for Correctional Services under which they fall ordered for their immediate repatriation to the country on Thursday.
According to a statement signed by Principle Secretary Zainab Hussein, the team was out of the country without the consent of the department and they had neither financed nor cleared the trip and says they were surprised of the team’s absence from the country.
“Given the breach of protocol and the contravention of rules regarding public servants’ travel overseas, the government has immediately organized for their repatriation tonight,” the shocking statement said.
“Whilst the government acknowledges and supports sports as one of the many sources of our national pride, we regret this turn of events, which has caused the people of Kenya undue embarrassment,” the statement added.
However, it remains a mystery as to how a whole team of Prisons employees would leave the country would leave the country without clearance.
Who paid the air tickets to Cairo? Who is cheating who?
-Living in limbo
Prisons have been living in limbo in Cairo where they arrived just a few hours to the championship that served off last weekend.
Their travel to North Africa was delayed over clearance issues but they finally managed to leave. But in Cairo, the team’s passports were allegedly confiscated after they failed to clear pending hotel bills.
According to a report in the Daily Nation today, the team will be on the next flight home today after the Kenyan embassy in cairo cleared the pending bills and checked the team out of their hotel even before they play their classification matches on Friday.
Prisons who are the reigning Kenyan champions lost 3-2 to home side El Shams yesterday to extinguish their hopes of making it into the quarter finals and were scheduled to play the 9-16 classification match against Congo’s DGSP.
-Embassy employee
“Someone has come here and introduced himself as an employee of the Kenyan Embassy. He is clearing the bills and checking us out of the hotel. We were supposed to train (for our next match) between 1-2pm (Egypt time) but that will not happen,” Prisons team manager David Kilundo is quoted as saying by the Daily Nation.
The consequent withdrawal by the team now means they and by extension the Kenya Volleyball federation stand at the risk of being heavily fined by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB).
Cameroon players happily do some runs during a training session at the camp Toyoyo Grounds in Nairobi on September 4, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Mar 21 – Defending champions Cameroon are among 21 countries hoping to fill one of 10 places up for grabs this weekend in the final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Indomitable Lions will be among the 24 finalists in Egypt this June provided they avoid defeat at home against the Comoros in Yaounde.
Other hopefuls include South Africa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang-captained Gabon while Burundi, the Gambia, Lesotho and the Comoros dream of qualifying for the first time.
AFP Sport assesses the eight groups where places are on the line ahead of the first Cup of Nations to feature 24 teams and the first in the modern era to be staged in mid-year.
Group B
Cameroon coach and former Dutch star Clarence Seedorf has lamented a poor goal return — three in five qualifiers — and he will lack suspended Karl Toko Ekambi.
The Villarreal striker, who scored twice in La Liga last weekend, is suspended and an injury rules out fellow attacker Vincent Aboubakar.
Only a win will suffice for the Comoros and they will lack suspended El Fardou Ben Nabouhane, their chief source of goals.
Group C
Gabon must win in Bujumbura to prevent Burundi creating history and the return of Arsenal star Aubameyang is a timely boost for the underperforming Panthers.
Last year, he refused to visit South Sudan because of unhappiness with the condition of the chartered plane and injury ruled him out of the next qualifier, a home loss to Mali.
Aubameyang managed only one goal in other qualifiers while his Burundi equivalent, Abdul Razak Fiston, has netted six times.
Group D
Benin, Togo and the Gambia have varying chances of joining already-qualified Algeria at the biennial African football showcase.
The Gambians face a near-impossible task as they would have to win in Algeria and hope Benin and Togo draw 48 hours later.
A likelier scenario is Benin and Togo slugging it out in Cotonou with the home team needing a draw while the visitors, who may include veteran Emmanuel Adebayor, must win.
Group E
Three-time champions Nigeria are already through, leaving perennial underachievers South Africa and Libya to scrap for second place.
A draw will suffice for South Africa, who started with a shock away win over Nigeria before a draw in the Seychelles against a team including a pastry chef set them back.
Workmanlike Libya have to win and a stunning midweek win for their Olympic team over Nigeria has boosted morale.
Group G
Leaders Zimbabwe, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and bottom-place Congo Brazzaville are all contenders for two places.
Zimbabwe and DR Congo have home advantage over generally poor travellers Congo and Liberia respectively and victories will ensure qualification.
Khama Billiat is set to be an attacking threat for Zimbabwe while the Congolese hope the pace of Yannick Bolasie and stealth of Cedric Bakambu can cause damage.
Group I
Angola hold a two-point advantage over Burkina Faso in an intriguing two-team chase to join first-time qualifiers Mauritania.
The Angolans, whose winger Geraldo can unlock the tightest defences, are away to poorly performing Botswana and a win guarantees qualification.
But if they slip, 2017 Cup of Nations bronze medallists Burkina Faso can squeeze through by winning at home against Mauritania.
Group K
Traditional African football minnows Guinea-Bissau can make back-to-back Cup of Nations appearances provided they do not lose at home against Mozambique.
Namibia, away to already-eliminated Zambia, will also go to Egypt provided Guinea-Bissau do not lose.
The section was expected to be won by 2012 champions Zambia, but three losses eliminated the Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) and cost Belgian coach Sven Vandenbroeck his job.
Group L
Uganda have booked their passage to the finals with an unbeaten record and outstanding veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has kept five clean sheets.
Lesotho lie second despite only one win and three goals from five outings and victory in Cape Verde will take the Crocodiles to the finals for the first time.
If Cape Verde triumph, they will qualify unless unpredictable Tanzania obtain maximum points at home to Uganda in an east Africa showdown.
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 19, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 21 – “I hear a lot of things and I read a lot that the government is ready to support us but I am not sure it is the case. There is a difference when you talk and when you do,” – Those are the sentiments of Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne.
The tactician is disappointed that the government is not walking its talk as far as supporting the team towards June’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is concerned.
Migne wants the team to camp in France at least three weeks to the tournament in Egypt but as days go by, the probability that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will be able to pay for the training facility in time grows dimmer.
FKF boss Nick Mwendwa last week intimated that the government had approved a Sh244mn budget for the team’s preparations for the Cup of Nations, but according to Migne, that promise is yet to be fulfilled.
“We had some difficulties with the plane. It seems maybe one detail for the government but in the high level, it is the small details that are important. We didn’t prepare well about this aspect,” Migne said.
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne enjoys a kick about with his players during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 20, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
He added; “Medical, on the field it was really good. The hotel (Safari Park) it is fantastic to be here. But it’s not enough for the plane if three days before the game it is impossible to know which plane we will take. It is not good. I think it is a lack of respect for the national team.”
Stars travelled early Thursday morning to Accra, but the confirmations of the travel itinerary took time and this irked the French coach, known to be a man keen on proper planning and adherence to set targets.
Worrying him hugely now is the proposed camp to France and he says it would be a disaster if the country failed to actualize the plan of setting up the European camp where three or four friendly matches are planned.
“I can have preparations here, but I think it will be a lack of respect to the players because it will be difficult to get a friendly match here. You have to respect AFCON. We have not qualified in 15 years and now we are here,” the tactician stated.
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne issues instructions during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 20, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
And now, the tactician has hinted that he might choose to leave if the working conditions do not improve.
“But what can I do? I can’t cry. I will try to adapt but if it’s too difficult for me I will let fall and find another job,” the tactician stated.
But, he says he wants to fight to remain in the country and actualize the dream of playing in the Qatar World Cup in 2022, saying he has a special relationship with the players and that is what keeps him motivated to continue working here.
“I am a professional. I currently have a contract here and I have to respect it. Clubs and national teams have been calling to ask whether I could be interested. I expect things will be normalized for the future. Since 10 months when I came here, it is not the case. I just hope I am not infront of some liars,” the tactician offered.
At the same time, he has called for the improvement of playing facilities in the country saying poor facilities cannot produce good players.
He believes there is a lot of young talent in the country, but without playing surfaces, seeing their development would be a tough call.
“The main tool for a football player is the field. Sometimes, it is difficult to see the quality f a player because apart from Kasarani, there is no good field in the country,” Migne stated.
“Step by step we are trying to discover young players for the future. For CHAN and Olympics team we have a good group of talented players but what’s important is to work with them constantly and develop them. If we can do that at least once a week I think we have a chance,” he said.
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 20, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
“But it is difficult because we have problems like the one with FKF and KPL. I went to India without players from AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia and it was not good,
“We are far but I am sure if we can organize something and if I can work with these players we can do something. It will take time but in about four years we will have a fantastic future for Kenya and we can compete to be among the top 10 in Africa,”
“Very soon it will be nine teams from Africa in the World Cup and if we are top 10, it means we are very close. It is a long way but we can’t waste time. We need to start now. I have been pushing for that and it’s not easy,” the tactician stated.
But meanwhile, even amidst all the trouble, Migne will look to conclude the qualification phase for June’s Cup of Nations with victory against Ghana in Accra on Saturday. But, he says that match will be an opportunity for him to assess the squad for the final tournament.
“I wrote down a list and I have probably 35 names of players that I will use in the AFCON. But we must reduce that to 26 for the Camp and 23 for the final tournament. But I expect to have some answer on some players when we play Ghana,”
“It will be a good opportunity to have some new answer for some players who didn’t play with me since I am here maybe David Owino, Massoud (Juma), Mbamba (Christopher)… I will have some answer because I am also thinking of my final list,” he says.
Adding; “But we have to go there and compete and it will be important to have a result because of the ranking which will be used for the determination of either pot three or four during the AFCON draw. But more important for me, is AFCON.”
Capital FM taking a selfie after winning the SJAK Sports Day. Photo/ Eric Barasa
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 21 – Having been in the international stage, lifting the 2016 Standard Chartered World Trophy at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, the Capital FM football team is charged to school Ghetto Radio on football matters when the two sides clash in a friendly match on Friday night.
The match will be played under floodlights at Nairobi’s Grogon artificial turf next to Globe Cinema Roundabout, kicking off at 8pm as the two teams wrestle for supremacy in a match dubbed ‘battle of the city’.
Capital FM FC celebrating after wining they Neymar Jr’s 5-Aside tournament. Photo/TIMOTHY OLOBULU
Capital FM, who holds the bragging rights having spanked Ghetto Radio 3-0 when the two radio stations last met at the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Inter Media in October last year, are determined to continue their dominance, this time aiming to take the Ghetto boys to ‘Babylone’.
“We are World and Africa champions so for us we are coming tomorrow to show Ghetto Radio where they belong, they have never beaten us, last time it was 3-0, this time let them come prepared to collect not less than five goals,” a confident Capital FM skipper Lassie Atrash underscored.
Earlier on Atrash’s counterpart at Ghetto Radio Paul Ojenge who is fondly referred as ‘Polosa Namba Tano’ in his Saturday Sports Show Offside dreamt of thrashing the Best Mix of Music.
“We are confident of a good result as the team has had enough practice through other friendlies and Capital FM is a strong team who will present a well needed challenge to my team but this time will pin them down having lost to them once,” Polosa, who featured for former Kenyan Premier League side, Nairobi City Stars in his heydays vowed.
Capital FM football team posing with the trophy. Photo/MILLER GIBBZ
The friendly is anticipated to build a strong relationship between the two Radio Stations that rule the airwaves in the capital city.
“The main objective of the friendly is to bond and share ideas because we are in the same industry. We are looking forward to having a good time because this is one of the many that we will have,” Capital FM Team Manager Duncan Kikata stated.
On the other hand, Ghetto Radio Team Manager Mojezz outlined that the match is crucial to the team in building their experience.
“This a good experience for the team because it will boost the morale of the players for going against a strong team like Capital FM and this time, we are prepared to win the game,” Mojezz remarked.
Capital FM team and staff celebrating after being crowned champions. Photo/TIMOTHY OLOBULU
Banter between the two sides has already gained momentum on social media with each believing of carrying the day.
Battle of the City brewing as @GhettoRadio895 takes on @CapitalFMKenya in a Football match tomorrow, Friday from 8pm at the Grogon Turf next to Globe Cinema Roundabout. Kesho lazima mabarbie sorpiesorpie washindwe!! @alexisaboke kuja pia na @Maqbuli.#GhetCap
10 years ago tuli wa nyo’osha Basketball pale UON, hii Friday 22nd from 8pm, Winter will be on you @CapitalFMKenya you will bend the knees to @GhettoRadio895.
While Ghetto Radio team has been organizing friendly matches, every Friday having played against Sportpesa, Royal Media Services and Bet Lion losing two of the matches, Capital FM, come into this match weeks after reaching the final of the ‘Road to Anfield’ football tournament that they have won twice in a row (2016 and 2017).
The Capital FM Football team under the tutelage of Ahmedin Gulu comprises of Alex Isaboke, Timothy Olobulu, Atrash, Kristian Malumbe, Solomon Okeyo, Jeff Ooko, Ali Athman, Shaffi Soud, Joe Kisila, Vincent Otieno, Keysha Shagava, Anita Nderu, Ivy Mang’eli, Ashley Ali, David Muba, Shuyab and DJ Shwaz.
Hellen Obiri wins at the Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza (Asociación ANOC)
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 22 – Having tasted the feeling of winning a medal in track, world champion in 5000m Hellen Obiri is determined to add a World Cross Country medal in her trophy cabinet and continue Kenya’s dominance in the senior 10km since 2009.
Obiri, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist in 5000m, has been intensifying training in Kigari, Embu under the watch of head coach David Letting and she has set her sights in coming back home with gold when the 43rd edition of the IAAF World Cross Country will be held on Saturday, March 30 in Aarhus, Denmark.
“I am so happy that I made the team to compete in my first ever World Cross Country Championships. I was my dream to compete at the World Cross and since it’s the only international medal that I am missing, I am looking forward to winning gold, that will be one of my greatest achievement in my career,” Obiri told Capital Sport.
Obiri, 29, a mother of one daughter acknowledged the stiff competition expected from Ethiopians, who will come out charged to try their luck once again bearing in mind that Kenya swept the podium during the last edition hosted in Kampala, Uganda where Irene Cheptai led compatriots Alice Aprot and Lillian Kasait to a 1-2-3 finish.
Hellen Obiri crossing the line to win the women’s senior 10km race. Photo/ERIC BARASA
This time, Obiri who retained the Kenya Defence Forces Cross Country Championships will team up with Beatrice Mutai, Beatrice Chepkoech, Deborah Samum, Eva Cherono and Kasait to ensure Kenya not only reign supreme in the individual competition but also retain the team’s title.
“I know our competitors Ethiopia have trained hard for us, but we are also ready mentally and fit to confront them. We have an experienced team that will deliver,” Obiri stated.
Obiri has won medals in 5000m (Gold- 2017 World Championships, Silver -2016 Olympics, Commonwealth Games 2018), 1500m (Bronze – 2013 World Championships, Africa Gold 2014), 3000m (Gold-2012 World Indoor Championships, Silver 2014), 4×1500 Metres Relay (Gold -2014 IAAF World relays), 3000m (Bronze-Continental Cup)
Since 2009 Kenya has won the women’s 10km race successfully.
Harambee Stars Under-23 head coach Francis Kimanzi shares a light moment with senior team coach Sebastien Migne during the 2020 Olympic Qualifier against Mauritius at Kasarani Stadium on November 14, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 22 – Harambee Stars Under-23 head coach Francis Kimanzi is optimistic the team can overturn their 2-0 deficit when they face Sudan in the return leg of the Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations qualifier in Nairobi on Tuesday.
Waleed Bakhiet scored twice in Khartoum on Wednesday to leave the Emerging Stars with a mountain to climb ahead of the second leg, but Kimanzi believes judging on the quality of the two teams, his young guns have the ability to fire right and progress to the next round.
“We did our best; we don’t think there is need to panic. We have a chance over 90 minutes on Tuesday and looking at the quality of the opponent, if we behave better we can have it ,” Kimanzi said on Friday morning when the team touched down from Khartoum.
His sentiments were echoed by striker John Avire who made his debut in national team colors, saying they have the ability to score all the three goals and progress.
The Harambee Stars Under 23 team jetting back from their AFCON U23 qualifying match against Sudan
“If we work as a team, there’s nothing that can stop us. We believe that playing at home we will score many goals enough to take us through to the next round. We were unfortunate in the first leg but we can be better,” Avire noted.
Looking back at the first leg, Kimanzi believes the team should have done better. They conceded the first goal after a mix up in defense with keeper Brian Bwire spilling the ball while the second was off a soft penalty.
“It’s a game we believed we were bit unlucky. We gave everything and tried to put things together to ensure we have a safe second leg. We still looked strong even at 2-0 down, we tried to play in a way to be clever and handle the situation,” the tactician offered.
Stars need to win the game by a three goal margin to progress to the next round where a date with either Libya or Nigeria lay in wait. Libya beat Nigeria 2-0 in the first leg played in Tunisia.
Fatuma Zarika faces off with Zambian opponent Catherine Phiri during the weigh in ahead of their fight in Nairobi
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 22 – Reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika has vowed to use her vast experience to floor Zambian Phiri when the two clash for her title defense at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Saturday night.
Zarika floored the Zambian when the two clashed in their first meeting in December 2017 by a unanimous decision and believes she will do even better in their second meeting.
“I can’t say much. She is a boxer, I am a boxer. In the ring, you should expect anything but you must go in and show that you can box. I have experience, but she doesn’t. I will use my experience to beat her and show on the ring that I am a better boxer,” Zarika told Capital Sport after her weigh in on Friday afternoon.
Zarika, just like her Zambian opponent Phiri weighed exactly 55kg at the scale on Friday and fell in within the required weight of 55.7kg.
Zarika was escorted by brother Musa Mohamed into the ring. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
The pugilist nicknamed ‘Iron Fist’ has been training in the United Kingdom over the past month preparing for the fight, sharpening her blows in the same stable as Englishman Tony bellew.
“Training there has been immense for me because I have been able to improve especially because there you get good sparring partners who mould you to become better. I have learnt a lot in that period and I feel like I am a better boxer,” further stated Zarika.
She also trained there before the first engagement with Phiri as well as prior to her fight with Mexican Yermileth Mercado last September.
Bellew who has been present at her training base in Liverpool is confident she will be in good shape to floor down Phiri and defend her title for the second consecutive time.
“She is an amazing boxer, insanely driven and motivated. Even if the fight was to go for 25 rounds she would handle it. I am proud of how far she has come and I wish her the best tomorrow,” Bellew, a former WBC Cruiserweight world champion said.
Phiri, 32, will be looking to reclaim the title after losing it two years ago and believes she has prepared well to make amends for her loss in 2017.
Zarika congratulated by her daughter. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
“Last time I said it would be fore to fire… this time, it will be nuclear to nuclear. I have prepared well for this fight and I want to tell the fans to come early. If they are late, they might miss the fight,” Phiri said, insinuating she will be blowing in for a knockout of the Kenyan infront of her own home fans.
Zarika said she picked lessons from the first meeting between the two and has promised to do things better to have more control of the bout.
“The first time we met, I didn’t have speed as much as I required. This time, I have improved on my speed and also worked on my footwork abit. I am okay now and ready for the fight,” she said.
The main fight which will be the showstopper will be preceded by several other undercuts.
Tanzanian Hassan Mwakinyo will take on Argentine Sergi Gonzalez in a super welterweight fight, Kenyan Olympian Rayton Okwiri will fist out with Tanzania’s Pascal Bruno in the middleweight, Nicholas Mwangi goes down against another Tanzanian Iddi Mkwera in the super lightweight as home girls Sarah Achieng and Joyce Awino face off in the same weight category.
Capital FM football team demolished Ghetto Radio in a Cricket score of 17-8 in a friendly match played at Grogon turf on Friday night. Photo/CAPITAL FM
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 22 – In what was a one-sided affair, Capital FM football team ripped apart Ghetto Radio, handing them a cricket score of 17-8 thrashing in the eagerly awaited friendly match hosted at Nairobi’s Grogon artificial turf on Friday night to leave the Ngara based side singing the tune of ‘Babylon’.
Ghetto had no choice but to learn from the Best Mix of Music and as promised in the pre-match, the Capital FM football team led by skipper Lassie Atrash did not disappoint the fans who turned up in large numbers to cheer the 2016 World Champions.
Playing the seven-aside match, the Capital FM team started with a bang, demolishing the hosts Ghetto Radio 10-3 in the first half, with speedy attacking midfielder Kristian Malumbe grabbing a hat-trick as Vincent ‘Vinno’ Otieno hit the target twice while Atrash, Keysha Shagava, Ali Athman also found the back of the net.
The sweet victory ensured Capital FM continue holding their bragging rights and stretching domination over the Ghetto boys, making it two out of two wins since the they met. Photo/CAPITAL FM
On resumption for the final half, Capital FM got even better ruining Ghetto Radio’s captain Paul Polosa’s birthday by adding seven more goals with Ghetto only managing to find the back of the net five times.
The sweet victory ensured Capital FM continue holding their bragging rights and stretching dominance over the Ghetto boys, making it two out of two wins, having met only twice.
“It has been a good outing we really enjoyed playing against Ghetto, and as promised, we had intended to just hit them five, but we have shown them that we are the champions. The interaction was amazing and its good that we have bonded, this is one of many we will organise more, next time we will host them,” Atrash said after the match.
On his part, Polosa was grateful for the friendly, acknowledging the defeat but vowed to come back stronger.
“I have enjoyed every bit, though we lost heavily its part of football. We had a great evening and the interaction with Capital FM was one of a kind, the two media stations do have totally different audience but today we learnt from each other,” Polosa, a former Nairobi City Stars defender said.
Capital FM shot-stopper Alex Isaboke reacting after the huge win. Photo/CAPITAL FM
The Capital FM team also comprised of Alex Isaboke who was the shot-stopper, Shuyab, David Muba, Solomon Okeyo, Jeff Ooko, Shaffi Soud, Joe Kisila, Anita Nderu, Ivy Mang’eli, Ashley Ali, DJ Shwaz and Team Manager Duncan Kikata.
Banter between the two sides began on the eve and on the day of the match with both sides taking to social media to flex their muscles on who is the king of football using the hashtag #GhettoRadioVsCapitalFM
Capital FM was the first to hit the ground running, by seeing their Sports Presenter Davis Ayega read the Sports Bulletin in ‘sheng’ before Ghetto Radio rebattled.
After the match the banter was taken to even a higher level with Ghetto Radio who were boasting of knowing the beautiful game of football facing the mockery from fans.
The friendly dubbed ‘the battle of the city’ was to build a strong relationship between the two Radio Stations that rock the airwaves in the capital city.This is the huge win that Capital FM football team has ever recorded.
The Harambee Stars players hurdle together in prayer before the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ghana at the Kasarani Stadium on September 8, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 24 – Harambee Stars finished second in Pool F of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier after falling 1-0 to the Black Stars of Ghana away in Accra in the final round played on Saturday.
Both teams had already qualified for the continental showpiece to take place in Egypt in June with Kenya returning to the Nations Cup for the first time in 15 years.
Kenya did well to contain the hosts in the better part of the match before soaking in pressure seven minutes to stoppage time when Caleb Ekuban received a pass to turn inside out Kenya’s defender Joash Onyango before smashing the ball past keeper Patrick Matasi with his left foot.
The win saw Ghana avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered in Nairobi when the two sides met in Nairobi to finish top of the Group with nine points while Kenya dropped to second remaining with six points.
Kenya’s first effort came from attacking midfielder Eric Johanna who tested Ghana keeper Richard Oori with a fine shot four minutes after kick-off, parrying the ball away.
Ghana found the back of the net but the goal was disallowed after deadly player Andre Ayew scored in the 34th minute, referee ruling a foul on Matasi.
This is after dangerman Thomas Partey took the resultant free kick but it flew over the bar and he as well missed with an easier opportunity when he shot high with the keeper down in the 22nd minute, having gone high for Christian Atsu’s cross, and missed.
The two teams will now await the Nations Cup draw to be held April 12 in Cairo, Egypt.
Fatuma Zarika was announced the winner by a unanimous decision to retain her WBC Title fir the third time. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 24 – Kenya’s Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika won a unanimous points decision against hard punching Zambian Catherine Phiri to retain the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Bantamweight title for the third successive time in an epic bout on Saturday night at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).
Weaving, bobbing and ducking, Zarika tormented the Zambian with heavy shots to the head before an enthusiast crowd that was also attended by Kenya’s former world boxing super middleweight champion, Conjestina Acheing to ensure the title remains at home.
Kenya veteran boxer Conjestina Achieng congratulates Fatuma Zarika after defending her WBC title. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
A seemingly frustrated Phiri trailed Zarika throughout the 10-round scheduled title fight and appear go for a knocked out which came a cropper.
Judge 1 scored it at 98-92, judge 2 had it 99-91 and judge 3 gave a scoping point of 97-93.
Zambian Catherine Phiri battles it out with defending champion Fatuma ‘Iron Fist’ Zarika. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
“This time I was well prepared to defend my title because I have fought Phiri before and I was aware of her threats. Training in United Kingdom has really elevated my performance, I dedicate this win to my coaches. It feels so sweet to beat Phiri twice.Thank you fans for turning out in large numbers and for always supporting me,” Zarika said after the win.
The win saw Zarika improve her pro record to 32 wins being 10 Technical Knock Out wins, 12 loses and three draws while the Zambian dipped to 16 wins and 4 loses.
-Under Cuts-
In one of the exiting under cuts, Olympian Rayton Okwiri caused raptures among a passionate home crowd when he put seasoned Tanzanian Pascal ‘Prince Kilimanjaro’ Bruno out of his misery with a third round technical knockout.
Earlier, at a packed Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Tanzanian Iddi Mkwera got off the action with a second round technical knockout of home boxer, Nicholas ‘Makaveli’ Mwangi who bitterly protested the decision in a six-round men Super Lightweight non-title affair.
Sarah Achieng’ replicated a similar result in the next fight when she stopped fellow Kenyan Joyce Awino in the third round of their women contest in the same weight division.
Featuring in his fifth professional fight in a non-title eight round men Middleweight clash, Okwiri, 32 extended his record to four wins, two draws and no loss when he set about destroying Bruno, 42, from the opening bell where the Tanzanian kissed the canvas in the closing seconds of the first round before being saved further punishment by the bell.
Spurred on by a chanting home crowd, Okwiri resumed his relentless assault in the second round, turning his opponent into a punching bag before finishing the battle in the opening minute of the third in style when the referee ruled Bruno could not continue any longer.
Mwamba RFC’s Stephen Sikuta taking on KCB RFC players. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 24 – Kenya Cup champions KCB Rugby Club registered their 13th victory of the season after completing a double over Mwamba, winning 20-27 at the Jamhuri Showground on matchday 14 of the 2018/19 Kenya Cup.
KCB ran in four tries, two of which were converted and a penalty against Mwamba’s three tries, one conversion and a penalty.
The bankers pick five points to stay second with 64 points just below Kabras on points difference as the latter beat Top Fry Nakuru 17-34 at NAC.
Mwamba will stay fifth for another week as a result of Nakuru’s defeat to Kabras.
Tanzania qualified for their first African Cup of Nations in 39 years
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24 – The East African Community will be fully represented at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt in June after Tanzania beat Uganda 3-0 at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam to qualify.
Heading into the final round of qualification matches, Tanzania needed to beat hitherto qualified Uganda and hope Lesotho fail to win against Cape Verde.
This went to script with Lesotho drawing 0-0 with cape Verde while in Tanzania, the Taifa Stars picked a comfortable victory to qualify for their first Cup of Nations since 1980.
Simon Msuva gave the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime before Erasto Nyoni doubled their advantage a few minutes into the second half and Aggrey Morris sealing the win with a header a few minutes later.
With Kenya and Uganda having qualified and Burundi having sealed their first ever qualification on Saturday, the CECAFA region will have four representatives at the biennial championship.
Harambee Stars U23 head coach Francis Kimanzi feeds instructions to his players during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 25, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 25 – The Harambee Stars Under-23 team faces a mountainous task on Tuesday evening in their quest to earn a place in next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, when they host Sudan in the return leg of their penultimate qualification tie.
Stars go into the return fixture needing a win of three clear goals to go through to the next round having lost the first leg 2-0 in Khartoum last Friday, and the team says only early goals will put them firmly in contention.
“We were unlucky in the first leg because even though we were playing away from home, we created the most scoring chances but we could not score. We are confident of turning things around in the return leg,” Skipper Mike Kibwage said.
He added; “Everyone in camp is psyched up for that game. We will go fully offensive and hope to get an early goal like we did against Mauritius. We have the same quality and I believe we can achieve that.”
Kibwage is stepping in to the skipper’s boots in the absence of regular Joseph ‘Crouch’ Okumu who was not released by his club Royal Monarchs and the KCB man has vowed to lead his charges to victory on home soil.
“It is a tough task but we are sure we can do it. Everyone is determined,” the former AFC man added.
Harambee Stars U23 captain Mike Kibwage during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 25, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
Head coach Francis Kimanzi is also confident the team has what it takes to progress to the final qualification round where a meeting between either Nigeria or Libya awaits.
“If we can play better offensively and create more opportunities, we will have a good chance. If we can get the first goal early, then we can run the game from there. I am confident enough to say there is a possibility,” the tactician stated.
Kimanzi’s pre-match plans have been slowed down with injuries sustained by strikers John Avire and Jaffary Owiti who trained separately from the rest of the pack on Monday, with their involvement in Tuesday evening’s tie being highly doubtful.
“We will see about them, there is no panic but for sure you can never replace an individual because of the qualities they bring in. We will tell assess them with the medical team and then make a decision on whether to field them or not,” Kimanzi offered.
Harambee Stars U23 striker Piston Mutamba watches on as teammate James Mazembe dribbles during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 25, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
In their place, Kimanzi has already called in winger James Kinyanjui from Mathare United while forward Piston Mutamba went straight into camp after arriving from Ghana with the senior team.
Kimanzi explained that Mutamba was part of the team’s plan from the word go but he had to be released to go to Ghana with the senior team after Michael Olunga’s injury.
The availability of the two attacking players will be a huge asset to Kimanzi and his squad especially with the number of goals required to turn the fixture around.
Homeboyz’s Michael Wanjala goes face to face with Kenya Harlequins’ Solomon Okia during a past match. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 25 – Last year’s second place finishers Homeboyz RFC will miss out on the play-offs of this year’s Kenya Cup after last weekend’s loss at the hands of Kenya Harlequins saw them mathematically knocked out of making the top six with two rounds of matches left.
Homeboyz were hammered 32-17 by Kenya Harlequin to see them drop to ninth in the standings with 27 points, falling below Menengai Oilers who were just promoted at the start of this season for their maiden Kenya Cup appearance.
Meanwhile, holders KCB and Kabras Sugar have assured themselves home semi-final ties after picking victories over the weekend that saw them firm up a hold on second and first spot respectively.
Both Kabras and KCB lead with 64 points with Kabras having a better goal difference. Third placed Kenya Harlequin cannot catch the two as they have 49 points with the maximum points they can pick from the remaining matches being 10; which would put them at 59.
KCB’s last two matches are against Quins and Homeboyz while Kabras host Strathmore Leos and finish with Impala in Nairobi.
KCB’s Stanley Abaka attempts to move away from Kabras players during their Kenya Cup match at the Impala Sports Club on February 24, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
Whoever finishes top between KCB and Kabras Sugar will host the final, may they progress. KCB has hosted the last two finals beating Kabras Sugar in both occasions.
Quins need only three points from their next two matches to seal third place which would see them play whoever finishes sixth in the playoffs. They head to KCB on their next match-day with Nondies set to visit RFUEA Grounds on the last day of the regular season.
Fourth placed Nondies(41), fifth placed Impala(40), sixth placed Mwamba(39) and seventh placed Nakuru (37) are all in contention for a playoff slot. Nondies are home to Mwamba on matchday 15 which gives Nakuru an advantage to enter top six may they beat Blak Blad at Kenyatta University.
The relegation battle is between Blak Blad(10) on 16 points, Strathmore Leos(11) on 14 points and Mean Machine(12) on 11 points. Machine need maximum points in their last two matches, against Impala(A) and Nakuru(H) and hope Blad and Leos don’t win.
Blad host Nakuru on matchday 15 before end-of-season cracker against Leos at Strathmore University.
Harambee Stars striker Jesse Were goes for the ball in a training session on November 11, 2016. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 25 – Despite enjoying stellar form with his Zambian top flight club Zesco United, Jesse Were has continually fallen out of favor in the national team and head coach Sebastien Migne has challenged him to work harder if he is to be in his squad for the Cup of Nations in June.
Were was the surprise exclusion in coach Sebastien Migne’s travelling squad to Ghana for last Saturday’s final AFCON qualifier and the tactician has explained that his decision is purely based on what he sees the forward do in training.
“Not enough. (What he does in training). With my staff we have choices to make,” the Frenchman said.
“Everybody can speak about Jesse but how many goals has he scored in the national team? Never in 26 call ups. That’s the beginning of my answer. In the high level it’s not because we have a good guy with a good behavior,”
“You have to be efficient if you have to compete. But maybe he can show me; he has the answer. If tomorrow I see that he is ready to compete with me he is there in the team. He is a nice guy with good behavior and I have no problem with him. It is just a question of the level,” the tactician further insinuated.
Jesse Were goes against Uganda Cranes’ Isaac Isinde during a friendly match in Kampala in 2017. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
Were who scored double digit goals during his time with Mathare United and Tusker FC in the Kenyan Premier League has translated that same form in Zambia, but at the national team is where his luck has not stood out.
Those close to him say he is frustrated by his lack of goals in the national team, but has vowed to work harder and convince Migne to hand him a chance and probably a place in the team that travel to Egypt in June for the Cup of Nations.
At the same time, Migne has come into keeper Patrick Matasi’s defense having let in what seemed like an easy goal in the 1-0 loss to Ghana.
“We cannot forget what he did for us; he saved us in first leg against Ghana. Yesterday was more difficult; yes, he committed a mistake but I don’t forget what he did before,”
“It is different for a keeper because when anyone else commits a mistake, there is always someone who comes up and covers but when you are a keeper, your mistake is more difficult. During the period I have been here, he has kept at least five clean sheets and I do not forget about it,” the tactician stated.
Speaking on the howler, Matasi says he was sorry to concede such a goal but notes it was a mishap of a second.
“We lost the ball in midfield and the play changed to our side even before the defense could organize. The shot came through and it was just a miscalculation of a matter of seconds going down. But it’s part of football,” noted the former Posta Rangers and Tusker shot stopper.
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi chats with national team osteopath Ludovic Breul during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
Migne says he was dejected losing against the Ghanaians with a late goal especially having put up a good defensive shield and looked on the way to pick up a positive result and finish top of the group.
But with that result behind his back, the tactician now shifts his focus to the main tournament in Egypt and has urged the government to ensure the team gets good preparations to ensure they do well. Top on his priority is his proposed camp in France.
“If we are to realize a good AFCON, we have to get good support of the government as soon as possible. We are already late in paying for the camp in France and we need to take care of that. Also, small details like travelling have to be taken care of. In the high level, it is all about the small details,” he noted.
At the same time he noted that he will follow up all the players he has primarily listed down for the tournament but says everyone has to prove he deserves a place in the team with the work they put on the pitch.
Harambee Stars Under-23 winger Ovellah Ochieng dribbles past Sudan’s Adam Abdallah during their Olympic qualification match at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 26, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 26 – Kenya’s dream of making it into next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, were brought to a screeching halt after the Emerging Stars were held to a 0-0 draw by visiting Sudan who won 2-0 on aggregate.
Sudan, coached by former Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards coach Zdravko Logarusic ensured the first leg 2-0 victory in Khartoum last week stood and they now book a slot in the next qualification round where a date with Nigeria awaits.
Heading into the game, Kenya needed to win by three clear goals to advance while a 2-0 score-line would have taken the game to penalties.
However, the home side was naïve in the final third and failed to utilize much of the possession and chances infront of goal.
Head coach Francis Kimanzi made alterations to the squad that lost 2-0 away in Khartoum. Keeper Timothy Odhiambo started between the sticks ahead of Brian Bwire while in midfield, his Ulinzi Stars teammate Ibrahim Shambi partnered Sven Yidah who came in place of Teddy Osok.
Upfront, James Kinyanjui and Piston Mutamba started ahead of the injured duo of Jaffary Owiti and John Avire.
But it was the visitors who came close to breaking the deadlock within the opening two minutes when some nervy defending from Johnston Omurwa gifted danger-man Yagoub Mohammed the ball but the striker’s low shot from the edge of the area was well collected by Odhiambo.
Sudan’s head coach Zdravko Logarusic during his side’s Olympic qualification match against Kenya at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 26, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
Omurwa should have made amends for his defensive softness 10 minutes later on the other end when James Mazembe recycled the ball into the areas to find the defender who sneaked in behind his markers, but his header at the backpost went wide.
Though looking panicked already, the emerging stars threw everything in attack but the composure in the final third was always missing.
Yidah and Shambi had shots from distance but neither troubled the defense nor the keeper.
Another blunder from Omurwa in the 25th minute almost gifted Sudan a chance but left back David Owino made a timely tackle to save his Mathare United teammate’s blushes whacking the ball away from Waleed Bakhiet’s feet after he was fed through by Yagoub.
On the other end, the home side had a freekick off Ovella, but the winger could not put enough weight on the effort despite lifting the ball over the wall allowing the keeper an easy catch.
Harambee Stars Under-23 striker Piston Mutamba controls the ball under pressure from Sudan’s Hussein Mohammed during their Olympic qualification match at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on March 26, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
A minute to the break, Kenya had a brilliant opportunity when Kinyanjui cut into the box squaring the ball back to Mutamba who was at the edge of the six yard box but the lanky forward miscued his shot.
At the start of the second half, Kinyanjui who had struggled to make an impact in the game was hauled off for Sidney Lokale as Kimanzi went in for a 4-4-2 system to try and hack in the three required goals.
Kenya had even more chances to score and just seven minutes in, Shambi was presented with a great opportunity when a corner floated in by James Mazembe found him isolated at the back post but his shot was over.
The home side had won the corner after Sudan’s impressive keeper smothered behind Ovella’s effort with a freekick behind.
Sudan had a glorious opportunity to sink the game when some nervous defending saw Yagoub win the ball to face keeper Odhiambo one on one, but his shot was well saved by the custodian.
Five minutes later, Stars had a brilliant opportunity when Ovella played David Owino through on the left, but his low shot was saved by the keeper with Mutamba’s effort at back-heeling the rebound was awry.
Kimanzi’s men put everything in attack, but they couldn’t get the composure to finish.
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
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27 – Seven fixtures have been lined up for Wednesday evening as the Kenyan Premier League 2018/2019 transitional season enters its home stretch.
Champions Gor Mahia will play one of their three catch up fixtures against Zoo Kericho in the Rift Valley while AFC Leopards will be home away from home when they take on Vihiga United at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
Leaders Sofapaka play at home against Mount Kenya United with early pace setters Bandari looking to bounce back to winning ways when they host Kakamega Homeboyz in Mombasa. Tusker host Kariobangi Sharks in a mouth-watering tie at Ruaraka while KCB hosts Western Stima in Machakos.
Gor, with a three-game deficit can move top of the table with victory against Zoo if both Sofapaka and Bandari fail to win. Hassan Oktay’s men are looking to defend the title but the tactician has admitted it will be a treacherous ride to achieve that target.
Former Gor Mahia striker Ephraim Guikan tries to go past a forest of legs during his side’s 4-0 win over Zoo Kericho at the Kasarani Stadium on December 12, 2018. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
“It will be very tough for us because we are in the running for three competitions, all very tough. We need to take a game at a time and manage the squad very well. We go to Kericho on Wednesday then after that we go to Kisumu. It’s tough,” the tactician stated.
Oktay’s Gor are third with 32 points, just one behind Sofapaka and Bandari and they come up against a side placed 16th in the standings.
Odds are hugely stacked in Gor’s favor as in five meetings, they have only dropped points to Zoo once, in a 1-1 draw in Kerichop on November 5, 2017. The last three times these two sides have met, K’Ogalo has scored four goals in each game.
Zoo have only won once in their last five games and will be looking to upset the odds and boost their hopes of survival. Nicholas Kipkurui will be facing his former side for the first time since leaving for K’Ogalo at the end of last season.
AFC Leopards new boss Cassa Mbungo during his side’s during their Kenyan Premier League clash against Mount Kenya United at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on February 6, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
At the Bukhungu Stadium, AFC Leopards will be looking to keep their renewed spirit running. The 2-1 come from behind victory over Western Stima last weekend hoisted them off the bottom two to 13th with 19 points and another victory will pull them further up the standings.
“I was really pleased with the performance the players put up against Stima. It showed that we have grown in mentality and the players are fighting hard. AFC Leopards is a good team and we should not be where we are in the table,” head coach Cassa Mbungo noted.
“We must keep working hard to improve and work on the small details especially when we lose the ball. I expect a tough game against Vihiga but if we play the way we have been of late, then we will get victory,” he added.
The two lie side by side in the standings with Vihiga a point below. The two sides have met only thrice in top flight, two of the games ending in draws while only one was a victory for Leopards in the first leg of last season.
Sofapaka FC players celebrate their goal against AFC Leopards during a Kenyan Premier League match at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on March 13, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
Meanwhile, Sofapaka will be looking to keep their place on top of the table when they come up against their former boss Melis Medo and his Mount Kenya United side. Medo coached Sofapaka briefly for two months before he left to re-join Mount Kenya.
The two met in the first match of the season, with Medo in charge of Sofapaka, Batoto ba Mungu winning 2-1.
Sofapaka have been in good form since the American’s departure to rise to the top of the standings, but should be wary of their momentum being slowed down by the international break.
Three wins on the trot by John Baraza’s charges saw Sofapaka climb top, but they were beaten on penalties by fourth tier side Bungoma Super Stars in the Football Kenya Federation Shield to dent their run.
But, with Baraza knowing the KPL title is all they have to fight for will be going all out against Mount Kenya to retain their hold on top spot.
Medo’s men have lost four of their last five games and sit bottom of the standings with 12 points. The American tactician who helped the side avoid relegation last season will have a point to prove to Sofapaka and if motivation is anything, this will be one match he wants to win at all costs.
Bandari FC players celebrating. Photo/FILE
Elsewhere, Bandari will be eyeing revenge when they play Homeboyz in Mombasa, the Kakamega based men having beaten them 4-0 when they last met in Kakamega.
History favors Bandari as Homeboyz have never won in Mombasa, the best result being one draw, a 0-0 result in 2017.
Bandari are winless in their last four games having lost two and drawn a similar number. Head coach Bernard Mwalala will be looking to bring the rocky boat back to safe waters and he says his side is focused on three points at home.
At the Ruaraka Complex in Nairobi, struggling Tusker who have gone flat with four losses and a draw in their last five games will welcome fifth placed Kariobangi Sharks with head coach Robert Matano looking to keep his title hopes afloat.
The alemen are looking to delete some forgettable history against Sharks as they have never beaten them in four league meetings. Their last encounter in the second leg of last season ended up in a 5-2 victory for Sharks.
KPL Midweek fixtures (Kick off 3pm unless stated):
Sofapaka v Mount Kenya United (2pm), KCB v Western Stima (4pm – Machakos), Zoo Kericho V Gor Mahia (Kericho), AFC Leopards v Vihiga United (Kakamega), Ulinzi Stars v Sony Sugar (Afraha), Tusker FC v Kariobangi Sharks (Ruaraka), Bandari v Kakamega Homeboyz (Mombasa)
