NAIROBI, Kenya, May 24 – Sofapaka striker Umaru Kasumba now hopes he can crown his season by clinching the Kenyan Premier League golden boot after becoming only the second player to win the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) player of the month gong when he was feted on Thursday for his April performance.

The Ugandan won the award in February courtesy of his goal scoring antics for Batoto ba Mungu and he ensured he became only the second double winner in a season after Enock Agwanda when he continued with his goal scoring prowess in April.

Kasumba found the net seven times in April to help Sofapaka move to second spot in the standings and increasing his tally in the golden boot chase.

“My target this season is to score 20 goals and with two matches left, I hope I can attain that target because I want to win the golden boot,” Kasumba who has scored 17 times this season stated.

“I knew you would come back and give me another award. I’m a believer so when I told you that I’ll win it again before the season ends it was out of my faith,” Kasumba chided the award organizers as he received his silverware at the club’s training base on Friday.

Kasumba began the month with a brace in the 2-0 win over Zoo FC in Kericho before scoring the all important-last minute winner against KCB in Machakos.

He then found the back of the net in the one 1-1 draw against Kariobangi and the 1-0 win over Sony Sugar before ending the month with a brace in the 2-2 draw against Mathare United.

To earn the award, Kasumba side stepped stiff competition from Kakamega Homeboyz skipper and golden boot race leader Allan Wanga, the third best scorer Enosh Ochieng of Ulinzi Stars and AFC Leopards’ midfielder Whyvonne Isuza.

He narrowly beat Isuza to the crown managing to get 23 points against the AFC man’s 21 in the final tally conducted by the SJAK football commission with Wanga coming in third with 16 while Ochieng had 10.

After the season, Kasumba is scheduled to travel to Germany for a series of trials with several clubs and he is optimistic he will land a deal with his contract at Sofapaka coming to a close.

“I have faith that I will go there and work hard to earn a professional move abroad. But at the moment my concentration is on helping the team finish the season strongly and try to win the golden boot,” Kasumba told Capital Sport.

“I have contacts from several clubs there and it gives me so much joy that my hard work is paying off,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kasumba who arrived at Sofapaka mid through the 2017 season from SC Villa in his native Uganda says he is not dejected despite being overlooked in the Uganda Cranes squad for the African Cup of Nations.

“I have done my part and it is upon selectors to see if I’m good enough for the national team or not. But I’m a patient man and if I’m not called then it means the time is not ripe for me. Meanwhile that will not derail my ambitions to reach the top. I just need to keep doing my best and everything will come like this award,” Kasumba said.

The post Kasumba eyes golden boot after SJAK award appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 24 – Haco Industries through their product Amara have handed the national Under-20 rugby team Chipu with a Sh2mn boost ahead of their World Junior Trophy debut in Brazil in July.

Amara will be the team’s official grooming partner for the tournament and the monetary incentive will come as a huge boost for the team which just last week launched an initiative to raise funds online and help them prepare for the championship.

“Rugby is a sport that has put Kenya on the world map and we are proud to start on this journey in the rugby space. We are proud to be part of Chipu’s journey and we feel it is our responsibility to support these champions,” Haco head of marketing Mwihaki Wachira said as she unveiled the partnership.

She added; “People always use the phrase that youth are the future but how many put down their money to support the youth? That’s why we decided to support this team.”

The Sh2mn will only cater for a small percentage of the Union’s Sh20mn budget for the team and they expect some more funds to come from government and some from sponsors.

Two weeks ago, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed visited the Union’s offices where she promised that the government would ensure all national teams are catered for, but not a penny from the government is yet to hit the Union coffers.

At that time, KRU vice chair Thomas Opiyo said they had forwarded a Sh50mn budget for the national team assignments.

Union boss Oduor Gangla however says they expect the government to come through.

“We are hopeful that the government will come in and do its part. World rugby is also supporting us for this championship and we also have other partners will come on board. We have completed all the government processes on our side and I think things are just in the final decision making processes,” Gangla said.

Meanwhile, he has disclosed that plans for the team to have a training camp in South Africa are still on, but that is subject to availability of funds.

Also, two coaches from South Africa are expected in the country to help train the team as well as the women sevens side.

“The boys have to prepare at a level higher than what we have here because they will be competing against strong countries well which are well established. We are trying to give ourselves the best chance of success and we are finalizing on details for the camp in South Africa,” said the Union boss.

The post Haco hand Chipu with Sh2mn boost for WJT appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 24 – Kenya National Rally Championship premier class driver Jasmeet Singh Chana ‘Iceman’ believes meticulous preparation will be key to a successful 2019 Safari Rally.

The former multiple Kenyan Two Wheel Drive Champion says he’ll kick-start preparation with a test drive in Kajiado before embarking on the final phase of preparation.

“Safari is here with us again and its definitely going to be a tough one more so if rains persist. But at the same time we have our eyes firmly set on double points and a top five overall result. To achieve this, it means driving cautiously. We will try and push where we can.”

“Our tests begin from next weekend and we intend to will run them for the next two weeks and from there we will dismantle the car again and rebuild it for Safari. After the last rally in Kajiado we had a little bit of overheating problems, so we got our Italy based engineer here, he came down and got the car remapped again. We did a small test and the car seemed to run well.”

Jasmeet has driven in the Safari since 2007 as a Formula Two entrant and believes its not all about driving fast but using your head.

“Its about driving with a plan, he quipped. We all want Safari to regain it lost World Rally Championship status. Its a very big thing for us and as competitors we are overly excited to be part of the WRC candidate event in July.”

The 4.30km Super Special Stages at Kasarani Stadium will zoom off the 67th Safari on July 5 after the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) approved Supplementary Regulations and granted the Safari Rally a permit to run as a World Rally Championship (WRC) Candidate Event and the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) round.

The SSS will be the highlight of the opening day where cars will race side by side within the expansive Kasarani Stadium open grounds offering un-obstructed view of the action which starts at 10:26 am.

The WRC Safari Rally Project CEO Phineas Kimathi said the other highlight is the ceremonial start outside the President Entrance of the main stadium pavilion, a shift from the traditional Kenyatta International Convention Centre in central Nairobi because of changes of rules pertaining to managerial and technical.

Rally fans in central Kenya will have a rare opportunity to watch the cars pass through sleepy villages as the drivers will use Thika Road past Exit 14 into Kenyatta Road on their way to the pristine Gatamaiyo Forest gate via Munduru and Kiganjo.

The post Iceman to start early Safari Rally preparations appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 15 – On November 15, 2015, Dennis Ombachi took one of the most historic runs in his rugby career; from close to 70m away, he put on the afterburners, shoved away two markers with his powerful right hand before stepping inside and out to head under the posts to dot down the historic try that sent Kenya to their first ever Olympics.

That try saw Kenya beat Zimbabwe 21-17 at the Bernard Stadium in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, South Africa and book a historic slot at the Rio Olympics in 2016, the first time Rugby Sevens was coming back to the Olympic Games in many decades.

Ombachi, nicknamed The Ghost Worker would ordinarily become a legend in his own right and a massive hero celebrated back home and most likely, his life taking a shift for the better. It was never actually to be.

Not only did he ground the try that took Kenya to Rio, but he did it with the final play and with so much courage from distance that would have otherwise not been possible for a player not afraid to take risks.

Close to four years on, the Nondescript man has taken yet another risk, speaking up on the harsh treatment Kenya Sevens players have gone through in the name of donning the red, Green and Black of the national team jersey and doing the flag proud.

In a series of tweets on Friday evening, Ombachi laid bare the struggle he and his team-mates have been forced to go through as they drip blood and sweat in national colors.

“At no point have I said that I was ashamed to represent my country, playing for Kenya has been my highest honor. I am ashamed at how me and my fellow players have been treated over the years and have still managed to perform while saying nothing,” Ombachi stated as he exposed what the players have been going through.

whatever kenya sevens is going through is a product of no integrity or morals, its sad when players have to coach the coach employed and paid to coach them.

— dennis ombachi (@ombachi13) May 24, 2019

From being neglected due to injury and the players being forced to accept pay cuts, Ombachi expressed his disgust at the treatment meted on the players and his outcry was supported by team-mate Willy Ambaka.

The two are some of the Kenya 7s senior players who refused to sign new contracts that included performance caps and drastically reduced salaries, a situation that has put Shujaa into a relegation dog fight this season.

The world suffers a lot not because of the violence of bad people, but because of silence of good people. I stand with my brother @ombachi13. It’s sad what players go through year in year out. All we asked for is respect and good working conditions.

— Willy Ambaka (@Willyambaka) May 24, 2019

“I will be back soon broke as I left having represented Kenya for over 10 years in the world stage, it’s now sinking in how unappreciated we are back home, and no I never wasted my earnings, it’s just enough to survive,” Ombachi who is currently in Russia said.

wait, also tribalism is the main reason we don’t have the best s&c coach in kenya, to hell with that container on gong road with their silly PR stunts, they will come for me, I am waiting.

bye now for real

— dennis ombachi (@ombachi13) May 24, 2019

That’s the main reason I turned down @OfficialKRU call up to go help my country qualify for the World Cup,

And instead went to russia 🇷🇺 coz I know I am appreciated there.

we all know how that campaign went#integrity https://t.co/RhZwQSceH5

— dennis ombachi (@ombachi13) May 24, 2019

I had a nasty injury late 2017 playing for @OfficialKRU in Dubai and a few months later my salary was more than halved and I was taken from tier 1 to tier 2.

The mental torture and trauma I went through was too much at some point 😔

I BROKE MY LEG.

— dennis ombachi (@ombachi13) May 24, 2019

“I have said what I should have said years ago, I hope others will not go through what we went through and this is all I have to say”

— dennis ombachi (@ombachi13) May 24, 2019

He was supported by Ambaka who noted; “I mean it’s sad traveling and living in all the 5-star hotels and coming back home to a locked house because you haven’t paid rent, I mean how do you expect results with this kind of environment?”

When you’ve had a taste of excellence you cannot go back to mediocrity. Kenya is a gold mine for talent but it’s sad how we nature it.

— Willy Ambaka (@Willyambaka) May 24, 2019

How can someone’s take home salary be 280 dollars a month?? Yet you are expected to perform at your level best🤦🏿‍♂️

— Willy Ambaka (@Willyambaka) May 24, 2019

Playing for Kenya is all that young rugby players want to do and it’s an honour to do so, but we deserve more and the future players deserve more. #bless

— Willy Ambaka (@Willyambaka) May 24, 2019

Kenyans on the interwebs joined in the conversation, voicing their support for the players and asking the Union to do better in managing the national teams.

I love that you are speaking up for many of us @ombachi13. But what I love more is that you are in a better space, mentally and physically. NOTHING, NO ONE is worth your life and general well-being. I wish I has 0.5% of the courage you have to speak up! Viva brother!!

— Miss Ora (@Sinaida_Aura) May 24, 2019

It’s hard being a #Kenya7s player as Ombachi and co are saying.. You have to suspend careers outside the game and base yourself in Nairobi with all the capital city’s living expenses.

— Eric Njiru (@Erik_Njiru) May 24, 2019

Surely we can’t be paying a player on national duty 28k p.m. The sad state of Kenyan rugby. #Kenya7s https://t.co/9JhqGj89mV

— Stephen Musyoka (@smusyoka) May 24, 2019

Those rants are the reason last year we tried #BoycottKRU…. But watu wakajiona patriots sana…. Fans have a voice to send a message to the Union too… The mess there is horrible….

— aleckie ronald (@SirAlexas) May 24, 2019

But @KenyaSevens are rich boys of Rugby, you haven’t met gallant sons of @KenyaSimbas and daughters of @kenyalioness and accompanying cover up and intimidation. #LetPeopleTalk

— Tungsten™ (@kollonabiswa) May 24, 2019

The post Ombachi, Ambaka open up on Kenya 7s tribulations appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25 – Ugandan deadly fullback Philip Wokorach produced a man of the match performance to aid Kabras Sugar Rugby Club pick their first silverware this season after mauling Impala Saracens 39-7 to lift the 2019 Enterprise Cup at the RFUEA Ground on Saturday.

Kabras grounded four converted tries, two penalties and a drop goal against Impala’s only one converted try.

At half time, Kabras were on top of the game, leading 21-0 after winger Paul Abuto’s crossed the white wash for Kenya Cup top points scorer Wokorach to convert.

Wokorach, who was named the man of the match, ran from the half way line to double the scores with a diving try at the right corner converting it to make it 14-0 for Kabras.

After a successful maul, Wokorach picked the ball from skipper Max Adaka side stepping through two Impala forwards then sprinting towards the posts to score Kabras third try and later converted to make it 21-0 at half time.

Kenya Cup finalists Kabras got a penalty which was converted by John Kubu to make it 24-0.

Things got worse for Impala after Kabras’ Brian Tonya stole the ball from the half way to make a run scoring the fourth try and Wokorach did what he loves best, converting, to make it 31-0.

Second half substitute Saul Kivumbi scored a consolation try for Impala with full back Antony Odhiambo scoring the extras to make it 31-7 but Wokorach scored a drop goal and penalty to make it 37-7 at full time.

On their way to the finals, Impala Saracens narrowly won 11-10 against KCB in the semi finals while Kabras Sugar whitewashed Kenya Harlequins 54-11.

The post Wokorach stars as Kabras lift Enterprise Cup appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25 – Relegation fighting Kenya 7s fell short of their target of reaching a first Cup Quarter-final this season after going down 31-17 in their final Pool B match against France at the penultimate round of the 2018/19 HSBC Sevens World Series in London.

The defeat means Shujaa dropped to the Challenge Trophy after managing to collect only one win in the pool matches where they edged out Samoa 20-21. This is after opening their London 7s campaign with a 24-17 defeat against Fiji.

Kenya will now face Scotland in Sunday’s Challenge Trophy quarters.

In their final pool match, Kenya needed to beat France to earn a ticket to the Cup Quarters and boost their chances of avoiding the chop from the prestigious tour rugby sevens tournament.

However, despite leading 17-14 at the break, an improved Kenya 7s side could not hold on the pressure, seeing them flip in the second half.

Bush Mwale, who is having a fantastic tournament, started and finished the scoring in a highly-entertaining first half.

Captain Jacob Ojee gave Kenya a two-try lead but France came roaring back through Paulin Riva and Jean Pascal Barraque.

Returning for the last half, the French upped their game with Remi Siega who has been one of the stars of Le Blues’ resurgence in the series coming to the fore again with two tries to help them seal a place in the Cup quarter-finals.

-Shujaa brave past Samoa-

Against Samoa, Vincent Onyala was the hero after grounding a hat-trick that gave Kenya hopes of reaching the Cup quarters.

Shujaa had to come from behind to take control of the first half that ended 14-10. A half of two halves in this match saw Samoa jump out in front through Melani Matavao and Tomasi Alosio but Kenya roared back courtesy of Onyala’s double to add on Johnstone Olindi’s two conversions.

The last half was entertaining as Samoa come again at the start of the second half and Laaloi Leilua just stayed in bounds to give them the lead, but with the relegation threat for Shujaa, Onyala sealed a hat-trick and they could be the most crucial three tries of his career.

There was still time for Samoa, though, and Alamanda Motuga touched down to give them a chance to win it with the conversion…. but Laaloi Leilua missed from a great position.

The post Mwale brace not enough to send Kenya in London 7s Quarters appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25 – Karen Country Golf Club’s Anthony Murage was elected the new chairman of Kenya Golf Union for the year 2019/2020.

He was voted in during the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Annual General Meeting held Friday at Muthaiga Golf Club, Nairobi to take over from Lucas Marang’a who will continue sitting in the KGU board as the immediate Past Chairman.

The new KGU Chairman joined the Kenya Golf Union in the year 2013 as an Executive and later served as Hon Treasurer in 2016 and 2017 before becoming the Vice Chairman in 2018.

In his maiden Speech the new KGU Chairman thanked all the golfers for exuding confidence in him and promised to dedicate his services to the Union at his best. He promised to put more synergy on Golf development as well as searching and developing golfing talents across the country.

During the same meeting Ben Omuodo (Royal Nairobi Golf Club) was elected as the Vice Chairman while Limuru’s Vincent Wang’ombe and Sigona’s Peter Kiguru were elected as the Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer respectively.

Other Executives that were elected includes; Ndiga Kithae (Thika Sports Club), Karugu Macharia (Windsor Golf Hotel and country club), George Gathu (Kenya Air Force), Njani Ndiritu ( Vetlab Sports Club), Philip Ochola (Muthiaga Golf Club), Fr.Peter Kimani ( Ruiru Sports Club).

The Regional Representatives will be co-opted after the 1st KGU Board Meeting which will be held in June. The regions are – Mt. Kenya, Central Rift, North Rift, Western  and Coast Region.

The post Karen’s Murage elected new KGU chairman appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25 – Joy, dance, chanting is what was witnessed at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos when 18-time record Kenyan Premier League champions mighty Gor Mahia was officially presented the 2018/19 trophy. Here is how it went down behind the lenses.

K’Ogalo was handed their third successive trophy after they played to a 1-1 draw against Posta Rangers in the penultimate round of the league.

Gor were crowned the champions on Wednesday this week with two matches to spare despite being held to a 1-1 draw by relegation fighting Nzoia Sugar.

The win meant that Gor clinched a hat-trick of KPL titles to stretch their dominance in Kenyan football.

To be crowned the KPL champions, Gor with one match to go,  won 21 matches, drew 8 and lost 4 in the 33 matches they have played so far.

Rwandese Jaques Tuyisenge and Nicholas Kipkirui have been the attacking lethal for Gor this season with the later shining in the ‘Mashemeji’ derby where he netted a brace as K’Ogalo whipped rivals AFC Leopards 3-1.

Its also the first time ever in his (Kipkirui) football career that he has been crowned a KPL champion after joining Gor this season from Zoo FC.

Cypriot tactician Hassan Oktay guided Gor to the title, and on top of it being the first coach to take the club to the historic CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.

Gor Mahia will wind up their season with a home game against Mathare United on Wednesday.

The post Joy of lifting KPL title: Gor coronation in pics appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 26 – The national rugby sevens team will face off with bottom placed Japan in the 13^th place semi-final at the London leg of the World Sevens series after losing out 29-21 to Scotland in the Challenge Trophy quarter final on Sunday afternoon.

Shujaa will need to beat Japan by all costs to ensure they remain safe from the relegation zone as they stand the danger of dropping a place down with fellow relegation fighters Wales having progressed to the semi-finals of the Challenge Trophy.

With Shujaa dropping to 13^th place, it means the most they can pick up from London is three points, and that is if they go on all the way to the final and win. If they lose the semi to Japan, they will only pick a point and if they go to the final and lose, they will get a point.

Wales, currently placed 14^th, will definitely swap places with Kenya after this round in London as the most number of points they can pick is eight, if they win the Challenge Trophy, seven if they lose the final and five if they lose the semi.

A loss for Shujaa against Japan means they can end the London leg just a point shy of relegation if the Japanese go all the way and win the 13^th place trophy.

If Kenya moves into the 13^th place play-off final, they will meet the winner between home side England and Spain.

Shujaa came into their first match on day two needing to win to get into the semi-finals and give themselves a chance of raking in as many points as possible to boost their survival hopes.

However, they were always playing the chasing game against the Scots and an absurd decision to keep playing after the buzzer had gone at half time came to haunt them as they allowed Scotland into the lead.

Heading to half time, Shujaa were leading 14-12 after twin tries from former captain Andrew Amonde had taken them ahead. However, with the buzzer gone, Kenya decided to keep playing from deep, five metres out of their try line.

Scotland rubbed their hands and took the advantage, turning over possession with Jamie Fernadale crossing over to give Scotland and 19-14 lead at the break.

Robbie Ferguson had given the Scots the lead before Amonde dotted down and Daniel Taabu converted for a 7-5 lead. From the restart, Scotland won possession and Glenn Bryce made it count with a converted try that made it 12-7.

However, Amonde took Kenya back into the lead with Taabu converting before the suicidal decision after the buzzer saw the lead change hands.

At the start of the second half, Kenya got back into the lead when Cyprian Kuto turned over play and fed off Jeff Oluoch who stepped inside and out to take away two markers before stretching his hand across the line.

Taabu converted for a 21-19 lead.

But, the Scots raced back to take the advantage, Fernadale dotting down his second of the afternoon before Scnyle Godsmark made it 29-21 with a try off a maul o the right.

The post Shujaa to face Japan in relegation dogfight appeared first on Capital Sports.

OTTAWA, Canada, May 26 – Despite heavy rainfall, 21-year-old Dorcas Kimeli was first past the finish line at the Ottawa 10k on Saturday night, setting a Personal Best time of of 31:09 at the IAAF Gold Label road race.

The Kenyan was at the front for most of the race, sharing the early spadework with her compatriots Valary Jemeli and Paskalia Kipkoech. After the first 5km was passed in a sedentary 15:57, one by one the pack was whittled down as Kimeli went to work.

Turning on to the final straight, only Jemeli was close and the gap between the two widened to the finish. Jemeli finished second in 31:12 which was also a personal best. Kipkoech came next in 31:30. The winner collected CDN$5000.

“This is my first time in Canada,” Kimeli acknowledged. “I was confident because of my training. I believed in myself and I won. I was thinking around 7km we would push and then go on to a good time. It was my plan.

“At first I was worried (about the competition) but when the race started I was confident and I dropped them one by one. I was thinking to win the race.”

Jemeli was gracious in second place and was clearly pleased with her effort which comes only 11 weeks after her third-place finish at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon.

-Pace was good 

“The pace was good because I have not done any 10k in Canada or anywhere,” Jemeli said. “I was thinking I might win the race but in the last stretch my leg was in pain and she passed me. But I am very happy; it’s my personal best.”

Equally important to the Ottawa victory was the ‘gender gap’ contest which saw the elite women set out 3:40 ahead of the elite men. Spectators could follow the race on a split screen television as the men chased the women.

The men’s pack quickly evolved into five runners at the front with three Moroccans – Mohammed Ziani, Mohamed Reda El Aaraby and Abderrahmane Kachir – running alongside Kenya’s Moses Kibet and Wilfrid Kimetei.

Kibet did a lot of the early work, taking the pack through 5km in 14:19. Then Ziani went to the front a couple of times surging.

With two kilometres remaining it was the three Moroccans who appeared likely to fill the podium as Kibet and Kimetei went to the back. Kibet dropped well off the pace and out of contention but Kimetei had other ideas.

Ziani came around the final bend in front and sprinted away to a 28:12 victory.

-Kimitei second

Kimitei finished four seconds behind with El Aaraby third in 28:22 and Kachir, racing for the first time outside Morocco, fourth in 28:33.

This was the second time Ziani has won the Ottawa 10km and he was pleased with his race today.

However it was the second occasion where he has been unable to close the gap on the leading women. In 2016 it was Peres Jepchirchir who won the gender gap. Today Kimeli took the CDN$2000 gender gap bonus.

“First of all I am happy with my second victory here in Ottawa,” said Ziani, who has been fasting for Ramadan. “The rain was not a big problem. I had some good training so it’s not about the weather.

“At 9km I had the confidence that I would win and I increased my pace. I wasn’t worried. There were some very strong athletes though.”

“My body was not responding well so I was like jogging back so I could run at my own pace,” said Kimitei. “When they (the Moroccans) dropped their pace, that was the time I got those two guys.”

The post Kimeli runs PB to clinch Ottawa 10k title appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 26 – Kenya will head to the final leg of the World Sevens Series in Paris next weekend with the dark relegation cloud hovering over their heads after picking up just a point in London this weekend following their 13^th place semi-final loss to fellow strugglers Japan on Sunday.

With Wales playing in the Challenge Trophy and assured of skipping over Kenya in the standings, Shujaa needed to pick more points than bottom placed Japan in the play-off for 13^th place, but could not sustain the pressure losing 26-17.

The loss means Kenya picks up only one point from London which takes their tally to 27 and Japan can pick up as much as three to take their tally to 25, just two shy of Kenya heading into Paris.

What started off as a promising day one where Kenya just but narrowly missed out on a place in the Cup quarters with good performances against Fiji, Samoa and France, ended in day two disappointment where Shujaa lost both their matches.

Japan showed intent of staying up in Core Status and were first across the chalk, Naoki Motomura dotting down after picking up the ball and running down the left. Japan went 7-0 up with the extras added.

-Doubled tally-

The Japanese quickly doubled their try tally when Katsuyuki Sakai was handed some huge space from the middle and he pierced right through it to dot down under the posts as they went 14-0 up after the conversion.

Kenya made an immediate response, Bush Mwale running down the left from a Nelson Oyoo offload. Daniel Taabu’s conversion went wide as Kenya went 14-5 close.

Paul Murunga’s boys went to the breather with just a two point deficit when Jeff Oluoch dotted down under the posts after a brilliant 80 try down the field.

In the second half, Kenya went 17-14 ahead, Mwale dotting down his second of the game after Oyoo had made a brilliant tackle in the middle of the pack to turn over possession.

But, the Japanese regained the lead when Yoshikazu Fujita picked up the ball from the breakdown and punished the Kenyan backline to take the scores at 17-19 in favor of Japan.

Kazushi Hano then drove the final nail on Kenya’s coffin in the final minute of play when he went over after Fujita spread the ball wide from a scrum. The conversion pierced the posts as Japan ran off 26-17 winners.

The post Relegation blues for Kenya after London mess appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 26 – Vihiga United have been relegated from the Kenyan Premier League after suffering a 2-1 loss to Western Stima in Mumias on Sunday evening while fellow struglers Zoo Kericho handed themselves some hope with a 3-2 win over Kakamega Homeboyz in Kericho.

The results mean Zoo climb over Chemelil to safety at 15^th with 32 points while he sugar millers drop to the play-off zone at 16^th just a point less.

Vihiga remain 17^th, five points off 16^th spot and with just one match left before the season ends, their fate is all but sealed.

-More to follow

The post Vihiga relegated from KPL, late hope for Zoo appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 27 – Rwandese forward Jacques Tuyisenge will leave Gor Mahia at the end of the season and is expected to ink a two-year deal with Angolan giants Petro Atletico, bringing an end to a three and a half year stay at the club.

Chairman Ambrose Rachier has confirmed negotiations are at an advanced level with the Angolans and he says the club has chosen to cash in on the forward with only eight months left on his contract.

“Jack will leave, that’s for certain. We do not want to come in the way of a player who wants to progress. We are in negotiations with Petro and we should be coming to an agreement soon. They have already tabled their offer so it is just a matter of agreeing,” Rachier told Capital Sport.

Tuyisenge joined Gor Mahia at the start of the 2016 season from Rwandese side Police FC for a reported fee of Sh4mn and according to reports, the club might make up to 11m in profit in the transfer with Petro willing to part with close to Sh15mn for the striker’s services.

“He has been a good player and a good servant to the club. He loves the team and has worked hard every day. I think we cannot block him from leaving because the club also need money. We have spent so much in the Continental games and it is only logical that of a good offer comes from a player they look to make the most out of it,” head coach Hassan Oktay noted.

Petro have been interested in the services of the forward since he first featured against them in the group stages of the CAF Confederations Cup.

Tuyisenge, with nerves of ice slotted home the penalty that sent Petro out of the competition at the group stages and handed Gor their first ever place in the quarter finals of the Confederations Cup.

The Rwandese will open up what is a protracted massive exodus at the club with several other senior players said to be on their way out, among them skipper Harun Shakava.

Shakava joined Gor at the beginning of the 2014 season from Kakamega Homeboyz and with a successful stint feels it is time for him to seek a new challenge, just like his predecessor Musa Mohammed.

Also on the exit list is creative midfielder Francis Kahata and right back Philemon Otieno.

Kahata has been a subject of speculation from the beginning of the season and is strongly linked with a move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC who are said to have splashed the cash for him. Algeria’s CS Constantine and USM Alger were also interested in his services at the beginning of the year.

“At this moment, the only person who has come to us and told us they want to leave is Jack. No one else has officially made it known to us. Kahata has a contract till the end of June and we will offer him a new contract. But, it will be his prerogative to know whether he stays or leaves,” stated Rachier.

Head coach Oktay is already scratching his head with his top players said to be leaving but he says he has already given his wish-list to the club’s leadership.

“Of course I am worried if most of my players are leaving but we cannot do much about it. I have several local based players who I want to get and we will try to get them,” stated Oktay.

Among the players who are said to be in Gor’s radar include the Sofapaka duo of striker John Avire and midfielder Dennis Odhiambo.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 27 – Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne is worried of the muscular injury picked up by speedy winger Paul Were just less than a week before the team departs for a three week residential camp in France ahead of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) next month.

Were came on as a second half substitute in AFC Leopards’ loss to Tusker FC on Sunday but lasted barely quarter of an hour before limping off.

“I am just afraid because of Paul’s injury yesterday; maybe it will be huge problem for me because I want to have everyone available and ready to be well in terms of fitness for AFCON,” Migne told Capital Sport after Monday afternoon’s session.

Were has however said he will be ready in the next two or three days as the injury wasn’t as serious.

“I felt my muscles become tight and just for precaution, I decided to pull out because the task ahead is so big and I couldn’t carry on playing with a threat of getting a worse injury. I am sure I will be okay. I have rested today and probably tomorrow I will be in training,” a confident Were said.

Stars are getting into the final week of non-residential training ahead of a planned departure to France later this weekend for their three-week Pre-AFCON camp. The team visited the French embassy in Kenya later after training as they build up for the camp.

Migne says he is impressed with the commitment shown by the platers in training and specifically singled out striker John Avire who travelled overnight from Sofapaka’s match against Bandari in Mombasa to make it for the Monday session.

“We are getting better and better tactically and I am happy because I have an interesting group in terms of behavior. Avire played yesterday and still managed to come for training despite travelling overnight. He wants to show that he is ready and has a desire to do something good for himself and for the country,” the coach noted.

He was boosted with the arrival of Belgium based midfielder Johanah Omollo who turns out for Cercle Brugge who joins Clifton Miheso, Musa Mohammed and Masud Juma among the foreign based players in camp.

Most of the others are expected to link up with the team in Paris.

On striker Masud Juma who has not been playing in Libya consistently because of the political situation in the North African country, Migne says the player still has a lot to work on ahead of the Cup of Nations to convince him to be included in the final 23-man squad.

“What he showed since the last week is that he can score and it is important for a striker. His fitness is not so good but I have one month with him and he will travel to France. We will be 26 but then I will need to reduce to 23 and that means he has to prove to me he can score,” he said.

Adding; “It is important to have that level required at an event like AFCON. He is on the way and I hope he will be ready. But he has the answer,” Migne stated.

The tactician has also called up two more players in his squad, Wazito’s Musa Masika and AFC leopards’ youngster Yussuf Mainge.

Though he says the two might not make it for the AFCON squad, he believes they are good for the future especially with the African Nations Championship (CHAN) coming up right after the Cup of Nations.

The tactician has also expressed his delight with Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Duke Abuya whom he says has improved drastically.

“For the first time today he was not shy. He became comfortable on the field and it is the reason I want to work with the locals more. There is a huge difference between the locals and foreign based players but I like their improvement and the willingness to learn,” he said.

“If we can have at least one training session with the players every week I think there will be bigger improvement,” the coach noted.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 27 – With the title race all but wrapped up with Gor Mahia winning their record 18^th crown with three games to spare, the final day drama of the Kenyan Premier League will swing to the bottom of the standings with Zoo Kericho and Chemelil Sugar looking to avoid the single relegation slot left.

Vihiga United and Mount Kenya United have both been relegated automatically but the fight will be on who evades the 16th place play-off slot between the sugar millers and Zoo.

Zoo Kericho handed themselves a massive boost winning 3-2 against Kakamega Homeboyz to move to 15^th spot with 32 points, just one more than Chemelil who lost 1-0 to Mathare United in Awasi.

Destiny is in Zoo’s hands and they just need to beat KCB at the Mumias Complex to assure themselves of one more season in top flight. Chemelil host Sony Sugar in Awasi and their only hope will be pegged on winning and Zoo’s loss against KCB.

“We are playing at home and so we have to go all out. It will be a tough match because Sony are not an easy side but our focus is on getting maximum points. I know and I believe in my boys that we can pull this off,” Baraza said ahead of Wednesday afternoon’s crunch tie.

They come up against a Sony Sugar side that has been in superb form winning three of their last five games to move fourth in the standings. On the contrast, Chemelil are winless in the last five games, losing three and drawing two.

Separating the two sides has always been hard. In their last 21 meetings, Chemelil carry a slight advantage having won eight, lost six and drawn seven. On Wednesday, they will hope their good luck charm continues and their former head coach Patrick Odhiambo, now coaching Sony does them a favor.

Miles away in Mumias, Zoo Kericho will be going all out for all three against KCB, a side that held them to a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Kericho.

Herman Iswekha, Zoo Kericho’s stand in coach is confident his side can pull off three points from the bankers who will host their last game in Mumias as all final-day games will kick off at the same time and no venue will be available in Nairobi.

“I am confident that we can survive. We have a good team with good players and we will give our all in the remaining game. We have suffered this season because we lost many of our key players and we failed to replace them but I believe we will remain in the league so that we can plan ourselves better for next season,” Iswekha opined.

In their quest though, Zoo have been dealt a major blow with star midfielder Danson Chetambe suspended for the tie after picking up five yellow cards.

In a season of tough times for Zoo, Chetambe has been one of the finest performers for the club and his absence will be a massive blow.

Whoever fails to pick maximum points on Wednesday will not have lost it all though as they will be contesting for a place in the top tier with the third placed team from the National Super League.

The spit is currently occupied by Nairobi Stima who however are level on 71 points with second placed Kisumu All Stars with three rounds of matches left. Ushuru are placed fourth with a four-point deficit.

KPL final day fixtures (All games kick off at 2pm)

Western Stima v AFC Leopards (Moi Stadium Kisumu), Nzoia Sugar v Bandari (Sudi Stadium, Bungoma), Sofapaka v Kakamega Homeboyz (Mbaraki Complex (Mombasa), Gor Mahia v Mathare United (Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos), Ulinzi Stars v Mount Kenya United (Afraha Stadium, Nakuru), Tusker FC v Posta Rangers (Ruaraka Complex, Nairobi), Chemelil Sugar v Sony Sugar (Chemelil Complex, Awasi), Kariobangi Sharks v Vihiga United (Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi), KCB v Zoo Kericho (Mumias Complex)

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 27 – Ambrose Rachier says he will work to ensure construction of Gor Mahia’s own stadium has started before he vacates his role as the club’s chairman at the end of the year, the seasoned lawyer has told Capital Sport.

Rachier will not offer himself for re-election when the club holds its polls in December this year and he says between now and then, he will put his energies to see to it that the club starts the process of owning its own grounds.

“This has been my target all along since I became chairman and over the next few months I want to leave after I have put that plan in place and at least the construction has started,” Rachier said.

“We have a piece of land which we were given by retired President Daniel arap Moi which is between the Kasarani Stadium and the FKF Goal Project offices. We are trying to see whether we can get it and start our process there. If not, we will try to acquire our own piece of land,” the chairman said.

Despite the challenges that he has faced at the club, Rachier says he leaves the club a proud man despite the final years of his tenure being clouded with calls for his resignation with a section of the supporters calling him ‘Mugabe’ likening him to to former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe.

“I have been at the helm of this club for 11 years. When I came in in 2008, we were number 16 in the standings but we worked to finish number nine. The following year we were number five, then number two and we have won six league titles in the last seven years,” Rachier said, boasting of his achievements.

“For me, the performance on the pitch is the most important thing. We have also qualified for the group stages of the Confederations Cup twice in a row and this season, we reached the quarter finals for the first time ever,”

“I have brought two sponsors on board at the club, we bought a team bus and started a sacco to help the club into the path of self sustainability. I do not have any regrets and I am leaving a happy man,” further added Rachier.

True to his words, the club has improved drastically since he took charge, dominating the local scene with back to back to back titles since 2013 with the exception of 2016 when they lost the crown to Tusker after being docked three points for crowd trouble.

But, even as much as his tenure has been awash with success, the club’s fortune off the pitch was not admirable this season especially heading into their quarter final match against RS Berkane in the CAF Confederations Cup.

The players went on strike two days to the first leg in Nairobi and lost 2-0 while the return leg was a bigger farce as the players arrived in Berkane barely three hours to the game due to a travel confusion.

But even despite several stains on his 11-year tenure, Rachier has defended himself saying he has been forced to dip into his own pockets several times to ensure the club remain stable.

“Sometimes you know people talk without facts. But, they now have a chance to get into that seat and know just how tough it is,” stated the tactician.

“I have served as the club chairman for a good amount of time and I do not want to overstay my mandate. I think it is time for the club to have fresh leadership,” he added.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 27 – Harambee Stars defender Musa Mohammed says next month’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt will be an opportunity for Kenya to prove its worth that it is regaining a place as one of the best footballing teams in Africa.

Mohammed played an integral role as Kenya earned a place in the biennial championship in Egypt for the first time in 15 years and he says it is now up to the players to go to Cairo and prove they deserve to be there.

“It’s a prestigious opportunity and a huge honor not just for me but all players and Kenyans who support us. We are thankful because we have worked hard to earn this chance and now it is up to the players to work hard and show what we can do at the big stage,” the defender stated.

The former Gor Mahia skipper believes the team has what it takes to go pasty the group stages and he believes this feat can be achieved if the boys replicate the performance they gave during the qualifiers.

Kenya is drawn in Pool C alongside neighbors Tanzania, Algeria and Senegal.

“I think it is a fair group for us and the challenge is now to go and do our best. I have the belief that we can make it out into the round of 16 because we have a very good team and every player who has been called up is up to the task,” Mohammed noted.

Reflecting on his past season and a half in the Zambian Super League with Nkana, Mohammed says he is proud of his achievements especially winning a title as captain and he believes the best is yet to come.

“Definitely at first it is always tough settling in to a new culture, to a new league but luckily for me I had teammates who helped me settle quick. I won the Charity Shield in my very first month as a captain and I think for me that was a huge achievement,” the defender notes.

“As much as this season has been hard because we have not been able to do well domestically, I will count it as a success because of what we achieved in continental football. The team had not played in the Confederations Cup for such a long time and we managed to get to the quarter finals. That is no mean feat,”

“I believe we would have gone further and even got to the final, but we only missed it by an inch. There are so many positives we can pick from this season moving into the next calendar,” Mohammed further stated.

Nkana went into the Confederations Cup after losing out to Tanzania’s Simba in their final Champions League match. They went on to finish second in their group ahead of rivals Zesco United and Ghana’s Asante Kotoko.

In the quarter finals, they lost to Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien 3-2 on aggregate. They won 2-1 at home but lost the corresponding fixture 2-0 in Sfax to bow out.

“It was a worthy campaign for us with so many positives. We faced tough games home and away but we fought to get something,” he stated.

On his plans for the next season;

“We will not play continental football because we finished seventh in the regular season, but our target is to go back and regroup to fight better for the new campaign,”

“Whether or not I will still be there is not certain but If I will be there, my target is to win and collect more titles as a player. I still have one year left on my contract and if  remain there, I want to give my best and see to it that we win a major title,” he added.

On his former club Gor Mahia continuing their dominance locally Mohammed says;

“I still follow their performances and as a former captain it gives me great pleasure to know that they are still dominating the league in Kenya. The last two seasons they have done what we always wanted to do as players before and that is qualify for the group stages of the Confederations Cup and I wish them all the best for next season.”

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 28 – Senegalese Amadou Gallo Fall has been named as the Basketball Africa League President.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) on Tuesday named the current NBA Vice President and Managing Director for Africa as President of a league set to revolutionize pro basketball on the continent.

Standing tall at over 6’7 with an affable demeanor and an altruistic character, Amadou is a dealer in hope for an Africa that will one day achieve its potential in using sports as a tool for economic empowerment and development.

He will assume his role as BAL President immediately while assisting in the transition and search for a new Managing Director of the NBA in Africa.

“Amadou’s efforts to grow basketball and the NBA’s business across Africa have been extraordinary, and he is an ideal choice to lead the Basketball Africa League,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.

“This historic initiative will not only further enhance the game in Africa but also provide new opportunities in media, technology and infrastructure on the continent.”

The announcement about the NBA and FIBA’s launch of the BAL, which would mark the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside of North America, was made at the NBA All-Star 2019 Africa Luncheon in Charlotte on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Kenya was named as one of the countries set to participate in the league with teams such as Equity Bank, Kenya Ports Authority and Ulinzi Warriors lining up for the league prequalifications set for later in the year.

Fall, a Senegalese native who joined the NBA in January 2010, helped open the league’s office in Johannesburg, South Africa in May 2010, and has directed the NBA’s grassroots basketball development initiatives and partnerships with marketing, media, and consumer product companies in Africa.

Under his leadership, the NBA has expanded its grassroots and elite development efforts across the continent, including the Jr. NBA, Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa and The NBA Academy Africa.

This year, the NBA plans to reach more than 2.5 million boys and girls ages 16 and under through Jr. NBA programs in 21 African countries.

BWB, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development, and community outreach program, has been held in Africa 16 times, with 10 former BWB Africa campers drafted into the NBA.

He was instrumental in opening The NBA Academy Africa in May 2017, where 25 elite male prospects ages 14-20 have received scholarships and training after scouting programs conducted with local federations across the continent.

Three NBA Academy Africa graduates have gone on to commit to NCAA Division 1 schools.

Fall is a recipient of multiple leadership awards for his contribution to the growth of the game of basketball and youth development on the African continent.  This includes African Leader 4 Change (2017) and the South African Sport Industry’s Leadership in Sport (2018).

He previously worked for the Dallas Mavericks, starting as a scout in 1998 before ultimately becoming Director of Player Personnel and Vice President of International Affairs, when he served as the team’s international goodwill ambassador and oversaw scouting assignments.

He helped start Basketball Without Borders Africa in 2003 and served as Camp Director until 2010.

Fall is also the Founder of SEED (Sports for Education and Economic Development), a global non-profit organization established in 1998 with the mission of using sport as a vehicle to inspire, empower and support the holistic development of promising African youth, preparing them to become global citizens.

He is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), where he played center on the basketball team.  Fall was inducted into the UDC Athletics Hall of Fame on February 15, 2019.

Described by many as the ‘GODFATHER’ of basketball in Africa, the NBA couldn’t have made a better choice on who to best steer the launch and growth of a league that would potentially produce and showcase the best of the best basketball talent on the globe.

As we look forward to January 2020, when BAL is set to take off, Africa is confident in a leader who will deliver a world-class league.

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LOS ANGELES, United States, May 29 – The winner of this week’s US Women’s Open will receive a record Ksh 101 million ($1 million) as part of a boost in prize money that will also see next month’s US Open solidify its status as golf’s richest major, organisers said Tuesday.

The United States Golf Association said in a statement prize money for the 119th US Open at Pebble Beach and the 74th US Women’s Open at Charleston had each been increased by $500,000.

It means the US Women’s Open purse will total $5.5 million. The $1 million winner’s cheque on offer in Charleston this week will be the richest payout in the history of women’s golf.

Top women’s players welcomed the news of the prize money hike on Tuesday.

“I think it’s amazing news,” Lexi Thompson told reporters in South Carolina.

“I think it is very well-deserved, but I think overall golf is just growing as a sport. The players are very excited about the news, and hopefully we can just keep on improving.”

The US Open, meanwhile, which takes place at Pebble Beach from June 13-16, will see its total purse increase to $12.5 million.

“The USGA is committed to providing an unparalleled experience to every player competing in its championships,” USGA championships director John Bodenhamer said in a statement which announced the cash boost.

Tiger Woods earned $2.07 million for his win at the Masters in April, where the purse totalled $11.5 million.

Brooks Koepka won $1.98 million with his win at the PGA Championship earlier this month. The PGA Championship purse weighed in at $11 million. The British Open offered $10.5 million last year.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 29 – Harambee Stars will depart Friday for a boot camp in France, where head coach Sebastien Migne plans for a distraction-free training blitz before their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance in 15 years when the continental showpiece will go down in Egypt June 21-july 19.

Migne, a Frenchman, has designed the three-week programme to prepare the Kenyans — ranked 108th in the FIFA world rankings — for their grueling group phase with Algeria, Senegal and Tanzania.

Migne, who conducted his near full house training on Tuesday at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani, said the squad he handpicked for the tournament, would benefit from the change in scenery and intensity of the regimen in Marcoussis, France’s national rugby training facility just outside Paris.

His selection early May of the 30-man preliminary squad for the Cup — an Africa-wide tournament held every two years — attracted considerable attention from Kenyan football pundits and fans, not all of it positive.

The head coach said it was “difficult to stay in the country” and focus with these distractions weighing on his players.

“There were a lot of comments at that time, and we need some peace and quiet to prepare for this competition,” Migne told AFP after a training session in Nairobi ahead of their departure for France.

“And the weather was very important to me. During this preparation, we will have many sessions, sometimes three times a day and you can’t do that in a hot country.

The 46-year-old Migne added he was “really proud” to bring the team to his home turf for preparation.

– No looking back –

Football is hugely popular in Kenya but the Harambee Stars, the national team, have often been found wanting.

They enter the Cup as underdogs, having only qualified six times since its inception in 1957. They have only ever won one game and never reached the knock-out stages.

Their passage to Egypt for this edition was capped with a surprise victory on home soil over Ghana, one of the continent’s top performers.

But Migne has urged his men not to dwell on the past, and focus instead on emerging from the group phase for the first time ever.

Last year is the past. What is important now is to confirm (our performance)… we’re not going to go to Egypt as tourists,” he said.

He is banking in part on star Victor Wanyama, the Tottenham midfielder and Kenyan captain, who could play in the Champions League final against Liverpool just days before training for the Cup is to begin.

“The (Champions League) final takes place on June 1. I will let him celebrate his trophy for two days, and on the morning of the 4th, he must be in Marcoussis,” said Migne.

“He knows it, it’s a pact we’ve made,” the Frenchman added with a grin.

Kenya’s faces Algeria in their first Cup match on Sunday, June 23.

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