Shabaan Kenga in action against Posta Rangers during a Kenyan Premier League match at the Mbaraki Complex in Mombasa on October 3, 2019. PHOTO/Bandari FC/Twitter
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – Shabaan Kenga struck at the stroke of half time as Bandari came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Posta Rangers in a rescheduled Kenyan Premier League tie at the Mbaraki Sports Complex on Thursday evening.
The mailmen had gone ahead through Francis Nambute, but Bandari, who just returned to the country two days ago from their CAF Confederation Cup heroics in Tunisia, fought to get a point at least in a rain-drenched pitch.
Posta got into the lead in the 21st minute when Nambute reacted quickest after keeper Mike Wanyika had spilled a shot, handing Sammy Omollo’s charges a good cushion away from home.
The Dockers had started well and even after conceding kept the surge and attacking play. In the 28th minute they came close when Darius Msagha’s freekick from the edge of the area was deflected and went inches wide with the keeper thrown the other way.
Yema Mwamba in action against Posta Rangers during a Kenyan Premier League match at the Mbaraki Complex in Mombasa on October 3, 2019. PHOTO/Bandari FC/Twitter
Four minutes later, it was Ugandan William Wadri’s chance to test the keeper off another set piece, but this time he had it well gathered in his arms.
They were rewarded a minute into added time when Kenga nodded home unmarked inside the area after rising to meet a Abdallah Hassan cross.
None of the two sides could get a winner in the second half, the slippery condition of the pitch making it difficult for anyone to have a real go at goal.
Nairobi, Kenya, Oct 3 – The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has given Football Kenya Federation 30 days to pay former Harambee Stars head coach Adel Amrouche Sh103mn (1mn USD) for wrongful dismissal or Kenya risks being shut out from the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In a letter sent to the Federation by Amrouche’s lawyers, the Algerian born Belgian tactician should be paid the amount in 30 days from October 1.
Amrouche took FKF tithe highest sports court after he was fired by the previous regime under Sam Nyamweya without just course.
The current office under Nick Mwendwa has been battling g the case in the Swiss courts to try and find a middle ground, but no solution was forthcoming.
“We have received the demand letter from the lawyers and now the only thing we have to do is pay up. We have tried to delay it for the last four years but on e the verdict from CAS is out, we just have to go through with it,” Mwendwa told Capital Sport.
“The lawyers had said they want the payment by 19th of this month but the law allows for 3p days from the day we received the letter, that is Tuesday October 1,” he further stated.
Mwendwa now says they will have to liaise with the government to raise the amount to ensure Kenya is hit lo ked out from the World Cup qualifiers with the Federation having targeted to qualify for the Football festival scheduled for Qatar.
“The government has known this all through and we have involved the from when we entered office. We will have to liaise with them to raise that amount,” stated the Federation chief.
This comes even as FKF is entangled in another court case with another former coach, Bobby Williamson. The Briton was fired in Mwendwa’s first few months in office with Stanley Okumbi appointed.
Faith Kipyegon cruises into final to stay on track to defend title.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon is on track to defend her world title after breezing through to the women’s 1500m final at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha on Thursday night.
Kipyegon booked an automatic slot after crossing the line fourth in the first semifinal, clocking 4:15.49 in a race won by hot favourite Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands who returned 4:14.69, beating American Shelby Houlihan who qualified from second place in 4:14.91.
Moroccan Rababe Arafi came home third in 4:14.94 to also sail through into the final while Ciara Mageean from the Ireland took the last automatic slot in fifth place in a time of 4:15.49.
In the second heat, another Kenyan Winnie Chebet also advanced in the final after taking an automatic slot following her fifth place finish in 4:01.14.
American Jenny Simpson won the heat in 4:00.99 ahead of Gabriela DeBues-Stafford of Canada who qualified in second place after returning 4:01.04 while Briton Laura Muir, another title contender was third after returning 4:01.05.
Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay advanced through to the final after coming home fourth in 4:01.12 while Ugandan Winnie Nanyondo (4:01.30), Nikki Hiltz of USA ( 4:01.52 PB) Australian Jessica Hull (4:01.80 PB) and Swedish Yolanda Ngarambe (4:03.43 PB), also went through the final after emerging the best fastest losers.
The final is set for Saturday 8:55pm.
-Men 1500m Heats-
In the corresponding men’s 1500m heats, Diamond League winner Timothy Cheruiyot won his first second heat in 3:36.82 to book a slot in the semifinals flooring Josh Kerr of Britain who was second in 3:36.99 while Ben Blankenship of USA also advanced in 3:37.13.
In the third heat, Ronald Kwemoi joined fellow Kenyan Cheruiyot in the semifinal after squeezing through as one of the fastest losers in 3:36.66.
Other Kenyans in the race, George Manangoi, the younger brother of defending champion Elijah and former 2016 World Under 20 champion Kumari Taki bowed out after failing to attain the qualification mark.
The Kenya Lionesses celebrate after winning the Africa Women’s 7s title in Gaborone, Botswana on May 27, 2018. PHOTO/KRU
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 4 – Despite the return of South Africa to the qualifiers for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, the Kenya Lionesses say their focus still remains to grab the lone ticket to represent Africa in the quadrennial games.
The Lionesses earned a slot to the Rio Olympics in 2016 after the Lady Blitzboks pulled out and they will look to ensure a return this time when the qualifiers kick off in Tunisia on October 13.
Skipper Philadelphia Olando has issued the war-cry ahead of the tournament which will also double up as the Africa Women’s Sevens Championship which Kenya won last year.
“Our target is South Africa. We’ve played them couple of times since 2015 and this time round we’ll give everything. We must qualify,” Olando said on Friday morning.
The team that heads out to Tunisia was picked today with head coach Felix Oloo retaining a huge chunk of the players who have been doing duty for the sevens team, most of who were also part of the 15s squad that played in the recently concluded African Championship.
“We’ve picked a strong team. Strong character and players who have that sacrificial energy. We know the importance of winning this tournament,” said the tactician.
The Lionesses are top seeds in Pool A where they’ll meet Senegal, Ghana and Botswana on day one. Neighbours and last year’s runners up Uganda top Pool B alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia while Pool C comprises of hosts Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritius and Madagascar.
The Lionesses will kick off their campaign against Ghana at 12:50pm EAT on Saturday 12th October, at 3:26pm they’ll take on Botswana before wrapping up their day one campaign at 6:00pm against Senegal.
Ethiopian Selemon Barega after winning gold in the Boys 3000m at the 2017 IAAF World U18 Championships in Nairobi in 2018 PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 4 – Fresh from winning a 5,000m silver at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, Ethiopian teenager Selemon barega is among the star additions to Eliud Kipchoge’s Ineos 1:59 challenge pace-making team.
Kipchoge, the reigning World Marathon Record Holder will attempt to run a marathon below the two-hour mark in Vienna Austria between October 12-20 and he will have a group of 41 pacemakers selected from all over the world to assist him break the barrier.
Barega is among the final set of 14 pacers named in the all-star team with 10 of them still competing at the World Championships in Doha. The 19-year old Barega is also the fastest man in the world over 3000m this year and the second fastest over 5000m and 10000m.
Also confirmed to help Kipchoge in the historic INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna are Ugandan Ronald Musagala, the winner of two Diamond League 1500m races in 2019 and reigning Olymnpic 1500m champion Matthew Centrowitz.
Another Ugandan, Jacob Kiplimo, a 1500m specialist, USA’s Hillary Bor and Lopez Lomong, Australians Stewart McSweyn and Patrick Siernan will be joined by Kenyans Ronald Kwemoi, Justus Kimutai, Jonathan Korir, Alex Korio and Nicholas Rotich.
Other athletes currently competing at the World Championships who will be part of the pacemaking team include all three of Norway’s Ingebrigtsen brothers – Henrik, Filip and Jakob, American Paul Chelimo and Swiss Julien Wanders.
The Ineos 1:59 challenge team will decide the exact date of the challenge depending on weather, with Kipchoge set to take a second shot at making history. He first made the attempt in 2017 in Monza, Italy with his apparel sponsors Nike under the BreakingTwo challenge.
This time, Kipchoge says he is wiser and stronger.
“My mentality is different this time round and I have experience from how I ran in Monza,” the world record holder said in a past interview.
The Ineos 1:59 challenge, bankrolled by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe will be different from the BreakingTwo challenge in that it will have more pacemakers and a crowd cheering him on.
Kipchoge said in a previous interview that the presence of a crowd will give him that extra adrenaline as he will have fans cheering and not feel ‘alone’ in the quest. In Monza, he came 26 seconds close to achieving the feat.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 4 – Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto fended off stiff challenge from Ethiopians to retain his men’s 3000m steeplechase title after crossing the line in a photo finish World Lead time of 8:01.35 to give Kenya third gold at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
Ethiopian Lamecha Girma settled for silver in a National Record time of 8:01.36 while Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali took bronze after clocking a Season’s Best time of 8:03.76
The duo spent a nervy few seconds awaiting the result before Kipruto raised his arm and went and sat on a barrier — putting his finger to his lips and then one hand in the shape of a telescope to his eye.
“The Ethiopians had a plan before we started the race,” said Kipruto. “I had a plan for us Kenyans to push hard and I wanted to go in front to control the pace but it was not possible. Those guys, Girma and Wale, simply destroyed my tactics.
“But at championships, I always believe that that experience counts for a lot; it’s not about shape. I set my mind and my heart very well. When I got to the start line, I told myself, ‘I’m going to do it’. This strong mentality helped me win the race.”
The other Kenyans in the race Benjamin Kigen finished sixth in 8:06.95, Abraham Kibiwot followed in seventh in 8:08.52 while Leonard Kipkemoi Bett came home ninth in 8:10.64.
Kipruto, who has battled injury this season, beat Ethiopian Girma on the line in a single hundredth of a second.
Before heading to the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, the defending champion had raced just four times this year. He failed to finish two of those races and had finished fifth in Paris and seventh in Lausanne.
The likes of world silver medallist El Bakkali, Diamond League winner Getnet Wale of Ethiopia and Kenyan champion Kigen appeared to be the in-form athletes throughout the season and they all navigated their way through to the final without much fuss.
As was the case in the men’s 5000m final a few days prior, the Ethiopian entrants appeared to work together as a team. Chala Beyo lead for the first two laps, then Wale took a turn at the front as he led the field through 1000m in 2:39.55 with Kipruto tucked close behind.
Girma led the pack through the second kilometre, the pace dropping only slightly with 5:22.95 on the clock, putting them on course for a finishing time just outside eight minutes. Girma had Wale, Kipruto, Abraham Kibiwot and El Bakkali for company, all of them looking comfortable.
At the bell, with 7:02.65 on the clock, El Bakkali moved past Wale into pole position but his lead only lasted the length of the back straight.
Girma kicked to the front with 200 metres remaining as El Bakkali started to grimace. Kipruto then moved past the Moroccan into second place and in pursuit of Girma, the possibility of retaining his title now a distinct possibility.
The two men flew over the final barrier with Girma still managing to hold a slight advantage over the Olympic champion, but Kipruto was gaining on the young Ethiopian with every step.
They crossed the line almost in unison, both unsure of the outcome as they waited nervously for the times to come up on the screen.
Finally it was confirmed: Kipruto had successfully defended his title in 8:01.35, the third-fastest time of his career and the second-fastest winning time in World Championships history. He now joins Moses Kiptanui, Saif Saaeed Shaheen and Ezekiel Kemboi as multiple steeplechase gold medallists at the World Championships.
Girma, who is still an U20 athlete, took the silver medal in an Ethiopian senior record of 8:01.36, just 0.01 behind the winner, making it by far the closest ever finish in the steeplechase at the World Championships.
El Bakkali held on for bronze in 8:03.76, finishing comfortably ahead of Wale, who set a PB of 8:05.21, and France’s Djilali Bedrani, whose 8:05.23 PB takes him to fourth on the European all-time list.
Kipyegon settles for silver in a National Record at Doha Worlds
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 5 – Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon settled for silver in women’s 1500m at the Doha World Championships, setting a National Record of 3:54.22 as favourite Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won gold in a Championship Record time of 3:51.95.
The win surged Hassan to her second gold medal of the World Championships, shrugging off the doping controversy that has embroiled her banned coach Alberto Salazar.
The 26-year-old Ethiopian-born Dutch runner romped home in a world leading championship record time of 3min 51.95sec to take gold at the Khalifa Stadium, with 2017 champion Faith Kipyegon of Kenya claiming silver and Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay taking bronze.
It was Hassan’s second gold medal of the championships following her win in the 10,000m, making her the first woman to successfully double in the two events.
Her winning time was the sixth fastest in history, just under two seconds adrift of Genzebe DiBaba’s world mark of 3:50.07 set in 2015.
It was Hassan’s second gold medal of the championships following her win in the 10,000m, making her the first woman to successfully double in the two events.
It capped a tumultuous week for Hassan, who was left stunned after Salazar’s four-year doping ban was announced on Tuesday.
Salazar was barred from the championships following the ban and his athletes from the Nike Oregon Project training group were ordered to immediately cease all communication with him.
“It’s a very hard week for me,” Hassan told the BBC.
“I was so just angry and I could not talk to anyone. I just ran all out. That hard work can’t be beaten by anything.
“It’s what makes me angry, I have been clean all my life. I work hard, I’m not an emotional person but it makes me so mad.”
Hassan had run a masterful race.
After taking her time at the back of the pack, she hit the front towards the end of the first lap and was always in control at the Khalifa Stadium.
Britain’s Laura Muir was on her shoulder at the bell but Hassan turned on the speed with around 250m to go to put clear daylight between her and the rest of the field, finishing around 20m ahead of Kipyegon.
Hassan had startled many at the start of the championships after her win in the 10,000m, showing a devastating turn of speed over the closing laps to take gold.
However she found herself at the eye of storm on Tuesday when news of Salazar’s four-year suspension rocked the championships.
Salazar, 61, was suspended for a catalogue of drugs violations uncovered in a years-long investigation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Hassan joined the Oregon Project in late 2016, shortly before an internal report by USADA detailing Salazar’s malpractice was leaked in early 2017.
Hassan emphasised in an earlier statement that Salazar’s ban related to activities which took place before she joined the team.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 5 – NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 5 – Hellen Obiri reigned supreme once again at the global space after successfully defending her 5000m title in a Championship Record time of 14:26.72 to lead compatriot Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi to a Kenyan1-2 finish in Doha World Championships on the penultimate day of the event.
Obiri, the Olympic silver medallist, who led for the better part of the race came home clear of Kipkemboi, who timed a personal best 14:27.49 while Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen, part of the Nike-backed Oregon Project whose head coach Alberto Salazar was banned for four years earlier in the week, took bronze in 14:28.43.
Obiri had shared the early pace setting with British runner Eilish McColgan.
Kenya’s Hellen Obiri retained her 5,000 metres world title with a new championship record
With eight laps to go Obiri stepped up the pace and McColgan dropped back — Ethiopia’s Teshay Gemechu on her shoulder and Klosterhalfen third.
They were part of a six runner group who, with six laps to the finish, had dropped the rest of the field.
Gemechu dropped away to the back of the sextet leaving Klosterhalfen in second spot followed by two Kenyans.
The six stuck together as the race approached the business end of the event.
As they heard the bell it was the German against three Kenyans.
Obiri went for broke and upped the pace but Klosterhalfen stuck to her task and for a moment threatened to spring a shock.
However, Obiri had more than enough in the locker to stretch her lead rounding the curve and it was Kipkemboi who finished the strongest passing Klosterhalfen in the straight.
Kipruto hands Kenya bronze in World Championships Marathon
DOHA, Qatar, Oct 6 – In his maiden global competition, Amos Kipruto won bronze for Kenya in the men’s marathon at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha as Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa scooped gold, leading compatriot Mosinet Geremew to a 1-2 finish.
Kipruto timed 2:10:51 to finish a distance third behind Mosinet who took silver in 2:10:44 while Lelisa cut the tape in a time of 2:10:40.
“I am so pleased to win bronze for my country Kenya because this is my first ever global medal. This is my first time to compete in a world championships and I am so happy with my performance. If selected for Olympics next year in Tokyo, I will represent my country well,” Kipruto said after the race.
Defending champion Kenyan Geoffrey Kirui faded to 14th in a season’s best time of 2:13:54, another Kenyan in the race Laban Kipngetich Korir finished 11th in 2:12:38 while Paul Lonyongata did not finish.
Desisa — a two-time Boston marathon winner who donated his 2013 medal to the city following the bomb at the finishing line — emulated compatriot Gezaghne Abera’s win in the 2001 marathon in Edmonton.
In noticeably cooler and less humid conditions than last week’s women’s marathon, the early pace was set by Paraguay’s Derlis Ayala, who led by over a minute through 12km.
The 29-year-old Paraguayan lasted 20km in the front but was caught and passed by a sextet of runners.
There was no let up in the pace as Ayala dropped away with Eritrea’s 37-year-old six-time world half marathon champion Zersenay Tadese leading the way.
Ayala’s moment in the spotlight was over and so was his race as he called it a day shortly afterwards — at the same point the youngest runner in the race 21-year-old Tanzanian Augustino Sulle also retired.
Tadese, defending champion Geoffrey Kirui and Stephen Mokoka alternated in the lead along with Desisa of Ethiopia Kipruto — third in Tokyo and second in Berlin last year — and Geremew.
Six became four as Kirui’s crown looked to have slipped from his grasp and he faded away whilst Tedesay too looked to be weakening but hung on desperately.
Tedesay’s courageous effort finally met its end in terms of a medal as the bell rang for the final 7km circuit and the fast improving Briton Callum Hawkins moved in on him.
Hawkins, who has been training in his shed having bought heaters to try and replicate the conditions, moved easily past Tedesay and at the 39km mark had the leading quartet in his sights and joined them.
However, Hawkins having looked the coming man got dropped as they moved into the final kilometre and he had to suffer the agony of finishing fourth once more, just as he had done in 2017.
Desisa and Geremew kicked away and dropped Kipruto.
Desisa, though, had one final kick in him and eased away in the final half kilometre to take the tape on his own.
Sofapaka players celebrate Peter Lwassa’s early goal for Sofapaka during their Kenyan Premier League match against Bandari at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on October 6, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 6 – Brian Nyakan stepped off the bench to score the winner six minutes from time as Sofapaka beat Bandari 2-1 in a controversial Kenyan Premier League tie at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Sunday.
If there was a day that Bandari hoped there was VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in the Kenyan league then it was today.
Wycliffe Ochomo scored what looked like a winner for Bandari after William Wadri had cancelled out Peter Lwassa’s early goal for Sofapaka, but a push and shove over the legitimacy of the goal that lasted almost five minutes threatened to turn the football tie into a boxing contest.
Referee Andrew Juma had initially given the goal but Sofapaka players furiously protested that Ochomo had guided Fred Nkata’s cross into the net with his arms, forcing him to go to the first assistant referee to consult as he was clouded with players from both sides.
The assistant ref Maryanne Njoroge acknowledged that the Bandari striker had indeed used his arms to guide the ball home, escalating what was already a pressure cooker.
The Bandari players pushed Juma to the side, forcing him to go to the Live Transmission control station asking him to look at replays, something that Juma did not do.
Bandari head coach Bernard Mwalala was livid on the touchline and had to run into the tie to hold his players off as tempers escalated.
He went back to his spot on the bench, red in anger and kicking bottles in dismay.
At the end, Juma’s decision stood and the game restarted.
Five minutes later, the home side was celebrating a winner after two substitutes combined. Bandari defender Brian Otieno slipped and fell under pressure from Ronald Okoth who won the ball and squared to Nyakan who slapped the ball home.
Timothy Cheruiyot of Kenya celebrates winning gold in the Men’s 1500 metres final during day ten of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images/IAAF)
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 6 – In the absence of his training partner and friend Elijah Manangoi, Timothy Cheruiyot finally turned his silvers from the last two major championships to gold after decimating the field to clinch the 1500m title at the IAAF World Championships in Doha on Sunday.
Cheruiyot has played second fiddle to Manangoi in London 2017 and last year’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, but he finally worked to get the gold in the absence of the former champion who missed the games due to injury.
Fresh from winning the IAAF Diamond Trophy, Cheruiyot tore a page off compatriot Beatrice Chepkoech’s rule book to lead the race from gun to tape with a healthy lead, stopping the clock in 3:29.26.
From the gun, Cheruiyot bolted into the lead with youngster Ronald Kwemoi following in tow as the two Kenyans sought to take control of the race from the start in the presence of very fast finishers in Jakob Ingebrigsten and Mathew Centrowitz of the USA.
Cheruiyot stepped on the 400m mark with a split of 55seconds and completed the 800m mark in 1:51, underlying just how scorching the pace he had decided to take was.
But just after the 800m mark, Kwemoi began to fade off with Cheruiyot growing stronger and stronger with no intention to slow down or even turn his head behind his shoulder.
At the bell, the front-leaning Cheruiyot stepped on the gas, with the chasing pack catching up with Kwemoi. However, any efforts to cut the gap between them and the Kenyan always looked like a project in futility.
The Kenyan increased his tempo to create a gap of more than 30m, one which he kept till he crossed the line with a huge smile on his face, punching the air with glee as the joy of a first ever major championship title sunk in his eyes.
Algerian Taoufik Makhloufi was second in 3:31.38 while Poland’s Marcin Lewandowski clinched bronze in a national record time of 3:31.46.
Kenya’s Collins Injera in action during a past match at the World Rugby Sevens Series. PHOTO/World Rugby
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 6 – Having missed donning the Kenyan shirt for the last one season, experienced players Collins Injera and Willy Ambaka have been included in the Shujaa 24-man provisional squad for the Safari 7s scheduled for October 18-20.
The team, now under the tutelage of New Zealander Paul Feeney has been in session for the last two months under assistant coach Kevin Wambua and most of the players who did duty for the team last season have been retained as well.
Injera and a host of other senior players turned down call ups to play for the team last season after failing to agree with the Union on the terms of their contracts, but it seems all has now been settled with the two joining in.
The ever green Injera had a splendid season in both the National Sevens Circuit and the longer version of the game in the Kenya Cup where he was among the top try scorers.
Among other senior players included are Dan Sikuta and former skipper Andrew Amonde as well as Nakuru’s Nelson Oyoo.
Feeney’s first task will be to guide the team to Safari 7s glory, an achievement that will thrust them positively into the new season of the World Sevens Series.
“We have made some great improvements on our structures, we’re working hard on our strengths as well as our individual skills. I believe we are on target on putting out a great show during the Safari sevens,” Feeney said.
Kenya is expected to field two teams for the Safari 7s, Shujaa and a second tier side, Morans.
Kenya Sevens Provisional squad:
Jeff Oluoch, Alvin Otieno, Charles Omondi, Brian Wandera, Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Monate Akuei Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru), Timothy Mmasi (MMUST), Davis Nyaudi (Menengai Oilers), Herman Humwa, Willy Ambaka (Kenya Harlequins), Ian Mabwa (Nondies), Vincent Onyala, Jacob Ojee, Andrew Amonde, Johnstone Olindi, Mickey Wanjala, Geoffrey Okwach (KCB), Joel Inzuga, Billy Odhiambo, Collins Injera, Daniel Taabu, Mike Okello (Mwamba), Daniel Sikuta(Kabras Sugar).
Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda competes in the Men’s 10,000 metres final during day ten of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images/IAAF)
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 6 – World Under-20 champion Rhonex Kipruto bagged bronze in the final of the 10,000m at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, finishing in a time of 26:50.32 in a race won by Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei in a World Leading time of 26:48.36.
The last time Kenya won gold in the 24-lap race was in 2001 through Charles Kamathi.
Despite intermittently leading in the race, Kipruto could not cope up with the finishing power summoned by Cheptegei and Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha at the bell with the latter finishing second for silver in a personal best time of 26:49.34.
Rodgers Kwemoi who had been in the leading pack with Kipruto for most of the race finished fourth in a personal best time of 26:55.36 while the third Kenyan in the race Alex Korio finished 11th.
Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma exchanges idea with his assistant coach during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on October 7, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma says the team hopes to maximize their home ground advantage when they take on Ghana’s Black Queens in the return leg of the Olympic Qualification tournament third round at the Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday.
Starlets held the Ghanaians to a barren draw in the first leg played in Accra on Friday and will need a win to progress to the penultimate qualification round where a date with either Zambia or Botswana awaits.
“We have to keep the habit of winning at home. We pushed ourselves away and now we have to do better and I hope the players can set their minds to win tomorrow. I want them to go into the match with confidence,” Ouma told Capital Sports on Monday afternoon.
The tactician has lauded the players for their performance away in Accra especially their defensive discipline and now for the crucial return tie, he hopes they can complement their defense with a spice of attack to bag the goals and progress.
Harambee Starlets midfielder Corazone Aquino vies for the ball with a teammate during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on October 7, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
“We have set up properly for the return leg. We know our terrain at home very well and we can get confidence from the result away. We tried to contain Ghana away in the best possibility we could and we had three chances in the second half which we should have done better,” the coach noted.
“But now, we are at home and we now know how Ghana play. We know their strengths and weaknesses and we need to ensure that we exploit their weaknesses to the maximum at all costs,” the tactician further stated.
For the 2016 Olympics, Starlets fell off in the penultimate stage, losing 2-0 on aggregate to eventual tournament winners South Africa with identical 1-0 defeats home and away.
This time though, Ouma who was still in charge at that time says they are a better outfit with more self-belief and a rejuvenated squad hungry for success.
Harambee Starlets players during a training session at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on October 7, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulumothy
“We have done very well with the Federation to scout for talent from all over the country and now we have a strong squad. The players know that the door is open for everyone and all of them are working hard to keep their places,” stated Ouma.
He added; “The team is developing and growing in each game. I want them to express themselves on the pitch tomorrow and show their qualities. Everyone has an equal chance to dream big and qualify and we are on that path. In football, sometimes you need a little faith and a fighting spirit.”
In the hunt for goals, Starlets will look on the prowess of Mwanahalima Adam and youngsters Gentrix Shikangwa and Cynthia Shilwatso as they look to knock on the door of history.
World 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri is received by family and friends after jetting back home from the IAAF World Championships in Doha on October 7, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – The national team that did duty at the IAAF World Championships in Doha landed back home on Monday afternoon to pomp and color at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The team travelled back home with Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed and were received at the airport by the ministry’s Chief Administrative Secretary Hassan Noor and Sports Fund boss Moody Awori who were accompanied by officials from Athletics Kenya.
“I am very happy with how you performed in Doha and the fighting spirit you showed, especially Faith Kipyegon who had to run and win a silver medal despite getting an injury. You have made us proud, you have made the country proud and as a government we are happy,” Amina said.
Kenya finished second overall in Doha, mirroring the performance they put up at the London Championship after winning 11 medals; five gold, two silver and four bronze to finish behind the USA in the overall medal standings.
World 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot drinks mursik after jetting back home from the IAAF World Championships in Doha on October 7, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
Only Faith Kipyegon was not part of the team that jetted back on Monday. She came back home on Sunday, just a day after her final as she was injured and needed medical attention.
Meanwhile, head coach Julius Kirwa said he was pleased with the performance of the team especially noting that they only had five days to train after the team was named.
“We needed to adjust very quickly because the heat in Doha was too much. We had to adjust the training program and sometimes we had to train as early as 3am and as late as 8pm. I am very pleased with the athletes because in my opinion they did well,” Kirwa told Capital Sport.
“Every time I had to talk to them before the race and tell them they were representing Kenya and Africa and we needed to ensure we did our best,” the tactician further added.
World 3,000m steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech with family and friends after jetting back home from the IAAF World Championships in Doha on October 7, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
With the World Championships putting a marker to the end of the season, the athletes will now recede to a few weeks of rest before they get back into training, most of their eyes cast on next year’s Olympics in Tokyo Japan.
Eliud Kipchoge at his Global Sports Communication Training Centre in Kaptagat. PHOTO/Ineos 1:59/Twitter
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – Eliud Kipchoge boards a special flight to Vienna, Austria on Monday night, the weight of history tagged on his shoulder, but a load he is not afraid to carry or sustain the pressure that comes with the expectations from his fans all over the world.
Between this Saturday and Monday, Kipchoge will attempt to become the first man to run a marathon under two hours when he illuminates as the centre of the Ineos 1:59 challenge, making an attempt at breaking the barrier for the second time.
“I think we are ready. We have trained well and prepared him to the best of our abilities. Now, it is up to the athlete,” his coach Patrick Sang told Capital Sport.
Kipchoge has been training at his Global Sports Communication camp in Kaptagat for the last few months, getting his mind ready to write history, pushed on by his own philosophical line that ‘no human is limited’.
“It is a mixture of everything; we are excited, we are nervous… and it is now just a matter of waiting for the event and we see what comes of it. We are hopeful,” Sang further noted.
Eliud Kipchoge and his coach Patrick Sang during the launch of the Ineos 1:59 challenge in London. PHOTO/Ineos 1:59/Twitter
Previously, the window of the race had been set for between October 12 and 20, but now the same has been squeezed down to three days and a decision will be reached on the exact day by latest Wednesday evening depending on the weather conditions.
The preferred date for the historic race is Saturday October 12.
Once the green light is given the three-day countdown begins and Kipchoge will switch his nutrition and begin carb-loading. Carb loading is a strategy used by endurance athletes to maximise the storage of glycogen in the muscles and liver.
“The unique nature of this extraordinary event means we are not in a position where we can confirm the date or the start time of the Challenge until we can be absolutely certain the weather conditions are suitable,”
“We have got a world-class team of meteorological experts working on this alongside the Austrian Meteorological Office to inform the Performance team and enable the decision process, and in turn let fans around the world set their alarm clocks and be part of the INEOS 1:59 Challenge,” Robby Ketchell who is leading the meteorological team told the race’s official website.
The optimum weather conditions for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge are a temperature between 7 and 14 degrees Celsius, humidity below 80 per cent, dry conditions and without too much wind.
Eliud Kipchoge during one of his training sessions in Kaptagat ahead of the Ineos 1:59. PHOTO/Ineos 1:59/Twitter
Once the date is set, the exact start time for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge will be confirmed the day before. The start time will be between 5am – 9am local time (6am-10am EAT)
The decision for the optimal start time will take into account various factors including weather, nutrition and Kipchoge’s circadian rhythm.
Kipchoge will undertake this challenge with a clearer mind and by his own admission, he finds himself better prepared than he was in 2017 when he took part in the Breaking Two project by his apparel sponsors Nike.
“This time I have a stronger mentality and more experience because I know what to do for the race,” Kipchoge said in a past interview.
Eliud Kipchoge packing his bags ahead of the trip to Vienna, Austria for the Ineos 1:59. PHOTO/Ineos 1:59/Twitter
In the 2017 race that went down at the Monza Formula One track in Italy, Kipchoge, the current world record holder came 26 seconds close to achieving the target.
A total of 41 pace setters drawn from around the world, but most are from Kipchoge’s training group in Kaptagat. The pacers already had their reconnaissance on the Vienna course where they rehearsed their exact movements, timings and interchange formations.
This is to ensure that Kipchoge runs at a requisite and steady pace throughout the race to achieve the desired 1:59 timing.
NOCK boss Paul Tergat has landed an IOC committee appointment
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) president Paul Tergat has been appointed as Member to the IOC newly created Future Host Commissions (Summer and Winter) for future Olympic Games.
The Commissions will advise and provide recommendations to the IOC Executive Board (EB) in regard to future hosts for Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games (Summer and Winter).
Tergat who is also an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member, will serve under the Commission chaired by Kristin Kloster Aasen of Norway as a representative of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in the broad-based Commission.
The Commissions were formed following the IOC Session decision for a more targeted, streamlined and flexible approach, in which flexibility applies to the elections of Future Games Host.
Through the approach, permanent dialogues will be held with interested hosts, or with potential hosts where the IOC may want to create interest. The Commission will have the mission to promote, monitor and oversee this interest from them and report to the IOC EB.
The IOC President, Thomas Bach, while congratulating Tergat on his appointment noted, “There will be a two-speed progression for the work of the Commissions. The Winter Commissions will start immediately, as the priority at this moment is the discussions about the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2024 and the Olympic Winter Games 2030.”
Tergat became an independent IOC member at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires in September 2013. He is also currently a member of the IOC Coordination for the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2022, among other Commissions.
Sony Sugar players line up before a past Kenyan Premier League match. PHOTO/Sony Sugar/Twitter
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – On August 7, 2019, cash-strapped SoNy Sugar signed what they thought would be a fortune-changing sponsorship deal with Hong Kong based company Quantdragon, but just two months down the line, the so-called sponsors have disappeared without a trace.
So dire is the financial situation at the South Nyanza based team that they failed to honor their home game against AFC Leopards over the weekend, handing Ingwe three free points.
“It was going to be difficult for us because the requirements of hosting AFC are expensive. We had already used up our own funds to facilitate the first four games of the season with the hope that the sponsors would deposit money,” SoNy chairman Gabriel Otiende told Capital Sport.
The company was supposed to pay the club 28,400 USD (Sh2.9mn) a month for the next one year, with the first payment expected on August 15. From then, they were supposed to be depositing money to the club’s account on the 30th of every month.
But since the inking of the deal in Awendo, not even a cent has fallen into SoNy’s account.
“At first they had told us that there was a problem on their end with the accountant and promised to pay the money at the end of the month. (August 30). When that time came, they had their stories again until they stopped responding communication and disappeared. We have not heard from them since then,” Otiende further added.
Sofapaka head coach Divaldo Alves being unveiled by club owner Elly Kalekwa alongside a representative from Living 3D. PHOTO/Sofapaka/Twitter
Quantdragon is said to be a sister company to Sofapaka’s second sponsor Living 3D and interestingly, sources intimate that the latter have also disappeared on Batoto ba Mungu without dropping a coin into their coffers.
According to a deal signed by the club and Living 3D, they were supposed to source for five foreign players and a foreign coach and cater for all their needs from salaries and housing, and would profit a certain percentage in case of a future sale.
“They have disappeared on the club and are not even responding to calls or emails. They have not even deposited any money to the club as promised,” a source close to Sofapaka told Capital Sports.
The disappearance of Living 3D now consequently puts head coach Divaldo Alves’s future at the club at risk alongside the five Ugandans they signed, including keeper Isma Watenga and forward Peter Lwassa who have emerged as strong starters in the team.
Living 3D was supposed to complement the financial injection by betting form Betika and help the club get back to its financial feet after years of struggling.
But, while Sofapaka have a bounce back plan in Betika, Sony are without a fall back and according to Otiende, if no one comes up to help them, they might be forced to disband the team.
“The company (SoNy Sugar) is not doing well currently and it will be difficult to get help from them. We have knocked on a few doors here and there and I am hopeful that in the next two weeks, we can get something. We will not lose hope,” Otiende noted.
Happier days. Sony Sugar players celebrate after scoring during a past Kenyan Premier League match. PHOTO/Sony Sugar/Twitter
SoNy’s next game is an away trip to Nairobi against Tusker FC and the fact that they couldn’t honor a match at home makes the possibility of them travelling away even tougher.
“At the moment, the most important thing for us is feeding the players and making sure they are okay. At least the company has provided housing so they don’t worry about rent or water and electricity. If we can’t pay them, the least we can do is ensure they eat,” the club chair further added.
Head coach James Nandwa has admitted that it has been tough getting the team going amidst the financial difficulties but just like his chairman is hopeful that a solution will be found.
“Things are tougher now because the league doesn’t have a sponsor. It was a bit manageable when SuperSport were there because at least we were assured of some grant monthly that would help us here and there. But now, there is nothing coming in from KPL. If the government doesn’t step in and help clubs, then I am afraid we will face a very tough season,” Otiende further stated.
2652 winners of first round of Johnnie Walker GP Karting championship, Eddie Behr, Sam Karangata and Wess Van Dijck
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 – The Johnnie Walker GP Karting Championship has gained momentum with Team Sim-U-Nation claiming top spot in the 20-team competition that started Tuesday at the Whistling Moran in order to win a chance to watch live Grand Prix races later in the year.
Team Sim-U-Nation topped the races with all its team members recording an average of 1:31 minutes per race followed by Team Mingati, Speed Gonzales and Cereal Killers.
The teams will compete next weekend at TGRV Mai Mahiu while the finals will be held November 2.
The 20 teams are being subjected to a month-long competition dubbed Kenya Racing Festival.
The Kenya Racing Festival is competition that combines both Go-Kart racing and F1 Virtual Reality Simulation – an F1 simulator takes you through a virtual journey of full F1 experience. The winning team will get to travel to Abu Dhabi for Formula 1 Championship later in the year.
KBL Head of Premium Spirits, Grace Nshemeire-Gwaku said that KBL was excited to host the inaugural Kenya Racing Festival competition under its Johnnie Walker Brand.
“The final 20 teams were selected from over 80 hopeful teams across the country in a grueling qualifier held at Whistling Moran. We present to you these 20 teams that will compete amongst each other to beat the fastest time.
We believe this is an exciting chapter for Kenya to show the world that there are Go Kart champions in this part of the world and Johnnie Walker is proud to sponsor them,” said Nshemeire-Gwaku.
She added, “This competition affirms KBL’s position as the leading alcoholic beverage company in East Africa, while at the same time strengthening the historical connections that the Walker family has with the world of motorsport and Grand Prix racing which go back to the 1950s.”
The decision to leverage Formula 1 sport is to tap to it growing popularity in Kenya and marrying it with Diageo premiumization trends.
“This is the coming together of two globally acclaimed brands. Formula 1 is the perfect fit for Johnnie Walker, whose purpose is to connect with premium consumers. This association will enable Johnnie Walker to greatly extend its reach to F1 fans,” added Nshemeire-Gwaku.
Hellen Obiri over the moon after winning the 5,000m title at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 – Hellen Obiri has disclosed that she had decided to fly back home from Doha after failing to clinch a medal in the 10,000m at the IAAF World Championships and even boycotted training for two days.
Obiri says she was mentally disturbed after losing the race and it only took the intervention of her husband and close friends to convince her to stay on in the Qatari capital and defend her title – something she did with an emphatic performance.
“I was mentally disturbed because I was expecting a lot from the 10k. I was thinking of withdrawing and I had decided that I would go back home. I didn’t want to stay in Doha. It took me almost three days to come to terms,” Obiri told Capital Sport.
She added; “I was so angry after losing and I asked my husband why he encouraged me to double and now I had lost. He (my husband) had told me that I needed to stay on and focus on the 5k which was my race but I said no, I had to leave. Ultimately, I listened to him and my manager also came and talked to me,” explained Obiri who turns 30 in December.
She got herself back together and rose on her feet to qualify for the final, leading a Kenyan one-two finish with Margaret Chelimo coming in second.
Hellen Obiri celebrates after winning the 5,000m title at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar
Obiri clocked 14:26.72 to set a new Championship record and defend the title she won in London 2017.
“I decided that I would go in to the race and when I did well in the heats, I knew that I was back up and I would win the race. With all the anger of losing the 10k, I said I had to destroy the field in the 5k and I did that to win gold,” Obiri stated.
Having won two outdoor 5,000m titles, one indoor title and a cross country crown, Obiri now hopes she can get that one medal she has wished for for so long; the Olympics.
With Tokyo coming up next in 2020, Obiri says she is focused on heading to Tokyo and earning that title.
“It is the only medal I am missing and that is what I will work on after my short break. I am yet to decide whether I will double at the Olympics or not but at least I have gained some experience from the World Championships,” stated Obiri.
