NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 – Gentrix Shikangwa scored from the penalty spot nine minutes into extra time as Harambee Starlets beat Ghana’s Black Queens 1-0 to progress to the penultimate round of the qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Shikangwa who had come on as an 80th minute substitute slotted home after Ghana’s Justice Tweneboa handled Sheryl Angachi’s goal bound header on the line.

With nerves of steel, the 17-year old stepped forward, slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to send the sparsely populated Kasarani Stadium into frenzy.

Ghana looked all set to force the game into penalties as they took turns to waste time, but Shikangwa’s calmness infront of goal ensured the home side sailed through.

The defense line led by skipper Dorcas Shikobe put up a shift in the remaining 21 minutes of extra time to see off the nervy result with keeper Annette Kundu making a good save off Portia Boakye late on.

A barren draw in the return tie and over the two legs on aggregate meant the game had to go the full length and Starlets ensured they laughed last.

The victory now means Starlets are through to the fourth round where they will meet either Zambia or Botswana.

On the balance of chances, Starlets should have been ahead by at least two at half time, were they more clinical infront of goal.

Janet Bundi and Corazone Aquino showed intent early with shots from distance, both of which sailed straight to the keeper’s arms.

Mercy Airo had a brilliant chance after 18 minutes when a brilliant Wincate Kaari ball from deep in Kenya’s half found her isolated at the edge of the six yard box, but the forward’s first touch let her down as the ball easily rolled to the keeper.

In between these chances, the Ghanaians had created an opportunity with Grace Animah cutting in from the left to let out a low shot from the edge of the area, but the effort hit the side netting with the Ghanaian bench in celebration thinking it had gone in.

Bundi had another great chance for Starlets when she surged to the edge of the box but instead of taking an aim at goal took too many touches on the ball allowing the Ghanaians to close in.

Minutes later, Mwanahalima Adam had a shot from range fly over.

-Freekick from range

Eight minutes to the break, Priscilla Okyere had a freekick from range well collected by keeper Annette Kundu, though she let it slip off her hands for a corner.

In the second half, head coach David Ouma made changes bringing on Cynthia Shilwatso for Airo, Gentrix Shikangwa for Bundi and Topister Nafula for Elizabeth Wambui in a bid to spice up the attack.

However, they could not get in a meaningful effort in the final third, the closest being a Shikangwa shot that went straight to the keeper’s arms.

With a barren draw in regulation time and over the two legs, the game spilled to the extra 30.

The post Shikangwa shines Starlets’ Olympic dream appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 9 – Olympic and World 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto has taunted his competitors that they should never even imagine beating him again after they failed to do so when he raced injured at the IAAF World Championship in Doha.

Kipruto has endured a tough season with injury and pulled out of three races, but ensured he won the most important of all, defending his title in Doha with the closest ever finish in World Championship history.

“If they did not beat me when I was injured, I don’t think they can ever beat me. I went into the final determined not to lose the title and I wanted to show the whole world that steeplechase is a Kenyan event and we can never lose it,” Kipruto told Capital Sport.

Kipruto put up a sprint in the final 50m to dip beyond Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma, stopping the clock in 8:01.35, one hundredth of a second ahead of the Ethiopian with the Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkalli finishing third.

The 24-year old has disclosed that he was not under pressure heading to the final despite fears that he would not defend the title due to the injuries that had clouded his season.

Upon finishing, he sat on one of the barriers, fingers in his eyes, telling the whole word to look at him and his prowess while placing a finger on his lips.

“There was a lot of fear and pressure that we could lose the title and that Conseslus was not in good shape. But I wanted to show the whole world that steeple is a Kenyan event. We cannot lose the steeplechase title as long as I am in the race. It cannot happen under my watch,” the confident Kipruto further added.

Tearing a script off his friend Eliud Kipchoge’s book, Kipruto has disclosed to Capital Sport that he chose to shield away the pain from injury off his mind by only thinking about how much he wanted to defend his crown and silence the naysayers.

“When you are in a big race, you have to be strong mentally. When you have the spirit and the heart you will win it. You just need to remove the pressure of injury off your mind and I was always thinking of myself as a champion throughout the race. For me, my only competitor is injury,” stated Kipruto.

His next focus now is on defending his Olympics title in Tokyo next year while bigger on his ambition is lowering Saif Shaheen’s world record of 7:53.63 set in Brussels in 2004.

This will be a massive call for Kipruto who has a personal best of 8:00.12.

“I think my form has picked up at the right time with my injury healing. I will rest a bit then get back to work because I want to go to Tokyo and defend my title. I want to do wonders in the Olympics. Also, I want to try and get the World Record back to Kenya,” noted Kipruto.

The post Didn’t lose injured, I can never lose- Conseslus appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 9 – Victory over Ghana’s Black Queens has given Harambee Starlets hope of a first ever qualification to the Olympic Games, with only two teams now standing between them and a historic place in Tokyo 2020.

Starlets beat the Ghanaians 1-0 via a Gentrix Shikangwa extra time penalty to progress to the penultimate qualification round where a tie against Zambia awaits.

With giants Nigeria, South Africa and now Ghana ousted from the race to represent Africa in Rio, Starlets believe they have an opportunity to progress.

“We really wanted to beat Ghana to qualify and now that we have, I don’t think there is any other team that we fear. I believe as a team we have what it takes to beat anyone and our confidence is now at an all time high. We are focused on the Olympics and we will work hard to achieve it,” a confident Shikangwa told Capital Sport.

She added; “We don’t fear anyone. If we can beat Ghana, then we are confident of beating anyone. Our secret has been training hard and ensuring we do everything the correct way.”

Skipper Dorcas Shikobe has meanwhile asker her teammates not to let their guards down and keep working hard to ensure they achieve history.

“Everyone has a chance and we also have a chance. This is behind our backs now and we have to focus on the next assignment. We have the ability, we are working together as ateam and everyone wants the same thing,” the skipper stated.

Victory over Starlets against Zambia will put them into a good position of qualifying to the Olympics. They will face the winner between Ivory Coast and Cameroon in the final. Winning the final gives them a direct ticket to Tokyo.

A loss will mean they head into the repacharge where they face off with the losing team from the South American qualifiers.

“We are bridging the gap between Kenya and the rest of the continent and we are showing the world that we are growing. What we have invested in terms of scouting for talent is clearly visible. We will continue working, continue fighting because the work is not yet finished. We still have a long way to go,” head coach David Ouma stated.

Meanwhile, the team has called on the government to give them support in their quest to qualify for the Olympics. The team did not receive any financial backing from the government for the current qualifiers while they are owed allowances dating back to 2017.

“The federation is doing what it can but the government has to come in and support the girls. We are now close to history and we need all the support we can,” the tactician offered.

The post Olympic dream alive, say Harambee Starlets appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – The Kenyan Premier League has not paid its referees since the season began and the situation looks to head down south with no white smoke over the search of a new sponsor after the exit of betting firm SportPesa.

With no broadcast partner nor any other source of income for the league managers, the daily running of Kenya’s top flight league looks shaky but Chief Executive Officer Jack Oguda says they are hopeful of getting a sponsor within the next month.

“At the moment we don’t have anything concrete but we have knocked on a few doors and sent out proposals to various prospective sponsors. We are hopeful that we can get something because the situation is not so good at the moment,” Oguda told Capital Sport.

Sofapaka boss Elly Kalekwa who heads the league’s sponsorship and marketing committee also says they are hopeful something will come up even as they continue to scrape through to ensure the league continues running smoothly.

“We will keep searching and see what comes out of it,” he stated.

The financial drought affecting the top tier is just but a reflection of what is happening around the 18 clubs, with very few currently able to keep their daily programs running.

Corporate clubs are among the few clubs whose financial situations are okay. They include KCB, Tusker FC, Ulinzi Stars, Bandari and Wazito FC who are bankrolled by businessman Ricardo Badoer.

For most of the other teams, including the country’s two most successful clubs, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, the situation is dire.

Gor and AFC have already stretched the begging bowls out on the streets hoping that well wishers will come to their aid to enable them run their clubs with no sponsors in sight.

Sony Sugar last weekend gave a walkover after failing to turn up for their game at home against AFC Leopards after their sponsors Quantdragon disappeared on them, while their parent sponsors are also facing tough financial times.

Many clubs also owe players salaries in arrears of up to four months as the financial crisis in the country’s football circles continued to bite.

“It was a bit better when SuperSport was there because we had grants of almost half a million every month and that would help us settle a few things here and there. Right now there is nothing and even the small we got from SportPesa is no longer available,” Sony Sugar chairman Gabriel Otiende stated.

And it is worse in the second tier National Super League with their broadcast partners Bamba Sports having halted their partnership and with most of the teams being self-sponsored, times are indeed dire.

“These are difficult times for Kenyan football because of the number of sponsors we have lost over the last month.The economy is also not doing good but we are hoping the government can step in and offer some support,” Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa says.

The post Kenyan football struggles in financial crisis appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – Eliud Kipchoge says his attempt at becoming the first man to run a marathon under two hours in Vienna, Austria on Saturday morning is not motivated by monetary gains, but his ambition to show the world that no human is limited.

Organizers of the historic race Ineos have confirmed that the race will take place on Saturday between 6am and 10pm EAT with the exact start time set to be confirmed by Friday.

“It is not about any kind of money. I am running to make history. I am running to tell the world that no human is limited. I expect this broadcast to go to over three billion people and if I can inspire a generation, that will mean more to me,” the soft spoken, but confident Kipchoge said on Thursday during his pre-race presser in the Austrian capital.

He added; “Sports is about leaving a legacy. A legacy is not just about results or winning. This is like going to the moon, becoming the first man to do so. Legacy goes beyond all professions.”

Kipchoge will make a second attempt at running the marathon under two hours having done so for the first time in Monza, Italy in May 2017 where he came 26 seconds close.

This time, he says he has more confidence and mentally stronger to achieve the feat.

“It will be 65 years since Bannister ran a mile under four minutes. Then, no one believed it could be done. Last year, I ran in Berlin under two hours and three minutes, this year Bekele ran two hours, one minute and 41 seconds. People didn’t believe it is doable. Now, I also want to show the world that you can achieve anything you put your mind to do,” the philosophical Kipchoge stated.

“Preparations have been the same and I have not made any changes. What is different is the mental approach. The thinking is not the same. A human being is the mind. The moment your mind is there all will be well,” he added.

He has also acknowledged the massive support he has received from back home as he prepares to achieve history and notes that the support is what keeps him going.

“From online to people back at home and all over the world, the government, corporates and all. I appreciate the support,” Kipchoge stated.

His wife and three children will also be present in Vienna as he chases history by racing against the clock and Kipchoge admits that this will be an extra motivation for him to chase and achieve what he has yearned for for a long time.

Kipchoge arrived in Vienna on Tuesday morning and has already had a feel of the course, and he says he feels confident and ready.

“I am feeling well. I have run on the course and it is a good course. It is flat and very fast and in the park where we can enjoy the environment. I am ready for Saturday,” Kipchoge stated.

He says he is under no pressure whatsoever, noting he is calm and collected ahead of the race.

“Pressure is everywhere in this world as long as you are a human being. I am trying to stay as calm as possible. This race means a lot to me, to my country and my continent,” he noted.

The post I am not doing it for the money – Kipchoge appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 9 – With World Record holder Eliud Kipchoge seeking to make history on Saturday, betting firm BetLion has released the odds for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, where the Olympic champion will attempt to run a full marathon under the 2 hour barrier in Vienna, Austria.

The main motivator behind pricing this tournament was in appreciation of how Kenyans love their athletics; and what better way than they can enjoy and make some money as they get entertained.

The odds on Eliud Kipchoge to run a time less than 2 hours has an odd of 1.85. There are more exciting markets on the race for customers. Customers can log in and bet at betlion.com

“As BetLion, we love sport and are always dynamic enough to price up whatever sport our customers enjoy,” observed Spencer Okach, Managing Director – BetLion. “We will remain the innovative brand we pride ourselves to be by having markets of such tournaments, giving the best odds while at it”

Kipchoge on Thursday said his attempt is not motivated by monetary gains, but his ambition to show the world that no human is limited.

Organizers of the historic race Ineos have confirmed that the race will take place on Saturday between 6am and 10pm EAT with the exact start time set to be confirmed by Friday.

Kipchoge will make a second attempt at running the marathon under two hours having done so for the first time in Monza, Italy in May 2017 where he came 26 seconds close.

This time, he says he has more confidence and mentally stronger to achieve the feat.

The post BetLion releases Odds for Kipchoge’s INEOS 1:59 Challenge appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – Capital FM played some exquisite football as they put 13 past a hapless Kenyan On Twitter All Star team (#KOT5Aside) in a one sided encounter that saw the Best Mix of Music make light work on their opponents in a friendly match hosted at the Ngong Road Arena on Moi Day.

The match was over in the first half itself as skipper of the day Kristian Malumbe and deadly forward Vincent Otieno ran riot on the pitch to see Capital FM take a commanding 5-0 lead in the first stanza that ended 5-1.

With the help of Solomon Okeyo who bossed the midfield and supplied the precise passes, Malumbe hit the target five times, Otieno grabbed four goals, Salim Mudi notched a hat-trick as Ali Athman netted one. KOT All Star only managed to find the back at the net twice.

KOT All Star’s fate was decided when the first goal they conceded was from the penalty spot after an opponent handled the ball inside the box for Malumbe to step up and calmly convert the kick to open the flood of goals.

The second half was even more tantalizing and not even the rain could stop Capital FM, the 2016 Standard Chartered World Trophy champions from humiliating the Keyboard Warriors as the Best Mix of Music team added eight more goals to seal the win.

Malumbe thanked his charges for the superb display, urging them to maintain the tempo as they plan for more friendlies.

“Today we came to confirm that we are the champions, we played well as a team. KOT All Stars were worthy opponents, we approached this match with a lot of seriousness and I am so happy that we lived up to our expectations,” Malumbe disclosed after the big win.

On his part, KOT All Stars head coach, Sir Alexas conceded defeat and challenged his side to pull up their socks.

“Capital FM is a good side, they know how to play football, they coordinated well and played as a team. We tried our best but I believe we could have done better. We will go back to training to work on our weakness and I promise we will bounce back,” Alexas who is the organiser of the annual #KOT5Aside football tournament said.

The Capital FM team was under the tutelage of stand-in player coach Lassie Atrash while managed by Duncan Kikata and David Muba.

Also in the team were Capital FM Sports Editor Alex Isaboke, who was in between the sticks, Keysha Shagava who manned the defence, Timothy from the Digital department.

The post Capital FM bang 13 past #KOT5Aside All Star in thriller appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – Malkia Strikers head coach Paul Bitok says one of the ways the national team can improve is by allowing more players to turn out for professional clubs in Europe and Asia, saying interest in Kenyan players has increased after the FIVB World Cup in Japan.

Bitok says he has received numerous requests from clubs abroad to have Kenyan players move out but says the stumbling block has been the club’s reluctance to release them ahead of the national league play-offs scheduled for November.

Among those who have elicited so much interest outside is outside hitter Sharon Chepchumba who was one of Kenya’s best performers in Japan.

“Players like Chepchumba were really impressive and averaged at least 10 points per game and no one could believe she is a young player looking at how she was playing. I have several invitations from clubs in Azerbaijan, Italy, Egypt, Tunisia and Qatar,” Bitok told Capital Sport.

He added; “It is not only her but several other players like Kasaya (Leonida), Moim (Mercy), Murambi (Noelle), but the challenge has been with their clubs. I don’t know if there is a way the federation can help talk to the clubs so that these players can take the opportunities,”

“I will be very sad to see them remain here to play local tournaments instead of getting out there and earning some exposure because ultimately when they come back here, they will help the national team. A team like Cameroon has up to eight professional players while all of our players are local,” the tactician further stated.

The national league is currently on its final bend to usher in the play-off season and most clubs are looking at securing the top places and ultimately vie for the title in November. This has informed the clubs of the decision to hold on to their best players and win the crown.

But, Bitok continues to hope that a few of the players can get permission to go out there, with his eyes focused on qualifying for next year’s Olympics in Tokyo Japan, even as the Kenya Volleyball Federation works to resolve issues surrounding his contract.

The tactician says he was impressed with what the team did at the World Cup in Japan, despite winning only one game. The tactician says they had to change the way they play after the USA game and hence an improvement especially in the set scores.

“We trained on accuracy in reception and a new system of blocks and defense as well as ensuring we kept the speed of the ball high. We tried to implement and it worked well because we were getting more points. Our reception was at 50pc and this was an improvement because always we were at 25pc,” Bitok explained.

With the Olympic qualifiers confirmed for next year in enemy territory in Cameroon, Bitok hopes that the team can have continuous training even as clubs prepare for the play-offs to ensure that they keep continuity and perfect on the new systems they implemented from Japan.

“I think we are ready for the Olympics but we need to keep working. Players are going back to their clubs and will revert to old systems which will affect us. But if we can have at least three training sessions weekly with them, it can help a lot,” stated the tactician.

Kenya failed to earn a ticket to the last Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro after losing to eventual winners Cameroon in the semi-finals of the African qualifiers.

However, this time round, the team wants to ensure they make a return to the Olympics after missing out since 2004 and having beaten the Cameroonians in three of their four meetings this year, confidence is high that qualification is an achievable dream.

The post Bitok wants more Kenyan players to go pro appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi says he is pleased with the number of players at his disposal ahead of Kenya’s journey to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations which begins in November with the first qualification match away to Egypt.

Kimanzi will lead the side in his second match since taking charge when Stars face Mozambique in a friendly match on Sunday and has called in a squad with several variations from the one that faced Uganda last month.

“It is good to see every player who is around and so far it has been very good for the last four days of preparation. We are ready for the game against Mozambique and everyone is looking sharp,” Kimanzi told Capital Sport.

He added; “We are on the journey for the AFCON 2021 qualifiers and when you are lucky to get many of these build up matches, you try see as many players as possible where you can look for the best 23 and ultimately the best 11. We had some players who showed us something against Uganda and now we will have some against Mozambique.”

Ahead of the Mozambique game, Kimanzi will have skipper Victor Wanyama back after missing the Uganda game while Jesse Were will also be available after missing through injury.

In the goalkeeping department, Kimanzi will have a closer look at Ian Otieno and Timothy Odhiambo after dropping first choice Patrick Matasi and John Oyemba

Among other players that will be available for the coach to look at include former AFC Leopards right back Yusuf Mainge now in Slovakia as well as Cliff Nyakeya who was called up for the Uganda game but didn’t get playing time.

Kimanzi hopes that the Mozambique game will give him another opportunity to test his charges against a tough opposition as he tries out more tactics and personel.

‘It will not be an easy challenge but what is important is if we can keep working the same way we have been and keep the same discipline,” Kimanzi added.

Mozambique are expected in the country on Friday evening.

The post Stars boss Kimanzi pleased with squad depth appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama says he is now settled and more focused after the transfer drama that slowed down his pre-season with his English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.

The midfielder was the subject of massive transfer speculation to move away from the North London club and Spurs had even agreed a deal with Belgian outfit Club Brugge though the move never happened after all.

And speaking to Capital Sports, Wanyama says that is behind his back and his focus now is on getting back into top form and earning his starting place back at the club.

“For me, I am a professional player and sometimes you have to wait until everything is done. Things were good but unfortunately the transfer didn’t happen. But I have to put my head down and work hard in training to be back on top form. I will keep working and wait for my chance in the team,” stated the midfield powerhouse.

Wanyama has consequently lost his starting place at Spurs and has been used sparingly by head coach Mauricio Pochettino in the opening games of the campaign.

Spurs have also not had a good start to the season and back to back losses against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Brighton in the English Premier League have put their argentine coach and the players under immense pressure.

Despite the slump in form, Wanyama is confident the team will rise once again and get back to comfortable winning ways.

Meanwhile, the settled Wanyama has also returned to the national team and will be available for this weekend’s friendly against Mozambique, having missed the game against Uganda last month in the midst of his transfer storm.

He says he is pleased to join his mates once again for the first time since the Africa Cup of Nations last June and he is especially looking forward to work with a new group of young players as they bid to qualify for a second consecutive AFCON.

“It feels very good to be back because this is a new group and I am enjoying the challenge. I was pleased with their performance against Uganda especially in the second half and hopefully we can continue working as a team, stay focused and look at the positives,” further stated Wanyama.

He hopes he can help the team qualify for the AFCON and believes the friendly matches the team is playing before the first game against Egypt in November will be crucial to help them prepare and get ready.

“I think it’s just a matter of self belief. We have been there and we know what it takes to be there and if we continue working together and believing in ourselves, the we will be ready to qualify again. These friendly matches will help us settle down and gel as a team,” he noted.

The post Wanyama settled despite transfer drama appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – Olympic and world steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto has backed Eliud Kipchoge to achieve his target when he lines up for the Ineos 1:59 challenge on the streets of Vienna on Saturday morning.

Kipchoge, also the world marathon record holder will attempt to become the first man to run a marathon under two hours in the project financially backed by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe through his biochemical company Ineos.

“I believe in him. That is the man we athletes look up to as our role model. He is our mentor and we know that the guy is a great marathoner. He is talented and a hard working guy and I know that he is going to do it,” Conseslus told Capital Sport.

He added; “When Eliud is focused on something and when he promises that he will deliver something, he will do it. I am praying for him and wishing him all the best. Let him go and fight. He will do it.”

Kipchoge will take to the streets of the Austrian capital on Saturday morning, looking to break the barriers and prove no man is limited.

With optimal conditions and the race not qualifying to class as a world record, Kipchoge has continuously reiterated that it is not about the sport, but his ambition at helping people break their mental barriers.

The 34-year old will start his historic quest on Vienna’s famous imperial bridge, the Reichsbrücke.

After approximately 1.2km he will reach the Ferris Wheel at the Praterstern roundabout where he will enter the Prater and begin 4.4 laps of the tree-lined Hauptallee, the historic avenue that runs through the heart of the Viennese Park.

An electric timing car will be used to control the pace of the race, which will be set at a consistent 2:50 minute per kilometre.

A world class line-up of 41 pacemakers will be used to help Eliud achieve his goals.

35 pacemakers will run on the day and there are 6 reserve runners. Among the top-class names include World Championship 5000m silver medallist Selemon Barega of Ethiopia, former world 1500m and 5000m champion Bernard Lagat of the USA and the Norwegian Ingebrigtsen brothers – Henrik, Filip and Jakob.

The group also has a host of athletes from his Global Sports Communication training group in Kaptagat.

During the pre-race presser on Thursday, Kipchoge said he is ready for the challenge and believes he has what it takes to achieve his target, having come 26 seconds close during his first attempt in Monza, Italy in May 2017.

The exact time the race starts will be determined by Friday and it will all depend on weather patterns with a window set for between 6am and 1m am EAT.

Robby Ketchell, who is leading the weather analysis for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge Performance Team, said:

“We have looked at the weather patterns for Vienna coming through and the current conditions are looking to be optimal for temperature, humidity, wind and precipitation for this Saturday morning.

“We are currently looking at less than 2 m/s wind speed on the start location on the bridge and a temperature of between 5-9 degrees Celcius from 5AM-8AM on Saturday. After 8AM the temperature is looking like it will rise slightly, and humidity will drop slightly.”

“For the Challenge we need a 24-hour window of no rain to keep all the surfaces dry and that is currently looking to be the case for Saturday too,” he said.

Kipchoge arrived in Vienna on Tuesday morning, having flown from his training camp in Kaptagat in Kenya and has been acclimatising to Vienna and training on the course for the first time.

Patrick Sang, Kipchoge’s coach, flew in with Kipchoge from Kaptagat.

“When we landed in Vienna, Eliud turned to me and said, “I am ready”. His preparation and training for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Kaptagat over the coming months has gone very well and we are both extremely excited for this Challenge,” stated the coach who has seen Kipchoge grow from a novice to a world beater.

The post Conseslus backs Kipchoge in Ineos 1:59 chase appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 11 – French side Seventise and invitational side Red Wailers are the latest teams to name their squads to this year’s Safari Sevens taking place from October 18-20 at Nairobi’s RFUEA Ground.

Seventise, who have former Kenyan Sevens international Teddy Omondi as part of their coaching staff have named a 12-man playing contingent with Wailers including eight Kenyans in their squad.

Seventise

Maxience Blanc, Josias Daoudou, Pierre Chapolin, Dan Rowland, Matthieu Delcourt, Noe Larribe, Luca Mignot, Benjamin Laufer, Florian Makala, Nicolas Lambert, Michel Guiborat, Valentin Insardi, Aurelion Chaumint

Management: Alexandre Rousset, Teddy Omondi, Alex Monard, Archibald le Flenchec

Red Wailers

James Hare, Chrisant Ojwang, Bryan Juma, Tony Omondi, Iago Davies, Alvin Marube, Blake Morgan, Ciaran Moore, Elkeans Musonye, Ben Bell, Walter Okoth, Bob Muhati, Archadius Khwesa

Management

Andrew Howells, Gary Brannon, Andrew Reynolds, Ella Mckeown, Walter Orangi

The post Red Wailers, Seventise name Safari 7s squads appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 11 – Organisers of the historic INEOS 1 Hour, 59 Seconds Challenge have confirmed the race will start at 9:15am EAT where Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge will attempt to become the first human being to run a marathon under two hours.

The Olympic champion will be out to make amends on Saturday morning in Vienna, Austria after coming closer to achieving the Nike Breaking 2 project in Monza, Italy in 2017.

The two-time Berlin champion has a Personal Best time of 2 Hours, 1 Minute and 39 seconds set last year when he broke the world record and the world will be glued to witness if the greatest of all time in marathon will write history.

Fran Millar, CEO of TEAM INEOS, said “We took into account all the different parameters and the decision has been made that the INEOS 1:59 Challenge will start at 8:15AM CEST on Saturday 12th October”.

Kipchoge arrived in Vienna on October 8, having flown from his training camp in Kaptagat in Kenya and has been acclimatising to Vienna and training on the course as part of his race-week preparations.

In a pre-event press conference held on 11th October Eliud Kipchoge said: “I’m feeling well, I’m happy with the course and I am waiting for Saturday.

“Vienna is a sporting city. The crowd loves sport in Vienna and the course is flat and fast and in a park – a natural environment.

“Berlin was about running a world record, Vienna is about running and breaking history, like the first man on the moon.”

With optimal conditions and the race not qualifying to class as a world record, Kipchoge has continuously reiterated that it is not about the sport, but his ambition at helping people break their mental barriers.

The 34-year old will start his historic quest on Vienna’s famous imperial bridge, the Reichsbrücke.

After approximately 1.2km he will reach the Ferris Wheel at the Praterstern roundabout where he will enter the Prater and begin 4.4 laps of the tree-lined Hauptallee, the historic avenue that runs through the heart of the Viennese Park.

An electric timing car will be used to control the pace of the race, which will be set at a consistent 2:50 minute per kilometre.

A world class line-up of 41 pacemakers will be used to help Eliud achieve his goals.

35 pacemakers will run on the day and there are 6 reserve runners. Among the top-class names include World Championship 5000m silver medallist Selemon Barega of Ethiopia, former world 1500m and 5000m champion Bernard Lagat of the USA and the Norwegian Ingebrigtsen brothers – Henrik, Filip and Jakob.

The group also has a host of athletes from his Global Sports Communication training group in Kaptagat.

The project is financially backed by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe through his biochemical company Ineos.

The post Kipchoge’s INEOS challenge to start 9:15 EAT appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 11 – Two East African boxers are set to face off in the East and Central Africa Professional Boxing Federation match set for Saturday evening at Nairobi’s Charter Hall.

Victor Wesonga of Kenya will face Tanzanian Ramadhani Ally Kondo in the title which is currently vacant.

Wesonga is a fierce boxer with a rich boxing background and currently serving in the Kenya National Police Service.

His counterpart Ramadhani Ally of Tanzania is also a reknowned boxer who has participated in major boxing tournaments in Tanzania.

The match will be the first the Kenya professional Boxing Commission has organized since the September election in September.

KPBC has pledged to organize monthly matches in its bid to better the boxing profession.

KPBC Vice Chair Ahmed Yassin stressed the need for proper funding by the government to enhance the boxing profession.

“But as we wait and hope to get funding from the government, we cannot fail to express our disappointment in the departure of Kenya’s biggest sports sponsors SporPesa. We all know what SportPesa has done to Kenyan boxing, case in point the Zarika match that the betting firm hosted last year. The milestones achieved by SportPesa in promoting boxing will take time to be replicated,” said Yassin.

Saturday’s event will also feature eight other matches.

The Light weight matches will see Kenya’s George Onyango battle it out with Tanzania’s Francis Miyeyusho, Emmanuel Chirsti will fight Augustine Wafula. James Mugani will fight against Abdul Noor in the flyweight category.

In the female category Mary Nasimiyu will fight against Charity Mukami in the middle weight category while Consolata Musangi will fight against Carolyne Mokaya in the light weight category.

The post Kenya’s Wesonga to battle Tanzanian Kondo in PBF bout appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 12 – The greatest of all-time marathoner Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge proved to the world that no human being is limited after bursting the Two-Hour barrier in marathon by clocking 1:59:40.2 at the INEOS Challenge in Vienna, Austria on Saturday to become the first man ever to achieve the feat.

The World Record holder and Olympic Champion, 34, covered the 26.2 miles (42.2km) in one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria on Saturday.

The 34-year-old already holds the men’s world record for the distance with a time of 2hr 01min 39sec, which he set in the flat Berlin marathon on September 16, 2018.

But accompanied by a posse of 41 pacemakers and a car in front of them setting the pace, Kipchoge bested that mark, making good on a failed attempt two years ago in Monza, Italy.

“I am feeling good to have written history, it has taken 65 years for a human being to make history in sports I am the happies man to run under two hours to inspire the world to tell people that no human is limited,” smiling Eliud Kipchoge said after the race.

He added; “When I woke up at 4:50am for the race set for 8:15am, it was my hardest time, the first kilometer is usually hard it needs perseverance. The 41 pacemakers are among the best athletes in the world and I thank them for accepting to do the job we have made history together.”

“It means a lot to Kenya, I wanted to run under 2 hours in order to tell Kenyans that everybody can step out f his toe and think positively, do what is required by a human being and all can earn a good life and together we can make this world a running world and peaceful one.”

Maintaining a very regular pace at around 2:50 minutes per kilometre, he passed the finish line gesturing and smiling.

He had been 11 seconds in advance at mid-race as fans lining the course, many waving Kenyan flags, loudly cheered him on.

Kipchoge told reporters earlier this week that his attempt in the Austrian capital was about “making history in this world, like the first man to go to the moon”.

“I just have to make that click in people’s minds that no human is limited,” he had said.

– Surfaces evened out –

Because of the way the run was set up and paced the International Association of Athletics Federations will not validate the time as a world record.

The running surface had been partly retarred and readied with other features such as a banked corner that could save time and avoid injury.

Pacemakers took turns to support him throughout the 42.195-kilometre (26.219-miles) race. They included 1,500-metre Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz and former world champion Bernard Lagat.

The course included a 4.3 kilometre-long straight alley, which the Kenyan ran up and down several times amid dry but foggy weather.

“The course is extremely good. I’m happy with the course,” Kipchoge, whose family has accompanied him to Vienna, said earlier this week.

Chris Froome, leader of Ineos cycling team, also watched Kipchoge’s race in Vienna, according to the organisers.

Organisers only allowed their own cameras to film the run itself.

Throngs of fans cheered on Kipchoge whenever he passed by.

“It’s history in the making. I’m very proud… It will be a motivation to a lot of young people. People are looking up to him,” said Nichasius Koech, 37, a software engineer from Kenya who works in Germany, ahead of the run.

Another fan, Joe Saissi, 25, from London said it was “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

Kipchoge already tried in May 2017 to break the two-hour barrier, running on the Monza National Autodrome racing circuit in Italy, failing narrowly in 2hr 00min 25sec.

But this time he said before the race that he was mentally stronger and more confident.

The course had been prepared so that it should take Kipchoge just about 4.5 seconds more than on a computer-simulated completely flat and straight path, according to analysis by sports experts at Vienna University.

In total, he only had to descend 26 metres in altitude and climb 12 metres, the experts said.

The founder of the main sponsors, Ineos, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is taking a personal interest in the challenge and himself competes in Ironman triathlons.

The world marathon record has, for the past 16 years, been contested uniquely between athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. The two nations are also fierce rivals for distance medals on the track.

Kipchoge’s record was almost beaten last month in the Berlin marathon by Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:01.41, just two seconds short of the official world mark.

The post The great Kipchoge bust Sub-Two Hour Marathon barrier to write history   appeared first on Capital Sports.

VIENNA, Austria, Oct 12 – Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, smashing the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon in the “best moment” of his life on a specially prepared course in a vast Vienna park.

With a time of 1hr 59min 40.2sec, the Olympic champion became the first ever to run a marathon in under two hours in the Prater park with the course readied to make it as even as possible.

“I’m the happiest man today. The message that no human is limited is now in everybody’s mind,” an elated Kipchoge told reporters after the run, adding he expected more athletes to match his feat in the future.

“From the first kilometres I was really comfortable. I have been training for it for the last four and a half months, and above all I have been putting in my heart and in my mind that I’ll run an under-two-hour marathon.”

The 34-year-old already holds the world record for the distance with a time of 2hr 01min 39sec, which he set in the flat Berlin marathon on September 16, 2018.

But accompanied by a posse of 41 pacemakers, who took turns to support him, and a car in front of them setting the pace, Kipchoge bested his mark, making good on a failed attempt two years ago in Monza, Italy.

Maintaining a very regular pace at around 2:50 minutes per kilometre, he passed the finish line gesturing and smiling, describing his approach to the finish as “the best moment of my life”.

The founder of the main sponsors, Ineos, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, took a personal interest in the challenge.

“That last kilometre where he actually accelerated was super human,” said Ratcliffe, who himself competes in Ironman triathlons.

Kipchoge had been 11 seconds in advance at mid-race as fans lining the course, many waving Kenyan flags, loudly cheered him on.

Kipchoge’s coach, Patrick Sang, said the Kenyan had “inspired all of us that we can stretch our limits in our lives”.

Kipchoge told reporters earlier this week that his attempt in the Austrian capital was about “making history in this world, like the first man to go to the moon”.

– ‘It’s amazing’ –

Because of the way the run was set up and paced the International Association of Athletics Federations will not validate the time as a world record.

The running surface had been partly retarred and readied with other features such as a banked corner that could save time and avoid injury.

Pacemakers took turns to support him throughout the 42.195-kilometre (26.219-miles) race. They included 1,500-metre Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz and former world champion Bernard Lagat.

The course comprised a 4.3 kilometre-long straight alley, which the Kenyan ran up and down several times amid dry but foggy weather.

Throngs of fans cheered on Kipchoge whenever he passed by.

William Magachi, 33, from Nairobi, was one of many Kenyans watching in Vienna.

“It’s amazing. He is a super human being, the positivity, what he has been able to achieve.

“It’s a record breaking moment. It never happened and may never happen again in my lifetime… I’m a lucky man.”

Another fan, Markus Parzer, 32 and from Vienna said: “It’s absolutely amazing. I’m a runner as well, a hobby runner. Just running his pace for a few hundred metres, I can’t do it longer.

“This really shows the magnitude of what he achieved today… It’s really history made here in Vienna.”

Fans from around the world also followed the run, broadcast live over YouTube and on many televison channels, as well as on a giant screen near Eldoret in west Kenya, where Kipchoge’s family lives.

His number one fan, his mother Janet Rotich, was watching from her home.

“I am happy today because he has won… I thank him so much for this, for me, for Kenya and the world,” she said.

“You’ve done it, you’ve made history and made Kenya proud while at it. Your win today, will inspire tens of future generations to dream big and to aspire for greatness,” Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta said on Twitter.

Kipchoge already tried in May 2017 to break the two-hour barrier, running on the Monza National Autodrome racing circuit in Italy, failing narrowly in 2hr 00min 25sec.

The world marathon record has, for the past 16 years, been contested uniquely between athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. The two nations are also fierce rivals for distance medals on the track.

Kipchoge’s record was almost beaten last month in the Berlin marathon by Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:01.41, just two seconds short of the official world mark.

The post ‘Super-human’ Kipchoge smashes mythical two-hour marathon barrier appeared first on Capital Sports.

ELDORET, Kenya, Oct 12 – Eliud Kipchoge’s historic marathon time on Saturday was greeted with joy and pride in his native Kenya.

“I am happy today because he has won in Kenya and in the world. I thank him so much for this, for me, for Kenya and the world,” said Kipchoge’s mother Janet Rotich who watched in her home village Kapsisiywa as her son became the first man to run the marathon distance in less than two hours.

Kipchoge’s run in Vienna was broadcast live on all Kenya’s television stations.

Even so, in Eldoret, the city 40 kilometres from Kapsisiywa where the 34-year-old runner, his wife and three children live, and in Nairobi, crowds gathered in the early morning to watch the run on giant screens.

In Eldoret, the fans watched in feverish excitement as their champion ticked off the kilometres and exulted when Kipchoge crossed the finish line with a clock displaying 1hr 59 min 40 sec, throwing hats and water bottles into the air.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta quickly issued his “hearty congratulations”.

“You’ve done it, you’ve made history and made Kenya proud while at it. Your win today, will inspire tens of future generations to dream big and to aspire for greatness. We celebrate you and wish you God’s blessings,” President Kenyatta continued.

Kenya’s vice-president William Ruto, who had made the trip to Vienna, sent out a series of tweets.

“A blistering 1.59.40! Congratulations @EliudKipchoge for the historic achievement in shattering the sub-two-hour barrier for the marathon; you are arguably the greatest runner of all time.”

Athletics, along with sevens rugby, is the most successful sport in bringing Kenyans together, regardless of their social or ethnic background.

In Kapsisiywa, Eliud’s older brother, Wilson Sugut, said the run showed what individuals could achieve.

“He told the world that no human being is limited and that he will overcome this two-hour barrier,” he recalled. “People couldn’t believe it, but now we can believe it.”

The post Kenya celebrates as Kipchoge makes them proud appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 12 – As he prepared for Saturday’s historic assault on the two-hour marathon barrier, Eliud Kipchoge stayed true to an austere lifestyle that belies his fame and fortune.

The Kenyan superstar, who holds the marathon world record and is reigning Olympic champion, became the first man to run the 42.195 kilometres in under two hours, clocking a jaw-dropping 1hr 59min and 40sec in Vienna.

“That was my best moment in my life, it is the time to make history,” the 34-year-old said after crossing the line to be embraced by his wife Grace.

Despite his status and wealth, the 2018 world athlete of the year leads a monastic existence at a spartan running camp in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

With the 30 or so runners living at the camp, Kipchoge sets off at dawn for the first of two daily training sessions.

The rest of his time is spent resting, reading and eating, with a focus on simple Kenyan food staples.

“I don’t think I am different. I am trying my best to live a modest life,” he said in the run up to Vienna.

“I am a simple person, I try to stay calm and focus on what I do. There are no distractions.”

At least not until the eve of his record attempt.

“I had a lot of pressure yesterday (Friday), I received a lot of phone calls from the president of Kenya… I received a lot of calls from all over the world… and when you receive a lot of calls from high profile people it’s a lot of pressure!”

Kipchoge, 34, went close to breaking the two-hour barrier when he was 25 seconds too slow in another staged run, at Italy’s Monza race circuit in 2017.

That time was not sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) because a vehicle and a squad of pacemakers aided Kipchoge in controlling his speed.

The same conditions prevailed for the Vienna attempt, preventing his time being validated as a world record.

– ‘No human is limited’ –

Kipchoge had said breaking the two-hour mark would be like “man landing on the moon”.

Having made history he said: “I’m the happiest man today that the message that no human is limited is now in everybody’s mind.

“That if you believe in something and you put it into your mind, and in your heart, and in your mouth, then it can be realised. So I’m happy.”

Kipchoge was born in Kapsisiywa, Nandi County in western Kenya.

At 18 he beat two legendary runners, the Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj and Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, to became 5,000 metre world champion in Paris in 2003

In 2012, after failing to qualify for the London Olympics, Kipchoge switched to marathon running.

With his compact silhouette and unwavering stride as the miles tick by, Kipchoge is perfectly suited to the longer distance.

Out of 12 marathons, he has lost just once: in his 2013 debut in Berlin, against compatriot Wilson Kipsang, who broke the world record that day.

Kipchoge set his world record, 2hr 1min 39sec, in the Berlin race in 2018.

He had met coach Patrick Sang in 2001 and joined the fabled running stable in the foothills of the Rift Valley a year later.

– ‘Sense of sacrifice’ –

Kipchoge enjoys no privileges at the Kaptagat camp where he is nicknamed the “philosopher” for his love of reading. The camp is a few hours’ walk from his home village, Eldoret. On weekends, he returns to his family.

Coach Sang, an Olympic runner-up in the 3,000m steeplechase in 1992, remains impressed with his student’s determination.

“He has continued to amaze me with his self-sacrifice and dedication. He has given 100 percent of his ability and total commitment to what he does,” he told AFP.

The champion’s often mischievous gaze hardens when the subject of doping arises. Kipchoge has never been caught up in scandal, but the reputation of his Kenyan compatriots has raised questions.

Kipchoge, who will defend his Olympic title in Tokyo next year, was fixated on Saturday’s challenge, skipping the Berlin marathon and world championships to concentrate on Vienna.

“I have visualised it. I have put it in my heart and my mind that I will break the two-hour barrier,” he said.

He kept his word.

The post Kipchoge the monastic marathon history-maker appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 12 – Reigning London Marathon champion Brigid Kosgei will be the centre of attention at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday as the Kenyan returns to defend her title at this IAAF Gold Label road race.

The focus will firmly be on Kosgei, at the moment the finest marathoner on the planet.

The 25-year-old won in Chicago last year in 2:18:35 and returned to London in April to move up a notch from her 2018 finish there to take that title as well with a 2:18:20 lifetime best, moving up to No. 7 all-time.

Kosgei ran a sensational 1:04:28 at the Great North Run on 8 September, suggesting that she could be in form to challenge the 2:17:18 course record set by Paula Radcliffe way back in 2002.

Leading the charge to upend Kosgei’s ambitions are Ethiopians Gelete Burka, the Paris Marathon champion, and Ababel Yeshaneh, and US star Jordan Hasay.

Burka, a name that’s been familiar to distance running fans for more than a decade-and-a-half, has evolved from a strong 1500m runner –Burka raced to world indoor gold over the distance in 2008– to one of the world’s best marathoners.

Now 33, Burka has recent wins in Ottawa (2018) and Paris (2019) to her credit along with a solid 2:20:45 career best set in Dubai last year.

Yeshaneh, 29, has a 2:24:02 lifetime best set in Tokyo earlier this year but ran significantly faster in her victory in Dubai last year, where she clocked 2:20:16 on a course that was determined to be about 200 metres short.

Hasay, 28, set her 2:20:57 career best in Chicago two years ago where she finished third. She also has a pair of third place finishes in Boston to her credit, clocking 2:23:00 in 2017 and 2:25:20 earlier this year. She tuned up at a half marathon in Philadelphia on 15 September clocking 1:12:35.

Others in the hunt for a top-five spot include Kenyan Betsy Saina, the 2018 Paris Marathon winner in 2:22:56, while rising US stars Laura Thweatt, who has a 2:25:38 best and 2018 US champion Emma Bates, with a 2:28:19 career best, will be looking for a strong breakout performance.

-Farah to lead men’s race-

In the corresponding men’s race, Mo Farah impressed in Chicago last year, taking the win in 2:05:11, a personal best in his first victory over the distance.

He was fifth in London in April clocking 2:05:39 and arrives in the Windy City on the back of a 59:07 victory at the Great North Run half marathon on 8 September.

He’ll face a daunting task in his defence attempt, facing four men who have covered the distance in under 2:05: Kenyans Lawrence Cherono and Dickson Chumba and Ethiopians Asefe Mengstu and Seifu Tura.

Cherono, 31, clocked his 2:04:06 lifetime best en route to his victory in Amsterdam the year before last. He also won his most recent marathon, Boston in April, when he kicked to a solid 2:07:57 victory. A fierce competitor, Cherono has won four of his last five marathons.

Chumba, 32, set his 2:04:32 best in Chicago’s 2014 edition and was third in Tokyo this year in 2:08:44, his most recent marathon.

Mengstu meanwhile has, along with Cherono, the fastest PB in the field. He ran nearly as fast in Dubai in January where he was third in 2:04:24 and most recently, clocked 2:07:25 to finish second in April’s Paris Marathon.

Tura, 24, didn’t finish in Tokyo earlier this year but has a 2:04:44 best set in Dubai last year. Most recently, he clocked 59:16 in a half marathon in Buenos Aires in August, finishing second.

The local focus will be on Galen Rupp, the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, who makes his first marathon appearance since undergoing heel surgery in late 2018. Rupp won in Chicago in 2017, the same year he finished second in Boston, and was fifth in Chicago in 2018, clocking 2:06:21, not far from his 2:06:07 lifetime best set in Prague in May 2018.

Others to watch include Kenyan Bedan Karoki, who has a 2:06:48 lifetime best and Belgian Bashir Abdi, one of Farah’s training partners, who clocked 2:07:03 in London in April, his second marathon.

The post Kenya’s Kosgei returns to defend Chicago title appeared first on Capital Sports.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 12 – Retirement Solutions provider, The County Pension Fund (CPF) Group, has joined the rest of the world and all Kenyans in celebrating Eliud Kipchoge, who became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours, by offering Ksh 1.5 million towards his retirement savings.

This is after Kipchoge clocked a record 1:59:40.02 during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge at Prater Park in Vienna, Austria on Saturday.

Kipchoge, who was assisted by 41 pacemakers, enters the Guinness Book of World Records for running the first sub two-hour marathon.

“I join the rest of the world and all Kenyans in congratulating our very own Eliud Kipchoge for making history by running the first ever sub two-hour marathon. He has proven that any barrier can be smashed and that there are truly no limits to human endeavor,” said CPF CEO, Hosea Kili, OGW during a press conference held in Nairobi.

Kili was quick to highlight that even though Kenyan athletes are renowned the world over, their future once they retire from active sports often remains uncertain as few athletes actively save for retirement.

A survey carried out by CPF in partnership with Infotrak Research & Consulting shows that the number of Kenyans with a pension plan has declined to 10% as most respondents rely on inheritance and personal investments despite the harsh investment climate.

Moreover, the threat of old-age poverty is growing meaning that the majority of Kenyans will have to work way past their retirement years in order to support their current lifestyles.

Kipchoge’s savings will be made through the CPF M-pension Plan – a flexible personal retirement plan that enables individuals to register through their mobile devices by simply dialing *289#

“We as the CPF Group are celebrating 90 years and therefore understand what it means and what it takes to run a marathon as we have been doing the same for nine decades within the pension space.”

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