Lagat and Alemu set for Mumbai marathon title defence. Photo/IAAF
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 4 – Defending champion Cosmas Lagat will return to the Tata Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label road race, on January 19.
Kenya’s Lagat won 12 months ago in decisive fashion when he broke away from the rest of the leading pack around 29 kilometres into the race.
He was out on his own over the final 13 kilometres, almost a third of the race, before crossing the line in 2:09:15, the second fastest winning time in race history.
Having come home just 40 seconds outside the course record of 2:08:35, set by his compatriot Gideon Kipketer in 2016, Lagat will be back on the start line in the City of Dreams motivated not only by the possibility of pocketing another Sh 4.5 million (US$45,000) first prize cheque but also the Sh 1.5 million (US$15,000) on offer for a course record.
“My Mumbai Marathon win was my best race of 2019 so I have fond memories of running in India, and the experience I got running this race last year will be very important this time,” Lagat said. “Coming so close to the course record, I have thought about what I can do to improve, and I think I can run the first half of the race faster than I did last year.”
Lagat will be aiming to become just the second man to win back-to- back Tata Mumbai Marathon titles in the race’s 17-year history, following in the footsteps of fellow Kenyan John Kelai who won in 2007 and 2008.
Race organisers have signed up no less than 14 men who have run faster than 2:10:00, making it the strongest marathon ever to be staged in India.
Of those men, nine have run faster than the course record during their careers and six have run under the super-elite benchmark of 2:07:00.
The four fastest men in the field are all Ethiopians, led by Ayele Abshero who has a personal best of 2:04:23 and although that time came almost eight years ago, when he won the Dubai Marathon, he showed that he is still a very competitive runner at the highest level by taking second place in the Hamburg Marathon in 2:08:26 last April.
Like Lagat, Ethiopia’s Alemu upset the pre-race form book in 2019 and won in Mumbai in a personal best of 2:25:25, which was also the second fastest winning time in race history.
George ‘Bkackberry’ Odhiambo scored a hat-trick as Tusker FC ran riot over hapless Chemelil Sugar FC. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 4 – George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo notched a hat-trick as Tusker FC put seven past hapless Chemelil Sugar FC in the highlight of the Kenyan Premier League match played on Saturday at the Muhoroni Stadium.
In other results, Bandari FC were handed a walkover after Nzoia Sugar failed to turn up, Kakamega Homeboyz handed Kisumu All-Stars a 4-0 beating while Sofapaka were held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man Kariobangi Sharks.
In Awasi, the result saw Tusker temporarily go top of the table on 31 points, a point ahead of champions Gor Mahia who are currently facing Wazito FC.
Hashim Sempala opened the goal hunt two minutes after kick-off, then Timothy Otieno followed up with a brace, netting in the 10th and 20th minutes before midfielder Humphrey Mieno scored a minute to half time to grant the Brewers a 4-0 comfortable lead at the break.
On resumption, Odhiambo rose to the occasion with the former Gor Mahia winger netting a hat-trick in the 64th 78th and 87th minutes to seal the win for the Robert Matano side who are seeking to wrestle the title back from Gor.
Gor Mahia fans celebrate their win. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 4 – Champions Gor Mahia swiftly returned at the summit of the Kenyan Premier League table following their 1-0 victory over Wazito FC in a match played at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.
Charles Momanyi nodded home a powerful header from Kenneth Muguna’s free-kick in the 60th minute to break the deadlock.
Gor could have finished with two goals but the referee denied them a clear goal that was scored by midfielder Lawrence Juma who unleashed a thunderbolt on injury time to rattle the cross bar as the ball crossed the line, but with no VAR, the assistant referee did not call it for a goal.
With the match being beamed live, the television replays showed the goal crossed the line and Wazito FC head coach Frank Ouna admitted it was a goal.
“Oh my! It’s a goal… it’s the mistake of the referee but this things happen,” Ouna in the post-match interview after watching the reply from the screen.
Ouna added; “I think the match would have ended in a draw but all the same congratulation to my boys, they played well especially in defence. I am pleased with the new signings Dennis Shikayi and Dennis Ng’ang’a, they had a good debut and they are the full backs who gave us what we want.”
His corresponding counterpart Steven Polack was pleased with the results.
“It was a good game, we had the better chances in the first half though we did not utilize them. In the second half, the boys followed the change of tactic we made in the dressing room and I am happy it worked. The youngsters played well, our defence was solid, I think our keeper only had two occasions to save,” Polack said.
It was a game full of chances that could have seen Momanyi grab a brace but he fluffed the glorious chance in the 82nd minute when the Wazito keeper Kevin Omondi saw the ball slip past his hands to find Momanyi, who with only a tap to an empty net, blazed the ball over.
On the other end, Gor’s veteran keeper Boniface Oluoch came to the team’s rescue when he punched a long-range cracker for a fruitless comer and deny Wazito a draw.
The result saw Gor dislodge Tusker at the top who held it briefly after demolishing Chemelil Sugar 7-0 in the earlier match played in Mohoroni Stadium.
Gor, who have two matches at hand, are on 32 points, one ahead of Tusker FC who are second.
Lavin Asego receives his prize after emerging overall winner of the Thika Greens Safari tour ProAm. Photo/COURTESY
THIKA, Kenya, Jan 5 – Former Kenya Sevens Fly-Half Lavin Asego emerged the overall winner of the Pro-Am event for the seventh leg of the 2019/20 Safari tour leg, hosted at Thika Greens Golf Resort.
Playing off handicap 15, Asego, a dual code Kenya rugby star, returned identical scores of 20 at the front and back nines for a gross score of 40, handing him the overall winner’s title.
Asego played alongside another rugby legend Humphrey Kayange and A. Kwaya from the team anchored by Zambian professional, Sydney Wemba which finished in second place on 83 points.
The team of F. Makazi, A. Mwaura and R.Njuguna, anchored by Muthaiga Golf Club’s Geoffrey Makokha. Kopan Timbe’s team finished in third place on 82 points, a point behind the second place.
Lady winner of the Thika Greens Pro-Am Naomi Wafula in action. Photo/COURTESY
Golf Park’s elite amateur Naomi Wafula picked up the Lady winner’s prize ahead of Esther Wanjiku as left hander Kenneth Mwangi Njoroge walked away with the men’s prize ahead of James Nderitu. The duo of Elijah Bole and Macharia Wandere went home with the respective nines awards.
Speaking at the Pro-AM prize giving event, Barclays Bank Regional Manager, Arnold Ndugi congratulated the winners, while reiterating the company’s commitment to the sport of golf.
“On behalf of Barclays bank, I want to congratulate today’s winners and re affirm that we remain committed to the growth of golf in the country, and more so the opportunities it presents beyond the course. As a bank, we believe in connecting people’s dreams and ambitions to the resources they need to achieve their aspirations in line with our brand purpose – bringing possibilities to life,” he added.
Attention now shifts to the main tournament, where a total of 46 professionals and one amateur will compete over four rounds to crown the 2020 Thika Greens Golf resort, Safari Tour winner.
The Safari tour is an initiative of the Kenya Open Golf Limited, aimed at preparing Kenyan pro golfers for the 2020 Magical Kenya Open, presented by ABSA.
Safari Tour Calendar 2019/20
Event 1 Nyali Golf and Country Club: 24th – 28th August 2019 (Winner: Greg Snow)
Makwatta takes home match ball as AFC smack Zoo. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 5 – AFC Leopards put their off the field woes aside to give their fans something to smile about after a hat-trick from scoring machine John Mark Makwatta saw the club smack Zoo FC 4-1 in a Kenyan Premier League match hosted at the Bukhungu Stadium on Sunday.
In other result, Ulinzi Stars were 2-0 winners over Posta Rangers to climb fourth on the log with 28 points.
In Kakamega County, AFC Leopards, one of the giants Kenyan clubs, have had a rough period that saw them lose their head coach Casa Mbungo and key players like attacking midfielder Yvone Isuza and Dennis Shikayi among others due to financial crisis.
However, that did not distract them from picking up maximum points in style as assistant coach and former player Anthony Kimani stood on the dug out to oversee his charges to a second successive win that saw them sit seventh on the log on 25 points.
Boniface Mukhekhe got to first goal for Ingwe at the quarter hour mark then Makwatta, who is the club’s top scorer opened his hat-trick account in the 24th minute as the first half ended 2-0 in favour of the Leopards.
A minute into the second half, Zoo FC pulled one back thanks to a Collins Neto strike but Makwatta ended their hopes of completing a comeback after the Harambee Stars forward scored a brace in a span of 10 minutes in the 67th and 76th to seal the win for Leopards.
THIKA, Kenya, Jan 5 – Muthaiga Golf club’s Greg Snow returned a score of 5-under par, 67 to take the lead after round one of play at the Thika Greens Golf Resort leg of the 2019/20 Safari tour.
Snow, who has struggled in the series since winning in the opening leg in Nyali, made four birdies in the first nine; at the second, fourth, fifth and seventh, while dropping shots at the par-3, third and par-4, ninth for a turning score of 2-under par, 34.
The Johnnie Walker sponsored golfer managed a blemish free run in the back nine, consisting of 3 birdies; at the par-4 tenth, par-5 thirteenth and eighteenth, while holding par through the rest of the holes.
Snow finished the round two shots ahead of Great Rift Valley’s Jastas Madoya on 3-under par, 69, courtesy of four birdies and one bogey at the par-4 sixteenth.
The trio of Golf Park’s Anthony Juma, Thika Golf Club’s Simon Ngige and Mathew Omondi played rounds of 2-under par, 70 to see them tied for third place. One shot ahead of Eric Ooko, Edwin Asuza and Andrew Odoh of Nigeria.
It was a low scoring day at the Thika Greens Golf resort, with a total of eight players carding rounds of under par.
Current series leader Dismas Indiza had a tough round, returning a score of 4-over par, 76, after hitting a couple of double bogeys at the par-5, fourth and par-4, fifteenth. Malawi’s Patridge Shycal failed to make the CUT to play in round two with a score of 15-over par, 84.
Round two action tees off at 9:00 am, with the 45 players looking to make the CUT to play in the third and fourth rounds.
Safari Tour Calendar 2019/20
Event 1 Nyali Golf and Country Club: 24th – 28th August 2019 (Winner: Greg Snow)
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 6 – World silver medallist Margaret Chelimo of Kenya heads the women’s deep field at the 63rd edition of the Campaccio Cross Country to run January 6 in Italy.
Chelimo, who won world silver medal in the 5000m in October, clocking a 14:27.49 personal best in Doha, will take on compatriot Eva Cherono, who finished eighth at the World Cross Country Championships. She clocked a 14:40.25 5000m lifetime best in London last July.
The line-up also features Kenya’s Gloria Kite, who finished third at the Boclassic in Bolzano and clocked 8:29.91 for 3000m last year, and Ethiopians Alemitu Tariku, the World cross country U20 silver medallist and Foyten Hailu Tesfay, who finished 11th at World Cross Country Championships.
-Men’s race-
In the corresponding men’s race, the top Kenyan runner in the field is Robert Keter, who set the 5km world record in Lille in November clocking 13:22.
He will face stiff challenge from Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma who was born in 2000, managed to clock an Ethiopian record 8:01.36 in the 3000m steeplechase at the World Championships last year, finishing just 0.01 behind winner Conseslus Kipruto.
Another Ethiopian teenager in the field is 17-year-old Tadese Worku, who took silver in the U20 race at the World Cross Country Championships last year and won the Giro di Castelbuono road race in July.
The race will also reunite the podium finishers from December’s European Cross-Country Championships with champion Robel Fsiha from Sweden taking on Turkey’s Aras Kaya and Italy’s Yeman Crippa.
Fsiha, who fled Eritrea in 2013 and gained Swedish citizenship in December 2018, finished 17th at last year’s World Cross Country Championships.
Kaya won European cross-country silver to complete the full set of medals at the continental level following gold in Chia in 2016 and bronze in Tilburg two years later. Kaya also won European silver in the 3000m steeplechase in 2016.
Malkia Strikers celebrating after win in 2020 Olympics Africa Qualifier. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 6 – The national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers made easy work of their second match against Botswana, after a bubbly performance gave the Kenyan side a 3-0 victory in the 2020 Olympic Games Africa Qualifier in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Monday.
Boosted by the first win over Egypt, the African Queens dominated as they overwhelmed Botswana, winning the first set 25-17, then took the second set 25-19 before rounding up the third set with a score line of 25-18.
This result saw Kenya continue with their perfect run ahead of the crunch match against hosts Cameroon on Tuesday in a must win battle to inch closer to returning to the multi-sport event for the first time in 16 years.
For minnows Botswana, it was their second success defeat after succumbing to hosts Cameroon by straight sets on Sunday.
Malkia Strikers celebrating after beating Botswana by straight sets. Photo/COURTESY
Kenya were the better side in the match producing 44 attacks against Botswana’s 28 despite making more errors 28 compared to their opponent’s 20, but skipper Mercy Moim said the most important is to pick maximum points and better Egypt’s performance.
“I want to thank God for today’s victory it means a lot to my team, we had to win this game because it will dictate the way forward in our match against Cameroon. If you compare how we played against Egypt, it’s an improvement, we served well, blocked perfectly and defended well,” Moim, the most experienced player in the team said.
Malkia Strikers against Botswana in 2020 Olympics Qualifier. Photo/COURTESY
Kenya head coach, Paul Bitok applauded his charges for the win and is now focusing on the Cameroon match, noting that he intents to change strategy in order to keep his perfect run over Cameroon since he took over as the Malkia Strikers boss.
“I thank my players for their effort today it’s important to have three points because we don’t know the outcome for tomorrow against Cameroon, we will approach the game differently, I have met Cameroon three times and I have managed to beat them, I will try my best to continue with the winning streak,” Bitok said after the match.
He added; “Everyone is coming with different strategy and it will depend how we start the game, our aim is to qualify for Olympics. Cameroon have the home, but I hope we will be calm and manage the situation.”
Jasmeet Chana, the 2019 Group N Champion will be among the drivers to be feted. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 6 – The 2020 Motor Sport Calendar has several new events envisaged to spearhead the ‘man and machine’ game to desirable levels.
Among them are the Tarmac Championship under Delta Club and the East African Rally Challenge which is being reviewed after a decade’s lull.
The regional challenge will this time round be bigger and better and will traverse five countries namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.
Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF) General Manager Mwaura Njuguna while making the announcement said Kenya will host the first event of the revived regional series during KNRC’s season opener which is the KMSC round.
The East African challenge was popular a few years back when Zim oldie Jamie Whyte emerged the Champion.
The new Tarmac Championship will run as a club event in 2020 under Dela Club.
The tarmac Championship has the Delta Track Attack, Delta Hill Climb and Delta Drags and Gymkhana.
Two Wheel Drive non Turbo Autocross champion raises the dust during a past race meeting. Photo/COURTESY
Mwaura confirmed that FIA has asked KMSF to encourage and coordinate tarmac events after safety concerns were raised.
Mwaura added that KMSF will provide event stewards to oversee all Club events like the Tarmac.
“FIA will provide regulations ostensibly to help manage these events a lot more safely and professionally. The tarmac Championship will run as a club event in 2020 to enable KMSF harmonise regs given by FIA. The club events will then be fully fledged national Championships in 2021,” said Mwaura.
The eighth leg KCB Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) schedule has minor changes following the exclusion of Eldoret Rally. It’s place has been taken.over by the Vintage and Classic Car Club of Kenya (VCCCK) who will be running their maiden national rally championship event in 2020.
All other rally rounds (Mombasa, Nanyuki, Nakuru, RSC, KMSC, Guru Nanak), save for Eldoret, remain intact
The KMSC Rally will as usual open the eight leg rally series in February.
Safari Rally Kenya will count towards the World Rally Championship (WRC), FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) and the KCB Bank Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).
There will be a six-week break between the inaugural VCCCK Rally and the WRC Safari to enable teams prepare adequately for Safari.
WRC status return to Kenya following an 18-year hiatus.
The Annual Awards will take place at Carnivore Restaurant from January 11 from 12:00 hours onwards. The Event will fete champions in respective disciplines of the sport which is Rally Raid, Rally, Karting and Autocross. The 2019 Motor Sport Personality winner is usually concealed and revealed during the Awards Ceremony.
2020 Motor Sports Champions
KNRC Overall Champions
Driver-Baldev Singh Chager
Navigator- Ravi Soni
KNRC SPV (Specially Prepared Vehicles)
Driver-Nikhil Sachania
Navigator- Deep Patel
KNRC S Class
Driver: Sohanjeet Singh Puee
Navigator: Adnan Din
KNRC Division 1
Driver: Ammar Haq
Co-driver: Victor Okundi
KNRC Division 2
Driver: Issa Amwari
Co-driver: Shameer Yusuf
KNRC Division 3
Driver-Geoff Mayes
Navigator- Suzanne Zwager
Kenya National Karting Championship
Myles Imbaya (60cc Comer Class) William Kim (Junior Rotax)
THIKA, Kenya, Jan 6 – Muthaiga Golf Club’s resident pro Nelson Mudanyi and Vet Lab’s Mathew Omondi fired impressive rounds of 7-under par, 65 and 2-under par, 70 respectively to join overnight leader Greg Snow at the summit of Safari Tour’s Thika Greens leaderboard.
The trio lead the Thika Greens’ pack on a gross total of 4-under par 140 after two rounds of brilliant displays.
Mudanyi who started off the round on T19, with a score of 3-over par from round one, turned around his fortunes on the day to shoot a tournament leading score of 7-under par, earning him a share of the lead heading into the penultimate round.
Mathew Omondi in previous action. Photo/COURTESY
On his part Mathew Omondi started the day T3 on a 2-under par, a score that he matched in the second round to see him climb two places up the leaderboard.
Nelson returned a blemish free score card, hitting an impressive seven birdies on the first, fourth, fifth, thirteenth, fourteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth. Omondi almost matched Mudanyi’s form with five birdies, but dropped three shots, on the third, fourth and eighteenth for his 2-under par round score.
Overnight leader Greg Snow failed to match his opening blistering pace, managing a round score of 1-over par off four birdies, four bogeys and one double bogey, to take his gross score to 4-over par, 140 and open up the race to the Thika Greens Safari tour title.
Greg Snow in action at the Karen Country Club leg of the Safari Tour Golf Series. He leads the tournament by three shots with one round left to play
Greg’s story was one that was replicated across the field, with a drop in scores, a total of five players managed scores of under par, from yesterday’s eight, they are; Nigeria’s Andrew Oche (1-under par), Muthaiga’s Kopan Timbe (4-under par) and Windsor Golf club’s Rizwan Charania (3-under par).
The CUT was set at 8-over par, with a total of 22 players progressing to play in the third and fourth rounds, among the players to miss the cut include Johnnie Walker sponsored Dismas Indiza who returned a score of 5-over par, to take his total to 9-over par, 153. Others who were sent packing are; Mohit Mediratta, Hesbon Kutwa, Jacob Okello and Philip Kasozi of Uganda.
Round three action will tee off at 11AM with the field now focused on a stake of the KES. 1 Million prize kitty and the valuable ‘Road to the 2020 Magical Kenya open’ points.
Safari Tour Calendar 2019/20
Event 1 Nyali Golf and Country Club: 24th – 28th August 2019 (Winner: Greg Snow)
Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez poses for a photo after being crowned 2016 African Footballer of the Year in Abuja, on January 5, 2017
CAIRO, Egypt, Jan 7 – The Confederation of African Football (Caf) will crown its 2019 Player of the year at its awards ceremony in the Egyptian coastal resort of Hurghada on Tuesday.
Algeria’s Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez is up against the Liverpool duo of Sadio Mane of Senegal and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah for the prize.
Mohamed Salah and Mane high five after the Egyptian scored his 14th goal of the season to put the hosts ahead
Mane and Salah helped Liverpool win the European Cup and Club World Cup with the Egyptian striker in contention to win the prize for a third successive time.
Mahrez captained Algeria to Nations Cup success in Egypt in 2019 with Mane helping Senegal reach the final.
Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala plays her club football for Spanish giants Barcelona
The women’s shortlist has also been narrowed down to three names with Ajara Nchout of Cameroon and Valerenga joined by Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria and Barcelona and South Africa’s Beijing Phoenix FC star Thembi Kgatlana.
The final phase of voting for the men’s and women’s Player of the Year, as well as the male and female Coach of the Year, will be selected by head coaches/technical directors and captains of senior national teams from Caf member associations.
Full list of shortlists are as follows (in alphabetical order)
Men’s Player of the Year:
Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Manchester City)
Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
Women’s Player of the Year:
Ajara Nchout (Cameroon & Valerenga)
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Barcelona)
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa & Beijing Phoenix FC)
African Interclubs Player of the Year:
Anice Badri (Tunisia & Esperance)
Tarek Hamed (Egypt & Zamalek)
Youcef Belaïli (Algeria & Esperance / Ahli Jeddah)
Faith Kipyegon won the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Gold in Women’s 1500m. Photo/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 7 – Kenya will be out to start a new decade in a sparkling fashion in the busy sporting 2020 as the nation seeks to stamp its authority in sports where the Tokyo Olympic Games and the World Under-20 Athletics Championships will be the highlight.
Kenya will be in action in various disciplines this year including the return of the prestigious Safari Rally to the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time in over a decade, but athletics will take the huge chunk as the athletics powerhouse country hope to continue the dominance.
FIA President Jean Todt tours with Sports Principle Secretary Nderitu Kaberia and Safari Rally Project CEO Phineas Kimathi. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Sports Permanent Secretary Ambassador Kirimi Kaberia told Capital Sport that the government will start early preparations to ensure Kenya posts positive results.
“It’s an extremely busy sporting year for Kenya, we have the Olympics, World Rally Championship, European Tour and the World Under-20, all of them have a big significance in our sporting family and to organize participate in all those it is going to be quite something,” Kaberia noted.
“We have a lot of work to do and there is no room for break, we will hit the ground running because the deadlines for some events are around the corner, by the end of January, we have to be done with a few things with Under-20 and do bookings for Olympics,” Kaberia underlined.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho awards Eliud Kipchoge with the athlete of the year gong during the 2018 event
The first event will be the 2019 Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) that returns to Mombasa County for the second year running with the 16th edition to be held January 24.
The annual awards gala aims to appreciate and recognize sports personalities who shone in 2019.
Thereafter, the Africa Cross Country Championship to be held March 1 in Lome, Togo will kick-start the busy athletics season followed by the World Indoor Championships in China, then the Africa Senior Athletics championships in Algiers, Algeria.
Three-time World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor displays his medal with pride after touching down from the 2018 edition in Valencia, Spain on March 26, 2018. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
The year will also see the biannual World Half Marathon held in Poland. The Olympic Games Trials for athletics that is always dubbed ‘mini Olympics’ will be held in July at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret to select a team that will lead Kenya to the medal haunt.
But before the Olympics, Kenya will host the World Athletics Under-20 Championships at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani, hoping to better the 2017 event that they hosted at the same venue.
The big one, the Summer Olympic Games will be the focal point, running from July 24-August 9 where Kenya will be hoping to improve from the Rio 2016 display where they hauled 13 medals (6 gold, 6 silver, 1 bronze).
Italian Guido Migliozzi kises the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship trophy after he was crowned champion at the tournament
In addition to the Magical Kenya Open Golf tournament that will be under the European Tour for the second year running, Rally fans will be able to enjoy the return of the Safari Rally back in the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in July.
Apart from the seasonal major city marathons, the national football team Harambee Stars will be in action, seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations when they continue with their 2021 Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Togo, Comoros and Egypt.
Kenya Left Flanker Brian Amaitsa is tackled by Zambia opponent. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Kenya Simbas will have a year to smile as the Africa Rugby Gold Cup return after missing last year as Kenya 15s will take on Morocco and Ivory Coast in Group B.
-Kenya’s Main Event 2020-
SOYA Awards – January 24 (Mombasa)
Africa Cross County Championships – March 1 (Athletics) Lome, Togo
World Indoor Championships – March 13-15 (Athletics) China
Magical Kenya Open European Tour – March 12-15 (Golf) Karen Country Club, Nairobi
World Half Marathon – March 29 (Athletics) Poland
Kenya Simbas V Morocco – May 30 (Rugby) Kenya
Olympic Games Kenya Trials – June 19-21 (Athletics) Eldoret, Kenya
Africa Senior Athletics Championships – June 27 (Athletics) Algiers, Algeria
Ivory Coast V Kenya Simbas- June 27 (Rugby) Abidjan, Ivory Coast
World Under-20 Athletics Championships – July 7-12 (Athletics), Kasarani, Nairobi
World Rally Championship (Safari Rally) – July 19 (Motorsport), Kenya
Olympic Games – July 24- August 9 – (Games) Tokyo, Japan
Paralympic Games – August 24- September 9 (Games) Tokyo, Japan
Kenya V Comoros – August 31 – (Football) 2021 AFCON Qualifiers, Kasarani
Comoros V Kenya – September 8 (Football) 2021 AFCON Qualifier, Moroni
Kenya V Egypt – October 5 (Football) 2021 AFCON Qualifier – Kasarani
Togo V Kenya – November 5 (Football) 2021 AFCON Qualifier – Kasarani
Greg Snow in action at the Thika Greens. Photo/COURTESY
THIKA, Kenya, Jan 7 – Muthaiga Golf club’s Greg Snow bounced back to firmly take the lead in the seventh leg of the Safari Tour at Thika Greens Golf Resort on Tuesday.
Snow played a round of par to maintain his aggregate score at 4-under par, 212 and open a two-stroke lead heading into the last round of play on Wednesday.
Snow calmly went through his round as his fellow overnight leaders Nelson Mudanyi and Matthew Omondi fell by the wayside.
Muthaiga’s resident pro Mudanyi crumbled with a score of 9-over par, 81 to see him drop to T11 on the leaderboard as Vet lab’s Omondi returned a score of 7-over par, 79 to take him to T9.
Snow now sits two shots ahead of Thika Golf club’s Simon Ngige, who returned a score of 1-under par, 71 taking his gross score to 2-under par, 214.
Simon Ngige in action at the Thika Greens. Photo/COURTESY
Ngige sits two shots ahead of Royal Nairobi’s Eric Obura and Nigeria’s Andrew Odoh who are tied in third on a score of par, 216 while Ooko played a round of 1-over par, 73 with Odoh returning a score of 2-over par, 74 for the round.
The duo of Golf park’s David Wakhu and PGK captain CJ Wangai, shot round leading scores of 3-under par, 69, to take their gross scores to 1-over par, 217 and 3-over par, 219, respectively.
The last round of action is set to tee off Wednesday at 8am, with Snow the hot favourite to end his Safari Tour drought, albeit Ngige who is hot on his heels to give him a run for his money.
It promises to be a grand ending to the Thika Greens leg of the 2019/20 Safari tour, as the field jostles not only for the Ksh1 million prize kitty, but also the valuable ‘Road to the 2020 Magical Kenya Open’ points.
Safari Tour Calendar 2019/20
Event 1 Nyali Golf and Country Club: 24th – 28th August 2019 (Winner: Greg Snow)
Malkia Strikers lifting head coach Paul Bitok after winning 3-2 over hosts Cameroon to inch closer to qualifying to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for the first time in 16 years. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 7 – The national women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers overcame stiff challenge from hosts Cameroon in a decisive epic encounter to inch closer to booking a slot in 2020 Olympic Games, edging out the West African side 3-2 on Tuesday night in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The match that was dubbed ‘the decider’ and a mouthwatering clash did not disappoint as volleyball lovers witnessed the best two women teams in the continent battle it out in a five-set thriller.
Kenya started on a high, dominating the opening set against the hosts, winning 25-16 but Cameroon fought back to take the second set 25-23 that was tightly contested and see both sides share spoils at 1-1.
Hard fighting Malkia Strikers silence Cameroon to inch closer to Olympics
n the third set, it went Kenya’s way as they scooped a 25-21 victory but once again the hosts leveled matters after capturing the fourth set to send the match to the decider.
In the fifth and last set, Kenya came back strongly with the change of tactics from head coach Paul Bitok of resting key players like playmaker Sharon Chepchumba in the fourth set paying dividends to seal the win with a 15-11 victory.
Kenya are now a match away from qualifying to the Summer Games for the first time in 16 years with their final match set to be against minnows Nigeria on Thursday.
Malkia Strikers head coach Paul Bitok shouting instructions to his charges against Cameroon in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Qualifier. Photo/COURTESY
Bitok, who is yet to lose a match since being appointed the Malkia Strikers head coach, was ecstatic to maintain his perfect run over Cameroon, but once again called on his charges not to Waterdown Nigeria in their last match.
“I would like to congratulate my players for the fighting spirit. We came in knowing Cameroon is a strong team and whenever we meet its war. I knew we would be under pressure because Cameroon are at home, but we remained calm all through and I did not put my players under pressure,” joyful Bitok said after the match.
The Malkia Strikers beat Cameroon 3-2 to inch closer to Olympics
“We are not yet there, we just won four matches, we are remaining with the last one that is very important. Cameroon are down but not out, I need to win two sets against Nigeria and qualify for Olympics.”
The newly appointed KCB Women’s Volleyball head coach added that; “The only way we could beat Cameroon is by having a strong service so that they cannot operate from the middle and it was easy for us to have good blocks because side blocks was easier for us.”
Skipper Mercy Moim spiking the ball against Cameroon. Photo/COURTESY
Skipper Mercy Moim who is one of the senior players was over the moon to inch closer to playing in a first Olympics ever after competing without success in the last three qualifiers.
“I want to thank my team for the fighting spirit because Cameroon was strong. It was my fourth time to participate in Olympic qualifier and this is the best thing I can say it has happened to me. I thank my coach for bringing the winning spirit to our team.
“We changed our strategy by using young players who are not known to Cameroon to change the game.”
KCB defender Mike Kibwage vies for the ball with Sofapaka’s midfielder Mohamed Kilume during their Kenyan Premier League clash at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on January 8, 2020. PHOTO/Sofapaka/Twitter
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 8 – A spirited second half performance saw Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) FC come from a goal down to beat Sofapaka 2-1 in a Kenyan Premier League clash at a rain-drenched Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday afternoon.
The victory saw Zedekiah Otieno’s on form bankers move to fifth in the standings with 24 points while Sofapaka slumped to ninth.
New signing Collins Wakhungu broke the deadlock for Batoto ba Mungu but the bankers struck back with two second half goals from substitute Victor Omondi and Brian Ochieng.
In tough playing conditions, Sofapaka broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with their second shot on target, new signing Wakhungu’s shot slipping through Allan Owiny’s legs after being brilliantly played through by Ronald Okoth.
The soggy nature of the pitch had made it difficult for both teams to play the ball on the ground and whenever they did, the mistakes ended up in comical instances with players slipping on their backsides and the ball stagnating on the ground.
Just four minutes after breaking the deadlock, Okoth and Wakhungu almost combined again for a possible second, but this time, Wakhungu’s goal bound effort from Okoth’s cutback was deflected for a corner.
In the 24th minute, Sofapaka created another brilliant scoring chance when Sammy Imbuye’s ball from midfield landed on Elli Asieche behind the KCB defense, but the midfielder miscued his shot with only the keeper to beat.
KCB gradually grew into the game and their close chance of drawing level came in the 28th minute when Imbuye almost turned the ball into his own net trying to cut out Dennis Odhiambo’s cross, but keeper Isaiah Wakasala reacted well to save.
The shot stopper was called into another good save in the 34th minute when he leaped well to his left to palm away a curling effort from Simon Abuko.
KCB midfielder Samwel Mwangi vies for the ball with Sofapaka’s midfielder Cersidy Okeyo during their Kenyan Premier League clash at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on January 8, 2020. PHOTO/Sofapaka/Twitter
The winger should have put the bankers level a minute to the break when Wakasala’s weak punch off an Enock Agwanda cross landed on Abuko, but he shot the ball straight back to the keeper.
At the start of the second half, KCB coach Otieno threw in a double sub, Abuko and Samuel Mwangi coming off for Ian Mutanda and Omondi.
The changes paid immediate dividends, Omondi scoring just three minutes after coming on, connecting and folllwing through on goal a cross from former Sofapaka player Dennis Odhiambo.
They doubled their tally in the 69th minute, Ochieng scoring what would be the winner with a brilliant side footed effort from the edge of the box after Sofapaka struggled to clear a cross from Enock Agwanda.
Batoto ba Mungu brought in Kepha Aswani for Okoth in a bid to spice up the attack. The veteran Aswani showed glimpses of his quality just minutes after coming on with a shot from range but it was well collected by a fully stretched Owiny in the KCB goal.
In the final three minutes of the game, KCB went defensive with Zico pulling out striker Reegan Otieno for defender Bolton Omwenga as he sought to guard his three points.
Tusker FC forward Timothy Otieno celebrates his goal with Namanda Luke against Kisumu All-Stars. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 8 – Tusker FC moved to the top of the Kenyan Premier League standings after spanking Kisumu All Stars 2-0 at the Ruaraka Complex in Nairobi on Wednesday evening with goals from Jackson Macharia and Timothy Otieno.
The victory took the Brewers to 34 points, two ahead of defending champions Gor Mahia who have three matches at hand.
Meanwhile, Kakamega Homeboyz moved to second, just a point behind the alemen after a last minute goal earned them a 1-0 victory on the road against Zoo Kericho. Ulinzi Stars meanwhile remained fourth after a 1-0 victory over Wazito FC.
In other matches, Chemelil Sugar picked their first victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Nzoia Sugar in Bungoma, Western Stima beat Mathare United 2-1 in Kisumu as Kariobangi Sharks bounced back to winning ways with a slim 1-0 victory over Bandari at Kasarani.
At the Ruaraka Complex, Tusker were looking to keep their hunt for a first league title since 2016 alive and against an All Stars side that is in shambles following the sacking of their technical bench, they had every right to beam in confidence.
They opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Macharia unleashed a beautiful strike from range to give Matano’s men a 1-0 lead.
They had chances, Luke Namanda’s strike going wide, Timothy Otieno hitting the side netting while Humphrey Mieno’s shot was palmed away by the keeper.
They kept the hunt in the second half and it was the skipper Otieno who would double their tally just four minutes into the last 45 with a neat finish.
In Kericho meanwhile, it was veteran Allan Wanga who would break Zoo’s hearts with a last gasp goal, one that earned Kakamega Homeboyz a vital 1-0 victory on the road.
At the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, on form striker Oscar Wamalwa continued proving his worth scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Wazito.
Wamalwa who was the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup top scorer netted the lone goal at the stroke of halftime, hitting a low shot that bumped into the inside of the upright before skipping into the net.
Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks earned a massive morale boosting victory over struggling Bandari with Kevintom Machika slotting home the lone goal.
The youngster finished off with a simple tap in inside the box inside the opening 10 minutes, a lead that Sharks jealously guarded to end a woeful run of 10 matches without victory.
Greg Snow poses with his trophy at the Thika Greens Golf Club
THIKA, Kenya, Jan 8 – Muthaiga Golf Club’s Greg Snow ended his four-month wait for a Safari tour title by lifting the Thika Greens Golf Resort crown after playing rounds of 67, 73, 72, 71 for an impressive gross of 5-under par, 283.
Snow, who last lifted a 2019/20 Safari Tour title in the opening leg in Nyali in August came into the seventh leg with a point to prove and wasted no time in doing so.
He got his campaign under way with a score of 5-under par, 67 to give him the lead after round one, a lead he would hold on to till the end.
Snow came into the last round holding a two stroke lead over Thika Golf Club’s Simon Ngige, with the two playing off the same group.
He shot two birdies; on the par-5, second and par-5, eighteenth, three bogeys; on the eighth, tenth and twelfth and one eagle on the par-4, fifth for a round score of 1-under par, 71, one shot better than Barclays Bank sponsored Ngige who managed two birdies and two bogeys, for a gross score of 2-under par, 286.
Speaking after his win, Snow mentioned how he enjoyed playing at the Thika Greens Golf Club while thanking his sponsor, Johnnie Walker for the continued support.
“I was in great form over the four days, I enjoyed myself and consistently played some great golf, it feels great to finally get my hands on a Safari tour title after a long wait. I still have a bit to work on before Muthaiga and I look forward to the challenge,” He said.
On what caused his dip in form, “It was down to fatigue, I played a lot of golf towards the end of the year at the Sunshine and Safari tours and I was simply burnt out. I got some good rest over the holidays and I am now ready for the new year.” He said.
Another Barclays Bank sponsored golfer David Wakhu finished in third, after playing rounds of 74, 74, 69 and 72 for gross score of 1-over par, 289.
Despite not making the CUT at Thika Greens, Johnnie Walker sponsored Dismas Indiza still leads the ‘Road to the 2020 Magical Kenya Open’ standings on 290.6 points, Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s Eric Ooko is in second on 272.3 after picking up 40 points in this leg.
Thika’s Simon Ngige is in fourth on 262.6 points, Greg Snow’s 50 points in Thika takes him up to fourth on 250 points.
For his efforts, Greg Snow takes home Sh150,000 which includes a Sh45,000 bonus for a gross score of 3-under par or better. Second placed Ngige takes home Sh70,000 with third placed David Wakhu pocketing Sh56,000.
Safari tour action now moves to the Muthaiga Golf Club from the 11th – 15th of January for the eighth leg, with four legs left on the calendar expect the competition to hit a crescendo as players battle for the eight available slots to the 2020 Magical Kenya Open.
Nock athletes’ representative Humphrey Kayange addressing a press briefing
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 8 – The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has nominated former Shujaa ace Humphrey Kayange to vie for a place in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission in July this year.
Kayange, who is the athletes’ representative at NOCK had his nomination approved by the IOC on December 5 and will contest in the elections to be conducted during the Tokyo Olympics.
If successful, Kayange will serve at the international body for a period of eight years. The candidates vying for these positions come from five continents and represent different sports.
Four places will be filled at the election to replace outgoing Commission members whose eight-year terms come to an end this year.
The 37-year old retired rugby icon was part of Team Kenya in the Rio 2016 Olympics where Rugby 7s was for the first time included in the Olympic games, something Kayange had been on the forefront in advocating for.
Humphrey Kayange has announced retirement from international rugby
Kayange was nominated for IRB Sevens Player of the Year in 2009 and in 2010 was awarded the Presidential Order of Golden Warrior (OGW) for services in sport.
The IOC Athletes’ Commission comprises members elected by athletes to represent them in the Olympic Movement. Through them, the views of the athletes are represented and resources to assist athletes are shared.
The current chairperson of the commission is Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry who is also the country’s Sports Minister.
The campaigns start immediately and candidates will be able to promote their candidature to fellow athletes.
All accredited athletes who will be participating in the Olympic Summer Games Tokyo 2020 will be eligible to vote.
Eliud Lokuwam wheels away in celebrating after scoring Posta Rangers’ winner against Sofapaka during a Kenyan Premier League clash at the Narok Stadium on August 30, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 8 – Sammy Odero’s goal at the stroke of full time saw Posta Rangers beat AFC Leopards 2-1 at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos as the mailmen bounced back to winning ways from last weekend’s loss to Ulinzi Stars.
The game looked to be heading from a 1-1 draw after John Mark Makwatta’s Panenka penalty had cancelled out Francis Nambute’s goal, but the mailmen left the best for last with Odero’s well struck shot earning the maximum points at home.
AFC’s interim coach Anthony Kimani had hoped that his side would keep on with his winning start having beaten Zoo Kericho 4-1 last weekend, but at the end of the 90 minutes, it was Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo who left smiling with Posta’s second ever win over Ingwe.
The victory sees Posta move to 10th in the standings while AFC drop to seventh.
Both sides were forced to changes in the opening quarter hour of the game, AFC being first to change with Clyde Senaji limping out after just three minutes after picking up a hip injury while Posta were forced to replace Peter Ng’anga with Nambute after 14 minutes.
Just like the early kick off between KCB and Sofapaka, the movement of the ball and the players was greatly hampered by a soggy pitch, but still, the two sides kept their attacking feet on.
AFC had the first two chances of the game, first Austin Otieno’s shot from range flying straight to the keeper while on the half hour mark, Eugene Mukangula struck the ball on the half turn inches over off a Washington Munene cross.
Six minutes later, Munene was in action on the other end, making a decisive clearance to hit away Nambute’s cutback after he skillfully skipped beyond the keeper on the left.
Posta had another chance four minutes to the break when former Ingwe man Marcelus Ingotsi struck over with space and time ahead of him after Gaerson Likonoh’s cross was poorly defended.
Boniface Mukhekhe had an even better chance for AFC at the stroke of halftime after Suleiman Ngotho’s defensive header fell kindly on his path, but the winger’s stinging shot was kept out by Adira’s feet.
The second half was off to a frantic start and Posta went into the lead in the 48th minute when Nambute put in a cool finish from inside the box off a good lay up from Likonoh on the left.
But, Ingwe drew level three minutes on the turn, Makwatta converting from the spot after Mukhekhe was brought down by the slightest of touches from Ngotho.
Both sides threw their efforts for a second goal with new signing Ezekiel Okare’s shot from inside the area after a good sweeping move by Posta went over while Ngotho’s header off a Michael Apudo corner in the 63rd minute was cleared off the line by Munene.
Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack receives the coach of the month award from Fidelity insurance marketing manager Nicholas Malesi during the ceremony at Camp Toyoyo on January 9,2020.PHOTO/SJAK
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 9 – Gor Mahia head coach Steven Pollack has been belatedly named the November Fidelity Insurance Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Coach of the Month, adding on a consecutive crown after also being named the best in October.
Polack led the reigning champions to three victories out of five games they played in November, a feat that saw him edge out Sofapaka’s John Baraza and Ulinzi’s Benjamin Nyangweso to clinch the award.
“I’m delighted to get this accolade but I dedicate it to my backroom staff and the players who worked very hard on the pitch to make it work. It means we can achieve much more with better conditions. You all know our situation by we try to make the best out of it,” said the jubilant Englishman.
Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack poses with the coach of the month trophy during the ceremony at Camp Toyoyo on January 9,2020.PHOTO/SJAK
Gor suffered their first loss of the season when they went down to Mathare at the start of the month, but bounced back to pick a massive 4-1 victory over arch rivals AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby.
They then went on to beat Kakamega Homeboyz 3-0 before finishing the month with a well worked 2-0 win on the road against Bandari in Mombasa and a 0-0 draw with Ulinzi Stars in Kisumu.
The trophy that comes with a Sh75,000 purse from sponsors Fidelity Insurance will sure be a huge morale booster for the tactician who has previously admitted to tough financial times due to the current state of the club.
Since the exit of sponsors SportPesa, K’Ogalo has struggled to sustain its wage bill with players reportedly going months without pay while some, including Ivorian Gnamin Yikpe and Ghanaian Francis Afriyie ditching the club for pastures greener.
