NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 14 – Paralympian Samuel Mushai headlines the 2019 Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) Sportsman Living with a Disability ahead of the 16th edition to be held January 24 at the Mombasa Sports Club.

Mushai, the 2017 overall sports personality winner will face Vincent Mutai, who won an unprecedented three gold medals from the International Para Athletics Championships last year.

The other nominees are Onesmus Mutinda, who also won three gold medals from the Special Olympic Games, John Koech and David Omondi who starred during the Africa Deaf Championships in Nairobi.

Consequently, multi-talented Asiya Sururu, who has qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in rowing and World Para Athletics bronze medallist Nancy Chelagat highlight the 2019 Sportswoman Living with a Disability category.

Sururu, who also plays wheelchair tennis, and Chelagat are pitted against Special Olympics athlete Catherine Nyaga, and deaf athletes Beryl Atieno and Ruth Jemurgor.

This year’s awards that apart from Safaricom as the title sponsor, has also been sponsored by the County Government of Mombasa, Kenya Pipeline, Communication Authority of Kenya, New KCC, Lapfund, Kenya Power, UBA Bank, Nairobi Bottlers, Kenya Ports Authority, NHIF, NSSF, Kenya Tourism Board and GOtv, will be returning to Mombasa County for the second year running where Kenya’s top athletes and officials will be feted for their exemplary performance in the eventful 2019 season.

Mutai won three gold medals at the 4th International Para Athletics championship held in Morocco. He scaled 6.36m to win the T46 long jump title before clocking 11.89 seconds to win the 100m title. He would also finish it off with victory in 200m in a time of 23.93 seconds for his one of the most successful outing for the athlete.

Whether Mutai will floor Mushai, who has won the category twice, and the rest of the nominees.

Mushai successfully defended his 5000m T11 title in the World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai, winning in 15 minutes 45.32 seconds aided by James Boit. Mushai also won a silver medal in the 1500m T11 race in 4:08.47 at the World event.

The World champion went on to claim silver in the 1500m T11 race in 4:13.14 during the 4th International Para Athletics Championships in Morocco.

Mutinda successfully defended his title in the men’s 10,000 at the Special Olympic Games where he went on to bag the half marathon title in 1:11:34. He wrapped up a hat-trick with victory in 4x100m relays.

Koech led Francis Rondi to a Kenyan 1-2 sweep in the 800m in 1: 57.96 at the Africa Deaf Athletics Championships in Nairobi before going for the 1500m top honours in 4:06.55 seconds

Omondi won the 200m in 22.81 seconds before clinching two other gold medals in the 4x100m and 4 x400 m relay at the Africa Deaf event. The Kenya relay team also set a new Africa record of 42.80 in the 4x100m relay.

Sururu won silver in rowing at the Puma Engineering 2019, a feat that saw her qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Sururu went on to win silver in doubles at the Wheelchair World Team Cup Africa Championships where she reached singles semifinals.

She also reached the semifinals at ITF Nairobi Open Futures Tournament where she won the doubles.

Chelagat won a bronze in the women’s 1500m T11 race at the World Para Athletics Championships aided by Geoffrey Rotich in 4:56.28 seconds. That her qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the event. Chelagat would claim silver medal in the 400m T11 in 1:11.54 seconds during the 4th International Para Athletics Championships in Morocco.

Nyaga won the 50m final in athletics competition during the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Atieno claimed a hat-trick at the Africa Deaf Athletics Championships in Nairobi. The Africa record holder won the 100m in 12.87 seconds ahead of Nigeria’s Omona Assurance before she led Linet Nanjala to a 1-2 sweep in the 200m race where she clocked 26.17 seconds. Linet teamed up with Linet, Paul Simyu and Elijah Wekesa to win the mixed 4x100m relay in 47.06 seconds.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 14 – The 2020 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup will kick off with the preliminary round this weekend (January 18-19) with 16 fixtures majorly from the lower tires battling it out for a slot in the round of 32.

The draw was conducted on Tuesday when the domestic competition received a shot in the arm thanks to betting firm Betway who staked Sh45 million for three years.

Defending champions Bandari FC will start their journey in the round of 32 after being handed a bye same as all the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) teams.

The Dockers, who are two-time winners, are scheduled to play the victor between Reunion FC vs KSG Ogopa, KPL champions Gor Mahia will book a date with the winner between Kariobangi Sharks B vs Naivas FC while their bitter rivals AFC Leopards will take on whoever emerges top between Elim FC and CUSCO match.

The eventual winner in the final slated for May 30, will earn a ticket to represent Kenya in the CAF Confederation Cup next season as well as pocketing Sh2 million.

“We are pleased to engage this vast number of football teams in partnership with FKF in a bid to make these football players’ dreams come true. The sponsorship of this cup is Betway’s way of giving back to the sporting fraternity through supporting growth of football talent fit to represent the country internationally. We look forward to the playoffs and may the best team win,” Betway Kenya Country Manager, Leon Kiptum, said.

“The decision by Betway not only cements the company’s footprint in the Kenyan football landscape but also demonstrates the organization’s commitment to continuously play a development role that deserves commendation and emulation by local and international corporate entities”, said FKF President Nick Mwendwa.

A total of 48 clubs expressed interest in taking part in the knockout competition, among them 10 Kenyan Premier League and six National Super League sides, as well as clubs taking part in the Division One League and Branch Leagues.

Round of 32 Fixtures

(Nairobi Water vs Zetech Titans) vs FC Talanta

(Congo Boys vs Tandaza) vs Posta Rangers

(Equity vs Balaji EPZ) vs Sofapaka FC

(Jericho Revelation vs Nation FC) vs Bidco United

(Kenpoly vs Mwatate United) vs Kariobangi Sharks

(Kariobangi Sharks B vs Naivas FC) vs Gor Mahia

(Reunion FC vs KSG Ogopa) vs Bandari

(FC Shells vs SS Assad) vs Fortune Sacco

(MMUST vs Keroka Technical) vs Vihiga United

(Transfoc FC vs Mara Sugar) vs Ushuru

(Zoo Youth FC vs Sindo United) vs KCB

(Butali Sugar vs Flamingo) vs Migori Youth

(Nyabururu Sportif vs Black Diamond) vs Kisumu All-Stars

(Elim FC vs CUSCO) vs AFC Leopards

(Soy United vs Dero FC) vs Wazito

(Luanda Villa vs GDC) vs Ullinzi Stars

-FKF Cup Schedule-

Preliminary round – January 18/19, 2020

Round of 32 – February 15/16, 2020

Round of 16 – March 14/15, 2020

Quarterfinals – April 11/12, 2020

Semifinals – May 9/10, 2020

Finals – May 30, 2020

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 14 – Two-time London Marathon defending champion Eliud Kipchoge will face challenge from Ethiopian duo of Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun in the 2020 edition to run April 26 in the capital city of United Kingdom.

The Ethiopian duo who pushed the legendary Kipchoge to the limit at the 2019 run, have confirmed they will return to the World Athletics Platinum Label road race.

With Kipchoge, the 2018 and 2019 World Athlete of the Year already confirmed, it means all three podium finishers from last year will be back for the 2020 edition.

Geremew, 27, ran the fifth fastest time in history of 2:02:55 to take second place behind Kipchoge in last year’s race and then had to settle for second again in his next marathon, the World Championships in Doha last October.

Wasihun’s time in finishing third in London last year, 2:03:16, was the 11th fastest marathon the world has ever seen.

Shura Kitata, who was fourth last year and second in 2018, has also been confirmed, ensuring that it looks likely to be a year when it is the Ethiopians who will be the biggest threat to Kipchoge winning an historic fifth London Marathon title.

Spencer Barden, Head of Elite Athletes, said: “Last year’s elite men’s race was one of the best races we have seen for many years. Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun pushed Eliud Kipchoge as hard as I have ever seen but ultimately could not hang on to the great man in the final two miles. But they will have taken confidence from last year and will come back this time round looking to cause a real shock.”

Kipchoge, who made history by becoming the first human to cover the marathon distance in under two hours at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in October, is looking to become the most successful able-bodied athlete in London Marathon history by winning a fifth title in 2020.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 14 – Great Rift Valley golfer Jastas Madoya reclaimed his lead at the eighth round of the Safari Tour in Muthaiga Golf Club as the leg entered Day Three.

Madoya, who had relinquished the lead to Greg Snow after the second round, shot two birdies; on the par-5 fourth and par-three fifth, while dropping one shot at the par-3 second in the front nine, for a turning score of 1-under par, 35.

Further birdies at the tenth, fourteenth and eighteenth coupled with a sole bogey at the twelfth, saw him return a round score of 3-under par 68.

Speaking after his round, Madoya highlighted his strong putting as one of the reasons behind his strong showing.

“I played much better today, my putting improved from yesterday, and I hope I can play the same tomorrow, post an even better score and eventually win the tournament,” he said.

Overnight leader Snow failed to recover from an opening pair of bogeys at the first and second, dropping further shots at the fifth and seventh in the front nine.

A birdie at the tenth followed by three scores of par in the next holes seemed to have halted the slide, it was however short lived, as he dropped another shot at the par-4 14th and compounding his woes with a double bogey on the 18th, for a round score of 6-over par, 78, to see him drop three places on the leaderboard on an overall score of 6-over par, 219, three shots behind Madoya.

The day’s best score came from Golf Park’s David Wakhu, who carded a score of 4-under par, 67, off a strong display in the front nine, which bagged him four of his five birdies in the round, taking his gross score to 5-over par, 218, in second place alongside Thika Golf Club’s Simon Ngige who shot a round of par.

The stage is set for a pulsating finish to the eighth leg of the 2019/20 Safari tour, with up to eight players with a realistic chance of claiming the title in Muthaiga, the battle for the amateur silver salver is also set to go to the wire with Mutahi Kibugu and Daniel Nduva tied in 7th place on a gross score of 7-over par, 220. Round four action will tee off at 7:30am.

Safari Tour Calendar 2019/20

Event 1 Nyali Golf and Country Club: 24th – 28th August 2019 (Winner: Greg Snow)

Event 2 Uganda Open:10th – 14th Sept 2019 (Winner: Madalitso Muthiya)

Event 3 Royal Nairobi Golf Club: 12th – 16th October 2019 (Winner: Tony Omuli)

Event 4 Entebbe Open (Entebbe Golf Club): 30th Oct – 2nd Nov 2019 (Winner: Jastas Madoya)

Event 5 Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort Open: 6th – 9th Nov 2019 (Winner: Dismas Indiza)

Event 6 Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort: 23rd – 27th Nov2019 (Winner: Dismas Indiza)

Event 7 Thika Greens: 4th – 8th January 2020 (Winner: Greg Snow)

Event 8 Muthaiga Golf Club: 11th – 15th January 2020

Event 9 Sigona Golf Club: 25th – 29th January 2020

Event 10 Kitante Open (Uganda Golf Club): 12th – 15th February 2020

Event 11 Karen Country Club: 22nd -26th February 2020

2019 Magical Kenya Open, Karen Country Club, 12th – 15th March 2020.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 – Speedstar Collins Injera will return to the World Rugby Sevens Series after more than a year out having been named in the Shujaa squad that heads out to Hamilton and Sydney for the third and fourth stops of the series.

Injera returned to the Shujaa fold last year for the Safari Sevens, but his full return was halted by a shoulder injury. But, the Mwamba ace has been declared fit and will be part of the squad that travels down south in 10 days’ time.

“I am excited getting Collins back in the mix. He’s obviously a very influential player. He trained the house down before the first series tournaments but couldn’t go. It’s great to have him back with the boy; looking forward to him adding to his try scoring list too,” Kenya Sevens Technical Director Paul Feeney stated.

Injera will be one of three changes Feeney has made for the next two legs with youngster Geoffrey Okwach earning his debut while Herman Humwa has also been added to the list.

Vice-captain Jacob Ojee will miss with injury and Injera will be a direct replacement while Okwach comes in for Oscar Dennis who will miss with injury, just as Ojee.

Humwa comes in for Dennis Sikuta who has been rested.

Okwach who was part of the Chipu squad that won the Barthes Cup last year has been impressive in training and his consistency has earned him a maiden tour with the senior sevens team.

“Great young talen; he gets his opportunity in the next couple of legs. We saw what he can do in the Safari Sevens and I am looking forward to him stepping up and showing the world what he can do,” Feeney further added.

The squad, which has been in residential training in Nakuru leaves Nairobi for Hamilton on Saturday. They have been grouped in Pool B for the Hamilton Sevens alongside South Africa, England and Japan.

Shujaa squad to Hamilton and Sydney

Andrew Amonde (captain), Johnstone Olindi, Vincent Onyala, Geoffrey Okwach (KCB,debut), Jeffrey Oluoch, Alvin Otieno, Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Billy Odhiambo, Daniel Taabu, Collins Injera (Mwamba), Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru), Herman Humwa, Willy Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin).

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 – The national men’s basketball team, the Kenya Morans, will take on Tanzania in their second match of the FIBA Afrobasket zonal pre-qualifiers at the Nyayo Gymnasium on Wednesday evening, looking to build on from their opening day win.

The Morans beat Eritrea 112-64 in the opening match at a fully pack gymnasium on Tuesday night and Cliff Owuor’s men will look to make it two out of two wins against the Tanzanians.

Owuor is expected to throw in his strongest team against an expectedly tough Tanzania, having toyed around with his starting five against Eritrea where the home side was in total dominance.

The team led 25-13 and 50-25 at the first and second quarters with Owuor putting in what was seen as many as a second-string team. It was not until the third quarter that the duo of captain Griffin Ligare and the indefatigable Eric Mutoro were introduced.

“We just wanted to give everyone a chance to play while also reserving our best players for the tougher games ahead,” Owuor said after the win over Eritrea.

One of the players who was a standout against Eritrea was the burly French-based Robert Nyakundi who showed an impressive all-round performance.

The team is however expected to pick a second win against Tanzania, having beat them when they last met at last year’s FIBA AfroCan qualifiers in Kampala.

The winner of the five-nation pre-qualifier will progress to the last phase of qualification, battling against giants Angola, Senegal and Mozambique for one of three available slots to the final tournament set for next year in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Morans are hoping to use the experience of reaching the final of last year’s FIBA Afrocan as a launching pad to qualify for the bigger showpiece, equivalent to the African Cup of Nations in football.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 – History maker Eliud Kipchoge has been nominated for the Sportsman of the Year in Laureus World Sports Awards alongside superstars Lionel Messi, Lewis Hamilton, Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods.

The prestigious annual global awards will be held in Berlin, Germany on February 17 where Olympic champion Kipchoge who in 2019 apart from defending the London Marathon, the Kenyan wrote history by becoming the first man to run a marathon under two hours, clocking 1:59:40 at the Ineous challenge.

However, the world marathon record holder will face stiff challenge from Formula One star Hamilton who won a sixth world title in Formula One.

On his part, Woods is named in the category after winning his 15th major title at the Masters in April.

Gymnast Simone Biles is bidding for her third Sportswoman of the Year Award, and is among six nominees including USA footballer Megan Rapinoe, who claimed the Women’s World Cup Golden Ball and Golden Boot.

Boxer Andy Ruiz Jr is listed for the Breakthrough of the Year award after his 1 June win over Anthony Joshua and the winners of each category – voted for by the 68 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy – will be named in Berlin on 17 February.

-Full list of nominees

Sportsman of the Year

Lewis Hamilton (GB) – Formula 1

Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – athletics

Marc Marquez (Spain) – motor cycling

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – football

Rafael Nadal (Spain) – tennis

Tiger Woods (USA) – golf

Sportswoman of the Year

Simone Biles (USA) – gymnastics

Allyson Felix (USA) – athletics

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) – athletics

Naomi Osaka (Japan) – tennis

Megan Rapinoe (USA) – football

Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) – skiing

Team of the Year

Liverpool FC (GB) – football

Mercedes-AMG Petronas (Germany) – motor racing

South Africa men’s rugby union team

Spain men’s basketball team

Toronto Raptors (Canada) – basketball

United States women’s football team

Breakthrough of the Year

Bianca Andreescu (Canada) – tennis

Egan Bernal (Colombia) – cycling

Coco Gauff (USA) – tennis

Japan men’s rugby union team

Andy Ruiz Jr (USA) – boxing

Regan Smith (USA) – swimming

Comeback of the Year

Nathan Adrian (USA) – swimming

Sophia Florsch (Germany) – motor racing

Christian Lealiifano (Australia) – rugby union

Kawhi Leonard (USA) – basketball

Liverpool FC (GB) – football

Andy Murray (GB) – tennis

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 – Kenya’s former 800m World Under-20 champion Alfred Kipketer has been charged for breaking ‘whereabouts’ anti-doping rules, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old is now banned from competing until his hearing has taken place.

Kipketer won gold at the 2014 World Junior Championships in Eugene, took the world title at the 2013 World Youth Championships in Donetsk.

He also has a gold medal in the men’s 4X800m relay achieved in 2014 in Nassau, Bahamas.

This comes four days after two-time London Marathon winner and former marathon world record holder, Wilson Kipsang was charged for ‘whereabouts failures’ and ‘tampering’ by the Athletics Integrity Unit.

Kipsang – the London 2012 marathon bronze medallist – has also won the Berlin, New York and Tokyo marathons.

Under anti-doping regulations, athletes have to inform testing authorities of their whereabouts for a one hour window of every day.

Three failures in 12 months – not being present at the said time, or filing inaccurate or incomplete information, counts as one failure – leads to an automatic ban.

The development was the latest blow for Kenyan athletics ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as he joins the growing list of Kenyan athletes who have been suspended for doping offences.

Forty-three athletes, including the women’s 2016 Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong and three-time world 1,500m winner Asbel Kiprop were handed four-year suspensions, and last year the half marathon world record holder Abraham Kiptum was provisionally suspended for irregularities in his biological passport.

Kenya came close to being banned from the Rio Games in 2016.

On its website, the Athletics Integrity Unit says it “will be taking a more stringent approach to whereabouts requirements in 2020”.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 – Muthaiga Golf Club’s Greg Snow won his third Safari Tour title after conquering the eighth round of the series at his Muthaiga Golf Club’s backyard.

Snow returned an impressive score of 4-under par, 67 in the last round of play with a 2-over par, 286 gross score.

Snow, who came into the final round four strokes behind the overnight leader Jastas Madoya, made a slow start in the first nine hitting two birdies at the par-5 fourth and par-4 eighth, coupled with two bogeys at the par-3 second and par-3 fifth for a turning score of par, 36.

It was at the back nine that Snow started narrowing the gap, starting off with back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th, before hitting another two at the 14th and 18th, while managing to go through the other holes without dropping a shot to hand him his sixth overall Safari tour title.

Speaking after his round, Greg noted his confidence and form coming into the tournament as what had contributed to his win.

“I came into this leg fresh from the win at Thika Greens so I was in great form and was confident I could win here, even when I didn’t play so well, in the third round.”

On his performance in the last round, “I came in today knowing that I had to be on my best as the guys ahead of me would definitely play great golf, I had my work cut out for me and I am glad that I could get the win. I will rest tomorrow, before I start training for the next leg in Sigona,” he added.

He concluded by thanking his sponsors Johnnie Walker for their continued support, “I want to thank Johnnie Walker for their continued support, and I look forward to another great tournament at Sigona.”

Snow finished three strokes ahead of the trio of Golf Park’s David Wakhu, Madoya and Thika Golf Club’s Simon Ngige in second place on 5-over par, 289.

Wakhu and Ngige returned identical round scores of par, with Madoya returning a score of 2-over par, 73.

The trio finished one stroke ahead of current series leader Dismas Indiza in fifth on 6-over par, 290. For his efforts Snow will bank Sh105,000 with the trio in second going home with Sh59,500 each.

The leg saw a season high of eight amateur entries, with three of those going on to make the CUT.

Nyali Golf Club’s Daniel Nduva edged Mutahi Kibugu to the amateur salver, in a three hole play off, after the two had finished tied on 11-over par, 295.

Indiza maintains his lead on the Road to the 2020 Magical Kenya Open standings on 330.6 points, Ngige moves into second on 307.9 points, with Snow in third with 300 points.

Safari tour action moves to the Sigona Golf Club from the 25th-29th of January, for the ninth leg.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 – The national men’s basketball team Kenya Morans kept their hunt for a slot at next year’s FIBA Afrobasket Championship alive after winning their second consecutive pre-qualification match, beating Tanzania 95-59 at the Nyayo Gymnasium on Wednesday.

Having beaten Eritrea 112-64 in their first game on Tuesday, Wednesday’s victory kept Kenya on the hunt and are only second in the five-team table to South Sudan on points difference.

Skipper Griffin Ligare led from the front, picking a game high 21 points in the victory for the Morans with compatriot Eric Mutoro who turns out for the Kenya Defense Forces picking 15 points.

Ligare also had five assists, two steals and two rebounds to aid in the victory. Tanzania’s highest scorer was Erick Lugora who had 20 points.

“It was important for us to give a good performance today and I am pleased with my teammates because we put in a very good show. It was tough because Tanzania are slightly experienced but at least as a team we are picking up momentum,” Ligare told Capital Sport.

Head coach Cliff Owuor was equally pleased with the performance, but says his team cannot sleep just yet.

“We had a better performance compared to the game against Eritrea. We did most of the things right and our passing was better. Tanzania is an experienced side in this competition because they have always been there and it was harder playing against them,” the tactician stated.

The Morans started in emphatic fashion and led the Tanzanians by 20 unanswered points in the first quarter with Ligare hitting two three pointers as Victor Bosire sunk one. Faheem Juma put the game to a break with a good point in the paint at the buzzer, Morans comfortably going to the break.

They continued with the same form in the second quarter to lead 44-16 at half time.

However, they could not sustain the pressure of the Kenyan side who led 72-43 at the third quarter and finishing off 92-59 with Rwanda based Mike Makiadi throwing in a three pointer at the death.

Kenya managed 21 points from turnovers while they scored 46 in the paint and 29 on the fast break. Ligare, Mutoro and Ariel Okall played the most minutes for the Morans in the tie.

On Thursday, the Kenyans will take on winless Somalia in their third match.

South Sudan lead the standings after picking their second century and over victory with a 111-57 thrashing of Eritrea. Burundi meanwhile played their first match, beating Somalia 106-86.

On Thursday, Eritrea play Tanzania at 2pm, South Sudan face Burundi at 4:15pm before Kenya and Somalia bring the house down at 6:30pm.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 16 – Midfielder Antony ‘Teddy’ Akumu says he hopes to emulate former Harambee Stars skipper Musa Otieno after sealing a mega-money move to South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) giants Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday.

Otieno is regarded as one of the most successful Kenyans to play in South Africa having starred for Santos as both a player and assistant coach for close to 15 years, winning a league title and two domestic cups.

The former Gor Mahia man steps into a country that few Kenyans have managed to do well in with Otieno and probably Brian Mandela the only two Kenyans to enjoy massive success there.

“I have learnt that I am the first Kenyan at Chiefs and it is a good thing. I now need to perform well and show I’m capable of doing for the team. This will hopefully open doors for other people,” Akumu told the club’s official website.

He added; “The fact that Chiefs had had so many players representing different African countries, it shows what a welcoming team it is and I am grateful to be part of that”.

The midfielder has been in South Africa for the past one week negotiating a move after declining to extend his contract with Zambian giants Zesco United where he has featured for the last three seasons.

Sources intimate that Akumu had several offers including in Angola, but decided to pursue a more lucrative deal in South Africa.

Ghanain midfielder James Kotei, formerly with Tanzania’s Simba was released by the club early this week to pave way for Akumu’s arrival. Akumu featured for Zesco when they played Chiefs in a CAF Confederations Cup tie last year January.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 16 – Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia have followed arch rivals AFC Leopards and Kariobangi Sharks in unveiling United Kingdom based apparel company Umbro as their new kit sponsors in a long term partnership.

Umbro will supply the K’Ogalo playing squad with high performance competition, training and off field apparel. The technical and management staff will be supplied with branded apparel, equipment and luggage.

Gor Mahia products will also be available for fans to purchase.

“We are delighted that Gor Mahia will be wearing the famous double diamond. They are a club with history and tradition looking to build towards the future, which goes hand in hand with our brand values. We look forward to partnering with Gor Mahia as they take on the next chapter,” David Ricketts, Umbro South Africa Chief Executive Officer said.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier added; “Gor Mahia is about to open a new chapter in the quest to begin dining with elite clubs of African football at the continental table. We are glad and excited that Umbro has agreed to partner with the club towards opening this new chapter.”

Gor has been without a steady kit partner for a long time and the arrival of Umbro will steady a section of the club’s off field woes.

The club also says it is in the process of working on a new shirt sponsor after the exit of SportPesa which has caused them to struggle with several key players leaving.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 16 – Laikipia’s Falling Waters, previously Barcelona Ladies, will look to defend their Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Girls’ title when the Central Region Finals are held this weekend in Nanyuki.

Falling Waters head coach Eman Gullit expects a tough competition to earn the only slot to represent the region in the national finals, but believes the girls are well prepared to go all the way and win the crown for a second consecutive year.

“The hardest bit about being at the top is remaining there. We do not take it lightly that we managed to become Season two winners and our goal is to successfully defend the title. I have prepared the girls well enough in readiness for the tournament and I expect nothing but a win and I’m looking forward to some of them securing a spot to attend the training camp in Spain,” she stated.

The girls beat Limuru Starlets to clinch the Central region title last season and went all the way to the nationals where they lost out to Kitale Queens in the semis.

The Barca Girls will face Karima Queens from Nyeri in the first girls’ semifinal while last season’s losing finalists, Limuru Starlets will take on Achiever’s Queens from Thika in the second semifinal.

Meanwhile, the boys category will see new champions crowned with holders Euronuts having been eliminated in the earlier rounds.

Laikipia’s Ulinzi Youth will take on Kirinyaga’s Kiamatugu in the first semi while JYSA from Thika go blow to blow with Irigiro from Maragua in the other semi.

All the semi final matches are slated for Saturday while the finals will be contested on Sunday morning.

The winning team in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will walk away with Sh200,000 each and an opportunity to represent the region at the national finals joining North Eastern’s Berlin FC from Garissa, Coast region’s Yanga FC from Malindi and Kwale Ladies where KES 1,000,000 will be up for grabs.

The runners up will not walk away empty-handed as they will take home Sh100,000 with a host of individual prizes up for grabs for the best performing players.

Two coaching and scouting clinics conducted by certified La Liga coaches have this season been included in the tournament with the first one done in Mombasa and the next set for 22nd -23rd February in Nairobi.

The post ‘Barca girls’ out to retain Chapa Dimba crown appeared first on Capital Sports.

LONDON, United Kingdom, Jan 16 – Aston Villa are closing in on a deal for Genk and Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta, according to reports.

It is thought no deal has been struck yet with the Belgium club as negotiations continue.

Sky Sports News first reported that Villa wanted to sign the 27-year-old in July of last summer.

Galatasaray, Brighton and Watford also looked at Taifa Stars captain Samatta, who is believed to have a Sh 1.3 billion release clause.

With Wesley out for the rest of the season, Villa have made signing a new forward their top priority during the transfer window.

The club played without a recognised striker in the 6-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, a result that leaves Villa 18th in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton.

Villa boss Dean Smith admitted on Thursday the club are looking to sign “a couple” of strikers this month.

“As I always say I will never name-check any players. Everybody knows we’ve been looking for forwards, we’re making progress,” said Smith.

“Suso (Villa sporting director Jesus García Pitarch) is working very hard every day. Whether we’ll have one in for Saturday I’m not so sure yet. We’re getting closer.

“The powers that be are working very hard so we can get a centre forward on the pitch.

“I’m calm and confident that we’ll get players in. That’s for sure. We’ve got big games coming, if we don’t get one in by Saturday it will be the third game in a row without a recognised striker.

“We have to make sure we do the best without that but hoping we can get one through.

“Pretty much strikers because there’s a necessity there. With Wesley getting injured and Keinan [Davis] being out it’s an area we need to strengthen massively. We’re looking for a couple.”

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 17 – Outgoing Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) Division 2 Champion Issa Amwari has been promoted to Premier Class following a career best season which saw him finish joint seventh with Ian Duncan on the 2019 drivers log.

Former KNRC Division 3 and S Class Drivers Champion Karan Patel returns to Premier with Coast Pekee lead driver Izhar Mirza being relegated to Division One.

Defending Group N Champion Jasmeet Chana has retained his place in the elite Premier Class which has the likes of Flash Tundo, champion Baldev Chager, Onkar Rai, Eric Bengi, Duncan and Manvir Baryan.

Champion Ammar “Bushy” Haq remains in Division 1 and so is his Mombasa Motor Club (MMC) stablemate Sohanjeet Singh Puee who retained the S Class Championship last season.

Youngster McRae Kimathi who posted a career best fifth on KCB Meru Rally has moved up from Division 3 to Division 1.

Outgoing Division 3 Champion Geoff Mayes will now compete in Division 2 with the likes of Jonathan Somen, Raaji Bharij, Geoff Mayes, James Kirimi, Mombasa’s Naushad Kara Lota and Evans Kavisi among others.

Kirimi, a former S Class Champion, savoured a career best fourth on his Meru turf last year navigated by Michael Gitobu.

Issa, one of the fastest rising black indigenous driver, was all smiles after promotion and this is what he has to say:

“At the moment we are fully rebuilding our car and getting ready for this year (InshaAllah) nothing yet decided by our sponsors. Hopefully all will be well.

“Last year, we drove at 50 percent of our ability, hopefully this year we can go up to 70 percent and see what it will bring!! Premier Class will be a good challenge for us but we do not doubt our ability and skills to be contenders this year.”

Winning Division Two was a first for the team to win a division or championship, we are looking forward to build on that going forward.”

Kenya National Rally Championship-KNRC 2020 door numbers and divisions

PREMIER

Baldev Chager (Door #1)

Onkar Rai 2

Carl Tundo 3

Manvir Baryan 4

Ian Duncan 5

Tejveer Rai 6

Eric Bengi 7

Karan Patel 8

Jasmeet Chana 9

Issa Amwari 10

DIVISION 1

Izhar Mirza 11

Amaar Haq 12

Sohanjeet Puee 14

Adil Mirza 15

Mahesh Halai 16

Paras Pandya 17

Minesh Rathod 18

John Nganga 19

Nikhil Sachania 20

Asad Khan 21

Edward Maina 22

Aakif Virani 23

McRae Kimathi 24

Steve Mwangi 25

Hussein Malik 26

DIVISION 2

Jonathan Somen 27

Raaji Bharij 28

Geoff Mayes 29

James Kirimi 30

Naushad Kara 31

Evans Kavisi 32

Lovejyot Khalon 33

Daren Miranda 34

Ramesh Vishram 35

Kailesh Chauhan 36

Aslam Khan 37

Rajay Sehmi 38

Nzioka Waita 39

Ken Nteere 40

David Kioni 41

DIVISION 3

Arjun Pattni 42

Ken Kamau 43

Leo Varese 44

Hardev Sira 45

Moez Malik 46

Adil Mughal 47

Amit Vaja 48

Albert Kigen 49

Kirit Rajput 50

Akbar Khan 51

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LONDON, United Kingdom, Jan 17 – Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil admits he had a ‘hard time’ under former manager Unai Emery but is now enjoying his football once again.

The German suggested Emery’s replacement Mikel Arteta has a better connection with the Arsenal players and says that he feels rejuvenated under the Spaniard.

Ozil – whose Sh 46mn (£350,000-a-week) contract ends at the end of next season – has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce but insisted he is going nowhere.

He told the Mirror: “I am very pleased with my contract that will continue here this year and the year after.

“I can’t tell you what the future will bring, I’m excited about the future, but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Ozil’s troubled spell continued after Emery had left when in December, he went completely missing in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City and angrily kicked his gloves as he walked from the pitch.

Ozil insists things are different under Arteta, who lifted two FA Cups as a player at Arsenal and served as captain from 2014 until his retirement in 2016.

Ozil added: “I had a hard time, especially with the previous coach Unai Emery, but now everything has changed, and I am very happy with everything. I play regularly and everything goes well.

“Arteta, as I said in my previous interviews, it was surprising to many people that he adopted the club in such a short time. He’s doing a good job. He’s hungry for success.

“Everything about him is positive. Arteta’s story is a bit different because I don’t remember when he quit football, but it hasn’t been over that long. In this way, players can understand more easily.”

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 17 – The gladiatorial match-up the whole world has been waiting for – Eliud Kipchoge versus Kenenisa Bekele – is on and will take place on 26 April at the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon.

Two of the greatest distance runners in history and the two fastest men ever over the marathon distance will go head to head at this World Athletics Platinum Label road race in a contest the world has been waiting to see.

Kipchoge, the 2018 and 2019 World Athlete of the year, is widely considered the greatest marathon runner of all time. The Kenyan is the Olympic champion, a four-time London Marathon winner and the official world record holder for 26.2 miles at 2:01:39. In October, he became the first man to run a sub two-hour marathon at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, an exhibition event in Vienna.

But his world record was nearly broken by Bekele at last September’s BMW Berlin Marathon. The Ethiopian great, who is the current world record holder for both the 5000m and 10,000m and twice World Athlete of the Year, finished just two seconds outside Kipchoge’s world record.

Kipchoge, 35, confirmed in December that he’d be returning to London. Bekele, 37, has also taken up the challenge to run in what will be one of the most eagerly anticipated races in marathon history.

“This is a match-up of two of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen and two men who already have their names in the record books,” said Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon. “We are thrilled we have been able to make it happen in London.”

“It is the head to head the world is waiting to see.”

Bekele, whose best finish in the London Marathon was second in 2017, said: “I am thrilled to be returning to London. I feel like I have unfinished business here and I would love to win this beautiful race.

“I am looking forward to racing against Eliud once again. We have had many great battles over the years on the track, roads and cross-country. He is a special athlete who proved that again with his magnificent achievements last year.

“I feel like my win in Berlin proved that I am still capable of winning the biggest races in the world and in world-class times. I am really looking forward to what I can do in London.”

Kipchoge and Bekele have previously met four times over the marathon distance, including twice in London (2016 and 2018), with Kipchoge coming out on top each time. But Bekele has the better head-to-head record over all distances and surfaces.

Bekele is also a three-time Olympic gold medallist and he has won 17 world titles on the track, cross-country and indoors.

The two men spearhead the men’s field which also includes the second and third-placed finishers from last year, Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun.

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, Kenya, Jan 18 – Defending champions Falling Waters put up a sizzling performance, living up to their former name as ‘Barcelona Queens’, thrashing Nyeri’s Karima Queens 12-0 at the Nanyuki Stadium on Saturday morning to qualify for the final of the Central Region Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Championship.

Just like the pint-sized Lionel Messi, Falling Waters’ Jane Njeri was the star of the show scoring a sensational quadruple with skipper Miriam Lutomia, Eunice Ariviza and Naomi Nanjala scoring twice each while Margaret Wangui and Esther Wanjiru hit one each.

The holders were in no mood to let their title off their grasp easy and they showed from the opening minute, restricting Karima to their own half. After Miriam Lutuma and her sister Ariviza both hit the woodwork, the holders broke the deadlock after 19 minutes.

Ariviza broke the deadlock with a brilliant effort from inside the box, controlling the ball beautifully with her chest before volleying into the net past a forest of defenders inside the area.

The sizzling Njeri then added the lead for the holders, striking a quickfire brace in the 28^th and 30^th minutes.

She scored her first with a sumptuous goal, lifting the ball over two defenders before shooting low past the keeper. Two minutes later, she made it 3-0 and two for herself when she ran behind the defense from a long ball to place the ball beyond the keeper.

Falling Waters were simply unstoppable as they almost turned the tie into a training session, passing the ball with ease and even affording to swing it back all the way to their keeper Eunice Alele who was reduced to a mere spectator.

They extended the lead in the 37^th minute when Nanjala skipped past a defender before shooting into the bottom right corner.

Two minutes later, the five-star first half performance was complete when Wanjiru fired a first time volley after the keeper’s spill off an Ariviza cross landed kindly on her path.

It turned from bad to worse for Karima in the second half as they had to change their keeper Mercy Wangechi who picked up an injury at the close of the first half. Without a second choice keeper, they had to make do with an infield player going into goal.

Even before she could map out her new area, the new keeper was already picking the ball from her own net with Njeri scoring her fourth just 41 seconds into the second half.

Skipper Lutomia then made it 7-0 with a brilliant freekick from range and Njeri then made it eight with a sensational shot from the edge of the area.

The waters continued to heavily fall on Karima as they collected the ball inside their own net for the ninth time in the 58^th minute, skipper Lutomia once again scoring from almost 40 yards out after citing the keeper off her line.

In the 64^th minute, Nanjala completed her brace with a cheeky dink over the keeper before substitute Wangui scored the 11^th with a simple tap in after the keeper spilled a shot from Njeri.

Ariviza then added the final nail on Karima’s coffin at the stroke of full time to hand the holders a massive confidence boosting victory.

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LONDON, United Kingdom, Jan 18 – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes the decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations back to its traditional January slot is a “catastrophe” for the club.

The tournament was scheduled to be hosted by Cameroon in the summer of 2021, which already clashed with the expanded Club World Cup – of which the Reds are currently champions – but has been switched because of concerns over the climate in the country in July.

That is likely to mean Klopp will be without Senegal’s Sadio Mane, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Guinea’s Naby Keita for some or all of the six-week period.

“The African Cup of Nations going back to January is, for us, a catastrophe,” said the Liverpool manager, who claims the decision will affect the club’s transfer policy.

“We will not sell Sadio, Mo or Naby now because they have a tournament in January and February – of course not.

“But if you have to make a decision about bringing in a player, it is a massive one because before the season you know for four weeks you don’t have them.

“That’s a normal process and as a club you have to think about these things.”

Klopp has been a long-time, outspoken critic of a bloated and often chaotic fixture schedule which has what he feels are unnecessary clashes at both international and domestic level.

There are so many things to sort but all these guys never find time to sit around one table and make a general schedule

Over the last month the Liverpool manager has been vocal in his opposition to the festive calendar, two-legged Carabao Cup semi-finals and FA Cup replays, in addition to the farcical clash between the Club World Cup in Qatar and Carabao Cup quarter-final which forced the Reds to field a youth team in the defeat at Aston Villa.

However, he still expects his comments to fall on deaf ears.

“It is like the biggest waste of time ever. ‘The Moaner from Liverpool’ or whatever is again on track,” he added.

“As long as nothing changes I will say it all the time. It is because it is about the players, not one second about me.

“There are so many things to sort but all these guys never find time to sit around one table and make a general schedule.

“All these different games to play and no break for the players. Let’s respect that, but if you have that break don’t make a replay in this break. This would help massively.”

Klopp also believes the proliferation of fixtures contributed to the hamstring injury suffered by Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane, which could rule him out of Euro 2020.

The national team captain underwent surgery on a ruptured tendon last weekend and the Reds boss hopes that may be the wake-up call the English authorities need.

“I feel massively for Harry Kane, I now hear he may not be in the Euros,” said the Liverpool manager.

“For the first time some English people in the FA may think ‘Oh, too many games maybe’.

“Something has to happen for them to really start thinking about it.”

Klopp’s runaway Premier League leaders host Manchester United on Sunday, a match which will see the return of long-term injury absentees Fabinho and Joel Matip.

There has been a clarion call for fans to reprise their welcome of the team coaches for their visit of their arch-rivals but Merseyside Police have played down any concerns of a repeat of the scenes when Manchester City’s bus was pelted with objects in April 2018.

“As with any match, a comprehensive and appropriate policing operation has been put in place ahead of Sunday’s game and we have liaised with both clubs and their supporter groups,” said Chief Superintendent Matt Boyle in a statement to the PA news agency.

“We are working to ensure this game can be enjoyed safely by all as well as minimising any disruption to local residents and roads.”

There will be a heavy police presence around the ground but that is only following standard procedure for a match of this profile and no special measures have been put in place.

The post Klopp: AFCON move a ‘loss’ for Liverpool appeared first on Capital Sports.

NANYUKI, Kenya, Jan 18 –  Limuru Starlets have set up a mouth-watering clash against holders Falling Waters in the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Central Region finals after seeing off Achievers Queens 5-1 at the Nanyuki Stadium on Saturday.

This will be a repeat of last year’s finals and is expected to be a cracker with Limuru confident of avenging for their loss last time out.

Striker Damaris Akinyi struck a hattrick with Ruth Muthoni and Ivy Sarah Ofula adding one each in the healthy win to sail them to a third consecutive final appearance.

Limuru broke the deadlock in the 17^th minute when Akinyi volleyed the ball home from the right after the Achievers’ defense failed to clear away the ball inside the area.

Limuru were dominant and had more chances with Akinyi having another shot from distance saved by the keeper while lanky midfielder Joyce Kanja also had a long range shot cleared out by the keeper.

But they went 2-0 up in the 37^th minute when Muthoni raced to a ball planted behind the defense before setting herself up with two touches and then calmly slotting past the keeper.

Limuru should have gone to the breather three up, but Akinyi’s effort at landing a brace ended in disappointment as her attempt at lobbing the ball over the keeper who was out of her line went wide.

But, straight from the restart, the former champions were 3-0 up. Ofula scored with a beautiful touch away from the keeper after Limuru went straight into offense from kick off.

Four minutes later, the game looked sealed and set when AKinyi scored her second of the afternoon with a brilliant finish from the left after turning away from her marker with some excellent piece of skill.

Achievers had a chance to narrow the gap when they won a penalty following a handball inside the box, but star forward Lucy Wanja shot the effort straight at the keeper who made a routine save.

They were punished later when Akinyi completed her hattrick, gliding past the keeper before slamming the ball into an empty net.

Achievers scored their consolation with five minutes left when an unmarked Mercy Wanjiru lifted the ball over the keeper from the right.

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