Kenya Archives - Capital Sports

ITEN, February 25- First Lady Margaret Kenyatta successfully conquered the “heart-break” run in Iten where her training entered the fourth day Wednesday morning.

It took the Ms Margaret Kenyatta and her team exactly 2 hours to cover the 10km hilly and meandering stretch usually used by local and international athletes to test stamina and energy levels.

Many athletic careers and names have been made along this “killer stretch” locally baptized as “haribu mwili, ujenge jina (torture the body to make a name)” It is also known by local athletes as the “longest 10km run” due to the meandering and hilly nature of the stretch.

This unique “stretch of death” spans between Tambach Teachers Training College and Iten town and any athlete who successfully conquers the track is usually assured of success in international outings.

It is a treacherous course because one has to run uphill for a whole 10 km .

The resilient First Lady ran the whole stretch energized by the presence of 70-year old local athlete Veronica Ayabei and a star-studded cast of double world champion Abel Kirui, London and New York marathon winner Wilson Kipsang, two-time women’s world champion Edna Kiplagat, New York women’s crown holder Mary Keitany and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos.

Ms Kenyatta has for the past week remained in the North Rift training ahead of the March 8 First Lady’s Half Marathon in Nairobi.

She also delivered a Beyond Zero Mobile clinic to Uasin Gishu county on Tuesday and she is set to deliver the 21st clinic to Elgeyo Marakwet County Thursday.

The forthcoming First Lady’s Half Marathon will be the third event in which the mother of the nation will be participating in to raise awareness and mobilize funds for the Beyond Zero initiative.

The First Lady successfully participated in both the inaugural First Lady’s Half Marathon in Nairobi and the London Marathon last year.

The Beyond Zero initiative aims to reduce maternal and child mortality in Kenya which remains unacceptably high. The country loses more than 108,000 children annually before they celebrate their fifth birthdays while over 5500 women loose their lives while giving birth.

The campaign is driven by the principle that “no woman should die while giving life” which the First Lady has used as a mantra to mobilise awareness and resources globally.

The campaign targets to purchase 47 fully kitted mobile clinics for all the counties.

The funds raised so far have been used to purchase 20 mobile clinic already handed over to different counties.

NAIROBI, February 25- The drum roll to 2015 Barclays Kenya Open started with the launch of the event that will run from April 9-12 at Karen Country Club on Wednesday in Nairobi with organisers announcing a field of 156 local and international golfers will vie for a share of the 200,000 Euros (Sh20.78m) prize kitty.

The annual European Challenge Tour event that will be played at Karen for the third year in a row will tee off with two Pro-Am events on April 7 and 8 sponsored by Barclays Bank and Coca Cola.

Kenya will be relying on Richard Ainley and John Karichu to lead the team’s challenge for the top spot at the signature event last won by a home golfer in 1994 when Peter Livingstone beat a field of experienced golfers to take top honours.

“Our goal is to make this tournament prestigious enough to attract top flight golfers from all over the world.

“To achieve this, we will have to continually invest in our infrastructure and player development and I am therefore glad to note that tournaments such as the Barclays Golf Circuit are providing our players with a platform to practice their swing year round ahead of big tournaments such as the Open,” Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman, Peter Kanyago stated.

This year’s Barclays Golf Circuit ends in March where top performers will earn a place in the Open Pro Am.

“In the last five years we have witnessed a tremendous growth in the sport both in the calibre of players and number of people taking an interest in the sport. Growing interest among the youth is a clear indication that golf has a great future in Kenya,” Jeremy Awori, Managing Director Barclays Bank of Kenya underscored.

“We therefore intend to continue supporting the growth of the sport in Kenya by partnering with relevant stakeholders such as the KGU and the Kenya Open Golf Limited to identify areas of collaboration that will help us achieve this goal,” he added.

South Africa’s Jake Roos is the defending champion after clinching victory in a dramatic finale where Dismas Indiza and Greg Snow were the best-placed local players, finishing 5th and 6^th in the overall standings.

NAIROBI, February 25 – “Until you sort yourselves out, you will not hear anything from me or other sponsors,” this is the terse message integrated communication services provider, Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore sent to warring federations in the country interested in extending their begging bowls to the firm.

Collymore who was speaking on Wednesday when launching the 16th Safaricom Lewa Marathon, categorically said all sponsors met with Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture, Hassan Wario and agreed to pull out from federations embroiled by wrangles.

“What we are seeing now across the federations is lack of ethics and integrity whether its wrangles, corruption or doping and unless they resolve the issues we will not waste our money in them.

“I do so much to protect my shareholder’s money but I can’t afford to give that to federations who squander and steal it,” Collymore whose firm sponsors Safari International Sevens, Athletics Kenya Relay Series and many other road races declared.

The CEO was disappointed by the increase cases of doping in the country that recently saw top female marathoner Rita Jeptoo banned for two years after testing positive for using blood booster EPO.

“It’s such a big let down to moral athletes like David Rudisha who are clean when modern sportsmen get involved in doping.”

Athletics Kenya, Kenya Rugby Union and Football Kenya Federation are some federations embroiled by infighting or feuds.

-Registration open-

Lewa Marathon race director, Sarah Watson said the course remains unchanged despite Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Borana merging.

“We tried changing the course but people complained but we might consider making adjustments next year since there are hills in Borana that will make the marathon challenging,” Watson said.

Registration opened Wednesday with participants in the 42km entering with Sh15, 000 (USD 164) while 21km that will feature a minimum of five runners will register at Sh150, 000 (USD 1,600).

Winners of both full and half marathon races will receive Sh150,000 (USD 1,600) in each category.

The race is targeting 1,200 entries from over 20 different countries around the world with Watson saying they had to limit the number due to security concerns.

The event that will see participants run in the wild is used raise funds for wildlife protection and supporting community projects around the conservancy.

Last year, the marathon collected over Sh58m (USD 634,735) which was the highest amount to be raised since its inception.

This year’s event that adopted ‘Run for a good course’ as the theme will run June 27 at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Three-peat winner, Philemon Baaru and Fridah Lodepa are the reigning champions.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 25 – Former Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman, Richard Omwela announced on Wednesday he will run for the top seat during the March 17 Annual General Meeting.

Omwela, who served as KRU Chairman from 2003 until he lost to Mwangi Muthee in 2011, was nominated by 10 Kenya Cup clubs and two Nationwide teams to seek re-election after his successor left it vacant with his resignation last December.

Muthee, a former Kenya international prop forward, downed his tools citing misappropriation of funds, conflict of interest and integrity of some board members but Omwela accused his successor for poor management.

“When I departed KRU I thought I left it in capable hands but recent wrangles show we possibly made a mistake because the people mandated to run the game have put it in disrepute.

“Muthee did an honour to resign because he did not have ability to manage the board. If I’m elected I need an executive that has integrity and if I’m unable to get the game where it’s should be, then I will quit too,” Omwela who is a lawyer by profession stated.

During his tenure, Omwela who initiated plans to build a standard 25,000 capacity stadium at Ngong Road’s Impala Grounds and popularized the shorter version of the game, says his aim is to revive 15s by unifying Kenya Cup and Nationwide league.

“When I left we had set aside Sh45m (USD 491,988) that was used to acquire Ligi Ndogo grounds where we had planned to build four mini stadiums but the money is no longer available and no one has explained where it went.

“If I get back, I will reintroduce the project as well as have corporate governing structure.”

Former Impala chairman Peter Nduati has also expressed interest to run for a director’s post.

Clubs that endorsed Omwela’s chairmanship bid are; Nakuru RFC, KCB, Strathmore Leos, Kabras Sugar, Impala, Nondescript, Western Bulls, Homeboyz, Catholic University, Mombasa, Bungoma and Webuye RFC.

The management of KRU has been in turmoil after former vice chairman Sasha Mutai was elected chairman at a Special General Meeting a fortnight ago despite acting chairman Gabriel Ouko obtaining a Court Order to block the SGM.

Directors Godwin Karuga, Maurice Masiga and Peninah Wahome are the other executive members that resigned after disagreeing with fellow board colleagues on audit that was to done on embezzlement of funds at last year’s Safaricom Sevens and Bamburu Rugby Super Series.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 25 – Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture, Hassan Wario will appear before Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Welfare next Tuesday to address action taken on the stand-off between Football Kenya Federation and Kenyan Premier League.

Parliament Majority Leader Aden Duale confirmed Wario will be available after the sitting was postponed Tuesday due to lack of venue.

The minister had already arrived at County Hall as requested by Nakuru Town East Member of Parliament David Gikaria, but the chair of the Committee David Were had to reschedule it after finding the venue had already been booked.

The meeting was planned to be held at the County Hall’s Mini-Chamber but it had been taken over by Senate Committee on Devolution which was conducting vetting proceeding for the nominees appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta to sit in Commission looking into the dissolution of Makueni County.

Were, told Capital Sport that the Director of Committees in parliament was unable to allocate them an alternative venue and advised them to postpone the sitting to next Tuesday.

The minister was expected to inform the Committee action his ministry has taken on endless impasse between FKF and KPL who failed to agree on who should run 2015 Premier League.

Wario had vowed to take action as advised under the Sports Act if the two warring sides failed to solve the issue internally but he is yet to speak even as talks between FKF and KPL collapsed when the latter walked off.

The stalemate has led to parallel Premier Leagues with FKF going against world body FIFA express statutes by obtaining an injunction to stop KPL from running the league pending March 3 hearing.

The stand-off arose after KPL declined to accept FKF’s 18 team format proposal and introduction of rival broadcast rights company MP & Silva that could have seen KPL breach contact with SuperSport.

- KPL appeals-

Meanwhile, KPL moved to court to challenge FKF’s injunction on Wednesday through their chairman and respected lawyer, Ambrose Rachier.

In their court papers, the league management company cites violation of world body Fifa, continental body CAF and the federation statutes and putting livelihoods of over 500 players and officials at risk as some of the reasons they want the injunction order dated February 20 quashed.

They accused their rivals of rushing to court to avert a world governing body ban arguing in accordance to provisions of FIFA statute 67, the Milimani High Court that issued the order should divest from any disputes arising from football.

On the other side of the confused football divide, FKF has reported 14 of their 18 listed clubs in their competition that continues this weekend have received Sh1m each from their broadcast rights partners, MP&S.

According to the federation, local giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards who honoured their opening KPL fixtures last weekend are among those who have not forwarded their account numbers to receive the money as their position remains unclear.

Kakamega Homeboyz, Cleophas Shimanyula, confirmed to Capital Sport his team had received the money by 9am Wednesday, “And I want to thank the federation for what they are doing.”

February 26 – The injunction taken out by the Football Kenya Federation last Friday, in contravention of its own statutes and those of FIFA, to bring the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) to a halt was served on Monday morning, plunging the league its players and Kenyan football into deeper crisis.

Whilst the KPL will be looking to get that injunction overturned, Kenyan football is in the grip of a dispute which threatens the whole fabric of football in the country and the livelihoods of the players. Many are now looking to FIFA to see if it will intervene to uphold its statutes, including those relating to fairness in football competitions, not having parallel leagues in the same country and non-interference in football affairs.

16 clubs or 18?

Whilst much of the media has cast the crisis in terms of a dispute between the KPL and FKF over whether to have 16 clubs or 18 clubs in the Kenyan Premier League, it has also been widely stated that this is not the real reason for the dispute. Nevertheless the real reasons seem to have been sketchily reported, leaving many fans and the players in the position of not understanding the dispute and wishing a plague on both houses.

FIFA consultant

It is fortunate that FIFA appointed a consultant, Robert Niemann, an executive director of the Institute of International Football Management, to arbitrate and help resolve the dispute between FKF and the KPL. His report stated that: “The difficult situation in Kenyan football is not as a result of desire to increase the size of the league to 18 teams but due to politics, mistrust and competing interests between FKF and KPL.”

According to the report, it is “the strong wish of the president of FKF to increase the size of the league to 18 teams is very much motivated on promises which have been given to two teams from the national Super League, one team, Shabana FC (from the home area in Kenya of the president of FKF). The delegation got the strong impression that there is no other justification for the increase of the KPL up to 18 teams.”

Fairness in football competitions

One of the principles of football is fairness in competition, but in Kenya there is a situation, confirmed by the FIFA consultant, where Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya has been interfering in the running of football to favour Shabana FC – a team for which he was elected patron in January 2014.

Numerous decisions of the FKF are reported to have been made in favour of Shabana FC, including deducting points from opponents in dubious circumstances – matters which have been put before FIFA’s Ethics Committee.

Parallel leagues

Nyamweya rejected Niemann’s proposals and in particular his recommendation the FPL stick with 16 teams for this season, and has rather pursued his goals by setting up a league in parallel to the KPL – called the FKF/PL – to which the FKL have “promoted” 14 Super League sides.

Non interference

In order to try and forestall the KPL, which has operated for eight seasons, from going ahead, Nyamweya, took the matter to the civil courts on the day before the KPL was due to kick off, persuading Milimani High Court judge Justice Mbogholi Msagha to bar the KPL from hosting, commencing, running, managing or in any way conducting a parallel league, pending a March 3 hearing of a case filed by FKF.

As well as being in contravention to Nyamweya’s own previously expressed position on using the courts in football matters, this move is in violation of FKF’s own law which states, “FKF, its Members… will not take any dispute to Ordinary Courts unless specifically provided for in these Statutes and FIFA regulations. Any disagreement shall be submitted to the jurisdiction of FIFA, CAF or FKF.”

This stipulation is of course mirrored in FIFA statutes which hold that ” it is prohibited to take disputes in the Association or disputes affecting Leagues, members of Leagues, clubs, members of clubs, Players, Officials and other Association Officials to ordinary courts of law, unless the FIFA regulations or binding legal provisions specifically provide for or stipulate recourse to ordinary courts of law.”

The way ahead

As FIFA’s Secretary-General Jerome Valcke acknowledged in a letter to Nyamweya, “the world football body’s support in the process of whether the KPL should have 16 or 18 participant clubs had come to an end following FKF’s criticism of the report compiled by FIFA’s independent expert consultant and given FKF deemed itself capable of finding a local solution.”

Valcke told Nyamweya that: “In this context we would like to remind you again that this matter is now for FKF to resolve on its own with the relevant stakeholders in Kenya,” and insisted the FKF find a solution which was acceptable to “all relevant stakeholders and in the best interests of Kenyan football.”

According to Valcke the “FKF must comply with the FIFA Statutes and any violation of the above obligations may lead to sanctions as provided under Article 13.2 of the FIFA Statutes.”

With Nyamweya having failed to find a solution acceptable to Kenya’s football community as a whole, having created a situation where there are parallel leagues operating in Kenya, having openly violated FIFA statutes in taking the dispute to a civil court and having, according to FIFA’s own consultant, created the current mayhem in order to benefit a team from his home area, logic suggests FIFA will impose sanctions as promised – the difficulty being Nyamweya’s mandate as head of the FKF extends until new elections are held in November 2015.

– BY INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL

Contact the writer mark.baber@insideworldfootball.com

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 26 – Sofapaka have appealed to KPL and FKF on the Independent Disciplinary and Complains Committee’s (IDCC) ruling that ordered the club to release defender Eugene Asike.

Asike who terminated his agreement at the beginning of the season citing breach of contract has been at loggerheads with his employer who refused to issue him a release letter since he has one year left at the club.

Last week IDCC found the GOtv Shield champions guilty of withholding Asike’s salary for the months of March, November and December as well as his signing on fee as per their agreement on the contract.

Sofapaka president Elly Kalekwa accused IDCC of issuing biased ruling and maintained they will not released the defender on a free transfer.

“The Judgment by IDCC is rubbish and nonsense; in their ruling they did not give reasons that led to the decision. I have no debt with Asike, we have paid him all his dues.

“We are ready to take the case to FIFA if FKF and KPL ignore our appeal; this is a serious matter that I will pursue until justice is done to the club. We are in business and I’m not ready to release Asike for free, if it comes to worse I rather quit football and invest my money in other business,” Kalekwa told Capital Sport Thursday.

“It’s normal in any institution for salary to delay but Asike breached contract because he didn’t issue one month resignation notice as required. So if he is ready to pay the club the damages including the three months we paid him well and good.”

The 22-year-old had earlier taken his case to the Industrial Court of Kenya but withdrew it to allow for the KPL judicial process.

IDCC is chaired by Professor Migai Akech. Other members are Njeri Onyango, William Booker Odeny, Elijah Gitonga, Peninah Wahome and David Otieno.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 26 – Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia are a draw away from making the first round of the CAF Champions League for the second successive season when they travel to face CNaPS in Miarinarivo, Madagascar on Sunday with a slender 1-0 lead from the home leg.

K’Ogalo are expected to depart on the eve of the game in what club assistant Secretary General Ronald Ngala said will enable players to better master the low altitude conditions.

Gor were in a similar position last season when they went to Gabonese side US Bitam before advancing 4-2 on post match penalties after losing the return 1-0.

K’Ogalo, now under Frank Nuttall are not prepared to play the lottery of spot-kicks as they seek to force a result that will see them through to take on Congo’s AC Leopards in the first round.

Gor are coming from a 4-2 win over Mathare United in their KPL opener, with Nutall likely to make changes in midfield with Eric Ochieng who started on the bench available to replace Jerry Santos who did not impress in the first round

K’Ogalo has been lifted by the recovery of centre back Dirkir Glay who will likely partner Harun Shakava who was benched in the first leg, Musa Mohammed and Kevin Oluoch.

With youthful Michael Olunga finally finding his range, the former Tusker FC forward who was influential in Nairobi after he won the penalty that was converted by in form Ali Abondo, is raring to net a debut Champions League goal.

“We are not under pressure and I don’t see the win in the first leg as narrow because we already have an advantage. We have been at this stage before and we know what we are expected to do.

“We are not going to Madagascar to defend but rather we will be seeking for more goals,” Gor captain and keeper Jerim Onyango who missed the match with a wrist injury told Capital Sport.

However, little known Madagascans who are good at keeping the ball can shock the Kenyan giants just as they did in the second half where their speed and good runs split the Gor’s defence on several occasions but new signing shot-stopper Boniface Oluoch denied them a crucial away goal.

K’Ogalo will be worried by CNaPS danger man Jeannot Vonimbola and Rija Rakotomandimbyir who both failed to convert guilt edged chances.

Travelling squad

KEEPERS; Fredrick Onyango, Bonface Oluoch, David Juma, DEFENDERS; Godfrey Walusimbi, Kevin Oluoch, Musa Mohamed, Haron Shakava, Israel Emuge, Dirkir Glay, Bernard Odhiambo, MIDFIELDERS; Collins Okoth, Jerry Santo, Khalid Aucho , Eric Ochieng , Ali Abondo. FORWARDS; George Odhiambo, Ronald Otieno, Timothy Otieno and Michael Olunga.

Technical bench: FranK Nuttall, Frank Ouna ,Jolawi Obondo.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 26 – GOtv Shield champions Sofapaka face an uphill task as they seek to overturn a 2-1 defeat at FC Platinum in the CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round return leg in Zvishavane, Zimbabwe on Saturday.

Sofapaka who departed Friday need a two-goal victory for them to advance to first round and revive their dreams of surpassing their 2011 performance where they were eliminated at the group stage play-offs by Tunisia’s Club Africain.

Batoto Ba Mungu beat Ushuru FC 2-1 in their KPL opener and head coach Sam Timbe, is optimistic he will steer his charges past the home side.

“I have not given up yet; 2-1 is not a huge score line I’m confident through hard work we can equalise and even beat them,” said Timbe.

For the hosts, despite carrying a comfortable lead into the match and home advantage, Platinum head coach Norman Mapeza is not losing focus either.

“So far so good, preparations are going on well. It doesn’t matter that we now know our opponents; anything can happen. The most important thing is to prepare well for the game and we have just done that,” Mapeza, a former Turkish giants Galatasary midfielder told Zimbabwean website.

Having learnt from first leg in Nairobi, Timbe will be seeking to strengthen his backline that saw them concede both goals with Collins Shivachi who started on the bench likely to replace Willis Ouma in the starting line-up.

The Ugandan will also be boosted by the recovery of skipper and stopper Felly Mulumba who will be available for selection after missing Ushuru match due to knee knock.

Timbe is also expected to maintain speedy forwards, Enock Agwanda and Burundian Abdul Fiston Razak with veteran goal poacher John Baraza probably starting on the bench.

Striker Wisdom Mutasa as well as danger men Brian Muzondiwa and Donald Ngoma who scored in the opening round are the main threats to Sofapaka’s ambition.

Mapeza on the other hand boast of wide range of selection as they welcome Aaron Katebe, Wellington Kamudyariwa, Obrey Chirwa and Nelson Maziwisa who all missed first leg.

Botswana referee Tirelo Mositwane will handle the match together with countrymen Bakwena, Madondo Sibanda, as Omphile Phutego will be the fourth official.

The match commissioner is Lucas Johane is from Mozambique.

The aggregate winner will face either Tanzanian giant Young Africans or Botswana Defence Forces in the first round.

Young Africans carry a 2-0 lead going into the return leg which will be played in Botswana this weekend.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 27 – Lightening struck twice for Capital FM football team after losing their second SuperSport Media Fun Day final in a row by going down to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bloggers in a keenly contested decider at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds Friday.

The Best Mix of Music missing sassy newscaster Anita Nderu who was declared match-misfit after arriving from Las Vegas, featured Breakfast presenter Maqbul Mohammed, programmes producer Lassie Atrash, Sports reporter Alex Isaboke and Football Sunday’s Joyce Mukami among other heavy-hitters.

“I can’t believe I missed the tournament; even if I scored an own goal in the final, it was so much fun. Congratulations to the team and I can’t wait to participate in the next edition,” Nderu said moments after the team entered newsroom with the runners-up trophy.

Capital FM however recovered with Isaboke anchoring the team to win the 4x100m relay ahead of bloggers who finished second while Standard Group settled for third.

Bloggers grasped a late goal after Atrash deflected Kevin Omondi’s shot in the dying minutes for de javu after Nderu scored an own goal against hosts SuperSport last time out for another heart-breaking 1-0 loss.

The team that entered the five a side tournament from finishing runners-up in the road to Anfield tournament last weekend reached the finals after eliminating Radio Africa 2-0 on penalties, following a goalless draw in regulation time.

Capital FM began their campaign with a goalless draw against Bloggers before bouncing back to beat KBC by a solitary goal and then going on to silence Standard Group Limited 2-0.

The Best Mix of Music then wrapped up their preliminary fixture with a 1-0 win over Nation Media Group to see then top group B on 10 points.

Royal Media Services won touch rugby after being relegated from the main tournament while defending champions SuperSport who were bundled out without a win settled for the tug-of-war.

“This event has grown and our intention is to bring together Sports journalists together as we strive to raise our game high. We intend to make it even bigger in the coming days,” SuperSport Marketing manager Japheth Akhulia declared.

The fourth edition will be held in August when 2015/16 English Premier League kick-off.

NAIROBI, February 27 – GOtv Shield Champions Sofapaka were bundled out of CAF Confederations Cup at the preliminary round after going down 4-2 on aggregate to Zimbabweans FC Platinum.

Sofapaka who needed a two-goal-victory to advance to the first round were on the receiving end on another 2-1 loss in the return leg played in Zvishavane, Zimbabwe on Saturday.

Batoto Ba Mungu’s lethal striker Abdul Fiston Razak gave the visitors an early lead on the 11th minute to level the aggregate scores but Wisdom Mutasa scored a brace after finding the back of the net on each half to break the Cup holders’ dreams of repeating their 2011 run in the competition when they bowed out at the group stage play-offs.

Sofapaka head coach Sam Timbe made four changes to the squad that played in the first leg with Everiste Mutuyimana staring in between the sticks benching David Okello while defenders Collins Shivachi and Elly Esieche came on for Willis Ouma and Patrick Kagogo.

The hosts began with a threatening attack from Walter Munsona but Sofapaka stopper Felly Mulumba cleared the danger moments before Razak, who scored the consolation goal in Nairobi in a 2-1 home loss, piled pressure on Platinum when he found the back of the net.

The lead only lasted only four minutes with Mutasa restoring parity at the quarter hour mark from close range.

Musona continued to terrorize the Kenyans defence after exchanging passes with Mutasa before setting Brian Muzondiwa who saw his free header go over the bar as both sides were locked at one-all draw at the break.

Mutasa completed his double on the 54th to give his control of the game to the final whistle.

Platinum will now face Tanzania titans Young Africans in the first round.

NAIROBI, March 1 –George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo came off the bench to grab the stoppage goal that sent Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia through to the first round of CAF Champions League on the away goals rule despite going down 3-2 to CNaPS in Madagascar in a pulsating second leg Sunday.

K’Ogalo who needed a draw to advance after carrying a slim 1-0 win from the home leg forced a 3-3 tie on aggregate in Miarinarivo where in form Victor Ali Abondo netted the other goal.

Gor head coach Frank Nuttall made a change from the squad that played in the first leg with Collins Okoth replacing Jerry Santos in the midfield.

The visitors began the encounter on a low with CNaPS missing an early penalty before they found the back of the net on the fifth minute from a deflected shot to level the aggregate score at a one-all.

Youngster Michael Olunga who finally got his debut goal for Gor against Mathare United in their opening KPL match squandered a golden chance in the 22nd to level.

K’Ogalo’s efforts paid off in the 35th when Abondo scored a crucial away goal and his sixth since rejoining the team from Tusker FC this season to restore parity.

Nuttall’s defence failed to hold on the 2-1 aggregate lead with CNaPS going ahead three minutes later after their striker weaved past Kevin Oluoch and Musa Mohammed to place the ball beyond keeper Boniface Oluoch.

And on the stroke of halftime, it was 3-1 on the day as Gor conceded again to leave them facing the early exit door.

Playing in front of their home fans, the hosts returned with a defensive mind but Olunga managed to break through the backline and beat the keeper only to see his effort cleared on the line.

The visitors continued to pile pressure but their hard work could not pay forcing Nuttall to replace Ronald Omino with Odhiambo who emerged the hero by sending Gor through in added time to set up a first round two-legged knockout crash against Congo’s AC Leopards.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 2 – The name Leopards is enough to rouse any Gor Mahia fan into full combat mode and the Green Army banking their decades-old arch rivalry with fellow domestic giants AFC will spur their side to trump Congo’s AC Leopards in their two-legged CAF Champions League first round clash.

Gor scrapped through to the round after winning their preliminary stage on away goals following a 3-3 stalemate against Madagascar’s CNaPS over two legs to be paired with the Leopards.

Already, interest in the match has soared with Gor fans taking to social media to rally themselves and raise funds to enable their team prepare for the tie as they hope to inspire the team to stamping their mark on the continental scene.

Gor arrived Monday evening to low key reception unlike last year where the Green Army faithful jam-packed the waiting area of International Arrivals with cheer, song and dance after their beloved club bundled out Gabon’s US Bitam on penalties at the same stage.

Substitute George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo’s stoppage time goal proved to be the difference between the sides despite losing 2-3 in the return leg received with head coach Frank Nuttal hailing his side for stepping up in the second half after going to the break 1-3 down and out of the competition.

“It was an extremely tough match and from the first minute it was a hard work; I have to give credit to players because they managed to stick to the task after being mentality and physically strong.

“We underperformed in the first half but players realized at half time and true to their character they were able to react correctly and got the result that we needed. We hope to carry on the experience in our next match,” the Scotsman told Capital Sport when the team touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

-Poor half-

Despite having a poor first half that saw them concede three goals after their back-line of Musa Mohammed, Dikir Glay, Kevin Oluoch and Harun Shakava crumbled, Nuttall charges managed to pin down the hosts who turned defensive in a bid to preserve the two goal cushion that would have sent them through in a packed stadium.

The Scotsman’s single change from the squad that won 1-0 in the opening leg where he replaced Jerry Santos with Collins Okoth in the midfield seemed to have worked after the latter combined well with Khalid Aucho, Ronald Omino, Michael Olunga and Ali Abondo to pile pressure on the second half.

“Their undoing was when they scored the third goal because they all sat back and with a minute to the final whistle the killer came when substitute Odhiambo hit them.

“Collins was suddenly fresh and I just felt that he would lift the midfield; Abondo is good he not only continues scoring goals but also helps motivate the team because his work rate is very high. His input in the second half was very good and he took some tough challenges so he is a tough boy,” Nuttall underscored.

Abondo who scored the lone goal in the first half has been instrumental to the team since rejoining at the beginning of the season from Tusker FC and hopes to maintain the tempo.

“The match was good though it was tough since we were away and the condition of the pitch was not good but its good we managed to get something. Its hard work that enables me to score and I thank God for the good form,” the attacker with six goals for Gor this season to his name said.

K’Ogalo who will be seeking to reach the second round for the first time since 1980 face an uphill task when they take on 2012 CAF Confederations Cup winners Leopards who are a different kettle of fish to their sworn enemies Ingwe.

Gor have just two weeks to prepare before hosting Leopards in the first leg and Nuttall says it will be a tall order for his charges but will be ready for the challenge.

“We face a good side and I know a little bit of them since they have been performing well in the last five year having won the Confederations Cup and done well in their domestic league.

“It will be a big step for us and tough task at the same since they will be favorites.”

K’Ogalo who submitted a list of 19 players has a number of their new signings including defenders Karim Nzigiyimana, Abuoba Sibomana and forward Meddie Kagere who were not included in the list but the team is upbeat they will reach the group stage where they are allowed to strengthen their squad.

-Facebook campaign-

“Guys earlier today i proposed that a 7 member committee chaired by George bwana be formed to oversee the team’s preparation ahead of Crucial/do or die encounter against 2012 CAF Confederation Cup winners AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville.

“Happy the proposal is gaining momentum. Before I hand over to the chairman Wuod Suba.Guys kindly nominate any Gor Mahia fan you think is capable and deserve to be part of the committee….let’s be serious for once..,Its not a must that he/she be a member of this group…some are not here but can really help,” Bonny K’ochieng.

“My hearty congratulations to Gor Mahia for winning the duel with Cnaps of Madagascar and progressing to the 1st round of CAF Champions League. I wish them well as they continue with the campaign,” Ronnie Osumba.

“May I take this opportunity to congratulate the boys for the well deserved and hard fought qualifications to the next round. as we await the AC Leopards of Congo its important that we all join hands monetarily and ion kind in boosting the morale of our players and technical department. together we shall reach the sky and shall deal with them one by one,” TK K’Oriko.

NAIROBI, March 3- The High Court has given Football Kenya Federation and Kenyan Premier League to resolve their long-running feud by Thursday as officials of the latter risk jail for disobeying a court order requiring them not to run their competition.

If the two fail to thrash out an agreement within the next 48 hours to end the parallel leagues brought by their dispute over the size of the premier league, the court will turn to judicial remedies to end the impasse.

Civil division judge; Lady Justice Aburili was told Tuesday KPL officials without colour proceeded to conduct the premier league matches when they are quite aware of the orders restraining them.

Consequently KPL officials Ambrose Rachier, Allan Kasavuli, Elly Kulekwa, James Musyoki, Bob Munro, Jack Oguda and Col Juma Munyikai will be required to appear in court when the application for contempt comes up for hearing next week.

However an attempt by former FKF vice-president Sammy Shollei and Nairobi Representative Dan Shikanda seeking to be enjoined in the dispute was disallowed, until their application rejoinder is argued fully and the court makes decision.

FKF lawyer Eric Mutua strongly opposed the two from being made to the proceeding on grounds that they duo had been banned from taking part in the management of football for six by federation.

Mutua told the court he needs time to file documents to show that two cannot be enjoined the civil suit.

The application to embattled former officials of FKF will be argued on Thursday.

Justice Aburili urged the parties in the dispute to continue discussing in a view of arriving at amicable resolution to solve the wrangles.

The judge observed that for the interest of country there is need for parties to agree the way forward.

The court extended the order halting KPL from conducting leagues matches until the dispute is heard.

-Acrimony-

FKF had moved to court through its president Sam Nyamweya and obtained orders restraining the company from hosting or managing a parallel premier league.

The restraining order was issued by Justice Mbogholi Msagha he directed that same be served upon respondents.

KPL attempted to lift the orders on grounds that there was material non-disclosure and misrepresentation and their application will be argued next week.

The last meeting between both parties mid last month at a Nairobi hotel ended in acrimony when KPL walked out of talks claiming FKF were intent on using their numerical advantage to force their chosen 18-team league format through a vote.

KPL who insist on having a 16-team format went on to play their opening round of the 2015 KPL before they suspended the competition indefinitely pending determination of the ongoing civil suit.

The FKF PL has kicked off proper last weekend after the federation promoted 14 Nationwide Super League sides to take the place of the KPL teams that failed to meet their deadline to register with them.

NAIROBI, March 3- The draw for the 2015 SportPesa Super 8 Tournament was conducted Tuesday with 35 team from participating regions except Kamukunji getting byes to the next round.

Representatives from 101 Nairobi estate teams taking part were present for the exercise with Dagoretti, Embakasi, Westlands, Kasarani, Makadara, Starehe and Langata completing the Nairobi regions that will take part.

Organisers, Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed revealed every team would be awarded with full kit and balls after the tournament.

The second placed candidate in the 2011 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections also hinted at establishing an annual Nairobi County League as well as other junior competitions in future.

“We want this tournament to serve as benchmark on how other leagues in the country should be run professionally.

“We hope in future to have the Extreme Sports Nairobi County League as well as run other youth and women leagues. It is very possible and we are setting the right structures for it,” he added.

The first matches of the 2015 SportPesa Super 8 Tournament will be played on March 14.

Draw

Dagoretti

Thirteen teams were given byes from the preliminary stage while six will play in it. Riruta Baptist FC, Dagoretti Santos, Impala FC, Psalms 105, Makombora Bulls, Congo Youth, Kid Star FC, Muslim FC, One Stone, Kawangware United, NYSA, Gachui Black Boots and Waithaka Babes were given byes while Red Star will face Melta, Young Tremors will take on Mutuini Rangers and Hayos FC will fight it out with Riruta Youth in the preliminaries that will be played on a home and away format.

Embakasi

Three teams got byes from the preliminary stage; Ummoinner FC, Kayole Youth and Mambo Tick FC while Soweto Hope will face McMillan FC, Ruai United versus Yashua FC, KayoleAsubuhi will face Sunrise FC, FulnescoDymes will have a tricky tie against Riara University FC while Picasso FC will square it off with Tena United in the pre-quarters.

Westlands

Only two team got byes in the Westlands region; Kibagare United and Leeds United while 12 teams will square it out in the preliminaries. Rysa FC versus GuzaGuza FC, Zion Family will face University of Nairobi FC (CAVS), Vision FC versus NYSA, Kabete United will take on Kipande Road FC, Bufallo FC versus Shamako Babes while Green Eagles will face off with WYSA FC.

Kasarani

Six teams will not feature in the opening stages; Githurai Sportiff, Metro FC, Githurai United, Riverside Lions, Babadogo FC and Babadogo Youth while four teams will play in the preliminaries; St Johns versus Lucky Summer while Search and Groom FC will take QDep FC.

Kamukunji

No byes were given in Kamukunji region, 16 teams will square it out in the Round of 16.

ShauriMoyo United will take on Daring Club, Pumwani All Stars versus ShauriMoyo Blue Stars, WazeePembe FC versus F.A VAP, State Rangers versus Kinyago United, Biafra Amazon versus Angola FC, Borrusia Dortmund vs Wigu, Corinthians versus Kiambio while Mahende FC while face Wenyeji.

Makadara

Four teams were given byes from Makadara; Baha United, Mborewa, A 1000 Street and Magic 90 while eight teams will face off in the preliminaries;

Gas Ghettos vs Radar Hotspurs

Rigo Santos vs Nairobees

Reading FC vs Hamza Heroes

Masa FC vs Eastlanders FC

Starehe

Technical University, Ziwani, Champs FC, Park Road FC, Kiamaiko City and Young Kings were given byes while four teams will play in the preliminaries.

Umeme Bees vs Mathare Celtic

Intact FC vs MlangoKubwa

Langata

Only one team, Toy Market FC got a bye while six teams will square it out in the preliminary stage matches.

Diguna FC vs Makina Youth Club

Elite Soccer Academy vs More Fire Sonia FC

RongaiAllStars vs Ajax

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 3 – Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice-president, Robert Asembo, was forced to take to his heels and flee for dear life in the precincts of Nairobi’s Milimani High Court on Tuesday to escape the wrath of irate fans baying for his blood as domestic football wars took a violent turn.

Drama unfolded when Asembo, a practising lawyer, instructed his learned friend Eric Mutua who is holding brief for the federation in a civil suit filed against their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) rivals to decline his suspended predecessor, Sammy Sholei and former Nairobi Delegate, Dan Shikanda to be enjoined in the case as interested parties.

Civil Division judge, Justice Aburili adjourned the hearing to Thursday, giving FKF and KPL 48 hours to thrash out an out of court settlement to their dispute which has brought two parallel premier leagues in the country.

Fans that flocked the courtroom were disappointed with the judge’s ruling and soon gathered along the corridors forcing Asembo to seek police escort when it became apparent he was a target of their wrath.

However, he found another group laying in wait at the court entrance, forcing him to break into a sprint for his life and out of the premises through the parking gate where he hopped into his car and revved off to safety in the busy Nairobi traffic.

“No way! We can’t allow football to be run in a court. There are players who depend on it for a living. Why are they postponing the case to Thursday? We wanted everything to be cleared today if at all they were ready,” one of the enraged fans shouted.

“There is no direction in football management, our football standards have gone down but the most important thing there will be no league that will run. We can’t allow one league to run yet the other is stopped,” another declared.

Gor Mahia’s loyal supporter Pastor Sudi Jayimbo weighed in, “This issue is heartbreaking, we are suffering as fans and the players too, where are we heading as a nation? I urge the Government to take over and streamline football in the country because both FKF and KPL have failed to solve the wrangles.”

-Only in Kenya-

Two weeks ago Harambee Stars and Tusker FC defender James Situma wrote on his Facebook account… “Only in Kenya when born a football player turns out suicidal, celebrity on the screen and poverty always at your door step.”

Justice Aburili gave both parties 15 minutes to deliberate on breaking the deadlock in camera and when Mutua and Geoffrey Obura for KPL could not come to agreement, the hearing proceeded.

It was adjourned when the Judge determined four issues on the table, FKF’s injunction against KPL running their league, KPL’s responding affidavit, KPL’s contravention of a court order stopping their competition and enjoining Sholei and Shikanda in the suit will be heard on Thursday if the parties do not agree to resolve the matter.

Mid February, another showdown meeting directed by Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Hassan Wario, at a Nairobi hotel collapsed when KPL pulled out citing FKF’s attempt to force the 18-team league agenda through a vote by capitalising on their numerical advantage on the day.

It remains to be seen whether the two bodies will heed Justice Aburili’s sensible call to dialogue having taken hardliner positions since the dispute over the league erupted last November with the prospect of court action more likely.

World governing body Fifa and Government have remained studiously quiet thus far on the stand-off that sees KPL’s league suspended and 14 lower division sides promoted to play in the FKF PL in what will irreparably damage the country’s football if not checked as it plays out in the corridors of justice.

Players who had given both parties a week to iron out their differences or face strike action across both leagues are awaiting Thursday’s developments to chart the next course of action, their spokesperson, Wilson Obungu, told Capital Sport.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 4 – The wheels of justice will turn in the long-standing Football Kenya Federation and Kenyan Premier League stand-off at the High Court on Thursday after both parties failed to agree on resolving the stalemate amicably.

On Tuesday, Civil division Judge Justice Aburili gave the warring factions 48 hours to find a solution to the impasse that had resulted to parallel leagues but talks collapsed once again even after both parties met at a Nairobi hotel for more than four hours.

“There is nothing that came out of yesterday’s meeting so the court will decide. We have tried our best to reason together but it didn’t work out so let’s meet in court,” KPL CEO Jack Oguda confirmed to Capital Sport Wednesday.

The judge was told KPL officials without colour proceeded to conduct the premier league matches when they are quite aware of the orders restraining them.

Consequently KPL leaders Ambrose Rachier, Allan Kasavuli, Elly Kulekwa, James Musyoki, Bob Munro, Jack Oguda and Col Juma Munyikai will be required to appear in court when the application for contempt comes up for hearing next week.