NAIROBI, March 6 – The High Court on Friday allowed suspended Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officials Sammy Sholei and Dan Shikanda to be enjoined in the civil suit filed by the federation against their Kenyan Premier League rivals as interested parties.

While giving the direction, Lady Justice Roselyne Aburili said in the interest of justice for fans and players whom former FKF vice chairman Sholei and Nairobi delegate Shikanda claim to support, they should be allowed in the proceedings that will be heard next Friday.

The court said the duo have demonstrated that they have an identifiable stake and expertise in the football management.

The judge however declared she will guide them on what role to play in the proceedings.

Justice Aburili, observed that the two having been banned by FKF from all football activities for six months, they indicated to the court interest is about the fans and players who have not been mentioned in document filed by FKF and KPL.

FKF lawyer Eric Mutua submitted that the two having been banned they cannot now seek to participate in matters they stand halted.

“By allowing them to participate in the proceedings will be violation of the ban and decision made by this court.”

Mutua submitted that the two did attempt to quash the decision of the federation through a judicial review application proceedings but their application was dismissed by Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi.

The enjoinment of the two will see the judge hear four applications as the suspended official seek to know why the federation banned them for allegedly going to court yet themselves went against world governing body FIFA’s statutes by rushing to court.

On Thursday, the High Court extended the injunction against KPL to March 13.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 6 – Anthony Kiptoo won Kenya’s second gold as Olympic Youth Games champion Gilbert Kwemoi, Alexander Sampao and Davis Kiplongat bagged silver at day two of the ongoing 12th Africa Junior Athletics Championships in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday.

Kiptoo’s men 1500m win comes a day after Abraham Kibiwott brought home the first gold in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, trouncing rivals Ethiopians at their home.

Kiptoo who made a sensational switch from 800m stunned Kwemoi but could not break his Personal Best (3:42.7) he set in Nairobi during the national trials after crossing the line first in 3:43.98.

Kwemoi who was tipped to win the race settled for silver in 3:44.59 ahead of Ethiopia’s Regasa Katema who took bronze in 3:44.92.

After finishing outside the medal bracket at last year’s Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, Sampao 2013 World Youth bronze medallist bounced back to bag silver in the men’s 400m in 46.54 behind Botswana’s Karabo Sibanda who won gold in 46.33.

Rilwan Fasasi from Nigeria clinched bronze in 46.84.

Kiplongat wrapped up the country’s fourth medal of the day after grabbing silver in the men’s 10,000m in 29:59.32, two seconds behind winner Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda.

Host’s Gurmessa Fekansa managed to settle for bronze after clocking 30:02.38, two minutes ahead of Edwin Kiprotich of Kenya who finished fifth.

In the women’s 800m final, Kenya was out staged by the hosts who took the first two places with Chaltu Regasa claiming gold in 2:09.20 as compatriot Kore Nagaho crossed the line second to win silver 40 seconds later.

Kenya’s Betty Chepkoech finished fourth (2:14.66) behind Uganda’s Susan Aneno who took bronze (2:11.73) followed by compatriot Eglay Nafuma. There was disappointing results in the men’s 400m hurdles with Stephen Kipkoech settling for sixth as Harona Kibet was disqualified.

On Thursday, Kibiwott continued the country’s steeplechase dominance when he floored Ethiopians; Sebisibe Sidamo (8:51.57) and Amare Hailmaram (9:01.58) who finished in second and third when the Kenyan clocked 8:47.43 to open the country’s medal account.

Vincent Kipyegon could not match compatriot Kibiwott as he finished fourth in 9:10.26.

The hosts once again upstaged Kenyans in the women’s 3000m after claiming gold in front of a cheering home crowd. Ethiopian runners won the race in the last two editions in Botswana (2011) and Mauritius (2013).

Medisa Beriso clocked 9:31.37 to claim gold while Shuru Bulo Galchu (9:34.48) settled for silver.

Kenya’s Sandra Felis Chebet, who struggled to keep up with the Ethiopians, won bronze in 9.38.60.

Patrick Kiprotich and Jonan Kiprotich will carry the country’s flag in tomorrow’s men’s 800m while 3000m World Junior champion Valentina Mateiko will team up with Emily Chebet in the women’s 5000m final.

Kenya who sent a contingent of 28 athletes has so far collected six medals with two gold, three silver and one bronze to see them sit fifth on the log behind Nigeria who are at the top while South Africa and Ethiopia follow seconds and third respectively.

The team will be looking to better 2013 overall performance where they brought home 17 medals, four gold, nine silver and four bronze.

The biannual continental championships opened to athletes below 19 years old.

PARMA, March 6- The Italian professional football league (Lega) on Friday voted in favour of loaning Parma five million euros (Sh494,632,739.75) in a bid to help the cash-strapped Serie A side see out the remainder of the season.

Parma will now be in a position to host Atalanta in the league on Sunday, their unpaid players having refused to play their last two league games, at Genoa away and at home to Udinese.

The Lega said Parma should play until March 19, when a bankruptcy hearing is due to decide whether the club can continue operating. If it rules no, Parma will not complete its remaining fixtures.

Carlo Tavecchio, the president of the Italian football federation (FIGC), was scheduled to travel to Parma later Friday to meet the club’s players and explain to them the financing plan.

Sixteen of the 20 Serie A teams voted in favour of the plan. There were three abstentions, from Roma, Napoli and Sassuolo, while Cesena voted against.

The club is said to be 100 million euros ($113 million) in debt with some 17 million euros owed to the tax authorities.

Serie A has already docked the squad a penalty point as result of delays in meeting players’ salaries.

If Parma do drop out of this season’s league, all previous results stand and future results are recorded as a 3-0 win to the opposition.

NAIROBI, March 7 – Veteran star and former national sevens team skipper Humphrey Kayange is racing against time for fitness as he eyes the sixth and seventh World Sevens Series legs in Hong Kong and Japan for his comeback to the squad.

Kayange, who has been out of action for seven months after undergoing an ankle surgery for an injury picked from Glasgow Commonwealth Games last July, told Capital Sport he is still under rehabilitation but will know his fate after a fitness test next week.

“I’m just taking a step at a time of course there are few tournaments coming up and if I’m able to play, I will try train hard to be part of it but if no, I will continue working on my rehab and see when I will be fit and ready.

“The boys have done well without me and it will be positive if I get back but the young players have got their footing right and the older players are doing their bit right, so it’s a team effort and we want everybody to be 100 percent when we hit the games,” Kayange who last featured in the team May last year underscored.

With the team that registered poor performance in the opening three rounds in Gold Coast, Dubai and Port Elizabeth out of the automatic 2016 Olympic Games qualification, Kayange said focus is on finishing the season on a high before turning attention to regional qualifiers.

However, the 33-year-old Mwamba RFC centre who was in the squad that missed this year’s Rugby World Cup by a whisker after Zimbabwe shattered their dream said the team cannot afford to miss Rio de Janeiro Summer Games that welcome the shorter version of the game for the first time since 1924.

“We are moving in the right direction and I think the boys will work hard to better Wellington and Las Vegas performance. We want to finish where Kenya usually finishes so we will give it a strong push in the remaining four tournaments to see that we move from the bottom.

“At the Africa qualifiers, we will be worried by the usual Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tunisia but its 7s if you wake up on the wrong side and don’t start the game with focus any team can win. This is the last chance that we have and we have to use it well,” Kayange who completed his masters in Biochemistry at UK’s Bristol University stated.

Felix Ochieng’ charges face a tough Pool D that features former Kenya’s head coach Mike Friday’s USA, England and Wales with Kayange saying they will take one match at a time.

“There is no easy pool in the circuit and the sad reality is that we will be facing top teams but we will give it our best. We have played USA before and they beat us so it will be time for the boys to get one back.”

 -Kenya Cup loss-

Meanwhile, after seeing his team Mwamba fail to make it for the Kenya Cup play-off after finishing fifth, disappointed Kayange said they are now rebuilding for Enterprise Cup.

“We gave it a good push this year unfortunately we didn’t make it; we will give it a go again next year.The players are demoralized but we have to focus on the next Cup,” Kayange who on Thursday received Sh470,679 (USD5,166) compensation by UAP for injury incurred at last year’s Commonwealth Games said.

“It’s sad I had to undergo an ankle ligament surgery with my money but I’m happy to get compensated; I feel relieved.”

NAKURU, March 8 – Debutants Kabras Sugar ended champions Top Fry Nakuru RFC’s hopes of lifting a third successive Kenya Cup title after upsetting the hosts 15-12 in the play-offs staged in a capacity-packed Athletic Club on Saturday.

Kabras will now meet three time champions KCB in next weekend’s final at RFUEA Grounds after the Bankers eliminated resilient Strathmore Leos 24-21 in the other nail-biting keenly contested semi .

The loss for the hosts saw head coach Dominique Habimana suffer his first defeat at home in three years but the disappointed Rwandan said they will now turn their focus to defending the Enterprise Cup.

“We did not use our chances well and we paid for it, the whole game was very tense but well done to Kabras I’m so impressed with their performance and we wish them all the best in the final,” Habimana stated after the match.

His opposite number and player-coach Anthony Ogot, said he did not expect the rank underdogs to run out with victory and a shot at the decider, stunned as everyone else as ‘David’ slew ‘Goliath’.

“It’s unbelievable! We didn’t expect this at the beginning of the season but we thank God for the win. It’s not easy to play both roles at the same time; I had faith in the players and they believed in me.

“We have what it takes to win the title, KCB know how to play big games but the advantage is that I have a spirited young side,” delighted Ogot a former national 15s and KCB player underscored.

Nakuru, cheered by a partisan home crowd had themselves to blame for squandering a number of chances in the first half despite breaking through after nine minutes through Dalmas Chituyi at the left but Martin Muita missed the conversion.

They spurned a guilt edged opportunity to extend the lead after Muita missed a penalty before Kabras punished them at the stroke of halftime through Nick Baraza’s who went down under the post with Aluda Abeda kicking successfully for a 7-5 lead at the break.

Nakuru resumed on a high and reclaimed the lead when Edwin Makori touched down from a rolling maul as Muita kicked through for a 12-7 advantage.

Habimana charges lost concentration in defence with Abeda breaching their try line but Larry Safari conceded a penalty for a neck tackle and Nakuru trimmed the deficit to two points from the ensuing penalty.

The visitors utilized Nakuru’s blunder at the centre with Edwin Achayo racing to pick the kick ball to touch down on the right side for a 15-12 lead that they managed to hold on to the end and break Wanyore’s fans hearts.

In the early kick-off, the Bankers advanced to a second successive final after a hard fought win against a strong Strathmore side that featured national sevens players; Billy Odhiambo, Michael Wanjala and Tony Owuor.

Jacob Ojee, Dawin Mukiza, Samuel Mutari and Curtis Lilako scored for KCB while Mukiza converted a late penalty to hand the Bankers the crucial win.

Mugambi Kithamba scored a try for the Students while Kenny Andola converted three penalties to see his side take a 21-14 lead with five minutes to go before Lilako grabbed the late try.

“The boys expressed character and I’m so proud of them. Strathmore came to the party; they gave us a hard push. Whoever comes we are ready to face them,” KCB head coach Curtis Olago who is seeking the first title since 2007 said.

NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 8 –Moses Kosgei and Georgina Rono are the 2015 First Lady’s Half Marathon 21km men and women champions after dominating the second edition that unfolded at a new course in baking hot conditions on Sunday.

Each received Sh750, 000 (USD 8,232.77) for clinching the honours in the event that attracted over 16,000 participants where 3000 took part in the main race.

It was a sweet victory for little known Kosgei who breast the tape in a close contest, stopping the clock at 1:01:28, seven seconds ahead of Andrew Kimutai while former 5000 and 10,000m African Junior champion Mathew Kisorio rounded the podium in 1:01:53.

The corresponding women’s race saw Rono, who finished third at 2012 Boston Marathon was credited with 1:04: 05, that would have beaten Florence Kiplagat’s world record of 1:05:12 set in Barcelona last month but organisers were quick to admit the electronic timing used in the race was defective.

“We shall provide the hand timings tomorrow (Monday) because there is no way she could have run such a time,” Local Organising Committee chairman, Barnabas Korir, later clarified to Capital Sport on phone.

Other top results provided after the race were subsequently invalidated after reflecting super fast times in punishing high altitude of Nairobi with those given for the men also under scrutiny.

However, there was no denying the commanding victory for Rono who was well clear of 2013 Venice marathon winner Mercy Kibarus as pre-race favourite and 2013 Frankfurt champion Caroline Kilel finished third.

Kosgei and Rono who both won a local event for the first time staged brilliant performances tackling the new course that was flagged off outside Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium before heading to Uhuru Highway, Lang’ata Road, Mombasa Road and then turned back at General Motors to finish inside the stadium via Bunyala Road.

“I increased the pace after covering 18km to see if they will close the gap but they didn’t react so I used my tactics to push for the final kick,” Kosgei who was using the event to prepare for Lisbon marathon declared.

On her part Rono who finished second at 2012 Frankfurt marathon was delighted to win her first local race.

“The race was very difficult because there were experienced runners; we ran in a pack of four before splitting one km to the finish and I feel proud for winning my first local race. I was using this to prepare for next month’s Paris marathon,” the 29-year-old who trains in Kapsabet said after the race.

The men’s race was very competitive with the three top athletes streaming in the stadium following each other as they were cheered from thousands of fans who turned up for the event.

James Mwangi (29:03.0) and Rosemary Wanjiru (30:25.0) won the men and women 10km races.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta successfully finished the 21km race, marking the climax of her Beyond Zero campaign.

Mrs Kenyatta who was accompanied by two-time 3000m steeplechase Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi, former women’s world marathon record holder Catherine Ndereba and former World Half marathon champion Lonah Kiplagat clocked 3:24.55.

This is an improvement from last year’s 3:53.05 which is attributed to her intense training at the high altitude areas in Iten this year.

She was received at the finish line by her spouse President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto who also participated in the marathon, promising to encourage the Head of State to also start exercising to keep fit.

“I have been encouraging him (the President) a lot, some people have already bought him a pair of shoes and I also bought him pants so I know he will hit the gym very soon,” Ruto said at the finish.

Other notable personalities who ran include the Deputy President’s wife Rachael, Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Wario (Sports, Arts and Culture), Anne Waiguru, (Devolution and planning) Joseph Nkaisery (Internal Security) among others.

The Beyond Zero campaign marathon is an initiative aimed at raising 600 million shillings to equip mobile clinics in 27 counties.

RESULTS ROUND UP

Men 21km

1.Moses Kosgey   1:01:28

2. Andrew Kimutai 1:01:35

3. Mathew Kisorio 1: 01:53

4. Alfred Kimeli 1:01:59

5. Peter Emase 1:02:04

6. Isaac Kipkoech 1:02:09

7. Decleark Onari 1:02:12

8. Nelphat Sirma 1:02:17

9. Albert Kangongo 1:02: 23

10. Henry Kiplagat 1:02:32

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 8 – Patrick Kiprotich and Stella Jepkosgei produced sterling performances on the final day of the 12th Africa Junior Athletics Championships in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to crown Kenya’s charge with two gold medals as curtains came down on the event on Sunday.

Jonah Kipruto and Fredrick Kiptoo clinched silver whilst Ivee Chepkemoi and Daniel Kipkemoi bagged bronze to complete the country’s medal haul in the four-day continental age championships.

Abraham Kibiwott and Anthony Kiptoo brought home the other gold medals as Kenya failed to improve on her 2013 outing with 12 medals (4 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze) against Ethiopia’s 28 (6 gold, 12 silver, 10 bronze) with the distance running traditional rivals placing third and sixth on overall standings.

Kiprotich improved from last year’s 8th World Youth Championships finish in the men’s 800m by clocking 1:50.21 to beat compatriot Kipruto while Ethiopian Temam Tura settled for bronze in 1:51.06.

Jepkosgei the 2012 World Junios bronze medallist did not disappoint in the women’s 3000m steeplechase after snatching the title from Ethiopians when she stopped the clock in 10:22.47 ahead of Zewdine Teklemariam (10:31.40).

Another Ethiopian Mihret Tefera took bronze in 10:37.25 to deny Kenyan Dorcas Kithome a podium finish after she crossed the line fourth in 10:45.67.

Iveen Chepkemoi women 1500m bronze in 4:26.19 with Ethiopia’s Dawit Biratu winning in 4:15.9, four seconds ahead of compatriot Besu Beko with Eva Cherono finishing just outside the medals (4:29.43).

Home runner Yomif Atomsa out-sprinted Kiptoo and Kipkemoi to take the men 5000m honours in 14: 31.03.

Kenya had a poor outing in the sprints with Maureen Nyatichi finishing sixth in the women’s 200m final (24.79) in a race that was dominated by Nigerian Praise Idamadudu (23.76) as Ethiopia’s Tegest Tamangnu won silver (23.84).

Bronze went to Nigerian Aniekeme Alphonsus who clocked 24.19.

“Most of these countries get their wins from the field events but the performance of Kenya on the track is fantastic. They did a good job,” Athletics Kenya president Isaiah Kiplagat told Capital Sport Sunday when he attended the First Lady’s Half Marathon.

The biannual continental event is open to athletes below 19 years old.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 8 – The national Under-23 football team was put out of its All Africa Games qualifiers misery after succumbing to a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Egypt following a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their tie played in Machakos on Sunday.

Kenya who needed four goals to progress to the next round failed to overturn a 3-0 deficit they suffered in the first leg in the return fixture played in nearly an empty stadium.

Both goals were scored from the spot in the first half with the visitors breaking the deadlock at the quarter hour mark through Mahmoud Abdelmonem before Vincent Omumbo levelled seven minutes later by squeezing his penalty past the despairing dive of the Egyptian keeper who guessed correctly to his right.

Despite making changes from the squad that was thrashed in Cairo, Harambee Stars head coach Bobby Williamson was put to under pressure when his charges conceded an early goal after defender Omumbo hacked down Abdelmonem in the box to see the lethal striker step up and convert the penalty.

Omumbo then made it up for the hosts when he restored parity from the spot after Michael Olunga was brought down by Egypt keeper Mossad Awad and the Thika United centre back fired low and hard to beat the custodian.

The visitors could have reclaimed the lead on the 40th minute only for Mahmoud Hamad’s long range thunderous shot to rattle the woodwork as both sides shared the spoils at the break.

Kenya resumed on a high with Williamson introducing forwards David Kinga’tua, John Ndirangu and Timonah Wanyonyi for Victor Ndinya, Timothy Otieno and Enoch Agwanda as the Scotsman searched for more goals.

The changes were effective but unfortunately neither of them found the back of the net despite the piling pressure.

Awad was forced to make two crucial saves in the dying minutes after the keeper rescued Ndirangu’s powerful header from David Gateri’s well curved corner before he parried Olunga’s shot away from goal.

The visitors who were certain of advancing to the next round after scoring the away goal held on to bundle Kenya out of the Pan African Games that will be hosted in Congo Brazaville in September.

The team will now turn attention to next month’s Africa Championships qualifiers against Botswana in the two legged fixture.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 9 – Two-time World Cross junior champion Faith Chepng’etich and Africa Cross bronze medallist Alice Aprot, have been ruled out of IAAF World Cross Country championships in Guiyang, China after picking injuries at the team’s training camp in Kigari, Embu.

Athletics Kenya president, Isaiah Kiplagat confirmed their withdrawal from the women’s senior 8km squad despite head coach David Letting hoping Chepng’etich would recover from an ankle injury in time for the March 28 global showpiece.

“The team is doing very well; the only unfortunate thing is that Chepng’etich will not participate since she is injured as well as Aprot who pulled out for the same reasons.

“The women’s senior team is a little bit worrying because that means we have to replace them with those who finished seventh and eighth yet we don’t know their condition,” Kiplagat told Capital Sport.

Chepng’etich, the African senior titleholder left camp last Thursday and is currently receiving specialised treatment abroad while Aprot, who finished fifth at the women’s 8km National championships pulled out Saturday.

“Chepng’etich is okay we have sent her to Nairobi for assessment and we hope she will be back by Monday. Our prayer is that we get good results bearing in mind everybody will be coming to win,” Letting said on Friday.

Margaret Jelimo and Viola Kibiwott who were put on standby to replace the pair were set to report camp Monday.

Chepng’etich’s absence almost confirms Emily Chebet who was given a wildcard inclusion in the preliminary squad, will defend the World Cross title as Letting prepares to name his travelling party later this week.

Chebet, two-time world cross champion failed to make the cut at last month’s national trials in Nairobi as Chepg’etich dominated the star studded race ahead of reigning Africa cross winner Agnes Tirop and Janet Kisa.

Irene Chebet and Stacy Ndiwa are other senior women 8km athletes in camp.

Kenya will be out to defend her Bydgoszcz, Poland overall title where they beat rivals Ethiopia after bagging nine medals (5 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze).

NAIROBI, March 9- Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Sam Nyamweya confirmed their case against Kenyan Premier League has not been withdrawn although ‘serious consultations’ to unlock the stalemate were at an advanced stage as he extended an olive branch to their rivals.

Speaking to Capital Sport, Nyamweya said his Executive Committee met Monday to discuss ways to reach out to their rivals and defuse the crisis sparked off last November that has brought two parallel 2015 Premier Leagues.

Later alleged reports from sources within the meeting stating world body Fifa that has remained largely ambivalent to the dispute thus far had written to FKF and urged them to withdraw their suit gained currency particularly on social media.

The federation sought and obtained a High Court injunction against the latter’s competition that is in force until at least Friday when their suit will be heard by civil judge Lady Justice Roselyn Aburili at Nairobi’s Milimani High Court.

“We have not withdrawn the case since we have not yet resolved the matter outside the court. Consultations are ongoing.

“I’m open and prepared for dialogue and determined to get a solution that will be a win-win for both parties. As long as we talk to each other truthfully and seriously, serious consultations will end this impasse,” the FKF president asserted.

According to Nyamweya, they had come up with a raft of proposals to be presented to KPL in another bid to unlock their misunderstanding outside court they would release Tuesday.

Contacted, KPL chief executive Jack Oguda denied receiving any communication from FKF on the matter saying they had not met since the collapse of their latest showdown talks last Tuesday after Justice Aburili gave them 48 hours to quash their dispute or the civil case would go into full hearing.

“I’ve not heard anything about withdraw of the case because they have not written to us. We have never met or communicated since Serena,” the chief executive who saw his competition miss for the second successive week over the weekend proclaimed.

Nyamweya, who has since promoted 14 second division clubs to take the place of the KPL sides who failed to sign up with the federation driven FKF Premier League was conciliatory as the impasse continues to bite.

“We are the same family and our interests are to ensure people are playing football and that is what I want to see. I’m ready to sit and find a way to end this dispute. If I was not interested in a solution, I would not be holding meetings.

“We are committed to a solution but people should respect authority and I believe we can do this,” the president charged.

With football playing in the corridors of justice, Justice Aburili inserted a new twist into the FKF suit when he admitted former federation vice-president, Sam Shollei and Nairobi Delegate, Dan Shikanda to the case as Amicus Curiae in a move said to have side stepped the federation.

The duo were suspended and later banned from FKF for taking them to court to challenge disciplinary measures against them with world governing body Fifa and the federation’s own statutes firm on football disputes not being taken to ordinary courts.

On Friday, Lady Justice Aburili who had demanded written applications from both parties by Monday will hear and rule on four matters, contempt of court proceedings against KPL, injunction orders sought by FKF, KPL’s responding affidavit and submissions from Shollei and Shikanda.

Amid dispute over broadcast rights worth hundreds of millions, administration and definition of statutes; the crux of the wrangles has been FKF’s insistence of an 18-team competition with KPL stuck on their 16-side format.

Kenya still awaits a move from Fifa who last week announced they were monitoring the situation as they argued the feuding parties to arrive at an amicable solution.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 10 –Gor Mahia midfielder Khalid Aucho and centre half Dirkir Glay have recovered from knocks as head coach Frank Nuttall hopes to have a full house for Sunday’s CAF Champions League tie against Congo Brazzaville’s AC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium.

The two key players sustained hamstring strains in their barren draw friendly against fellow Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Ulinzi Stars with Ugandan Aucho forced out in the first half.

Nuttall who led his charges to a second successive draw in their Tuesday build up match, this time round settling for a 1-1 stalemate against Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Posta Rangers, said the team is in high spirits ahead of the first round home leg.

“Preparations are going on well since we are overcoming few knocks and everybody is focused. Aucho and Glay trained today (Tuesday) so we will see how they will react over the next 24 hours.

“Their injuries were not major so hopefully we will have full squad to select from,” Nuttall who relocated the team’s training from City Stadium to Nyayo declared.

K’Ogalo new signing Zachariah Taofiq put the KPL champions ahead in the second half before Rangers who are under the tutelage of former Thika United head coach; John Kamau, equalised through Patrick Karuri.

“It was a useful match for players who were unable to take part in last weekend’s match and those who will play on Sunday. Jerim Onyango is doing fine and he had a chance to play 90minutes today after being sidelines for long,” the coach who fielded a changed side from the one against Ulinzi added.

Gor who eliminated Madagascar’s CNaPS on away goals rule, following a 3-3 aggregate draw to qualify for the first round will be seeking to reach the second stage for the first time over three decades.

“I dwell on present and future but not on history. We have to take the game on and work very hard because it’s going to be a tough challenge but overall we have to try and win the tie since we have the home advantage.”

AC Leopards, the 2012 CAF Confederations Cup winners are expected in the country by Friday on a charted flight.

NAIROBI, March 11- Despite ‘new ultra modern coaches’ rolling majestically into the women 800m ‘bus stop’ in the last decade, the Eldoret Express or Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei as she’s officially known has barring a knock here or there; dutifully served the female two-lap international route now into the 15th year since she broke through with silver at 2001 Africa Juniors.

Her distinguished ‘service’ has minted 14 career medals, the most decorated Kenyan track queen of all time and having been forced to remain in parking for 2013 Moscow World Championships by injury, Jepkosgei is determined than ever to ensure she does not miss the Beijing ticket this summer.

“Right now I’m trying to be there in Beijing. My first aim is to be in the final and if I get any medal, it will be historical for me and something big,” the genial veteran, 31, said at her training base in Eldoret as she embarks on revving up for another campaign.

Having risen to end the Maria Maputo Express Mutola dynasty by handing her back-to-back defeats at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Jekosgei has run in the shadow of new coaches who have denied her the middle step of the podium.

-‘Suspension trouble’-

First came compatriot and Kapsabet Express Pamela Jelimo who forced her to accept Olympics silver in Beijing in 2008 before South Africa’s Polokwane Express Caster Semenya, the then Africa junior champion ended her Worlds’ title defence in Berlin in 2009.

Russia’s Mariya Saminova clinched the next Worlds and Olympics titles in 2011 and 12 before Jepkosgei’s protégé; Eunice Sum took the top medal in Moscow in the event where the injured ‘Eldoret Express’ sat out.

After bombing out of last year’s Commonwealth Games at the semi finals, Jepkosgei was back among the medals at the African Championships in Marrakech, Morocco by winning 800m silver behind Sum before the pair joined forces for silver in the 4x400m relay.

Now fully recovered from the ‘suspension’ trouble in the shape of the Achilles tendon injury that has slowed her progress in the past two seasons, Jepkosgei is quietly confident of a record fourth podium run at the biennial IAAF track and field global showpiece.

“Training is going on well. Going to Beijing gives me different motivation since it was somewhere I competed in a tough race against Pamela, getting that silver. I’m in a different age compared to 2007 and 2008.

“We have been working the last two years with my coach learning something different to what my body can take. It is not like when I was still young and able to do everything,” the seasoned track campaigner declared.

Besides her famous ‘daughter’ in athletics Sum, Jepkosgei has taken Agatha Jeruto, the African junior medallist who is tipped to be the next big thing in women 800m from the long production line of Kenya’s distance running conveyor belt under her wing.

And her mission for the year is to ensure the world champion, Jeruto and herself sweep three of the four available slots in the Kenyan side before mounting a three-pronged assault for the medals in the final at Beijing.

“Sum and Agatha are still young, with a different approach. It is a challenge for me although I know being with them, it motivates them since we challenge each other. Personally, I like to assist people and share what I’ve done.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 11 – After failing to make the cut in the country’s squad for IAAF World Cross in Guiyang, China convicted doper, Matthew Kisorio, has targeted the August World Championships in Beijing as the next frontier of his re-integration to the sport.

The Kenyan captain for the 2011 Punta Umbria World Cross and former African distance double champion finished third at last Sunday’s second First Lady’s Half Marathon to continue his fine form on the domestic form and is eyeing a place in the 10,000m squad for summer’s global showpiece.

However, the Punta Umbria World Cross fourth finisher says he has not given up on the famed green, red and black jersey he last wore in Spain before his results from the men 10,000m Trial for London 2012 Olympics were cancelled after he tested positive for Norandrosterone after a test at the Nationals and banned for two years until July 10, 2014.

“I was expecting to make it to the World Cross but since I didn’t, it does not mean that’s the end of me or I’ve lost hope. I’ve never represented Kenya at the Worlds; it will be a dream come true if I make it,” Kisorio, the 2007 African Junior Champion 5000m and 10,000m told Capital Sport.

Kisorio, who was in Kenya’s team for 2014 Chiba International Ekiden that finished second behind Japan, will compete in three half marathon races abroad ahead of the July Trials for the global event that will be held in August.

The 25-year-old has been keeping his body in shape, winning local races at Ndakaini Half Marathon and Jaramogi Oginga Road Race but will have to work hard as he prepares to face Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Josphat Kipkoech Bett, Peter Kirui and Charles Cheruiyot among others who are likely to vie for the slot.

Kenya will be looking to field a strong men’s 10,000m team as they bid to reclaim the elusive 25-lap title that was last won at the 2001 world outing in Edmonton, Canada by Charles Kamathi.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 11 – Once again, all eyes and eyes of Kenyan football enthusiasts will be trained on civil judge, Lady Justice Roselyn Aburili on Friday, as an expectant nation awaits to see which direction its football crisis will take during the hearing of a suit filed by the federation against their league management rivals.

Both Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Kenyan Premier League (KPL) – the primary parties in the case that will be heard in Room 208 of Nairobi’s Milimani High Court starting 9am local time- have already declared minor ‘victories’ in the period since March 3 when Justice Aburili adjourned the hearing with the country praying for biblical Solomonic wisdom to guide the seasoned judge.

On Monday, her orders to enjoin former FKF vice-president, Sammy Shollei and suspended Nairobi delegate, Dan Shikanda to the suit as interested parties were seen as a plus for KPL which is challenging the legality of hearing the dispute in a local court as opposed to arbitration as spelt in world governing body Fifa and the federation’s own statutes.

Then on Thursday, it was FKF’s turn to declare ‘victory’ when federation boss, Sam Nyamweya dispatched a letter apparently from Fifa where they are denying allegations that gained momentum on Tuesday they had been ordered to withdraw the court case and let KPL run t a 16-team competition as opposed to the parallel 18-side premier league they started after severing ties with the latter on January 28.

“We have not withdrawn the case since we have not yet resolved the matter outside the court. Consultations are ongoing.

“I’m open and prepared for dialogue and determined to get a solution that will be a win-win for both parties. As long as we talk to each other truthfully and seriously, serious consultations will end this impasse,” Nyamweya told Capital Sport on Tuesday when reports Fifa had written to them to cede ground to KPL surfaced.

KPL chairman Ambrose Rachier, who is among respondents to contempt of court proceedings brought by FKF after they went on to run the first round of the 2015 Premier League despite a court injunction told this website the case could swing either way.

“We haven’t met with FKF to discuss the way forward as reports suggest so the stalemate will be resolved by the court where I will know if I will be jailed or acquitted,” Rachier, a prominent lawyer explained.

-Injunction in force- 

With the injunction against KPL, unless lifted Friday spilling into a third weekend, the Governing Council on Wednesday announced the re-launch of the Transparency Cup that is scheduled to kick-off Saturday to keep their 14 member clubs in addition to relegated Nairobi City Stars and Nakuru All Stars busy.

However, in a swift rejoinder, FKF were quick to cancel the tournament citing they were not consulted as administrators of football opening another potential battlefront in the bare knuckled supremacy wars that has almost paralysed domestic club football.

Once again, a horde of football fans are expected to flock Milimani High Court to know the outcome that has seen KPL round two and three fixtures halted as parallel FKF league is on.

The judge who demanded written applications from both parties on Monday will hear and rule on four matters, contempt of court proceedings against KPL, injunction orders sought by FKF, KPL’s responding affidavit and submissions from Shollei and Shikanda.

Others who were sued in the contempt of court are Tusker FC chairman James Musyoki, Ulinzi Stars Col. J.S Mwinyikai, Mathare United’s Bob Munro, AFC Leopards’ Allan Kasavuli and Sofapaka’s Elly Kalekwa who stand to commuted to six month civil jail if found guilty.

Over to you, Honorable Lady Justice Aburili!

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 13 – Kenyan Premier League (KPL) top officials have been acquitted of contempt of court charges.

The High Court on Friday afternoon ruled that there was no evidence that KPL was served with the order barring it from organising league matches.

Nairobi’s Milimani High Court Lady Justice Roseline Aburili, found KPL CEO Jack Oguda, his chairman Ambrose Rachier, Tusker FC’s James Musyoki, Mathare United’s Bob Munro, Ulinzi Stars’ Col. Mwinyikai Juma, AFC Leopards’ Allan Kasavuli and Sofapaka’s Elly Kalekwa not guilty of the charges.

“This court having found that there was no service of knowledge of the injunction upon the respondents and that there was selective justice inciting them for contempt.

“They were not in disobedient of the court order and therefore, I decline to grant the order sort by plaintiff applicant seeking to have them jailed and the said motion is accordingly dismissed and the respondents are found not guilty. I order that each party bares their own cost of this application,” the Lady Justice ruled.

Speaking moments after the ruling, Oguda who was the only respondent in court declared the judge’s direction was a relief since he was innocent.

“The ruling today was in our favour because we confirmed that we did not receive the injunction and as KPL we respect the rule of law and that’s why we have not held any matches since then. We now hope the court will lift the court order so that we can go to the field,” the delighted chief executive stated outside the courthouse.

The ruling spared the seven, seen as key decision makers in the KPL Governing Council, six months in civil jail after the federation rushed to court on February 25 seeking to have them locked up in the continuing supremacy battle against their rivals.

However, over 100 football enthusiasts who jam packed the courtroom will miss the league for the third week after Justice Aburili extended the order stopping KPL from running its 2015 Premier League to Monday ,when she will make a ruling on the application to have it lifted.

Curiously, FKF vice president Robert Asembo and their lawyer Eric Mutua were conspicuously absent with the latter sending a junior attorney.

Suspended FKF officials, former vice president Sammy Shollei and Nairobi delegate Dan Shikanda who were enjoined in the suit attended the hearing but they will be heard next week.

Aburili, who demanded written applications from both parties after they failed to settle the matter out of court, said FKF’s contempt charges had ill motive since it discriminated KPL officials despite the injunction also addressing Kenya Football Referees Association and Sports Kenya.

“The question that begs answers from this court is what criteria did the plaintiff use to seek the said directors to be cited of contempt to the exclusion of the other two defendants officials bearing in mind the match cannot be held without referees or the facility.

“The process server is in question since it’s not clear whether the recipient Mr Oguda received the order at 5:30pm. I have found that the process server picked the injunction at 5:30pm so there is no way the recipient could receive the order at the said time,” the lady justice ruled.

SYDNEY, March 14- London 2012 Oympic Games 800m champion and world record holder David Rudisha opened his 2015 season with an impressive 1:45.01 win at the Sydney Track Classic on Saturday night.

Rudisha strode powerfully away from Alex Rowe over the final 200 metres after the Australian had desperately tried to cling to his heels in the hope of being dragged to a national record.

Instead, Rowe had to dig deep to hold off New Zealand’s Brad Mathas, the pair clocking 1:47.38 to 1:47.39 respectively.

The Kenyan world record holder’s fourth visit to Australia is the past six years brought his slowest winning time over two laps during that time, but he had warned before the race that he was not as advanced in his preparations as in his earlier visits.

Nor did he run a 400m race as a lead-in, which he has done ahead of his other three visits Down Under.

Consequently, it was no surprise when Rudisha’s preferred pacemaker, Sammy Tangui, went through 400m in a tick under 51 seconds rather than his customary 49-point something. Rudisha was a couple of strides back in around 51.5 with Rowe on his heels.

Rudisha said he was happy with his run, considering the limited amount of specific preparation he has had. In his absence through injury.

The aim for this year is simple, to return to the top of the pile over 800m.

Rudisha will clash again with Rowe, as well as Jeff Riseley and last year’s national champion Joshua Ralph, at next Saturday’s Melbourne World Challenge meeting, the opening leg of the 2015 IAAF World Challenge.

-Bounce back-

The world record holder is hoping to bounce back to the top of the 800m running after being led to Commonwealth Games silver by Botswana’s Nijel Amos, the Olympics silver medallist in his first major international competition since returning from knee injury last May.

Rudisha is eyeing reclaiming the world title he won in Daegu, South Korea in 2011 he vacated after the injury in June 2013 ruled him out of the Moscow Worlds where another of his archrivals, Ethiopian Mohammed Aman, occupied his throne.

Speaking before his Australian tour, Rudisha who ruled out competing in 400m abroad had targeted a high 1:44 to start a campaign he is solely focused on the summer Beijing global track and field showpiece.

-Additional reporting by Mutwiri Mutuota

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 14 – KCB RFC ended the dream of surprise debutants Kabras by depositing a 27-3 victory in the final to end their eight-year Kenya Cup wait at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds on Saturday.

Nakuru RFC who surrendered the title to Kabras at the last four, settled for third after edging out Strathmore Leos 21-15 whist Impala II beat defending champions KCB II 29-10 to lift the Eric Shirley Shield.

“It has been a long wait and finally we were able to win the trophy. Boys were motivated ahead of the game and capitalized on Kabras mistakes to punish them. I knew they were strong on the breakdowns so I tightened my defence and finally pinned them down,” KCB head coach Curtis Ogalo who won his first Kenya Cup trophy with the Ruaraka based side enthused after the win.

His opposite number, Anthony Ogot who was ironically part of KCB’s victorious 2006 squad as a player said, “We didn’t expect to reach the finals, we lost but we proved our worth. We are looking forward for a better season next year.”

The Lions who entered the encounter as favorites began under pressure with Kabras superiority in the scrum giving the bankers a hard time but Curtis Lilako brought a sigh of relief when he broke the stalemate from a rolling maul with Darwin Mukidza converting for a 7-0 lead.

Lilako would soon visit the sin bin as Kabras fought back but KCB maximized on their opponents errors for a turn over possession that saw Mukidza set up Jacob Ojee to score at the corner for 12-0.

Olago charges remained resolute against a hungry Kabras side seeking to make history in winning their maiden title and took the lead into the breather.

Aluda Beda scored Kabras’ only points off a penalty in early second half action, reducing the deficit to 12-3 but the sugar Millers fell further behind when Oscar Okaron failed to decisively deal with Mukidza’s speculative chip after Fabian Olando’s initial punt on a loose ball, Mukidza grounding for a 17-3 lead.

Kabras hopes of coming back in the game could be dampened when Peter Karia scored off a rolling maul with Mukidza converting to take the scores to 24-3.

Mukidza added a late penalty to confirm the full time result as the bankers bagged a fourth Kenya Cup, adding to titles in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

There were more accolades for the bankers as Lilako took home the top try and points scorer awards after landing 16 times, accumulating 80 points while Max Adaka was voted the most valuable player for the 2014/15 season.

NAIROBI, March 15- Gor Mahia’s hopes of progressing past the first round of the CAF Champions League hang by a thread after conceding a damaging 1-0 home defeat to visiting AC Leopards of Congo in their opening leg clash at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

Cesair Gandze struck a dipping shot from his weaker left foot on the 49th minute for the winner and crucial away goal following a defensive mix up between Musa Mohammed and Timothy Otieno to leave K’Ogalo staring at a second successive elimination at the round of 32 ahead of the second leg in Congo Brazzavile.

“We are still in the tie and gave them a fright in the opening minutes and I cannot blame my players since apart from that one lapse in concentration, they gave their all,” Gor coach, Frank Nuttall said after the match.

The home side fashioned two scoring chances inside the first ten minutes with the lively Michael Olunga forcing keeper Chancel Massa to a scrambling save at his near post with eight gone in a barnstorming start in front of a partisan crowd.

From the resultant corner, Liberian defender, Dirkir Glay headed onto the crossbar as AC Leopards from an Olunga knock down with Massa beaten all hands up.

That was as good as it got for Gor who looked laden from lack of match sharpness following the suspension of their Kenyan Premier League from an injunction obtained by Football Kenya Federation that ran into the third weekend in the ongoing football crisis in the country.

Having opted to bypass the midfield where Gor were enjoying dominance, AC Leopards weathered the early storm and began forcing the game to the home side.

They came close to the opener in the 34th when Makkiese looped the ball over the advancing Boniface Oluoch in goal but the ball tricked few inches past the inside of the right post after he snapped the offside trap.

Leopards went even closer when they hit the crossbar from a header that had Olouch scrambling as Mohammed hacked the rebound clear from the line.

It took only four minutes after the break for Leopards to fashion the victory when Gandze set himself up and unloaded a dipping left foot shot when the ball bobbled between Mohammed and Ochieng who had all the time to clear their lines in a moment of hesitation that cost their side.

Gor could not respond as Leopards sunk deeper in defence and at the final whistle, the 2012 Confederation Cup winners went home happier with the advantage.

NAIROBI, March 16- High Court judge Alfred Mabeya will rule on Tuesday morning whether to grant orders to stop Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) from holding their Annual General Meeting later in the afternoon.

Justice Mabeya will read his ruling at 8:45am ahead of the AGM scheduled for 4pm at Rugby Football Union of East Africa grounds in Nairobi where elections of a new board are on the agenda.

The injunction orders are being sought by the faction led by Sasha Mutai, who was voted chairman in a Special General Meeting (SGM) in February where the entire board led by interim chairman Gabriel Ouko was sent home.

Speaking to Capital Sport on Monday, Jack Okoth who was elected as Secretary General at the SGM said they cannot allow the AGM to go on yet their dispute with the group led by interim Ouko was referred to arbitration.

“As far as we are concerned the so called AGM is null and void because this was called a day after they were kicked out of office. The matter is before court and it was our request to refer the matter to the sports tribunal.

“So how do they rush to call for AGM to elect a third office and yet we already have two offices that are in conflict, I think it’s an exercise in futility and malicious. They delayed filing the case in tribunal but I’m glad the ministry of sports and Anthony General are defendants in this application,” Okoth who served as KRU CEO in Mwangi Muthee’s term declared.

Okoth who said Simpson Osiemo’s report on alleged graft in the Union was a sham added if they are not granted the court order, they will proceed to the Court of Appeal.

“We have not seen the report and it was a waste of time, the proper report was supposed to be done by Union official’s auditors PKF which they opposed and made Muthee resign.

“We will not stop until we get the structures. We cannot agree this to go on, this thing has to end and it’s ending this year.”

Interim KRU boss Ouko, through his secretary general, called for the Tuesday AGM to elect new officials.

Speaking after returning with the national sevens team from their tour of New Zealand and USA, Ouko declared he was keen for dialogue with the Mutai group to quash the leadership crisis in the organisation.

“All issues that were raised by the guys who wanted the SGM can be raised in the AGM so we are open to criticism, and the public is out there to judge us. I don’t think we need to go to the tribunal, it would be the last resort if we don’t agree,” Ouko who took over mid December after Mwangi Muthee resigned from the post said on February 19.

Cabinet Secretary for Sport, Dr. Hassan Wario had met KRU the group led by Mutai two days earlier and after deliberations, proposed for the matter to go for arbitration.

Principal Secretary in the ministry, Jasper Rugut was appointed to chair the arbitration process.

“Yes, we have agreed to go for arbitration because the Government was not happy with two groups claiming leadership of the union. We shall begin this process as soon as we receive word from the other side they are ready.

“We support efforts to bring the sport together,” Mutai told Capital Sport after meeting with the minister last month.

Former chairman, Richard Omwela, who lost to Muthee four years ago is seeking to return to the helm

-More to follow

NAIROBI, March 16- The 2015 Tusker Kenyan Premier League is back following a three-week suspension after the High Court threw out an injunction filed against them running their competition by Football Kenya Federation on Monday.

Civil Court Judge, Lady Justice Roselyne Aburili quashed FKF’s application on Monday bringing an end to High Court orders enforced since February 23 when KPL acknowledged proper service of the injunction granted by Justice Mbogholi Msagha.

“I struck out application filed by FKF for abatement because there was no applicant persona party capable and with the legal capacity to initiate and prosecute the said application.

“The prayer of striking out the entire suit for want of jurisdiction of the court to hear the dispute on account of FIFA and FKF statutes is declined and the suit is sustained,” Aburili read in part of her ruling.

The decision at Room 28 of the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi sparked celebrations outside the courthouse where majority of over 100 fans who have keenly followed proceedings hoisted Kenyan Premier League CEO, Jack Oguda, shoulder high chanting his name.

“This is kind of ruling that protects sports and you can see the fans are ready to watch KPL. We appreciate the Judge has made a good ruling so we will start the league as soon as possible and settling the issue out of court is something we can explore as the Judge said,” Oguda, who was booed by a few rival supporters, enthused.

In striking out the injunction, Justice Aburili stayed the civil case filed by the federation against the league management body.

And later Monday, FKF said they were studying the verdict with a view of deciding their next move in the ongoing supremacy battle over composition and running of the country’s top flight.

“Football Kenya Federation hereby, following today’s ruling by Lady Justice Roselyn Aburili, wishes to confirm that we have received the direction taken by the Court on the matter between FKF and Kenyan Premier League Limited.

“Arising from the Ruling, the Federation is satisfied that the case is still on course and the substance thereon was not dismissed by the Court. We can confirm that our Lawyers are and are studying the ruling with a view to preparing grounds for the next course of action,” a statement signed FKF Media read in its entirety.

Justice Aburili struck out FKF’s name from the case because a society cannot sue by its name in a civil court, allowing federation bosses to continue with litigation by using their own names.

“It will be denial of justice if the court struck out this suit on account that the plaintiffs must go to FIFA or Sports Tribunal contrary to the provision of Article 48 of the constitution which enact that the State shall ensure justice to all persons.

“On that note I did not go to the aspect whether KPL is affiliated or recognised by FIFA since the record is clear it’s a domestic private company whose share holders are recognized by FIFA. They pay affiliation fee to FKF which shows that they are a member of federation contrary to FKF’s argument that they seized to be their members,” the Judge ruled in illustrating the High Court’s jurisdiction to hear and decide on the dispute that has seen FKF and KPL thus far fail to reach an amicable resolution outside the corridors of justice since last November.

In granting FKF the right to appeal, once again Justice Aburili urged both parties to be at liberty to settle the matter out of court as the football crisis in the country still persists despite Monday’s decision.

It means whilst the court, at the direction of whether the parties can come to agreement to defuse their standoff, will continue hearing the case filed by FKF against KPL as two parallel Premier Leagues continue running.

Mixed reaction from fans followed the eagerly anticipated ruling with majority expressing delight and satisfaction with the verdict.

“We wanted KPL to continue nothing more, we love football. I’m happy with the judge’s ruling he has saved the players who depends on the game for a living and for those who were wasting time in court they should know we have won the battle. We want the derby to be organized as soon as possible,” KPL champions Gor Mahia  most recognised supporter, Jared Obonyo, famously known as Jaro Soldier, told Capital Sport.

“I’m so happy with today’s ruling because KPL has been there for us and we will continue working together with them to ensure our game rise high. We want to play in a competitive league; we cannot play with small teams who have been incorporated in the league,” AFC Leopards fan, Lester Lukovo, declared.

“I’m so happy KPL will resume, we had missed going to the stadium and watch the game, I can’t wait to cheer my team,” another notable Gor fan, Pastor Sudi, stated.

“They have won not on merit but on technicality, the judge emphasized we can come back and make a fresh application and we are ready to do so,” one FKF supporter muttered.

KPL did not waste time in announcing the resumption of their televised fixtures with titleholders Gor Mahia clashing with Bandari Thursday to get their delayed programme off again.