NAIROBI, March 17- The planned Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Annual General Meeting and subsequent election of a new board will go on as scheduled Tuesday evening after the High Court dismissed an application to grant injunction against it this evening.

Sasha Mutai, who was elected Union boss at a Special General Meeting last month before being barred from taking office and his faction moved to Milimani Law Courts to seek the orders and barring a successful last minute appeal, their bid to stop the exercise has flopped.

In his ruling Tuesday morning, High Court judge Alfred Mabeya dismissed the case on grounds that the application was not in good faith since they have not been barred from contesting.

“Following the affidavit filed by register of societies it’s evident that KRU applied to comply with the Sports Acts and therefore the plaintiff’s plea is not in good motive.

“Sports must be run smoothly to benefit those who play and bring sanity to the game. Sports is played on the field and not in court rooms or tribunals,” the judge said in his verdict to toss out the injunction plea.

The plaintiff lawyer, Arimi Kimathi pleaded leave to appeal and was granted.

Speaking after the ruling Okoth who was elected SG in last month’s SGM maintained the AGM is null and void and they will not recognise the outcome. The AGM will go on at 4pm.

Former KRU boss, Richard Omwela and interim boss Gabriel Ooko have tossed their hats to the ring to contest a two-year term at the helm of the rugby national body.

NAIROBI, March 17- Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has revisited its proposal to have a two-tier Premier League involving clubs affiliated to them and those playing under the Kenyan Premier League banner to resolve the impasse on the 2015 top flight.

In a letter addressed to KPL chairman, Ambrose Rachier signed by federation boss, Sam Nyamweya marked; ‘Without Prejudice’ FKF revisited their earlier proposal in the aftermath of the judgement by Lady Justice Roselyn Aburili that lifted an injunction on the league organising body on Monday.

“Whereas past efforts to negotiate our way through the impasse has yielded little results, the federation hereby once again wish to pursue another opportunity to resolve the question of the premier league as guided by the ruling of the court which gave a chance for settlement of the matter out of court,” Nyamweya stated.

He gave KPL a Tuesday deadline to respond to their proposals although he did not state what further action FKF would take if their rivals reject their latest overtures.

In a swift rejoinder, the addressee Rachier poured cold water on the proposals being an amicable way forward to find a lasting solution pointing out Nyamweya triggered the crisis when he announced plans to establish an 18 team top flight at the end of last season without exhaustive consultations and agreement.

“How does someone give you an ultimatum yet he wants the matter to be resolved? From the recommendation of the court, people go to the table to discuss the matter but not to issue ultimatums.

“Nyamweya started this issue of the so called 18 team league and he does not know what to do now since the injunction has been lifted because we must go on with our league,” the KPL chief who is also the Gor chairman told Capital Sport.

Nyamweya has moved four proposals to defuse the crisis that sparked off last November when he announced plans of expanding the league to 18 teams before the national body and KPL broke ranks late January leading to the onset of parallel leagues.

• In compliance with Article 10 (1) of the FKF Constitution, there shall be one Premier League known as FKF Premier League, a matter agreed by all parties concerned.
• The FKF Premier League shall comprise two zones, A and B, with teams promoted from the National Super League constituting Zone B, while those that previously participated in the KPL Limited-run league shall participate in Zone A of the league.
• At the end of the season, the two top teams from either zone shall play a round robin mini-league to determine the champion. The remaining teams shall participate in a one-off play-off to get those that remain in the league with the losers facing relegation to the National Super League.
• Two teams shall then be promoted to complete an 18-team league from next season.

“This, in our considered opinion, is the best solution that gives the way forward which accommodates everyone because we find ourselves in a very unique situation and one that we must manage well to ensure club’s interests are given due priority,” the federation chief continued.

The letter is silent on some key aspects of their dispute notably; how television revenue and contracts they entered with South African pay television channel, SuperSport and title sponsors, East Africa Breweries through their Tusker brand will be divided among 34 clubs that will vie in the two-zone competition should the league management body accede to it.

It was at the height of the dispute that FKF promoted a record 14 clubs to the top tier and sought an injunction against their rivals that saw their league suspended for three weeks.

Already, KPL have brought back Nairobi City Stars and Nakuru Top Fry who were relegated last season to fill their contingent of 16 after failing to agree with the federation on which two teams from the Super League to take up their places.

Having rejected these proposals a fortnight ago when Justice Aburuli gave them 48 hours to thrash out a settlement before she started ruling on the civil case brought by FKF against KPL, the league organising body has once again indicated they will not close ranks with the national governing body.

Nyamweya’s letter could therefore, end up being another failed move to entrench his wishes down the throats of KPL who feel they have the goodwill and financial clout to whether any attempts against running their competition in accordance to the structures they established eight years ago when they came into existence.

FKF were granted right of appeal by Justice Aburuli while their civil case was stayed with top officials ordered to be plaintiffs in their individual capacity as opposed to using the federation as a registered society to sue KPL.

NAIROBI, March 17- CAF Champions League participants Gor Mahia face Bandari at City Stadium on Thursday from 4pm local time in a re-scheduled Kenyan Premier League match that marks the resumption of top flight club football action following three weeks of inactivity brought about by a court injunction.

Gor and Bandari registered impressive wins in their opening KPL fixtures on the weekend of February 21 and 22.

While a rebuilt and confident Bandari were crushing visiting Muhoroni Youth 3-1 at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa, reigning league champions Gor Mahia were thrashing Mathare United 4-2 at City Stadium in Nairobi.

A full set of eight fixtures will be played over the weekend and will also involve Nakuru All Stars and City Stars, who were relegated last season, but have, following a decision by the KPL Governing Council, been included in the league to make 16 teams.

The High Court on Monday lifted an injunction obtained by Football Kenya Federation on February 20 stopping KPL from running the league.

Fixtures

Thursday – Gor Mahia v Bandari (4pm City Stadium).

Saturday – Ulinzi Stars v Western Stima (3pm Afraha Stadium), KCB v Nakuru All Stars (2pm Nyayo Stadium), City Stars v AFC Leopards (4.15pm Nyayo Stadium), Thika United v Mathare United (3pm Thika County Stadium).

Sunday – Tusker v Ushuru (2pm Nyayo Stadium), Gor Mahia v Chemelil Sugar (4.15pm Nyayo Stadium), Sony Sugar v Muhoroni Youth (3pm Awendo Green Stadium), Sofapaka v Bandari (3pm Kenyatta Stadium).

-By KPL

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 17 – Organisers of 63rd KCB Safari Rally have withdrawn the annual showpiece from Africa Rally Championships calendar to focus on efforts of gaining re-admittance to the 2017 World Rally Championships roster.

Changes have been made to the event moved from June to April to coincide with its tradition Easter holidays slot for the first time since 1996 when it was part of the WRC with organisers unveiling a 9000km event that will be an ultimate test between man and machine in echoes of Safari of old that gained international fame and notoriety as a bone breaker.

Two new sections has been added to the three-day rally that will traverse Nairobi, Machakos, Laikipia and Meru counties after its flagged off at Kenyatta International Conference Center on April 3.

Clerk of Course, Bimal Patel, said Tuesday during the launch added stages makes the rally more of an endurance event as opposed to a sprint competition during with drivers racing in private and public roads.

“This Safari is going to be different; it’s going to be a combination of all Safari type roads and current day rally sections. The route is dry but if it rains, then Meru is going to be fun because that’s where winners of the old edition were decided.

“Driving skill technique and energy must be taken on consideration by the drivers for them to succeed,” he added.

Standard Required Timing Machine that is used in WRC will be introduced for the first time in the second round of 2015 Kenya National Rally Championships.

“If we get WRC status in three years, it means we will not need to procure the timing system. The satellite based equipment will help us get exact timings since cars will be running in transponders and when they reach the finish line; it will transmit precise time drivers have taken in the stages.

“We are working around the clock to see we get the facility in time, should that not happen we have an alternative option,” Kenya Motorsport Federation director, Phineas Kimathi declared.

Drivers will head to Machakos, Athi River then back to KICC on the opening day before attacking roads in Naromoru on to a new stage in Loldaiga Private Ranch, Ngare Ndare forest before turning at a new route from Isiolo- Meru tarmac road to complete the second.

The last day will rev off at Meru ASK Show Ground then head to Meru forest, Kisima before turning back to Loldaiga, Lewa and finish at the start point.

“The car has gone for complete rebuild to see if we will be ready in time to try and win our first Safari. The opening round in Kisumu was not good for us since we retired at the fourth stage,” two-wheel drive KNRC champion, Leonardo Varese told Capital Sport.

Quentin Mitchell, who has finished the podium in Safari twice in 2012 and 13, is raring to challenge two-time champion Baldev Chager and experienced Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo.

“A lot of changes will be done in my car to see we are ready in time. We will enter the race with an interesting mind set since we are using S2000 car because it’s a high raving car that might not necessary travel for long but we will use our brain to give top drivers a run for their money.”

Scruteneering will be held March 31 while recce will be on 28 and 29.

NAIROBI, March 17- Having turned to ordinary courts to rubber stamp their position as bonafide managers of football in the country, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is at crossroads.

This comes after a High Court in Nairobi handed its rival, Kenyan Premier League (KPL), a crushing victory on Monday by lifting an injunction to their competition.

Civil judge Lady Justice Roselyn Aburili ruled there were no sufficient grounds to stop KPL from running their Premier League that was declared invalid by the federation that kicked off its own 18-team FKF Premier League last month as the sanctioned top flight competition in the country.

For three weeks, 14 clubs that constituted Kenya’s top tier club competition last season could not kick a ball after FKF obtained an injunction against KPL on Feb. 20 that was properly served on the league management body three days later.

Following the verdict, FKF released a three-paragraph statement later Monday that lacked customary force and authority announcing they were weighing options about their next move.

“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,” said the national governing body. “We can confirm that our lawyers are studying the Ruling with a view to preparing grounds for the next course of action.”

KPL were quick to announce a resumption of their suspended programme starting Thursday to make up for lost time.

“KPL can now continue. The injunction had affected the clubs, the players and indeed the football industry. We appreciate the support we have received from all our friends and the media. Top flight football can now continue,” said the league organising body CEO Jack Oguda.

-Major Setbacks-

Monday’s ruling was the third major setback for FKF in their civil suit against the league organisers that now finds itself scrambling to gain a foothold in the ongoing power play over control of the lucrative top flight, the only arm of Kenyan football that has grown over the past decade with title and broadcast sponsors in place.

Exactly a week earlier, Lady Justice Aburili allowed two former FKF officials, Vice-president Sammy Shollei and Nairobi Delegate, Dan Shikanda, who were suspended from football activity for going to court, enjoined in the suit as interested parties.

<!–nextpage–>This allowed them a route back to the game as they sought answers to why they were kicked out for the same action the governing body had taken in turning to corridors of justice to settle a dispute.

Last Friday, the same judge set free seven top KPL officials who had been sued for contempt of court for organising matches on the weekend of Feb. 21 and 22, ruling the federation did not serve them the High Court order granted by another Judge, Mbogholi Msanga on Feb. 20 in good time to stop the competition.

In her verdict, Lady Justice Aburili faulted the federation’s plea for singling out the seven, namely; KPL CEO, Oguda alongside club chairmen, Ambrose Rachier (Gor Mahia), Allan Kasavuli (AFC Leopards), Elly Kalekwa (Sofapaka), Colonel J Mwinyikai (Ulinzi Stars), Bob Munro (Mathare United) and Joe Musyoki (Tusker FC).

After Monday’s outcome, FKF was left clutching at their civil case against KPL where the judge ruled they were free to continue as long as they do not use the federation’s name as an institution to enter litigation since Kenya’s laws bar registered societies into entering such suits.

Lady Justice Aburili, however, granted the federation right of appeal.

-Loss Of Legitimacy-

The case and by large the football standoff that sparked off last November when FKF announced the expansion of the top flight to 18 teams against KPL’s stand of a 16-side competition has dominated local mainstream and social media.

Majority of public opinion has swung against the federation and its president, Sam Nyamweya, who holds instruments of power without financial clout and goodwill to exercise it.

This is despite a well organised propaganda campaign funded and fuelled by the federation in sections of print and electronic media that has consistently churned out falsehoods, including allegations of falsified letters sent by world governing body FIFA supporting their stand.

FIFA headquarters in Zurich has maintained they should look for an amicable solution to the crisis with KPL, a call supported by Lady Justice Aburuli who gave both parties the freedom to reach an out of court settlement.<!–nextpage–>

Nevertheless, previous face to face talks to unlock the impasse have collapsed in acrimony, notably in mid February when the country’s Cabinet Secretary for Sport, Hassan Wario, and a fortnight ago, Lady Justice Aburili gave them 48 hours to defuse the crisis to no avail.

- Fifa Action-

With the dispute going to ordinary courts, government weighing in albeit subtlety and the existence of two parallel leagues all flying against FIFA statutes. Kenya’s crisis has persisted with almost passive intervention from the usually forceful world governing body.

“Throughout the past weeks, FIFA has sent letters to both the FKF and KPL in order to remind them of the relevant rules and provisions included in the FIFA statutes and offer the necessary support to solve the ongoing issue. We are currently monitoring the matter and can’t make further comments for the time being,” a FIFA spokesperson quoted by Insideworldfootball said on March 7.

In late December, FIFA sent three representatives led by former head of German Bundesliga chief, Robert Niemann, Development Officer in charge of East and South Africa, Ashford Mamelodi, and James Johnson flew in to mediate talks, but FKF trashed their recommendations once they backed the 16-team format, saying they had “overstepped their mandate.”

With the civil case, FKF may re-group and opt to pursue their suit, which is likely to take months or years to reach a resolution. Direct FIFA intervention is perhaps the only route to enforce a rapid end to the stalemate with two parallel topflight competitions.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March17 – Richard Omwela was re-elected Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman for a two-year term after flooring acting boss Gabriel Ouko in a stormy Annual General Meeting held at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds on Tuesday evening.

Omwela who returns at the Union after losing the seat to Mwangi Muthee in 2011, garnered 25 votes against Ouko’s 17.

Paula Lanco collected 28 votes to retain his director seat alongside Rajinder Sembi, (34 votes), Oscar Mango (31 votes) and Ian Mugambi (28 votes).

“I’m taking a new challenge and walking in a situation that is very delicate. I’ve been in the board before but honestly I didn’t want to come back because I thought I had done my part but given the indecency in the game, I was requested by many affiliates to come and bring sanity.

“Top in line is to restructure the board because there is a feeling of misallocation of resources. I will divorce the board from management because I don’t want to see board members hanging at the secretariat directing them on what to do,” Omwela told reporters after being declared winner.

In all, 48 delegates from 28 clubs and two directors (chairman and his vice) participated in the secret ballot that was presided over by National Olympic Committee- Kenya Assistant Secretary General, James Chacha while Registrar for Sports; Rose Wasike and Sports Commissioner, Gordon Oluoch were observers.

The biggest loser was Director of Media and Communications Kadiega Ogutu who received seven votes to join Rugby Patron Ian Nduati (25 votes) and Sylvia Kamau (18 votes) on missing out on director slots.

However, there was drama moments after the returning officer took charge when Spartans RFC delegate, Nils Achayo protested over the barring of 12 Nationwide League clubs from voting on grounds that they had either not paid affiliation fee or did not submit delegates’ names on time.

“You are not going to get away with it, where do you want to take our game? Rugby is being expanded and people of Ngon’g Road must accept that, we are not going to believe small clubs don’t have a say when it comes to elections but are recognised when the Union is seeking grants from IRB.

“The clubs needs us all, they have been doing this year in year out and it must stop,” Achayo protested.

The annual report and consolidated financial statement read by the Union’s auditor’s PKF was trashed after Impala RFC chairman, Oduor Gangla’s moved a successful motion that was seconded by Mombasa RFC’s Joshua Aroni to reject the 2014 accounts and allow the new office to appoint another auditor.

It was also agreed that the Union must remit 10 percent of uncommitted funds to clubs starting August, after Gangla’s motion seconded by Kabras delegate was passed.

“There must be equality in distribution of funds, clubs should also be treated the same as the national teams. We want the money to be devolved because they are affiliates of the Union, so if you can work on a budget we can start with 10 percent in the first year, then the second year 20 and third 30,” the Impala boss declared.

KRU, through its Secretary General Eddie Omondi declined Gangla’s motion saying they cannot remit 30 percent of the money every year since they have contractual obligations with sponsors.

The Union agreed to use unattached money like from merchandise, gate collection IRB and Africa Confederation Rugby grants to roll the first phase with 10 percent.

The AGM took place under tight security of four armed police officers, two at the main entrance and equal number at the event after High Court judge Alfred Mabeya, declined to grant the Sasha Mutai faction injunction to stop the meeting.

All officials who elected at February’s Special General Meeting where Sasha Mutao was voted chair including vice chairman Gerald Chege and Secretary General, Jack Okoth did not attend the AGM.

They declared they would not recognise the new officials and board after their injunction plea to stop the AGM was declined by High Court Judge, Justice Andrew Mabeya on Tuesday morning.

In his ruling, the judge termed the stop order prayers malicious since the Mutai faction had not been barred from running for office.

NAIROBI, March 18 – Olympic champion and world 800m record holder David Rudisha is fired up to reclaim the global title he surrendered to Ethiopia’s Mohammed Aman in 2013 when injury ruled him out of a defence in Moscow.

With the biennial IAAF track and field showpiece set for Beijing in the summer, the Kenyan two-lap king is looking forward to another successful run at the Chinese capital where he made his name by clinching the World Junior title in 2006.

“I missed in 2013 Russia, Moscow because I was injured that year. This is another chance for me to go back there and see how best I can do,” said Rudisha.

“I’m looking forward to this because it will be another good stepping stone towards the Olympics next year in Rio. This is my focus and most important thing this season,” the 2011 World champion said before launching his 2015 campaign with a brisk 1:45. 01 victory at the Sydney Track Classic in Australia.

In Australia, he crossed the line two seconds ahead of the nearest competitor when he opened up the afterburners with 200m to go.

Rudisha, who has another Australian date at the Melbourne Track Classic this weekend before returning home to step up training for the start of the international track season, tempered expectations he could produce the kind of performances that led him to the staggering 1:40.91 world record at the London 2012 Olympics final.

“I know there are a lot of expectations for the year. For the years I have been running well, we have seen fast races and fast times. This year, I want to build step by step to Rio,” he said.

His return from knee injury that required surgery and a long rehabilitation period last year robbed him of four crucial months in training. His rustiness showed when he won his first career silver at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games behind Olympic silver medallist, Nigel Amos of Botswana.

“I understand the reason is because I did not have good preparations. I started training in March and going to that level, I can say I did well. It’s obvious if you don’t have good training, you cannot expect a great season,” said Rudisha.

“This is a different year. I’m looking forward to the World Championships in Beijing that will be the climax of the season and I’m happy with my training and I expect a good season,” he added.

In his absence, Aman and Amos took over the mantle, and the Kenyan star is anticipating another tough duel for honors across the season culminating in the Beijing showpiece, underscoring their importance to the global 800m race.

“These are the guys who have given me stiff challenge and I want to appreciate that they are doing well in 800m meters and in my absence, they are raising the flag of 800m high. We like and love to have people like those because they make 800m look like sport,” he said of his key Ethiopian and Botswana biggest threats to his ambitions.

ROME, March 18- Parma’s chairman and 21 other people were arrested Wednesday on money-laundering and other charges, police said, in a fresh blow to the financially stricken Italian club’s slim survival hopes.

The arrest of Giampietro Manenti came on the eve of a bankruptcy hearing expected to result in the club being wound up and prevented from completing the rest of its Serie A fixtures.

Mantenti, 45, became Parma’s third president in less than a year in February, promising to clear the club’s colossal debts.

Police now believe his intention was to use the club as a tool for laundering money raised from criminal activity by passing off the cash as receipts from sponsors and ticket sales.

He and the other people arrested on Wednesday are accused of criminal association, computer fraud, stealing public funds and using mafia methods, as well as money-laundering.

The club has already been docked a total of three points this season over its failure to pay players’ wages on time.

Former president Tommaso Ghirardi and club official Pietro Leonardi were both given four-month bans by league disciplinary officials on Friday.

Although there is little doubt that the club is effectively bankrupt, it has been offered a lifeline by the Italian professional football league (Lega), which has offered to lend it five million euros to see out the rest of the season.

It is uncertain however that this will be regarded as sufficient: the club’s latest accounts, approved on March 13, register net debt of 56 million euros and Parma’s mayor says total liabilities, including seven months of salaries, total 200 million euros ($226 million).

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 18 – A divided house, a rival faction claiming they are bonafide office bearers and a yet to be resolved financial scandal are some of the burning issues on the in-tray of incoming Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman, Richard Omwela, who recaptured the seat he lost in 2012 on Tuesday night.

The reserved, suave and respected lawyer, 59, was re-elected to the chair for a two-year term during an acrimonious Annual General Meeting (AGM) that mocked rugby’s standing as a gentleman’s game that was a culmination of a bitter internal dispute that saw aggrieved parties turn to the corridors of justice for remedy.

His election was only possible after High Court judge, Justice Alfred Mabeya declined to grant a rival group seeking control of the national governing body led by former vice chairman, Sasha Mutai an injunction to stop the meeting whose main agenda was to vote in a new chairman and four directors.

Omwela bounced back after losing the 2012 polls to Mwangi Muthee, who in turn, left the post pre-maturely last December after the heat in the KRU kitchen became too much for him to bear and his fresh mandate starts with the looming shadow of a pending case in the Sports Tribunal to determine legitimate office bearers.

This is after Mutai (chairman), Gerald Chege (vice-chairman), Jack Okoth (secretary general) and Joshua Aroni (treasurer) in addition to Kennedy Monari, Patrick Mwangi, Daniel Kimoro, Ochieng Ohaya and Doris Mwanzia (all directors) we elected to office during a Special General Meeting convened on February 10 despite then interim chairman, Gabriel Ouko, who took over from Muthee and his set of officials obtaining court orders to stop the gathering.

The SGM took place after Stomers RFC petitioned then Secretary General, Eddie Omondi to convene it to discuss alleged financial impropriety by some of the members of the board but Ouko and his team termed the meeting illegal.

A week after their election, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture, Hassan Wario referred both factions to the newly created Sports Tribunal when they paid the minister a courtesy call.

Moments after being declared winner over interim chairman Gabriel Ouko, Omwela, extended the olive branch to Mutai’s faction as he seeks to end the dispute that has seen sponsors threaten to pull out.

“My first responsibility will be to clean our house and bring back sanity, but it will not be easy since I’m intending to reach out the other faction and try and reconcile so that we can have united rugby like before.

“As a leader it’s my duty to find out what is their problem and close the gap because at the end of the day we should be playing rugby and not fighting,” the returning chair declared.

-Injunction dismissed-

While dismissing injunction filed by Mutai’s group, Justice Mabeya urged both sides to settle the matter out of court since sport is meant to bring people together.

“As a step to the right direction the authority has enacted the Sports Act 2013 and it’s hoped the same will bring sanity in the administration of sports in this country not only for the benefit of sportsmen but also to the lovers of game.

“I have always known rugby to be a sport played in stadium and designated fields but not in courtrooms or before tribunals. For the sake of youngsters whose talent requires being natured, the court needs to firmly tell administrators of sports that their place is in the stadiums and not in court rooms,” the judge sagely advised when dismissing the stop orders.

Despite the judge’s wise counsel Mutai and his group boycotted the AGM, maintaining they are legally in office therefore, the election exercise is null and void or as learned friends prefer, void ab initio.

“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 we will not stop until we get the right structures. We cannot agree this to go on, this thing has to end and it’s ending this year,” Okoth who told Capital Sport they will head to the Court of Appeal to stated.

-Players strike-

Troubles in the Union intensified last November when seasoned national Sevens players led by vice-captain, Collins Injera went on strike after opposing proposed performance contracts and other pay perks and bonuses.

Head coach Paul Treu, then resigned after Port Elizabeth 7s barely a month later after a disastrous start to the 2014/15 HSBC World Series before Muthee dropped a bombshell by quitting his chairmanship post citing frustration and disagreement with some of board members over misappropriation of funds days later.

Directors Godwin Karuga, Maurice Masiga and Peninah Wahome also resigned their director’s posts.

Omwela who sat on the fence as the turmoil unfolded, was proposed to contest by ten Kenya Cup (top tier) and two Nationwide clubs but some affiliates who opposed his candidature expressed fears that sides based outside Nairobi will not develop under his watch after the Muthee regime expanded the sport outside the so called ‘Ngong Road Axis’.

“During his (Omwela) tenure rugby was only played in Nairobi with the so called Ngon’g Road clubs; Harlequins, Impala and Nondescript holding sway but when Muthee took charge, the game was devolved and that’s why teams like Nakuru were able to win Kenya Cup twice while newcomers Kabras shocked many by finishing runner-ups this season.

“I don’t think Omwela will bring change because he is at the mercy of clubs that voted for him,” one of the delegates who sought anonymity told Capital Sport.

Unlike Muthee’s regime the 15s side of the game grew by not only expanding Kenya Cup clubs from 12 to 14 but also seeing the national team, Simba XV miss 2015 Rugby World Cup by a whisker after Zimbabwe crushed their maiden dreams.

Omwela on the other hand popularized the shorter version of the game as Kenya rose from whipping boys to establish themselves as a core World Series side besides sealing a broadcast rights deal with pay television SuperSport before Muthee ended the partnership to bring onboard rivals Zuku.

The newly elected chairman’s in-tray is overflowing but his immediate task will be to restore the Union’s image as well as convincing sponsors to invest in the sport by resolving to their satisfaction claims over embezzlement of funds.

With the Simpson Osiemo taskforce that was mandated to investigate alleged misappropriation of funds at last year’s Safaricom International Sevens and Bamburi Rugby Super Series is yet to be released while current Union auditors, PKF’s annual report and consolidated financial statement for 2014 was trashed by members.

“The board has received the Osiemo report but I’m yet to look at it, we will meet as a board and examine it but if there are people who are affected by the report, we will not relent in exercising the constitution statutes and make sure they leave the board,” Omwela pledged.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 19 – After seven months of rehabilitation, former skipper Humphrey Kayange, is back in the national Sevens team that will depart Sunday for the sixth and seventh legs of HSBC Sevens World Series in Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Kayange, who returns to the squad for the first time this season after sustain an ankle injury at last year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games, is the only change that head coach, Felix Ochieng made when unveiling the 12-man travelling party on Thursday.

Ochieng who led the team to its best outing this season at Wellington and Las Vegas, said Kayange’s return is a major boost as they focus on starting on high in Hong Kong next weekend when they lock horns with former Kenya 7s tactician, Mike Friday’s USA, England and Wales.

“I have trust in all players and Kayange has a lot of work to do but it’s important to have him in the team to provide leadership skills. We have players who have really matured in the game so he must enjoy his time because there are players who will play and perform better like him.

“We have tried to get a good combination of experienced and young players for us to get results that we want. It’s always a headache to select team when you have a full house but despite that, we have to ensure we get the right combination that take onto the pitch and be able to execute and perform the duties,” Ochieng stated.

Ochieng dropped Homeboyz’s Oscar Ayodi who is tied by school commitments and Western Bull’s Dennis Muhanji who replaced vice captain, Collins Injera in Las Vegas when the country’s record try scorer returned home mid-tour to welcome his second child.

“It’s just a matter of players maintaining focus and minimizing errors on the day and getting better of opposition, tactically we have ensured we have trained our players how it’s important to change and execute tactics going into the second tournament.

“We will do analysis in our opening match against USA but it’s who is prepared well and takes chances will advance from the group,” the coach explained.

-Core status-

Captain Andrew Amonde told Capital Sport, they are out to maintain core status as they seek to improve on their 12th spot and 29 points with four legs to go.

“We expect nothing than the best; I believe we have what it takes to get to the next level. Kayange’s return is a big boost and a lot is expected from him, we are confident he will carry us where we could not do by ourselves.

“We are going to start on a high to contain our opponents in the first half because that’s what messed us in Las Vegas where we started the game slowly,” the skipper declared.

Homeboyz’s youngster Bush Mwale, who has maintained consistency since upgrading to the senior team this season, is aiming to take his performance to the highest level.

“I’m proud to be in the squad; we will try our best and make our country proud. The previous legs have been tough for me but I’ve now gained my grounds. Our main focus in Hong Kong is to reach Cup quarters.”

Re-elected chairman, Richard Omwela who spoke at his first official function since Monday’s polls victory said he will harmonize player’s contracts as he embraced the need of performance related deals introduced by his predecessor, Mwangi Muthee.

“The senior player’s contracts were terminated while those from the lower tier were issued so there has been an inconsistency and players expectation but we had a talk with them to see how we will harmonize it because it’s very critical.

“We will find out funds available and how we will restructure the contract as well as how many players should be on contract. It has to be a policy that cuts across and not favouring others,” Omwela who popularized the shorter version of the game during his previous tenure, declared.

Kenya Squad

Andrew Amonde – (KCB, Captain),Collins Injera (Mwamba),Dan Sikuta (Mwamba),Humphrey Kayange (Mwamba), Lavin Asego (Mwamba), Tonny Owuor (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Michael Wanjala (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Billy Odhiambo (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz),Leonard Mugaisi (Homeboyz),Felix Ayange (Kenya Harlequin),Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequin)

Non Traveling Reserves

Dennis Ombachi (Mwamba), Philip Wamae (KCB), Sammy Oliech (Resolution Impala Saracens)

Management

Felix Ochieng (Head Coach), Vuyo Zangqa (Attack Coach), Graham Bentz (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Lameck Bogonko (Physio), Steven Sewe (Team Manager).

NAIROBI, March 19- Gor Mahia head coach Frank Nuttall was sent to the stands but his champions beat Bandari 2-1 in a feisty encounter that fittingly ushered back Kenyan Premier League action after a three-week layoff on Thursday evening.

Rwandese import, Meddie Kagere, put K’Ogalo ahead in the 20th minute after tapping in a Michael Orunga cross to endear himself instantly to the club’s faithful as the titleholders put allegations of unrest over non payment of their dues to lay siege on the Docker’s goal in the opening exchanges.

Lawrence Kasadha levelled for the port side nine minutes later before the star of the infant season, midfielder Ali Abondo scored the winner from the spot in the 61st.

The league resumed much to the delight of top flight football lovers since the opening round of fixtures on the weekend of February 21 and 22 after Football Kenya Federation obtained a High Court injunction against KPL which was lifted on Monday.

In true Gor fashion, centre referee Nasur Ndoka and his team of officials were held hostage for five minutes after the final whistle as the Green Army protested some of the decisions including sending their Scottish coach to the stands.

K’Ogalo and KPL chairman, Ambrose Rachier and his captain, Jerim Onyango, stepped in to calm the heated fans and allow the officials to be escorted to the dressing room at the champion’s citadel that is Nairobi’s City Stadium.

“We should have gotten two penalties and that’s what I was expressing to the referee but I was shocked to see him sending me off to the stands. We created a lot of chances so we deserved the win.

“The players are motivated and their fitness level is high. We have two more games before the Champions League return match and I think this will help us prepare well because we have a different team for continental matches,” Nuttall said after the match.

Opposite number, Bandari head coach, Twahir Muhiddin said, “It was a balanced game and I think we gave away the points. Our defender Mohammed Shariff was not intelligent enough when he conceded the penalty but I think the layoff made us rust.

“We will be back to business in the next game on Sunday against Sofapaka.”

The league resumed much to the delight of top flight football lovers since the opening round of fixtures on the weekend of February 21 and 22 after Football Kenya Federation obtained a High Court injunction against KPL which was lifted on Monday.

Despite being a working day over 3000 turned up to watch the tie among them the Green Army, other KPL club players, coaches and foreign based Harambee Stars first choice keeper, Arnold Origi with palpable relief evident following the three-week layoff.

The hosts did not disappoint their supporters as they dominated the first half with Kagere and Olunga the chief destroyers.

Kagere, who launched his campaign at the 14-time KPL champions in style, set the pace in the 16th when Geoffrey Walusimbi’s cross found him unmarked in the box but the former Rayon Sport forward failed to beat Bandari custodian, Wilson Obungu as his header went wide.

Four minutes later, K’Ogalo were on the attack with Olunga making a swift run from the left to swing in a low cross and Kagere this time did not miss the target to open his account.

The visitors restored parity as the game approached the half hour when winger Shaban Kenga was tackled at the edge of box for a free-kick.

Former Thika United attacking midfielder, David King’atua, curved in the set piece that rattled the woodwork with Kasadha, who signed from Nairobi City Stars, tucking in the rebound past keeper Boniface Oluoch for the equaliser.

Massoud Juma could have sent Bandari ahead when he raced from the right to drive in but narrowly missed target as both sides headed to the interval locked one-all.

Gor resumed the brighter side with Walusimbi, Olunga and Abondo squandering clear chances before they were awarded a penalty when the forward was brought down in the box by Shariff.

Abondo stepped up to calmly convert for his seventh goal in all competitions for the champions.

The goal motivated the home team with Olunga blazing from close range moments before Kagere was denied a brace by the cross bar as Olunga failed to head home the rebound.

With a minute before added time, Doka sent Nuttall to the stands after the Scotsman protested some of his decisions.

NAIROBI, March 20– “We should be focusing on FIFA international calendar for a friendly rather than squabbling over who is in control of the Premier League.”

Those are sagely words of Harambee Stars and Norway’s Lillestrome first choice keeper, Arnold Origi, who accused both Football Kenya Federation and Kenyan Premier League of failing to consider interest of players in their standoff.

Origi, who spoke to Capital Sport on Thursday during the Gor Mahia and Bandari KPL clash at Nairobi’s City Stadium, was disappointed that Kenya has not confirmed any fixture despite the FIFA calendar opening this weekend.

“It’s very unfortunate that we are in this situation. We had made good progress in the (premier) league and the focus would have been trying to make it more professional instead of trying to get control of it.

“We have not heard anything about friendly and yet we want to compete with other countries who are preparing adequately. It’s been a norm in Kenya that we make one step forward and three backwards,” Origi who is in the country after being bereaved lamented.

With Kenya busy battling over who should run the 2015 Premier League between FKF and KPL, neighbours Uganda Cranes nailed a date with 2013 African Champions, Nigeria for an international build-up match on next Wednesday.

Origi, who joined Stars captain and English Premier League’s Southampton midfielder, Victor Wanyama and record scorer Dennis Oliech among others in advocating for sanity in the game; fears endless wrangles will rob players of their dreams.

-Shattered dreams-

“Trying to say we should have parallel leagues and then a play-off at the end of the season will not resolve the problem because at the end of the day it’s us (players) who suffer.

“We have dreams and ambitions of playing in the Nations Cup or maybe one day at World Cup but, in this situation there is no chance of us realizing our dreams and it’s very depressing,” the 33-year-old shot stopper declared.

Origi, cousin to Divock who trades for France league 1’s Lille on loan from Liverpool FC called on both warring factions to resolve the stalemate as soon as possible for the interest of players.

“The ongoing wrangles show how incompetent our managers are; they need to meet and put listen want the players want because they are the main actors. Their pride and personal interest is not important at this stage.

“We are losing a lot of talent, the likes of Divock who chose to play for other countries because there is nothing to show for in Kenya but if our house was in order i think he could have been with us,” the custodian who is set to depart Sunday for Norway Premier League pre-season underscored.

NAIROBI, March 20- Vet Lab Golf Club returns to the TannaHill Shield Golf Tournament after a three-year disciplinary suspension when the 91st edition tees off on March 3 at Nairobi’s Royal Golf Club, the oldest in the country.

The tournament which takes place over the Easter weekend will ends on Sunday, March 5 where the shield will be awarded to the winner during the afternoon presentation welcomes Vet Lab who were expunged on disciplinary grounds.

Speaking on Friday when launching the annual Easter tournament, Royal Golf Club captain, Bernard Kiraithe said Mombasa and Western will send one team each to represent their counties with 90 golfers featuring.

“The tournament has tried to accommodate as many top golfers as possible without weakening the format of the competition, but we encourage golf clubs of Western Kenya to combine in sending a joint team and asking Mombasa to invite players from Nyali, Diani and Malindi to form one team.

“Each club sends a team of 10 where eight play at any given time and two substitutes. Each flight consists of two players from three teams who play alternatives shots against each other. Much is made of the selection of teams each year despite the fact that each captain tries his best to field winning team,” Kiraithe explained.

Nine clubs namely; Muthaiga, Sigona, Limuru, Karen, Windsor, Mombasa, Western Kenya, Railways and hosts Royal Nairobi Golf Club will be participating.

Organisers of the event expect the course to be in good condition in a week’s time.

“The course is recovering; we are watering the fairways and expect it to green up by time of competition because we have not had rain,” Kiraithe added.

Defending champions and hosts Royal Golf will be looking to retain their crown at the event that was boosted by a Sh2.5m in title sponsorship by soft drinks giant, Coca-Cola Company.

By Joe Miano and Alex Isaboke

MELBOURNE, March 21- World record holder David Rudisha was pushed in the home straight by Australia’s Jeff Riseley before going on to win the 800 metres event at the IAAF Melbourne World Challenge on Saturday.

The Kenyan won in one minute 44.94 seconds ahead of Riseley in a world championships qualifying time of 1:45.29.

“I knew Jeff was coming, but I wasn’t so worried,” Rudisha told reporters.

“I knew I was strong. It was a fast pace but I was strong through to the end.”

Riseley said he is yet to decide whether to focus primarily on the 800m or the 1500m this year.

“I just had to stay relaxed and hang in there and try and give (Rudisha) a crack,” the Australian said.

“He will go to a completely new level in three months’ time and it will be a completely different race.

“But I thought tonight was an opportunity to get him,” he added.

Olympic and world champion Sally Pearson won the 100m hurdles running into a difficult swirling wind.

Pearson won although her time of 12.93 seconds was half a second slower than she had expected to run.

“You can’t beat the conditions unfortunately,” Pearson said. “I should be half a second quicker today.”

“But as soon as I got over those hurdles (the wind) just threw me backwards.”

Australia’s world championships javelin silver medallist Kim Mickle suffered a rare defeat at home, although it took a huge throw of 66.62m by two-time Commonwealth champion Sunette Viljoen from South Africa to edge her into second place.

Mickle’s best throw of 66.57m was only 26 centimetres shy of her national record set at the corresponding meet last year.

Result

Athletics: Melbourne IAAF World Track Challenge results

Melbourne, Australia |  | Saturday 3/21/2015 – 09:03 GMT | 190 words

Selected results from the Melbourne IAAF World Track Challenge on Saturday (Australian unless stated):

Men

100m: 1. Banuve Tabakaucoro (FIJ) 10.46, 2. Andrew McCabe 10.61, 3. Luke Stevens 10.78

200m: 1. Alonso Edward (PAN) 20.65, 2. Craig Burns 21.31, 3. Alexander Hartman 21.36

800m: 1. David Rudisha (KEN) 1:44.94, 2. Jeffrey Riseley 1:45.29, 3. Alex Rowe 1:47.11

5000m: 1. Brett Robinson 13:32.54, 2. Ben St Lawrence 13:33.16, 3. Jeff See (USA) 13:33.18

Discus: 1. Julian Wruck 61.16m, 2. Matthew Denny 56.65m, 3. Irfan Shamsuddin (MAS) 54.79m

Women

100m: 1. Melissa Breen 11.52, 2. Ashleigh Whittaker 11.62, 3. Christine Wearne 11.99

100m hurdles: 1. Sally Pearson 12.93, 2. Michelle Jenneke 13.22, 3. Rochelle Coster (NZL) 13.78

1500m: 1. Zoe Buckman 4:12.57, 2. Angela Petty (NZL) 4:12.59, 3. Susan Kuijken (NED) 4:13.04

400m hurdles: 1. Lauren Wells 56.19, 2. Cassandra Tate (USA) 56.97, 3. Sara Klein 58.90

3000m steeplechase: 1. Madeline Heiner 9:31.03, 2. Magdalene Masai (KEN) 9:38.17, 3. Victoria Mitchell 9:39.78

Pole Vault: 1. Alana Boyd 4.50m, 2. Melissa Gergel (USA) 4.32m, 3. Jamie Scroop 4.20

Javelin: 1. Sunette Viljoen (RSA) 66.62m, 2. Kim Mickle 66.57m, 3. Lu Huihui (CHN) 64.59m

NAIROBI, March 21 – AFC Leopards head coach, Zdravko Logarusic registered his first win since joining Ingwe in a laboured 1-0 triumph over Nairobi City Stars in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) encounter at Nairobi’s City Stadium on Saturday.

In the televised first fixture at the same venue, KCB opened their goal vaults wide to hand Nakuru All Stars a 6-2 hiding as top flight action made a welcome return to pan African screens on SuperSport after a three-week blackout following the lifting of a High Court injunction against KPL on Monday.

However, the traditional giants Leopards who struggled last season were still the headline act especially after the celebrated Croat former coach of archrivals and champions Gor Mahia made the big switch to The Den in his first home encounter having drawn 0-0 on his debut away to bogey side Chemelil Sugar.

After a barren first half, substitute Jacob Keli headed home in the 69th minute to send thousands of Ingwe fans into jubilation as their traditional Isikuti drums raised the crescendo to toast the comeback of top flight action after a Football Kenya Federation obtained orders to stop the competition.

On the stands, they held banners ridiculing a rival faction who conducted trials under former head coach, Dutchman Jan Coops written in slang language Sheng, Tuko Ligi Soo, Wako Ligi Ndogo (We’re in the big league, they are in the small league) to add colour to the occasion.

The first half was cagey with both sides struggling to settle, but City Stars who had new faces in the team found their feet in the midfield to outdo Leopards’ anchormen Musa Mudde and Duncan Otieno.

However, City Stars keeper, Ronny Kagunzi, was the busiest in the first period where chances were at premium.

Logarusic made double substitution at the restart to give his attack more bite, with Keli coming on for Karim Ndugwa while Ezekiel Seda replacing the ineffective Otieno.

Leopards soon took control; piling pressure on City who resorted sat deeper waiting to spring on the counter.

Ingwe’s pressure finally paid when Abdallah Juma made a brilliant run from the left to float in a peach of a pin point cross that found Keli who made no mistake in tucking his header past Kagunzi with City’s defence beaten for the decider.

Leopards continued piling pressure in search of a second with Austin Ikenna, Keli and Emmanuel Ngama coming close as the Kawangware-based side proved to be obliging opponents by giving up the chase for an equaliser.

-Goal rush-

In the early kick off, KCB humiliated Nakuru All Stars 6-2 to register their biggest ever win in a match where the parsimonious side suddenly found their scoring boots against a woeful defence mounted by the poorest team last season that was returned from relegation following disagreement between KPL and FKF on promoted sides.

Yusuf Juma opened the goal spree in the 12th, heading home from a corner before Raymond Murugi doubled the win 13 minutes later when the visitor’s keeper Martin Lule, fumbled the ball in the box.

Ronald Musana widened the margin to 3-0 at the break when he let fly and found the top corner to all but deposit three points on the Banker’s 2015 KPL account.

Murugi grabbed his brace with David Seda and Kelvin Omondi completing the second half rout whileTeddy Siwa and Hilary Echesa found the back of the net for All Stars bizarrely at the last minute and added time to bring the score to 5-2 before the dramatic end of the goal-fest was rounded by KCB’s six.

Elsewhere, at the Thika Sub-county Stadium, Thika United suffered a 3-1 home loss to 2008 champions Mathare United with Eric Mata scoring twice.

Mata struck first at the quarter hour mark when he tucked in Noah Abich’s rebound but Kennedy Otieno cancelled the lead in the 39th after heading home from close range.

Mata reclaimed the lead at the stroke of half-time when he intercepted a pass to round the keeper and score in an empty net.

Daniel Mwaura sealed the win in the 75th as Stanley Okumbi’s charges bounced back from losing 4-2 to champions Gor in their season opener to collect three valuable away points.

At the Awendo Green Stadium, hosts Sony Sugar were held to a barren draw by Muhoroni Youth.

Gor will be seeking a third win on the bounce when they take on Chemelil Sugar as Sofapaka take on wounded seafarers Bandari in the pick of Sunday’s action.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 22 – Champions Gor Mahia maintained their perfect start to the 2015 Kenyan Premier League season by swatting visiting Chemelil Sugar 3-1 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

In the second of the live televised double header on SuperSport at the same venue, midfielder Khalid Aucho opened his account for Gor when he put them ahead in the 41st minute with a brilliant right footed swinger from outside the box before Ali Abondo doubled the lead after the restart to continue his roaring start to the campaign.

Meshack Karani pulled one back after tapping into an empty net from a Dennis Onkangi back heel in the 86th but it took only two minutes for K’Ogalo to seal the win through Rwandan Meddie Kagere who made it two from two after scoring midweek against Bandari.

The early televised first fixture at the same venue saw Francis Kimanzi side Tusker FC stunned by Ushuru FC 1-0 to leave the perennial title contenders winless thus far as old boy Robert Omunuk return to haunt his former side with a fifth minute winner.

At Nairobi’s Ruaraka Sports Ground, GOtv Shield champions, Sofapaka were held to a 2-2 draw by Bandari.

Former Nairobi City Stars forward George Abege opened the scoring for the Dockers in the fourth minute before veteran John Baraza drew them level on 22.

Enock Agwanda put Batoto Ba Mungu ahead but Abege was at it again when he beat Sofapaka keeper Wilson Obungu in the 27th to share the spoils.

Elsewhere, John Makwata scored from the spot in the 20th as Ulinzi Stars beat visiting Western Stima 1-0 at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium to pick their first win.

-Three on the bounce-

Gor opened an early five point lead over Sony Sugar who have a game on hand and head coach Frank Nuttall believes his charges will continue with the tempo as their dream start to their title-treble chasing season continued apace.

“We played very well after a tough game against Bandari. The team gave 100 percent they were motivated and are buying what we are trying to do. I’m pleased with Aucho’s performance; we have been encouraging him to strike from long range as he does in training and he did us proud,” Nuttall declared.

His opposite number Mike Mururi slammed his defence for the loss, “We conceded because of a disorganized defence who gave Gor a lot of space.

“We lacked match fitness compared to Gor who have been playing all through but I have 48 hours to work on my finishing before we face Mathare United,” Mururi, the reigning Coach of the Year underscored.

The hosts, who maintained their winning squad against Bandari, could have opened the scoring in the second minute when the Sugar Millers conceded a corner that was brought in by Abondo but both Olunga and Kagere missed the ball that rolled harmlessly off the field of play.

There was a scare for Chemelil in the 12th when their shot-stopper Fredrick Onyango came out of his line to try and prevent Olunga from racing into the box but he missed the ball before fouling the former Tusker forward.

Abouba Sibomana took the resultant free-kick that forced Onyango to stretch and tip over the bar for a fruitless corner.

Mururi charges composed themselves to settle in the match but Stephen Wakanya wasted two chances in the 25th to shock the champions.

Wakanya could have sent the visitors ahead in the 36th when he received a pass from the midfield and did well to beat two defenders but dallied on the ball allowing Gor keeper Boniface Oluoch to beat him to it as Harun Shakava recovered to clear the danger.

With four minutes to the interval, Kagere won a free-kick that was curved in by Sibomana before Aucho collected the miscued clearance to exchange passes with Olunga before the former Tusker FC man powered in a cracker for the opener.

Onyango was forced to make a finger tip save from a Sibomana free kick when the game resumed before Gor doubled the lead a minute later when Olunga’s shot was blocked only for the rebound to fall on Abondo who smashed home a deflected shot for the second.

In the 67th, Aucho missed a chance to notch a brace after Olunga found him in the box but his header went wide.

With four minutes to the final whistle, Chemelil pulled one back when Onkangi back heeled Collins Kisuya’s corner to find Karani who taped into an empty net after Oluoch had come off his line.

Chemeil’s hopes of staging a comeback were crashed when Kagere scored his second goal and Gor’s third after Godfrey Walusimbi played a one-two with Olunga before the former made a run into the box.

He was disposed by Kisuya with a sliding tackle only for the ball to find Kagere who made no mistake.

-No win for Kimanzi-

In the early kick-off, Tusker who was looking to bounce back from their 1-1 stalemate at Thika in their opener fell behind in early when their former forward Omunuk finished past advancing keeper Farouk Shikhalo.

The Brewers took control of the match after conceding but were frustrated by the taxmen who opted to sit back and try to get Tusker on the break.

Kimanzi charges had a number of chances with Andrew Tololwa heading Dennis Ng’ang’a’s cross wide while James Situma saw his free-kick blocked by Ushuru defense.

Former Tusker custodian and skipper, Samuel Odhiambo was on top form to deny his previous side twice before the interval when he parried Nga’ng’a’s shot for a fruitless corner.

Odhiambo did well once again to ensure they don’t concede a goal, this time stopping Ismail Dunga’s effort on the stroke of half time, as Tusker trailed at the break.

Tusker made an attacking change after the break, introducing Ghanaian striker Stephen Owusu for Ng’ang’a as they pushed for an equaliser.

Ushuru responded by solidifying the defence, when head coach Ken Kenyatta pulled off foward Nelson Simwa for former AFC Leopards defender, Eric Masika as they looked to contain Tusker attackers.

The Brewers made further changes withdrawing Andrew Tololwa for Kevin Kimani, Ishmail Dunga was as well rested for 2013 KPL midfielder of the year, Brian Osumba as they looked to get back into the game with Ushuru employing defensive tactics to frustrate them.

Kimani and Brian Osumba brought the much needed urgency in the match piling pressure on the taxmen but were unable to break through Ushuru’s compact backline who held on to collect maximum points and win their first match of the season.

NAIROBI, March 23- The protracted football crisis in Kenya is finally over after Fifa mediated talks resolved to have a 16-team Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League run by the Kenyan Premier League Limited on Monday.

At a press conference in Nairobi following marathon talks between the Fifa delegation, the federation and KPL, Ghana FA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi who mediated the talks also announced FKF will withdraw the civil suit against the league organising body from the High Court.

In further welcome news for local top flight football fans, the controversial expansion to 18 teams has been shelved until at least 2016 with the contract between KPL and SuperSport to televise the top flight also running until the end of the season when all commercial and broadcast contracts will be renegotiated.

On the promotion and relegation, both FKF and KPL have until June to discuss the issue and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on how many teams will join the top tier league and clubs to be dropped to the lower tier.

“We were lucky to meet a very willing and co-operative group who were ready to compromise on issues without sticking to entrench positions on the topical issues that has divided them. We had very fruitful conclusion and the interest of Kenya was paramount since both parties sacrificed their personal interest in favor of Kenyan football.

“Fifa is the legitimate body and not the court of law to resolve their differences and therefore, FKF should withdraw the case pending to allow the world governing body handle and settle the matter amicably,” Nyantakyi who was accompanied by Fifa East and Southern Africa Regional Development Officer, Ashford Mamelodi and Fifa Head of Member Associations, Primo Carvaro announced.

The delegation who were in the country for two days after meeting both factions separately, also declared that both leagues will run in a unique and transitional basis which means, the league run by FKF will be the recognised second tier.

“For Fifa it’s very clear, we cannot have two top tier leagues running at the same time. At the beginning there was a suggestion that we go with two leagues and at end of the season merge but we said no because Fifa is for promotion and relegation. It has been agreed there will be promotion in KPL next season from FKF teams,” Carvaro declared.

Nyantakyi who pledged to follow up on the issues agreed to make sure they are implemented added, “The proposal by FKF which will be subject to discussion shall be an 18 team league which shall be considered and adopted by both FKF and KPL in an MOU.”

Among the proposal that were presented by the Fifa delegation on promotion and relegation, is that they either they drop two and promote six clubs or relegate two and promote four.

The decision favored Nairobi City Stars and Nakuru All Stars who were relegated last season only to be recalled when the stand-off persisted.

-Fifa recommendations-

The Fifa delegation also directed the relationship between FKF and KPL will be regulated by the MOU where; the federation is the mandated authority to manage and control football in the country, the delegation of powers by FKF to KPL or any other subordinate league to run the Premier League on stated time and condition should also be agreed.

It was recommended that determination of commercialization of the league and all competitions be retained by FKF,  also to be discussed is the payment of commission and agreed fees by KPL to FKF, the determination of powers and limitation of KPL to organize any other competition apart from the league.

FKF was mandated to appoint executive of judicial bodies to arbitrate and rule on disputes arising from competition and disciplinary matters.

Both parties were ordered to review their constitutions, with KPL required to make sure it’s in line with FKF statues and the domestic laws of Kenya.

The federation was also directed to review their rules, to ensure it conforms to Fifa statues and create an Elections Committee because it’s an election year.

The Ghana FA boss appealed to FKF to reconsider their resolution of withdrawing KPL as their member in their next Annual General Meeting.

-Parallel leagues-

Top flight football was thrown into turmoil when the federation announced the formation of an 18-team competition at the end of last season against the wishes of KPL who were adamant on continuation of the 16-team format.

The league management body that came to being in 2006 insisted contracts with title and broadcast sponsors could not allow them to cater for the additional teams.

In a see-saw battle for supremacy, FKF severed links with KPL on January 28 before announcing the promotion of 14 National Super League sides to take the place of top flight clubs allied to the league organising body who refused to sign to their FKF Premier League mid last month.

This saw the advent of parallel leagues for the first time since 2006 as FKF went to court and obtained an injunction against KPL that lasted three weeks before being lifted by Lady Justice Roselyn Aburili last Monday.

Following the verdict, FKF boss, Sam Nyamweya, mooted the parallel leagues under the federation’s banner to run in Zone A for KPL allied clubs and Zone B for the rest where the champion would be determined after a play-off between the top two finishers.

This proposal was termed unfeasible before the Fifa team arrived to thrash out what many Kenyans hope will be an end to the madness that has placed the country’s club football on tenterhooks.

NAIROBI, March 23- “Go forth and bring back glory,” was the simple brief the Kenya team for Saturday’s Guiyang Wold Cross was given when they were hosted to a dinner fit for kings in Nairobi on Monday night on the eve of their departure for China.

Since 1981, the red, black and green strip has become synonymous with excellence with the class of 2015 fired up to maintain the tradition that has seen many Kenyan distance greats return home as world champions from the now biennial global showpiece.

Listening intently as they focused on the task at hand, the 24 athletes who will put their nation’s pride and honour on the line in China were urged to gun for all eight gold medals on offer in individual and team races to repeat their unprecedented sweep of the 2010 edition in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

If the pressure was on, the collection of accomplished and budding runners did not show it as their chosen captain and 2011 World Cross junior champion, Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor declared when he rose to address the gathering hosted by team sponsors Kenya Commercial Bank at a Nairobi hotel.

“For us what remains now is to go out there and make our nation proud in China. We will give our best since we have all trained well and together,” Kamworor who completed a gun to tape victory over 8km in Punta Umbria, Spain promised.

The now accomplished marathoner and a two-time third finisher at Berlin will be assisted by Janet Kisa, who is the captain of the women’s squad.

“The time has come to prove ourselves and put all the hard work we have been doing in training to bring medals. It will not be easy but we are ready for the fight,” two-time National senior men champion and World Cross debutant, Bedan Karoki added.

Athletics Kenya (AK) president, Isaiah Kiplagat, hailed the youth and experienced mix that will carry the nation’s flag in China saying they had received a glowing report from their handlers in camp to make them optimistic of a clean sweep.

“We stepped down from eight (gold medals) in Poland in 2010 to seven in 2013 and back to eight last year in Africa. This team should go there and bring all gold medals, keep the ones we won and win back the one (8km junior) we lost last time.

“We are sending you to Guiyang with a mission, bring back glory, the nation is waiting for you,” Kiplagat urged.

- Kit issues-

The federation boss promised to take up the matter of lack of proper kitting with suppliers, American sports attire giant, Nike, following complaints from the runners who reported being short on shoes, training gear and other requirements for the winter IAAF showpiece.

“We have a contract with them and they are aware of the problems we have. Sometimes they give us small shoes and vests for kids or bring a low number of what we have asked for. That should not be a problem; we will talk to them to see whether we can deal with the equipment issues.

“We can get some money to buy what you need when we get there, that should not be a reason not to perform well. I’m not saying we will cancel the contract because we believe a solution can be found,” the AK boss affirmed.

Kiplagat assured ongoing wrangles in AK that have pit him against 14 affiliate branches against his extended 22 year rule with the matter in court did not affect preparations for th Guiyang squad.

“Squabbles or no squabbles, AK will prepare the teams to represent Kenya in the best possible way,” he stressed.

In announcing the Government had catered for tickets and allowances for the team and their officials, Commissioner for Sport, Gordon Olouch, echoed Kiplagat saying, “AK has led by example in keeping politics out of the team.”

The team under the tutelage of experienced hand, head coach David Letting, jets out on Tuesday evening aboard an Ethiopian flight to Addis Ababa, Beijing then Guiyang where they are scheduled to arrive Wednesday, 11am local time.

SQUAD

Senior men: Leonard Barsoton, Geoffrey Kamworor, Bedan Karoki, Joseph Kitum, Phillip Langat, Moses Letoyie Mukono

Senior women: Emily Chebet, Irene Cheptai, Agnes Tirop, Margaret Kipkemboi, Janet Kisa, Stacy Ndiwa

Junior men: Rodgers Chumo, Dominic Kiptarus, Moses Koech, Geoffrey Korir, John Langat, Alfred Ngeno

Junior women: Rosefline Chepngetich, Joyline Cherotich, Daisy Jepkemei, Gladys Kipkoech, Winnie Koima, Winfred Mbithe

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 24 – AFC Leopards head coach, Zdravko Logarusic says the team needs more time to adapt into his philosophy since they began their pre-season late.

Logarusic who joined the Den three days before they opened their Kenyan Premier League (KPL) campaign against Chemelil Sugar, declared the club is paying it price for having a shambolic pre-season compared to their competitors who had a seven-week long preparation ahead of the 2015 season.

Leopards journey of reviving up for good performance after last season’s trophy-less debacle faced stumbling blocks after players threw their pre-season into a spin, in a series of go slows, demanding unpaid salary and bonus arrears.

“We have had little time of training compared to others who started early, most of the players only had three weeks preparation at most so this means we are still in pre-season but it’s for our advantage because those clubs that started early can get fatigue.

“We are still far and need to do more since payers are missing some simple tactical techniques. With the squad that I have and maybe add few during mid-season, we will be there,” Logarusic who settled for a barren draw in his first assignment against Chemelil Sugar stated.

The Croatian who rubbished claims that he boycotted Monday’s training due to unpaid arrears urged his charges not to underrate wounded Nakuru All Stars, when the two sides clash in Wednesday’s KPL fixture.

“We didn’t play well against Chemelil; the work rate of some players was low and the defence was not solid. There was no connection between midfielders and strikers but we will work on them and be ready for our next match.

“We have to take one match at a time and the worst we can do is to undervalue All Stars because they lost 6-2 to KCB. We have fresh boys who did not play against City Stars who we intend to use,” Logarusic who led Gor Mahia to 2012 GOtv Shield and KPL runner-ups underscored.

Commenting on financial challenges that faces the club, 54-year-old Logarusic who had stints with Tanzanian giants, Simba SC said,

“It’s not easy but I take it as a challenge because its upon us to fix the problem and step by step I believe we will be heading to the right direction.”

The management of the club is yet to settle two month salary and bonus arrears of the team but assistant secretary general, Asava Kadima told Capital Sport the debt will be cleared soon.

“We are working tirelessly to see that the club is financially stable and the team is very cooperative. Our coach (Logarusic) did not boycott yesterday’s training as reported, he and goal keeper trainer Iddi Salim requested for a day off as assistant coach Yusuff Chippo was in charge,” Kadima underscored.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 24 – Burundian midfielder, Emmanuel Ngama notched a brace as AFC Leopards beat Nakuru All Stars 3-1 to register their second successive Kenyan Premier League win in a floodlight encounter played at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday night.

Ngama who joined Leopards this season on loan from Uganda Revenue Authority, opened his account after six minutes of play before William Ochieng restored parity four minutes later.

Ngama however, reclaimed the lead 13 minutes later, before Jacob Keli scored his second goal of the season and the third for Leopards who climbed third on seven points behind Bandari who have scored more goals but have played a game more and two behind arch rivals and leaders Gor Mahia.

At Nairobi’s Ruaraka Grounds, it was a sigh of relief for Tusker FC head coach Francis Kimanzi, who chalked his first win of the season after gunning down Ulinzi Stars 2-1.

In Mombasa, Bandari rallied a goal down to beat visiting KCB 3-1in a match that David King’atua netted his debut goal for the Dockers before George Abege and Juma Masaud completed the rout.

Raymond Murugi scored the consolation for the Bankers who entered the match boosted by their 6-2 triumph over All Stars.

Western Stima were 2-1 winners over Nairobi City Stars, despite finishing 10-men after Baron Oketch was sent off at Moi’s Kisumu Stadium for retaliation against Arthur Museve.

Hedmond Mauda grabbed a brace while Duncan Makori scored the only goal for the Kawangware based side that remains rooted at the bottom winless.

-Second successive win-

Leopards head coach Zdravko Logarusic made three changes from the quad that beat City Stars 1-0 with Keli, Austin Ikenna and Ezekiel Seda returning to the starting line-up replacing Duncan Otieno, Diallo Lamine and Karim Ndugwa who were dropped to the bench.

Keli’s inclusion in the first XI paid for the Croatian with the 2013 Golden Boot winner setting Ngama for the opener but the lead did not last long as the visitors leveled through Ochieng’s spot kick after Jackson Saleh hacked Carlson Mweresa in the box.

Ngama made sure Ingwe took control of the game when he reclaimed the lead in the 19th with a cracker that beat All Stars keeper, Martin Lule before Keli who scored the winner against City Stars nailing the final nail in the coffin when he made good use of Ngama’s square pass on the 24th.

There was less action in the second half with none of the sides finding the back of the net, even as All Stars came close through Hillary Echesa’s header that missed the target by inches after substitute Boniface Akenga brought in the cross.

-Tusker’s first win-

After going two matches winless, Tusker shrugged off their slow start after left-back Aboud Omar and Jesse Were found the target as Oscar Wamalwa pulled one back for the Soldiers in the dying minutes.

The Brewers who entered the encounter from a 1-0 loss to Ushuru showed their intend to bounce back went for early goals and after several unsuccessful attempts, the opening goal came in the 35th through Omar who utilized Jockins Atudo’s cross to find space and shoot past Ulinzi keeper James Saruni.

Kimanzi charges who dominated the first period continued raiding Ulinzi’s defence and four minutes to the break Brian Osumba almost doubled the lead when he was set through for a one on one with situation with Saruni but the latter repelled the cracker for a fruitless corner.

It only took two minutes for Were to launch his goal hunt, when he doubled the lead after Kevin Kimani started the build-up from a thrown in to feed the 2013 Golden Boot runner-ups who in turn put the ball beyond Saruni’s reach.

Ulinzi soldiered on despite trailing two goals with John Nairuka breaking Tusker’s defence but unfortunately could not find the target as the second half became an end to end affair.

In the 85th, the Military side survived a scare when Geoffrey Kokoyo nearly gifted Tusker the third from an own goal only to see his back pass rolled across the goalmouth.

With three minutes added before the final whistle, Wamalwa took advantage of the confusion in Brewer’s defence to slot the consolation goal.

Elsewhere, Mathare United were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting 10-men Chemelil Sugar in a match that Stephen Wakanya was sent-off for a second bookable offense.

Eric Mata struck first for the Slum boys after heading home Eric Johana’s corner but Collins Kisuya cancelled the lead from a free-kick.