NAIROBI, Kenya, March 31 – 2009 champion Gary Boyd from England and Spaniard José Manuel are among top players entered for 2015 Barclays Kenya Open Golf Championship to be held at Karen Country Club from April 9-12.

Nigerian Andrew Odo is among the six players selected from the Sunshine Tour of South Africa whilst the rest of the East African region will be represented by Ugandan Deo Akope and Rwanda’s top professional golfer Jean-Baptiste Hakizimana.

This year’s Open will feature players from 19 countries with pro golfers coming from as far afield as Chile, Argentina and the largest chunk from Europe.

Tournament Director Patrick Obath, speaking during the launch of “hole in one” Chevrolet Trailblazer car presentation by Pewin Motors at Karen CC, said seven of the 106 players drawn from the European Challenge Tour were winners of various rounds last year.

Entries for the Kenya Open closed on March 26, with the Challenge Tour taking the largest chunk of 106, organisers of Kenya Open KOGL have 50 slots which they distribute to various local and international golfers on merit.

Obatha said selections were done meticulously and on merit.

“We have an obligation to add value to the tournament. Many African countries were asked to nominate their top pros in December but never responded to the call.”

Obath said the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) have been allocated 22 slots while Kenya Golf Union have 6 amateurs nominated through the Golfer of the Year (GOTY) series.

The 22 pros from Kenya include Dismas Indiza and Greg Snow who qualified by virtue of making cuts at last year’s Kenya Open.

Manuel is a Spanish professional golfer while Gary Stuart Boyd is an English professional golfer who currently plays on the European Tour.

Manuel was born in Valencia Spain, turned professional in 1997 and has competed on the European Tour since 2001, having finished 11th in the previous seasons Challenge Tour rankings.

Chevrolet local dealers Pewin Motors Limited in conjunction with General Motors are on board to sponsor the Hole in One for the 2015 Barclays Kenya Open to the tune of Ksh. 2m (USD 21,654.85).

Over and above the cash sponsorship, Pewin Motors are also offering a Chevrolet Trailblazer 2015 model worth Ksh.5.1 million (16,241.14) for the first amateur or pro to obtain a hole in one at the 13th hole.

“The success of Barclays Kenya Open would not be achieved without the support received from the large local base of corporate sponsors. We hope to see one of our local players not only leave the Karen Club with the Championship, but hopefully he will do so in a brand new Chevrolet Trailblazer,” KOGL chairman, Peter Kanyago declared.

With less than a week to tee off, the tournament has reached the penultimate stage of planning, with organisers and tournament officials putting on the final touches on what promises to be a grueling and competitive event.

This year, the tournament will once again attract players from around the globe; with competitors expected from the East Africa region, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia.

The first ProAm will be held on April 7 and the second on April 8 at Karen.

NAIROBI, April 1- In an effort to improve chances of winning medals at distance races during this summer’s IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China will send 150 culinary experts to Kenya to learn how to prepare the kind of dishes that have made their runners excel at world events.

The southwest Chinese city of Guiyang witnessed the might of Kenya distance runners last Saturday at the 41st World Cross and China that has invested millions of dollars to host the biennial track and field showpiece is keen on borrowing from Kenya’s menu of success.

The Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China and Chairman of the Chinese Olympic Committee Liu Peng and the Mayor of Beijing Wang Anshun announced this plans on Tuesday, a day after the launch to unveil the designs of the tickets and to open online sales for the IAAF World Championships in Beijing that run from August 22 to 30 at the iconic Bird’s Nest.

“China wants to welcome the world to Beijing as well as win in races we used to win in the past. Kenya runners excel because of training hard and eating well and we have sent our people to learn how to cook their food since it is important.

“Kenya did well in Guiyang and we are pleased to welcome their great athletes back and we are happy our friends have agreed for our people to learn how to cook their food for one month,” Peng said through an interpreter.

Anshun, who was in Guiyang singled out World Cross senior champions, Geoffrey Kipsang and Agnes Tirop adding he wished the pair will return to China in the track team.

“The stamina, determination and spirit shown by Kamworor and Agnes was admirable. The course was hard and tough but you could see they were in good condition and diet is very important,” the mayor added.

The first batch of the experts who include cooks, nutritionists and dieticians will arrive in Nairobi Wednesday week to be followed by the remaining group that comes in on April 15.

They will then proceed to Iten where they will sample the nutritional needs of high flying runners such as Olympic champion and record holder, David Rudisha, who trains in the town as well as camps of famous marathoners such as two-time World Champion, Abel Kirui.

Wang Junxia (1996) and Xing Huina (2004) are Chinese distance Olympics female champions in 5000m and 10000m and the hosts who failed to produce a distance winner on the track when Bird’s Nest hosted the 2008 Olympics are keen to ensure the same is not repeated in August.

IAAF President Lamine Diack met the two officials in the Golden Room of China’s National Stadium, better known as the Bird’s Nest, to unveil the design of the tickets and to open online sales having travelled from Guiyang.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 1 – Africa Junior women 3000m bronze medallist, Sandrafelis Chebet will lead the 23-strong Kenyan squad to the second CAA Africa Youth Championships that will run in Mauritius from April 22 to 26.

Athletics Kenya (AK) selected 14 boys and nine girls following the conclusion of two-day Trials at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium where Chebet underlined her credentials by out-foxing the competition in the girls’ 2000m steeplechase final.

Chebet stopped the clock in 6:26.0 ahead of Coast based Ann Gathoni by two seconds with the bridesmaid leading for the better part of the race before fading in the final two laps.

“The race was good although this is not my event. I was trying my luck after failing to make it in the 1500m where I finished third. In the last two laps, I realized that I still had energy and that’s when I pushed myself to the limit.

“This time round, I’m seeing gold coming on the way,” Chebet, 17, who hails from Kericho told Capital Sport.

South Rift’s Vincent Kiyegon won the corresponding boys’ water and barriers race after uncorking a gun to tape performance ahead of Nixon Kiplagat in 5:28.2.

“Youth competition is not easy as many people think, it’s the toughest event in Kenya because everybody wants to represent the country but I trained well for the race since I wanted to revenge my Africa junior’s performance where I finished fourth.

“I expect gold because I have experience. My role model is Paul Kipsiele Koech since we come from the same County and Ezekiel Kemboi, I want to be like them in future,” Kipyegon told.

Davis Kiplagat and Richard Yator will carry the country’s flag in the boys 3000m while Chebet’s twin sister, Emily will partner with Sheila Chelangat in the girls’ event.

Betty Chepkemoi is the sole girls’ 800m runner whilst Kipyegon Bett and Sila Kimeli will compete in the boys’ event.

Kenya will have only two in the field events with Vincent Kilel taking part in the Triple jump while Emmanuel Kipng’etich will participate in Javelin.

The team that will be led by coaches Paul Kipkemboi and Esther Kavaya; reports to camp Tuesday next week at Nairobi’s Milele Hotel before departing April 21.

AK vice president in charge of Youth, Lt. General (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, called on girls’ to pull up their socks to enable equal selection in future.

“In the coming events, team selection as well as vetting and confirmation of agents should be done at regional level to enable the national office have the names in time and prepare for the start list early. I also instruct schools to start registering their athletes before entering in competitions for our database,” Tuwei declared.

Kenya will be looking to improve her 2013 performance at the inaugural edition in, Wari Nigeria where they finished fourth with five gold, four silver and two bronze.

Team Kenya

100m – Arron Kimutai (boys), Damaris Akoth (girls)

200m – Markson Sirere (boys), Damaris Akoth (girls)

800m – Kipyegon Bett, Sila Kimeli (boys) Betty Chepkemoi (girls)

1500m – Brimin Kiprono, Kimaru Tarus (boys) Janeth Chepng’etich, SandraFelis   Chebet (girls)

2000m s/chase – Vincent Kipyegon, Nixon Kiplagat (boys) Sandrafelis Chebet, Ann Gathoni (girls)

3000m – Davis Kiplagat, Richard Yator (boys) Emily Chebet, Sheila Chelangat (girls)

Javelin – Emmnuel Kipng’etich

Triple jump – Vincent Kilel.

Coaches – Paul Kipkemboi, Esther Kavayi

Team Manager – Paul Kiriako

Chaperone – Matinda Soi

Physiotherapist – Dr. Kevin Otieno.

NAIROBI, April 1 –Anthony Kimani scored against his old club to help Bandari FC oust champions Gor Mahia from the summit of the Kenyan Premier League log following their 1-0 victory over Nairobi City Stars at Nairobi City Stadium on Wednesday.

At Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium in the earlier clash, Muhoroni Youth picked their first win after easing past hosts Nakuru All Stars 3-1.

Kimani scored the winner in the 11th minute after connecting David King’atua’s cross to see the Dockers open a single-point lead over K’Ogalo who have two games in hand as they prepare for their CAF Champions League return leg against AC Leopards of Congo this weekend.

The only chance for the Kawangware based side who remain winless this season in the first-half came in the 18th but Levy Mwaka squandered the opportunity when he shot directly at Bandari goalkeeper Wilson Obungu, who easily saved the tame effort.

George Abege almost doubled the lead for the Dockers but the striker spared his former side by shooting directly at Stars keeper, Victor Odhiambo.

City Stars piled pressure in the dying minutes of the game but they could not get an equalizer as they succumbed to their fourth defeat and remain winless.

In Nakuru, skipper Abass Akinyemi, opened the scoring for Muhoroni in the seventh minute after tucking in Paul Mboya’s cross before Boniface Akenga pulled the sides level after the break.

Parity was short lived however; as Eric Odhiambo fired Muhoroni ahead in the 54th before George Mandela nailed the points two minutes later to pile more misery on All Stars who continued their relegation form from last season by losing their fourth game in a row.

The league resumes Thursday with a tasty clash between Sofapaka and Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium.

Batoto Ba Mungu who had a slow start to the 2015 season will be looking for their second win while Mathare will be seeking to bounce back from a 1-1 draw last time out.

NAIROBI, April 2 –After failing to achieve their second Main Cup quarter-final target in Hong Kong, Kenya 7s are out to make amends at the seventh HSBC World Series round in Tokyo this weekend, where they are once again drawn in a tough pool.

With Kenya 25 points above relegation threatened Japan in the standings, it’s almost impossible for Shujaa to lose their Core Status, but head coach Felix Ochieng is aiming for a flying finish to the season over the remaining three rounds to take momentum into African qualifiers for 2016 Olympics in Johannesburg at the beginning of November.

Kenya have had a rough campaign, only managing to reach the Main Cup quarters once in Wellington 7s, a result that has seen them stand no chance of qualifying for Rio as one of the top four sides from the series.

Despite beating Tokyo 7s hosts Japan 26-7 to lift the Shield in Hong Kong, Kenya sunk out of the Main Cup winless before losing the Bowl quarters 10-21 to Canada to compound their woes.

On paper, there is no respite in Japan where Kenya will face series leaders South Africa, USA and Canada who have turned them into whipping boys in the preliminary round.

Once again, Kenya kick-off against former head coach, Mike Friday’s USA on Saturday morning at 5:50am local time (+3GMT) having lost to them thrice this season.

In their last encounter in Hong Kong, Shujaa tossed away a 14-0 half-time lead after losing it on the breakdown to allow Friday charges make a stunning 14-21 comeback win.

Kenya have a chance to get one over Friday who steered them to a fifth finish on 99 points during the 2012-13 season with Ochieng as his assistant, their highest ever close to a HSBC campaign.

The man to watch is Maka Unufe who has had a great outing with USA this season having beaten Kenya 5-12 in Dubai and 5-33 at South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens before Hong Kong.

Shujaa will then renew their African rivalry with South Africa at 8:46am EAT time (+3GMT) in fixture that will probably determine their Main Cup quarters fate.

-Blitzbokke Win-

The last time the two sides faced each other was at Wellington 7s Cup quarters where Blitzbokke won 19-5 in Ochieng’s first outing since replacing South African Paul Treu who resigned at Port Elizabeth 7s last December.

With Ochieng having seasoned players led by veteran Humphrey Kayange, his younger brother Collins Injera as well as skipper Andrew Amonde, the team will fancy their chances to stop the South Africans who are on the verge of qualifying to the Summer Games.

However, with two wins from the first three rounds, Blitzboke are seemingly unstoppable as they eye clinching the overall series for a second time.

Shujaa are likely to miss the services of scrum-half Michael Wanjala who suffered a knock against Canada and did not play in Portugal and Japan subsequent fixtures while Blitzboke have called up uncapped Carel du Preez to replace injured forward Philip Snyman.

Kenya will wrap up her group stage fixtures against Canada at 1:20pm.

NAIROBI, April 2- Integrated communications giant, Safaricom has severed its sponsorship deal with the flagship Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Safari Sevens annual international invitational tournament as well as the domestic sevens series on Thursday.

In a letter signed by Safaricom Chief Executive, Richard Collymore, addressed to new KRU chairman, Richard Omwela, the company cites among lack of ‘accountability and transparency’ at the union for the decision.

“Over the years, we have closely monitored the events of the Union and heightened our growing concerns with the lack of transparency and accountability of certain members of the Board whose actions have brought the game to disrepute; a situation which jeopardises the Safaricom brand and which makes our continued sponsorship impossible.

“In view of this, we have made the decision to withdraw our sponsorship of the Safaricom Sevens edition,” part of the letter said.

The letter dated April 1, in a cruel twist of fate, serves a 30-day notice of termination for their partnership that started in 2010 and was embroiled in controversy at last year’s edition when some directors at the Union were accused of embezzling funds and awarding supply contracts to their cronies.

“During this 30 day period, the Union and Clubs should cease any new use of Safaricom’s intellectual property and return or dispose of all existing promotional material containing Safaricom’s trademarks.

“Safaricom shall similarly cease using the Union and Club’s intellectual properties and return or dispose of all promotional material containing such trademarks as may be advised by the union,” Collymore’s letter added.

Also affected are domestic series rounds of Driftwood 7s (Mombasa), Dala 7s (Kisumu), Christie 7s (Nairobi/Harlequins), Kabeberi 7s (Nairobi/Mwamba) and Prinsloo 7s (Nakuru) that had evolved to be crowd pullers over the last two seasons.

- Huge blow-

Speaking to Capital Sport, KRU boss Omwela who returned to the chair during the March 17 Annual General Meeting and subsequent elections admitted the development was a ‘big blow’ to the tournament and rugby in general.

“I have not seen the letter but I’m informed it has been sent. We are in talks with other potential sponsors to come on board since we were aware they had threatened to pull out.

“Safaricom wanted us to change some of our sitting Board members who were involved in last year’s claims but we can’t since they were duly elected and their terms end next year. It is not the end of the world, Safari 7s will continue,” the respected lawyer added.

The withdrawal of the deal means the event is set to be moved from Safaricom Stadium at Kasarani to either Nyayo Stadium of the Rugby Football Union of East Africa Grounds, its first venue along Nairobi’s Ngong Road.

Safaricom and KRU first entered into agreement to sponsor Safari 7s in 2010 before it was renewed and expanded to include the Safaricom Sevens Series in 2013.

In mid-February, the writing was on the wall when Collymore threatened to pull the plug on federations who do not account their money, citing rugby, football and athletics as the sports earmarked for the purge.

However, Athletics Kenya (AK) managed to close ranks with the company and saw renew of the Safaricom Athletics Series sponsorship on Thursday as rugby lost out.

NAIROBI, April 2- Under the watchful gaze of the founding father of the nation, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the 62nd Edition of the KCB Safari Rally will be flagged off at KICC by his son and Head of State; Uhuru from 9am local time (+3GMT).

This will kick-start the Easter rumble that will see five counties invaded by monstrous machines and crazed drivers behind the wheel.

Yes, the Safari of old is back to its Easter slot with 60 cars starting the backbreaking 1042.66km total and 364km of competitive action in an event dubbed “Bringing Rally to the People” that in the tradition of the eras gone by when it was known as ‘world’s toughest rally’ only the strongest will survive.

For the first time in decades of rallying, veteran Aslam Khan has been forced out of this year’s Safari due to pneumonia, with the guru lamenting, ”My doctor has advised me to take a rest as I am still on medication to fight the virus. It is sad I will miss the rally for the first time after a long period,” said Khan.

On Thursday, the collection of motoring beasts that will take part in the annual jamboree went through scrutineering at Nairobi’s Galleria Mall where Musa Locho and his team of technical experts sifted through the cars to ensure everything was in order.

- Watch out-

Former British and Finn champion Tapio Lukunnen is certainly one of those to watch having stormed to the lead in the Kenya National Rally Championships (KNRC) on his first foray in the domestic completion but he will not have a clear road to glory.

Safari defending champion Baldev Chager, Ian Duncan, Rajbir Rai and four-time champion Carl Tundo are among those indicating their intentions to conquer an event that has brought back its original allure.

Chager has two Safari titles under his belt, three shy of the legendary ‘Flying Sikh’ Shekhar Mehta whom he has been anointed successor, but clinching the third is not beyond his grasp.

In a bid to quell competition and re-live his epic 1994 triumph aboard the famed ‘Flying Saugage’ Toyota Celica GT4 when the event was part of the World Rally Championships, Duncan has returned armed with a spanking new Mitsubishi Evo X that has proved to be almost untouchable on local roads.

Blood rivalry comes in the shape of the Tundo family, patriarch Frank and children Frank and Tash.

The older Tundo has seen rally technology evolve through different eras but he still has enough in the tank to give the young fillies a run for their money.

Being a bone-breaker, a surprise champion cannot be ruled out after three-days of high octane rallying with protracted battle looming in other categories including 2WD, S Class, SPV, Division 1, 2 and 3.

-Back in time-

This year’s Safari is that it has reverted back to its former identity that elicited immense excitement amongst its followers, on the Easter weekend.

It has made a sharp about-turn as after being identified as sprint event in the recent years, it’s now more of an endurance run-a rally akin to that of the 70’s when drivers tackled lengthy route courses.

This year’s event is not any different from the long distance aspect as crews have the enviable task of covering a mind-boggling mileage in an event that will traverse five counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Laikipia, Meru and Machakos.

With the impending battle of man and machine, there has been an introduction of several road side services ostensibly because the mileage is bigger.

The rally in which Meru Forest will be in use will have Loldaiga as the longest stage at 54.77Km while Meru ASK showground will be the shortest at 2.7Km.

There will be five spectator stages of which three (Ngare Ndare, Lisa Ranch and Nkunga) will be park and walk alongside Meru ASK Showground and another at Machakos People’s Park which are expected to attract crowds in their hordes.

Ngare Ndare is located after the turn-off of Timau, with Nkunga on Meru-Isiolo Road and Lisa Ranch in Konza, some 9kilometres off Mombasa Road.

-Surviving crew-

On Friday, drivers will tackle a 69.50Km of liaison distance through to Konza Service where they will have a privilege of 10 minutes given to service their vehicles.

They will then head back to the refuel zone at Konza before tackling their first stage of 39.55Km stage at Lisa Ranch.

They will return to Konza refuel stage for the third time after which they will tackle a 5.90km stage at Machakos People’s Park then head to refuel zone before repeating the Lisa Ranch section with a 45minute service and return to Nairobi.

On Saturday, surviving crew will re-start at 5.30 am and head for refuel first at Shell Petrol Station on Thika Road and Shell Petrol Station in Karatina.

The next destination is a road side service just before the Legetia start and they will do five stages including Lengetia, Loldaiga, Ngare Ndare, Nkunga and ASK Meru Spectator Stage, covering the day’s total of 420.92 kilometres of which 125.92 kilometres will be competitive.

The final day is a test of nerves and skills for drivers as they will cover 10 stages.

At ASK showground, they will make two repeats then make a second run of Loldaiga, once each in Kisima and Kibirichia stage make a second run of Nkunga before proceeding to Meru Forest.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 2 – Popular crowd pullers, Prinsloo, Kabeberi, Dala, Driftwood and Christies 7s face an uncertain future following the withdrawal of sponsorship bombshell by integrated communications giant, Safaricom on Thursday.

Hosting clubs of the National Sevens Circuit, Nakuru RFC (Prinsloo), Mwamba (Kabeberi), Kisumu (Dala), Mombasa (Driftwood) and Kenya Harlequins (Christie) are most affected as biggest beneficiaries of the deal sealed by former Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Mwangi Muthee in 2010.

The five clubs were incorporated in the deal in 2013 when KRU renewed its partnership with the sponsor injecting Sh50.5m (USD 545,356.38) in last year’s series.

Club chairmen, who spoke to Capital Sport immediately news filtered through the firm had terminated the deal expressed disappointment with some blaming the Union for the downfall.

Nakuru’s Simpson Osiemo lamented they have been crippled financially since they will have to find other avenues to run this year’s Prinsloo 7s; famously known as ‘Nax Vegas’ that attracts a huge number of rugby enthusiasts countrywide.

“It’s a dark day for Kenya rugby; the Board is not taking us in the right direction because when it reaches a point where blue chip companies like Safaricom tell you they don’t have faith in you, it’s very worrying.

“We gained a lot from the partnership as clubs. Apart from getting the annual Sh1.5m (USD 16,216.22) for organising the event, Safaricom have lots of experience in event management hence making our work easier,” Osiemo told.

“We don’t know how other sponsors will react and this takes us back to the root course of the problem which is bad leadership and as it stands; players and clubs will suffer.

“We have had our issues but not reaching at a point where sponsors are running away. We need to put our heads together and find out where the rain started beating us,” the Wanyore boss added.

- Kick-off on-

Mike Lucas of Kenya Harlequins insists the local series will kick-off with or without a sponsor as he plans to meet other club chairmen to chart the way forward.

“I blame past chairman, Mwangi Muthee for allowing corruption among his Board members. Its sad clubs are suffering because of the Union’s bad reputation.

“We will find our way even if it means operating on shoestring budgets to ensure the 51st Christie 7s takes place. I believe with Richard Omwela coming back to the Union, he will restore sanity because we had stooped too low,” Lucas alleged.

Mwamba chairman, Alvas Onguru said, “Kabeberi 7s is one of our revenue collection streams and from the past two seasons it’s helped us pay our bills but we are now going to suffer because of some of directors in the Board.”

Safaricom withdrawal follows uncertainty surrounding the 15s premier franchise tournament; Rugby Super Series after sponsor Bamburi Cement threatened to terminate the partnership under similar embezzlement of funds at last year’s tournament allegations that saw the integrated communication firm pull the plug on sevens.

It means after conclusion of Enterprise Cup this month, there will be no domestic rugby 15s action until November when 2015/16 Kenya Cup season gets underway.

The National Sevens Circuit is a series of seven-a-side competitions that take place in various towns and cities in the major rugby playing parts of the country after the end of the regular 15-a-side season.

NAIROBI, April 2- The noose is tightening on masterminds of the recent spike in doping cases in the country with arrests of local perpetrators and bans on foreign agents to be announced next week, Athletics Kenya (AK) boss Isaiah Kiplagat revealed Thursday.

With the country reeling from 34 positive cases since 2013 with the latest last week when 40 year-old USA based Joseph Mutinda was banned for three years, Kiplagat revealed the federation had crucial leads they shared with the country’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) who deal with organised crimes.

“We are working well with the athletes. Next week, we might be announcing some drastic measures. We might have to ban or suspend two or three agents. You will hear it at my press conference next week.

“At least Kenya can be seen to be working. We are working with the CID and we have some leads that one or two people might be arrested in the next one or two weeks. I must make it clear; it is not easy to control (doping) when people want to be famous and rich, they can do anything,” Kiplagat said in Nairobi.

The federation has been accused of complicity in dealing with the vice that turned on its head when three-time Boston and two-time Chigaco Marathon champion, Rita Jeptoo was banned for two years for EPO use in January.

Kiplagat was speaking when integrated communication firm Safaricom unveiled the third edition of the Safaricom Athletics Series that will, for the first time, feature track and field events in addition to relay and long distance races in a partnership worth Sh120m (USD1.2m).

The circuit will be categorized into three arms namely: Safaricom Relay Edition, Safaricom Track and Field Edition and Safaricom Long Distance Edition.

“We hope to give our athletes a chance to explore their talents by providing more platforms for them to take advantage of. We will not relent on our commitment to support athletics. Our overall objective is to have a positive impact in sports as we continue with our agenda of transforming lives of communities,” Bob Collymore Safaricom’s chief executive, said at the event.

The first event in the series will take place next weekend and the organisers have invited five African nations to compete during the trial in a bid to prepare the team for the IAAF World Relays in Bahamas.

Nigeria, Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda have confirmed attendance.

Four members of the public and an equal number of Safaricom staff will also get a chance to participate in November’s New York City Marathon provided they run in four of the 13 races in the schedule and post best times.

-External auditors-

With the firm raising the red flag on integrity of federations in handling sponsorship monies, Safaricom is considering hiring external auditors to safeguard finances.

“Even as we continue to invest heavily in athletics, we would like to call upon all stakeholders and the governing body, Athletics Kenya, to ensure that the good image of athletics as a key sport in Kenya is not eroded by the issues that have plagued this sport over the past few months,” added Collymore.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 2 – Enoch Agwanda scored from the spot to rescue a point for 2009 winners Sofapaka FC against the side they deposed, Mathare United in a Kenyan Premier League clash of former champions that ended in a 1-1 draw on Thursday.

Daniel Mwaura gave Mathare the lead in the 27th minute from Noah Abich’s corner at Nyayo Stadium but Agwanda; returning from international duty against Seychelles last weekend; restored parity eight minutes later from the spot.

Former Harambee Stars defender, Edgar Ochieng fouled speedy Burundi international Fiston Abdul Razak in the box to give Sofapaka the spot-kick.

The result saw Batoto Ba Mungu who have two games in hand; climb to eighth on five points same as Mathare who have an inferior goal difference.

Sofapaka could have headed into the break with a lead but Razak missed two open chances when he blazed from close range before Mathare keeper, Robert Mboya punched the Burundian’s powerful header out to maintain parity.

The 2009 champions resumed on a high but could not find the back of the net with Razak squandering a one-on- one with Mboya after Ochieng miscued a clearance to invite him in but once again, the opportunity went begging.

Mathare were then awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box after David Okello infringed Eric Mata, but Abich’s resultant set-piece rattled the woodwork as both settled for a point.

Batoto Ba Mungu, will now face Western Stima at Kisumu’s Moi Stadium while Mathare will be up against Nairobi City Stars when the league continues into the Easter weekend.

AFC Leopards seeking to bounce back after losing 1-0 to Ulinzi Stars host Thika United at Mumias Sports Complex on Sunday.

Ingwe players had threatened not to honour the fixture after boycotting Wednesday’s training demanding three months salary and bonus arrears but reversed the decision when they met club management on Thursday.

Leopards head coach, Zdravko Logarusic welcome suspended captain, Martin Imbalambala and winger Noah Wafula who both missed the past three rounds.

Ushuru FC will travel to Muhoroni Youth while limping Nakuru All Stars will be seeking to end their winless run when they invite Sony Sugar at Afraha Stadium.

Ten-time champions Tusker FC travel to Chemelil Sugar in the only Saturday fixture that will be televised live by on SuperSport.

NAIROBI, April 2- Donations to enable Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions, Gor Mahia, honour their return leg fixture against AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville this weekend in the CAF Champions League first round continued trickling in Thursday.

Despite the recent all out tussle against KPL which is headed by Gor Mahia chairman, Ambrose Rachier, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president, Sam Nyamweya, weighed in with Sh100,000 on the eve of their planned departure.

He urged individual and corporate sponsors to spare the domestic titleholders and Kenya at large the embarrassment and subsequent CAF sanctions of forfeiture.

On Wednesday, fellow KPL side, Bandari, who scaled to the summit  with a 1-0 victory over Nairobi City Stars, gave Sh50,000 to Gor from their gate collections.

The begging bowl was put out by the best supported club in the land when their fundraiser only managed to raise Sh511,000 against a budget of Sh4m needed to cater for travel, accommodation, allowances and related costs in Brazzaville.

“Gor Mahia are our country’s flag bearers in the continental scene and as a federation we must ensure that they represent us in this prestigious tournament.

“I appeal to other well wishers to come out and assist the club financially,” Nyaweya added after announcing his personal donation.

The club has a mobile pay bill number of 350100 on the Safaricom network for fans willing to chip in with their donations.

K’Ogalo have the added burden of trailing 0-1 on aggregate from the home leg and need to force a lone goal to nought win to force post match penalties having overcome CNaPS of Magascar in the preliminary phase on away goals following a 3-3 tie over both legs.

NAIROBI, April 2- Titleholders and hosts Royal Golf Club shared the lead with Muthaiga after day one of the Tanahill Easter tournament that kicked-off on Good Friday.

Royal and Muthaiga are tied on 13 points with Sigona na Mombasa joint third on 11 as the teams battled for control in close contests.

Vet Lab who are returning from a three-year suspension from the tournament, scored eight with West Kenya and Limuru tied on six as Windsor (four) and Karen (two) rounded the rankings.

“I’m happy all teams reported and the atmosphere is exciting within teams. The weather looks like it will hold up and will not interfere with the Easter weekend golf.

“I’m confident my team will win the tournament not only because it’s our home course but my players are top quality,” Royal captain, Bernard Kiraithe, told Capital Sport.

“All teams are well prepared and I expect quality throughout the weekend,” he added.

The tournament matches kicked off with Karen taking on Sigona and Mombasa in the threesome format tournament.

-By Joe Muchiri

NAIROBI, April 3- Former Finnish and British champion Tapio Laukkanen in a Subaru Impreza won Day One’s three stages outright to take a 1.25minute overnight lead of the KCB Safari Rally around Konza and Machakos on Friday.

Kenyan pair Raaji Bharij and four-time Safari winner Carl “Flash” Tundo followed to round the top three ahead of Jassi Chatthe and Manvir Baryan who closed the leading five drivers of the three-day rally that was flagged off by Cabinet Secretary for Sport, Hassan Wario in Nairobi earlier in the morning.

Tapio drove his R4 Subaru Impreza like a man possessed with his healthy lead over the local boys true testament of his awesome driving skill.

“The essence was to go flat out today and maximise my lead as much as possible because I know that the next two days will be challenging and rough,” said Tapio.

And after returning to the last service-in at Konza which also acted as the day’s refuel zone, the leader who aims to emulate illustrious compatriots of old such Juha Kankkunnen and Tommy Makinnen as Safari champion was content with the smooth and flat-out roads that day one had to offer.

Friday’s leg was staged on closed private farm roads in Konza and Machakos with the cars heading back to the capital for an overnight stay at KICC.

Crew will revs off for Mount Kenya region at 5.30am (+3GMT) Saturday to tackle a 420km run of day 2 which traverses Lengetia in Naro Moru, Loldaiga in Nanyuki, Ngare Ndare, Nkunga and finish at Meru ASK showground where the first car is expected in at 1.30pm.

Many of the top drivers admitted candidly it was a tall order chasing the “Flying Finn” whilst others forecast the next two days could prove quite unforgiving considering his incredible stage times.

Tapio opened a 36 seconds lead from Bharij on CS1 and extended it further to 53 in the second which was based around the famous Machakos People’s Park.

Baldev Chager, who is the national rally and Safari defending champion, was left to rue a small hiccup on his pace-notes which sent him further down the field when he wrong slotted CS1 Lisa Ranch Stage.

Bharij had a clean first stage with no incidences but survived scares in the second.

“CS 1 was a really nice. We went into the next stage and unfortunately, we felt a little bit of a pull on the tarmac, so we thought we had pulled the alignment out but I was a bit confused over having hit anything. It turns out that we had a puncture, so a kilometre into the Special Stage the tyre fell off the rim, so we weren’t very first in there but i think we were okay.

“Unfortunately coming into service we have had problems with our fuel pump,” the runner-up Raaji explained.

-Cavenagh woes-

Local hero Alastair Cavenagh was grappling with electrical problems after the first two stages lamenting,“We didn’t have a very good start we actually had an electrical problem which dragged us quite a bit. So we got out of the car see what it was then get back in and get our belts on.”

Quentin was happy with his Skoda Fabia S2000 incidentally on his second outing and added that Kenyans will have no choice but to chase Tapio.

“It’s a long event. It’s a long way to go. The car is performing really well, although it loses a bit of altitude, then makes up in time so and we are just getting used to it, the last time we drove it was September last year on the Safari.

“To be honest everybody in the top ten and top 15 are really fast and could take this rally. Its an endurance rally and everybody is going too quick. Everybody has to get faster and keep up with Tapio,” the local youngster added.

Ugandan Jas Mangat said the first run on Lisa was good “but we were just keeping it a bit safe in the morning.”

“We just had to go back to service, finished the last stage and go back out and so far we are pleased with what’s going on, we are getting used to the car again. The event is good and the biggest challenge is the longer competitive stages. It’s going to be a long rally so at the end of tomorrow we will be able to strategise,” he underscored.

DAY ONE LEADER BOARD

1. Tapio Laukkanen (Subaru) 46.37
2. Raaji Bharij (EVOX) 48.02
3. Carl Tundo (Proton) 48.36
4. Jaspreet Chatthe (EVOX) 49.02
5. Manvir Baryan (Ford Fiesta) 49.05
6. Onkar Rai (EVOX) 49.21
7. Baldev Chager (EVOX) 49.45
8. Ian Duncan (EVOX) 49.46
9. Karan Patel (EVOX) 50.01
10. Jas Mangat (EVOX) 50.07
11. Quentin Mitchell (Skoda Fabia) 50.36

Sent from my BlackBerry®

NAIROBI, April 4 – Head coach, Felix Ochieng’s hopes of reaching a second Main Cup quarter-final this season were dashed after his charges lost their second Pool C match to Canada 26-10 in the opening day of the seventh leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday.

Shujaa will now face Australia in Sunday’s Bowl quarter-final as they seek to improve from their Hong Kong outing where they collected three points courtesy of their Shield win.

Playing with black armband in solidarity of family and friends who lost their loved ones in Thursday’s Garisa University College attack that left 147 students dead, Kenya began on a high, beating former head coach Mike Friday’s USA 27-5 in their opening fixture.

Shujaa lost their second match to series leaders South Africa after going down 26-0 despite a promising start.

-USA revenge-

Veteran Humphrey Kayange grounded his first try of the season since making a comeback from a seven-month injury layoff, to inspire Ochieng earn a sweet avenge against his former boss Friday.

Despite playing with heavy hearts, Ochieng charges finally ended three match winless run against USA this season after touching down five tries.

Youngster Bush Mwale opened the scoring in the second minute when he found space to dart two USA defenders and burst to the try line from the inside for his 10th career try as Lavin Asego missed the conversion.

Injera doubled the lead from a build up started by Mwale who found Billy Odhiambo with the latter setting the vice captain for his 195th career try as Asego’s conversion once again went wide to see Kenya lead 10-0.

Skipper Andrew Amonde gifted USA the consolation after the KCB RFC man dropped the ball in his try line to enable Madison Hughes pull one back from unconverted try.

Shujaa suffered a blow on the hooter after Asego limped off from a knock as Amonde made up when he set Kayange for the third, when the lanky center picked the captain’s kick to score his 145th career try as Kenya led 15-5 at the break.

Kenya slowed the game on resumption, locking the Americans from their break down, with Injera completing his brace to attain a remarkable 1002 points, 24 above country’s leading points scorer Asego, before substitute Leonard Mugaisi sealed the win with his unconverted try.

Against Blitzboke, they once again found themselves on the receiving end as South Africa proved a hard nut to crack when Justin Geduld scored an early try to leave Shujaa trailing 7-0 at the breather.

Chris Dry touched down South Africa’s eighth try of the weekend on resumption as Rosco Specman completed the rout on the hooter.

The result left Kenya with no option but to win their last group match against Canada but that remained to be a dream as the latter beat Shujaa for a second successive time.

The Canadian started brighter and did well to exchange passes in the flanks, before Ciaran Hearn broke the deadlock from individual effort before grounding a brace seconds later from Kayange’s blander.

Mugaisi pulled one back for Shujaa when he scored under the sticks for his 10th career try as Amonde was sent the sin bin on the hooter for a neck tackle to see Canada lead 14-15 at the interval.

Justin Douglas extended Canada’s lead after the break when he picked the loose ball and sprit untouched to the try line. Conor Trainor powered over for the fourth try but as on injury time, Kenya grabbed what could be much more than just a consolation through the excellent Mugaisi.

It was the tight pool with Canada, USA and Kenya all locked on five points but Canada advanced through with a superior points difference (-14) over Kenya (-20) and USA (-23) end up bottom.

ELDORET, April 4- Former 5000m world champion and International Association of Athletics federation (IAAF) Athletes’ Representative, Benjamin Limo has explained why he quit his post as Athletics Kenya Uasin Gishu branch chairman.

Limo, who has been on top of Uasin Gishu athletics since 2013, resigned last week citing a poor working relationship with AK’s head office, doping and poor constitution that does not recognise athletes as key stakeholders in the federation.

He added the decision was made after discussions with friends saying his name was bigger than the federation “led by individuals who have no athletes’ interest at heart but pursue personal gains.”

“I extensively consulted people from out and within just to ensure that I don’t hurt anyone in the process. Many times we are in IAAF meetings, officials ask me hard questions about doping in Kenya, which I fail to answer and AK is not ready to deal with the menace,” said Limo.

-Shielding doping-

Limo took issue with AK accusing them of shielding and protecting some managers and coaches who are adversely mentioned countrywide.

“AK is not ready to fight doping and it happens that majority of athletes affected by such vices come from almost one camp and AK is doing nothing to curb the vice.

“The same accused managers are foreigners enjoying protection of AK but destroying the image and athletes future yet we have not seen any action taken,” the Helsinki 5000m World champion charged.

The only gold medallist at the 2005 IAAF Worlds slammed the AK constitution that ‘does not favour athletes but outsiders who do not know athletics at all.’

“I have been in athletics for 20 years and this constitution does not mention anywhere about athletes who are stakeholders in the federation.

“World record holders like David Rudisha will never be in the management. In this constitution, anybody is allowed to join so long as you have Sh500. The current members from top to bottom, there is no single athlete, that is wrong,” he lamented.

With the current wrangles in AK, Limo rued he had been part of “a bad governing system, saying the entire top brass needs to be dissolved.

“Working in a dysfunction system, even if you are good, the system will obviously fail you. Your name will be dragged into the list of bad managers, when you are not. That is why I had to quit as AK chairman of Uasin Gishu and secretary of Central Rift region,” he stated.

LIVERPOOL, April 4- Everton defender Phil Jagielka delivered a major blow to Southampton’s bid to qualify for the Champions League as his first-half goal secured a 1-0 win at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Ronald Koeman’s side needed a victory on Merseyside to keep in touch with the Premier League’s top four, but Jagielka’s strike left sixth placed Saints trailing fourth placed Manchester City by eight points with just seven games to play.

Southampton’s first defeat in four matches leaves them with a place in the Europa League their most likely route to continental competition next season.

For Everton, a third successive league win lifted them into the security of mid-table, with a 12-point gap to the bottom three, after they briefly looked in danger of being dragged into the relegation dogfight.

It was an upbeat end to a day with started with the news that Everton midfielder Darron Gibson is likely to miss the remainder of the season after breaking a metatarsal.

The Republic of Ireland international was replaced by Gareth Barry, returning from suspension, with the other change seeing Ross Barkley replace Romelu Lukaku, who had not recovered from the hamstring problem which saw him miss Belgium’s recent internationals.

Southampton were quickly into their stride and threatened in the first minute when defender Jose Fonte headed wide from a free-kick.

Graziano Pelle had scored just once in his last 16 appearances for Southampton, but the striker found the net in Italy’s midweek friendly draw against England.

He came close to building on that morale-boosting goal when he met Shane Long’s cross with a lobbed volley that Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard brilliantly clawed away from under the crossbar.

But failure to convert those early opportunities proved costly for Southampton as the hosts took the lead in the 16th minute.

A Leighton Baines corner was only half-cleared to Barry and his cross reached England international Jagielka, who steered a low shot into the corner for his fifth club goal of the season.

James Ward-Prowse nearly produced an immediate response from the visitors when the midfielder’s curling free-kick found the side-netting with Howard beaten.

Ward-Prowse was proving a real menace to the Everton defence and another stinging strike drew a fine save from Howard.

Everton were back on the offensive when Aaron Lennon found Arouna Kone on the right and his cross reached Osman, whose header deflected just wide.

Koeman’s team dominated possession in the second half but lacked the cutting edge to prise open Everton’s back four in a lacklustre finale.

MERU, April 5- Finnish driver Tapio Laukkanen navigated by Pasi Torma in a Subaru Impreza R5 was again peerless as Day 2’s Leg 1B of the KCB Safari Rally came to a dramatic end on the 1.7km ASK Meru Showground Super-Special stage.

The former British and Finnish Champion who leads the eight-leg domestic KNRC series went to bed with a massive 5.49minutes lead over Kenya’s Jassi Chatthe but admitted candidly at Meru Teachers Training Institute service park that he will need to tread carefully on the last day Sunday to bag the honours.

Duncan settled for third followed by four-time Safari winner Carl Tundo, Baldev Chager and Quentin Mitchell in that order.

“It was quite a good day. We picked a puncture on the first stage and lost a bit of time; luckily it was in the last 5 kilometres before the end so we drove on it. In the second last stage at Nkunga, we encountered gearbox problems so we took it easy in the last stage at Meru ASK,” the man who built on Day 1’s lead said.

Saturday’s gruelling run which rolled off from KICC Nairobi at 5.30am saw crews cover a gruelling cumulative total of 404km, of which 107km were competitive.

The machines traversed Lengetia in Naro Moru, Loldaiga past Nanyuki town, Ngare Ndare, Nkunga and into Meru where some of the crew found the terrain and challenge unforgiving.

Day 1 in Konza and Machakos had claimed five cars including Mombasa based Harpreet Sagoo who rolled on Lisa Ranch stage.

The casualty list expanded on Saturday with Alfir Khan’s Subaru perishing on the transport road section near Sagana with clutch problems.

Raaji Bharij, who was lying second on day one, was the first major victim when he hit a tree on the 29.75km CS4 Lengetia before Jasmeet Chana retired with transmission failure.

Defending champion Chager was happy with fifth considering some of the scares he had to contend with on Lengetia.

“Just before the first stage we changed the rear diff. Lengetia looked quite dry on the surface but the bottom was somewhat slosh. Loldaiga was okay but with lots of animals. The last two stages the car had mysterious misfires but we were happy to be back,” said Chager.

Provisional Final Day 2

1. Tapio Laukanen (Subaru) 1:57.37
2. Jassi Chatthe (EVOX) 2:02.26
3. Ian Duncan (EVOX) 2:02.55
4. Carl “Flash”Tundo (Proton) 2:04.03
5. Baldev Chager (EVOX) 2:04.51
6. Quentin Mitchell (Skoda Fabia) 2:05.23
7. Manvir Baryan (Ford Fiesta R5) 2:05.43
8. Karan Patel (EVOX) 2:06.53
9. Rajbir Rai (Ford Fiesta R5) 2:07.07
10. Azar Anwar (EVOX) 2:12.29

NAIROBI, April 5 – It was a poor outing for the national Sevens team at the Seventh leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series after bowing out at the Shield semi-final courtesy of a 17-12 loss to Argentina in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday.

The outcome saw Shujaa collect a single point and drop to 13th on 33 points as the series enters its home stretch next month in the Europe legs (Scotland and England).

Kenya who left the competition with a single win in five, were relegated to the Shield competition by Australia who beat them 14-5 in the Bowl quarter-final.

Felix Ochieng charges played with wristbands written #NOMORE147 in solidarity with family and friends who lost their loved ones in Thursday’s Garisa University College terror attack that left 147 dead.

Day two saw Kenya miss dependable players in vice captain and the country’s record try scorer, Collins Injera as well as fly half Lavin Asego due to injuries picked in their group C fixtures.

Against the Pumas, Shujaa who were looking for Hong Kong repeat where they lifted the consolation Shield, started on the low that saw skipper Andrew Amonde sent to the sin-bin seconds after kick-off for a neck tackle on Santiago Alvarez.

Argentina failed to capitalize on Amonde’s two minutes absence, but with a minute to go in the first period, Segundo Tuculet kicked the ball through before dropping on the ball to score.

Tuculet was at it again right on the hooter for his second from a brilliant build up to turn over at the left flag.

He then grabbed his hat-trick on resumption, when he stepped off his left foot, palmed off Dan Sikuta and slip through under the posts.

Humphrey Kayange brought Shujaa back in the game when he picked up from the maul to go over the sticks for his 146th career try minutes before Billy Odhiambo intercepted a pass to race away and score in the dying minutes as the referee Mike Adamson from Scotland brew the final whistle to send the Pumas to the Shield final.

-Relegation to Shield-

In the Bowl quarters, the Wallabies took control of the proceedings, touching down twice in the first period through Nick Malouf and Greg Jeloudev converted tries.

Odhiambo got Kenya back into the game after pulling one but missed conversion as Australia held on to relegate Shujaa to the lowest competition in the series.

The Series heads to it penultimate stage on the weekend of May 9 and 10 in Scotland’s Glasgow 7s before curtain falling down a week later in England’s London 7s where the top four teams will earn direct qualification to 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

NAIROBI, April 5- Champions and hosts Royal Golf Club held on to the Tanahill Easter Tournament on Sunday after posting 48 points to finish five ahead of Sigona with Western Kenya closing the podium a further two adrift.

Royal captain Bernard Kiraithe was excited with victory saying his team “overcame the added pressure of being the home team besides coming in as titleholders.”

His Sigona counterpart, Deep added they lost the tournament to Royal on Saturday after failing to win enough matches against them which gave the home club a seven point cushion coming to the last day of action.

Muthiaga and Limuru tied on 33 points with Mombasa on 31, Karen on 26, Vet Lab on 22 and Windsor closing the rankings.

Limuru team manager, Harris Kariuki told Capital Sport, “We did well and my players played their hearts out. I thought we would win the tournament but results did not go our way on Friday.”

He was pleased Limuru ended their Sunday jinx at Tanahill losing only two of the eight matches to Vet Lab and Mombasa.

Muthaiga skipper, Rajesh Bhabra who has been at the helm for 20 and led the side to 14 victories at the Easter tournament on his part is optimistic of the future.

“We played really well on Friday but not as good on Saturday. We finished strong on Sunday and the team has so much potential with our young members,” Bhabra told.

The atmosphere was electric around the course on the final days as players showcased quality golf. The famous 19th hole commenced in the early afternoon as players interacted with each other and enjoyed a drink.

-By Joe Miano

NAIROBI, April 5 – AFC Leopards head coach Zdravko Logarusic was missing in the dugout as his charges were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Thika United in a Kenyan Premier League match played at a soaked Mumias Sports Complex on Easter Sunday.

Elsewhere, Nakuru All Stars stunned Sony Sugar 1-0 to register their first win through Boniface Akenga who missed a 57th minute spot kick at Afraha Stadium.

In Kisumu, Western Stima were 3-1 victors over GOtv Shield champions Sofapaka in another upset of the Easter round.

Muhoroni Youth settled for 1-1 draw with Ushuru as Nairobi City Stars suffered their fifth successive loss, this time 2-0 to Mathare United.

In Mumias, assistant coach Yusuf Chippo was in charge of Leopards as Logarusic made good of his threat not to travel with the team until his two month salary arrears is settled by the management.

“I appreciate the point considering the things that have been going on in the team throughout the week, I’m thankful for the boys who gave their all but we will focus more in the next game.

“We need to work more in our forwards; we created a lot of chances but failed to convert. I do believe we will put our house in order so that we can get things right in the field,” Chippo stated after the match.

Thika head coach Tim Bryett, was content with the result but said will work more on attacking.

“I’m pleased we made chances and dominated, we did well in the midfield but we need to be more clinical in forward line.

“We are still in building process it’s going to take time for us to get our philosophy but we will build on each game. Despite what is going on in Leopards, they are still a good team.”

Austin Ikenna struck first for Ingwe in the 27th minute with a powerful flying header from Timona Wanyonyi’s cross before Jackson Macharia equalised eight minutes later when he flicked home Michael Luvutsi’s free-kick.

Despite welcoming back Martin Imbalambala and winger Noah Wafula from suspension, Chippo made several changes from the squad that went down 1-0 to Ulinzi Stars with reserve keeper Joel Bataro starting in goal for regular Wycliffe Kasaya who was relegated to the bench alongside Burundian Emmanuel Ngama, Ezekiel Seda and Jackson Saleh.

Bataro was the busiest keeper in the opening half that saw him deny Thika’s Raymond Omondi twice as Leopards close chance come through Ugandan Martin Kiiza who missed the target by inches.

Both sides created several chances in the second-half but none could change the score line as Ikenna, Wanyonyi and Ngama squandered for Leopards whilst on the other end Kevin Oliech and Eugene Mukangula wasted for Thika.

Bytte charges had a glorious chance on the first minute of extra time to snatch the winner, but Oliech shot directly at Bataro in what was the last action of the clash with both sides settling for a point.

The result saw Leopards move to fifth on eight points while Thika climbed to sixth on six.