NAIROBI, May 19- Kenya rugby 7s superstar, Collins Injera sought to draw a line over reports he had damaged a 60,000 pound (Sh9.05m) camera when he signed yet another television lens with a marker pen upon return from London 7s on Tuesday.

The country’s record try scorer at the HSBC World Series hit global headlines when his spontaneous act of signing the lens of an organiser’s camera on Sunday after notching his 200th went viral.

On Tuesday, he repeated the feat, this time though, with a light touch as he relived the season ending round of the 2013-14 season that saw him inch closer to the all time list with 203 as Kenya won the Bowl competition of London 7s.

“I knew it was my 200th try but it didn’t sink in at that moment but only after we had reached the bowl final I realized how huge it was, also going on social media and seeing how big it was after social media platforms had gone crazy about my celebration,” he said of the iconic act that had the world talking, appearing even on revered Sky Sports broadcasts on Monday.

He also cleared up the speculation about possibility of being surcharged for the equipment he was said to have damaged when he followed up signing on the match ball by turning his marker pen on the lens.

“There is no fine to pay, I haven’t been contacted by anyone yet, and as far as I’m concerned world rugby has no issue.”

He was unaware where the reports came from that he would have to pay £60,000 (Sh9.05m) surfaced admitting awareness of how expensive the sports cameras are and that he was cautious at the time of the incident.

“I think the issue was just signing on an expensive camera and that’s the only story there. It’s nothing bad because nothing bad has happened, and as far as I am concerned everything is fine,” the Mwamba RFC winger asserted.

He was jubilant with his landmark that brought him to only 27 tries from the top position.

“I will continue training and working hard and I think I’ll know that moment when to let it go but for now I will continue playing the game,” the 28 year-old veteran who remains in shape for the next few seasons added.

His captain Andrew Amonde was also quick to compliment Injera noting; “It was a big milestone for him, he has worked very hard to just achieve the 200 tries, it doesn’t it’s just an example of what hard work does to a player. It is just motivational to the young players coming in also to emulate what Collins has done.”

NAIROBI, May 19 – Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) boss, Richard Omwela has set national sevens head coach, Felix ‘Totti’ Ochieng a top-ten target for next season to end speculation he would be shown the door after a wretched 2014-15 HSBC World Series where Shujaa flirted with losing Core Status.

And speaking Tuesday upon arrival from the campaign-ending London 7s, the beleaguered coach believes the team deserves a second chance ahead of November’s Africa Rio 2016 Olympics qualifiers in South Africa.

Speaking Tuesday when they arrived from London, Kenya Rugby Union boss, Richard Omwela maintained faith in Ochieng and his technical bench ahead of the new season on condition the team doesn’t finish below the top 10 to end speculation he would be shown the door.

“I’m a great believer in team play; I’ve received calls asking me what I’m going to do. Kenyans have short memories when success is there, where they don’t react and only wait when it gets deeper to push me to fire people left, right and centre. I don’t think I’m going to do so.

“Ochieng took over mid season when the team had some issues with contracts. I believe in him and as a team I believe we have a coach of our own who can lead us to win games,” Omwela who accompanied the team to London where they lifted the Bowl declared.

“As a board we expect results and the entire team is under pressure to deliver on the expectations. We will give him deliverables. Before I came in, his key performance indicator was to make sure we are not relegated, but going to next season as far as I’m concerned we must be always be on the top 10,” he further outlined the job description of the team boss as Kenya slid from seven overall to 13th with 46.

- Mixed emotions-

Ochieng, who led the team to their worst performance in almost a decade, has no plans of changing the squad as he prepares to rebuild the team that will be seeking to qualify for Rio through the continental qualifiers after failing to nail one of the four automatic slots reserved for the World Series.

“It has been a season of mixed emotions, we have had our highs and lows, and I’ve told the boys they should build on the positives picked from the season not only by Collins Injera and Billy Odhiambo, but each and every player.

“Kenya has an opportunity to rebuild next season and get back to its glory. We started with a squad of 29; our plan is to get the best players throughout the country and give them opportunities to showcase their talent those who will stand out will be selected,” Ochieng underscored.

During the off season break; Ochieng will give the Under-21 national team a chance to prove their mettle as he seeks replacements for veteran Humphrey Kayange and fly-half Lavin Asego whom he hinted could retire from the international duty.

“We took over mid-season which was very challenging since were in a care taker position, confidently looking at the performance we believe that we have worked tirelessly to come out with the best.

“If we remove Injera, Andrew Amonde, Asego and Kayange out of the squad of 22, we will still have a higher percentage of younger players. Odhiambo who has broken his personal record in London is only 21 years-old and has played two seasons so we have a very young squad going forward. The fact that they have being playing in the World Series doesn’t mean they are old,” Ochieng explained.

Skipper, Amonde was confident the team will bounce back next season, “It’s been a very long season full of mixed results, It didn’t go our but there is still a chance for us to bounce back and do better next season.

“We need to put this season behind and concentrate on building a team that will be able to represent the country well and that time is now.”

NAIROBI, May 20– After being feted as Sports Journalists Association of Kenya/SportPesa Player of the Month of April, Ulinzi Stars midfielder John Makwata has set sights on earning a maiden Harambee Stars call-up.

Makwata, who scored five goals in four matches last month, won the monthly gong ahead of Thika United midfielder, Jackson Macharia and Tusker FC forward Jesse Were to take home Sh50,000 (USD 517.7), a 42-inch smart television and a trophy engraved with his name.

The 21-year-old who is the second recipient of the award after Gor Mahia’s Victor Ali Abondo, is hoping to continue his good form to break into Stars head coach, Bobby Williamson’s 2017 AFCON qualifiers squad and ultimately, play for his nation.

“I’m happy because it’s every player’s dream to win an award. This will open up more opportunities for me and hopefully one day, play for national team. Of course, I was anticipating to win because I scored in every weekend of April so I knew I would compete for it.

“This award will encourage me to work harder and at the moment, what is important for me is not what I achieve personally or the number of goals I want to score at the end of the season.

“It is what the team achieves and where we will be at the end of the season. I want to work hard to help the team win the title,” he underscored.

Makwata who received the gong at their Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium home ground, was escorted by team Captain Stephen Ochollah and his assistant James Saruni to pick the award and his Kenya Defence Forces teammates formed a guard of honour as he matched past with the trophy.

Head coach Robert Matano hailed the midfielder saying he has improved a lot since joining the 2010 champions from Nairobi City Stars mid-season last year.

“He has improved a lot because he has changed his attitude because he knows he is playing with the big team. He has adjusted to the team philosophy and he is coming up very well. He is still young we normally don’t hand him 90 minutes as part of the precaution measures to give him energy to concentrate more,” Matano said.

Makwata added he has settled in the team and looking forward to even bigger achievements like chasing tops scorers, Gor pair of Abondo and Meddie Kagere as well as AFC Leopards Jacob Keli who have netted eight goals apiece.

“It took a lot of time for me to settle but I thank my team-mates who helped me settle faster, we had good pre-season in Mombasa and Nanyuki that enabled me adapt quick.”

Jacob Keli

NAIROBI, May 20- Gor Mahia duo; Ali Abondo and Meddie Kagere as well as AFC Leopards forward Jacob Keli are on course to shatter the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) scoring record of 21 set by El Merreikh striker, Allan Wanga in 2007 in what is shaping up to be goal-fest of a campaign.

Wanga, who had two stints at AFC Leopards before transferring to Sudan, fired Tusker FC to the 2007 when he emerged from seemingly nowhere to blaze the charts in the season the defunct National Super League was rebranded to KPL, a standard that has stood since.

However, with eight apiece, midfielder Abondo besides strikers Kagere and Keli are threatening to obliterate the record by a long mile come November with the race for the Golden Boot gathering pace three games to the mid season break.

Kagere, who emerged 2011 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup top scorer on five goals with Amavumbi Stars of Rwanda, believes it’s possible to hit the target, only if he continues with the good form he is enjoying since joining the champions at the beginning of the year.

“Inshallah (God willing), I will try to score more than 20 goals. As a striker I need to be the top scorer so I have to look for more goals; that’s what brought me here. I have to make sure I do more that is expected of me,” The 28-year-old who has had stints with Rwanda’s Rayon Sport, Uganda’s Police FC and Albania’s KF Tirana declared.

Kagere scored his best goal of the season so far in Sunday’s 5-0 demolition over Nakuru All Stars when he raced on to a Teddy Simwa poor back pass to leave keeper Shayne Indimuli for dead with a dizzying turn and back flick before planting the ball in an empty net.

“Sometimes you have to do what is impossible to be possible; I saw the keeper was in the direction where I was heading so I had to change the position of the ball to score. As strikers we always score through mistakes not by chances,” Kagere said of the breathtaking goal that is still a hot topic on social media and review shows.

Head coach, Frank Nuttall backed the forward to go for the Golden Boot.

“Kagere is doing well, he has settled despite being his first time to play in Kenya. He works hard and helps other people score goals so I’m very pleased, he has the potential of scoring many goals,” the Scotsman stated.

-Resurgent Keli-

Meddie Kagere

Keli, a 2013 KPL top scorer with 17, is out to prove critics wrong after a disappointing season by his standards on his debut at the Den where he netted eight to still emerge the club leading marksman.

“The feeling is in me, I’m just going on and on, I’m looking above 20 but time will tell. Leopards can go on and push the title; it’s all about the fans coming back because if they go away we will also go away, its two way traffic.

“Last year we were not united but right now, with problems, we have to come together because if we be disjointed then it will be hell on us. Everybody was against us the fans had written me off so I’m proving a point them a point,” he told.

Keli scored a wonder goal on Saturday against Muhoroni Youth when he shielded a Musa Mudde long ball, turned and finished with a brilliant half-volley; a goal that he said is his best for far.

“It’s my best goal. It was all about instincts; the ball landed on the right place of the boot and I didn’t have second option but to smash it home.

“It reaches a time you just have to change, nobody will change it for you and right now I’m just enjoying my moments one at a time but it’s all about team work, the coach is putting us (as) a unit but in the long run, we are suffering. I won’t lie things are ugly in the club,” he explained.

The former KCB forward was alluding to the team’s financial woes that have sparked training boycotts with the squad demanding salary arrears.

“Keli’s goal was splendid despite the fatigue that was there. We appreciate what we have seen from him. He is focused on his job which is to score goals; he needs to keep on scoring,” his assistant head coach, Yusuf Chippo underlined.

Abondo has weighed in with his contribution from an attacking midfield position and he was recognised by being the first ever recipient of the SJAK/SportPesa Player of the Month Award, celebrating the accolade by casually burying a penalty against Muhoroni to pull level with the lethal marksmen at the top of the charts.

KPL Golden Boot past winners

2007- Allan Wanga- Tusker FC (21)

2008- Francis Ouma- Mathare United (15)

2009 – John Baraza (Sofapaka) and Joseph Emeka (Tusker) 15

2010 – John Baraza (Sofapaka) 15

2011 – Stephen Waruru (Ulinzi Stars) 12

2012 – John Baraza (Sofapaka) 18

2013 – Jacob Keli (KCB) 17

2014 – Dan Sserunkuma (Gor Mahia) 16

Rugby 7s head coach Felix ‘Totti’ Ochieng (R) is received by Sports Commissioner, Gordon Olouch upon return from HOng Kong 7s last year.

NAIROBI, May 19 – National head coach, Felix ‘Totti’ Ochieng has warned qualifying for Rio 2016 via continental qualifiers is not a foregone conclusion despite Kenya being overwhelming favourites to join South Africa as the first African rugby 7s nations at the Olympics.

The Blitzbokke nailed automatic qualification for Rio by clinching a top four place at the HSBC World Series while Kenya, who slumped to 13th, have to beat Zimbabwe, Namibia, Madagascar, Tunisia and Uganda and others to clinch the remaining berth as rugby 7s makes its Olympics debut next year.

The qualifiers will be held in round robin format in South Africa in November.

“We know it will be very competitive. Just like the Series, teams are improving and gone are the days when you could walk over teams in the region. Look at Brazil, who would have thought they will push us and Scotland in London? Teams are getting better day by day.

“We have watched Zimbabwe play in the Series qualifiers and they are very good. They are close to South Africa which gives them exposure. They also have a lot of players playing in United Kingdom. Namibia will be coming from World Cup and I’m sure they will include some experienced players,” Ochieng cautioned.

-Highest level- 

The head coach who joined the team mid-season after the resignation of South African Paul Treu, guaranteed Kenya Rugby Union and rugby enthusiasts Kenya will not struggle in the coming season where he has been set a top ten target.

“We will always compete to the highest level and I assure the rugby family from today going forward, those are the last worse performance you will see in Kenya Sevens. The board and the sponsors require us to be accountable, we would like to forget this season very quickly and move on.”

Ochieng told Capital Sport at least three changes are expected in the team as part of his team rebuilding during off season to be ready for the qualifiers that that will take place November 15.

With veteran and former skipper, Humphrey Kayange considering international retirement and fly half Lavin Asego nursing long term ankle injury, Ochieng revealed he would consider under-19 players and Kenya Cup as recommended by their respective coaches.

“The training will be very competitive because regular players will be looking up for Olympics selection. All players will be given opportunity but only those who will stand out in training will be picked.

“We will be working around the clock to ensure we prepare well in pre-season. We are not taking the qualifiers lightly; we are going to ensure we use our experience to see Kenya remain competitive which I know will be very tough.”

Series champions Fiji, New Zealand and Great Britain also automatically for Rio from the HSBC World competition.

Victor Wanyama (l) poses with fellow midfielder Morgan Schnederlin at the Southampton Awards on Wednesday night.

NAIROBI, May 21- Harambee Stars skipper, Victor Wanyama was one of the Saints players honoured during the annual English Premier League side Southampton awards on Wednesday night.

Wanyama who joined the club from Celtic in 2013 took home the President’s Choice Award where his captain, José Fonte was the big winner at the Garmin Player Awards dinner as he scooped the Fans’ Player and Players’ Player of the Season awards.

Honorary President and former SuperSport analyst, Terry Paine MBE was on hand to present the President’s Choice prize to the player he felt had contributed the most to the club’s success this season.

Jack Cork was the winner of the award last year and Paine went for a midfielder once again, as Wanyama collected the gong.

Fonte follows in the footsteps of former captain Adam Lallana, who won both awards following his efforts during the 2013/14 campaign.

Matt Targett and Shane Long were others recognised for their efforts this season.

Targett was named winner of the Young Player of the Season Award, sponsored by Hampshire Collegiate School. The hotly-contested Vision Accendo Goal of the Season Award was won by Long for his goal against Aston Villa.

-Sourced from Southampton FC

Kenya Airways Head of Area Marketing, Jacky Muhati addresses Kenya 7s after they returned from London on Tuesday.

NAIROBI, May 21 – Negotiations are at an advanced stage between Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and Kenya Airways for the renewal of title sponsorship of national sevens team Shujaa.

There was uncertainty on whether the national carrier would renew their package with their two-year Sh 400m (USD 4,127,413.63) set to lapse in the course of the year after some of board members were accused of embezzling funds but Union boss, Richard Omwela ended speculation, saying discussions are almost complete.

“Kenya Airways is here to stay, I had a meeting with the CEO, Mbuvi Nguze in London and we are in discussion; so if there are lingering doubts whether Kenya Airways will continue sponsoring our team, what I can say is there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Omwela who was re-elected as chairman in March announced.

The company’s Marketing Director, Chris Diaz confirmed they will remain committed to the team on condition they reclaim their position as a top-10 side in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

“We all agree it has been a challenging season for the team, we share the concern of performance for the better part of the season; however we urge them to put their best foot forward for next season because all is not lost.

“Even as we prepare for better outcome next season, on behalf of the company I would like to state we remain immensely proud of our relationship with Kenya 7s.

“I also wish to reiterate our continued support to the new management and activities that are adhered towards growing the team. However, we must remind the team and its management, our labour should not be in vain,” Diaz affirmed.

The KRU boss disclosed he had to clear the mess that had tainted the Union’s image after prolonged wangles within board members, forcing integrated communication service provider, Safaricom to withdraw their national Sevens circuit sponsorship.

This led to the suspension of vice chairman, Philip Jalang’o who was accused of misappropriation of funds from last year’s Safaricom Sevens and Bamburi Rugby Super Series, according to a report conducted by Union’s auditors PKF.

Secretary General, Eddie Omondi also resigned few days before the report was out.

“One of the things that every sponsor is talking about is accountability and transparency at the board level. I didn’t suspend anyone, the board before I was elected had sanctioned forensic audit to be done and they all agreed that, if someone is mentioned he or she should step aside and that’s what exactly happened.

“I have done nothing wrong; I have just implemented what the previous board passed. One of them is fighting back saying that the report was wrong but I didn’t author the report.

“He had an opportunity to go and defend himself before PKF since he was interviewed, so if he had issues he could have cleared with them. The jury is out to decide his fate but Kenya Airways have said if he is back they are out,” Omwela explained.

The national carrier who had initially injected a-two-year deal worth Sh290m (USD2, 989,154.70) in 2011 caters for players and technical bench salaries.

In addition, each team member receives bonuses of Sh97, 000 (USD1, 000) for reaching Main Cup quarter-finals, Sh194, 000 (USD2, 000) for a semi-final advance, Sh291, 000 (USD 3,000) for reaching final and Sh485, 000 (USD 5,000) should they lift the title.

NAIROBI, May 22 – Cash-strapped AFC Leopards players had to be given Sh 300, 000 (USD 3, 084.13) from well wishers to travel to Kisumu ahead of their Saturday Kenyan Premier League clash against Western Stima.

The players had threatened to boycott the match which will be televised live by SuperSport with their chorus demand to be paid their outstanding salary arrears that spilled into the fourth month.

For the third occasion running, endowed well wishers came to the rescue with each aggrieved player receiving Sh5,000 (USD 51.4) that coaxed them to board for the onward journey to the lakeside city where they will face Western Stima on Saturday.

“Yes they had refused to travel until they are given money to cater for their families and I agree with them because they have personal needs that they need to take care for the two days they will be away.

“We gave them Sh300, 000 collected from well wishers to share among themselves then we will give them something small when they return. We have not paid them for three months but we are working with two sponsors and hopefully in second-leg we should not be struggling,” club assistant Secretary General, Prof. Kasava Adima told Capital Sport on Friday.

The team was set to depart Friday morning but despite their bus arriving at picking point on time, the players declined to board until they are given money.

“We have left. We decided there is no need of training the whole week then boycott  a day before the match, we only wanted them to give us pocket money for us to leave behind for our families,” one of the player who sort anonymity, told Capital Sport.

The Kenyan football titans who are in a healthy run of form despite their cash woes with three victories on the bounce are depending on alms to quell the unrest at The Den.

Webuye East MP and former club chairman, Alfred Sambu was the first to heed the call of a quick fix when he gave the club Sh200,000 before his Westlands counterpart  Tim Wanyonyi adding Sh100,000 before they were promised Sh500,000 if they won their away match to Bandari and they duly delivered in a 2-1 victory over the hosts.

The players and their officials were briefly detained at a Mombasa hotel for non payment of Sh170,000 following their Bandari match before former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and Mombasa Governor, Ali Hassan Joho intervened to settle their dues for their release.

Leopards are set to hold a fundraiser June 4 in Nairobi, targeting to raise Sh12m which Kadima believes will end their financial constrains that were fired up after shirt sponsor, Mumias Sugar suspended their sponsorship for three months.

“Former vice chairman Walter Onyino will chair the fundraising which will temporarily end the financial problems. We want to finish send in the first-leg so that we can pile pressure on Gor Mahia second leg,” Kadima said.

Leopards will be looking for their fourth successive win against resilient Stima.

ELDORET, May 22- For decades, runners from the talent rich Rift Valley region have scorched tartan tracks across the globe but on Friday, a milestone was celebrated when their self proclaimed capital, Eldoret hosted world-beaters in the refurbished Dr. Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

With excitement running through the expansive town and the entire region for days, Friday marked the first time in history runners have ran on a tartan track in Eldoret and a mammoth crowd was on hand to witness the beginning of a era.

For years, retired and active distance running great had campaigned, begged and even offered to finance the laying of a tartan in Eldoret and after a scandal ridden process that took about five years.

The Government finally delivered with the final 2015 Athletics Kenya National Track and Field Series meeting fittingly launching a new chapter in Kenya’s athletics.

Athletics royalty, past and present were in full force as they got a chance to finally perform their act in front of their adoring republic in a town where runners enjoy fanatical support and everything stops when big events are on.

Sports Secretary Japhter Rugut, AK officials and Sports Kenya chairman, Fred Muteti led world beating stars –among them Dr Kipchoge Keino, the retired legend who lent his name to the facility, London Marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge and former Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Brimin Kipruto –in an exciting lap of honour.

Sports Kenya will soon hand over the new-look facility to the County Government of Uasin Gishu.

Former Africa 1,500m champion Harun Keitany and All Africa Games and 3,000m steeplechase champion Willy Komen were the notable returnees to the action after a long spell in the sidelines with injury.

Over 3,000 runners who turned up put the shade on any event outside the Olympics and World Championships since no one could afford to miss the moment.

-Kiprop breaks soil record-

On the track, the soil record in 1500m ran by Nixon Chepseba of 3:37.5 in 2010 was shattered by non other than two-time world champion, Asbel Kiprop who won his heat in 3:36.9 to lay the marker for Saturday’s final.

“I am happy to have broken Chepseba’s stadium record. But, more importantly, is that I want to make the team to the World Championships and become the first Kenyan to be a three-time world champion. I am sure, if I make it, that will take another athlete a big effort to attain it,” the Daegu and Moscow world titleholder told.

Kiprop, who missed the world 1,500m record at last year’s Diamond League meet in Monaco last year, is keen to retain his crown at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing for his treble, the first Kenyan in history to achieve the landmark if he is successful.

He will compete at the IAAF World Challenge in Ostrava, Czech
Republic, in 1500m before heading to Eugene, Oregon, to line up in the one mile at the third leg of the IAAF Diamond League meeting.

“The Mondo tartan is soft and fast but the altitude here (2100m above sea level) is a challenge. The final will be no easy,”he added.

Kiprop will vie for the honours against fast rising Bahamas Medley Relay silver medallist, Timothy Cheruiyot who took command of his heat to win in 3:44.1 with circuit racer Abednego Chesebe who returned 3:44.6 also in with a huge shout for the medals.

Commonwealth Games champions and World 5,000m silver medalist Mercy Cherono underlined her credentials when she won her 1500m heat in 4:21.31 to the joy of the crowd.

“I have not competed but I love the tartan here. This is what will
make us prepare well for the world championships,” Cherono added.

Robert Kaptingei (3:49.3), a younger brother of former world junior champion Bernard Kaptingei, Hosea Cheronyei (3:45.1) and Gerald Vincent (3:47.0) are designated dark horses in the decider.

The corresponding women’s final will feature Commonwealth champion and Worlds 5,000m silver medallist Mercy Cherono, who won her preliminary race in 4:21.31 putting her reputation on the line against new sensation Nancy Jepkemboi (4:21.4) and World Cross senior women champion Agnes Tirop (4:24.3).

Caroline Jemutai (4:30.1), Jane Wanjiru (5:10.0) and Hellen Chepkurui (4:51.9) are others are other contenders in another showdown expected to illuminate the red tartan at Eldoret.

In another women 1500m heat, Joyline Koima (4:25.5), the East Africa Secondary Schools champion showed IAAF Diamond League Doha meeting surprise winner, Virginia Nyambura (4:25.6) a clean pair of heels as both made the medal race.

Entries were too huge such that the 10,000m race, usually a straight finals in almost all events, was split into three heats with winners decided on best times.

Little-known Emmanuel Kipsang prevailed over marathon superstars to etch his name in the lights during the men 10,000m decider in a finish that brought the crowd, among them a litany of who is who in distance running, to their feet.

Kipsang crossed the line ahead of two-time New York Marathon winner Geoffrey Mutai and former Milan half marathon winner Mathew Kisorio to chalk up men’s heat in a commendable 28:26.2 bearing in mind the punishing altitude.

Mutai, who dropped off from London Marathon last month, was forced to silver in 29:06.1 with Kisorio completing the podium in 29:06.2 as Barnabas Kosgei (29:28.8), Philip Kiprop (29:58.4) and Patrick Ngwatu (30:12.1) trailed each other across the line to round the top six.

Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein the sole challenger to Fifa President Sepp Blatter was approached by Kenyan conmen.

SINGAPORE, May 23- Two men who launched challenges to Sepp Blatter for the leadership of world football body FIFA have been targeted in an attempted blackmail scam, a report said on Saturday.

Prince Ali bin al Hussein and Michael van Praag, who has now pulled out of the race, were both approached by Kenya-based conmen who said Blatter had gathered sensitive information about them.

Singapore’s The New Paper and Dutch daily De Volkskrant said the men demanded money to hand over the information from what they claimed was a smear campaign orchestrated by Blatter.

According to The New Paper, Jordan’s Prince Ali, who is now Blatter’s sole challenger in next week’s FIFA vote, and van Praag both confirmed approaches.

“We have had a number of individuals coming forward with similar allegations,” a spokesman for Prince Ali was quoted as saying.

“Our approach has been to try and set up meetings with these individuals so we can assess them and the information they are giving for ourselves.”

The conmen said the director of an India-based security company put together a surveillance report on Prince Ali for submission to Blatter’s daughter, Corinne.

But when contacted by The New Paper, both the investigator and Corinne Blatter denied all knowledge and said they had been set up.

“I do not know who is behind it but it is clearly intended to damage my father’s reputation,” Corinne Blatter was quoted as saying.

According to the report, the approaches by email appeared genuine but details such as the investigator’s phone number and email address were wrong.

“I have no idea who would want to set me up, especially on such an elaborate scam as this,” the investigator, who was not named, told The New Paper.

“I have never worked for Ms Corinne Blatter in any way.”

Van Praag received an email which stated: “Some time in late August 2014, Sepp commissioned some espionage work on you fearing you might stand against him in future.”

The Dutch FA chief said: “What do you think it would mean for my image if I were to respond to those e-mails?

“If it is true that they are working on a case against me,then so be it. I have nothing to hide.”

Van Praag and Portuguese great Luis Figo withdrew from the FIFA race on Thursday, leaving Prince Ali as the only man standing between Blatter and a fifth term as president on May 29.

Swiss-based FIFA has been hit by a succession of scandals, including claims of widespread bribery in the run-up to Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

Western Stima players celebrate an equaliser against Bandari FC in a past KPL match. Stima sunk AFC Leopards 2-0 in Kisumu on Saturday.

NAIROBI, May 23 – A quick-fire double salvo from substitute Victor Ochieng piled more misery on Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants AFC Leopards who were skinned 2-0 by Western Stima on Saturday to round off another week of turmoil at the crisis-hit Den.

In Awendo, hosts Sony remain without victory in five after going down 0-1 to Thika United where Kennedy Otieno notched the only strike as Robert Mbugua and Oscar Wamalwa traded goals as visiting City Stars forced Ulinzi Stars to a 1-1 stalemate.

At the highlight fixture of the day in Kisumu, head coach Henry Omino continued his good run against the titans by leading his charges to an electrifying victory that short-circuited Leopards ambitions to bridge the gap at the top to six.

Heavy rains towards the end of the first half threatened to wash off the evenly balanced game but when the sides emerged from the break, inspired changes by Omino made the difference as Ochieng came off the bench to rifle two powder keg shots to the bottom left via the post and top left from outside the box inside two minutes to condemn Leopards.

Leopards were playing at Moi for the first time this season but despite creating better chances through Musa Mudde, Jacob Keli, Austine Ikenna and Bernard Mang’oli but Stima keeper, Gabriel Andika put in a stellar shift between the sticks to ward off the wildcats.

“We didn’t score our chances and we were punished, small individual mistakes at the back cost us the first goal. I tried with two strikers in the first-half and used the other two on the bench in second-half but we still could not score and that’s our problem.

“Congratulations to Western Stima they deserved to win,” disappointed Leopards head coach, Zdravko Logarusic said whilst firing broadsides to the club’s management for delaying departure to Kisumu over non-payment and KPL for disallowing them to train at Moi ahead of the game.

 -Twist knife-

Omino took his opportunity to twist the knife on the skinless Leopards as he continued dishing out cold revenge on the club that dismissed him without pay a few years back.

“Beating Leopards is like a formality, if I lose to them then something very is wrong, it started way back from 1983 when I was at Kisumu Posta. I’m happy for the win because it was headed to a draw but when Ochieng came in and scored the first goal I knew the second was on the way,” the Stima boss gloated.

The loss ended Ingwe’s three-match winning streak as they remain nine points behind arch rivals, leaders and champions Gor Mahia who play Muhoroni Youth on Sunday at the same venue.

However, Leopards who arrived on the eve of the match after initially threatening to boycott until a well wisher came to their rescue with Sh300,000 have themselves to blame after creating enough chances to win at a canter.

Mudde set the tone in the 18th minute with a long range thunderbolt that forced Adika to stretch and parry away.

Tempers frayed afterwards when Abdallah Juma was tacked from behind by Stima’s Ronald Okoth that saw the Leopards left-back rise to retaliate before being pushed by the former but the aggressor was only given a yellow card for what looked like an offense that demanded harsher punishment.

Leopards should have broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time but Ikenna missed a simple tap-in from Keli’s cross from the right.

Logarusic brought in Lamin Diallo for Noah Wafula for the second half and two minutes in, Adika made a breathtaking double save to deny joint top scorer Keli first from a close range header before denying him from the rebound.

At the other end, Okoth missed a glorious chance after Estone Esiye intercepted on Juma’s poor back-pass to set him through but the former feebly passed to Adika.

In the 53rd, Adika was at it again, saving Mang’oli’s 25 yards cracker for the hosts to respond through the counter attack started by John Kiplagat but Baron Oketch failed to slot the ball home after missing the cross.

Wasteful Okoth was withdrawn for Wesley Kemboi as Leopards brought in Emmanuel Ngama for Fredrick Ndaaka before play was stopped for two minutes after lines woman Dorcas Wanza was stoned by fans after raising the flag for offside on Ingwe player.

Mwai was able to contain the situation to allow Omino to introduce super sub Ochieng for Esiye.

It only took five minutes for Ochieng to break the deadlock when a Kiplagat cross found him unmarked to control before hammering past Kasaya on the bottom of the left side of the net.

Even before the dust settled, Ochieng completed his brace with a 30 yard cracker when the Leopard’s defence went Awol in a lightning Stima counter-attack and the ball bobbled all the way to the forward who took a touch to kill it before unloading a thunderbolt past Kasaya’s despairing dive.

Leopards could not fashion a response despite having 14 minutes plus added time on the clock as Stima wound down the game.

World Cross champion Agnes Tirop crosses the line for victory in Guiyang, China. She finished fourth at the final AK Series T&F Meeting in Eldoret on Saturday over 1500m.

ELDORET, May 23- Two-time world champion, Asbel Kiprop was a no show with upcoming athletes taking their chance to shine on Saturday as the final 2015 Athletics Kenya Track and Field Series meeting concluded in a jam-packed Dr. Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

Kiprop, the 2008 Olympics champion, was all the rave of Day 1 on Friday when he dropped a new stadium record in the heats, stopping the clock at a commendable 3:36.06 in the heats but with the IAAF Ostrava World Challenge and Diamond League Eugene meetings next week, he was among a slew of stars who gave the domestic showdown the miss.

Others such as Commonwealth champion, Mercy Cherono and World Cross titleholder, Agnes Tirop simply eased off the gas to allow upstarts to have their name in the lights as the self styled athletics capital of Kenya revelled in the first public tartan track outside Nairobi in the newly refurbished stadium.

Bahamas World Relays Distance Medley silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot, who was second fastest in the men 1500m heats stepped up to take the glory in the final that lived up to the ranking order from Friday.

Abednego Chesebe (3:41.9), and Mark Bett (3:42.2) took silver and bronze with Mathew Kiptanui (3:43.2), Hosea Cherongei (3:44.0) and Robert Kapting’ei (3:44.0) sealing the top six in that order.

“I am happy with victory since I was not expecting it. I shall work hard to maintain the performance,” Cheruiyot who is off to Eugene, Oregon to reacquaint himself with America’s rising mid distance sensation, Ben Blankenship who anchored his team to gold in Bahamas told.

The return of forgotten star, the past World Junior and All African Games (African Games) gold medallist, Willy Komen, from long term Achilles injury ended with silver in his 3000m steeplechase speciality behind newcomer Felix Kerong who was the commanding victor with 8:37.2 on the clock against the bridesmaid’s 8:40.5.

Patrick Churus stopped the timer in 8:41.9 well adrift to close the podium.

Elijah Kipchirchir motored to an impressive 13:51.8 for victory in the 5000m, considering the punishing elevation of Eldoret to run the rule over more illustrious challengers who were led home by Peter Lagat who posted 13:57.2 as Kipng’etich Rono took silver in 13:57.2.

Willy Kwemoi (14:04.8) led Bernard Korir (14:10.6) across the line to complete the top-five.

Former World Youth silver medallist and fourth finisher at last year’s World Juniors, Alex Sampao, completed a 47.01victory in 400m to force 2010 Commonwealth champion, Mark Mutai who returned 47.81 and seasoned Kenya Prisons veteran, Thomas Musembi (48.68) to the minor podium places.

Veteran multiple national silver medallist, Erick Shikuku carried the 10,000m Race walking title in 46:19.5 ahead of Simion Musangu (48:11.0) as Jacob Mutai (1:03:30.7) appeared from the distance to take bronze, five minutes ahead of Hezron Mungai in fourth.

-Chekemoi stuns-

In the highlight race of the day, the capacity crowd celebrated surprise package Nancy Chepkemoi who won the star-studded 1500m women’s race in 4:06.5 ahead of Cherono (4:07.2) and Doha Diamond League shock women 3000m steeple winner, Virginia Nyambura (4:12.4) in the bronze position.

Jebet who won the senior women 8km global title at the Guiyang World Cross last March came home in 4:20.1 to place just outside the medals.

Africa Youth 2000 metres steeplechase titleholder Sandra Chebet led twin sister- Emily Chebet another junior continental champion- to the 1-2 in the women 10000m where the clocks returned 34:51.6 against 34:53.3.

Seasoned Lucy Cheruiyot (35:57.1), Beatrice Cherop (36:41.4) and Salome Chepchumba (37:00.4) crossed the line in that order to populate the top-five.

Priscilla Tabunda (62.6), Caroline Mwende (64.9), Tabitha Mwalili (65.4) and Agnes Kangogo (66.4) claimed the top places in 400m.

Nikhil Sachania poses with his Motor Sport of the Year Award.

NAIROBI, May 24- Barely six months after scooping the 2014 Safaricom SOYA Special Category gong, Nikhil Sachania rose to be crowned the Motor Sport Personality of the Year on Saturday.

The 26 year-old became the first ever physically challenged competitor to win the coveted top honours during the annual Kenya Motor Sport Federation awards gala night held in Nairobi.

He now joins the list of greats among them Baldev Chager, Carl Tundo, Lee Rose (94), Patrick Njiru (90, 96), Paul Bailey (98), Gregory Kibiti (99) Rory Green & Orson Tailor in 2000), biker Anthony Nielsen in 2002 and 2006, Ian Duncan in 87, 2003 and 2010 and the prolific motorcycle rider Shivam Vinayak in 2012 in being feted as the best in the adrenaline sport.

Sachania, who recently upgraded from a massive Mitsubishi Challenger pick-up to a custom-made Fiat Abarth Grande Punto S2000 achieved the feat after clinching the 2014 KNRC SPV (specially prepared vehicles) championship for drivers.

Sachania, who works at Samani Construction Limited, was rewarded for demonstrating skill, will, speed, endurance and above all the courage to embrace a sport that nearly killed him two years ago.

“The accident which paralysed me happened in Athi River. I was training with Shazar Anwar and Zane Young trying to get ready for my first Rally Raid event. I hit a rock at high speed, landed head first. The impact shattered my spine. I have always wanted to race no matter what. I love the feeling!” the delighted Sachania.

Nikhil delivered an emotional speech after his rare feat and asserted that he is into motor sports for the long haul.

“I didn’t expect to win and I must admit that it came as a pleasant surprise. It was a very tough but exciting motoring season in 2014. I thank my parents for their unswerving support and I have this trophy to prove my driving ability to them,” said Sachania who is son of retired driver Dinesh “Kaka” Sachania.

Former East African AMU 85cc motocross champion Karan Patel was named the Most Improved rally driver.

Patel started his racing career on KNRC 3 last year and went on to rack-up a rare double in KNRC S Class and Division 3.

Motocross rider Maxine Wahome took the Ladies Rose Bowl for the most meritorious female driver while Imran Hakada and Manpreet Sagoo were the most improved personalities in autocross and rally raid.

Tejas Hirani who retained the Autocross and Rally Raid buggy championship was also acknowledged for winning the Formula Gulf 1000 in Dubai and setting the fastest lap time at the Dubai Autodrome.

Tejas, who hopes to participate in three RX Lites World Rallycross Championships in Europe later this year, also became the first Kenyan driver to compete in the famous Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit.

Samir Anwar was bestowed with the motocross MX125 championship and announced his retirement from motorcycle racing.

Samir who is the son of rally driver Anwar Pandya said: “I quit motorsports last year after winning the championship because I am chasing a new dream which is kick-boxing. I want to be an all time great in kick boxing and I know I am going to make it,” Samir said.

KMSF Chairman JS Vohra said Kenya’s motor sport still has a long and winding road to travel before reaching the pinnacle of the Federation’s dreams, “which is making the country a leading sports tourism destination by hosting global events like a regional Raid kind of Dakar Rally and helping Safari regain its lost status.”

The occasion presided over by the Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch (sitting in for CS Hassan Wario) also feted the KMSF 2014 Champions in various disciplines of the sport.

Oluoch urged KMSF to continue lobbying for the Safari to be back on the WRC Calendar. .

2014 KMSF CHAMPIONS

1. Kenya National Motocross Championship 2014

MX50-Jet Takkunen

MX65-Maina Wanjigi

MX85-Elias Sherman

MX125-Samir Anwar

MX2- Apollo Mbuki

MX1-Ivan Guya.

Veterans & Masters -Tim Jessop

 2. Kenya National Enduro Championship 2014

Enduro Quad Class -Shazar Anwar

Enduro Overall -Shivam Vinayak

Enduro 125-Shivam Vinayak

3. Autocross

2WD Turbo – Hardeep Rehsi

2WD Non-Turbo-Tejas Hirani

Quads -Charles Mugo

Bambino -Ryan Bailey

4. Kenya National Rally Raid Championship: 2014

Car Class- Driver: Gray Cullen

Car Class- Navigator:: Jon Bovard

Motorcycle: Shivam Vinayak

Quad: Shazar Anwar

Buggy- Tejas Hirani/Rohit Bhudia

New Overall Champion: Wangai Kimeria

5. KCB Kenya National Rally Championship 2014

KNRC 2WD navigator- Kigo Kareithi

2WD driver-Leo Varese

Classic Car Cup navigator-Richard Hechle

Classic Car Cup driver- Jonathan Somen

SPV Navigator- Charanjeev Singh

SPV Driver: Nikhil Sachania

Group S Navigator- Tauseef Khan

Group S Driver: Karan Patel

KNRC Div 3 driver- Karan Patel

KNRC Div 3 navigator- Tauseef Khan

KNRC Div 2 driver-Alasdair Keith

KNRC Div 2 Navigator- Tariq Malik;

KNRC Navigator -Ravi Soni,

KNRC Driver- Baldev Singh Chager.

2014 MERIT AWARDS CATEGORY

Most Improved Motorcycle

rider: Zenni Mokaya

2. Most Improved Autocross Driver: Imran Hakada

3. Most Improved Rally Driver: Karan Patel

4. Most Improved Rally Raid Competitor: Manpreet Sagoo

5. Motor Personality of the year: Nikhil Sachania

Michael Olunga (l) in action against Mathare United in a past KPL match. The striker scored the lone goal to give the champions 1-0 win over Muhoroni Youth in Kisumu on Sunday. PICTURE: JUICED TODAY

NAIROBI, May 24 – Unbeaten champions Gor Mahia restored their nine-point lead at the peak of the Kenyan Premier League after edging out hard-fighting Mohoroni Youth 1-0 at Kisumu’s Moi Stadium on Sunday.

At Nairobi’s Ruaraka Grounds, GOtv Shield champions Sofapaka were 2-1 winners over Tusker FC to pile more misery on head coach Francis Kimanzi whose future is subject to intense speculation after his fourth straight game without victory.

Elsewhere, Ushuru beat KCB 2-1, Nakuru All Stars played to a 2-2 draw with Chemelil Sugar while in Mombasa, Mathare United held hosts Bandari to a barren stalemate.

With only two matches to the conclusion of the first-leg, K’Ogalo are sure of finishing top in mid-season after Michael Olunga’s scored the winner in the 11th minute to take his personal tally to seven, one less than than joint top scorers, team-mates Meddie Kagere and Ali Abondo as well as AFC Leopard’s Jacob Keli.

“It was a tough game and we congratulate Muhoroni for giving a good fight. We could have scored a couple of other chances, Abondo hit the post but everything considered, we played well,” Gor head coach, Frank Nuttall said after the win.

Muhoroni head coach, Francis Baraza cried foul over poor officiating after his fourth match without a win in a match where Uganda’s Geodfrey Walusimbi was lucky to escape with only a yellow card for stamping.

“Referees must improve because Olunga’s goal was a hand ball and also he gave all the advantage to Gor, so I salute my boys for giving a hard fight. I have a young team and we will improve in the second leg after I bring in two or three experienced players,” the former Western Stima coach complained.

Coming from a 5-0 victory demolition of basement side, Nakuru All Stars last weekend, K’Ogalo went on the attack from the onset in front of partisan support with Walusimbi, who returned to the first XI for Ronald Otieno orchestrating raids from midfield.

Olunga threatened after five minutes when he received a Khalid Aucho through pass and out-muscled Muhoroni defender, Wellington Ochieng but his cross goal shot missed the inside of the far post by inches.

The former Tusker FC and Thika United drilled in the ball to the net when Collins Okoth put him through as Muhoroni defenders stood to scream handball to liven up the Green Army who had packed the stadium in their spiritual lakeside city to almost full capacity as rains threatened to pour out with force.

The hosts only threatened once in the first-half through skipper, Abass Akinyemi’s long range strike that hit the side netting in the 22nd.

At the other end, Abondo was denied by the cross bar after Kiptoo deflected his snap shot from the edge of the box soon after for a fruitless corner.

Muhoroni returned from the break in search of the equaliser, with Akinyemi blazing over the bar from an indirect free-kick conceded by Walusimbi at the edge of the box.

A minute later, Jeremiah Wanjala found himself unmarked with only Gor custodian, Boniface Oluoch to beat but he fumbled with the ball for the keeper to easily snuff out the danger.

A good build up by K’Ogalo from the left saw Abondo set up Kagere in the 65th but luck was once again was not on his side as his hurried finished went over.

Abondo was denied by the goal framework for the second time, after connecting Olunga’s cross with his inner foot with Kiptoo beaten all ends up as the ball cannoned off the right side of the bar.

Olunga gave the tiring Muhoroni defence a torrid time in the last 10 minutes forcing Kiptoo to put his body on the line to rescue a close range shot in a tight angle, before appealing for a penalty when he was hacked down but the referee waved on.

Nuttall introduced Innocent Wafula for Kagere in the dying minutes as they held on the lead to extend their unbeaten run to 13 matches.

-Sofapaka climb second-

In Ruaraka, veteran striker John Baraza and Mourice Odipo were on target to see Sofapaka push up to second on 24 points, taking advantage of AFC Leopard’s 2-0 loss to Western Stima on Saturday to take over as Gor’s closest challengers.

Kimanzi’s Brewers dropped to seven with their second successive loss as their stated title-challenge suffered a potentially fatal blow.

After a goalless first-half, Baraza gave the visitors the lead from the spot after James Situma handled Fiston Abdul Razak’s ball in the box but substitute Stephen Owusu restored parity in the 61st from a Kevin Kimani corner.

With the match destined for a stalemate, Odipo restored Sofapaka’s lead in the 83rd to extend Batoto ba Mungu’s impressive run over Tusker since 2011.

Reigning and immediate former world marathon champions, Dennis Kimetto (right) and Wilson Kipsang pose outside the London bridge ahead of the the city’s marathon. They were both included in the provisional team for the Worlds.

NAIROBI, May 25 – World marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto, his predecessor Wilson Kipsang and women’s defending champion, Edna Kiplagat were included in the provisional squd for the August Beijing World Championships released by Athletics Kenya on Monday.

Others in the men’s list are reigning Paris marathon winner, Mark Korir Hamburg champion, Lucas Kimeli Rotich, Felix Kipchirchir Kiprotich and Luka Lokobe Kanda likely to slot in as a reserve.

“AK will have a meeting with the athletes and the technical team June 3 at Riadha House to discuss further details regarding the training program and the preparations for the team,” the federation said in a statement that made the announcement.

Volare Sport training partners Kimetto and Kipsang are in line for their first joint appearance in the national team after their first head-to-head over the distance at the April 26 London Marathon was overshadowed by former world 5000m champion, Eliud Kipchoge.

Kenya will be looking to reclaim her title last won by two-time champion Abel Kirui in 2011 from the hands of Olympic champion, Uganda’s Stephen Kiprotich who took it in Moscow two years ago.

Notably missing is Kipchoge, 30, who ran the world leading 2:04:42 for victory in London depose Kipsang (2:04:47) in second as Kimetto (2:05:50) who later complained of a muscle strain limped home for third.

Incidentally, titleholder Kiprotich, Kipchoge and Rotich, the 2:07:17 Hamburg champion are all trained by Patrick Sang with the latter seeking a second medal with Kenya having won bronze at the 2008 World Cross in Edinburgh as a junior.

Korir, 30, who stormed to his career best 2:05:49 in the French capital with victory on April 12, Felix Kiprotich, 27, the second finisher (2:06:59) at the Seoul Marathon and Luka Luboke, the likely reserve who was second in Paris in 2:07:20 round off the men’s team of six.

Kiplagat will be seeking to win the women’s title for an unprecedented third time in a row despite coming from a disappointing outing in London Marathon in an 11th finish in 2:27:16 to break the record she shares with Catherine ‘The Great’ Ndereba who won it in 2003 and 07 in Paris and Osaka.

New York Marathon runner-up, Jemimah Sumgong who clocked 2:24:23 for sixth in London, Tokyo silver medallist Helah Kiprop, 30, who raced to a lifetime best of 2:24:03 in February, Visiline Jepkesho, 27, the Paris third finisher (2:24:44) and Janet Jelagat, 26,  who ran 2:26:31 for fourth in Prague completing the women’s interim list for Beijing.

The federation overlooked stellar campaigners of the recent past including Olympics and Worlds (2011) silver medallist, Pricah Jeptoo, former Boston winner and Worlds bronze medallist (2011) Sharon Cherop and two-time London and New York titleholder, Mary Keitany who was forced to accept second in the Britisha capital by surprise winner, Ethiopia’s Tigist Tufa.

PROVISIONAL TEAM 

Men

1. Wilson Kipsang
2. Dennis Kimetto
3. Mark Korir
4. Felix Kipchichir Kiprotich
5. Lucas Kimeli Rotich
6. Luka Lokobe Kanda

Women

1. Edna Kiplagat
2. Jemimah Jelagat Sumgong
3. Helah Kiprop
4. Visiline Jepkesho
5. Janet Jelagat Rono

Divock Origi celebrates scoring against Wolfsburg in this season’s UEFA Europa League.

LONDON, May 25- On-loan Liverpool forward Divock Origi has been named in Ligue 1’s ‘worst team of the season’ ahead of his move to Anfield in the summer.

The 20-year-old has been on loan at Lille all season after agreeing a move to Merseyside, but he has struggled to impress for his current club.

Perhaps he is unsettled ahead of his £10million move, with his mind elsewhere, but Origi has scored just eight goals in 33 appearances in Ligue 1 this season and has been named in the worst XI as selected by l’Equipe.

Lille endured a difficult campaign, finishing eighth in Ligue 1, and Origi picked up a place in the far-from-desirable team, with an average rating of just 4.46.

He will not be joining a team in fine fettle either; as the manager behind the signing of Origi, Brendan Rodgers, may not even be at the club by the time the Belgian makes his debut.

“When you look at the availability of other players during the summer, it was something that was difficult for us. It’s no good now, I know, but we took a player in Divock Origi who we believe will be world class and we’ll get him in the summer. Now he is a top player.

“’He has everything: the speed, the profile and so on.” Rodgers said during his signing.

Divock who starred for Belgium at last year’s World Cup is the son of retired Harambee Stars striker, Mike Origi Okoth and a cousin to Norway based first choice national team keeper, Arnold Origi.

-By DailyMail

Tusker FC head coach, Francis Kimanzi.

NAIROBI, May 25 – Under fire Tusker FC head coach Francis Kimanzi, has admitted they are facing a tough season after slipping to seventh in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) log.

Kimanzi, who saw his side suffer their fourth loss of the season over the weekend after going down 2-1 to GOtv Shield champions Sofapaka, has slammed his strikers for leaving their shooting boots at home as speculation mounts on his future at the Ruaraka-based giants.

The Brewers now trail runaway leaders and champions, Gor by 12 points with two matches to the end of the first leg and seemingly out of contention for crown unless there’s a huge turnaround in their fortunes corresponding with monumental collapse from K’Ogalo.

Despite having a deep squad compared to most KPL sides, the 10-time champions who were tipped to give K’Ogalo a tough challenge are yet to find their form with Kimanzi identifying lack of firepower upfront as the root cause of their woes.

“It’s very disappointing because we deserved to win against Sofapaka having made thousands of chances but we failed to score.  We had more than six (clear) chances in the first-half and that’s the time we could have won but unfortunately we waited too late.

“We keep on hoping one time somebody will pick his confidence as a striker and score. If we score, everything comes easy. We are always struggling because our confidence is low, we are still panicking but it’s a tough season for us, we hope we can bounce back from this loss and get a win,” the former Harambee Stars head coach lamented.

The lukewarm results have sparked rumours about his future at the Brewers with reports installing AFC Leopards head coach, Zdravako Logarusic, as his likely successor and the Croat is a known admirer of Tusker.

Whether he will be the first head coach to be shown the door this season remains to be seen after club management; through its Director Charles Obiny, maintained in March they had faith in his leadership.

Kimanzi bolstered his squad heavily with intentions of reclaiming the title he missed on his debut season last year, bringing experienced forward Patrick Oboya, defenders, Donald Mosoti and James Situma as well as midfielders Humphrey Mieno and Cercidy Lumumba among others.

But despite a strong defence of Aboud Omar, Jockins Atudo, Llyod Wahome and Situma, Tusker has conceded in all their matches except against Leopards where they won 1-0.

With experienced custodian Duncan Ochieng out with long term shoulder injury, Kimanzi has settled for youngster Faruk Shikhalo as first choice despite conceding 15 goals so far.

It has not been looking good upfront either, with much of Ismael Dunga who has scored once and Clifford Alwanga who has three goals yet to be seen.

Skipper Jesse Were remains the club’s top scorer with seven and a goal behind top scorers, Gor Mahia’s Ali Abondo and Meddie Kagere as well as Leopards Jacob Keli.

Since joining the club last year, Kimanzi has just won the KPL Top 8.

AFC Leopards boss, Zardvko Logarusic.

NAIROBI, May 26- Could black magic or ‘Juju’ be the reason why AFC Leopards were electrocuted in the rain by Western Stima 2-0 last Saturday in Kisumu?

Ingwe head coach, Zradvko Logarusic has sensationally claimed they were denied access to the stadium ahead of the match for fear they “would leave Juju” on the pitch a day before local heroes and champions, Gor Mahia took on Muhoroni Youth at the same Moi Stadium venue.

Victor Ochieng’ came off the bench to fire a quick-fire, almost magical double, with blitzing shots from range to boot, to silence Ingwe and halt their three-game winning run as Gor laboured to a 1-0 win over Muhoroni 24 hours later.

The Croat claimed a grounds man loyal to K’Ogalo locked them out of pre-match training leaving his boys with no time to get a feel of the astroturf pitch.

“The management of the stadium refused to give us even 30 minutes of training, as a visiting team we should be allowed to feel the pitch before the match but it was not the case, instead they laughed at us.

“The grounds man refused to take our money; he said we will put some ‘juju’ on the pitch because he is a Gor supporter,” Logarusic lamented following the dispiriting loss.

“KPL should do something, if we are playing in Kisumu we should be allowed train there a day before the match,” he urged.

The use or lack thereof of black magic, locally known as ‘research’ has dogged the sworn enemies for ages and for Logarusic to hint on ‘remote control’ to influence results adds a new twist to the enduring rivalry between the erstwhile ‘in-laws’.

The two giants are yet to face off in the second leg of the ‘Mashemeji Derby’ or might even meet in the GOtv Shield, but despite their hot and cold form, Leopards boast of the bragging rights having come a goal down to pick a point in the first-leg in a 1-1 draw at Nyayo.

The result meant the champions and leaders have not beaten Ingwe in their last four meetings.

K’Ogalo on the other hand are on form this season, having yet to taste defeat unlike their perennial rivals who have won six, drawn three and lost four to occupy fifth on 21 points, 12 behind the defending champions.

“We had fatigue in the last 20 minutes because we arrived at 1 o’clock morning having travelled by bus but our problem is to put the ball behind the net. I tried with two strikers in the first half then the other two and an attacking midfielder in the second but we still couldn’t score.

“I played 4-2-3-1 with Emmanuel Ngama on the left, Jacob Keli on the right, Austine Ikenna front, Lamin Diallo in the middle and two defensive midfielders, Bernard Mang’oli and Musa Mudde but despite that no goals came our way,” the Croat explained.

Leopards, who take on Mathare United on Madaraka Day are facing financial challenges, making it difficult for the players to travel away matches outside Nairobi unless they are given money to cater for their families.

Well wishers and politicians have had to chip in to bail out the team twice against Bandari and Western Stima when players had threatened not to honour the fixture unless their four month salary and bonus arrears are cleared.

NAIROBI, May 26- The Bamburi Rugby Super Series (BRSS) will not be held this year after the cement manufacturing firm severed their links with Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) following claims of financial impropriety at the 2014 edition.

Union boss, Richard Omwela, confirmed Tuesday morning that Bamburi had declined to commit to the 2015 edition adding that a ‘Plan B’ was in progress to organise it next year.

It is another telling blow to the sport after local integrated communication services giants; Safaricom, severed their partnership with the annual international invitation flagship, Safari 7s and domestic Sevens Series in April citing lack of ‘accountability and transparency’ at the Union.

“The truth of the matter is that Bamburi didn’t confirm the financing of this year’s Super Series. I will be lying to say we will have it. We are going to the 15s programme on the basis we will not have it.

“It’s normally a build up to the international matches but we will let it pass and then plan for next year,” Omwela stated.

He alluded concerns over some of the Union board members who were accused of embezzling funds, inflating expenses and skewed service contracts at last years events had dissuaded the sponsors.

“I think Bamburi were watching to see developments at the Board following the withdrawal of Safaricom so I suspect that’s the reason why they have not come on board.

“But we are having discussions to see if they will commit in the coming years, if they don’t, then we know they are not on and we start looking for another sponsor,” Omwela added.

The misappropriation of funds at the 2014 BRSS and Safaricom 7s, is believed to have prompted the suspension of vice-chairman, Phillip Jalang’o who was adversely mentioned in the report submitted by the Union’s auditors PKF as well as in Simpon Osiemo’s probe committee report formed to probe the allegations.

Last year the Series featured six franchises, Ndovu, Chui, Kifaru and Papa all from Kenya while Victoria and Ruwenzori represented Uganda.

UAP Kifaru became the first university franchise to lift the BRSS title after beating pre match favourites Nguvu Papa 15-0 in last year’s final.

The fate of this year’s Safari Sevens is still uncertain after Omwela said they are yet to secure a sponsor.

NAIROBI, May 26 – The national 15s team is out for revenge against Zimbabwe when the two sides lock horns in the opening round of the 2015 African Cup in Harare on June 13.

The Sables of Zimbabwe shattered Kenya’s dreams of making their maiden appearance at 2015 Rugby World Cup at last year’s qualifiers but Team Manager Wangila Simiyu send a strong warning saying they are out to reclaim the continental title held by Namibia.

Simiyu was speaking on Tuesday when naming a 23-man squad to face Portugal in Saturday’s International Rugby Board test match against Portugal at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds.

“The hunger that we have tells it all, we are in contention for Africa Cup because we want to reclaim want was ours. Sometimes in life when you are beaten, you pick up the pieces and move on; you don’t just sit and say you have been defeated. We are fighting back to make sure we get where we were before.

“We have an innovative youthful side that we are also building for 2019 World Cup qualification,” Simiyu who was on the technical bench when his side was beaten 27-10 by Zimbabwe declared.

Head coach Jerome Paarwater who is set to arrive on Wednesday from his native country, South Africa has handed KCB pair of Jacob Ojee and Peter Karia as well as Impala RFC’s  Sammy Oliech their test debuts in the international friendly where Kenya will be seeking to improve on her 32nd worldwide ranking.

However, among the notable missing in the squad that is dominated by Kenya Cup Champions KCB, are skipper Wilson Kopondo, Western Bull’s Davis Chenge, KCB’s Max Adaka and Strathmore Leos fly-half Kenny Andola who are reserved for the Africa Cup.

-Underdogs- 

Kenya will enter the encounter as underdogs but Simiyu outlined they intend to attack in the first half to be able to contain the experienced Portuguese who are ranked nine places above them.

“We had an opportunity to access their game, majority of them play in the French league but that doesn’t matter it’s all about competition. They are big, aggressive and versatile.

“We mastered a lot during Vodacom Cup and that’s the experience we will carry on in the game. People should expect a lot of explosive rugby and a very fast game in the first 30 minutes. Basing on their sizes we want to take it as their weak point and strength for us,” Simiyu explained on how they approach the game.

-Top 25-

Stand in captain, Brian Nyikuli said they are ready for the big test where they intent to start on a winning note as they aim on finishing the year by improving their IRB ranking to 25th in the world.

“There was a lot of disappointment because we were only one game away to qualify for World Cup but if you look at these five games a lot is at stake. If we win all of them we are guaranteed of being ranked top 25.

“That means IRB will increase their funding and our game will not only rise internationally but also locally,” the Strathmore Leos player stated.

After the Portugal match, Kenya will host Tunisia June 28 in Nairobi before facing Spain in another international friendly July 18.

The Simba 15s will conclude their season with an away tie to World Cup bound Namibia August 18.

Sammy Oliech (Resolution Impala Saracens),  Darwin Mukidza (KCB),  Fabian Olando (KCB), Kelvin Omiyo (Top Fry Nakuru), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Isaac Adimo (Kenya Harlequin),  Lyle Asiligwa (Kenya Harlequin), Joshua Chisanga (Homeboyz), Michael Okombe (Top Fry Nakuru), Brian Nyikuli (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos/Captain), Emmanuel Mavala (Homeboyz), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Curtis Lilako (KCB),  Sammy Warui (Top Fry Nakuru), Moses Amusala (KCB)

Replacements

Peter Karia (KCB), Duncan Mwangi (Kabras Sugar), Isaiah Nyariki (Top Fry Nakuru), Martin Owillah (Top Fry Nakuru), Ronnie Mwenesi (Total Nondies),  Robert Aringo (Resolution Impala Saracens), 22. Vincent Mose (Resolution Impala Saracens),Dennis Muhanji (Kenya Harlequin)