Upper Hill’s Ronald Osir shields vice captain, Hemed Said during the fifth Airtel Rising Stars launch June 24/PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, June 23 – Upper Hill high School are out to defend the Metropolitan boy’s football title when the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) Term 2 B regional contest take center stage this weekend.

The 2013 National champions who topped the Nairobi District competition unbeaten were confident they will reclaim the trophy they lost to Nzoia region side Kakamega High School.

Speaking during the launch of the fifth Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) on Wednesday, Vice captain, Hemed Said noted their target is to lift the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations title.

“We have forgotten what happen last year and the preparation is good. This time we have polished out mistakes and as defending champions, we are hoping to reclaim the regional title and proceed to Nationals.

“We were lucky to be  part of the team that was selected to represent the country in the ARS 2013 but we didn’t perform to our expectations. If we get that opportunity again we will give it our best,” the form four midfielder,who wishes to play for KPL side Sofapaka, told Capital Sport.

Michael Olunga center, with Upper Hill vice captain, Hemed Said (second right) and team-mates during the fifth Airtel Rising Star launch.

Upper Hill Alumni, Michael Olunga who turns out for Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia, believes the team that features in the Nairobi County League has the capability of reclaiming the title.

“Their previous record is good; they have won two out of three so I think this year I’m tipping them to win. They have a competitive squad and everyone wants to get a number so I’m sure five of them will play in the KPL  very soon.

The ARS is a good platform that exposes players but I urge them to go into more countries in Africa so that football can grow in the continent,” Olunga, a former Thika United and Tusker FC forward stated.

-Olympic girls dream-

Olympic Girls High School captain, Elizabeth Wambui in action during the fifth Airtel Rising Star launch/PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

Just like their male counterparts, Olympic Girls High School lost the title to Butere Girls after falling at the regional stage to former champions Matuu Memorial.

The finalists of 2013 ARS have sent a warning indicating they are going for nothing short of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations ticket.

“Through this programme we have gained a lot, we want to reclaim out title. Last year things didn’t go our way but this year we will not spare any team,” 16-year-old, Olympic skipper, Elizabeth Wambui claimed.

The Nationals will be held from July 27 to August 8 in Machakos.

-National teams-

Long serving KSSSA Secretary General, David Ngugi said their mission is to produce a feeder system to the national teams since the games are competed at a higher level.

Ngugi announced this year’s Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations will be hosted in Rwanda from August 15, as teams battle for the two slots available for winners and finalists in football, volleyball, lawn tennis, badminton and table tennis.

In addition, the best three ARS players in football will be sponsored for a week-long training by international coaches from United Kingdom.

“The motivation of these boys and girls is to play for this country, Olunga is a product of ARS having been named the best player in Mombasa and now you can see he is playing for the national team.

“The competition across the country is great, its cutthroat, everybody wants to represent Kenya in ARS because this is what is bringing up their talent,” Ngugi said.

ARS is an annual pan Africa program that provides a platform for upcoming soccer talent to showcase their skills to leading scouts, coaches and have an opportunity to further their football skills.

BOGOTA, June 24 – Kenya’s Sharon Cherop, the 2011 world marathon bronze medallist has been added to the elite field for 2015 Bogota International Half Marathon to run on Sunday.

Cherop, who has a half marathon best of f 1:07:08 will battle for the top honors with Paris Marathon champion, Meseret Mengistu of Ethiopian who was also added.

Now 31, Cherop’s other honours include winning the 2012 Boston Marathon title and she has also won over the classic distance in Toronto, Turin and Hamburg.

Four different Kenyan women have won in the Colombian capital in the last four years and Cherop will be looking to continue that streak in the IAAF Gold Label Road Race which is one of only two events of this stature in South America, the other being the Carrera de la Mujer which is also in Bogota on 20 September.

Brazil’s reigning Pan American marathon champion Solonei Da Silva was also included in the men’s field.

Da Silva, sixth in the 2013 IAAF World Championships marathon, showed he was in good form earlier in the year when he regained the Sao Paulo half marathon title on home soil.

Eritrea’s Samsom Gebreyohannes, eighth at the 2014 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen when he ran his current best of 1:00:13, joins a strong men’s lineup which includes the previously announced 2015 Tokyo Marathon winner Tadesse Tola, from Ethiopia, and Kenya’s Stanley Biwott.

Olunga in past training

NAIROBI, June 25 – After fluffing enormous chances, Harambee Stars forward Michael Olunga will look to make amends when they host Ethiopia in next weekend’s 2016 CHAN qualifier first round return-leg in Nairobi.

Stars have a huge task of overturning the 2-0 loss they suffered in the first-leg away to Walia Ibex on Sunday where Olunga was culpable for failing to convert two glorious opportunities in the first 20 minutes of the encounter.

Olunga, who played as a lone striker blazed over a Noah Wafula cross with the keeper only to beat before seeing his 21st shot cleared off the line.

But the Gor Mahia forward, who attained his second senior team cap, warned Ethiopia to expect a tough match since they will be playing at home.

“It’s not hard overturning the deficit because in football anything is possible. Ethiopia utilized their chances and had home advantage but I’m sure we will make them pay like we did with Botswana in the Olympic Games qualifiers where we overturned a 3-0 deficit to draw 4-4on aggregate but got eliminated on the away goal.

“Most of us were not used to playing under such huge crowd, the stadium was full to capacity so we had tension and before we realized we were a goal down but it’s a beatable side. We will make  the opportunities we missed count,” the Technical University of Kenya student told Capital Sport.

The 21- year-old called on fans to turn up in large numbers, noting that it’s the only way that can motivate them as they seek to send Kenya to her maiden CHAN finals in Rwanda next year.

“Ethiopia were boosted by the support from the fans we should do the same and I’m sure we will give them something to smile about.

“This time we have a big opportunity to qualify for the finals because it’s every player’s ambition to participate in bigger competition, we want to make history,” the former Thika United and Tusker FC man stated.

Bobby Williamson charges need three unanswered goals to advance to the second round where Sudan who were handed a bye awaits.

The Scotsman is expected to make changes from the squad that travelled to Bahar with defenders, Harun Shakava, Musa Mohammed (Gor), Dennis Odhiambo (Thika United) as well as Bandari winger David King’atua who all missed the first-leg available for selection.

The team will resume residential training after this weekend’s KPL second leg opener to prepare for the match scheduled for next Saturday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

Earning ticket to Rwanda will be a major boost for Kenya who are expected to host the 2018 competition.

NAIROBI, June 26 – The third Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Annual General Meeting that was scheduled to be held on Friday in Kisii has been postponed indefinitely.

Federation president, Sam Nyamweya cited insecurity, bloated number of delegates as the reason to shelve the anticipated assembly despite heavy presence of armed police officers.

Confusion was the order of the day after Nyamweya ordered all delegates to be vetted claiming some of them had hired goons to disrupt the meeting that was scheduled to kick-off at 9am in Ogembo, Nyamira County.

Nyamweya said the new date and venue for the AGM will be decided by NEC members in the next seven days.

In a rejoinder, OCPD Nyamira County, Richard Muigai dismissed claims that security was limited.

“Proper mechanism was put in place to facilitate peaceful event. There were enough personnel from the National Police Service,” Muigai said.

The assembly was set to decide the fate of banned NEC members, Coast chairman, Hussein Terry and his Nairobi counterpart, Daniel Shikanda as well as roll out the roadmap for the upcoming election in October where Nyamweya will be seeking re-election.

Terry was expelled for life while Shikanda is serving a six month ban.

Reports indicate NEC meet on Thursday and passed a proposal to reduce the bans to three years.

All the 78 delegates were present in the aborted meeting.

-developing story-

Chris Kuto (ground) supported by Eden Agero during the first-leg of the Elgon Cup in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, June 26 – Top Fry Nakuru back row Michael Okombe returns to the Simbas squad to face Tunisia on Sunday after missing the 28-20 loss away to Zimbabwe on 13th June.

Okombe replaces Emmanuel Mavala who is out injured in the only change to Jerome Paarwater’s squad.

Addressing the press in Nairobi on Friday, Team Manager Simiyu Wangila said,” The team has been preparing well, the morale in camp is high and we are raring to go.”

“Tunisia will not be an easy opponent, and we are well aware of that fact. We will look to dictate the pace of the game and not allow them any opportunity to settle.”

Team Captain Brian Nyikuli echoed Wangila’s sentiments, saying,”It is a very big game for us, we must win. We will have to take this game by the scruff of the neck and maintain the tempo for eighty minutes.”

Kenya squad

Forwards

Moses Amusala (KCB),Samuel Warui (Top Fry Nakuru),Curtis Lilako (KCB),Isaiah Nyariki (Top Fry Nakuru),Peter Kaaria (KCB),Oliver Mang’eni (KCB),Ronnie Mwenesi (Total Nondies),Michael Okombe (Top Fry Nakuru),Brian Nyikuli (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos, Captain),Lawrence Buyachi (Top Fry Nakuru),Joshua Chisanga (Homeboyz),Davis Chenge (Western Bulls)

Backs

Lyle Asiligwa (Kenya Harlequin),Robert Aringo (Resolution Impala Saracens),Isaac Adimo (Kenya Harlequin),Kelvin Omiyo (Top Fry Nakuru),Fabian Olando (KCB),Jacob Ojee (KCB),Darwin Mukidza (KCB),Samuel Oliech (Resolution Impala Saracens),Dennis Muhanji (Kenya Harlequin),Vincent Mose (Resolution Impala Saracens)

Management: Jerome Paarwater (Head Coach), Charles Ngovi, Dominique Habimana (Assistant Coaches), Simiyu Wangila (Team Manager), Richard Ochieng (S&C), Chris Makachia (Physi

Fridah Lodepa smiles at the finish line of the 16th Safaricom Lewa Marathon on June 27.

ISIOLO, June 27 – Former Kuala Lumpur champion, Fridah Lodepa entered into history books as the first ever three-peat winner of the women’s race at the 16th Safaricom Lewa Marathon on Saturday at the Lewa wildlife Conservancy.

In the men’s event, Elijah Mbogo who has been a bridesmaid in the last three editions, won the men’s race after clocking 2:20:18, three minutes ahead of Moses Wamaitha (2:23:21) and Cyprian Kiogora (2:24:54) who took the minor podium places.

However, the day belonged to 34-year-old Lodepa who took the honours in 2:50:26, two minute ahead of Monica Muthoni while Rispa Lagat stopped the timer in 2:53:25 to lead the challenger’s home in the tough course for third.

Running under baking conditions of the annual event, categorised as one of the toughest marathons where wild animals are privileged to be among the spectators saw Lodepa, last year’s Mombasa International Marathon winner, once again display her mastery to prevail.

The delighted winner said she will be going for the fourth title next year in the high altitude area.

“The race was okay at least there was no heat like last year, there was not competition because I went 20km all alone to finish. I didn’t find hard since I have been here before so I knew the course very well. I like running in Lewa since there are animals that motivate me,” the mother of two said after crossing the line.

The helicopter and spotter plane went airborne as early as 6am to keep away dangerous animals like lion, rhino and elephants in the Lewa Downs Conservancy where the event is held but Lodepa, who trains in Iten, attributed her success to her spouse and coach Elikanah Ruto.

“We ran together with my husband who keeps me going, so I thank him for taking me this far,” she stated.

The women’s race saw Lodepa come from behind to improve her last years’ time by a minute.

-Mbogo win-

The corresponding men’s race saw Mbogo return to the event for the fourth time, this time running two minutes slower than last year’s winner, Philemon Baaru who set the men’s record after winning the event three times in a row.

Mbogo, started running from behind before breaking after seven kilometres to take charge up to the finish-line and claim his first Lewa title.

“The race was tough because it had a strong field but I was confident of winning since I knew the course very well. The win will motivate me do better in the future. I will now shift my attention to track where I intend to compete in the 10,000m race at the national trials to the World and All Africa Games next month,” 28- year old, who finished seventh at the Thika Green race stated.

Robert Wambua, who finished second last year, won the men’s 21km in 1:04:59 ahead of Morris Munene, who crossed the line a minute later, whilst Nicholas Kamakya settled for third in 1:05:59.

Lucy Karimi dominated the corresponding half marathon women’s event in 1:16:23, a minute ahead of defending champion, Pauline Wanjiku as Samburu-based Pederis Lepakana closed the podium places.

Results 42km

Men

1.Elijah Mbogo – 2:20.18

2.Moses Wamaitha – 2:23.21

3.Cyprian Kiogora -2:24.54

4.Daniel Mbogo – 2:25.18

5.Philip Kigen – 2:31.35

42km Women

1. Fridah Lodepa – 2:50.26

2.MonicaNjeru 2:52.58

3.Rispa Lagat 2:53.25

4.Alice Nyawira 3:00.25

5.Karungari Wambugu 3:15.18

NAIROBI, June 27 – Harambee Stars forward Michael Olunga produced a sterling performance to inspire champions Gor Mahia thrash Chemelil Sugar 4-1 as the Kenyan Premier League second-leg got underway on Saturday.

Olunga was the hero after netting all the goals to see K’Ogalo maintain their unbeaten run and open a 12 point lead at the summit of the KPL on 42 points.

Elsewhere, Vitalis Akumu was on target as GOtv Shield winners, Sofapaka beat Western Stima 1-0 while Bandari silenced KCB by the same margin with Anthony Kimani netting the winner in the 27th from the spot.

In Nakuru, Olunga (22) opened the scoring in the 36th minute before the hosts cancelled the lead three minutes later through Alloys Mangi to see both sides share spoils at the break.

The back-to-back champions dominated the last half with Olunga grabbing his first KPL hat-trick to complete the rout that saw him lead the top scores chart on 11 goals, two ahead of team-mate Ali Abondo.

The Sugar Millers began the match on a high with Stephen Wakanya and Stephen Kariuki forcing Gor keeper, Boniface Oluoch into early saves.

Daniel Murage also had a chance to break the deadlock in the 6th when he cut in from the left to unleash a ferocious shot from inside the area but Oluoch was equal to the task parrying the ball out for a fruitless corner.

K’Ogalo’s first attack came on the 13th with Olunga testing Chemelil custodian, Jairus Adira from Abuoba Sibomana’s cross before the former Thika United striker broke through from the midfield, only for the keeper to punch away the thunderous shot.

Adira was at it again in the 26th when he rescued the former Thika United striker’s header from an Ali Abondo corner.

Olunga finally got the breakthrough when he received a fine pass from Karim Nizigiyimana on the right to control the ball and fired into the bottom right corner to send the champions ahead.

The lead lasted for three minutes after Mangi restored parity when he connected Murage’s rebound that had rattled the cross bar.

Olunga send Gor ahead on resumption when the former Tusker FC man received a pass from Meddie Kagere to finish past Adira who was out off his line for his second.

He completed his hat-trick three minutes later after looping the ball over advancing Adira with a fantastic back foot flick to extend K’Ogalo’s lead.

Meddie Kagere thought he had scored his 10th of the season in the 78th but the goal was disallowed after he was ruled offside but Olunga made it up with a brilliant finish to see Chemelil drop to 11th on 20 points.

Darwin Mukidza in action against Tunisia in the second round of Africa Cup on June 28/PHOTO Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, June 28 – A brace of tries from Man of the Match Darwin Mukidza and Sammy Oliech inspired Kenya revive their chances of reclaiming the Africa Cup after demolishing visiting Tunisia 46-15 in the second round at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds on Sunday.

The six tries win saw Tunisia who suffered their second loss relegated to Division 1B despite having a match to spare against Zimbabwe next weekend in Harare.

The Kenyan backs led by Mukizda were solid to see Tunisia fail to touch down even a single try and help Jerome Paarwater charges bounce back from 20-28 defeat in their opener against the Sables fortnight ago.

“The game was tough as we expected it. We soaked in a lot of pressure in the first-half but I’m glad we did not waste any opportunities. We knew Tunisia were physical upfront, they tried to slow the game which saw my players lack discipline in the first 20 minutes.

“Our forwards were outstanding, the line-outs were good but I was only worried on off the ball situation where we were not composed. We will work out on our mistakes and be ready for the next assignments,” delighted, Paarwater said after the win.

His opposite number, Mohamed Sahraoui said, “We had a good first-half, the attacking was brilliant but we struggled when we resumed.”

Paarwater who just made a single change from the squad that went down to Zimbabwe with Mike Okombe replacing Emmanuel Malava, suffered a major blow after Lyle Asiligwa was withdrawn with a fractured hand in the14th minute.

The Injury ruled him out of Simba’s next assignments where they welcome Spain in an international test match July 18 before wrapping up their Africa Cup round robin with an away fixture to World Cup bound Namibia, August 8.

Kenya got off on a slow note that saw them concede four penalties which were converted by Khlifa Eddin who also scored a drop goal to complete Tunisia’s points.

After trailing six points down, Mukidza brought the hosts back in the game when he received Oliech’s pass from the line-out to touch the white wash before converting for the lead.

Moments later, Tunisia reclaimed the lead after converting a penalty kick but Oliech was on target to ensure Kenya take charge when Jacob Ojee fed him to see the Impala back tackle three defenders before sprinting to ground the converted try.

Paarwater introduced Robert Aringo for injured Asiligwa before Eddin scored a penalty to reduce the deficit to two as Kenya led 14-12 at the interval.

Mukidza, extended Simba’s lead on the restart after seeing his penalty go through the sticks before he notched a brace from an individual try, but missed the conversion to see his side begin the last half with a 22-12 lead.

Even before Tunisia settled, Okombe set up Oliech for his second as Mukidza converted before slotting home a penalty for a 32-15 lead.

Paarwater did double substitution, withdrawing Isaiah Nyariki for Curtis Lilako and Fabian Olando off for Dennis Muhanji.

The change did not disappoint with Aringo and Vincent Mose touching down the final tries for the hosts as Haythem Cheli was sin binned.

AFC Leopards fans run away from teargas during their KPL match against Thika United at Thika Sub-County Stadium on June 27.

NAIROBI, June 29 – AFC Leopards will appeal the decision to allow their match against Thika United to be held at Thika Sub County Stadium that was previously declared unfit to host top flight matches.

Leopards who lost the ill-tempered game that ended in violent clashes between police and their fans 1-0, will petition Kenyan Premier League over the suitability of the venue and annulment of the result.

Club assistant Secretary General, Prof. Asava Kadima who condemned the violence revealed to Capital Sport they are yet to receive official communication from KPL’s technical, safety and security committee on the fate of the venue.

“The club strongly condemns the violent actions by a section of supporter’s in our match against Thika United which caused the match to be halted temporarily. We say NO to hooliganism.

“I’m writing a protest letter to KPL because they allowed Thika to host the match despite the venue not been cleared by the technical, safety and security committee but on the officiating I have no comment,” Kadima said.

“The level of provocation from the Thika United technical bench was a major concern especially from the goal keeper trainer, Joseph Ruto. I appeal to our fans to maintain decorum because we are not going to allow this to happen again,” the don added.

KPL head of technical, safety and security GMT Ottieno declined to respond on the matter, saying, “This is not the first time they (AFC Leopards) were playing in Thika so I don’t understand why they complaining, let them write the protest letter. I cannot comment on the game because I have to watch what happened.”

KPL CEO Jack Oguda told Capital Sport they are yet to receive the match report from the officials but vowed the Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee will take action for those found guilty.

Trouble started on the 40th minute when Thika United took the lead through Ray Omondi, but Leopards felt he was off side to see them protest by throwing objects onto the pitch causing temporary halting of the game before resuming after police calmed the situation.

Chaos erupted once again in the 81st when fans invaded the pitch to attack match officials forcing Police to lob teargas to dismiss the rowdy fans before play resuming with Thika holding on to the win that left Leopards sixth on 25 points.

FKF president, Sam Nyamweya address, press and delegates when calling off the AGM in Kisii on Friday, June 26/PHOTO FKF

NAIROBI, June 29 – The Aborted third Football Kenya Federation Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held August 28 in Nairobi, FKF announced on Monday.

FKF president, Sam Nyamweya called off the AGM on Friday in Kisii citing insecurity and bloated number of delegates but the decision was slammed by most of the affiliates who turned up for the meeting.

In a statement, FKF outlined that a list of 78 delegates will be published seven days before the AGM while the Agenda will be sent to members 30 days before.

“Following the aborted AGM that was scheduled for 26th June, 2015 in Kisii, we hereby issue a notice to all members pursuant to the provision of Article 26 (1) (2) (3) of the FKF constitution that the third AGM of FKF will be held on Friday 28th August 2015 in Nairobi from 10.00am,” the statement read.

48 delegates were present in the halted meeting that was set to roll out the election road map as well as discuss the lifting of bans of Coast NEC Member, Hussein Terry and his Nairobi counterpart, Dan Shikanda.

Terry was banned for life whist Shikanda is serving a six year suspension imposed on them for allegedly defying the FIFA and FKF statutes by taking the federation matters to the court of law.

“Many of them were not delegates, over 400 people turned up yet we only have 78. I understand it’s an election year so people are supposed to be gentle so that we can run football in a sober manner,” Nyamweya said on Friday when he called off the AGM.

However, Speaking on behalf of clubs affiliated to KPL and FKF as well as branches, Nakuru chairman, Robert Muthomi said Nyamweya went against the constitution for postponing the meeting.

As a result, they constituted a six member committee chaired by Nakuru Town East MP, David Gikaria who will facilitate calling of a Special General Meeting to discuss the Agenda that had been proposed.

“We were very disappointed with what happened in Kisii because the AGM was very important since the election is coming at the end of the year. The delegates were determined to bring change to the management of Kenyan football by creating a federation that has strong structures but what we saw is violation of our constitution.

“Our constitution does not allow AGM to be postponed on grounds of insecurity but only due to lack of quorum. We had over 40 delegates which is a simple majority as required,” Muthomi declared.

Also in the committee that is set to meet on Tuesday are Nairobi branch chairman, Michael Ouma, Hamisi Mwayoyo from Coast and Upper Eastern’s Nabea Mureithi among others.

Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia legend, Peter Dawo was disappointed by the leadership of Kenyan football.

“Kenyan football is in the decline since we last stopped playing, I don’t think it has improved because of bad leadership that we have in the federation.

“I think we should change leadership and allow new blood to take charge maybe we could see a big change,” Dawo, who won a treble with K’Ogalo in 1987 including the African Cup Winners Cup, said.

The delegates invited will are from the 20 FKF Branches, 16 KPL clubs, 18 FKF Premier League clubs and a representative each from Coaches Welfare Association, Referees Welfare Association and Players Welfare Association.

NAIROBI, June 30 – A dozen top Kenyan athletes, including former World Marathon champions Paul Tergat and Tegla Loroupe, are to lead a 22-day “Walk for Peace” against ethnic violence, athletes said Tuesday.

Cattle rustling and revenge killings between rival communities are common in Kenya’s remote and impoverished northern regions, an area awash with automatic weapons.

The 836 kilometre (520 mile) walk is being organised by former Commonwealth marathon champion John Kelai who is marching in memory of three of his uncles killed in cattle raids when he was a teenager.

“We are going to inspire and engage the young people from the divided communities and help to break the cycle of violence,” Kelai, the 2010 Commonwealth marathon gold medallist, said in a statement.

Other athletes expected to take part include former marathon world record holder Wilson Kipsang, and Uganda’s reigning Olympic and world marathon champion, Stephen Kiprotich.

Kiprotich comes from Uganda’s border areas with Kenya, which suffers from cattle rustling and violence.

The marathon march begins in Kenya’s northern town of Lodwar in the volatile Turkana region on July 15, heading south for some 40 kilometres every day through the vast Rift Valley to Lake Bogoria on August 6.

“Running has brought me a lot of championships, fame, accolades, but what it has not brought me is peace,” Kelai said in a video message.

“When I was 13 years of age I lost my three uncles, they were killed by cattle rustlers.”

Last year at least 310 people were killed and more than 220,000 fled their homes as a result of inter-communal conflicts attributed to competition over land and water resources, cattle rustling, and struggles over political representation, according to the United Nations.

The athletes, who are encouraging people to join them in their walk, hope to raise over $250,000 (223,000 euros) to fund a peace-building programme, said the Aegis Trust, which works to rebuild communities riven by conflict, notably in Rwanda after the 1994 genocide.

Aegis Trust, which is helping organise the walk, said the programme “will engage at least 10,000 young people at risk of being drawn into the ethnic violence, saving lives.”

In May, some 75 people were killed in just four days of cattle raids and revenge attacks.

Fellow athletes said they would join the walk.

“Kelai has always been at the forefront of our efforts to try to achieve peace,” said Tegla Loroupe, the first African woman to win the New York City Marathon, who will also take part.

Interim AFC Leopards chairman, Walter Onyino (R) with his assistant Daniel Mule (L). PHOTO/DAVID OWIYO

NAIROBI, June 30 – AFC Leopards has endorsed seven co-opted members led by acting chairman, Walter Onyino during their Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Tuesday at Nairobi’s Ufungamano House.

The seven who were nominated three weeks ago, will join Secretary General, George Aladwa, his assistant Prof. Asava Kadima and Committee Member Stephen Mungo in running the affairs of the club for a three-month interim basis.

Onyino, a former vice chairman will be assisted by Daniel Mule, while Pamela Lutta will be the treasure, Felix Shitsama the Organising Secretary while Robin Toskin, former player Peter Lichungu and Douglas Simiyu were brought on board as Committee Members.

This follows after the resignation of chairman, Allan Kasavuli, Organising Secretary Timothy Lirumbi and deputy treasure, Esther Luvembe as well as the suspension of vice chairman, Patrick Ngaira, Committee Members, Carolyne Mayunzi and Samuel Limisi.

The treasure seat fell vacant after the death of Remmy Mudi.

Members also agreed to hold the election in December where new office bearers will be selected for a three-year term.

The interim office was mandated to ensure the club complies with the Sports Act which is a requirement from the Registrar of Sports.

A Special General Meeting will be called on the weekend of August 29 to discuss the financial report which was differed due to technicalities.

Speaking after the peaceful election, Onyino who lost the chairmanship seat to Kasavuli in 2013, said their priority will be to stabilize the club financially after shirt sponsor Mumias Sugar suspended their partnership.

“We have a mandate to get the club back on track and our biggest job is to ensure we beat the June transfer deadline by signing new players. The players who have shown intention to leave have complicated matters and we will leave it to KPL to adjudicate. Yes they have not been paid for four months but there is a procedure that they need to follow.

“We need to keep our wage bill low since we are financially crippled. We are in discussion with different players whom the coach is interested on before the transfer window closes tonight,” Onyino stated.

“We need to get Leopards where it belongs; we want to bring transparency back in the team to attract sponsors,” he added.

Following the financial crisis, Leopards has faced mass exodus of players who have gone four months without salary and allowances.

Ingwe who started their second-leg with a 1-0 loss to Thika United are sixth on 25 points.

Alastair Cavenagh flagged off with his Proton Neo Satria RC2-S2000 at Voi Rally on June 6.

NAIROBI, June 30 – Two-times former winner, Alastair Cavenagh is targeting a podium finish in the fifth round of the KCB Kenya National Rally Championships (KNRC) that revs off in Eldoret this weekend.

Cavenagh and his navigator Gavin Laurence, who finished fifth in Voi, will be looking to make the Proton Neo Satria S2000 reliable before selling it.

“I’m hoping to get another good finish with it. Hopefully, we can slowly get more reliability out of the car and only then consider selling it,” Alastair who is 12th on 15 points in the overall standing said.

The event has attracted a star-studded entry that includes multiple former champions as well as KNRC regulars led by holder, Baldev Chager, series leader Jaspreet Chatthe (Mitsubishi Evolution X), Carl “Flash” Tundo (Proton S2000), Ian Duncan (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) and Manvir Baryan (Ford Fiesta R5) among others.

Chatthe, who emerged winner in Voi earlier this month, leads both the KNRC and FIA African Rally Championship despite retiring on the Oryx Energies Rally of Tanzania.

The one day event will see the return of 2014 Motor Sport Personality of the Year Nikhil Sachania after missing Voi to repair his car.

“The Grande Punto seems to be running well at the moment. Eldoret will be fun, but I must admit I’m still learning the car. I’m hoping for a better finish and an increase in pace,” Nikhil declared.

Another member from the Chatthe family, Dilraj is brimming with confidence ahead of his KNRC debut in EVOX R4 .

“My co-drive is none other than the multiple ARC navigators champion Dave Sihoka from Zambia. The feeling is good, obviously very excited to finally turn 18 and be allowed to rally.”

2WD contenders include leader and defending champion Leonardo Varese (Toyota Corolla RSI), Eric Bengi and Sammy Nyorri (Toyota RunX 2WD), as well as Gurmit Thethy in a VW Golf MK3.

“I finished second in 2009 to Charles Hinga and third in 2010 with a miss in the last stage at 60kph top-speed…I remember telling my navigator these points would mean a lot to our championship campaign.

“The need for good navigation, high altitude competition, countless bends at Nyaru and Flousper- and most importantly the ascents and descent make us return to Eldoret,” Varese, the Voi Rally winner said.

The Rally will feature a competitive mileage of 142.2 km and a liaison distance of 111.5 km.

The only Spectator Stage will be at Kaptagat Two, which is 19km from Eldoret following the Eldoret/Eldma Ravine Highway.

AFC Leopards fans celebrate victory over Sofapaka FC. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, July 1- AFC Leopards could adopt Spanish giants, FC Barcelona ownership model for posterity if the newly elected interim committee succeeds in pushing through proposals to change the organisational structure of the club.

Established in 1964, Ingwe are as old as the nation, with the club enshrining itself as one of Kenya’s grandest institutions. But, the sordid 2015 season thus far has been a rude wake-up call for the Leopards’ faithful with the team flirting with collapse.

An inflated wage bill and the unceremonious pull out of sponsors Mumias Sugar Company left their coffers dry leaving the club to stagger through the first leg of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season in farcical fashion.

Their woes, owing to their elevated stature, provided rich fodder for tragic-comical ridicule with unpaid salaries, players’ revolt, threats of match boycotts and the team being locked in a Mombasa hotel among the sick headlines that dominated local media.

Sordid tales of star players facing eviction for non-payment of rent filled acres of space with the transfer window sparking off a mass exodus of Biblical proportions as they sought to end their misery.

At the height of the malaise, elected chairman, Allan Kasavuli announced his resignation, igniting a managerial tussle that pit members of his executive and a team led by his predecessor, Alex Ole Magelo, that he put in temporary charge on his way out.

On Tuesday, the club held an Annual General Meeting where Magelo’s former deputy, Walter Onyino, was ushered to the chair alongside a team that will lay the groundwork ahead of December’s election where a new office will be ushered in.

“The situation was so bad at the club, I tell you,” eminent sports journalist, Robin Toskin, who was co-opted to the interim management as a member, told this writer.

So, will Onyino and his committee set in place measures aimed at rescuing this pompous institution from inevitable ruin following the failure, once again, of the politically instigated organisational model that almost slew the Leopard?

– Rescue plan-

Leopards head coach, Zradvko Logarusic (left) and former chairman, Alex Ole Magelo in conversation ahead of the Sofapaka FC game. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

At the apex of Onyino’s rescue plan, is the push for the privatisation of the team to make it immune to the cycle of administrative circus where politicians and their puppets have used Ingwe as a footstool for higher office, often high tailing once their narrow objectives have been met.

“The Barcelona model is socially complex like AFC Leopards and it’s the best model to use. The idea is to have a number based on the membership of the club,” Onyino told Capital Sport on Wednesday as he sits down to lay the framework for the adoption of the model that has turned the two-time treble winning Catalan giants into a global superpower.

Unlike many other football clubs, supporters own and operate Barcelona. It is the second most valuable sports team in the world, worth $3.2 billion, and the world’s fourth richest football club in terms of revenue, with an annual turnover of €484.6 million.

However, like previous attempts before, convincing the so-called ‘wenyewe’ (owners) of Leopards who draw their bedrock support from Western Kenya to adopt the model that has served Barca since it was founded in 1899, where it has since grown to be a Catalan community emblem, will be a Herculean challenge.

“One drawback to the plan is the problem where no one tells the people to stop believing if it turns into a company, only few benefit. They should understand benefits will trickle down to all ordinary members,” the interim chair acknowledged.

The provisional management line-up is banking on the new face of paying club members, far removed from the traditional ‘wenyewe’, to finally push through much needed reforms besides adopting austerity measures to return the club to sound financial footing.

“Those people (politicians) attempted to stop yesterday’s (Tuesday) AGM and install faces who mirror the ‘owners of the club’. The new-face of our members who are drawn from across the country understand what the club needs.

“They have no ambitions (political) and they can squarely support measures we intend to put in place to ensure Leopards survive any changes in leadership. They are not going to bend backwards to encourage politicians,” Onyino asserted.

-Short term remedies-

AFC Leopards’ Mohammed Diallo reacts after being red-carded against Sofapaka. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

With the club losing their first match of the second KPL leg 1-0 away to Thika United in an ill-tempered match that degenerated to chaos as police used teargas and bullets to disperse their irate fans, the interim team moved with speed to ensure Croat head coach, Zradvko Logarusic has a full squad to work with after the talent drain.

“We have 26 players and that is the number we want to sustain for wage bill management. (Austin) Ikenna is out on trials and should he return or not, we shall keep the squad at that.

“We have a couple of things in place and once they are complete, we will have a sponsor on board and restructure the management.

“There are those who pledged to assist the club and could not come forward during the Harambee (fund raiser) and we shall aggressively pursue them.

“One of the things we are looking at is to contract a sports marketing company with enough expertise to run the club’s financial interests on a day to day basis. They will bring their management skill to maximise our income,” the former vice-chairman explained the roadmap to rescue Ingwe.

Onyino maintains the current organisational set-up of domestic clubs needs to be overhauled to inject professionalism having experienced transfer deadline mad-rush as Leopards sought players to plug the holes.

And, he has a simple explanation to where the weather started beating proud Ingwe.

“We spent way too high to maintain the stature of our club by bringing in high profile signings and when Mumias pulled out, it compounded the wage problems,” he told.

“All is looking well for the Leopard,” he assured as he embarks on the mission to bring a falling giant back to their feet.

Harambee Stars’ Brian Birgen (left) vies for the ball with Gor Mahia forward, Mehdie Kagere during their friendly at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday. PHOTO/Raymond Mokhaya.

NAIROBI, July 1 – Harambee Stars head coach, Bobby Williamson, has a clearer picture of his starting XI against Ethiopia’s Walya Ibex after his side were forced to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday by domestic champions, Gor Mahia.

Ronald Omino late equaliser helped Gor hold the national side in the friendly tie played at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium where Stars host Ethiopia who lead their African Home Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifier 2-0 from Addis Ababa.

Omino, who replaced Karim Nzigiyimana in the second half, cancelled Jesse Were’s half hour opener to leave the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) titleholders unbeaten domestically this season.

K’Ogalo were using the match to gauge their new signings ahead of their next KPL clash against Thika United next weekend.

“I’m much clear in my mind of who will start. We need to polish some few mistakes I pointed out today before Saturday. We need to convert chances then take it from there. It was a good exercise for both teams,” Williamson said after the match.

Gor head coach, Frank Nuttall who acquired the services of speedy winger, Paul Were from South Africa’s Premier Soccer League side Amazulu on June window transfer deadline day, said the work out was a perfect opportunity for Enoch Agwanda to gel with his new team-mates.

“We played very well; the match helped us gauge our fitness level. Agwanda has a lot of potential, looking at the number of goals he scored last season it’s a good return for a guy who is only 22 years.

“He will really boost our front line since he can play in different positions,” Nuttall added.

Williamson fielded in a strong team that featured six Gor players, Boniface Oluoch in goal, Harun Shakava and Musa Mohammed in defence, Collins Okoth in the midfield as well as Michael Olunga who played upfront.

K’ogalo were the first to threaten a breakthrough after 22 minutes when Nzigiyimana brought in a cross from the left but Agwanda failed to score on his debut as his header sailed over.

A minute later, Liberian defender Dikir Glay cleared an Olunga goal bound off the line after Ali Abondo had set him up but there was no one to stop Were’s header at the half hour mark when he nodded past Jerim Onyango to break the dead lock.

Onyango denied Were the brace moments later when he parried the Tusker FC striker’s ferocious shot while at the other end, Oluoch was called to action for the first time to rescue Timothy Otieno’s effort.

The second half belonged to K’Ogalo after Williamson brought out a different team with the exemption of Were who partnered AFC Leopard’s winger Noah Wafula up front.

Glay once again cleared Wafula’s shot off the line in the 68th before Omino levelled from a brilliant build after George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo exchanged passes with Meddie Kagere before the latter picked Omino who squeezed the ball past Onyango.

Stars last chance in the game saw, Wafula fail to find the back of the net when he blazed wide in an empty net after Oluoch was well beaten.

Michael Olunga in action for Harambee Stars against club side Gor Mahia on Wednesday, July 1 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, July 1- At the moment, anything he touches turns to gold. He’s Kenya’s hottest football property with moves abroad already mooted but is the country draining 21 year-old Michael Olunga a tad bit too much?

In recent history, emerging prospects have illuminated the domestic scene only to fade out of the latter almost as first as they appeared. Some manage to find their way back to the top whilst others have not been too lucky, disappearing to the oblivion.

Olunga has been credited with a staggering 11 goals in 16 domestic games, his four-goal blitz against Chemelil Sugar the latest salvo to enhance his blossoming reputation as one of the most fearsome finisher anywhere at the time.

The former Tusker FC lanky youngster who was snapped by Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia post-season was rushed to the national team set-up, starring for the Under-23 side that bowed out of Rio 2016 Olympics qualifying by Botswana.

Having missed the first leg, Olunga almost completed a Kenyan football miracle when his hat-trick sunk Botswana 4-1 in the return leg, with Stars exiting on away goals rule after a 4-4 tie on aggregate following a 3-0 first leg reverse.

Head coach Bobby Williamson then drafted him to the senior squad for the 2017 AFCON qualifying opener to Congo Brazzaville where Stars escaped with a credible 1-1 draw.

Such is his importance to the national side that he was flown straight from a KPL game in Kisumu where Gor wrapped up the first leg unbeaten by beating Tusker 1-0 to Kigali, Rwanda where the team was playing an invitational peace tournament.

The forward shook off jet-lag to score alongside Southampton star, Victor Wanyama in a 2-0 win over Sudan, repaying all costs incurred in flying him in having come on as a second half substitute.

There was nothing the Geospatial Engineering student at the Technical University of Kenya could do as his team surrendered to Ethiopia’s Walya Ibex 2-0 during the first leg of their Africa Home Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifier in front of a partisan crowd.

If there is one man Williamson is counting on to overturn the deficit on Saturday against the Ethiopians, then it has to be Olunga who seems unfazed at the moment with the spotlight shone on him a year after he was just another rookie struggling to find his bearings at Tusker.

– No fears-

Gor head coach and Williamson’s fellow Scot, Frank Nutall, maintains there is no risk of the striker who is admittedly still the raw article of burning out despite the heavy burden placed on his young shoulders.

“The player is our player so we will use him whenever we feel we need to play him. It’s not having an impact on him as you can see he scored four goals this past weekend and he’s scored 11 or 12 goals so far.

“As well as that his overall play during games is at a high level and at a very good tempo so I don’t think it’s having any effect on him in a negative way,” Nutall, who succeeded the Stars boss at Gor asserted after his side held the national team 1-1 on Wednesday.

“He’s a Kenyan player and surely when you have a player of that type and the things he brings to the U23 and the national side you would use him. If I weren’t using him and the national coach wasn’t using him, we would be getting criticism.

“And personally he is a 21 year-old. He gets time off and he gets plenty of time to rest and recover and he’s doing fine,” the K’Ogalo boss explained further.

If Olunga needs a timely reminder of how quickly the tide can turn, he only needs to look at the Gor bench where one George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo usually sits when not getting a rare start such as Wednesday’s friendly.

In 2010, Blackberry burst to the scene with almost similar venom to Olunga, storming to the top of local scoring charts and being catapulted instantly to the national team besides being named the KPL player of the Year.

A swift move to Randers FC of Denmark followed end season and after playing for a grand total of seven minutes, his contract was cancelled a year later with two years to run before another high profile move to Tanzanian giants, Azam, also went belly-up.

He returned to the KPL with strugglers Nairobi City Stars before making a prodigal return to K’Ogalo, a shadow of the imposing player who mesmerised crowds and filled stadiums.

Francis Ouma (2008) and Kevin Kimani (2011) are some other former KPL players of the year who had barnstorming seasons and earned quick national team caps only for their careers to wander south after their campaign of wonder.

With Stars and inevitably foreign clubs nosing around the latest sensation, it is up to Nuttall and the national team set up to ensure he does not crash and burn as fast as he arrived to the big stage.

Shujaa’s Billy Odhiambo in action at last season’s Glasgow Sevens. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, July 1 – The 20th Safari Sevens will be held on the weekend of October 3 and 4 in a yet to be confirmed venue, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announced on Wednesday.

The new date sees the annual international invitational tournament moved forward from last year’s edition held in September at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani.

However, the Union is yet to secure sponsorship for the competition that attracts top rugby 7s playing nations including New Zealand and Argentina after integrated mobile services providers; Safaricom pulled the plug in April due to embezzlement of funds by some board members.

“We are taking to sponsors including Safaricom but we will communicate later. There is a sponsor who came on board but we couldn’t agree since they were offering us little,” KRU boss, Richard Omwela said after chairing a Special General Meeting.

Chances are high the tourney could revert to its traditional home at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds where it was last hosted in 2010 where national senior team Shujaa beat South Africa’s Emerging Springboks 17-12 to win the Main Cup title for the third time in a row.

Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium is the other venue that hosted the crowd pulling event in 2011 and 12 but Kenya was not lucky to lift the Main Cup at that stadium.

With the rugby sevens event shelved from the September’s Africa Games (formerly All Africa Games) in Congo Brazzaville, KRU also unveiled dates of the National Sevens Series scheduled to kick-off in Nairobi with the Christie 7s on August 1-2 at RFUEA Grounds.

This is the only adjustment made from last year’s programme where Mwamba RFC’s Kabeberi Sevens opened the series and Christie wrapped up the five-leg competition.

The second round will head to Kisumu’s Dala 7s on August 8-9 before resuming with the third leg Mombasa’s Driftwood 7s on the weekend of August 22-23.

Nakuru play host to the most popular leg, Prinsloo 7s colloquially referred to Nax Vegas on August 29-30 before curtains fall on the series at Nairobi’s Railway Grounds with the September 5-6 Kabeberi 7s.

KCB are the defending champions after lifting Kabeberi, Dala and Prinsloo titles besides being losing Main Cup finalists at Driftwood and reaching the Christie Bowl final.

Meanwhile, the inaugural KRU U-19 Sevens tournament will be played this weekend.

PROGRAMME

Round 1 : Christie Sevens, RFUEA,Nairobi 1-2 August

Round 2:  Dala Sevens, Kisumu, 8-9 August

KRU U-19 Sevens, RFUEA, Nairobi, 15-16 August

Round 3: Driftwood Sevens, Mombasa Sports Club, Mombasa 22-23 August

Round 4: Prinsloo Sevens, Nakuru Athletic Club, Nakuru,29-30 August

Round 5: Kabeberi Sevens, Railway Club, Nairobi, 5-6 September

Harambee Stars headcoach, Bobby Williamson (foreground) consults with his assistant, Musa Otieno during their friendly with Gor Mahia. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, July 2– Newly signed Gor Mahia winger, Paul Were will be included in Harambee Stars squad for Saturday’s return leg against Ethiopia with Kenya’s 2016 CHAN hopes hanging in the balance.

Head coach Bobby Williamson, will be banking on the former PSL attacking midfielder to play a starring role in their bid to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the away first-leg.

“He (Were) should hopefully join the squad but we will have a look at his match fitness because he has not played since he scored in Congo Brazzaville,” Williamson stated.

Were, who penned a six-month deal with domestic champions Gor Mahia, missed the Ethiopia trip since he was ineligible to feature in the tournament open only to locally based players.

The Scotsman admitted it will be an uphill task to score three answered goals that will see them advance to the second round where Sudan who got a bye await.

“We can’t be pessimistic. The other day, guys said we can’t overturn a 3-0 deficit when we lost to Botswana in the Olympics qualifiers but we shocked many by scoring four. We hope to do the same on Saturday.

“We need to score two quick goals then take it from there. But it’s going to be difficult because we wasted a penalty that could have given us an away goal advantage,” he outlined.

With defenders, Musa Mohammed, Harun Shakava (Gor), Dennis Odhiambo (Thika United) and Were included in the squad; Williamson said he will make slight changes to the first XI in Ethiopia.

“I know it’s a strong team but I’m sure they don’t know our strategy since we have new faces, so hopefully we will surprise them.”

Midfielder, Collins Okoth who captained the team in Ethiopia was confident they will qualify for the second round of the qualifiers.

“We played well in Ethiopia because we created more chances. They scored from our defensive mistakes but come Saturday, we will turn tables.

“We have good strikers who can do the job; Michael Olunga scored four against Chemelil over the weekend Jesse Were scored two past All Stars, so I’m sure we can’t miss three goals,” Okoth told Capital Sport.

Ethiopia are expected to arrive Thursday and are scheduled to train at Ruaraka Grounds before having a feeling of the venue on the eve of the match.

Kenya who are set to host the 2018 edition, will be seeking to qualify for their first final ever when the championship will be hosted in Rwanda.

FKF president, Sam Nyamweya. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, July 2- Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will be in violation of Confederation of African Football broadcast rights should Saturday’s 2016 CHAN qualifier against Ethiopia be televised by new partners, Star Times.

In a letter dated July 1 from CAF addressed to FKF secretary general, Michael Esakwa and obtained by Capital Sport; the continental body spells out the scope of all broadcast rights pertaining to their sanctioned competitions and qualifying matches stressing any other agreement is contrary to the agreement signed by member nations.

This follows FKF’s announcement on Wednesday that Star Times who entered a USD 5m partnership to sponsor Harambee Stars would televise Saturday’s game against Ethiopia live from Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

“Reference to our correspondence dated the 14th of May and in conformity to the provisions of articles 47 of the regulations of African Nations Championships, the television and publicity rights, of matches of the first and second round of preliminaries of the African Nations Championships as well as the final phase belong to CAF and all marketing and television rights of the Orange African Nations Championship, RWANDA 2016 will directly and exclusively be commercialised by CAF,” the CAF letter signed by Marketing and TV Director, Amr Shaheen, reads.

This was in response to the question posed to the continental body that wanted to establish whether they hold home and away CHAN Qualifiers matches rights with a letter sent to the federation dated April 21 addressing the matter.

“The sponsorship will go into the team’s preparations for major tournaments including African Nations Championship Qualifiers, with Star Times set to broadcast their debut match this weekend when Harambee Stars host Ethiopia in the second leg of the CHAN Qualifiers, First Round,” a press statement from FKF stated.

In that correspondence, CAF clearly warned FKF against entering into any external broadcast agreement without their express consent saying, “According to some media sources, there has been news that your federation has recently signed a five-year contract with a company under the name of Star Times for the competitions in which your national team is taking part.

“As per the news, the deal should include all television rights for your national team until 2019. On this occasion, we would like to remind you that according to our correspondences dated 26th of April 2008, the 7th of March 2010 and the 20th of June 2013, and in conformity to the provisions of article54 of the regulations of African Cup of Nation;

“Broadcasting and publicity rights at home, during the qualifying phase are the property of CAF. It may cede them free of charge to our associations. In this case, the associations will pay the share of CAF as fixed by the present regulations.”

Another letter addressed to all national associations taking part in the preliminaries of the Orange African Nations Championships, Rwanda 2016 signed by Shaheen on May 15 reminded them on their media obligation.

According to the FKF communique, a ‘jovial’ federation boss, Sam Nyamweya, stated; “This kind of sponsorship has never been witnessed with the national team so it is history that StarTimes have made by becoming the first corporate to sponsor the national team to a tune of one million dollars a year in cash and broadcasting expenses.

“FKF is extremely grateful to StarTimes for this gesture and we assure them of our unyielding commitment to this partnership because it is good for Kenyan football and we have a duty to jealously guard it for our mutual good.”

Quentin Mitchell’s Skoda S2000 navigates through the Voi Rally. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, July 3- Kisumu speed merchant, Jaspreet ‘Jassi’ Singh Chatthe has it all to do to hold on to the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) lead as competition enters its second leg starting this weekend in the high altitude terrain of Eldoret.

The pageantry of Saturday’s KCB Eldoret Rally ceremonial start at the sponsor’s West Branch will pave way to intense rallying across six competitive sections between the self-styled distance running capital to Eldama Ravine.

Two stages that were part of the World Rally Championships (WRC) Safari Rally will provide the international flavour with 100 points up for grabs in the remaining four legs of the KNRC series to crown the overall winner.

Chatthe clung onto the lead after winning KCB Voi Rally in Taita Taveta County early last month having led the series since winning his maiden career Safari Rally in Meru over Easter.

The front runner is expected to ease on the pedal to focus on accumulating points rather than seek victory for the remainder of the season having opened a commanding 101.5-point lead at the top.

Leading KNRC Division 1 drivers, Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, reigning champion Baldev Chager, veteran Ian Duncan, speed demon Alastair Cavenagh and former Uganda licence holder Jas Mangat who is lying fourth, will attack from the onset to eat into Chatthe’s wide lead.

Having endured an underwhelming season by his lofty standards, three-time national champion Tundo has decided to revert to his tested Mitsubishi EVO 9 that last bagged him the crown two seasons ago in the major talking point ahead of Eldoret.

The ‘Flash’ is considering selling his state-of-art Proton S2000 machine that conquered the asphalt terrain of Europe but failed to click in the rough terrain that made Kenya the grand stage of the back-breaking World Toughest Rally until WRC pulled the plug from the Safari in 2003.

Duncan who trails the leader by 27 points acquired the reliable Mitsubishi Evo 10 and his mastery of all local terrain marks him out as a key contender.

After blowing all away last season in another Evo, Chager’s grip on the crown will all but come to a premature end should he fail to produce a resounding rally to claw back the 42-point deficit with the leader in Eldoret.

The outcome of fifth round of the 2015 series will decidedly shape the destination of the honours.

Should Chatthe win and then Chager and Duncan stumble in Eldoret, then the pacesetter who also leads the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) series after four rounds, will turn the title race into a procession to his ultimate coronation.

Other attractions for the rally enthusiasts who will descend to Eldoret will be the normal-aspirated Skoda Fabia of rising young star, Quentin Mitchell and the similarly modelled Ford Fiesta R5s of Manvir Baryan and Rajbir Rai.

The state-of-art small powerful machines like the Skoda S2000 have glowing reputations in Europe and Americas but are yet to make the desired impact in a land where Japanese makes, particularly the Evos reign supreme.

Although the high altitude will hamper the normally aspirated super cars, the tight and technical nature of the stages should give the nimble Skoda an advantage over its rivals.

During the KCB Voi Rally, Mitchell’s Skoda retired with electrical problems caused by the long grass in the centre of the road that sparked a minor exhaust fire.

His QMR Team have worked tirelessly to ensure that their car, the only one of its kind competing in Africa, is ready to challenge again in Eldoret.

This is a rally that Quentin contested with controversy before but ultimately, it helped direct the sport in a newer, safer direction.

“In 2012 I ran as the first car on the road in Eldoret. Back then the rally ran competitively along busy roads and my co-driver and I decided that the safety of the event and locals had been compromised to a severe level and we took it upon ourselves to halt the stage.

“We received a reprimand for our actions but ultimately the sport sat up and took notice.

“Organisers are now going to great efforts to find us rally roads that are less populated and now our sponsors, Shell V-power, have agreed to finance a helicopter to help raise the safety level even higher,” Mitchell outlined.

Away from the big boys, Tuta Mionki, one of the only five female competitors in the rally this weekend, expressed delight with their KNRC S class progress so far. She is co-driving Waigwa Murage alias “Bobo” who leads the Group S Championship.

“We are happy to still lead the KNRC S Class and have both enjoyed a very good partnership in our cockpit,” Tuta remarked.

Other ladies are Linet Ayuko who will navigate George Njoroge, Sylvia Frigo navigating Piero Cannobio and the “Rally Chicks” Natasha Tundo and Chantal Louis Young in a Subaru N10.

KNRC STANDINGS AFTER VOI RALLY

1. Jaspreet Chatthe 101,50
2. Ian Duncan 74.50
3. Baldev Chager 58.50
4. Jas Mangat 42
5. Rajbir Rai 39
6. Onkar Rai 39
7. Tapio Laukkanen 33
8. Carl Tundo 27
9. Manvir Baryan 23
10. Izhar Mirza 22

DRAFT ITINERARY

07:00-Start KCB West Branch

SERVICE A –Kapsaos (20mins)

08:58-CS1-Kapsaos 1-Kimwarer 1 (40.70km)

09:41-CS2 -Flourspar 1-Nyari 1 (27.40km)

10.19-CS3-HZ Camp 1 (3km)

SERVICE B –Kapsaos (20mins)

REGROUP-Kapsaos

12:18-CS4-Kapsaos 2-Kimwarer 2 (40.70km)

13:01-CS5-Flourspar 2-Nyari 2 (27.40km)

13.39-CS6-HZ Camp 2 (3km)

SERVICE C –Kapsaos (20mins)

RALLY TOTALS-142.20km (Competitive), 109.40km