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United on verge of signing mystery striker

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Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal. PHOTO/File

Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal. PHOTO/File

LONDON, July 21- Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal revealed the Red Devils are on the verge of signing a striker, but refused to add any detail about the new man.

Speaking after the Red Devils’ 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Club America, the Dutch coach hinted the club is in advanced talks to sign a new forward, but told the media they would have to be patient to find out who it was.

“He’s in the process,” Van Gaal said. “It’s not the striker that the media has written about. You have to wait and see.

“The transfer period is open until August 31. You have to wait.”

On the topic of transfers, the 63-year-old refused to rule out the much talked about move for Sergio Ramos.

“I cannot talk about these rumours. I have said already it’s a process and maybe Mr Ramos is in the process – you never know,” he added.


Onyango vows to floor Uganda’s Atuhairwe

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National welterweight champion, James Onyango (right) in a previous bout. He will vie for the new Africa Commonwealth title on July 31. PHOTO?Courtesy.

National welterweight champion, James Onyango (right) in a previous bout. He will vie for the new Africa Commonwealth title on July 31. PHOTO?Courtesy.

NAIROBI, July 21- Fighters signed up for the July 31 Big Time Boxing Promotions fight card in Nairobi are hoping it will not be another case of the con that has stagnated the professional sport in the country.

Local boy James Onyango, will battle for the new Africa Commonwealth Welterweight Championship belt against Uganda’s Patrick Atuhairwe in the main 12-round bout.

National women’s titleholder, Serah Achieng will take on Evelyn Odero for the Africa Commonwealth Lightweight Championship in another 12-rounder.

The under card features national title showdowns where Nick Otieno will enter the ring against Elijah Mringie in bantamweight as Fred Nyakesha trades blows with John Gicheru for the lightweight crown.

Speaking in Nairobi as they intensified training for the fights that will be held at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium, the long-suffering pro pugilists are angling for the days when the ring will once again pay in the country.

“The fight is very important to me because if I win, it will give me a chance to fight for world titles like WBC, WBO and IBA. I have been preparing for the last two months and I’m ready to knock out the Ugandan.

“We have never met before but I stand a big chance since he will be coming to my territory. I have competed with stronger boxers than him so if he has not trained well, he will have a difficult time,” Onyango, who holds the Kenya title in his division, confidently declared at his  Kariobangi North Social Hall training base.

The 33-year-old pro who has had unsuccessful bouts in Russia, Uzbekistan, Namibia, and Tanzania said the bad reputation of local promoters has kept away sponsors and left them struggling to eke a living, often taking up side jobs such as security bouncers to make ends meet.

“Promoters have really taken us for granted. I have played three fights but I have never been paid to date. Sometimes we are given Sh200 and wonder what it will do and yet the fight was sponsored and there was entrance fee.

“But we have faith in Big Time Boxing Promotion since they have already given the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission money in advance. We have signed the contracts and we are waiting for the weigh-in on Thursday in to finalise everything.

“Boxing should pay but it’s not the case in Kenya. The richest sportsman is a boxer so it’s high time promoters do it for the love of the game and not for their own gain,” Onyango, whose role model is superstar, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, underscored.

The women’s title bout will see Achieng enter as favourite having won the East and Central Africa featherweight belt in 2012 and recently fighting Judy Nyaguthie in six-round affair she controversially lost.

“This title is mine and there is no doubt about that. I can’t let it go. The fight will help me improve my ranking. I am in a good shape because I beat Judy who is more experienced than I.

“For a very long time, conmen in the name of promoters have been here. It’s very sad a boxer trains for three months then on fight day, the promoter disappears with entry fees.

“They have disappointed us in the past but we are positive this time since we have already signed contracts,” the-27-year old explained.

Odero, (30) on the other hand who got the opportunity after Nyaguthie turned down the invite, will be out for her maiden belt despite being a professional for over a decade.

“The fight is important to me because I have never been given a belt to fight for, so I must give it my all. I know there will be competition since she has won titles but I’m going there knowing I’m a winner too. It will determine my next fight,” she underscored.

 

Commandos in stern Kisumu Day test

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Wekesa Davis (left) of Kapenguria Boys' vies for the ball against Vihiga's Kasaya in the Nzoia Regional finals. PHOTO/COURTESY

Wekesa Davis (left) of Kapenguria Boys’ vies for the ball against Vihiga’s Kasaya in the Nzoia Regional finals. PHOTO/COURTESY

NAIROBI, July 22- Champions Kakamega High School ‘Green Commandos’ have been pooled with fellow titans Kisumu Day in Group A of the Airtel Rising Stars National Finals.

Machakos Boys will host the final phase to decide the national secondary school titleholders for boys’ and girls’ from July 28 to August 1 with the winners representing Kenya in the regional championships in Rwanda later next month.

In the boys’ draw, Kisumu have a golden chance to avenge their 1-0 loss to the Green Commandos that cost them the crown when they meet in the preliminaries in what could well turn out to be an enthralling dress rehearsal for the decider itself.

Katungi from the Highlands region has been thrown to the deep end to attempt the improbable and themselves from the group and make the semis with organisers yet to add a fourth side after Northern failed to hold regional finals.

Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) are set to decide whether losing Metropolitan (Nairobi) finalists, Upper Hill or a wildcard from the north will fill Group A.

Metropolitan champions Laiser Hill, Waa (Coast), Simotwo (Mau) and Passenga (Aberdares) are in Group B.

In the girls’ competition, Metropolitan’s Olympic and Coast’s St. Johns, who both won their regional titles in emphatic fashion, will lock horns in a clash that could have a bearing on who will be crowned national champions in Group A.

Seasoned Wiyeta (Nzoia) and Kiringara (Highland) will be no pushovers in the same pool with Kitina (hosts), Eburu (Mau), Nginda (Aberdares) and Kobala (Lake) vying to make the semis in Group B.

The boys’ volleyball sees the Aberdare Region’s Tetu in Pool A with Mivumani (Coast), Ngangani (Highlands) and Malava Boys (Nzoia) while Pe Hill (Lake), Cheptil (Mau) and Hospital Hill (Metropolitan) are in Pool B. T

The fourth team in this pool as well as the in Pool B of the girls’ competition is pending decision from the KSSSA.

Other contenders in Pool B of the girls competition are AIC Kosirai (Mau), Gankanga (Highlands) and Tetu from the Aberdares while Pool A features powerhouse Lugulu Girls’ from Nzoia, St. Johns’ (Coast), Sega (Lake) and Kwanthanze (Metropolitan).

‘Chairman’ Koech seeks speed for Beijing

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Caleb Mwangangi beats Isaiah Kiplangat at the Commonwealth Trials last year. PHOTO/File

Caleb Mwangangi beats Isaiah Kiplangat (left) at the Commonwealth Trials last year. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, June 22 – Moscow Worlds bronze winner, Isaiah Kiplagat Koech is out to work on his speed to give his Beijing hopes a lift ahead of the Kenya Trials end month.

Koech, the world indoor junior record holder, has a tough battle on his hands to make the Beijing men 5000m squad with Commonwealth, African and Diamond League champion, Caleb Mwangangi and the resurgent Daegu 2011 bronze medallist, Thomas Longosiwa ahead of him on the queue.

Other in the anticipated star studded line-up in the 12 and a half lap-race include 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist, Edwin Soi, World Cross silver winner, Bedan Karoki, Emmanuel Bett and 2011 World Cross silver winner Paul Tanui.

Koech, who has a seasonal best of 13:07.33 he set in Rome, said he has enough endurance but needs to work on his finishing power that cost him the title he has been chasing since graduating to seniors at the 2011 Daegu Worlds.

“My body is responding well after a two-month hamstring injury and I have the stamina but I need to work on my final 400m lap. I’ve been concentration on 600m, 1000m, 2000m and 1200m in training but not done enough of 400m.

“From now I concentrate to run 10-lap races a day and if clock under 54, I will be in perfect shape to challenge for the title that has evaded us for a very long time,” Koech, who has a 5000m personal best of 12:53.29 set in 2011 underscored.

The 22-year-old is yet to pick a win this season after finishing second in Birmingham behind winner Longosiwa (13:11.22), before being floored in the Nationals by Kamworor.

In 3000m, he settled for sixth in Doha (7:40.39) before clocking 7:37.16 in his last race in Monaco where he rounded the podium.

Kenya will be out to reclaim the title that was last lifted by Benjamin Limo at the 2005 edition in Helsinki, Finland and Koech claims it will only be achieved if the team that will be selected to carry the country’s flag embrace team work.

Ethiopian great and 2008 Beijing Olympic champion, Kenenisa Bekele still holds both  world record holds in 5000m (12:37.35) and 10000m (26:17.53).

“Since world record holder Kenenisa left, there is no race that has been won under 13:10, so it will be competitive since everyone will be out to improve their personal best. Last year, I was not in a good form but I managed a podium finish.

“I’m going for gold or silver but not bronze any more. Mo Farah is beatable so long as we have team work because that’s what we have been lacking in previous championships.

“It’s possible to reclaim the title but it will depend on people who will make the team, if we cooperate we will bring it back I’m sure,” Koech, who’s famously known as ‘Chairman’ owing to the closeness of his name to long-serving Athletics Kenya president, Isaiah Kiplagat, explained.

-Chebii’s reincarnation-

When the powerful runner first broke out to the scene, he was soon being tagged as the reincarnation of Abraham Chebii, who exploded in 2003 when, at the height of his powers, he ran the 5000m four times under 13 minutes and out-kicked the feared Ethiopian duo of Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa in Rome.

But unlike Chebii, who fizzled out after his barnstorming season, the Keringet village born middle child in a family of eight has enjoyed an upward career trajectory since he presented his credentials to the athletics fraternity by striking gold at the 2009 World Youth Championships in Bressanone.

Since 2010, the moniker ‘Chairman’ has stuck to him like super glue in parody to the AK chief and this is the tag the soft spoken runner has taken upon himself to shed and forge his own identity with passion, by letting his legs do the talking.

“My name is Kiplangat but since everyone has been writing Kiplagat, I now want to be known as Koech,” he charged with a tinge of defiance.

“I respect the (AK) chairman as a father figure and that is why I want to leave the chairing to him. My work is to run,” he added.

With two World junior indoor records under his belt at the beginning of 2011 (7:37.50 at 3000m and a12:53.29 at 5000m), Koech had already served notice of his talent.

The seed to his running career was sowed after the 2008 World Junior Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland when his village pal, Josphat Bett, became the toast of town when he returned to a roaring reception with the 10,000m gold adorning his neck.

 

Paarwater trains the guns on Namibia

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Simba captain Brian Nyikuli in action against Portugal at RFUEA Grounds on May 30. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Simba captain Brian Nyikuli in action against Portugal at RFUEA Grounds on May 30. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, June 22 – After edging out high ranked Portugal and Spain in international Test matches, national 15s head coach, Jerome Paarwater, is now targeting victory against Namibia for a chance to retain the Africa Cup.

The two sides lock horns August 8 in Windhoek where Kenya must beat the hosts who have a match in hand against Tunisia to end the season on a high.

Having demolished Portugal 45-15 before surviving a huge scare against Spain to squeeze a 36-27 victory with their 46-15 shellacking of Tunisia in the Africa Cup, Kenya have shot to 28th in the World Rugby ranking.

This trajectory from a side that has played second fiddle to their sevens counterparts, skipper, Brian Nyikuli, is bubbling with confidence the team can gun for bigger things.

But with title holders, Namibia also improving on their rankings to sit 21st, head coach, Paarwater anticipates a lively encounter when they meet the World Cup-bound side for the first time since overcoming them 29-22 at last season.

“I think Namibia are definitely going to come out after us, they will have a score to settle after we beat them last year and nearly kept them out of the World Cup.

“They have all their overseas guys back and are a quality side but as I said to our guys against Spain, if you want to compete against the best you must be the best,” Paarwater pointed out.

Nyikuli said the new rankings are a major boost ahead of the Namibia trip.

“Being top 20 is not easy, its means we have really worked hard and we can be able to take any one. We did it against giants, Portugal and Spain so going away to Namibia we know it will be a tough task but we have the composure,” the Kenya Harlequins back stated.

With seven tries in four tests, winger Darwin Mukidza has rightly been identified as one to watch, while Joshua Chisanga, is another youngster who Kenya aim to build their team around in their mission to qualify  for the 2019 World Cup after missing this year’s edition by a whisker.

Simba lost their opening Africa Cup match 20-28 to Zimbabwe, a side that crushed their World Cup dream last year.

“One good thing about this team is 90 per cent of the guys are 22-23 years old. The plan is to keep the guys together for the next World Cup qualifying rounds. I’m grooming some young guys now so they are ready come 2019.

“The partnership with Western Province has been a huge success going by the experience we picked in Vodacom Cup last year,” Paarwater, who still works for Western Province as head of talent identification, added.

While the athleticism of Kenya’s players has always made them dangerous attackers in shutting out the opposition, the team’s backs have improved, after conceding only five tries in four matches.

“When I first arrived to work with Kenya the guys could play rugby but the most important thing was to put the structures in place to help them with the basics of the game – in attack, defence and the kicking game, things we take for granted at Western Province.

“Conditioning was another challenge. I had to tell the props there was a difference between being big and fat. The conditioning programme and the structures we’ve put in place have contributed to the improvements in our defence,” he outlined.

 

 

Rudisha travels back to scene of history

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Rudisha runs at the Olympics Stadium in London on his way to setting the 1:40.91 ER. PHOTO/File

Rudisha runs at the Olympics Stadium in London on his way to setting the 1:40.91 ER. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, July 22 – On Saturday, Kenyan men 800m world record holder, David Rudisha, will travel back the sands of time when he competes at the 11th IAAF Diamond League meeting in London.

This was the venue when on a clear British summer night, Rudisha ran to the record books in stunning fashion when he obliterated his own world record to win the London 2012 Olympics gold in the simply staggering 1:40.91 in a race dubbed the ‘greatest 800m race in history.’

Andrew Osagie, the home runner who finished last in 1:43.77 in the epic two-lap final would have won Olympics gold at the Beijing 2008, Athens 2004 and Sydney 2000 games in further illustrating the majesty of a performance that simply blew the world away.

Since then however, the Kenyan icon has struggled to impose himself on the grand stage of 800m running since he suffered a freak serious knee injury as he prepared to run at the 2013 Adidas Grand Prix Diamond League (DL) meeting in New York.

With the IAAF World Championships in Beijing around the corner, Rudisha is determined more than ever to re-establish himself as the global force at the Chinese capital where he has unfinished business.

Another injury suffered during training in his home base of Iten in western Kenya ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Trials saw Athletics Kenya (AK) decline to give him wildcard selection to China despite the fact he would have recovered in time to make his debut at the biggest sporting carnival on earth.

Rudisha recovered from that setback and also missing out on the world title at the 2009 Berlin Worlds to break the world record twice in 2010, bag the global title in 2011 in South Korea before his signature Olympics victory in 2012.

The man who has scaled the heights, set dizzying standards and also gone through his lows in a chequered career acknowledges running to the gold medal at Beijing’s iconic Birds’ Nest is the sternest test he faces since he burst to the global scene in 2006 as a World Junior champion at the Chinese capital.

He is hoping a return to the London Olympics Stadium this Saturday will inspire the fire in his belly to re-capture the world title won in 2013 by Ethiopia’s Mohammed Aman after injury forced him out of a defence.

“Competing here will bring back the great memories of the Olympics and I’m sure the spectators will make another fantastic atmosphere.

“I’m working hard to be in my best form and this race will be a good test for me ahead of the Kenyan Trials the following week,” the two-time African champion declared ahead of his trip to London.

“I can’t wait to compete at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games and go back to the Stadium which has such a special place in my heart. Winning an Olympic gold medal and setting a world record was the highlight of my career and I’ll never forget it,” he added.

Following his incredible performance in London, the crown of ‘800m King’ or ‘King David’ as he’s referred to in Kenyan media circles has attracted the interest of his rivals including Aman and now, Botswana’s Nijel Amos.

Since following him home in London, Amos has grown to be the biggest challenger to Rudisha, forcing the great Kenyan to accept the silver medal at last year’s Commonwealth Games when he was admittedly, not fully fit having just return from his career threatening knee injury.

A fortnight ago, Amos was at it again, staying close to Rudisha at the Lausanne DL meeting as the front running master led through 600m before out-sprinting him to the honours over the homestretch to hand him a first defeat of the season.

Rudisha is still working towards full fitness – a series of injuries have hampered his progress in recent years – but this defeat will have hurt the world record holder who will want to return to the top in London.

“Losing to Nigel taught me a lot on the areas I need to improve in the time I have before the World Championships. I had a muscle pull in Ostrava that made me pull out of Birmingham Diamond League meeting then I won in New York and went to Lausanne.

“Despite coming second, I was happy I still ran 1:43.76 that was not far from my seasons’ best of 1:43.58 (New York). It means I can now run consistently fast which was my fear when I returned from injury. What remains now is hard training to improve my finishing for Beijing since the World Championships is my biggest aim,” the Kenyan star added.

Crocked Bolt with lot’s to prove on return

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Usain Bolt. PHOTO/File

Usain Bolt. PHOTO/File

LONDON, July 23- Usain Bolt returns to action after a six-week injury-enforced break in the 100 metres on the opening night of the London Diamond League meeting on Friday with question marks hanging over both his fitness and form just four weeks out from the World Championships in Beijing.

Like Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill, the British stars of the two-day Anniversary Games, Bolt will be hoping to find the Midas touch that took him to Olympic gold on the same east London track in 2012.

The 28-year-old Jamaican last raced on June 13, when he struggled to get the better of his 19-year-old training partner, the Anguillan-born British recruit Zharnel Hughes, over 200m in the New York Diamond League meeting.

Bolt has since had treatment for a pelvic problem from Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohfahrt — the 72-year-old German sports doctor known as ‘Healing Hans’, whose diverse list of clients over the years has included Michael Jordan, Diego Maradona, Luciano Pavarotti and Bono –- and has resumed training under long-time coach Glen Mills.

With American Justin Gatlin a clear leader of the world rankings at both 100m (9.74 seconds) and 200m (19.57sec), Bolt desperately needs to rediscover a measure of the form that took him to his second set of Olympic 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay golds three years ago.

He has only run one 100m race this year and stands joint 60th in the world rankings courtesy of the modest 10.12 sec that he clocked in winning a challenge event on a specially constructed track at the Rio de Janeiro Jockey Club on April 19.

Bolt, the 100m and 200m world record holder and reigning world champion, has been reported in the Jamaican press to have been “going well” at his European training base at Brunel University in west London but he faces not one but two tests on his comeback, with heats on the schedule at the Olympic Stadium.

– ‘Special place’ –

The 100m field includes his fellow Jamaicans, the 2013 World Championship bronze medallist Nesta Carter and Commonwealth champion Kemar Bailey-Cole, as well as veteran American Mike Rodgers, European 100m champion James Dasaolu of Britain, and Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut, who equalled Francis Obikwelu’s European 100m record of 9.86sec in Paris on July 4.

“London is a special place where I love to compete,” said Bolt, who is due to attend a pre-event press conference on Thursday. “I have great memories of competing in the Olympic Stadium in the summer of 2012.”

Friday’s 3000m will be Farah’s first race on home soil since allegations last month that his American coach Alberto Salazar had contravened anti-doping rules.

The Olympic, world and European 5,000m and 10,000m champion was an impressive winner over 5,000m in Lausanne on July 9 and in the Monaco Diamond League 1500m race last Friday he showed his sharpness by finishing fifth in 3 minutes 28.93sec, missing his own European record by 0.12sec with a time that was faster than any of the three British middle-distance greats, Steve Ovett, Sebastian Coe and Steve Cram, ever managed at their specialist distance.

Despite the continuing controversy over Salazar, Farah told reporters in Monaco he was “in a happy place”.

He can expect to challenge Dave Moorcroft’s 33-year-old British 3,000m record of 7 minutes 32.79sec and probably also Belgian Mohammed Mourhit’s 15-year-old European record, 7 min 26.62sec.

Olympic heptathlon champion Ennis-Hill plans to contest the 100m hurdles on Friday and the long jump and 200m on Saturday before deciding whether –- a year after giving birth to son Reggie –- she is fit enough to challenge for a medal at the World Championships.

Other Olympic champions returning to the scene of their 2012 triumphs include Kenya’s David Rudisha, who will have the chance to avenge his Lausanne 800m defeat by Botswana’s Nigel Amos, and French pole vault world record-holder Renaud Lavillenie, who bounced back from defeats in Paris and Lausanne with a 5.92m victory in Monaco last week.

Heroic World Youth stars eye Beijing tickets

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Boys' 1500m gold medallist, Kumari Taki, is hoisted high upon arrival from Cali World Youth. PHOTO/Courtesy

Boys’ 1500m gold medallist, Kumari Taki, is hoisted high upon arrival from Cali World Youth. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, June 23 – The victorious World Youth trio of Willy Tarbei, Kipyegon Bett and Kumari Taki have set their sights on challenging their seniors for Beijing World Championships selection at the July 31 and August 1 National Trials in Nairobi.

Their Beijing dreams however, hinge on invitation to the Trials by Athletics Kenya (AK).

They underlined their intentions on Thursday when the victorious Kenyan team of 26 returned from Cali, Colombia where they bagged 13 medals (5 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze) to a heroic welcome where family and friends burst into merry song and dance.

As is tradition, all gold medallists were adorned with fresh wreaths from the Sinendet tree reserved for conquerors and a swig of the fermented Mursik milk from a gourd to kick-start the ceremony that ended in a sumptuous luncheon at a Nairobi Hotel.

However, it was Nairobi’s Riruta Satellite Secondary School students who stole the show after hoisting fellow student and the only female gold medallist, Celliphine Chepteek.

“Everywhere we go, people should know, we who we are! We were born the champions,” over 50 students from the institution chanted in recognition of yet another young global champion from its ranks.

Promising Tarbei took the boys’ 800m World Youth honours on his international debut after coming from seemingly nowhere to stun favourite and African champion, Kipyegon Bett after returning 1:45.58, 0.28 clear of his compatriot’s 1:45.86.

The pair who came to Cali on the back of huge personal best at last month’s Kenyan Trials in Nairobi where they clocked1:44.51 and 1:44.55 in that order, are also preparing for the September, Commonwealth Youth Games set for Samoa.

Tarbei (17), a front runner just like 800m Olympic and World record holder, David Rudisha, is however, dreaming to smash his mentor’s record of 1:40.91 in future.

“I was not expecting to see many people welcoming (us) back because this was my first international assignment; even it was my first time to board an aeroplane,” the lanky youngster said while smiling.

“There was stiff competition since there were Ethiopians and Bett who is very strong but I’m happy I achieved my target I promised Kenyans when we left for Cali. The climate was too hot but it was favourable, I think I could have bettered my personal best.

“But we will see how it will go in Trials if I and my friend Bett are given chance since we have the qualification standards,” Tarbei, a Form 4 (final year) student at St. Jude Kokwet Secondary School in Kericho County, stated.

For Bett, he will be going back to training to rectify his weakness as he targets to lower his personal best to 1:43.

“It was not easy in Cali because climate didn’t favour me but I’m satisfied with the silver. Tarbei’s tactics were fantastic and he had more energy than me but I will train hard to prepare for Beijing Trials,” declared Bett.

The two will face Rudisha, World Junior champion, Alfred Kipketer, Ferguson Rotich, Jackson Kivuva and London Olympic bronze medallist, Timothy Kitum among others in the eagerly anticipated Trials.

-Junior record-

Girls' 2000m steeplechase champion, Celliphine Chepteek, is received by fellow Nairobi Riruta Satellite Secondary School students. PHOTO/Courtesy

Girls’ 2000m steeplechase champion, Celliphine Chepteek, is received by fellow Nairobi Riruta Satellite Secondary School students. PHOTO/Courtesy

After smashing the boys’ 1500m championship record, Taki (16) is now aiming at attacking Commonwealth silver medallist, Ronald Kwemoi’s World Junior record of 3:28.81when the event will be held in Kazan, Russia, next year.

With 2008 Beijing Olympic and two-time World title holder, Asbel Kiprop, Club Games champion, James Magut and Kwemoi likely set to light up the Trials, Taki is geared up for the challenge after setting a new World Youth lead of 3:36.38.

“I’m so happy to break the record although it was very tough. It came as a surprise but I was sure of winning gold since I had done enough practice.

“There was so much wind which made it difficult for me and I hope it will not be the same in Samoa since I’m aiming to win gold before going for the junior title,” Taki underscored.

“If I continue training hard, I will be better like Kiprop in years to come. I will go and try the Trials which I know it will not be easy,” he added.

-Top girl-

Chepteek was not only proud by her outstanding performance of a 6:17.15 lifetime best but was grateful to stun African Champion, Sandrafelis Chebet who was tipped to win the girls 2000m steeplechase before being forced to settle for silver in 6:19.61.

“I had done a lot of practice in clearing the barriers and it really helped me beat Sandrafelis who was a major threat. I didn’t believe I could beat her because she was too good for me during the Trials.

“I will go and train more and if I make the team to Commonwealth, I will do my best to better my time,” she asserted.

Vincent Kipyegon did not disappoint after reclaiming the boys’ 2000m steeplechase crown from rivals Ethiopia with a 5:27.58 victory to give his nation her final victory in Cali.

“I’m very happy to fulfil my dream although I was under pressure because my race was on the last day. Having watched my colleagues win, I couldn’t afford to let them down. I’m preparing to be the World Junior champion next year and World Youth Olympics.

“I will be competing in 1500m and 2000m steeplechase in Commonwealth and as long as I maintain my shape I’m certain I will win gold in both events,” the 17-year old, from Sotit Secondary School underlined.

Richard Yator, the boys’ 3000m champion (7:54.45) is hoping to shape his career in cross country and 5000m on track when he graduates to juniors next year.

Kenya will host the next edition in 2017 where another group of talented prospects will hope to match or better the class of Cali that finished second overall in the medal charts behind the might of the United States.


Gor punch Kagame Cup quarters ticket

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Gor's Abouba Sibomana (left) shields the ball during K'Ogalo's friendly with Harambee Stars. The KPL champions beat Yanga of Tanzania 2-1 in their Kagame Cup opener on Saturday, July 18. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Gor’s Abouba Sibomana (left) shields the ball during K’Ogalo’s friendly with Harambee Stars. The KPL champions beat Yanga of Tanzania 2-1 in their Kagame Cup opener on Saturday, July 18. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya/FILE

NAIROBI, July 24 – Kenyan Premier League champions, Gor Mahia added the gloss to US President, Barrack Obama homecoming on Friday by advancing to the quarter-finals of the Cecafa Kagame Cup after a gritty 1-1 draw with Sudan’s Al-Khartoum at the Dar-es-Salaam National Stadium.

K’ogalo, went down after only seven minutes when Ousmalia Baba capitalized on Harambee Stars keeper, Boniface Oluoch error but Eric Ochieng levelled matters on the 42nd to see both sides still top of Group A on seven points apiece.

Ochieng who returned to the starting line-up gave Gor the point that sees the battle to top the group go down to the final round of preliminaries.

K’Ogalo have the easier task of nailing top spot since they will meet whipping boys, Djibouti Telcom with Al Khartoum facing wounded home giants Yanga FC who have all to play for to advance.

The self-styled ‘Commander General’ of the Green Army, Jaro Soja, send a special message US President Obama who was expected to touch down in Nairobi hours after the game in tribute to the most powerful man in the world with Kenyan roots.

Soja, real name Jared Omondi, had a banner decorated with Obama and club patron, Raila Odinga’s images written “Tell Obama to sponsor Gor Mahia”, alluding to their lack of a title sponsor for the second successive season after their deal with Milk product, Tuzo elapsed.

Both sides entered the crunch encounter level on six points after two opening pool victories each but it was former Ghana head coach, Kwesi Appiah’s Al-Khartoum who held on to maintain their lead on a superior goal difference.

Gor head coach, Frank Nuttall made adjustments that saw the return of midfielder, Collins Okoth who came on for Ali Abondo in his first match since picking a knock in their last Kenyan Premier League match against Mathare United.

Ochieng replaced injured Godfrey Walusimbi in the midfield while winger Innocent Wafula returned to the starting line-up for Ronald Omino.

The first opening half was a balanced affair although it was K’Ogalo who created more chances, having four shots on target against Khartoum’s three with the opening goal coming early to pile pressure on high flying Gor.

Oluoch who has conceded three goals so far in the tournament, gifted the Sudanese after he spilled a cross from the right in front of Baba who did well to squeeze the ball to an empty net for the opener.

Michael Olunga who has been on top of his game in the tournament came close on four occasions but could not find the back of the net for his fourth .

The lanky Engineering Student from Technical University of Kenya, should have netted the equaliser on the 16th, but screwed the ball wide from an Abondo cross from the right instead of heading.

Atif Khalid El Tayeb almost punished K’Ogalo after a good build up from the right to break up the defence but he was denied by the side post as Karim Niizigiyimana cleared the rebound.

It was then end to end action; with Olunga beating two defenders but his final execution was poor to allow Khartoum keeper, Adil El Taher to pick the ball easily.

Moments later, Samawai Merghani brilliantly nicked the ball out of Olunga’s powerful left foot after weaving through defenders at the half hour mark before Ochieng headed home a Khalid Aucho cross to restore matters on the stroke of half-time.

Appiah’s boys returned re-energized with El Tayeb squandering a glorious chance for the lead when he rounded skipper Musa Mohammed only to blaze over with just Oluoch to beat.

Gor’s first attempt on the restart came in the 53rd when Wafula forced stretched the keeper to tip over a dangerous cross.

Appiah, introduced former Gor holding midfielder, Anthony Akumu for El Tayeb whilst his counterpart, Nuttall pulled out Abondo for Okoth.

The changes did not have much effect on both sides although Mohammed Hassan could have killed the game when he was put through on the dying minutes but Oluoch did well to come off his line to clear the danger with his left foot.

K’Ogalo will be seeking to run a cricket score against Telcom on Sunday in their final preliminary match and hope Al- Khartoum lose to Tanzania giants, Young Africa to top Group A.

‘Hat-trick’ Were leaves Thika in drunken stupor

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Tusker FC hat-trick hero, Jesee Were celebrates after netting a goal. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Tusker FC hat-trick hero, Jesee Were celebrates after netting a goal. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, July 24 – Jesee ‘hat-trick’ Were completed a first successive triple treble in Kenyan Premier League (KPL) history as Tusker FC turned Thika United’s milk sour with a 4-0 rout in a lop sided clash at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

KPL needs to procure more match balls if the Harambee Stars foward continues with his trick having notched a treble against Chemelil, Sofapaka and now Thika in as many matches as he took his tally to season to 19, and it could have been more.

In the early kick-off at the same venue, Moses Arita grabbed a brace to help his side Ushuru FC hold Western Stima to a 2-2 draw.

Tusker’s win saw Were stretch his lead at the top of the goal scoring charts to seven over closest challenger, Michael Olunga of champions Gor Mahia who are away to Cecafa Kagame Cup.

“I’m feeling great and it’s all because of hard work. I believe I’m the future and I Know I can even do better so watch this space. I have 19 goals so far and there are 10 matches remaining so if I hit my target of 20, the rest will be extra.

“The hat-tricks are very important and I that my team-mates and coach for pushing me to the limit,” Were, who has nicked 11 goals in five matches, said after another handsome win for the most fearsome KPL side in the second leg.

It begs the question, where were the Brewers in the first leg when they failed to impose their title credentials with back-to-back winners, Gor, looking set to complete their own KPL hat-trick of league crowns?

The result saw Tusker leapfrog AFC Leopards to third on 35 points, 11 behind leaders and champions K’Ogalo who did their reputation no harm by qualifying for the Kagame Cup quarters after a torrid group stage exit last year.

By the end of the first-half, Were had notched a brace to leave his side 2-0 to the good at the breather, having spurned a number of opportunities to rack up a cricket score.

The striker opened the flood gates in the 25th minute from the spot, after Kevin Kimani was pulled down by Simon Mbugua before doubling the lead on the half hour mark with a brilliant volleyed finish from a Humphrey Mieno loop.

Few things impress the ever calm and collected former Stars head coach, Francis Kimanzi, but Tusker’s second made him leap from his technical area to celebrate like he had scored.

Thika who are yet to win in four, were quick off the blocks after two minutes with a well executed shot from Kennedy Otieno but Tusker custodian, Duncan Ochieng’ turned it over.

Otieno was at it again in the 25th, when he left Tusker defence for dead but lost his footing as his shot hit side netting.

Skipper, Dennis Odhiambo then found Ray Omondi in the box on the stroke of halftime but his strike was well dealt with by Ochieng’ who is yet to lose a match since returning to the starting line-up from a long arm injury layoff.

The second half was the turnaround for Were who steered his teammates on the rampage as they invaded the Thika’s goalmouth from the onset almost at will.

The Brewers extended the lead in the 53rd after Danson Kago found Kimani who tapped home for the third and two minutes later the Tusker captain and man of the moment Were completed his hat-trick when he slotted Noah Wafula’s cross from the left.

Ochieng’ pulled a fine save on the 70th when he finger-tipped Otieno’s free-kick to deny Thika a scant consolation.

The result saw Thika drop to 10th on 25 as the league takes a break on Saturday before resuming on Sunday with four matches on the card where GOtv Shield champions Sofapaka will be out to redeem themselves when they travel to Bandari in Mombasa.

Muhoroni Youth will host Ulinzi Stars while KCB will square it out with Mathare United at Nairobi City Stadium as struggling Nairobi City Stars take on Chemelil Sugar in Machakos.

Victorious Farah thanks fans for keeping faith

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 Britain's Mo Farah runs with the Unbion Flag after winnning the 3000m Final event during the IAAF Diamond League Anniversary Games athletics meeting at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park stadium in Stratford, west London on July 24, 2015. PHOTO/AFP

Britain’s Mo Farah runs with the Unbion Flag after winnning the 3000m Final event during the IAAF Diamond League Anniversary Games athletics meeting at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park stadium in Stratford, west London on July 24, 2015. PHOTO/AFP

LONDON, July 25- Mo Farah thanked the British public for supporting him through a difficult time after being roared to victory in the fastest 3000m time of the year at the London Diamond League meeting on Friday.

It was his first race on home soil since doping allegations were made against his coach Alberto Salazar.

Returning to the stadium where he won Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m gold in 2012, the 32-year-old pulled clear of his rivals with 300m to go, crossing the line in 7min 34.66sec with Othmane El Goumri of Morocco second in 7:36.71 and Kenya’s Emmanuel Kipsang third in 7:37.05.

The noise from the 40,000 crowd as Farah sprinted home brought back inevitable memories of London 2012 and helped to ease his frustration at the negative publicity he has attracted since the claims were made against Salazar last month.

“The crowd have been amazing with me,” he said. “To come out and support me like that after the last two months was amazing.

“It’s great to see the public understand and give me support.”

Asked about the allegations against Salazar, Farah replied: “I’m just focusing on my running.”

The Briton said that he would not be racing again before defending his World Championship 5,000m and 10,000m titles in Beijing next month.

“I’m pleased with tonight. I felt tired early on. It was important to try win the race and not think about times.”

Top athletes’ manager Branson dies in Iten

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Joyce Chekurui (left) and the late Zane Branson, her manager who passed on in Eldoret on Saturday morning. PHOTO/Facebook

Joyce Chekurui (left) and the late Zane Branson, her manager who passed on in Eldoret on Saturday morning. PHOTO/Facebook

NAIROBI, July 25- Renowned Athletes’ Representative, Zane Edward Branson, passed away Saturday morning in Iten after collapsing during a morning run.

The Czech Republic based International Athletes’ Consultancy (IAC) manager was in a group of his clients before he suddenly fell ill and died moments later.

Branson represented among others, former world marathon record holder, Patrick Makau, two-time World Cross Country Championships senior women winner, Emily Chebet and Wilson Chebet, the 2014 Boston Marathon runner-up.

Others include 2012 Africa Cross Country Championships gold medallist and road racer, Joyce Chepkirui and masters’ marathon record holder, Kenneth Mungara, 41, who has won two races this year.

“Yes, it has happened,” Wilson Chebet told Capital Sport on phone from Eldoret as his athletes and others gathered to mourn the fallen manager.

Tributes poured in on his Facebook page with friends and clients posting messages of condolences to his family and colleagues.

“Am here to send my sincere condolence to the family of my manager, friend Zane Branson who passed on this morning at Iten camp. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Victor Kigen, the 2009 Beograd Marathon winner stated.

“Athletics family mourning the sudden death of International Athletics Consultancy Manager Zane Branson who passed away in Iten this morning during his morning run. We’ve lost a great athletes manager,” Peter Kiptoo eulogised.

-Story developing

IAC CLIENTS LIST

Patrick Makau, Emily Chebet, Joyce Chepkirui, Wilson Chebet, Polat Kemboi Arikan, Tadelech Bekele, Adugna Takele, Betelhem Moges, Eliud Kiptanui, Clement Langat, Peter Kirui, Bekana Daba Tolesa, Ashete Bekere, Nicholas Kemboi, Tebalu Zawude, David Kemboi, Deribe Robi, Nicholas Kipkemboi, Bacha Chikuala Megersa, Isabella Ochichi, Tadesse Abraham, Aberu Mekuria, Fantu Eticha Jimma, Halima Hussen Kayo, Willy Kibor, Henry Chirchir, Milton Rotich, Hillary Kipchumba, Daniel Chebii, Henry Kiplagat, Julius Arile, Girma Assefa Reta, Lishan Dula Gemgchu, Kenneth Mungara, Josphat Kamzee, Julius Korir, Boniface Kirui, Nicholas Chelimo, Beatrice Toroitich, Nicholas Manza

RunCzech Racing athletes:

Nicholas Bor, Festus Talam, Lucy Liavoga, Hillary Yego, Reuben Maiyo, Gladys Jemaiyo, Raymond Kemboi, Josphat Kiptis, Julius Tanki, Eunice Chumba, Amos Kiprotich, Ayelu Lemma Gede, Million Feyssa, Fikre Assefa Robi, Getachew Girma Abayu, Atalay Yirsaw Tegegne

Erick Kibet, Birhanu Bekele Berga, Mamiyo Nuguse, Zeytuna Arba Mude, Abebu Gelan, Dejene Faye Tiki and Aynalem Woldewariyat Woldemichael

Stars face Mauritius in 2018 WC first round

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Michael Olunga shields the ball from Ethiopia's Salhadin Bargecho (left) during their CHAN clash at Nyayo. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Michael Olunga shields the ball from Ethiopia’s Salhadin Bargecho (left) during their CHAN clash at Nyayo. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, July 25- Kenya will open their 2018 World Cup qualification bid with a two-legged clash against Mauritius following the draw conducted in Russia on Saturday.

Harambee Stars who are ranked among the bottom 26 teams in Africa start their campaign away before welcoming the Mauritians at home to vie for passage to the second round.

Here, the 13 winners on aggregate from the first round and the 27 other countries compete in two-leg ties in the second in November with winners progressing to a group stages where five nations will represent Africa at the 2018 finals in Russia.

The winner of the Stars-Mauritius clash will take on rising Cape Verde over two-legs for a ticket to the pool stages of the qualifiers where group winners will play at the Russia World Cup.

The third and final round will run from October 2016 to November 2017 when Africa’s representatives to the Mundial will be known.

The 20 winners from the second round knockout matches will be drawn in five groups of four (to be made at the end of the 2nd round).

Stars hammered Seychelles 7-0 on aggregate in the first round of the 2014 Brazil World Cup before being drawn against Nigeria, Malawi and Namibia in Group F of the second round where they crashed out of the running by finishing third on 6 points.

The ten winners from that phase faced-off in a two-legged knockout final round where Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Algeria played at the Brazil finals.

AFRICA QUALIFYING DRAW

1st round (October 2015)

The 26 lowest-ranked African sides in FIFA rankings play each other in two-legged ties:

Somalia v Niger

South Sudan v Mauritania

Gambia v Namibia

Sao Tome and Principe v Ethiopia

Chad v Sierra Leone

Comoros v Lesotho

Djibouti v Swaziland

Eritrea v Botswana

Seychelles v Burundi

Liberia v Guinea Bissau

Central African Republic v Madagascar

Mauritius v Kenya

Tanzania v Malawi

2nd round (November 2015)

The 13 winners from the first round and the 27 other countries compete in two-leg ties with winners progressing to a group stage:

Somalia or Niger v Cameroon

South Sudan or Mauritania v Tunisia

Gambia or Namibia v Guinea

Sao Tome and Principe or Ethiopia v  Congo

Chad or Sierra Leone v Egypt

Comoros or Lesotho v Ghana

Djibouti or Swaziland v Nigeria

Eritrea or Botswana v Mali

Seychelles or Burundi v Democratic Republic of Congo

Liberia or Guinea Bissau v Ivory Coast

Central Africa Republic or Madagascar v Senegal

Mauritius or Kenya v Cape Verde

Tanzania or Malawi v Algeria

Sudan v Zambia

Libya v Rwanda

Morocco v Equatorial Guinee

Mozambique v Gabon

Benin v Burkina Faso

Togo v Uganda

Angola v South Africa

3rd round (October 2016 to November 2017)

The 20 winners from the second round knockout matches will be drawn in five groups of four (to be made at the end of the 2nd round). The group winners will qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

-Additional material from AFP

Fallen Branson to be laid to rest in Kenya

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The late Zane Branson pictured in the athletics heartland of Iten where he passed away on Saturday. PHOTO/IAC

The late Zane Branson pictured in the athletics heartland of Iten where he passed away on Saturday. PHOTO/IAC

NAIROBI, July 26- He died doing what he lived for and he will be laid to rest in the country he loved.

That was the heart rendering message the International Athletics Consultancy (IAC) delivered after the tragic death of their manager and leading athletes’ representative, Zane Branson.

Tributes continued to pour in as the athletics fraternity struggled to come to terms with the sudden demise of one of the most respected agents as details emerged of his last moments before he collapsed and then passed away in Iten.

“We were to meet and run together in our long run but his group went out before. When I got to the meeting point we had agreed, I thought they had decided to continue without us before I received the sad news,” Wilson Chebet, the 2014 Boston Marathon runners-up and one of his clients told Capital Sport.

“Words cannot describe what our group is going through. He was not only a manager but a friend and a mentor,” Chebet who finished third in Boston in April in 2:10:22 added.

A statement from IAC on Saturday night said, “With sense of shock and disbelief we are reaching out to inform you that our Zane Branson has passed away earlier today (Saturday) in Iten, Kenya.

“Zane enjoyed this Saturday morning. He decided to walk to a meeting point for 40km long run he was to observe and on his way he brainstormed, joked, planned and greeted athletes running by.

“He passed away suddenly, doing what he loved and in those short and final moments of his rich life Zane was not alone. Zane is to be laid to rest in his bellowed Kenya and we shall communicate more information related to place, date and time in days to come.”

“Today’s tragic event casts a shadow on overly successful trip during which IAC implemented major developments to Adidas Marathon Athlete Development Program and Adidas RunCzech Racing Program.

“We will continue to work tirelessly for the benefit of clients, events clients are competing in and running media – celebrating Zane’s passion and commitment to the good our sport is made of. Rest In Peace Zane Branson, you will be missed,” the statement signed by the firm’s officials, Edward Yego, EvgeniiaZghir, Nikola Stanic, Julien Di Maria and Davor Savija said.

“His parents who are over 90 have given their blessings for him to be laid to rest in a country he dearly loved. We shall continue making plans with assistance from other agents, athletes and people of goodwill for his burial,” Chebet told Capital Sport.

The post-mortem to establish the cause of death will be conducted Monday in Eldoret where the body was removed after the tragic incident.

-Echoes of Lisoreng-

This is the second tragedy to hit the IAC group in successive years following the sudden demise of their athlete, Pamera Lisoreng in March 2014 collapsed and died after training in Eldoret in incidents that eerily mirrored each other.

Lisoreng who was 25, had just finished her morning run and was heading home when she was suddenly taken ill before she was pronounced dead on arrival at an Eldoret hospital.

“Pamela finished earlier today (Saturday) her run and on her way back home she suddenly collapsed and was pronounced dead by the time she reached the hospital in Eldoret. No further information is available at this stage,” Branson wrote in a statement sent to media the following day after her death.

“Pamela’s husband, Boniface Kirui, young son, family, friends and numerous athletes have lost wonderful spouse, mother, loved one and friend. Her gentle nature and warm smile are what is to live with us in these days of mourning and forever,” he added.

Now, destiny has brought athlete and manager together in the afterlife where they will no doubt relish in the sport they lived and died for.

Gor disconnect Telcom to march on in Dar

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Enock Agwanda and George Odhiambo (right) celebrate Gor Mahia's opener against Djibouti Telcom. PHOTO/Goal.com

Enock Agwanda and George Odhiambo (right) celebrate Gor Mahia’s opener against Djibouti Telcom. PHOTO/Goal.com

NAIROBI, July 26 – Gor Mahia avoided the threat of Tanzanian giants Azam FC in the quarterfinals of the Cecafa Kagame Cup by beating Djibouti Telcom 3-1 in at the Dar-es-Salaam National Stadium on Sunday top top Group A.

It was a fitting way for the club to mark the send-off of US President, Barack Obama, who left Kenya less than an hour after K’Ogalo completed the preliminary round unbeaten on 10 points after notching three wins and a draw to book a date with South Sudan champion, Al-Malakia.

Home side Yanga FC beat former Gor star Anthony Akumu’s  Khartoum National Club 1-0 in the later match to set up a potentially explosive Tanzanian derby with the dreaded Azam after nicking the Sudanese to second spot in the final.

George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo turned the back the clock to 2010 when he was Kenya’s finest after conjuring up a brilliant solo goal after 12 minutes before that man, Michael Olunga, notched the second and his fourth on the 28th for a 2-0 half-time lead.

Youssuff Osman halved the deficit in the 73rd before Enoch Agwanda sealed the win four minutes later for his first goal since joining Gor mid season.

Having already secured a quarter-final berth, Gor head coach, Frank Nuttall rested nine regular starters to bring in his reserve team lead by keeper Jerim Onyango who captained the side in the absence of centre back Musa Mohammed.

“I’m very excited to score my first goal of the tournament although it was tough since I was not playing in my usual position. We are ready for ant team in the quarters,” Odhiambo, who was named the man- of- the-match, said after the win.

K’Ogalo made their intentions known after only three minutes with Olunga forcing Telecom keeper, Nzokora Jeff to parry his ferocious shot at full stretch.

The keeper could not stop Odhiambo’s fine opener when the 2010 KPL Player of the Year dribbled past three defenders from the left before smashing past Nzokora for the opener.

Gor’s push for the second paid in the 28th when Agwanda started the move from midfield to find winger Ronald Omino who in turn did well to square for Olunga to easily tap home.

A minute later, Olunga who is leading the top scorers chart set up Odhiambo who uncorked a stinging shot but Nzokora punched away to deny the striker his brace.

At the other end, Abubakar Djama threw away a chance to pull one back from the counter attack after blazing over with only Onyango to beat.

Nuttall rested Olunga for Meddie Kagere at the restart and his first touch nearly led to the third when he picked up Wafula who hurriedly shot over from close range.

Telecom remained composed with their format of playing behind the ball but despite managing to get into Gor’s box, Djama Abubakar could not beat Onyango who came off his line to deny him.

Hussein Said squandered a chance that could have brought them back in the game, when he rounded Onyango but his finish was poor allowing Erick Ochieng to clear the danger.

Said, made the amends a minute later, this time getting it right from a header to pull one back but even before they finished celebrating, Agwanda killed the contest after finishing his own rebound that hit the post.

With ten minutes to the final whistle, Nuttall introduced Niizigiyimana for Collins Okoth as Gor held on for the win.


Sofapaka leave Bandari at sea, Ulinzi stunned

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Sofapaka players in a previous KPL clash. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Sofapaka players in a previous KPL clash. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, July 26 – Sofapaka head coach, Sam Timbe heaved a sigh of relief after his side returned to winning ways in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over hosts Bandari in a thrilling Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clash at Mombasa’s Mbaraki Stadium on Sunday.

Fuadi Ndayisenga and substitute Herman Wasswa overturned a 1-0 first-half deficit for the GOtv Shield champions who were trailing at the break courtesy of Musa Mudde’s 37th minute opener.

Elsewhere, Muhoroni Youth upset nine-man Ulinzi Stars 2-1 to see the Soldiers go down for the first time in five matches.

Ulinzi’s Oliver Ruto was the first to be sent off in the 81st for a second bookable offence before Muhoroni’s Wycliffe Nyangechi and Oscar Wamulwa followed suit in the third minute of added time.

Other matches saw Nairobi City Stars hold Chemelil Sugar to 1-1 draw in Machakos whilst at Nairobi’s City Stadium, Paul Kiongera scored twice as KCB played to a 2-2 stalemate with Mathare United.

In Mombasa, Sofapaka finally got their act together to bounce back from a humiliating 5-0 nightmare Tusker FC thrashing to pick maximum points to remain third on 36 points, 10 behind leaders and champions Gor Mahia who are away on Cecafa Kagame Cup assignment.

The Dockers had the better part of the opening half that saw Anthony Kimani waste a set-piece from the edge of the box while for Batoto Ba Mungu, David Mbatiye came close but he blasted over a John Baraza cross from midfield

Sofapaka skipper, Felly Mulumba and defence partner Maurice Odipo were solid to deny Kimani and Shaban Kenga, but old boy Mudde managed to break through in the 37th minute from a shot from the edge of the box.

The 2009 champions resumed a re-energised side, with Mulumba seeing his header missing the target by inches in the 53rd but Ndayisenga pulled them deservedly level when he beat Bandari keeper, Wilson Obungu with a well curled free-kick to the far post.

Timbe pulled out goal scorer, Ndayisenga for Wasswa in the 62nd, with the Ugandan taking only seven minutes to send Batoto Ba Mungu ahead in an inspired change.

Wasswa scored from a Collins Shivachi rebound that was punched by Obungu.

Sofapaka custodian, Evariste Mutuyimana was put to test in the dying minutes, but stood tall to finger tip Kenga’s free-kick before stopping Kimani’s shot that was cleared by Odipo.

Champagne Froome toasts second Tour win

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Kenyan-born Brit, Chris Froome with a glass of champagne as he cycles to Paris for his second Tour de France victory. PHOTO/AFP

Kenyan-born Brit, Chris Froome with a glass of champagne as he cycles to Paris for his second Tour de France victory. PHOTO/AFP

PARIS, July 26- Kenyan-born Team Sky British rider, Chris Froome won his second Tour de France title following Sunday’s 21st and final stage to Paris.

Germany’s Andre Greipel won the stage, his fourth this year, ahead of Frenchman Bryan Coquard and Alexander Kristoff of Norway.

Briton Froome crossed the line arm-in-arm with his Sky teammates to clinch a second Grand Boucle crown following his 2013 success.

Colombian Nairo Quintana finished second overall with his Spanish Movistar teammate Alejandro Valverde taking third, his best finish at the Tour at the age of 35.

Rain had rendered the cobbles at the finish on the Champs Elysees dangerous so organisers ASO neutralised the race from the moment it reached Paris.

It meant the official timing was stopped just after riders past the finishing line for the first time ahead of 10 laps of the famous Parisian avenue.

It allowed Froome, 30, and his teammates — wearing a black kit with the traditional blue stripe replaced by a yellow one in hommage to their leader’s feat — to finish in a straight line, arm-in-arm over a minute after the stage winner.

Having already won the Tour in 2013, finishing in the same way but then because his lead to Quintana — second that time as well — was sufficiently large to allow him to do so, Froome became the first Briton to win the Grand Boucle for a second time.

Quintana finished at 1min 12sec overall with Valverde third over five minutes back.

Last year’s winner Vincenzo Nibali finished fourth overall, ahead of two-time former winner Alberto Contador.

But on the final stage, a 109.5km run from the Parisian suburb of Sevres, Greipel, 33, emphasised his sprint superiority at this Tour.

He had already won the second, fifth and 15th stages in sprint finishes.

His expected rivals Mark Cavendish and Peter Sagan could only manage sixth and seventh respectively.

Sagan did win the sprinter’s green points jersey, though, while Froome finished as king of the mountains and Quintana, 25, was the best young rider.

Suspicion, animosity lifted Froome

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Tour de France winner Christopher Froome celebrates his victory on the podium on the Champs-Elysees avenue at the end of the 21st and last stage of the Tour de France on July 26, 2015, between Sevres and Paris. PHOTO/AFP

Tour de France winner Christopher Froome celebrates his victory on the podium on the Champs-Elysees avenue at the end of the 21st and last stage of the Tour de France on July 26, 2015, between Sevres and Paris. PHOTO/AFP

PARIS, July 27- Chris Froome admitted he’d been “up against everything” at the Tour de France where he was accused of cheating, spat upon and had urine thrown at him.

The 30-year-old Briton did not just overcome 21 stages, 3,600km, cobbles, crosswinds and seven ‘hors category’ mountains, not to mention rivals such as Vincenzo Nibali, Nairo Quintana and Alberto Contador, but everything outside the course as well.

As well as being the victim of a series of attacks, Froome’s Sky teammates were also targeted.

Richie Porte was punched, Luke Rowe spat at, Geraint Thomas barged off the road and into a lamppost and down a ravine, while team manager Dave Brailsford was blindsided live on French television with “evidence” that Froome’s performance was “abnormal”.

And yet, Froome has kept his cool, ridden hard and battled right to the end, despite feeling ill with a tight chest, to beat Quintana by 1min 12sec to win his second Tour.

And what made this Tour victory so much greater than his first two years ago — where he also faced suspicion over his mountain prowess — is that the scrutiny has been intense and constant.

“It’s hard to compare one Tour victory to another, both are incredibly special,” said Froome who has insisted he is a clean rider.

“But I do feel as if this year, even though it’s the second time for me, as a team we’ve been up against it.

“There’s been so much going on in the background away from the race which could’ve taken a lot of focus away from what we needed to achieve in terms of the racing.

“But as a group it’s even brought us closer together as a team.

“I just want to thank the guys for putting up with a lot of the rubbish that’s been going on these last few weeks and staying focused on the job at hand.”

– Acceleration –

FROOME-GRAPHICFroome has been under the spotlight ever since his victories atop Ax 3 Domaines and Mont Ventoux in 2013, despite being beaten by Quintana in two subsequent stages in the Alps, including on Alpe d’Huez.

This year, Froome put in just one fulminating acceleration to win stage 10 at La Pierre-Saint Martin, and even then he only gained 1min 04sec on Quintana.

The Colombian beat him in two Alpine stages again, gaining 30sec and 1min 20sec on those two occasions.

But what made the difference for Froome was consistency, and especially the 1min 28sec he gained on Quintana on the second stage in the crosswinds.

But for that, where Quintana was held up behind a crash, Froome may not even have won the Tour, yet the accusations have been relenting and he even faced open animosity on the roads.

Television pictures captured images of people spitting at Froome and even one elderly man aiming a trio of rapid-fire rude gestures — know as ‘up yours’ in English, or a ‘bras d’honneur’ (arm of honour) in French — at the Briton.

Yet barring one angry tirade at outgoing champion Vincenzo Nibali for attacking the yellow jersey when Froome suffered a mechanical issue on Friday, the Kenyan-born rider has kept his cool throughout.

And despite the unflattering comparisons to disgraced former star Lance Armstrong, Froome is not taking it personally.

“I just see it as something that comes along with the yellow jersey,” he said.

“I know I’ve done nothing wrong to deserve this, it’s not something I’m going to take on personally, it’s circumstantial.”

Brailsford described Froome as “a credit to Britain” and the “most unbelievable” competitor”.

But the road to win over his detractors remains a long one, and is perhaps one battle that Froome simply cannot win.

It’s only Asbel who can stop Kiprop in Beijing

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Asbel Kiprop receives his bouquet after winning in Monaco in a world leading 3:26.69. PHOTO/DailyMail

Asbel Kiprop receives his bouquet after winning in Monaco in a world leading 3:26.69. PHOTO/DailyMail

NAIROBI, July 27- Two-time world 1500m champion, Asbel Kiprop, is outwardly back to his swashbuckling best, close to the terrifying form that made him unstoppable at the 2011 Daegu and 2013 Moscow Worlds as he hurtles down on completing the hat-trick in Beijing.

On Saturday, Kiprop has the task of convincing Athletics Kenya (AK) selectors he is worth of a place in the country’s team for the biennial IAAF track and field global showpiece when he returns home to compete for a place in the Beijing squad in Nairobi.

Such is the embarrassment of distance running riches in Kenya that even reigning titleholders who have wildcard entry for the Worlds have to fight for their tickets, or at least show interest in taking to the field and give their best for consideration.

Whilst most athletes, among them record holders, past and reigning Olympics champions, world, Commonwealth, African, World Junior and even World Youth winners shudder at the killer Kenyan Trials, there is little to suggest Kiprop, 26, will miss the Worlds party.

Even the great metric miler, record holder Hicham El Guerrouj, is on record saying only the lanky Kenyan has the ability to mow his 3:26.00 standard from history books.

On July 17, Kiprop, who idolises the retired Moroccan come only 69th hundredth of a second to matching the almost two decades- old all time best when he blasted to victory with an astounding 3:26.69 in Monaco.

Last weekend, he literary toyed with a deep field to win the Emsley Carr One Mile showdown in London in 3:54.87, another reverberating statement of intent from a man who has unique ability to thrill and frustrate at the flick of his foot.

Put simply, at his best, Kiprop has the unquestionable talent of winning when he wants.

“He demonstrated what makes him both great and vulnerable over the course of four laps in London. Kiprop led the chase pack until just before 800 meters, when he suddenly dropped back and allowed the entire 15-man field to pass him.

“Instead of dropping out, however, Kiprop hung back there for the next lap before rejoining the leaders with 300 meters to go and pulling away to win the race handily in the homestretch thanks to a 54.6-second last lap.

“It was a truly bizarre sight to behold; it was almost as if Kiprop was so confident in his fitness that he decided he needed to give himself an extra challenge,” respected American athletics website, LetsRun.com wrote on his performance at the Sainsbury Memorial IAAF Diamond League meeting in London.

– Beijing hat-trick-

World 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop in a previous IAAF Diamond League meeting. He will launch his 2015 campaign in Doha on Friday

World 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop in a previous IAAF Diamond League meeting. He will launch his 2015 campaign in Doha on Friday

Since the season begun with Kiprop motoring to the then 1:44.4 world lead in 800m at the high altitude of Nairobi during the third Safaricom Relay Series meeting on March 21, one thing has been constant in all his interviews, “My aim this year is to win a third world title.”

Kiprop watchers since he burst to the global scene as a teenage winner of the 2007 World Cross junior 8km and All Africa Games 1500m gold know one thing.

His performance at his favourite track at Monaco’s Herculis Diamond League meeting is the best indicator of his chances in the subsequent summer major championships.

“I still have the chance to break the world record this year. For now, my focus is only on Beijing to try and get a third world title and get closer to Hicham,” he told this writer after his latest Monaco burst that earned global acclaim where some felt he had blown his best chance to break the world record.

“It will be my priority to defend my title and to win gold for Kenya at the same time. I don’t want to talk about the record; it needs planning and proper preparations because we are having World Championships, I set priority to Beijing.

“I have been training in build-up a lot to help me in doing the qualifying rounds and semis, beating my personal best is on my mind (Monaco) but I’m not going to mention the world record.

“If my body is like in 2013 because I felt comfortable running in Moscow, I will tell (after Monaco),” Kiprop told reporters after winning the men 800m national title in Nairobi on July 11 in 1:45.4.

“I was doing it for my speed work; the pace in the 800m is faster than 1500m so I’m relaxed when I run 1500m. If I get three weeks here, I will be able to get to the 80 percent mark. The season has been fluctuating; I can say I have been doing it at 60 percent level,” the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold winner explained his form before Monaco and London.

– Curious season-

World champion, Asbel Kiprop (right), Timothy KItum (2nd R) and Jackson Kivuva (3rd right) during the men 800m final of the Safaricom National Championships on Saturday, July 11. PHOTO/AFP

World champion, Asbel Kiprop (right), Timothy KItum (2nd R) and Jackson Kivuva (3rd right) during the men 800m final of the Safaricom National Championships on Saturday, July 11. PHOTO/AFP

The self confessed born winner is keen to re-assert his authority over the competition this summer after a curious 2014 where personal problems, some documented luridly in gossip publications, clouded his focus.

A self-declared world record bid in Monaco was ground to dust by his chief domestic rival and Worlds silver medallist, Silas Kiplagat, where the clocks returned 3:27.64 against 3:28.45 and that shook his confidence to the core.

His campaign unravelled further when Djibouti’s Ayaneleh Souleiman, led him to the altar at both the African Championships (3:42.49 against 3:42.58) and IAAF Continental Cup (3:48.91 against 3:49.10) inside a month in the Moroccan resort city of Marrakech.

Kiprop also surrendered his IAAF Diamond League crown when he propped up the field in the final in Brussels in 12th (3:34.41) a week before the Continental showdown on September 13.

It was the anti-climatic end to a year that started in all glory and honour when he anchored the Kenyan 4x1500m relay quartet to set the 14:22.22 world record at the first IAAF World Relays in Bahamas on May 25 in what many thought was the perfect platform to a roaring season.

To his credit, great champions always find the strength to fight diversity and thus far, he has chosen the ideal time to peak and his two crushing victories over Souleiman in Monaco and London after the Djiboutian looked like he had cracked his code are a terse warning it will take something special to stop him from a third world title in Beijing.

Loga, do not forsake thee- Leopards plead

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AFC Leopards head coach, Zradvko Logarusic looks dejected during their final KPL first-leg clash of the season against Sofapaka after issues with raising a squad. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

AFC Leopards head coach, Zradvko Logarusic looks dejected during their final KPL first-leg clash of the season against Sofapaka after issues with raising a squad. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, July 27 – If you thought cash strapped AFC Leopards had buried unrest in the Den after a leadership change following a troubled Kenyan Premier League first-leg, think again.

On Monday, interim executive committee officials were scrambling to convince head coach, Zradvko Logarusic, to return back to work after his ‘donkey’ got tired of toiling without pay.

The Croat followed through his boycott through last week by refusing to accompany the team to their potential banana skin trip to play Sony Sugar in the melting cauldron of Awendo Green Stadium.

‘Loga’ as he is affectionately known, is demanding two-month dues in unpaid salary and bonuses, a broken chorus that has preyed on the Kenyan giants throughout the season.

Club acting Secretary General, Prof. Asava Kadima told Capital Sport the Croat has turned down meetings with management unless his arrears that have topped Sh1m (USD9,843) are settled.

“Logarusic’s salary is hefty but we had paid him half. Unfortunately, he has failed to understand the financial situation of the club. The coach absconded duties the whole of last week so we will evaluate and see how we can reach an agreement.

“Communication is very important but he doesn’t want to understand where we are coming from. We remind the coach he is obliged to be on duty. We will still request him to have a meeting so that we can bridge the gap,” Kadima underlined.

It is the second time the fiery Croat will be missing from the dugout due to unpaid dues after declining to travel with the team to Mumias in their first-leg clash against Thika United in April where they were held to a 1-1 draw.

Despite the financial challenges that sparked a mass exodus of seasoned players at the Den, Logarusic managed to guide the new-look Ingwe to three wins and a loss in four second leg matches.

His absence will be felt though the Secretary General maintains there is nothing to worry about as assistant coaches, Yussuf Chippo and Ezekiel Akwana will guide the team against a wounded Sony side.

“The team is in safe hands. Chippo has trained them in the absence of Logarusic so I don’t think there will be any problem. We have been in touch with the team and they are geared for the match,” Kadima added.

Ingwe have been depending on well wishers with the Sh5.5m raised in June’s fundraiser exhausted after it was used to off-set part of the arrears accruing to the coach and players.

“Out of the Sh5.5m (USD54,136.52) we raised, Sh1.2 (USD11,811.6) was in pledges we are yet to receive to date but I thank the fans being supportive. We are planning to conduct another fundraiser on August 7.

“We have also enrolled to get regular contributions through the mobile phone service pay bill number *245# that has two categories, the first is Ingwe Mashinani where fans can contribute Sh300 a month while 1K Club will see fans contribute Sh1000 monthly,” Kadima explained.

A win for Leopards against Sony will propel them to second on 37 points, nine behind leaders and arch rivals Gor Mahia who are away on Cecafa Kagame Cup duties.

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