Malkia Striker attacker, Mercy Moim spikes the ball during their match against Japan on August 26. PHOTO/courtesy

TOKYO, August 26 – Kenya’s winless streak at the FIVB Volleyball Women World Cup continued after they lost in straight sets to hosts Japan at the Yoyogi National Stadium on Wednesday.

The Malkia Strikers were overwhelmed by Japan in the three sets thriller where they went down 25-15, 25-20, 25-12 to suffer their fourth successive defeat in the global showpiece where 12 nations are battling it out for the world title.

Despite the loss, Kenyan sensational attacker, Mercy Moim was the top scorer on 13 points in the clash where Japan picked their third win to stay second in the standing behind leaders, unbeaten Russia.

Head coach, David Lung’aho slammed his charged for making many errors in the reception to see Japan dominate on the offence with 39 spikes against 29.

“Japan played very well tonight. We made many mistakes in reception and it is tough to play against them when you are not receiving well, since they play such a fast game. We hope to keep improving and play like Japan in the future,” Lung’aho, who also doubles up as women’s Prisons head coach, stated.

Captain, Bracksides Agala, echoed her coach sentiments saying “Japan played a very good game. We made too many errors in reception.”

Japan head coach, Masayoshi Manabe hailed his players for the win that put them on course to win their first title since 1977.

“Our service and reception were especially good tonight. We won in straight sets and I’m very happy. We have been working on our serves. We tried to hit the ball just over the net. Otake was good at quick attacks, so I want her to work well with the setter.”

Japan outsmarted the FIVB Grand Prix gold medallist using their quick and well-placed spikes to open the match with an 8-2 lead.

The Japanese side were also too strong in the defence, which could not be penetrated by the Kenyan attack as the Asians rallied to end the first set 25-15.

Japan likewise outplayed the record-nine-time African champions in the second set with a 16-9 lead in the second technical timeout but Lung’aho charges had a brilliant run that helped them trail the hosts 24-20.

Japan funnelled their final attack in the centre of the Kenyan court to end the set 25-20 before employing well-disciplined defence in the third set, limiting the Malkia Strikers to work their way from the flanks to command the set 25-12.

Kenya next face Argentina on Wednesday hoping to collect their first win.

Both teams entering the St Georges College grounds before the clash in Harare, Zimbabwe.PHOTO/courtesy.

NAIROBI, August 26 – National rugby under-19 hopes of lifting a maiden Africa Championship crown suffered a blow after the team succumbed to 25-17 defeat to hosts Zimbabwe on Wednesday in Harare.

Chipu will play neighbors Uganda in the third place play-off on Saturday in a must win clash for them to maintain their place in the Division 1 A top tier.

Champions Namibia who edged out Uganda 49-12 will lock horns with the Young Sables in the final, where the winner will qualify to compete in the 2016 Junior World Rugby Championships.

Zimbabwe speedy winger Brian ensured the hosts got off to a dream start with two brilliant tries in the first 10 minutes of the match before Chipu’s Eighth-man Simon Okoth pulled one back.

Center, Shingi Katsvere had the sizable home crowd on his feet after cutting through the Kenyan defence before diving under the posts with fly-half Joshua Gando adding the extras to give the hosts a 17-5 lead inside the first 25 minutes.

After a slow start to the match, it was Paul Odera charges who went to the break on a high after a try by scrumhalf Charles Kakai to take Kenya within five points of the Young Sables at the break on17-12.

Scrumhalf Earnest Mudzengerere, dived over the whitewash early in the second-half, but Kenya refused to give up as they hit back with a try of their own from fly-half Anthony Odhiambo.

Gando slotted home a late penalty to give the hosts an eight point cushion which they held onto until the final whistle and earn revenge over Kenya who won 20-29 when the two teams met at the same stage two years ago in Nelspruit, South Africa, before completing a double after another hard-fought 27-20 win in Windhoek last year.

Kenya will now have to wait longer before stamping their authority in the continent and just like their seniors who failed to reclaim to title, they will leave to fight for another day.

Irene Cheptai leads Mercy Cherono and Genzebe Dibaba in the first women 5000m semis in Beijing on August 27, 2015. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

NAIROBI, August 27- Having chased each other to honours as juniors, Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba led familiar foe, Mercy Cherono across the line in the first semi final of the women 5000m to keep her double bid intact at the Beijing 2015 World Championships on Thursday.

Their overall career head-to-head reads 11-9 in favour of the Ethiopian who breezed to the women 1500m crown on Tuesday but that is the closest Commonwealth champion Cherono can hope to get after Genzebe’s rip roaring season.

Veteran Viola Kibiwott who returns to Beijing seven years since competing at the women 1500m at the 2008 Olympics, Commonwealth silver medallist, Janet Kisa and 2008 World Cross junior silver medallist, Irene Cheptai made it four Kenyans in the final.

The country got the extra slot by virtual of Cherono having wildcard selection as the 2014 Diamond League winner and she prepared for Beijing by running in the women 1500m Trial on August 1 to gain speed, finishing behind Faith Chepng’etich Kipyegon who took silver behind Genzebe in the metric mile.

Cherono and the Ethiopian women 1500m spurred in the opening semi where given her busy schedule at these championships, the gold medallist here could be forgiven for not wanting to expend too much energy.

Genzebe sat at the back for much of the race, allowing Japan’s Misaki Onishi to do the early leading. The first kilometre was passed in 3:04.77 and Onishi still led at 2000m, reached in 6:10.56.

Britain’s Steph Twell moved into second place at half way and then took the lead soon after. Cheptai was sitting in third place with compatriot Cherono in sixth.

Genzebe was still near the back of the pack, but Cherono then hit the front with three laps to go and Dibaba followed. Within a matter of seconds, a pack of five had broken clear as Cherono and Genzebe were joined by Cheptai, Susan Kuijken of the Netherlands and Bahrain’s Mimi Belete.

The lead pack hit 4000m in 12:26.58 with the rest of the field some two seconds behind. As the bell sounded, Cheptai then took her turn to lead but Cherono and Genzebe were always close behind. The women 1500m champion finally kicked with 100m to go and eased her way to victory in 15:20.82.

Although the next four athletes to finish were secure in the top five automatic qualifying spots, that didn’t stop them from sprinting all the way to the line.

Cherono took second from Belete, both clocking 15:20.94, while Cheptai was just 0.09 behind. Kuijken to

ok the last automatic qualifying spot in 15:25.67.

Early leaders Onishi and Twell were rewarded for their early efforts with non-automatic qualifying spots, along with USA’s Nicole Tully.

-Not dissimilar-

Viola Kibiwott in action in the second women 5000m semifinal in Beijing on August 27, 2015. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

The second heat wasn’t too dissimilar to the first. Japanese duo Ayuko Suzuki led from team-mate Azusa Sumi through 1000m in 3:16.67 before Sumi dropped back.

World leader Almaz Ayana and compatriot Senbere Teferi moved into second and third place behind Suzuki, passing 2000m in 6:17.23 and closely tracked by the Kenyan pair of Kibiwott and Kisa.

Just before reaching the 3000m split in 9:17.25, Ayana moved into the lead and cranked up the pace. She covered the next kilometre in 2:56.67 and the field became strung out.

Kibiwott was in second and Suzuki was still holding on in third with Teferi and Kisa a bit further back, some 40 metres in front of Eloise Wellings of Australia.

Wellings caught Kisa with two laps remaining. Teferi moved past Kibiwot one lap later, but Ayana was still safe out in front.

A 2:55 final kilometre brought Ayana home in 15:09.40, more than five seconds ahead of Teferi.

Kibiwot finished third in 15:15.27, while Kisa overtook Wellings in the closing stages, both qualifying by right in fourth and fifth with respective times of 15:26.49 and 15:26.67. Suzuki and Austria’s Jennifer Wenth also progressed on time.

However, the final could be another gripping chapter in the rivalry between Genzebe and Cherono that started at the 2007 World Cross in Mombasa where the Ethiopian returned home in fifth with the Kenyan in 23rd.

The pair exploded the next year in Aman, Jordan where Genzebe lead Cherono to the 1-2 in the women 6km race and again at the 2010 Moncton World Juniors with the Kenyan’s last victory over her rival coming at last Diamond League final in Brussels over 3000m.

Almaz, the world leader, is another who will have a huge say in the rush for the medals.

-Material from IAAF used in this report

Julius Yego throws his Javelin at the Beijing World Championships on August 26, 2015. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

BEIJING, August 27- Periods of intense training for two African athletes at a Finnish javelin school have overturned the natural world order in the physically demanding and technically challenging event.

There was a shock at Wednesday’s world championships when Kenya’s Julius Yego won gold with the third longest throw of all time.

In all world championships since 1983, there has only been one non-European gold medallist, South African Marius Corbett in Athens in 1997. Otherwise, medals have remained largely the preserve of European countries.

Yego’s monster third round effort of 92.72 metres was the longest since Jan Zelezny threw 92.80 in 2001.

His efforts were followed by more African silverware when Egyptian Ihab Abdelrahman El Sayed claimed second spot with 88.99m for his country’s first-ever athletics world medal.

Finland’s Tero Pitkamaki, 2007 champion and silver medallist in Moscow in 2013, was demoted to bronze (87.64m) in the most European of disciplines.

The astronomical rise of Yego, who famously honed his early technique from YouTube clips of his heroes, and El Sayed is in large part thanks to Finnish coach Petteri Piironen, who trains the African pair.

Piironen first came across Yego when a Finnish agent dealing with African athletes drew his attention to the then little-known Kenyan thrower.

And El Sayed in 2008 and Yego in 2011 earned scholarships to train at the IAAF-accredited centre in Kuortane in Finland, the country regarded as the spiritual home of the javelin.

“He has learnt good basics from YouTube and then of course you need someone to work together,”  Piironen said after proudly watching his two proteges score a 1-2 podium result.

“Yego’s throwing skills are quite good. He’s not strong and he’s not such a good jumper, but when he takes the javelin, starts to run and  throw, he’s one of the best.

“The basic technique and the run and rhythm are much better than some other throwers.”

– ‘Brilliant coach’ –

Piironen added: “Last summer Yego threw some good competitions but didn’t get good results.

“His form is down to good training and staying healthy.”

Yego is gushing in praise of Piironen.

“He is a brilliant coach,” Yego said. “I still use the programme Petteri set me when I first met him. We created a good relationship and he is readily available to help me whenever I ask.”

Piironen joked that he was not yet seen as a traitor in his own country for fostering fresh foreign talent.

“So far it’s been okay!” he laughed. “Of course it’s very good to have non-Europeans reaching the top in javelin. There is a lot of talent in Africa.”

El Sayed described himself as “super crazy happy” with his silver medal showing.

“I have to say a big thank you to my coach. He is my big brother, my friend, always supporting me,” he said.

“Finland is my second country because I spend all my time travelling between Egypt and Finland.

“It’s a very good country and the people are always so nice to me.”

El Sayed’s preparations for the worlds, however, were hampered by a mother stricken by a back complaint, meaning the big Egyptian was commuting three hours to visit her in hospital in Cairo, throwing his training programme into disarray.

“I didn’t eat, I didn’t sleep properly, that’s why I didn’t do well at some competitions before the champs,” El Sayed said.

“But now she should be okay and she’s started to walk again. This medal will be a motivation and a gift for her.”

Eunice Sum (right) in a close finish to her women 800m semi on August 27. 2017 in Beijing. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

NAIROBI, August 27- Defending champion, Eunice Sum, was made to sweat to qualify for Saturday’s women 800m finals after going through as one of the fastest losers on Thursday in Beijing.

The Commonwealth champion clocked 1: 57.56 to cross the line third in a photo finish behind winner Canadian, Melissa Bishop who set a national record of 1:57.54 and Marina Arzamasova of Belarus who returned a personal best of 1:57.56.

The result saw Sum suffer is first defeat since August last year at the Sainsbury’s IAAF Diamond League meeting in Birmingham ending a run that stretched one year and three days.

“I’m not used to running from behind, so I decided to go to the front from the gun. I was worried in the last 50m when my legs refused to go but I thank God I’m through to the final where I want to beat my personal best,” the shaken titleholder told reporters at the Beijing National Stadium.

Starting in lane five in the third semi, Sum stretched in front after the bell to open the pace in the race that was the fastest of the three qualifiers.

With only the first two finishers and equal number of fastest losers booking their tickets to the final, Sum increased the tempo but she was caught by Britain’s Lynsey Sharp at the 200m mark.

The three crossed the bell in 57.31 with Sum still holding on her lead as she tried to push hard from the inside but the rest of the pack led by Netherland’s Sifan Hassan stayed right on her shoulder.

Hassan, who was doubling after winning bronze in 1500m, tried to desperately close the gap when she moved wide from inside but Bishop, Arzamasova and Polish Joanna Józwik increased the pace.

With about 120 metres to go, Sharp’s wheels started to fall off and she let the 2014 European champion Arzamasova, from Belarus, overtake her on the outside.

As Sharp continued to fade, Canada’s Melissa Bishop emerged from the chasers and successfully ran down both Arzamasova and Sum, winning the race and improving her personal best by two seconds.

Arzamasova just out-leaned Sum on the line for her life time best to deny Sum the automatic qualifying spot, but, thanks to her own swift early pacing, she advanced through, taking the fourth-place finisher, Jozwik (1:58.35), with her to Saturday’s final.

Berlin 2009 champion, Caster Semenya ended her medal interest when she brought up the rear in the first heat in the seismic shock of the rounds decorated by many personal bests.

Sum, who is seeking to be the first Kenyan to hold on to the two-lap world title, also faced grim questions over the doping scandal that saw her teammates Joy Zakari (women 400m) and Francesca Koki (women 400m Hurdles) return positive samples earlier in the week.

“They are individuals and should be answerable. The mood in our camp of good since we are on top of the world,” the Commonwealth, Continental Cup and Diamond League champion from last year insisted.

Her focus is bettering her mentor and Osaka 2007 champion, Janeth Jepkosgei, who was knocked out of the competition in the heats here by holding on to her crown on Saturday.

“The final will be a very fast race but I’m ready,” Sum who ran her new 1:56.99 career best at the Areva Diamond League meeting in France on July 4 declared.

Malkia Striker attacker, Mercy Moim (left) preparers to block the spike from Argentina during their match at the FIVB World Cup on August 27.

TOKYO, August 27- Argentina capitalized on Kenya’s errors to thrash the African Champions in straight sets (25-12, 25-17, 25-20) in the first round of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup at Japan’s Yoyogi National Stadium on Thursday.

The loss was Malkia Striker’s fifth successive defeat in the global showpiece to remain rooted at the bottom of the 12 team log alongside fellow African side, Algeria who both are yet to win a match.

With six games to go in the round robin tournament, head coach, David Lung’aho said his charges are already fatigued but are aiming to win atleast a single match.

“We played badly. We didn’t have good mental strength today because we were not prepared as expected. After five matches in Tokyo I think the players are fatigued. We want to win at least one match in Okayama,” Lung’aho, who guided the team to its first World Grand Prix Gold, declared.

Skipper, Brackcides Khadambi, said, “we will keep on fighting until we get a win.”

Argentina head coach Guillermo Orduna, who picked their second win to climb eighth hailed his players who dominated the offence on 35 spikes against 32.

“I’m happy we could win today. We were able to concentrate and play carefully today. We wanted to focus on our techniques, starting from our service.”

Kenya’s attacker Mercy Moim topped all scorers with 13 points while Sol Piccolo finished as the top Argentine scorer with 11.

Although both squads had similar statistics, the Argentines earned 29 points off the Kenyan errors, which made the difference in the match.

The South Americans jumped to an 8-0 lead in the opening set to mark the first technical timeout but the Malkia Strikers got a break off the Argentine service error to earn their first point in the match.

Argentina still led although Khadambi took matters into her own hands to get their offence going but Argentina finished the set 25-12 as they capitalised from their adversaries’ errors.

Kenya trailed throughout the second set, as they still struggled to break the momentum of the Argentine squad.

Although Kenya scored on some attack spurts, a service error from Triza Atuka ended the set in favour of Argentina 25-17.

The record-nine time continental champions, recovered from their setbacks in the first two sets but Argentina latter countered strong to take the set and match 25-20.

The tournament takes a two-day break to resume on Sunday where the African queens will be seeking to grab their first win when they take on second placed USA.

Elijah Manangoi leads Olympics champion, Taoufik Mkhloufi in the opening men 1500m heat in Beijing on August 27, 2015. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

NAIROBI, August 28- Reigning champion, Asbel Kiprop, deployed measured running to book his place in Sunday’s men 1500m final at the Beijing World Championships, pulling compatriot and 2011 medallist, Silas Kiplagat who finished third with him.

Debutant Elijah Mangangoi beat Olympics champion, Taoufik Makhloufi in the much faster second semi, landing on the finish in three minutes and 35 seconds dead with the fourth Kenyan, teenager Timothy Cheruiyot, holding on to the fifth and last automatic qualification slot.

Kiprop is bidding for history as the first Kenyan to three-peat at the Worlds and on the evidence of the rounds, it will take something monumental to stop him from holding onto the crown he won in Daegu, South Korea and defended it in Moscow two years ago.

“It was a great race. It’s my tactics here to make it to the final. It was all about securing a spot there. I’m the world leader but in the final, everybody is a potential medal winner.

“This was a good and fast last lap. I try to learn many tactics- you need to be ready anywhere. I’m looking for many Kenyans in the final, we are a team and we will work together,” the 2008 Olympics champion and twice African titleholder said at the bowels of Beijing National Stadium.

Just like the heats, the heavy favourite started at the back but this time, he took no chances and took charge of the race in the second lap to complete a comfortable three minutes, 43.48 seconds victory.

Fast-finishing New Zealander, Nick Willis charged from the outside to take second place in 3:48.57 ahead of 2010 Commonwealth champion, Kiplagat, who had held the inside lane to finish third in 4:43.64.

“In the semifinals, I expected a tactical race like this but I was glad for the faster run and I liked it. I’m aware of the silly mistakes I have been doing especially in slow races.

“I work on that. It’s all about the calculation, timing and kicking, so it’s my main objective now,” KIplagat who bombed for sixth in Moscow two years ago underscored.

American pair, Matt Centrowitz (3:43.97) and Leonel Manzano (3:44.28) followed each other home in fourth and fifth to nail the remaining finals places in that heat.

Manangoi continued to enhance his reputation as one to watch out for after towing the field from the onset as Makhloufi hang on his shoulder as they motored around the three and a half-laps at the Bird’s Nest.

Behind them, the rest of the challengers were struggling to hold on to qualifying positions in the duel where it was apparent the two fastest losers would be produced.

Makhloufi who soared to the Olympics title in London where the Kenyan challenge fell flat, with injured Kiprop only good for the wooden spoon and Kiplagat, who took silver behind him in Daegu suffering a devastating loss of form, took second in 3:35.05.

“Coming from the heats, this race was much harder. Again, very tactical. I did not realise there was someone pushing one lap to go. I was confident and I do not have any problem with running from the front.

“Of course, I was co-operating with Timothy but I was just seeing Makhloufi by my side which pushed me forward,” Manangoi told reporters after the race.

“I’m delighted to be in the final. Yesterday (THursday), I did not feel well. My body was not ready but today I was in good shape. Inshallah, I shall do something in the final. I have already won the biggest title in the world in London 2012,” the Olympics titleholder added.

Behind them, Morocco’s Abdalaati Iguider (3:35.20), Britain’s Charlie Grice (3:35.58) and 19 year-old first timer, Cheruiyot (3:35.74) rounded the top five for automatic entry.

A third American, Robby Andrews (3:35.88) will be in the finals after taking sixth a place above Aman Wote (3:35.97) who sew up the finalists as the fastest losers on the day.

Innocent Wafula (left) and Meddie Kagere celebrate a Gor Mahia goal in their 6-1 mauling of KCB on Sunday. Wafula was on target as Ushuru fell 2-0 at City Stadium on Wednesday. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, August 28 – Gor Mahia’s steamship that is sailing full steam ahead to their third successive SportPesa Premier League (SPL) title is docked in Mombasa as the champions prepare to take maximum points from homse side Bandari on Saturday.

Victory will leave K’Ogalo needing only two victories to wrap the title after they were awarded a 2-0 victory from the abandoned Mashemeji Derby against arch-rivals AFC Leopards pending any appeal.

Leopards who remain stuck in fifth face bogey side Chemelil Sugar at Nairobi’s City Stadium in their last fixture before they play their next two without their fans.

Ingwe were ordered by the league’s Independent Disciplinary and Complains Committee to play against Western Stima and Sofapaka without the sound of Isikuti drumming after their fans caused chaos during their fixture at Thika United in July.

And with Leopards failing to end Gor’s 22-match unbeaten run, its now the turn of Bandari to fancy their chances in stopping the Cecafa Kagame Cup beaten finalists, who have a poor away record against the Dockers.

K’Ogalo have only managed to beat Bandari at home once in their last three trips to the dockyard in the second-leg of the 2013 season where the back-to-back champions won 1-0.

Gor are aiming for the double against the famously stubborn port siders after a 2-1 victory in the first leg.

Lethal striker and top scorer, Michael Olunga who is in South Africa for trials at Premier Soccer League side, Bidvest Wits will be missing but head coach Frank Nuttal has potent replacements in George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo, Timothy Otieno and Enock Agwanda available for selection.

Bandari welcome back skipper and custodian, Wilson Obungu as well as forward Alfred Oluoch who served their suspensions after missing their last clash against Mathare United that ended 1-1.

The pair will be instrumental to head coach, Twahir Muhiddin who has gone four matches without a loss with Obungu expected to start in between the sticks against a Gor side who will be led out in attack byMeddie Kagere.

OIuoch, on the other hand is likely to join forwards Victor Ndinya, David King’atua and George Abege who will be tasked to break though Gor’s back line of captain, Musa Mohammed, Harun Shakava, Abuoba Sibomana and Karim Nizigiyimana.

Collins Okoth, Ugandan duo of Khalid Aucho and Godfrey Walusimbi are expected to marshal Gor’s midfield as Innocent Wafula and Ali Abondo do their duties on the flanks.

Former, K’Ogalo winger Shaban Kenga, Musa Mudde and Anthony Kimani lead Bandari’s midfield charge.

A win for Nuttall charges will see them inch closer to retaining the title while an upset will see the Dockers increase their chances of finishing top eight.

-Leopards ban-

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

Troubled Leopards will be seeking to put their put their off the field woes aside to try and get to back to winning ways.

There is pressure for the cash-strapped 13-time champions to perform against a Chemelil side fighting relegation after experiencing a tough season that has seen them register only four wins.

Leopard will be hoping to see goalkeeper Lucas Indeche display the same stellar performance as he did against K’Ogalo.

However, Chemelil will be motivated by their 1-0 win over Nakuru All Stars in their previous encounter that saw them pick first victory in 14.

The two sides shared the spoils in their first-leg and this could be another close affair bearing in mind the Millers enjoy a better head- to-head record where Leopards have only managed a single win in eight matches.

In other fixtures, Muhoroni Youth will be hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to 11 when they host struggling KCB, Nakuru All Stars will be out to bounce back from Chemelil’s 1-0 loss when they welcome Thika United at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium.

Mathare United will look to redeem themselves after dropping points against Bandari when they travel to Awendo to face Sony Sugar.

FIXTURES

Fri 28-08-15   17:00 Ushuru vs Tusker     Nyayo Stadium

Fri 28-08-15   19:15 City Stars vs Western Stima            Nyayo Stadium

Sat 29-08-15             13:00 AFC Leopards vs Chemelil Sugar City Stadium

Sat 29-08-15             15:00 Bandari vs Gor Mahia          Mombasa County Stadium

Sat 29-08-15             15:00 Muhoroni Youth vs KCB       Muhoroni Stadium

Sat 29-08-15             15:00 Nakuru All Stars vs Thika United    Afraha Stadium

Sun 30-08-15            15:00 SonySugar vs Mathare United        Awendo Green Stadium

Tusker Fc winger, Noah Wafula in action during their SportPesa Premier League match against Ushuru on August 28. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, August 28- From the onset, this turgid SportsPesa Premier League encounter had 0-0 written all over it and after 92 minutes of huffing and puffing, Ushuru and Tusker could not find a route to goal on Friday at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium.

In the final match of the night, Western Stima rallied from behind to beat relegation threatened Nairobi City Stars 2-1 at the same venue.

Gambian forward, Ebrima Sanneh sent the Kawangware based side a head in the seventh minute but school boy errors from City Stars keeper, Victor Odhiambo gifted Western Stima two goals in the second-half.

Wesley Kemboi brought matters level in the 73rd before Baron Oketch sealed the win six minutes latter.

The early kick off was not the best advert for the country’s top-flight football in a televised encounter where the few chances falling to either side were wasted by rash finishing and poor decision making.

Not even the return of league top scorer, Jesse Were, could inspire the brewers out of their recent slumber as they stagger towards the end of a largely underwhelming campaign by their own lofty standards.

Ceding possession to the superior side, Ken Kenyatta’s taxmen were happy to pounce on the counter and were more content with a share of the spoils.

Tusker boss, Francis Kimanzi who stretched his winless run to five, slammed his charges for failing to convert chances.

“We have to bring our confidence back because we had easy chances but we didn’t have the composure.

“They don’t give themselves reward after creating chances and it’s so sad. The opponents worked very hard defensively and were waiting for the counter and desperation saw them rush shots,” the former Harambee Stars coach whose future looks bleak at the high demanding side offered post-match.

“It was a nice game and we won a point which is good. It was a tough match and let’s hope next time, I will go for a win. My offensive player, Barack (Odhiambo) was panicking,” Kenyatta noted in his observation.

The opening half had lots of endeavour but end product where the taxmen threatened to break the deadlock after five minutes of play.

Tusker centre-back, Lloyd Wahome, handled Roosevelt Blaty’s ball in the box but referee, Judith Muhonja ruled it off as an free-kick just outside with television replays showing it was a bad judgement call.

Danson Kago had a chance to put his side ahead at the quarter hour mark when he broke through from the left to beat defender, Rodgers Ochieng but keeper, Samuel Odhiambo was in right position to parry the close range shot to keep Ushuru’s shutdown intact.

Their forward, Moses Arita, had the last presentable opportunity of the half after Nelson Marasowe put him through but the former Thika United striker will blame himself for not finding the target with a tame finish that was easily gobbled up by brewers keeper, Martin Musalia.

Kimanzi, withdrew ineffective Emmanuel Ngama for Kevin Kimani at the restart as Tusker picked the urgency but Were, who was making a come-back after missing the last two matches to attend to failed trials in South Africa, blazed wide.

Both sides did substitutions with Kenyatta introducing Evans Kiwanuka and Allan Katerega for Blaty and David Naftal as Kimanzi pulled out Kago for Ronald Musana to increase speed from the flanks.

Ushuru rendered Tusker flat by not giving them a chance to play the ball as excitement built up towards the end with a flurry of late chances.

Against the run of play, Arita saw his shot stopped by Musalia while at the other end, Odhiambo denied his former side when he punched away a Humphrey Mieno thunderous shot to see both sides share spoils.

FKF president, Sam Nyamweya during Friday’s AGM in Nairobi. PHOTO/JOE MIANO MUCHIRI

NAIROBI, August 28- Football Kenya Federation on Friday re-admitted Kenyan Premier League as the company mandated to run top flight football with a Memorandum of Understanding to that effect due to be signed soon.

The resolution was adopted at today’s Annual General Meeting where it was also put forward the top-flight league will have 18 teams, up from the current 16.

FIFA brokered talks in March that unlocked the stalemate between FKF and KPL had set out the agreement as one of the mandatory requirements after the federation withdrew the rights to run the league from their rivals as they established the parallel FKF-PL.

“We had a lengthy discussion about KPL. We have recognised them but they have to sign a MoU with the federation that at the end of the year, we are only going to have one league that will be called FKF-PL.

“It was agreed the federation will make a decision on relegation and promotion,” FKF president, Sam Nyamweya, told the press after a marathon 10-hour AGM at a Nairobi hotel.

A blanket amnesty was extended to all suspended officials, including his elected vice-president, Sam Shollei, Nairobi NEC member, Dr. Dan Shikanda and his Coast counterpart, Hussein Terry alongside all branch and sub-branch officials.

Nyamweya denied the lifting of the bans was a political manoeuvre as he seeks to serve another term after his October 28, 2011 election during the unified football elections.

“Most of them were remorseful and it’s fair and we have to be human beings. Even Jesus forgave people. There is nobody who is a saint, it’s a democratic change and we want to go to elections as one football family.

“It is not a political strategy, its democracy and in good taste and we don’t want to live with people in limbo when they have shown remorse,” the long-serving football administrator added.

Nyamweya was hard pressed to explain why audited accounts were not read out and ratified by the AGM as is common practise on such occasions.

“FIFA audits their association all over the world. It is normal practise,” he added.

Most of the items on the agenda were passed including election dates, October 29 for sub-branch, November 5 for branch before the national polls including the Electoral Code of Conduct and eligibility of candidates that will be formally published on Saturday.

“Everybody starts on a clean page so that they can campaign for whatever they want. The 47 Counties will be branches so that we can have better administration. Rift Valley will be divided into two zones since it has 14 counties,” the football boss explained announcing a body to supervise the polls that will be conducted by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will be in place.

“There is a taskforce that will ensure the implementation of that code will be done properly. We urge everyone to do their campaigns decently. In future, we shall not allow anyone not involved in football to run for office,” Nyamweya underscored.

Presidential candidate and current FKF-PL chairman, Nick Mwendwa, of Kariobangi Sharks, flanked Nyamweya

“As a candidate, I’m satisfied. This was a hard one and we never had to take a vote on any single item. We showed the spirit of consensus on almost everything.

“There are no horses in this race, only competitors and we invited anybody who is a stakeholder and qualifies the criteria to come and run. I’m confident with the committee in place and the structure has been agreed,” Mwenda declared.

Earlier in the morning, his supporters caused a stir outside the venue when they came with placards chanting his name as the president waited on the inside for proceedings to start.

During the top-flight stand-off, the KPL league was suspended for two weeks following a court injunction obtained by the federation as Nyamweya announced the promotion of 14 division one clubs to take the places of dissenting teams belonging to the rivals.

Lady Justice Roselyn Aburili threw out FKF’s injunction plea on technicality before FIFA seconded mediators came to the country and the two parties resolved to end the crippling stalemates as the two competitions were allowed to run as top and second tier.

Eunice Sum (left) poses with new women 800m champion Marina Arzamasova. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

NAIROBI, August 29- Eunice Sum surrendered her women 800m world title and Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku fell just short of dethroning Britain’s Mo Farah as the men 5000m champion as Kenya added two medals on the penultimate day of the IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

Mwangangi, the World Indoor, Commonwealth and African champion took silver behind the first man in history to complete the double distance double in the 12 and a half-lap race at the biennial showpiece as Sum’s defence ended in the bronze position on Saturday.

After the trio of Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor, Paul Tanui and Bedan Karoki took the fight to Farah in the men 10000m final before eventually trailing him across the line in that order exactly seven days ago at the Bird’s Nest, the British superstar had another monumental battle in his hands as he sought to bag a third straight 5000m gold.

Having uncorked a 56 second last lap in the longer distance, Farah unleashed another jaw-dropping 52 second final 400m that even Mwangangi, who brought the hammer down with two laps to go and the rest of the deep standard field could not live up to.

The Briton, was in control of the race throughout, producing a devastating final 80 metres to romp home in 13:50.38.

“Tonight I had to dig deep as you could see it came down to the last 100m. I kind of felt a bit tired, going through the rounds and come back again.

“It is difficult as everybody as everybody has got great speed and there a lot of guys who are capable of winning. They went for it, the most important thing is to win the race and I did that,” the champion told reporters.

Ndiku, in 13: 51.75, held on for silver after making a valiant break with 800m to run. Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet took bronze in 13:51.86.

“This silver at my first world championships among seniors is very exceptional for the reason that I did not feel myself as fast as I was last year. It was a very stressful race because you know the final is always a very tactical fight.

“You have to watch all your opponents, throw long strikes and check what is happening all the time. I knew Farah is like the 100m runner in the finish, so my plan was to kill him was to push him a bit earlier.

“But maybe it was already too late. But I felt good in these hot conditions and I’m a bit surprised by the medal,” Mwangangi summed his evening’s work as he saw the silver lining in his performance.

The other Kenyans in the race, bronze winners from the 2008 Olympics and 2013 Worlds, Edwin Soi and Isaiah Kiplangat Koech were never in contention with the former coming home tenth (13:59.02) with his teammate only two places above in 13:55.98.

Without the help of his compatriots the favourite Kenyan Mwangangi, Farah and world leader, Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha who was fourth here in 13:52.43 hung at the back of the field in the early exchanges.

On another hot night with temperatures hitting 27 degrees with 51 percent humidity, the medal race started at the 3000m when Ethiopia’s 2011 World Cross champion, Imane Merga who would later fade to 13th, accelerated forward to lead them through that mark in 8:47.28 after a pedestrian start.

Then Mwangangi made the next decisive move, charging to the lead with just over two laps to go and holding off Farah and went on motoring around the track with the Briton in hot pursuit.

With 80m to go, the double Olympics champion started kicking and went past Mwangangi on the outside before finishing his last challenger off for glory.

Farah’s victory was an unprecedented seventh successive win in the 5,000 or 10,000m at a world championships or Olympics for the Somali-born 32-year-old, stretching back to 2011.

His double matched that of Usain Bolt, with whom Farah came through youth and junior ranks, the Jamaican having successfully defended the sprint double in an equally astonishing display of track dominance.

And for Farah, his victory was also the perfect riposte following doping allegations surrounding coach Alberto Salazar that had mired the build-up to the world championships.

-Sum surrenders-

Caleb Mwangangi (left) poses with winner Mo Farah and bronze winner, Hagos Gebrhiwet after the men 5000m final. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

Defending champion Sum ended up having to settle for the bronze medal on this occasion after a tense and enthralling three-way battle down to home straight as  Marina Arzamasova returned the world 800m title to Europe.

“Even after the semi final, I did not feel very well, I do not know exactly what was. It (body) was not responding well, I did not manage to recover. It was a tactical race but the last 200m was very tough and the ladies were also pretty fast.

“I just tried to catch up. What I learned from this championships is that it does not matter whether you come in with the fastest time, you come as an ordinary athlete and have to go through all those rounds.

“It is really different than Diamond League meetings. But it was a good lesson, I thank God I was in the final and this bronze will move me forward to the Olympics season,” Sum told the media after her reign came to a end.

Sum came to Beijing after a six-race unbeaten streak this season, but she was beaten in her semi-final race, showing signs of vulnerability, when Canada’s Pan American Games champion Melissa Bishop and the 2014 European champion from Belarus out-sprinted her on the homestretch.

However, in the final, the Kenyan chose to follow a similar race pattern, leading from the gun, and perhaps it proved her undoing.

The only thing she did differently was starting a little more conservatively, at 59.1sec over the first 400m versus 57.4 two days ago as she, probably, tried to conserve more energy for her finishing kick this time.

However, at this pace, her rivals had no problem staying with Sum.

Morocco’s Rababe Arafi was a few metres behind the pack for the half of the first lap, but quickly moved back up, joining the rest of the finalists in contention for the medals.

In the meantime, Sum stayed in the lead.

The Kenyan slightly picked up the pace after the bell, but Arzamasova, Bishop and France’s Renelle Lamote stayed on her shoulder, almost exactly like in her troublesome semi-final heat.

The key events in the race unfolded on the last bend, as the Belorussian powerfully moved forward and overtook the lead.

Most importantly, after making her move on the outside of Sum, Arzamasova managed to cross to the inside, quickly and safely, without risking on getting herself into a collision.

Sum had no space in front of her to quickly respond to Arzamasova’s move. The Kenyan tried to go wide, but this only opened the inside to Melissa Bishop, who had plenty of energy for the finishing spurt.

In her desperate dash to the finish line, Sum couldn’t match her rivals’ pace and finished third in 1:58.18.

The resemblance to the semi-final race, however, wasn’t complete, as tonight Arzamasova was in charge, clocking 1:58.03 for the win, while Melissa Bishop finished second in 1:58.12 after clocking the fastest second lap in the race at 58.73.

The Belorussian added the world title to her European title and the world indoor championships bronze medal from 2014, while for Bishop this silver is her first success on a global stage.

Both Arzamasova and Bishop won the first ever world championships medals in the 800m for their respective countries.

-Material from IAAF and AFP used in this report

Jaspreet Singh Chatthe drives his Mitsubish EVO X through a water hole during the KCB Safari Rally. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, August 29- Safari Rally winner, Jaspreet Singh Chatthe was crowned the 2015 FIA African Rally Champion after racing his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to victory at the Pearl of Africa Rally in Kampala on Saturday.

The Kisumu-based driver who is homing in on his maiden Kenya National Rally Championships title with two rounds left had his first continental crown all but assured when 2013 champion, Jassy Singh of Zambia, rolled his Subaru Impreza on CS7.

The ‘Team Kibos’ driver becomes only the second Kenyan to clinch the coveted crown, 31 years after David Horsey won the 1984 championship with a Peugeot.

Five-time Safari Rally winner, the late Shekhar Mehta, also won the continental title in the early 1980s while navigator Surinder Thatthi bagged the honourst with legendary Jaswant Singh of Zambia.

Chatthe will be crowned the domestic title winner next weekend with a top eight finish in the KCB Nakuru Rally.

The ARC Championship ends in November with the Madagascar International Rally.

Gor Mahia fans in full song at last week’s aborted Mashemeji Derby. Their team won 2-1 at Bandari on August 29, 2015 to inch closer to a third successive title. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, August 29 – Gor Mahia inched ever closer to their third successive SportPesa Premier League crown when Ugandan Godfrey Walusimbi buried a brace to sink home team Bandari 2-1 in a pulsating match played at the Mombasa County Stadium on Saturday.

The win leaves unbeaten K’Ogalo requiring six points from their remaining six games to emulate the class of 1985 who were the first lot to defend the national title thrice in a row.

Walusimbi set the tone in the 24th minute with a long range shot but Anthony Kimani levelled in the second-half from the spot before the hero of the day completed his double in the 79th as the most decorated club in the country’s history opened a yawning 18-point lead at the summit on 62.

“The game was very tough and I must congratulate the boys for keeping their cool. I must commend them for being patient because many times, things went against us like the penalty they got it was a foul on us but the end result justified the means. We have won and that what matters.

“We want to seal the title because we have two more games and next will be Ullinzi Stars. If we beat them and win the other, think it will be over,” Gor, assistant coach John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla said after the match.

Bandari head coach, Twahir Muhiddin, blasted his keeper, Wilson Obungu, for leaking the two goals adding it was high time the former Harambee Stars shot-stopper considered hanging his gloves.

“We had an equal chance to win the game and from the two opportunities we created. We could have finished it off but with these two goals, we have to go back to the drawing board because it was school boy mistakes.

“Obungu has been down in the last five matches and I think it’s time for him to pave way for others. I think he is tired and it’s time for others to take over for the remaining matches.

“We still have five matches to go and our target is to win three and finish in the top five,” disappointed Muhiddin charged.

With their talisman, Michael Olunga away in South Africa for trials at Soccer Premier League side Bidvest Wits, K’Ogalo head coach, Frank Nuttall started with Enock Agwanda who came close twice in the first-half.

The opening 20 minutes were fairly even until Walusimbi separated the two sides when he found the back of the net four minutes later from a long range shot that bounced past Bandari keeper, Obungu who was returning from a five yellow card suspension.

-Celebrations sparked-

Gor Mahia’s Abouba Sibomana (left) and Godfrey Walusimbi sandwich a KCB opponent in a previous SPL clash, Walusimbi’s double gave K’OGalo a 2-1 victory in Mombasa. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

The goal sparked celebrations from the Green Army who travelled to the coastal city in their droves to rally their team that has been in brilliant form this season, going 24 matches unbeaten.

The Dockers had Victor Ndinya, former Gor winger Shaban Kenga and George Abege spearheading their raids but all their attempts ended in vain before Obungu stopped Agwanda’s ferocious shot at the half-hour mark.

Abege nearly equalised in the 39th after he was set up by Kenga inside the box but the former Nairobi City Stars forward could not keep his shot down with only Gor custodian, Boniface Oluoch to beat.

The hosts returned a more determined side and could have restored parity three minutes into the second-half through Ndinya but Oluoch did well to come off his line to clear the danger with his right foot.

Hard working Bandari finally found the equaliser in the 62nd when centre back Harun Shakava handled the ball in the box to gift the dockers a penalty that was calmly converted by Kimani who sent Oluoch on the wrong way for his fourth of the season.

Muhiddin pulled out David King’atua for Duncan Otewa but even before the midfielder could settle, Walusimbi doubled the lead after taping home Agwanda’s cut back to send the stadium into frenzy.

Towards the final whistle, Abuoba Sibomana could have scored his debut K’Ogalo goal but the Rwandese blazed over an empty net after Obungu spilled Meddie Kagere’s shot in a shaky display between the posts.

In other results, Muhoroni Youth were 1-0 winners over KCB while basement side Nakuru All Stars lost 2-1 to visiting Thika United.

Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba wins the final of the women’s marathon athletics event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships at the “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium in Beijing on August 30, 2015. PHOTO/AFP

BEIJING, August 30- Ethiopian Mare Dibaba lived up to her billing as the world’s fastest marathon runner by winning the gruelling event at the world championships in a sprint finish on Sunday.

Dibaba timed 2hr 27min 35sec to edge Kenya’s Helah Kiprop by just one second after a sprint in the final 50 metres of the race held in overcast, relatively cool conditions.

Kenyan-born Bahraini Eunice Kirwa claimed bronze in 2:27.39, while defending champion Edna Kiplagat could only finish fifth (2:28.18) behind Kenyan teammate Jemima Sumgong (2:27.42).

“I was confident because my last lap is fast,” said Dibaba.

Dibaba set a rip-roaring pace over the last five kilometres, too fast for Kiplagat who dropped off. Sumgong then also found the pace too much, meaning the three podium finishers bolted into the Bird’s Nest stadium alone and with all to race for down the 100m of track usually reserved for the likes of speed king Usain Bolt.

Kiprop tried to move on Dibaba on the outside, but the Ethiopian kicked home with a spent Kirwa settling for third.

“It all came down to a sprint in the stadium!” said Dibaba.

“Since I arrived in Beijing the weather was very hot and I was scared about that for the marathon But this morning the weather changed. It is very similar to our country and easy for us to our own race.

“From now on I will concentrate on the Rio Olympics in my training.”

Kiprop added: “Everybody was strong and it was very close. I was excited when I entered the stadium because I didn’t expect this result.”

The 25-year-old Dibaba, racing her 12th marathon, briefly transferred to Azerbaijan in 2009 under the name Mare Ibrahimova.

But she did so with a false birth date that was noted by IAAF in time to prevent her competing for her new country at the European junior championships, though she did go on to contest the Euro team championships for the Azeri team.

Dibaba then reverted to her Ethiopian citizenship, and this year finished first in the Xiamen marathon in a personal best-equalling 2:19.52 and came in second in Boston.

Asbel Kiprop crosses the line to win the men 1500m gold medal at the Beijing’s Bird’s Nest on Sunday, August 30, 2015. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

BEIJING, August 30- Asbel Kiprop reaffirmed his status as the greatest middle-distance runner of the current generation by clinching an exhilarating come-from-behind victory to secure a hat-trick of world 1500m titles on Sunday night.

The Kenyan, competing in a record-equalling fifth final, entered the home straight in third but outsprinted his rivals to earn the gold medal in 3:34.40.

His fast-finishing team-mate Elijah Manangoi unleashed a dramatic late burst in the final 20 metres to sweep him from fifth to a surprise silver in 3:34.63 while Abdaalti Iguider, of Morocco, courtesy of a desperate lunge for the line earned the bronze 0.04 behind.

The two medals pushed Kenya’s final tally to seven gold, six silver and three bronze as the country won the overall championships ahead of Jamaica (seven gold, two silver and three bronze) and USA (six gold, six silver and six bronze).

Yet, this was once again Kiprop’s hour.

The tall, slender Kenyan joined 1500m icons Noureddine Morceli and Hicham El Guerrouj as a hat-trick-time winner of this title (note, El Guerrouj won four straight titles) to add to the Olympic crown he won in this same Bird’s Nest Stadium seven years ago.

The men’s 1500m final is typically one of the blue riband events of any championship programme but due to the outstanding efforts of the Chinese athletes in the field, somewhat unusually, this almost felt like a sideshow.

Manangoi and Aman Wote, the Ethiopian record holder, took on the early place while Kiprop dropped in at the back of the field, happy to preserve his energy.

Wote hit 400m in 59.20 before two of the quartet of Kenyans in the final, Manangoi and Timothy Cheruiyot, took on the pace, the latter reaching 800m in 1:58.69; by which point Kiprop had crept steadily up to eighth.

On the penultimate lap, Manangoi remained out front while the USA’s two-time world championships medallist Matt Centrowitz moved with purpose into second place with Algeria’s London 2012 Olympic Games champion Taoufik Makhloufi and Iguider stalking the pair as the bell was reached in 2:42.17.

Behind them, Kiprop had lost his position and slipped back to tenth, 0.70 down on the leaders and with much work to do.

Early down the back straight, it was Makhloufi who made his bid for home, accelerating to the front as gaps quickly opened within the field.

Kiprop, meanwhile, was starting to slowly wind up the pace and cruised past at least half a dozen athletes in lane two of the back straight as he moved ominously into contention with trademark ease.

Entering the home straight, it was Makhloufi from Iguider with Kiprop still five metres off the lead in third, with his countryman Silas Kiplagat on his inside in close attendance.

Slowly Kiprop’s long-stride started to eat up the ground on those ahead of him with 40 metres to go.

He finally hit the front and would not be denied. Such was his elation he allowed himself a little smile around 10 metres from the finish. He was to be crowned the champion once more.

Behind, in an almighty scrap for the minor medals, as Makhloufi started to fade, Iguider swept into second with Kiplagat coming up strongly. Then almost from nowhere the young, inexperienced and unheralded Manangoi produced a blistering late burst to snatch silver.

Iguider dived for the line and took a hard fall on landing but had done enough to secured bronze to add to his 2012 Olympic medal of the same colour. Makhloufi despite his brave run for gold, misjudged his effort and had to settle for fourth. Kiplagat was fifth in 3:34.81 as just 0.18 separated second to fifth.

There was disappointment behind as New Zealander Nick Willis – a silver medallist at the Bird’s Nest stadium at the 2008 Olympic Games – was simply outpaced on the last lap and had to settle for sixth place in 3:35.46 while Centrowitz wilted from early on the final lap and faded to eighth in 3:36.13 having been well placed with 300 metres remaining.

At the age of just 26, Kiprop surely has time on his hands to add to his increasingly impressive legacy, and he has already had a couple of decent tilts at Hicham El Guerrouj’s world record of 3:26.00

“I am so proud of myself to be a member of the exclusive club of the three-time world champions, but I would love to defend the title a fourth time in London 2017,” said the Kenyan.

RESULTS

1. Asbel Kiprop (KEN) 3min 34.40sec

2. Elijah Motonei Manangoi (KEN) 3:34.63

3. Abdalaati Iguider (MAR) 3:34.67

4. Taoufik Makhloufi (ALG) 3:34.76

5. Silas Kiplagat (KEN) 3:34.81

6. Nicholas Willis (NZL) 3:35.46

7. Timothy Cheruiyot (KEN) 3:36.05

8. Matthew Centrowitz (USA) 3:36.13

9. Charlie Grice (GBR) 3:36.21

10. Leonel Manzano (USA) 3:37.26

11. Robby Andrews (USA) 3:38.29

. Aman Wote (ETH) DNF

Malkia Strikers setter, Janet Wanja in action in their match against USA on August 30. PHOTO/Courtesy

JAPAN, August 30 – Kenya failed to get better in the second round of the FIVB Women’s World Cup after succumbing to a 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-13) rout to Champions USA on Sunday.

The Malkia Strikers have been unable to collect a win in six tries in the 12-team round robin tournament to remain rooted at the bottom of the log alongside fellow Africans Algeria who are also winless.

Head coach, David Lung’aho said his charges showed some improvement in the match where attacker, Mercy Moim was beaten to the top scorers chart by American, Nicole Fawcett who collected 16 against eight.

“I think today’s match was good because my team played a very strong team. We have a lot of respect for USA and I have a lot of respect for the coach who I can admit is somebody I really wanted to see.

“When I was young, I really enjoyed the way he was playing. He’s my idol and I’m happy to be sitting next to him. As a team, we did our best, though our best was not good enough, but it’s something we can learn from,” Lung’aho declared.

He added, “For us, the positives we take from this match are more important than the result. We will continue fighting. We know we are a developing team and we’re not going to lose hope.”

Skipper Bracksides Agala said, “I want to congratulate USA on winning 3-0. For my team, we didn’t display a very good game, especially blocking and back defence, but sometimes we played really good.

“We’ll keep on fighting and will not lose hope. I know a win is near. Tomorrow (against China), our goal is to play well and improve our playing skills. We know China is strong, but we won’t give up. This is volleyball; the better you play, you will win, so tomorrow we will put in a big effort.”

The American head coach, USA coach Karch Kiraly congratulated Kenya for their fighting spirit.

“We don’t often get to play Kenya in World Cups and rarely in between. I want to congratulate them. I really love the spirit that they play the game with. They play a game where they obviously enjoy what they’re doing and they have a great fighting spirit.”

The American overwhelmed the African Champions in attack with 45 spikes over Kenya’s 24 and also outblocked them 9-2 to win their four matches in a row following an upset full set loss to Serbia.

Kenya face China in their seventh fixture on Monday hoping to win their maiden match in the global showpiece where the top two teams will qualify for the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

President Uhuru Kenyatta shares a light moment with elite athlete Ezekiel Kemboi as First Lady Margaret Kenyatta congratulates the African record holder of the Javelin throw Mr. Julius Yego after completion of the qualifiers for The 15th World Championships in Athletics at The Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani. PHOTO/PSPU

NAIROBI, August 30- Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday congratulated the country’s athletes for their sterling performances at the world athletics championship in Beijing where Kenya won the global title for the first time.

Kenya topped the medal standings with a total of 16 medals, including seven golds, and beating athletics’ heavyweights, Jamaica and the United States into second and third positions respectively.

“Our young people have once again shown that they are as good as the world’s best and the brightest,” said Kenyatta in a press statement.

He urged for the strengthening of the national youth development to empower as many Kenyan communities in order to make Kenya to be more competitive in future international competitions.

Kenya, which has been dominant in the middle and long distance events, achieved rare wins in the men’s 400m hurdles and the javelin in Beijing for the first time.

Victor Wanyama (left) and Morgan Schneiderlin pose outside Southampton’s end of season award in May. PHOTO/File

LONDON, August 31- Ronald Koeman has advised Victor Wanyama to heed advice from former team-mate Morgan Schneiderlin and stop trying to force a move away from Southampton.

The south coast club barely noticed his absence as they comprehensively beat Norwich for their first Premier League win of the season they so desperately needed.

Wanyama has handed in a transfer request, hoping to ensure a move to Tottenham before the transfer window closes, and told Koeman in a meeting on Friday he was not in the right frame of mind to play for the club.

It is believed Tottenham have made a bid of £18million plus Erik Lamela for the midfielder.

Despite Koeman on Sunday dismissing Wanyama’s attempts to leave, talks took place on Saturday with Spurs hopeful a deal worth £18m with the addition of Erik Lamela on loan could get the move over the line.

Juventus are interested in Argentine Lamela, but they appear willing to wait until the summer meaning his services could be farmed out.

With Saints short of players, Koeman is not willing to part with talent just yet and has pointed out the situation last summer with Schneiderlin, who kicked up an almighty fuss when Tottenham wanted to sign him.

He ended up staying, playing tremendously and earning a move to Manchester United a year later.

Koeman said: “It was important to play with players who are really committed to the team and really focused. The situation of Victor is he has lost some focus to the club and that was the reason I took finally to keep him out of the squad.

“It’s the same question as what it was for Sadio Mane or for every player in this team. Nobody is for sale. That’s an easy answer and the players have to accept that. Maybe it’s good for Victor to talk to Morgan. Because Morgan I think is more happy now than he was last year.”

The contrast in attitudes to Mane and Wanyama upon being told they are to stay were laid bare in the match against Norwich.

Wanyama sat out, while Manchester United target Mane set up all three goals.

They were helped no end by Steven Whittaker’s dismissal after half-an-hour for two needless yellow cards in a short space time.

He stopped Matt Targett taking a quick throw-in first of all, then brought down Tadic as he ran on to a ball over the top which he was never going to reach.

“He’s tried to tug him back, which was a silly decision,’ manager Alex Neil said. “I didn’t feel he needed to, the ball was running through to John Ruddy. Sometimes they get let go.

“I was a bit disappointed with the first one. The lad’s tried to take it quickly, Steven’s trying to recover his position and stop him taking a quick throw. In some games no-one bothers with them. Up until then we hadn’t played well anyway.”

Sighs were building around St Mary’s as the home side failed to put the finishing touches to their increasingly frequent chances, until Pelle finally broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time.

Mane passed inside from the right and the striker held off Russell Martin and swept the ball in at the near post.

Tadic, who has been suffering from a fatigue problem, was back in the starting line-up and made a huge difference to Southampton’s incisiveness.

“He made the difference in the team, with Sadio,’ Koeman added. ‘We need those kinds of players to break the game open. He is creative, good crosses, good football. A clever boy. I’m happy about his performance.”

Dusan Tadic scored a brace and was a standout performer for Saints, along with Mane, on Sunday

“It was not only Tadic on the left side, but Sadio on the right. We have some good attacking football. With Sadio, if he takes up good positions at the right time and moment he can play and run. He’s a very good player.”

Norwich goalkeeper Ruddy pulled off two saves from powerful efforts by Mane and Jay Rodriguez, on at half-time, but he was eventually beaten on 64 minutes for the second.

Mane found Tadic with a low ball from the right, straight through Norwich’s defence, and the Serbian converted at the back post.

His second came three minutes later. Mane — there again — crossed, Ruddy somehow tipped Pelle’s powered header to the side, but Tadic tapped in from two yards out.

All the talk ahead of kick off had been Wanyama’s omission. Instead, Mane was given a standing ovation as he left the field with 10 minutes to play and the Kenyan midfielder had already been forgotten about.

-By Sam Cunningham for Daily Mail online

AK president, Isaiah Kiplagat while addressing the press conference on August 31 at Riadha House. PHOTO/ Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, AUGUST 31 – The fate of long-serving Athletics Kenya (AK) president, Isaiah Kiplagat, is in the hands of the federation’s National Executive Committee who are set to meet after the September Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

At the same, Kiplagat who resumed duty on Monday after a three-month sabbatical leave, announced his vice-president in charge of Competitions and Administration, David Okeyo, has been appointed to serve in the IAAF Governing Council as the Area representative for Africa.

Addressing the press for the first time since losing the race for the IAAF vice-presidency, Kiplagat strongly hinted he would end his 40 years’ service in athletics since joining AK as vice-president in 1975.

“I know I said I’m taking leave up to August 31 but when somebody takes leave what happens when it ends? But I’m not going to force myself in AK, I have done my part.

“Kenya is on top of the world after finishing first in Beijing and sometimes it’s good to go a happy man so that at least you can be proud that you are part of the performance,” the veteran administrator who has ruled AK for 23 years declared.

“What remains for now is for the Executive Committee to finalise all arrangements but because we are preparing for the Africa Games, we will wait until after they end.

“I will tell them my position and whatever decision they make, I will accept, if they decide to confirm those who have been working in my absence, well and good; but for now leave is over,” the stern AK boss added.

Kiplagat stepped down as AK president to focus on his campaigns for the IAAF top seat and the NEC approved Lt.Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei in an acting capacity, pending ratification by the national congress.

But despite losing the seat to Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) president, Malboum Kalkaba, the former Posta Bank Managing Director said he will leave with his head high, having managed to bring three international events, the Mombasa 2007 World Cross Country, 2010 Nairobi African Championships and forthcoming 2017 World Youth Games to Nairobi.

“The World Youth has its own problems; we don’t have a secretariat, equipment, warm up track because Nyayo Stadium must be rehabilitated so the ministry of Sports must take the lead.

“During my tenure, I gave the Executive Committee proposals that can make AK self reliant, my dream was to build a five star hotel in Kasarani Stadium where we have 23 hectares and have our own TV and Radio station since we already have licenses.”

-Top of the world-

Kiplagat hailed the team to the just concluded Beijing World Championships where the class of 2015 topped the medal standings ahead of athletics power houses, Jamaica and USA on 16, seven gold, six silver and three bronze.

“It was an excellent performance and the best ever. It will of cause make me a happier man as I prepare to exit AK that Kenya is on top of the world. The splendid performance is because of the structures we have put in place including weekend meetings.

“We have decided to concentrate on field events and I must thank the Finish federation for accepting Yego (Julius) as one of their own in training and it was incredible that he was able to beat Finnish athletes who have been training together under the same coach,” he underscored.

-Okeyo Council-

AK vice-president, David Okeyo at a past event. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

Okeyo, who failed to retain the IAAF Cross Country Commission presidency but managed to stay on as a member, will replace Kiplagat in the Governing Council to become the fourth African on the board which has Kalkaba, who served as Area Representative as the CAA president, council members Moroccan Nawal El Moutawakel and Frankie Fredericks of Namibia.

“We discussed with outgoing IAAF president, Lamine Diack and Kalkaba to see how Kenya can be accommodated in the Council. The constitution of CAA says if the president gets the highest position, then the senior vice-president takes over representation of Africa.

“We settled on Okeyo because the next senior vice-president comes from Mauritius which is in the southern region and they already have Namibia’s Fredericks. We must congratulate him for having been nominated to that position so that Kenya is not absent in the Council,” Kiplagat explained.

Okeyo’s nomination will see him serve for the next four years.

The IAAF council consists of 27 elected members, including one President, four Vice Presidents, one Treasurer and one representative from the six area groups.

David Ouma who also Sofapaka assistant coach, while training Harambee Starlets in a past match. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, August 31 – National women’s football team head coach, David Ouma has been drafted to Harambee Stars’ technical bench that reported camp on Monday ahead of this weekend’s 2017 AFCON qualifier against Zambia at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

Ouma joins retired former captain, Musa Otieno, as assistant coaches to Scotsman Bobby Williamson while Willis Waliaula has been appointed Team Manager to replace former midfield lynchpin, Simeone Mulama who resigned in April.

Ouma, the SportPesa Premier League side, Sofapaka assistant coach, guided Harambee Starlets to the third round of the 2016 Olympics qualifiers where they were bundled out by South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.

Malaysia based defender, Lawrence Olum, Al Tawoon’s David Ochieng and Azam FC new signing, Allan Wanga are the only foreign based players that joined the 15 who play domestically in camp with record scorer, Dennis Oliech, set to link up with the team that will be training at Nyayo.

Williamson hopes to have a full house by Tuesday with Stars seeking to collect maximum points against the 2012 champions on Sunday after they started their campaign with a tepid barren home draw by minnows Guinea Bissau in their opener,.

“We are going to train intensively from tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday) but we may have some light work-out in the morning.

“It is a difficult match but we are counting on the home support to drive us through the extra mile and supply us with that additional incentive,” Williamson, who led his charges to a 1-1 stalemate away to Congo Brazzaville in their opener, underscored.

Skipper, Victor Wanyama who plies his trade at EPL side Southampton is expected to arrive in the course of the week after missing his club’s two matches, leading to further speculation over his future at St Mary’s.

Wanyama has handed in a transfer request, hoping to secure a move to Tottenham Hotspur before the transfer window closes, and told his manager Ronald Koeman in a meeting on Friday he was not in the right frame of mind to play for the club.

Kenya who took early charge of Group E are running to return to the AFCON finals for the first time since 2004.

The Zambia are expected to jet in on Friday at 10.00am local time (+3GMT) and will have two training sessions, at the match venue.

Sudanese referees Mutaz Khairalla (centre), Haitham Ahmed and Mohmood Ismael as his assistants will officiate the encounter.

Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim was appointed the fourth official while Ethiopian Asfaw Bergashaw will sit on the match commissioner’s seat.

-Players in camp-

Keepers: Boniface Oluoch (Gor Mahia), Wycliffe Kasaya (Nakumatt), Ian Otieno (Posta Rangers). Defenders:Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia), Edwin Wafula (AFC Leopards), Dennis Odhiambo (Thika United), Lawrence Olum – Malaysia, hg.v (Al Tawoon – Saudi Arabia). Midfielders: Collins Okoth (Gor Mahia), Bernard Mang’oli (AFC Leopards), Sammy Meja (Thika United), Humphrey Mieno (Tusker), Noah Wafula (Tusker), Johanna Otieno (Mathare United), Danson Kago (Thika United (Tusker), Strikers: Jesse Were (Tusker), Michael Olunga (Gor Mahia), Allan Wanga (Azam FC – Tanzania),

Training schedule:

Tuesday – 2.30pm at Nyayo National Stadium (Open to media)

Wednesday – 10.00am at Nyayo National Stadium

Wednesday – 2.30pm at Nyayo National Stadium

Thursday – 2.30pm at Nyayo National Stadium

Friday – 10.00am at Nyayo National Stadium (Open to media)

Friday – 2.30pm at Nyayo National Stadium