Zambia’s President, Edgar Lungu (left) with President Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, September 3- Zambian President Edgar Lungu, challenged the national football team and 2012 continental champions, Chipolopolo, to beat Kenya at Sunday’s AFCON qualifier and make the country proud.

According to Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Lungu who is due to visit Kenya next week said victory in the second Group E clash “Will make the country happy.”

He added the team should shame critics by winning the game just like he did when he won the presidential election saying “he wants to be greeted with good news when he arrives in that country.”

“The team should die a little for the country saying football fans will travel to cheer them at a great cost,” ZNBC reported.

The Head of State also urged the Football Association of Zambia to work with the country’s Ministry of Sport to ensure a new Bus is bought for the national football team as he was presented with a Chipolopolo replica jersey and a ball.

After the shock of drawing their opening clash with minnows Guinea Bissau at home, Chipolopolo went to camp with head coach, George Lwandamina announcing a 23-man provisional squad for the qualifier against Kenya and international friendly match against Gabon two days later.

Lwandamina, who coaches local giants Zesco United, has not enlisted even a single foreign based player in his team that arrives Friday before conducting their first training session at the Nyayo National Stadium venue later in the day.

Stars of the victorious 2012 AFCON side such as France based defender, Stoppila Sunzu, Southampton FC striker, Emmanuel Mayuka and 2013 South African top flight champions, Mamelodi Sundowns stopper, Kennedy Mweene will not feature in the side.

Zambia are trying to wean the nation from the class of 2012 and Lwandamina sent his players to camp for the last two months to prepare for the Group E clash where all team dead level on a point apiece with Chipolopolo last after their goalless home draw was bettered by Kenya’s 1-1 away stalemate at Congo Brazzaville.

ZAMBIA’S SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Danny Munyao (Red Arrows), Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco)

Defenders: Buchizya Mfune (Green Buffaloes), Christopher Munthali (Power Dynamos), Boyd Mkandawire (Napsa Stars), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Kapota Kayawe (Nkana), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors)

Midfielders: Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Walter Bwalya (Nkana), Jacob Ngulube (Mufulira Wanderers), Paul Katema (Red Arrows), Kelvin Mubanga (Power Dynamos), Shadreck Malambo (Red Arrows), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows)

Strikers: Patson Daka (Power Dynamos), Winston Kalengo (Zesco United), Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes), Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Jimmy Ndhlovu (Nkana)

-Material from ZNBC and SuperSport.com used to compile this report

Asbel Kiprop on his way to victory at the Zurich DL final on Thursday, September 3, 2015. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

ZURICH, September 4- World champion, Asbel Kiprop, Eunice Sum and Jairus Birech left the Weltklasse Zurich IAAF Diamond League final as Diamond Race winners while men 800m record holder and Beijing gold medallist, David Rudisha, saw a familiar foe resurface on Thursday night.

On a night where 20 world champions from Beijing put their reputations on the line and 16 Diamond Races were decided, Kenya who topped the standings at the 15th edition of the biennial track and field showpiece saw the three winners take home $40,000 (Sh4.16m) series payout and a sparkling Diamond Trophy.

-Kiprop unstoppable-

Three-time men 1500m champion, Kiprop once again led fast rising Beijing silver medallist to the Kenyan 1-2 with victory giving him the eight points on offer to see the 2008 Olympics champion from third in the standings to bag his second career Diamond Race title.

After a rather modest first kilometre, Norway’s Henrik Ingebrigtsen darted to the front just before the bell and made an audacious long-range bid for home.

It briefly looked as though he was going to pull off the trick as the chasing pack was slow to react. At the bell, Kiprop was back in 10th place, with Ingebrigtsen 20 metres clear.

However, with just over 200 metres to go, like hyenas chasing down a gazelle, the pack started to hunt down the tiring Norwegian and devoured him coming off the last bend.

Kiprop, fourth with 100 metres to go, then went through the gears down the home straight and passed three men before hitting the front with 40 metres to go, winning in 3:35.79 and taking the Diamond Race into the bargain.

“After Beijing, which was the biggest goal of the season, I knew I had to win here in Zurich to win the Diamond Race. Now I just want to set myself well and prepare for my main priority, the Olympic gold medal,” the tall slender athlete who is evolving to be a modern day legend, assert.

Following him home Manangoi was second in 3:36.01 with Robert Biwott who missed out on the Beijing party completing the Kenyan podium shut out in 3:36.04.

-Awe-Sum return-

Eunice Sum wins her women 800m final in Zurich. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

After a disappointing World Championships, where she failed to retain her title and instead had to settle for bronze, Kenya’s Eunice Sum bounced back by taking the 800m in 1:59.14 after nailing her tactics right.

“This race really means a lot to me, after Beijing. I didn’t feel well there but I still made the final. I look forward to the Olympics but it will not be easy,” the Moscow 2013, Commonwealth, African and Continental titleholder expressed her relief after regaining her mettle.

Germany’s Fabienne Kohlmann led into the last bend but Great Britain’s Lynsey Sharp got to the front off the last bend. However, neither runner could resist the finishing surge of Sum, who passed both of them with 60 metres to go, her win also confirming her Diamond Race victory as she held on to her title.

Sharp was second in 1:59.37 and Kohlmann third in 1:59.68.

Belarus’s world champion Marina Arzamasova, who won the European title last year on the same track, finished a disappointing fifth in 2:00.69 and always looked a little leaden once the pace started to increase over the final 200 metres.

– Birech hat-trick-

Despite losing on the night to veteran circuit running master and Athens 2004 Olympics bronze medallist, Paul Kipsiele Koech in the men 3000m steeple final, second place was enough to earn Birech his third successive Diamond Race victory in a row.

Kipsiele, having fresher legs due to staying at home while a quartet of his Kenyan compatriots occupied the first four positions in Beijing, sprung a slight surprise by winning the 3000m steeplechase.

He pulled away from his team-mate Birech with just over a lap to go and opened up a gap of 40 metres by the finish, crossing the line in 8:10.24.

Birech, who finished fourth in Beijing after being the most consistent steeplechaser on the international circuit since the start of 2014, finished second in 8:15.64 and had the consolation of taking the Diamond Race.

“I came here to secure the Diamond Race victory. I am so pleased to retain the Diamond Race trophy. I did not medal in Beijing, so I wanted at least to achieve this – and I am happy I did.

“The time is ok; I would have preferred an even faster race. I was not too ambitious, it was ok for me to come second or third, that would still assure the Diamond Race victory,” the delighted winner said after holding on to his crown.

“This season I was late with the training and it was hard for me to catch up with the other guys. Kenyan trials didn’t go well because I don’t feel good racing at high altitudes. I look forward to next year and the Olympic Games,” Kipsiele who last competed at the Worlds in 2009 when he finished fourth added.

After being pushed down the order to fifth by the Kenyan force in China, American Evan Jager ran 8:13.39 to prevent the sweep with Beijing medallists, four-time world champion Ezekiel Kemboi (14th), Conseslus Kipruto (6th) and Brimin Kipruto (7th) were never a factor here.

-Rudisha woes-

Olympics and world champion, David Rudisha (left) in Zurich’s IAAF men 800m race. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

After reclaiming the world title with controlled racing through the rounds and the final, Olympics champion, David Rudisha, overcooked the first lap and faded in the closing stages to allow Polish European champion, Adam Kszczot to fire past for victory in 1:45.55 seconds.

Once again, an all too familiar foe stopped the two-time World and African titleholder on his tracks- wet weather.

“This was a fast race after the World Championships. I could not really move well, I think it is because of the rain. I do not like running in the rain. I did not come fourth on purpose. I did not feel my legs move nicely.

“I hope to get good weather for my next race in Rieti. I am based in Tübingen in Germany and have been training well since Beijing. I was looking for a good, fast race and now I am disappointed with my result.

“The track was a little bit hard and also wet today. And I think I was a little bit afraid of this,” Rudisha who ran 1:45.91 for fourth a place behind the man he dethroned in Beijing Ethiopia’s Mohammed Aman (1:45.83) explained.

Before Botswana’s Nijel Amos came to the scene after the 2012 Olympics, Aman was the only other athlete to have beaten Rudisha since he first broke the world record in 2010 in wet races in Rome and Rieti.

-Material from IAAF used to compile this report

Model parade Top 8 challengers during the Friday, September 4, 2015 draw in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 4 – Two-time champions Tusker FC will start their title defence against cash-strapped giants, AFC Leopards in the pick of the KPL Top 8 knock-out tournament draw on Friday.

SportPesa Premier League titleholders, Gor Mahia, who won Top 8 in 2012, were drawn against Muhoroni Youth while inaugural champions, Ulinzi Stars take on Sony Sugar.

Sofapaka battle Chemelil Sugar when the quarter finals of the delayed annual knockout tournament that kicks-off on the weekend of September 26 in a venue yet to be confirmed by KPL.

Speaking when conducting the draw on Friday, KPL CEO, Jack Oguda announced the finals will be hosted in Kisumu but should the final be a Mashemeji Derby between Gor and Leopards, they move the venue to Nairobi due to security concerns.

“We are still using the same format, last year we played in four counties so this year we intend to go to six. We want to spread the game to different parts of the country and we have dubbed this road to Kisumu because the finals will be played in Kisumu.

“Only if Gor and Leopards get into the finals we will be able to rethink because Kisumu Stadium can’t host such a big match,” the KPL boss declared.

The two old giants clubs have never met in the tournament after Leopards failed to honour the 2012 edition when they were paired together in the quarter finals.

Another Mashemeji derby is in the offing after the second-leg of the SportPesa Premier League meeting was aborted due to trouble caused by a section of Leopards fans to see Gor awarded the maximum points.

SportPesa and Gor chairman, Ambrose Rachier condemned hooliganism saying they will work with police and other law enforcers before the next season to cub the menace.

“These two glamour clubs of Kenyan football are currently undergoing serious financial constraints. Our supporters should by now have known that their unbecoming behaviour that is totally unacceptable scares away potential sponsors which we badly need.

“Their behaviour leaves us with a deep vacuum financially in our quest to adequately remunerate our players, yet they cannot by any imagination help fill that void,” Rachier stated.

Mombasa is the other added county to Nairobi, Nakuru, Machakos and Meru counties that are scheduled to host this year’s edition that will be broadcasted live by SuperSport.

After the quarters a mini draw for the semis which will be played in a home and away basis will be conducted.

The league body will facilitate all the expenses of teams participating including the winning allowances in the tournament where the winner will pocket Sh1m (USD 9,504.000) on top of the trophy.

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

NAIROBI, September 4-The gloves are off and its all systems go for the penultimate round of the 2015 Kenyan National Rally Championships (KNRC) KCB Nakuru Rally after 45 cars were cleared to compete on Friday.

The event could culminate in the crowning of Jaspreet Chatthe as the new domestic champion on Sunday, formally ending the reign of Baldev Chager should the freshly coined Africa Rally Championships titleholder nail a top-8 finish in his Mitsubishi Evo X.

After a ceremonial start in presided by Deputy County Governor, Joseph Ruto, cars will tackle eight special stages including the mammoth Mugurin to Molosirwe stretch.

This 50 kilometre back-breaker will be run twice during the day and could play a pivotal part in deciding the day’s winner.

The teams went through necessary administrative and technical checks at Shell Hyrax filling station on Friday with Chief Scrutineer, Musa Locho clearing 45 to start with Samit Ghelot and Kenneth Kamau withdrawing due to pressing commitments.

Cars will cover 169.6km in competitive mileage, a transport road section of 219.80km around Kabarnet Road and Menengai regions.

Six-time Kenyan champion, Ian Duncan, navigated by Amaar Slatch in a Mitsubishi Evolution 10 will be the first off the ramp followed by Carl “Flash” Tundo, Onkar Rai and Chager.

Quentin Mitchell who swept Machakos roads last month passed scrutineering and was all smiles after reconnaissance.

Power steering and intermittent front differential controller problems hampered the handling of his Skoda S2000 machine last time out and was fortunate to get the car to the finish line.

After in-depth discussions with Skoda Motorsport, Quentin has altered a few settings and feels that the car is handling better than ever.

“Skoda have been very helpful and after a test the car feels much more stable now. Nakuru is typically a low altitude rally and this should help our normally aspirated S2000. We want to use the final two rallies of the season to prove that the modern super-cars are a match for the current Group N machines,” Mitchell told.

“Everything is set. We have passed the final checks and the car is ready to start the race. My objective is to win the race, because it is important for the 2WD championship which is a three way affair.

“We will try to work on the tactics; hence, these first loop of the route will be important to ensure everything goes well,” Formula Two ace, Leonardo Varese, explained.

PAST WINNERS OF NAKURU RALLY

1978: Frank Tundo (Ford Escort)

1985: Vic Preston Jnr (Lancia Rallye 037)

1986: Johnny Hellier (Lancia Rallye 037)

1987: Ian Duncan (Toyota Twin Cam Turbo)

1988: Johnny Hillier (Ford Escort Cosworth)

1989: Ian Duncan (Toyota Twin Cam Turbo)

1990: Patrick Njiru (Subaru Legacy)

1991: Ian Duncan (Subaru Legacy)

1992: Jonathan Toroitich (Toyota Celica GT4)

1993: Sarbi Rai (Toyota Celica GT4)

1994: Azar Anwar/Shailen Shah (Subaru Legacy)

1995: Ian Duncan (Toyota Celica Turbo)

1996: Patrick Njiru (Subaru Impreza)

1997: Nazir Verjee/Peter Stone (Subaru Impreza)

1998: NOT HELD

1999: Ian Duncan (Toyota Land-Cruiser pick up)

2000: NOT HELD

2001: Ian Duncan/Salim Haji (Toyota Land-Cruiser pick up)

2002: Rob Hellier (Mitsubishi EVO III)

2003: Lee Rose (Mitsubishi EVO IV)

2004: Carl Tundo (Subaru Impreza)

2005: Glen Edmunds (Mitsubishi EVO 6)

2006: Ian Duncan (Toyota Hilux Turbo)

2007: Carl Tundo (Subaru Impreza)

2008: Baldev Chager

2009: Lee Rose (EVO9)

2010: Alastair Cavenagh (EVO9)

2011: Ian Duncan (EVO9)

2012: Carl Tundo (EVO9)

2013: Ian Duncan (EVO9)

2014:Rajbir Rai

KNRC STANDINGS AFTER MACHAKOS RALLY

DRIVERS

1. Jassi Chatthe 129
2. Tapio Laukkanen 83
3. Baldev Chager 82.5
4. Ian Duncan 80.5

5=Jas Mangat 60

5=Rajbir Rai 60

NAVIGATORS

1. Gugu Panesar 124
2. Ravi Soni 94.5
3. Tim Jessop 67
4. Gareth Dawe 63
5. Timothy Challen 46

DRAFT ITINERARY KCB NAKURU RALLY-Saturday

07:00- Ceremonial start (KCB Menengai Branch-Nakuru)

(Liaison distance from start to CS1-41.20km)

07:43-CS1- Hilltop 1 Start-Hilltop 1 End (16.50km)

REMOTE REFUEL ZONE

08:11- CS2-Mugurin 1 start-Molosirwe 1 end (50.00km)

09:34- CS3-Spectator stage 1 start-Spectator stage 1End

Service A (Menengai West)

REMOTE REFUEL ZONE

10:12- CS4-Gicheha start-Gicheha End (22.00km)

10:50- CS5-T Farm Start-T Farm End (11.20km)

Service B (Menengai West)

REMOTE REFUEL ZONE

12:08-CS6- Hilltop 2 Start-Hilltop 2 End (16.50km)

REMOTE REFUEL ZONE

12:36- CS7-Mugurin 7 start-Molosirwe (50.00km)

13:59- CS8-Spectator stage 2 start-Spectator Stage 2 End (1.70Km)

Service C (Menengai West)

CUMULATIVE TOTALS

Competitive: 169.60km

Transport: 219.80km

Total Distance 389.40km

Malkia Strikers attacker, Mercy Moim spikes past the Koreans in their third round of the FIVB World Cup on September 4.

JAPAN, September 4 – Kenya reverted to their losing run after going down in straight sets (25-16, 25-16, 25-19) to Korea in the third round of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup on Friday.

The Malkia Strikers who were hoping to collect their second win after cruising past fellow Africans Algeria, failed to maintain the tempo in an encounter where Mercy Moim finished with 10 points against Korea’s Yeon-Koung who top scored on 20.

Korea dominated the entire clash after shooting 43 attacks to outscore the African champions who only charted 25 spikes as well as serving better with seven aces but the Kenyans fared better in blocks 5-3.

“Congratulations to Korea for the win. Our players really wanted to win this match but we will leave to fight for another day. The most important thing is to play our best and enjoy the matches. In this game, we learned a lot and we will aim to improve in the games ahead of us,” Malkia Strikers head coach, David Lung’aho said after the match.

His skipper, Bracksides Khadambi added, “We want to congratulate Korea for their win. We tried our best and we will continue trying and gaining more experience and I know we are going to win.”

Korea’s main hitter Yeon-Koung, paced her attacks in the first set and placed it well in unguarded areas of the Kenyan court with Moim tried to spark a scoring run but their opponents had better advantage to secure the first set with a comfortable 25-16 victory.

Kenya countered well in the second set that kept the score tied at 7-all, but Korea managed to get out of a long rally with them and open a five-point advantage at the second technical timeout 16-11.

Korea clinched the second set 25-16 as they took advantage of the absence of Moim, who had to sit out in the set due to a minor injury.

In the third set, Korea maintained their pace and jumped to an 8-2 lead in the first technical timeout as Lung’aho charges came back to within two points 19-17, but could not completely overturn the Asian side who notched the set and match victory 25-19.

Kenya who fell back to second from bottom on three points, take on Serbia before rounding up their World Cup campaign with Peru on Sunday.

The Chipolopolo training at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on September 5, ahead of their 2017 AFCON qualifier against Kenya. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, September 5 – Zambia Team Manager, Lusekelo Kamwambi has stressed the importance of avoiding defeat when they visit Harambee Stars in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifier at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

The 2012 champions, who had a feel of the venue on Saturday, will be seeking to pick their first win but the Team Managers admitted they expect a tough encounter against a side that will be looking to qualify to the continental showdown for the first time since 2004.

Accompanied by their FA president, Kalusha Bualya, the Chipolopolo will be inspired by experienced players; goal keeper, Kennedy Mweene who plies his trade at Mamelodi Sundowns, Shanghai Shenhua defender, Stopilla Sunzu and skipper, Rainford Kalaba who features for TP Mazembe.

Unlike Stars who have more foreign based players, the Copper Bullets is however, blended with locally based players with a huge chunk of them being on the verge of qualifying for 2016 Rwanda Africa Nations Championships (CHAN).

“Kenya has made strides in football because we are all aware they have good players, one of them is playing in English Premier League and in that past, they have done well, the quality of the game in Kenya has gone high.

“The game will be tough and anything can happen because there is no small team in Africa nowadays. Yes we are the 2012 champions but this is a different ball game all together, Kenya is at home and they want to qualify since its long since they were there,” the Team Manager told Capital Sport.

“They (Kenya) will give it their best and the best we can do is to give it our all and our desire is to pick maximum points. I’m at home in Nairobi so any county can win any where; we can win here are lose at home so what is important is that we are prepared.

“The Kenyan side has two of their players in our Zambian professional league so as much as they have more experienced plays us than us, at the end of the day its only11 players who will be on the pitch. Our biggest intention is to qualify because we have set the pace and we will not take anything less that,” Kamwambi added.

-Bwalya-

Chipolopolo head coach, George Lwandamina (left) with FA president Kalusha Bwalya (right) during the team’s training at Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO/ Raymond Makhaya.

Bwalya, a retired former Chipolopolo winger, said the match could go either way, pointing out that Kenyan football has developed.

“It’s a very difficult game for both teams but Kenya has the home advantage. They have improved and we are worried of the danger they possess but that’s football, the road to Africa Cup is always tough.

“We have a good coach and fantastic players so we hope Zambia will settle down quickly and be able to play our football but it will be a 50/ 50 match,” Bwalya, who managed the team from 2003 -06, underlined.

It will be the 35th meeting between the two sides but if history is anything to go by, Chipolopolo have a better chance of defeating Stars on paper.

Zambia have won 22 of those encounters since the first meeting in1964, as the countries were celebrating their Independence Cup but something that the Copper Bullets cannot forget is their 9-0 biggest win over Kenya in 1978.

Kenya has won two, drawn two and lost one in her last five matches while Zambia has won two, drawn one and lost two of her last five.

The last time the two nations met was during the 2009 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup held in Nairobi where Kenya lost 2-0 to the team invited as guest in the regional tournament.

Sunday’s encounter will however be an important match for both teams especially after drawing in their openers where Stars played to a 1-1 draw away to Congo Brazzaville whilst Zambia were held to a goalless stalemate at home by minnows Guinea Bissau.

-Players to watch-

Stars head coach, Bobby Williamson will be banking on Southampton midfielder, Victor Wanyama to lift the team, especially after the skipper said he had put the EPL transfer saga behind his back after his move to Tottenham Hotspur collapsed on the final day.

He will be relied upon to marshal the midfield and deliver defense splitting passes with the able support of Gor Mahia’s Collins Okoth as the speedy combination of wingers, Belgian based Ayub Timbe and Greece’s Kalloni new signing, Paul Were do the running on the flanks.

With his current form, new kid on the block, Michael Olunga (Gor) will be expected to be a thorn in the Chipolopolo rear guard with former captain and record scorer, Dennis Oliech also likely to join the front row fray as he tries to redeem himself.

Norway’s Lillestrome first choice keeper, Arnold Origi is a probable start in between the sticks for the first time since May 2014 with Zambia’s Zesco United, David ‘Calabar’ Owino, Thika United left-back, David Odhiambo, Malaysian based Lawrence Olum and Brian Mandela who plies his trade in South Africa, the expected starters in the defence.

For Zambia, Aaron Katebe who put a man of the match display when they faced Guinea Bissau will be the man to watch while Kalaba, who had a good showdown at this year’s Nations Cup where they bowed out in the group stage is another danger man in the midfield.

PROBABLE LINE-Ups

Kenya

Arnold Origi, David ‘Calabar’ Owino, Dennis Odhiambo, Lawrence Olum, Brian Mandela, Victor Wanyama, Collins Okoth, Paul Were, Ayub Timbe, Michael Olunga, Dennis Oliech.

Zambia

Kennedy Mweene, Stoppila Sunzu, Emmanuel Mbola, Aaron Katebe, Christopher Munthali, Nathan Sinkala, Kondwani Mtonga, Lubambo Musonda, Collins Mbesuma, Rainford Kalaba and Winston Kalengo.

Malkia Striker attacker, Mercy Moim spikes past Peru in their final FIVB Women’s World Cup on September 6. PHOTO/Courtesy.

JAPAN, September 6 – After a dismal performance at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup, Kenya ended their campaign on a high after coming a set down to edge out Peru 3-2 (23-25, 29-27, 25-27, 25-23, 15-13) in a hard fought win at the Park Arena Komaki on Sunday.

The Malkia Strikers who finished 10th on nine points, showed determination that rewarded them with their second victory after collecting their first win against fellow African side, Algeria in the global showpiece.

Mercy Moim delivered 19 points that was built from 18 solid kills and an ace, with Lydia Maiyo and Ruth Jepngetich adding 17 each for the Kenyans hard-earned victory.

Karla Ortiz of Peru topped all scorers with 20 markers in a match that was a repeat of the FIVB World Grand Prix final in Australia where Kenya overcame them 3-1 to clinch their first gold.

Head coach, David Lung’aho said they had achieved their target of winning two matches, underlining that they will use the experience gained to better their performance in the world.

“We played a good match and congratulations to Peru for giving us a very good competition. I think we have achieved our target; we wanted to win at least two matches because it’s very important for Kenya and Africa. I’m happy for my players for staying focused and happy we came out victorious,” Lung’aho, the most successful coach in the women’s national team underscored.

His captain,Brackcides Agala, hailed his charges for the spirit that they have shown in the three weeks long tournament.

“I’d like to say thanks to Peru for a good match and also congratulations to my team for an impressive game and for the win.”

The African Champions showed superb blocking but Peru unleashed complex floaters that caused troubles for the Kenyan receivers.

Peru edged Kenya in the first set with a slim margin at 25-23 but Lung’aho troops were more methodical on their attacks in the second set, by spiking off the Peruvian block and displacing their opponents’ defence with drop shots.

The Malkia Strikers really fought hard even though Peru had a sudden upsurge that extended the set. At 27-all, Kenya scored the final two points to secure the second set 29-27.

Peru took advantage of Kenya’s blunders at the net that established a 14-10 lead in the third set, but then the latter staged a 5-3 run that kept the score tight at 17-16.

Peru got out of the tight encounter down the stretch after being exposed to a series of deadlocks and lead changes 27-25.

After trailing Kenya the entire fourth set, Peru finally deadlocked at 20-all, however, the African queens did not give up and extended the match to tie-break 25-23.

Kenya endured a tight challenge by Peru in the deciding set and ended up with the win from a service ace 15-13.

Serbia who top the 12 team log on 26 points have booked their place at 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Collins Mbesuma celebrates his winning goal for Zambia against Harambee Stars on Sunday, September 6, 2015 in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 6- “It’s not Monday yet but Harambee have given us stress,” a dispirited fan rued as he joined thousands of dispirited home supporters to troop out of  Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium heads hanging low in despair on Sunday.

Such a mammoth crowd has not been witnessed for a national team game in recent times as belief coursed through a nation that somehow, the heroes would blunt the copper bullets (chipolopolo) of Zambia but at the end of the evening, the sun went down with Stars licking a bitter 2-1 defeat.

Before kick-off, the packed stadium was rocking as optimism filled the air but after 95 odds minutes, a funeral atmosphere saw glum faces empty the venue almost in total quiet.

It was another harsh indictment of the country’s football as the watching federation president, Sam Nyamweya, saw his handiwork go out in flames, literally.

Irate fans in the Russia stands where hardcore supporters side tore two giant banners he had elected in the hoardings advertising his candidature to retain Football Kenya Federation (FKF)’s presidency emblazoned- Join The Winning Team, Sam Nyamweya for Football Kenya Federation President.

They then lit them and as they were consumed by flames, hopes of Kenya returning to the continental showpiece finals seemed to be turning to ashes with them.

If anything best summed the FKF president’s first four year tenure was the match result itself- much promise but no end result- as Michael Olunga gave Stars the lead on 13 minutes before well taken strikes by Winstone Kalengo and seasoned striker, Collins Mbesuma turned the game around before half time.

A disjointed display was punished after the early joy as the patched up Stars team lost out to a side that got most of football’s basics right on the day.

For most of the second half, the home fans desolately looked on as a small band of ecstatic Zambia National Soccer Fans Association band of supporters turned on their full repertoire of celebratory chants and songs.

They had the freedom of Nyayo, adjacent to where Nyamweya, former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and Zambia’s federation president and legend, Kalusha Bwalya were sat in the VIP dais.

The burning of Nyamweya banners and the incident on 71 minutes when some fans on the Russia stands pelted the pitch with missiles were the only incidents that exited the home fans that were subdued by lack of progress on the pitch.

The protests were sparked by perceived time wasting tactics by the Zambians who went down like dominoes for medical attention.

However, the evening started like a dream when Nyayo Stadium was almost unhinged from its foundations the moment Olunga capitalised on a rare defensive lapse by Chipolopolo as keeper Kennedy Mweene and his defender hesitated to clear a long ball from Lawrence Olum to poke Stars in front.

Having studied their hosts’ tactics, the 2012 African champions who are in a rebuilding phase following their first round exit in the finals earlier this year started to boss matters and it was only a matter of time before they got level and then gain the lead.

Returning record scorer, Dennis Oliech, was rested mid second half to wild cheers of relief from a crowd that turned against him in what looked like a cruel final bow for the team he has served with distinction for over a decade before he was shunted out of the squad in 2012.

But the veteran striker who has visibly lost some of the speed that made him a feared forward worldwide did not do much wrong since the supply service was lacking but trust Kenyans to find a focal point to express their disappointment when he was given much flak.

His replacement Allan Wanga fared no better as the focal point in attack as the Azam FC player looked laden of foot for lack of fitness as Kenya enjoyed sterile dominance.

Head coach Bobby Williamson’s decisions to start with two sitting midfielders in captain and Southampton star, Victor Wanyama and Gor Mahia’s Collins Okoth was cited as one of the reasons the team lacked punch upfront as Johanna Omollo, a more creative man started on the bench.

Until Omollo came on to replace Okoth, Wanyama was excellently marshalled by Mbesuma who dropped deep to allow his forward partner, Kalengo to lead the attack to nullify the EPL’s star influence as he disappeared in the crowded midfield.

Williamson who is yet to win a competitive match with Stars since he replaced Adel Amrouche perhaps exercised too much caution at the start but could not turn the game when the Chipolopolo wave started shooting down his defence, particularly on the left where Olum had a torrid afternoon.

He also lost winger Paul Were inside the first half hour to injury and apart from Ayub Timbe who left his heart on the pitch, most of the foreign based players emerged with little credit, begging the question whether there is an effective system in place to monitor their fitness.

But whatever happened at Nyayo as Kenya slipped to third in Group E behind Zambia and Congo Brazzaville who lead the way with four points apiece cannot be blamed on the 95 odd minutes the match went on.

After drawing with Guinea Bissau, the Zambians organised a training camp for their local based players and four made their starting XI and blended well with those playing outside their shores to put an effective albeit unconvincing performance.

This was hardly the Zambia of old that terrified Africa but still Stars could not find a way past them save for the Olunga goal and when a header from the same striker from a Timbe corner was cleared off the line.

Apart from Olunga who excelled with Oliech providing him the foil to release the pressure, Okoth and defender Dennis Odhiambo who were the locals in the Stars team did not impress.

However, majority of the blame should not be shouldered by the players or their technical bosses but it should be placed in the doorstep of the federation and its boss yet again.

What Nyamweya watched unfold should be reason enough for him to take a dignified exit and allow fresh leadership since in the four years he promised a new dawn, Stars are still deep in the cesspool of mediocrity.

Harambee Stars forward, Michael Olunga shields Zambia Aaron Katebe during their AFCON qualifier on September 6 at Nyayo National Stadium.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, September 6 – Harambee Stars remain winless in Group E of the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers, following their 2-1 home defeat to Zambia in a lively encounter played at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

The Chipolopolo scored two goals in a space of 12 minutes through Zesco United forward, Winstone Kalengo and Mpumalanga Black Aces striker, Collins Mbesuma to cancel out Michael Olunga’s early strike.

Congo Brazzaville who beat minnows Guinea Bissau 4-2 on Saturday top the group from Zambia on goal difference on four points.

Kenya slipped to third ahead of Guinea Bissau on goals conceded.

Stars head coach, Bobby Williamson who is yet to win a competitive match since joining the team in August 2014, was disappointed but believes all is not lost as the nation seeks to return to the continental showpiece for the first time since 2004.

“Zambia played well although we are disappointed we lost the match after starting well. We needed goals and that’s why we brought fresh legs in Omolo but still we never scored.

“We conceded two cheap goals and we defended badly, if we continue like this we will not win matches. To be fair their two strikers were quality,” Williamson said after the match.

His opposite number, George Lwandamina said the win brought them on back track to returning to the Nations Cup when it will be hosted in Gabon.

“Good victory, although it wasn’t easy playing away from home, most of our boys are new and its good they stood to the pressure. Kenya changed the strategy resulting to playing long balls but it worked against them. Experience worked for us and we are now back on track.”

Harambee Stars winger, Ayub Timbe beats Aaron Katebe of Zambia. PHOTO/ Raymond Makhaya

Gor Mahia forward ‘Engineer’ Olunga sparked capacity-packed Nyayo National Stadium inside the opening quarter of an hour when he capitalised on miscommunication between Zambian goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene and defender Aaron Katebe to poke the ball home from the edge of the area for the opener.

Returning to the national team for the first time since May 2014, Norway’s Lillestromme first choice custodian, Arnold Origi pulled a double save in the 21st minute to keep out Kalengo’s close range effort before parrying away Jack Chirwa’s follow-up.

That was the only save the experienced keeper made as Stars dominated the tie that saw Williamson gamble to start without a creative midfielder.

Gor Mahia’s Collins Okoth got the nod ahead of Belgian based Omolo while record scorer, Dennis Oliech played for the first time in his squad despite the former captain having not played competitive football since he ditched French side,Ajaccio who were relegated from Ligue 1

Williamson was forced to make his first change when the hero in the 1-1 away draw to Congo Brazzaville, Paul Were, limped out but his substitution for Noah Wafula was ineffectual as the Tusker FC winger waste the ball time and again with a poor first touch.

Veteran Mbesuma, provided a man of the match performance since besides scoring the winning goal, he also dropped back to pocket captain Victor Wanyama and nullify his threat in midfield.

At the half hour mark, the small band of Zambian supporters next to the VIP dias had a reason to celebrate when Mbesuma set up Kalengo with a precise pass and the Zesco man did well to turn and unleash a cracker from 12 yards to silence thousands of home fans.

Okoth then warmed Mweene’s gloves with a 25 yard shot off a Timbe layoff but it was Zambia who found the back of the net again three minutes to the breather, after Stars’ defence went asleep again.

Kalengo returned the favour when he controlled a throw in before finding Mbesuma who took a touch before squeezing a low hard shot via the right post that beat Origi for a 2-1 halftime lead.

Belgian winger, Ayub Timbe was Kenya’s best player with boundless running on the flanks as Stars bossed the second half as Olunga forced defender, Chisamba Lungu to clear his header off the line.

Stars final change saw them introduce Azam forward Allan Wanga for Oliech but Zambia were now in cruise control as the former AFC Leopards attacker was evidently not match fit, a recurrent problem in most of Williamson’s foreign based legion.

With Stars pressing for the equaliser, the visitors resorted to time wasting as Boyd Mkandawire, Mweene and Kalengo took turns on the turf requiring medical treatment.

This agitated the fans on the notorious ‘Russia’ side threw projectiles in protest before the referee took charge forcing off Zambia’s Team Doctor, Joseph Kabungo after Mkandawire had gone down again.

The last minutes of the game saw Stars launch long ball after long ball but Mweene and his defence repelled skilfully to seal victory.

Stars have not won at home for 15 months with the qualifiers returning in March 2016 where Stars travel to Guinea Bissau.

Virginia Nyambura (left) in action during the qualyfying rounds of Beijing World Championships. She won the 2000m women race in Berlin. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

NAIROBI, September 7- As Harambee Stars were breaking hearts of the nation, Kenyan runners took to the blue tartan of the ISTAF IAAF World Challenge Meeting in Berlin and motored to victory and a share of podium places on Sunday.

Virginia Nyambura smashed the African record when she bounced back from her World Championships disappointment to win the 2000m steeplechase.

Her winning time of 6:02.16 is a new area standard and the second-fastest time in history, behind the 6:01.20 split Gulnara Galkina recorded en route to her world record and Olympic title in 2008.

Compatriot Beatrice Chepkoech was a close second in 6:02.47 and world bronze medallist Gesa Felicitas Krause smashed her own German record with 6:04.20 in third.

Athens 2004 Olympics bronze medallist and steeplechase specialist Paul Kipsiele Koech, fresh from his victory at the IAAF Diamond League final in Zurich, was a comfortable winner of the men’s 5000m in 13:08.86.

Showing his versatility and fresh legs after missing the Beijing ticket, Kipsiele sprung away from the competition over the last lap to win by some 50m from chasing American pair of Hassan Mead (13:10.38) and veteran Kenyan born 2007 double world champion, Bernard Lagat who closed the podium in 13:17.58.

Isaiah Kiplangat Koech who failed to sparkle at the worlds returned sixth (13:27.31) as his underwhelming season continued with Haron Lagat running 13:30.95 for eighth.

Olympics bronze medallist, Timothy Kitum failed to make an impression in the men 800m race finishing sixth in 1:46.06.

Botswana star Nijel Amos, another athlete who missed out on the World Championships final, won comfortably.

The Olympic silver medallist was the only athlete near the pacemakers as they went through 400m in 49.52. With 200 metres to go, Amos was away and clear; the chasing pack, led by world silver medallist Adam Kszczot, had left themselves with too much to do

Amos won by almost a second in 1:43.28. Kszczot won the battle for second place, clocking 1:44.22 to just hold off 2013 world champion Mohammed Aman and Olympic 1500m champion Taoufik Makhloufi, both of whom ran 1:44.24.

Attention turns to the second IAAF Diamond League final on Friday in Brussels where Kenya athletes will be out to add to the three Diamond Trophies won at the first decider in Zurich last week.

World men 1500m champion, Asbel Kiprop, deposed world women 800m titleholder, Eunice Sum and Commonweath silver medallist and African men steeplechase gold medallist, Jairus Kipchoge Birech won their Diamond Races.

 -Material from IAAF used to compile this report

Men’s results

100 Metres – Men                                             Wind: +1.1 m/s

1 Collins , Kim                   SKN     10.13

2 Young , Isiah                   USA     10.17

3 Lemaitre , Christophe           FRA     10.19

4 Vicaut , Jimmy                   FRA     10.21

5 Gittens , Ramon                BAR     10.23

6 Pérez , Yunier                   CUB     10.27

7 Kilty , Richard                 GBR     10.39

8 Knipphals , Sven                 GER     10.45

9 Menga , Aleixo-Platini           GER     10.49

800 Metres – Men

1 Amos , Nijel                     BOT   1:43.28

2 Kszczot , Adam                   POL   1:44.22

3 Aman , Mohammed                 ETH   1:44.24

4 Makhloufi , Taoufik             ALG   1:44.24

5 Balla , Musaeb Abdulrahman       QAT   1:44.62

6 Kitum , Timothy                KEN   1:46.06

7 Krüger , Dennis                 GER   1:47.38

8 Bosse , Pierre-Ambroise         FRA   1:47.96

9 Kinyor , Job Koech               KEN   1:49.13

10 Kivuva , Jackson Mumbwa         KEN   1:50.25

Som , Bram                       NED       DNF

5000 Metres – Men

1 Koech , Paul Kipsiele           KEN   13:08.86

2 Mead , Hassan                   USA   13:10.38

3 Lagat , Bernard                 USA   13:17.58

4 Ringer , Richard                 GER   13:18.00

5 Vernon , Andrew                  GBR   13:25.52

6 Koech , Isiah Kiplangat         KEN   13:27.31

7 El Goumri , Othmane             MAR   13:28.59

8 Lagat , Haron                   KEN   13:30.95

9 Estrada , Diego                 USA   13:32.36

España , Jesús                   ESP       DNF

Rono , Vincent Kipsang           KEN       DNF

Sperlich , Martin              GER       DNF

110 Metres Hurdles – Men                                     Wind: -0.1 m/s

1 Riley , Andrew                   JAM     13.40

2 Brathwaite , Shane               BAR     13.42

3 Baji , Balázs                   HUN     13.55

4 John , Alexander                 GER     13.68

5 Thomas , Mikel                   TTO     13.72

6 Bayer , Maximilian               GER     13.97

7 Craddock , Kevin                 USA     13.97

8 Sharman , William               GBR     13.98

9 Smet , Koen                     NED     14.40

Pole Vault – Men

1 Lisek , Piotr                   POL       5.74

2 Filippídis , Konstadínos         GRE       5.74

3 Barber , Shawnacy               CAN      5.64

4 Wojciechowski , Pawel           POL       5.54

5 Holzdeppe , Raphael Marcel       GER       5.44

6 Paech , Carlo                   GER       5.24

Sobera , Robert                 POL         NM

Chiaraviglio , Germán           ARG         NM

Ménaldo , Kévin                 FRA         NM

Lavillenie , Renaud             FRA        NM

Shot Put – Men

1 Walsh , Tomas                   NZL     21.47

2 Storl , David                   GER     21.19

3 Richards , O’Dayne               JAM     21.05

4 Whiting , Ryan                   USA     20.78

5 Kolašinac , Asmir               SRB     20.37

6 Majewski , Tomasz               POL     20.36

7 Dahm , Tobias                   GER     19.75

8 Werskey , Eric                   USA     19.04

Arnaudov , Tsanko               POR         NM

Discus Throw – Men

1 Malachowski , Piotr             POL     66.13

2 Harting , Christoph             GER     65.15

3 Urbanek , Robert                 POL     64.20

4 Wierig , Martin                 GER     63.38

5 Milanov , Philip                 BEL     63.15

6 Jasinski , Daniel              GER     61.31

7 Gowda , Vikas                   IND     60.63

8 Morgan , Jason                   JAM     60.10

Ståhl , Daniel                   SWE         NM

 Women’s results

100 Metres – Women                                           Wind: +0.6 m/s

1 McGrone , Candyce               USA     11.11

2 Ta Lou , Marie-Josee             CIV     11.21

3 Pierre , Barbara                 USA     11.31

4 Tarmoh , Jeneba                 USA     11.35

5 Sailer , Verena                 GER     11.37

6 Henry , Desiree                 GBR     11.39

7 Lückenkemper , Gina             GER     11.48

8 Kambundji , Mujinga             SUI     11.66

9 Ahye , Michelle-Lee             TTO     17.81

800 Metres – Women

1 Sharp , Lynsey                   GBR   1:57.71

2 Kohlmann , Fabienne             GER   1:58.34

3 Arzamasova , Marina             BLR   1:58.88

4 Price , Chanelle                 USA   1:59.99

5 Rowbury , Shannon               USA   2:00.03

6 Hering , Christina               GER   2:00.04

7 Józwik , Joanna                POL   2:00.27

8 Semenya , Caster                 RSA   2:00.51

9 Arafi , Rababe                   MAR   2:01.79

10 Stepanova , Iuliia               RUS   2:04.88

Usovich , Ilona                 BLR       DNF

2000 Metres Steeplechase – Women

1 Nganga , Virginia Nyambura       KEN   6:02.16

2 Chepkoech , Beatrice             KEN   6:02.47

3 Krause , Gesa Felicitas         GER   6:04.20

4 Masai , Magdalene               KEN   6:10.82

5 Getnet , Tigist                 ETH   6:14.34

6 Fente , Birtukan                 ETH   6:16.25

7 LaCaze , Genevieve               AUS   6:16.86

8 Gathoni , Ann                   KEN   6:18.12

9 Vlasova , Natalya               RUS   6:22.30

10 Koubaa , Sanaa                   GER   6:28.49

11 Mohamed , Buzuayehu             ETH   6:34.23

Tuigong , Caroline Chepkurui     KEN       DNF

Lalonde , Geneviève             CAN       DNS

100 Metres Hurdles – Women                                   Wind: +1.5 m/s

1 Harper Nelson , Dawn             USA     12.82

2 Nelvis , Sharika                 USA     12.84

3 Porter , Tiffany                 GBR     12.92

4 Roleder , Cindy                 GER     12.95

5 Beckles , Kierre                 BAR     13.02

6 Jones , LoLo                    USA     13.14

7 Crawford , Ginnie               USA     13.42

8 Züblin , Linda                   SUI     13.77

9 Bhebhe , Urszula                 POL     13.95

Long Jump – Women

Wind

1 Španovic , Ivana                 SRB       6.60                         -0.6

2 Nettey , Christabel             CAN      6.45                         -1.1

3 Moguenara-Taroum , Sostene       GER       6.40                         -0.9

4 Malkus , Lena                   GER       6.37                         -1.1

5 Wester , Alexandra               GER       6.36                         +0.6

6 Rotaru , Alina                   ROU       6.31                         -0.5

7 Bauschke , Melanie               GER       6.27                         -0.2

8 Ugen , Lorraine                 GBR       6.23                        -1.1

9 Jimoh , Funmi                   USA       6.19     +0.4

10 Sawyers , Jazmin                 GBR       6.11     -2.0

Shot Put – Women

1 Schwanitz , Christina           GER     19.66

2 Carter , Michelle               USA     19.19

3 Brooks , Tia                     USA     18.31

4 Guba , Paulina                   POL     17.95

5 Ducó , Natalia                   CHI     17.44

6 Boekelman , Melissa             NED     17.30

7 Urbaniak , Lena                 GER     16.74

8 Craft , Shanice                 GER     16.30

9 Kardasz , Klaudia               POL     13.93

Hammer Throw – Women

Pts

1 Klaas , Kathrin                 GER     72.09     72.09

2 Campbell , Amber                 USA     70.94     70.94

3 Sobaleva , Alena                 BLR     67.12     67.12

4 Fiodorow , Joanna               POL     67.11     67.11

5 Bespalova , Mariya               RUS     66.23     66.23

6 Paesler , Carolin               GER     65.25     65.25

7 Woitha , Charleene               GER     65.14     65.14

8 Orbán , Éva                     HUN     65.02     65.02

Javelin Throw – Women

1 Dorozhon , Marharyta             ISR     63.24

2 Molitor , Kathrina               GER     61.19

3 Muze , Lina                     LAT     59.93

4 Palameika , Madara               LAT     59.71

5 Hussong , Christin               GER     59.48

6 Stahl , Linda                   GER     59.03

7 Obergföll , Christina           GER     58.83

8 Hatsko-Fedusova , Hanna         UKR     57.65

9 Andrejczyk , Maria               POL     55.03

Stars captain, Victor Wanyama (left) and assistant head coach, Musa Otieno plot the next move as Kenya lost 2-1 to Zambia in a 2017 AFCON qualifier on Sunday, PHOTO/Raymond Mokhaya

NAIROBI, September 2- Harambee Stars skipper, Victor Wanyama, admitted they are to blame for letting down their supporters in their shattering 2-1 defeat to visitors Zambia in Sunday’s 2017 Nation Cup qualifiers that left a huge dent in Kenya’s qualification hopes.

Having started their campaign on a bright note when they held 2015 AFCON fourth finishers, Congo Brazzaville 1-1 away, thousands of fans led by world champion and Javelin super star Julius Yego, filled Nyayo National Stadium to the rafters anticipating victory.

In the end, they all wished Yego who won the world title in Beijing with a monster 92.72m metre effort could have thrown the players out of the stadium or the misery out of Stars as home fans left in shame, their chins hanging so low they could touch their knees.

Despite Gor Mahia’s Michael Olunga almost bringing the stadium down with an early opener, their hopes were dashed at the end of the final whistle, which reminded them of last year’s shoddy performance when Stars were bundled out of the 2015 edition by minnows Lesotho at the pre-qualifiers.

Angry fans stormed the pitch after a barren draw condemned Kenya were to a 1-0 defeat on aggregate, baying for the players blood even after Wanyama and his predecessor, Dennis Oliech apologised for the county’s worst outing ever with Belgian, Adel Amrouche, in charge of the team then.

On Sunday, security officers were forced to escort the Southampton midfield dynamo out of the field as a crowd of mixed admirers and critics surged menacingly towards him and Norway based keeper, Arnold Origi – the two notable stars Kenyans hinged their hopes on.

-Good support-

“The fans gave us a good support but we have let them down, we played badly. We did not defend well.

“We were not (playing) as a unit so we must pick ourselves up because if we continue playing like this, I don’t think we will make it. We must work hard because we have really let our fans down,” a disappointed Wanyama said before he was led to the dressing room under a security cordon.

Norway’s Lillestromme first choice keeper, Origi who returned to the team for the first time since featuring against Comoros in May last year, echoed his captain’s sentiments, noting they deserve all bile being thrown at them.

“We played rubbish; this was not a match to lose. Fans came in big numbers, we promised them everything then at the end of the day we disappointed them. We deserve every criticism because from our part it was a disgrace.

“We lost as a team because we defended badly. We conceded two goals in a match that we didn’t deserve to lose since it could have pushed us ahead. We now have no option but to pick ourselves up the see if we will beat Guinea Bissau home and away,” frustrated Origi popularly known as ‘Kenya one’, rued.

The Chipolopolo scored two goals in a space of 12 minutes through Zesco United forward, Winstone Kalengo and Mpumalanga Black Aces striker, Collins Mbesuma to cancel out Olunga’s 13th minute strike.

Both Wanyama and Origi felt the defence was to blame for the two goals that enabled Zambia win their first Group E match.

David ‘Calabar’ Owino and Dennis Odhiambo manned the full back positions with Brian Mandela and Lawrence Olum partnering at the heart of the defence.

Chipolopolo interim head coach, George Lwandamina who is also Owino’s boss at Zambia top flight side, Zesco United, said they knew their work was cut out after the defender who moved from Gor at the beginning of the season was played at right back instead of his favoured centre.

“In the first half, Kenya were knocking the ball but how we undone their strategy is that we destroyed their defence and got the two goals. Owino knows too much about our game but the good part is that he was misplaced.

“I play him in the central so it worked for us and if you looked, the second goal came from the right but he played well trying to fit in which is good,” Lwandamina narrated.

Congo Brazzaville who beat Guinea Bissau 4-2 on Saturday top the group from Zambia on goal difference on four points.

Kenya slipped to third ahead of Guinea Bissau on goals conceded.

Stars head coach, Bobby Williamson who is yet to win a competitive match since joining the team in August 2014, must now overcome Guinea Bissau away when the qualifiers for the road to Gabon resume in March 2016.

Julius Yego celebrates winning the men Javelin gold at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing on August 26, 2015. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

NAIROBI, September 7- Kenya’s world javelin champion Julius Yego believes challenging for the Diamond League title in the season-closing meeting in Brussels on Friday could be a throw too far even after his famous win in Beijing.

Ranked first in the world in the men’s javelin throw with 1385 points, Yego currently occupies fourth spot in the Diamond League race behind former world champion Vitezslav Vesely, Finland’s Tero Pitkamaki and reigning Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago.

“For me, I achieved what I had set out to do this year. I won the world championship gold medal in Beijing, there is nothing else left,” the 26-year-old, who became the first Kenyan athlete to win a field event at the Worlds, told AFP.

“In any case there is no chance of me catching up and overhauling Vesely.”

Apart from winning the world title, Yego, who famously taught himself javelin by watching videos on Youtube, has enjoyed the most convincing of campaigns this season with two firsts and two second place finishes.

In Birmingham, he set an African record and a world leading 91.39m to reel in Vesely. Yego’s throw, which had been initially been ruled to have fallen outside the sector, was confirmed not only as a Diamond League record but also the best in the world since 2006.

FAZ President and retired Zambian legend, Kalusha Bwalya, in Nairobi for the second 2017 AFCON qualifying clash against Kenya. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 7 – Former star winger and president of the Football Association of Zambia, Kalusha Bwalya has challenged retired Kenyan footballers to vie for top positions in Football Kenya Federation national elections in November.

Bwalya, the most decorated Zambian footballer who was elected to his country’s FA in 2008, told Capital Sport most African counties have failed to develop the game since bosses given mandate to run the federations are self-centred..

FKF is set to elect new national office bearers on November 13 after the first four-year of president, Sam Nyamweya and his National Executive Committee comes to an end.

“We are living in a democratic world, whether it’s Republican politics (in America) or football, there are always going to be elections for us to be recognised. I’m aware there will be new elections here but it has been always been difficult for former footballers to find their way up.

“We are trying to show the way. There is also an opening for former footballers not only to be coaches but also as administrators,” Bwalya, who also coached the Chipolopolo from 2003 to 06, outlined.

He added, “I’m just an individual who is working with a very good executive committee. The most significant people in football are players, referees and coaches, so we should not take away that importance and give it to one person who is in charge of the FA.

“We are just part of the game. The success of Kenyan football depends on all stakeholders rather than the Executive Committee,” the 1988 African Footballer of the Year and 1996 FIFA World Player nominee, added.

Former Gor Mahia forward Ken Oliech is the only retired footballer who has expressed interest to challenge Nyamweya in the presidential race with Sammy Shollei and Dan Shikanda who had their bans lifted yet to announce their candidature.

Shollei, a former Stars and Kenya Breweries (now renamed Tusker FC) midfielder was suspended by the NEC months after being elected vice president only to have a sigh of relief in August after the Sports Tribunal lifted his six year ban.

Shikanda on the other hand, who had stint with giants Gor and AFC Leopards as a winger, was reinstated during the recent federation’s AGM.

“We will have ours (election) next year, for us we have more time. There are programmes in Africa that we should be striving to develop but we intend to concentrate more on individual. Football is a team sport and we should not duel on negativity,” the Zambian legend stated.

-Chipolopolo transition-

Zambia have had mixed fortunes since lifting the 2012 African title. They were eliminated at the 2014 regional Cosafa Cup quarter-finals before bowing out of the 2015 AFCON in the group stages in Equatorial Guinea.

But having opened their 2017 AFCON campaign on a goalless draw with Guinea Bissau in Lusaka, Bwalya said they had to rebuild the team around the Under-23 squad who are one match away from qualifying to Rwanda’s 2016 Nations Championships (CHAN) finals despite parting ways with experienced head coach, French man, Herve Renard who led them to continental glory.

“The Chipolopolo of 2012 was fantastic team, world class and we deserved to win because of the input we had with Herve and the boys but we wanted to renew the team.

“The 2012 squad were together for a long time, some of the boys were in the Africa Cup in 2006 so they were playing their fourth tournament in order to win. We are now doing the same since we have belief in young players playing locally.

“We are finding our strides again and we hope the Chipolopolo will return to the team people used to know,” Bwalya who steered the team to the 2006 AFCON explained.

The second most capped player in Zambia noted that the huge gap between African nations that existed during their heyday has been closed, saying that any team in Africa is capable of winning the title.

“Africa has the players but as Zambia, we just have to have a good run and if anything, people should borrow a leaf from what we have done. Nobody gave us a chance to win AFCON but we did.

“When we used to play in 70s, 80s and 90s the gap was there, you could see the top five teams, then middle 12 and the rest, but today it’s close so I think we are all trying to make the best we can. Every county has some of their best players and we have to respect that, they can be a force to reckon with so we wish East Africa all the best.”

Collins Injera autographs the ball he grounded for his 200th World Series try. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, September 7 – Four foreigners are among applicants to fill the vacant national rugby sevens team head coach role even as Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) selectors named an interim squad of 31 players on Monday.

Capital Sport has established a new team manager will be appointed on Thursday after the contract of long-serving Steven Sewe expired end of July to take charge when the squad reports to camp on Saturday to prepare for the upcoming Rio 2016 Africa qualifiers and 2015/16 World Sevens Series.

KRU’s Director for Competitions and Elite Squads, Oscar Mango, confirmed the new boss will be given the discretion of deciding which players to retain or chop from the preliminary team where most seasoned core players were named upon appointment.

Veteran Humphrey Kayange is the highest profile name missing from the team released by the Union that is seeking to put the sevens house in order after a tumultuous season with Felix Ochieng who took over the head coach role last December not expected to return to his post.

“The three panel of selectors who are former coaches, selected the players during the local series starting with Christie 7s to season ending Prinsloo 7s. We had to do this since we don’t have a national coach but whomever will take the job, he will call-up those he needs.

“From next season, the coach will have a free hand in selecting his players. We want to appoint a professional coach and from the 14 who have applied, we are optimistic we will pick the best,” Mango, told.

The new coach will have three weeks to finalise his squad of 23 after the team was disbanded end July when the players’ contract elapsed.

“We will be very strict; they will have to undergo all necessary procedures including medical check-ups. By Thursday we will know whether we will name two Safari Sevens teams but that is up to the coach to decide,” the Director added.

The fate of South Africans assistant coach, Vuyo Zangqa and strength and conditioning coach, Graham Bentz is still uncertain as the Union seeks to appoint its ninth head coach since 1996.

Sewe is among 14 team managers who applied for the job after the post was advertised in August.

The panel of selectors were former Impala RFC head coach Bill Githinji, Emmanuel Okoth and Kirori Mindo.

The notable surprise inclusion in the squad is South Africa Western Province winger, Willy Ambaka, who has rejoined Kenya Harlequins as he seeks a route back to the national fold since 2013 when the team was under Englishman, Mike Friday.

“His club had released him and they were aware when he was in Kenya so he was among those selected from the series. Hope he will be allowed to play for his country,” Mando added.

Mwamba RFC duo of  Dennis Ombachi and fly-half, Lavin Asego have been named as standby after they picked knocks from their last 2014/15 IRB World Sevens Series at London 7s.

Andrew Amonde who captained the team in the previous two seasons, lead the 14 seasoned players who were retained with Injera younger sibling Michael Agevi (Mwamba), Michael Wanjala (Strathmore Leos) and Felix Ayange (Kenya Harlequins) among those who were dropped.

Kenya Sevens coaches 1996-2014.

1996-1997; Ham Onsando

1998-2000; Michael ‘Tank’ Otieno

2000-2005; Bill Githinji

2006-2011; Benjamin Ayimba

2011-2012- Mitch Ocholla

2012-2013- Mike Friday

2013-2014; Paul Treu

2014-2015; Felix Ochieng

Kenya Sevens training squad

Tony Owuor (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Dan Sikuta (Mwamba), Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequin), Bush Mwale (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Andrew Amonde (KCB), Willy Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin), Biko Adema (Total Nondies), Eden Agero (Kenya Harlequin), Augustine Lugonzo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Billy Odhiambo (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos),Tony Onyango (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Oscar Ayodi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Leonard Mugaisi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Ian Minjire (Resolution Impala Saracens),Frank Wanyama (Kenya Harlequin), Jeff Oluoch (Menengai Cream Homeboyz),David Kivuti (Top Fry Nakuru), Fidel Castro (Kabras Sugar),Philip Kwame (Top Fry Nakuru), Geoffrey Ominde (Top Fry Nakuru), Ken Moseti (KCB), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Shaban Ahmed (Mwamba), Donald Oluoch (Top Fry Nakuru), Samuel Motari (Resolution Impala Saracens), Oscar Dennis (Total Nondies), Alvin Otieno (Menengai Cream Homeboyz),Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru).

Standby

Dennis Ombachi (Mwamba), Lavin Asego (Mwamba)

Willy Tarbei races for the gold medal in the boys’ 800m final at the Cali World Youth Championships in Colombia. PHOTO/IAAF

NAIROBI, September 8 – World Youth champion, Willy Tarbei and Kipyegon Bett are through to Wednesday’s boys 800m final as Kenya eyes her second gold at the ongoing Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

Tarbei, who is ranked 18th fastest this season, automatically qualified from heat one in 1:52.17 ahead of George Mills of England who returned 1:52.24 while third finisher, Indian, Beant Singh went through as one of the fasted losers in1:52.93.

African title holder, Kipyegon cruised in the second heat after recording the fastest time of the qualifiers when he crossed the line in 1: 50.68, way ahead of Ben Greenwood of Scotland who booked his automatic spot in 1:52.53.

Zambian, Godfrey Chama benefited from the high paced race to advance as the last fastest loser after timing 1:52.96 to settle for third.

Heat 3 was the slowest where Jamaican Leon Clarke and James Gormley of England completed the finalists list after finishing first and second in 1:55.65 and 1:56.88.

The final is tipped to be a battle between the two young Kenyans who hit headlines in June when they ran stunning 1:44s at the World Youth Trials in the punishing elevation of Nairobi.

However, Kipyegon who won his first gold at the second Africa Youth Championships in Mauritius will be out to challenge Tarbei who has beaten him twice, at the Trials and forcing him to a silver in Cali, Colombia during the World Youth Championships.

Tarbei holds a personal best of 1:44.51 while his friend and compatriot Bett, holds1:44.55 to sit 20th in the 2015 outdoor competition top list.

World Youth record holder, Kumari Taki gave Kenya her first gold in the opening day after leading Lawi Kosgei to a 1-2 finish in the boy’s 1500m final on Monday.

The Kenyans did not have to wait too long to bring home their first medal, as Taki and Kosgei led from start to finish in a master class of middle distance running where the World Youth champion eventually held out to win in 3:39.80, just less than a second ahead of his countryman.

“I’m very happy although the race was not too easy, and we struggled in the last lap a bit. I didn’t perform as well as I did in Cali, Colombia but all I wanted was a medal,” Taki said.

Kenya who are 12th on the log with two medals, have a chance to increase their tally when Sheila Chelangat competes in the girls 3000m final before her boy’s counterparts, World Youth title holder, Richard Kimunyan and Davis Kiplangat take to the track on Wednesday.

Kipyegon Bett (left) and winner Willy Tarbei in the boys 800m during the Trials for IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, September 9 – Kenya closed her charge at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa in golden fashion to push the nation’s tally to four gold and three silver with only one of the country’s eight runners for the event failing to medal.

The fourth instalment of what is developing to be intense rivalry between World Youth champion, Willy Tarbei and African Youth title holder, Kipyegon Bett was once again went in the favour of the former as Kenya bagged three gold medals on the final day of the track and field events.

Wednesday was a bright day for Kenya as reigning African champion; Davis Kiplangat won the boys’ 3000m before Sheila Chelangat claimed the corresponding girls race to see her country rise to eighth in the medal standings.

As expected, the boys’ 800m was an all Kenyan affair with Tarbei extending his impressive form over Kipyegon who is yet to floor the lanky 17 year-old domestic rival in their last three meetings when he uncorked a gun to line performance for gold in 1:46.15.

Kipyegon who looked a good bet to beat his neighbour in Kericho County after returning the fastest time in the semi-finals (1: 50.68), settled for silver in 1:46.15 which was a repeat of the finishing order at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia.

Scotsman, Ben Greenwood won bronze way behind the two Kenyans after clocking 1:50.42.

The pair who surprised many during the June World Youth Trials in Nairobi when they produced jaw-dropping performances after running in the1:44 territory, look promising to be Kenya’s future in the two lap-race as they aim to emulate their role model, Olympics and world champion as well as record holder, ‘King’ David Rudisha.

However, there was no medal for Kenya in the girls 800m after Joyline Cherotich finished just outside the podium after settling for fourth in 2:11.55 in a final won by Australian, Carys Mcaulay (2:06.84).

The boys’ 3000m saw Kiplangat stun country man, Richard Kimunyan who was favourite after entering the competition on the back of being crowned World Youth Champion.

Kiplagat who holds the African title, out sprinted Kimunyan to give Kenya her second gold after crossing the line in 7:59.78 to force compatriot to silver and overturn tables after finishing second in Colombia.

Alex Yee from England grabbed bronze a minute later behind the Kenyans in 8:18.12. In the girl’s race, Chelangat clinched her first international gold in commanding fashion.

Chelangat, the World Youth silver medallist and African bronze winner, finally achieved her dreams when she took the 3000m honours in 9:10.12 after relegating Ugandans, Peruth Chemutai (9:20.20) and Janat Chemutso (9:56.62) to silver and bronze respectively.

World Youth, record holder, Kumari Taki opened Kenya’s medal hunt account after leading Lawi Kosgei to a 1-2 finish in the boys’ 1500m final on Monday.

Kenya was only represented on the track after the government declared it had no money to send other disciplines, forcing team sports, rugby and volleyball to pull out but Athletics Kenya decided to facilitate the runners.

The Commonwealth Youth Games is a small-scale version of the Commonwealth Games, designed for the youth of the 71 Commonwealth countries.

Selected Results

3000m – Men

(GOLD) Davis KIPLANGAT – KEN (7:59.56)

(SILVER) Richard KIMUNYAN – KEN (7:59.78)

(BRONZE) Alex YEE – ENG (8:18.12)

3000m – Women

(GOLD) Sheila CHELANGAT- KEN           (9:10.12)

(SILVER) Peruth CHEMUTAI -UGA (9:20.20)

(BRONZE) Janat CHEMUSTO – UGA (9:56.62)

800m – Men – Final

(GOLD) Willy TARBEI – KEN (1:46.05)

(SILVER) Bett KIPYEGON – KEN (1:46.15)

(BRONZE) Ben GREENWOOD – SCO (1:50.42)

AFC Leopards Bernard Mang’oli (centre) celebrates his goal against KCB at Nyayo Stadium on July 8. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 9 –Cash-strapped domestic giants, AFC Leopards, skipper, Jackson Saleh believes the management circus revolving around the Den will not distract them from reclaiming the GOtv Shield.

Saleh, who is set to return to action on Saturday during their Sportpesa Premier League clash against Western Stima underscored they are now focused on securing a ticket to next season’s CAF Confederations Cup qualification by winning the Shield as arch rivals, Gor Mahia, are on the verge of retaining the league for a third season in a row.

The club will play the first of two league matches behind closed doors on Saturday under a cloud of uncertainty after the Ministry of Sports recognized the Mathew Opwora-led faction as the legal office bearers on Tuesday.

That prompted the resignation of interim chairman, Walter Onyino but his Secretary General; Professor Asava Kadima, intends to take legal action against their rivals for falsifying documents and bringing disrepute in the club.

Already the Opwora team has sued current office holders for being in power illegally with the matter pending at Nairobi’s Milimani Law Court.

But Saleh, one of the few players who remained in the team after mid season’s mass exodus, declared they are going for maximum points against his former club, Stima to avoid dropping off the Top 8.

“We have prepared well and our target is to beat Stima because they won the first leg and they are always a tough side. Despite problems we are undergoing, Saturday’s match is a must win because if we lose we will drop to ninth.

“We are eying Top 8 and GOtv and I’m sure we will win one or take both because the league is already gone with Gor,” Saleh who returns from a one-match suspension after collecting five yellow cards, stated.

Troubled Leopards, who have gone six matches without victory, open their KPL Top 8 campaign against defending champions Tusker FC in the highlight tie of the knockout competition’s quarter-finals pending the draw for the GOtv Shield.

With head coach, Zdravko Logarusic set to miss the match after travelling to his native Croatia, his assistant, Ezekiel Akwana was upbeat they will finish amongst the top five as the league enters its home stretch with five matches to go.

Against Stima, Leopards will be without goal keeper; Lucas Indeche who has a bacterial infection while winger, Timonah Wanyonyi is suffering from knee injury.

“The players are ready to tackle Saturday match with a difference. We had a crisis meeting with the players and they decided to give it their all against Stima. After that, we will try and see how to approach Sofapaka in our next match and then Tusker in Top 8. We take each match at a time.

“We will finish top five, that I can promise our fans because sincerely, Gor has won the league,” Akwana added.

Ingwe last won the GOtv Shield in 2013 in the season where they finished runner-ups to K’Ogalo who were crowned champions for the first time in 18 years.

r-L KRU chairman, Richard Omwela, KRU CEO, Ronald Bukusi and Safaricom Director of Consumer Business, Sylvia Mulinge display the dummy cheque during the announcement of Safari 7s sponsorship. PHOTO/Safaricom/Twitter

NAIROBI, September 10- The annual invitational Safari Sevens tournament will be held from October 2 to 4 at Nairobi’s Safaricom Stadium where 16 teams are lined to take part.

This year’s edition was in doubt when integrated mobile services provider, Safaricom, pulled the plug on Kenya Rugby Union citing corruption and fraud on April 2.

At the same time, the new head coach of the national sevens team and his technical bench could be unveiled later Thursday or Friday when the Union board sits to finalize the appointment.

On Thursday, Safaricom returned to the fold with a cheque of Sh30m but will not be the title sponsors of the event, hence the reverting of its traditional name.

“We are expecting a few new international teams including Brazil and Canada but nothing is confirmed yet,” KRU boss, Richard Omwela, said in a press briefing.

“The reason for Kasarani obviously is because on that day, we understand the Nairobi International Trade Fair maybe happening and secondly because over the years, we believe that we have outgrown the facilities at that ground in terms of logistics and the risks involved in having a key event at Ngong Road,” the union leader said in explaining why they opted for the biggest sporting facility in the country as opposed to the event’s spiritual home, Nairobi’s Rugby Union of East Africa Grounds.

“We having being delaying the announcement because the event requires funding since it is not a cheap event to have,” Omwela added on the premier sevens showpiece that has been pushed to October.

Safaricom’s Director of Consumer Business Safaricom; Sylvia Mulinge, stated they are happy with the progress that the union is making though not all issues have been dealt with in relation to accountability.

“We do have to say while we have not yet fully seen everything we needed to be implemented specifically around governance, accountability and transparency which still need to be taking care of,” she stressed

Mulinge added: “This decision follows reassurance from the KRU Board that it has initiated measures aimed at cleaning house including placing the forensic report by the audit firm PKF before KRU’s independent disciplinary committee but that does not mean we will be less vigilant in our demands for proper governance.”

Brazil are hosting next year’s Olympics where rugby sevens will debut in Rio with teams from regular visitors from Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, South Africa and Britain expected.

“Brazil have been very keen to travel and see the experience of hosting a big level 7’s tournament so they have been on the phone every week saying whether we are on or not,” the KRU boss underlined.

On the national sevens team technical bench constitution, the Union chairman charged, “Majority of our board are meeting today (Thursday) to finalize the new management of the team.Information on the disciplinary hearing is also being discussed and should be released tomorrow (Friday).”

Sevens head coach Felix Ochieng’s contract expired end July and is not expected to be renewed while his assistant, Vuyo Zangqa and strength and conditioning coach, Graham Bentz, both from South Africa, were facing disciplinary action by participating in the players’ strike.

The Union has received 14 applications for the role with four of them foreigners.

Long-serving team manager, Steve Sewe, also reapplied for his post after his contract also expired end July with KRU naming an interim squad of 31 that are due to start training on Saturday.

Expected Safari 7s teams

1)         England

2)         Italy

3)         Portugal

4)         Samurai International

5)         Spain

6)         Namibia

7)         Tunisia

8)         Zimbabwe

9)         Brazil

10)      Canada

11)      Welsh Warriors

12)      Australian Icos

13)      Uganda,

14)      Western Province (SA)

15)      Argentina

16)      Kenya Shujaa

Benjamin Ayimba/File

NAIROBI, September 11 – Benjamin Ayimba has returned to the national sevens team as head coach, after Kenya Rugby Union appointed him to take over from Felix ‘Totti’ Ochieng ahead of the Africa 2016 Olympics qualifiers and 2015-16 Rugby Sevens World Series.

Former Kenya 15s scrum-half , Newton Ong’alo who served as an assistant team manager in 2011 has been appointed new team manager to replace long serving Steven Sewe who did not get the job despite having applied.

Ayimba, a former Kenya 7s decorated international, has been handed a one year contract to see him make a comeback to the team after being relieved off his duties in 2011 when former boss, Mwangi Muthee was elected chairman.

The decision to re-hire Ayimba was arrived on Thursday night after conducting interviews that attracted 13 candidates including, Homeboyz head coach, Paul Murunga and former head coach, Mitch Ocholla.

Ayimba who led the team from 2006 to 2011will be given a free hand to select his two assistants with Murunga tipped to be one of them.

“I’m glad that the appointment has come my way. I look forward to meeting the playing unit on Saturday as we place our immediate focus on the upcoming Safari Sevens and the 2016 Olympic qualifiers which are seven weeks away,” the former Kenya Sevens skipper,” underscored.

The fate of South Africans, assistant coach, Vuyo Zangqa and strength and conditioning coach, Graham Bentz is uncertain with reports suggesting the two could be sent packing after facing the disciplinary committee for going on strike when the players downed their tools in July.

The new technical bench’s first task will be to assemble the 31man provisional squad set begin training on Saturday ahead of the November 14 and 15 Africa Rio De Janeiro Olympics qualifiers in South Africa.

The former Impala and Nondescript back-row first assignment will be in the October 2 to 4 Safaricom Sevens where Kenya will be seeking to reclaim the Main Cup title they last lifted 2013.

Ayimba is Kenya’s most successful local coach having guided the team to the Rugby World Cup Sevens semi-finals in Dubai 2009, a season Kenya will be remembered for beating the then champions Fiji 26-7 in the quarters before Argentina denied them the final ticket after losing 12-0.

He also guided Kenya to their first ever Rugby World Sevens Series final, when the team lost 26-7 to South Africa in the Adelaide 7s in 2009, a season where they finished sixth overall in the series with Collins Injera emerging the top try scorer on 42 tries.

The 38-year-old who led the national team to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India where they bowed out in the quarter-finals after losing 27-5 to Australia becomes the ninth tactician to take over the job.

Kenya Sevens coaches 1996-2014.

1996-1997; Ham Onsando

1998-2000; Michael ‘Tank’ Otieno

2000-2005; Bill Githinji

2005-2006 – Gordon Anampiu

2006-2011; Benjamin Ayimba

2011-2012- Mitch Ocholla

2012-2013- Mike Friday

2013-2014; Paul Treu

2014-2015; Felix Ochieng