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

NAIROBI, September 29 – After playing a strong hand in protracted wrangles over the club’s leadership, AFC Leopards interim Secretary General, Professor Asava Kadima, finally threw in the towel citing personal reasons.

Kadima, who was elected as assistant Secretary General in 2011 before replacing George Aladwa during June’s Special General Meeting, has been at loggerheads with the Mathew Opwora-led faction to control the cash-strapped domestic giants.

The Don called it quits and immediately replaced by Buru Buru Branch chairman, Douglas Simiyu who was serving as one of the co-opted Committee Members in a move that will give the Opwora group a firmer grip in the control stakes since Kadima was one of the most vocal opponents against their takeover.

“Yes, I have resigned because the club is degrading to a bad level and for the sake of sanity, I have decided to step down and see if I was the problem. It saddens me that people don’t want to be told the truth.

“We are facing financial crisis but instead of people concentrating on helping the club find its feet, they have diverted their attention to politics. There is so much confusion and too much lies. We have called for AGM on several occasions but no one attends,” Kadima told Capital Sport.

Kadima is the latest interim official to resign after his boss; Dr. Walter Onyino stepped down at the beginning of the month when the Ministry of Sports recognised the Opwora faction as legal office bearers.

Leopards have been facing a biting financial crisis that has seen players and technical bench go months without pay affecting their performance on the pitch with Sunday’s 4-2 dispiriting loss to archrivals to Tusker FC in the KPL Top 8 quarter-finals the latest setback.

“The club owes old players and head coach up to four month salaries but new ones have been paid up to July. People should stop propaganda and concentrate on raising money for the team because we postponed the fundraiser for the second time,” Kadima underscored.

The financial woes that worsened after shirt sponsor, Mumias Sugar terminated their contract, led to a mass exodus of players in the June transfer window, to leave one of the oldest clubs in the country almost down to its knees.

Vice chairman, Dan Mule, treasurer, Pamela Lutta, assistant Secretary General, George Aladwa, Organising Secretary, Felix Shitsama, Committee Members, Robin Toskin, former player Peter Lichungu and Stephen Mungo remain in the office.

Winner Eliud Kipchoge on the podium of the Berlin Marathon on September 27, 2015. PHOTO/AFP

BERLIN, September 29- Given his racing record in the marathon, with five wins out of six over the classic distance after his triumph in Berlin on Sunday, the odds on Eliud Kipchoge claiming the gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games have shortened considerably in the last couple of days.

The Kenyan, despite suffering problems with his shoes when the insoles came loose in the opening kilometres, videos of which have gone viral and been transmitted around the world via social media, won in the German capital in a personal best and 2015 world-leading time of 2:04:00 on Sunday, consolidating his sixth place on the marathon world all-time list on record-legal courses.

“After Berlin, I need to prepare for Rio and plan; but that is 11 months away so I would want to do another marathon, probably next spring. Eleven months without a marathon is too long, you need to test the body, and that will tell the mind and body that another marathon, (the 2016 Olympic Games marathon) is coming,” explained Kipchoge shortly after Sunday’s race.

“The main thing is the mind, not the body. If you train for 11 months, the mind might get tired so it’s better for the body to get tired than the mind, so I’ll do another marathon before the Olympics,” he added.

He has not revealed where his next marathon will be, and certainly no major race organisers will publish its elite field this far in advance, but it’s a decent bet that he will defend his title in London next April, where he won this year in 2:04:42.

And then, injuries and Kenyan team selection permitting, it will be full steam ahead with his preparations for Rio four months later, with the marathon on the programme for the morning of the last day of the Olympics.

The man guiding Kipchoge’s campaign to go to his third Olympics is the famed former steeplechaser Patrick Sang.

“I’ve been with my coach all my life as an athlete. In fact, we were neighbours; Patrick lived about one or two kilometres from me in the same village of Kapsisiywa (in the Nandi district). When I was eight or nine, I’d see him training and began to notice him.

“Our plan was to run very well on the track, then we decided to turn to the road. The transition so far has been good and I can say our plans are up to date,” added Kipchoge with a heavy touch of understatement.

Kipchoge now lives in Eldoret although his training base is in Kaptagat, some 30 kilometres away.

He knows what it is like to be victorious on the global stage, having come out on top as a teenager after an epic three-way duel with Hicham El Guerrouj and Kenenisa Bekele for the 5000m gold at the 2003 IAAF World Championships in Paris.

It came just a few months after he had won the junior men’s race at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

-Rare Gold-

However, since then, despite going to another four IAAF World Championships as well as the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, another triumph at this level has eluded him.

He won 5000m bronze and then silver medals at the Olympic Games in Athens and Beijing, and also picked up a silver medal over the same distance at the 2007 IAAF World Championships.

A pivotal point in turning him from a track to a road runner was the 2012 Olympic trials in Nairobi when he could only finished seventh over 5000m and he did not make the Kenyan team for London.

Just a few weeks after the London 2012 Olympic Games had ended, he had fast half marathon of 59:25 in the French city of Lille, a time which remains his personal best, and that convinced him that his future lay on a different surface.

In fact, Kipchoge has not raced on the track since the summer of 2012 but in April 2013 he made a winning marathon debut in Hamburg in 2:05:30, an astonishingly quick time for his first outing over the distance despite his track pedigree, and he has never looked back.

Going full circle, after the disappointment of not going to the London Olympics, Kipchoge now finds himself talked about as a long-distance – in every sense given that we are almost 11 months away from the race itself – gold medal prospect in Rio.

The level-headed and extremely affable Kipchoge is unlikely to get too distracted by all the talk, which is inevitably going to increase in volume over the coming months, of him winning in Rio, or even getting a medal.

After all, Olympic marathons regularly don’t conform to expectations and who would have expected Stephen Kiprotich winning in London or, going a bit further back, Gezahegn Abera or Josia Thugwane taking the honours in 2000 and 1996 respectively?

Nevertheless, Kipchoge can prepare for Rio confident in the knowledge that he will enter everyone’s reckoning as a leading prospect to stand on top of the podium on Sunday 21 August, 2016.

Kenya Lionesses in a group photo before their departure to South Africa. Head coach Miks Shamiah wants them to be contracted. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 29 – National women sevens head coach, Mike Shamiah, urged Kenya Rugby Union to put the team on central contract and provide a high performance camp like their male counterparts.

This is to enable the side prepare adequately for a final bid to qualify for the 2016 Olympics at next year’s repchage after missing out on the sole African slot when they lost 31-5 to hosts South Africa in the Main Cup final of the continental qualifiers on Sunday..

Shamiah was speaking on Tuesday when the team returned home from a second failed bid after earlier missing out on the Rio party at the HSBC Women’s Sevens Rugby Series in Ireland.

“If we have the girls on contract and permanently training in a high performance camp it will be ideal. Right now we are struggling with girls being in school and others are working. Former captain  Doreen Remour missed the tournament for personal commitments.

“If we had a better way the girls could be taken care of, then we will perform at our best. South Africa were in high performance training for six months. We can’t keep track of our players,” Shamiah, who will call up 21 players for training, decried.

The Lionesses will resume training after two weeks with the head coach hoping to play friendly matches that will help them improve on possession that let them down against South Africa.

Kenya will battle it out for the last remaining ticket to Brazil against Russia, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Venezuela and an Oceania representative but Shamiah believes they have a huge chance of making history by qualifying for the Summer Games since they have beaten those teams before.

“We need to sharpen our structure, attack and moving forward. That will be the main component in training. We need to give the girls more resources and game play because we had no friendlies yet other teams like South Africa and Tunisia test their teams.

“The girls played fantastic rugby. South Africa were a better team but we have learnt and there is time for improvement. In rugby, a mighty team can fall and a small team can win. It wasn’t our day but we came home with second spot in Africa which is a huge thing for us,” the coach outlined.

Skipper, Catherine Abilla who called on corporates to sponsor the team adding hope is not lost.

“South Africa were more experience but moving forward, we know we are going to do better. Everyone wanted the win but we still have the psyche and we hope all goes well. It’s all about passion for the game.

The repchage will determine the 12th and last team for the Olympics to join, hosts Brazil, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, England (Team GB), Colombia, USA, France,  South Africa and the winners of Oceania and Asia regional qualifiers.

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, September 30 – Police have cancelled Thursday’s SportPesa Premier League matches involving local giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on security grounds.

The Kenyan Premier League secretariat confirmed to Capital Sport the games were postponed to avoid clashing with the ongoing Nairobi International Trade Fair that culminates on Sunday.

“There will be no Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards matches as scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) because the Nairobi Show is on. We will announce the new dates soon,” KPL Leagues and Competition Officer, Phoebe Amuyunzu, announced.

Champions Gor were to host Western Stima at Nyayo National Stadium while struggling Leopards had a tricky encounter with fellow giants Sofapaka at Nairobi City Stadium.

“The SportPesa Premier League matches involving Sofapaka versus AFC Leopards at City Stadium and Gor Mahia versus Western Stima at Nyayo Stadium scheduled for Thursday afternoon have been postponed.

“This follows communication from the Nairobi County Police Commandant stating that they will not be able to provide security for the two matches because they are stretched due to the on-going Nairobi International Trade Fair that is running from September 26 to October 4,” a statement from KPL read.

“Consequently, the league body has postponed the fixtures on security grounds to later in October and November in Kenya’s capital city.”

The last time the arch rivals met in the SPL on August 9 saw their fans engage police in running battles with the game abandoned in the 63rd minute when Ingwe supporters pelted the Nyayo pitch with missiles when K’Ogalo were awarded a penalty.

Gor were awarded the match 2-0 after a disciplinary process that saw both clubs fined Sh1m in total for damages caused when their supporters went on rampage.

Other fixtures that will see the top flight league resume after a two-week break remain intact.

Former champions, Tusker FC welcome Muhoroni Youth in the early kick-off at Nyayo before relegation threatened Nakuru All Stars travel to Mathare United.

National sevens head coach, Benjamin Ayimba, when unveiling the Safari 7s squads. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 30 – Eight national sevens core players have been ruled out of this weekend’s Safari Sevens after picking injuries in training.

Head coach, Benjamin Ayimba who unveiled Shujaa and Moran squads on Wednesday, was optimistic the experienced players will be fit for November’s African 2016 Olympics qualifiers to be hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Record try scorer, Collins Injera, Billy Odhiambo, Lavin Asego, Patrice Agunda, Oscar Ayodi, Dan Sikuta, Dennis Ombachi and Leonard Mugaisi will sit out the 20th Safari Sevens that has attracted 14 foreign teams led by Samurai.

“With almost all senior players injured like Injera who is at 60 percent recovery, there is very little we can do in competing at top level but it’s a blessing in disguise for us since we will be able to gauge whom we will work with.

“The young men I have named here are pretty good in what they do and that’s the reason they are in the team. The ultimate prize is to win the tournament.

“We have asked them to focus on trying to get into the team because it’s almost a selection process and the boys know exactly what they need to do,” Ayimba, who made a return to the team’s management a fortnight ago, announced.

Ayimba will oversee Shujaa with Andrew Amonde wearing the armband for Kenya’s main team. South Africa’s Western Province winger, Willy Ambaka is set to make a comeback after two years in that side.

Jeff Oluoch (Homeboyz), Oscar Dennis (Nondescript) and Frank Wanyama (Kenya Harlequins) are among new inclusions while fly-half, Biko Adema and Augustine Lugonzo are the only senior players in the team.

Eden Agero from Harlequins will captain Moran that has Homeboyz centre, Bush Mwale and Strathmore Leos’ Tony Onyango as the only seasoned players with Implala RFC impressive duo of Robert Aringo and Samuel Motari also featuring.

Ayimba will use the tournament to select his final 23 squad that will be contracted by Kenya Rugby Union for the Olympics qualifiers and the 2015-16 World Rugby Sevens Series season.

“It will be a good tournament for us because we will have an opportunity to gauge our Olympics qualifiers opponents as well as see who is best to make our team. We will go all out since our aim is to win,” Ayimba declared.

Kenya’s opponents in the regional Olympics qualifiers Zimbabwe, Namibia and Uganda are expected to participate in the two-day international competition.

With strength and conditioning coach, South Africa’s Graham Bentz future in doubt, Ayimba was confident Geoffrey Kimani who has been in the team before is capable of executing the role in the interim.

“We have Kimani who is a renowned strength and conditioning coach as well as sprint trainer. We worked together at the 2009 World Cup and results were there to be seen. We improved in the last two weeks and we hope all injured guys will go to rehab and get well soon.”

Ayimba, who was formally in charge from 2006-2011, declared his first target is to lead the team to Olympics and improve on their 13th spot in the World Sevens Series.

“We need to understand that the game is all about performance as opposed to forcing results and unfortunately that was a culture that has been ailing us. The boys have not had the mental strength of wanting to win.

“We want the guys to work hard because we got to dig ourselves from position13 and of cause qualify for Olympics,” the coach pointed out.

Meanwhile, Australian Iconz became the first team to arrive for Safari Sevens with Portugal, Namibia and Italy scheduled to jet in on Thursday.

SQUAD

Shujaa

Andrew Amonde (KCB, Captain), Jeff Oluoch (Menengai Cream Homeboyz),Oscar Dennis (Total Nondies),Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Augustine Lugonzo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz),William Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin), Kennedy Moseti (KCB), Biko Adema (Total Nondies), Philip KWame (TopFry Nakuru), Alvin Otieno (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Frank Wanyama (Kenya Harlequin)

Coach: Benjamin Ayimba

Team Manager: Newton Ong’alo

Physio: Lameck Bogonko

Strength & Conditioning: Geoffrey Kimani

Morans

Eden Agero (Kenya Harlequin, Captain), Don Oluoch (Top Fry Nakuru), Shaban Ahmed (Mwamba), Bush Mwale (Menengai Homeboyz), Fidel Castro (Kabras Sugar), David Kivuti (Top Fry Nakuru),Robert Aringo (Resolution Impala Saracens), Abeka Stafford (KCB), Samuel Motari (Resolution Impala Saracens), Tony Onyango (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos), Geoffrey Ominde (Top Fry Nakuru),Collins Shikoli (Menengai Cream Homeboyz)

Coach: Paul Murunga

Team Manager: Erick Ogweno

Physio: Anthony Maina

Strength & Conditioning: Geoffrey Kimani

Ian Freestone and navigator Absalom Aswani (right) in their Tuthill Porsche 911. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, September 30- The Tuthill Porsche team is leaving nothing to chance ahead of this year’s Kenya Airways Safari Classic after conducting rigorous test on rough roads in mid-Wales.

The Safari Classic-specification Porsche with team boss, Richard Tuthill behind the wheel, covered over 200km on the nearest thing that can be found in Britain to the rough roads of Kenya and Tanzania that his cars will tackle in two months time.

“Every Safari is different, but this one has many new challenges. The rally has a new route, with the longest single stage extended to more than 180km; almost half the total running of a current World Championship Rally.

“Organisers have also tightened scrutineering procedures, with strict enforcement of period FIA homologation for all competing vehicles. Removing previous flexibility surrounding this regulation confirms the Safari Classic as the world’s toughest rally for historic rally cars prepared to the highest standards,” he stated.

“The 2013 Safari Classic was an incredible rally, where our team was tested to the absolute limit. It was tough to lose within sight of the chequered flag, but we vowed to come back even stronger.

“Set in the most beautiful part of the world with the wonderful East African people, Safari is our favourite rally and the ultimate test of these incredible historic rally cars,” he added.

Of the dozen 911s prepared by Tuthill Porsche, five are entered by Race4Health, the Swedish organisation linking motor sport activities with charitable organisations.

It is headed by Stig Blomqvist – the man who nearly took victory in 2013 and is an ex-World Rally Champion – and Richard Göransson ex-Swedish and European Touring Car winner who made a major impression during his Safari debut two years ago.

David von Schinkel, Roger Samuelsson and Christer Johansson will drive the rest with each vehicle linked to charities that support projects in Africa.

The other Tuthill Porsche machines will be driven by Richard Jackson, Steve Troman, Joakim Roman, Gilberto Sandretto, Gerard Marcy, two times former Kenya champion Alastair Cavenagh and Arusha based industrialist Jayant Shah.

NAIROBI, October 1- Kenya has plummeted 15 places to 131st in the latest Coca-Cola FIFA Rankings as a repercussion of the damaging home defeat to Zambia in their second 2017 AFCON qualifying Group E clash.

Harambee Stars who were 116th in the previous list have also sunk to 40th in Africa in a development that piles more pressure on head coach, Bobby Williamson, who is preparing to lead the side to Mauritius on October 7 in the first leg of their 2018 World Cup pre-qualifier.

It means Kenya is is inching closer to match or surpass their worst ever rating of 137th in July 2007 at the height of the supremacy wars over the games’ leadership with the away Mauritius clash now adopting a bigger significance to ward off the free fall.

Stars lost 2-1 to Chipolopolo on September 6 where Michael Olunga opened the scoring for the hosts before Zambia turned the result by the end of the first half in a match made infamous by lurid claims of a sex orgy at the team’s hotel and other players breaking team curfew to party the night away on the eve of the clash.

Congo Brazzaville and Zambia share Group E’s lead on four points apiece with Stars who led the pool ahead of the clash sliding to third on goal difference ahead of Guinea Bissau.

Kenya play Mauritius on October 7 in the first leg before hosting the return a fortnight later with the winner advancing to face Cape Verde who shot up the rankings by 15 places to settle in 41st globally in a bid to make the Russia 2018 World Cup finals.

Williamson rolled out a squad of 20 for the first leg and the local based players are expected to enter training camp Friday in Nairobi.

He dropped six, five who were accused of taking part either in the alleged orgy or staying up late from the team.

As a measure to ward off against any excesses, The Scot has shifted the team’s camp to Moi International Sports Complex, eight kilometres away from the city centre but the chosen venue could prove a problem.

The annual international rugby invitational, Safari Sevens is also scheduled for the same venue over the weekend with 14 invited teams and two local sides taking part, including 2016 Olympics hosts, Brazil.

Argentina jumped above world champions, Germany to take charge of the world rankings with Belgium, Portugal, Colombia, Spain, Brazil, Wales, Chile and England rounding the top ten in that order.

Algeria (19) lead the African rankings ahead of continental champions, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Tunisia and Senegal who round the first five.

The Vatican Cricket team poses with Pope Francis inside the Vatican. PHOTO/ITV

VATICAN CITY, October 1- The Vatican’s increasingly high-profile cricket club has set the date for a highly symbolic first match against an all-Muslim team from Britain, organisers said Thursday.

In a series of matches this month, the St Peter’s cricket club, made up of mostly South Asian Rome-based seminarians and priests, will also take on a team from Pope Francis’s home town of Buenos Aires and get a chance of revenge against a Church of England XI.

But it is the meeting with Mount Cricket Club from Batley, Yorkshire, on October 17 that is likely to attract the most attention, with the Church hoping it will make a small contribution to global inter-faith understanding.

“It is going to be Muslims and Catholics playing together, a bridge being made in sport between believers,” said Father Robert McCulloch, an Australian priest who was based in Pakistan for 34 years and helped organise the inter-faith clash with help from the governor of Sind province in Pakistan, Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan.

Most of Mount’s players are of Pakistani heritage.

“This is a point that is going to be picked up in countries where cricket is played,” McCulloch added.

“Pope Francis says walls are never solutions, bridges always are. What we are doing here is making a good bridge, a small counterbalance to a culture of violence throughout the world.”

Established in 2013, the St Peter’s club toured England last year where their matches included meetings with The Royal Household club based at Windsor Castle, an authors XI and a team of British army chaplains.

A tight match with the Anglican church’s finest ended in the narrowest of victories for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s XI.

Media attention surrounding the tour led to officials at the Mount CC getting in touch with the St Peter’s team to propose a match.

During their visit to Rome they are to be invited to join members of the St Egidio religious community for prayers in one of the city’s best known churches, the 12th Century Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Alvin Otieno is tackled by Willy Ambaka during Shujaa’s training on Thursday, October 1. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, October 1 – Kenyan teams for this weekend’s Safari Sevens, Shujaa and Morans have been handed relatively easy pools as the hosts seek to reclaim the title they last won two years ago.

First team, Shujaa captained by Andrew Amonde are drawn in Pool A alongside South African side, Western Province, Italy and Burundi.

Morans, who will be under the tutelage of Homeboyz head coach, Paul Murunga, will battle it out with Samurai, Zimbabwe and neighbours Uganda in Pool C.

England Saxons will lock horns with Spain, 2016 Olympics hosts, Brazil and Zambia in Pool B whilst Rugby World Sevens Series core side, Portugal headline Pool D with Australia Iconz, Namibia and Newcastle Wailers.

Head coach, Benjamin Ayimba who led the class of 2010 to victory when the tournament was hosted at its traditional venue, Nairobi’s RFUEA, was confident his squads that lack seasoned players who were ruled out with injuries will prevail.

“We know it will not be easy out there because we are facing rugby nation teams like Samurai and Western Province but I have faith in the young boys who are eager to prove themselves.

“It’s long since we won the tournament so either Shujaa or Morans are capable of representing the 46 million Kenyans over the weekend,” Ayimba, who has guided Kenya to three titles between 2008-10, stated when he unveiled the squads.

Shujaa will open their campaign with first timers Burundi then entertain Italy before wrapping their group match with a mouth watering clash against Western Province.

Morans, who will be captained by Eden Agero, will be up against Zimbabwe in their first match before taking on Samurai and Uganda in a group they are favourites to qualify for Sunday’s Main Cup quarter-finals.

The 20th edition of the tournament received World Rugby approval ranking it among leading sevens tournaments globally.

All 14 visiting teams are already in the country with the guests scheduled to train at Nairobi’s St. Mary’s School.

“We have partnered with transport company, MetroTrans, who will provide transport to Kasarani at a rate of Ksh 50. They have placed 30 buses on standby and they will pick up fans from the Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi.

“Our local sides, Shujaa and Morans have been preparing for the tournament, in readiness for the competition streaming into Nairobi from different corners of the world.

This makes the 20th edition of the Safari Sevens a must attend and this is an opportunity for lovers of the game to sit back and enjoy two days of great international sevens rugby right here in Nairobi,” Kenya Rugby Union boss, Richard Omwela said in a statement.

Deputy President, William Ruto (left), Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary, Eugine Wamalwa (center) and Bungoma Governor, Ken Lusaka (right) during the fundraiser on October 2. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, October 2 – Deputy President, William Ruto reiterated poor management of football has ruined the sport as Harambee Stars plummeted 15 places in the latest FIFA rankings .

Ruto, was speaking on Thursday night when he presided over cash-strapped AFC Leopards’ fundraiser in Nairobi where the club raised Sh4.5m (USD43, 000.48) to cater for players and technical bench salary arrears.

President, Uhuru Kenyatta donated Sh1m (USD 9,555.662) while Ruto, who was the guest of honour, was the highest contributor, with Sh2m (USD19,111.32) in a ceremony attended by Bungoma Governor, Ken Lusaka and his Vihiga counterpart Moses Akaranga.

Also in attendance was Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa who gave Sh100, 000 (USD 957.951) while club patron, Cyrus Jirongo contributed Sh500, 000 (USD 4,789.78).

“Bad management in the beautiful game has killed talent and put the livelihoods of millions to waste. I urge Kenyans with interest in football, passion for success and experience to step forward and manage the affairs of football in the country.

“With good professional management, football can join other sports in putting Kenya in the international map. It will also give a livelihood to many youths.

“After all there is no greater sport in the world than football. Glad to join friends of AFC Leopards to raise funds for the club’s empowerment programme,” Ruto, who expressed similar sentiments when he opened Nairobi’s Camp Toyoyo in August, declared.

Football Kenya Federation under the leadership of president Sam Nyamweya has been heavily criticised for slapstick management after Stars were bundled out of the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers by minnows Lesotho last year.

The team that is ranked 131 in the world, is yet to register victory in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers after drawing 1-1 away to Congo Brazzaville before losing 2-1 at home to Zambia.

Leopards are also affected by poor leadership with two factions fighting to be in charge, something that has thrown the club into disarray as the season draws to a close.

On Wednesday, interim Secretary General, Professor, Asava Kadima became the latest official to resign, joining chairman Allan Kasavuli and Organising Secretary, Tmothy Lilumbi as top executives to quit.

The 2015 season has been financially challenging for Ingwe after shirt sponsors Mumias Sugar withdrew leading to mass exodus of key players led by keeper, Wycliffe Kasaya during the June transfer window.

This forced the club to stretch it begging bowl to well wishers for their first fundraiser in June where they collected Sh5.5m (USD52,682.30)

Leopards owe players who opted to stay like skipper, Jackson Saleh, as well as head coach, Zdravko Logarusic four months in salary and bonus arrears with new players who joined in June demanding three months dues.

Ingwe who were tipped to fight for the crown have staggered to sixth in the SportPesa Premier League on 38 points and left with only the GOtv Shield to chase after Tusker bundled them out of the KPL Top 8.

Benjamin Ayimba during Friday’s coaching session after speaking to Capital in the Morning. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, October 2- Kenya 7s head coach, Benjamin Ayimba has moved to draw a line on controversy surrounding his appointment by insisting he is the right man to lead the team back to the top of the international game.

Ayimba, who presided over the emergence of Kenya as a force in the World Rugby circuit besides leading the side to a historic Sevens World Cup semi final during the 2009 edition in Dubai during his first spell from 2006 to 2011, was hired back last month.

However, a section of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) board members protested against his re-appointment citing the process did not follow proper procedure before he was reportedly downgraded to an interim coach last week.

Speaking at Capital in the Morning radio show on Friday- on the eve of his first assignment since his return at the annual Safari 7s international invitational- Ayimba fired back at his critics calling on everyone to focus on reviving Kenya’s flagging fortunes.

“They are two types of coaches, there are the coaches that say and you do, and there are those that ask the player to do what the best is to give them guidelines, I’m the kind of coach who is very player eccentric,”

“Given the culture we have in Kenya, players want to be treated humanely in a way they understand since we are semi professional. I understand that very well since that’s where I grew up,” Ayimba asserted.

The former international paid homage to his successor, Englishman Mike Friday who led the team to a second Rugby Sevens World Cup semi final in 2013 besides their highest ever finish in the World Series, fifth, in the same season.

“Friday got into their minds and became them. That’s why he is a good coach. He’s a coach who first understands the culture and brings players close to him. That is why they play for him. It’s a huge gamble sometimes since you have to look at the sort of coach you pick for your players,” he admitted.

Ayimba urged Union bosses to give local bred tacticians a chance in managing national sides since they were also competent for the job citing how he was shunted out of the position when Mwangi Muthee took over at the helm of KRU.

“Alongside a Kenyan management team, I got our team to the highest of highs and that was thrown out of the window. The reason why this is case, I don’t know whether it is a Kenyan or African thing, we are not taught to be confident of ourselves.

“When you are confident, people assume you are arrogance. When you speak your mind, it is misconstrued to be arrogance. Most of the time, it is what they would not want to hear and it is a culture they have been put through and a culmination of what they have learnt,” he regretted.

“In any team, players stand out more than others, you can’t shy away from those who can lead and play better, all we are trying to do is get the really good ones to try and bring up the younger ones who are trying to get to that position, once we get that fibre right then we should be okay,” Ayimba told on his plans for selecting the team that will vie for Olympics qualification at the forthcoming qualifiers in South Africa next month.

Speaking on the subject, former KRU director and Safari 7s tournament director, Godwin Karuga advised the governing body to cease the wrangles that have affected the team’s management as well as sponsorship of the sport.

“It’s unfortunate we had to get to that. I would want a situation where we were all enjoying the game. As a Union, as a game, we owe it ourselves to govern ourselves in the correct way,” he added while backing Ayimba to succeed.

Kenya will also have the opportunity to face off against Olympic qualifier competitors Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Uganda during the Safari 7s where 14 visiting teams are taking part.

The Main tournament kicks off at 11am on Saturday at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani with a curtain-raising veterans event scheduled for Friday evening in Nairobi’s Impala Grounds along Ngong Road.

Agatha Jeruto. PHOTO/Nike.com

NAIROBI, October 2- African bronze medallist and Beijing Worlds women 800m hopeful Agatha Jeruto as well as road runner, Josephine Jepkoech, have been handed four and two year doping bans by Athletics Kenya in the latest positive busts in the country.

The federation confirmed in a statement on Friday they had sanctioned the runners after the news leaked out in a local daily that Jeruto, who was a hopeful for the Beijing World Championships and Jepkoech had been banned for doping violations.

“Athletics Kenya has also sanctioned Agatha Jeruto Kimaswai for failing a doping test during out of competition mission on 14th April 2015 in Eldoret.

“The samples provided by the athlete revealed the presence of the prohibited substance Norandrosterone. In reference to IAAF Rule 40.2 (a) ii a four (4) year period of ineligibility has been imposed on the athlete effective 20th May 2015 and will end on 19th May 2019,” the federation’s statement said.

Jeruto was in the books of the Rosa Associati stable where star marathoner, Rita Jeptoo, who was banned in January for EPO violations also belonged before she was expelled from the management.

The budding two-lap talent was a training partner to 2013 women 800m World champion, Eunice Sum and 2007 winner, Janeth Jepkosgei in Eldoret.

Rosa Associati are yet to respond to Capital Sport inquiry into the latest case by press time having distanced themselves from Jeptoo, when the three-time Boston and twice Chicago women’s marathon champion became the highest profile doping bust in Kenyan history.

Jeruto, 21, rose to attention when she qualified for the 2011 World Youth Championships but ended her run in the semis, a feat she repeated at the World Junior Championships a year later.

She bagged her first medal during the 2013 Africa Junior Championships before winning the same at last year’s Africa Championships in Marrakech, Morocco.

Jeruto was widely expected to join training partners Sum, who won bronze at her defence in Beijing and Jepkosgei in the team to China but did not take part in the August 1 Kenya Trials as speculation mounted.

-IAC deny-

Meanwhile, the International Athletics Consultancy (IAC) that was led by the late respected manager, Zane Branson, slammed newspaper reports that linked Jepkoech who failed a dope test in Angola to their stable.

“Athletics Kenya has sanctioned Josephine Jepkoech Jepkorir for failing a doping test conducted on 31st December 2014 during the Corrida de Sao Silvestre, in Luanda Angola which revealed the presence of prohibited substance Norandrosterone.

“In reference to IAAF Rule 40.2 and owing to the period when the infarction was registered a two (2) year sanction has been imposed on the athlete effective from 15th March 2015 and will end on 14th March 2017. Additionally and in reference to IAAF Rule 40.1 the results for the Corrida de Sao Silvestre, in Luanda Angola and ‘Ras Al Khaimah International Half Marathona’, on 13.02.15 have been cancelled.

“The athlete will therefore forfeit all titles, awards, medals, points, prize and appearance money from these races,” the federation said in the announcement of the sanctions for Jepkoech.

IAC Special Projects manager, Davor Savija, said partly in a statement, “IAC states that Jospehine Jepkoech Korir was not managed by the late Zane Branson/IAC and in the strongest possible terms we object incorrect and irresponsible reporting.”

Harambee Stars head coach, Bobby Williamson, applauds during their 2-1 loss to Zambia. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, October 2 – Gor Mahia defender, Harun Shakava, Nakuru All Stars winger, John Ndirangu and Chemelil Sugar midfielder, Stephen Wakhanya are the latest inclusions in the Harambee Stars squad preparing to face Mauritius in their 2018 World Cup pre-qualifier.

Local based players reported to residential training on Friday with head coach, Bobby Williamson, conducting his first session at Kasarani Stadium.

The trio replace some of the senior players dropped on disciplinary grounds with Ndirangu, who earned his maiden call up in August last year, filling the void left by wingers Greece based Paul Were and Tusker FC’s Danson Kago.

Shakava who was axed from the team that lost 2-1 to Zambia in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers, comes on for Malaysian based defender, Lawrence Olum whilst Wakhanya is eyeing Humphrey Mieno’s position in midfield.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was forced to move the team’s camp from Nairobi West to their traditional Kasarani Moi Complex after claims of sexual impropriety at Stars hotel involving at least three players with other culprits accused of going out late into the night in breach of team rules.

Kenya will host the return-leg at Kasarani which will be hosting an international match for the first time in two years when they beat Namibia 1-0 during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Williamson, who is yet to win a competitive match since succeeding Belgian Adel Amrouche, has now a squad 23 players who will be tasked to open their road to Russia on a high for them to increase their chances of qualifying for the World Cup group draw.

Nine foreign based players led by skipper, Victor Wanyama will link up with the team in Mauritius ahead of the first-leg scheduled for Wednesday.

“We are organising for the foreign based players to connect directly to Mauritius because there is no time for them to join the team in Nairobi,” FKF Media Officer, John Kariuki told Capital Sport.

All local based players are in camp apart from Ndirangu and Mathare United midfielder, Eric Johana whose clubs are involved in Friday’s SportPesa Premier League fixture where Mathare host All Stars before Tusker FC entertains Muhoroni Youth at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

Brian Mandela in action while training for Harambee Stars. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, October 9 – Harambee Stars have been handed a major boost after South Africa’s Maritzburg United defender, Brian Mandela arrived for Sunday’s 2018 World Cup pre qualifier return leg against Mauritius at Kasarani Stadium.

Mandela missed the first-leg where Stars eased 5-2 after Football Kenya Federation (FKF) failed to send him ticket alongside Norway’s Lillestrome first choice keeper, Arnold Origi and Zesco United defender, David ‘Calabar’ Owino.

His presence will hand head coach, Bobby Williamson an option that could see him bench David Ochieng who picked a yellow card in Port Louis.

Stars who conducted first training on Friday have their work cut out after their biggest win that left Mauritius needing four unanswered goals to overturn the deficit that could deny Kenya a meeting with Cape Verde in the next round.

The Scotsman is expected to ring minimal changes from his winning squad with Ulinzi Stars winger, Kevin Amwayi likely to replace Azam forward, Allan Wanga who was ineffective in the first leg.

However, Williamson urged his charges not to down play their opponents since they expect the Les Dodos to chance their tactics.

“It will not be as easy as many may think because I know Mauritius will change their game plan and they will be seeking to score early. I hope we will maintain the momentum,” the head coach stated.

Mauritius head coach, Alain Happe is positive they can improve on their disappointing start but admitted it will be an uphill task to overturn the deficit.

“I know it will be difficult but anything is possible and I hope we will have a good match on Sunday for the continuation of the team. We lost because of simple mistakes but I’m hopeful we can improve in the second leg,” the Frenchman underscored.

The team had to shift their training to Ruaraka Sports Ground after finding Kasarani already booked.

Officials from Cameroon will run the match that will kick-off at 4pm local time (+3GMT) with Cosmas Mandeng Bakaly mandated the center referee assisted by countrymen Joseph Fuanta Lambi and Pierre Enyegue while Christopher Nde will be the fourth official.

Congolese Daniel Louzaya will be the referee Inspector while Egyptian Mostapha Hisham will be the match commissioner.

Tickets will retail at Sh500 for the VIP while terraces will sale at Sh100.

Tusker FC’s Noah Wafula in action at a previous SPL clash. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, October 10 – Tusker FC suffered a major upset after second tier side, Nzoia United bundled them out of the GOtv Shield 5-4 on post match penalties in the round of 16 played in Kisumu on Saturday.

In the early kick-off at the same venue, Edwin Oduor netted twice as Sony Sugar edged out West Kenya 2-1 while Football Kenya Premier league side, Nakumatt FC mauled Fortune Sacco 4-0.

Elsewhere, hosts Bandari were 2-1 winners over Bomet’s Administration Police as the law enforces counterparts from Nairobi beat Fresha FC 2-0 to advance to the quarter-finals.

After eliminating defending champions Sofapaka in the round of 32, Nzoia United downed another SportPesa Premier League giant, Tusker FC to pile more misery on head coach, Francis Kimanzi who has now been left with the KPL Top 8 to defend.

The Brewers who entered the match at the back of 2-3 loss to Muhoroni Youth in the league, found themselves trailing in the 63rd minute courtesy of Mark Bikokwa’s opener from the spot.

Clifford Alwanga came to Tusker’s rescue ten minutes to the final whistle to force the match to penalties after the match ended 1-1.

In the shoot outs, Brian Osumba, James Situma and Humphrey Mieno missed their kicks as Kevin Kimani, Jockins Atudo, Clifford Alwanga and Jesse Were converted.

Lawrence Juma, Bikokwa, Bonface Mucheri, Valen Mahero and Benson Mangala netted for Nzoia as Festus Okine and Patrick Kwitonda squandered theirs.

The underdogs came close in the opening ten minutes with Valen Mahero attempting from close range but was denied by the woodwork.

Tusker found their rhythm at the quarter hour mark with efforts from Kimani and Mieno going wide.

Were, could have send his side ahead in the 27th after Ronald Musana dribbled past two defenders to set him up but the SPL top scorer wasted the chance after his feeble shot was rescued.

Nzoia resumed on a high to punish Tusker after defender Eugene Asike handled in the box to concede a penalty that was well slotted home by Bikokwa.

The visitors had chance to double the lead through Luke Namanda and Mahero but defenders Asike and Jockins Atudo did well to clear off the line.

However, the Brewers restored parity in the dying minutes after Alwanga raised high to node home from Kimani’s cross to send the match on post match penalties.

The GOtv Shield continues on Sunday with Muhoroni Youth taking on Police FC.

Nico Rosberg FILE PHOTO

RUSSIA, October 11 – Nico Rosberg’s world championship title dream appears all but over after the German’s Mercedes limped out of the Russian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Rosberg, who trailed his teammate Lewis Hamilton by 48 points arriving in Sochi, started from pole and was leading the defending world champion before a fatal throttle problem forced him out of the race on lap seven.

Before retiring he had told his mechanics on the team radio: “The throttle pedal is broken. If it sticks, what should I do?”

If Hamilton goes on to win the race he would take a 73 points lead over Rosberg with only 100 points of the season left to play for.

Back in the pits a visibly disappointed Rosberg told the BBC: “Straight after the safety car the pedal broke. It was quite dangerous. Definitely not a nice way to end the day.”

Asked what this retirement meant for his title ambitions he shrugged: “I don’t know, it’s made it more difficult of course.

“But I was never going to win a championship like that when normal things break.

“But of course I’ll come back like I always do to keep pushing.”

Harambee Stars captain, Victor Wanyama gets past Mauritius player in their 2018 World Cup pre qualifier on October 11 at Kasarani Stadium.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, October 11 – Harambee Stars are through to the second round of the 2018 World Cup pre qualifier despite being held to a goalless draw by minnows Mauritius in the return leg played at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

Stars benefited from their biggest 5-2 away first leg win to book a date with Cape Verde Islands in a two legged tie to be played between November 9 and 17 with the aggregate winner entering the draw for the group qualifiers.

Head coach Bobby Williamson who had his work cut out after their biggest away win in four years is now focusing on Cape Verde match which he says needs early preparations.

“The boys didn’t play according to our expectations but the most important thing is that we are through to the next round. We are now meeting Cape Verde who are above us in the FIFA rankings and that means its going to be a tall order.

“But we will check them out, do our home work and hopefully we will get the boys organised to do the job and go through the group draw,” The Scotsman underlined after the barren draw.

Williamson made four changes from the winning squad  to accommodate defenders David ‘Calabar’ Owino and Brian Mandela who both missed first leg for David Ochieng and Gor Mahia’s Harun Shakava.

Sudan’s Al-Khartoum FC midfielder Anthony Akumu and Azam forward Allan Wanga were relegated to the bench for Mathare United’s Eric Johanna and Ulinzi Stars winger Kevin Amwayi.

Stars were wasteful in the first half with Gor Mahia forward Michael Olunga fluffing three open chances that could have seen the host lead 3-0 in the first half.

Kenya had an opportunity to break the deadlock in the 10th after Mauritius goal keeper Kevin Jeallous handled his skipper, Jonathan Brue’s back pass to concerned an indirect free-kick in the box but captain, Victor Wanyama missed the chance after his shot blocked.

Olunga, found his first chance eight minutes later when Wanyama put him through with the lanky striker doing well to beat a defender but his finish was poor despite putting the ball on his favourite left foot.

Two minutes later, Olunga failed to make the amends after Johanna picked him up for the speedy forward to weave through the defence but Jeallous stood tall to save the danger with his right foot.

Mandela who turns out for South Africa’s Maritzburg United rattled the cross bar in the 34th after heading Johanna’s set piece while on the other end, Stars survived a scare after Mauritius launched a counter attack but keeper, Boniface Oluoch came off his line to deny Brue.

Olunga, missed Stars final chance to see the visitors hold the host at the breather contrast top first leg where Kenya were on the lead 2-0 after 45 minutes.

Stars launched the attack in the first five minutes of the last half but Belgian based winger, Ayub Timbe, Johanna and Wanyama failed to hit the target.

Mauritius head coach, Happe Alain introduced their first leg man of the match Andy Sophie for Jonathan Justin as Williamson withdrew wasteful Amwayi for Wanga in search for the break through.

Jeallous was at again to deny Johanna Omolo after recovering to save the Belgian based midfielder close range shot before Olunga hit the post after connecting Timbe’s corner kick.

Williamson exhausted his substitutions bringing on Nakuru All Stars John Ndirangu for Olunga whilst Ulinzi Stars forward John Nairuka came on for Timbe in the six minutes added time before the final whistle.

It was a dazzling entry for Ndirangu who earned his maiden cap in the senior team but his late strike was stopped by Jeallous who produced a man of the match performance in the second leg despite conceding five when the two sides met in the opener on Wednesday.

Chumba Dickson of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the Mens 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois

CHICAGO, October 11 – Dickson Chumba captured the Chicago Marathon men’s title on Sunday, leading the second straight Kenyan podium sweep by finishing ahead of Sammy Kitwara and Sammy Ndungu.

Chumba crossed the finish line in 2:09:25 to beat Kitwara (2:09.50) in a race that featured slower times than usual after organizers decided not to include pace-setters.

Ndungu (2:10.06) claimed the bronze, outsprinting Ethiopia’s Girmay Birhanu Gebru (2:10.07) down the stretch for the final podium position.

Kenya’s Florence Kiplagat won the women’s title in a time of 2:23.33 as athletes from the East African distance running powerhouses dominated both elite fields.

Chumba’s time was five minutes slower than Eliud Kipchoge’s winning time last year at 2:04.11. The world record stands at 2:02.57.

Chumba said he hopes to return in 2016 to defend his title.

“Maybe next year to win,” he said. “I need to run maybe a faster time.”

The decision to drop the pace-setters made for a slower race but was done to try and combat doping in the sport.

Rita Jeptoo, a three-time women’s winner of the Boston Marathon and two-time winner in Chicago, is the biggest name in Kenyan athletics to be swept up in the doping scandal that has cast a shadow over the distance running community.

Chumba took command of the race in the 23rd mile, pulling away from Kitwara and Abel Kuma to post a 25 second victory. It was also the third sweep of the podium by the Kenyans in the last five years.

Despite a slower time on Sunday, Chumba, who finished third in Chicago last year in 2:04.32, improved his podium position by two spots.

He has been one of the most consistent runners over the last year, winning the Tokyo Marathon in 2014 and finishing third there earlier this year.

In his last unpaced major marathon in 2013 he finished seventh (2:14.08) in Boston.

Pre-race favourite Kitwara had been hoping to finally reach the top of the podium after finishing fourth in 2012, third in 2013 and second in 2014.

American Puskedra was ready to give up the sport after a disappointing time of 2:28.54 in his marathon debut in New York City last year. He beat his personal best time, which he set in June, by more than five minutes on Sunday.

“I ran this on short notice,” Puskedra said. “I put a lot of pressure on running my first marathon in New York last year. It didn’t go how I wanted it.

“I felt bad for my wife because financially she was picking up everything. I just felt it might be time to move on, that this might be a hobby. It might just be a pipe dream. This has definitely been a hard last 11 months.”

– Jump for joy –

Florence Kiplagat of Kenya celebrates after crossing the finish line to win the Women’s 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois

Kiplagat finished third here in 2014 but was awarded second place after Jeptoo was stripped of her title because of doping.

Kiplagat still had enough energy after completing the 26.2 mile course to celebrate her victory with a thumbs up followed by three quick leaps for joy in the finish area.

“The course for me was very nice,” she said. “It was a flat course, sometimes it’s windy, but that is part of competition.”

Ethiopia’s Yebrgual Melese finished second in 2:23.43 while Birhane Dibaba of Ethiopia placed third in 2:24.24.

MEN FULL RESULTS

1 Chumba, Dickson (KEN) 2:09:25

2 Kitwara, Sammy (KEN) 2:09:50

3 Ndungu, Sammy (KEN) 2:10:06

4 Gebru, Girmay Birhanu (ETH) 2:10:07

5 Puskedra, Luke (USA) 2:10:24

6 Korir, Wesley (KEN) 2:10:39

7 Kibet, Elkanah (USA) 2:11:31

8 Rotich, Lucas (KEN) 2:13:39

9 Kuma, Abera (ETH) 2:13:44

10 Cabada, Fernando (USA) 2:15:36

WOMEN FULL RESULTS

1 Kiplagat, Florence (KEN) 2:23:33

2 Melese, Yebrgual (ETH) 2:23:43

3 Dibaba, Birhane (ETH) 2:24:24

4 Fukushi, Kayoko (JPN) 2:24:25

5 Seboka, Mulu (ETH) 2:24:40

6 Assefa, Meskerem (ETH) 2:25:11

7 Kastor, Deena (USA) 2:27:47

8 Nukuri, Diane (BDI) 2:29:13

9 Draskau Petersson, Jessica (DEN) 2:30:07

10 Hall, Sara (USA) 2:31:14

Victor Wanyama celebrates his goal against Hull City.

NAIROBI, October 12 – Harambee Stars skipper and Southampton midfielder, Victor Wanyama, is in the running to become the first Kenyan to win the CAF African Footballer of the Year award after he was included in the shortlist of 37 nominees for this year.

This will be the second time the 24-year-old has been nominated for the annual gong since 2013 when he joined Southampton for Sh1.9bn (£12.5m) from Celtic FC.

Wanyama, who guided Kenya to the second round of 2018 World Cup pre-qualifier, has been in blistering form for his club playing a vital role in midfield for the Saints who are ninth on the Barclays Premier League log after eight rounds.

‘Big Vic’ as he is nicknamed by his teammates in England, has only missed two matches for Ronald Koeman’s side this season when it was reported he submitted a transfer request to switch to EPL rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, but the deal collapsed on deadline day.

In his absence, Southampton were bundled out of the Europa League by Denmark outfit, Midtjylland in the play-offs before the team went on to thrash Norwich City 3-0 for their first league victory of the season.

Wanyama who has three goals for the Saints, will be joined by his Senegalese teammate, striker Sadio Mane who was shortlisted.

The list released by CAF on Sunday, is dominated by Algerian players with six footballers from the North African country in the line-up even though they failed to make an impact at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

African champions, Ivory Coast have four players, with four time back-to-back winner and current holder, Yaya Toure of Manchester City headlining their inclusion.

The Ghanaian pair of Christian Atsu and Andre Ayew also made the star-studded shortlist that has Nigerian duo of CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa and Lille keeper, Vincent Enyeama.

The present 37-man list will be pruned down to 10 by next month before it is further reduced to five and then the final three before the award ceremony is held.

Nominees full list

1. Ahmed Musa- CSKA Moscow, Russia, Nigeria
2. Andre Ayew – Swansea City, England, Ghana
3. Aymen ABDENNOUR – FC Valence, Spain, Tunisia
4. Baghdad Bonjah – Étoile du Sahel, Tunisia, Algeria
5. Bassem Morsi – Zamalek, Egypt, Egypt
6. Chrisitian Atsu – Bournemouth, England, Ghana
7. Dieu Merci Mbokani – Norwich, England, D.R Congo
8. El Arbi Hillel Soudani – Dynamo Zagreb, Croatia, Algeria
9. Faouzi Ghoulam – Napoli, Italy, Algeria
10. Férébory Doré – Angers, France, Congo
11. Gervais Yao Kouassi – Rome, Italy, Cote d’Ivoire
12. Ibrahima Traoré – Borussia Mönchengladbach, Germany, Guinea
13. Javier Balboa – Al-Faisaly, Saudi Arabia, Equatorial Guinea
14. Héldon Ramos – Rio Ave, Portugal, Cape Verde
15. Mame Diouf – Stoke City, England, Senegal
16. Max Alain Gradel – Bournemouth, England, Cote d’Ivoire
17. Mehdi Benatia – Bayern Munich, Germany, Morocco
18. Modather Al Tayeb “Karika”- Al Hilal, Sudan, Sudan
19. Mohamed Salah – As Roma, Italy, Egypt
20. Nicolas Nkoulou – Marseille, France, Cameroon
21. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Borussia Dortmund, Germany, Gabon
22. Robert Kidiaba – T.P Mazembe, D.R Congo D.R Congo
23. Rudy Gestede – Aston Villa, England, Benin
24. Riyad Mahrez – Leicester City, England, Algeria
25. Sadio Mané – Southampton, England, Senegal
26. Serge AURIER – Paris Saint Germain, France, Côte d’Ivoire
27. Seydou keita – Rome, Italy, Mali
28. Sofiane FEGHOULI – Valence, Spain, Algeria
29. Stéphane Mbia – Trabzonspor, Turkey, Cameroon
30. Thievy Bifouma – Granada, Spain, Congo
31. Victor Wanyama – Southampton, England, Kenya
32. Vincent Aboubakar – Porto, Portugal Cameroon
33. Vincent Enyeama – Lille, France, Nigeria
34. Yacine Brahimi – Porto, Portugal, Algeria
35. Yannick Bolasie – Crystal Palace, England, RD Congo
36. Yasine Chikhaoui – Al-Gharafa, Qatar, Tunisia
37. Yaya Toure – Man City, England, Cot d’Ivoire

Kester Shimonyo (SportsPesa), right and Moses Margi (LG Electronics) hand Gor Mahia forward, Meddie Kagere (centre) a 42-inch flat screen television after he was named September SportsPesa/SJAK Player of the Month on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, October 13- Gor Mahia forward, Meddie Kagere, is determined to help the SportsPesa Premier League champions clinch the treble as he continues to enjoy his purple patch after joining the team at the beginning of the season.

The Ugandan-born former Rwanda international has been instrumental in Gor’s unbeaten charge to a third successive league title and was crowned the SportPesa/Sports Journalist Association of Kenya Player of the month of September on Tuesday morning.

Kagere won the award ahead of Nairobi City Stars striker, Emrima Sanneh, after scoring two goals and providing three assists as K’Ogalo wrapped their third league crown in succession besides progressing in the Top 8 and GOtv Shield competitions.

“I thank my fellow players because I didn’t do this alone. I celebrate this award with my team. September was one of my best and I’m happy I achieved what led to this award.

“There is time a player is in top form and scoring comes naturally but it depends on the type of team we are playing against. I’m focusing on the knockout games because our target is to win the GOtv Shield and Top 8.

“Winning the Premier League unbeaten was my biggest achievement and I’m hoping we will not lose the remaining two games,” Kagere, whose one year contract lapses at the end of the season, stated.

The 29-year-old who has scored 13 this season, believes he can topple Tusker FC forward, Jesse Were’s 19 in the top scorer charts and win the race for the Golden Boot.

With K’Ogalo settling for a barren draw with Ulinzi Stars in their first league match in September, Kagere was influential in their next fixture against Sony Sugar, providing the assist for winger, Innocent Wafula to score the winner.

It was the result that confirmed a third league title in a row for K’Ogalo.

The powerful forward affectionately referred to as ‘Luanda Magere’ went on to score a brace in their 3-2 win over Ushuru FC in the GOtv Shield Round of 32 before netting the opener in their 3-0 victory over Muhoroni Youth in the KPL Top 8 quarters.

Assistant head coach, John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla was not surprised when Kagere was rewarded with Sh50,000, a 42-inch LG smart TV and a trophy engraved with his name on Tuesday.

“Journalists are doing a good job because they encourage the players to work hard.

“With Gor’s splendid performance, I think you should be coming here every month and I’m happy it’s the third time the award is coming to K’Ogalo,” Ogolla, a former Harambee Stars and Gor midfield general said.

“We are hoping this will help us improve the league competition and encourage players to work hard. We promise by the ends of the season more awards will be given. The players will be motivated and hope the performance will impact the national team,” LG Marketing Manager, Moses Marji declared.

Title sponsor, SportPesa Chief Marketer, Kester Muhanji said, “We are here to nurture and contribute towards talent development. We are hoping to have a grand and better one at the end of the year that will have more awards.”

Inaugural winner and midfielder Ali Abondo and Burundian defender, Karim Nizigiyimana are the other Gor players who have bagged the monthly honour.