Bandari FC striker, George Abege tussles the ball with City Stars defender John Amboko in a past SPL match. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, November 7 – A first half goal by George Abege was all that hosts Bandari FC needed to storm the GOtv Shield semi-finals following their 1-0 win over hard fighting Ulinzi Stars at Mombasa County Stadium on Saturday.

Bandari who finished fourth in the SportPesa Premier League had to wait until the half hour mark to find the back of the net after Abege, a former Nairobi City Stars forward brilliantly finished off Anthony Kimani’s delivery after the latter exchanged passes with Victor Ndinya inside the box.

Head coach, Twahir Muhiddin said his charges are ready to face whoever they will be paired with in the last four after his players showed impressive performance this season.

“The game was not easy but we were prepared mentally. We knew the task that was ahead of us. Our players have replicated what we have been practicing in training and I thank them for the display they have shown today,” Muhiddin, a former Harambee Stars tactician underlined after the win.

His opposite number, Robert Matano whose dream of winning silverware this season was shattered, outlined lady luck was not on their side but was pleased with his charges performance this term.

“Luck was not on our side but we are grateful the boys played well. They got one chance and scored. My season has been good bearing in mind we came from 10th to second in the league is not easy.

“We need to maintain that spirit but we will sit down and reflect our highs and lows. We will improve next season,” Matano asserted.

The opening half was dominated by plenty of chances from both sides with Abege threatening twice for the Dockers but his efforts were turned down after being flagged offside in both instances.

Boniface Onyango could have handed Ulinzi the opener in the 25th minute but he fluffed the opportunity when he blazed over his low volley from inside the box before Abege punished them five minutes later.

The Soldiers responded through Kevin Amwayi who pulled a long range drive but Bandari custodian, Wilson Obungu was up to the task.

Obungu who marshalled his defence of Mohammed Shariff and Duncan Otewa was instrumental to once again deny Ulinzi at the stroke of halftime.

Matano ringed changes when they resumed for the final half, withdrawing Enosh Ochieng and Oscar Wamalwa for Evans Amuoka and John Makwata as he strengthened his attack in search of the equaliser.

The new entrants connected well to see Ulinzi come close when Amuoka found Makwata who saw his header rattle the woodwork after Obungu was well beaten.

Masoud Juma ,a second half substitute for Ndinya, could have buried Ulinzi when he broke through from the right to beat Ochieng only for his low placed shot to miss the target by a whisker.

Ulinzi’s final chance to send the match to penalties was thwarted three minutes to stoppage time after Obungu committed himself to stretch fully and keep out Makwatta’s high cross from the right.

Bandari succeeded in making their only win against the Soldiers this season in a fascinating way to eliminated favourites Ulinzi.

Gor Mahia Striker Meddie Kagere celebrates after scoring in a past SPL match. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, November 7 – ‘Unbwogable’ SportPesa Premier League champions, Gor Mahia reclaimed the KPL Top 8 title after labouring to a 2-1 extra-time victory over composed Sony Sugar in a pulsating final at Moi’s Kisumu Stadium on Saturday.

Ugandan born former Rwandan international Meddie Kagere was the hero of the day scoring a double to enable high flying K’Ogalo clinch their third domestic title of the season to add on to the league and DSTV Super Cup crowns.

The unbeaten champions found themselves trailing after seven minutes when Andrew Ssekayombia was on target forcing Gor to wait late in the 77th to restore parity when Kagere nodded home from Ali Abondo’s set-piece.

Kagere sealed the win in extra-time when he slotted from the spot in the 114th after Eugine Ochieng handled the ball in the box.

K’Ogalo showed early intentions and within six minutes Sony keeper, Allan Owiniy was made to work extra hard to save two quick efforts that gave him confidence to maintain a clean sheet in the first-half.

Owiny first denied Kagere from close range before he did well to parry away Collins Okoth’s  volley after the unmarked Gor midfielder found space inside the box.

A minute later, Ssekayombia silenced the Green Army with a beautiful bicycle-kick after K’Ogalo centre half Haron Shakava miscued Justine Monda cross from the left to open the scoring.

The goal inspired Gor to push forward and they nearly found a reprieve when Michael Olunga picked a Godfrey Walusimbi pass to turn with his favourite left foot but Owiny was called to action to rescue his team in the 17th.

Seven minutes to the break, Walusimbi who was elevated to the starting line up for George ‘BlackBerry’ Odhiambo, fed Olunga with a defence splitting pass but the Harambee Stars lethal striker failed to rise to the occasion when he blasted over with only Owiny to beat.

Gor head coach Frank Nuttall pulled out Okoth for Enock Agwanda on resumption with the latter’s first touch forcing Owiny to stretch and rescue the former Sofapaka forward long throw before the keeper stopped Olunga’s header.

Sony tactician Salim Babu brought on Victor Oyugi for Amos Kasembeka in the 60th but that could not stop the three-peat Kenyan Premier League champions from levelling when Kagere finally got past Owiny.

It all started when Agwanda was fouled at the edge of the box by Hamidu Kwizera for Ali Abondo to curl the ball over the wall and find Kagere who nodded home the equaliser to send the encounter to extra time.

Owiny continued with his fantastic saves when first half of the extra time got underway, this time with a diving save to rescue Shakava’s sneaking header from Abondo’s corner to go on and hold K’Ogalo.

Gor had an opportunity to take the lead on resumption when Sony conceded an indirect free-kick at the edge of the box but Olunga lofted the ball over to squander the chance.

Olunga made the amends three minutes later when Ochieng handled his effort in the box to see center referee award them the penalty.

Kagere stepped up for the challenge to calmly convert the spot-kick that sent Owiny on the wrong direction for the lead that they held on to avoid shoot-outs.

The win saw Gor lift their second trophy in a space of one week to end a three year Top 8 Cup drought.

Athletes at the start of the women’s 10km senior in the first leg of the AK Cross Country in Nairobi meeting on November 7

NAIROBI, November 7 – Former Africa cross country Junior champion Caroline Chepkoech and Dominic Kiptarus won the first leg of the Athletics Kenya Cross-country meeting in Nairobi on Saturday.

Sandrafelis Chebet, the reigning World Youth steeplechase silver medallist chalked up the women 6km junior title while little known Alfred Ng’eno dominated the men’s 8km race.

Tackling the re-formatted women’s race that saw athletes contest in 10km from the usual 8Km, Chepkoech was simply in a class of her own as she won in 32:19.2 ahead of Nancy Nzisa (32:41.8) who crossed the line second while Visline Mulei (33:09.1) completed the podium.

The women’s senior race was tight to see a pack of five that included former Valencia Half Marathon champion, Alice Mogire take an early lead after two laps.

The pace was too much for Mogire who along with Pauline Wangui faded from the group to leave it a three battle race of Nzisa, Mulei and Chepkoech before the latter opened a gap with 2km to the tape.

“I was competing against people who have experience in road race so I decided to stay behind them and I’m happy it worked for me. When we remained three, I realised they were strong and that’s why I decided to open the gap.

“I’m happy to win my second race after coming from Injury. I’m hoping to make the team to Africa Cross Country next year,” Chepkoech who finished fourth at the 2013 Junior‘s World Cross stated after the win.

In the corresponding men’s race that was reduced from 12km to 10km, Kiptarus won in 28:08.5 to beat Bernard Kipkemoi (28:10.7) as Geoffrey Kimutai settled for third (28:13.3).

“The race was hard but I managed to conquer it. I didn’t start well but I picked up midway since the weather was favourable. I’ve won today but I need to work more on my speed work before Africa Cross Trials because I have the endurance,” Kiptarus who was competing in his first senior race since finishing fourth in Guiyang, China World Cross in the junior underlined.

In the opening race of the day, Chebet the holder of Ndalat Gaa clocked 18:53.1 to beat Immaculate Chepkurui (18:58.3 and Miriam Cherop (19:11.1).

Ng’eno on the other hand cruised to victory in 22:11.5 to floor Africa cross country silver medallist Andrew Lorot who finished second (22:19.6) while Joshua Nakeri was third (22:21.6).

Winners in the senior races received Sh10, 000 each while the top junior finishers walked home with Sh8, 000.

The AK Cross Country head to Kangaru in Embu for the second leg next weekend.

Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Willian (L) vies with Stoke City’s German defender Philipp Wollscheid during the English Premier League football match at the Britannia Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England on November 7, 2015 (AFP Photo/Paul Ellis)

UNITED KINGDOM, November 7 – Problems mounted for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as the flatlining Premier League champions crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Stoke City in his absence due to a stadium ban on Saturday.

Marko Arnautovic struck early in the second half to inflict a third consecutive league defeat on the London club for the first time in 16 years and for the first time since Roman Abramovich took control at Stamford Bridge in 2003.

The defeat also means that for the first time in his illustrious managerial career, Mourinho has now lost seven league games in a single season, with the campaign still less than one-third complete.

Mourinho was banned from setting foot in any part of the stadium complex by the Football Association after berating referee Jon Moss at half-time of his side’s recent defeat at West Ham United.

With the Portuguese reportedly watching from the team hotel, managerial duties were carried out by Chelsea’s assistant first-team coaches Steve Holland, Silvino Louro and Rui Faria, and they saw Stoke open the scoring after 53 minutes of an absorbing game.

Xherdan Shaqiri played Glen Johnson in down the right wing and although his cross could not be converted by Jon Walters, Arnautovic made no mistake with an acrobatic back-post volley from eight yards.

The game had caught fire in the opening minute, when Arnautovic dispossessed Cesar Azpilicueta and allowed Charlie Adam to cross for Shaqiri to volley spectacularly over the Chelsea crossbar.

While Chelsea supporters repeatedly chanted the name of their absent manager, the home support were more intent on venting their anger at visiting forward Diego Costa, whose physical, often petty, battle with Ryan Shawcross was one of the contest’s main talking points.

There were also outbreaks of fine football from both sides, such as Chelsea’s 14th minute counter-attack, started by Baba Rahman and continued by Eden Hazard, which ended with Ramires poking wide from Willian’s pass.

Former Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic saved well, at full stretch, from Johnson as the hosts responded, but the visitors began to take control, with Jack Butland tipping Ramires’s 25-yard volley over the bar.

– Pedro hits post –

Pedro Rodriguez’s superb long pass then freed Hazard down the left and his cross was narrowly missed by Costa as he sprinted in for what would have been a magnificent goal.

Not that Stoke did not present a threat themselves, especially in the form of skilful right winger Shaqiri, who showed superb trickery to beat Rahman and cross for Walters to head onto the roof of the net.

Still, it required more solid keeping from Butland to thrust out a leg and deny Costa late in the half after a Pedro back-heel opened up a shooting opportunity for the Chelsea forward.

A goal behind, and with the game becoming ever more fractious, Chelsea sought a way back into contention, with Hazard showing clever footwork on the edge of the Stoke area before shooting over.

But Stoke, with just one previous home league win behind them this season, drew confidence from taking the lead and saw Johnson shoot off-target before Arnautovic headed just over.

When Willian’s pass then found Pedro for a curling left-foot shot that beat the dive of goalkeeper Butland, only to hit the post and bounce to safety, it appeared that luck was against Mourinho’s side.

After 80 minutes, and two back-heels in the build-up, substitute Cesc Fabregas set up Hazard for a shot, but again, fortune was against Chelsea as the ball deflected behind for a corner.

Walters then wasted a good chance to put the game out of reach, blazing over from Mame Biram Diouf’s pass.

Chelsea substitute Loic Remy still had time to chase Oscar’s through-ball and hurdle Butland before losing his footing when either a penalty, or a shot into an open net, might have been the outcome.

China Anti-Doping Agency manager HE Zhenwen (left), Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Arts, Dr. Hassan Wario (center) and Norway Anti-Doping chairman, Andres Solheim (right) after signing the Anti-Doping partnership on Friday, January, 30

NAIROBI, November 7 – Kenya risks a four- year, international competitions ban starting with 2016 Olympics with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) pushing for the country to be punished for complicity in fighting doping.

WADA has put Kenya on the spot after what they perceive to be empty promises to stem escalating use of banned substances among the country’s athletes.

The world anti-doping body Director General; David Howman told The New York Times on September 4 that the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) exists in name only.

ADAK which was constituted early this year is yet to fully function and that could lead to sanctions by the WADA since it means Kenyan athletes are not tested for doping especially out of competition.

On Saturday, a joint communication between the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), National Olympic Committee of Kenya, Africa Zine v RADO and Athletics Kenya was released in a bid to avert the possibility of such severe action.

It detailed what they termed as strict measures being taken to establish a robust and autonomous doping agency in affirming commitment to stem rising cases of convicted drug cheats that stand at 35 since 2012.

“We recognise the seriousness of the doping issue in Kenya and its consequences on the future of our sports men and women. We are therefore in support of the efforts and initiatives by the Government of Kenya and its agencies in addressing this challenge.

“We know the importance of having a functional ADAK which include drafting of an anti-doping policy and bill which are currently being subjected to the various stakeholders before approval by the parliament,” part of the statement read.

The communiqué further declared institutions and individuals aiding doping amongst athletes are being arrested with the office of the Sports Registrar put in place to ensure registration of all agents and managers before they are allowed to work with Kenyan athletes.

The statement stated Sh15.3m (USD150, 000) has been spent by the State on anti-doping programs and activities to fight the vice that has seen cases of doping spike recently in Kenya after top female marathoner star Rita Jeptoo was banned for two years in February for using prohibited substances.

“We will stay focused in the fight against doping in sport and continue working together with stake holders to eradicate the menace. The Ministry of Sports and ADAK are in collaboration with Anti-Doping Norway, China Anti-Doping Agency and WADA to ensure Kenya has a robust institution capable of fully embracing and disseminating anti-doping programmes and activities,” the statement added.

Athletes, medical practitioners and official who engage in the malpractice were strongly cautioned and if one is found, he/she will be dealt with in accordance with the laws as the Government work hard to fast track the legislation process.

If ADAK doesn’t comply with the WADA Code, the world anti doping agency will report the status to WADA’s foundation board, which could then send the case to an independent compliance committee for review.

If that committee finds ADAK guilty, it could deem Kenya officially noncompliant attracting the International Olympic Committee and the I.A.A.F. to punish Kenya including barring their officials from working international events, barring the country from hosting official events and banning Kenyan athletes from competing for their country in the Olympics.

Muhoroni Youth skipper, Abass Akinyemi celebrating after scoring in a past SPL. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, November 8 – Wellington Ochieng was the hero for Muhoroni Youth after scoring a last-gasp goal in stoppage time in their 3-1 hard-fought win over second tier side Nzoia United in the GOtv Shield quarter final encounter at Moi’s Kisumu Stadium on Sunday.

Muhoroni who rallied from behind twice will now face Bandari in the semi-final as they hope to bag silverware this season after a fine second-leg in the SportPesa Premier League where they finished sixth.

Mark Bikokwa notched a brace for Nzoia who finished with10-men after Bolton Omwenga was sent off for a second bookable offense, with his first strike coming after two minutes of lay to hand Muhoroni an early lead.

Muhoroni responded through Yusuf Mohammed in the 36th before Bikokwa added a second in the 64th but skipper, Abass Akinyemi levelled from the spot 10 minutes later.

Ochieng provided the winner for head coach Paul Nkata who is set to leave for Tusker FC when he nodded home in extra-time.

“The match was tough because my boys underrated Nzoia but I’m happy they picked themselves up and went on to win the match. I knew we would win the game but we gave easy goals especially the first that disrupted our game plan,” Muhoroni assistant coach, James Otieno asserted after the win.

Nzoia head coach, Bernard Mwalala slammed poor officiating for their loss.

“I tried so much not to complain about poor officiating but everybody has seen what happened because the game was live. We created so many chances but we didn’t make good use of them. I’m happy for Bikokwa he could have scored even four but I can’t condemn him because he is young and inexperienced,” the former international underscored.

Having edged out bigwigs Tusker FC in the round of 16, Nzoia were on a roll from the start to see them dominate Muhoroni in the first-half with seven shots on target against the Sugar Miller’s five.

Even before dust could settle, Nzoia punished Muhoroni to take an early lead through Bikokwa who made the visitors’ defence to pay for their blander when he picked a back pass from Ochieng to strike past rushing keeper, Faruk Shikalo.

Ghanaian Toufiq Zakari thought he had found the leveller for Muhoroni when he brilliantly finished off after picking a cross from the right, but his goal was flagged off side even though replays from the live televised match showed he was played on side by Wycliffe Nyangechi.

Shikalo came onto Muhoroni rescue in the 33rd when he reacted quickly to block Bikokwa’s shot who had tore the right before Mohammed equalised three minutes later with a low header after receiving the pin point set-piece cross from Nyangechi.

Nzoia suffered a blow when they returned for the last half after Omwenga was sent off for a second bookable offence, this time tackling skipper, Akinyemi from behind.

But that did not deter Nzoia from attacking to see Bikwokwa double the scores after powerfully heading past Shikalo to restore the lead and grab his brace.

Second half substitute Edmond Murai gifted Muhoroni a life line when he conceded a penalty in the 73rd after a hard tackle on Akinyemi who in-turn stepped up for the challenge to convert the equaliser.

Muhoroni survived a scare after Bikokwa missed a one-on-one with Shikalo before the FKF Premier League top scorer forced Ochieng to clear the ball off the line.

With the match destined for penalties, Ochieng pulled a man of the match performance when he headed home in the added time from Akinyemi’s delivery.

Jackson Limo on his way to the finish line to with theBeirut Marathon on November 8. PHOTO/IAAF

BEIRUT, November 8 – Under cloudless skies, which offered no protection from the early morning sun, Jackson Limo of Kenya ran away from a competitive field to win the Banque du Liban Beirut Marathon, an IAAF Silver Label Road Race, on Sunday.

His time of 2:11:04 beat the previous course record and Lebanese all-comers’ record by nine seconds.

The 7am start saw the temperatures already hovering around 19C, although part of the course ran along the Mediterranean where a gentle breeze was welcomed by the runners. By the finish the mercury rose to nearly 24.

The pack was paced by Bahrain’s Isaac Korir through the half-way point, reached in 1:04:21, with the Kenyan-born Korir stepping aside at that point.

Limo, who said he only ran in Beirut after he was turned down by the Amsterdam Marathon organisers, put distance between himself and Ethiopia’s Abdela Godana at the 35km mark and won by almost two minutes. The Ethiopian held on for second in 2:13:02.

“I was expecting to win the race,” said the 27-year-old Limo, who trains alongside Eliud Kipchoge. “I prepared very well for it. I made my move at 32km because I saw my colleagues were looking tired and I decided to push.”

At that point his compatriot Elijah Kemboi, the pre-race favourite with a 2:07:34 personal best, and Hussein Mohammed, the Ethiopian who would eventually finish third in 2:14:49, were still in contention but Limo withstood the heat better than his rivals.

“I was preparing to go to Amsterdam but they told me ‘with your time you cannot come here’ so I decided to come to Beirut,” Limo added. “I prefer to run Beirut. I am happy I have the course record.”

While Limo earned US $10,000 for the victory and another US $4000 for beating the race record and running faster than 2:12, Godana exuded disappointment. A year ago he was also second in Beirut and thought he was well prepared for this, the 13th edition of the Beirut Marathon.

“I was expecting to win but I was tired,” said the Ethiopian. “I was also second last year. This year I thought I would win. When he got ten metres on me I wasn’t thinking about him after that. I was thinking about the guy in third and worried he would catch me.”

Limo is the oldest of eight siblings and has been using his earnings as a professional runner to prepare for his and his family’s future.

“I got some land for farming,” Limo said. “I built my house and am thinking of my future. I have my brothers and sisters they are in school and I still help them with education by paying their tuition fees. They run in school but they have reached the level of nationals.”

Surprise win from debutante Bouaasayriya

While the men’s race was a battle of the East Africans, it was a surprise when a Moroccan international emerged victorious in the women’s race.

Kaltoum Bouaasayriya, who represented her country at both the 2013 IAAF World Championships and the 2012 Olympics in the 3000m steeplechase, won the race in 2:36:05 with Meseret Abebayehu of Ethiopia following 21 seconds later.

Pre-race favourites Elena Nagovitsyna of Russia and Lithuania’s Diana Lobacevske both dropped out before the half-way point, the former complaining of a stitch while the Lithuanian, who will represent her country at the 2016 Rio Olympics, said she turned her ankle at 18km.

It was Bouaasayriya’s debut at the distance and she looked as if she had finished with plenty to spare. Her modest time of 2:36:05 was more the result of an admitted fear of the distance.

“I thought I would either get first or second place,” said the 32-year-old who is coached by Bobker Rizky. “This is my first marathon and I am very happy with it. At about 41 kilometres I knew I was going to win the race.

“I feel there was a little bit of fear because it was my first marathon,” she added. “I hope to run faster next time.”

A pair of Ethiopians – Meseret Abebayehu, second in 2:36:26, and Bizunesh Urgessa, third in 2:42:07 – completed the podium.

Kakamega Homeboyz players in their past FKF-PL match in Bukhungu Stadium. PHOTO/FILE

NAIROBI, November 9- Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has promoted Posta Rangers and Kakamega Homeboyz pending the joint agreement with the Kenyan Premier League on the composition of next season’s top flight.

The announcement comes as a sigh of relief to Kenyan football after FKF went against the Memorandum of Understanding and declared four teams will be relegated and six promoted a fortnight ago.

That would have set the stage for another bruising battle with KPL who insist on a 16-team Premier League.

However, in a letter to KPL CEO, Jack Oguda, federation Secretary General, Michael Esakwa affirmed a Joint Executive Committee of both bodies will further decide on the final composition of the top-flight league for the 2016 season as provided by the MOU.

“This is to notify you that Posta Rangers and Kakamega Homeboyz have been promoted to the Kenyan Premier League after emerging the top two for the 2015 FKF-PL season.

“Please be advised that other decisions regarding the composition of the league will be duly decided by the FKF/KPL Joint Executive Committee as provided by our MOU,” part of the letter to Oguda and copied to the two clubs stated.

Reaching Oguda for comments, the KPL boss told Capital Sport they have no issue with the two teams forwarded to them since it will complete their 16 team format for next season after KCB and Nakuru All Stars were relegated.

“I have received the letter and we have no problem with that. We work with the teams they give us so long as it’s two. The letter that I posses doesn’t state that we will discuss the composition of teams for the 2016 season. We will ratify the teams in the Joint Executive Committee of FKF and KPL,” Oguda declared.

The squabble over composition of teams for this season led to parallel leagues in March with KPL reinstating Nairobi City Stars and All Stars who were relegated before FIFA intervened in March to end the stalemate that saw the FKF-PL downgraded to the second tier.

Rangers who were one of the casualties last season finished top on 71 points, four ahead of Homeboyz who finished second just a point ahead of third placed Zoo Kericho who were favourites to earn the promotion.

The two former KPL sides benefited from the boycott by a section of FKF-PL clubs who declined to honour their remaining three fixtures after the federation awarded Kakamega Homeboyz and Shabana points.

“The National Executive Committee of FKF will give the final verdict on the fate of Zoo, Ligi Ndogo, Nairobi Stima and others that boycotted the league,” FKF declared in a statement.

Rangers will make a return to the KPL for the first time in three years and club chairman John Tonui assured their competitors stiff challenge.

“We are very delighted to return to the top flight league after struggling in the last three years to seek promotion. We are not going to be passengers but give our competitors a run for their money.

“We will strengthen the squad but not with many players since we have a quality team,” Tonui told Capital Sport.

The chairman said he will retain Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno as their head coach since joining the team from Sony Sugar.

Homeboyz who were axed in 2013 on their maiden appearance are looking forward to give a good fight next season with their boss, Cleophas Shimanyula saying they have released 10 players to bring in experience.

“We are happy finally hard work has paid and its good we are back in KPL since there is no team representing Western province after Western Stima relocated to Kisumu. The FKF-PL has been very competitive and any team from position one to six had chances of earning promotion.

“I disagree with those who say the boycott of other teams benefited us. We simply followed the rules since the federation runs the league. We decided to play and not be involved in politics and see here we are,” Shimanyula underlined.

Harambee Stars players John Ndirangu (left) Musa Mohammed (center) and Ali Abondo (right) training at Kasarani Stadium on November 9.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, November 9 – Harambee Stars has been drawn in a tricky pool B for the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that gets underway November 21 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Kenya who will be seeking to defend the title will renew their rivalry with neighbours Uganda in a group where they are also drawn against Burundi and Djibouti.

Hosts Ethiopia will take on Tanzania, Somalia and guest team Zambia in pool A while Sudan, Rwanda, South Sudan and Zanzibar battle it out in pool C.

The regional tournament returns after missing last year when Ethiopia who were supposed to host pulled out at the eleventh hour.

The fixtures will be released on Wednesday in Nairobi by Secretary General Nicholas Musonye.

Stars reported camp on Friday to prepare for 2018 World Cup pre-qualifier against Cape Verde and Cecafa with Finland based winger Clifton Miheso being the only foreign based player to link up with the team training at Kasarani Stadium.

Team Manager, Willis Waliaula was upbeat Kenya will retain the title they won for the first time in 11 years after beating Sudan 2-0 courtesy of Azam FC forward Allan Wanga’s brace in 2013 when it was hosted in Nairobi.

“We called up huge squad that has more local based players so that we can prepare well for World Cup qualifier and Cecafa. I’m confident the boys will deliver in Cecafa because our main aim is to retain the title.

“We are now focusing on Cape Verde match and immediately we are done with both legs, we will concentrate fully the regional tournament,” Waliaula said.

Eritrea is the only member team that pulled out after failing to confirm participation for the tournament that was moved from Bahar Dar to Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa due to logistical issues.

-Draw –

Group A: Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, Somalia

Group B: Kenya. Uganda, Burundi. Djibouti

Group C: Sudan, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zanzibar

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

NAIROBI, November 9 – Kenya’s Julius Yego and Polish Anita Wlodarczyk have earned the most votes in the throws category in the first round of voting for the 2015 IAAF World Athlete of the Year award.

Yego won the javelin title at the IAAF World Championships Beijing 2015 with an African record of 92.72m, moving the Kenyan to third on the world all-time list.

Wlodarczyk was utterly dominant this season in the women’s hammer.

The Pole won all 11 of her competitions, including the IAAF World Championships Beijing 2015. She also became the first woman to throw beyond 80 metres, setting a world record of 81.08m in Cetniewo in August.

Last month the IAAF Family was asked to select nine men and nine women from each of the following categories: sprints, hurdles, middle and long distance, road running, race walking, jumps, throws, combined events and multi-terrain.

The longlist will comprise the top-voted athletes in each category. The candidates from the other categories in the world athlete of the year voting will be announced over the coming days.

An international panel of 10 experts will then select the finalists – three men and three women – the names of whom will be announced on 17 and 18 November.

From those finalists, the Council of the International Athletics Foundation (IAF) will select the male and female World Athletes of the Year.

The international panel of athletics experts includes representatives from all six continental areas of the IAAF.

SportPesa Chief Marketer, Kester Muhanji (left), City Stars forward Jimmy Bagaye (center) and LG Director of Communication Maureen Kemunto awarding Bagaye on Tuesday, November 10. PHOTO/SJAK

NAIROBI, November 10 – Nairobi City Stars forward Jimmy Bagaye has been named Sports Journalists Association of Kenya/SportPesa Player of the Month for October.

The Ugandan played a major role to help the Kawangware based side survive relegation from the top-flight league for the third season in a row after striking twice to lift his side from the drop zone for the first time this term.

Bagaye who rejoined his old club City stars in mid-season after terminating his contract with FKF-PL side Nakumatt FC, opened the month with the only important goal in their 1-0 win over KCB in a relegation battle that was their turning point.

He followed that with another winner against Ushuru FC the following week at Nairobi City Stadium in a 1-0 victory before playing a vital role in their final match of the campaign where they drew 1-1 with Sony Sugar to secure their place at 2016 season.

He finished the outing as second top scorer for City Stars with four goals behind Gambian Sanneh Ebrima who notched 11 times.

Bagaye won the award ahead of Gor Mahia sensational striker, Michael Olunga and Bandari’s David King’atua to take home Sh50, 000 (USD 489.162), a 42-inch LG Smart TV and a trophy engraved with his name.

The panel of seven selectors drawn from various media houses in the country had a hard time arriving for the winner after Bagaye and Olunga tied on 16 points each while King’atua garnered 10.

It forced the panel to go for the tie breaker, the first since its inception in March where Bagaye amassed four votes against Olunga’s three to bag the accolade in a close contest.

Bagaye became the third foreign based player to clinch the award after Gor’s duo of Burundian Karim Nizigiyimana and Ugandan born former Rwandan international Meddie Kagere.

Other nominees who made the shortlist are City Stars’ Ebrimah and AFC Leopards midfielder Bernard Mang’oli.

City Stars won two, drew once and lost once in the month of October to finish the season 14th on 28 points.

A damning report by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has outlined evidence of systematic cheating with the consent of the government in Moscow, sparking fears of similar doping problems in Kenya.

NAIROBI, November 10 – Kenyan athletics officials and media warned Tuesday a “generation of athletes” risk exclusion if doping is not stopped, amid fears the east African country faces similar threats as those facing Russia.

A damning report by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Monday outlined evidence of systematic cheating with the consent of the government in Moscow, noting that drug tests for athletes were conducted at a Russian lab that totally lacked credibility.

Many in Kenya fear doping is rife among their top class athletes too — runners who have been the source of enormous national pride.

“A generation of athletes in all disciplines could be lost to the ban,” The Star newspaper warned in its editorial Tuesday, adding Kenya had “fallen short” in efforts to stem doping.

The Daily Nation newspaper called on athletes, managers and the government to “study the report”, which called for athletics’ governing body IAAF to suspend Russia’s athletics body.

The newspaper said officials must use it as a “learning experience” to put in place action to “detect, deter, and punish doping” in sport.

Kenyan athletics legend Kip Keino recently warned that WADA may consider “recommending Kenya be banned from all competitions for four years, including the 2016 Rio Olympics,” media reports said.

Keino, who also heads the national Olympic committee and met WADA officials on a recent visit to the United States, told reporters in Nairobi WADA feels Kenya had failed to act on allegations of widespread doping in the country.

“They think Kenya is sweeping doping issues under the carpet,” said Keino, the 1968 Olympic 1500 metres gold medal winner.

– Kenya’s ‘brand ambassadors’-

Over 30 Kenyan athletes have been suspended and five more banned since 2012 after testing positive for banned performance enhancing drugs.

“Athletics officials have kicked the can of anti-doping down the road once too often, failing to deal with the issue,” The Star added, saying efforts to set up a Chinese-backed anti-doping centre had been rejected.

“It is time for the country to meet its obligations, and be seen to do so,” it added.

But while newspapers were vocal, Athletics Kenya (AK) declined to comment on the issue, saying that only the IAAF could talk.

“If Kenya had been mentioned in the report, we would have had a right to react,” AK president Jackson Tuwei told AFP.

Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto in September announced plans to criminalise doping, after two of the east African nation’s athletes were banned after positive tests during the Beijing world athletics championships.

The Kenyan team topped the medals table for the first time since the championships started in 1983, taking seven golds, six silvers and three bronze medals.

But the runaway success was punctured by hard questions after two of their athletes — Koki Manunga and Joyce Zakary — became the tournament’s first to fail drugs tests.

Kenya was rocked this year when marathon star Rita Jeptoo was banned for two years after being caught doping with the banned blood-boosting hormone EPO, the same drug that was part of the cocktail used by disgraced Tour de France cyclist Lance Armstrong.

“Kenyan athletes are also the country’s brand ambassadors… which means that they are always in the limelight,” the Nation added. “Therefore, they and their managers have a responsibility to protect the integrity of their performance and how the country is perceived.”

Willy Ambaka in action when he featured for Shujaa in 2015 Safari 7s. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, November 10 – National sevens head coach Benjamin Ayimba has recalled ace winger Willy Ambaka in his 12-man squad for this weekend’s 2016 Olympic African qualifying tournament in South Africa.

The injury-prone 25-year-old Ambaka, who returned to the country to feature for Kenya Harlequins after South African side side, Western Province failed to renew his contract, has not played for his country since the 2012-13 World Sevens series.

But he caught the eyes of the national selectors during the Safari Sevens in Nairobi in September when he emerged as the top scorer and Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Ayimba handed Kenya Harlequin winger, Frank Wanyama and Homeboyz’s Jeffrey Oluoch their debuts, as top-seed Kenya bids to grab the sole berth to next year’s Olympics in Rio, after failing to garner a top-four slot in the 2014-15 World Sevens series, which also doubled up as the Olympic qualifying competition.

The head coach urged his charges not to down play any team even though they enter into the tournament as favourites by virtue of them being the the only core side.

“Because we are seen as the best team, everyone will be coming hard on us. Zimbabwe has been in South Africa since they left Safari Sevens while Namibia have strengthened their squad but we are prepared and that’s why I’m confident.

“We are fired up for the tournament and since every player’s dream is to play in Olynpics, that already is a motivation. We have not given anybody a chance to think its a straight ticket as it may look. We are going to take every game seriously since its a one off,” Ayimba who was re-appointed in September declared.

Commenting on the 2015-16 Rugby Sevens World Series that is set to get underway in December with the first leg in Dubai, Ayimba said their main goal was to improve the team’s 13th position.

“Our main focus has been to build a side for the first six tournaments in the series but the dilemma we fall under is we have very quality players so we will have to rotate them and give everybody a chance,” Ayimba added.

Former Sri-Lanka based winger, Oscar Ouma was dropped after failing to report camp at Nandi Hills where the squad of 27 underwent high altitude training for two weeks.

Also missing from the team that saw majority of experienced players retained are former skipper and veteran Humphrey Kayange and Impala RFC’s Sammy Oliech.

Ayimba said Kayange is still on rehabilitation while Oliech withdrew due to school commitments but the two will be considered for the series.

“Kayange joined us late but his leadership has been very important in camp and he has been a pillar that we require between the older and younger players.

“For now he is not fit enough and we are not going to rush him but he has done a great job in mentoring the players,” Ayimba underscored.

The team that will depart on Thursday will be led by Andrew Amonde assisted by record top try scorer, Collins Injera.

Kenya is drawn in Pool A alongside Madagascar, Mauritius and Senegal.

In Pool B are Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria and Uganda while Pool C features Botswana, Morocco, Namibia and Tunisia.

The top team will qualify for the Olympics, while the runners-up, third and fourth-placed teams will go through to a final Olympic world qualifying tournament, which will take place in 2016 at a venue to be decided.

Kenya Squad:

Andrew Amonde(KCB, Captain), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Jeffrey Oluoch (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Eden Agero (Kenya Harlequin),Biko Adema (Total Nondies), Augustine Lugonzo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz),William Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin), Oscar Ayodi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz),Dennis Ombachi (Mwamba), Frank Wanyama (Kenya Harlequin), Leonard Mugaisi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Billy Odhiambo (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos)

Head Coach: Benjamin Ayimba, Assistant Coach: Paul Murunga, S&C: Geoffrey Kimani, Physio: Lameck Bogonko, Team Manager: Newton Ong’alo.

SportPesa Chief Marketer Kester Muhanji shakes hands with LG Marketing manager Moses Marji (right) on Wednesday, November 11.PHOTO/SJAK

NAIROBI, November 11 – This year’s Most Valuable Footballer of the Year will pocket Sh1m (USD 9,783.240) in the annual black tie gala event scheduled for December 9 in Nairobi.

This was announced on Wednesday by organisers after Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), league title sponsors SportPesa and electronics firm LG, partnered with KPL who have been organising the event since 2009.

“We are grateful to SJAK, Sportpesa and LG for helping revamp this awards gala. It really will help increase the level of competition in our league and the quality of what we get. The players will get better as a result and it will reflect in the national team as well,” KPL CEO, Jack Oguda declared when launching the red carpet event.

Other changes will see the Golden Boot and Best Goalkeeper winners receive Sh500, 000 (USD 4,886.34) each while the defender and midfielder of the year will walk away with Sh300, 000 (2,931.82) apiece.

Young Player of the Year, Fair Play and best improved referee awards have been doubled up to Sh200, 000 (USD1, 955.60).

The partnership that will see Sh.8.5m (USD 83,165.28) spent on cash prizes, is a huge improvement from the initial package where the Best Player of the Year was receiving Sh200, 000 (USD 1,954.54) while winners in other categories were getting Sh100, 000 (USD977.914) each.

Contrary from its tradition where KPL coaches were selecting the winners, a panel of SJAK football committee will decide on the best three but after receiving the nominees from the coaches and sports journalists.

This comes after last year’s event was heavily criticized by Stakeholders who questioned the selection criteria and formula used by the panelists in selecting the winners.

Sofapaka midfielder, Ekaliani Ndolo was crowned KPL’s finest after also bagging the Midfielder of the Year accolade ahead of the then Gor Mahia’s Geoffrey Kizito who left the club after guiding K’Ogalo to their second back-to-back title.

SportPesa Chief Marketer, Kester Muhanji said plans are underway to increase the Most Valuable Player’s amount to Sh2.5m (USD 24,460.00) next year.

“It’s the first step from us and we will work towards making it bigger in the coming seasons so that the players see the need to improve their performance. When they do that the quality of our game will match other top leagues within the region and in Europe as well,” Muhanji stated.

On top of the cash awards, winners in each of the 12 categories will walk home with a 43-inch smart TV from co-sponsors LG who have injected Sh1.5m (USD 14,676.05).

“We want the local game to improve and so we’ll do more for the players in partnership with SJAK. We have conducted player of the month awards this year and it is something we wish to improve on as well,” LG Marketing manager Moses Marji added.

The SJAK football committee have been conducting the Player of the Month Award since March, awarding eight best players so far.

The Awards better known as FOYA is held every year to honour and fete the best footballers in the country.

-Prizes break down

Most Valuable Player; winner Sh1million, runners-up Sh175, 000, third Sh75, 000

Golden Glove; Winner Sh500, 000, runners-up: Sh300, 000, third  Sh200, 000

Golden Boot; Winner Sh500,000, runners-up Sh300,000, third Sh200,000

Best Defender; Winner Sh300,000, runners-up Sh200,000, third Sh100,000

Best Midfielder; Winner Sh300,000, runners-up Sh200,000, third Sh100,000

Best young player; Winner Sh200,000, runners-up Sh75,000, third Sh50,000

Best Fair-Play; Winner Sh200,000, runners-up Sh75,000, third Sh50,000

Best fair-play club; Winner Sh100,000, runners-up Sh75,000, third Sh50,000

Coach of the year; Winner Sh300,000, runners-up Sh175,000, third Sh50,000

Team manager of the year; Winner Sh100,000, runners-up Sh75,000, third Sh50,000

Most improved referee; Winner Sh200,000, runners-up Sh75,000, third Sh50,000

Most improved assistant referee; Winner Sh100,000, runners-up Sh75,000, third Sh50,000

World athletics’ governing body the IAAF said it “strongly rejected” allegations of thousands of suspicious blood tests from athletes, and insisted it was taking every possible measure to combat doping. PHOTO/AFP

LONDON, November 11 – The whistleblower who sparked the global investigation into doping in Russian athletics has called for the sport’s authorities to also look at countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia.

Andrey Baranov, a Russian sports agent, wrote a signed deposition to world athletics’ governing body the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) in April 2014 outlining bribery and extortion related to doping in Russian athletics.

It led to the bombshell report published on Monday by an independent commission of the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) that revealed “state-supported” doping in Russian athletics and called for the country to be suspended from the sport.

But Baranov told Wednesday’s edition of The Guardian newspaper: “It is wrong just to be focusing on Russia. There should be a similar investigation into countries like Kenya and Ethiopia too.

“Their top athletes are earning far more than the Russians. Yet their levels of testing are very limited.”

Kenya has long faced accusations of doping and Dick Pound, the former WADA president who led the independent commission, said the country “has a real problem and has been very slow to acknowledge it”.

Baranov’s deposition to the IAAF revealed that officials from the Russian athletics federation had extorted 450,000 euros ($480,000) from his client, marathon-runner Liliya Shobukhova, who was banned and stripped of her titles last year due to anomalies in her biological passport.

The Guardian reported that one of the officials was Russian coach Alexei Melnikov, who the WADA report recommended should be banned for life.

Several senior IAAF figures are also under investigation due to Baranov’s testimony and he admitted that he was worried about the potential consequences of speaking out.

“Of course I am worried, but what are you going to do?” he said. “It had to be done for the future.”

Shobukhova was able to compete at the London 2012 Olympics after allegedly bribing officials to cover up evidence of doping, but Baranov said she had played an important part in bringing the scandal to light.

“Liliya is cooperating with WADA and the IAAF commission and she has done so much to expose this corruption which took place between the IAAF and the Russian Athletics Federation as well as between other athletes and other international bodies,” he said.

“Liliya was also brave to speak out, but some Russians don’t 100 percent understand what she did because it was not published. Not many people know what she did and what she went through.”

Harambee Stars head coach Bobby Williamson and his assistant David Ouma when training the team ahead of Cape Verde World Cup second round, first-leg pre-qualifier on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, November 11 – Harambee Stars head coach Bobby Williamson says they are not ready for the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that gets underway next weekend in Ethiopia’s capital; Addis Ababa.

This comes after Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye released the revised draw on Wednesday where champions Kenya will renew their rivalry with neighbours Uganda in a tricky pool B that also consists of Burundi and Zanzibar.

Williamson who is preparing his charges for Friday’s 2018 World Cup second round, first leg, pre-qualifier against Cape Verde, suffered a major blow after Belgian based winger, Ayub Timbe was ruled out of the clash that will be hosted at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

Timbe who was instrumental in Stars’ 5-2 aggregate win over Mauritius in the first round, picked up an injury last week while playing for his club Lierse SK.

He affirmed they will not have time to train for the regional showpiece since they will be away for four days to honour the return leg fixture against the Islanders.

“We are not ready for Cecafa. The preparations are going to be difficult because we will be away for almost a week and when we come back, we will head straight to Ethiopia, so there will be no time to train local based players.

“It’s challenging because we have two groups of players (in camp) so it’s been pretty difficult. We could have done better if we started preparations early,” Williamson who guided Uganda Cranes to four Cecafa Cup titles, asserted.

The Scotsman’s sentiments were echoed by his skipper and Southampton FC midfielder; Victor Wanyama, who slammed Football Kenya Federation for once again, failing to send air tickets to foreign based players in good time.

“We have always had a problem with preparations and there is nothing different this time. Hopefully, both squads for the World Cup qualifier and Cecafa will gel in the few days remaining and be ready to represent the country.

“The federation is yet to refund us money we used to pay for our air tickets. The foreign based players in camp paid for their own tickets including me,” Wanyama underlined.

-Malawi guest team-

Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye when announcing the draw in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Contrary to the earlier draw where Zambia was listed as the guest team, Malawi is the only non-Cecafa side and are in a relatively easy pool C alongside Sudan, South Sudan and Djibouti.

Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Somali will battle it out in a tough pool A.

The two-week long tournament will be hosted in three venues with Addis Ababa and Awasa hosting Group A and B while Group C matches will be played in Bar Dah.

“All last group matches will be played in Awasa then we return to Addis for the knockout and final. We thank the Government of Ethiopia for sponsoring this competition. Everything has been put in place and so far so good we don’t have issues on the ground,” Musonye underscored.

Meanwhile, the regional football governing body will hold its General Assembly on the eve of the tournament to elect new president and Executive Committee Members.

Incumbent Cecafa boss, Leondegar Tenga, from Tanzania will be seeking re-election in the race that has his vice and former Federation of Uganda Football Association chief, Lawrence Mulindwa.

Other candidates are the President of Rwanda Football Association, Vincent Nzamwita, Mutasim Sirelkhatim Gaffar of Sudan and Ethiopia’s Juneid Bashar Tilmo.

“Apart from the competition we will have our General Assembly to elect new leaders of Cecafa where we have five candidates standing for presidency and six for the Committee Membership.

“We want to look at our statutes to make some changes to conform the current trend in the world because using the constitution that was enacted in 2006,” the Secretary General announced.

Former France and Arsenal legendary midfielder, Robert Pires. PHOTO/courtesy

NAIROBI, November 12 – Former Arsenal and France legendary midfielder Robert Pires has confirmed his visit to Kenya where four lucky families will host him in December.

Pires who was in the Gunner’s famous ‘invincible’ squad that won the Barclays Premier League unbeaten in 2003-04 season, replaced former club-mate and captain Tony Adams who fell ill.

During his two day visit (December 4-6), Pires will be joining 100 lucky Barclays’ customers winners in the in the ‘Switch to Better’ promotion, for an exclusive Premier League Fan Zone viewing experience.

He will also spend time with four lucky winners and their families and kit them out in the original regalia of their favourite English Premier League team.

“The Barclays Premier League is without a doubt the biggest and the best league in world football. I’m still an avid supporter and I cannot wait to join Barclays in Kenya to share these unique experiences with them,” Pires who made his maiden appearance for Arsenal in 2000, announced.

Pires’ six year career at Arsenal saw him lift three FA Cup titles and two Premier League titles in 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons, scoring 84 goals in 284 appearances.

His tactical footwork and exquisite scoring made him one of the most revered Arsenal players of his time, alongside Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole who together were nicknamed “the invincibles”.

Pires moved to Villarreal after Arsenal and retired in 2011 after briefly playing with Aston Villa.

Despite being 42, Pires still played with FC Goa in India in the 2014/2015 season.

In order to participate, entrants need to open a Barclays account and transfer their salary into this account each month with customers who register for online banking standing a chance of winning two tickets to a VIP Premier League Fan Zone with the football the legend.

“At Barclays we take pride in connecting our customers on the African continent through their shared passion for the beautiful game. We are the only bank in Africa able to reward its customers with once in a lifetime experiences through our longstanding sponsorship of the EPL.

“We cannot wait to welcome Robert Pires to Kenya to share in our passion for football and to experience our African hospitality,” Director of Consumer Banking, Barclays Bank of Kenya, Zahid Mustafa stated.

Pires will join Barclays Bank of Kenya in the launch of the Spaces for Sports Initiative, a Ksh. 47m partnership with the International Youth Foundation envisioned to empower the next generation using their sporting talent.

The program, which will be implemented through Mathare Youth Sports Association will provide the youth with skills, confidence and the experience they need to secure social independence.

Customers have until November 20 to participate in the ‘Switch to Better’ promotion.

Francisca Koki in action during her women 400m Hurdles heat in Beijing. PHOTO/IAAF/Getty Images

NAIROBI, November 12 – Kenyan sprinters; Joyce Zakari and Francesca Koki, whose A-Samples tested positive during the Beijing IAAF World Championships, will finally know their fate with a report into their cases due to be released soon.

The pair has been serving provisional suspension from competition handed by world governing body, IAAF, since August when they returned adverse findings from tests conducted at the team hotel in China where Kenya topped the world.

Athletics Kenya (AK) chief executive, Isaac Mwangi, said Thursday hearing into the cases has been concluded and they are in the process of compiling the report that will be released in the coming days.

Zakari and Koki who compete in the women 400m and 400m Hurdles races in that order, could be banned for two or four years or life should they be found culpable or acquitted and allowed to return to competition if their defences hold.

“We had a hearing on Monday. We normally take the athletes through the required procedures. The fact that someone has failed a doping test doesn’t not necessarily mean that they are culpable.

“There are many other factors to be considered and beside as Kenya, we are not only interested in sanctioning the athletes but we would like to know the source; who administered it to athletes, are they being cheated by someone or are they collaborating with pharmacists like we have seen in the past,” Mwangi said.

“Sanctioning an athlete will be one aspect but also following up to ensure things have been addressed from the root for us is the most important thing. So in the next few days, we will be able to conclude the two cases the hearings are still going on and we will be informing you soon,” the CEO added.

Zakari, 29 burned the tartan to win her heat in 50.41 at the World Championships, a new national record before she went missing from the semi finals and was subsequently disqualified.

It was her second successive national standard performance after she broke Rose Waithera’s 51.56 set at the 1984 Olympics by winning the Kenya Championships in 51.14.

Her unexplained absence from the semis prompted speculation and later that evening; allegations started filtering out of China she had been informed of the failed test moments before Nicholas Bett made history with a first ever gold short distance gold medal in the men 400m Hurdles.

Koki bombed out during her women 400m Hurdles heat, finishing seventh in 58.96.

Tusker FC forward Jesse Were in a past Harambee Stars training. PHOTO/ Courtesy

NAIROBI, November 12 – Harambee Stars head coach Bobby Williamson has recalled suspended Tusker FC duo of Jesse Were and winger Danson Kago ahead of Friday’s 2018 World Cup second round; first leg qualifier against Cape Verde.

The pair was suspended from the national team for three months on October 7 by Football Kenya Federation, following alleged misbehavior in camp prior to the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier pitting Zambia.

Were and Kago, were said to have sneaked alcohol into their hotel room, a move that led to Williamson sidelining them from the fixture that Kenya went on to lose 1 – 2 at home.

Team Manager, Willis Waliaula confirmed the two reported camp on the eve of the match against the Islanders and are set to play a vital role to the injury-hit team that will be without wingers, Belgian based, Ayub Timbe and Paul Were who plies his trade in Greece.

“After having a meeting between the technical bench and federation, we agreed to call back the two because they have been consistent to the team. I believe they have leant a lesson and coming to the team I expect them to give their all.

“Their suspension was to set an example to the rest but whatever happened that’s a forgone case we are now focusing on the big match ahead of us tomorrow (Friday). It’s upon to the coach to see if he will give them a place in the starting line-up. I call upon all Kenyans to rally behind the team,” Waliaula told Capital Sport.

Its yet to be seen if the two will be given a node in Friday’s match considering they have not been training with the squad.

Williamson suffered another blow after Thika United left-back Dennis Odhiambo was ruled out of the clash with a recurring knee injury.

The Thika United captain picked up the knock in his club’s 2-0 win over Ulinzi Stars late October.

Williamson will be out to press the home advantage ahead of the return leg four days later against a team that is ranked 93 places above them in the latest FIFA rankings.

Gor Mahia forward Michael Olunga (center) receiving the Fans Player of the Month for October Award on Thursday, November 12.

NAIROBI, November 12 – Gor Mahia striker Michael Olunga hopes winning the Fans Player of the Month for October will inspire him help his club wrap-up the season with the GOtv Shield title.

Olunga’s landslide win came after amassing 3,774 votes (82.89%) way ahead of Ulinzi Stars midfielder John Makwatta who was second with 347 votes (7.62%) while Bandari FC’s David Kingatua settled for third with 287 votes (6.30%).

Nairobi City Stars forward, Jimmy Bagaye who won the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya/SportPesa Player of the Month for October, was second last with 93 (2.04%) while Mathare United’s Noah Abich garnered 52 votes (1.14%) to trail the poll.

Olunga who scored four goals for unbeaten K’Ogalo in the month of October, received Sh10,000 and a trophy.

“I wish to thank all the fans who voted for me. Also my fellow players from other clubs for making the nomination cut; it proves they did a great job in the month. I must however thank God for without him I would not have won this.

“It has been a good season to me. We won the league unbeaten, had a fine run at the Cecafa Kagame Cup and have already bagged the Top 8 Title. We are now looking forward to wrap it up with the GOtv Shield,” Olunga who was the top scorer in Cecafa Kagame Cup with five goals, underscored.

He added, “It is through the fans support that the club has registered all the success. With financial challenges, they have ensured they turn up in numbers in all matches.

“This year I have made a massive improvement. Apart from scoring goals locally, I have played at bigger stages like the national team which has boosted my confidence and taken my career to another level. I just hope that this continues even in the upcoming season.”

Gor have three titles in the cabinet so far after winning the SportPesa Premier League trophy for a third season in a row, the KPL Top 8 and DSTV Super Cup that they lifted at the beginning of the season.

Olunga becomes the sixth player to win the award after Ali Abondo (Gor), Jacob Keli when he was featuring for AFC Leopards, Bernard Mangoli (Leopards), Paul Kiongera (KCB)  and Meddie Kagere (Gor).

The week-long poll was voted by 4,553 fans .