Three-time 1500m world champion Asbel Kiprop. PHOTO FILE

Kiprop who is the brand ambassador of the race, will be joined by Commonwealth champion Mercy Cherono, former Africa Cross winner, Caroline Chepkoech and William Sotonik.

Elite athletes and University students will run 10kilometres while juniors will cover the 6 and 8kilometres for girls and boys respectively.

The race themed ‘Run For Mau’ is sanctioned by Athletics Kenya and is used to rehabilitate the Mau Ecosystem and Njoro River.
There will be two other races under the AK calendar on the same weekend with the inter-Universities National Cross Country Championships being held in Nakuru whilst in Eldoret, the Discovery Kenya Half Marathon will run on Sunday.

In the streets of Eldoret, famously known as ‘the City of Champions’ will see more than 500 elite as well as rookies engage in the battle of supremacy in the event that will be celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Coming a week after the Discovery Kenya Cross Country that saw Japan-based Bedan Karoki turn tables on host athletes, the Sunday competition will not be without surprises Daniel Keitany of Elgeyo Marakwet and Cynthia Limo from Uasin Gishu seek to give 2014 champions Amos Mitei and Peris Chepchirchir a run for their money.

Beneficiaries of Discovery include the likes of four-time Boston marathon great, Robert Cheruiyot, Martin Lel, Hon Elijah Lagat, World Cross champion, Geoffrey Kamworor, Mathew Kisorio.

The women are World 10,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot, London marathon silver medallist, Prisca Jeptoo, Alice Timbilil, Fredah Domongole among others.

The post Kiprop lined up for Egerton University XC appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya Lioness head coach Mike Shamia in a past press conference.PHOTO FILE/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, February 4 – The uncertainty surrounding the future of national women’s head coach, Mike Shamia was cleared up by Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) who rubbished claims that it had sacked him.

Sources from KRU had revealed to Capital Sport that Shamia was shown the door by one of the directors and replaced by South African coach Aschein Klein.

However, Director in charge of squads and competitions, Oscar Mango disclosed that there were no changes in the Lioness technical bench, insisting Shamia is the head coach assisted by Kevin Wambua.

“We are not aware of any changes in the Kenya women’s team technical bench. We had a board meeting yesterday (Wednesday) and nobody brought up the issue. KRU does not intend to do internal changes especially at this time that the team is preparing for Olympic Games.

For a new coach to be appointed, the position must be advertised which was not done so according to the board we know Shamia is in charge and we cannot allow an outsider to ruin our plans,” Mango told Capital Sport.

The Union has faced difficulties in executing some of its operations following the division in the board that has seen a section of directors oppose a number of decisions including the re- appointment of Benjamin Ayimba as Kenya Sevens head coach.

The frustration at the Union led to the resignation of a number of staff members including veteran Michael ‘Tank’ Otieno in the position of Director of Rugby a post that Klein was to fill.

Other offices frustrated are Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the communications department who are targeted by a section of directors.

The development comes after Shamia named a provisional squad of 30 players who were to begin training for Olympics this week.

At the same, KRU has issued a notice for the March 16 Annual General Meeting to be held at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds from 4pm.

The main agenda of the day will be to elect four new officials in the positions of vice chairman, secretary, treasurer and two directors.

The posts are being held by Philip Jalang’o as the vice chairman, Dennis Ombui, the interim secretary general, while Gabriel Ouko resigned as the treasurer same as directors Moses Ndale and Penina Wahome.

The day will also see the appointment of auditors for the forthcoming year.

The post KRU refutes Shamia sack claims appeared first on Capital Sports.

Gor Mahia head coach, Franl Nuttall has parted ways with three-times back0to0back champions.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, February 4 – Just hours after Gor Mahia head coach Frank Nuttall declared he had parted ways with the record 15-times SportPesa Premier League Champions, the club is waiting official communication from the Scotsman’s lawyer before announcing his replacement.

Nuttall who guided K’Ogalo to the 2015 Premier League title unbeaten, underscored through his lawyer, Gradus Oluoch that he decided to call it quit after the club demanded he takes a 50 percent pay cut.

“The Executive Committee of Gor Mahia has terminated my contract today 4th February via a letter to my lawyer Mr Gradus Oluoch. However, my contract was to expire on 1st January 2017

The reason for terminating my contract is because the Executive Committee of Gor Mahia club wanted to reduce my salary by 50% whereas my contract provided for 10% increase of my salary from 1st January 2016,” Nuttall wrote.

However, speaking to Capital Sport Gor assistant secretary general, Ronald Ngala disclosed that Nuttall had agreed to take a pay cut in December which he insisted be put in writing.

He was shocked to see the coach reconsider his decision just a week before the league get underway as well as the CAF Champions League where Gor are scheduled to host Madagascans, CNaPS in the first-leg of the preliminary round.

“I’m unhappy with the coach’s behavior, going to public to announce we have terminated his contract yet we have not. We failed to agree on terms because his demands were too high.

“We told him in the process we don’t agree then he is free to seek employment elsewhere. In December he agreed to take a pay cut in an amount that he suggested and insisted be put in writing. Yes we agree he has done extremely well with the club but that doesn’t mean he takes advantage. You don’t dictate on your employer,” Ngala explained.

He added, “We have paid his dues up to date. He agreed the new terms, requested we send him a ticket which we did so it’s not the best way to operate because people operate on a budget.”

The sudden development comes a day before Gor face GOtv Shield Champions Bandari in the season opener, the DSTV Super Cup on Saturday at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa.

Nuttall who joined the three-times back-to-back champions in September 2014 replacing Harambee Stars head coach, Bobby Williamson, has won two KPL titles, one KPL Top 8 trophy, a DSTV Super Cup and guided the team to 2015 Cecafa Kagame Cup finals where they lost 2-0 to  Tanzanian side Azam.

The UEFA Pro license holder only lost one premier league match when Gor went down 3-2 to Sofapaka in 2014 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The post Gor: Nuttall demands were too expensive appeared first on Capital Sports.

Institute of Election Democracy staffer, Ken Njagi, counts ballots during the FKF sub-branch elections earlier this month. Officials affiliated to Kiambu Sub-Branch clubs have moved to court seeking to block the December 17, 2015 repeat exercise. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, February 5 – Football Kenya Federation national elections may not take place on Tuesday next week as scheduled after Electoral Board treasurer David Mereka tendered his notice to resign.

In his notice, Mareka cited lack of integrity from chairman, Donald Kipkorir whom he accused of interfering with the recently held branch polls, where he introduced the tossing of a coin to decide ties after vote count.

The outgoing treasurer stated that the board is in financial crisis and there for cannot conduct the national elections to vote new office bearers.

“I hereby give notice that I intend to step down as the treasure and member of the DFKF Electoral Board since my conscience can’t allow me to continue serving.

“The Board has been running headless because of your (Chairman) inability to lead, make decisions or delay in doing so, taking long sojourns well knowing that you have failed to appoint a vice chair, your allergy to the official press leading to all and sundry to depend on alternative press,” Mareka underscored.

“There has been no preparation for the national elections due on Tuesday including giving preliminary advice to IED on budget, venue, security, delegates, accreditations, observers and fact that you do not work or communicate on Friday and the weekend leads to a shutdown of the electoral process,” he added.

Mereka will seat at Saturday’s Appeals Committee to hear two cases from Nyanza South and Nyanza West before announcing his date of resignation.

“There has been interference with the election process under your headless leadership which has led to stalemate branch elections which in some branches where there is a tie, you are insisting on tossing of a coin.

“I have also had embarrassing moments in court where sub branch certificates were given to officials without elections having been conducted,” Mereka underscored.

The national elections has been postponed three times and it’s yet to be seen if the exercise will kick-off despite Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture Dr. Hassan Wario assured there will be no further rescheduling.

Incumbent Sam Nyamweya who is seeking re-election will battle it out with Gor Mahia and Kenyan Premier League chairman, Ambrose Rachier, former international Sammy Shollei, business man Gor Semelang’o, FKF-PL chairman, Nick Mwendwa and Semi Aina.

The post National elections in doubt as Mareka resigns appeared first on Capital Sports.

Bandari FC players celebrating after being crowned 2016 DSTV Super Cup champions.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, February 6 – GOtv Shield Champions Bandari are the 2016 DSTV Super Cup champions after edging out 10-man SportPesa Premier League holders Gor Mahia 1-0 in the season curtain raiser hosted in Mombasa on Saturday.

Anthony Kimani’s half volley in the 67th minute was the difference to see the Dockers lift their first trophy of the season and take home Sh750, 000 cash prize.

K’Ogalo finished 10 men after center-half Harun Shakava was sent off in the 40th minute for a high boot on his former team-mate Danny Sserunkuma who was the thorn in Gor’s defenders.

The encounter saw Scotsman Frank Nuttall return to the dugout after being reinstated as Gor head coach, 24 hours following his dismissal.

“I have to commend my players because before the send off we had three chances and we were in control of the game. Many things did not favor us as we were playing in Bandari’s territory.

“The new players are still on a learning process they worked hard in pre-season and are very focused. Luke Ochieng played well, Keli is good but trying to get some fitness,” Nuttall stated after the match.

His opposite number, Twahir Muhhid said the win is a big motivation ahead of their CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round, opening leg against DRC’S St Eloi Lupopo.

“I told the players to relax, avoid long balls and be patient although the goal was surprising. The luck was ours today,” Muhiddin declared.

Bandari shot-stopper Wilson Obungu was the busier of the two keepers denying K’Ogalo thrice in the opening half with his first save coming three minutes after kick-off when he warded off Enock Agwanda’s long range effort.

Six minutes later, new signing Jacob Keli thought he had scored his debut at Gor, but referee Raymond Onyango ruled off side the back-flip goal although replays in the live televised match showed Sharif Mohammed had kept the former Nkana FC striker onside.

With the match approaching the half hour mark, tempers flew up that should have seen Karim Nizigiyimana and Sserunkuma red carded, when they were involved in a scuffle where the Burundian head butted the Ugandan who reiterated, but the referee didn’t take any action.

Obungu made a fantastic save when he kept away Abuoba Sibomana header from Godfrey Walusimbi corner before blocking Collins Okoth thunderous shot off the line.

Bandari returned a stronger side with head coach Twahir Muhhidin introducing Meshack Karani who turned the provider for the goal.

Both sides were using the clash as part of their preparations ahead of next weekend’s continental assignments where Gor host Madagascans CNaPS in the CAF Champions League while Bandari will travel to DRC to face St Eloi Lupopo in the Confederations Cup.

The post Bandari edge out Gor to lift Super Cup appeared first on Capital Sports.

From left, Tomas Rosicky, Laurent Koscienly (center), Kieran Gibbs

LONDON, February 6 – Betting firm SportPesa have rolled out one of their road to 2022 Qatar World Cup projects after entering into a three and half year partnership with English Premier League giants Arsenal FC

The deal that was signed at Emirates Stadium in London, will focus on grassroots football including player and coach development effective mid season where the Arsenal will provide coaches to conduct five-day training camps in Kenya twice a year.

Following the agreement, SportPesa has become the Official betting partner of Arsenal Football Club in Kenya.

“It has been a long journey but we finally struck the deal. The deal entails achieving our dream of taking Kenya to 2022 World Cup. The partnership will see talent scouts from Arsenal identify good footballers.

“The camps will be hosting 100 players but we have not come up with the procedure of player selection. We will find a way of identifying the people who will be involved in the project so that we don’t leave anybody out,” SportPesa CEO, Ronald Karauri announced.

Arsenal Chief Commercial Officer, Vinai Venkatesham said the club’s aim is to ensure Kenya adopts the Gunner’s style of playing football that entails keeping the ball on the ground, passing, team work and speed of thought.

“We have launched our latest commercial partnership with SportPesa, and they become our first betting partner that Arsenal has ever had in Kenya where we have a large fan base.

“Grassroot development is important. We will send our very own coaches to Kenya to coach children and teach them play football in a style we call the Arsenal way.

“Our coaches can’t be in Kenya all year round, so we will be training coaches and teach them what they need to impact on the children,” Venkatesham underscored.

The camps will also help to support the initiatives that SportPesa have in place to identify and nurture talent as a grassroots level.

Arsenal fans in Kenya will also be offered a range of club-related benefits, including official merchandise and match tickets to see the team in action at Emirates Stadium.

Kenyan football administrators will be offered opportunities to meet and learn from expert Arsenal staff responsible for stadium management and security to borrow a leaf.

“With such a deal, Arsenal will be beneficiaries because we will have free tickets to reward them each season. However, this is not Arsenal’s fans only because at the end of the day it’s about developing football in Kenya and the road to 2022. We will be looking to partner with other EPL clubs to sign deals,” Karuri added.

The post SportPesa enter partnership with Arsenal appeared first on Capital Sports.

Harembee Stars players posing for the team photo before facing Guinea Bissau in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on 23rd , March, 2016.PHOTO/FKF

NAIROBI, April 7 – The national football team Harambee Stars has dropped 12 places in the latest FIFA rankings released Thursday.

Stars are now placed 115th after losing back-to-back 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier to Guinea Bissau.

As a result, Guinea Bissau climbed up a massive 45 places to 102nd.

Kenya had been on the ascendancy, closing in on double digit ranking, but the disastrous performance against Bissau, who were placed 45 places below Stars, benefited the West African side.

Kenya’s other opponents in the qualifiers Zambia and Congo retained their positions at 78th and 59th respectively.

Cape Verde, who knocked Kenya out of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers have been dethroned as the best placed African nation, going down 16 places to 47th.

Algeria moved top of the African table, rising four places up to 33rd globally.

In Africa, Egypt are the highest movers having ascended nine places to 44th to be ranked fifth in the continent while Ivory Coast, Ghana and Senegal are second, third and fourth in that order.

In the CECAFA region, Uganda remains the best placed country despite slumping five places.

The Cranes lost away to Burkina Faso in their AFCON qualifier, then picked a point at home and are now ranked 72nd globally.

Rwanda have dropped two places to 87th, Ethiopia down three places to 123rd while Burundi are the most improved going seven places up to 122nd.

Argentina reclaimed top spot from Belgium while Copa America champions Chile soared to an all-time high of third place.

Three straight wins in 2018 World Cup qualifiers helped Argentina return to the summit, five months after they were supplanted by Belgium.

Chile moved up two places from fifth, with Colombia climbing from eighth to fourth and Uruguay moving back into the top 10 as a reward for their strong start to South American qualifying.

Two-time defending European champions Spain drop three places to sixth, with world champions Germany, Brazil, Portugal and England also sliding down one spot.

The post Kenya down 12 places in latest FIFA rankings appeared first on Capital Sports.

Harambee Starlets players in training.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, April 7 – History beckons for Kenya’s women football team Harambee Starlets as they take to the Stade Omar Hamadi stadium in Algiers for the first-leg of the 2016 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations final qualifier against Algeria on Friday.

A win against Algeria over the two legs will earn Starlets a ticket to the final tournament scheduled for November in Cameroon and it is this milestone that Kenya will be banking on to stun the highly rated Algeria.

“We have a chance to make history. No other Kenyan women’s team has ever made it to AFCON and we have one of the best chances to do so. As players, to be part of history is what drives us,” skipper Anne Aluoch stated.

Starlets come up against an Algerian side which has played in four African Nations Cup tournaments and are placed eighth in the continent and 74th globally.

The North Africans booked a slot in the second round after eliminating Ethiopia 2-1 on aggregate, following a 1-1 draw away in the first-leg and a 1-0 win at home.

Starlets on the other hand were handed a bye after DR Congo withdrew from the preliminary round citing financial constraints.

Among the Algerian players to watch is forward Dalila Zerrouki, who scored in both legs against Ethiopia, something that has left Starlets head coach David Ouma to be cautious in a match where an away goal will do them justice before hosting the return leg in a fortnight.

“I have watched a few of their clips and I have seen they are swift. They have good strikers which means we have to put our defence intact and avoid conceding. If we can get an away goal then that would be a huge plus for us,” Ouma noted.

Harambee Starlets midfielder Cherish Avillia.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

In the hunt for the away goal, the coach will be looking upon Mary Kinuthia after Uganda based striker Millicent Mwanzia was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Kenya’s backbone will be in the midfield where experienced Martha Karimi, who is making a comeback, will partner with deputy captain Cherich Avillian in deep centre while Neddie Atieno will be tasked to make the runs on the flanks.

Defender Aluoch anticipates a tough encounter but was confident his charges will contain Algeria after having ample time to prepare for the clash.

“Two years ago, Ethiopia hammered us 5-0 and that will motivate the Algerians since they bundled out them in the preliminary round. We need to be cautious and ensure we keep a clean sheet. We have the confidence we can do it,” the FC Makolanders full-back said.

Starlets will hope the ghosts that haunted them last year when they were one step away to the 2016 Olympics will not follow them to their AFCON campaign.

The girls lost 2-0 on aggregate to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the penultimate stage of the qualifiers with Ouma saying they bowed out since his team was nervous.

Team Manager Doreen Nabwire, a former Kenyan international whose football career has seen her scale the German Bundesliga, is confident the girls will sustain the pressure.

“It is not going to be easy. It depends with how the girls handle the situation but I’m confident in their abilities. They have trained well and it is now up to them to give their best,” Nabwire said.

The post Starlets out to hunt historic AFCON ticket appeared first on Capital Sports.

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

NAIROBI, April 7 – The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) has again given Kenya until May 2 to implement WADA’s code or risk missing out on the 2016 Olympic Games.

A second WADA deadline expired on Tuesday with Kenyan MPs having failed to pass a bill criminalising sports doping.

“Unless the Bill, policy and ADAK’s (Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya) rules are formally adopted by 2 May 2016, the Compliance Review Committee’s recommendation to the WADA Foundation Board will be to declare the ADAK non-compliant,” WADA said in a statement.

WADA added that it would vote on the matter at its next meeting in Montreal on May 12.

“The Compliance Review Committee met April 5 to discuss the outstanding issues related to the implementation of the 2015 Code in the Kenyan legal system. The committee concluded that the current situation is not in compliance with the 2015 Code, since the bill, policy and ADAK rules have not yet been formally adopted,” WADA added.

The government sponsored Anti-doping Bill was tabled in the National Assembly last week and is now awaiting debate when the House resumes sittings April 12.

The MPs are currently on a 10-day recess during which the House Labour and Social Welfare Committee is expected to collect views from the public and stakeholders on the legislation.

On Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta was hopeful Kenyan track and field athletes would compete at the Rio Olympics slatted for August despite doubts over the country’s anti-doping legislation.

Speaking in an interview with France 24 television, Kenyatta said that Kenya needed more time to pass a robust anti-doping law and avoid a threatened Olympics ban.

“Every country has a way in which it formulates its rules and we cannot jump that step. We have made a commitment, the law has been passed by my cabinet already, but it must now go through the processes of enactment, which goes through the legislature, it must have public participation,” Kenyatta insisted.

The Head of State added, “But the country itself is committed and what we’re telling them is let our processes go through. What we’re assuring them is that we may not be able to achieve the deadline they have set, but the deadline should be based on the national legislative process and I believe that within the next month we should have gone through all the necessary processes that guide the way we make laws in Kenya.”

The post WADA extends Kenya’s anti-doping law deadline to May 2 appeared first on Capital Sports.

Humphrey Kayange in action.PHOTO/FILE

NAIROBI, April 8 – Veteran Humphrey Kayange grounded twice as the national sevens team launched its Hong Kong Sevens campaign on a positive note following their 24-0 mauling over Samoa in the seventh round of the HSBC Sevens World Series that got underway Friday.

It was a sweet revenge for Kenya who produced a brilliant display after Samoa had beaten Shujaa 26-19 at the last leg in Vancouver, Canada.

Head coach Benjamin Ayimba started with his experienced squad that accommodated upcoming Sammy Oliech while returnees Robert Aringo and Frank Wanyama started on the bench as well as debutant Alvin Otieno.

Nelson Oyoo, who was making a comeback to the Series after impressing in Dubai and Cape Town, touched down the first try of the tournament when he received Oscar Ayodi’s off load to make a step and miss a tackle to score on the far left corner.

Collins Injera had a chance to give his side a second try in quick succession but some good defence from Samoa Toloa ensured the Shujaa vice captain remain eight tries shy of Santiago Gomez Cora’s all-time try scoring record of 230 on the series.

Kenya’s dominance continued as they pinned down Samoa on their own half to see Injera set up Willy Ambaka, who did well to hand off Alefosio Tapili before powering all the way to the whitewash for Shujaa’s second try.

Injera was at it again, this time feeding his elder brother Kayange who went over on the stroke of half-time to hand the Ayimba side a commanding 17-0 lead.

On resumption, Kenya put the squeeze on Samoa and were rewarded with a gift of a try for Kayange, who was lurking to pick off a loose pass and run in his second score of the day.

The Samoans failed to get into the game and it took them until the dying seconds to make it into Kenya’s 22, but some more good defence meant they were shut out on the scoreboard.

Kenya face power house New Zealand in their second match of Pool A on Saturday at 6:40am local time, a match that will see them through to the Main Cup quarter-finals with a match to spare.

-Lioness-

Kenya Lioness team pose for a photo after lifting Bowl in Hong Kong 7s.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Lioness lifted the Bowl competition in the Hong Kong Women’s invitational tournament after hammering Sri Lanka 29-0.

The team led by head coach Mike Shamiah signaled their intent from kick off with Janet Akello going over after sustaining pressure.

The nippy Sri Lankans threatened with their pace but Akello’s desperate tackle spared Kenyan blushes.

Celestine Masinde received the ball on the burst to hand Kenya the second try before Akello grabbed her brace after the restart to see Kenya lead 17-0 at the breather.

The game then lulled into a sedate affair until KCB’s Philadephia Olando played in Masinde, who rounded a Sri Lanka defender to score outside the posts for Doreen Remour to convert.

The post Kayange grounds twice as Kenya revenge against Samoa appeared first on Capital Sports.

David Rudisha winning the 600m at the 2014 IAAF Diamond League meeting in Birmingham (Jean-Pierre.

BIRMINGHAM, April 8- World record-holder David Rudisha will step down to 600m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Birmingham June 5 as he prepares to defend his Olympic title in Rio de Janeiro later this year.

The world champion won over the same distance in his last appearance in Birmingham two years ago, clocking a personal best of 1:13.71.

“I loved running 600m at the Birmingham Diamond League in 2014 and I’m really looking forward to doing it again. The athletes always get amazing support at British events and running 600m is a good part of my preparations this Olympic Year. My training has been going well and I am looking forward to a good year.” Rudisha told the IAAF official website.

Rudisha battled with injury for the better part of the 2014 and 2015 seasons, but managed to recover and went on to defend his world Championship crown in Beijing last year.

His compatriot Asbel Kiprop will make only his second appearance in Birmingham following victory in the Emsley Carr Mile in 2014.

“I have great memories of winning the mile at the Birmingham Diamond League in 2014 and hopefully I can run well again this year,” said the three-time world 1500m champion.

“2016 is a huge year for me, I want to win back the Olympic title and challenge my personal best. Birmingham will be an important race for me to see how my training has been going.” He added.

Kiprop won the Olympic gold in 2008 in Beijing, but his efforts at defending were futile in London 2012 as he went on to finish last in the final despite coming into the games with the world leading time.

At the Birmingham IAAF meet, 12 stars have confirmed they will participate including World 200m champion Dafne Schippers.

She will compete at the Alexander Stadium for the first time when she lines up against British record-holder Dina Asher-Smith in the 100m.

“2016 is a very important year for me with the Olympic Games taking place in Brazil. The Birmingham Diamond League will be a good race to test myself early in the season and start the road to Rio. I’m looking forward to competing in front of another great British crowd and hopefully continuing my form from last year into this summer.” said Schippers.

Asher-Smith will return to the Alexander Stadium for the first time since setting a championship record on her way to claiming the British title in 2015.

-Material from IAAF used to compile this report-

The post Rudisha among stars for Birmingham Diamond League appeared first on Capital Sports.

AFC Leopards head coach Ivan Minnaert applauding fans in a past SportPesa Premier League match.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, April 8 – AFC Leopards head coach Ivan Minnaert has disclosed he will drop 10 players when the June transfer window opens as he seeks to strengthen the team in a bid to recapture the SportPesa Premier League crown for the first time in 18 years.

Minnaert believes the team stands a chance to fight for the title, and for them to achieve it, they must bolster the squad with experienced players.

The Belgian is looking at signing eight players, but says it will depend on the budget.

“I have already identified the players who will leave the club but the final decision will be made after I meet with the executive. There are eight I need to bring in but depending on what the executive will say in terms of budget, we might sign a minimum of six players. This week I had talks with different potential signings,” Minnaert said.

The coach, who joined Ingwe from Rwandese side Rayon Sport, says he needs three strikers, two centre backs, one left back, one holding midfielder and a reserve goalkeeper.

Amidst reports that a few former Leopards players might want to return to the den, Minnaert, who is eying Malian forward Ismailia Diarra, dismissed the claims.

Among the players understood to be making a comeback include Bandari FC duo of Edwin Wafula and Bernard Mang’oli as well as Allan Wanga whose contract with Tanzanian outfit Azam FC ends next month.

“I don’t think we will go for any ex-AFC players, maybe one but not all of them. We will go for new blood; those who are hungry to battle for the title. I will also bring players I have worked with before, those I know will add something extra to the team,” the coach added.

Ingwe are third on the log and they will be looking to bounce back to the top when they host Sofapaka at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

Leopards enter the clash wounded from last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of City Stars and Minnaert has demanded a response from his boys.

“We have worked on how we defend set pieces. We conceded cheap set piece goals and we have tried to work in training to correct this. Also, we have worked on our finishing because we create many chances but find it hard to hit the back of the net.”

“I’m hoping for an improvement. It will not be easy against Sofapaka regardless of their form because every team gives their all when they play against Leopards,” Minnaert stated.

Sofapaka are struggling, having lost six successive matches to trail the log on three points.

Batoto ba Mungu will be without head coach David Ouma who will be leading the Harambee Starlets in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Algeria on Friday.

Leopards will go top if Mathare United and Tusker drop points. The Brewers will be away to Western Stima in Kisumu while Mathare welcomes Sony Sugar FC in a late kick off at Nyayo Stadium.

Mathare has started the season on a high, picking four wins in seven matches but head coach Francis Kimanzi will not be quick to put pressure on his charges by proclaiming title ambitions.

“We are a young team and it is a pleasure for us being at the top with some of the big teams. We are looking to learn from them and playing our matches well,” Kimanzi said.

He comes up against his former assistant at Tusker, Leonard Odipo as he aims to give a kick at a chance to move top of the standings.

Odipo is under pressure, having failed to win a single match in his first seven games but a change in his technical bench two weeks ago gave him more freedom to work with people he is familiar with and has vowed to pluck Sony off the doldrums of relegation.

-Marcelo unbeaten-

Gor Mahia head coach Jose Marcelo Ferreira (left) and his assistant Tom Ogweno in training.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Elsewhere, Gor Mahia’s Samba beat will make its next stop against Ushuru at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Brazilian Jose Marcelo Ferreira is yet to taste defeat after collecting two out of two wins since joining the record 15 time champions.

The involvement of Rwandese forward Jacques Tuyisenge, who has an amazing scoring rate of three in two matches, remains in doubt having limped out of their 2-1 win over Thika United in midweek where he scored both goals.

Ferreira will be banking on his side to keep dancing to his beat and they will be out to move into the top four if they pick the maximum points Ken Kenyatta’s Ushuru FC.

In four league meetings between the two sides, the taxmen have not scored against Gor and have lost three. The best they did was collecting a point in their first meeting in 2014.

Gor’s match will be presided over by Ulinzi Stars who will be away to Posta Rangers at the same venue.

Ulinzi have an envious away record to remain unbeaten, having picked seven out of a possible nine points in the three matches they have played away from home.

The military side boasts of the meanest defence in the league, having conceded three goals in seven matches.

That defence will come up against the second best scorer in the league, Timothy Otieno who has scored four times this season.

Posta have not won in three matches, losing against Homeboyz and drawing twice consecutively, at home to Sony Sugar and away to Thika United.

KPL Weekend fixtures:

Saturday; AFC Leopards v Sofapaka, Mathare United v Sony Sugar (Nyayo Stadium),Kakamega Homeboyz v City Stars (Mumias), Western Stima v Tusker FC (Kisumu).

Sunday; Posta Rangers v Ulinzi Stars, Gor Mahia v Ushuru FC (Nyayo Stadium), Chemelil v Thika United (Chemelil), Muhoroni v Bandari (Muhoroni).

The post Minnaert to drop 10 players in major Leopards facelift appeared first on Capital Sports.

Harambee Starlets captain Aluoch with her Algerian counterpart before the match kicked off.PHOTO/courtesy

NAIROBI, April 8 – Harambee Starlets are one match away from making history as the first Kenyan football women’s team to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations after holding hosts Algeria 2-2 in the first-leg of the final 2016 qualifier in Algiers on Friday night.

Starlets were destined for a precious win after Mwanalima Adam had tapped home Kenya’s second goal in the 85th minute, but a header from Naima Bouhane ensured the two sides share spoils.

Algeria had began the game well, dominating proceedings and pushing in attack from the first whistle.

Bouheni opened the scores for the hosts in the 28th minute, taking advantage of a defensive slack on the Kenyan side to score past keeper Samantha Akinyi.

The hosts piled pressure powered by the early goal and they should have had a second later, but Akinyi managed to thwart the efforts.

After the breather, Algeria kept their pressure to take the game into a comfortable lead but the Starlets were never going to take it lying low.

They responded by exerting pressure on their hosts and it finally paid off in the 78th minute when captain Fatima Sekouane found the back of her own net to hand Kenya the equaliser.

Seven minutes later, Starlets were in seventh heaven when16-year old school girl Adam tapped home the second after Neddie Atieno’s initial effort hit the crossbar.

However, the precious win in sight was squashed a minute to time when unmarked Bouheni headed home inside the box to take the North Africans back into the match.

Starlets just need a one-all draw at home on Tuesday to book her place in the finals slatted for November in Cameroon.

“I’m really proud of the girls because that result in North Africa is huge. However, they should not be comfortable because it is never over until it is over,” team manager Doreen Nabwire told Capital Sport.

“We are on the verge of making history and I believe that motivation will push them on. I know we are capable, it is only a matter of putting our heads down and working for it,” she added.

It will be a huge achievement for the girls if they pick an AFCON ticket especially putting into perspective the minimal investment put on them in the last few years.

The post Starlets on the verge of making history after holding Algeria appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya vs New Zealand

NAIROBI, April 9 – New Zealand did Shujaa favor by beating Samoa 28-10 on Saturday morning in the final group game, a result that saw the Kenya Sevens team squeeze into the Hong Kong Sevens Main Cup quarter finals.

Shujaa will now meet the series top ranked side Fiji in the Cup Quarters on Sunday at 6:42am, Ben Ryan’s side having topped group D with a perfect record after beating Wales in the decider.

This will be the fifth time Kenya plays in the main cup quarters this season, and the second meeting with Fiji at the same stage.

The two sides met in Sydney, the Fijians coming out tops with a 28-12 score over Kenya.

Kenya had began day two of the seventh round of the World Rugby Sevens Series with a slim 5-0 loss to the All Blacks, and the day couldn’t get better as they lost out 17-10 to France in the final group game.

Shujaa, France and Samoa all finished the group matches on five points each, but Shujaa’s better try difference booked them a ticket into the last eight.

After starting the series on a blistering note with a 24-0 whitewash of Samoa, the Benjamin Ayimba led side expected to continue in the same form into day two, but their day started with New Zealand exerting revenge on the Kenyans who beat them 22-0 in Las Vegas.

DJ Forbes’ try midway through the second half was all that separated the two sides in a tight contest. Kenya was committed, rushing New Zealand on defense while remaining competitive at the breakdown.

Kenya remained in pursuit of the game but were unlucky not to score, more so when Nelson Oyoo took his eye off the ball for a moment, inevitably knocking on with what was probably Kenya’s best chance to score.

Kenya’s performance in the final group game went further south as they lost 17-10 to France who had lost to New Zealand and Samoa and needed redemption against the Kenyans.

France commanded the game straight from kick off and Sacha Valleau powered to the first try on the left despite captain Andrew Amonde’s attempt to flatten him before reaching the try line.

Shujaa had only managed to complete six passes against France’s 20 midway into the opening half, further underlying their struggle to get a hold of the match.

France’s danger man Virimi Vikatawa used his strength to extend his side’s lead to 12-0 as he picked the ball on the far right from a scram with Nelson Oyoo’s attempt at pulling the strong Frenchman back failing. Stephan Parez’s effort from the conversion was wide.

France almost pulled themselves to a 17-0 half time lead at the buzzer when Parez sprung up on the left but Kenya vice captain Collins Injera pounced on him to take him off a few metres off the try line.

Kenya started stronger in the second period, Nelson Oyoo dotting down his second try in Hong Kong and the eighth of his career after skipper Amonde had done well to steal possession from the French and spread the ball wide.

Shujaa’s hope of a comeback were quashed with Parez dotting down on the far right, finishing off most of the spadework by Vikatawa though the ball appeared to have landed on the try line rather than in the try box.

Willy Ambaka gave Kenya the much needed try a few seconds to the end, using his strong arms to fend off pressure from the French and landing a try on the left. Despite Injera’s failed conversion, the try difference was enough to give Kenya some hope and look onto New Zealand for favors.

The post Kenya squeeze into main cup quarters appeared first on Capital Sports.

AFC Leopards forward Kepha Aswani celebrating after scoring against Sofapaka.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, April 9- Birthday boy Kepha Aswani and Simon Abuko scored a goal in either half as AFC Leopards came from behind to beat Sofapaka 2-1 in a SportPesa Premier League match played at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Tusker FC were 2-1 victorious over Western Stima to maintain their top spot on 17 points same as Mathare United, who beat Sony Sugar 1-0.

Kakamega Homeboyz beat Nairobi City Stars 1-0 courtesy of Andrew Murunga’s lone goal.

Ingwe survived an early scare from bottom side Batoto ba Mungu, but they managed to shake off the scare and score twice.

They should have even won the game by double digits had they utilized their chances and coach Ivan Minnaert admitted after the match they never merited as much to pick all three from the game.

“Last weekend we lost three points from a situation which we did not deserve to lose. Today, we have picked three points from a situation we did not merit to. But that is football.

“I’m disappointed because again, we make good scoring chances but we don’t use them. We should have wrapped up this game in the first half,” Minnaert remarked after the match.

Sofapaka had a dream start and barely a minute into the match they were in the lead.

For a team that last won or went ahead first in February, the wild celebrations were expected.

Brian Nyakan came to the end of some suspect defending from AFC leopards after Yakub Ramadhan had failed to clear the ball away from Patrick Mugendi who had gone to ground in an attempt to control and shoot the ball.

Aswani, Ingwe’s leading scorer had two great chances to pull Ingwe back to the game but he fluffed both.

His first attempt was with a header from an Andrew Tololwa free kick in the second minute but Barnabas Tiema proved equal to the task with an easy pick.

His second chance was even easier, but he miscued his shot in the 6th minute from an Andrew Tololwa cut back.

He was allowed a second bite on the cherry after falling to the ground from the first miss but he slashed the ball wide.

He however made amends in the 13th minute, this time picking a header after Simon Abuko had nodded the ball back to the edge of the box from a deep Hedmond Mauda cross from the right.

Sofapaka were being quickly undone by the pressure exerted by Leopards, but luckily the latter hadn’t improved on their scoring.

John Baraza, holding forte for David Ouma, who was away with the national women team, was forced into an early substitution when Mugendi limped out injured and his place taken by Jackson Oketch in the 17th minute.

Pulling off one of their main threats going forward, Sofapaka’s ammunition was slowly being reduced. Tiema pulled off a superb save in the 20th minute to keep his side in contention, tipping away Aswani’s header after the former Thika United man had risen to connect to a Yussuf Juma cross.

On the half hour mark, the misfiring Leopards had back-to-back chances with Mauda’s shot from the right being blocked a few yards from the goal line with the keeper out while Tololwa’s follow up skied over the bar.

Losing myriad of chances and heading to the breather tied on goals, Leopards were expected to meet an enraged Minnaert in the dressing room if his body language on the touchline was anything to go by.

They came back with determination and went on creating chances.

Yussuf Juma’s free kick six minutes in was dropped by Barnabas Tiema at the edge of the six yard box, but luckily for him his defense swept the ball away from danger.

Minnaert then made a double change ten minutes in, Omune and Mauda paving way for Bernard Ongoma and Allan Katterega respectively.

The dreadlocked Ugandan winger made an immediate impact, taking on his markers on the right before he was brought down at the edge of the box but Juma’s effort from the free kick went straight to the wall.

Tiema then pulled off one of the best saves of the match in the 62nd minute when he punched away an effort from Tololwa, the former Mathare man having done well to create space for himself inside the box from an intelligent Miheso pass.

But Leopards didn’t have to wait for long to get into the lead, Abuko bouncing in a header unmarked at the far post from a decent Katterega cross from the left.

Ten minutes from time, Indeche tipped over a dangerous free kick from Robert Binja as Leopards managed to hold on to the single goal lead.

The post Leopards come from behind to beat Sofapaka appeared first on Capital Sports.

Fiji’s Savenaca Rawaca in action against Kenya in Hong Kong 7s.PHOTO/
Martin Seras Lima

NAIROBI, April 10 – The Kenya 7s team collected 10 points at the seventh round of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Hong Kong after succumbing 33-0 to England in the Plate semi-finals on Sunday.

The result saw Shujaa stagnate eighth in the standings on 63 points ahead of the inaugural Singapore Sevens next weekend.

Despite winning only the opening match in their 24-0 mauling over Samoa, the Benjamin Ayimba side improved defensively to lose narrowly 5-0 against titans New Zealand, 17-10 to France in the preliminary round and 12-10 to Hong Kong Sevens defending champions Fiji in the Main Cup quarter-finals.

Against England, Kenya failed to match their opponent’s performance to bow out without grounding a single try.

Richard de Carpentier broke the deadlock when he took a pop pass from Phil Burgess to score under the posts as England made an encouraging start in the second Plate semi-final against the massively physical Kenyans.

Dan Norton became only the second Englishman to score a double century of tries on the World Series when he dribbled the ball over the line at the end of the first half.

Burgess capped a good display with England’s third try before captain Tom Mitchell confirmed the win when he gathered his own chip over the top to score in front of the South Stand.

A great interplay led to Ollie Lindsay-Hague supplying further gloss to the victory with seconds remaining to bundle out Kenya.

-Fiji narrow win-

In the Main Cup quarter-finals, Shujaa showed a brave fight in search of its second Cup semi of the season but fell short 12-10 at the hands of Fiji to drop to the Plate competition.

Kenya were mean at the back to deny a strong Fiji side, who spent the first four minutes in Kenya’s half but were unable to find a way through.

Fiji suffered an injury blow as Vatemo Ravouvou limped off with what looked like a bad knee knock, but that did not stop them from attacking with Kitione Taliga fending off Samuel Oliech and looked certain to score the first points of the first half but dropped the ball in the act of diving for the line while under pressure from Humphrey Kayange.

With the heavens opening, Fiji returned in the second half on a high and they were able to penetrate the Kenyan back-line when Jerry Tuwai burst through two defenders before finding Kitione Taliga with an out-the-back offload who made no mistake to send Fiji ahead.

Shujaa responded immediately as they went from defence to attack to take the lead through vice captain Collins Injera, who scored his first try of the weekend after collecting his own chip kick ahead. The conversion was good to give Kenya a two point lead with two minutes to go.

Destiny looked to go Kenya’s way when Injera extended the lead from a penalty kick, but Savenaca Rawaca powered down the left flank to touch down and level the scores just on the hooter before captain Osea Kolinisau nailed the conversion to send Fiji through to the Plate final.

The post Kenya Sevens bag 10 points in Hong Kong appeared first on Capital Sports.

Amos Kipruto winning the 2016 Rome Marathon/PHOTO/IAAF

ROME, April 10 – Running in his marathon debut, Kenya’s Amos Kipruto cruised to victory at the 2016 ACEA Rome Marathon, clocking 2:08:12 at the IAAF Gold Label Road Race on Sunday.

Kipruto broke from a seven-man pack after 35 kilometres to finish more than a minute ahead of Ethiopia’s Birhanu Addisie Achamie, who reached the line in 2:09:27. Kenya’s Dominic Ruto was third, one second further back.

Largely unheralded, Kipruto arrived in Rome with a 1:01:02 personal best in the half marathon, but more recently confirmed his form in January’s Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon where he paced the leaders through 30 kilometres in 1:27:30.

The native of Kapsabet, who is trained by the well-known Italian coach Claudio Berardelli, began running seriously in 2013.

Rahma Tusa, of Ethiopia, won the women’s race in 2:28:49. Mulu Diro Melka, also from Ethiopia, was second clocking 2:29:59.

The post Kipruto wins in Rome in his marathon debut appeared first on Capital Sports.

Ushuru FC forward Roosevelt-Blaty closing on Gor Mahia defender Musa Mohammed.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, April 10- Gor Mahia head coach Jose Marcelo dropped points for the first time since taking over the champions after seeing his side held to a goalless draw against Ushuru FC in a SportPesa Premier League encounter staged at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

In the early kick off at the same venue, Ulinzi Stars’ unbeaten run came to an end after losing 1-0 to Posta Rangers thanks to Joseph Mbugi’s penalty on the stroke of half-time.

In Kisumu, Bandari fell 1-0 to hosts Muhoroni Youth while Thika United bagged their first win of the season following their 1-0 win over Chemelil Sugar.

In the last match of the double header, Gor came into the match from a fine run of two successive victories and were looking forward to keep the winning streak as they aim at bridging the gap between them and the top three teams.

K’Ogalo had a flurry of chances in the opening half, all coming agonizingly close with the first chance coming after five minutes of play when Karim Nzigiyimana swung in a fine low cross but Jacob Keli missed from close range.

The second opportunity saw Edmond Murai pick up a loose ball but his shot was cleared off the line with Francis Kahata blazing the rebound over the bar.

On the other end, a comical error almost gifted Ushuru the opener when poor communication between Musa Mohammed and his keeper Boniface Oluoch saw Dennis Wafula sneak in between them and poke the ball but Mohammed managed to recover and clear the danger off the line.

In the ninth minute, Keli came close once again, this time lifting the ball over his marker from a Murai pass, but his volley was well saved by Shabaan Odhoji in the Ushuru goal.

Gor’s forays upfront continued with Keli’s flick at the near post from an Innocent Wafula cross being headed away for an unfruitful corner.

Ushuru managed to sustain the early pressure from Gor and they should have picked the opener in the 20th minute when Eric Okoth’s cross was met by Wafula, but his header was well dealt with by Oluoch.

Marcelo was forced to make a substitution, bringing in Ernest Wendo for midfielder Khalid Aucho, who was stretched off to the ambulance after suffering a concussion as he went for an aerial ball from a corner.

Five minutes into the second period, Gor had a chance to open the scores when they were awarded a penalty after Roy Okal hacked down Keli inside the box.

However, Keli could not take advantage of the opportunity from12 yards as Odhoji stretched to save the penalty.

Keli had two other chances late on, both from Nzigiyimana’s long range passes but he could not get his firing right, shooting both chances wide.

-Ulinzi lose unbeaten run-

Ulinzi Stars midfielder Mark Makwatta against Ushuru’s Salim Abdalla.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Ulinzi’s unbeaten run was snapped after going down to a solitary goal against Posta Rangers with Brian Birgen gifting the Zedekiah ‘Zico’ charges maximum points when he brought down Joseph Nyaga for Mbugi to slot home.

“I didn’t think that was a genuine penalty. But again at the same time, today we didn’t play well. John Nairuka, Mark Makwatta and Eric Apul were not on form. We had to bring Apul off because he couldn’t cope with the speed. We missed Kasuti so much because he is a player who can normally change the game with his speed,” Ulinzi Stars head coach Robert Matano lamented.

Posta head coach Otieno was pleased with the results noting it will give his charges more confidence in their next match.

“This is a huge win for us beating a team that had not lost since the season began. They are not an easy opponent and this was a very tough match for us. It gives us a lot of confidence moving forward,” Otieno said after the match.

The post Ushuru frustrate Gor, Ulinzi finally beaten appeared first on Capital Sports.

Peres Jepchirchir wins at the 2015 Mattoni Usti nad Labem Half Marathon (Organisers) © Copyright

NAIROBI, April 11 – World half marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir will return to the Ottawa 10K on Saturday 28 May, the organisers of the annual Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend have announced.

The weekend also includes the Ottawa Marathon the following day. Both events are IAAF Gold Label Road Races.

“The Ottawa 10K is a great and well-organised race. When I ran it last year, I did not feel any pain, stitches or any other problems that I would normally encounter in other races. I really enjoyed it,”said the 22-year-old Kenyan, who won her world title in Cardiff just two weeks ago.

She finished second in last year’s Ottawa 10K in what was then a personal best of 31:18, behind her compatriot Gladys Cherono who won in a course record of 30:56.

“I have no idea why it feels so great running in Ottawa,” she added, “but I think there is something magical about the weather there. Last year, I made the mistake of picking the water at about 8km and that is when Cherono seized the opportunity to open a gap on me.”

She later advised me against doing that in my future races and that for races that are 10km or shorter, one ought to take enough fluids before the race so that there would be no need to stop at the water stations.

“I have been improving on my personal best times since 2014,” added Jepchirchir, who is still coming to terms with being refered to as a world champion.

“The time I ran in Ottawa 10K last year, which was 31:18, became my personal best time until I ran the Prague Grand Prix and lowered it further to 30:55. I hope to lower that again when I go back to Ottawa in May.”

“I had prepared very well for the world half marathon race and I felt that my body was in good shape. But I was not confident about winning it because others in the field had faster personal best times and better experiences in major competitions. Cynthia Limo, particularly, had beaten me at the RAK half marathon only in February, where she had won and I was fourth.”

“As the race (in Cardiff) progressed, the pace worked to my advantage. We crossed 10km in 32 minutes and I remembered my coach’s observations during my training that he thought my body responds well in paces that are constant. When a race starts out gradually and then remains constant, it favours me. This gave me hope as we ran the last half of the race,”she added.

Jepchirchir has no siblings who are runners of any renown but she believes there is a natural talent that runs in the family.

“My grandmother comes from the same family where the legendary Kipchoge Keino comes from,” she said. “I think talent alone without hard work does not yield anything when it comes to running. Perhaps some of my younger siblings will now start training hard after seeing my success and knowing that it is possible for them to succeed too.”

After the Ottawa 10K, Jepchirchir will be aiming to make the Kenyan team in the 10,000m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games this summer.

The post World champion Jepchirchir returns to Ottawa appeared first on Capital Sports.

President Uhuru Kenyatta with World Half Marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir and Paris Marathon winners. PHOTO/PSCU.

NAIROBI, April 11– President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured that the Anti-doping Bill 2016 will be passed on time to beat the deadline set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The President said the Government has given the Bill priority, adding that he is personally following it up with the leadership in the National Assembly until it is passed.

“By next week latest, the Anti-Doing Bill will have been passed by Parliament and I will have signed it into law so that there will be no excuse to deny our team from participation in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke today when he hosted the Paris Marathon and the World Half Marathon teams for breakfast at State House, Nairobi.

“We know there are people who are looking for excuses to ensure that Kenya does not participate in the Olympics. We will not give them that excuse,” President Kenyatta said.

“We must win clean,” the President told the athletes, saying Kenya’s undisputed position as the world athletics champions should not be tainted by doping.

Enactment of the Bill that is set to criminalise sports doping is a key requirement set by WADA for Kenya’s participation in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics starting on August 5.

The President congratulated the athletes for their sterling performance at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, Wales and at the Paris Marathon.

“To the Paris team, you made us very proud. Every meeting we attended in Paris, people were singing ‘Kenya-Kenya-Kenya’ as a result of your efforts.  Congratulations also to the World Half Marathon team for the pride you have also brought to our country,” President Kenyatta said.

The President said that the Kenyan athletes have continued to bring pride and recognition to Kenya cross the world.

“As athletes, you are not only putting Kenya on the map and giving us pride but you are also representing what is best about our country. This is something that we are very proud of and I want to assure you of my personal as well as my Government’s continued support,” Kenyatta added.

As a way of appreciation, the President announced that every athlete who wins a gold medal will receive a Sh1 million reward, silver medal Sh500, 000 while bronze medallists will be awarded Sh250, 000 while the team that wins will also receive Sh1 million.

“Even if you win prizes, you represent our country. Therefore, we also have a responsibility to appreciate your efforts.”

The World Half Marathon Championships team was led by 23-year old record holder Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor while the team to the Paris Marathon was led by Cyprian Komurgor Kotut who won the Paris Marathon.

Kenyatta also disclosed that the Government has put in place all the necessary measures to ensure that Kenya successfully hosts the World Junior Athletics Championships in July next year.

Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei thanked President Kenyatta for his support to athletics and sports in general.

Tuwei assured that the Kenyan teams have embarked on preparations and will not disappoint in the coming competitions.

Sports, Culture and the Arts Principal Secretary Richard Ekai outlined the steps his Ministry has taken to boost sports, among them the establishment of the National Anti-doping Agency (NADA) which is operational.

The post We’ll beat deadline on Anti-Doping Bill, President Kenyatta assures appeared first on Capital Sports.