Sofapaka assistant coach John Baraza.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, April 11 – Eight matches into the 2016 SportPesa Premier League season, 2009 champions Sofapaka are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory as they sit bottom of the log on three points.

For a side that was perennial title contenders since joining the top flight league in 2009, it is an alarming position but assistant coach John Baraza remains positive the team will not be relegated.

The former club’s forward, who retired at the end of the 2015 season, was in charge of the team on Saturday as they suffered their seventh loss, going down 2-1 against AFC Leopards.

“I’m sure we will survive. We will not be relegated. We are improving every match that we play and ultimately I believe we will recover.

It’s a hard learning path for us because we have an inexperienced team but as we progress, we are getting that vital experience,” Baraza told Capital Sport.

Cash-strapped Sofapaka lost a huge chunk of their first team players at the close of last season, remaining with striker Patrick Mugendi, midfielder Wycliffe Opondo as well as goalkeepers Evariste Mutiyamana and Barnabas Tiema.

Head coach David Ouma and Baraza went on a scouting mission in January and knowing well their inability to lure big names due to their financial constrains, they went for young untested players who have now found the Premier League a tough ring to throw punches in.

“Sofapaka is a big name associated with winning and so we have to go back and see where we can boost our squad so that we can come up and compete well. Losing in itself is a motivation to them because nobody wants to lose,” Baraza, the 2009 Player of the Year said.

“We are in the league to compete so we have no option but continue working hard and ensure we pick up. I still believe in them, they are showing some flushes and it means we are improving,” he added.

Another big side living in relegation fears is Sony Sugar, who is second bottom on three points.

The Sugar Millers lost 1-0 to Mathare United over the weekend, a result that sees the Leonard Odipo charges’ wait for a maiden Premier League win stretch to the ninth match.

“We don’t deserve to be here. We have let politics into the team and put ourselves in a difficult situation but we will continue to fight and hopefully we get things back on track,” Odipo, who is experiencing his first job as head coach declared.

His boss at Tusker FC Francis Kimanzi, who roped him into the coaching said Odipo should be given time to learn the job.

“I feel for him because this is his first time as head coach and he has to learn under very difficult circumstances. I believe he will handle it and come out of it well,” the Mathare United tactician stated.

Kimanzi is enjoying his time at Mathare and the win against Sony kept their title chase alive as they are placed third on 17 points, same as leaders Tusker and AFC Leopards who have a superior goal difference.

Elsewhere, Robert Matano’s unbeaten run was halted as Ulinzi Stars went down 1-0 to Posta Rangers via a Joseph Mbugi penalty.

“Normally we play with speed but today, Makwatta was not moving, Nairuka was very slow and that is why we had to make changes. In the second half we tried to create chances but we couldn’t convert,” a disappointed Matano said after the match.

Ulinzi missed the services of winger Cliff Kasuti who was out with illness to see the military side struggle in the midfield.

The absence of inspirational skipper Stephen Ochollah continues to be visible and it will only remain to be seen whether the duo will be back in the team in June.

Ochollah and former striker Stephen Waruru are lining up for a return after completing their military duties.

The post Baraza hopeful Sofapaka will not bite the bullet appeared first on Capital Sports.

Harambee-Starlets head coach David Ouma during training.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, April 11- Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma has retained his starting lineup that held Algeria to a 2-2 draw away in Algiers ahead of Tuesday’s 2016 Africa Cup of Nations return leg in the final qualifier at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium.

Starlets are one match away from making history as the first Kenyan women’s team to qualify for the Nations Cup and they just need at least a goalless draw in the second-leg to book a ticket to the finals scheduled for Cameroon in November.

“History is in sight for us and that is a big motivation already. We want to be the first ever Kenyan girls to play at the African Cup of Nations. We know we have the advantage and we want to make good use of it,” assistant captain Mary Kinuthia said after the team’s recovery training session at the match venue Monday morning.

The team was heading for a historic win after rallying from behind to lead 2-1 but a last minute equalizer earned Algeria some hopes in the return leg.

They came up against an experienced Algerian side that has been to four Women’s AFCON, but Kinuthia disclosed they had to fight until the end to ensure they stay on course to fulfilling their dream.

“We knew we were going to meet a tough and experienced side which has players playing in Europe, but we motivated ourselves knowing we could upset them. It was only unfortunate to concede in the last minute but even the draw was not a bad result,” the striker added.

Harambee Starlets’ Tabaka Chacha vies for the ball against captain Anne Aluoch.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Algeria captain Fatima Sekouane scored a 78th minute own goal to hand Kenya a lifeline into the match with high school sensation Mwanahalima Adam scoring the second in the 85th minute before Bouhane found the leveler for Algeria in the 89th minute.

Adam will be aiming to score in front of home fans, outlining that their target is to win the tie and not a draw.

“We must show them that we are also a tough team and they can’t beat us at home. We can’t afford to lose and having scored away, I also must score at home. I have hope we will qualify for AFCON,” Mwanahalima warned.

Ouma will be without midfielder Elizabeth Mwikali, who picked up a knock on the hip in the first-leg but he will be boosted with the return of Jacky Ogol who missed the trip to Algeria with a knee injury.

Dorcas Shikobe and Wendy Achieng have also managed to shake off knocks on their ankles and trained well with the rest of the team.

With Football Kenya Federation waiving entry charges for the clash, Ouma has called on fans to come out in large numbers and cheer them up.

“The results previously have not been good but tomorrow (Tuesday) we have a chance and fans should come and support the Starlets because that’s the only way they can motivate the girls. We promise not to disappoint them,” Ouma urged.

The post Starlets’ destiny in our own hands, says Ouma appeared first on Capital Sports.

A fan enjoying a UEFA Champions League match.PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, April 11 – Ahead of Tuesday’s quarter-finals return leg matches, Heineken Kenya has announced the official campaign of the 2016 UEFA Champions League promising to engage and excite Kenyan football fans.

Building on the success of last season’s Champion the match, the premium brewer declared that the campaign remains the base of their UEFA Champions League communication this season.

The campaign aims to drive broader appeal of match nights before, during and after the game.

In addition football fans will enjoy entertainment and stand the chance to win prizes in the different establishments that Heineken will be activating in Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa and Kisumu.

‘‘So far we have witnessed world class football performance in the Champions League first-leg quarter finals and round of 16 knock-outs. Fans are definitely looking forward to more outstanding action and surprise in the forthcoming games.

“At Heineken we want to encourage fans to create the ultimate match nights whether watching the match from home or at the sports bar with their friends,” Heineken Kenya Country Manager Nina Ndabaneze declared.

She further stated, ‘‘UEFA Champions league is watched by more than a billion people worldwide, whether Barcelona is playing Arsenal or FC Basel is playing against Anderlecht , every match brings along its own surprises and excitement. Heineken has been successfully partnering with the UEFA Champions League since 2005.”

The post Thrilling match nights as Heineken launch Champions League campaign appeared first on Capital Sports.

Fidelity Insurance marketing manager Nicholas Malesi (left) signing a cheque for AFC Leopards head coach Ivan Minnaert who was named coach of the month for March.PHOTO/SJAK

NAIROBI, April 12- AFC Leopards head coach Ivan Minnaert has been named the Fidelity Insurance /Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) coach of the month for March.

The Belgian tactician becomes the second recipient of the award after Mathare United’s Francis Kimanzi bagged the maiden February gong.

“I am happy to receive this award but I must say it has been because of the good work of the entire technical bench and players as well. I am sure SJAK will come back here many more times because we are going to do well this season,” Minnaert stated after receiving the award at the club’s training base in Nairobi.

“It hasn’t been easy because we faced tough matches but we kept on working without giving up. This season the ultimate goal is to win the Kenyan Premier League title and I’m sure we have the ability,” he added.

Minnaert, who joined Leopards mid February, had a splendid record in the month of March, leading Ingwe to the top of the SportPesa Premier League standings after picking ten out of a possible 12 points.

Minnaert guided Leopards to victory over GOtv Shield champions Bandari FC, eternal rivals Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeboyz while dropping points against a side that has always been a hard nut to crack for them, Chemelil Sugar.

The coach received a unanimous vote from the SJAK football committee and beat off competition from Ulinzi Stars’ Robert Matano and Tusker FC’s Paul Nkata.

Matano led Ulinzi to picking six out of a possible 12 points from three draws and one win while Nkata led Tusker to a seven out of nine points haul from two wins and a draw.

With the award, Minnaert received Sh50, 000 and a trophy engraved with his name.

Leopards sit third on the standings on 17 points, same as leaders Tusker FC and second placed Mathare United as the three sides are separated by goal difference.

Minnaert is confident that he can guide the side to the Premier League crown this season after an 18-year wait.

The post Minnaert named coach of the month for March appeared first on Capital Sports.

Impala RFC center Sammy Motari in action during a past event.PHOTO/FILE

NAIROBI, April 12 – National sevens head coach Benjamin Ayimba has called up Impala RFC centre Samuel Motari to join the rest of the squad ahead of this weekend’s HSBC Sevens World Series eighth round at the inaugural Singapore tournament.

Motari, who will be making his debut in the team, comes in to replace injured fly-half Biko Adema.

The Nondescript player sustained a hand injury during training that saw him subsequently miss last weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens where Kenya collected 10 points to remain eighth on 63 points.

Motari was slotted as a reserve player in the squad named for Hong Kong and Singapore, and up to his call, his club-mate Sammy Oliech was in charge of the kicking duties.

He last featured in Shujaa’s training camp for the Confederation of Africa Rugby championships in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2014 and majored with the Kenya Fifteens side for a better part of 2015.

Kenya is drawn in a relatively fair Pool C for Singapore where they will lock horns with South Africa, Scotland and Russia.

With only three rounds of the Rugby Sevens World Series remaining, Ayimba will be out to seek a second semi-final Main Cup reach after achieving the fete in the second round at Cape Town 7s.

“We are aiming to collect another 10 points in Singapore. We would like to make it better and improve on our Plate semi final reach in Hong Kong, if we can go all the way to the Cup semis that will be good for us,” Ayimba noted.

“In Hong Kong, I was playing more of a playmaker role after losing Biko Adema who is one of our key playmakers so I had to come and help Sammy Oliech who is still a rookie in certain calls like the distribution of the balls and still managing to score a try was good,” vice captain Collins Injera who grounded his 223rd career try underscored.

Ayimba will be looking to build a formidable squad that will compete at the Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games where the shorter version of the game will be making its first appearance in more than 90 years.

The post Ayimba calls up Motari for Singapore Sevens appeared first on Capital Sports.

Harambee Starlets forward Cherish Avillia leads celebrations after scoring the important equaliser.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, April 12 – Harambee Starlets on Tuesday wrote history as they qualified for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations after edging out power house Algeria 3-3 on aggregate to advance on the away goal rule.

Following the result, Kenya booked a ticket for the final tournament scheduled for Cameroon in November.

Cherish Avillia stepped off the bench to score the equalizer and help Starlets settle for a 1-1 draw in the return leg played at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium and as a result squeezed through after holding Algeria 2-2 in the first-leg away in Algiers.

“Normally, I don’t play as a full back but when the coach gave me the opportunity, he asked me to play both the roles since we wanted more people forward. I was confident coming in and I knew we would score,” goal scorer Avillia said after the match.

Captain Mary Kinuthia said, “We are overwhelmed with joy, it was a big match for us. We never gave up even when we went a goal down and our fighting spirit pulled us through. It is a great joy for us to represent the country at AFCON for the first time and coming through against a team like Algeria gives us a lot of confidence.”

Harambee Starlets Mwanalima Adam in action against Algeria.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Naima Bouheni opened the scorings for the visitors in the 21st minute, but a combination of two substitutes saw Starlets level and achieve their landmark dream.

Christine Nafula, who had come on for Tabaka Chacha set up Avillia from a set piece to see the forward hit the target into the bottom left corner in her first attempt.

While Starlets searched for an early goal that would calm their nerves, it was Algeria who found the back of the net first through Naima, who netted both goals in the first leg.

The speedy winger picked up a free kick unmarked at the far post from Miryiam Yasmine to tap home past Starlets keeper Samantha Adhiambo who scrambled to keep away the ball.

The Lady Fennecs had camped in the Kenyan half knowing well the only way they would keep the tie alive is by getting a goal.

On the other end, Starlets created chances with Neddie Atieno hitting over the bar with a long range effort.

Kenya thought they had found the opener on the 14th minute when Manwalima Adam struck home only for the goal to be ruled off side.

Five minutes after the North Africans scored, Starlets had a superb chance through Mbeyu Akida who hit the ball high from six yards after the keeper had spilled a cross from Atieno.

Two minutes later, Stars came close again with Kinuthia rattling the crossbar from a ferocious shot on her weaker left foot after a good work from Adam who swung in the cross.

-Achillia goal-

Algeria player crying after the loss.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

At the start of the second half, Starlets keeper Samantha Akinyi pulled off a superb point blank save to deny the Algerians a second gal when she put her body on the line to block a shot from danger girl Bouhani.

The goal was a wakeup call to the Kenyan girls and immediately, Ouma made changes that completely changed the face of the game.

Avillia came on for right back Ann Aluoch before midfielder Tabaka Chacha paved way for youngster Vivian Corazon.

Avillia made an almost immediate impact when swinging in a dangerous freekick from the right which the Algerian keeper punched away.

15 minutes from time, Kinuthia was brought down at the edge of the box after doing well to skip past her marker.

Nafula stepped on the resultant freekick, choosing to take a routine from the training ground, rolling the ball to Avillia at the edge of the box who in turn swung home a decent shot.

Kinuthia should have given Starlets the second goal to fully burry the match, but her effort went agonizingly wide after being fed by Atieno.

Despite four added minutes, Starlets managed to put up a solid defensive show with the burly Corazon doing well to break up play and winning most of the aerial duels.

Starlets will now shift their attention to preparations for their maiden show in continental football and the Federation as well as the government has promised maximum support.

The post Historic Starlets qualify for 2016 Nations Cup appeared first on Capital Sports.

MPs inside Parliament.PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, April 12 – MPs on Tuesday begun debate on the Anti-Doping Bill which seeks to criminalise sports doping in a bid to beat the extended May 2 World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) deadline.

MPs led by Majority Leader Aden Duale vowed to fast-track the law, to avoid Kenya being declared non-compliant by WADA, an outcome that will see the country banned from competing in international competitions including the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“I am sure after this afternoon’s debate we will fast-track the Bill so that our country meets the international deadline requirement and I want to say the contributions will translate into the various amendments,” Duale told the House after it resumed from a 10-day recess.

Duale assured the legislation will be signed into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta latest Tuesday next week since they have given it priority.

“This is a very important Bill as per Standing Orders; this House is to debate the Presidential debate in the next four sessions and today (Tuesday) I want to ask members that we do whatever it takes to conclude the second reading since this Bill is important to the nation and athletes,” Duale added.

“I’m sure this House is up to the task and latest by Tuesday next week the President will assemble all the athletes and assent the Anti-Doping Bill into law so that Kenya will have its place in the nations that are known for sports.”

Majority chief whip Katoo Ole Metito seconded the motion urging MPs to take advantage of the third WADA deadline extension.

“I want to thank WADA for giving Kenya some window which is a good gesture because we have seen some countries being banned from competing in the upcoming Olympics and I call upon my colleagues we do pass this legislation without delay,” the Kajiado South MP urged.

With the conclusion of debate, the MPs are likely to consider and scrutinize proposed amendments when the Bill comes up for the Committee of the Whole House on Thursday.

During this stage the Labour and Social Welfare Committee chairman David Were and other Members will be able present their recommendations so that they are either adopted or dropped from the Bill.

Unfortunately, 2012 Boston Marathon Champion and Cherangany MP Wesley Korir, who spearheaded the legislative proposal, will not be present to make contributions after leaving the country over the weekend to prepare for the Boston Marathon slated for next Tuesday.

Once the Bill sails through the Committee of the Whole House, it will be read for a third and final time signaling that the House has given its approval and can now be presented to the President for the assent into law.

The proposed Anti-Doping Bill establishes the anti-doping agency and proposes a Sh100,000 ($1,000) fine and/or a year in jail for athletes caught doping.

Those caught smuggling or administering banned substances face a Sh3 million ($30,000) fine or a three-year jail term.

The post MPs begin Anti-Doping Bill debate in a bid to beat WADA deadline appeared first on Capital Sports.

Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture Dr. Hassan Wario celebrating with FKF president Nick Mwendwa after Starlets historic win.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, April 12- Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture Dr Hassan Wario has promised Harambee Starlets full government support as they prepare to make their maiden appearance at the 2016 African Women’s Cup of Nations finals slatted for Cameroon in November.

Starlets booked the slot after upsetting highly rated Algeria 3-3 on aggregate to qualify on away goal rule thanks to their 2-2 first-leg draw.

Wario who witnessed the girls write history as the first Kenyan women football team to qualify for the biggest competition in the continent, went into the dressing room after the return leg 1-1 stalemate to congratulate the team for their achievement.

“I am so proud of you and what you have done. As Government we have supported you for this campaign and we will continue supporting you even as you prepare AFCON. We are at your disposal and when you go to Cameroon and bring the trophy, there will be bigger rewards for you,” Wario told the girls amidst huge cheers.

Wario rewarded the team with Sh200, 000 and promised to set up a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta in a date to be announced soon.

For their trip to Algiers, the government gave the team Sh7million to cater for their facilitation and the Cabinet Secretary promised they will offer better support and ensure they prepare as well for the finals.

“This is a huge task ahead of them and we will do everything possible to ensure they are prepared in the best way they can. They will be representing the country and we will be on the front line to ensure they get there in fit conditions,” Wario told Capital Sport.

Starlets’ qualification to the Nations Cup is the sweet reward of a torrid time they have undergone over the last decade and head coach David Ouma could not put this in better words.

“We have come from far and undergone through many difficulties. From sleeping in the dressing rooms to unpaid allowances and no sponsorship and now we have achieved something huge by getting a ticket to the African Cup of Nations. This is a team that has only been supported by the fans and media before and I dedicate this victory to them,” an emotional Ouma stated after the match.

Starlets have not been short of drama as far as their welfare is concerned. Prior to their second round win over Botswana in the Olympic qualifiers last year, the team was forced to put up beds at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani changing rooms using it as their hostels.

However, they defied the odds to go on and beat Botswana to book a date with South Africa in the penultimate qualification round but unfortunately bowed out 2-0 on aggregate.

It was worse in the previous year when they camped at the YMCA Hostels in Shauri Moyo and had to cook for themselves and walk to City Stadium for their training sessions.

“Women’s football has for long not been taken seriously but we hope now that we have qualified, we will get better treatment. This is a show that women can do it as well and with better support I believe we can even achieve greater things. The new office has promised us good things and we hope they keep their word,” captain Mary Kinuthia told Capital Sport.

The post Wario promises Starlets Government support appeared first on Capital Sports.

Blocker Bracksides Agala speaking with head coach David Lung’aho after training.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, April 13- The Kenya Prisons trio of Mercy Moim, Brackcedes Agala and Jane Wacu are yet to be cleared by the world volleyball governing body FIVB and the Confederation of African Volleyball to feature in the forthcoming African Women Club Championship in Tunisia.

The three players have completed their season with their respective European sides where Moim turns out for Finnish club Orpo while Wacu and Agala are attached to French top side Chamalieres.

Moim and Agala have already started training with Prisons at the Kasarani gymnasium while Wacu is expected to link up with the rest of the squad before the end of the week.

Speaking to Capital Sport, head coach David Lung’aho says they are waiting communication from FIVB before drafting the three into their final team.

“We have already placed a request with FIVB since the three have finished their contracts in Europe and we are waiting to see whether we will get a response before we travel. I am hopeful they will be cleared because their experience will be vital to our campaign. Moim and Agala who are senior players have already added a lot of impact to the team since they started training,” Lung’aho said.

However, the coach is not worried if the three players will not be allowed to compete since he has young players who have proved their worth.

“We have young girls who have shown a lot of promise and even if we won’t get the three to travel with us, I believe we will still be strong enough to compete,” Lung’aho added.

Finland based attacker Mercy Moim in training.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

Prisons have never been the same since the three left in 2014 and have lost the national title thrice in a row to Kenya Pipeline.

The Lung’aho team was a force to reckon with not only locally but continentally having won the African title four times in a row between 2010 and 2013.

They lost the title in 2014 in the final to Algerian side GSP Alger and failed to qualify for last year’s tournament.

“We have been on a learning curve for the last two years and building up a strong side. We have gained a lot of experience and I believe we are in good shape to reclaim the title. It will not be easy though because the hosts have strong teams as well as those from Cameroon and Egypt,” Lung’aho, the reigning SOYA coach of the year stated.

Kenya will be represented in the tournament by two teams, Prisons and the record African champions Kenya Pipeline.

Pipeline has won the tournament seven times but since their last crown in 2005, they have unsuccessfully tried to get the title back despite getting to the final five times.

Head coach Japheth Munala is confident they have what it takes to chase the title and he says his girls have their sights on getting to the final.

“It is not going to be an easy tournament but our main target is to get to the final first. We have prepared well and I am pleased with the morale of my players in camp. I am very confident we will compete and represent the country well in Tunisia,” Munala said.

The teams are expected to leave the country next Tuesday for Tunisia ahead of the tournament that begins April 21.

The championship was initially set to be held in Nairobi but later moved to Tunisia as Kenya could not secure a second indoor court in time which was part of the CAVB requirement.

The post Wacu, Agala, Moim await FIVB clearance appeared first on Capital Sports.

SportPesa banner.

NAIROBI, April 13 – A record Sh32 million will be up for grabs for this weekend’s SportPesa jackpot, which will be the second highest ever amount.

The highest jackpot was Sh36,427,564, two months ago, where four gentlemen shared the fortune.

If one winner manages to pick all 13 matches correctly after the final match on Sunday between Monaco and Marseille in the French Ligue 1, he will be the highest ever individual jackpot winner.

Last month, two people shared the jackpot equally totaling to Sh20,678,253.

This week’s Jackpot is pegged on the four top leagues in Europe namely, English Premier League, Italy Serie A, Lal Liga and Ligue 1.

“Participants need to place their Jackpot bets via SMS to the short code 79079 or through the web on www.sportpesa.com, before the first Jackpot game starts to play on Saturday at 5pm. After the last game on Sunday which starts at 10pm, we could be having a winner!” said a representative from SportPesa.

“Everybody has a chance to win this Jackpot of 32 Million, not only football lovers but also any other person who is keen to make a fortune through betting, whether it’s a teacher, farmer, mechanic or a corporate executive,” she added.

The big games among the 13 jackpot matches include Chelsea’s home match against Manchester City in the English Premier League on Saturday night, Malaga playing at home to Athletic Bilbao and a cracker in the French Ligue 1 pitting Olympique Marseille away to Monaco.

The post Sh32m in this weekend’s SportPesa jackpot appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya Primary School Games.

ELDORET, APRIL 13- Defending champions in various disciplines at the Primary School ball games started their campaigns on a roll as this year’s national finals kicked off at Hill and Wareng High Schools in Eldoret on Wednesday.

Football boys’ defending champions Nzoia Region picked up a point in their opening match after they were held to a barren draw by Metropolitan region in a repeat of last year’s finals.

In the second Pool A match, Issa Minhaj’s audacious goal from the halfway line gave Northern Region a wonderful start as they went on to beat Aberdare 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.

Garissa Primary School’s Maro Abdalla doubled the advantaged minutes later for the Northerners as they took control of the match.

Aberderes put up a fight in the second half but they could only manage a consolation through Laikipia Primary’s Mohammed Haret.

Elsewhere, Ijema Ismael was in sublime form as he scored all four in Coast Region’s 4-1 win over Highland Region. Sammy Lolopole scored the consolation for Highland.

In Pool B, 2014 champions Lake Region started off the journey to reclaiming their crown on a poor footing, losing 3-1 to Mau Region.

In girls’ football, Hellen Nzilani netted the lone goal in the 48th minute to give Highland Region a vital win over Metropolitan.

The boys’ handball saw defending champions Nzoia pick back to back wins on day one to keep their title defense charge, whitewashing Highland 29-7 before meting the same anger on Aberdare whom they beat 24-9.

In girls’ volleyball, Mau Region which has won the title thrice in a row continued in their dominance starting their 2016 campaign with straight set wins over Nzoia and Northern regions.

The girls from Nzoia picked up their win in sets of 25-4, 25-7 and 25-13, keeping their sublime form against Northern region winning in sets 25-3, 25-19  and 25-9.

In boys’ netball, defending champions Lake Region beat Aberderes 24-5 in a repeat of last year’s final while Nzoia beat Mau 13-10 in the other match of the day.

The four-day event will culminate in the final on Saturday.

The post Big guns up on a roll as Primary School national ball games start appeared first on Capital Sports.

President Uhuru Kenyatta hosting Harembee Stars at State House when the team won the 2013 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.PHOTO/FILE

NAIROBI, APRIL 14 – Former Harambee Stars head coach Adel Amrouche is in the country holding talks with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to drop a case the Belgian filed at FIFA for breach of contract.

Amrouche has been in Kenya for the last one week and it is understood talks are at an advanced stage that could see him re-appointed Harambee stars head coach if he agrees to drop the case.

“Out of ten, the chances of Amrouche coming back are eight. He held a meeting with FKF officials where discussions were done on the possibility of him coming back as a trade in with a case he has at FIFA,” a source at FKF who sought anonymity told Capital Sport.

The 47-year-old UEFA Pro Licence holder was sacked by the previous office led by then President Sam Nyamweya in August 2014 despite having four years remaining in his five year contract that was to end in 2019.

This prompted Amrouche to file a case at the world governing body where reports indicate he was seeking Sh100 million in damages.

Amrouche was relieved of his duties after Kenya lost to Lesotho in the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers.

At that time, Amrouche was under a CAF suspension following an alleged spitting incident on a match official in the first round AFCON qualifier against Comoros in Moroni.

The Belgian coach had just signed a new five year contract, tied up by the government after leading Harambee Stars to the CECAFA Senior Challenge title in 2013 for the first time in 11 years.

In February, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) lifted the six-match ban after the continental’s body meeting in Kigali during the 2016 Africa Nations Championship.

FKF boss Nick Mwendwa appointed Stanley Okumbi as the new Stars boss to replace Scotsman Bobby Williamson just after taking over the Federation in February.

However, the appointment was not welcomed by Kenyan football enthusiast with pressure mounting on the former Mathare United tactician after failing to pick a win in his first two assignments, after minnows Guinea Bissau beat Kenya home and away in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The post Amrouche in talks with FKF for possible Stars return appeared first on Capital Sports.

Hellen Obiri wins the 1500m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Eugene (Kirby Lee)Hellen Obiri wins the 1500m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Eugene (Kirby Lee) © Copyright

OREGON, April 14- The Kenyan duo of Helen Obiri and Faith Kipyegon will be part of an elite field of athletes competing over 1500m in this year’s  Prefontaine Classic at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Eugene May 28.

This year’s race will feature potentially the best women’s 1500m field in the 41-year history of the meeting.

Five of the women in the field have Personal Bests faster than four minutes, meaning the US all-comers’ record of 3:57.05 set at this meeting in 2014 could be under threat.

Kipyegon has a rare collection of medals having won the world youth 1500m title and world junior cross-country title in 2011 and followed it with world junior 1500m gold and a second world junior cross-country title in 2012.

One year later, she set a Kenyan senior and African junior record of 3:56.98.

Winner at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and twice a champion at the hotly contested Kenyan Cross Country Championships, Kipyegon took the silver medal at last year’s World Championships and rounded out her season by winning the mile at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Brussels with an African record of 4:16.71.

Compatriot Obiri, who will be making a comeback from maternity leave, has twice broken the US all-comers’ 1500m record in Eugene, first with her 3:58.58 victory in 2013 and then with her 3:57.05 triumph one year later.

The 26-year-old owns global medals of every color: 3000m gold at the 2012 World Indoor Championships, 3000m silver at the 2014 World Indoor Championships and 1500m bronze at the 2013 World Championships.

Obiri took last year off to give birth to her daughter, but returned to action last month and clocked a 5000m PB of 15:28.5 at altitude in Nakuru.

The meet will be an ideal place for the two to test their speed and fitness especially with the Kenyan Olympic trials coming just over a month later.

World indoor champion and Dutch record-holder Sifan Hassan is the fastest in the field with a best of 3:56.05. The 23-year-old achieved her first sub-four-minute performance at this meeting in 2014 before going on to win European titles indoors, outdoors and at cross country.

Hassan was the 1500m Diamond Race winner last year and took bronze in that event at the IAAF World Championships Beijing 2015.

Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay who is a world junior silver medalist and world indoor bronze medalist at 1500m is also in the field.

Fellow Ethiopian Axumawit Embaye who took 1500m silver at the 2014 World Indoor Championships while still a teenager and went on to set a lifetime best of 4:02.35 later that year will also be part of this elite field.

Morocco’s Rababe Arafi has also been drafted into the list and after achieving a feat of being the only woman to reach the finals of both the 800m and 1500m at least year’s World Championships, she is expected to draw in a lot of competition.

The 25-year-old won the African 1500m title in 2012 and has a PB of 4:02.71.

The post Obiri, Kipyegon lead deep field for Oregon appeared first on Capital Sports.

AFC Leopards defender Yakubu Ramadhan during their SPL match against Sofapaka.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, April 14- AFC Leopards defender Yakubu Ramadhan has described Gor Mahia’s forward George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo as the toughest opponent he has faced in his three month experience in Kenya’s top flight league.

Ramadhan was a January acquisition by Leopards from Ugandan top tier side SC Victoria University who sold him to Ingwe for Sh1million to land his services and he has proved equal to the money forming a formidable wall infront of Lucas Indeche.

The 21-year old has admitted he has found it tough adapting to the Kenyan Premier League while confessing Gor’s Odhiambo was a hard nut to crack when he faced him in March during the Mashemeji derby.

“He is very fast and reminds me of my Ugandan colleague Emmanuel Okwi. He plays exactly like him and when we played, he gave me a tough time. Up to now, I think he is the toughest opponent I have ever faced,” Ramadhan told Capital Sports.

“The Kenyan league is tough because the strikers always play with their chest facing in goal. At first, it was hard catching up but with the help of senior players like Masika (Eric) and Emuge (Israel), they helped me to know what to expect and know how the strikers play,” he added.

Leopards have conceded six goals in eight matches, the third lowest count in the league but the former Bright Stars FC academy graduate is still not pleased with the conceding rate.

He believes letting in six goals in eight matches means he is yet to reach his best and has said he will only be content when he keeps consecutive clean sheets.

“I am not yet satisfied because I am yet to perform to my climax. I have to work hard and push to maintain my place in the starting team. I am not pleased because we are still conceding. I have to work hard and I will only be happy when we leave the pitch having not conceded a goal,” Ramadhan outlined.

He believes Ingwe can challenge for this season’s SportPesa Premier League crown, but maintains they have to take a match at a time with his sentiments being shared by team mate Kepha Aswani.

“We have to win every next match and focus on ensuring we play well. It is not easy because all Kenyan teams are tough. But we have to maintain the push,” Ramadhan offered.

“We need to take each challenge as it comes and ensure we focus on the prize. The minimum target is to get within the top eight,” Aswani, the former Thika United striker added.

He has so far scored three goals for the club and hopes by the time the first leg wraps in the next seven matches, he will be able to notch 10 goals as he aims to be among the league’s top scorers.

“Last season, I never performed well but I am glad I have started the 2016 season well. I want to be among the top scorers,” the forward stated.

His best goal scoring season was in 2012 while at Thika when he hit the net 14 times. He hopes to break that record this season with a minimum target of 16 goals this season.

The post Leopard’s Yakubu describes Gor’s Blackberry as toughest opponent appeared first on Capital Sports.

Sony Sugar FC head coach Leonard Odipo while at the club.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, April 14 – After a troubled start to his first coaching job, Leonard Odipo has resigned as the Sony Sugar FC head coach.

The former Tusker FC assistant tendered his resignation on Wednesday and club chairman Paul Orato has confirmed that former coach Salim Babu returns to the team on an interim basis.

“Odipo tendered his resignation on Wednesday and we have accepted it. We cannot force him to continue if he feels he cannot. Salim will return on acting capacity because he still doesn’t have papers and we will need to look for someone with the right qualification to sit on the bench,” Orato told Capital Sport.

Odipo said he made the decision to throw in the towel after last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Mathare United.

“It was a difficult place to work in and there were so much politics around the team. I saw it fit to resign and I will take a sabbatical for the next two months. If I am to come back to football, then it will be in January,” Odipo said.

Speaking after the weekend loss against Mathare, Odipo said he was looking at helping the team recover after starting the season on the wrong footing due to internal politics.

Odipo took over at Sony in January after walking out of Tusker FC where he was the assistant coach.

He however found it tough at the sugar belt side, failing to win in all his eight games in charge.

Odipo had previously resigned from the post citing interference and sabotage but a meeting with the club’s top brass led him to rescind the decision.

The coach affirmed that having arrived at the club late in January when the transfer window was almost closing, contributed into the team not performing as well as he would have wanted as he could not recruit players he was comfortable working with.

Odipo further stated in his resignation letter that fans preferred Babu to continue after helping the team survive relegation last season.

“My recruitment has never been accepted by the Sony Sugar FC faithful as it pitted two coaches with the same ambitions. Replacing these members of the technical bench further fuelled the already volatile situation as there was a feeling of betrayal hence the bad run,” Odipo asserted.

“The fans seem to be in control of Sony Sugar FC contrary to my belief that it is an institution club. This has been evident by the fact that very well-known fans will continue hurling insults to specific players and myself without any action taken on them,” the coach stated in his resignation.

His former boss at Tusker FC Francis Kimanzi speaking to Capital Sport said he supported Odipo in his quest to lift Sony Sugar.

“That is the nature of our job sometimes you have to learn the hard way. It is a difficult situation for him but I am optimistic he can come out of it a better person and a better coach,” Kimanzi now with Mathare United said.

The post Odipo resigns as Sony Sugar head coach appeared first on Capital Sports.

Finland based Mercy Moim stretching during training with his Kenya Prisons club.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, April 14- Having featured in European volleyball for two years, Malkia Strikers left attacker Mercy Moim believes Kenyan players can match up their European counterparts, but that will only depend on a change in training regime as well as improvement of facilities.

“I believe we have talented players in Kenya and Africa. We have potential to be better than European teams if only we change the way we train as well as investing in facilities,” Moim declared.

“In Europe, players train for maximum two hours a session and have a good four or five hour rest period which helps their bodies recover contrary to Kenya where we only have an hour or two of rest in between sessions. There is time for gym work, ball work and it gives the players a more all rounded approach to the game,” she added.

She also disclosed that European clubs spend more time in strength and conditioning and this helps them complement their talent.

“As Kenyans we have that natural strength. If we can take it to the gym and bulk up, then we can be better noting that we also have very good squad. That is what North Africa teams are now doing and the results are visible. I am a better player now than I was when in Kenya. I believe if more players are given that chance to go out then we will improve so much.”

Moim went professional  for the first time in the 2014/2015 season, turning out for top tier side Liga Ploki before switching to Oriveden Ponnistus (Orpo) in the 2015/2016 in a season and helped her club pick third place in the Finnish top tier play offs.

She has returned to the country after completing her season in Finland and has been training with the Prisons team preparing for the African Club Championships to be held in Algeria beginning April 22.

She hopes to get clearance in time from FIVB to allow her play for Prisons but even if she won’t get the chance, Moim will continue keeping her feet on the gas pedals as she focuses on the World Olympic Qualifiers set for Puerto Rico in May as well as the FIVB Grand Prix which will be held in Argentina.

“We have a chance to qualify for the Olympics because I have watched Puerto Rico online and I believe if we maintain the form we have, we can be able to compete against them. Looking at Colombia and Algeria, I believe we are better than them,” Moim opined.

Moim has also challenged her team mates to work hard and ensure they don’t drop from Group Two of the FIVB Grand Prix after earning promotion this year.

She has pegged a target of at least three wins, results that will see Kenya remain among the elite crop of Group Two teams.

Moim remains tight lipped on her future but disclosed to Capital Sport her manager is working either to renew her contract with Orpo or get a new team.

The post Kenyan players can match European counterparts -Moim appeared first on Capital Sports.

Harambee Stars U-20 head coach John Kamau during training with the team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations return leg against Sudan on April 23 in Nairobi.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, April 14-The national football Under-20 head coach John Kamau says he will not be deterred by their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers uncertainty after Sudan filed a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alleging Kenya fielded five ineligible players when the two sides clashed in the first-leg in Khartoum.

In the complaint, the Sudanese FA claims Kenya fielded players born in 1996 while the CAF rules states that only players born on or after January 1, 1997 are allowed to play in the qualifiers.

“I am not thinking about that because it is an administrative issue and we have left that to the Federation to deal with it. I am focused on ensuring that we are well prepared for the return leg and ensuring the boys pick up in time,” Kamau told Capital Sport after seeing the side lose 2-1 to SportPesa Premier League side AFC Leopards in a friendly match at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani Thursday.

Sources close to Capital Sport at CAF have disclosed that Sudan’s complaint on five Kenyan players has already been received and is currently being handled by the competition committee with a decision expected a week before the return leg which is scheduled for April 23.

Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa has confirmed that indeed CAF has been in touch with them and they are waiting for communication on the final decision.

“We have put up a very strong case for ourselves with CAF and we are now waiting for their response. We had written to them several times prior to the qualifiers asking of the modalities but they never responded to our enquiries,” Mwendwa outlined.

“The match commissioner should have fed the data from our team into the system and any player whose age does not match the requirement would have automatically been rejected by the system. The match commissioner never did that and when we were in Sudan, he agreed that players born in 1996 should play. It is not an error on our side and we now wait to hear what CAF will say,” Mwendwa added.

The team returned to training on Monday and has already played two friendly matches, losing 1-0 against KCB and to Leopards.

Kamau has made changes to his squad, calling up  KCB midfielder Augustine Eshiwani to boost the side saying the versatile midfielder offers a lot of options to his side noting he can play in either the defense or midfield.

-Friendly-

AFC Leopards winger Clifton Miheso on the ball against Harambee Stars U-20 skipper Amos Nondi during the friendly match at Kasarani Stadium on April 14th.PHOTO/Timothu Olobulu

In the friendly against Leopards, the two sides were locked goalless in the first period, but Kamau’s side had several chances to score.

Skipper Amos Nondi had a good opportunity in the 23rd minute but he shot straight to the keeper after being fed by John Macharia who had evaded the Ingwe backline with some deft touches.

Ovella Ochieng had a similar chance from a good goal scoring range in the 33rd minute but he shot straight to the keeper as well.

In the second half, Leopards changed three quarter of their team and ten minutes into the half, Lamin Diallo opened the scores with a side foot finish after picking the ball from an Allan Katterega flick on.

The junior Starlets equalised eight minutes later through Ovella who tapped home from close range after substitute Leopards keeper Daniel Kiptoo spilled a ferocious shot from Nondi.

Ingwe regained the lead 15 minutes from time when Diallo finished simply inside the box from a Geoffrey Ouma pass.

“I was working a bit on different formations and trying to work on the fitness as well. We have been in a break for a week and I think that affected our fitness but it is through this friendly matches that we can try and improve.

“I am positive that this side will deliver with one week remaining for us to work on our weaknesses. We have to particularly look at our finishing and ensure we are lethal in front of goal,” Kamau stated.

Kenya held Sudan 1-1 draw in the first-leg away in Omdurman and they will be looking for at least a barren draw in Nairobi to book a slot in second round where they will face Malawi.

Kamau says his side will not employ defensive tactics and will go for a full attacking flare to ensure smooth passage to the next round.

Kamau will be keenly watching his central defender Joseph ‘Crouch’ Okumu who picked up an ankle injury in the friendly match against Leopards.

The post Kamau remains focused as Kenya await CAF ruling on U-20 appeared first on Capital Sports.

Gor forward Jacques Tuyisenge being helped off by countryman Abuoba Sibomana after picking a knock in their 2-1 win over Thika United.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu

NAIROBI, April 15- Gor Mahia duo of forward Jacques Tuyisenge and Khalid Aucho will await late fitness tests before being cleared to be part of the squad to face Tusker FC on Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium.

Tuyisenge picked up a knee injury in their 2-1 win over Thika United on April 6 to go on and sit out in their 0-0 draw with Ushuru last weekend while Aucho was stretchered off in the Ushuru match after suffering a concussion.

“Both trained lightly on their own today but we cannot give them the go ahead. We are waiting for the doctor to asses them and the decision whether they will play will be made tomorrow. We don’t want to rush Jack back and Aucho’s injury is quite sensitive,” assistant coach Tom Ogweno told Capital Sport.

Tuyisenge had hit the ground running scoring thrice in two matches partly solving Gor’s blunt attack force that had struggled to get the ball at the back of the net in the opening five matches of the season.

In his absence last weekend, Jacob Keli and Enock Agwanda were tasked with leading Gor’s forward line, but they could not match up expectation.

Against a tough and on form Tusker side, K’Ogalo head coach Jose Marcelo Ferreira would have wished to have a full strength squad but the coach maintains he has a strong team enough to challenge any opponent.

Tusker have picked up an impressive 11 points out of a possible 15 in the last five matches but a worrying trend for coach Paul Nkata is their poor form at home.

The Brewers has failed to win in all their three home matches, losing once and drawing twice.

“It is a concern that we are only doing well away from home but I am working on it and hopefully, we make our home form good as well,” Nkata said.

Tusker last beat Gor in 2013, and in league meetings, the brewers have only beaten K’Ogalo twice in the last seven years with the latter winning six and picking a point in the.

“It is going to be tough for us because Tusker has never been an easy opponent. They are currently enjoying good form and on top of the table and that tells us what exactly we should expect from them,” Ogweno stated.

Tusker will be looking at extending their stay at the top of the Premier League as they are perched at the summit on 17 points.

A loss at Gor will see Tusker topped if either AFC Leopards or Mathare United pick wins.

Leopards will be playing away to Ushuru on Sunday and head coach Ivan Minnaert expects a tough duel from Ken Kenyatta’s charges.

“We saw how they frustrated Gor last weekend and we expect a similar game this weekend. It is a tough match but we have to make sure we work hard and get the three points,” Minnaert said.

The coach will miss the services of left back Andrew Diego and youngster Alfred Wekesa who are still nursing injuries.

Defender Erick Masika remains sidelined from the team after boycotting training for a week and returning without explanation.

Elsewhere, Mathare United will be away to Ulinzi Stars at the Afraha Stadium on Sunday in another expected blockbuster.

Robert Matano’s Ulinzi lost their unbeaten run last weekend in a 1-0 loss to Posta Rangers in Nairobi and the coach will be expecting a response from his charges as they aim to remain in contention for the league crown.

Kimanzi’s Mathare has started the season on a blistering note, winning five of their opening eight matches of the season.

Kimanzi expects a tough challenge from the military side and has urged his boys to turn up in their best form to keep the momentum going.

The post Late fitness tests await Tuyisenge, Aucho ahead of Tusker clash appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya Pipeline women’s volleyball team taking a selfie when they were hosted to a luncheon by their title sponsor.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu.

NAIROBI, April 15 – For the last 11 years, record African women volleyball champions Kenya Pipeline have tried to reclaim the title but all in vain despite reaching five finals.

The last time they picked their last crown in 2005, the youngest player in the current team, Vyonne Sinaida was only beginning her primary school education while the oldest, Mildred Odwako was just beginning her volleyball career.

It is that hunger that drives the team as they prepare to depart for Tunisia Tuesday for the 26th edition of the Africa Club Championships which serves off April 22 in the North African country’s capital.

Head coach Japheth Munala is confident he has prepared a team worthy to challenge the top teams in the continent and battle for the top most crown.

“Looking back, this is the best Pipeline team to ever go into the African Club Championship and I am very hopeful that we have what it takes to come home with the trophy. The challenge we expect in Tunisia is very big but I am confident we can match it and bring the title back home,” Munala told Capital Sport.

Last year, they had a chance to reclaim the trophy but they fell at the last hurdle, losing by straight sets to hosts Al Ahly of Egypt.

Assistant captain Triza Atuka was part of the team that fell in Cairo but she believes they have learnt from their mistakes and are ready to make it one better and go for the trophy.

“It has taken us a year to get over what happened in Cairo. It was very painful because we were very close but we have put that behind our backs and we are focused on this year’s assignment.

“We want to bring the title back home because it has been two years since a Kenyan team won. We believe with the way we have prepared well we will be champions, but it’s not easy,” Atuka underscored.

Her sentiments were echoed by captain Noel Murambi who said; “We know the other teams have been working hard as well and we expect to find it tough. But we have that push and urge to do well because all of us have never won the club title. We will go there to get the title.”

Munala has named two untested youngsters in his side including the 19-year old centre Sinaida as well as Beldine Akinyi both of who were picked up by Pipeline after finishing High School last year.

Right attacker Esther Wangeci who returned to the club after a one-season pro stint in France with Chamalieres, will not be part of the team as her clearance did not go through in time with FIVB and CAVB.

However, Munala is confident that her replacement Gaudencia Makokha has what it takes to fill the void and is confident in her abilities.

Kenya Pipeline women’s volleyball group photo.PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu.

The team was hosted to a luncheon by their title sponsor the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) on Friday where they were challenged to bring the title back home.

“We want you girls to go out there and represent us well and bring that trophy home. We have supported you all through and we trust you will not let us down,” the chairman of the KPC board of directors John Ngumi said as he addressed the team.

Ngumi has also promised to improve the welfare of the team including putting up a modern training facility for them.

“I came to watch the team train and the facility was not befitting world beaters. I told the directors to pick up the issue with my office and I trust they are doing that so that we give you a place to train that befits your status,” Ngumi added.

Meanwhile, the same woes that have befallen Pipeline over Wangeci’s ineligibility has also affected Kenya’s other representatives Kenya Prisons.

The five-time African champions are worst hit as they will be unable to use three of their key players; left-attacker Mercy Moim, middle blocker Brackcedes Agala and setter Jane Wacu.

“We could not get their clearance in time and so they will not be part of the team travelling to Tunisia. But I am still confident in the abilities of the other girls and I trust they will give an equally good performance,” Prisons head coach David Lung’aho declared.

Lung’aho is expected to name his final team after their penultimate training session on Saturday morning.

Prisons was the last Kenyan team to win the title in 2013, but since the departure of Wacu, Agala and Moim, they have failed to sparkle.

-Full squad-

Setters: Janet Wanja, Rose Magoi

Centre: Vyonne Sinaida, Trizah Atuka, Valentine Chepkoech

Left attackers: Monica Biama, Leonida Kasaya, Noel Murambi, Naomi Too

Right attackers: Gaudencia Makokha, Beldine Akinyi, Violet Makuto

Liberos: Agrippina Kundu, Mildred Odwako

The post Pipeline out to reclaim African crown after 11-year wait appeared first on Capital Sports.

Kenya 7s team. PHOTO/FILE

NAIROBI, April 16 – Kenya trounced Russia 21-7 to launch its Singapore 7s tournament positively as the Eighth round of the HSBC Sevens World Series got underway Saturday at  the new look National Stadium.

However, Scotland slowed Kenya’s pace as they held Shujaa 12-12 in the second match of Group C.

Shujaa were too good for Russia who stunned the side 24-7 in Vancouver Shield Semi-finals, as the Benjamin Ayimba charges grounded three tries with Sammy Oliech scoring all the conversions.

With Ayimba fielding his starting regulars, Shujaa took four minutes to break through and find the opener when veteran Humphrey Kayange touched the whitewash for his 155th career try to send Kenya on the lead at the break.

On resumption, Ayimba introduced Nelson Oyoo, Frank Wanyama, Alvin Otieno and debutant Samuel Motari in the half that saw the Russians find their only try on the hooter and deny Kenya a clean sheet.

Oliech, playing the fly-half role in the absence of injured Biko Adema doubled the scores two minutes into the second-half before bulky Willy Ambaka extended the lead and Kenya’s last try of the day.

Against Scotland, Kenya were held to a 12-12 draw to force them wait until their last tie against South Africa where they need at least a draw or cross fingers that Scotland lose to Russia for them to book a slot in the Main Cup quarters.

Ayimba made one change from the squad that walloped Russia, starting with Oyoo in favour of Leonard Mugaisi.

Shujaa struggled in the first half to find themselves trailing after four minutes of play when skipper Scott Write turned over with an unconverted try.

However, Shujaa recovered to take the half time lead through Ambaka’s try that was converted successfully by Oliech.

Captain Andrew Amonde led by example to extend Kenya’s lead two minutes into the second half, but Oliech missed his first conversion of the tournament for a 12-5 lead.

Substitute Mark Robertson came to Scotland’s rescue as he scored a 12th minute try that was converted by Write to restore parity and revive Scotland’s hopes of advancing to the Cup quarters.

Kenya next face perennial rivals South Africa in their last preliminary encounter at 12:04pm local time (+3GMT)

The tournament returned to Singapore for the first time in 10 years with the matches played under a closed roof for the second time this season after playing on the same at the inaugural Vancouver 7s in Canada.

Fiji are the defending champions in Singapore having won the last tournament back in 2006 and the current series leaders.

The post Kenya thrash Russia in Singapore 7s opener appeared first on Capital Sports.