Kenya’s ruling party, the Jubilee Party of Kenya unveiled it’s manifesto ahead of elections scheduled for August on Monday night, giving sports a couple of seconds in the event.
In their promises to the nation in the buildup to the August Polls, various Cabinet Secretaries made addresses to the nation, unveiling their achievements and laying forth promises in the coming years. Spectacularly absent was the Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario.
Before assuming power in 2013, President Kenyatta had pledged at least five new stadia to the nation, in addition to refurbishing the existing facilities. However, to date, that is still a pipe dream. With CS Wario absent, persistent queries on social media would force the day’s Master of Ceremonies to pose the question to the deputy president William Ruto, minutes to the close of the event.
“In 6 months time, the stadium in Wote will be complete as will that one in Chuka. In 3 months, the stadium in Moyale will be complete. In 6 months, another stadium in West Pokot will be complete and that will be historic. In a couple of months the stadium in Kiambu will be complete,” Deputy President William Ruto defended their administration, adding, “The President issued a title for a stadium in Nyeri, and that too is underway. In Mombasa, we had challenges with ownership of the land and that is being sorted. We already have signed contracts and are ready to go. We also have challenges in Kisumu as a dumpsite is still close to the stadium, hampering any development works. Once that is cleared, we will be good to go.”
The upcoming 2017 IAAF Youth Championships also formed part of Ruto’s response, where he noted that the Government had set aside well over 300 million shillings to refurbish Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums.
Sports fanatics on social media however, remained critical of the Uhuru administration.
One Twitter user, @JumbaLuvai posted: There is an existing stadium beside the dump site Ruto referred to in KISUMU #JubileeManifesto
@Maxmasei posted: Nothing for western to smile about...a stadium in moyale bt none in Western?? #Jubileemanifesto
Another, @mwende_s posted : Wait..how long does it take to build a stadium..we don't want rushed promises that will collapse on us.#JubileeManifesto
Despite the promises, Kenya is still struggling with a handful of stadia, and the nation’s chances of hosting the CHAN 2018 tournament hangs in the balance, thanks to ill preparation.
Gor Mahia added themselves to the list of teams who have qualified to the next round of the Go TV Shied tournament after overcoming Nairobi Water 3-1 on Sunday 25 June, 2017 in Thika.
Nairobi Water were first to score, Robinson Shitandi giving them the lead after a run from the midfieldto the opponent’s goal. Kenneth Muguna however cancelled the lead in the 35th minute after being fed beautifully by Innocent Wafula.
George Odhiambo gave Ko’galo the lead for the first time in the match after an assist from the scorer of the first goal to take the scores to 2-1 in favour of Gor Mahia. Wllington Ochieng sealed the win for the Green Army in the second half to confirm a spot for them in the next round of the competition.
A brace from recently signed striker Paul Odhiambo inspired Tusker to a 5-0 against SS Assad in the opening round of Go TV Shield on Sunday 25 June, 2017 at the Mbaraki Stadium.
Tusker started the rout in the 6th minute, Clifford Alwanga heading past keeper Swaleh to take the defending champions ahead. Paul Odhiambo then opened his account in a Tusker shirt in the 26th minute, with an assist from Brian Osumba to double the scores for the Brewers.
The former Sofapaka man grabbed his brace seven minutes into the second half after being teed up by Abdul Hassan, with Noah Wafula taking the scores to 4-0 just shortly after coming on. Khamati sealed the victory for the visitors with a goal of his own in the 80th minute to ensure that Tusker make it to the next round of the competition.
Ulinzi Stars vs Wajiji FC
In Machakos, Ulinzi Stars scrapped past Nairobi Regional League Side Wajiji FC in a 1-0 win on Sunday 25 June. The lone goal was scored by Enosh Ochieng in the 45th minute through a header to take the Soldiers to the next round.
It was another day of huge score line margins in the Go TV Shield Tournament after KPL side Sofapaka recorded a 9-1 win against Silver Bullets on Sunday 25 June, 2017.
First half
It was a good day for Sofapaka as they put nine past Division two side Silver Bullets. Umar Kasumba started the onslaught in the 8th minute from the penalty spot after Robert Okumu had handled the ball inside the penalty area. He registered his second in the 26th minute, heading home a Wesley Onguso throw. The third goal for the Ugandan came in style minutes before halftime after a pass from Feni Ali.
Second half
Kasumba wrapped up his scoring activities in the 67th minute, scoring his fourth goal of the match and his substitute came in and continued the work, scoring just a minute after coming on. Silver Bullets got a consolation goal through Gabriel Wandera, who scored a sublime free kick to change the scores to 5-1. Rogers Aloro also got himself into the score sheet, scoring a penalty in the 75th minute.
Feni Ali’s 81st minute goal, Mango’li’s 87th debut goal and Karani’s penalty summed up the thrashing of Bullets to take the full time scores to 9-1.
AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboyz, and KCB are through to the next round of the GoTV Shield after day one of the first rounds of matches played on Saturday, 24 June 2017. Also through are Kenpoly FC, Palos, Nairobi Stima, Sony Sugar, Zetech University, Bandari and Kariobangi Sharks
Kakamega Homeboyz was up against Division Two side Naivas, the Premier League side emerging 1-0 victors. Homeboyz would find it hard against their resilient opponents with the teams ending it even at the break. Naivas however withered in the second half, eventually falling to a 63rd minute Lamine Diallo header. Homeboyz held on to the slim lead to proceed to the next round. The match was played at the Camp Toyoyo grounds
Zetech vs Tandaza
Earlier on at the same venue, Division Two side Zetech University edged out Nairobi Regional League side Tandaza on post-match penalties. Tandaza had taken a 1-0 half-time lead through a goal by Walter Orango. In the second half, Zetech scored two goals in three minutes through Augustus Mukaisi and Joseph Thiongo to make it 2-1. Tandaza were reduced to ten men when Bryan Oriedi was sent off for a second bookable offence but managed a late equalizer through captain Joseph Oketch. In post-match penalties, Zetech scored seven and missed three while Tandaza scores six and missed four
AFC Leopards, Palos
Palos also got through to the next round at the expense of Division One Side Griffin with the match ending 5-1. Mike Owino, Alex Waiswa and Job Omuse, and a brace by Suleiman Manjenga were enough to see the National Super League side through. Laban Odhiambo’s 13th-minute opener turned out to be Griffin’s consolation. Later on, at 4.15 pm, AFC Leopards humiliated Dero FC 15-1. Hotshot Vincent Oburu scored five to add to a brace by Marcellus Ingotsi, a goal apiece by Jackson Juma, Musa Mudde, Robinson Kamura and Ian Otieno and four goals by Whyvonne Isuza. Both matches were played at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu
Kariobangi Sharks
2016 second runners up Kariobangi Sharks kickstarted their campaign with a 3-2 win over Bungoma Superstars at the Sudi Stadium in Bungoma. Reuben Wanyonyi and Daniel Juma were on target for the home team with Mike Isabwa, Sanneh Ebrimah, and Wycliffe Otieno netting for Kariobangi Sharks
At the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, Nairobi Stima edged out home team Machakos United 4-1 to progress to the next round. Visiting Bandari then brushed aside Uweza 3-1KCB also won 3-0 against Division One side Poror Mote while Sony Sugar were 3-0 victors over Timsales. Both matches were played at the Afraha Stadium
KCB also won 3-0 against Division One side Poror Mote while Sony Sugar were 3-0 victors over Timsales. Both matches were played at the Afraha Stadium
Sofapaka’s new signing Bernard Mang'oli has been included in the starting line up to play Silver Bullets in the first round of Go TV Shield in Machakos.
They will be seeking to make an impact on the tournament which they failed to participate in last season due to financial constraints. Below is the starting lineup for
Sofapaka:
1. George Opiyo (GK) 2. Willis Ouma 3. Wesley Onguso 4. Humphrey Okoti 5. Rogers Modest Aloro 6. Bernard Mang'oli 7. Ezekiel Okare 8. Hillary Echesa (cpt) 9. Umaru Kasumba 10. Ali Feni 11. Timothy Luda
Substitutes: 1. Juma Reuben (gk) 2. Kennedy Odour 3. George Maelo 4. Maurice Odipo 5. Hansel Ochienge 6. Michael Odour 7. Meshack Karani
The Go TV action continues on Sunday 25 June, 2017 with seven Kenyan Premier League teams set to fight for a place in the next round of the competition.
Defending champions Tusker FC will begin their quest for title defence against SS Assad at the Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa while Sofapaka face Silver Bullets in Machakos. Gor Mahia will seek a place in the next round like their rivals when they clash with Nairobi Water in Thika, with Nakumatt FC facing Bigot FC at the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
Below is a full list of Sunday matches:
Sunday
Avant Garde vs Ushuru 1:00 pm Camp Toyoyo
Balaji FC vs Coast Stima 3:00 pm Camp Toyoyo
Bigot FC vs Nakumatt 2:00 pm Afraha Stadium, Nakuru
Bondo United vs Nzoia Sugar 3:00 pm Moi Stadium Kisumu
Butterfly FC vs Leysa FC 2:00 pm Thika Sub County Stadium
Eldoret Youth vs Nakuru All Stars 3:00 pm Kipchoge Keino Stadium
Elim FC vs Vihiga United 4:15 pm Afraha Stadium, Nakuru
Muranga All Stars vs Bidco United 3:00 pm Muranga Stadium
Nairobi Water vs Gor Mahia 4:15 pm Thika Sub County Stadium
Peter Kenneth vs Wazito 3:15 pm Camp Toyoyo
Rain Forest vs Agro Chemicals 3:00 pm Oserian Grounds
Silver Bullets vs Sofapaka 1:00 pm Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
SS Asaad vs Tusker 3:00 pm Mbaraki Sports Club
Transfoc vs Western Stima 3:00 pm Kenyatta Stadium, Kitale
Wajiji FC vs Ulinzi Stars 3:15 pm Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
Vincent Oburu's days at AFC Leopards seem to be taking off well as he bagged his sixth goal for the Club in just five matches. On Saturday against Dero, the teenager nearly equaled Livingstone Madegwa's goal record in a single match. Perhaps for lack of history knowledge, the lads would have helped him seal that historic feat.
As the final whistle blew, the much chided and under fire side in the Club's history which saw only a sizeable crowd follow them to Kisumu did not know they were breaking a 50 year old record in the goals scored by the Club in a single match since the Club's founding in 1964.
Leopards made minced meat and took a 1-15 win over Dero in the FKF Cup in Kisumu in the first round of the FKF Cup.
Vincent Oburu and Whyvonne Isuzza also broke Demonde Selenga's seven year record at the Club after each bagged a hat trick in the match since the Club's promotion to the league in 2009.
Oburu scored five goals, Whyvonne Isuzza bagged four goals, the highest tally by any of the Club's players in a single match in the post promotion era.
Prior to that. the last player to score a hat-trick at Leopards was Demonde Selenga in 2010 in the sensational 4-3 comeback against Kenya Commercial Bank in the KPL at City Stadium that saw a Harry Gentle free kick grab all the vital points with Leopards fighting from 3-0 to win the league match.
AFC Leopards longest record in a competitive match since promotion to KPL is the 6-2 win over Posta Rangers in Mumias in the KPL.
Highest goal scored by the Club
On June 18, 1967, AFC Leopards walloped Homabay Silver Stars 13-1 lin the league. On that day, Livingstone Madegwa scored 6 goals.
In the Football Association Cup results since 1986, Leopards has had some other high scoring matches.
1988: AFC Leopards 5-1 Ruiru Prisons
1994: AFC Leopards 6-0 Alaskan
1995: AFC Leopards 5-1 Kakamega Posta
1996: AFC Leopards 6-1 Gusii Mwalimu
2013: AFC Leopards 5-0 Wazee wa Kazi
2017: Dero FC 1-15 AFC Leopards
AFC Leopards start the hunt for the Go TV Shield Cup on Saturday 24 June, 2017 against Kisumu-based side Dero FC. The match will be staged at the Moi Stadium in Kisumu from16:15.
With Leopards a little bit way off the top spots in the Kenyan Premier League, the Go TV Shield is the tournament that they have a `realistic’ chance of winning. It will however not be a walk in the park, given the sub-standard performance that the team has posted recently.
The club’s hierarchy is however desperate to deliver silverware to the fans this season as a way of bringing back the lost smiles on their faces, and they have identified the Go TV Shield as their prime target this season after admitting that they will not be in contention for the Premier League title due to the club’s restructuring project.
Speaking to KS in a recent interview, AFC Leopards CEO Ronald Namai confirmed that the tournament is indeed one of their prime targets this season as they seek to balance the development project and winning silverware.
``We are balancing the two. There is the project which is long term but there is the fans' expectations which you have to address, which is why we have two targets for the year; one on the project and the other on winning the GOTV to show the fans that we are at least on the right track. So you satisfy the fans with some silverware but again you do not move away from the project,’’ said Namai.
``So our target is to do all we can to be in the finals of GOTV cup, with an aim of winning it. GOTV is five matches and so it is the only target of a win that we have this year,’’ he added.
Ingwe start the pursuit of their target in an away match against Maisha Siaya County League side Dero FC, hoping to proceed to the next round. In last year’s competition, Leopards were tossed out by Western Stima in round of 16 stage after being humbled 3-0 in the same venue that they are scheduled to play Dero FC.
The Go TV Shield commences on Saturday June 24, 2017 with twelve matches set to be played across the country.
On Saturday, six Kenyan Premier League teams will be in action, with most notably AFC Leopards playing Dero FC. Kariobangi Sharks face Bungoma Stars, with Nzoia United facing Bondo United while Bandari clash with Uweza FC.
Below is a full list of Saturday's matches and venue:
Machakos United vs Nairobi Stima 1:00 pm Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
Poror Mote vs Kenya Commercial Bank 1:00 pm Afraha Stadium, Nakuru
Tandaza FC vs Zetech University 1:30 pm Camp Toyoyo
Griffin vs Palos 2:00 pm Moi Stadium Kisumu
Bungoma Super Stars vs Kariobangi Sharks 3:00 pm Sudi Stadium, Bungoma
Bondo United vs Nzoia Sugar 3:00 pm Moi Stadium Kisumu
Karatina Homeboyz vs Administration Police 3:00 pm Kaiyaba Grounds
Uweza FC vs Bandari 3:00 pm Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
Al Ahly vs Kenpoly FC 3:00 pm Savannah Complex
Timsales vs Sony Sugar 3:15 pm Afraha Stadium, Nakuru
Naivas FC vs Kakamega Homeboyz 4:00 pm Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
Dero FC vs AFC Leopards 4:15 pm Moi Stadium Kisumu
Coastal based Bandari FC has roped in Mathare United sensation Moses Kinyanjui Gitau during the June transfer window. The 22 year old striker confirmed he has signed a three year contract with the dockers.
Kinyajui, who previously featured for the FKF Division Two Club Shanzu United was signed by Mathare United last year after being spotted during the Betway Talent Search Competition in which he emerged the winner alongside goalkeeper Mark Kioko Ndhiwa.
The Betway Talent Search Competition involved 1,600 aspiring footballers across the country training and showcasing their skills under watchful eyes of both local and international coaches at the Goan Institute in Nairobi.
The duo subsequently earned a trip to United Kingdom and enjoyed an opportunity to showcase their skills with English Premier League side West Ham United first team as well as enjoy home game against Chelsea and watch away game against AFC Bournemouth
More withdrawals continued to affect the smooth running of the Go TV Shield Shield Tournament with Kenyan Premier League side with Thika United becoming the latest top team team to withdraw from the championship. Thika united were scheduled to travel to Mombasa and play against FkF Division Two side Young Divers from Kilifi at KPA Mbaraki Sports Club on Saturday June 24th, 2017.
A club official of Young Divers revealed they had received communication from the federation that match had been cancelled after Thika United confirmed the withdrawal and told that they had advanced to the second round.
``As per the GO TV Round 64 fixture we were set to host Thika United but the latest information we have received is that the visitors are not traveling to honour the match. We now focus our attention to the second round after getting got a bye, ’’ said a Young divers club official
Following the development Young Divers await to play against the winners of Sundays clash at Kipchoge Keino between Eldoret Youth and Nakuru All Stars in the second round.
Besides Thika United, other clubs that have pulled out of the Go TV Shield tournament are Kenya Police from Nairobi and Nyakach United from Kisumu. Kenya Police were scheduled to travel to Coast and play Mwatate United at Wundanyi stadium while Nyakach United were set to host Eldoret based GFE 105 at Chemilil Sugar stadium.
SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri has categorically stated that come 1st January 2018, the betting firm will withdraw all sponsorships with clubs and sports organizations. This is after President Uhuru Kenyatta signed The Betting, Lotteries and Gambling Act to increase the current rates to 35%.
Be prepared
Karauri confirmed the planned withdrawal of sponsorships on Friday in a meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel where the Association of Gaming Operators had gathered to respond to the recent Finance Bill that was signed into law. ``With the new bill coming into effect on January 1st 2018 we want our sports partners to plan accordingly,'' read one of his tweets on his official page.
``Our cost of doing business as a company will be greatly affected hence we have to consider the impact on operating besides partnerships. As @SportPesa we will be giving notice to clubs and unions that from January 1 we will withdraw all sponsorships,'' Karauri went on to add.
Until Wednesday, lotteries were taxed at 5%, betting firms at 7.5%, casino gambling at 12% and competitions like raffles at 15%. In the 2017/2018 budget, Treasury cabinet secretary Henry Rotich had proposed a 50% tax, reasoning that the rapid growth in gambling activities have negatively affected the youth in the country.
This will be a huge blow to the clubs that have been sponsored by the betting firm, most of whom were suffering from lack of funds to cover their daily activities before SportPesa came to their rescue. These include Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, NSL side Nakuru AllStars and the national rugby teams. SportPesa is also the sponsor of the Kenyan Premier League and three FKF Women Premier League sides; Soccer Sisters, Soccer Queens FC and Vixens FC.
Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards have signed Raymond Omondi on a two-year deal. This comes a few days after releasing another forward Paul Mungai Kiongera.
KCB’s Kenny Andola and Mwamba’s Brad Owako made the cut for Simba’s squad in the Rugby Africa Gold Cup Clash against Uganda. The match will also serve as the Elgon Cup return leg. The duo, who will start off the bench will come in place of Biko Adema who is unavailable due to work commitments and Kelvin Masai. 20 year old Steve “Security” Otieno is also in line for his Simba’s debut. Otieno replaces Martin Owila who is rested for this clash.
There will be two main changes to the side that started the 23-18 away win over Uganda in Elgon Cup action a fortnight ago with Joshua Chisanga and fly half Isaac Adimo handed starts.
The fixture is set for the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
Regular tickets for the game are available at Ksh 400 with a limited number of VIP tickets retailing at Ksh 1000. These can be sourced online on Tikiti
Game day tickets will still be available for Ksh 500 at the RFUEA grounds.
Simbas Full Squad
15.Tony Opondo, 14. Darwin Mukidza (captain), 13. David Ambunya, 12. Patrice Agunda, 11. Jacob Ojee, 10. Isaac Adimo, 9. Samson Onsomu, 1. Moses Amusala, 2. Peter Karia, 3. Dennis Karani, 4. Simon Muniafu, 5. Oliver Mang’eni, 6. Eric Kerre, 7. Davis Chenge, 8. Joshua Chisanga Replacements 16. Philip Ikambili, 17. James Kubasu, 18. Curtis Lilako , 19. George Nyambua, 20. Steve Otieno, 21. Kenny Andola, 22. Brad Owako, 23. Leo Seje
Upper Hill set up a Prescott Cup final duel with Rift Valley Academy after hammering Nairobi School 31-3 in the second semifinal result on Wednesday.
AFC Leopards SC has been thrown into panic as the transfer window heads to a close following fears that their new signing may not arrive at the Club as intended.
Kenyanstar on Wednesday learnt that the Club management who took control of mid-season signings have been thrown into blame game and panic mode as some of their target signings declined joining the Club.
KS sources indicate that the club is in disarray over the manner in which they conducted the signings with a storm brewing that some officials put their own selfish interests ahead of the Club's.
MORE READ: UGANDAN SIGNING LANDS AT THE DEN
The first signs of discord appeared in the Dorian Marin case where players openly revolted against the coach as pressure mounted from the discordant Club management.
The Club on Thursday was contemplating flying an official to Burundi to fast track the deal to have Alexis Kitenge join the Club. The reasons for Alexis' delay are unclear since Ugandan signing Kizito arrived in Nairobi yesterday to link up with the squad.
ALSO READ: KITENGE SET TO JOIN AFC LEOPARDS
There is divided opinion on how the Club is re-signing players it had released due to indiscipline at the end of last season. notably Kepha Aswani who was singled out for incitement by the management as the case for his release by then coach Stewart Hall.
AFC Leopards who lie in the bottom half of the table are seeking a revival in the second half of the season.
Musa Mohamed is probably the most loyal member of the green army having joined the 15 time Kenyan Champions in 2008 while still a student at Lang'ata high school. Now the captain of Kenya's biggest football club, Musa appreciates the pressure that comes with the Job and likens it to leading an entire community.
Kenyanstar caught up with Musa Muhamed for a quick Q & A after his Wednesday morning training session;
KS: Who is Musa Mohammed?
Musa Mohammed is just a simple guy, a football player, a defender and currently team captain for Gor Mahia.
KS: How did Gor Mahia happen?
I was in the Lang'ata High School team that played a friendly match against Gor-Mahia at the City Stadium, back in 2008. I guess i impressed the coaches and i was invited to join the Gor-Mahia team.
KS: Talking of Lang'ata High School Musa, they have been missing in action since your days when you won the School Championships. Why do you think they aren't living up to the billing?
The school has undergone a lot of transformation since we were there in 2008-2009. They have for instance turned it into a boy only school, they have as well turned it into a boarding school so i guess transformations like this can turn the focus a little bit off the sporting department to stabilize other areas. But also when I was there we had a lot good players that I played alongside and I'am really grateful to Lang'ata High School because they played a big role in my football career because from there is when I signed for Gor Mahia.
KS: ... and FISA Academy?
FISA Academy are the ones who started my football career because there is a time I had lost hope in football due to a lot of things in my mind. When FISA came and took me in as their player while providing everything for me, I started playing football again.
KS: Was it always your plan to be a one Club Man?
Not really. It wasn't a plan ... I think every player's plan is to keep growing and get get greener pastures , move forward and get new challenges whenever an opportunity arises. But the reason why I am still at Gor Mahia is because I still want to achieve more with this club.
KS: Musa, With Gor-Mahia, you have won every single local title on offer. What more are you looking to achieve?
I really would like us a team to go to another level and perform better on the continental scene in the Champions League. But I'm patient and awaiting for the opportunity to present itself because you can't force things to happen. When you force them, they cannot work out.
KS: Talking of your local performance as a team, you have been consistent over the past few seasons. Some bad patches here and there but overall you have remained at the top. What is the secret?
The team work between players is very important, that together with individual hard work.
KS: At an individual level how do you manage to stay at the top of your performance? ... and what exactly makes a good defender?
Only through hard work and prayers ... and staying focused. It's all about discipline and the way you carry yourself around other players.
KS: At one point, you attended trials at Pretoria University...
Yes, It had a lot of issues and that's why I came back to Gor Mahia. As I said, you can't force things to happen because when you force, they will not turn out how you expect so you have to be patient and wait for your time. So when I went to Pretoria there were a lot of issues and that's when I told them not to be in a rush. .... I asked them to call me when they are ready for me to play for them.
KS: What exactly is Gor Mahia doing to ensure success at continental level?
It's all about preparation. When you prepare well you get good results and if you don't prepare well you don't get results. The thing is when we go to play against these other clubs, we are coming straight from pre-season while most of them have a significant match fitness because their leagues have been ongoing. So this can be a factor but that is not an excuse. I don't want to give it as an excuse why we have not done well before.
KS: How is it like being the captain of the biggest club in Kenya?
It's a lot of pressure. It's a lot of pressure but I thank God for giving me the strength and also giving us these fans who support me. I'm lucky to have around me these great players who listen to what I am saying when I talk to them.
KS: What are the challenges that come with this position?
You know when you are a Gor Mahia captain, you are not only a captain of the players but of the whole community, so it comes with a lot of pressure but I thank God for the opportunity and i hope to make it count.
KS: What has been the greatest moment of your career?
It has to be when we won the league unbeaten and also winning the league three times in a row.
KS: Lowest moment?
The lowest moment is the year that I was not playing at all for six months. But I thank God for giving me the strength and getting back my position.
KS: Which is the most memorable match you have ever played?
Internationally it's against South Africa when we were playing against big names such as Stephen Pienaar.
KS: Which defense partner have you enjoyed working with most?
I have enjoyed working with all players who have played alongside me.
KS: Who is the striker that has tormented you a lot?
That has to be John Baraza. Baraza is one striker you cannot shift focus from because you don't know when and how he will score.
KS: Who are some of the best coaches you have worked with?
I have worked with a lot of coaches and all of them are great coaches.
KS: Let's talk about Zarika, She is going to defend her title against Ashley of Jamaica....What chances are you giving her in that fight?
She will win, she works very hard, I know she will win.
KS: What influence do you have on each other you and Zarika?
She is the one who joined sports first. That time, I was just in school not thinking of playing any sport but she inspired me because she always works hard. It reached a time when we used to go to the gym together. I was actually trying to be a boxer but then I changed my mind back to football.
KS: What message do you send out to her ahead of the bout?
I just wish her good luck and I know that she will make us proud with a win.
KS: Does Ze Maria leaving and then a loss to SOFAPAKA worry you and the lads?
No. We have to be focused and achieve our targets. We should not lose focus on what we started on from January. So we have to finish what we started and stay focused till the end of the season. Like the coach said, we learnt crucial lessons from the SOFAPAKA defeat.
KS: How does it feel being part of a Gor-Mahia side that has won against arch rivals AFC Leopards three times in a row?
It's a motivation for the players all the time we win against Leopards because that is a derby, and when you win two or three derbies in a row you have a lot of confidence in you moving forward.
KS: Finally, what chances are you giving Harambee Stars in the AFCON 2019 qualifiers?
We still have a chance to qualify because we still have more matches coming at home and away so I know we have a chance to qualify. We will work hard to get there.
Bernard Mang'oli exits the AFC Leopards SC scene eliciting mixed reactions from the fanbase and the technical unit as a whole leaving more questions than answers on his abilities.
Fatuma Zarika's brother and fan number one, Musa Mohamed, has told Kenyanstar that he has no doubt her sister will successfully defend her World Boxing Commission Super Bantamweight Title on the 30th of June in Dallas, Texas.
"She will win, She Works very hard! she will win... I just wish her good luck and I know she will make us proud with a win." Said Musa Mohamed.
"We encourage each other a lot and she is the one who led the way in joining sports. That time, I was just in school not thinking of playing any sport but she inspired me because she always works hard"
"At some point we used to go to the gym together and I was actually trying to be a boxer then I changed my mind back to football."
The Gor-Mahia Captain made the comments while speaking to Kenyanstar in a yet to be published Interview. His sister, Fatuma Zarika, who is enjoying Sportpesa Sponsorship will seek to retain a title she has held over the last 8 months when she takes on Jamaican Alicia Ashley.
AFC Leopards SC new midfielder arrived in the country on Wednesday ready to join his new side after the international break.
The Ugandan midfielder, Kizito who was signed by Leopards in May before the international break for an undisclosed fee and is expected to fill the void left by Bernard Mang'oli as well as partnering with compatriots Yakubu, Kateregga and Mudde in the side.
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards beat Tusker to Ugandan midfielder
Meanwhile, Burundian Alexis Kitenge is also expected to join the squad. Alexis comes with a goal scoring reputation with him is expected to bolster the attack and is likely to be the preferred striker ahead of Gilbert Fiamenyo with Vincent Oburu having shown glimpses of brilliance in his past five matches.
Read More: Kitenge joins Leopards
AFC Leopards failed to renew Paul Kiongera's contract and hence will only have services of Alfred Wekesa, Vincent Oburu, Marcelus Ingotsi , Gilbert Fiamenyo and Alexis Kitenge for the remaining part of the season.
Leopards 0-0 draw with Mathare United underlines their weakness in scoring.
The most conspicuous item in 2013 manifesto for Jubilee Coalition was five stadiums and one was to be built in Garisa. What a gem of an idea. Many people especially the young bought sunglasses in anticipation for a very bright future. The irony is now they have to look for spectacles with magnifying lenses when looking at the performance of the Jubilee Government through sports window.
Sports was the flower in the manifesto of Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto unfortunately it remained so when they got into government. I can guess that sports is also the flower at cabinet meetings and Cabinet Secretary for Sports Hassan Wario as the flower boy designate. It is meant to spruce up our social and economic space but it ends up sprucing the imagination of our politicians.
The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is a fiasco sports enthusiasts in Kenya want to block from their memory. If Coke is the global mascot of CocaCola, then sports is to Kenya what Coke is to CocaCola. To date, no one knows the formula of ingredients used to make Coke because CocaCola has selfishly protected their prized product over time. Our athletes uniforms were stolen, allowances disappeared; tickets for coaches were missing while joy riders had access to Olympic Village and not some coaches. This is what we get even for an event that happens once in four years. Meanwhile the prosecution of NOCK officials is turning into a circus.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials are coming back in August to tell us that CHAN 2018, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) version for players based in Africa will be moved to Morocco. CAF will not allow the world to watch their matches being played in substandard stadiums out of Nairobi. The two facilities being fronted are Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium and Meru’sKinoru Stadium. It is a shame when Government officials and FKF President confidently walk CAF officials into these two facilities. Let it go, it is never that serious.
Recently word leaked that Harambee Stars players get Ksh. 500 per day ($5) as allowance. The public was shocked that the national team players can be paid such an amount of money and still expected to win. The team went to Sierra-Leon for an AFCON qualifier and lost. The excuse by FKF is that is the amount stipulated by Ministry of Sports for all sportsmen across the board. They later organized a sponsorship through betting firm Sportpesa to pad up the amount.
If I dint have to rush to look for ways of earning some money for the elusive maize flour, I would have delved into other sports as well. In Kenya, we never give sports a second thought because the first thought we give it at a glance is enough. This is the reason I silently pity many young passionate Kenyans who believe they can make it in sports; kindly have a plan B.
We have never realized the benefit of sports. Political leaders like Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero organize Governors Cup in the belief that they are promoting sports and the youth. Meanwhile the County Government owned City Stadium and Woodley Stadium are as dilapidated as Mogadishu Stadium before the Chinese renovated it.
If we are not ready to give sports the attention it deserves, let us not use it to spruce up our selfish ambitions. Sportsmen and women have suffered enough; rubbing salt into their injuries is not fair.
The National women's Beach Volleyball team requires Ks. 1.5 million to honor the 2017 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship in Australia next month.
The Kenya Pipeline duo of Naomi Too and Gaudencia Makhoha qualified to the World championships during the African qualifiers staged in Mozambique last April. But their participation, which will be Kenya’s second in a raw now lies in limbo due to lack of funds with reports that the government is yet to commit funds for the games that are close to a month away.
The team is expected to have at least 20 days training before leaving for the championship set to serve off on July 28 to August 6th.
The money is expected to go to carter for the local and foreign allowance and the air ticket.
"We still don't have the money but we must send this team. Currently I am heading to the ministry to push for the funding from the government, " said KVF secretary general Ben Juma.
Interestingly, Kenya will not send a coach to accompany the players for the directive by the international volleyball mother body quashing the position of a coach at the senior level.
“Even if we were to send a coach, he or she will not be allowed to be on the court during matches in line with FIVB practice,” added Juma.
FIVB abolished the position of a coach for the senior level in the last board of administration meeting.
Lack of government commitment saw the national women's volleyball team, Malkia Strikers withdraw from this year's FIVB World Grand Prix set to serve off next month in various cities in Europe, Asia and South America.
Meanwhile KVF is in talks with Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company to set up a beach volleyball court at Ng'etho, the source of Ndakaini dam, in Muranga County.
KVF president Waithaka Kionia said that such a facility will greatly reduce the cost of preparing beach teams who usually train in Mombasa.
"Having a beach court in Murang'a will not only help nurture more talent but also reduce the cost of preparing our teams for future assignments," said Kioni who hosted Nairobi City Water managing Director Eng. Phillip Gachuki on Wednesday morning.
It is understood that there was growing fears that sports sector of Nairobi Water could be disbanded following the slow stream of revenue brought about by the water shortage but Gachuki assured players of support and future partnership with KVF.
“We will continue to support our teams in the league as we seek to have the Chairman’s cup (Ndakaini leg) as an annual event to continue creating awareness to the public to understand the importance of Ndakaini dam which is the biggest source of all the water used in Nairobi,” said Gachiki.
Nairobi Water sponsored the second leg of the biggest local volleyball series, which was held at Ndakaini in April.
There have been an extended tag of war between the two clubs over the player, but the dust has finally settled. Plive Kenya quoted Sofapaka FC this morning, confirming that indeed the player would be unveiled at the club that has always admired him.
Towards the June mid-season break, there was rising concern over Bernard Mang’oli’s future at the club, with majority of the club’s faithful hoping that their captain would stay. The one-time Bandari player would later take part in the Sportpesa Super Cup in Tanzania, and also captain his side against Mathare United.
Kenyanstar has however learnt that despite captaining his side in Tanzania, AFC Leopards remained on red alert over the midfielder, following reports that Sofapaka representatives had met the player and dangled a deal
On Wednesday morning, however, fans were to wake up to a major surprise as Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa unveiled one of his long term targets.
Immediately after the Tanzania outing, and with growing pressure from the fans, the AFC Leopards hierarchy had met the player, and tabled a deal after the player lay his demands. It was resolved that both parties would sit on Monday(the 19th) and hopefully sign an extension. It is understood that the player demanded for monies in the excess of Ksh. 400,000. The club was not willing to meet his financial demands.
The player would eventually opt not to sign a new contract with the club, and moved to Sofapaka where he was unveiled Wednesday morning.
Nzoia United coach Bernard Mwalala lamented on his team's lack of luck in their 2-1 loss to Chemelil Sugar on Sunday 18 June, 2017 at the Chemelil Sports Complex. The loss proved costly for Nzoia, dislodging them from the top half of the Kenyan Premier League table.
“Today I can’t say anything other than that we were unlucky against Chemelil. We were just unlucky. We scored first and created so many chances but converting them was a problem. We came close several times, but, like I said, we were not lucky. Chemelil got those quick goals and that was that. We lost,” said Mwalala.
Nzoia United now sit 11th on the table with seventeen points while the win propelled Chemelil to7th place with twenty points. The next league match for Nzoia is against Thika United.
Gor Mahia acting coach Zedekiah `Zico' Otieno is hopeful that the team has picked lessons from their 2-0 defeat to Sofapaka on Sunday 18 June, 2017. Gor lost for the third time this season to relinquish the top position of the league table to Tusker and Zico has urged his players to focus on the next match, which is against Ulinzi Stars.
Several young coaches and former players have taken the opportunity to induce themselves into coaching by attending the Football Kenya Federation/CAF license ‘C’ coaching course currently ongoing at the Goan Institute in Nairobi.
Among them is former Ulinzi captain Stephen Ochollah, who skippered Ulinzi to the Kenyan Premier League title in 2010 and the KPL Top 8 Cup in 2011. Ochollah was named midfielder of the year in 2011 and announced his retirement from active football early this season.
He has since set his eyes to a coaching role, saying that he aspires to be one of the best coaches in the country. “It is what I have always wanted as a player, to impart the knowledge I have gathered in football for close to 15 years into the future generation. This is the first step and hopefully I will grow into the biggest certifications and be one of the best coaches in the country.”
Mulinge Ndeto
Also in attendance is Ochollah's former teammate Mulinge Ndeto, who was part of the title-winning team in 2010 and has also donned the national colours a number of times. He is also seeking to be a coach and has already been impressed with the knowledge he has amassed so far at the coaching course.
“I love football, and there is no way I would have gone out just like that after retiring. It has been a great course so far, getting to learn so much from some of the best in the country and former ex-players as well,” said Mulinge.
Brian Kaka, formerly of Ulinzi Stars is also attending the courses.
Former Gor Mahia striker Dan Sserunkuma has parted ways with Bandari FC. This comes after one and a half years with the coastal club.
Tusker FC head coach George Nsimbe has expressed his satisfaction with the display of his new signings. Tusker FC acquired the services of David Mwangi and Paul Odhiambo in the current June transfer window and the two players went on to start in the Brewers goalless draw against Kariobangi Sharks on Sunday 18 June.
Speaking after the match, Nsimbe reiterated that the two players will be vital for Tusker as the team pushes on with the aim of defending their Kenyan Premier League title.
“David Mwangi and Paul Odhiambo have proven that they are players of good quality (drew 0-0 with Kariobangi Sharks). They add plenty of options in the squad and that is a sign of a good team because the next 10 games will determine if we retain this title or not.”
Seconded by his assistant
His sentiments were echoed by his assistant Francis Baraza, who affirmed his satisfaction with the duo's debut performance. `` Personally, I am pleased with the way the two players performed (against Kariobangi Sharks). I think they played very well and we are now trying to push them to be at the same level with the other players. I am sure they will be very vital for the team this season.''
Baraza also said that he was contented with weekend's draw against Kariobangi Sharks. ``We are happy with the draw, given that we were playing away. Getting a point away from home nowadays is not easy and I think the point will boost the morale of the team going forward,'' said the assistant coach.
Tusker top the table standings with twenty eight points from thirteen matches, one point more than second placed Gor Mahia.
Rift Valley Academy reached the Prescott Cup final with a 25-19 semifinal over Alliance in a fixture played on Monday 19 June in Kijabe.
Western Stima coach Henry Omino is positive that with time, the team will start posting improved performance after the new players gel together.
Sofapaka head coach Sam Ssimbwa is a happy man after seeing his side beat Gor Mahia 2-0 to dislodge them off the top position of the Kenyan Premier League table on Sunday 19 June, 2017.
The match was played at the Kinoru Stadium in Meru with Sofapaka as the home team, and Ssimbwa has revealed that he chose the venue tactically. Sofapaka had camped there for a week so as to familiarize themselves with the pitch.
“We were the better side (after beating Gor Mahia 2-0). I decided to have this match in Kinoru as a strategy against Gor Mahia and it worked. We camped here for a week and by the time they were arriving on Saturday, we were already well acquainted with the conditions here,” said the Ugandan tactician.
Goals from Ezekiel Okare and debutant Timothy Luda were enough to hand Ko'galo their third loss of the season, with Sofapaka bagging three vital points. They now sit 5th on the table standings with twenty three points while Gor slide to 2nd position with twenty seven points, one behind Tusker FC.
World Boxing Commission (WBC) champion Fatuma Zarika expects a difficult fight when she takes to the ring for her Super bantamweight title defense against Jamaican Alicia Ashley on June 30, in Dallas, Texas, USA.
This will be a repeat of last year’s clash between the pair where Zarika dethroned the Jamaican via a split decision at the Dort Federal Event Center in Flint in Michigan, the US and became the first Kenyan pugilist to claim the prestigious title.
But as she prepares for the highly anticipated bout, the 31 year old stylish orthodox stance boxer who shifted her training base to US six weeks ago, is wary of Ashley’s revenge mission.
“Of course this is going to be a very tough fight for both of us, but a great fight for the fans. Both of us have different targets. While I am focusing on defending the title, Alicia will be out to revenge last year's defeat,” said Zarika from her training base at Berry’s Boxing Gym, Las Vegas.
Despite the hype surrounding the fight, an extremely motivated Sportpesa-sponsored mother of two is looking forward to retain her title.
“She (Alicia) is a former champion and I know what she capable of. But having been in US for the last sid weeks I am extremely motivated and prepared for the challenge. She is of course coming out with everything she has, but I am confident I will handle her,” she added.
Asked on how excited and motivated she is after last week's meeting with her role model legendary Mike Tyson, Zarika said : “ It is always great to have a change of environment and that’s how I came to meet Tyson.
“I was more than pleased to have met Tyson , one of the celebrated boxers in the game’s history whom I have only been watching on television. We had a lengthy talk, but he promised to visit me in the gym this week before the fight. It was really motivating and I am looking forward to meeting him again.’’?
AFC Leopards Captain Bernard Mang’oli could be staying after all. After days of protracted negotiations between the player and the club, reports have it that a deal could be sealed soon. The midfielder has been the subject of discussions in the football circles last week, with long term admirers Sofapaka angling for his signature, after his contract with Leopards almost came to a close.
Mang’oli’s contract at AFC Leopards expires this month, and Sofapaka were keen to snap him, as they look to rebuild for the second leg. Initially, the AFC Leopards management was resigned on retaining the skipper, but seem to have later changed their mind on the issue.
Against Mathare United on Saturday, Mang’oli led out his teammates from the dressing room, and had a commendable display throughout the encounter.
Kenyanstar has established that Mang’oli met with the club management last week, and he put his terms on the table which included a sign on fee and a fixed one year contract. The soft-spoken midfielder’s financial terms remain a contentious matter in the case, as the club is reportedly not willing to meet his ‘huge’ sign-on fee demands. The club is set to meet Mang’oli later today, where he is expected to either accept the terms or decline to renew his contracts.
Despite the stalled contracts, Sofapaka seem to have moved on, and are unlikely to chase the midfielder with the same vigor. It is reported that Bernard Mang’oli himself is interested in staying at Leopards, and is willing to bed the matter soon, should the club meet his demands.
Tom Juma’s dream of coaching AFC Leopards could finally be turning into a reality.
Tom, a former Kenyan international midfielder maestro had an illustrious career as a player, playing for AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia and Oserian Fastac. In 2001, he was named the Red Bull Player of the Year. Juma initially coached Division One side Administration Police, and would later move on to coach Muhoroni Youth where he won the Top 8 Cup last season, as caretaker coach beating Gor Mahia 1-0 in the finals.
Just last year, Juma was heavily linked with a move to the club that never materialised. On Saturday, as AFC Leopards took on Mathare United, Juma was visibly engaged with the team, although on the sidelines, and would even be part of the team’s dressing room.
Multiple reliable sources have told Kenyanstar that Juma has been appointed to the club’e technical bench, to assist newly appointed Romanian tactician Dorian Marin. The arrival of Juma possibly suggests that he could be replacing Tanzanian tactician Dennis Kitambi, who was Stewart Hall’s assistant. Kitambi, was absent from the bench as Leopards took on Mathare United in a 0-0 draw last weekend, and the club is yet to comment on his absence.
At the time of going to press, the club was yet to comment on Tom Juma’s appointment.
Audrey Omaido moved to the top of the Women Hockey Premier League scoring chart with a brace as defending champions Telkom put up another stellar performance in an 11-0 demolition of MultiMedia University on Saturday in a match that saw Betsy Ommala grab her first hat trick of the season.
Omaido leads the chat with 15 goals to her name, one ahead of compatriot Jackline Mwangi who sat out the Saturday match.
Elsewhere, Sliders got their first win in five matches with a 4-0 victory over multimedia university on Sunday to heap misery on the students who conceded a whooping 13 goals through the two matches they played over the weekend.
In the other women hockey premier league match of the weekend, Chase Amira were 3-1 victors over Mombasa Sports Club.
Men's premier League Results
Chase Sailors 1-2 Nakuru Athletic Club
Western Jaguars 1- 2 Green Sharks 2
Western Jaguars 1 - 1 Park Road Badgers
Parklands Sports Club 0 -1 Nakuru Athletic Club
Kenya Police 3 -1 United States International University-Africa
