NAIROBI, Kenya, February 6- The planned debut of multiple Olympics champion and Ethiopia’s track queen, Tirunesh Dibaba, in the full marathon on April 13 in London has justifiably increased pulse rates among distance running enthusiasts worldwide.

However, two-time world champion over the distance and last-year’s runner-up in London, Edna Kiplagat, is not fazed by the threat posed by the ‘baby faced assassin’ as she bids to go one better and occupy the middle step of the podium.

“It’s good we are having Tirunesh as a debutant but it will not be easy for her. Marathon is four times what she has been running, 10,000m. She has to make a lot of sacrifice to make sure she is going to handle the marathon.

“For me, I have no worry, I know the course of London very well and going there for the fourth time, the course is still very fresh in my mind,” Kiplagat, who ran her year best 2:21:32 in London before successfully defending her title in Moscow (2:25:44) in the summer spoke of Tirunesh’s anticipated debut.

Having finished twice in succession and third on her London bow in 2011, Kiplagat is out to catch the bouquet when she lines up against one of the most forceful women’s field ever assembled.

“I’m happy to be among the elite athletes invited to run. It’s a great field they selected this year and I’m happy to go there and compete with them.

“This year, I’m looking forward to go and win since I’ve tried several times and it has not been,” she stressed.

The 2010 New York champion, 34, admitted running out of steam in the latter stages of the race in her last three appearances and she is preparing to work on that to ensure she is fourth-time lucky.

“We are going to sit down with my coach and plan a very good programme so that I do not get affected in the last miles.

“Always, towards the last kilometres, my body does not respond well, I feel a bit tired, so, I’m going to work on it to ensure I tackle the last kilometres very well,” she underscored her intent in what potentially could be her London swansong.

Good pacemakers

To realise her aim in light of the imposing field gathered, Kiplagat realises she might be required to go out faster than her 2:19:50 career best achieved in 2012 when she trailed compatriot and Kenyan record holder, Mary Keitany, to the tape.

“London is one of the courses that need a lot of preparation to be in good shape and speed so that you can make a move for any position. It also needs good pace makers.

“Last year, we had a little problem with pace makers since they were far from us and so, we had to make some sacrifices to make good moves from start to finish. I’m going to prepare very well for the speed,” she added.

On her historic title defence in Russia that made her the first to retain and second Kenyan female after Catherine Ndereba (2003/2007) to be crowned two-time world champion, Kiplagat revealed it was crafted in difficulty.

“I can remember it was not easy because of the weather. It was very tough but I was well prepared. I did a lot of good training and considered the type of training to suit the weather in Moscow.

“I was very happy to defend and prepared from the beginning when I got a chance to represent the country. I had to sturdy the course and opponents and I was prepared mentally and physically.”

The Daegu and Moscow titleholder is urging Athletics Kenya (AK) to select the national squads early to give the runners enough time to prepare.

“It is very tough and if given a short time, you will not be ready. AK needs to give us a period of at least four months to prepare. In case someone drops, they can get another who will have time,” she advised.

Commonwealth Games

“My mind is now on London but I might try to go to the Commonwealth Games. I will see where to go after London,” the athlete coached by spouse Gilbert Koech, a 2:14:39 career best marathoner, said.

Defending champion Priscah Jeptoo (2:20:14), Olympics champion, Tiki Gelana (ETH, 2:18:58) and Berlin winner, Florence Kiplagat (2:19:44) rank as favourites alongside Kiplagat.

Other elite bets include; Aberu Kebede (ETH, 2:20:30) the Tokyo winner and Feysa Tadesse (ETH, 2:21:06) who took the honours in Paris besides Europe’s hope, Ukrainian (2:23:58) the Osaka crownholder.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 7- There will be no repeat of Wellington 7s heroics after the class of 2013/14 fell spectacularly at the first hurdle, crashing out of the Main Cup quarters with a whimper.

The pressure will now be on head coach Paul Treu after Kenya lost their opening game in Pool D to Samoa 24-12 before meekly surrendering to Australia 24-0 to exit the Main Cup at a tournament they lost the big crown on sudden death to England last season.

Their 40-7 victory over whipping boys Tonga turned out to be scant consolation for a time that illuminated New Zealand last season, coming 14-0 down to beat the hosts in the Main Cup semi before they lost 24-19 in sudden death to England in the decider.

The former South Africa coach who retained the same 12 who contested the final of Bowl competition in Las Vegas two weeks ago, will face questions of his ability to reverse the fortunes of the team that was sizzling last season.

It is the second round a row Treu has failed to lead the side to the Cup quarters despite carrying the most experienced squad for the fourth and fifth legs of the current HSBC Series.

Against Samoa, Reupena Levasa touched down in the first minute as Patrick Faapale converted as Kenya found themselves 7-0 down early on.

Oscar Ayodi could levelled for Kenya a minute later but Biko Adema missed the kick before Tulolo Tulolo extended the lead for Samoa with Faapale doing converting to take the scores to 14-5.

Kenyan defence could not hold the Samoan forwards as Kelly Meafua breached the whitewash for a 19-5 deficit at the breather.

Treu attempted to steady his sinking ship by substituting veteran Humpry Kayange and winger Dennis Ombachi but the tide could not be reversed as Reupena Levasa touched down for Samoa with Faapale missing the conversion as Daniel Sikuta scored the late try for Kenya to wrap the scoring.

Fortunes did not change against Australia as Allan Fa’alava’au and Peter Schuster went over in the early exchanges before Con Foley stretched their lead for a 19-0 half time score.

Greg Jeloudev completed the shut-out in the second period as Treu’s charges failed to make any inroads to the Wallabies try line.

Kenya rose to the occasion in their last Group match by thrashing Tonga 40-7, but it was only enough to relegate them once again to the Bowl competition.

Ombachi and Ouma scored tries in the opening minute as Adema converted both before Sikuta extended the lead.

All time leading try scorer Injera got in the act to score his first try in the tournament as Kenya raced to a gaping 36-0 lead at half time against the whipping lads.

Ayodi and Tonny Owuor added further tries after the break after Selu Vailea scored the consolation try that Sosefo Ma’ake converted for hapless Tonga.

-More to follow

LIVERPOOL, February 8 – Liverpool demonstrated that their Premier League title credentials are alive and kicking with a stunning 5-1 demolition of leaders Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had claimed during the week that the best his side could hope for was a top-four finish, but the claim rang hollow after the hosts scored four times in the first 20 minutes against Arsene Wenger’s shellshocked Arsenal.

The opening goal, after 51 seconds, set the tone for a half of complete Liverpool domination, with Martin Skrtel scoring twice and Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge also finding the net to raise serious questions about Arsenal’s own ability to win the league.

The opening minute saw Per Mertesacker haul back Luis Suarez to concede a free-kick that Steven Gerrard curled menacingly into the six-yard area, where Skrtel volleyed past Wojciech Szczesny with his knee.

That electrifying start had the passionate Anfield crowd in fine voice and Arsenal looking increasingly baffled and on the back foot, especially when Sturridge tested Szczesny with a couple of low shots.

After 10 minutes the lead was doubled, with another set-piece exposing the glaring deficiencies in the Arsenal defence.

Gerrard’s right-wing corner was met by the unmarked Skrtel, who placed a perfect glancing header over the leaping Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and into the top-left corner.

It should have been three moments later when Philippe Coutinho and Suarez combined intelligently to send Sturridge clean through on goal, only for the usually efficient striker to chip wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Then Suarez latched onto a clever Gerrard corner and connected with a thunderous 20-yard half-volley that crashed against the Arsenal post.

Mertesacker headed just wide from a Santi Cazorla corner as the Gunners momentarily threatened, but the game was effectively over as a contest as early as the 16th minute when Sterling made if 3-0.

The ineffective Mesut Ozil was bullied off the ball in midfield by Jordan Henderson, who sent Suarez sprinting down the right wing.

The Uruguayan, Arsenal’s primary transfer target of the last close season, produced the perfect cross for Sterling to convert from six yards.

If Wenger thought his side had struck rock-bottom, he was to be proved wrong three minutes later when Coutinho’s through ball played Sturridge clear of the Arsenal back line and the striker kept his calm to bend the ball past Szczesny.

Suarez, just before the interval, and Sturridge, just after it, threatened to add to the rout, but any suggestion that Liverpool would settle for their four-goal lead was removed in the 52nd minute.

Kolo Toure’s lobbed pass sent Sterling clean through on goal and the winger converted at the second attempt after Szczesny had blocked his initial effort.

Sterling should have completed his hat-trick three minutes later, but he failed to turn in Gerrard’s free-kick, while a magnificent 25-yard free-kick from Suarez was flying into the top corner until Szczesny made a superb save.

Gerrard’s trip on Oxlade-Chamberlain finally allowed Arsenal to put themselves on the scoreboard as Mikel Arteta successfully converted a 69th-minute penalty, before forcing Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet into a fine save soon afterwards.

Liverpool might have won even more handsomely, however, with Coutinho and the irrepressible Sterling both going close in the final stages.

LONDON, England, February 9-Darren Bent scored a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser as the Premier League’s bottom club Fulham undermined Manchester United’s Champions League hopes in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Fulham had taken a shock lead through Steve Sidwell in the 19th minute, but quick-fire goals from Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick in the final 12 minutes appeared to have set United on course for victory.

There was one final twist in the tale, however, as deep into stoppage time David de Gea could only push a Kieran Richardson shot into the air and Bent nodded in the rebound to earn Fulham a vital point.

The draw left United nine points adrift of Liverpool, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League place, while Fulham inched to within four points of safety at the foot of the table.

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen, a former United coach, had seen his side eliminated by third-tier Sheffield United in the FA Cup in mid-week, but after weathering early pressure, his side took a shock lead.

As Fulham attacked down the left, Sidwell drifted into the box undetected and when Lewis Holtby picked him out with a lofted pass, the former Chelsea midfielder slid in to tuck a side-foot volley past De Gea.

United were not slow to react, Van Persie, Ashley Young and Carrick going close, but Richardson should have doubled Fulham’s lead in the 37th minute when he shot over with only De Gea to beat.

United resumed control, with Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg saving from Carrick and Nemanja Vidic before producing a stunning reflex stop to thwart Wayne Rooney early in the second half.

United manager David Moyes introduced Adnan Januzaj, Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez as United laid siege to the visitors’ goal and the pressure finally told in the 78th minute when Van Persie tucked in a volleyed cross from Juan Mata.

Less than two minutes later the turnaround was complete as Carrick beat Stekelenburg with a deflected shot from the edge of the box.

Moyes celebrated with scarcely disguised relief, but in the penultimate minute of stoppage time Bent scored to complete another day of despair for the champions.

United now find themselves six points behind fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur, who stole a march on Everton with a 1-0 victory over their Champions League qualification rivals at White Hart Lane.

Emmanuel Adebayor settled the game in the 65th minute, chesting down a quick free-kick from Kyle Walker and resisting the attentions of Seamus Coleman before drilling a low shot past Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.

“Our game plan was to put pressure on high up the field and we didn’t do that in the first half, but second half we adjusted and had the ascendency and they didn’t open us up once,” said Spurs manager Tim Sherwood.

“Emmanuel Adebayor took his goal well. We are delighted with the result. Yes, the performance can be better, but it’s about character and grinding it out.”

Sherwood’s side now trail fourth-place Liverpool by three points, with Everton two points back in sixth place.

“In football, you want to be perfect,” said Everton manager Roberto Martinez.

“We switched off on a free kick half-way inside our half and that should never end up in the back of the net.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 10- AFC Leopards head coach, James Nandwa, is out to shut shop when his side takes a 2-0 lead to Ethiopia as he bids to secure passage to the CAF Confederation Cup first round in a fortnight.

Goals from captain Martin Imbalambala and new signing Jacob Keli in the 18th and 43rd minutes of the first half gave Leopards a 2-0 win over Ethiopia’s Defence in the first leg of their preliminary tie at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium Sunday.

“It’s a good team and they possess the ball well but we will work on how to handle them away. Today we played well since we attacked and it paid. They are good in midfield and forward but we need to take advantage of their poor defence and score many goals,” Nandwa said after the match.

On the other side, Defence coach, Gebremedin Hiyle, blamed the loss on his team failing to capitalise on the chances they created.

“We made silly mistakes after controlling the game for the better part of it, but unfortunately we did not make good use of the chances we created.

“We will have to change our tactics in the return leg and  hope we beat them by three goals because we will be playing at home.”

Keli who scored the winning goal picked Were as the man of the match, saying he provided many assists.

“I’m happy to score my first goal at Leopards but we missed Allan Wanga and Noah Wafula, who are ruled out with injuries, I hope they will be back in the second leg to strengthen our team,” the top scorer in the domestic Kenyan Premier League last season added.

Mulualem Tilahun got the visitors going from kick-off with a strike that went just wide on the right side of the post.

Winger Were responded three minutes later when he cut into the box but was stopped by defenders for a corner that Edwin Seda headed goal wards only for keeper Yeden Kidane to save.

Harambee Stars right back, James Situma, could have opened the scores in the 16th through his powerful free-kick that forced Kidane to spill the ball before his defenders hacked clear.

Ferew Solomon then crossed from the right flank but there was no Defense teammate to tap home as the ball whistled across Leopard’s goal.

The hosts got the lead their possession deserved when Were crossed for Imbalambala to head in the opener.

The speedy winger was at it once again minutes later when he fed Seda with another pin point cross but he blasted wide and on the other end, Shemeles Tegegn, wasted a free-kick with the target in sight after his poor shot went straight into custodian Wycliffe Kasaya’s arms.

In the 25th, Ferew had an opportunity to equalise but failed to connect with Awel Abedala’s cross.

Oscar Kadenge forced Kidane to pull another save as Leopards poured forward and with two minutes to the breather, Keli extended their lead when he tapped in yet another Were delivery to give the GOtv Shield winners the cushion they needed at half time.

After the break, Imbalambala sought his brace in the 58th with a shot that was repulsed by Kidane with the Defence keeper also thwarting the marauding Were on a number of occasions.

The Ethiopians were presented with a chance to net an important away goal but Tilahun spurned a dangerous free-kick after Abdalla Juma fouled substitute Manaye Fantu just outside the box.

Kasaya, the new recruit from Sony Sugar, was called upon to punch away a ferocious shot from Fantu for a fruitless corner as the hosts held on to their lead.

Ingwe will play for at least a draw in the second-leg in Addis Ababa, to book a date with the winner between South African side SuperSport United or Gaborone United from Botswana.

SuperSport beat Gaberone 2-0 in their first leg played in Cape town, South Africa on Saturday.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 10- As the defending champion, all eyes will be on Priscah Jeptoo when she faces the starting gun for women’s London Marathon on April 13 with the titleholder gunning to go under her 2:20:14 career best for repeat glory.

Reflecting on her chances as she bids to outclass an impressive collection of decorated distance running female stars, Jeptoo also hinted at a possible assault on the world record held by Britain’s Paula Radcliffe of 2:15:25 (London, 2003) or the top mark in a women’s only race of 2:17:18 ran by the same athlete in Chicago the year before.

Organisers have not made it easier for the Olympics silver medallist, widely acknowledged as the best female marathoner on earth at the moment, after adding the New York title on a weather beaten course last November.

The soft-spoken 29 year-old who has dazzled over the past two seasons, succeeding compatriot Mary Keitany as the World Marathon Majors winner, intends to push the pace in the latter half of the race to secure a second successive London crown.

“The field this year is not easy. They know me because last year I won and we have Tirunesh Dibaba debuting.

“It will not be easy in the first part but I will try to do my best on the second,” the woman who produced the second fastest time of 2013, 2:20:50, to win last year declared.

Jeptoo will need to be equally or more impressive on April 13 with three athletes who have run quicker than 2:20, another five who have finished under 2:25, as well as Ethiopia’s three-time Olympic track champion and multiple world record breaker Tirunesh, who will be marking her full marathon debut on show.

Tiki Gelana, the Ethiopian who beat her to the middle step of the podium in London 2012 Olympics as well as compatriots, double World champion, Edna Kiplagat, who played her bridesmaid and Berlin Marathon winner, Florence Kiplagat, form the main competition.

Having apparently ‘benefited’ from a crash between Tiki and wheelchair athlete Josh Casidy that ruled the fastest woman in the field out of contention as she finished 16th Jeptoo believes she will carry her hot streak into 2014.

“I’m in good shape; I can see I will perform well if I continue to train like last year. The way I see my body, it’s coming like last year,” she assured.

“What I did last year gives encouragement to me that I can improve my time and that is my focus to run under 2:20,” the 2:20:14 career best runner from the 2012 edition of the same race where she finished third added.

Having conquered London, Jeptoo opted to skip the World Championships in Moscow, Russia having won the second medal at the 2011 edition in Daegu, South Korea, to bid for the Majors crown in New York.

Despite the harsh almost storm like conditions, Jeptoo sealed her share of the $500,000 jackpot by stopping the clock at 2:25:07 to crown a season where she tasted defeat only once, a no mean second finish (66:11) at the prestigious Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in the UAE on February 15.

“It was a great achievement for me. It was something that I did not know I could be the World Marathon Majors winner. It gave me more encouragement I could make it and improve my time this year,” she spoke of becoming the second Kenyan female after Keitany to ascend to the elite marathon circuit crown.

On the subject of the world record, Jeptoo announced; “It is something we have spoken with fellow Kenyans like Edna or Mary who is on leave. This year we have to think about it and we have to try. It is something that is in my heart, that this year I will try to run a good time and if possible, I will try to chase the world record.”

Jeptoo asserted competing in big marathons had helped forge a reputation as one of the hardest runners to beat over the classic distance.

“With my coach, I have been improving on what I have been doing and competing in races like London, World Championships, Olympics and New York have helped me understand what it takes.”

With the leading pack crossing half way in 1:11:49 last year, Jeptoo injected slight pace on mile 21 (5:11) to get clear of Edna and by 35k, she had extended her lead to 17 seconds then to 58 by 40k for her dominant win.

But even she realises she might be compelled to close faster to outwit a field out for retribution in April against familiar foes and the unknown threat of Tirunesh.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 11 – The Government will reconstitute the moribund Kenya Anti-Doping Agency (Kada) by March this year with expertise of the world agency and financial assistance from Norway and China, Cabinet Secretary for Sports Arts and Culture, Dr. Hassan Wario, announced on Tuesday.

According to Wario who hosted World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) officials at a Nairobi hotel, new Kada board members will be appointed with the local body Gazetted to ensure it is included in the next financial year.

“Doping is a global challenge and that’s why as the Government we are committed to see our athletes come out clean and show the world that we win by merit.

“We invited the foreign agencies to help us enhance the structures for the exercise in the country as we anticipate formulating our own that will be effective,” Wario said.

Anti-doping agencies of Norway and China, whose officials did not attend Tuesday’s meeting, will be integral in providing the Sh18m (USD208,937) needed to set up the local body that has been dormant for decades.

“One thing that came out from the meeting is education that will see us raise awareness to our athletes so that they can know what is expected of them,” Wario, who said they will roll out the program in primary and secondary schools as well as athletics meetings affirmed.

Wada Africa Director, Rodney Swigelaar, who arrived in the country on Monday, expressed frustration with the duration the Anti-Doping Task Force set up by Government in November has taken to get running after it requested the State to investigate rising doping cases in the country.

“For the last one year we have been working with Norway who is one of the partners on how we can assist Kenya and East Africa develop anti doping programmes in the region.

“The Government of Kenya have certainly shown they are planning to ensure it is enhanced through education, structural development and resource mobilization,” the Wada official added.

“We are looking forward to receive a comprehensive and transparent report on what is happening here and find out if the allegations are true.”

Commenting on the Task force, the Cabinet Secretary assured they have added money to the commission to continue with its investigations.

“The task force is on its 23rd day of the findings, they requested for more funds on top of the 4.5m (USD 52,216.3) that we gave them initially.

“They gave us the budget that was too high but we rationalized it and gave them the cash to continue with their task.We have received the preliminary report but at this point we are not allowed to tell anyone,” he explained.

Chairman for the Anti-Doping task force, Professor Moni Wekesa, urged Kenyans to be patient and wait for the outcome that will come to a conclusion by the end of March.

“We have visited major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega and Kapsabet where we talked to federation officials, doctors, coaches and athletes including those who have tested positive in the past.

“They have given us useful information that we are going to build on to arrive at a conclusive report that will share with the rest of the world,” he stated.

The committee is probing people involved in drugs, identify persons or institutions linked to doping, access to drugs and related substances among athletes within the country, make recommendations on the legal structures that could eliminate the use and abuse of drugs among others.

In total, 17 Kenyan athletes have tested positive for banned substances since January 2012, a trend that saw the country at cross hairs with Wada during their last Congress in South Africa where the Government provided assurances it would look into cases.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 12 – Tusker FC head coach, Francis Kimanzi, says plans to relocate to Kinoru Stadium in Meru County are aimed at gaining supporters from the vast region as opposed to taking undue advantage of rivals in their bid to reclaim the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title starting this weekend.

The former Harambee Stars tactician was speaking on Wednesday at their training ground in Ruaraka while unveiling 11 new signings, saying his main objective is to reclaim the title they last lifted in 2012.

“Football is entertainment and that’s what we want to bring to the people in Meru, we have to make sure we decentralize it not to put everything in Nairobi.

“I’m privileged to be the head coach of a team that has been successful in the league after winning it more than a decade,” Kimanzi who joined the 2011/12 champions in the close season said.

“I’m challenged this year that I have to continue the winning philosophy and it’s not an easy task since other teams are equal prepared for the new season,” he added on the prospects of winning his first KPL crown since 2008 when he lifted the crown with Mathare United.

Kimanzi dipped into the market for players he’s had previous experience as he bids to return the Brewers to the top of the KPL pile.

“We have extra quality players but it’s up to me and the technical bench to make sure we get a team out of them since we have the depth.

“The players are technically and mentally prepared and they are motivated after their switch to a big club like Tusker which is a major step for any local player. I hate it when people say I have gone back for my players since other coaches have been chasing for them too, Osborne Monday was a Mathare player but on loan from Sofapaka,” he responded to claims he exercised favourtism in recruitment.

“Every team is looking for the best players but what is important is getting the right ones that play with their hearts and mind. I tried to recruit players who have the vision to recognize situations and that is the intelligence many players lack.”

Club chairman James Musyoki, confirmed they will head to Meru in two weeks time after renovations in Kinoru Stadium are completed.

“We have a lot of fans from the region and we thought it’s good to partner with them and develop football in the area,” the chairman stated.

The Brewers have brought on board seasoned players including Stars defender Jockins Atudo, midfielder Osborne Monday and Bob Mugalia from Sofapaka, Mathare duo Dennis Nzomo and defender Lloyd Wahome, forward Clifford Alwanga and midfielder Brian Osumba from KCB and 2012 KPL player of the year Kevin Kimani.

Other players who joined are Duncan Wafula (Busia United) and Rodgers Omondi and keeper Farouk Shikalo from Nationwide side Talanta.

Monday said he is happy to reunite with Kimanzi after working under him at Mathare and Batoto Ba Mungu.

“I’m at home since working under Kimanzi is easy and I like his coaching philosophy which can enable a player compete any where around the world.

“I’m looking forward to have a good season.”

The 2011 and 12 champions open their campaign on Sunday against Thika United at Nairobi’s City Stadium.

LONDON, February 12- Arsenal squandered an opportunity to return to the Premier League summit after drawing 0-0 with Manchester United in an attritional game at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Both teams had suffered damaging results at the weekend, Arsenal crashing 5-1 at Liverpool and United drawing 2-2 at home to bottom club Fulham, and the tentativeness on either side made for a game of only sporadic excitement.

Robin van Persie came closest to scoring for United, spurning an excellent early chance and later hitting the crossbar with a header, while Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny had a header cleared of the line.

Arsenal would have gone top with victory, but the draw left Arsene Wenger’s side a point behind Chelsea in second place.

For United it was another missed opportunity to make up ground on the teams in the Champions League places, ahead of a mid-season trip to Dubai when they will gird their loins for a high-stakes run-in.

Former Arsenal striker Van Persie was playing at the Emirates for the second time as a United player and his old team-mates gifted him a huge opportunity within seconds of kick-off.

Van Persie was allowed to creep up behind Mikel Arteta and steal possession from the Spaniard, but with only Wojciech Szczesny to beat he drove a tame shot into the Arsenal goalkeeper’s arms.

In response, Jack Wilshere had a shot blocked by Chris Smalling after a weaving run, with Olivier Giroud heading over from the ensuing corner, while Tomas Rosicky saw a deflected shot saved by David de Gea.

With Antonio Valencia relacing Ashley Young for United, the champions deployed Juan Mata on the left flank, and the club’s record signing teed up Van Persie with a pass down the inside-left channel, only for the Dutchman to shoot wastefully wide.

Giroud continued to best United captain Nemanja Vidic in the air, but he was unable to find the target with a succession of headers.

The French striker was also involved in a collision with Rafael da Silva that saw the United full-back land awkwardly on his neck. After soldiering on until half-time, the Brazilian gave way for Rio Ferdinand.

A war of attrition took hold early in the second period, with neither side able to fashion a chance as attacks foundered on imprecise passes and niggly fouls.

The home fans almost had something to shout about in the 62nd minute, but although Koscielny’s glancing header from a right-wing corner beat the diving De Gea, Valencia was on hand to head the ball off the line.

Both managers made changes with 15 minutes remaining — Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain entering the fray for Arsenal and Adnan Januzaj taking Mata’s place for United.

The game belatedly came to life in the closing stages, as both sides looked to snatch victory.

Giroud was unable to make telling contact with an inviting centre from Bacary Sagna, before Van Persie saw a header from a Wayne Rooney cross brilliantly turned onto the bar at the other end by Szczesny.

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla had two late attempts to claim a winner, but on each occasion he was thwarted by Spanish countryman De Gea.

NAIROBI, February 13- Kenyan sports has received a “big wake-up call” on doping but is finally grappling with the issue, the official leading an independent investigation told AFP Thursday.

Lawyer and sports medicine specialist Moni Wekesa said his probe into alleged doping among Kenya’s legendary runners, rising rugby stars as well as into a host of other sports was making solid progress in figuring out how bad cheating was in the country.

Kenya was forced to dig into the matter after a German television investigation aired in 2013 alleged that banned drugs, including the blood booster EPO, were readily available to athletes, among them top marathon runners.

A failure to investigate could leave the country, whose athletes are an immense source of national pride, running the risk of being sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

“What is going on is a big wake up call, a wonderful wake up call. Things will never be the same in Kenyan sports again,” Wakesa explained in an interview, clearly relishing the challenge of saving the country’s unrivalled sporting record from being slighted by cheats, suspicion and innuendo.

“Doping is a cat and mouse game, a test of the supremacy of science. The challenge is to make sure we have systems and measures in place ensure that sports is clean.”

Wakesa admits that raising the doping issue has been something of a personal crusade, ever since he studied the topic in Cologne, Germany in the 1980′s, when Cold War rivalry was at its height and when the consumption of performance-enhancing drugs was widespread.

“We were taught how to test for doping, and we were also taught how to beat the tests,” he joked.

“I studied the science of doping very many years ago. But I came back to my country, Kenya, and nobody wanted to hear about it. It was a non-subject. It has taken a long time to try and get Kenyan authorities to understand the subject.”

Anonymous tip-offs

The probe started last year, but almost stalled due to a lack of funds — prompting fresh pressure from WADA. This week the Kenyan government agreed bankroll the remainder of the operation, and a final report is expected to be published by the end of March.

Wekesa said the probe was being helped along by a flurry of anonymous tip-offs, and he said the overwhelming majority of athletes where extremely enthusiastic about the investigation.

“They’re telling us: ‘We are running clean. We are working very hard, punishing our bodies. We don’t want our image to be tarnished by a few who are cheating’,” he said.

“Several things have come out. We are aware of certain shops where athletes are getting drugs. We are aware of some coaches, not just in athletics, who are giving out drugs. There are agents who are doping athletes to make more money from them,” he said.

“We have plenty of leads, and we are following them.”

Since January 2012, increased tests have netted 17 Kenyans who were cheating in athletics. None of them have been big-name record breakers, but the drug busts have contradicted previous assertions from Athletics Kenya that its runners were totally spotless.

Kenya is famed for its endurance athletes, who hold world records from 800m through to the marathon.

The country is also hoping its Rugby 7′s team could medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and sport is becoming an important source of income in many communities, particularly in the highland Rift Valley region which is fast emerging as an international training centre.

Wakesa agrees with most expert assessments that although doping is far from widespread, it does happen — either deliberately, or in many cases because of ignorance.

“The sportspersons in Kenya want to know. They are coming to us and asking for information, because they can make simple mistakes — like chewing leaves or roots which may contain a banned substance. Or they could be being given illegal supplements,” he explained.

“This whole noise has come at the right time, so we can finally put the measures and systems, including outreach and education, in place.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 14 – Kenya women’s volleyball head Coach David Lungaho, has retained the 12 that lifted the African Cup of Nations last October in Nairobi to play during the FIVB World Championships Pool U qualifiers starting Sunday at Nairobi’s Safaricom Indoor Arena.

The continental champions are drawn against Uganda, Cape Verde, Senegal, Seychelles, Mozambique and Tunisia in Pool U of the African qualifiers for the women’s FIVB World Championships scheduled for Italy later this year.

Lung’aho’s queens will be seeking to avoid the fate that befell their male counterparts who missed the single slot for the FIVB World Championships set for Poland after finishing second to Egypt in their qualifiers that ended last weekend.

The Kenya Prisons women’s tactician is braced for tough competition and urged his charges not to underrate any team despite being the African champions.

“This competition is going to be tough not only because of Senegal and Tunisia but Uganda will make it difficult too since they have improved over the last two years. Seychelles have been out for a long time but have always been a tough side.

“The level of competition is going to be very high and we are looking upon all the teams to give us opposition since there is no weak team and we must work hard every day,” Lung’aho stated Friday when naming the squad.

Captain Brackcides Agala, affirmed they are ready for the competition after having enough time to train at the venue unlike the past.

“Preparations have been good and we are looking forward to our first match that I’m sure will win.By the end of the championship, we will make our country proud as we have always done since the girl’s morale is high and we are going to do our best.”

Kenya Volleyball Federation vice-chairman, Charles Nyaberi, expressed full confidence with the team that conducted a special month-long training under the technical assistance of Argentina-born coach Raul Lozano, who is in the country to steer the African Queens for the rest of the year.

“Lozano has been attached to our country by the world governing body as the technical director with his prime function of supporting the ladies team especially in view of our new status of promotion to the FIVB grand prix.

“The entire squad is comprised of local based players and as a federation we need to expose them this year in order to be at par with teams that are better than us like Algeria and Egypt. We will make sure we find resources which have been our constraint.”

The week-long qualifiers will see Kenya begin her quest against Uganda on Sunday.

Kenya has not been performing well in the global showpiece with the latest being in 2010 where they were bundled out of the group stage in Japan.

The winner will represent Pool U in the World Championships set for Italy from September 23 to October 12 this year.

Squad

Setters: Jane Wacu and Janet Wanja, Right: Esther Wangeci, Violet Makuto, Left: Mercy Moim, Everlyne Makuto, Monicah Biama, Centers Brackcides Agala, Ruth Jepngetich, Diana Khisa, Joan Chelegat, Libero: Elizabeth Nafula.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 15- Decorated junior champion Faith Chepng’etich put together a resounding introduction into senior ranks when she humbled reigning World Cross champion, Emily Chebet, at the IAAF Permit/KCB National Cross Country Championships in Nairobi on Saturday.

After relinquishing the senior men title last year to unheralded Philemon Rono, Japan based Bedan Karoki, a sixth finisher over 10,000m at the Moscow World Championships, reclaimed the crown with a stirring final 600m victory over Leonard Barsoton, a junior World Cross silver medallist last year.

Another second medal winner from Bydgoszcz, Poland, Agnes Tirop stepped into the position vacated by Chepng’etich in emphatic fashion, completing the most commanding victory with a front-running master class in the women’s 6km junior race.

In the men’s junior 8km event, Moses Mukono outsmarted 2013 Bydgoszcz World Cross team mate, Emmanuel Bett, over the final 800m as Kenya selected 24 athletes to represent her at the Mar. 15 CAA Africa Cross Country Championships in Kampala, Uganda.

Foreign runners, including six from China, two from Ethiopia, four from Bahrain, a Ugandan and two from Eritrea took part but were drowned under the onslaught of the home runners.

Despite lacking the lustre brought by the chase for the biennial World Cross that is in its gap year, the four races on the cards at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens under clear sunny skies, the 36th edition of the meeting still served riveting action.

The headline act is undoubtedly Chepng’etich, who racked up two World Cross, World Junior and World Youth titles on her first National Cross Country Championships as a senior.

“I was very tense before the race since it was my first time but as we came towards the end, my body felt strong and I went for it. I was not expecting to win here but this will give me the morale to go to Uganda and chase the gold,” the 20-year-old who prevailed in a three-way battle for the honours beamed after the race.

Little-known Kenya Prisons runner, Peris Chepchirchir, who won the Nike Discovery Cross Country race a fortnight ago pushed to the lead in a burst that staggered the field with half of the women 8km senior showdown gone.

Behind her, Chebet, the two-time World Cross gold medallist and Africa Cross silver winner in 2012, Chepng’etich, former national junior champion, Janet Kisa and Defence Forces runner, Jemimah Chelagat, kept close tabs.

At the bell, Chepchirchir was still pushing for the upset with the two champions from Poland trailing her but with 400m to go; Chepng’etich made her move, deploying the afterburners to cut the tape in 26:10 for victory as the upstart held on for silver two seconds adrift with Chebet taking the third medal in 26:14.

“My body simply refused today, it did not happen for me,” Chebet offered.

The corresponding 12km men’s race was a battle of wits between the experienced Karoki and Barsoton who was out to make a huge impression on his first outing as a senior when the pair broke loose of the challengers on the 6km mark.

With Barsoton bravely holding on to the lead at the bell, Karoki, 23, pushed ahead of the youngster in the final kilometre before accelerating for the win in 34:55 over the last 400m as the junior silver medallist stopped the clock in 35:02 for second.

“This win gives me confidence that I’m in good shape to try the world half marathon record most likely in Lisbon and do well in 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games later.

“Those are my targets for this year so I excused myself from the Africa Cross Country team. It was a tough race against Leonard but in the end, experience helped but he will be a good runner but I wanted my title back,” Karoki declared.

Philip Kiprono (35:07), Cornelius Kangogo (35:12) and Solomon Kirwa (35:18) came ahead of sixth-placed defending champion Rono (35:20) in that order.

The 2010 World Cross champion, Joseph Ebuya, as well as foreign entries from Bahrain, Uganda, Ethiopia and Eritrea dropped out of the race as the intensity grew.

World Cross titleholder, Japheth Korir, the 2011 World Cross junior champion, Geoffrey Kipsang and New York Marathon champion, Geoffrey Mutai, were among the top athletes listed at the start that opted out from the start.

“They came here and requested permission not to run since they have races abroad and we agreed to let them since we would still have a strong team for the Africa Cross in Kampala,” Athletics Kenya vice-president in charge of administration, David Okeyo, explained.

Tirop (19:21), who played bridesmaid to Chepng’etich here and Bydgoszcz, last year, ascended to the throne by annihilating the field for a crushing 15-second victory over her nearest challenger, Lilian Kasait (19:36) with no one able to live with the Form 1 student at Kosirai Day Secondary School.

“I wanted to step into Faith’s shoes and I trained well to do it and I’m confident I can now go to Uganda and bring gold for my country like her,” the winner who strung her sixth successive victory this season told.

“It is my wish to repeat what she has done at the World Junior Championships later this year,” she added.

Namesakes and Southern Branch team mates Nancy Nzisa and Mbithe Nzisa went toe-to-toe for the final podium place settled in favour of the former 19:37 against 19:38.

Having finished 11th at the World Cross last year and eighth at the Barcelona World Junior Championships (5000m) in 2012, Mukono had a lot to prove in his final season as an age runner.

Mukono shifted base from Iten where he trained with Maasai tribesman and world 800m record holder, David Rudisha, to Nairobi where he is preparing for his final year O-level exams at Riruta Satellite School.

Facing the challenge of Poland team mate Bett who finished 22nd in Bydgoszcz, the third finisher here last year shifted the gears over the last half a kilometre to close the win in 23:04, two seconds ahead of the contender.

“Since I came to Nairobi, I train by myself and have to balance my school work with athletics. I cannot promise a gold medal in Kampala but I will do my best.

“My other target is to qualify for the World Juniors in America and get a medal in my last year as a junior,” Mukono asserted.

Apart from Karoki and James Mwangi, who finished sixth in the junior men’s race before doubts were raised about his age, Kenya selected all other top-six finishers in the Africa Cross Country team.

David Letting will lead the squad as the head coach in his fourth year in the role with Cornelius Manyara and Gregory Kilonzo, Mukono’s coach at Riruta, as his assistants.

SELECT RESULTS

Senior men 12km

1. Bedan Karoki 34:55.2
2. Leonard Barsoton 35:02.2
3. Philip Kiprono Langat 35:07.1
4. Cornelius Kangogo 35:12.6
5. Solomon Kirwa Yego 35:17.5
6. Philemon Rono 35:19.8
7. Joseph Kitur 35:26.3
8. Julius Kogo 35:29.0
9. John Melly 35:37.0
10. John Mangangi 35:43.3

Senior women 8km

1. Faith Chepng’etich 26:09.7
2. Peris Chepchirchir 26:11.7
3. Emily Chebet 26:14.4
4. Jemimah Chelagat 26:26.4
5. Janet Kisa 26:31.3
6. Beatrice Mutai 26:35.0
7. Alice Aprot 26:39.2
8. Edith Chelimo 26:40.4
9. Sharon Cherop 26:44.3
10. Mercy Cherono 26:51.2

Junior men 8km

1. Moses Mukono 23:04.0
2. Emmanuel Bett 23:06.1
3. Andrew Loret 23:16.3
4. John Langat 23:21.1
5. Elvis Cheboi 23:21.3
6. James Mwangi 23:21.7
7. Hillary Langat 23:22.6
8. Davis Kiplangat 23:30.0
9. Mike Sang 23:31.1
10. Katui Muia 23:39.5

Junior women 6km

1. Agnes Chebet 19:21.0
2. Lilian Kasait 19:35.7
3. Nancy Nzisa 19:37.1
4. Mbithe Nzisa 19:37.8
5. Rosefline Chepng’etich 19:47.6
6. Loyce Chemnung 19:47.0
7. Linah Jeruto 19:57.6
8. Jackline Chepkoech 19:58.1
9. Gloria Kite 20:00.8
10. Miriam Muthoni 20:16.0

BARCELONA, Spain, February 16- Following in the footsteps of Renaud Lavillenie and Genzebe Dibaba indoors on Saturday, the world records continued to tumble this weekend as Kenya’s Florence Kiplagat stopped the clock in 1:05:12 at the eDreams Mitja Marató de Barcelona on Sunday.

Kiplagat’s half marathon world record run * sliced 38 seconds off the previous mark of 1:05:10, which was set by her compatriot Mary Keitany at the 2011 RAK Half Marathon.

The 2010 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships gold medallist lead the race in the Catalan city from the start and actually finished fourth overall, beaten only by a trio of male runners.

She passed 10km in 31.08, which was actually more than a minute faster than her official personal best for the distance in a 10km race, and 15km in 46:35.

Her world record was more than a minute faster than she had ever run before over the distance, her previous best of 1:06:38 coming in the 2012 Rome-Ostia race.

Kiplagat won the 2013 Berlin Marathon in 2:21:13 last September and built on that base in order to launch her assault on the record, helped by almost perfect still conditions and a temperature hovering around 13 degrees Celsius.

“This is a not a day I will forget, I’m so happy! The circuit was very fast and I really want to thank my pace makers, Marc Roig and Stanley Siroro, they did a great job. I felt so well from the beginning and the weather was perfect, so I had the feeling that this could be a special day,” said the delighted Kiplagat.

The next woman was more than seven minutes in arrears, with Great Britain’s Nicola Duncan taking second place in 1:12:15.

Kipchoge completes Kenya’s great day

It was a Kenyan double victory in the Catalan city, which has witnessed world records in its Olympic stadium but never before on the roads, as former World 5000m champion Eliud Kipchoge won the men’s race in 1:00:52 and defended the title he won in Barcelona 12 months ago.

Kipchoge, and his compatriots Peter Emase and Laban Mutai, formed a leading group of three from the start and passed 5km in 14.32 and were still together at 10km, which was reached in 28.50.

Shortly afterwards, Kipchoge decided to make a move, which proved to be decisive and he left his countrymen behind, although he finished just adrift of his personal best time of 1:00:04 set at the same race in 2013.

Mutai was second in 1:01:19 and Emase third in 1:02:47. Almost 15,000 people contested the 24th edition of the race.

IAAF

* Subject to the usual ratification procedures

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 16- Chicago and Tokyo marathons champion, Dennis Kimetto remains hopeful, he will recover in time from a painful ankle to compete at the Boston Marathon on April 21.

Kimetto twisted his ankle in training last week, a move that forced him to pull out of last Friday’s RAK Half Marathon in the United Arab Emirates.

“I had to pull out. I had no time to recover and the only thing to do was to get out of the race,” said Kimetto from Eldoret.

However, the 29-year-old has already resumed training as he bids to return to top shape before jetting out to Boston in April.

“I have resumed training now. I will not be running in any other event for now until after the Boston marathon. RAK Half Marathon was supposed to help me gauge my preparedness, but unfortunately, I could not make it.”

“However, it is not all lost. The injury was not severe and I only pulled out as a matter of caution. I did not want to aggravate it and end up missing Boston,” Kimetto told Xinhua from Eldoret.

In his absence, training mate Wilson Kipsang, the World Marathon record holder, could only manage a third place finish in RAK Half on Valentines Day.

“I know the course in RAK half is tough. I was not ready to stress my foot for that and I will see how it works out in Boston,” added the 2:03:45 course record holder from last year.

It was the fastest marathon ever run in the United States and fourth fastest anywhere on a standard course. He ran near dead even splits of 1:01:52 and 1:01:53.

He set a course record for his first marathon victory at the 2013 Tokyo Marathon. In just his second race at the distance he used a strong second half to cross the finish in 2:06:50, eight seconds ahead of fellow Kenyan Michael Kipyego.

His debut marathon was in Berlin in 2012 clocking 2:04:16, where he was second to training partner Geoffrey Mutai.

“I want to run faster in Boston and that is why I will not disturb myself with any road race until then. I can make it in under 2:04. After that, I will return home, train and hope to emerge stronger and accomplished to conquer the Berlin Course, which will be a world record.”

“I have said as much to Wilson (Kipsang) when we train together that his world record is on borrowed time. I hope in September I will be able to set a new one,” he said.

Joining Kimetto in Boston will be Moses Mosop, who ran the second-fastest time ever run over a certified marathon distance with his 2:03:06 second-place finish in Boston in 2011.

Mosop then went on to win Chicago the same year. Other Kenyans are Eric Ndiema, Lisbon champion Paul Lonyangata, and Gongju winner Joel Kimurer.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 17- ‘King Jerry the saviour’ was the man they all came to see as Gor Mahia touched down from Gabon on Monday night to a heroic reception never witnessed in recent years after booking their place in the CAF Champions League preliminary round against Esperance de Tunis.

And when he appeared, the Green Army faithful who jam-packed the waiting area of the international arrivals broke into rancorous cheer, song and dance to their captain, leader, hero and to some, legend.

Skipper and custodian, Jerim Onyango, or King Jerry to his faithful, achieved the rare feat of saving four, yes four, spot-kicks in their preliminary return leg away to US Bitam as Gor sealed a 4-2 victory on post match penalties after both sides were locked at 1-1 on aggregate after 180 minutes of football.

“It feels great winning away since it’s not easy especially against a West African country where there was a lot of corruption but thanks to the entire team we made it.

“I’m very happy to have assisted my team make it through to the next round after I saved the four penalties which was not easy.” Onyango, who was elevated to almost cult status following his steady hands said.

“The referee made a very bad decision giving Bitam a penalty in the 87th. Welt as if he had gifted them the match but I calmly told the boys there is still time we can make it and luckily, God was with us and we did it,” the Harambee Stars custodian reflected on the defining moment of the game.

Having pulled off the save to send the match to extra-time with his team down to ten men, Onyango then clawed away two further penalties in the shoot-out to secure his team a re-union with the team they made history by beating them in the 1987 Africa Cup Winners Cup (Mandela Cup).

It is a match K’Ogalo were ordained to feature, having navigated the stormy waters of Gabon where all odds, including the apparent hand of the officials, were heavily stuck against them.

Coach Bobby Williamson, perhaps inspired by the sense of destiny told Capital Sport at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport his mission was to lead the club to the lucrative group stages of the top tier competition despite the stern challenge posed by two-time winners Esperance.

“I was not happy with the officials who were biased, they gave out two penalties that were not genuine but our keeper saved both and that was very great, the referee wasted a good game.

“We knew the game will be difficult but we gave our best, especially when our defender David Owino, was sent off after protesting the second penalty. But I’m happy with the boys since they gave their best,” the Scot said.

Recalling the stunning achievement of the class of 1987 as inspiration, he added: “We have two weeks to prepare before we meet Esperence and I know its going to be a difficult match since they are a top team in the continent but I’m sure they also have respect to our team after beating them 27 years ago.

“The boys had a tremendous outing in Gabon and the reception was fantastic but when their fans saw officials were not fair to us, they turned against them and supported us something that boosted our morale.”

Williamson also lauded club officials for ensuring their testing trip went on smoothly.

“They left no stone untouched unlike when I was coaching Uganda where we had to struggle to get into countries and participate in a competition,” the former Uganda Cranes tactician asserted.

On Esperance, Onyango who led Gor to their first title in 18 years last season observed, “It’s a big match and I’m privileged because the last time Gor played them I was three years old. It’s a dream come true and as a team we are going to work together and I’m sure we will make it.”

In spite of being sent off, dependable Stars defender Owino is optimistic the team will perform without him at the back.

“The match was good and the boys tried their best because playing away is not easy. I received a second booking after I protested to the referee following a penalty that he awarded the host which was not genuine.

“He wanted to reduce us so that the hosts can take advantage and it happened but that’s how football is,” the player fondly known as ‘Calabar’ following his man-of-the-match performance during a World Cup qualifier in the Nigerian coastal city last year where Kenya held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw described.

Club chairman Ambrose Rachier, who accompanied the team to Gabon called upon CAF to take disciplinary action against the Liberia officials for being biased.

“I have never seen such biased officiating, its like we  played against 14 people apart from the match commissioner who was fair. It was intended that they should win that’s why he gave out one penalty after another.

“I have been already contacted by Esperance chairman they should be arriving in Nairobi by February 27. They are a tough team, we have heard about them and we are prepared for the match,” Rachier who is also the Kenyan Premier League chairman stated.

JKIA was a cacophony of song, dance and colour as the Green Army thronged the busy airport w showered praises for Onyango labelling him the savior.

“We have come to receive our players and we are very happy with the way they played. We are ready for Esperance but we are worried for the defence since Owino, picked a red card,” Kevin Owiyo, a supporter expressed.

“I’m very happy for Jerim,who saved four penalties that’s why I have come to receive them. They have already finished the preliminary round and they are heading to a tough stage so they need to work hard in their training  and we wish them all the best,” said Anne Achien’g, a K’Ogalo diva.

Gor will host Esperance in their first leg in Nairobi on the weekend of March 1 before a return leg set for a week later in Tunis.

They open their domestic title defence on Thursday against Nairobi City Stars but for now, the party goes on.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 18 – There will be no repeat of 1987 when Gor Mahia meet Esperance in the first round of the CAF Champions League next month, the man who scored the goal that sunk the Tunisian giants in the final of the Cup Winners Cup, Peter Dawo, has declared.

Dawo, immortalised in K’Ogalo folklore for firing the header that gave the club a 1-0 win on aggregate, has urged the class of 2014 that booked a date with the Blood and Bold to expect a tough encounter when they welcome the team back to Nairobi on March 2, 27 years after they stunned the Maghreb giants.

To stand a chance of upsetting the two-time continental club champions and qualifying for the second round, Dawo who also featured in the 1988 and 90 Africa Cup of Nations, challenged K’Ogalo to score at least two goals without reply at home.

“A lot has changed from our time and that has made it even difficult for Gor to beat Esperance since most of the teams nowadays have good training facilities and money to play for. Comparing the two, the North African team has an upper-hand because they are far more developed than us.

“Gor have to plan their strategies well since the Arabs are very fast and if they score one goal, it will be difficult to equalise,” Dawo who is an uncle to former Harambee Stars winger, Patrick Oboya, told Capital Sport from Kisumu.

The Gor legend who serves as a counselor in the Department of Social Services is perturbed by club officials who he claims have neglected to seek advice of players who brought glory to the club in the past.

“They should have come for advice from us but none of them has approached. We have the experience and understand how it feels playing against them and with the match coming we could give the boys morale.

“North Africans are committed when playing and that’s why the likes of Al Ahly, Zamalek and Esperance perform well in the continental showpiece. For us we did our part and recorded a history that will stay forever, its now their turn to register good results,” he asserted.

On his crowning moment when he led K’Ogalo to become the only team in East African team to have won continental silverware, Dawo underscored it was achieved with the backing of a potent squad.

Talented players such Gor assistant coach Bobby Ogolla, Abbas Magongo and Austin Oduor, father to Stars shot-stopper Arnold Origi, among others inspired them to lift the Mandela Cup at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in presence of then Head of State Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi.

“Those were the good sweet old days when we were playing football with all our hearts unlike nowadays where footballers are paid. We were determined to win the trophy after holding Esperance in the first leg in Tunis, after coming from behind to score in the 90th minute and see the match end 2-2.

“In the return leg, we needed only a goal to seal the victory which we got after I headed home  Magongo’s corner.”

K’Ogalo qualified for the first round after eliminating US Bitam of Gabon 4-2 on post match penalties in the preliminaries and will travel to Tunis for the return leg a week later.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 19 – Former world marathon record holders, Tegla Loroupe, and two-time world champion Catherine Ndereba, will run alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta’s spouse, Margaret, during the inaugural First Lady’s Half Marathon set for March 9 at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens.

Race organisers on Wednesday announced they will use the Sotokoto Half Marathon course that starts at Uhuru Gardens through Mbagathi way, Lang’ata and Mombasa roads before turning back at General Motors for the to finish at the starting point to run the event.

“Preparations are going on well and we might get some officials from other regions to assist in making the race a success. At least 20 elite athletes will be turning up to participate alongside Loroupe and Ndereba who will run with the First lady until the end of the 21km,” Athletics Kenya (AK) Nairobi branch chairman, Barnaba Korir, who will co-ordinate the event said.

AK vice-president in charge of administration David Okeyo said all IAAF rules will be observed, with doping control in place with plans afoot to make the event an annual affair.

“We are liaising with relevant authorities to ensure all goes well with the first edition before we make it bigger next year. This is a charitable event and money collected will be used to develop health facilities in the country.

“We invite everybody to turn up since there will be a lot of activities going on,” Okeyo added.

Nairobi Area Traffic commander, Senior Superintendent Musyoki Mutungi, assured tight security in line with arrangements in place for mass activity, not because of the involvement of the First Lady.

“On the Marathon day, we will close Lang’ata road from Uhuru Highway up to Southern by-pass junction. Mombassa Road will also be closed from City Cabanas up to Lusaka Road round about from 5am to 1pm.

“The event will be secured since we will not take any thing for granted, there will be thorough screening before entering the venue and we advice motorists to park at Carnivore grounds,” the police boss outlined.

Registration has opened and will close March 2 with individual participants paying Sh1,000 (USD11.6) while corporate teams will be levied Sh100,000 (USD 1,158.1) to participate.

Funds collected from the race will go towards purchasing a well equipped mobile clinic in all 47 Counties.The First Lady will use the event to prepare for April 13th London Marathon in her effort to raise awareness and Funds.

Half Marathon winners will pocket Sh200, 000 (USD 2,316.2) while 10km champion will receive Sh100, 000 (USD 1,158.08).

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 19- As the king of British distance running Mo Farah’s star continues to dazzle, compatriot and world women record holder, Paul Radcliffe is confident the double Olympics and Worlds track champion will leave an imprint at April 13’s London Marathon.

Having been accustomed to the unrelenting gaze, inquiry and massive following from the sports mad country, Radcliffe who passed on the spotlight to Farah, knows best the immense pressure to deliver placed on his shoulders when he makes his full marathon debut.

The million dollar question is can Farah once again rule London by upsetting a stellar field that includes among others record holder, Wilson Kipsang (Kenya), Olympics and world champion, Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda), defending champion, Tsegay Kebede (Ethiopia) and course record holder, Emmanuel Mutai (Kenya).

“Whenever they (Londoners/Britons) see Mo race they expect him to win, it’s a very high expectation. Without any doubt he is going to go in, going to run fast and he is going to run really well

“It’s a high quality field he is up against, I don’t doubt he will run his absolute best and he will be up there,” Radcliffe who holds the 2:15:25 world record for women told.

Prodded further on whether Farah can apply the icing on his hugely anticipated debut with what even he ranks would be the highlight of a decorated career, Radcliffe is more forthright.

“He is capable of it but there are many capable of that this year since it’s a very high standard field. It’s a very difficult question to ask when you are making your debut because nobody really knows until they run the marathon distance.

“They do not know how they are going to cope and react in the last 10K and how their body is going to hold together. Even Mo himself will not know that, he will have a good idea in training its best to sit back and enjoy the show but I know he will do well,” Radcliffe who is also training in Iten like Farah underscores.

Now past 40, the mother of two is weighing whether to have her swansong at the distance where she distinguished herself in winning six out seven marathons ran and set a record in five.

Radcliffe has four of the fastest five times in history having bagged London, New York, Chicago and World Championships crowns to break the African monotony in the past decade.

“I don’t know it’s late in my career for that. I’m already 40 and have a lot of races behind me I would maybe like to come back and do one more race and finish on. I really have to see how my foot can cope because the marathon distance on road is a lot to ask,” the 2005 world champion underlined.

Her standard is one of the records in athletics where most pundits agree it will stand the test of time as it prepares to mark its tenth anniversary in April in London.

Organisers of the event have nonetheless drawn a tough field capable of attempting to breach it including Kenyan duo of defending champion, Priscah Jeptoo who recently won the Ras Al Khaimah Half and Berlin champion, Florence Kiplagat who smashed the half marathon world record last weekend in Barcelona.

“I hope so obviously it will survive, but records are there to be broken and the talent on the field is capable of doing that, so we have to see,” she told on the possibility of the class of London 2014 breaching her mark.

The imposing London elite women’s line-up also includes Olympics champion, Tiki Gelana (Ethiopia), two-time world champion, Edna Kiplagat and another sparkling debut prospect in the shape of multiple Olympics and Worlds track queen, Tirunesh Dibaba also of Ethiopia breaching her record.

Despite what most analysts believe, Radcliffe dispels the notion she set the bar beyond the reach of fellow mortals in a race assisted by men during the 2003 London race.

“I don’t know, is the answer I worked very hard to make the record that day, as fast fastest I could go that day in the hope it would stand for as long as possible

“That is what I hope but I understand everybody is capable of training equally hard and surpassing it.”

In a career that saw her medal on track, cross country and marathon at Olympics, Worlds and European championships, two achievements stand out for Britain’s most famous female distance athlete.

“The 2:15:25 but to actually to win the World Cross in 2001 because it took a long time, seconds thirds and fourth before it came together is very special to me,” she tells.

Radcliffe was among global running stars involved in the Lornah Kiplagat Sports Academy in Iten that opened the first tartan outside Kenya’s capital Nairobi earlier this month.

She will be among the beneficiaries of the facility since she is camped at the Lornah Kiplagat High Altitude Training Centre in the same northern Kenyan town famed for being the self styled University of Champions.

“I cannot take any credit for the initiative. That has been the had work of Lorna, Peter her husband and the London Marathon group, they have put a lot of investment financially and a lot of effort in bringing this about

“It’s a great facility and good testament to the hard work they have done and the work they have put in,” Radclife explained.

The academy was funded by grants from the Virgin Money London Marathon in a partnership that also incorporates the British Olympics Association and the Lornah Kiplagat Foundation established by the Kenyan born Dutch former world half marathon record holder of the name.

“I think it’s very important for the town of Iten and local athletes to have this facility. It’s an amazing opportunity to put the final touches to a training environment that is outstanding in many ways and it now has a track as well,” Radcliffe added on the training complex that will see British and Kenyan athletes train for future major events.

She concludes by stating what it would take for budding runners keen on emulating her example from the UK and her adopted home of Kenya.

“I think it’s essentially having the physical talent for the distance but also to be able to absorb the amount of training you need to do.

“It’s making sure you find the people with talent to apply themselves in training and put the work in and the mentally want to attack the distance and they should be given enough support.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 20- Emmanuel Mutai was probably thinking of a rousing home coming party in the final stages of the 2013 Virgin Money London Marathon when the inexplicable happened.

In the final kilometre, Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia surged past Mutai to win in 2:06:04 with compatriot Ayele Abshero finishing third behind the dispirited Kenyan who was left to rue what could have been.

And it was not over. In November, Mutai lined up for Chicago Marathon and ran the fastest he has ever completed the classic distance, a huge 2:03:52 lifetime best but once again, the monumental effort was only good enough for second.

Hip hop superstar, Nelly, once chorused in his hit #1, “Two is not a winner and three nobody remembers (hey)/what does it take to be number one?”

That must be a line replaying in Mutai’s head in his own terms on loop as he prepares for the April 13 London Marathon.

Despite the fact he is the course record holder (2:04:10) and has finished runner-up on two other occasions, Mutai, 29, is not the rank favourite at an event where he is facing two athletes who have ran faster than him in world record holder, Wilson Kipsang (2:03:24) and namesake Geoffrey Mutai (2:03:02) and home favourite, Mo Farah, the marquee debutant among others.

“This time, the field is so hard and I need to prepare myself very well for the tough competition,” Mutai spoke of the elite line-up that also includes Tsegay, Olympics and world champion, Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda), Boston winner, Lelisa Desisa (Ethiopia) and 2012 Paris titleholder, Stephen Biwott.

Pace making will be fronted by none other than former world record holder and Ethiopia’s distance running legend, Haile Gebrsellasie to boot.

2013 mistake

“Last year, I made a mistake but I don’t say it was one. The preparation for that race was not good for me but my thought was to go and try my best. I really did my best and was very happy with what I did.

“This time, I know the field is so strong. So you have to apply skills there because everyone will be focusing on how the field is. Everybody there is so strong, the competition is tough so you have to use your skills and brains to tackle the race,” the 2011/12 World Marathon Majors jackpot winner underlined.

Mutai gave insight into how he was getting equipped to face such intense competition that can make even the best buckle under the weight of expectations.

“I’m going there to run my own race as far as the competition is concerned. When the field is so strong, everybody fears because you don’t know the shape of your opponents but at the end of the day, there must to be a winner.”

He concedes his 2:04:10 course record might not survive April 13 if conditions are perfect to encourage the gifted line-up to go out at full pelt, including himself.

“The course record may be broken this year if the pace goes smoothly. Sometimes, pace makers don’t reach the point they deserve to be and that is the problem with pacing London.

“Sometimes people are so crazy, the pace is crazy so I’m prepared for anything to be in that category that will be going for the win,” the 2011 winner declared.

Reflecting on trailing Dennis Kimetto (2:03:45) across the line in Chicago last fall as he became the fastest ever second finisher in a certified course, Mutai maintains again he was not at his best.

“I achieved my goal, I was not expecting to run a fast time because after London, my training did not go as well as I expected and I said let me go and try in Chicago. The weather was okay and also we did not run so fast because we crossed at 61:57.

“Our expectation was 61:50 to 61:52 but I ran faster in the second half and when I reached the mark of 2:03, I was happy although I came number two. What matters to me is time since I improved my personal best.”

Going faster

Encouraged by dipping under 2:04, the 2009 Worlds silver medallist believes he can go faster in the near future.

“If my body responds well, it’s possible. I cannot say it will happen in London but after April, the results will determine what will be my plan for the fall.”

Mutai will run his seventh London Marathon and he is revving to make the milestone memorable having hoped to close his chapter at the World Marathon Majors flagship last year with victory.

“Even last year, I wanted to run for the last time but after doing well, they said I should come this year.

“Having been in London a few times, I’m aiming to do my best this year so that if I never return, I will have left some history there.”

Despite winning the 2011 London and 2007 Amsterdam marathons, Mutai is famed in the elite circuit as the eternal bridesmaid following an amazing sequence of seven silver position finishes at major events.

It started at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin where in 2:07:48; he finished behind compatriot Abel Kirui in what remains the fastest losing time in the history of the biennial event.

The following April, Mutai was second behind the late Samuel Wanjiru in London with 2:06:23 on the clock and later on that year, he was once again beaten to the tape by Tsegay in New York.

In 2011, Mutai finally caught the bouquet in London but in New York, he was again beaten to the tape by countryman and namesake G Mutai. However, his second finish in 2:06:28 was enough to confirm him the World Marathon Majors winner for 2010/11 as he collected the $500,000 jackpot.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February- Ugandan internationals Dan Sserunkuma and Geoffrey Kizito led Gor Mahia to launch their Kenyan Premier League title defence with a resounding 2-0 win over Nairobi City Stars on Thursday at Nairobi’s City Stadium.

K’Ogalo talisman Sserunkuma opened the deadlock in the ninth minute before compatriot and Cranes team mate the new signing Kizito sealed victory with the second in the 67th.

However, the match was delayed for 15 minutes after Green Army fans caused chaos at the entrance after tickets ran out compelling police officers to lob teargas at them before they were allowed in for free.

Following the opening day’s win, head coach Bobby Williamson, declined to underline their title credentials despite his team completing a commanding victory.

“We could have scored many goals but their goal keeper was good enough to deny us. They got several chances after we scored the opener but when we got the second, I was certain we will win the game.

“The players have picked up well on their level fitness after playing in the champions league but we will continue training ahead of our nest match,” Williamson added.

The Scot the slammed the referee stating, “I’m just disappointed he did not protect my players that saw Timona Wanyonyi stretchered off while Shaban Kenga had to be rested after he picked a knock.”

K’Ogalo opened their KPL account three days after returning from Gabon where they completed a 4-2 win on penalties over US Bitam after both sides were locked 1-1 on aggregate over two legs of their CAF Champions League preliminary clash.

New City Stars Coach, Robinson Ofuokwu, was not disappointed with the result saying the team is still undergoing transition.

“They have done their best but the coordination and positioning cost us a lot but we will go back and do the necessary corrections and we look forward for the next match.

“We have not had enough time to do preparation since I’m new in the club, there is a lot we need to rectify,” the Nigerian told.

K’Ogalo enjoyed possession for the better part of the game after launching straight into attack from the offset.

Sserunkuma tried City Stars custodian, Fredrick Majani, after heading a Wanyonyi cross but keeper saved with his left foot.

Wanyonyi was at it again, bringing in a cross from the right flank to find former Chemelil forward Jared Obwoge, who headed only for the keeper to stand tall.

The combination of Sserunkuma, Kenga, Obwoge and Wanyonyi finally paid dividends after good interchange of play saw the Ugandan striker, their top scorer in the last two seasons, sink a header past Majani.

Former K’Ogalo midfielder, Kevin Ochien’g was unlucky when he saw his sizzling shot fly went wide but City Stars were back on the cosh with their defence blocking Kenga’s shot with Simon Ogutu scything down Kizito as he went for the rebound.

In the 35th, Ochien’g blasted his wide with Musa Mohamed racing to the other end to cross from the right for Sserunkuma who was thwarted from notching his double by defender John Amboko.

With Obwoge and Kenga looking busy without penetration, Dennis Okoth almost brought the sides level in a rare attack but keeper Jerim Onyango rescued the danger to see Gor enjoy a 1-0 lead at the breather.

Ten minutes into the second half, former cult hero, George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo was brought on for Wanyonyi after he was hacked down by Ogwae.

Gor continued pressing and sealed the points when Kizito, unleashed a cracker few meters outside the box to score the second after Sserunkuma’s initial shot hit defenders and the ball rebounded back to his foot.

Williamson brought in Innocent Mutiso and Rama Salim, who tried to break through the City Star back four but there were to be no further strikes.

Gor next play Mathare United away on Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos while City Stars face Bandari.