NAIROBI, Kenya, March 12- AFC Leopards 50th birthday turned sour when they were diluted by a solitary goal at struggling Muhoroni Youth in a mid week Kenyan Premier League match at Muhoroni Sports Complex.

Coach James Nandwa, who opted to rest Harambee Stars forward Allan Wanga and winger Wafula, could not pick his side up from clashing out of the CAF Confederations Cup to South Africa’s SuperSport United after going down 4-2 on goal aggregate after a 2-2 stalemate on Sunday.

Muhoroni welcomed their new tactician Francis Baraza in a style with Abbas Akinyemi, kissing the net in 19th.

The host could have opened the scores three minutes after kick-off through Ibrahim Ateng’s corner but keeper Martin Musalia cleared the danger.

Seven minutes later Akinyemi saw his shot go wide for a goal kick with Ezekiel Otuoma picking the ball but ended up wasting the chance with his off target shot.

Muhoroni’s pressure on Leopards defence paid through in the 19th when Akinyemi was awarded a freeckick at the edge of the box to open the deadlock.

The match was stopped for eight minutes after Ingwe players protested the goal but their plea landed on referees deaf ears.

Muhoroni concede a corner in 31st that was taken by Paul Were but his cross was cleared by defender Daniel Kiptoo.

With nine minutes to the breather, Were and Edwin Wafula were booked for infringement as Muhorono enjoyed 1-0 to half-time.

On resumption, Nandwa strengthened his attacking by introducing Charles Okwemba for Ezekiel Seda but he did not manage to break through Muhoroni defence who seemed to seat back, as Kiptoo was booked for wasting time in 61st.

Baraza substituted goal scorer Akinyemi for Tetieh Olesu, as Leopards enjoyed possession but could not restore parity as Muhoroni played hard to get, defending for the important three points.

Ingwe nearly levlled in 75th through Mike Khamati but his strike went wide.

Nandwa brought in Oscar Kadenge for Ugandan Musa Mudde in the midfield but the son of football legend Joe Kadenge could not lift his side as Muhoroni under their new coach who was appointed on Tuesday won their first match of the season following three straight loses.

The result further piles on the pressure on the Harambee Stars assistant coach with Leopards, presumed title candidates, yet to win a game this season despite heavy spending on the transfer market with defender Joseph Shikokoti, who was acquired from Tusker for Sh700,000 in the most expensive deal starting on the bench.

The GOtv Shield winners are now occupying the other relegation spot on two points as climbed one up to 14th.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 13 – National 7s head coach Paul Treu, is banking experience gained from previous five legs to excel in the sixth and seventh rounds of HSBC Sevens World Series in Japan and Hong Kong.

The South African has made only one change to his travelling party of 12, giving Lunch Bar Quins sweeper Maxwell Theuri, his first cap because veteran Humphrey Kayange, will not be available due to school commitments.

The team was also boosted by the return of captain Andrew Amonde, who missed USA and New Zealand rounds due to a shoulder injury picked while the team was in George, South Africa, for a 10-day camp training.

“We are trying to build on consistency in terms of giving new players opportunity and exposure to international level.

“We are progressing well since from the first tour in Dubai up to Wellington we made eight changes and now we have only made one, I’m happy our skipper Amonde is back in the mix so hopefully the continuity will translate to our results as well.

“The team can be better if the individual is better and this is something that we will work on as we are going forward each player must become better and take ownership of this team.

“We need to become player driven environment where they are taking charge and setting the standards,” the former Blitzbokke tactician who is yet to lead his charged to the Main Cup semis this season stated on Thursday while unveiling the squad.

He urged his boys to be prepared for a tough outing since they will meet experienced sides in their Group where Kenya is in Pool B alongside his former employer South Africa who they have failed to beat in Port Elizabeth and Las Vegas, Argentina and host Japan.

“We have set our bar high since we will be accountable on our performance and we are looking forward to the next two tournaments and we will like to see progression its not going to be easy since even when we qualify to the quarters we will meet top teams but we are but for the challenge.

“Our defence has grown since we have improved on our tackles and we were ranked the second best in Wellington since we scored the most tries so we must keep on building in the platform and hopefully the wins will come.

“If one compares this team to last season then you are wrong since we have been meeting big teams early in the quarters it’s going to be very tough, last year Kenya played top fives teams 26 percent but we have already played them 42 percent in the last five tournaments,” he claim.

Kenya Commercial utility player Amonde said many teams have stepped up their game and there is no team to underrate.

“The team played well its unfortunate they did have their best but we can’t crucify them and we are prepared well for the sixth and seventh rounds we hope for the best.

“It’s a challenging group since playing South Africa after playing them twice, Argentina are ranked above us on the standings and Japan will be having the home support but we are going to put our heads high and we expect the best,” the skipper said.

The new kid on the bock, Theuri, said he intends to use the opportunity to fight for his position and be a regular in the national team.

“I feel like my effort has been recognized though it has not been easy to all the way to the top. I have to embrace this opportunity and become professional since the big boys are giving me support.

“I started from scratch with Quins since rugby was not my sport I had to learnt it and I’m so humbled to make it to the national team, the only challenge is to maintain to the team,” the back who used to play soccer expressed.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Mwangi Muthee, challenged the boys to step up their game and go back to the winning ways since it’s long overdue.

“We still have to develop our high performance structures and it will not come overnight since its needs investment and we urge the Government to help us achieve this.

“That’s why most of the time we are heading to South Africa to get that experience. I was honoured to have a chat with President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is our patron and said rugby fans are getting anxious that we are not winning and he send me to tell you Kenyans want a trophy.

“Its high time coaches and players take responsibility and make a kill since time has come,” the KRU chief declared.

Kenya Air Ways CEO Titus Naikuni said, “I will like to ensure everybody that we are fully behind and satisfied with the management of KRU. The players should not close themselves on playing in our local circuit; you should go out there and play against established teams to get the exposure

“We as Kenya Airways we will be watching on you so don’t individualize your mistakes just give your best and make us proud.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 14 – Team Kenya departed for Uganda on Friday on a mission to complete a gold medal sweep when they line up for the Africa Cross Country Championships at the Kololo Grounds in Kampala on Sunday.

Francis Afudi, the team manager told Capital Sport at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that his charges were out to replicate their performance at the 2011 edition in South Africa where the country won eight out of eight gold medals.

The team won six out of eight with Ethiopia taking the junior men individual honours and junior women team honours in their first showing at the continental showpiece having skipped the 2011 running.

“Our target is to sweep all medals because we are familiar with the climate though we expect competition from our perennial rivals Ethiopia, South Africa and hosts Uganda since most Kenyans have migrated to the neighboring country,” the team manager added.

Reigning World Cross junior women titleholder, Faith Chepng’etich Kipyegon, will make her debut for her country as a senior in cross country with the hopes of an entire nation once again vested in her young shoulders.

World Cross champion, Emily Chebet and Jemimah Sumgong, the 2012 Boston Marathon runner-up, dropped out from the squad earlier this week with Bydgoszcz 2010 World Cross runner, Alice Aprot and Edith Chelimo taking their slots in the Kampala squad. Peris Chepchirchir and Punta Umbria World Cross fifth finisher in the junior race, Janet Kisa, completing the women 8km long race squad.

In the absence of two-time National Champion, Bedan Karoki in the men 12km race, World Cross junior silver medallist, Leonard Barsoton, who graduated this year, has the task of cementing his reputation by scaling the continental heights.

Karoki opted out of Kampala as he prepares for his London Marathon debut in April and won the Worlds’ Best 10K race in Puerto Rico on February 23 in 28:35.

Moses Mukono, who bagged the domestic series jackpot before winning the national crown is the stud in the men junior 8km race with equally storming World Cross junior silver medallist, Agnes Chebet, who inherited the slot vacated by Chepng’etich, remains unbeaten this year in the junior women 6km race.

At the last edition, Kenya collected nine individual medals (three gold, silver and bronze) with Chepg’etich winning the junior race. Kenya also bagged three team gold medals in the senior men and women races as well as junior men.

The team is expected to jet back on Monday.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 15- The SWD Eagles scored a convincing victory in their second Vodacom Cup match when they smashed the Tusker Simba XV 51-7 (25-0 halftime) on a windy City Park-stadium in Athlone, Cape Town.

With the the win the Eagles scored their first victory of the season, but for the Tusker Simba XV, who beat the EP-Kings by 17-10 in the first round, it is back to the drawing board after an unconvincing display against the Eagles.

The men from George came out running on Saturday and managed to score nine tries in the process. The Kenyan-side had to do most of the defending throughout the game but showed some promise on the attack when they had the ball in hand.

Speedsters Hentzwill Pedro, Duwayne Smart and Daniel Robberts and looseforwards Shaun Raubenheimer and Janneman Stander all scored in the first half for the visiting team after some excellent interplay between the SWD forwards and backline players.

The five tries in the first half secured the bonus point for the Eagles and they kept the big Kenyan-forwards out of the game by starving them of possession.

Even against 14 men the Tusker Simba XV could not score any points.

The Eagles started off the second 40 minutes where they stopped in the first.

They kept the Kenyans under pressure by running the ball at them. The Kenyans saw more of the ball in the second half but unforced errors kept the team from scoring any points.

Even with the wind in their face the Eagles kept running the ball at the Kenyans and managed to score a further four more tries in the second half to stretch their lead to 51-0.

The Tusker Simba XV grabbed a converted consolation try in the dying seconds of the game through lock Wilson Kopondo.

SCORERS:

Tusker Simba XV: Try: Wilson Kopondo. Conversion: Kenny Andula.

SWD Eagles: Tries: Daniel Roberts (2), Hentzwill Pedro (2), Shaun Raubenheimer, Duwayne Smart, Janneman Stander, Christo du Plessis, Martin du Toit. Conversions: Karlo Aspeling (3).

- By SuperSport.com

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 16- Pamela Lisoreng, 25, who competed for Kenya at the 2006 World Cross Country Championships in Fukuoka, tragically passed on Saturday after training in Eldoret, her management, International Athletics Consultancy (IAC) has confirmed.

“With a strong sense of shock and disbelief I am reaching out to all our friends and associates and athletics fraternity at large with sad news of tragic passing of Pamela Lisoreng of Kenya.

“Pamela finished earlier today (Saturday) her run and on her way back home she suddenly collapsed and was pronounced dead by the time she reached the hospital in Eldoret. No further information is available at this stage,” Zane Branson, IAC Director, said in a statment.

“Pamela’s husband, Boniface Kirui, young son, family, friends and numerous athletes have lost wonderful spouse, mother, loved one and friend.

“Pamela’s gentle nature and warm smile are what is to live with us in these days of mourning and forever,” he added.

Lisoreng finished eighth in the Fukuoka World Cross running as a junior runner helping her nation to scoop the team title in the women’s 6km race although she did not score.

Athletics Kenya (AK) through its president, Isaiah Kiplagat, expressed shock over the tragic demise of the Eldoret-based athlete.

“AK is shocked by the tragic death of this promising female athlete who represented our country with pride during the 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, where she was part of the victorious junior women 6km team with the likes of Pauline Korikwiang and Veronica Nyaruai.

“At this trying moment, we stand by her husband, Boniface Kirui and her young son as well as the athletics community in Eldoret who have lost a loving wife, mother, sister and beloved friend,” Kiplagat added.

“While we wait to establish the cause of her untimely death, let us not speculate on the causes to give her family the peace they need to deal with this devastating loss.

“AK will deliberate on what support we shall render the family and will communicate the same in due course,” the federation boss stated.

Lisoreng, a Kenya Police Service runner, distinguished herself as a solid distance athlete, marking her marathon debut last year with 2:34:13 for fourth at Hengshui in China.

She ran her career best 1:10:09 over the half marathon last year in Prague and was a regular at the Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Series besides finishing sixth at the 2012 Nationals over 5000m and winning the 2009 Tegla Loroupe Peace Race in Kapenguria.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 17 – The triumphant 2014 Africa Cross Country Championships team arrived from their stomping ground in Kampala Monday with its stars promising more of the same at other international engagements this season.

Kenya swept all eight gold medals in another commanding performance that left 25 other nations that took part with no choice than to bow to the kings.

Upon arrival, the squad of 24 runners and seven officials were treated to a sumptuous luncheon in their honour as they reveled in their crowning achievement at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Sunday afternoon.

In a repeat of their achievement at the 2010 World Cross and 2011 Africa Cross, the team won four individual and four team gold medals. Only the junior men bronze and junior women silver individual medals eluded their grasp as they embarked on total domination.

Having ascended to four world titles and two continental crowns as a junior, all eyes were on two-time World Cross junior titleholder, Faith Chepng’etich and she did not disappoint, delivering the top medal on her first foray as a senior in cross country.

“The race had a lot of challenges since we had to go through hills and valleys but our main aim was to lock out Ethiopians and ensure their first athlete comes in seventh. It was so nice seeing only Kenyans competing for the top three positions, it wasn’t easy but we tried our strategy and it worked.

“I’m happy because I graduated well from junior to senior since it’s not easy to go through all the stages from Youth to senior and win,” the 20-years-old who captained the senior women team told Capital Sport having won her race in 25:33.02 ahead of teammates Janet Kisa (25:41.30), Alice Aprot (25:46.48) and Edith Chelimo (26:02.48) who sealed the perfect ten.

The former Winners’ High School student has set her sights at medalling at the Scotland Commonwealth Games this summer having failed to scale the podium at the London 2012 Olympics and Moscow 2013 World Championships.

“I will give it my best and make sure I and Hellen Obiri, who won bronze at 2013 Moscow World Championships bring medals to our country if we will make it to the squad.”

The corresponding long race champion, Leonard Barsoton, who also graduated to senior running after winning World Cross junior silver in Poland last year, has trained his guns on the 10000m during the Commonwealth Games/Africa Athletics Championships Trials as he soaked adulation for his performance.

“We approached the race with a plan where we started by blocking our opponents and ensured all our colleagues leads the race. I decided to open the gap since I thought someone could come from no where and scoop me the victory and I thank God since there was no stiff competition and I’m so happy that all the top-five spot were claimed by Kenyans,” the Japan based athlete enthused.

Barsoton (34:26) breast the tape unchallenged with Cornelius Kangogo (34:56), Philemon Rono (35:02), Solomon Kirwa (35:15) and Philip Langat (35:20) finishing in that order to complete yet another perfect 10.

In yet another notable first for the Kampala contingent, Moses Mukono and Agnes Jebet won the men and women junior titles ensuring all national champions returned home with the top medal. Previously, winning the Kenyan championship has always been a yoke many have struggled to remove from their necks at subsequent international competitions.

“I feel happy for making my country proud and as we were in Uganda I expected stiff competition from Ethiopia, Uganda and Eritrea but after two kilometers I realized there was no competitor and I easily broke away and won.

“This was my last cross country for junior and I’m very happy because this will give me motivation and encouragement to prepare for the senior and I hope to do well,” the African junior 5000m champion Mukono, who is on his last lap as a junior this season, gushed.

Eritrea’s Berhane Afewerki (22:56.45) worked his way among the Kenyans to nick individual bronze in the only ‘blot’ of a splendid performance as Mukono (22:36.80) and Andrew Lorot (22:50.19) arrived home for gold and silver.

Namesakes Kiprono (22:58.70) and Kipkemoi (23:01.97) sealed the team honours by finishing fourth and fifth.

The Kampala gold rush was set off by Agnes Tirop, who succeeded Chepng’etich as national junior women 6km cross titleholder having been led by the senior titleholder to the altar in Bydgoszcz last year.

She is not afraid of mixing it with the seniors as she eyes a slot in the national team for the Commonwealth Games over 5000m, a distance she won World Junior bronze in Barcelona.

“I did not expect to win gold since the competition was no that easy but I’m happy for this victory. I’m now planning for Commonwealth Games where I hope to make it to the team and compete in 5000m,” the gold winner who clocked 18:50.74 for victory after shrugging off the spirited challenge of Ethiopian silver winner and favourite, Alemitu Heroye (19:04.73) said.

Compatriots Nancy Nzisa (19:16.18), Rosefline Chepngetich (19:39.71) and Kasait Rengeruk (19:50.74) trooped home in that order to occupy the next three places to secure the team title.

Head coach David Letting, applauded his charges tipping them to form the core of future Kenya teams to international events such as World Youth and Youth Olympics Games scheduled for Nanjing, China in August.

“We registered fantastic results and winning all eight gold medals in Kampala, this was a repeat in Poland where we clinched all the medals at the World Cross Country.

“This is a future team for Kenya and I’m urging all coaches and officials to retain and monitor them since they are capable of representing the country Olympics games in 2016. All are under 22 years.”

Athletic Kenya (AK) President Isaiah Kiplagat, urged coaches and agents not to expose young athletes to many races to avoid them burning out before they build careers.

“This was splendid performance since they went there prepared and came out victorious. We have beaten the world and Africa so the only problem is to maintain the spirit of winning.

“Our athletes who won in Kampala are very young and this is their first ladder so I can comfortable say we have a team to depend on in future,” he expressed.

“I’m pleading to the coaches please don’t destroy the athletes before they attain their potential to represent the country by taking them to many competitions since they have to be around for at least  some time to survive in this sport.

“I urge all young athletes not to rush into being registered by agents since they should space their competitions and programmes and avoid running now and then in different road races,” the AK chief added.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 18 – By all accounts, James Nandwa, is a dead man walking at the AFC Leopards’ head coach hot seat if reports of his imminent departure are to be believed. With time running out on his tenure, the midweek Kenyan Premier League clash against inform Sony Sugar could not have come at a worse time.

There has been no respite for the Harambee Stars assistant head coach with Ingwe winless in four league matches thus far, a catastrophe considering they were nominated title contenders ahead of the current campaign.

With Wednesday’s match set to be televised live on SuperSport, Nandwa could well suffer the added indignity of his last rites being laid bare to a Pan African audience.

That is unless Leopards fulfill their enormous potential against a team ran by a man who knows all too well about the pressure of managing one of Kenya’s big clubs when the going is tough.

Sony’s Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno was hounded out of Gor Mahia after leading the club to a second finish in the 2009 KPL and winning the domestic cup after K’Ogalo failed to win in eight and having re-invented himself at the cane cutters, he will definitely not hand Nandwa any gifts.

“This is our time to start winning and go all the way to clinching the league title. I’m sure we will do so since we have a formidable squad,” the beleaguered Nandwa maintained.

The man who led the club to the GOtv Shield and a storming run to finish behind Gor has called for patience as he tries to solve the disappearance of Ingwe from the KPL radar despite boasting of a squad capable of dominating the domestic top flight.

After settling for a barren draw on Sunday against Sofapaka, Leopards are languishing in the relegation zone with three points, seven behind Sony who are yet to concede after winning three and drawing one.

The Stars assistant coach was quoted in a local daily saying he could not explain why his laden side were misfiring, hardly the kind of admission that inspires confidence he is the man to find a solution, just ask EPL giants, Manchester United, faithful about their under fire boss David Moyes seven months into his tenure!

It is unlikely the Ingwe administration led by chairman Allan Kasavuli will accord Nandwa a similar period with wags suggesting they are only waiting to secure a replacement before giving him the boot. He has also failed to win the vocal Ingwe faithful to his side and soon, an open revolt is likely if they lose tomorrow.

The murmurs increased on Sunday when they could not skin ten-man Sofapaka in Machakos despite enjoying most of the territorial play and chances.

Nandwa is likely to retain the attack minded starting line-up that includes Allan Wanga, Mike Khamati, Jacob Keli and Paul Were with captain Martin Imbalambala, right back James Situma, Joseph Shikokoti and Edwin Wafula manning the defence.

With Leopards limping, Wednesday will be a perfect opportunity for Zico to exact revenge against Leopards whom they failed they beat over both legs last season.

While the Den is in turmoil, their arch rivals Gor Mahia have picked up from where they left last season having won three out of three KPL matches so far but face a potential banana skin in plucky Thika United in the last ‘Milk Derby’ before the league champions severe ties with Brookside Dairies end month.

For the second league tie in succession, K’Ogalo will miss the services of their skipper and custodian Jerim Onyango, but were handed a boost when he resumed training on Monday after a shoulder injury picked during their match against Mathare United at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County three weeks ago.

However Onyango who missed the CAF Champions League first round return leg clash against Esperance where they lost 5-0 and Sunday’s 2-0 win against Western Stima told Capital Sport he will be available this weekend when they travel to Nakuru Top Fry.

“I just resumed training yesterday (Monday) so I need some time to fully recover and that’s why I will not be available for tomorrow’s match pitting Thika. After undergoing medication on my shoulder I’m sure I will be between the post come Saturday.

“The team is well prepared for Thika though I know it will be difficult but our current form will give them morale to keep a clean sheet,” Onyango who hailed his reserve keeper David Juma, for doing duty in the past two matches added.

Coach Bobby Williamson, will look to continue with the good run when they square it out with the Juja based side, having the advantage of playing ‘away’ in Nairobi.

The Scotsman is expected to start inspirational Dan Sserunkuma who has netted in all three matches, Shaban Kenga and youngest Timona Wanyonyi on the flanks with Stars lynchpin Anthony Akumu and Ugandan Geoffrey Kizito manning the midfield.

The back four led by stand-in captain David ‘Calabar’ Owino, left back Godfrey Walusimbi, right back Musa Mohamed and Haron Shakava will hope to keep their solid back line intact.

Thika on the other hand are coming from a 2-1 win over Bandari and are keen on restoring their tag as Gor’s bogey team having lost both league ties last season. John Kamau’s sides famously denied Gor the title on the last day of the 2012 campaign.

Gate charges for VIP will retail for Sh500 (USD5.8) while terraces will sell at Sh200 (USD 2.3).

Leopards and Gor are playing catch-up in the KPL having taken part in the CAF Confederation and Champions League competitions where they exited at the first round to SuperSport and Esperance.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 19- The late Pamela Lisoreng will be interred in her home village of Kaptabuk in West Pokot on Thursday, the family has announced.

Lisoreng, a member of the 2006 World Cross team, collapsed and was pronounced dead upon arrival in hospital on Saturday after completing her morning run in Eldoret.

“The family arrived in Eldoret earlier yesterday (Tuesday) to collect the body and arrangements were made to transport it to West Pokot today (Wednesday) for burial.

“Burial and service are planned for Thursday, in West Pokot, and some athletes are to attend and pay their respects,” her management, International Athletics Consultancy (IAC) informed Capital Sport.

The family of the deceased, IAC added, requested that no autopsy should be performed to establish the cause of death.

Lisoreng, 25, had history with asthma and had battled the ailment for a number of years.

“Support from athletes was and is wonderful and we are all very thankful. Our client, Wilson Chebet, was and is very involved, offering support and providing support where and when needed and we are more than proud to be associated with individuals we have as clients,” IAC added.

Chebet blasted to 2:06:12 at the 2011 Amsterdam Marathon for second in what was the then fastest debut over the distance.

Lisoreng, a Kenya Police Service runner, distinguished herself as a solid distance athlete, marking her marathon debut last year with 2:34:13 for fourth at Hengshui in China.

She ran her career best 1:10:09 over the half marathon last year in Prague and was a regular at the Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Series besides finishing sixth at the 2012 Nationals over 5000m and winning the 2009 Tegla Loroupe Peace Race in Kapenguria.

She is survived by husband and fellow runner, Boniface Kirui and a young son. Kirui won the 2008 Valencia Half Marathon before losing the title the following year to two-time New York Marathon champion, Geoffrey Mutai.

Lisoreng finished eighth at the Fukuoka World Cross as part of the Kenyan team that won the junior 6km women’s title before she anchored her team to win the 2011 Chiba Ekiden title in Japan in a record 2:04:40 for a mixed men and women race.

Competing in stage 6 of the event where a team covers the total marathon distance of 26.1 miles (42.195km), Hitomi Niiya of Japan, the 2005 World Youth Championships 3000m bronze medallist, steadily closed Lisoreng while Sayo Nomura of the JPN Collegiate team pulled away from Russia’s Natalia Popkova.

She completed the last 7.195km in 22:52 for second in a team that also featured Thomas Longosiwa, Patrick Mutunga Mwikya and Evans Mokua that was enough to win Kenya the title on her last outing in Kenyan colours.

KAMPALA, March 20 – A group of top Ugandan women runners have accused a national athletics coach of systematic sexual harassment and abuse ahead of last week’s Africa Cross-country Championships, a report said Thursday.

The Daily Monitor newspaper said the female runners spent a month at a training camp preparing for the competition, but were subjected to late-night visits and demands for sexual favours.

“He would wake up in the middle of the night and come to our room,” an unnamed female runner was quoted as saying by the paper.

“He threatened to chase us from camp if we ever said anything or turned him down. We didn’t have any female coach to run to. It was horrible. On some days, he would call one or two of us to his nearby house. If you refused to do what he wanted, he would beat you up.”

The paper did not name the coach, who was one of three trainers overseeing the preparations for the March 16 competition. Uganda failed to win an individual medal despite racing on home turf.

The report said Ugandan team captain Moses Kipsiro intervened, and that the runners have filed a complaint with the Ugandan Athletics Federation (UAF) and the police — but said a number of runners trying to make individual complaints to police were turned away by officers.

According to Kipsiro, the coach had allegedly told some of the women runners that “to run well, they must have sex or give birth”.

“His theory was that if a woman’s private parts are wide, their legs move easily. I was so shocked,” Kipsiro told the paper. “I even feel ashamed to talk about some of the things that happened in that camp.”

The Daily Monitor said the UAF had so far denied the allegations.

“Those accusations against the coach are false,” UAF general secretary Beatrice Ayikoru was quoted as saying.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 21- League champions Gor Mahia, have been handed a boost by the return of keeper and skipper Jerim Onyango, who is expected to feature on Saturday when they travel away to Top Fry all Stars in one of the eight Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches lined up this weekend.

K’Ogalo will look to bounce back when they take on a side that many have predicted are potential relegation candidates after plucky Thika United ended their perfect start to the season in Wednesday’s goalless draw.

However, head coach Bobby Williamson, says they are not going to take the match lightly since the league debutantes might pick up their form against them.

“There is no easy game in the league any body can be any one and I’m sure they will win the love of their supporters. We expect a tough match since they are prepared to face the champions.

“We have set standards this season and we will try and maintain them since our fans demand that. When we draw we feel like we have lost the match so we have four clean sheets so far and we hope we can keep the fire burning,” Williamson who has a game at hand against 2011 and 12 champions Tusker FC, told Capital Sport Friday during their training at Nairobi’s City Stadium.

As it is expected the busy Nakuru town will have an influx of invading Green Army fans who will travel from Nairobi in caravans and captain Onyango has called upon them to give them vociferous backing to lift them to victory.

“I’m very grateful to be back since I have been out for two weeks and luckily I’m fit and I just hope for a win come Saturday though it’s a tricky fixture its not that easy as its seen in the papers so we will treat them the way we have taking on other big teams.

“I’m seeing a good season ahead once more since we have able goalkeepers (David Juma and Joel Bataro) who can replace me any time and as the defence our motto this season is to keep as many clean sheet as possible and midfielders to supply the ball and the forwards to score,” K’Ogalo first choice shot-stopper who was ruled out in the last two matches with shoulder injury stated.

The Scotsman will be without three defenders, Musa Mohamed who is scheduled to attend trials in South Africa, Ugandan Israel Emuge and Kevin Oluoch who are nursing injuries but the former Cranes tactician expressed no worries since Harambee Stars dependable stopper David Owino, Haron Shakava, left back Godfrey Walusimbi and Solomon Nasio will do the duty.

Gor’s top scorer Dan Sserunkuma is expected to lift his side as he has in the previous matches even though he missed Wednesday’s penalty against Thika.

On the other side Top Fry stand-in coach Peter Okidi, will see their lethal forward Wilson Andati, who has been out for three weeks with a knee injury and midfielder Maurice Odhianmbo make a come back.

In other fixtures, 2010 champions Ulinzi Stars will be away to square it out with Tusker FC in an early kick-off before struggling AFC Leopards host table toppers Chemelil Sugar in a televised match at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The troubled military side will see former Harambee stars number one Francis Onyiso, on the touchline for the first time to command his charges against the Brewers after the abrupt resignation of Salim Ali who has been at the Defence Forces side for a season.

It’s yet to be seen how skipper Stephen Ocholla, will double up as the assistant coach and help the former champions record their first victory after drawing all their five matches.

In the second match, Leopards who ended their winless run against Sony Sugar will be looking to win their second successive match but it will not be easy since the cane cutters have a better head to head record after trouncing Ingwe in both legs last season.

The den is however invaded by injuries, with keeper Wycliffe Kasaya and captain Martin Imbalambala yet to recover from knoks.

On Sunday, Nairobi City Stars will invite Sony Sugar before KRA welcome 2009 champions Sofapaka at Nyayo while Muhoroni Youth will travel to Machakos to lock horns with Mathare United at Kenyatta Stadium.

Thika United will play KCB at Ruaraka Grounds while Western Stima will wrap the day’s fixture against Bandari at Mumias Sports Complex.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 22- Kenya will face Fiji in the Main Cup quarter finals of Tokyo 7s after a narrow 12-7 win over hosts Japan secured their passage in a tense last Pool D encounter at Prince Chichibu Stadium on Saturday.

Having failed to reach the last eight in Las Vegas and Wellington legs of the HSBC World Series, coach Paul Treu, had to wait for their last preliminary tie to make their fourth Cup quarters this season after once again coming unstuck against South Africa in the opening tie.

The home team managed to hold the experienced Kenyan side with winger Dennis Ombachi, utilizing defensive mistakes to punish the hosts as he stretched to find a gap and touched down to break the deadlock as Biko Adema, missed the conversion.

Kenyan all-time- try scorer Collins Injera, silenced the crowd when he ran through to the touch line to score a try that saw Kenya lead 12-0 to the breather.

Japan resumed the last half  aiming to finish the night on a high and the country’s XV star Yoshikazu Fujita gave them hope by darting left and right and finding the line to reduce the deficit Katsuyuki Sakai converted but it was too late for them as they were only left to fight for the Bowl as the match ended 12-7 in favour of Kenya.

In the first match, Treu started on the wrong footing once again failing to break through Blitzbokke’s defence as they went down 26-12.

As expected the clash was always a spectacle, given the Springboks’ current form and Kenya’s passionate support but the Tokyo 7s defending champions gained the continental bragging rights after showing dust the former for a third time brushing them off 26-7.

Kenya broke the deadlock with Billy Odhiambo touching down in the third minute as Biko Adema’s kick went through the post.

Treu charges could not manage to hold on their defence with South African Justin Geduld breaking through to score his first try in the tournament but missed the conversion for Kenya to lead 7-5 in half-time.

On resumption, captain Andrew Amonde proved his return to the sixth round, with his great power to drive over from close range and touch down but Adema squandered the conversion as they extended 12-5 lead.

The defending champions came back strongly with Frankie Horne, having a brilliant run to pass the ball to  Branco du Preez who broke through Treu’s back row to slide under the post as they converted to restore parity.

More gaps opened up as Werner Kok made a turnover move with ease to pass Preez who sealed the win with a brace of side-stepping tries for Kenya to fall down 26-12.

In their second Group B match, Treu needed to collect the maximum points to have hopes of making it to the Cup quarters and they made it after thrashing Argentina 24-7.

Kenya enjoyed possession for the entire game with winger Dennis Ombachi, opening the first try as Adema made no mistake to convert for a 7-0 lead.

The Pumas defence continued to shake with the back row missing tackles that gave Oscar Ouma, chance to double but Adema’s kick went at the side of the post as they enjoyed a 12-0 lead to the breather.

Despite the score, both teams entered the last half pretty level as the pace slowed. Argentina showed their intent to reduce the deficit by stretching the Kenyan lines with Martin Rodriguez breaking through to touch down and convert but indiscipline saw them reduced to six men.

Kenya made them pay for their uncharacteristic missed tackles, with Oscar Ayodi and Horace Otieno, completing the route as vice captain Collins Injera converted but Michael Agevi missed his as Treu bagged three crucial points.

In the other Sunday’s Main Cup quarter finals, South Africa will play USA while series leaders New Zealand will face Australia as Canada squares it out with England.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 23 – Australia crafted the latest heartbreak for Kenya in the HSBC World Series with a 36-0 mauling that saw Paul Treu’s side crash out of the Plate semi-finals of the Tokyo 7s Sunday at the Prince Chichibu Stadium.

Kenya who collected 10 points in the sixth round in Japan to take their tally to 57, were relegated to the Plate after suffering a 43-19 humiliation at the hands of Fiji in the Main Cup quarter-finals to book a date with Australia who were edged out by series leaders New Zealand in another last eight clash.

Treu is yet to match his predecessor Englishman Mike Friday and New Zealand strength and conditioning coach Chris Brown’s performance after failing to go past the Cup quarters for the fifth time since he was appointed last November.

Many expressed hopes including Kenya Rugby Union chairman Mwangi Muthee, after the former Blitzbokke tactician had set a Cup semi final target for Tokyo 7s, but instead the team meekly surrendered.

In the Cup quarters, Kenya started the match on a brighter note with Billy Odhiambo finishing off a quick-fire move after several loose balls. Biko Adema converted to see them open the score sheet.

Fiji continued to pile pressure on the Kenyan defence and their hard work paid off two minutes later with Pio Tuwai breaking through to touch down but Emosi Mulevoro, missed the kick.

Fiji found their rhythm with Kenya being punished for their defencive mistakes through Donasio Ratubuli who powered under the post to open the gap as Mulevoro did not miss his conversion this time round.

Kenyan all-time leading try scorer Collins Injera, levelled for his side when he charged down his kick forward to rack up his 178th career try but Adema missed the conversion to see both sided locked 12-12 at the breather.

Before Kenya could settle in the last half, Fiji welcomed them with a fashion quick-fire straight from the off to take the lead through Samisoni Viriviri who slide under the post but Mulevoro wasted the kick.

Treu charges responded swiftly through skipper Andrew Amonde who finished off a move that started in their own goal line to score his second try of the tournament with Adena making no mistake this time round to convert.

Little did they know this was their last try as Fiji declared battle attacking the Kenyan back and it did not take long before Viriviri utilized fine passes from his team-mates to score his seventh score of the weekend.

Treu introduced new comer Maxwell Theuri and Oscar Ayodi in the dying minutes but his efforts were fruitless as debutant Vatemo Ravouvou rounded off a great move to pierce through the gap to touch down as Mulevoro’s kick went through the post.

Two more tries were on the way when Stefano Cakau and Leo Naikasau secured the victory with Ravouvou converting one to send Kenya to the Plate semi-finals with a 43-19 route.

In the Plate semis, Kenya could not bounce back and to make it worse for the first time in the tournament they were bundled out without  scoring a single try despite having seasoned players.

Nick Malouf showed some gas to open the scores with Cameron Clark converting for a 7-0 lead. Moments later on, Greg Jeloudev dived over for his seventh try of the weekend in the corner after a swift move out wide but went ahead to miss his own kick as they led 12-0 at half-time.

Kenya resumed second-half charged with an attack minded with Oscar Ouma, trying to break through but could not manage to squeeze the solid back row as Clark grabbed the ball to run through the line and pass it to Afa Pakalani who ran through the center to scored his first try that Clark converted to extend the lead.

Treu brought in Horace Otieno and Daniel Sikuta, who were  not effective as they failed to stop debutant Alex Gibbon who stepped in to punish Kenya for their poor tackle to give Australia fourth try.

Sam Myers easily touched down twice to seal the victory after Sikuta and Patrice Agunda were sent to the sin bin to give their opponents chance to nail it off with a 36-0 to meet USA in the finals.

Kenya will now look to pick up and better their performance for next weekend’s seventh round at Hong Kong 7s.

MADRID, March 23- Barcelona moved to within a point of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga as they twice came from behind thanks to a Lionel Messi hat-trick to edge a thrilling El Clasico 4-3 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The sides went in level 2-2 at half-time as a record 19th goal against Madrid from Messi cancelled out Karim Benzema’s double after Andres Iniesta had put Barca in front.

Cristiano Ronaldo then put Madrid back in front from the penalty spot, but the hosts were reduced to 10-men when Sergio Ramos pulled down Neymar inside the box 10 minutes later and Messi levelled once more from the spot.

And the Argentine won the game with another penalty seven minutes from time after Iniesta had been felled by Xabi Alonso.

A first defeat for Real in 32 games means Atletico Madrid remain top of the table thanks to their better head-to-head record against Los Blancos with Barca still in third.

The game got off to a blistering start as after Neymar and Benzema had early efforts easily saved, Barca opened the scoring when Messi played in Iniesta behind the Real defence and the Spanish international smashed the ball in off the underside of the bar.

Benzema had a great chance to equalise five minutes later when he spooned Angel Di Maria’s cut-back over after a great a jinking run from the Argentine had taken him past three Barca defenders.

Messi could then have made it 2-0 when he fired wide with the type of opening he is normally deadly with as he raced onto Cesc Fabregas’ fine through ball.

Benzema made amends for his earlier miss 20 minutes in when Victor Valdes just failed to keep out his header from Di Maria’s cross.

The Frenchman then completed a rapid turnaround for the hosts as Javier Mascherano misjudged another Di Maria centre from the left and Benzema took a touch before firing past the helpless Valdes.

Gerard Pique had to make a vital clearance off the line to prevent a hat-trick of Di Maria assists for Benzema.

- Controversial penalty award -

Barca responded before half-time and were level when Messi controlled a loose ball inside the area and slotted home at Diego Lopez’s near post.

Benzema could still have put Madrid in front at the break as his looping header from Dani Carvajal’s cross crept inches past the post.

The first opportunity of the second period also fell to Benzema after a terrific run and pass from Gareth Bale, but this time Valdes managed to make the save low to his right.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men did retake the lead on 55 minutes when referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco controversially awarded a penalty for a trip on Ronaldo by Alves despite the contact appearing to take place outside the area.

Ronaldo was unmoved, though, as he got up to take hammer the resulting spot-kick low past Valdes’ outstretched right hand.

However, the game turned again 25 minutes from time when Messi released Neymar and he was brought down by Ramos.

Real’s captain for the evening was shown his 19th red card for Los Blancos for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity and Messi converted from the spot to make it 3-3.

Alves then struck the inside of the post from 25 yards as Barca went in search of the goal that would salvage their title chances.

And they got it when Mallenco awarded a third penalty of the evening as Iniesta tumbled inside the area and Messi again dispatched it perfectly high past Lopez.

MADRID, March 24- Barcelona’s thrilling 4-3 away victory over Real Madrid was one of the greatest ‘clasico’ clashes in history, Spain’s press said Monday, declaring the La Liga title race now wide open.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, helped by Andres Iniesta, conquered the Bernabeu, papers said, after the Argentinian scored a hat trick that made him the most prolific scorer in the history of ‘clasico’ matches between the arch rivals.

“Barcelona emerged the victors in all aspects of a frenetic night of football and goals, one of the best duels that the eternal rivalry between the two giants of the Liga has produced,” wrote leading sports daily Marca.

Real Madrid did everything they could to win but Barcelona had the answer, the paper said.

“Driven by the sensational Iniesta and held by the genius of Messi, Barca overcame every adversity,” Marca said.

Real Madrid’s defeat left them trailing Spanish league leaders Atletico Madrid on goal difference, with Barcelona just one point behind them.

“The League Begins,” Marca’s front page headlined.

Rival sports daily AS’s front page ran with the headline: “Football Storm.”

“Three penalties, seven goals, one expulsion and much emotion,” the paper said.

Barcelona-based papers celebrated.

“Messi destroys Madrid,” said the front page of Sport.

“Leo, outstanding with three goals, and Iniesta signed another historic victory in the Bernabeu,” the paper said.

“It was an orchestra against a band,” said Sport’s football commentator Josep Maria Casanovas.

“It was like a coup d’etat. Those who believed they were favourites were defeated,” he added. “The Bernabeu had to surrender to the great Barcelona game.”

The paper labelled Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo a “cry baby” after he criticised referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco’s performance and said “many people didn’t want us to win today”.

Mallenco awarded three penalties on the night with Ronaldo scoring the first one for Madrid to put them 3-2 up 10 minutes after half-time.

However, Sergio Ramos was then sent-off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity for a foul on Neymar inside the area. Then Xabi Alonso was adjudged to have tripped Andres Iniesta seven minutes from time.

“Delirious!” blared the front page of Barcelona-based Mundo Deportivo, summing up the mood in the Catalan capital.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 25- Champions Gor Mahia, will be without dependable defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino, holding midfielder Anthony Akumu and keeper David Juma, for their crunch fixture against log leaders Tusker FC in a televised mid-week Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match on Wednesday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The trio picked up knocks on Saturday during Top Fry Nakuru’s tie where they suffered their first defeat of the season courtesy of John Ndirangu’s brace that saw Owino and Juma stretched off.

However, head coach Bobby Williamson, was troubled by the unavailability of his three key charges, Haron Shakava, Timona Wanyonyi and Herbert Kompany in training.

They were named in Harambee Stars Under-20 squad that is currently camping at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium ahead of their Africa Youth Championships qualifier against Tanzania on April 6.

Of the three, only defender Shakava turned up for Wednesday’s training with forwards Wanyonyi and Kompany missing though they are drafted in the Scotsman’s squad.

The former Uganda Cranes tactician revealed to Capital Sport on Tuesday they expect a difficult match since the Brewers have an advantage of leading the log.

“We are prepared for the match though we are affected by few injuries but we will give it our best. We will give other players opportunity to see what they can do but at the same time we need a positive result since we are three points behind Tusker and we don’t want the gap to get bigger because we want to get above them.

“Every game is important especially for Gor, it doesn’t matter whether we play top or bottom placed team, so tomorrow’s match is very crucial to us since our fans always want a win.

“We disappointed them on Saturday against Top Fry match and we will try not to repeat that performance,” Williamson told after conducting their training at City Stadium.

It’s expected to be a high paced and more tactical match since both sides has seasoned players and tacticians who start their build up from behind and scoring most of their goals through set pieces.

K’Ogalo left back Godfrey Walusimbi, is upbeat they will bounce back after Top Fry loss adding the defeat will not keep them off the track as they seek to beat the Brewers who have a better head to head record after overwhelming them in last season’s both legs.

“The team is good despite losing Saturday’s match but that will not affect our performance since its normal in football so we will put our heads up and look forward to win tomorrow against Tusker.

“It’s a difficult game given that they are also chasing the league and they are ahead of us with three points but it’s better we play them (Tusker) now since they are our competitors at the moment. If we beat them it will be to our advantage because we will be at par,” the Cranes defender stated.

The recovery of defenders Israel Emuge and Kevin Oluoch might have come at the right time since they are expected to partner with Solomon Nasio and Walusimbi at the back.

Ugandan Geoffrey Kizito will wear the shoes of Akumu in the central midfield assisted by Kevin Omondi, Shaban Kenga, Patrick Oboya and probably Joseph Kariuki with Jared Obwoge and Dan Sserunkuma on the attack.

Unlike Gor, the 2011 and 12 champions will enter the match motivated by their 2-1 win over Ulinzi Stars last Saturday, noting that they are yet to lose a match this season.

The on form Tusker has a depth squad that has seen them ranked as the top team that has most goals after founding the back of the net 10 times, even though Kimanzi has always been bringing in last season’s top-scorer runners up, Jesse Were as substitute.

K’Ogalo’s defence will have to be on the look out since the likes of Clifford Alwanga, Kevin Kimani and Ishmael Dunga combines well with midfielders Brian Osumba, Khalid Aucho, former Gor Ali Abondo and Osborne Monday to fire for goals.

Tusker’s back seems to stand tall with Harambee Stars Jockins Atudo leading the pack that consists of Athman Buki, Fredrick Onyango and Lloyd Wahome.

Both teams will be playing their match at hand with Tusker having the advantage of opening the gap to six points if they win while defending champions will be looking to catch up with Kimanzi’s charges that are ahead of them by three points.

Will K’Ogalo end Brewer’s clean sheet this season or will the latter continue dominance over Gor? The question will be answered on Wednesday after the center referee’s final whistle.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 26- Champions Gor Mahia must be wondering what they need to do to win a football match after contriving to draw 1-1 against nine-man Tusker FC in a dramatic top Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match played at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday.

Teenage defender, Haron Shakava for K’Ogalo and forward Ismael Dunga from the spot, shared the goals either side of each half as the Brewers remained at the summit in a game that had it all.

Playing against nine men for over ten minutes when red mist descended on Ugandan Martin Kiiza and Lloyd Wahome in five manic second half minutes, referee Sylvester Kirwa getting both red cards right, Gor have no one else to blame for not making a statement of intent against a side tipped to dethrone them from their perch.

“We should have won the game especially when they went down to nine men, they lost their discipline. If we had got the second goal, the game would have been over.

“I don’t know how close the referee was to the penalty but he gave it and it cost us. I’m not happy about the refereeing,” Gor coach, Bobby Williamson, who was as dull as the overcast weather the match was played under said.

His opposite number, Francis Kimanzi, was as chirpy as Chelsea FC head coach, Jose Mourinho, a man he has been compared to in terms of tactical astuteness, as his side escaped their first major test in their title quest largely unscathed despite losing their discipline.

“It’s a good, game, I’m very satisfied! If I was the president of the team I would pay them double allowance for playing with nine and coming out of the point,” the former Harambee Stars tactician, sounding ‘Mourinho-esque’ quipped.

And deflecting questions about his side’s unruliness, Kimanzi again borrowed from the leaf of the Portuguese national in charge of the current English Premier League front runners.

“I hope the league is not going to be won in a stolen manner. A team must win games by possessing the game,” he added although he admitted Wahome deserved to go off for tackling Dan Sserunkuma from behind as the last man.

He had reservations for Kiiza’s red saying both players went for the ball although he sympathised with the bad injury suffered by Patrick Oboya, who had just come on as a substitute, who was stretcher-ed off the pitch.

The last act of rowdiness in the game that ignited after the second red saw George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo, on for Oboya; get into a tussle with former team mate, Ali Abondo, with the K’Ogalo winger given a yellow although Williamson claimed his player was punched.

The three incidents happened between the 74th and 80th minutes of the crunch encounter as both teams harried to wrest the initiative but in truth, Gor were the better side bossing possession, chances as well as nosing ahead.

K’Ogalo who needed a response after being stunned 2-0 at basement club Top Fry in Nakuru last weekend, started the game like a house on fire, with their ‘Daddy’ Kevin Omondi, rising to prominence from the off.

It took him seven minutes to send a wicked free-kick that brought the best out of Samuel Odhiambo in the Tusker goal and after missing another guilt-edged chance, Omondi came even closer to opening the scoring.

Gor, who were rampaging on both flanks, snapped the Tusker off-side trap with man-of-the-match, Shaban Kenga, freeing Omondi with an exquisite pass that he collected and chipped Odhiambo only for the ball to bounce back from the cross bar on 32 minutes.

The champions however, got the goal their play deserved when Chakava rose highest to head in three minutes to the breather from the second of successive corners and after Omondi spurned two further chances at the start of the second, Tusker delivered a sucker punch.

A lightening break fed Jesse Were in the box and Chakava turned to villain when he hauled him down, Kirwa blowing for the penalty that was dispatched with panache by Dunga to the right of Gor skipper, Jerim Onyango, who otherwise had little to do on 54 minutes.

The only other occasion either side came close to breaking the deadlock was when a deflected Kenga shot rebounded off the post and was hacked off the line by defender Jockins Atudo 18 minutes from full time.

By then, Gor were a man to the good before being given a better opportunity to capitalise but Tusker remained firm until the final whistle evoked mixed emotions on both camps.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 27 – With three rounds of 2013/14 HSBC Sevens World Series remaining, Paul Treu is running out of tournaments to achieve the Main Cup semi-final benchmark with Kenya having reached the last four on five occasions last season.

After collecting 10 points in Japan where they were bundled out 36-0 by Australia in the Plate semis, the South African will once again be put to test when they take on Tokyo 7s winner Fiji, Wales and little known Sri Lanka in a tricky Pool A of the seventh round in Hong Kong.

Kenya had a good run in Hong Kong last season when Englishman Mike Friday and New Zealand strength and conditioning coach Chris Brown led them to their fourth Main Cup semis although the rank and file at the bloated technical bench and Kenya Rugby Union have been dead-set against drawing comparisons.

Treu and KRU top honchos have been preaching patience as the former Blitzbokke tactician builds a side for the 2016 Rio Olympics but results in the HSBC Series circuit that are a true measure of ability have been disappointing.

The team has to improve in ball handling and tackling that was wanting last weekend in Japan where experienced captain Andrew Amonde touched down only once with his vice, Collins Injera managing to score two tries despite being the team’s all-time try scorer.

Winger Dennis Ombachi, Horace Otieno, Oscar Ayodi and Billy Odhiambo have been outstanding in trying to run with the ball on the flanks but they are yet to master the South Africa’s contact style of play.

The side has been losing points on the conversions with Biko Adema, who is the Kenyan kick-man failing to sent the ball between the posts.

Treu charges open their campaign on Friday at 2:30pm local time against Sri Lanka a side they have never met in a World Series but a big result for Treu over the Indian Ocean side should give him the momentum to win one more match to progress to the Cup quarters on Sunday.

They will then face last year finalist Wales on Saturday at 8:46am a team that is placed 10th on the log.

Wales boast to have a better head to head record after wining 14 out of 27 meets though Kenya emerged victorious in their last encounter in Las Vegas where they won 21-17.

Despite being on the high and low this season the side is always threatening having always proven to be a difficult opponent for Shujaa.

The last preliminary Group A will be a tall order for Treu since they will be facing a rejuvenated defending champions Fiji at 2:16pm a team that has been on form throughout the series.

The Ben Ryan coached side are favorites to top the pool after having this season’s leading try scorer Samisoni Viriviri and a supporting squad that features the likes of Emosi Mulevoro and Donasio Ratubuli.

This will be a sweet moment for Kenya to revenge their 43-19 loss to the Pacific Islanders who eliminated them in Tokyo’s Cup quarters.

Kenya has only beaten Fiji once in London’s tour last season to qualify to the Cup semis with the latter winning 23 out of the 24 meets.

Kenya’s fixtures at the Hong Kong Sevens

Friday 28 March

Kenya vs Sri Lanka 2:30 pm (Kenya time)

Saturday 29 March

Kenya vs Wales 8:46am (Kenya time)

Kenya vs Fiji 2:16pm (Kenya time)

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 28 – Kenya took a positive step towards the Main Cup quarter-finals of the seventh round of HSBC Sevens World Series in Hong Kong after humiliating Sri Lanka 41-0 in their Pool A opener on Friday.

Paul Treu charges will now face Wales at 8:46am local time on Saturday for their second match before rounding up the preliminary stage with defending champions Fiji at 2:16pm.

Fiji laid down a marker by walloping Wales 42-7 with danger man Samison Viriviri scoring two quick tries for 14-0 at the start as Samuel Cross scored what was a consolation. Osea Kolinisau touched down for Emosi to convert and see them 35-0 ahead in half-time.

On resumption Fiji had to work less to seal the win with two tries from Stefano Cakau and Joeli Lutumailagi.

Skipper Andrew Amonde led by example to give Kenya the opener after running outwards to round two Sri Lanka players to reach the line but Biko Adema failed to convert as they led 5-0.

Winger Dennis Ombachi collected the ball from Adema who touched down before vice captain Collin Injera received a fine pass from Adema to break through the Sri Lanka defence to score his career 179 try to enjoy a 15-0 half-time lead after Adema missed all the kicks.

Shujaa maintained possession after the break with Amonde passing the ball to Horace Otieno who had no challenge to run through for his ninth try of this season before Adema found space to speed from the center to score on the outside to see Kenya extend the lead to 29-0.

Oscar Ayodi and Billy Odhiambo sealed victory for Kenya after Ayodi collected the ball from kick-off to touch down his 11th try this season before Injera passed the ball to Odhiambo to slide between the post for 41-1 victory.

Treu needs to win Saturday’s match against Wales to progress to a fifth Cup quarter-final this season.

Meanwhile, their female counterparts Lionesses fell at the final hurdle of the bowl competition at the Hong Kong Women’s Rugby Sevens, going down 7-33 to the hosts.

Celestine Masinde scored Kenya’s lone try with Janet Awino converting.

Kenya beat Papua New Guinea12-5 to reach the final after losing their entire Pool C matches against France 35-0 and 24-7 to China to miss out on the Cup semifinals.

Head Coach Kevin Wambua, speaking from Hong Kong, said, “It’s been a great outing for the Lionesses, we have picked up many valuable lessons from our participation in this tournament and this will surely give us the impetus to improve our performances moving forward.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 28- Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor and Gladys Cherono gave Kenya the double delight by striking gold in the men and women races at Saturday’s IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Kipsang, the 2011 World Cross junior champion and twice third finisher at the Berlin Marathon uncorked a world leading 59:07 to win his second global honour in a performance that blew away a loaded field that included record five-time gold winner and record holder, Zersenay Tadese and compatriot Wilson Kiprop, the 2010 titleholder.

As further proof of his powerful charge to the tape, Kipsang led 14 of the top 20 finishers to achieve personal bests in what was a blistering race considering there were no pace makers.

Earlier, Cherono, the Worlds silver medallist in 10,000m and double African Champion in 5,000 and 10,000, added the World Half gold in a record setting display by the Kenyan women’s squad that cleaned up the top five places.

Cherono took off over the last two kilometres to breast the tape in 1:07:28 with recently minted Worlds Best 10K winner, Mary Wacera, enhancing her reputation with a career best 1:07:43 with Japan based Sally Chepyego Kaptich also being rewarded with a lifetime best of 1:07:51 for bronze.

Pre-race favourite and number six runner of all time, Lucy Kabuu, faded to fourth 1:08:36, a season best for fourth with Mercy Jerotich rounding off the jaw-dropping show of complete dominance by coming home in a year best 1:08:41 for fifth.

“The race was great; we worked as a team and I was not expecting to be number one today,” the stunned Cherono said after her crowning moment as Kenya wrapped up team gold in this event.

Although the medals were shared in the men’s race with Samuel Tsegay, who has never won an individual medal in the shadow of compatriot Tadese, scooping silver in a career best 59:20 ahead of Ethiopia’s Guye Tola who took bronze
in the fastest he has ever gone out over the distance, 59:20, Kipsang earned all the plaudits for taking down the star-studded cast a mature performance to behold.

Not given a look in the run-up to the event, all the attention focused on the re-match between Tadese and Kiprop, the Kenya Police runner hung to the lead before two devastating injections of pace first ended the challenge of the five-time champion who was bidding for a record sixth before the second with less than 2km secured his biggest career win thus far.

“The field was very competitive, that’s what I was pushing, pushing, pushing,” Kipsang told IAAF after the race with Eritrea, who had won seven successive team silvers taking the middle step of the podium on this occasion ahead of Kenya.

Kiprop, who shadow boxed with Tadese for most part of the race before Kipsang laid down the hammer, clocked an hour flat for sixth as his dreams of a second title collapsed in the face of the younger fleet footed compatriot who is only 21.

Kenya last secured the World Half double in 2010 when women’s world record holder, Florence Kiplagat and Kiprop soared to glory.

Although Tadese failed to medal individually, his legacy was cemented when anchored his nation to the team honours for his staggering 13th medal at the event.

The next edition will be held in Cardiff in 2016.

LEADING RESULTS
Men
1 Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor KEN 59:07 WL
2 Samuel Tsegay ERI 59:20 PB
3 Guye Adola ETH 59:20 PB
4 Zersenay Tadese ERI 59:37 SB
5 Nguse Amlosom ERI 59:59
6 Wilson Kiprop KEN 1:00:00
7 Ghirmay Ghebreslassie ERI 1:00:09 SB
8 Samsom Gebreyohannes ERI 1:00:12 PB
9 Adugna Takele ETH 1:00:14 PB
10 Kenneth Kiprop Kipkemoi KEN 1:00:28 SB
Women
1 Gladys Cherono KEN 1:07:28 SB
2 Mary Wacera Ngugi KEN 1:07:43 PB
3 Selly Chepyego Kaptich KEN 1:07:51 PB
4 Lucy Wangui Kabuu KEN 1:08:36 SB
5 Mercy Jerotich Kibarus KEN 1:08:41 SB
6 Netsanet Gudeta ETH 1:08:45 PB
7 Christelle Daunay FRA 1:08:47 SB
8 Valeria Straneo ITA 1:08:54 SB
9 Tsehay Desalegn ETH 1:09:03 PB
10 Genet Yalew ETH 1:09:14 PB

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 30 – Twice, Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor has arrived at a world championships without much fuss only to leave as the champion, mugging more illustrious opponents in the process.

If everyone forgot about his emphatic victory at the 2011 World Cross in Punta Umbria when he arrived late and unheralded before obliterating a quality field in the most dominant performance in a decade, then no one will forget how the 22-year-old mowed down the record five-time World Half Marathon title holder, Zersenay Tadese, to end his dynasty on Saturday in the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark.

In what was a day to behold for Kenya, World Championships women 10,000m silver winner, Gladys Cherono, had earlier led her compatriots to complete the historic sweep of the top-five positions as the country underlined its dominance with four individual medals, two gold, a silver and bronze in addition to women team gold and men team silver.

On Monday, the triumphant squad was hosted to a reception by Athletics Kenya (AK) in Nairobi where Kipsang and Cherono re-lived their finest hour, beaming from year to year having arrived back home on Sunday night from conquering Copenhagen.

Besides Tadese the record holder over the distance compatriot Wilson Kiprop, the 2010 titleholder, also fell to the furious running uncorked by Kamworor who stopped the clock at a world 59:07 by the time he was done.

And he is not done. Speaking on Monday, the Kenya Police athlete underlined his intention to attack and slash his lifetime best in the marathon of 2:06:12 on September 28 at Berlin Marathon when he lines at the race he has finished third in successive years.

“I’m now targeting for two major honours. One is to break the World Half Marathon in 2016. I know it’s possible, I only need to prepare well and create a lot of time in training. If I get good pace makers who will lead me through half way then it will be achievable since I have a good kick,” he explained.

“I will be using the Commonwealth Games trials to gauge my speed as I prepare to beat my personal best in Berlin ,” he added.

On his moment of glory, the World Half titleholder revealed he sacrificed team title ambitions to bar Tadese from clinching his unprecedented sixth crown as Kenya surrendered that honour to Eritrea who won it for the first time in seven attempts.

“I’m very a happy to win this major title especially after running with very experience people like Tadese who I knew would give us stiff competition. We entered with a plan that worked although we did not win the men’s team title since our aim was to shut Tadese away and make sure he doesn’t win his sixth title.

“I knew he is a front runner like me so we agreed to run as a team and made sure he doesn’t open the gap as all of us ran around him. It really worked because he burned out alongside my team mates and with 15 kilometers left I decided to take on the race.

“It was tough since five Eritrean were still on my neck but I managed to use my kick which I’m good at to win the race,” Kipsang described.

Samuel Tsegay, who won the battle with Ethiopia’s Guye Adola to take silver in a personal best of 59:21 shared the podium with the winner.

Cherono, the double African champion over 10,000m and 5,000m will now turn her attention to the Commonwealth Games where she aims to go for the gold.

“The race was good since it was a flat course and I’m proud with what we achieved because everybody was in good shape something that enabled us work as a team.

“I want to appreciate our coach Edith Masai, who inspired us to this victory as she told us to communicate with each other while running and that’s why we won the team title and individual gold,” she told in appreciation of the retired three-time World Cross champion who was placed in charge of the Copenhagen squad by AK.

“I was expecting to be in the medal bracket but winning gold was a surprise package for me. We ran up to 18 kilometers and when I looked back my colleagues were no longer strong, I decided to open the gap since I had energy,” the 30 years old who recorded her season best of 1:07:28 for victory added.

Mary Wacera Ngugi (1:07:43 PB) and Sally Chepyego Kaptich (1:07:51 PB) took the lesser medals as pre-race favourite and number six runner of all-time, Lucy Wangui Kabuu (1:08:36 SB) and Mercy Jerotich Kibarus (1:08:41 SB) completed the top five.

She added, “I’m now focusing on training my speed work for Commonwealth since running on the track needs a lot of speed compared to marathon.”

AK rewarded the four male athletes (Kenneth Kipkemoi, Simon Cheprot, Robert Chemosin and Wilson Kiprop) who finished outside the money bracket with Sh103,859.96 (USD 1,200) to motivate then for their efforts.