NAIROBI, KENYA, September 19 – World women’s 3000m steeplechase titleholder, Milcah Chemos is eyeing to shift distances to the marathon after the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Chemos fresh from clinching her fourth straight IAAF Diamond League title to add on to the world crown she motored to in Moscow, is now focusing on defending her Commonwealth title Glasgow, Scotland next year.

“In Moscow, I wanted to win it really bad having tried for so long. God willing after the 2016 Olympics, I will join the marathon, but I have to prepare for that since marathon running is not easy, you have to train a lot,” the athlete who added the top medal to the two bronze she bagged at the Berlin 2009 and Daegu 2011 editions told reporters Thursday.

The African record holder stopped the timer at 9:11.65 in Russia is also targeting back to back triumphs at the next edition of the event in London before quitting the track for the roads.

Chemos became the first Kenyan female athlete to win the gold medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Worlds, an event dominated by their male counterparts where Ezekiel Kemboi held on to his crown.

She led compatriot Lydia Chepkurui for the 1-2 before applying the icing on the cake by clinching her fourth straight elite circuit title when she forced the latter to once again play bridesmaid at the Diamond League final in Brussels on September 6.

The Kenya Police training instructor will be among the marquee attractions at this year’s Baringo Half Marathon.

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 19- As far as domination goes, this was a display of total annihilation.

The national women’s volleyball team wrapped up their eighth Africa Nations Championships title in style- without dropping a set- by completing the Tunisian whitewash on Thursday night at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

David Lungaho’s queens breezed through the tournament unblemished by handing the Magreb nation a 3-0 drubbing that has become their hallmark since the event volleyed off last weekend to complete their round robin assignment with maximum 15 points.

“I’m happy because my tactics worked against Tunisia who were tough especially in the third set, but the substitution I made really worked for me. We are now embarking on training ahead of the World Championships qualifiers,” Lungaho who led the team to yet another continental honour gushed.

The African queens lead by Captain Bracksides Agala, setter Jane Wacu and Janet Wanja strolled through the first set by 25-17, before struggling in the second which they won 25-20.

Tunisia came blazing in the final one managing to sweat the hosts but eventually surrendered, going down 25-23 to confirm Kenya as champions once more since they required only to win two sets to clinch the title.

While their latest continental conquest cannot be diminished after Cameroon, Senegal, Olympic finalists Algeria and Egypt fell to the charged hosts in straight sets, the question is when will the side will transfer their continental supremacy to the global stage where they are yet to register victory and are often victims of the same dose they mete out on their African rivals.

Lungaho’s side will set upon the qualifiers for next year’s World Championships in November in a buoyant mood, particularly after thrashing the team that robbed them a chance to return to the Olympics last year and Cameroon who until they met the Kenyans, had also enjoyed a blistering start to the event.

While it goes without question that Kenya are primed to secure a berth among the 24 teams at the 2014 FIVB Women’s World Championships in Italy, the team finished joint 21st (last) with fellow Africans Algeria, Canada and Kazakhstan in the last edition in Japan without winning a single game.

The task for Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) is to turn the talented girls into world beaters and that can only be achieved in investing heavily in the squad to give them a fighting chance against the might of the likes of world champions Russia, Brazil, USA, Japan and Italy among others who made mince meat of the African queens.

Reports that the team was ejected from the Kasarani hostels over non-payment of bills and requiring to be bailed out by among others, the former volleyballer and Cherangany Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen are hardly the best platform to launch the journey that barring disaster, should take the African queens to Italy.

In recent years, KVF led by the veteran vice-president of Africa Volleyball Federation, Waithaka Kioni, has put out the begging bowl for the necessary cash but it beggars belief that with a team that dominates an entire continent in the fashion of the freshly coined eight-time champion, using the girls as marketing tools for female products within and outside the country’s borders for instance, has not been explored.

With local captains of industry reputed to be frugal as far as endorsing sport is concerned, recent outlays on teams and individual athletes suggest the tide is turning and Kioni and his team should ensure they jump into the bandwagon instead of the usual cries for donations and spending from pocket.

Otherwise, the Kasarani pounding delivered by the queens on what Africa threw at them will all be a token victory.

LONDON, England, September 21 – Premier League leaders Liverpool crashed to their first defeat of the season at home to Southampton on Saturday, while Everton enjoyed a stirring 3-2 win at West Ham United.

Liverpool were without injured playmaker Philippe Coutinho, sidelined by a shoulder problem, but they came close to taking the lead in the first half at Anfield when visiting goalkeeper Artur Boruc produced a full-stretch save to keep out a Steven Gerrard free-kick.

Daniel Sturridge then had a penalty appeal turned down after tangling with Dejan Lovren, and it was Lovren who broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute with a back-post header from a left-wing corner.

Only a fine triple save from Simon Mignolet prevented Southampton from adding to their lead, but Lovren’s goal proved enough to inflict a first league defeat on Liverpool since a 3-1 loss to the same side last March.

Liverpool will lose their grip on first place if Chelsea win at home to Fulham later on Saturday, while Everton now trail their city rivals by only a point after Romelu Lukaku scored on his debut to settle a thrilling game at Upton Park and help preserve the last unbeaten record in the division.

West Ham twice took the lead, via a deflected shot from Ravel Morrison and a Mark Noble penalty, only for Leighton Baines to level on each occasion with a pair of sensational free-kicks from 25 yards.

Noble was then sent off for a rash foul on Ross Barkley before Lukaku bravely headed home an 85th-minute winner in his first game since signing on loan from Chelsea.

Another on-loan striker, Loic Remy, scored twice on his first home start for Newcastle United, but the Frenchman still finished on the losing side in a 3-2 defeat by Hull City.

His 10th-minute header was cancelled out by Robbie Brady, who teed up Ahmed Elmohamady for a second equaliser early in the second period after Remy had curled home a second goal on the cusp of half-time.

Sone Aluko settled the match in memorable fashion with 14 minutes remaining, meeting George Boyd’s left-wing cross with a sumptuous volley that crashed into the net off the right-hand upright.

Stephane Sessegnon came back to haunt his former club Sunderland by scoring the opening goal in a 3-0 win on his debut for new side West Bromwich Albion.

A deadline-day signing from Sunderland, the Benin midfielder pounced in the 20th minute, before late goals from Liam Ridgewell and Morgan Amalfitano completed victory.

Sunderland remain rooted to the foot of the table and manager Paolo Di Canio’s misery was compounded when striker Steven Fletcher appeared to dislocate his shoulder.

Earlier, Aston Villa lost key striker Christian Benteke to injury but still managed to snap a three-game losing streak with a 1-0 win at Norwich City.

Last season’s top scorer with 19 goals, Benteke limped off with an injury during the first half but his replacement, Libor Kozak, tapped in the game’s only goal within two minutes of coming on.

Villa manager Lambert played down Benteke’s injury, saying: “The medical staff reckon it’s his hip flexor. Hopefully it’s not too bad. But Libor Kozak came on and scored within 90 seconds, which shows he’ll endear himself to the crowd.”

Manchester United visit Manchester City on Sunday in the season’s first Manchester derby, when both City manager Manuel Pellegrini and his United counterpart David Moyes will be sampling the fixture for the first time.

LONDON, November 10 – Robin van Persie turned on his old club by scoring the only goal of the game as champions Manchester United beat Premier League leaders Arsenal 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday to revive their title challenge.

The Dutchman, who joined United in a £24 million ($38 million) move in August last year after failing to be convinced about the trophy ambitions of Arsenal, who last won a major piece of silverware in 2005, struck in the 27th minute.

Van Persie got the run on Olivier Giroud and attacked a Wayne Rooney corner before flicking his header over Kieran Gibbs on the post and into the net as United found a way through Arsenal’s zonal marking system.

This victory, arguably David Moyes’s most significant success since replacing the retired Alex Ferguson as United manager, saw the title-holders move to within five points of Arsenal, who themselves remained two points clear at the top from Liverpool.

Had United lost, they would have been 11 points adrift of the Gunners, a gap which even at this stage of the season might have been too large for them to overhaul if they were to have a chance of retaining the title.

The only consolation for Arsenal fans on Sunday was that arch North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur also lost 1-0, to Newcastle, earlier in the day.

Victory would have seen Spurs go level on points with Liverpool but it was Newcastle who emerged triumphant following an inspired performance by goalkeeper Tim Krul at White Hart Lane.

Loic Remy scored the game’s only goal in the 13th minute.

But that the visitors, fresh from beating Chelsea, took all three points owed much to a brilliant display by Dutch shot-stopper Krul, who produced a hatful of excellent saves.

“He has had a few good uns (matches) for us, Tim,” said Newcastle manager Alan Pardew.

“I think he is the best Dutch goalie for sure and I think he is the best in the Premier League.”

Newcastle moved up to ninth in the table, three points adrift of Spurs who remained in seventh place.

Manchester City saw their away form prove fallible once again as second-bottom Sunderland beat them 1-0 for the fourth season in a row at the Stadium of Light.

Phil Bardsley dented City’s title aspirations with a 21st minute curler after the visitors failed to deal with Wes Brown’s long ball.

City boast a 100 percent record from their five home league games this season, but have now taken just four points from a possible 18 on their travels.

“I am concerned because we are losing too many points away and, of course, that’s very difficult if you don’t win away to try to fight for the Premier League,” said City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Swansea and Stoke shared six goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Liberty Stadium.

Things were looking bad for the Welsh club when Jonathan Walters and Stephen Ireland scored to put visitors Stoke 2-0 inside half an hour.

But Michael Laudrup’s men rallied through second-half goals from Wilfried Bony and substitute Nathan Dyer before Bony scored again with just four minutes left.

However, with virtually the last kick of the game, Charlie Adam rescued a point for Stoke from the penalty spot following a handball in the box, with the draw taking the Potters out of the bottom three.

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 11 – The Government has finally commissioned the Anti-Doping Task Force requested by World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) to investigate doping cases in the country.

Cabinet secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr Hassan Wario, rolled-out the 11-member committee chaired by Professor Moni Wekesa to beat the Wada November deadline given to Kenya to investigate the alleged spike in doping cases or risk being black-listed.

The committee has two months to submit its report with the development coming 24 hours before the start of the Wada Conference in South Africa where the country’s inaction in investigating alleged cases was to feature.

The committee will probe 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.

“Doping has evolved to become a major threat to global sport, its for this reason that my ministry views these doping allegation as an opportunity for Kenya to put in place a comprehensive programme that will protect our athletes against doping and reserve the spirit of fair play in sports.

“Kenyans are under microscope for the good performance internationally, and to maintain credibility, we have to ensure that the anti-doping measures are fully in place.

“We need to ensure intelligent testing is being planted to effectively detect doping and also limit the supply of doping substances,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

A delegation of Government officials will leave tonight for South Africa to attend the four day Wada congress.

Wario urged all stakeholders from the Government, national federations, coaches, sports medical personnel, athletes, law enforcement agencies and Anti-Doping Organizations to give the committee all the support they need to fulfil their mandate.

The function was attended by head of sports federations including, Athletics, Football, Rugby, Volleyball, Hockey, Boxing and National Olympics Committee- Kenya, chairman Dr Kipchoge Keino.

Since January 2012, 17 Kenyan runners have been suspended for doping violations, including the captain of the national team for the Punta Umbria World Cross, Matthew Kiosorio who was sanctioned for steroid use.

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 12- The 2013 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup will be officially launched in Nairobi on Friday.

The tournament draw will be conducted then with a title sponsor due to be unveiled during the breakfast function where ambassadors of nations taking part are lined up to be present.

According to the regional football governing body Secretary General, Nicholas Musonye, all preliminary games will be played in Nairobi and Machakos.

“For easier management and planning, other towns, Kisumu, Mombasa and Mumias will host some knockout matches,” Musonye disclosed on Tuesday.

“We had expressed our reservation about the readiness of Kisumu but with the decision to have the preliminary matches in Nairobi, the lakeside town have more time to prepare,” the official added.

Cecafa technical committee officials arrive in the country on Thursday to tour the venues and make a final submission on their fitness to host the competition that runs from November 27 to December 12.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) boss Sam Nyamweya told the organisers that the artificial turf has already been taken to Kisumu and work to lay it will commence before the end of the week.

“The government approved the Sh3.6 million for the clearing for the turf. We have also agreed with the Kisumu County Government to clear the huge pile of garbage adjacent to the stadium,” the FKF boss added.

“What remains is just laying the turf and a few things which should not take long so I can assure you that it will be ready,” he explained.

The countries that have confirmed participation alongside the hosts are defending champions Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Sudan, Zanzibar, Eritrea and Zambia.

Cecafa is still waiting for Burundi with the kick-off set to coincide with World Cup trophy tour to Kenya.

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 12- After ascending to the hallowed status as the fastest male ultimate distance runner on the planet, World marathon record holder, Wilson Kipsang, has set his sights on the Olympics and Worlds titles to cement his legacy.

“I had my chance to win gold in London Olympics, but I failed. It was a bit complicated, because unlike the other marathons, which start in the morning, in London we started late and the heat was too much to bear.

“Of course it affected all, but there were also too many corners, I think over 25 and that made it hard. I was in great shape, but I lost.

“So I still want to represent Kenya in major championships. It is always not good to see the other countries edging us out,” Kipsang said in Nairobi on Tuesday.

“But we have to realise that in any major championships, everyone is entered with an aim of winning and we have to learn to live with that. It will be more difficult to win every time.”

Uganda and Ethiopia have emerged as formidable challengers to the fort that has for long been Kenya’s reserve, marathon.

But Kipsang, who is now taking a sabbatical after a hectic season, believes with good training and focus, Kenyan runners still have what it takes to beat the opponents.

The record holder said he was happy with his achievements this season, which saw him clinch the world record in Berlin with a time of 2:03.23.

He was fifth at the London marathon in April; this is besides the bronze medal he picked in London Olympics last year.

This performance enabled him together with compatriot Edna Kiplagat to win AIMS Best Marathon Runner of the Year Award.

The duo was voted the AIMS Best Marathon Runner of the Year in a special gala in Athens last week.

“I had no idea who would win this (AIMS Best Marathon Runner of the Year). Now I am very happy and proud,” said Kipsang.

“This award should become an inspiration for young athletes – not only in Kenya but in the whole world.”

After skipping the World Championships in Moscow this year, Kipsang, 31, is keen to redeem his image by competing in the same event in China in 2015 and complete his onslaught with a show in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

“For now, I have to take a break, watch some football and support my club Chelsea. It is important to give my body some rest and hope to come back stronger next year. In athletics, it is easy to challenge and win the top spot, but it is harder to retain the same,” said Kipsang.

However, the Iten-based athlete is not losing sleep over the threat by his opponents to lower the world mark.

“That record will not last. There are many hungry young runners coming through and several established marathoners who are capable of breaking it. I will not cry if somebody breaks it tomorrow. But I too have the ability to lower it down and next year I will make another attempt,” he said.

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 13 – Fresh from dispatching ‘younger brothers’ Kakamega Homeboyz to Division 1, AFC Leopards have turned their claws on archrivals Gor Mahia as they seek to deny the league champions the domestic double at Sunday’s GOtv Shield final.

Consequently, Ingwe are still holed up in Mumias, the venue where they snuffed out Homeboyz’s fading hopes of being a KPL team next season last Saturday in a ‘boot camp’ to get ready for the war against the archenemy.

Coach James Nandwa told Capital Sport from Mumias on Wednesday that the Shield presents the last chance for Leopards to earn bragging rights this season after watching their rivals soar to the league title with three games to spare as they played the bridesmaid.

“After our match against Homeboyz, we decided to pitch tent here in Mumias which is our (second) home, because the weather is very friendly.

“I also wanted the players to be away from their families and friends so that they can concentrate and focus on the crucial match,” Nandwa told.

“We decided to train away from Nairobi, to avoid disturbance from people who come to interfere with our programme and apart from that, we wanted to unite with our fans in this region,” Nandwa who also serves as Harambee Stars assistant coach explained.

Ingwe are sweating on winger Paul Were who has not recovered since he was stretched off in the first half during their 2-1 win against Homeboyz.

Were is one of the feared triumvite that includes in form striker, Allan Wanga and Noah Wafula that has terrorised defences in recent times to offer Leopards hopes of ending their silverware draught.

Nandwa who has experienced a good run with Ingwe after the exit of Belgian Luc Eymael served notice to K’Ogalo that they should expect a tough ride since it will be a do or die match.

“I will be working on my defence lead by captain Martin Imbalambala and Eric Masika, to ensure it does not leak goals. The likes of Dan Sserukuma will have no chance to score,” the coach added.

With Gor Mahia crowned 2013 KPL, Leopards who finished second, on the other hand will be looking to extend their supremacy over K’Ogalo in the fixture christened ‘Mashemeji (in-laws) Derby’ having won 25 against Gor’s 22 with 28 drawn.

The last time the sides met was during a league tie where Leopards failed to capitalize on their 2- 0 lead with 15 minutes to full time forcing the match to end in a 2-2 draw.

According to Nandwa, the team will arrive in Nairobi on Friday for the crunch to be staged at Nyayo National Stadium.

The winner of the domestic tournament will pocket Sh2m (USD 23,201.80) as the losing finalist will walk away with Sh750, 000 (USD 8700.68).

Leopards are assured of representing the country in the CAF Confederation Cup next year despite the result on Sunday, since K’Ogalo will take part in the Champions League.

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 14 – There is no better way for Gor Mahia to end their most successful season in decades by stuffing the old enemy.

The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions will pause their title party in a bid to extend their recent dominance over AFC Leopards when the bitter rivals clash in the GOtv Shield final on Sunday.

A win would cement the status of the class of 2013 as K’Ogalo legends, emulating their 1987 predecessors who are the last of the great Gor teams to win the league and cup double as well as the defunct CAF Cup Winners Cup to complete the treble.

Despite the recent weeks being one long party after Gor snapped an 18 year-old drought to return to the apex of domestic football, having not won their last two matches, any game against Leopards is enough motivation to rouse K’Ogalo from their carnival mood in the latest installment of the fixture christened ‘Mashemeji (in-laws) Derby.’

The defending champions who will be chasing a third consecutive domestic cup title, has been training under closed doors at their citadel City Stadium in Nairobi ahead of the much anticipated derby at the cathedral of Kenyan football, Nyayo National Stadium.

Speaking to Capital Sport on Thursday, K’Ogalo coach Bobby Williamson expects a tough match with knocks affecting his charges not a threat to his aspirations.

“There are a few injuries but I have a big squad, I’m never concerned about players who are injured, we carry on and give other players a chance to play but that’s up to me to make the decision on Sunday.

“GOtv Shield is a tournament the boys have been doing well over the last few years and on Sunday we are at it again.

“We have to make sure we don’t disappoint our fans who turn out in large numbers, but it’s a derby any one can win,” the former Uganda Cranes tactician who will be at the touchline for his second Mashemeji derby told.

“I decided to come with a new programme to train under closed doors because it’s professional, we should not be having people coming to watch our training, be it the local fans, because the players will not concentrate,” Bobby declared.

Captain, Jerim Onyango, admitted the team was still in celebratory mood, a fortnight after lifting the KPL trophy but players have tried to moderate it and focus on winning the Shield.

“Playing against our arch-rivals is already a motivation as it’s a big match and we know the game will not be easy because we are the defending champions.

“Expectations are high from our fans that have been loyal to the team and also, we want to lift the Shield for the third time so that we can keep it forever,” the outstanding K’Ogalo custodian who is seeking to emulate David Ochieng and Tirus Omondi who were in goal in 1987 added. He will be competing with Tanzanian Ivo Mapunda, who has played in all GOtv matches thus far for the gloves.

With the Green Army now chanting ‘Gigiwasekao’ a Luo expression meaning ‘we have taken these things’ in-form striker Dan Sserunkuma who has found the back of the net four times against Ingwe, will be looking to raid the Leopards den once again.

At the back, Harambee Stars revelation, defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino, alongside Musa Mohammed and Donald Mosoti will be tasked with locking out Leopards attacking force led by the red-hot Allan Wanga.

Isaiah ‘Janabi’ Omondi, Otieno Solo, Otieno Bassanga, Bobby Ogolla (now assistant head coach), Jaffer Mwidau and captain Austin Oduor marshalled the defence of the last K’Ogalo double winners.

In midfield, the likes of Israel Emuge, Joseph Njuguna, Eric Ochieng and the rising sensation Joseph Wanyonyi have their 87 equivalents Abass Magongo, Charles Otieno, Okello Zangi, Onyango Fundi, Ochieng Pierre and Odembo ‘Artillery’ Nyangi to emulate.

Of course, Sserunkuma will draw comparisons with Peter ‘Omuga’ Dawo, the striker who joined K’Ogalo in 1987 and had a habit of sinking winning goals such as the one against Zamalek that won Gor the Mandela Cup, the only continental club crown in Kenya’s name.

Fellow forwards, Edwin Lavatsa and Kevin Omondi have Anthony Ndolo, Sammy Onyango and Ben ‘Breakdance’ Oloo to look up to as they face the side they beat in return leg of the 1987 league courtesy of Dawo and on the final of GOtv predecessor, Moi Golden Cup, where Ingwe were clawed 2-0 to complete the treble.

Sunday’s crunch fixture will witness Gor and Leopards legends square it out to curtain raise for the final for the first time.

The winner of the tournament will pocket Sh2m (USD 23,201.80) as the losing finalist will walk away with Sh750, 000 (USD 8700.68).

Leopards last silenced Gor on October 2, 2011 with a 3-1 victory in the KPL but K’Ogalo have since them found a way to skin their foes, the latest being on August 25 when they came from 2-0 down to force a 2-2 draw in the league that effectively extinguished Leopards hopes of stopping their title charge.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 15 – Athletes who use banned substances face up to four-year bans from competitive sport under beefed-up rules approved Friday to curb doping amid scandals like that of cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Global leaders passed the third World Anti-Doping Code at a conference in Johannesburg, hoping the threat of tougher punishments will deter would-be cheaters.

“We’ve got stronger sanctions for those who intentionally dope, we’ve also got greater flexibility when it comes to the sanctioning of athletes,” said John Fahey, outgoing president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The code governs competitive sports from athletics to football to cycling, and has been backed by powerful sporting bodies like the International Olympic Committee (IOC), world football’s governing body FIFA, and governments.

The new rules place “greater emphasis on intelligent processes”, said Fahey, because they fine-tune different tests in different sports, and also target athletes’ conspiring support personnel for the first time.

“There has been a widening of the net to rope in athletes’ entourage,” he told journalists.

“The code now allows for something to be done when that influence is used for the wrong purposes.”

The revised World Anti-Doping Code follows a two year-long reevaluation, in a period during which the discovery of fallen record Tour de France champion Armstrong’s extensive doping highlighted the tough battle for clean competition.

Athletes and sports bodies had called for stricter punishment for culprits, though doping controls struggle to catch them.

Less than one percent of checks give an abnormal result, despite tests jumping from 150,000 a year to 250,000 since WADA was created in 1999.

Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after using banned blood-boosting drug EPO, and global cycling governing body the UCI will launch an inquiry early next year to clean up the sport.

But the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has slammed the updated rules for leaving cheaters with “too many means of escape”.

Four-year sanctions can be reduced to two if a caught doper denies the intention to have used a banned substance, without having to prove it.

Admitting to cheating can also reduce the sanction, or if the athlete’s support personnel take the blame.

All this will “make cases more procedurally complicated, time-consuming and costly than they ought to be,” according to the IAAF.

But incoming WADA president Craig Reedie said the new rules were robust enough.

“This code is the accumulated wisdom of the anti-doping world,” he told journalists after his election at the conference.

“I certainly hope that the higher sanctions become a much more regular fact of life,” said the 72-year-old Scotsman, who is one of the two deputy-presidents of the International Olympic Committee.

But it won’t be smooth sailing.

With its small budget of $28 million (20.8 million euros) increased by a paltry one percent next year, WADA lacks the finances to pack a punch.

The new rules — which take effect in 2015 — empower it to order doping controls and launch probes when countries fail to do so, but it still has no power to force signatories to comply.

A power it does have — and uses effectively — is accrediting laboratories to test for doping.

It already suspended the lab of Rio de Janeiro, which will cause headaches before next year’s World Cup, and is now targeting the one in Moscow, which is due to test samples for the Sochi Winter Games in three months.

Meanwhile, South African athlete Hezekiel Sepeng, who was banned from competing for two years after testing positive for an anabolic steroid in 2005, said long bans were unfair, especially when labs make mistakes.

“The sad part is, those who are probably like me, something wrong happens, then they’re going to sit for four years, and four years is too long,” he told AFP in an interview Friday.

“Those labs that are not up to standard — these labs must go,” said the 800-metres 1996 Atlanta silver medallist, who blamed his positive result on faulty tests.

MONACO, November 17- The biggest voice in the world governing body IAAF President, Lamine Diack tore into the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for what he called a ‘campaign’ against athletics by citing Kenya and Jamaica in their purge against drug cheating.

Diack’s staunch defence came after the two nations dominated the WADA Congress that concluded in South Africa last week for their apparent inaction in tightening doping control.

It led to threats they would be blacklisted and forced out of the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“Because one doctor made accusations, it has been Kenya, Kenya, Kenya! They are the most controlled in the world, 650 to 700 athletes are tested in and out of competition, its control all the time and this (claims) is totally false.

“It’s like WADA is making a campaign, I protest, what was long, they went there, what did they find?” the visibly displeased President said Saturday ahead of the 2013 World Athletics Gala in Monaco.

The global athletics boss was alluding to the citing of Kenyan athletes by the anti-doping body following a spike in doping cases, 17 since January 2012 although apart from the 2011 World Cross captain, Matthew Kisorio, did not affect the cream of the country’s top runners.

On Jamaica who came under WADA’s cross hairs a fortnight ago with a team visiting the country following reports of a flawed doping control system as well as high profile sanctions against top sprinters Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell-Brown, Diack expressed confidence that the Caribbean giants are capable of managing their own testing.

“We have to be clear on that, everyone knows the strength of Jamaica in sprinting, we are doing our best in athletics. Jamaica is in a position to do their own control, stop all this.”

“WADA have no power to suspend anyone,” he added.

Last week, the Government set-up a 12-man Committee headed by Prof. Moni Wekesa to probe all doping cases and recommend necessary action to athletes, manager, suppliers, coaches and everyone else involved in encouraging use of banned substances.

During the Congress in South Africa, WADA President, John Fahey, ‘welcomed’ the move but stated his body was yet to receive official communication from the Government about the said task force.

The anti-doping body had given Kenya a November deadline to investigate cases or the nation would be blacklisted.

Speaking in Monaco, Athletics Kenya vice-president in charge of Administration and Competition, David Okeyo, hailed Diack’s assertion disclosing to Capital Sport that testers had come to the country seeking top runners and six months later, there was not even a single positive case.

“Following reports we were hiding something or giving our athletes something, they have been coming and asking for specific runners and up to now, we are still waiting for the results. It does not take that long and now we have biological passports meaning they have nothing,” he added.

Last year, a report aired on German television ARD claimed there was evidence of systematic doping among Kenyan runners and although big names were floated, the country still awaits the cited ‘evidence’ of organised substance abuse.

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 17 – A second half strike by Peter ‘Pinches’ Opiyo’ was enough to deny K’Ogalo repeat the 1987 history when they clinched double, as AFC Leopards beat arch rivals Gor Mahia 1-0 in the GOtv Shield final on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.

The former Tusker player netted home for Ingwe in the 52nd minute after connecting a Noah Wafula cross from the right wing.

Leopards Coach James Nandwa was delighted with the win saying determination and hard work from his boys gave him the victory.

“The first half was difficult for us because Gor dominated our midfield, they had a lot of chances but failed to convert.

“We came in the second half fighting for goals and after missing quite a number of chances, Opiyo finally slotted home, so focus now shifts to the Confederation Cup next year,” Nandwa who won his first title with Leopards stated after the match.

Gor Coach Bobby Williamson blamed the referee Davis Omweno for the loss.

“We wanted to win two titles and end the season on a high, Leopards got their chance and utilized it.

“My players played very well but they did not convert the chances they created, but the referee was not fair at all,” the Scottish uttered.

As usual being a ‘Mashemeji derby’, fans from both side converged at various venues in the Central Business District, before matching to Nyayo Stadium.

With fans streaming in the Stadium as early as 12 pm, it was all colored with Green and Blue with supporters chanting and dancing songs for their respective clubs and for the first time, the Green Army had a band that entertained their fans all through.

Ingwe started on a high with Paul Were attacking in the third minute forcing Jerim Onyango to lose the ball but the keeper recovered to stop the resultant shot and send the ball out for a corner.

Gor responded through a brilliant run by Dan Sserunkuma who managed to penetrate the defense on several occasions with only Martin Musalia to beat, but his shot went wide.

Abdalla Juma should have opened the score charts for Leopards through a free kick in the 25th minute but Jerim produced a brilliant save.

With one minute to the breather, Gor defender Donald Musoti could have given his side the lead through a powerful header that forced keeper Martin Matasi to punch the ball away to enable the match head into halftime in a barren draw.

Noah Wafula again ran through the right wing in the 75th minute but sent in a wayward shot as Wanga waited in the box.

Gor Mahia substitutes Edwin Lavatsa, Paul Kiongera and Kevin Omondi were instrumental after coming on but neither managed to tear apart the tight AFC defense with Matasi denying Kiongera thrice in the dying minutes of the game.

However the match did not end without chaos, as Police had to fire tear gas that dispersed K’Ogalo fans who threw stones to their opponents, who had already invaded the pitch.

The matter was brought to a close after ten minutes to allow the prize giving ceremony that was presided over by Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga go on.

Leopards who pocked Sh2m (USD 23162.00) are the first club to lift the glittering Shield as their arch rivals who clinched the Kenya Premier League settled for Sh750,000 ( USD 8685.75).

Ingwe who won the domestic title after four years, will represent the country in the CAF Confederations Cup next year.

NAIROBI, Kenya November 19 – Harambee Stars are back in camp kicking off thier preparations for the upcoming CECAFA Senior challenge Cup that starts in Nairobi on November 27th.

The squad is at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani with less than two weeks to get ready under the guidance of Coach Amrouche.

On Amrouche’s call up list, includes Kenya Premier League’s top scorer KCB’s Jacob Keli, AFC Leopards striking trio of Allan Wanga, Paul Were and Noah Wafula.

THE TEAM

Goalkeepers – Jerim Onyango (Gor Mahia), Wilson Obungu (Bandari), Wycliffe Kasaya (Sony Sugar), Duncan Ochieng (Sofapaka).

Defenders – Joackins Atudo (Azam FC), Shariff Mohammed (Bandari), David Owino & Musa Mohammed (Gor Mahia), Abdallah Juma (AFC Leopards), Sammy Mejja (Thika United), Mulinge Ndetto (Ulinzi Stars).

Midfielders – Antony Akumu (Gor Mahia), Francis Kahata & David King’atua (Thika United), Peter Opiyo, Paul Were, (AFC Leopards), Shaban Kenga (Bandari).

Strikers – Allan Wanga & Noah Wafula (AFC Leopards), Jacob Kelli (KCB), Mungai Kiongera, Edwin Lavatsa (Gor Mahia).

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 19 – GOtv champions AFC Leopards are preying for seven new players in their den to bolster their squad, as they prepare for the CAF Confederations Cup next year, club Secretary General George Aladwa, declared on Tuesday.

Speaking in Nairobi, Aladwa said they are targeting two defenders, two midfielders and three strikers.

The players will be unveiled next week.

“So far we have a good team, what we need to do is to strengthen the squad because next year our aim is to win the Kenyan Premier League, defend the GOtv Shied and above all go past the group stages in the Confederations Cup.

“We have formed Committees to raise Sh100m (USD 1156740.00) for the continental showpiece because it’s very expensive to facilitate logistics for that tournament,” Aladwa who is also the club spokes man Said.

This comes after club officials handed interim Coach James Nandwa and his technical bench a two year contract after a sterling performance, losing only one match since he took over from Belgian Luc Eymael.

“As officials we met on Thursday last week and agreed to retain the coach on permanent basis for a two year deal, so it’s up for him to accept or say no since he also serves as the assistant coach of the national team.

“Nandwa has already passed the interview judging by his performance since he took over because he has delivered,” he added.

Nandwa is currently with the national football team in camp at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, preparing for the upcoming Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that will kick-off next week.

Bringing in two more defenders means the likes of Erick Masika who has not had a good run this season, will up his game with Abdalla Juma and captain Martin Imbalambala already assured of stay since they have been regulars.

The Midfield that has been dominated by Peter ‘Pinches’Opiyo, Charles Okwemba, Ezekiel Seda and winger Paul Were will also be strengthened to ensure the forwards receive the balls.

Prolific strikers Allan Wanga and Noah Wafula will have to work extra hard and up their score tally or else join veteran Mike Baraza on the bench as the new signings coming on board.

Ingwe will head to Taita Taveta this week, before embarking on a tour to the four counties in Western region (Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega and Vihiga) to scout for young talent and popularize the team.

Leopards will be making a comeback to the continental scene after a four year absence.

Meanwhile, the club has entered into a partnership with APA Insurance in conjunction with Rapid communications that will see the players, technical bench and fans enjoy an affordable personal accident and death insurance for a cost of Sh1690 ( USD 19.55) per year.

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 20- The marriage between Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia and Ugandan striker, Dan Sserunkuma that hit the rocks recently is set to end with the forward submitting a transfer request.

Club chairman, Ambrose Rachier, told SuperSport.com in an exclusive interview that the striker who top scored for K’Ogalo with eight goals to add to his 15 last season was keen on securing a move to Armenia.

The chair stated Gor would not seek to hold on to the player they convinced to stay two and a half months ago but all interested suitors needed to “negotiate with us directly.”

“I got an email from Sserunkuma dated 15th November where he indicated he does not want to play in the Kenyan premier league nor participate in the CAF Champions league because several clubs from Armenia had shown interest in him,” Rachier told the website.

He gave Sserunkuma a December 15 deadline to state his stand before he submits the Champions League squad by December 28 insisting, “We have treated Sserunkuma in a special way.”

“I don’t want this to be an issue but its paramount we follow the laid down procedures.

“We paid City Stars Ksh500,000 for the player and if anything whichever teams wants him should negotiate directly with us so that we can release him in a mutual way,” Rachier stressed.

In his letter, Sserunkuma, whose late surge powered K’Ogalo to their first title since 1995 cementing his place among Gor legends, expressed his wish to play in the Armenian league that kicks-off in January.

“I would like to thank Gor for everything they have done to me. Clubs in Armenia have shown a lot of interest and their league starts in January 2014 when I will be left with only eight months in my contract with Gor Mahia,” part of his email read.

Having won his place in the hearts of the Green Army, Sserunkuma’s impending exit is another blow to the side that failed to secure the domestic double last Sunday when they went down 1-0 to bitter rivals AFC Leopards in the GOtv Shield final.

Sserunkuma who won the Kenyan Player of the Season award in 2012 was shortlisted for this year’s top accolade alongside Allan Wanga (AFC Leopards), Jacob Keli (KCB), David Owino (Gor) and Shaban Kenga (Bandari)

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 21 – A psychiatrist had to be hired for newly crowned Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Player of the Year and KCB striker, Jacob Keli, to get firing again after he went six games without scoring.

Whatever the medic told him helped the former Harambee Stars Under-23 captain have a monster second season that saw him emerge the Golden Boot winner besides picking up the biggest accolade on the night during the 2013 Footballer of the Year gala on Wednesday.

“It has been a spectacular and fruitful season for me but behind this success, it has been hard work and determination and after I became strong mentally, I scored two goals against Bandari and it flowed smoothly since then.

“When Jesse Were was at 14 goals, I was at eight, you can believe the catching up I had to do and am very grateful to God for giving me this opportunity because it has not been luck, it’s all effort,” the striker who closed the campaign with 17 league goals told Capital Sport after he was crowned the best of them all.

“I have a fatherly love for my coach Abdalla Juma, he believed in me from the first day of January pre-season and told he wanted to build the team around me, that showed he had trust in me and I’m glad I did not fail him,” Keli who was accompanied by his wife and son Remmy, told amid tears of joy.

The Kenyan international revealed he wants a new challenge with playing in Europe his big dream.

“After winning the Golden Boot and the Best Player in the domestic league, there is nothing more I can win here because I have already achieved, I only have to be very careful and patient.”

Winning the KPL top award has been a poisoned chalice with previous holders disappearing under the radar but Keli believes he will buck the trend since they all faltered after agitating for a move away from the domestic top flight.

“It’s all about playing time and it’s not that the previous winners have disappeared, I usually chat with Kevin Kimani and George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo.

“They are playing where they are and earning money it’s just that we don’t get information of how they are doing,” he stated in reference to two of his predecessors who fell from grace after winning the award.

“I could not have won this big prize without the support of my colleagues, the likes of Clifford Alwanga, Michael Oyando and Brian Osumba who provided the assists, I love them as my brothers and am really grateful to them,” the 22 year old who dedicated the award to his son, who kisses every boot he scores with, expressed.

Keli beat Gor Mahia’s David Owino and Bandari’s Shaban Kenga who placed first and second runner-ups to take home the coveted prize.

The bankers who finished fourth this season scooped the highest number of trophies during this year’s event, after they shed their tag as pace setters to enjoy a solid season.

Apart from winning the top scorer and Best Player, the club bagged runner-up keeper of the year (Sammy Okinda), midfielder (Brian Osumba), coach (Abdallah Juma), team manager (Josephat Okal) and runner-up defender (John Odhiambo).

KPL champions Gor Mahia, who won most awards last season went home with three awards two of these by defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino who was named best defender and came third in the best player category while captain Jerim Onyango, grabbed the goalkeeper of the season.

Their bitter rivals AFC Leopards, walked home with only one award courtesy of Allan Wanga who settled for third top scorer with 11 goals, four behind Tusker FC’s Jesse Were.

Each category came with a cash prize of Sh100, 000 (USD 1160.77) for the winners, Sh75, 000 (USD 870.58) for the first runners up and Sh50, 000 (580.38) for third placed players.

Ugandan and K’Ogalo forward Dan Sserunkuma won last season’s Best Player of the year.

BEST PLAYER

1. Jacob Keli – KCB

2. Shaban Kenga – Bandari

3. David Owino – Gor Mahia

GOAL KEEPER OF YEAR

1. Jerim Onyango – Gor Mahia

2. Sammy Okinda – KCB

3. Wycliffe Kasaya (Sony)/Wilson Obungu (Bandari)

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

1. David Owino – Gor Mahia

2. John Odhiambo – KCB

3.  Felly Mulumba – Sofapaka

MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR

1. Brian Osumba – KCB

2. Francis Kahata – Thika United

3. Peter Opiyo – AFC Leopards

NEW YOUNG PLAYER

1. Sammy Meja – Thika United

2. Michael Olunga – Tusker

3. Stephen Wakanya – Chemelil

TOP SCORER

Jacob Keli-KCB

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

Doris Petra – FKF

FAIR PLAY AWARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR

1. Dennis Onkangi – Western Stima

2. Shaban Kenga – Bandari

3. Oliver Ruto – Ulinzi Stars

FAIR PLAY TEAM OF THE YEAR

1. Western Stima

2. Sofapaka

3. Muhoroni

COACH OF THE YEAR

1. Abdalla Juma – KCB

2. Twahir Muhiddin – Bandari

3. David Ouma – Sofapaka

TEAM MANAGER OF YEAR

1.     Josphat Okal – KCB

2.     Dan Omondi – Karuturi Sports

3.     Alfred Achayo – Bandari

MOST IMPROVED CENTER REFEREE OF THE YEAR

1.     Davis Omweno

2.     Anthony Ongwayo

3.     Tabitha Wambui

MOST IMPROVED ASSISTANT  REFEREE OF THE YEAR

1.     Aden Marwa

2.     Peter Kiereini

3.     Dorcas Moraa

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 21 – Harambee Stars head coach, Adel Amrouche will be given a new long-term contract, Football Kenya Federation boss, Sam Nyamweya has confirmed.

The Belgian national has been in charge of the side since February and is preparing to lead the team at this year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that kicks-off on Wednesday in Nairobi.

Speaking during the unveiling of the title sponsors for the tournament, Nyamweya exuded confidence that Amrouche would lead the team to attain a respectable placing in the continental map.

“I have a lot of faith in the coach and as a federation we are giving him all the support he needs,” the FKF boss confirmed.

During the function, MultiChoice Kenya through its product GOtv injected Sh10.7 m (USD 125,000) towards the regional tournament that Kenya last hosted in 2009.

This is in addition to Sh5.1m (USD 600,000) worth of broadcast partnership, where its satellite television SuperSport will air all the 26 matches.

Speaking during the official launch of the competition, Cecafa Secretary General, Nicholas Musonye, said the money will be ploughed back to the hosts for preparations of the event.

“We are going to name this competition GOtv Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup 2013 and with less than five days towards the games, I want to urge Kenyans to attend the matches.

“FKF cannot run this tournament without supporters going to the stadium, that’s why we have spread it to Nairobi, Machakos, Mombasa and Kisumu,” Musonye added.

“The success of this event will depend on the performance of Harambee Stars, so it’s important we rally behind our national team and motivate them to win the title.

“We are going to commit Sh8.6m (USD 100,000) that will go back to the host country to support specific items we have identified,” he disclosed.

The Nairobi and Kisumu governors gave Sh10m (USD115,830) with their Machakos counterpart Dr. Alfred Mutua providing Sh5m (USD57,915).

According to Nyamweya, gate charges will be friendly as tickets for the terraces will sell at Sh200 (USD 2.32) while VIP will retail at Sh500 (USD5.79)

Other corporate that came on board include Coca-Cola and UAP Insurance who will cover all the players and officials during the tournament.

Kenya will kick-off her campaign against Ethiopia on November 27 at Nyayo National Stadium with all the quarterfinals set to be played in Mombasa while the semis will be staged in Kisumu.

NAIROBI, Kenya, November 22 – Homeboyz RFC duo of Leonard Mugaisi and Humprey Mulama are the debutants in the national team for the Port Elizabeth and Dubai 7s that was unveiled on Friday by new head coach Paul Treu.

The former South African tactician retained Andrew Amonde and Collins Injera as the captain and vice-captain of his first squad as expectations among local rugby enthusiasts soar in his bid to improve Kenya’s performance during the second leg of the Sevens World Series.

Speaking while naming the 12 man squad, Treu, said his target was to reach the Main Cup quarters.

“It was difficult to take over the team while the season had already started with the Gold Coast, when we came here our first target was to improve the conditioning and fitness level of the players.

“Nonetheless in the past two weeks we have done credible work, guys are really working hard to make sure they are up to speed and from the things we have introduced into the team from technical and conditioning perspective, what is just left is to implement them.

“We will take one game at a time and the team is not yet ready, a lot of training will be done in Dubai next week,” Treu stated.

“There are a lot of challenges for players, but we want to settle and keep the guys calm as we aim to have the first game under our belt.

“We have more experienced players in the team, the likes of captain Andrew Amonde, Collins Injera and Biko Adema among others, they will have to keep this team together because we have alot of faith in the youngsters and that’s why we have given them opportunity to showcase their talent,” he continued.

Treu who has been with the team for two weeks tipped he will change the format of play to seek winning ways.

“We have been playing in a certain formant for a long time and it has given us nothing, so for me I will get the mixture of right players and face other teams head on,” the tactician who aims to qualify for the 2016 Olympics concluded.

Amonde lauded his coach for giving him the arm-band once again, saying the boys have faith in him.

“I know we will perform very well under the hands of Treu, since he is a professional coach who has won many titles in the game of rugby.

“We as players are ready for the tournament and will approach the match with a lot of seriousness to better our last performance,” the captain said.

Speaking at the same function, Kenya Rugby Union chairman Mwangi Muthee, said the International Rugby Board (IRB) is considering to include Safaricom Sevens to their calendar.

“We displayed a video to IRB and I want to assure this is the closest Kenya has been, a decision will be made next year during the Safaricom 7s.

“IRB has shown interest in Port Elizabeth and Nairobi combining to form one leg of the World Series,” the chairman who arrived on Thursday from IRB congress meeting assured.

The team leaves on Sunday and will conduct training sessions on Monday and Tuesday in Dubai before resting for two days, waiting for the game that will run on the weekend of November 29 and 30.

The boys, who are pooled in Group A, will face Portugal in their opener before taking on defending champions New Zealand and France.

The Port Elizabeth leg will be held on the weekend of December 7 and 8.

Meanwhile, the national Women’s 7s team was also named by coach Kevin Wambua.

They leave on Monday to participate in the Dubai International Sevens tournament that will run concurrently with the World Series.

Kenya squad to Dubai

Andrew Amonde (Captain), Collins Injera (Vice Captain), Patrice Agunda, Philip Wamae, Horace Otieno, Humphrey Mulama, Felix Ayange, Michael Wanjala, Biko Adema, Eden Agero, Oscar Ayodi, Leonard Mugaisi

Management: Paul Treu (Head Coach), Felix Ochieng (Assistant Coach), Vuyo Zangqa (Attack Coach), Graham Bentz (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Lameck Bogonko (Physio), Steven Sewe (Team Manager)

TANZANIA, November 23, 2013 – Tuthill Porsche driver Björn Waldegård has retired from this year’s East African Safari Classic following a crash on Saturday’s 154 kilometre Jeshini stage in Tanzania.

Waldegård and his navigating son Mathias were 8km into the day’s opening stage when the Swedes passed over a concrete drift and rolled their Tuthill 911 one and a half times before the car landed on the co-driver’s side.

Both father and son were unhurt but have been flown to Nairobi for precautionary checks.

“It all happened very quickly,” explained Waldegård Snr following the accident. “We were going flat out over a concrete drift. We had a triple caution in the notes so I’m not sure what went wrong exactly but the back end got caught and it flipped the car.

“Of course, it’s very disappointing – yesterday was such a good day and everything was going fine and then today this has happened. I am feeling fine but Mathias seems to have a little concussion so the team are flying us to a hospital Nairobi as a precaution.”

Team owner Richard Tuthill concluded: “Obviously it’s very disappointing for Björn and Mathias but now our main priority is to ensure they are both thoroughly checked over in Nairobi. I’d like to take a moment to personally thank the excellent medical team on-event: they had flown a helicopter over within minutes of the incident and have done a great job so far.”

Waldegård was placed third prior to his retirement and had clocked the fastest time on yesterday’s closing stage.

Following Saturday’s opening test,  team mate and former winner Stig Blomqvist has resumed his lead on the Safari Classic and is leading Ian Duncan by 31 seconds.

KAMPALA, Uganda, November 24- Having seen Uganda’s Stephen Kiprotich upstage them at the Olympics and World Championships, Kenyan runners gained some measure of revenge by scooping the double at Sunday’s 10th running of the MTN Kampala Marathon.

Dominic Kimwetich Kangor, 24, successfully held on to his men’s 42km title to become the first repeat winner of the event whilst Kapsabet based full-marathon debutant Gladys Kipsoi, 28, enjoyed a dream start to her ultimate distance career by clinching the corresponding women’s race as the Kenyans broke into Ugandan armoury and stole the headlines in a commanding show of dominance.

By the time Kangor and Kipsoi raced to the USh14m (Sh560,000) winner’s prize money apiece, Kiprotich, who won the top medal at both London Olympics and Moscow Worlds had left the Kagogo Airstrip finishing area but there was no denying which nation was on top on this occasion as the hosts were let to dominate the lesser races namely, 21km and 10km events.

“I won the 21km race of this event three years ago and it opened up the doors for me since this year and the last have seen me bring pride to my nation.

“The turnout by Ugandans here today (Sunday) shows how I have inspired many to take athletics and the future is bright for this country,” Kiprotich said as the athletes tackled the tough course with a few hills in the event ran under overcast conditions and high humidity following heavy overnight rains in the Ugandan capital.

Kangor seeks to three-peat

Having come here last year and demolished the field, Eldoret based Eagle Athletics Club runner, David Kangor, retained his men’s title in a more crushing victory over the field in 2:15:06, chalking off over two minutes from his winning time last year.

The Brighton Marathon champion stepped up the pace at 12km before allowing the leading pack to push up the pace until the 32K mark to thin the frontrunners to Ethiopian Haile Berhamu, Uganda’s Patrick Cherotwo and himself.

Five kilometres later and seemingly distraught at the slow pace, he pressed his foot down the accelerator and motored away for victory.

His second decisive surge built such an advantage over his rivals that none was anywhere near when two motorcycles crashed on the last bend to the homestretch causing him to stop before jumping over them and sprinting for the tape.

“I want to come back next year and win a third now that I’m the first to win this race twice. Understanding the course helped a lot and despite the interference, I was able to take two minutes off my time from last year.

“It is my wish to also defend my Brighton Marathon title and to be included in the Kenyan team for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland next year,” the elated winner told.

“Having just run his PB (2:11:56) in Melbourne in October (13), he told me he was interested in coming to Uganda to defend his title and I agreed and I’m happy it worked.

“The world should watch out for him since he is a young runner but I do not intend on entering him in many races so that he does not burn out,” his coach, Phillip Maiyo, who accompanied him alongside six of his club-mates added.

The tiring Haile and Cherotwo were overtaken by his fast finishing compatriot Paul Matheka (2:17:02) for the Kenyan 1-2 as the home runner claimed bronze in 2:18:10 with the Ethiopian finishing just outside the medals eight seconds adrift.

“Look, I finished number three,” Haile insisted still not believing he had been pushed back the finishing order as the exertions of the tough course took their toll.

Kipsoi glows in debut win

Having spent the last few years of her career in the half marathon and 10K, 15K and 25K road races, Kipsoi decided two months ago to step up to the ultimate distance.

The single athlete resorted to the Internet to search for a race in East Africa where she could make her silent announcement to gauge her fortitude and the MTN Kampala Marathon provided the best option.

“When I contacted the organisers, they asked me to register through Athletics Kenya and that is how I found myself here.

“I’m sure my manager in France will be very impressed with my win here and book me races in Europe,” the thrilled winner who detached herself from her challengers at the 22km for an obstructed (if you remove the trailing men runners) view to the tape told.

“I was impressed by the organisation save for the motorbikes that kept cutting to us and in some cases, colliding with the runners but despite the bad weather at the start and tough course, it was such fun and I wish to return here again and again,” the runner who is coached by Said Aziz, who made his name as the 2008 Olympics 800m women’s champion, Pamela Jelimo, trainer in her Annus Mirabilis stated.

The winner arrived at the tape in 2:40:05, well over four minutes ahead of runner-up Rosina Kiboino (2:44:58) and Sally Jemutai (2:46:58) who sealed the Kenyan podium sweep.

An unlisted Ethiopian runner took fourth with Ugandan Irene Chemusto (2:55:16) further breaking their neighbour’s monotony in a race where Kenyans took six of the top ten positions.

As a spectacle, the event enveloped Kampala in a sea of yellow, the corporate colour of the title sponsors as it marked it decade themed ‘Run for Water’ with monies raised due for provision of the precious commodity to the remote Karamajoong region of Uganda.

“I cannot say more, the turn out here is enough proof that we have managed to reach most Ugandans and having an inspirational athlete like Kiprotich has helped in bringing out the numbers.

“As a company, the association between Kampala Marathon and us is part of our presence in this country and we will be involved as long as we operate in this country,” MTN Uganda CEO, Mazen Mroue said.

In total, over 22,000 participants took part in the full, 21km and 10km events on Sunday, braving the Kampala chill to take to the streets with vengeance with more than 100,000 converging at the route and Kololo Airstrip as the spectacle unfolded.

Ugandan pair Daniel Rotich (1:03:54) and Linet Toroitich (1:16:00) caught the bouquets in the men and women 21km events with the home nation also clinching the double in the 10km runs courtesy of Phillip Kipyeko (29:20) and Nancy Cheptegei (35:26).

LEADING RESULTS

MEN 42KM

1. Dominic Kimwetich KEN 2:15:06

2. Paul Katisa KEN 2:17:02

3. Patrick Cherotwo UGD 2:18:10

4. Haile Berhamu ETH 2:18:18

5. Francis Musana UGD 2:18:20

6. Earnest Kipruto KEN 2:18:36

7. John Birgen KEN 2:18:50

8. Wycliffe Simotwo UGD 2:20:07

9. Martin Nyakua UGD 2:20:40

10. Moses Cherop UGD 2:25:23

WOMEN 42KM (ALL KENYAN UNLESS STATED)

1. Gladys Kipsoi 2:40:05

2. Rosina Kiboino 2:44:58

3. Sally Jemutai 2:46:58

4. Not listed

5. Irene Chemusto UGD 2:55:16

6. Abigail Toroitich 2:56:41

7. Truphena Kurui 3:00:28

8. Gladys Cheruiyot 3:06:19

9. Agnes Cheptitos UGD 3:15:06

10. Ruth Ahimbisiwe UGD 3:22:45