NAIROBI, Kenya 31 December – Kenya Premier League club Sofapaka has signed two Burundi internationals in a bid to strengthen the team to challenge for the premiership title next season.

Striker Abdul Razak Fiston, 20, joins the 2009 Kenyan champions on a two-year deal from Rwanda club, Rayon Sport while defender Celestin Habonimana played for the Cecafa club champions, Vital ‘O.

Sofapaka boss Elly Kalekwa is pleased with the new signings, saying he hoped their presence would give the club the boost to regain the title next season.

“We want to have the strongest team next year and signing these two players is testimony that we mean business,” said Kalekwa.

“We have given the coaches everything they have asked for and they have no reason not to get the results.”

Sofapaka finished third in the league last season behind the winners, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, who took the runner-up spot.

LONDON, January 1 – Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott scored last-gasp goals as Arsenal edged Cardiff City 2-0 on New Year’s Day to preserve their place at the Premier League summit.

With former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in attendance, amid reports he is due to succeed the sacked Malky Mackay as Cardiff manager, Arsenal dominated the game but looked destined to drop points until Bendtner’s dramatic intervention.

Arsene Wenger’s side did not manage to muster a single shot on target in the first half, although they were denied a penalty after Gary Medel appeared to trip Jack Wilshere inside the Cardiff area.

Wilshere struck the base of the post in the second half, before substitute Bendtner slammed home in the 88th minute after Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall parried a header from Bacary Sagna.

Walcott added a second goal in injury time to rubber-stamp Arsenal’s return to first place, after Manchester City had taken temporary possession of top spot by winning 3-2 at Swansea City.

“We needed to be patient against a very good Cardiff side,” said Arsenal manager Wenger.

“We know we have to play 10 home games and we want to make this place a fortress and take the points no matter what the others do. If we can manage to do that, we will be in a very strong position.”

City’s Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho scored the first goal of the new year in the 14th minute at a rain-soaked Liberty Stadium, drilling home right-footed after Swansea partially cleared a Samir Nasri corner.

Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony equalised with a well-placed header in first-half stoppage time, but his international colleague Yaya Toure restored the visitors’ lead with a deflected shot in the 58th minute.

City’s Serbian left-back Aleksandar Kolarov added a third eight minutes later, lashing a powerful strike past Swansea goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel, before Bony struck again in injury time with a vicious low shot.

“It was a very good result because Swansea are a strong team here at home and also away,” City manager Manuel Pellegrini told Sky Sports. “I think the way we won today is very important for us.”

City finished the day a point behind Arsenal in second place, with Chelsea a point further back in third after a 3-0 success at Southampton.

Fernando Torres gave Chelsea the lead on the hour with a close-range header after a deflected cross from Oscar came back off the post, with Willian making it 2-0 11 minutes later from Oscar’s pass.

Oscar, a second-half substitute, crowned an impressive individual performance by adding a third goal eight minutes from time.

Liverpool responded to consecutive losses at the hands of City and Chelsea by winning 2-0 at home to Hull City, which took them back into the top four.

Daniel Agger broke the deadlock with a 36th-minute header, with Luis Suarez netting his 20th goal of the campaign with a fine free-kick early in the second half.

Sixth faces seventh in the day’s late kick-off, with Manchester United welcoming Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford.

Everton slipped out of the top four despite Leighton Baines scoring an injury-time penalty to earn Roberto Martinez’s side a 1-1 draw at Stoke City, who had taken a 49th-minute lead through Oussama Assaidi.

Nicolas Anelka started for West Bromwich Albion against Newcastle United, despite being under investigation by the Football Association over an allegedly anti-Semitic goal celebration.

The Frenchman played for 88 minutes in West Brom’s 1-0 win, which saw Saido Berahino net the winning goal from the penalty spot with three minutes remaining.

Newcastle defender Mathieu Debuchy had earlier been sent off for an ugly foul on Claudio Yacob.

Fulham escaped from the drop zone after coming from behind to win 2-1 at home to fellow relegation contenders West Ham United, who remain second from bottom.

Mohamed Diame gave West Ham a seventh-minute lead, but Steve Sidwell equalised with a header and after visiting captain Kevin Nolan was sent off for kicking out at Fernando Amorebieta, Dimitar Beratov tapped in a 66th-minute winner.

Sunderland remain bottom of the table after Gabriel Agbonlahor’s 15th-minute goal earned Aston Villa a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light, while third-bottom Crystal Palace were held to a 1-1 draw by Norwich City.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 2 – Kenyan Premier League (KPL) has approved a proposal that will allow clubs to field up to five foreigners during the match, unlike before where the rule permitted them to only field a maximum of three in the starting line up.

According to KPL website, the rule that is known as the 6+5, is destined to take effect come the start of the 2014 league season early February.

“We are conscience of the fact that local talent needs to be nurtured but bringing in foreigners will increase competition and force our home players to up their game,” KPL boss Jack Oguda, said on Thursday while defending the widespread believe that this development could hamper the opportunity for home-grown talent to come through the ranks.

“Clubs will also have to be sure of the foreign legion before employing the players, because acquiring them means spending heftily.”

Bigwigs Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Sofapaka and Tusker are some of the teams that are already utilizing the new rule.

League champions, K’Ogalo, have already acquired the services of Ugandan full-back Godfrey Walusimbi and midfielder Geoffrey”Baba” Kizito.

Gor are also targeting Zambian winger Julius Situmbeko.

Leopards on the other hand, have signed Ugandan midfielder Musa Mudde and are said to be keeping an eye on other foreigners including Nigerian forward Ikka Uzoremeke and Ugandan midfielder Aziz Kemba.

Sofapaka have brought in Burundian duo, striker Abdul Razak Fiston, who joins the 2009 champions on a two-year deal from Rwanda club, Rayon Sport and defender Celestin Habonimana who transfers from reigning Cecafa club champions Vital ‘O.

PARIS, January 5 – Brazil’s continuing struggles to keep their World Cup organisation on schedule are a consequence of starting preparations too late, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Sunday.

“Brazil has come to realise that they started too late. They are the country who are the most delayed (in terms of World Cup organisation) since I have been at FIFA,” Blatter told Swiss newspaper 24 Hours.

“Yet they are the only country who have had such a long time — seven years — to prepare.”

The World Cup will be staged from June 12 to July 13, but the build-up has been plagued by construction delays, spiralling costs as well as civil discontent at the money being spent on the tournament as well as the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Last year’s Confederations Cup, a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, was plagued by angry demonstrations, but Blatter believes this year’s showpiece should pass off relatively peacefully.

“I am an optimist, not a pessimist. Football will be protected. I believe that Brazilians will not attack football directly. This is the sport’s home, it’s a religion,” he said.

“But we know there will be new demonstrations, protests. Last year, they were born of social networks. There was no goal, but at the World Cup they will be more directed, more structured.”

LONDON, January 7- England forward Theo Walcott will miss this year’s World Cup in Brazil after being ruled out for at least six months with a knee injury, his club, Arsenal, said Monday.

Walcott suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup win at home to arch north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

An Arsenal statement said Walcott is “expected to be out for at least six months, therefore missing the remainder of the (English) season and the World Cup in Brazil in the summer”.

The 24-year-old Walcott jarred his knee towards the end of the match making a tackle and was carried from the field.

Whilst on a stretcher, Walcott was pelted by coins and plastic bottles, among other objects, from the away end.

Earlier on Monday and before the extent of his injury was made public, the Football Association (FA), the English game’s governing body, said Walcott would not face disciplinary action for making a ’2-0′ gesture from his stretcher that appeared to be aimed at Spurs fans.

“The FA has contacted both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to seek their observations in relation to objects being thrown from both a home and away section of the crowd at different times during Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie.

“The FA condemns any such acts and will liaise with both clubs and the Metropolitan Police to identify those responsible and support the strongest sanctions available, including life bans.

“Meanwhile, in relation to the same fixture, The FA has contacted Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and reminded him of his responsibilities regarding a ‘score-line’ gesture he made in front of away supporters during the game. The FA will not be taking any further disciplinary action.”

MOSCOW, January 7- World Indoor and former Olympics women 800m champion, Pamela Jelimo, is set for a comeback at the February 2 IAAF Indoor Permit Meeting in Moscow according to organisers.

Jelimo, 24, who only raced once in 2013 over 400m at a local meet in May, is set for only her fourth closed-circuit race over two-laps despite winning the world title in Istanbul, Turkey, almost two years ago.

Jelimo leads a quality 800m field which also includes Olympic bronze medallist Yekaterina Poistogova, 2011 European indoor champion Jenny Meadows, reigning European indoor champion Nataliia Lupu and rising talent Nelly Jepkosgei.

The athlete nick-named ‘Kapsabet Express’ after her astonishing 2008 season where she strung 13 victories on the bounce including the Olympics crown in Beijing as well as a 1:54.01 world junior record has endured a stop-start career since.

Debilitating knee injury, loss of form and reported personal issues have combined to rob the world one of the most forceful female two-lap runners whose powerful running when she emerged on her breakthrough season led many to crown her the next queen of 800m metres.

On her first comeback campaign in 2012, Jelimo added the IAAF Diamond League crown to her honours despite a poorly tactically run race at the London Olympics final saw her surrender her crown to Russia’s Mariya Saminova as she came trooping fourth in 1:57.59.

“My main focus is Moscow. Last year I was in great shape for sure and it was a small error. I have to work really hard and see who will be running and apply tactics to run a good race,” Jelimo said last May after finishing second to Maureen Jelagat in the 400m race at the AK meet in Nairobi.

“Of course, the main objective is to run a fast race. So many athletes are looking forward to running fast. With hard training everything, including beating that (her PB) is possible,” said Jelimo, who ran 57.7 to finish second to Commonwealth medallist Maureen Jelagat.

“Of course, the main objective is to run a fast race. So many athletes are looking forward to running fast. With hard training everything, including beating that (her PB) is possible,” added Jelimo, who ran 57.7 then.

However, that was not to be as an aggravation of the knee injury that has been troubling her saw her miss the Trials for the World Championships in Moscow where compatriot Eunice Sum delivered the women 800m gold against all odds.

At the Moscow IAAF Permit meet, World 800m champion Mohammed Aman leads a quality field in the men’s 600m.

The latest addition for that event is Qatari record-holder and Asian champion Musaeb Abdulrahman Balla, who finished second to Aman at last year’s Russian Winter.

SUNDERLAND, England 8th January 2014 – Manchester United manager David Moyes claimed that his side were being unfairly treated by referees after they slumped to defeat at Sunderland in their League Cup semi-final first leg.

A second-half penalty from on-loan Liverpool forward Fabio Borini gave the home side a 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday and condemned United to three consecutive defeats for the first time in 13 years.

Moyes had previously seen his team lose by the same scoreline at home to Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City in the past week, leaving United 11 points off the pace in the Premier League and out of the FA Cup.

The Scot was angry with referee Andre Marriner for awarding a free-kick against Jonny Evans in the build-up to Sunderland’s opener, which saw Ryan Giggs turn the ball into his own net in first-half stoppage time.

“We defended a terrible free-kick, but how the referee has given a free-kick for that is way beyond me,” Moyes said.

“I just cannot see how that is a free-kick.”

Nemanja Vidic equalised for United early in the second half, only for Marriner to award Sunderland a penalty after Tom Cleverley was adjudged to have impeded home substitute Adam Johnson.

Again, Moyes was unimpressed by the decision.

“We are all just laughing at them at the minute,” he said.

“It looks as though we are having to play them (officials) as well as the opposition at the moment.”

With their league title defence on the rocks, the return leg on January 22 may represent Moyes’s only chance of salvaging a domestic trophy from his maiden campaign.

As if to illustrate the heights from which the club have slipped this season, Moyes’s predecessor Alex Ferguson was present at the Stadium of Light, along with club greats Bobby Charlton and Bryan Robson.

However, when asked if he felt under pressure to reach the final, Moyes replied: “None whatsoever.

“This is a two-legged game and I’m actually really looking forward to this second leg now.”

Moyes drew encouragement from the performance of winger Adnan Januzaj, who tormented Sunderland throughout with his direct running and came close to snatching a late equaliser on three occasions.

“We’ll do everything we can to try and get it right,” Moyes said.

“The players put in a strong performance tonight (Tuesday), it just didn’t quite come off. But it’s not far away and it’s coming, I can sense it.

“You just need to look at the performance of Adnan Januzaj tonight. He was terrific. He put in a great job and played really well.”

Having eliminated Chelsea in the previous round, Sunderland remain on course to reach a first domestic cup final since 1992, when they lost to Liverpool in the FA Cup final.

“It would be massive (to reach the final),” manager Gus Poyet told Sky Sports.

“You don’t get there too many times. It’s many, many years from the last one, so we will try our best.”

Poyet also heralded the contribution of Johnson, who added verve to the home side’s play after being sent on in the 56th minute.

“I’m so pleased,” said the Uruguayan. “Today, he made my day because we were desperate for him to do well. Today, he changed the game for us.”

However, with Sunderland still bottom of the Premier League table, Poyet expressed hope that their impressive cup form would translate into improved performances in the league.

“That is something I need to find out, why we are capable somehow of beating top teams and being so clinical in the cup, and we cannot do the same in the league,” he said.

“I need to find the reason because if not, something is happening, it’s mental. But I need to find that reason.”

KINGSTON, January 9 – Former 100-metre world record-holder Asafa Powell said Wednesday that he was unaware his former training partner Sherone Simpson was taking similar supplements to those he used.

Powell was called as a witness in Simpson’s doping hearing before the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission disciplinary panel that will begin a hearing into Powell starting next week.

Both Simpson and Powell tested positive for the same banned stimulant, oxilofrine (methylsynephrine), at last June’s Jamaican national championships.

Powell, who blamed his positive test on nutritional supplements, said he only became aware that he and Simpson were both taking similar supplements when both failed drug tests.

“I didn’t know she was taking it until after the positive test,” Powell continued, backing up what Simpson had told the panel earlier.

Asked if he had told Simpson that physical trainer Chris Xuereb gave him supplements, Powell said no.

Powell told the panel how he was introduced to the supplements by Canadian Xuereb, saying he awoke at 4:45 in the morning and departed for training that started at 5 without having anything to eat.

This, he said, caught the attention of Xuereb, who was staying at his house at the time.

“After a few days he observed (I wasn’t eating in the mornings) and told me that I should be taking better care of myself. It was then that he recommended the supplements,” added Powell, who spent 10 minutes on the stand.

Simpson had earlier testified Xuereb introduced her to several supplements, but she was only unfamiliar with Epiphany D1. She said she searched the Internet for information on it but found nothing wrong.

“There was nothing that rang any alarm bells. No alarm bell. No red flag,” said Simpson.

OTTAWA, Canada, January 9- Cherangany MP and winner of the 2012 Boston Marathon, Wesley Korir, will run the Ottawa Marathon, an IAAF Silver Label Road Race, on May 25.

Aside from his Boston victory in 2012, Korir has twice won the Los Angeles Marathon and has finished in the top five at the Chicago Marathon on four occasions.

After contesting 11 marathons on US soil, this will be his first race over the classic distance outside of the USA.

“Every year we strive to attract the best field possible,” said Manny Rodrigues, the elite athlete coordinator at Ottawa.

“That Boston Marathon champions are choosing to run here shows how great this race is and that we have built a top-notch elite athlete program. We’re thrilled to welcome Wesley to the Ottawa Marathon this year.”

Korir, who is married to Canadian runner Tarah McKay-Korir, said that a Canadian race has been on his radar for some time.

“Canada has been my training base and my second home for the last couple of years,” said the 31-year-old.

“Having this opportunity to compete on Canadian soil is what I have been longing for. My goal in Ottawa is to win.”

After a successful track career at the University of Louisville, Korir soon moved to the roads and finished fourth at the 2008 Chicago Marathon, despite not being entered as an elite runner.

Following his back-to-back victories at the Los Angeles Marathon in 2009 and 2010, he scored a dramatic win in the heat at the 2012 Boston Marathon.

He followed that with a personal best of 2:06:13 at the 2012 Chicago Marathon.

Outside of the sport, Korir has also made headlines, successfully running for Kenyan Parliament and co-founding the Kenyan Kids Foundation, an organisation that focuses on improving education and healthcare in the runner’s native country.

Korir has competed in Ottawa once before, finishing second to course record-holder Deriba Merga in the Ottawa 10km, another IAAF Silver Label Road Race.

The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is the only running event in the world to boast two IAAF Silver Label events.

LAGOS, Nigeria 10 January 2014 – Manchester City star Yaya Toure on Thursday won a third straight African Footballer of the year award.

The 31-year-old Ivory Coast international also won in 2011 and 2012.

Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel was second and Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast finished third.

“I thank my family for their support and also congratulate John Obi Mikel, who also deserved this award,” said Toure, who was a key player for both club and country last year.

Egyptian legend Mohamed Aboutrika beat compatriot Ahmed Fathy and Sunday Mba from Nigeria to win the best Player based in Africa.

It was a fitting send-off gift for the 35-year-old Al Ahly star, who has announced his retirement from the game.

Ahly were also rewarded as the Club of the Year ahead of CS Sfaxien of Tunisia and South Africa’s Orlando Pirates after they won an eighth CAF Champions League trophy.

Nigeria scooped several awards to underline a very successful year with coach Stephen Keshi voted Africa’s best coach, while the Super Eagles were the best national team after they won a third Africa cup of Nations in February and qualified for a fifth World Cup.

The country’s Under-17 team were picked as the National Youth Team and Kelechi Iheanacho, who was voted the MVP of the 2013 Under-17 FIFA World Cup, received the Most Promising Talent award.

The list of winners of the 2013 CAF Awards:

African Footballer of the Year: Yaya Toure

Best African-based Player: Mohamed Aboutrika

Coach of the Year: Stephen Keshi

Most promising Talent: Kelechi Iheanacho

National team of the Year: Nigeria

National Youth Team of the Year: Nigeria Under-17

Club of the Year: Al Ahly of Egypt

Referee of the Year: Haimoudi Djamel

Legends of the Year: Bruno Metsu, Jose Faria

Africa XI: Vincent Enyeama – Ahmed Fathi, Mehdi Benatia, Kevin Constant – John Obi Mikel, Yaya Toure, Mohamed Aboutrika, Jonathan Pitroipa – Emmanuel Emnike, Asamoah Gyan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Coach: Stephen Keshi

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 11 – The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) has announced its competition, the Top-Eight, will now be staged on weekends as opposed to its midweek slot.

The tournament which involves the first eight finishers in the league past, will kick-off on April 5, while the final has been set for June 14.

Tusker FC are the current champions after edging out youthful Thika United 5-3 on post match penalties.

KPL has for the first time included the domestic knock-out competition, GOtv Shield in its fixtures with specific dates indicated.

The Football Kenya Federation organised tournament, begins on April 26 and will also be played on the weekends that will see no league match played.

AFC Leopards beat perennial rivals Gor Mahia by a solitary goal to be crowned the Shield champions.

KPL governing council will meet later this month and part of the agenda will be to review the prize money for the league winners.

Last year, champions Gor Mahia pocketed Sh4 m (USD 46, 146.80).

This season’s league kicks-off with six matches on the card at different venues across the country on the weekend of February 15.

Western Stima opens the league with a tie against Mathare United at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, while debutants Top Fry All Stars travels to Green Stadium in Awendo to face Sony Sugar.

Muhoroni Youth welcomes 2009 champions Sofapaka as Ulinzi Stars entertains Chemelil Sugar at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

2010, 2011 champions Tusker FC, begin their quest to reclaim the title with a tough away encounter to Thika United at Thika Municipal Stadium on February 16.

Newcomers Kenya Revenue Authority,  faces a challenging away fixture against Bandari in Mombasa.

Defending champions Gor and runners-up AFC Leopards, who will be on continental engagement during KPL’s opening weekend, join the new season three days later.

K’Ogalo host City Stars who have been an uphill climb to the champions in the past two seasons, at Nairobi’s City Stadium while AFC Leopards opens their campaign against KCB at Nyayo National Stadium in an entertaining match.

The first leg ends on June 8.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 11- The 2011 World Cross junior champion, Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor, fended off the challenge of New York Marathon winner, Geoffrey Mutai to retain his men’s 12km senior title during the 2014 Kenya Police Cross Country Championships in Nairobi, Saturday.

In the corresponding women’s 8km event, Berlin Marathon winner, Florence Kiplagat, annihilated a diluted field to reclaim the crown she last won in 2009, the year she won the World Cross title in Amman, Jordan.

The star-studded meet that panned out amid scorching heat and low humidity also witnessed the return to form of former Commonwealth Games 5000m gold medallist, Augustine Choge and former World Junior 1500m titleholder, Irene Jelagat, who clinched podium places in the men and women races.

Kamworor handcuffs Mutai again

In a re-run of the finishing order from last year, Kipsang, who soared to the World Cross title in Punta Umbria, Spain as a junior in 2011 re-enacted his forceful front running to once again lead Mutai, another accustomed to unobstructed view of the course, to the altar in an almost gun to tape performance.

Kipsang, 21, stopped the clock at 36:45.7 after pounding the winding Ngong Racecourse course to submission, leaving all challengers trailing in his wake once he nosed in front at the first 2km loop.

“I’m not used to running any other way. I knew Mutai was here and having beaten him last year, I knew he would come strong and all I wanted here is to defend my Police title.”

“I’m preparing for the Tokyo Marathon and maybe later in the year, run in Chicago and my aim is to run under 2:06 if it’s possible. I’m still new in the marathon and with experience, I could run under 2:04 in the future,” the elated winner stated.

Behind him, an enthralling dash for second ensued between Mutai, who has recovered from the gruelling New York Marathon win last fall, and Choge, who held on to the front three in a statement of his return to the form that carried him to the Club Games title in 2006.

In the end, the polished marathoner, 32, carried the day; 36:45.7 against Choge’s 37:27.3 after he cut loose from his challenger with 50m to go.

“I have still not in my competition weight since it took a while to recover from New York and recently, I had malaria. I was not expecting to perform the way I did here but now, I know what my mistakes were and will work on them.”

“It was tough for me but I will prepare for the season and compete in any (World Marathon) Majors race I’m invited to but winning New York for the third time is something I would be interested in,” Mutai, who also expressed interest in competing for his nation at the Africa Cross Country Championships in Kampala, Uganda, if selected told.

The depth of the field was emphasised by the fact that all top-ten finishers save for guest runner, Bernard Kipkemoi from Keringet who was seventh, and tenth placed Joseph Kiptum (38:34.5) have medalled for Kenya at various world and continental championships in junior or senior ranks.

Kiplagat untouchable

Once she pressed the hammer down and embarked on competing against the course and clock with 3km gone, Kiplagat, fresh from winning her second Berlin Marathon crown in the fall, was simply irresistible as she crushed the field for victory in 27:44.0.

Such was her commanding display at the lead that she arrived well over a minute ahead of former World Junior 1500m champion, Irene Jelagat (28:28.7) to reclaim the Police crown.

In the gap year of the IAAF World Cross, the competition was shorn of some of the stellar runners who have made the Police meet a mouth-watering prospect including last year’s winner, Lucy Kabuu, world marathon champion, Edna Kiplagat and three-time World Cross silver winner, Linet Masai among others.

“Today was easy,” Kiplagat admitted and in all honesty, she was spot on. “For now, my aim is getting close to the world record in the half marathon as possible when I compete at the Barcelona Half.”

“For now, it has not been confirmed whether I will go there but I’m ready to try and get near Mary Keitany’s (1:05:50) record. Then from there, I will see which Majors marathon to run but for now, I’m not thinking about the world record (at the distance) since I’m yet to train for it,” the two-time Berlin winner who harbours keen interest in being invited for the April London Marathon explained.

In her wake, Jelagat, who has competed for her nation at the 2009 and 2011 World Championships without much distinction held off the charging Edith Chelimo (28:32.8), sixth here last year, to catch the bouquet.

Janet Kisa, the fifth at the Punta Umbria World Cross (Junior) clocked 28:54.8 to slip down a place to fourth as the veteran Isabella Ochichi, 34, the 2004 Olympics 5000m silver winner and 2006 Commonwealth titleholder at the same distance, turned back the clock to close the top five in 28:56.3.

Attention in the domestic cross country season now turns to the Kenya Prisons championships next Saturday at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens.

-By Kimathi Kamau

Following are the results of the races:

WOMEN 8KM

1. Florence Kiplagat EASTERN 27:44.0
2. Irene Jelagat DOG UNIT 28:28.7
3. Edith Chelimo TRAFFIC 28:32.8
4. Janet Kisa NYANZA 28:54.8
5. Isabella Ochichi KAPU 28:56.3
6. Ann Cheptanui KAPU 29:37.7
7. Beatrice Chepchumba KAPU 29:40.0
8. Esther Chemutai CENTRAL 29:47.7
9. Hellen Nzembi GSU 29:58.0
10. Monica Wangare CID 30:10.7

MEN 12KM

1. Geoffrey Kipsang WESTERN 36:45.7
2. Geoffrey Mutai CID 37:26.0
3. Augustine Choge TRAFFIC 37:27.3
4. Josephat Bett CENTRAL 38:02.3
5. Joseph Kitur WESTERN 38:09.0
6. Philemon Rono N/EASTERN 38:11.3
7. Bernard Kipkemoi GUEST 38:16.4
8. Nicholas Togom DOG UNIT 38:18.3
9. Isaiah Kiplangat WESTERN 38:30.5
10. Joseph Kiptum N/EASTERN 38:34.5

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 13- The Barclays Premier League trophy was paraded to enthusiasts of the English club top-flight competition in Nairobi during its one-day tour to the country.

Upon arrival on Sunday, the cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and the Arts Dr. Hassan Wario and British High Commissioner, Dr. Christian Turner unveiled the silverware at the envoy’s residence.

Communications firm, Airtel and champions Manchester United sponsored the tour that saw the fans interact with the coveted prize between 9am and 3pm at Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi.

The trophy is the last that United won under retired manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I’m glad to be part of today’s event. This is one good idea of promoting sports in the country. This will go a step further into motivating our youth to take part in sporting activities like soccer,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

“It’s a pleasant surprise to have the English Premier League Trophy and Queens Baton in the country at the same time. This shows the extent which we support sports in the country and passion for sports between the British and the Kenyan Government,” Turner added.

Members of the public were allowed to pose and get their photos taken next to the iconic trophy that has made numerous visits in recent years but unlike the past retired playing legends did not accompany the silverware.

The trophy tour sets the stage for this year’s Airtel Rising Stars Championships in association with United and Kenya Secondary School Sports Association.

Retired United stars, Andy Cole and Quinton Fortune accompanied the trophy during its last stop in Kenya.

ZURICH, January 13- Cristiano Ronaldo ended the four-year dominance of Lionel Messi when he was awarded the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich on Monday.

The tearful 28-year-old Real Madrid and Portugal star had been the overwhelming favourite to pip Barcelona and Argentina star Messi, winner the previous four years, and France’s Franck Ribery, who won the treble with Bayern Munich in 2013.

German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer claimed her first women’s prize while Jupp Heynckes, the former coach of Bayern Munich, and Germany’s women’s national team coach Silvia Neid took home the FIFA World Coach of the Year awards for men’s and women’s football respectively.

The award winners, who were voted for by national team coaches and captains as well as by the international media representatives selected by FIFA and French football magazine France Football, were announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich.

The entire voting process was supervised and monitored by PricewaterhouseCoopers Switzerland (PwC).

TV star Fernanda Lima and former Netherlands international Ruud Gullit guided the 1,100 guests and TV spectators in more than 180 countries through the show, which featured, amongst others, icons of Brazil’s record five World Cup-winning teams, namely Pelé (1958, 1962 and 1970), Amarildo (1962), Carlos Alberto (1970), Bebeto (1994), Cafu (1994 and 2002) and Ronaldo (1994 and 2002) as well as current superstar Neymar, who in July will be hoping to help secure the Seleçao’s sixth but more importantly first FIFA World Cup title on home soil.

Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima and Swiss-Brazilian rhythm & soul singer Marc Sway provided an additional glimpse of what fans can expect in Brazil 150 days from now.

The evening paid tribute to the best football in 2013. FIFPro, the world players’ union, invited 52,000 professional players from all over the world to select their team of the year – the FIFA FIFPro World XI.

The honours went to the following all-star team: Manuel Neuer (Germany) in goal; Dani Alves (Brazil), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Sergio Ramos (Spain) and Thiago Silva (Brazil) in defence; Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Franck Ribéry (France) and Xavi (Spain) in midfield; and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden) and Lionel Messi (Argentina) up front.

The FIFA Puskás Award for the “most beautiful goal” of the year as voted for on FIFA.com, FIFA on YouTube and francefootball.fr by football fans from all over the world was also presented.

This prize, created in 2009 in honour and in memory of Ferenc Puskás, the captain and star of the Hungarian national team during the 1950s, went to Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović, who scored an audacious, acrobatic long-range bicycle kick for Sweden in a friendly match against England on 13 November 2012.

Ibrahimović received 48.7 %of the votes, ahead of Nemanja Matić (30.8 %) and Neymar (20.5%).

During the show, recognition was also given to those who have contributed to the game on or off the pitch. Former IOC President Jacques Rogge received the FIFA Presidential Award from President Joseph S. Blatter in recognition of his tireless work to defend the integrity of international sport.

Rogge excelled with his refreshing, intelligent and humble approach to leadership and he put the Olympic movement back on to a safe and steady path for the future. Furthermore, Brazil’s king of football, Pelé, was awarded the FIFA Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur for his lifetime achievements.

The FIFA Fair Play Award was given to the Afghanistan Football Federation for upholding the spirit of courage and solidarity against all odds through the after-effects of war, disorder and conflict.

Although the country has been ravaged by violence and war in recent times, the Afghanistan Football Federation has continued to build a footballing infrastructure, and has also developed grassroots football and opened up the game to a larger audience, including women and families.

The FIFA Ballon d’Or was awarded for the fourth time following the amalgamation of the FIFA World Player of the Year award with the Ballon d’Or France Football in 2010.

-AFP and Fifa.com

FACT FILE

Name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

Age: 28

Date of birth: February 5, 1985

Place of birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Position: Forward

Clubs: Sporting Lisbon (2002-2003), Manchester United (ENG/2003-2009), Real Madrid (ESP/since 2009)

National team: Portugal

International appearances: 109

International goals: 47

International debut: August 20, 2003, Portugal 1 Kazakhstan 0

Last international appearance: November 18, 2013, Sweden 2 Portugal 3

Honours

Club

Champions League (1): 2007-08

Club World Cup (1): 2008

Portuguese Supercup (1): 2002

English Championships (3): 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009

English FA Cup (1): 2004

English League Cups (2): 2005-2006, 2008-2009

Community Shields (2): 2007, 2008

Spanish Championship (1): 2011-12

Spanish Cup (1): 2010-11

Spanish Supercup (1): 2012

International

World Cup: 4th (2006), second round (2010), 10 matches, 2 goals

European Championships: finalist (2004), semifinal (2012), quarter-finalist (2008), 14 matches, 6 goals

Individual Honours

Ballon d’Or (2008, 2013)

FIFA World Player of the Year (2008)

PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2006-07, 2007-08)

Football Writers’ Player of the Year (2006-07, 2007-08)

Top European Goal Scorer (2007-08, 2010-11)

Top scorer in the Spanish league with 40 goals (2010-11)

Top scorer in the English Premiership with 31 goals (2007-08)

Top scorer in the Champions League (2007-08 with eight goals, 2012-13 with 12 goals)

-More to follow

MADRID, Spain, January 14- Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t hide his emotions, as he took to the stage to collect the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or award accompanied by his son.

Generally I’m not one to get swept up in these awards ceremonies, they’re usually nothing more than multi millionaires offering up false modesty and few genuine moments of clarity or honesty.

As I watched Cristiano Ronaldo accept the Ballon D’Or and subsequently display a moment of honest emotion, often times hardly able to speak, I felt overwhelmed myself.

He immediately lost the pretty boy patina, which countless people use to bring a case against him being a role model for the globe’s youth.

Like it or not Cristiano Ronaldo represents an outstanding example not just for young people, but for everyone.

As the camera panned around the room, occasionally showing Irina (his girlfriend) or his mother overcome with emotion for him, it was hard for me not to get swept up in the romance of the whole thing.

On stage was a boy from Madeira who came from very humble beginnings and had worked harder than anyone else to be on that podium, arguably it meant more to him than anyone else.

Even the most casual observer of the game can probably concede that Lionel Messi is probably the more naturally gifted player between the two, but Ronaldo has worked and worked in order to achieve the same level of superhuman brilliance which the little Argentine conjures up week in and week out.

The tears that flowed down Ronaldo’s face are ultimately relatable to every human being in the world who has ever wanted something more than life itself.

Whether it is love or a career, we have all had that feeling of just wanting something so bad it hurts you, only to be denied time and time again.

Many people will give up and say well maybe some things are not meant to be; maybe I’m just not good enough.
That feeling though of fighting against everything – and make no mistake about it, Cristiano has had to fight against a lot – is incomparable.

Whether it is an overly critical media or Blatter himself reinforcing negative stereotypes, Cristiano up until a few months ago was most certainly not the people’s champion.

Encapsulated in those tears were relief and joy and a sheer overwhelming feeling of achievement, an emotion that anyone can relate to.

Seeing those images makes me want to be better, makes me want to do better. Above all, that is what Cristiano personifies, no matter what you think about his fashion sense or his sometimes over the top attitude, he is an example of someone who is never comfortable, who always seeks to achieve more and is never fully satisfied until he has achieved his goals.

Watching Ronaldo slowly manage to get through his speech, trying his best and often failing to hold back the tears, even the most hardnosed cynic would be hard pressed to find fault in this moment.

“There are no words to describe how I feel,” said Ronaldo.

“I’m delighted, I want to thank all my team-mates, all my family in the room.

“Those who know me know how many sacrifices I made to win this reward.

“I want to thank all those who had faith in me and I want to speak again about (recently deceased Portugal legend) Eusebio and (recently deceased former South Africa president) Madiba (Nelson Mandela) and to pay tribute to them one last time.”

“Without doubt I deserved this, Messi and Ribery would have also deserved it.

“Each time is different. But I would say that this second Ballon d’Or is more emotional, because my mother and my son (who joined him on stage) are here.” Ronaldo said in his acceptance speech

He was gracious and truly appreciative, it was a moment of sheer unadulterated joy and relief, in what is a generally sterile awards ceremony environment.

Cristiano is often crucified for being a little too self serving but if there is one thing we should all take from the man is his utter dedication to achieving perfection.

The ability to drown out the naysayers and just do everything you have to do to achieve what you want is something he should be acknowledged and remembered for.

I can honestly say that I am truly happy for Cristiano in this moment, seeing those very real tears did more for me than any of the astonishing displays he put on over the course of 2013.

Moments like this remind us why football is without a doubt the most beautiful sport in the world. Grande Cristiano, here’s to a prosperous 2014.

- By Mohammed Haniff, Inside the Spanish Game, all rights reserved

LONDON, England, January 14- Wilson Kipsang, the world record holder, is set up for a mouth-watering clash with Britain’s double Olympic and world champion Mo Farah at April’s Virgin London Marathon.

According to organisers who released the elite men’s field Tuesday, Kipsang, who won the London title in 2012 before ceding it to Ethiopia’s Tsegay Kebede last year, will be joined by compatriot and course record holder, Emmanuel Mutai, another returning winner in the chase for top honours.

The strong Kenyan Armada also features two-time New York winner, Geoffrey Mutai, 2012 Paris Marathon champ, Stanley Biwott and Martin Mathathi, the Fukuoka Marathon champion, who will make his World Marathon Majors bow.

“For now, mine is to continue training. I will have a better idea of my prospects in the coming weeks when it all becomes clear.

“I welcome every return to London since it is a race that means a lot to me,” Mutai, the 2:04:40 course record holder at London and 2011 champion told Capital Sport on Tuesday.

“That race will be very hot and for us, it presents a challenge to get into good shape. My prayer is my body will be in good form so that I can run to the best of my ability,” his namesake Geoffrey told.

“I’m yet to get into my competition shape so I’m working hard to get there,” the athlete who finished second over 12km at the Kenya Police Cross Country Championships on Saturday in Nairobi added.

Mathathi, who won Fukuoka last month for his maiden victory over the classic distance, added he would strive to run under his 2:07:16 career best against a formidable field.

“I’m excited to be in the race and I will try my best. My intention is to train well for the race and everything is possible from there.

“It would be great to win the race where my friend (the late) Samuel Wanjiru did so well but it will take a lot. Running the marathon requires adequate preparations,” the 2007 World Championships 10,000m bronze winner said from Eldoret where he has shifted his training base.

The Nyahururu-born athlete is readying for the Marugame Half Marathon in Japan at the end of the month before returning to step up his preparations for London.

Wanjiru, the 2008 Olympics and 2009 London champion in the previous 2:05:10 route best, also hails from the same town.

Reigning Olympics and World champion from Uganda, Stephen Kiprotich is also in the line-up.

Besides Kebede, the Ethiopian firepower includes, Ayele Abshero (2:04:23/2012 Dubai champion), Feyisa Lilesa (2:04:32/2011 world bronze medallist) and an exciting debut for Ibrahim Jeilan, the 2011 World 10,000m gold medallist.

Despite the strong African force, the race will headlined by the maiden full marathon foray by Farah on April 13 in the streets of the city he made his name as a double Olympics champion over 5000m and 10000m in 2012.

Farah ran the first half of the race in 2013 to assess the course and opposition in preparation for his full marathon debut this April.

He went on to win the World Championships 10,000m title in Moscow last August before retaining his world 5000m crown, adding another global track double to his twin Olympic triumphs from London 2012.

The 30-year-old then ran his fastest half marathon when second in the Great North Run last September and has since been training hard for his first marathon race.

“I gained a lot of valuable experience running part of the course alongside the top guys last year and can’t wait to race over the full distance this April,” said Farah, who will have an eye on the long-standing UK record of 2:07:13 told organisers.

“The London Marathon always attracts the world’s best runners to its elite fields and this year will be no different. I am expecting it to be one of my toughest races and a real learning experience.

“I had another great year on the track in 2013, but the marathon is my main focus for this year. As a young boy growing up in London it has always been my ambition to run the London Marathon and to be able to make my marathon debut in my home town is very special.”

-Additional info from organisers

2014 Elite Men’s Field and Personal Bests

Wilson Kipsang (KEN), 2:03:23, World-record holder
Emmanuel Mutai (KEN), 2:03:52, London Marathon record holder
Geoffrey Mutai (KEN), 2:04:15*, 2013 New York City Marathon champion
Ayele Abshero (ETH), 2:04:23, 2012 Dubai Marathon champion
Feyisa Lilesa (ETH), 2:04:32, 2011 world bronze medallist
Tsegaye Kebede (ETH), 2:04:38, 2013 London Marathon champion
Stanley Biwott (KEN), 2:05:12, 2012 Paris Marathon champion
Marilson dos Santos (BRA), 2:06:34, Two-times New York City Marathon champion
Martin Mathathi (KEN), 2:07:16, 2013 Fukuoka Marathon champion
Stephen Kiprotich (UGA), 2:07:20, World and Olympic marathon champion
Samuel Tsegay (ERI), 2:07:28
Mustapha El Aziz (MAR), 2:07:55
Amanuel Mesel (ERI), 2:08:17
Scott Overall (GBR), 2:10:55
Ryan Vail (USA), 2:11:45
Mo Farah (GBR), Debut, World & Olympic 5000m & 10,000m champion
Ibrahim Jeilan (ETH), Debut, 2011 World 10,000m champion
Chris Thompson (GBR), Debut
Ben Livesey (GBR), Debut

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 15- Rugby 7s head coach, Paul Treu, has a selection headache in his hands following the return to full fitness of stalwarts such as star siblings, veteran Humphery Kayange and Collins Injera.

For the first time in his reign, the South African has a full squad to chose for the fourth leg of the HSBC World Series in Las Vegas with dependable winger Dennis Ombachi and Nakuru RFC’s Oscar Ouma, also in contention for the 12 berths available in the travelling party.

The availability of the key players gives Treu options to fill in positions the team struggled in the last three rounds of World Series, Gold Coast, Dubai and Nelson Mandela Bay sevens ahead of the January 24 to 26 Vegas tournament.

He is expected to plug in Kayange in the centre position to combine with captain Andrew Amonde to prevent cheap concession of tries while upfront, the returning Injera and Ombachi are likely to lead the attack.

According to Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) boss, Mwangi Muthee, 20 core players are fit to travel meaning the task to trim the squad to 12 will be a hard ask for Treu who will unveil his squad on Friday.

“Rather than thinking too much about who will be in the team for Las Vegas and Wellington that is scheduled for February 7 and 8, squad members are looking forward to a good performance,” the KRU chief said on Wednesday.

“It is not about who is in the team and who is out. We have the spirit of one for all and all for one team.

“We have each other’s back and this is an enviable position to be in since we have many squad members available for selection,” he continued.

The team will depart for the USA on Saturday with Treu yet to lead his charges to any silverware after bowing out in the last two rounds, Dubai and Port Elizabeth, at the Main Cup quarters.

On both occasion, Treu was undone by his former charges, Blitz Bokkes, as Muthee urged the team to deliver its first trophy in their tour to America and New Zealand.

“The team will be encouraged to know one of the team’s best supporters, President Uhuru Kenyatta, will be following on them closely in Las Vegas and Wellington outings.

“I should let them know the President upped the stakes by saying supporters were hungry for success and time to win a Cup is now.”

The KRU chairman added the team has a two year running programme and encouraged all players to fulfill their full potential.

“There will be equal opportunity in selection all the time, among none and contracted players, so everyone should be on their toes,” he concluded.

Kenya faces Nelson Mandela Bay champions South Africa, Wales and Canada for the USA outing.

NAIROBI, January 15 – London marathon course record holder, Emmanuel Mutai has played down excitement over Mo Farah’s marathon debut in the race on April 13, saying the Briton has little chance of beating the savvy East Africans.

Mutai, who holds the course record of 2:04.40 he set in winning the race in 2011, said double Olympic and world 5,000m and 10,000m champion Farah will have a tough time making the leap to 42.2km (26.2 miles).

“This not to say that I am underrating him, but with all respect Mo Farah has had no experience in running a full marathon,” Mutai told AFP.

“He only tried the half marathon last year. Competing in a full marathon requires a lot experience, high endurance and mental preparation. You can run well in the first 35k, but the last seven kilometres can be very challenging even for an experienced runner,” said Mutai, a seasoned veteran who will making his sixth consecutive appearance in London on April 13.

The 29-year-old Kenyan, who took second spot behind Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede last year in the English capital, said he expected his three-year course record to come under threat considering the high quality of the field entered for the 2014 race.

“Everybody will be focusing on setting a new course record. But I am ready for the challenge and hope to do my own solo run from the front,” said Mutai, who holds the fifth fastest official time over the distance — his 2:03.52 second-place finish in Chicago last year.

Compatriot and world record holder Wilson Kipsang, as well as fellow Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai — who has won twice in New York as well as in Berlin and Boston, where he ran an unofficial world best of 2:03.02 — have also been confirmed to race.

Others in the elite male line-up include Olympic and world champion, Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda, and a strong Ethiopian contingent of Kebede, the current World Marathon Majors title holder, Ayele Abshero, Feyisa Lilesa and Farah’s 10,000m track rival Ibrahim Jeilan, who will also be making his debut over the marathon distance.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 16- Having become the first Kenyan female to command the world in the 3000m steeplechase dominated by the country’s men for ages, Milcah Chemos Cheywa has trained her guns on dipping under the 9:07 threshold this year.

The Inspector of Police traded roles last Saturday when she turned up at the department’s Cross Country Championships as the coach of her Police Training College (PTC) team as opposed to running for honours.

“It was good for once to be in charge of a team with my fellow instructor at PTC (Commonwealth champion) Richard Mateelong, as the Team Manager. I was not intending to race this weekend but rather, give others a chance to make a name,” the first-time world champion explained her change in co-sign.

As she watched her team motor around Nairobi’s Ngong Racecourse course in search of points, Chemos took sometime to underscore her outlook for 2014 that followed her most successful season yet at an event she took up in 2009 when her forays in 1500m and 5000m yielded scarce return.

“It is not my wish to defend my Commonwealth title in Scotland this season. My biggest aim is to attempt at running my personal best that is under 9:07.14 I achieved in 2012,” the Africa record holder stated.

“As for the African Championship, I’m yet to decide but I shall see where it falls in relation to the IAAF Diamond League calendar then I see,” the reigning continental crown holder added.

Having broken Russian hearts at the Luzhniki Stadium when she ended the home runners choke hold on the world women steeplechase crown they had held since 2007, Chemos beams with pride when the images of her triumphant 9:11.65 run in Moscow last summer.

“It was something unbelievable! Something so special since I had looked for it for so long,” the four-time IAAF Diamond League winner exclaimed.

“It was more than anything I have ever achieved; it was a great gift from God that day that has no equal. Doing it in Russia made it even sweeter since for long, we had tried to beat them at major events without success, it felt like a huge load had been lifted off my shoulders,” she added.

Having delivered the world title at an event known as ‘Kenya’s race’ owing to the shattering dominance of their men, Chemos is quick to note that her epic victory does not signal the beginning of an era where the country’s female runners will emulate their counterparts.

“The competition in women’s steeplechase is tougher since we have Russians, Ethiopians and athletes from Spain doing very well. It is my hope that we can have more girls from Kenya coming up so that we can improve,” she explained.

In Moscow, Chemos led erstwhile training partner and Golazo Sports team mate, Lydia Chepkirui to the Kenyan 1-2, applying icing to the cake.

“When I turned around and saw she had taken silver, I was even happier. I felt like a mother who had given birth to a good kid and I pray for her that she will produce someone and help her the way I did,” Chemos said of her protégé who was injured during the Police Cross meet.

Chemos rose to prominence at the 2009 Worlds in Berlin where she took surprise bronze on her debut season in the water and barriers race.

Heading to the 2011 edition in Daegu, South Korea, as the overwhelming bet, Chemos again won the third medal as the irresistible Russian force led by Yulia Zarapova.

At her first Olympics in London the following year, again Chemos was the bookies choice and again Zarapova proved to be a bar too high as she finished fourth.

However, her crowning moment was not far away in Russia as she finally fulfilled her favourite role to perfection with a composed command over her field.

The hosts were locked with news that Zarapova would not defend a day to the start of the global showpiece.

-By Kimathi Kamau

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 17- Rugby 7s team captain, Andrew Amonde, has been ruled out of the fourth and fifth HSBC Sevens World Series, head coach, Paul Treu, announced while naming a 12-man squad on Friday for Las Vegas and Wellington 7s.

According to the former Blitzbokke tactician, the inspirational skipper picked the shoulder injury in South Africa at the George Premier League 7s and will be out for six weeks, ruling him out of the rounds scheduled to run on the weekends of January 24 to 26 in USA and February 7 to 9 in New Zealand.

As expected, the South African who has won three Las Vegas titles, selected an experienced side, bringing on board siblings, veteran Humphrey Kayange, Michael Agevi and Collins Injera who inherits the armband.

Mwamba RFC’s Dennis Ombachi and Nakuru’s Oscar Ouma, core players who sat out previous assignments in Adelaide, George and Dubai legs also made the cut in what should be Kenya’s strongest line-up thus far in the 2013/14 series.

Little known Tonny Owuor, is the only player making a debut in the side having impressed the technical bench.

“We have managed to select the most experienced squad ever, the youngsters who participated in the previous two legs, Dubai and Port Elizabeth, really did an excellent job and the guys who are coming in will be under pressure to continue with the good run.

“Our main target for the two tournaments will be to seek consistency and competitiveness as we go along.

“It’s the first time we are going to have the opportunity to work with Kayange, Ouma and Ombachi who are very instrumental. We are looking forward to have a good competition,” Treu said.

Kayange, a post graduate student at University of Bristol, last played for Kenya at the Rugby World Cup 7s in June while Ombachi, a regular over the past two seasons returns after recovery from knee surgery.

Ouma played at the season opening Gold Coast 7s before missing the Dubai and Port Elizabeth legs due to academic commitments.

The coach lauded Kenya Rugby Union for organising the ten day training camp in South Africa, something which he says has improved the fitness of his charges.

“From a conditioning perspective we are now better, we had all the quality time with team to ensure that we cover all areas.

“We were assisted by local coaches on improving our techniques, scrumming, set pieces and kicking the ball, and in that regard we are better off than when we started in November.

“It also offered opportunity for the players to gel especially the boys who are making a come from a long lay off.

“Our target is to go past the Main Cup quarter finals, but our main focus is on the opening match against Canada and then focus on the next game since there is a lot to play for,” he continued.

“We will have to improve our defense, it’s a pity to have lost our captain to injury, but we do have enough experienced squad so I think for us we just want to go out there and do our best, settle in as quickly as possible and fine tune to take every team serious.”

Stand-in captain Injera, said they will take one match at a time in the pool he termed tricky.

“Las Vegas and Wellington has always been a good tour for us, and it’s a good feeling to the team bearing in mind outstanding players are back.

“Last season we had a problem of consistency, but we have worked on it and we are building on our mental strength.

“We are well prepared for this tournament since we did not rest over the festive season and I have faith things will work out for us,” the all-time leading try scorer said.

Treu, added he is building a strong team ahead of the Commonwealth Games and 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“We have seen the Groups for the commonwealth games have been announced, we are working towards it because it could be our first opportunity to win a medal for our country when it comes to teams sport, so it’s a working progress and we are preparing for the tournament.”

Kenya currently sits seventh in the overall standings alongside Samoa on 32 points having made the Cup quarters at all of the rounds so far but are yet to lift any silverware.

Treu charges are in Group A, alongside Canada, Wales and Nelson Mandela Bay champions South Africa, for the USA outing.

SQUAD

Daniel Sikuta, Partice Agunda, Billy Odhiambo, Humphrey Kayange, Horace Otieno, Oscar Ouma, Collins Injera, Tonny Owour, Biko Adema, Mike Agevi, Oscar Ayodi, Dennis Ombachi.