LONDON, January 18 – Arsenal preserved their lead in the Premier League by beating Fulham 2-0 on Saturday, while goal-line technology assisted Manchester City as they overcame Cardiff City.

Arsenal knew that anything less than victory might allow City to gazump them, but it was not until Santi Cazorla claimed a quick-fire brace mid-way through the second half that they put paid to Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.

Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg had frustrated Arsenal in the first half, but he was beaten in the 57th minute when Cazorla slid a shot past him after a neat interchange involving Olivier Giroud and Jack Wilshere.

The Spanish midfielder added a second five minutes later, collecting the ball on the edge of the box after Nacho Monreal’s cross was partially cleared and drilling a low shot into the bottom-right corner.

“The players were conscious we had to step up a gear,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“It was just a question of time and Santi Cazorla delivered two special goals.”

City remained a point behind Arsenal after sinking Cardiff 4-2 on a day of milestones at the Etihad Stadium.

Edin Dzeko broke the deadlock in the 14th minute with a goal that was City’s 100th of the season and appeared to represent the first time that goal-line technology had been decisively used to award a goal in the Premier League.

The Bosnian striker’s miscued effort from David Silva’s pass was hacked away from beneath the crossbar by Aron Gunnarsson, but Hawkeye replays shown on the stadium’s video screens confirmed that the ball had just crossed the line.

Craig Noone equalised in the 29th minute after exploiting slack defending from Martin Demichelis and Vincent Kompany, but Jesus Navas restored the hosts’ lead four minutes later with a measured finish.

Yaya Toure added a third goal in the 76th minute after a one-two with Sergio Aguero, who got on the score-sheet himself three minutes later to claim his first league goal since returning from a calf injury.

Fraizer Campbell pulled a goal back late on for Cardiff.

“Maybe I am not 100 percent happy because we conceded the second goal in the last minute,” said City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

“But we scored four and missed five or six clear chances, so if we continue to play like we are, we are always going to score more than we concede.”

With third-place Chelsea playing on Sunday, when they host Manchester United, Liverpool could close to within a point of Jose Mourinho’s side if they overcome Aston Villa in the day’s late game at Anfield.

Southampton were denied a morale-boosting victory after Sunderland hit back from 2-0 down to record a 2-2 draw in an engaging encounter at the Stadium of Light.

Despite being rocked by the resignation of chairman Nicola Cortese on Wednesday, Southampton made a breezy start and looked to have taken control with first-half goals from Jay Rodriguez and Dejan Lovren.

However, the hosts replied immediately through Fabio Borini and went on to claim a share of the points in the 71st minute when Adam Johnson beat Artur Boruc at his near post with a rising drive.

Newcastle United bolstered their challenge for European qualification with a 3-1 success at West Ham United, who slipped into the bottom three.

Yohan Cabaye scored twice with Loic Remy also on target, while West Ham replied via an own goal by Mike Williamson.

Jason Puncheon atoned for a woeful penalty miss at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend by scoring the only goal for Crystal Palace in a 1-0 win over Stoke City that catapulted his side out of the relegation zone.

Puncheon had shanked a spot-kick high and wide in the early stages of a 2-0 defeat at White Hart Lane, but he made amends with a low strike in the 51st minute to give manager Tony Pulis victory over his former club.

Elsewhere, Ryan Bennett scored in the 87th-minute to give relegation-threatened Norwich City a precious 1-0 win at home to Hull City, who had Tom Huddlestone sent off for two bookable offences.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 19 – Ambrose Rachier has been re-elected Gor Mahia chairman for a third three year term following peaceful club election conducted on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.

The incoming Kenyan Premier League (KPL) chairman, garnered 808 votes against his competitor Erick Adede, who got 445, in an exercise that was characterised by low turnout.

Former Migori Member of Parliament, John Pesa, was elected first vice-chairman after getting 842 votes, beating incumbent, Faiz Magak, who received 384.

Chris Omondi is the new Secretary General following his victory with 826 votes against Tom Koriko who only garnered 386 after immediate former office bearer, George Bwana, stepped down from the post without seeking re-election to return to his media duties.

Speaking while giving his acceptance speech, Rachier said his first agenda in the club wasto stump out hooliganism.

“The K’Ogalo fraternity has spoken and I want to thank the club electorate for giving me another term to serve them as the chairman, the elections were free, peaceful and fair and very well organised.

“To my opponents, I want to extend them a warm invite to join this team and work together to take K’Ogalo to greater heights.

“The electioneering period ends today (Sunday), and tomorrow (Monday) we embark to deliver what we promised Gor family,” Racier who has led the club for the past six years said.

Despite the elections being peaceful, one of the clerks was got with eight marked ballot papers which belonged to one of the chairman candidates and he was later escorted by police outside the voting area.

Football Kenya Federation, who were in charge of the elections, had earlier on ordered for  fresh polls, after the previous was aborted in late December, following the chaos that were caused by the members.

The new office bearers will now have to embark on working immediately to prepare the league champions for the CAF Champions League and the new KPL season that kicks-off on February 15.

Senior Vice chairman, Francis Wasuna, second vice chairman, Gerge Ong’undi, assistant treasurer, Gerphas Okuku, and assistant Organising Secretary Jack Orowe, were elected unopposed.

Returning officer Jackson Indakwa, lauded the exercise and said the polls were free and fair.

“The elections went on smoothly and successfully, I do wish to congratulate all the winners and I urge the losers to accept the results so that everyone can leave here in peace,” Indakwa from the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture stated.

OFFICE BEARERS

Chairman   Ambrose Rachier

Senior chairman   Francis Wasuna

1^st Vice chairman   John Pesa

2^nd vice chairman   Gerge Ong’undi

Secretary General   Chris Omondi

Deputy Secretary General   Anima Okech

Assistant Secretary General   Ronald Ngala

Organising Secretary   David Kilo

Assistant Organising Secretary   Jack Orowe

Treasurer    Kennedy Otieno

Assistant Treasurer Gerphas Okuku

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 20- Alcoblow should be introduced at the gates of Old Trafford to stop Manchester United players from reporting to work drunk.

This is not an April Fools prank but the terse message to beleaguered manager, David Moyes, from the chairman of National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), John Mutotho.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi Monday, Mututho declared his readiness to ready to help the Moyes ‘curb alcoholism’ at the English Premier League champions who are 14 point off the pace after Sunday’s 3-1 away defeat to Chelsea.

“Alcohol is not good and Man U players know. When you finish training, don’t go to play football whilst still drunk. Have Alcoblow there! Call Mzee (Sir) Ferguson and Mututho for help!

“There should be Alcoblow at the gate to stop any drunken player from getting to the stadium. Man U is letting us down because instead of practice, they are drinking and they will continue losing. It’s a very nice club and I pray to God to bless them,” Mututho said.

“People are dying because of drugs and alcohol and I want to console the Man U team because the players do not seem to be very sober. Let’s have Alcobrow at the gates after training sessions.

“It may sound petty but alcohol destroys you. You cannot score goals when taking alcohol,” the anti-drug abuse Czar added.

Mututho was referring to the simple to use, rapid response instrument that is used simply to determine whether or not a person has any alcohol in their breath at all.

It was re-introduced on Kenyan roads last month to curb drunken driving with Police reporting the arrest and prosecution of about 100 culprits found to be operating vehicles under the influence.

A Samuel Eto’o hat-trick condemned Moyes’ charges to their seventh league defeat effectively ending their title defence in an outcome that piled more misery on the record 20-time champions.

-Material provided by Olive Burrows.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 21- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has revived controversial measures aimed at taxing the earnings of sportspersons that sparked a huge storm in 2012 when they were first mooted by insisting they must pay up.

In a lengthy press statement, the Commissioner of Domestic Taxes insists sportspersons are not exempt from giving Caesar what belongs to him for income accrued meaning they will dig deeper into their pockets to clear outstanding dues as well as paying future earnings.

The latest communiqué issues guidelines to be followed by sportspersons in remitting their dues in conformity to tax regimes in place under the new constitution.

Kenya’s top distance athletes who mint millions competing overseas are set to be the hardest hit by the directives with footballers based abroad among them Southampton star, Victor Wanyama and his elder brother, MacDonald Mariga, who plays in Italy, also affected.

“Where sports income is earned overseas by a sportsperson who is a resident of Kenya for tax purposes, such income is considered to have accrued in or to have been derived from Kenya and is therefore taxable in Kenya.

“However the tax paid overseas is offset against the tax computed locally on the income earned overseas as provided under section 39(2) of the Income Tax Act.

“The sportsperson should however furnish evidence of tax paid overseas in order to be allowed to offset it against tax computed locally,” the statement spelt out.

Touching on monies deducted by agents and or representatives, KRA continued;

“Where the sportspersons use their earnings to pay sports managers and agents who are non-residents, they should deduct withholding tax at the rate of 20 percent of the gross amount payable and pay the balance to the manager or agent.

“Such withholding tax is payable to the Commissioner of Domestic Taxes Department by the 20th of the month following the month of payment. For instance, for payments received in January, should be accounted for by 20th of February.”

One of the issues that torched the uproar against the plans to tax sporting earnings was most athletes invest heavily on real estate and other development projects back at home, sustaining economies of the regions they hail from.

According to them, such measures would amount to double taxation since they pay levies concerning their businesses.

“This is very unfair. We have used much of our earnings to contribute to the Kenyan economy. We bring money home to put up investments, which are already heavily taxed by the government,” the 2011 double world champion and Olympics silver winner, Vivian Cheruiyot, stated in October 2012 when she was among top stars receiving KRA letters asking her to pay up.

“Sportspersons, who invest in any business, including real estate development, must comply with the relevant revenue laws.Like other taxpayers, sports persons who are residents should pay their taxes in four equal instalments, that is, on the 20th of April, June, September and December,” KRA maintain.

“Any balance of tax after payment of instalment tax should be paid by 30th April of the subsequent year. Sportspersons should thereafter file a self assessment return, accounts and tax computation by the 30th of June of the subsequent year to confirm the actual tax liability/refund position.

“The accounts should include the sports persons sporting income and expenditure accounts, business accounts, rent income schedules and P9A (Tax Deduction Card from the Employer), whichever is applicable,” is the taxman’s take on double-taxation concerns.

With many sporting events running countrywide every year, where in the case of athletics, prize money is on offer, organisers have not been spared.

“Local organizers of sporting events are also required to deduct 20 percent withholding tax on any payment made to non-resident sportspersons and sports managers and agents,” the Commissioner stated.

World men 800m record holder, David Rudisha and two-time world marathon champion, Abel Kirui, were among a horde of stars who vehemently opposed the taxman’s plan in 2012.

Some of the affected had bills running into millions in back taxes for their earnings and the measures announced are due to be met by further resistance.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 22- Athletics Kenya (AK) chief, Isaiah Kiplagat, says his flock is ready to remit their returns as required by the Kenya Revenue Authority under measures requiring sportspersons to pay tax.

Speaking to Capital Sport in his office on Wednesday, Kiplagat additionally announced he had written a circular to all agents and managers requiring them to submit information on incomes obtained by their clients to assist in computing dues owed to the taxman within the coming month.

“This morning, I have sent an email to all agents requiring them to submit returns of all athletes under their management showing details of the amount earned, tax paid and in which country.

“Once these are received by the athletes, they will pass it on to the tax people to make returns on their behalf and there will be no problem,” the AK boss told.

He added: “The only problem is if the agents withhold the information and I have made it clear in my email that information required must be submitted and we have asked them to give us copies.

“It is not confidential anymore, it has become a public issue and we have to see where we can assist. The purpose of getting information to us is to help those athletes with nowhere to go. We have accountants who do returns for us and we can ask them to assist athletes who do not have them to get help at a fee.”

The chairman does not see any fuss in following the measures announced by the Commissioner of Domestic Taxes at KRA on Tuesday requiring all sportspersons in the country to pay taxes on their earnings.

“We had KRA people at our seminar with athletes in December and they explained and answered all questions and there is no problem as portrayed in the media.

“I’m sure elite athletes have accountants and I do not think the issue should raise any problem. Athletes must understand and they were lectured on that.”

On those owing back taxes that for some run into millions, Kiplagat said the taxman had spelt out modalities for them to follow in cleaning their slate without incurring hefty penalties.

“They raised this issue during the Eldoret meeting and they were told how to go about it. If you have a back log, let’s say you have not made your returns for the last three years, you can make it and appeal and show why you did not do it.

“They need to show their accounts that have no taxes and the Ministry (Sports, Culture and Arts) and AK can assist them,” Kiplagat explained.

KRA published measures on Tuesday requiring all earning from sportspersons declared and taxed accordingly in line with all other citizens who submit annual returns in June every year.

Athletes especially distance runners, rank as the highest income earners in the country and the first announcement of the measures in 2012 was met by stiff resistance.

“Where sports income is earned overseas by a sportsperson who is a resident of Kenya for tax purposes, such income is considered to have accrued in or to have been derived from Kenya and is therefore taxable in Kenya.

“However the tax paid overseas is offset against the tax computed locally on the income earned overseas as provided under section 39(2) of the Income Tax Act.

“The sportsperson should however furnish evidence of tax paid overseas in order to be allowed to offset it against tax computed locally,” the KRA statement spelt out.

According to Kiplagat, athletes have nothing major to be concerned about since their earnings are levied in the country’s where they run and what they owe the domestic taxman is negligible.

“KRA were very clear. What they said if an athlete is taxed in the country they run in, the difference between the taxation levels in that country and Kenya is what they are required to pay.

“The athlete is required to file genuine expenses such as air tickets, training costs, agent fees, medication and accommodation. If they do that properly and get a tax expert to file their returns, most of them will not pay any tax,” Kiplagat underlined.

“What KRA are asking is the normal tax required from every Kenyan and those who were in Eldoret were explained that during the seminar. It’s a question to educate the athlete on the process and having them get tax experts.”

The AK supreme has also sent circulars to all event organisers and sponsors urging them to comply with the directives for their races to run countrywide.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 23- Former Prime Minister and the leader of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord), Raila Odinga, has slammed the Government’s move to impose taxes on the earnings of athletes, footballers and all other sportspersons announced by Kenya Revenue Authority on Tuesday.

In a statement released Thursday, Raila and his Cord coalition, called on the State to address concerns raised by a number of high profile sporting icons mostly distance runners who have stated willingness to boycott the 2016 Olympics and 2015 World Championships in protest if the move is not reversed.

“We ask the government to shelve such plans until the fears and demands of these young men and women are convincingly and exhaustively addressed.

“Until the Government demonstrates its investment in the emergence and growth of these athletes, soccer stars and other sports personalities, we oppose taxation of their earnings,” Raila said.

“Currently, it is not clear what the Government’s contribution is to the emergence and growth of outstanding athletes like Asbel Kiprop, David Rudisha and Sylvia Kibet, among others.

“We challenge the Government to explain to Kenyans what its contribution is to the football careers of Dennis Oliech, Victor Wanyama and MacDonald Mariga, just to name a few,” the Cord leader added.

While supporting the vocal protest against the move by a number of top athletes under the umbrella of the newly formed Professional Athletes Association of Kenya (PAAK) on Wednesday, Raila who lost the 2013 General Elections to the current Jubilee Government noted the affected were reaping from the seeds of their toil.

“With hardly any meaningful Government-run youth football or athletics programmes and no Government initiatives to help them land deals abroad, these young Kenyans have stood out against monumental odds.

“They are thriving on their God-given talents, which they nurture through discipline, hard work and heavy investment of their hard earned money in health and fitness,” the opposition leader charged.

“Yet they plough their money back into our country. A number of towns in the Rift Valley including Eldoret, Kapsabet, Kericho and Iten are running on athletes’ money through investments in property, for which the owners pay tax.

“This is in addition to the honour and fame the athletes bring to this country, for which we reward them with pretty little. Athletes and our soccer professionals are in a unique business,” he went on.

With the sticking issue especially among runners that the measures amount to double taxation since their earnings are levied at the country they are minted, Raila called for suspension of the measures until when proper framework to ensure they are not unduly trifled of their income is in place.

“We therefore, urge that plans for taxation be put on hold until the government tables how it intends to ensure these athletes get into fair and rewarding deals with agents and that they are paid their dues promptly and adequately by the agents.

“Otherwise the tax demand is a case of the government repeating where it has not sown. We urge all Kenyans of goodwill to stand with our sportsmen and women in opposing these taxes until their fears and demands are addressed,” he concluded.

On Wednesday, Athletics Kenya (AK) boss, Isaiah Kiplagat, said the measures were, “nothing to worry about,” since KRA has spelt out the modalities that earnings will be levied.

“We had KRA people at our seminar with athletes in December and they explained and answered all questions and there is no problem as portrayed in the media.

“I’m sure elite athletes have accountants and I do not think the issue should raise any problem. Athletes must understand and they were lectured on that,” Kiplagat told Capital Sport.

The CEO of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), Jack Oguda on his part, promised to ensure the 16 top-flight clubs abide by the regulations although he called on a transitional period to be offered by the Government to align to the requirements.

“What we are planning to engage KRA and get more light into it because we had an issue where some clubs have not been taxing their players.

“Its something new and we will meet with relevant authorities to arrive to a conclusion,” Oguda told Capital Sport on Wednesday.

In Eldoret, the athletes gathering under PAAK, strongly resisted the move saying it would prompt them to seek to compete for other willing nations besides boycotting major events.

The latest storm was sparked on Tuesday when the Commissioner for Domestic Taxes at KRA published a communique requiring all sportsperson to pay dues on their earnings at home and overseas.

“Where sports income is earned overseas by a sportsperson who is a resident of Kenya for tax purposes, such income is considered to have accrued in or to have been derived from Kenya and is therefore taxable in Kenya.

“However the tax paid overseas is offset against the tax computed locally on the income earned overseas as provided under section 39(2) of the Income Tax Act.

“The sportsperson should however furnish evidence of tax paid overseas in order to be allowed to offset it against tax computed locally,” the Commissioner spelt out.

LONDON, England, January 24- Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, has confirmed the imminent switch of his out of favour Spanish international, Juan Mata, to Old Trafford.

Mata is set undergo a medical on ahead of a proposed £37m transfer from Chelsea to the English champions having been given permission by the Blues boss.

An accord between the two clubs looks to have been reached shortly after Chelsea agreed a fee with Basel for Mohamed Salah who looks to have been lined up as a direct replacement for the 25-year-old.

Mata will become United’s club-record signing and a formal announcement is expected on Friday provided the playmaker comes through a medical on Thursday evening, Sky sources understand.

The Spain international did not train with Chelsea on Wednesday and is understood to have told team-mates that his departure from the club was imminent.

Chelsea are understood to be happy to sell and would make a significant profit on the man they signed for £23.5m from Valencia in 2011.

For Mata, the transfer would give him an opportunity for much more playing time with the World Cup in Brazil looming this summer.

All parties are keen for the transfer to go through, according to Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Guilleme Balague

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, believes Mata’s impending sale to United is a sign that Financial Fair Play is working.

Chelsea have sanctioned the mid-season sale of Mata – the club’s player of the year in each of the past two years – despite the fact the deal will significantly strengthen a Premier League rival.

The Spain midfielder cannot face Chelsea this season – Mourinho’s side have played United twice already – but could yet affect the results of the club’s title rivals.

Wenger takes issue with the rules which allow such unevenness but believes the deal is less down to astute timing and more do to with balancing the books to stay in line with UEFA rules.

“I think it is a purely financial reason,” he said. “That is the first time I come to that conclusion with Chelsea.

“It means somewhere that Chelsea changes philosophy and they want to get on line with financial fair play. For me that is the main reason, and that is a good thing.

“We didn’t need the rules of financial fair play to be dictated to us because we imposed it on ourselves, like what should be the case for everybody.

LAS VEGAS, USA, January 25- Kenya have all to do to sail to the Las Vegas 7s quarters after recovering from an opening loss to Canada to ground Wales ahead of their Sunday crunch tie against South Africa.

Paul Treu’s side, boasting the most potent line-up thus far this season, registered a dispiriting 15-17 loss to Canada who prevailed over them for the first time in the 2013/14 HSBC World Series campaign before edging a nervy affair over Wales 21-17.

Kenya need victory against Treu’s former employers at their 1:20am local time clash to guarantee passage to the Main Cup quarters, having lost to the Blitzbokke twice in a row in George and Dubai.

In their Pool A opener, Canada took the early initiative with Connor Braid touching down on 55 seconds, Philip Mack converting for a 7-0 lead.

They would continue to keep possession and went 12-0 up when John Moonlight score midway through the half, his unconverted try making it 12-0.

Kenya struggled to get a rhythm when in possession but would eventually put points on the board courtesy of Dan Sikuta’s unconverted effort at the stroke of half time. They went into the breather trailing 5-12.

Head Coach Treu would make a triple substitution, throwing on Billy Odhiambo, Humphrey Kayange and Horace Otieno for Dennis Ombachi, Dan Sikuta and Patrice Agunda.

They would however be caught napping when youngster Justin Douglas touched out wide, making it 17-5 to Canada.
Kenya would again find themselves in possession, Kayange spotting the gap and cantering 20 yards to ground the ball,this effort marking his 136th career try on the series.

Adema missed the kick as Kenya now trailed Canada 17-10. Odhiambo would score on the buzzer, Adema missing the equalizing conversion as Canada ran off with the 17-15 result.

Against Wales, the South African head coach made three alterations to his starting line-up introducing Otieno, Kayange and Odhiambo to the starting seven, relegating Oscar Ouma, Sikuta and the returning Ombachi to the bench.

Otieno would get the scoring underway, touching down with Adema converting for a 7-0 lead. Rhy Jones restored parity for the Welsh, converting Luke Morgan’s try with the scores at 7-7 after three minutes of play.

Kenya fell 12-7 behind courtesy of a Samuel Cross try but Adema scored and converted a try to see Kenya hold a 14-12 leading going into half time.

They would be caught cold on the restart, James Davies grounding at the corner, Wales leading 17-14 at this point. Captain Collins Injera, Kenya’s all time top try scorer scoring his 168th try with Adema converting for a 21-17 lead.

Injera would make a try saving tackle at the death that secured the win for Kenya.

As Treu struggles to find the winning combination, his former charges strolled through their opening Pool A encounters, blanking Wales Wales 43-0 in their first match before humbling the Canadians 29-0 in their second, underlining the difficult task that lies ahead for Kenya against the Nelson Mandela Bay 7s champions.

Victory for Kenya coupled with Canada beating Wales would knock Blitzbokke out at the pool stage though.

-Additional material from KRU website

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 26- Paul Treu can still not fashion an answer against his former side as Kenya crashed out of the Main Cup at Las Vegas 7s following a 7-19 loss to South Africa.

Two defeats in Pool B against Canada in the opener and Blitzbokke in their must win last match after success against Wales provided hope saw Kenya relegated to the Bowl quarters where they beat Spain 24-0 to qualify for the semis.

However, that is scant consolation for Treu after his side fell to his former employers for the third time in a row following defeats in Dubai and George with Werner Kok, Stephan Dippenaar and Seabelo Senatla scoring the tries, two which were converted, to send Kenya crashing out of the Main Cup.

Stand-in skipper, Collins Injera, scored his 169th try for Kenya to level matters after Kok went over at the stroke of half time with Biko Adema’s boot bringing the sides level.

South Africa, winners of the Nelson Mandela Bay 7s in George, returned after the breather and after Billy Odhiambo was sin-binned to leave Treu’s charges a man short, Dippenaar grounded the ball with Cecil Afrika missing the convertion.

Barely three minutes later, Senatla put further distance between his team and Seabelo Senatla duly converted to seal the result.

With Canada beating Wales 21-19 in a close encounter, South Africa sealed top spot as Kenya slipped to third and Bowl quarters against Spain.

Injera got Treu’s charges off the mark with 4:16 gone before Odhiambo got into the act to give Kenya a 10-0 lead at the breather.

Horace Otieno and debutant Tony Owuor added two converted tries to round up the win as Kenya failed to make the Main Cup quarters for the first time this season as they set up a meeting with Scotland in the Bowl semis.

As Kenya faltered, Pool B rivals Canada performed heroics to reach only their second-ever Cup semi-final in IRB Sevens rugby, joining defending USA Sevens champions South Africa, New Zealand and Samoa in the final four.

The South Africans, the most recent winners on the HSBC Sevens World Series, have conceded just seven points in their four matches so far at the Sam Boyd Stadium and beat Argentina 36-0 in their quarter-final with tries by Cecil Afrika, Branco du Preez, Seabelo Senatla, Chris Dry (2) and Werner Kok.

They next face Samoa in an enthralling match-up between the only two sides to have won a Cup in Las Vegas.

The 2010 and 2012 champions, Samoa, came from 10-0 behind to beat Australia 12-10 with tries from Sani Niue and Lio Lolo.

In another enthralling quarter-final Canada came from 14-0 behind to reach their first Cup semi final since the Tokyo Sevens back in 2000, defeating France 17-14 with Connor Braid scoring two tries before Nanyak Dala snatched the win.

The Cannucks will face Series leaders New Zealand after the All Blacks Sevens proved too strong for England in the last of the quarter-finals, winning 24-7 spear-headed by a hat-trick from Waisake Naholo.

Gordon Tietjens’ side will be without George Tilsley for one more match, however, and Sam Dickson for eight more matches after both players received disciplinary sanctions following their match with Fiji.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 27 – At this stage last season, Kenya had accumulated 56 points and were among the top five of the HSBC World Sevens standings and seemingly on the way up.

During the fourth round then held in New Zealand, Kenya came so close to a first ever series win when they lost to England at the final of the Wellington 7s at the death as Mike Friday’s charges embarked on a dream run to the Main Cup decider.

However, the much heralded change of guard under former South Africa head coach, Paul Treu has failed to fire the team up the table after they slipped down to eighth on 39 after losing the Bowl Final to Fiji 35-0.

So, what has gone wrong with the side that was on the throes of being a regular Main Cup challenger but now find itself unable to qualify past the quarters since the 2013/14 season stared?

Their performance in Vegas last weekend where Kenya also performed dismally last season despite Treu fielding his best squad leaves a lot to be desired despite the rallying call for patience his employers, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), are calling for.

Under Friday and New Zealand fitness and conditioning coach, Chris Brown, Kenya started last season on fire and besides amassing 99 series points, one short of their stated target of 100and qualifying to the semi finals of the Rugby Sevens World Cup at the end of the season, KRU brought Treu on board to continue the progression.

Whilst Treu has been awarded a lucrative three-year deal with the 2016 Olympics the main target, Kenya’s performance so far at the World Series does little to suggest high hopes of medalling in Rio.

For the first time this season, the team failed to reach the Main Cup quarters, after winning only one match against Wales in Group A with a last ditch Collins Injera tackle saving the day.

Treu was expected to perform better in USA at the back of the much publicised 10-day training camp in South Africa and having the best squad bar injured captain, Andrew Amonde, at his disposal.

They started the competition on a wrong footing, losing to Canada 15-17, a team that Kenya beat in the last two legs of the series as nerves came to play.

After securing a 21-17 win over Wales, the South African needed to beat his former charges to be guaranteed a Main Cup quarters slot, but that only remained a dream as he once again failed to go past Blitzbokke for the third time in a row.

The return of veteran Humphrey Kayange, winger Dennis Ombachi and Nakuru RFC’s Oscar Ouma, was not felt as they did not show their prowess after failing to break through series winners South Africa and Fiji’s defence.

Despite enjoying a wide fan base from Kenyans living in USA, the team failed to rise to the occasion to surpass the 2012 outing where they clinched the Plate.

With Treu leading the side to the Wellington 7s where they stunned the hosts last year, another poor outing will only crank up the pressure on the South African and KRU who are paying through the nose to keep the head coach and his team of experts engaged.

The team will camp in USA for one week before heading to New Zealand for the fifth round where Kenya, under the tutelage of Friday, missed the Cup by a whisker after losing the finals to England 24-19 in sudden death.

In contrast, Treu must be looking on wistfully as his former charges continue to flourish, taking the series standings lead after stopping the All Blacks at the Vegas Main Cup final.

The South African does not have a kind draw for the February 7 to 8 Wellington 7s with Kenya pooled to face Samoa, Australia and Tonga in Group D.

In a country where patience runs thin with poor results, it might be too early to state Treu’s goose is cooked but the murmurs will only grow louder if a quick fix is not found in New Zealand.

After all, he is enjoying almost unlimited resources, core players have been placed on contracts while KRU and sponsors Kenya Airways have ensured payment for services rendered is prompt unless of course, it is proven otherwise.

Unlike Friday, Treu is a permanent resident in Kenya, has unlimited access to his players but the Englishman at the moment seems to have been better at getting the best out of the squad with limited time on the training ground.

The sooner he gets the team to adapt to his tactics of more contact as opposed to speed and flair, the better it will be for the head coach who pledged to deliver Kenya to the Promised Land when he took charge in November.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 28 – The KCB Malindi Rally paves way for what is set to be one of the most open seasons in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) as it makes a return to the coastal city for the first time in 27 years.

At the same time, title sponsors, KCB, have increased their annual package for the eight-round championship to Sh43.5m from last year’s figure of Sh39.6m.

The single-day Malindi shakedown organized by Mombasa Motor Club under the guidance of the Kenya Motorsports Federation chairman, Roy McKenzie, will see the Watspot System used to line-up the starting order for the round as well as the rest of the season according to federation, General Manager, Njoroge Mwaura.

He added an elaborate route has been laid out which will offer the drivers an opportunity to get the season going as Motor Sports Personality of the Year, Baldev Chager bids to defend the national title he won last year.

“The total distance to be covered by crews will be 350km of which 190km is competitive mileage. The real challenge will commence right after the start, with a spectator stage specially graded in Malindi town for a high-octane affair.

“The service park will be located at -Forest Row Soccer pitch in Jilore, about 16Km along the Tsavo Road from Malindi,” the manager outlines.

The spectator stage section has been set aside in Malindi Town behind Maembe Resort. The section is twisty in some places with some magnificent hairpin bends added Mwaura.

“The longest stage will be a 25km run in a forest region whilst the shortest will be a 2km spectator stage within town. Access to the sections will be limited as a big chunk of the competitive section set in a forest.”

A total of 42 drivers have so far confirmed participation with majority of top drivers gearing up for a chase of the elusive KNRC title won last year by Charger in emphatic style.

Other top names expetect include multiple Safari Rally winner Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, three-time former KNRC Champion, Azar Anwar and Ian Duncan.

Others are young drivers like Quentin Mitchell, Rajbir Rai, Manvir Baryan and Izhar Mirza who are trying to fit in the shoes of top Division One speedsters Tundo, Ian and Chager.

Chager, who was last weekend crowned the motor personality-of-the-year, says he will approach Malindi tour with levelheaded attitude as he starts his title defense.

The 2WD class has attracted defending champion Dennis Mwenda, two times champion Leonardo Varese, Gurmit Thethy and Mombasa-based Victor Okundi.

Division three has attracted the likes of Alasdair Keith and Mahesh Halai who is upgraded from Subaru gc8 to the N12 model.

Route recceing has been scheduled for Thursday with the mandatory scrutenering set for the nest day Friday.

The rally will be flagged-off outside the KCB branch in Malindi on Saturday at 6.30am. The ceremonial finish will be at the Ocean Beach Hotel from 3pm onwards.

Unveiling title sponsorship of the season, KCB Chief Financial Officer, Collins Otiwu rolled out an improved package for the eight-rounds.

“The rally sponsorship continues to provide an ideal vehicle for the bank to promote business countrywide, while also providing entertainment for motorsport enthusiasts in Kenya,” he declared.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 29 – After finishing third last season, Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa, says their target is to reclaim the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title they last won in 2009.

According to the club chairman new signings Burundian internationals, Celestine Nabohimana and forward Fiston Abdulrazak, are due in the country by Friday to link up with the squad that is finalising on pre-season training in Nairobi.

The pair will join after completing national duty at the ongoing Africa Home Nations Championships in South Africa, where Burundi were bundled out at the preliminary stage.

“We are ready for the new season but for now, we are focused on defending the Kenya Power Charity Cup since it will be a good way to start the season.

“We are done with signings because we acquired all quality players we need to replace those who left,” Kalekwa told Capital Sport on Wednesday.

Former Leopards shot-stopper, Barnabas Tiema, Harambee Stars forward, Clifton Miheso (Thika United), Humphrey Mieno, who returns to the club after a season-long stint at Azam, former Mathare United midfielder, Heavener Maloba and Maurice Odipo, who joins from Bandari have also joined the Batoto ba Mungu.

Defender James Situma now at Ingwe and forward Bob Mugalia who has joined Tusker FC on loan have left the 2009 champions.

Assistant coach, David Ouma,  is  focused on starting the season on a high and their mission is to defend the Charity Cup this weekend at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

“Our six new players except the Burundians have been training with us for the last three weeks and they have gelled with the old players.

“Last season, the gear slowed down because most of our players went for trials in South Africa, but this time round we have depth in our squad, so our eyes are focused on the title.

“Sofapaka made history by joining KPL and winning the trophy, since that day it has been our culture to continue giving our best and ensuring we finish above top five,” Ouma told.

He added the departure of Mugalia to Tusker will have no major impact on their plans.

“Mugalia made a good move to join the former champions. That shows he is growing and as a club, we only wish him well in his new team.

“He did not have a good last season because he only featured in the first leg and for him going on loan, I’m sure he will revive his career.

“We did the same with Bernard Mang’oli when AFC Leopards loaned the midfielder to us, when the player went back to Ingwe, he was in top form.”

Batoto Ba Mungu will take on Gor Mahia in the Charity semis hoping to repeat last year’s triumph over them before facing either Ingwe or Mathare if they prevail over the league champions.

Sofapaka will move to their new home in Machakos County after the competition, to acclimatize with the Kenyatta Stadium where they will be hosting their league matches.

They open their KPL campaign with an away fixture at Muhoroni Youth on February 15.

NAIROBI, Kenya, January 30-Despite the intention of some top runners to skip the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, Athletics Kenya (AK) is keen on sending a potent line-up to retain the sport ‘s place as the medal breadbasket for the nation.

Recent reports have seen a number of top athletes distance themselves from the Jul. 23 to Aug. 3 event in Glasgow, among them defending women steeplechase titleholder and world champion, Milcah Chemos.

With the Commonwealth boycott choruses growing last weekend during the star-laden local Discovery Cross Country meeting in Eldoret, federation boss, Isaiah Kiplagat, has come out to assure the nation

“In the past, we have had big names saying they will not compete at the Commonwealth Games but that is nothing to worry about. We have many athletes who realise competing for their nation is the best thing that can happen to their career,” Kiplagat said.

“In India, the team brought home the most medals ever and we have started preparations to ensure that is repeated in Glasgow.”

He added: ” We have been having regular meetings with the National Olympics Committee who have given us funds to prepare the team.”

In Delhi, India four years ago, Kenya topped the athletics charts with 29 medals, 11 gold, 10 silver and eight bronze, ahead of Australia (20, 6, 3) and Britain (7, 9, 10) who sealed the top three.

Beijing Olympics gold medallist, Nancy Jebet Langat, became the first Kenyan in history to complete the double at the Commonwealth when she won the 800m and 1500m races.

The AK chief stated forthcoming events such as the IAAF Relay World Cup, IAAF World Juniors and Africa Senior Championships would be used to identify possible members of the Scotland Games.

“We have a busy 2014 and our main target will be to remain competitive since there are many nations out there who want to take our place. We cannot afford to relax,” the chair stressed.

Commonwealth men 1,500m champion, Silas Kiplagat and the men marathon titleholder, John Ekilu Kelai, are among those who have bucked the trend by declaring their interest in defending their crowns in Scotland.

NETHERLANDS, January 30- Scotland clinched their third World Cup berth in dramatic fashion with a tense three-wicket win over Kenya with three balls to spare at Hagley Oval on the final day of the Super Sixes in Christchurch.

Rob Taylor, who came into the match with only 56 runs in six matches at the tournament, entered at number eight and hit three fours and a six on his way to 46 off 37 balls to take Scotland over the line and back to the World Cup for the first time since 2007.

Kenya won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a very competitive 260. Alex Obanda produced 89 at the top of the innings to lay a solid platform.

Captain Rakep Patel made a vital contribution with 38 in the middle order but Scotland made life difficult on themselves with 24 extras, including 15 wides.

Matty Cross scored 55 to get Scotland’s chase off to a positive start but his wicket in the 20th over was followed a short time later by the runout of Freddie Coleman to generate a bit of tension.

Stand-in captain Preston Mommsen took his time getting set, striking only one boundary on his way to a half-century off 81 balls.

The wickets of Michael Leask and Richie Berrington swayed momentum Kenya’s way making the score at 169 for 6 at the start of the 38th, but Mommsen counterattacked by striking a six and three fours in the space of seven deliveries to get Scotland back on track.

Mommsen finally fell for 78 with Scotland needing 35 off 25 balls and only three wickets in hand knowing by this point that only a win would take them through to the World Cup after Hong Kong’s speedy win over PNG allowed Hong Kong to pass Scotland on the net run rate tiebreaker.

Scotland entered the final two overs needing 18 to win but a wide by Nehemiah Odhiambo was followed by a six off the bat of Taylor to bring the equation under a run a ball and a World Cup berth was in sight.

Taylor sealed the match with a pair of twos on the second and third deliveries of the final over, earning Scotland a return visit to New Zealand next year and dashing Hong Kong’s dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Khurram Khan once again steered UAE to a total that couldn’t be overhauled in a 36-run win over Namibia at Rangiora to clinch the UAE’s second World Cup berth and first since 1996.

UAE won the toss and elected to bat first as Khan (49) was one of three players to get into the 40s without reaching 50 in UAE’s total of 263.

The score was 216 for 5 with two balls to go in the 45th but Louis Klazinga wiped out the tail, taking four of the last five wickets to fall, as Namibia bowled out the UAE with one ball remaining in the innings.

Namibia got off to a slow start in reply as captain Sarel Burger crawled to a half-century, eventually getting dismissed for 54 off 102 balls.

Amjad Javed claimed 3 for 35 while Khan completed his solid all-round display with 2 for 45 to restrict Namibia to 227 for 9 in their 50 overs.

Hong Kong completed a furious charge to a three-wicket win over Papua New Guinea at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in a valiant effort to overtake Scotland on net run rate, but did not get the extra help they needed from Kenya to vault into the top two on the Super Sixes table.

Scotland and UAE will now contest the tournament final at Bert Sutcliffe Oval on Saturday.

The winner will join England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Afghanistan in Group A at the 2015 World Cup while the loser will slot into Group B alongside South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland.

Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea will have a rematch in the third place game at the qualifier while Kenya and Namibia will play in the fifth place match.

-By espncricinfo.com

ITEN, Kenya, January 31- As he has grown to be accustomed to, the ‘Mo-Bot’ received undulating attention on his media day out in his adopted home of Iten on Friday with the scenic Kenyan Rift Valley providing a fitting backdrop.

Britain’s double Olympics and World Champion over 5000m and 10000m is all the rave with his mega full marathon debut in London on April 13 providing another intriguing chapter in his continuing evolution as one of the finest distance runners in history.

“I’m excited about the race since there are many tough guys like the world record holder, Wilson Kipsang, in there. I asked Wilson the other day why he decided to run so fast and make it difficult for us all,” the London and Moscow double gold winner stated in reference to the Kenyan standard bearer who blasted to 2:03:24 in Berlin last fall.

While getting to interview the Ayatollah of British distance running for local scribes was as hard as beating him in a race, the man who is leading the team of over 6000 volunteers and staff to put together the April 13 spectacle, race director, Hugh Brasher, looked on intently as the headline act went about his media obligations.

Capital Sport caught up with him as he shed light on what the potentially historic 2014 edition of the World Marathon Majors event will serve up to a global audience.

“That would be amazing! It’s gonna be tough and who knows what will happen. Wilson Kipsang just broke the world record in Berlin; Geoffrey Mutai ran the fastest marathon, Emmanuel Mutai, the list goes on.

“We would love a British winner but remember, this is Mo’s first marathon and it’s a whole different world, so we are not putting that pressure on him but he is definitely putting it on himself but we are looking forward to it,”

Brasher said of the prospect of the draw for 2014 amid a formidable cast of the best distance runners anywhere making a dream winning debut.

Faced by a field that includes three athletes who have run under 2:04 in Kipsang, course record holder Emmanuel Mutai (2:03:52/2013) and New York winner, Geoffrey Mutai (2:03:02/2012), Brasher forecast they would push Farah to obliterate the long-standing British record of 2:07:13 in the classic distance race as the more realistic target for the first timer.

“It’s been 29 years since Steve Jones did it in Chicago in 1985, so it is the longest standing record in the books. If Mo takes it, he will hold every single metric record from 1,500m to the marathon and that has never been done in British history,” the race director explained.

Instead of crafting an easier route to crown the first British winner of the men’s race since Eammon Martin in 1993, Brasher’s predecessor, David Bedford, who is in charge of the elite field, signed on the best available competition to take on the home favourite.

“London always tries to have the most competitive race. Most said last year’s line-up was the best ever and they are saying this one is better still. It will be a fantastic race,” Brasher said.

“The world is waiting for Farah, the double Olympics and world medallist to make his debut. Mo is the head of British distance running, he has done things no other British athlete has done.

“For him to running in front of the London crowds replicating London 2012 the atmosphere was electric, it was important that we have him running in front of his adoring crowd,” the race director elaborated on why they chased and got the signature of the poster boy of the country’s distance running for the half marathon last year and the full distance this term.

With defending champion, Tsegay Kebede (Ethiopia), world and Olympics titleholder, Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda) and the exciting debut of Ibrahim Jeilan among other studs in the mix, Brasher does not rule out an assault on the 2:03:24 benchmark.

“I think it’s possible, it just depends on how they feel on the day. The pace will be there, these are the best athletes in the world and it will be a fascinating race,” he posited on a world record belonging to London since 2002 when American Khalid Khannouchi ran 2:05:38.

With Farah’s female equivalent, Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba, also making a first splash over the distance, the race organiser says the women’s race that will feature defending champion, Priscah Jeptoo and two-time world champion, Edna Kiplagat, promises to set off like confetti as well.

“It will be difficult to focus on one thing, there will be so many stories and it will be such an amazing day.”
Despite the numerous plots, sub plots and the date with destiny for the elite fields, it will all be dwarfed by how the ‘Mo-bot’ fares on the grandest home stage since he spellbound the Olympics.

“For me, I’m not worried about the expectations, my aim is to go there and have fun. The average for top marathoners has been brought to 2:04 and can I do that? I’m not so sure,” Farah told one of the reporters.

Decked in his favourite’s team Arsenal FC shirt that he threw over a Team GB jumper for television interviews,
Farah stated took time to urge them to bag the English Premiership title.

“I gave them one of my gold medals and they now have the winning touch.”

On April 13, he and Arsene Wenger, the manager of his beloved Gunners will have a better idea of their prospects for glory but the athlete desires a simple legacy.

“In 100 years, I want to be remembered just as Mo, the easy, fun loving guy who did the best he could.”

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 1- Athletics royalty gathered for the grand opening of the ultra-modern Lornah Kiplagat Sports Academy in Iten marking the beginning of the use of the first tartan track outside Kenya’s capital Nairobi.

Having been funded by a partnership between the Lornah Kiplagat Foundation and London Marathon, the organisers of the April 13 blue riband World Marathon Majors event also took the opportunity to launch their imposing men’s field.

The honour to cut the tape to open the red tartan that took a year to construct fell to double Olympics and world champion, Britain’s Mo Farah, decked in traditional Maasai headgear alongside two-time Olympics and three-time World steeplechase champion, Ezekiel Kemboi.

Besides and behind them, a constellation of some of the best distance runners in history including world marathon’s women record holder, Paula Radcliffe, stood and applauded the fruition of the dream of Kenyan-born Dutch former world half marathon record holder, Lornah Kiplagat.

“I’m so delighted that this project has finally come to being. We took the proposal to set up the academy and tartan track to many, including the Government and it was London Marathon that answered.

“With time, it will help create many champions not only from Kenya but from other countries as well,” Kiplagat, the 2007 World Cross women’s senior gold winner and thrice World Half champion stated.

“The combination of running at altitude, excellent rehabilitation facilities provided by British Athletics, and some of the best training partners in the world have made Iten the Mecca for distance runners.

“I’m sure the advent of this new track will further help our distance runners achieve their goals in future championships and improve their standards,” London Marathon Race Director, Hugh Brasher, added on the project that will be key in improving the standards of British distance running.

“My preparation for London had been going for many months and years. Part of that was the London Marathon altitude camps,” Farah, who completed the half marathon last year but will go the full distance this time said.

“As an athlete being able to get away from any distractions and do my training helped me to prepare. I could switch off and channel my energies to areas where it needed to go. Being surrounded by other athletes also helped motivate me and what I was doing more enjoyable,” the London and Moscow double gold medallist said of the high altitude training in Iten that was launched by British Athletics in 2010 with the support of the London Marathon.

“This project will not only help British athletes but the local community as well. I’m delighted to have been here to see it start since we need to ensure our athletes and those from here get the best possible training,” Radcliffe, the 2000 World Cross women’s champion and three-time London champion offered.

“This is a challenge to our Government to build such facilities. It has taken the effort of an athlete to bring a tartan track here (Iten) that will help us a lot since we don’t need to travel to Nairobi.

“It took Lornah about four months to make this happen and we are very happy as athletes to have a proper track to train,” Kemboi stressed.

Besides Farah and fellow exciting debutant, Ibrahim Jeilan, from Ethiopia, the last man to beat the British distance icon on track, event course record holder, Emmanuel Mutai, New York champion, Geoffrey Mutai and 2012 Paris Marathon winner, Stanley Biwott were present for the launch of the elite men’s field.

Defending London women’s champion, Priscah Jeptoo, two-time world champion, Edna Kiplagat, Berlin champion, Florence Kiplagat, two-time London titleholder, Mary Keitany were present. Only the latter has not been confirmed to race the women’s race on April 13.

Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium were the only facilities with the all weather tartan track until Saturday.

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 2 – Captain, Duncan Ochieng, saved in sudden death as Sofapaka successfully defended the Kenya Power Charity Cup 2-1 on post-match penalties over Mathare united, after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

Batoto ba Mungu coach Sam Timbe, was pleased with the win and said he was using the one day tournament to prepare his charges for the league.

“My players played very well and we are looking forward for a good outing in the new season. I’m so proud of my boys for defending the charity Cup, even though we won it through penalties.

“This is a good start for the season and the new players proved why we signed them, but about the Burundian duo, I cannot talk about them since I have not seen them,” the Ugandan said after the match.

To reach the finals, Mathare edged out GOtv winners AFC Leopards 3-2 on post match penalties after a goalless draw in the 90, while Batoto ba Mungu walloped league champions Gor Mahia 3-1.

Sofapaka started the match on a high note, coming close in the 11th minute through Anthony Ndolo, but keeper David Mwangi denied him.

Edwin Ombasa reacted swiftly 15 minutes later, when he beat defenders but he was too slow to pull the trigger allowing Ochieng to clear the ball.

Veteran striker John Baraza, gave Sofapaka the lead after he slotted home a penalty in the 30th, after Mwangi handled Yusuf Juma’s cross in the box forcing referee, Davis Omweno, to point at the spot.

The slum boys tried to equalize four minutes later through Noah Abich’s free kick but he blasted wide as the defending champions enjoyed a 1-0 lead at the breather.

On resumption, Mathare went about laying siege on the Sofapaka goal with Ochieng, putting on a man-of-the-match shift, denied Kenneth Wendo when he aimed at the target unmarked.

New sighing, Hussein Zzinda, proved to be a nuisance, working the Sofapaka defence and soon, the 2008 league winners got just reward when Enock Agwanda equalised in the 77th through a well taken free-kick that beat Ochieng at the far post.

Youngster, Erick Johana forced, Ochieng to punch the ball inside the box in the dying minutes, but his defenders cleared for a fruitless corner as the match headed to penalties.

Felly Mulumba and Thomas Wanyama scored for Sofapaka as Agwanda, Juma, Johnson Bagole and Haevener Maloba wasted theirs.

Erich Johana scored the lone penalty for Mathare as Abich, Gabriel, Isaac Otieno, Joseph Njuguna and Erick Mata missed.

Earlier, despite fielding all their new signings, Leopards failed to find the back of the net and coach James Nandwa, said it was a wake up call for his charges ahead of the Confederations Cup clasha against Ethiopian side Defence in Nairobi.

“We need to go back to the drawing board, at least I don’t have a problem with defence and in midfield I have seen where to work on then we finish with the attack. We need to work extra.

“The players have not yet gelled so this week we are going to work on that, it’s a good training, let the players see the other side of it they can work on their weakness but  it was a good moment for us because we lost in the penalties which is a no one game.

On his part K’Ogalo tactician Bobby Williamson, said he was disappointed with the result and is going to work on the new comers whom he said have to cope with the team.

“We played very well in the first half, we got many chances but Sofapaka only got one opportunity through set pieces. I’m disappointed the players don’t put to practice what we teach them, but hopefully they will learn quickly.

“George Odhiambo and Rama Salim have been here before so they know what is expected of them. I’m not going to be harsh on them since they have played few build up matches.

“I’m just concerned that the continental match stands before us and we need to play a competitive match. We will work on our weakness throughout the week,” the Scottish said.

In the first semi-final, Leopards dominated the better part of the match, starting with their best forwards including Jacob Keli, Allan wanga and Noah Wafula, but could not break through the slum boys defence that was manned by newcomer Noah Abich.

Wanga was stretched off minutes to half time when he picked a knee injury, to be replaced by Nigerian Austin Emeka.

Ingwe came closer in the dying minutes when Emeka got a chance to slot home after Mathare defenders failed to clear the ball in the box, to force the match end to a barren draw and head straight into spot kicks.

Abich, Gabriel Nduru and Bernard Omondi converted their kicks for Mathare while Wycliff Kasaya saved Vincent Omondi’s penalty as Peter Odhiambo blasted his wide.

Emeka and James Situma scored for Ingwe while Bernard Mang’oli, Abdalla Juma hit the cross bar as David Mwangi stoped Wafula’s kick.

K’Ogalo could have opened the scores in the second minute when George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo had the chance in the box, but the player who is making a comeback to the team blasted wide.

He was at it again in the 20^th with his long range shot, that keeper Duncan Ochieng saved.

Harambee stars forward Clifton Miheso, broke the deadlock in the 30^th with his far left cracker that beat custodian Jerim Onyango far post to give Sofapaka the first goal.

The match was stopped for over 30 minutes after Gor and Leopards fans erupted chaos, to force police to lobe teargas canisters, but the officers calmed the situation.

Former Sony Sugar striker Enock Agwanda, doubled the scores in the 58^th after receiving a pass from Anthony Kimani, where he took his sweet time to beat defenders and place the ball far post.

Nine minutes later, Miheso found the back of the net to notch his brace after connecting Humpry Mieno’s pass.

David ‘Calabar’ Owino scored the lone goal for Gor in injury time, heading Innocent Mutiso’s corner.

Sofapaka received Sh1m (USD 11,574) while Mathare took home Sh600, 000 (USD 6,944.4).

Leopards and Gor walked away with Sh 300,000 each (USD 3,472.2).

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 3 – Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson, has expressed concerns over his new charges, saying they have to learn quickly what it takes to be a K’Ogalo player as they prepare for this weekend’s CAF Champions League clash against Gabonese side US Bitam in Nairobi.

The Scottish is troubled they have not played competitive matches for two months to enable his newcomers blend with the rest, adding they will face clubs that are currently participating in their domestic leagues.

“Gor players know the standards of the club and I’m happy to have George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo and Rama Salim back who understand what is expected of them.

“We have played few build up matches but it’s not competitive for a team that is preparing for continental matches.

“I’m concerned the Champions League match is here with us where we are expected to perform well, but I’m afraid most teams we will meet are currently playing in their leagues and that is our disadvantage,” the former Uganda Cranes tactician expressed.

The league champions played their first competitive match on Sunday in the Kenya Power Charity Cup, where they lost 3-1 to Sofapaka in the semifinals and Williamson said he will be working on the weakness he noticed during the one day tournament.

The Green Army flocked into Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday with a lot of expectations after K’Ogalo signed experienced players with the likes of Ugandan internationals Godfrey Walusimbi and Geoffrey kizito, midfielder Shaban Kenga and forwards Odhiambo and Salim on show.

This did not go according to plan as they witnessed their club humbled by Batoto ba Mungu, leaving them with unanswerable questions if their passionate team is ready for US Bitam.

The players did not combine well with Patrick Oboya and Dan Sserunkuma failing to spark upfront despite enjoying most of last season together, something that the coach said he has to go back to the drawing board before Saturday’s tie.

“I’m disappointed the players never put to practice what we teach them but hopefully they learn quickly. I have quality players I’m just working on the final pass and anticipate we will be ready for the match,” he added.

Gor have been at the continental competition for the past three previous seasons, participating in the Confederations Cup where they bowed out of the tournament at the preliminary round, before reaching the first round last year.

They will be working hard to go past the first stage where they will meet Tunisian giants Esperance.

At 31, Ezekiel Kemboi is showing no signs of slowing down in his quest to further embellish his reputation as the greatest steeplechaser of all time.

As he goes through a phase in his career when most of his contemporaries are stepping up the distance to the roads or hanging their spikes, Kemboi avers he’s not done yet as he launches the pursuit of the only thing missing from his loaded mantelpiece of honours.

As if two Olympic and three world titles, Commonwealth and continental honours in the water and barriers race is not enough to confirm his status as arguably the best steeplechaser of all ages, Kemboi has set his sights on owning the world record this season.

In a bold statement of intent from an athlete who does not flinch from setting grand targets every year, the reigning Olympics and Worlds crown bearer says it is time, “To bring the steeplechase record home.”

“This year, I want to concentrate more on times. I know I have some good times and want to improve on them. At first, I wanted to win all the medals not the world record.

“The world record will come in that particular space of time that I have set to run fast times,” Kemboi, the 7:55.76 career best runner, said while giving one of his most candid media interviews in recent times at the opening of the Lornah Kiplagat Sports Academy in Iten.

To achieve his objective, he must beat the 7:53.63 world record set by Kenyan-born Qatari, Saif Saeed Shaheen, who is only 143 days younger than his former compatriot, in 2004.

Shaheen famously forced Kemboi to accept silver at the 2003 and 2005 Worlds in Stuttgart and Helsinki before compatriot Brimin Kipruto, stunned him in Osaka 2007.

Since then, Berlin 2009, Daegu 2011 and Moscow 2013, Kemboi has reigned supreme, adding the London 2012 Olympics gold to his Athens 2004 triumph where Shaheen, formerly Stephen Cherono, was forced to miss as a result of his nationality switch the year before.

Marathon switch

After his triumph in Daegu, Kemboi declared he would switch to the roads and race in the ultimate distance only to return the following season to recapture the Olympics title.

“I always change my mind, sometimes, I want to go to marathon but my coach, manager and sponsors Nike who have been with me for 12 years keep on telling me to continue running the steeple,” the championship running doyen revealed.

He then explains how he has grown to be almost invincible on the grandest stages in recent times by outfoxing the best in the world time and time again.

“I always do my timing well and knowing what to do at a particular time (in the race). I associate well with people and get their ideas and you need to respect other athletes.”

Kemboi details what motivated him to go for the World Championships hat-trick in Moscow last season where he swatted the spirited challenge of World Junior titleholder, Conseslus Kipruto, to win in 8:06.01.

“I wanted to win three gold medals after winning three silver medals. That gave me one of the biggest challenges in life and taught me never to lose hope in life.

“I want to do things in a better way this year and maybe plan for a world record, maybe,” the athlete who has ran 29 races under 8:10 and three under 8:00 in his career outlined.

Tactical master class

While most champions have one thing going for them on track, be it searing finishing pace or the ability to grind down the opposition by motoring around the laps forcefully, Kemboi has proven to be the master of mugging the competition with bolts from the blue.

In Berlin, he and Mateelong scorched the finalists with electric pace from the third lap before a sudden switch of pace between 300m and the last water jump brought him home in lane 8 in Daegu.

The switching of lanes was repeated in London where he left the competition for dead from 350m while sustained acceleration over the homestretch earned him the glory.

“I read people’s mind during the race and know when to attack. I always know what to do. When we are in the race, I always do my own calculation and use my simple mathematics to conquer the race.”

Despite being the most medalled and recognisable athlete on the planet, the runner who is also an accomplished showman would love to be remembered as, “a simple Kenyan.”

“I’m a man of the people because I associate with everybody, whether rich or poor, high class or low class,” he chuckled, revealing that when he’s done with competing in a sport that has brought him fame and fortune, he will consider returning to the dee-jaying he used to do in high school.

Having failed to illuminate the World Marathon Majors circuit in similar fashion to his record title winning runs at the Berlin and Daegu World Championships, Abel Kirui, is out to prove he can mix it with the best in rabbit-ed races when he lines up for the 2014 Tokyo Marathon.

Kirui, 31, is intending to pound the Tokyo streets on February 23 if it goes according to plan, dip under the course record of 2:06:50 ran by fast rising compatriot, Dennis Kimetto, the Chicago champion last year.

“I got this injury that spoilt the whole of last year. It was a very big disappointment especially for my fans. Losing the World Championships in Moscow and not running at the London city marathon where I was at the peak of my shape hurt.

“I thank God because he cannot disappoint you since after all these things, he has made me make a comeback,” the Olympics silver winner (2:08:27) who suffered a stress fracture as he was preparing to run at last April’s London Marathon having run 62:04 for eighth at Japan’s Marugame Half Marathon on Feb. 3.

“This (Saturday) is the fourth day I did 40K very comfortably (in training) and my coach was very happy and he was telling me that my form is coming. I’m feeling in my heart that my form is coming.

“I know at the end of this year, I will have brought my glory back. I will run in Tokyo on February 23 and fight to make my fans and country enjoy,” he added last weekend.

Kirui has failed to replicate his championship form on the circuit in his three previous WMM races, finishing sixth (2:07:56) and fifth (2:08:04) during the 2011 and 12 London marathons and eighth (2:13:01) at the 2011 New York race.

After being over looked for the star-studded April 13 London race, Kirui is hoping to demonstrate what the field will be missing by soaring to a maiden WMM race triumph.

“I thank the Tokyo organisers for their invitation believing I’m a great athlete. It’s a chance not everybody can get after being out of competition for one year.

“I believe the work out of four days ago can prove that I’m somewhere in Tokyo.”

On lowering Kimetto’s route best, the two-time World champion stated; “With good conditions, everything is possible so yeah, I can do it.”

Kirui will decide whether to go for a maiden Commonwealth title in Scotland later in the summer when he is done with his Tokyo assignment when asked whether he would be aiming to add to his collection of medals for his nation.

“I will say something after Tokyo for sure, if things are okay, I will want to do something there.”

Kirui blamed tactical ineptitude for Kenya ceding the world marathon title in Moscow last year to Uganda’s Stephen Kiprotich.

“They made small calculation errors. Preparations by our coaches and Athletics Kenya when we go for major championships should be four months in camp, there’s no shortcut in the marathon, not one month, two months or three months.

“I blame the (short) time they went to camp since it needs many long runs and requires thorough preparations. We apologise for this mistake and things will be good in future.

“Selection should not be less than six months before and if someone is injured, they should be honest enough to say they sense danger and give someone else a chance.”

Kirui is out to bid for a third world title next year in Beijing, China before targeting the Rio Olympics in 2016.

“I did not win Olympics in London, I came close and I want to do that in Rio but first, there is World Championships that I want to carry good form to,” he stressed.

Kirui made his name in Germany when he ran the championship record at the Berlin Worlds of 2:06:54 for gold before repeating in Daegu, South Korea with 2:07:38 on the clock that is the second quickest at the biennial IAAF showpiece.

Kirui and compatriot, Wilson Kipsang, now the world marathon record holder, were mugged by Uganda’s Kiprotich for the gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

He had just slowed down to inquire whether the fading Kipsang, who had led for most of the race, could carry on with the pace when Kiprotich side-stepped the favoured Kenyans to race away for the gold medal with less than two miles to go.

In Tokyo, he will be up against World Championships bronze winner, Tadese Tola, a 2:04 runner from Ethiopia as the main challenger.