KCB SLOW START

KCB Coach  believes that a slow start was the reason for their 1-0 loss to Sony Sugar on Sunday.

The Bankers went behind after a 12th minute goal from Ismael Dunga and only really kicked into gear after the half-time break.

Omondi’s decision to bring in Clifford Alwanga, Benjamin Chaka and Ezekiel Odera resulted in more chances for KCB, but their wastefulness in front of goal would let them down as they were unable to find an equaliser.

“We were slow from the start, which killed our hopes today. In the second-half we improved, but they defended deep and frustrated us,” he said.

“We have to go back to the drawing board and look for a better result next time.”

Sony coach Zedekiah Otieno was more upbeat though, and with his side having come into the game off of a clash with AFC Leopards, he was delighted in the performance that his side put on.

“We played well and especially after the AFC Leopards game. My team was solid and in the end deserved to get the three points,” he added. “They made us work hard for the win and I know they will feel that they are unlucky, but that is the nature of the game.”

Harambee Stars World Cup Qualifying Chances Grew Slimmer

Harambee Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup grew slimmer after going down 1-0 to the Brave Warriors of Namibia in a highly entertaining match played at the Independence stadium in Windhoek.

The game started on a high pace with Partick Oboya earning an early yellow card in the second minute in what looked like a foul in the box but referee Joshua Bondo ruled that he had dived.

Namibia’s attacking trio led by Boates, Isaacs and Kaimbi were a thorn in the flesh of the Harambee Stars defence who however remained steadfast.

Harambee Stars Coach Done Changes In The Team

Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi has rung changes in the team expected to do battle against Namibia in a World Cup the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.

Goalkeeper Arnold Origi, defender Joseph Shikokoti, and the midfield trio of Kevin Ochieng, Titus Mulama and Collins Okoth have been drafted back into the team.

Among the players relegated to the bench include Clifford Miheso, Jamal Mohammed, Humphrey Mieno, Kevin Kimani and goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch who was the man of the match against Malawi last weekend in Nairobi.

"I have made the changes according to how I observed the players in training from Nairobi to here in Namibia. 

Tusker To Sign Ugandan Striker David Nyanzi Makumbi

Tusker are set to sign Ugandan striker David Nyanzi Makumbi.

The brewers are looking to boost their forward line with the Water striker ahead of the second leg and have already recruited Sony sugar winger Joshua Oyoo.

Makumbi formed a lethal partnership with Joseph Bukenya scoring four goals in the first round for the unfancied water side. He however missed much of the second leg with injury and when he returned, he had fill in midfield and defence.

Coach Sammy Omollo  said “My strikers did not do too well and am looking for different variety. David has impressed in training and we will give him a chance.”

Omollo added that he was confident that the side would overcome the departure of Paul were who has left for AFC Leopards.

“At the start of the season, I tried to ensure that we got two good players for every position so while were is a big game player, I am confident that the players in the squad will make up for his absence.”

Tusker are aiming to become the first club to defend the league title since Ulinzi in mid 2000s but the former skipper believes his side can do it.

Jamal Contract With Mathare United Expired

Jamal a.k.a malo is a free agent after his contract with Mathare United expired.

Coach Stanley Okumbi confirmed that the deal had expired adding that the player had not contacted them on the possibility of renewing his contract.

“Jamal’s contract with Mathare United has expired. He has not told us if he wants to renew it or not. This means that he is not our player since the contract no longer exists with us. If he wants to be part of the team, he can let us know.”

The former Targu Mures player left with Harambee Stars for Johannesburg on before they fly to Windhoek on Thursday for their match with Namibia on Saturday.

He was part of the team that played Malawi at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani last weekend.

Kenya settled for a barren draw with Flames in a match where the hosts were outplayed by the visitors.

Mathare United are currently 14th on the log with 12 points, two points adrift bottom placed side Oserian in the Kenyan Premier League.

Okumbi also revealed that goalkeeper Joseph Ruto is out of contract but added that they were keen for him to continue since they do not have a replacement.

“If we had a replacement, we would have let him leave the team but at the moment we don’t have a replacement and will try to keep him.”

Stars Squad To Face Namibia

 Leopards’ goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been left out of Harambee Stars’ squad that will do duty in Namibia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier this weekend.

The youngster joins vice captain Pascal Ochieng who has also been omitted from the squad after failing to recover from a knee injury that ruled him out of last weekend’s match against Malawi.

First choice goalkeeper Arnold Origi who linked up with the team on Tuesday has made the trip and looks set to make his first start for Stars since the 0-0 draw away in Uganda last October.

Sofapaka stopper Eugene Asike, who was summoned to the side on Monday was also included to beef up the defence in the absence of Ochieng and Thiak left back Dennis Odhiambo.

Kenya drew their opening 2014 World Cup Group F qualifier against Malawi and need a result against the brave Warriors to stay in touch with group leaders Nigeria.

Their opponents lost 1-0 to the Super eagles and will bank on home advantage.

The sides last met in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers with Namibia winning the first leg 2-1 in Windhoek while Stars won the match up in Nairobi 1-0 via a Jamal Mohammed penalty.

Torquay United Not To Offer Taiwo A new Deal.

Stars striker Taiwo Atieno will have to look for a new club after League Two side Torquay United decided not to offer him a new deal.

According to the club’s website, Ryan Jarvis was given a full time deal ahead of the former Luton Town forward.

"We have got the best out of Tai Atieno and it came down to a flat choice between Tai and Ryan Jarvis," said Martin,” read the statement.

"I feel I've had the peak of Tai but not had the peak of Ryan Jarvis, and I feel the peak of Jarvis will be better. I only had the money to keep one of the two and that was the big issue.”

"It comes down to a financial issue and you can't keep everybody. Tai has done a job for us this season for the type of money we paid for him.”

Leopards Chairman Wins Court Battle

 Magelo has won the battle to retain his seat as the AFC Leopards chairman following a successful court case.

Judge Khaminwa threw out the case presented by the plaintiff Sammy Aina Washiko on Wednesday on all counts. Aina had moved to court barring Magelo and his group from running the club

Ole Magelo immediately appealed to all Leopards fans to rally behind the team and keep out the people who have no interest of Ingwe at heart.

"I am happy the court has examined all the facts and taken a deserved decision that is for the well being of this great club AFC Leopards."

"I was very unhappy seeing things disintegrate because of people who had no interest of the club at heart and were out to only bring confusion. I want to urge everyone to rally behind me so that we can continue to build our team.

Victor Is Expected In Kenya

 Victor Mugubi Wanyama is set to arrive in Nairobi on Monday evening from Belgium.

The Glasgow Celtic player had travelled to Belgium to collect part of his property that he left behind when he left Belgian side Germinal Beerschot for the Scottish Premier League giants last season.

 Victor Mugubi will not report to the Harambee Stars training camp that is preparing to clash with Malawi on June 2nd as he needs to rest.

Meanwhile reports suggest that Swansea had bid for Mugubi but his agent Ivan Modia dissuaded the player from making the move in the hope that a bigger opportunity can come his way with the player also having been linked with Newcastle.

Coach Alfred Imonje is back at Muhoroni

Coach Alfred Imonje is back at Muhoroni Youth after clamour from players and stakeholders following a spate of poor results that has seen the debutants lose four matches in a row.

Imonje walked out of the team in a huff a month ago after he was reportedly suspended by the chairman Moses Adagala.

However things went from bad to worse for Muhoroni who succumbed to defeat after defeat forcing a group of players travel to the coach's home in Kakamega to request him to return.

"I am happy to be back and I will be having a meeting today with the technical bench and officials today and hope things will run smoothly.”

Rangers Came Down Hold Chemelil

Rangers came from a goal down to hold Chemelil  to a 1-1 draw at the latter’s’ backyard in Chemelil in an evenly contested match on Sunday.

Skipper Charles Odera scored a 25th minute penalty after veteran Mike Mururi was clattered to in the box by Edward Kauka forcing referee Tom Onyango to point to the spot.

The game witnessed a controversial moment when Mike Mururi's goals in the 15th and 21st minutes were disallowed by referee Tom Onyango.

The second half was a see saw affair with both sides attacking but it was Rangers who were the better side as Nick Ouma equalised for Rangers in the 63rd minute after a beautiful lobbed pass by Oscar Olwith.

Mathare United Hold Karuturi Sports

Mathare United came from behind to hold Karuturi sports 1-1 in an exciting match played at the City Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Geoffrey Musiebe broke the deadlock for Karuturi in the 39th minute as defenders were caught napping after a sublime Abdurahman Yusuf cross found him in acres of space and he placed the ball beyond goalkeeper Martin Musalia.

The flowermen went to the break a goal up but upon resumption Mathare coach Stanley Okumbi rang several changes and suddenly the slum boys were up fighting tooth and nail.

Jesse Were equalised for Mathare in the 80th minute after Andrew Tololwa had flicked on a pass and Were’s low shot was too hot for man of the match Michael Wanyika.

Sofapaka Beats Leopards

Sofapaka ends  the 1st leg of the  Premier League (KPL) top the log after edging out AFC Leopards (2-1) a midweek clash at Nyayo National Stadium.

Top scorer John Baraza hit a brace to provide 2009 champions the victory over Leopards. They have 32 points; four away from defending champions Tusker who are second.

The double took Baraza’s tally to the season to 12, two free fromThika United’s Kepha Aswani that has ten from 14 matches from the race for that golden boot.

For Leopards, it continues a wretched a run of form with early season pacesetters having lost three in their last four matches and end the 1st leg on 27 points.

Gor Mahia Ends in Scoreless Tie

Gor Mahia were held into a barren draw by Western Stima in the midweek Kenyan Premier League tie played at City Stadium.

The results saw Gor’s three match winning run taken to a halt with all the 12 time champions ending the 1st leg on 20 points as the electricity boys are two points ahead.

The visitors set up an exemplary performance to earn a share on the spoils within the encounter where each side had probability of collecting maximum points.

Baldin Ngwa had the very first real possibility of the match within the 15th minute but failed to capitalize on the defensive lapse to provide the hosts charge.

Salim Ali Buoyant Ahead Clash

Sofapaka coach Salim Ali is confident of victory over  AFC Leopards in the tasty clash on Wednesday evening.

The league leaders are  29 points, three in front ofLeopards and also a win will spot them end the 1st leg the top oflog.

Ali believes the match will tense and closely fought, "Our match against AFC Leopards will be really tough with muchpressure but I do believe we have now the confidence so we need to maintain our perfect run we have experienced this year and finished."

Mariga Top Earners in East & Central Africa

Kenyan international midfilder Macdonald Mariga is one kind of top earners in Africa as mentioned within the latest figures through the ESPN The Magazine money issue salary survey project released.

Their email list has Mariga as being the highest earning player in East and Central Africa at $ 1 300 000 putting him amongs the creme de la creme of African footballers.

Ghana's Asamoah Gyana is Africa's highest paid sportsman ,based on the same figures released by ESPN.

Mariga currently plays for Parma in the Serie A but currently is nursing  injury which will see him beyond action for seven months.

Oliech Next Move

Kenyan international striker Dennis Oliech's manager cum brother Nixon Onywanda comes over to refute claims the player makes up his mind to go towards middle East after his team Auxerre were relegated for the French Ligue 2.

Onywanda said that however acknowledged that two big teams in the region had approached Dennis to have his signature but he never disclose their names.

Leopards Chairman Stepped Down

AFC Leopards Chairman Alex Ole Magelo has stepped down following intervention with the Football Kenya Federation(FKF) to appoint a six man management committee.
Magelo announced he was at solidarity with FKF’s decision to mention a team to oversee the affairs in the club and asked the club members, fans and also the playing unit to back up the committee.
“As being a life person in this glamour team, I would like to thank the federation for identifying this team. I’m fullysupport and may step aside and wish to go back over the ballot.”

Thika United edged past Mathare United

Thika United edged past Mathare United 2-1 in a match played at Thika Municipal Stadium on Sunday.

Captain Kepha Aswani scored a brace while Jesse Were netted the consolation for the slum boys as Jamal Mohammed yet again was absent from the team sheet. Aswani is now joint top scorer with ten goals.

The result means that Mathare United have stretched their winless streak to six games. The hosts are now third in the standings with 26 points while former champions remain 14th with 11 points.

The high tempo match witnessed the two sides battling for the ball possession in a bid to convert their counter attacks to goals with Kepha Aswani scoring the first of the game in the 41st minute after being set up by Moses Arita.

Karuturi Sports Emerged Victorious

Karuturi Sports emerged victorious in the much anticipated flower derby beating neighbours Oserian 1-0 in an exciting match played in Naivasha on Sunday.
Mohamed Mwachiponi scored the winner in the 6th minute pouncing on a Jacob Omondi’s pass and placing the ball at the far corner past a hapless George Ochieng in the Oserian goal.

City Stars Too Brave For Stima

Ten man Nairobi City Stars continued with their revival act with a 1-0 triumph over Western Stima in an early kick off Kenya Premier League(KPL) tie staged at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.

Levy Muaka scored the all important goal in the 45th minute after receiving a nice pass from Oscar Mbugua to beat keeper Ben Mandela in Stima goal with a clever volley.

the former Tusker winger then turned villain when he was sent off ten minutes from time for a second bookable offence.

Stima will however blame themselves after they dominated large chunks of the match but failed to convert one of the numerous scoring chances with Alloice Mangi the biggest culprit failing to score when through on goal in the 50th minute.

Wesley Kemboi and Ali Bhai forced Kagunzi to two more saves in the dying minutes as City Stars hang on for victory.

Gor win five-goal thriller

Gor Mahia made it three wins on the bounce after edging out KCB 3-2 in an entertaining Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match played on Saturday at City Stadium.

Rama Salim’s double and a George Midenyo freekick saw off a spirited KCB side who notched their goals through Paul Mungai and Ezekiel Odera.

The result means Zdravko Logarusic’s side leapfrog James Omondi’s side to occupy seventh position on 19 points while the bankers drop to eighth, a point adrift.

Baraza double lifts Sofapaka

John Baraza’s brace lifted Sofapaka to the top of the log after a deserved 2-0 win over Muhoroni Youth at the latter’s backyard on Saturday.

The 2009 champions top the log with 29 points, one ahead of reigning champions Tusker and two ahead of AFC leopards.

The double also saw Baraza take his season’s tally to ten for the season and maintain his push for golden boot title.

The veteran striker broke the deadlock in the 16th minute pouncing on an Abdalla Juma corner and head the ball past Muhoroni goalkeeper Joseck Gathongo.

Muhoroni thought they had equalised on 38 minutes but Geoffrey Simiyu’s goal was disallowed after he was ruled to have impeded the keeper. Two minutes later, he missed a sitter with only the keeper to beat.

Sofapaka put the result beyond doubt after break when Baraza headed home another Juma corner on 58 minutes.

“I am more than happy with our progress and getting three points away from home was not an easy task but a commitment by the players and we hope to continue with the same tempo,” an elated Sofapaka Salim Ali coach.

Rajab set to join AFC Leopards

Former Sofapaka left back Idrissa Rajab is primed to join league leaders AFC Leopards when the transfer window opens in June.

The Tanzanian international has been clubless since leaving Sofapaka last season where he was one of the core players before being released.

As a result, the diminutive left back was left out of the Taifa Stars squad to lacking playing time.

AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops intends to use the left back as cover for the defensive position. First choice left back Abass Kiwalabye has been for most of the season with Amon Muchiri and Robert having to step in for him.

Tusker go top of KPL

Champions Tusker beat Chemelil Sugar 2-0 at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday to leapfrog AFC Leopards and climb to the top of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) standings.

Goals by Obadiah Ndege and substitute Joseph Emeka were enough to give the brewers all three points. They are now on 28, one ahead of AFC Leopards and two ahead of Sofapaka.

Set pieces have been their biggest strength this season and they came handy again on 17 minutes when skipper Joseph Shikokoti flicked on Jockins Atudo’s long throw setting up Ndege to powerfully head home at the far post on 17 minutes.

Winger Paul Were has been in goods form and he went close on 24 minutes when he twisted and turned before firing a shot straight at Chemelil keeper John Wawu.

They almost made it 2-0 eight minutes before halftime off another throw in by Atudo but Brian Mandela’s header was just about kept out by a deflection.

Chemelil were better after the break with Daniel Mutahi’s shot deflected over on 59 minutes.

Tusker coach Sammy Omollo was sent to the dissent by referee Hajj Adede for dissent on 63 minutes.

The home side continued to create chances with man of the match Peter Opiyo forcing Wawu to a save on 66 minutes.

On as a substitute, Emeka then had a header saved six minutes from time as they sought to wrap up the victory.

The brewers sealed the win four minutes from time when Emeka raced onto a long ball from his own half, outmuscled Charles Odero before chipping Wawu.

”We are so happy that we are back on top of the league because that is where we like to be and put pressure on the other teams. I am happy for Emeka because he has been working hard in training and today he was rewarded,” said Tusker Coach Sammy Omollo.

“We did not play well today and were unable to deal with Tusker who dominated the midfield especially. I was not too worried with the losses before but today’s was the worst,” said Chemelil coach Edward Manoah.

Wanga out for a month

AFC Leopards striker Allan Wanga will be sidelined for a month after aggravating an ankle injury.

The forward picked up the injury in their 6-2 win over Rangers in April that saw him miss their match against Thika United in which they won 2-1.

Though he came back against Tusker, he has struggled and reports say that he has cracked a bone in his right leg.

“I have aggravated my injury and that means I will be out for four weeks. Hence, missing out on club football and will also not represent Kenya in the upcoming African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers in June,” he told SuperSport.com.

Harambee Stars Coach Francis Kimanzi said that they have not yet replaced him in the provisional squad but will do so.

“I cannot make any decision without consulting the technical bench. We have to agree on who is the player to join the rest since we have one less player at the camp.”

“We have received the report and we will name the replacement before Monday since we are resuming camp on Sunday for training.”

Wanga scored the winner against Togo to give Stars a 2-1 win over the Hawks at Nyayo Stadium.

Former Tusker striker Itubu Imbem who joined Yemen side Al Tilal Sports Club could make a return to the defending champions in order to maintain his fitness.

The striker says he is in talks with the club on a possible return since he is on a five month break before the second round of the Yemeni league resumes.

“I don’t want to lose my fitness and I am discussing with the club director about my return to play for the club in the second round before I leave for Yemen. I might start training next week.”

The former AFC Leopards player landed a two and half year contract with the Asian club but lifted the league title with the brewers last season.

The Congolese International is currently trying to secure an International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“I have returned to Nairobi in order to secure my ITC from Tusker before travelling to Yemen later. We are currently working on getting the certificate.”

Tusker are currently third in the standings with 25 points, two points behind leaders AFC Leopards. They play sixth placed Chemelil Sugar on Friday at Nyayo Stadium.

AFC Leopards central defender Erick Masika will miss this weekend's Kenya Premier League (KPL) clash against Sony Sugar at Nyayo National Stadium due to injury.

The 26 year old sustained a hamstring injury during last weekend's tie against Nairobi City Stars which they lost 3-0.

Speaking exclusively with SuperSport.com, Masika said he will rest this weekend following doctor's advice but will be available for their next tie against Sofapaka.

Masika said that despite the loss to City Stars, the team is still on course to finish the first leg league with 32 points.

“We have not lost hope and there is no cause for alarm. Our focus is still intact and we want to achieve our target by finishing the first leg with 32 points which is possible. The team has enough depth and I know we shall bounce back."

He called upon club fans to be patient, "It was quite disappointing losing to City Stars. It was not our day but that’s football and I urge fans to be happy and continue supporting us.”

Allan Wnaga will also miss the game but fellow striker Jimmy Bagaye will be available for the game after recovering from injury.

Leopards popularly known as "Ingwe" remain at the top on 27 points, one point ahead of second placed Sofapaka who mauled Mathare United 2-0 in a mid-week clash recently.

Stars forced to break camp

Harambee Stars were forced to break camp on Monday due to lack of facilities to train in.

Both Moi International Sports Centre(Kasarani) and Nyayo national Stadium have been booked for other events making it impossible for Stars to find a ground to train and consequently, Coacxh Francis Kimanzi broke camp for the week.

The new developments were communicated by Football Kenya Federation(FKK) which has also decried lack of accommodation facilities for the national team players who were in residential camp.

However FKF stated that they were trying hard to make other plans to have the team go back to camp as soon as possible.

Stars have in the past suffered from similar problems moistly occasioned by the former federation’s notoriety in paying for the use of the facilities.

The team is preparing for a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Malawi scheduled for June 2 in Nairobi.

Govt calls for meeting over Oliech

The government has now called for a tripartite meeting to resolve the impasse surrounding the decision of Harambee Stars captain, Denis Oliech, to retire from international football.

Sports Minister Dr Paul Otuoma told Parliament on Tuesday that Oliech, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and East African Breweries Limited (EABL) were at loggerheads over unauthorised use of his image on a billboard by the firm who are Stars’ sponsors.

He added the issues raised by the AJ Auxerre striker were genuine and must be addressed as he called for a review of the contract which was signed last year.

“My ministry appreciates and values Oliech’s participation in the national team and will continue to advice and persuade him to put the national interest in front as we try to find a solution to his dissatisfaction in the contract,” the minister told the house.

Otuoma however, maintained that the French Ligue 1 forward has not formally communicated to either FKF or the Government.

He explained that Oliech’s case had presented a new challenge in protecting the intellectual rights of personalities citing that the Auxerre star had raised issues as an individual yet the sponsorship covered a team.

Otuoma refused to be drawn by MPs into a worst case scenario where the country’s top scorer lived to his word and refused to turn up and play for the Stars who resume their qualifying campaign for the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World Cup in June.

“I would be speculating if I said we have reached that point, I don’t believe we have reached that point yet. I believe Oliech is a nationalistic young man,” Otuoma stated.

He was responding to a question filed by Eldoret South MP Peris Simam who queried what measures the government is taking to ensure that sports personalities such as Oliech and women 800m Olympic champion Pamela Jelimo whose images are used by such companies in advertisements are paid.

Biko in trouble at Western Stima

Western Stima striker Steve Biko is in jeopardy of losing his place in the team after he was accused of indiscipline.

Biko joined the powermen in the January transfer window from Tusker after another stint at Sony where he was axed for the same problems.

He has been accused of drinking and consequently missing training sessions, a scenario that has put him in hot water at the club.

"Steve Biko is a very good player but indiscipline his affecting his performance when he takes to drinking alot and even missing training. We are having a meeting to decide his fate since we have to rein in on players," Stima coach Henry Omino told SuperSport.com.

Meanwhile Stima are eying unsettled AFC Leopards Liberian midfielder Abraham Cokie who has resolved to that he will no longer be playing for Leopards where he has been benched for the better part of the season.

The midfielder has personally confessed his wish to move.

"I do not want to play for AFC Leopards anymore since I feel I have not been treated well I am more than willing to join Stima and help them in the second leg to rejuvenate my career," Cokie said.

Coach Omino has expressed his desire to sign the player whom he describes as talented and his main target in the mid season transfer buys.