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Wahome shoots his way to pistol fame


 Published on 13/12/2010


By OSCAR PILIPILI


Determination, focus and high discipline resulted to Anthony Wahome’s achievement as Kenya’s top pistol marksman this year.
The sharp-shooting Wahome was declared overall winner of the Kenya Ordinance Factories-sponsored Practical Pistol Kenya Open Championship as the season came to an end at Kenya Regiment Rifle Club (KRRC) Indoor Range in Lang’ata.
Wahome, who, despite lagging behind Memba Muriuki by close to 90 seconds at position seven on the first day of the competition, managed to come back on the second day with superb shooting to claim the championship on 660.02 points.
On day one of the event, after a series of Courses of Fire (COF), Muriuki led with a score of 324.22, while Alvin Jones brought in a score of 342.28.
Wahome came in seventh with a score of 418.81. On day two, however, it was Wahome who performed a hat trick and led from the first COF to the last.
The event, dubbed the Steel Challenge, consisted of a series of falling plates as well as the dreaded ‘Abdulgani Star’- the rotating falling plates that proved a challenge to many. Wahome said: "The championship was tight because everyone wanted to win, but thank God I emerged the best of them all."
"The success didn’t come on a silver platter though. It was a culmination of hard work, intensive training and will to win," said the KRRC shooter.
Tajinder Sehmi, also of KRRC, accumulated 666.74 points (324.22 and 348.73) to emerge the first runner-up in the star-studded contest termed ‘the mother of all battles.’
Muriuki, who has won the event in the past, came in third on 672.95 points whereas Kiki Onyonka followed him closely on 699.00. According to pistol section captain Riaz Abdulgani, the Kenya Open was by all standards the hardest course ever shot, and yet the shooters still managed to bring in good results.
To qualify for the event, the shooters were required to have shot at least five of the 10
monthly league tournaments, held every last Sunday of the month at the indoor KRRC Range. The scores have been finalised as follows: Kenya Open 2010 Championship, won by Anthony Wahome; The 2010 League (average of best of seven out of 10 monthly) won by Richard Law and Steel Challenge - falling Plates - won by Memba Muriuki.
Abdulgani said: "I’m happy that the three trophies have gone to three different individuals, unlike the past where they have gone to one person in Muriuki."
Abdulgani has since thanked all those who made the 2010 season a success and hopes for a better future as the practical pistol competition resume in February.
 
Wahome shoots his way to pistol fame


 Published on 13/12/2010


By OSCAR PILIPILI


Determination, focus and high discipline resulted to Anthony Wahome's achievement as Kenya's top pistol marksman this year.
The sharp-shooting Wahome was declared overall winner of the Kenya Ordinance Factories-sponsored Practical Pistol Kenya Open Championship as the season came to an end at Kenya Regiment Rifle Club (KRRC) Indoor Range in Lang'ata.
Wahome, who, despite lagging behind Memba Muriuki by close to 90 seconds at position seven on the first day of the competition, managed to come back on the second day with superb shooting to claim the championship on 660.02 points.
On day one of the event, after a series of Courses of Fire (COF), Muriuki led with a score of 324.22, while Alvin Jones brought in a score of 342.28.
Wahome came in seventh with a score of 418.81. On day two, however, it was Wahome who performed a hat trick and led from the first COF to the last.
The event, dubbed the Steel Challenge, consisted of a series of falling plates as well as the dreaded ‘Abdulgani Star'- the rotating falling plates that proved a challenge to many. Wahome said: "The championship was tight because everyone wanted to win, but thank God I emerged the best of them all."
"The success didn't come on a silver platter though. It was a culmination of hard work, intensive training and will to win," said the KRRC shooter.
Tajinder Sehmi, also of KRRC, accumulated 666.74 points (324.22 and 348.73) to emerge the first runner-up in the star-studded contest termed ‘the mother of all battles.'
Muriuki, who has won the event in the past, came in third on 672.95 points whereas Kiki Onyonka followed him closely on 699.00. According to pistol section captain Riaz Abdulgani, the Kenya Open was by all standards the hardest course ever shot, and yet the shooters still managed to bring in good results.
To qualify for the event, the shooters were required to have shot at least five of the 10
monthly league tournaments, held every last Sunday of the month at the indoor KRRC Range. The scores have been finalised as follows: Kenya Open 2010 Championship, won by Anthony Wahome; The 2010 League (average of best of seven out of 10 monthly) won by Richard Law and Steel Challenge - falling Plates - won by Memba Muriuki.
Abdulgani said: "I'm happy that the three trophies have gone to three different individuals, unlike the past where they have gone to one person in Muriuki."
Abdulgani has since thanked all those who made the 2010 season a success and hopes for a better future as the practical pistol competition resume in February.
 
Basketball: Veterans line up


 Published on 13/12/2010


By ERICK OCHIENG'


The All-Star Senior Basketball competition set for Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium on Saturday night will witness a contest of retired players as the veterans chase honours in their category.
Retired veterans, who excelled in the game in their hey days either in college or in the Kenya Basketball Federation main leagues and went on to feature for the national team, have regrouped and are lining up for an exhibition contest.
STANDING SECOND FROM RIGHT: Faustin Mgendi (also inset) poses with the ICC team (formerly NSSF), which he trains. [PHOTO:COURTESY]
The veteran category features players aged 45 and above. The players have come together to form All Star Masters teams to represent Mombasa and Nairobi.
Veterans based in Nairobi have regrouped to form the Nairobi All Star Masters team led by Faustin Mgendi, who featured for Watume Sports Outreach in the 1980s. Mgendi is the current head coach for men's Premier League side International Christian Centre (ICC).
POSTA TACTICIAN
Veteran Posta tactician Ronnie Owino is another key player for Nairobi owing to his vast experience in the game.
Owino is the current head coach for the men's national team. Nairobi will also rely on the services of Federation of International Basketball Association Africa Zone V President Maurice Aluanga.
The Mombasa All-Star team boasts of current Kenya Ports Authority coach Antony Ojukwu, Sam ‘Big' Omole, Godfrey Shikuku, Lawi Odera, Samuel Kiki and Martin Sibuor among others.
Nairobi All-Star players have stepped up training at Parklands Sports Club, Nairobi, while Mombasa team is training at Makande Gymnasium, Mombasa.
The veterans said they will take the Senior All Star basketball competition seriously to inspire young players and also a way to thank those who have helped develop the game locally, but are yet to be recognised.
"We realised the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) do not have a hall of fame for outstanding veterans in the game," says Mgendi, 46.
Dwindling standards of the game has resulted in other countries catching up with Kenya. "We want players to get the recognition they deserve and be involved in basketball again," Mgendi reiterated.
The All-Star basketball Tournament Manager Sammy Kirya concurred, saying the sport gets a good image when the veterans are appreciated.
Plans are underway to make the veteran competition an annual event and to include other cities. Kisumu will be involved by next year as selection of teams is finalised.
Plans are also in place to introduce women's championships. Though the veterans' match will be an exhibition event this year, prizes will be introduced in the years to come.
Mgendi said next year's edition will be bigger as they plan to invite more teams, including some from various embassies to contest in the veterans' section.
"This will help link local players and scouts abroad," says Mgendi.
Other countries in Africa that have well-structured veterans' championships in Africa are South Africa and Mozambique.
Kenya women's veteran team, the Predators, won in the women's category at the South African All Masters championship two months ago.
They will defend the category in Mozambique next year. Lack of constant practice, disunity, and lack of official database of players' contacts by KBF and adequate finances are some of the challenges facing the veteran teams.
 
Cecafa witnessed stiff competition


 Published on 13/12/2010


By JAMES WAINDI in Dar es Salaam


The 37th edition of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup held here for the last two weeks was a success story and witnessed a high level of competition.
Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye, however, urged member federations to show commitment to the regional body, or it would crumble.
"Most federations in the region are not serious and some are just dead. If they can't show commitment and support Cecafa, then I am afraid the regional body would crumble soon. Only Rwanda, Somalia and Zanzibar federations have readily shown commitment to the federation. The rest have to be pushed time and again," said Musonye, who noted that he would leave the office he has held for nine years, in the next one year.
He added: "Even responding to letters is a problem for some federations. Some have problems picking a national team of 20 players, despite the fact that accommodation and air tickets have all been catered for."
The quality and level of competition in the Tusker-sponsored event was high, given the strengths of guest teams Ivory Coast, Zambia and Malawi. Teams in the region, including Zanzibar who are yet to become members of world football governing body Fifa, showed a lot of maturity and discipline on and off the field.
The tournament also had revelations like Ethiopia's wonder kid Shemeles Godo, who turned into a darling of the crowd for his skills.
Ivory Coast striker, Kipre Tchetche, was also in class of his own in the competition, coming off the bench in all matches and helping Ivory Coast register vital wins through his goals.
Uganda's Tony Mawejja also scored a goal that will remain on the minds of many fans for years to come.
Tanzania ended their 16-year title drought to lift the trophy in style after beating guest side Ivory Coast 1-0 in an electrifying final at a packed stadium.
Tanzania deserved the victory because, after losing their first match of the tournament 1-0 to Zambia, Danish coach Jan Poulsen went back to the drawing board and Kilimanjaro Stars were not the same again as they beat favourites Ivory Coast to pocket Sh2.4 million. Prior to this, they had only won the regional event twice, in 1974 and 1994.
 
Cecafa witnessed stiff competition


 Published on 13/12/2010


By JAMES WAINDI in Dar es Salaam


The 37th edition of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup held here for the last two weeks was a success story and witnessed a high level of competition.
Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye, however, urged member federations to show commitment to the regional body, or it would crumble.
"Most federations in the region are not serious and some are just dead. If they can’t show commitment and support Cecafa, then I am afraid the regional body would crumble soon. Only Rwanda, Somalia and Zanzibar federations have readily shown commitment to the federation. The rest have to be pushed time and again," said Musonye, who noted that he would leave the office he has held for nine years, in the next one year.
He added: "Even responding to letters is a problem for some federations. Some have problems picking a national team of 20 players, despite the fact that accommodation and air tickets have all been catered for."
The quality and level of competition in the Tusker-sponsored event was high, given the strengths of guest teams Ivory Coast, Zambia and Malawi. Teams in the region, including Zanzibar who are yet to become members of world football governing body Fifa, showed a lot of maturity and discipline on and off the field.
The tournament also had revelations like Ethiopia’s wonder kid Shemeles Godo, who turned into a darling of the crowd for his skills.
Ivory Coast striker, Kipre Tchetche, was also in class of his own in the competition, coming off the bench in all matches and helping Ivory Coast register vital wins through his goals.
Uganda’s Tony Mawejja also scored a goal that will remain on the minds of many fans for years to come.
Tanzania ended their 16-year title drought to lift the trophy in style after beating guest side Ivory Coast 1-0 in an electrifying final at a packed stadium.
Tanzania deserved the victory because, after losing their first match of the tournament 1-0 to Zambia, Danish coach Jan Poulsen went back to the drawing board and Kilimanjaro Stars were not the same again as they beat favourites Ivory Coast to pocket Sh2.4 million. Prior to this, they had only won the regional event twice, in 1974 and 1994.
 
TP Mazembe going for world glory









By (Fifa.com)Posted Wednesday, December 15 2010 at 18:58

Abu Dhabi






Although it had to happen one day, it still came as a shock when a team from outside Europe and South America eventually reached the final of the Fifa Club World Cup.




And while Congo DR’s TP Mazembe, architects of this remarkable accomplishment, put in a remarkable team performance to progress from their semi-final against SC Internacional, it was a heroic display from their goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba that provided the platform for their unexpected victory.




This turn of events is even more remarkable given that the Congolese international could have been fulfilling the role of goalkeeping coach at the global event.

This was the career path he had mapped out for himself over a year ago, as his mid-30s approached. Instead, he stayed on a few more weeks to gain a taste of the 2009 tournament. Weeks swiftly turned into months, and a year later, Kidiaba is once again back in the limelight in Abu Dhabi.




Stunning win


The TP Mazembe custodian’s first experience of the competition was mixed – he produced some incredible saves, but also received a red card in the match for fifth place against Auckland City, precipitating his team’s defeat.

“I was keen to banish that memory, and to try to help my team-mates this time, rather than hinder them,” Kidiaba said in the immediate aftermath of his club’s stunning win over Internacional.

“But today was not about the performance of one single player. This feat was achieved by a solid, well-prepared team.”

The word ‘feat’ fails to adequately convey what the Lubumbashi-based side have achieved here in UAE. Never before had a team from the Mother Continent reached the Fifa Club World Cup final.




Les Corbeaux (The Crows), who have got used to upsetting the odds on African soil in recent times, have now done the same in Abu Dhabi, filling an entire continent with joy in the process. “We’re so proud to be flying the flag for Africa,” said Kidiaba.

“We’d like to think that the Congolese nation, as well as people all across the continent, are behind us, just as they were for Ghana at the World Cup in South Africa.”




Four-time champions


The Black Stars’ exploits at this year’s World Cup did not go unnoticed by the four-time African champions.

“This was always going to be a great year for African football, but it must be said that overall the World Cup was a little disappointing for our confederation’s teams,” said the TP Mazembe shot-stopper.

“But Ghana showed us the way. We’re now in the final and the cup is within touching distance. We’re confident we can put in a performance that will enable us to lay our hands on it.”

If TP Mazembe were to emerge victorious on Saturday, it would be no surprise if Kidiaba’s gloved hands were among the first to clutch the trophy.
 
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Match-weary Tout Puissant Mazembe of Democratic Republic of Congo hope to apply some gloss to a tarnished African record in the Fifa Club World Cup when they face Mexican giants Pachuca in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Friday.

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Match-weary Tout Puissant Mazembe of Democratic Republic of Congo hope to apply some gloss to a tarnished African record in the Fifa Club World Cup when they face Mexican giants Pachuca in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Friday. Related Stories

But obstacles abound.

Captain, midfielder, leading scorer and Congolese football icon Tresor Mputu Mabi is serving a one-year worldwide ban and Basisila Lusadisu an 11-month suspension after assaulting match officials during a Cecafa Club championship in Sudan.

TP Mazembe, from southern DRC mining hub of Lubumbashi, flopped in the annual inter-continental contest last year, losing to South Korea's Pohang Steelers and Auckland City (New Zealand).

Finishing second-last was a serious reality check for a team that went to Abu Dhabi desperate to justify coach Diego Garzitto's bluff that they could lift the trophy despite the presence of Spanish maestros Barcelona.

Franco-Italian Garzitto was fired this year after a heavy African loss and his Senegal-born successor, Lamine N'Diaye, is adopting a more realistic approach ahead of the showdown with the Central and North American champions.

"Many of my team went to Abu Dhabi last year and desperately want to improve on those results," N'Diaye told Congolese journalists before the team flew to the Middle East. "They let down themselves, the Congolese people and all of Africa. We want to win at least one game this time."

N'Diaye is however worried about the physical and mental state of a team that has played 60-plus matches at domestic and international level this year with 14 games needed to retain the African Champions League title.

Last year, Les Corbeaux (the Crows) had to rely on the away-goal rule to pip Heartland of Nigeria for the trophy, but whipped Esperance of Tunisia 6-1 on aggregate last month even without their talisman. They dispelled fears they would implode without Mputu and Lusadisu by retaining the title in convincing fashion.

Have had mixed luck in Africa

Pachuca have had mixed luck against African opposition, having lost 1-0 to Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in 2007 and overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Al-Ahly of Egypt 4-2 after extra time the following year.

"They (Mexicans) have the edge over us in experience as this will be their third appearance in the competition," admitted N'Diaye.

Mazembe will bank on midfielder Dioko Kaluyituka– second highest 2010 African Champions scorer with seven goals– and Zambian striker Given Singuluma against the Mexicans. Goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba, 34, famous for bouncing along the ground on his bottom in celebration, will also want to redeem his image after being a red-card against Auckland.

African clubs have won thrice in 15 games and drawn once in the contest, scored 19 goals and conceded 28.

European champions Inter Milan will meanwhile start as favourites in their maiden Fifa Club World Cup but in dire need of a boost. Inter booked their ticket after a 45-year wait for Europe's top club prize with a 2-0 win over of Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in Madrid in May that sealed an unprecedented Serie A, Italian Cup and European treble.

The strongest challenge for Rafael Benitez's boys will likely come from Brazilian champions Internacional, who won their second Copa Libertadores crown in August. They beat Barcelona 1-0 in the final to win the 2006 World Club Cup. (AFP)

Fixtures: (Kick-off 7pm Kenyan time / stated)

First round: Wednesday – Al-Wahda (UAE) v Hekari United (Papua New Guinea); Quarter-finals: Friday – Tout Puissant Mazembe (DR Congo) v Pachuca (Mexico); Saturday – Wahda or Hekari v Seongham Ilhwa (Korea); Semi-finals: December 14 – TP Mazembe or Pachuca v Internacional (Brazil); Dec. 15 – Wahda, Hekari or Seongham v Inter Milan (Italy) (8pm); Fifth-place play-off: Dec. 15 – Quarter-final losers (5pm); Third-place play-off: Dec 18 – Semi-final losers (5pm); Final: Dec. 18 – Semi-final winners (8pm)
 
Tetteh: Invest in youth and structures




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By CHARLES NYENDE cnyende@ke.nationmedia.comPosted Wednesday, December 8 2010 at 20:51

Dar es Salaam

The architect of Ghana's 2009 Fifa Under-20 World Cup-winning team, Sellas Tetteh, says lack of structure and exposure has contributed to the region's weakness in African football.

Tetteh, who led the Ghana youth team to the continent's maiden U-20 World Cup title, said the region has talented players who need developed leagues to thrive.

"The players are technically sound, very strong physically, play intelligent football. What is needed is awareness that there are good footballers in East Africa," Tetteh, who is now in charge of Rwanda, told the Nation in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.

The Ghanaian said countries from the region needed to set up structures for youth football and not just concentrate on the senior national team.

He said: "You must have a conveyor belt bringing in younger players to take over from the older players. And they must be quality players. A coach needs to work with quality players."

And The 54-year-old would know a thing or two about that. He was appointed Ghana U-17 team's assistant coach in 2001 before becoming head coach a year later.

He also handled the Ghana U-23 side and was caretaker coach of the Black Stars in 2008.

"A coach needs to know the players. You need to give a coach a long-term contract, two years or more, so that he can see out his plan," said Tetteh.

"Ghana has put up the structures and produced wonderful players. You have to have a youth policy."

On Jacob "Ghost" Mulee's abrupt resignation on Sunday following the dismal performance of Harambee Stars, Tetteh said:

"Ghost (Mulee) is a friend of mine and I feel pain for him. But these are the challenges of the job and they make you stronger."

Tetteh, who has been involved with Ghanaian Premier League club Liberty Professionals that has produced such players as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari, has not ruled out getting the vacant Ghana job.
 
Kenya's horror show gives rivals Uganda victory









 Kenya's women cricket team celebrates with teammate Ruth Mwihaki after taking the wicket of Uganda during the ICC Africa Regional Women's Cricket World Cup qualifiers at Sir Ali Muslim Club on December 15, 2010. Photo/CHRIS OMOLLO
By RICHARD MWANGI rmwangi@ke.nationmedia.comPosted Wednesday, December 15 2010 at 18:57

Kenya suffered their first defeat in the Pepsi - ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers African Region when they lost to Uganda by 38 runs at the Sir Ali Muslim Club on Wednesday.






Chasing a target of 126, the hosts lost wickets at a more regular interval without meaningful runs showing on the scoreboard.

Pearlyne Omamo top scored for the side with 13 which came off 56 deliveries.

She shared a second wicket partnership of 31 with Emily Ruto (12) the only other batsman to score more than 10 runs.

Justin Musbika was Kenya's main destroyer with four wickets for 16 and was supported by Carol Namugenyi (2/11) and Mackenzie Ayato (2/16).

Pre-match favourites

Namugenyi and Christine Aryemo top scored for Uganda with 16 runs a piece. Naomi Kayondo (15) was the only other batsman who scored a double digit.

Omamo was fiery with the ball as she took two consecutive wickets, both golden ducks when she clean bowled Rebecca Akwenye and Coney Aweko.

Those were the last two wickets. The other Kenyan bowlers who took more than one wicket were Ruth Mwihaki (2/16) and Mary Belle (2/28).

At the Ruaraka Sports Club, South Africa (280 for 8) clobbered Tanzania (42 all out) by a massive 238 runs.

On Thursday, pre-match favourites South Africa face neighbours Zimbabwe at the Sir Ali Muslim club while Uganda face Tanzania at the Ruaraka Sports Club. It will be a rest day for hosts Kenya.

Doubtful starter

The tournament is played on a round robin format and the top two teams will qualifier for next year's World Cup in Bangladesh.

Elsewhere, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni seemed resigned on Wednesday to being without injured fast bowler Zaheer Khan for the first Test against South Africa starting at SuperSport Park on Thursday.

Dhoni said the left-arm strike bowler was a doubtful starter because of a hamstring injury.

If Zaheer does not make a rapid recovery, India will have to choose between two uncapped fast bowlers, Umesh Yadav and the left-armed Jaidev Unadkat.

"We'll make a call tomorrow morning but as of now Zaheer is quite doubtful," said Dhoni.

"Whoever plays will be making his debut so we will have to see what the best combination is. We will have a discussion with the senior players and suit the best eleven that suits the conditions."
 
CK has not abandoned squad: Sears









By CLAY MUGANDA clay@goldendreams.co.kePosted Wednesday, December 15 2010 at 18:56

Cricket Kenya CEO Tom Sears on Wednesday maintained that the association had not abandoned the national women's cricket team which had demanded match allowances before they could participate in the ongoing Pepsi - ICC Women's World Cup Qualifying Series Africa Region in Nairobi.

In a statement, Sears said that CK appreciates the commitment the players make in order to represent Kenya, adding that the association will review their allowances next year.

Before the tournament began, the team had threatened to boycott unless their match allowances were paid, but they later agreed to play after the Africa Cricket Association chair and CK officials intervened.

Sears said that the squad had always understood that there were no funds and he was surprised when they changed their stance just before the tournament.

"Cricket Kenya pays transport allowances for all matches and training sessions and provides meals, uniforms, facilities, equipment and professional coaches and the players were going to be given accommodation and all meals during the tournament," Sears said.
 
Asimba show lifts Strathmore








By AYUMBA AYODI in ACCRAPosted Wednesday, December 15 2010 at 18:54

Goalkeeper Collins Asimba made three one-on-one saves as Strathmore University claimed their first continental win, beating Ghana's Golden Sticks 1-0 in the Africa Cup Club hockey Championship.

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The students once again had the capacity crowd at the National Hockey Stadium on the edge of their seats on Tuesday night with their crispy passes. Sadly, they missed six penalty corners.

But Strathmore's defence, marshaled by skipper Kenneth "Nyongi" Nyongesa, remained alert to keep the Sticks at bay but it's Asimba who had the Ghanaian fans agape when he halted Daniel Lamptey in either half besides stopping Isaac Cofi in one-on-one encounters.

After a goalless first half, Nyongesa cleared the lines before pushing the ball to the midfield where talisman George Mutira engaged Frank Wanangwe and Bramwel Lijodi to nippy one-two touches.

Lijodi then stayed clear to catch Sticks' defence napping to nod home the decisive goal in the 46th minute for the victory despite many outrageous calls from the umpires.

Medal bracket

It was a swift atonement for Lijodi, who had missed several chances alongside Davis Wanagwe and Francis Esikuri. The victory resuscitated Strathmore's hope for a medal after they had earlier lost to defending champions Sharkia (Egypt) 2-5 and leaders Trustees (Ghana) 3-1, in a match they broke down in tears.

What could have been Strathmore's first match against Yobe ended in a walkover in their favour after the Nigerians failed to turn up on time.

Also on Tuesday, Sharkia drew with their national champions Police 1-1 while Niger Flickers forced Trustees to another 3-3 draw in pulsating encounters.

Strathmore now occupy fourth spot with six points behind leaders Trustees with 11, Sharkia 8 and Police seven. Niger Flickers have five while Golden Sticks four and Yobe 1.

Strathmore were due to face Police on Wednesday night. They'll then face Niger Flickers on Friday.

Have the momentum

"I am confident we can make the medal bracket. This victory is quite an inspiration," said Asimba as he led his charges in celebration.

"We can still floor Police and Flickers and reach the final. It's all about self-belief and confidence." Strathmore coach Meshak Senge was glad the victory put them in contention for a medal.

"It gives us the momentum to win the remaining matches," said Senge.

Results: Yobe 0, Strathmore 5(w/o); Police 1, Trustees 2; Golden Sticks 2, Niger Flickers 1; Sharkia 5, Strathmore 5; Police 5, Niger Flickers 3; Yobe 1, Trustees 3; Yobe1, Niger Flickers 3; Police 3, Golden Sticks 1; Sharkia 3, Trustees 3; Sharkia 5, Niger Flickers 1; Strathmore 1, Trustees 2; Yobe 1, Golden Sticks 1; Niger Flickers 3, Trustees 3; Sharkia 1, Police 1; Golden Sticks 0, Strathmore 1.

Fixtures (Friday): Niger Flickers vs. Strathmore (6pm); Yobe vs Police (8pm); Sharkia vs. Golden Sticks.
 
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KPA floor Strathmore, enter basketball final








By CAXTON APOLLO aayienga@yahoo.co.ukPosted Saturday, December 4 2010 at 21:01

Kenya Ports Authority yesterday became the first women's basketball team to qualify for the 2010 play-offs final following their 40-36 victory over Strathmore University in the semi-final Game Two tie at the Nyayo National Stadium.

As a result, KPA sailed through to the final on a 2-0 basis after having rocked the students 79-36 in the opening Game One at their KPA Makande gymnasium in Mombasa last weekend.

They are again expected to face champions Eagle Wings in the final, who are a game up after humiliating weak Yana 69-24 on Saturday.

Ulinzi Warriors, who had won the men's championship a record of five-times in a row, also qualified for the lower competition final after dispatching home Nakuru Club 2-0.
Narrow victory

Mennonites refused to go down, forcing a decisive Game Three against Trail Blazers whom they beat 70-63 while champions Eagle Wings made a good start demolishing Yana 69-24 in their semi-final Game One.

On Saturday, KPA who had won the opener with a huge 79-36 margin in Mombasa last weekend, found the going tough registering a narrow 40-36 win in Game Two.

Strathmore, who had down their homework well, gave KPA a run for the money tying the scores 16-16 at half-time.

Veteran Miriam Awuor, who was later injured in the last quarter, had teamed up well with Joyce Makungu and Carol Mureji to earn the visiting dock women a 14-8 first quarter lead.

Strathmore, who needed to win to force the decisive Game Three on Sunday, had their secret weapon Grace Wanjiku and Faith Owich breathing fire in the second quarter.

Three-pointers

The duo were responsible for the students superb 8-2 run in the second quarter which left KPA a worried side.

On resumption, coach Anthony Ojukwu had his fingers crossed as Hellen Oketch and Hilda Luvandwa gave the dockwomen hope.

They hit hard the students 5-1 for a lead 12-17. Strathmore coach Sylvia Njeri called for a quick time out which yielded fruit as the students raced a 5-0 run to celebrate the deserved 23-22 lead.

It later became a tough battle as both teams worked extra hard locking the scores 24-24 and 26-26 as fans cheered up. Brilliant guard Wanjiku threatened with accurate three-point shooting which again shot the students up 35-33 in the last quarter.
 
CK has not abandoned squad: Sears




it Cancel



By CLAY MUGANDA clay@goldendreams.co.kePosted Wednesday, December 15 2010 at 18:56

Cricket Kenya CEO Tom Sears on Wednesday maintained that the association had not abandoned the national women's cricket team which had demanded match allowances before they could participate in the ongoing Pepsi - ICC Women's World Cup Qualifying Series Africa Region in Nairobi.

In a statement, Sears said that CK appreciates the commitment the players make in order to represent Kenya, adding that the association will review their allowances next year.

Before the tournament began, the team had threatened to boycott unless their match allowances were paid, but they later agreed to play after the Africa Cricket Association chair and CK officials intervened.

Sears said that the squad had always understood that there were no funds and he was surprised when they changed their stance just before the tournament.

"Cricket Kenya pays transport allowances for all matches and training sessions and provides meals, uniforms, facilities, equipment and professional coaches and the players were going to be given accommodation and all meals during the tournament," Sears said.
 
Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Thursday's papers

Published 08:54 16/12/10 By Football Spy




Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror



Transfer stories from other newspapers and websites
Manchester United are ready to bid for Barcelona full back Dani Alves, Tottenham's Gareth Bale and Everton's Leighton Baines (CaughtOffside)
Roma are planning a £5m January swoop for Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue, who is out of contract in summer (Daily Mail)
Stoke will go for Birmingham winger Seb Larsson at £2m if they fail to land Jermaine Pennant (The Sun)
Liverpool are eyeing Partizan Belgrade striker Cleo and Villarreal winger Santi Cazorla (CaughtOffside)
But Rod Fanni has snubbed Anfield by completing his £3m move to Marseille (Daily Mail)
West Ham are eyeing Barnsley's £500,000-rated winger Adam Hammill (The Sun)
But the Hammers look set to miss out on Luke Varney, with Blackpool ready to complete a £250,000 move for the forward who is on loan from Derby (The Sun)
Sunderland are in pole position to land Sparta Prague midfielder Juraj Kucka for £3million after Blackburn's sacking of Sam Allardyce, who has named the Slovakian as his top transfer traget (daily Mail)
Everton scouted Monaco striker Dieumerci Mbokani last Sunday - but the 25-year-old, who is out of favour, only appeared as a late sub (The Sun)
The Toffees are also looking at a January move for unsettld Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland (Talksport)
USA striker Teal Bunbury is set to make his trial at Stoke permanent (Daily Star)
Lazio are going for Celtic striker Giorgios 'The Greek Tragedy' Samaras (Daily Record)




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Emirates should hold no fear for Shawcross - Pulis

Published 11:31 16/12/10 By MirrorFootball




Stoke manager Tony Pulis has told captain Ryan Shawcross he has nothing to worry about when he heads to Arsenal on Saturday.
Shawcross faces the Gunners for the first time since a challenge on Aaron Ramsey in a Barclays Premier League game in February resulted in the young midfielder sustaining a broken leg.
Shawcross is likely to face considerable abuse from Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium, but Pulis said:
"We all take stick.

"We'll see what happens, but I don't give a damn what people think of Ryan outside this club.
"He's a great lad, an honest lad, a competitive defender who has done fantastically well for us.
"I've seen the challenge over and over again, and I'm convinced, as are 99.9% of people I've spoken to who have seen it, that it was an honest challenge. There was no malice in that tackle whatsoever.
"I know he is an honest person, that he doesn't have that within him to go out and hurt someone.
"He made an honest, committed challenge, and he's nothing to worry about. He'll get that from me. He'll go out there and play."
Pulis, meanwhile, has laughed off suggestions Shawcross will be provided with his own personal security into and out of the ground.
"Extra security? What? On the pitch? Yeah, we're going to play with 14 players," joked Pulis.
When it was suggested Shawcross would have personal bodyguards, Pulis smiled and added "If they'll allow me to do it, I'll take that one."




​
 
Why Tevez will quit City.. and Mancini is facing his defining moment
By Steve Anglesey in Laptop with Martin Lipton
Published 11:15 16/12/10







By any normal standards, he's doing quite well.
Two points off the summit, and only a year into the job, all at a club that hasn't won anything since 1975.
Yet rather than revelling in the acclaim, Roberto Mancini suddenly finds himself facing the toughest questions since he came into English football.
Manchester City - the sky blue conundrum.
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Mancini's approach to the Carlos Tevez affair may well, in the final analysis, define his stint as the second boss of the Abu Dhabi era at Eastlands.
That the Italian and the Argentine do not get on is pretty clear. After all, Tevez has been doing his best to make it public knowledge - without the aid of self-publicist extraordinaire Kia Joorabchian - for much of the past 12 months.
Moans about time off, gestures of dissent when he is taken off, none of it exactly good for morale.
By handing Tevez the armband at the start of the season, Mancini was making a peace offering, seeking to placate the combustible "Apache", making the first - and often the hardest - step.
Yet Tevez seems strangely oblivious to the stand-out fact - that under Mancini he is playing the best sustained football of his career.
When Tevez and his advisers could not agree a new deal at Manchester United, to the consternation of the vast majority of the Old Trafford fans - remember "Fergie, Fergie, sign him up"? - the argument was simple.
For all his buzzing commitment - he must have been a pain in the backside for every central defender in the Premier League, refusing to give them time on the ball - strikers are judged by the goals they score and Tevez did not score that many.
Had he been prolific, then United would have paid the price - £25million or so, not the £45m that City paid out, plus a truly ridiculous £230,000 per week in wages - and kept him.
Yet since moving across Manchester, prolific is the only word to describe the striker.
Tevez has scored 39 goals in 60 appearances, 33 in 50 in the league and this season, before the weekend win at basement-dwelling West Ham, City had only won one league game in which the captain had not found the target.
In simple terms, for all the other quality players gathered by the Middle East money men, Tevez is the reason they are where they are.
Mancini, whatever his quibbles about the player, knows it too.
That was why his stance when pressed on the big issues, after joining up with his squad in Turn for tonight's Europa League tie with Juventus, was so placatory, but meaningful.
"Carlos is an important player for us," said Mancini. "Sure, he must stay here.
"I think that Carlos is our player. In my opinion, Carlos will stay with us. I think he can continue to play with us, but I want to speak to him.
"He has a three-and-a-half year contract and I expect him to stay here. I hope he continues to score goals for us.
"We can change the history of this club. Together we can do good work this year."
The right thing to say. Understandable. But seemingly doomed to failure.
Joorabchian has made it clear his ambition in life, for the next month or so, is to get Tevez out of Manchester.
Mancini, for his part, must publicly state he is pledged to keep the player. Anything else would reduce the transfer fee City might get.
But without Tevez - and surely, that is the only possible end-game, unless we are to have a repeat of the Wayne Rooney situation, but with only brickbats, not bouquets, landing on player and club alike - City will suddenly lose so much of the threat.
Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko may have pleaded with City to buy him in the New Year but very few players instantly adapt to a foreign country, even fewer strikers.
And the likes of Jo, outward-bound Emmanuel Adebayor and Mario Balotelli hardly look like they are going to score 15 league goals between them over the second half of the campaign, let alone achieve that tally individually.
Mancini is aware of that reality, equally aware that he has been put in an invidious position, at precisely the time when City should be girding their collective loins to make a real statement of title intent.
The Italian, could, with reason, feel angry and frustrated. At the hierarchy that have allowed the situation to fester, the agent who is stirring, or the player allowing himself to be the spoon.
Now, though, the big question is what Mancini does next. Upon the answer, you would think, lies City's destiny.
Fair? Not at all. But it isn't supposed to be fair. It's about proving you have what it takes to handle the unfairness of it all. It's about Mancini showing everybody what he is truly made of. Something the whole Premier League is keen to know.







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How Dunne has gone from legend to liability
By James Nursey
Published 09:30 16/12/10






Richard Dunne proved himself to be a bargain £5million signing for Aston Villa last season but the same player is unrecognisable this term.
Republic of Ireland stopper Dunne, 31, arrived at Villa Park last August from Man City and was a major reason the club finished sixth and got to Wembley twice.
The strapping centre-back's displays were acclaimed by his peers as he was voted into the Premier League PFA team of the year.
And he was also named players' player of the year at Villa Park by his team-mates.
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Dunne became a leader at Villa on and off the pitch as captain Stiliyan Petrov has a more quiet approach.
But Dunne led by example on the field, scoring three goals - including one at home to Man City - as he took over the mantle of being the side's defensive colossus from Martin Laursen.
Dunne's acrimonious exit from Eastlands, where he was forced out by then manager Mark Hughes, only served to fire him up to succeed at Villa last season.
Yet just months later, the Dubliner barely looks the same player he was last term.
And the remaining two-and-a-half years on his £53,000-a-week deal, now look a millstone around Villa's neck as they seek to cut their £70m annual wage bill.
Because, putting it bluntly, Dunne has been appalling this season.
I have it on good authority he struggled badly in pre-season with his fitness and sadly, although it sounds cruel, he now looks out of shape for a Premier League professional.
It has reflected in his performances on the pitch where I don't recall him having one good game this season.
He was shocking at Newcastle in just the second game of the Premier League campaign where caretaker Kevin MacDonald's side lost 6-0 to effectively end his hopes of succeeding O'Neill.
And his performances under successor Gerard Houllier have been similarly dire.
Dunne has gone from scoring at set-pieces last season to rekindling his penchant for own goals by putting through the visitors' net at Sunderland.
I was there at Birmingham where Dunne also gave away a clumsy penalty as Villa lost in the Carling Cup quarter-finals to their arch-rivals.
And despite Dunne admirably facing the press afterwards to urge improvement from his colleagues, he then turned in one of his worst performances of the season at Liverpool as Houllier's men lost 3-0.
Dunne hit rock bottom though when he followed up his performance going AWOL at Anfield with a stormy training ground row with Villa coach Gary McAllister - confirmed by MirrorFootball.
And his recent displays and behaviour at the club have been enough to get people speculating what on earth is going on in the man's life?
One mitigating circumstance could be Dunne has had a knee injury this season.
He may also quite possibly have personal problems as my sources say he has not looked himself for sometime this season.
Yet nevertheless, Dunne has been picked ahead of Carlos Cuellar, Ciaran Clark and Curtis Davies (remember him?) for virtually all of the season so he must be considered fit enough mentally and physically to start.
But, regardless of the training ground bust-up, Dunne deserved to be benched against West Brom as Houllier opted to give the captaincy to Ashley Young instead and recalled Cuellar.
It is going to be fascinating to see how Dunne responds to the axe.
Will he revive the spirit and determination which inspired him last season or will he throw the towel in and laze around waiting for a move?
I have nothing against the man but one of the reasons Villa find themselves in their current rut is their senior players such as Dunne have under-performed badly.
Hopefully Dunne will bounce back positively to being dropped as Villa surely need him as they strive to haul themselves up the table.
Villa are short of natural leaders, which is why Houllier quickly brought in Nigel Reo-Coker from the cold after taking over.
Dunne can still do the job for Villa but he must improve his fitness immediately and knuckle down under Houllier's new no-nonsense regime.

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Why Houllier needs to forget about Liverpool and start concentrating on turning Villa around
By James Nursey
Published 08:00 09/12/10







Gerard Houllier applies a mantra of three Ps to management - passion, performance and progress.
But on Monday night after Aston Villa's spineless display in the 3-0 defeat at Liverpool perhaps - pitiful, painful and pathetic would have been more apt.
And many more abject displays like that and Villa supporters will start openly taking the p*** out of him.
Personally I have been impressed in my dealings with Houllier - just like Randy Lerner and CEO Paul Faulkner were at interview.
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Houllier is intelligent, a gentleman, respectful and clearly very knowledgeable about the game.
But there is no doubt the Frenchman upset a lot of Villa supporters with his behaviour and comments on Monday night at Liverpool as the visitors were outclassed despite the Reds missing Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Jamie Carragher.
Villa fans have long memories and former manager David O'Leary was effectively dead in the water once he described them as "fickle".
Houllier's return to Liverpool on Monday evening could yet also prove a watershed moment in his reign.
As everyone must now know, Houllier, in charge at Anfield from 1998-2004, loves the club having grown up supporting Liverpool before going on to manage them.
But his behaviour and comments at Liverpool once he arrived with his struggling Villa side, who had won just twice in 11 games, were incredibly naive.
I didn't mind Houllier wallowing in nostalgia as he was shown on live TV touching the 'This is Anfield' sign, enjoying You'll Never Walk Alone before kick-off and milking the home fans.
And it probably would have been fine with everybody if Villa had played well.
But Villa's own fans, who had endured a dire display in freezing temperatures, deserved more recognition on the night from Houllier for sitting through such a dross display.
And I imagine a few of them nearly crashed on the way home when Houllier told the press: "If I was going to lose 3-0 to anyone it would Liverpool as I like Liverpool".
I was there and I was stunned - as were other veteran journalists.
Of course it should be pointed out Houllier did qualify the remark with: "but at the same time I'm the boss of Aston Villa."
Yet the damage has been done and many Villa fans now believe Houllier will never feel the same way as they do about their club.
In the eyes of some, Houllier will always love Liverpool more.
It will be like the third person in a marriage and that never works does it.
The situation is repairable providing Houllier launches a charm offensive with the club's fans and finally starts getting some results.
Otherwise suspicions will grow Houllier is merely using Villa as a vehicle to boost his own ego and bank balance - because I reported previously his contract is worth £8m over three years .
It is a huge wad of cash, more than predecessor Martin O'Neill ever earned, and Lerner sanction it because he is convinced Houllier is the right man to develop the club without spending tonnes on transfers.
The contract means it is illogical for Lerner to press the panic button and sack Houllier now.
But the Frenchman must start delivering value for money and rally the club's despondent supporters ASAP.
I believe in time if he was given three years, he will deliver a trophy like the League Cup at Aston Villa as Lerner craves silverware to justify his investment.
But while he was afforded the precious commodity of time at Liverpool before winning his Cup treble in 2001, Villa fans are not so patient and football has since changed.
Both the club's faithful and owner Lerner are expecting immediate results and a return on his investment of more than £100m on new players under O'Neill.
Yet Houllier is trying to build the club from the foundations upwards and has already clearly ruffled some senior players who seemingly are not playing for him.
Houllier's methods are sound but will not provide a quick fix at Villa and the club would be advised to completely revaluate their ambitions this season after three top six finishes under O'Neill.
At Villa's training ground, life is very different now as I have revealed previously , and those players that wish to remain will simply have to adapt.
Training sessions are more intense, mobile phones have been banned, non-football related chit chat is prohibited in training and concerns are being raised about some players commuting miles from areas such as the north west to play for the club.
All Houllier's modern ideas make perfect sense and are normal procedure at the likes of Arsenal but it is not hard to imagine why players are grumbling at the culture shock.
So January is going to be vital for Houllier to ship out those players who are not behind him like John Carew and probably Stephen Ireland.
And Houllier will need to make some shrewd signings because it is hard to see veteran Robert Pires making much impact at 37-years-old.
But more importantly, Houllier is going to need all his brains to get back onside with the club's fans - and quickly.
Because I won't be at all surprised to see a banner against West Brom on Saturday taking the p*** out of Houllier and his feelings for Liverpool
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Why the Toffees need a sugar daddy
By Mark Lawrenson
Published 08:29 04/12/10







David Moyes will be seriously depressed looking at Everton's position in the Premier League table.
And it's even more frustrating that the answer and solution is so obvious. Everton need a striker.
In every other department, Everton have quality. A top keeper in Tim Howard, quality defenders like Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines, outstanding midfielders in Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta.
But up front they have Jermaine Beckford, Yakubu and Louis Saha. If you roll them all into one then you have got a terrific striker. Sadly, individually, they are struggling for very different reasons.

 Moyes desperately needs some finance to buy himself a striker and then Everton wouldn't have a problem - and that brings us onto a wider issue.
It is hard to understand why there has been no buyer or takeover at Goodison Park. You see consortiums buying out Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday but not Everton.
It is utterly bizarre because Everton are a big club, it's an open secret that the club is open to offers and they have a terrific fan base.
The problem against them is the amount of match day revenue. Goodison is an old ground, doesn't have much in the way of corporate facilities and it means match day turnover is holding the club back.
And yet, with no disrespect, that's hardly different to clubs like Blackburn or Sheffield Wednesday.
It has left Everton short of funds to strengthen the squad. While one of their obvious rivals, Sunderland, can go out and buy Asamoah Gyan for £13m, Everton pick up Beckford on a free transfer.
Saha was similar. A really top class player but so injury prone. Yakubu is so inconsistent. Rarely produces big performances and he's almost gone lame now.
People said that a player like Beckford would score in the Premier League because goalscorers can score at any level.
That's just not true. It's wrong. The reason why is that he's jumped two levels from winning promotion with Leeds, by passing the Championship and then moving into the Premier League with Everton.
The difference is that lower down you get more time. There's not so much pressure on you from the defenders, you can take an extra touch and then take your chance.
Just look at his two awful misses from their defeat to West Brom. He snatched at both and both went horribly wide.
You look at Cahill and Arteta in that game. Arteta sent off for a stamp. Cahill lucky not to be sent off. That has come out of sheer frustration. They've lost their temper and snapped.
The source of that frustration is that Everton have a good squad, good players, a good manager and yet they lack finance to get a top striker.
But the difference at Everton is that the supporters are truly supportive. They're a club struggling but you don't get fans ringing in 6-0-6 calling for the manager to be sacked or saying he's taken them as far as he can.
The supporters are intelligent enough to know that Moyes is working on a budget and doing a good job on that budget.
But now they are crying out for someone to come in and take the club forward with some financial backing.
If it can happen for Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn then it can certainly happen for Everton.
INTERVIEW: JOHN CROSS
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Why Arsenal need a bit more fist shaking in the dressing room...
By Mark Lawrenson
Published 08:31 27/11/10







Arsenal have shown a major lack of bottle in the last week.
First they blew the chance to go top of the league, then failed to finish the job in the Champions League. It leaves outsiders wondering if their greatest failing is a mental one.
I look at that team, and of course they are fantastic footballers.
But I wonder where the type of *characters are that made Arsenal great in the past. People like Adams, Bould, Keown, Petit, Vieira.
Those guys had an attitude of "over my dead body are you going to beat us" and I don't sense that toughness from this Arsenal team. It is all too nicey-nicey.
There are only so many times when a boss can go mad at players. Sometimes you need help from key players.
Is there anyone to peel the paint off the walls in their dressing room?
Is there anyone there to stand up and say: "For Christ's sake, lads . . ."
I don't think there is. So when things go against them who is there saying we have to be strong mentally? They aren't there. If you have key players dishing it out others fall in behind and follow, and it gets a team out of a hole.
Arsenal need a bit more fist shaking from leading players
​
 
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