Items by SportsKenya

www.sportskenya.blogspot.com

• Harambee Stars Official Kit - How do we Source these?

  Posted: November 24, 2011, 2:23 pm by SportsKenya

  Yesterday the new Football Kenya Federation made their first major undertaking by unveiling the team's kit at a Nairobi hotel. Well it was an honourable thing but it brings to question how we source these kits and why the frequent changes in the same. We have lost count of the number of times the kit has been changed. It also makes it hard for the fans to keep track of these jerseys which we have been trying to don for the games both local and regional.
  

  Harambee Stars new kit - Image courtesy of www.capitalfm.co.ke

  
  Asking FKF officials,
  - What are the procedures of securing the team jerseys?
  - Does it attract competitive tendering or is it a private arrangement of the Federation?
  - How do you qualify whether to give it to one brand and not the other? Adidas, Nike or the other?
  - How much does the Federation get for donning on that particular brand?
  - How come we have not had any official shirt sponsor for the last couple of years?
  
  These questions come in the bane that shirt sponsorships across the world are some of the main revenue drivers for major teams both clubs and national teams. Some have used it to leverage on their brand and won handsomely ( like the recently signed deal of Barcelona first-ever commercial shirt sponsorship deal). It also helps a country's citizenry identify with the team.
  We have CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup and now we have to buy some new shirts again ...pray it doesn't change once the World Cup 2014 qualifiers start...

• Rugby in Kenya - All that Glitters is NOT GOLD...but please put the SHINE BACK!

  Posted: November 24, 2011, 1:49 pm by SportsKenya

  Up until late last year, the rugby fraternity had been one of the best managed sports federation in Kenya in any of the country's sporting disciplines. It had ( and continues) attracting major corporate sponsorship and has slowly edged to the upper echelons of sporting excellence thanks in large to the role the Kenya 7s team has played in increasing our visibility both local and international.
  
  
  Charlatans?
  But with such exposure comes the very REAL possibility of attracting charlatans and hawks busy to reap where they didn't sow. It is also characteristic of one of Kenya's tragedy both in public and private business where those in charge are busy thinking of what is there to take out instead of being part of revenue and income generation.
  When the new office at Kenya Rugby Union came into place, many were happy to see some smooth transition between former office bearers and current holders, another rare feat in Kenya's sporting bodies. But some were not entirely impressed and those in the rugby circles claim that seeing a former official from the 'mtaa clubs' ( apparently rugby clubs also have their own classification thanks to inheriting our former colonial masters social structures) taking over top office was  not amusing. Again it was felt that rugby had 'crossed over' to those without the rich and deserved heritage of the game in Kenya. On that one, the jury's still out there...
  But over time, heads started rolling along with the usual semantics played to the media about making the game more professional as well as appealing to the lesser known parts of the country. There was also the quick change made to the Kenyan rugby calendar which still didn't raise much noise. Among the events affected was its premiere event the Safari 7s.
  
  
  Crux
  Then came the clincher when the KRU officials and organisers decided to shift the Safari 7s from its traditional home at the RFUEA Grounds along Ngong Road to the Nyayo National Stadium. This caused all sorts of noises from rugby purists and more discomfort to the organisers. But the beauty of having corporate backing is the financial and logistical muscle they can muster. And the event passed on without incidence and those in attendance loved the showpiece.
  But the worms had to crawl out of the woodwork once it became apparent that there were some deals made under the table and the revenues coming from the Safari 7s seriously dented even after a reported improved attendance of about 19,000 fans for the 3-day extravaganza. The dailies were all too happy to splash these headlines as seen here.
  Last weekend though brought more dissent from the clubs ( among them Kenya Harlequins,Homeboyz, Impala RFC, KCB RFC, Nondiescripts RUFC and Nakuru RFC) which opposed the expanded Kenya Cup which was to start last weekend and which now seems to be in limbo after these clubs formed what they call the 'Rugby Enterprise Limited'. Our informal discussions with rugby insiders inform us the expanded Kenya Cup would mean more fixtures for all the clubs especially to the Western region in Nyanza and Kakamega. Not that they wouldn't do it but most clubs have not had much financial streams and sponsorship as much as the national side (both 7s and 15s) and it would put much strain to their meagre resources.
  It is also seen by most as a some sort of impunity by top officials when clubs which had been relegated are suddenly back in the top fold, negating the role of the Kenya Cup knock-out fixtures and diminishing Eric Shirley's significance.
  
  
  Remedy
  One of the quickest things that Kenya Rugby Union would have to do soonest is to 'gorge out the rot from the wound before it makes their limb weak'. By this we say call that Extra-ordinary General Meeting that has been pending and let clubs and officials alike iron out those issues before they become any worse. Not that it's going to be the easiest thing to do, but once such mechanisms are in place they help avoid major schisms in the overall running of the Union.
  Secondly, its is time that the Kenya Rugby Union started working and appearing to be a unit with the top officials having regular briefs say every 2 weeks to let the public and discerning rugby fan of the game's going-ons. Bad PR is not good for any organisation worth its salt and the bad press the Union can be undone by such briefings. It is also sad that there seems to be leakage of information both true and false which makes it hard to know what works and what doesn't.
  Third, it would be fair to appease clubs and seek to understand their challenges and not necessary bull-dozing rulings or proposals to expand any of the tournaments or leagues. The very existence of the game is because of the league structures in place and once these break down, the rest is just a shell which amounts to nothing. Work to see the feeder programmes for the clubs are in place and the lower teams learn from more established sides.
  Fourth, if the Kenya Rugby Union officials were uncomfortable with those running the day-to-day happenings at the Union's office, they would have vetted them and those not found able asked to transition slowly to those  newly appointed. The minute you start 'wrecking' every known structure and establishing your own set, it shows hostility and even those not in the wrong will start viewing you with suspicion. The office's staff are quickly deteriorating into some disillusioned personnel and that's not the best way to start your 2011-12 year.
  With the 7s team about to start the IRB 7s 2011-12 circuit, there was the expected changes made both to the technical and actual team. It is tough to set a team and it is even tougher to hold one which needs to meet the expectations of its citizenry and the continent. The team has a tough call seeking to restore its place as one of the best sides not in the traditional top 4 of the IRB teams. Mind you the happenings at the office and the bad Press will most definitely affect their morale and game going forward.
  
  And finally to the sporting fraternity in Kenya, do we always have to shoot ourselves in the foot when we have good thing going? And also when are we ever going to see corrupt and inept sports officials charged and hauled to courts and made to pay for their misgivings? Maybe when we see a few necks hung we shall be more careful with the way we run sport...

• IAAF World Athlete of the Year ...Vivian Cheruiyot surely deserved IT!

  Posted: November 14, 2011, 1:33 pm by SportsKenya

  Over the weekend, the IAAF accorded the world's athletes a chance to wine and dine with some of the best in the sport and also honoured the finest athletes for the 2010-11 season at a gala dinner in the high-status island of Monaco. Kenya had a reason to watch this more carefully as two of its best athletes this season were among finalists in a selection for the top honours of World Athlete of the Year - Male & Female. But no it was not going to be ...A local daily had even splashed the story in a 2-page feature only to quickly apologise to its readers for the anomaly. Sally Pearson was named as the World Athlete of the Year- Female ( the Male one was always going to one of the Jamaicans after they wowed the world at the Athletics championships in Daegu taking the 100m, 200m & crowning it with the 4x100m relay in world record time).
  
  So that we don't seem like we're just saying this to run our mouths & trumpet our nation's exploits, let's look at the facts and achievements here to show the difference between Vivian Cheruiyot and Sally Pearson;
  Vivian Cheruiyot (Kenya):
  

  Vivian Cheruiyot

  
  
  
  2010:
  Gold - Africa Athletics  championship (5000m)- Nairobi
  Gold - Commonwealth Games( 5000m)-  New Delhi, India
  Gold - Continental Cup ( 5000m) - Split, Croatia
  Silver - World Indoor  championships ( 3000m) - Doha, Qatar
  
  2011:        
  Gold - World Cross-Country championships ( Senior Women) - Punta Umbria, Spain
  NB: Helped Senior Women win overall title too. 
  2 Gold - World Athletics championships ( 5000m & 10000m) - Daegu, South Korea
  NB: She retained the 5000m which she won the 2009.
  
  
  Sally Pearson ( Australia):
  2010:
  Gold: Commonwealth Games (100m hurdles) - New Delhi, India
  
  2011:
  

  Sally Pearson

  Gold: World Athletics championships ( 100m hurdles) - Daegu, South Korea
  NB: Worthy mentions, broke National & Oceania record to 12.48 secs
  
  
  While the IAAF used the 'excuse; that Sally won 10 of 11 competitions she entered, Vivian on the hand did not lose any race she was entered, even national trials which are usually a killer if you ask any Kenyan athlete. So that doesn't fly with us.( No offence to Sally Pearson's person, but the facts are just that FACTS!)
  
  Maybe the IAAF powers-that-be know something we don't but for us, Vivian Cheruiyot remains the World Athlete of the Year and not the Performance of the Year b******t you awarded to this sterling lady. Maybe they had other thoughts of trying to appeal to a wider world audience especially for the people down under. or maybe Kenyans just threaten changing athletics' world order, wonder what would happen if an African sprinter upset the form book...
  
  Consolation:
  One John Velzian - a well-tested hand in athletics in Kenya who has helped map out consecutive routes of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon as well as the 2007 World Cross Country championship track among others in country and the region; who also doubles up as a youth coach and training expert. He has seen the growth and development of athletics since the late 1950s to the current times. He was awarded the Coaching Lifetime Achievement Award ...( guilt conscience IAAF or what?).
  Check out this article from the Sports Illustrated archives on this 'unappreciated' athletics legend in Kenya here 

• Safaricom Safari 7s 2011 - Hit or Miss?

  Posted: November 8, 2011, 4:10 pm by SportsKenya

  This year's Safari 7s in its second year under Safaricom's sponsorship stable marked one of another's Kenya major milestones on the sporting calendar (notice how Safari 7s and Safaricom 7s sound synonymous...?). We managed to spend at least a better part of the weekend following the action live and seeing the activity on both social and other media. Here's our take;
  Hit: Venue
  Most of the controversy plaguing the event was the shift of the venue from its traditional home at RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road to the more spacious ground at Nyayo National Stadium. The beauty of it was the space available for fans; service providers who included caterers, entertainment and parking lot. This was evident from the concert held on tail-ends of all days as they engaged the discerning younger-at-heart crowd. For security purposes too, the stadium was an easier venue for the security apparatus though at times the security personnel got over-zealous in their searches.
  The pitch was a little bumpy of course due to the fact that it hosts most of the Kenya Premier League games but it was well-maintained and the markings and extensions done in good time to save rugby players adjusting. The warm-up areas were also a welcome relief for all teams before and after each game.
  
  Miss: VIP, Canopy please?
  For those who paid a little extra for VIP, except for the plastic seats and some partial cover from stadium setting, there really wasn't much else to write home about. In fact some of those who were at the 'Russian stands' seemed to enjoy more of the happenings on the grounds. Also when it came to the elements, majority of the crowd was exposed especially when the rains descended on the grounds on Sunday. For future events, event organisers can source some form of canopies which can be drawn and retracted as and when necessary.
  
  Hit: Ticketing
  For sometime now the ticketing for the event had been on an upward movement but somehow the crowds still managed to make way to the former venue. Maybe it was the mystic of the game or the euphoria related to the Kenya Sevens team. This year, the ticketing was well-tiered, affordable and also offered various points of purchase. Some are of the opinion that the prices should go down further but economies of scale and recouping for organisers and KRU suggest otherwise.
  
  Miss: Top Teams, Main Guest
  While we saw the likes of Samoa in town to the Samurais and Auckland Vikings (who make up much of the Fijian and New Zealand national 7s teams), it would have been better to have more IRB circuit teams on board. We have also seen the likes of Chester Williams, Gordon Tietjens to name but a few who have proved to be star attractions for those who follow the international game. It had been rumoured that there would be a big name coming but alas.
  
  Hit: Media Centre
  For those who got lucky to access the media centre, it had a great working environment. Equipped with handy laptops with fairly good Internet speeds, the place was always a buzz with activity. Save for a few big egos who hogged workstations for hours on end, those who were in it for their professional jobs found a quick way to upload information, images and keep those not at the venue abreast with the developments. Also compared to last year's one, this one didn't suffer from the elements when the weather suddenly pulled suprises on all. Kudos too to the catering teams for keeping the media peoples well-fed & watered!
  
  Miss: Kenyan Team not making the Finals
  Well, this was not entirely suprising for any follower of the national team. This was the first outing for the technical team marshalled by one Mitch Ocholla (Twitter handle @mokojolo) deputised by Charles Cardovillis. Both individuals have their work cut out now from this showing. Also the boys in the team were slow off the blocks due to minimal play since the team reassembled. There were individual touches and plays but as a team, there is lots of work to be done. The Gold Coast Sevens fixtures are real baptism of fire, but if that's not what you need I don't know what else you will.
  
  Hit: Time Management
  Most tournaments and events of such magnitude usually fail largely to lack of time management. Many who came thinking that fixtures and games would be delayed due to one reason or the other were shocked. Except for the last day when the downpour almost made it impossible for the pitch, the games went on and finished on time. Day 2 and Day 3 being the main attraction were well-managed and ended in good time. The Final was held and done by 6p.m.( even the trophy presentation too). Kudos to KRU on this one!
  
  Miss: Corporate Sponsors Lost?
  Some of the corporate sponsors had some great banners and logos on the communication both on print and other media. But most did not utilise it to the best of their abilities. This is a question posed to marketing and brand managers, when you seek to sponsor a major event of such magnitude surely you don't expect the event organisers to also 'sell your communication' and/or 'promote your products'. Still on corporate sponsors, where were the Brand Kenya and other bodies promoting Kenya as a destination ?
  
  Hit: Live Coverage:
  For some who had thought the ball had gone from SuperSport, how wrong you were! They not only brought in some of their best hands in broadcasting but also had the games live on SS9 throughout the tournament. And for those who managed to catch it, it was a beautiful sight to behold. We had our own gents and ladies handling the pre and post-game interviews (including one Herbert Mwachiro @herbotawa & a lady who's name eludes me, but has a great voice and looks to match...)
  
  Some Hope:
  - Hoping to stage a circuit leg in the IRB Sevens Series , this is a step in the right direction, but a lot more needs to be done. Majorly attracting bigger teams, attracting more fans and also more investment by corporate sponsors. This will make it easier to attract and pay for premium services and promises to give a boost to event organisers.
  - Still on the venue, some die-hard fans felt that the game's been taken away from them, since the playing area was slightly further from the fans stands. The same comment too came from some of the players. But this being a first, we shall hope to see more fans streaming in next year to give it that electric aura. And as one Mr. Jack Ojiambo ( he of Capital FM 98.4 Jazz Club) said, each one of the participants took something with them and shall be ambassadors of the event wherever they go across the globe. 
  - Also there were some unconfirmed reports that rugby authorities might consider taking the Safari 7s to Kasarani which is almost complete from renovations. We hope it is just that because another change of venue will surely see fans down to a trickle and display apathy to new settings.
  All in all ,we enjoyed ourselves and hope the Kenyan rugby 7s team now embarks on some serious rebuilding to get their act together by 25th November to start the challenge for 2011-2012 IRB Sevens Series. Over to you Mitch and the Co!
  
  
  For some interesting images from the weekend action check this link , [japho1.blogspot.com]

• November 2011 - Sporting Bonanza

  Posted: November 2, 2011, 4:09 pm by SportsKenya

  New month, new challenges, new opportunities. Yes, Kenyan sports scene is experiencing good things for this 2nd last month of the year 2011.
  

  Safaricom 7s

  
  Rugby
  And to start us off is one of Kenya's premiere events the Safari 7s which saw it changed from the usual mid-year period to November so as to align with the IRB 7s circuit which starts end of November 25-26th in Australia. Riding on the back of a new management team as well as loaded sponsorship deals, it will be a defining season for the Kenyan team which seeks to regain its touch as one of the best playing units outside traditional rugby powerhouses. 3-5th of November make a date with Kenyan team as it seeks to start 2011-12 season on winning note.
  
  Football
  After missing 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Kenya starts her journey for the FIFA World Cup to be held in Brazil in 2014. This is against a backdrop of major changes in the sport mainly the Kenya Football elections which brought in new office bearers and new body Football Kenya Association. The national team also got one of its former handlers, Francis Kimanzi ( currently managing KPL side Sofapaka). 11th November make a date with Harambee Stars as they starts this arduous journey.
  On the regional front, CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup starts on 24th November to 9th December 2011. This has Cup has eluded the national team for the last 9 years and this could be a nice way to warm the boys up for World Cup qualifiers and also rise up FIFA Rankings.
  At a local level though the Kenya Premier League comes to its final leg as teams seek to represent Kenya in continental challenges. It has been another competitive year for the SuperSport-sponsored league which has enjoyed increased interest from local football fans and TV alike.
  
  Volleyball
  The Kenyan women's team is back in Japan to represent Africa in the FIVB Women's World Cup. Since it is not their first outing, we are hoping the ladies can finally muster some steel and win a game or two to place Africa's representative at a better place. Being the highest ranked women's team from Africa on the FIVB World Rankings ( currently at 15th place), it will not be an easy ride brushing with top sides such as Brazil and Germany.
  
  Basketball
  

  Kenyan Basketball - image courtesy of  www.nation.co.ke

  The Kenya Basketball Federation Premier Leagues come to an end. This season has seen some resuscitation of sorts with the #FridayNightBasketball building a good fan base which is seeing some basketball streaming back to the Nyayo National Basketball gym. The Friday games have organised courtesy of Kenya Basketball Federation, CodeRed DJs - an entertainment outfit which is making entreaties into sports events management and has some sponsorship from GM Kenya. Unconfirmed reports intimate Zuku has developed some interest in screening the games on its ZukuTV.
  Catch these games in every weekend culminating with the Finals last week of November or early December. In those news, those of you who love the NBA are surely hoping the lock-out can be quickly resolved for what looks a torrid season for this league which is any basket-baller's dream.
  
  Athletics
  

  New York Marathon 2010 - image courtesy of AP

  The World Marathon Majors continues on with New York Marathon scheduled for 6th November at "The Big Apple". With Kenyan marathoners enjoying one of their best seasons so far, it will be good to see who runs with this one. Last year's second placed, Emmanuel Mutai starts as favourite for the men's race but looking at the retinue and pedigree of Kenyan runners and Ethiopians chasing hard, it will be anyone's day. In the women's version, Mary Keitany will be hoping to add another WMM title after taking the London Marathon earlier this year.
  
  Motor-Rallying
  What is slowly becoming a laid-back and rallying relic in this part of the world, the East Africa Safari Classic Rally is back after one-year break. Featuring former world champions in motor rallying and cars that won the races back in the day, the rally will drive through parts of the East African states of Kenya and Tanzania (click this for East Africa Safari Rally Route map).
  Some of the expected drivers include former winners of the earlier version include Bjorn Waldegaard, Ian Duncan, among others. The Rally starts on 19th November at the Sarova Whitesands finishing at the same venue on the 28th. For you who loves adventure and the beauty of the savannah, make time to trail these rally enthusiasts.
  
  Whichever sport tickles your fancy, enjoy this and other sporting bonanzas from in and around the country. Cheer your favourite individual, team or country as the year rolls out another month.

• Kenya Football Federation - Officials from the Past to Present

  Posted: October 28, 2011, 9:00 pm by SportsKenya

  We shall seek to understand the history of football management in Kenya. This sees a chronology of previous office holders and a brief history of the football game in Kenya. (Originally known as Kenya Football Association, it metamorphosised to Kenya Football Federation and is currently split between KFF and Football Kenya Limited  )
  
  
  {Dislaimer: Some of the information may not be factual as some of the details are not provided and efforts were made to that effect without much success.}
  
  The previous office holders are as follows:
  1.Isaac Lugonzo 1963 :- One of the fathers of sport in Kenya who was instrumental in the setting up of clubs with Kenyan natives. He was elected into office as Kenya welcomed her independence but he would oscillate between this and the National Olympics Committee which was becoming more active and involving.
  
  2. John Kasyoka 1964-70 :- Had a rather nondescript term in office but the emergence of top clubs like Gor Mahia and Nakuru FC would be some of the hallmarks of his reign.
  
  3. Martin Shikuku 1970-72 :- Known more for his firebrand in politics, he managed the game for only two years, his term marked Kenya's entry into the continental scene playing at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1972.
  His office was disbanded after claims of corruption were raised.
  
  4. Bill Martins, Williams Ngaah & Dan Owino 1972 -1974 :- B. Martins managed a caretaker committee before passing the buck to William & Dan respectively.
  
  5. Kenneth Matiba - 1974-80 :- Credited with bringing in some form of business acumen into football management then after helping manage Kenya Breweries into a force to reckon with on the local . Under his reign Kenya won the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in 1975 along with 3 consecutive years 81-83. In his term, saw the rise of Kenyan clubs AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia and Kenya Breweries made an impact in continental club football. Youth development was also a hallmark of his term under German tactician Bernard Zgoll.
  
  6.Clement Gachanja - 1981-84 :- He inherited a wealth of experience from Ken Matiba and didn't disappoint either. Kenyan clubs continued dominating the regional scene and challenge for continental honours. Under his team's term, Gor Mahia managed to win the Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1987. The same year Kenya's Harambee Stars settled for silver in the All-Africa Games held in Nairobi, managed by Reinherdt Fabisch as well as qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations for the 2nd time.
  
  7. Joab Omino 1984-1991; 1993-1996:- Under his term, the 'beautiful game' in Kenya started stuttering and encountering management problems. He's known for the infamous term, "...coaches come in their dozens" after sacking arguably then Kenya's most successful tactician R.Fabisch for criticising their style of handling the national team. The government of the day also started interfering with the game and disbanded Omino's team indefinitely.
  His second stint though was modestly successful after winning the bid to host Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 only for the Government to rescind on the claim of 'lack of funds'.  Dismal performances from Kenyan clubs except for Kenya Breweries (now renamed Tusker FC) who came close in 1994 losing to DRC's Motemo Pembe. Kenya also managed to have among its first professional footballers in the likes of Peter Dawo (who came from Gor Mahia to sign for Egypt's Arab Contractors & Al Seeb in Oman); Mike Okoth ( Boshar in Oman then KV Oostende and Racing Genk in Belgium).
  
  
  8. Adams Matthew Karauri 1991-92:- With Kenya qualifying in 1990 and 1992 consecutively, the Government put into place a caretaker committee headed by Mr. Karauri but that was all to write home about. The national team performed dismally in both occasions never getting past the first round (scoring only one goal courtesy of a Mickey Weche penalty in 1992 and soaking in 8 goals in total). The technical bench of the national team changed hands over 3 times in that period.
  
  9. Peter Kenneth 1996-2000:- Taking the reigns in what would be one of the toughest times in Kenyan football after CAF banned the national team for 2 years for Kenya's failure to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, he managed to avoid controversy that had riddled the game. This though was built on quicksand as would eventually manifest itself in Kenya's non-qualification. Here the clubs would decline both at the local and regional level with nothing much to show for honours
  
  9. Maina Kariuki 2001-2004:- He had one of the most promising campaigns of a present-day official but his term in office marked the genesis of the current problems in the local game both at national or international level. Consolation though is qualification to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations. This exposed Kenya's talent to European scouts and the likes of Dennis Oliech secured signatures in Europe.
  The Kenya Premier League was registered as private company under his tenure.
  
  (Normalisation Committee under Kipchoge Keino between June - December 2004)
  
  10. Alfred Sambu 2004- 2007:- He came in after football enthusiasts settled on his candidature in a view of having experienced hands in football management managing the national office. But right from the word go, his team was plagued by court cases, disagreements and boardroom wars. They were unceremoniously bundled out of office as the country braced for the controversial political elections.
  The country was also banned indefinitely due to these battles but often these orders were rescinded.
  
  11. Mohammed Hatimy 2007-2011:- Initially attempted throwing Sambu out of office but didn't manage. He was suspended for 3 months in 2005 by FIFA operatives only to go back into their good books rather fast. After orchestrating a boardroom coup, this man and his minions have run the game with duress at every corner. From the splitting KFF and opening up shop at FKL ( Football Kenya Limited), to running under FIFA's wings, this period has seen the country totter along rudderless.
  Their only consolation is the blossoming Kenya Premier League which has seen the fans slowly stream back into the national stadiums and local clubs enjoy followership and lucrative corporate sponsorship. But let this not blind them as their success at all.
  Most recently the country was bundled out of 2012 AFCON qualifiers and also had two of its best stadiums banned for non-compliance on security and crowd management issues.
  
  Shall we find redemption after tomorrow's elections? Pray Kenyan Football that we will!
  
  SOURCES: Foul Play - The Crisis of Football Management in Kenya, Kenya Football Federation, Wikipedia and KenyaPage, KenyaFootball

• Kenya Football Elections - Are We Finally There Yet ?

  Posted: October 28, 2011, 5:30 pm by SportsKenya

  This weekend the main highlight for any discerning Kenyan sports fan is the long-awaited Kenya Football elections. The last few weeks has seen a flurry of activities from all charged with giving Kenyan football a new face or is it phase in the journey to glory?
  

  Any hope for Kenyan Football?- Image www.roadto2010.com

  Candidates have made last-minute efforts to appeal to clubs and branch delegates who will make their votes count in this decisive process. Of course not smooth-sailing and controversy seems to follow the process every step of the way. There are many contenders but from many pundits the main ones are of course blue-eyed 'boy' Hussein Mohammed and never-say-die Sam Nyamweya. The latter brings in youth, corporate networks and largesse along with some general consensus of a new hand in managing the game. Nyamweya on the other hand has been in and out of football management after coming in with Maina Kariuki back in the 1990s. His reins have been tainted by corruption charges which miraculously disappear as soon as they happen.
  Well, it is not this space for us to weigh the backgrounds of these and other contenders for the top office and overall management of the game in Kenya. However, we believe IT IS TIME those charged with making the game rise to where it ought to be GIVE KENYA WHAT WE DESERVE!
  Of course, FIFA's hand and other vested interests in the corporate world will be hanging over tomorrow's proceedings and it shall not be entirely surprising if we don't get a final word on this. Pessimists, maybe...more like realists! And miracles do happen you know...

• Beyond 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, what next for Kenyan football?

  Posted: October 11, 2011, 3:18 pm by SportsKenya

  Unless you were truly optimistic, Kenya's non-qualification to the 2012 Africa of Nations did not come as a suprise. Even after last minute efforts by local football enthusiasts and political leaders offering  this and that package, Harambee Stars couldn't push themselves to the final dash. So what next ?
  

  Harambee Stars badge - from CafePress.com

  
  1. Football Elections - after the Kenyan electoral body IIEC came into agreement with Interim Election Board to conduct nationwide elections, this is the best shot to formally put Kenyan football structures back on the rails. Though it will be a heart-wrenching, tough act but as they say, 'no pain, no gain'. Let's hope for fairly free and transparent process and no court actions by those who won't make it after the ballot is done.
  
  2. Fully dedicated technical team - in the last 2-3 years, there have been so many changes on the technical bench though the last one year has been more stable. But that stability has been fickle too since the head coach Zedekiah Otieno has been shuttling between club and national assignments. A last minute decision to include former international Musa Otieno seemed to help put some stability there. With a competent Management Board, the handlers SHOULD NOW recruit a substantive and full-time tactician. It is not a very demanding job as one Jose Mourinho would say but the role of constantly reviewing individual players and cobbling together a team every other month.
  
  3. Sponsorship - There is a Management Board mandated to 'sell the national team and seek corporate support' among other things. Looking at the financial affairs of the national team, it is a disgrace by the current football administrators. From shirt sponsorship, to kit sponsors; training clinics, sale of media rights, international friendlies, there are areas of expanding revenue streams that NEED WORKING ON. Hoping a new and able team comes into office end of October, these are important things to note. Which brand kits our national team? No idea? I guessed so...
  
  4. Stadium Management - though there is a Stadia Management Board, it would be important to have one of the national team's own sitting in this Board. Why do you ask? Because as you would know we have very few venues that can host a national or international fixture worth noting. Even worse is the fact that our best bets at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums are both under FIFA's ban for hosting games because of security and logistical issues. Sort this out soonest or else we shall be playing 'home games' in our neighbours' stadia (at OUR COST of course!)
  
  5.League versus National fixtures - in the last 2 weeks we heard the national coach loudly vent his displeasure of why crucial Kenya Premier League games ought to be too close to an international game. It would be fair for both parties to synchronise their calendars to avoid such scenarios. Next year will be an more demanding one with the change of Africa Cup of Nations from even years to odd years( 2013) and 2014 World Cup qualifiers. We have CECAFA Cup coming up in Uganda by the end of November, let's hope there's no clash occasioned.
  
  With these issues addressed, we shall be confident of putting our support fully for the national team as it represents our cause in the football and indeed in the sporting world. It is about time we got back our game...

• Zuku making in-roads in Kenyan Rugby: Title Sponsors for Impala Floodlights 2011

  Posted: October 7, 2011, 3:59 pm by SportsKenya

  Yesterday's unveiling of official sponsor Zuku , continues the local (or it is regional yet?)multi-media's company (Wananchi Group) in-roads in local sport. Starting with a suprise package last year of sponsoring the Kenya v/s Zimbabwe Victoria Cup tie and even securing screening rights, the media company has sought to change the sporting scene and is slowly making its mark especially in rugby. (...coincidentally in both cases, the sponsorship has been for the magical figure of KSh. 2 million each...)
  

  ZUKU - logo courtesy of www.zuku.co.ke

  
  Rugby purists have not been entirely amused by these entreaties made to the Kenya Rugby Union since an earlier arrangement with SuperSport was seeing the Kenyan game getting more coverage and the sports media powerhouse was in the process of making substantial investment in the local game and production only for this to be dropped. Up until the writing of this post, it is not known who will screen Kenya's premiere rugby event the Safari Sevens though title sponsors Safaricom have already confirmed their willingness to continue supporting the event.
  Kenya Rugby officials need be informed that while it is good to have companies coming on board with the much-needed financial support, it is also fair to review and where possible NOT ANTAGONISE existing corporate sponsors. Our sources tell us there has been some tension among top officials due to this gung-ho way of conducting rugby business. It will be fair to evaluate existing support and negotiate for better terms with these firms rather than going behind their backs to find new partners.
  This was part of the reason the move of the Safari 7s to Nyayo stadium has not augured well with the staunchest of supporters in rugby and by extension traditional rugby powerhouses (without naming any for now).
  
  All the same, we applaud Wananchi Group through ZUKU for making their case with the 30th edition of the Impala Floodlights. We shall be watching your move as you engage in local sport and pray that your worthy support can continue to other sporting disciplines as well. You can also explore developing cutting-edge programming in sports for your local audience and clientele which is still deficient of any comprehensive sports magazines.
  
  See y'all at the Impala Grounds for the next 4 weekends!

• Kenya v/s Uganda ...Who has the last laugh?

  Posted: October 7, 2011, 2:54 pm by SportsKenya

  If you are from the two neighbouring countries, by now you have heard and seen the hype around this game and in the next 24hours, we shall know who has the bragging rights. From planned bus-rides to Kampala to students studying the many higher learning institutions in the Uganda, this tie must be one of the biggest ever between the two countries in recent history.
  
  
  There is much at stake for both countries and especially so for Kenya which had lorded over the other East African countries and qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations 5 times compared with Uganda's 5 appearances (their performance has been better though finishing 2nd in 1978 behind Ghana) ; Tanzania and Rwanda have each qualified once previously.
  But this Africa Cup of Nations qualifier carries not just the sporting side but some heavy political connotations given the diplomatic brush the two countries have had recently due to the Lake Victoria islands of Migingo and Ugingo as well as the bombings on July 2010 in Kampala ( after Al-Shabaab militia were said to have launched their attacks from Kenya and the ensuing renditions of Kenyan suspects). It has also been Uganda's Pres. Yoweri Museveni toying with various Kenyan potential Presidential candidates as each tries to outdo the other in matters regional.
  Back to the game though, recent history is clearly in favour of Uganda. They are the highest ranked country on the FIFA rankings at 76 compared to Kenya's 133. The last 5 games between the two teams have seen Uganda win 4 and draw 1. And of course there is the 12th man advantage with the Ugandans sensing a return to continental glory since 1978 ( which was their best showing ever at 2nd place).
  
  In our VERY HUMBLE OPINION, we would love to be patriotic and root for our team BUT in a way this is pushing our luck a bit too far. We have had such a mixed bag of performances in these qualifiers and this last game would have been avoided if Kenyan football authorities had made their arrangements once the games started. We have a fair share of professionals plying their trade in European leagues but that has never deterred other teams showing us how its done when it comes to wearing national colours (ask Guinea Bissau).
  We have also national bodies running football at the mercies of some unscrupulous and incompetent national officials. With the national elections finally announced, we wait to see what comes of this long-awaited process.
  
  And while we have been running all over like headless hens, our neighbours have sorted their national leagues and made much progress. What Kenyans saw in the first game against Uganda left many in shock at the level of co-ordination, passion and support from the highest offices in their land that the team had and continues to enjoy. Our Kenyan politicians have tried replicating this but albeit a bit late in the process. It would be good for Kenya's Harambee Stars to miss the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations BUT start in earnest preparing for the 2013 one in South Africa as well as World Cup qualifiers in Brazil. It would also serve the new office (if elections come through on October 29th) to start a fresh slate to ensure there is a better strategy for the game in the country.
  
  Qualifying for the 2012 AFCON would give us a false impression that all is good on our game and soon we're back to business as usual. Let's sort our domestic issues once and for all and seek a fresh page to write our footnotes in the game in the next one year. All the same, for those who make it to Kampala, enjoy the roast chicken, bananas and waragi from the 'Pearl of Africa' and AVOID any passions beyond the game's. For you back in Kenya, the time is 1700hours on your national broadcaster KBC ( no confirmation yet from SuperSport)
  
  Prediction: Uganda 3- Kenya 1

• Take Your Pick - Octoberfest for Sports...

  Posted: October 5, 2011, 4:54 pm by SportsKenya

  This month marks some major sporting events in the country and what promises to be a busy last quarter of the year 2011 for Kenyan sports fans.These involves both local and international engagements for our sporting individuals and teams as well;
  
  First off is the much-hyped Kenya v/s Uganda game for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for 2012. This though is being played in Kampala but being close home, the number of fans both from within Uganda and those travelling to Kampala's Namboole (fondly named Nelson Mandela) Stadium shall be teeming with one too many Kenyans.
  Still in Football, the Kenya Premier League continues with the first 5 teams having a 6-point difference between them thus making it still an open contest. 2nd-placed Ulinzi FC got some reprieve after its earlier docked points are now theirs to lose after KPL Disciplinary Committee decided to have the 2 games played. From the fixtures though, the final standings will take shape this month.
  

  Impala Floodies - Lights, Rugby Action !

  
  For you the Rugby fan, you have the 30th edition of Impala Floodlights coming to you early thanks to the re-adjusted Kenya Rugby Union calendar. Starting on the 8th October, the games run every Saturday till 29th October when the final take place. Most of the rugby sides are likely to play their younger squads though as the games progress the prize money may change the playing units slightly. Reigning champs of the Impala Floodies Strathmore will be hoping to repeat their exploits earlier this year to beat more fancied sides.
  
  In volleyball we have Kenya's own Kenya Prisons team representing the country in the FIVB Club World Championships taking place in Doha, Qatar from October 8th -14th. These championships make a comeback after a long break since 1994. We shall be hoping our girls can make an impact and be among the top 3 teams of the 6 in the tournament.
  
  

  Chicago Marathon logo - courtesy of www.chicagomarathon.com

  In Athletics, the Chicago Marathon starts us off on 9th October. With last year's winner  the late Samuel Wanjiru not in the field, we shall be hoping another Kenyan takes the lead as they have taken the world this year by storm. This race is part of the World's Marathon Majors of which the late Samuel Wanjiru was ranked first in 2010.  3 local road races are planned in the Rift Valley; Kebirigo, Eldoret and Kipkelion. There is also the Standard Chartered sponsored Nairobi Marathon which is slowly becoming a nurturing course for future marathoners for the country. It also part of a series of other Standard Chartered marathons, dubbed 'The Greatest Race on Earth' featuring Singapore, Mumbai and Hong Kong as host cities.
  
  Cricket fans, don't be so gloomy, we have the East Africa Premier League T20 featuring teams from the 3 East Africa countries. The boon for these games are the agreement by SuperSport to screen them live.
  In basketball, the final games of the Kenya Premier League come to an end this month with the play-offs expected to start on or before the last weekend of October. This year, the League has gotten a boon from the  #FridayNightBasketball games organised in partnership with CodeRed DJs, General Motors and media partners 1FM. Here's a review of some past Friday games...
  

  Dunk-over-Bike by Mandela - image courtesy of www.kenyahoops.wordpress.com

  
  Make time for any of these sporting events taking place and enjoy supporting your favourite teams and individuals as we seek to develop and grow local sport.

• 2011 World Athlete of the Year Award - IAAF nominates 3 Kenyans

  Posted: October 4, 2011, 3:53 pm by SportsKenya

  IAAF announced the nominees for the 2011 World Athlete of the Year Awards both men and women. Kenya got its 3 names with last year's winner David Rudisha and Patrick Makau nominated for the men's award while Vivian Cheruiyot was nominated for the ladies version.
  

  Image courtesy of www.iaaf.org

  
  Going by the exploits on the track (and field where applicable), Kenya's Vivian Cheruiyot is heads and shoulders above most of the nominees, sample this;
  

  Vivian Cheruiyot in Daegu 2011 - www.iaaf.org

  In 2010, she won the African championships in 5000m held in Nairobi and also won the gold in the Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi in October. She competed in the Diamond League being part of the winnings that same season. She crowned the year by winning the 5km race in Bolzano, Italy known as the BOClassic  popularly known as the Corsa Internazionale di San Silvestro.
  Come 2011, she started her year by leading Kenya's senior women's cross-country team to collecting individual and team titles. The big one though was the World Championships held in Daegu where she opted to do both the 5000m and 10,000m easily collecting gold in both events; a first from any Kenyan both male or female.
  Our other two nominees for finalists would be Valeria Adams -shot-putter and Sally Pearson -100m women's hurdler.
  As for the men, our bet is on Usain Bolt taking the male category. After missing out the better part of last year through injury, he was the best bet for double gold in 100 & 200m but a disqualification meant he ended up with the 200m but came back to anchor the Jamaican 4x100m men to end the World Championships on a high ( while breaking the world-record at it!).
  The other 2 nominees would be fellow Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake and David Rudisha.
  According to www.iaaf.org; an e-mail poll is ongoing to close on 23rd October, after which 3 finalists in both male and female categories will be selected and announced by the IAAF. The winners will be announced from these during the 2011 World Athletics Gala on 12th November.

• Sports & Social Media:- Whys & Wherefores Part I

  Posted: August 15, 2011, 2:11 pm by SportsKenya

  This week we start publishing some articles from one of the moderators and contributors to this blog. It has been a long time coming and a bit of arm-twisting here and there. Richard is currently one of the writers for Marketing Africa magazine where he contributes for the sports marketing column. Here's an article on Sports, Social Media and Digital Platforms;
  
  Champions League
  The UEFA Champions League 2011 and the whole world is glued to their screens; flat, HD, projector or otherwise. Its kick-off and the hallowed pitch that is Wembley Stadium is buzzing as is the streams of news coming through major channels be they sports or cable news ones.
  Even ‘louder’ is the buzz created in the social media circles of Twitter, Facebook and among others. The first goal is scored by Pedro, the whole game now went into overdrive and the social networks were red-hot.
  (Image courtesy of www.linkbuilding.net)
  
  For anyone not watching the game live, a second-by-second update was running on Twitter and this came through in positive comments about the favoured team, barbs and jibes thrown at the losing team and faltering players along with histories around players and teams.
  Gone are the days that we had to wait for the television and radio updates to know the highlights and scores of a game.
  
  Shaq Attack
  A few days later, one of sports easily recognisable figures, Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal nicknamed ‘Shaq’, ‘The Big Daddy’, ‘Diesel’, to use but a few of the many names announced his retirement via YouTube and instantly the news was trending in Twitter and other social media platforms. Perfect way to leave the basketball world!
  (Image from www.uksportsnetwork.com)
  
  Yes, sport has slowly and is now synonymous with social media. We have seen many spoofs or what you might call product endorsements done using short clip videos posted on YouTube and Facebook and these links tweeted and retweeted by brand followers, ambassadors and admirers.
  Even at a local level, sports disciplines such as football and rugby have started appreciating the use of this platform. Talk of the Kenya Premier League and the various club fans and sports media enthusiasts will tell you which club is playing where and the fans in attendance, their cheer songs and other enticing offers.
  These technological developments are slowly helping us maintain and establish new connections and reconnect with those we know or knew from previous engagements. The connections too are not restricted to individuals but include companies, brands, and for the sake of our discussion, clubs, players and relating sources.
  
  Converse not Command
  Social media tools are becoming integral tools of communication and this is favoured channel for most if not all sports participants. The demographics show us the numbers of those using the platforms are the ages between 18-30 years. The platforms had initially swung in favour of the PC but are slowly tilting towards the mobile telephony thanks again to this age group.
  The main bane though as is usually the case for new technology, how successful it is in implementation will be from understanding it. Be it an individual or team start by developing a proper strategy that forms part of a larger marketing strategy.
  Remember social media is about creating conversation, not one-way or one-sided communication from the brand, individual or team. It should not be a simple posting of updates and news but a long-term and continuous process that could enable you to get feedback from your fans and the wider sporting and non-sporting audience.
  
  One Millionth Man
  NBA – the US professional basketball league teams have been able to utilise these social media platforms to make for very interesting interactions with their fan base. For example, one of its biggest players (quite literally too and the new gentle ‘Superman’) Dwight Howard playing for the franchise Orlando Magic has perfected this.
  (Image courtesy of www.mediafunnel.com)
  From communicating about his daily engagements, he also pushes for the brands he endorses and acknowledged his 1 millionth follower with an all-expenses paid trip to Orlando for a game and hang-time with the rest of the team stars. (As of the time of going to Press, he had over 2 million followers on this @DwightHoward, one million more than his team @Orlando_Magic)
  One must remember that sporting events, sports personalities and teams as well as news around sports has made the growth of social media platforms explode in the last 3-5 years. Major events from the 2008 Beijing Olympics to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa all made use of social media and were able to keep vibrant conversation going about the events.
  Sample this, the nuisance and widely controversial vuvuzela had an iPhone App which became the number 1 app on iTunes in 50 countries in June 2010. Nike with its ‘Write the Future’ World Cup advert had over 19 million views on YouTube.
  As sports enthusiasts hunger for fodder for more and more about their favoured teams or individuals there is definitely a need and demand created and these teams and individuals have to oblige albeit trying to maintain as much professionalism and true personality as they would in real life.
  
  {Part II coming soon...}
  

• Kenyan Sporting Families: Now you know where the pedigree comes from

  Posted: July 13, 2011, 6:17 am by SportsKenya

  Tikolos, Dunfords, Sudis,  Ilakos, among many others are household names in the Kenyan sporting scene . Yes as you may noticed, most of them had plurals because there is more than one member of the family that has made their cut in different sporting discipline or more than one member makes the cut in a particular sport.
  Take for example the Tikolos; a few weeks ago we saw the end of an era when the last of the cricket playing brothers from the Tikolo family, Steve retired from the sport after gracing it for more than 15 years having won many hearts in the country and across the seas. His other famous brothers who also one time held the position of Chief Executive at Cricket Kenya Tom and also former player David.Other famous siblings in cricket include the Sujis (Martin and Tony), Obuyas (Kennedy, Collins and David) Ngoches ( James and Shem) and the Odumbes (Maurice and Edward).
  

  The Obuyas - Image from www.kiranonlycricket.blogspot.com

  
  The Ilakos you ask? Well there was a time Kenya played for the African zone of the Davis Cup in tennis. One of the players playing for Kenya was Philip Ilako (nowadays he’s MD of some mid-level bank I guess). The other playing Ilako was James.Dunfords, who doesn’t know the exploits of these brothers in the pools of the African Swimming Championships, All-Africa Games, Commonwealth and also the Olympics (albeit briefly). Jason is the trailblazer with David spoiling for a place on the podium slowly but surely. Their other less famous brother Robert plays rugby in the UK where’s attending college.
  

  From Left - David & Jason Dunford with a lady & gent fan - Image courtesy of www.sky it

  
  Rugby has many household names but the current ones taking the lion’s share are Humphrey Kayange and Collins Injera while their younger brother Michael has some uphill task trying to make at least the national team like the two elder ones. Their father is also a former rugby player back in the day.We have Daniel Rudisha one of the gold medallists in the 4x400m Munich Olympic Games whose son David Lekuta Rudisha did one better breaking the world record and literally scorching the tracks last season in the IAAF circuit to emerge as World Athlete of the Year as well as Kenya’s Sportman of the Year.The family that is hogging much of the media’s attention now is the Wanyamas. The matriarch one Noah Wanyama started it all playing with AFC Leopards and also the national team Harambee Stars. His sons have followed suit with Sylvester –Sony Sugar, Thomas – Sofapaka FC , with Victor Mugabe making history as Kenya’s first football player in the Scottish League signing with Celtic FC and of course the most famous of the Wanyama’s MacDonald Mariga Wanyama Inter Milan’s FC defensive midfielder. Their sister Mercy Ayitso has also recently obtained a scholarship in the California Baptist University which plays in the NCAA women's basketball league.As has happened in other sporting fields, these families have led the way in winning accolades for their clubs, countries and securing honour and a place in history. For all you seeking a firm place in sport and have a sibling or two in one or another game, you have it written and trendsetters to learn from.
  

  Collins Injera & Humphrey Kayange perform a celebratory dance after a try

  
  As a country, we also have to learn to honour our sporting heroes something we have not always done all too well. Their place to some of us sporting enthusiasts is forever etched in our minds and firmly in the history of our country.
  
  

• Sofapaka - So Close Yet So Far

  Posted: June 13, 2011, 3:40 pm by SportsKenya

  Batoto ba Mungu loosely translated to children of God has been a nice catchphrase for the Kenyan football club as they have seemingly conquered African clubs in the CAF Confederations Cup.
  

  Sofapaka FC - courtesy of www.sofapaka.com

  But just like life, luck runs out even to the luckiest of them. And yesterday, the only surviving Kenyan club team in the continental challenge valiantly fought a battle but lost the war, 4-3 on aggregate. Thus far we salute their efforts.
  But going back to the heart of the matter, when shall Kenyan clubs start sharing in the spoils of the continental largesse? The last time Kenyan clubs came close to continental glory was in the 1990s when then Kenya Breweries (now Tusker FC) played in the Finals of the Cup Winners Cup (Mandela Cup) against DC Motema Pembe in 1994 - previously only Gor Mahia had won the Cup in 1987.
  Once Kenyan football elections date is confirmed and the winners announced, one of the issues at hand for them to address is the continued absence and how we can end this soon. Our hope is that the very faces and hands that have been 'managing' the current rot shall not be anywhere near this new phase in the game. But if FIFA elections are anything to go by, we might be stuck with some of these characters longer than we need. Mr. Minister please stop mincing your words and make good your threats.
  As for now, we need to quickly forget this year's near-success and strive to move our clubs in continental challenge(s) to more respectable positions. Mr. Kalekwa share your experience with the rest of KPL teams and 2011-12 should be a more successful year. Back to the drawing boards, football people!

• And1 Kenya Tour - Did it Live Up to the Hype?

  Posted: June 13, 2011, 2:26 pm by SportsKenya

  Saturday 11th June and some of us sporting buffs in the country had one too many sporting events to attend but one that stood out for us was the and1 SpriteBall Kenya Tour which was ostensibly sponsored by Coca-Cola's Sprite brand. Read on for a quick recount of events happening on the day;
  a) Ticketing and Gate Management - an online process through www.tixpress.com was activated a few days to the event to enable advance booking to the event. It was a smart move but that's where it ends. On arrival at the venue, no communication was made on how one was to confirm having made this advance booking. Being tossed around and having a bit of a miff with security personnel who were equally irritating made for poor gate management. No clear cut distinction too was made on the VIP booking (costing KShs.500) or regular ones (at KShs.200).
  
  b) Security - Given that Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League games were still on, though scheduled for early starts; the organisers had to wait till 4.30p.m. to secure the venue ( managed by Sports Stadia Management Board AND NOT KBF as most people think...). There was a bomb sweep ( yeah we had Americans in the building) and this caused more inconveniences to sporting fans who had streamed in as early as 12 noon. Luckily the crowd was well-mannered and no scenes of commotion was seen thus far. There were 2 courts, the handball court (outdoor) which had screens and a basketball hoop which later served as the scene for the BlakeGriffin - Dunk-over-a-Car (The Chevrolet was donated by GM).
  Here's the Dunk thanks to *mastabonk;
  
  
  
  The other court was the Nyayo Gym proper (indoor) where the exhibition game between and1 players and Kenya-Select and much of the action was to take place.
  However on allowing the crowd into the courts, there were serious security lapses. First the crowd was too big for the Nyayo Gym allowing people to sit right next to the playing court a few inches off. There were people hanging around the back of each hoop and this was also of concern given the players' getting their game on and the adrenalin kicking as the game went on. No serious injuries occurred (thankfully).
  This easy access of the crowd though meant security personnel had problems trying to control the fans once the action started. Over-excited fans, groupies and some wannabe-photographers were all over the court each time a player from either and1 or Kenya select made a great play. At half-time it took more than 10 min to clear the court. By the end of the game when one of the Kenya-Select point guards outplayed an and1 guard, the crowd went berserk and even by the final buzzer fans were either throwing empty plastic soda bottles or running into the court like headless chicken.
  
  c) Venue- as earlier reported, the venue(s) for the games were the handball and basketball courts both of which are managed by the SSMB. With the clouds hanging heavily before the start of the games, most of the people in the crowd didn't take much chances and ended up in the Gym.
  The lighting was good save for the fact that there were no effects thus making some boring ambience. 2 large screens had been positioned opposite each other; at the VIP side and directly opposite it. This was showing the action outside (at the handball court) and also running promotional ads for the DJ Unit and Sprite's too.
  The ancient scoreboard that has been at the Gym since 1987 was our source of information as the game progressed but since KBF or SSMB have never found it urgent to bring it down and modernise the whole thing, most people were agonised trying to see the scores.( The timer on the board usually has a problem differentiating between 3 & 8 min and this had the game's MC in problems each time the clock was running out).
  More cause for embarrassment was to come once the skies opened up and the rains pounded Nairobi, the roof at Nyayo Gym started leaking and the game had to be stopped as the MC saved the situation placing his treasured white towel on the court. 
  
  d) Sponsors Overload - it was a great job for Coca-Cola through Sprite to agree to sponsor the event. In fact the original and1live Tour was not even supposed to head to East Africa but guess some strings were pulled and we got our share of the action. With every ticket purchase came 2 free half-litre sodas or 2 Dasani water 300 ml bottles, fair enough! But these bottles turned out to be anathema once the crowd got excited. Enough litter made its way onto the court causing much eyesore to the game.
  There were banners too pronouncing the sponsor's cause , all good but methinks its time too that Kenyan companies started investing in digital platforms for the ads. More screens and the lighting in the court would have longer lasting impression than the now usual and ugly banners which are overdone.
  We're also wondering if this association with the Kenyan basketball game will continue or shall it be a once-hot-now-cold relationship with KBF? True there is lots of ground to be covered by the authorities but you can cut them some slack for now...
  
  e) And1 v/s Kenya Select :- once the exhibition game started, the and1 team seemed to be taking off with the game only for the Kenyan players to start settling in and making impressive plays and almost answering their critics with 3-pointers and alley-ups just like the best of them. The only problem is that much of the game now turned to more of showmanship and no better structured moves. Not that much of the crowd cared anyway, some of us love a more competitive game even if its streetball.
  Without a doubt, Kenyans can make the cut for some of the best teams but we do not have the structures to nurture this talent and channel it to the more lucrative leagues in Europe and America. One of the and1 players was originally from Uganda and we also know of Hasheem Thabeet playing in the NBA, how come Kenya can't afford a player even in the college basketball teams? Over to you KBF!
  
  Well, when all is said and done, it was a nice break from the lacklustre games that occasion the KBF Premier League. KBF should take up this chance and spice up things for fans to come back week-on-week. Some fan was heard saying that if KBF officials cannot handle the game then they should leave it to such organisers and corporate firms to make it happen. It is true that KBF has not made any commercial sense to most corporate firms, well this can be a start.
  (Sports) event organisers also take note, NEVER ask a crowd to show up at a certain time only for your arrangements NOT to be up and running. Luck was on your side that this was a manageable crowd and there were no reported scenes of violence or otherwise. Other sporting disciplines will not be so patient. Also if you have to host a foreign team, all those security checks can be done well in advance and you shall save us all the hussle.
  
  {Thanks for Twitpics to @kenyanpoet & @itsbuddhablaze, we shall be posting the images up soon}
  
  IN OTHER NEWS:
  NBA Playoffs ended early this morning or late evening depending on which time-zone you live in. Dallas Mavericks ended up scorching Miami Heat 4-2 in a best of 7 series and denying the fancied Big 3 of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh their first ever championship rings. However this accorded Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Peta Stojakovic their first rings each of these long-time playing stars.

• And1 Streetball in Nairobi 11th June 2011 - Where will you be?

  Posted: June 6, 2011, 2:53 pm by SportsKenya

  The buzz has been coming and its great from where we stand. And1 Streetball will be landing on this side of the continent, thanks in part to the main sponsors Coca-Cola EA through their flagship brand Sprite.
  This version of the game though is more exciting and skills-oriented. It is meant to literally take basketball to the streets and achieve greater appreciation of what can be an intense and energy-driven game.
  

  And1 -image courtesy of www.jucyafrica.com

  This maybe the shot that the Kenyan basketball game needs after tottering to the brink of obscurity. Save for the occasional play-offs spike and the regional challenge, most of the games are poorly attended and lack the spark. The college league which had also become a crowd-puller has also staggered to more of a routine and formality more than a skills-hunt for local clubs.
  Kenya Basketball Federation which has endorsed this trip, we hope you shall be able to pick the shells and throw the challenge to the major corporates and supporting parties and maybe you can lure the fans back into the gymnasiums and basketball courts.
  Here are the other sources reporting on the And1 Streetball Kenyan trip; AllOneBasketballSchool, IzVipi.com and MichezoAfrika
  
  
  11th June people mark your calendar !
  
  SIDENOTE:
  Wonder what happened to the 3-on-3 Weekend Challenge which was a major crowd puller in Nairobi in the 1990s and early 2000s. The then entreprenuer one Patrick Musimba  (of Musimba Investments) seems to have moved to bigger things in golf and telecommunications. We do hope KBF officials can have a session with him, he had some great stuff going. Where are all you sports entrepreneurs? (OK, that's after KBF sorting out the lacklustre performance and see the sense in commercialising the game).

• Rugby 7s - Time Kenya opened a new page

  Posted: June 6, 2011, 2:23 pm by SportsKenya

  The IRB 7s season came to an end last weekend and Kenya finished off with some consolation seeing off Scotland in Edinburgh winning the Bowl and placing just within the top 10 of the IRB 7s playing nations rooster. A lot had been said about the team last season after faltering in a few tournaments coming close to the Main Finals but not quite making the cut. This year even the Bowl(s) were somewhat of an aspiration more than anything else.
  True the boys exceeded all expectation in the 2008-9 season finishing 6th in the IRB rankings and discovering the exploits of Collins Injera(who finished top try scorer with  42 of these) and his elder brother Humphrey Kayange. Sidekicks such as Biko Adema, Lavin Asego,Gibson Weru along with the rest of the team have been doing their best representing a country which plays at best semi-professional 7s rugby.
  The technical aspects; strength and speed training have all seemed to have taken a back seat or the technical bench has somehow run out of ideas. Watching the last tournament in Edinburg had screams for the many unforced errors that the team made and they better watch this over and over again as they start turning a new leaf.
  

  Humphrey Kayange & his charges in the 7s team

  
  Our humble suggestion is that the better team has seen the best of their playing days and its time there is some new talent infused to the playing unit. Between now and November we shall be having the local 7s circuit and the national team management better sharpen their pencils and draw up some great and budding talent. Next up the whole training regimen truly needs a spruce up. There might be need to consult more experienced sides like South Africa -which is Africa's biggest bet in the game and who might be closer home than any of the other sides.
  Talking of playing unit, the Kenya Rugby Union has promised to look into the possibility of turning the team fully professional. It might be not be such an easy sell given their performance in the last 2 seasons, but if well put it could serve as selling point too. The new Board may also need to seek a change in the team management and offer chance to personnel who will bring something new and fresh into the 7s team. Total dismal might not be a great idea but if done in phases it might be a boon to the team.
  The new officials at KRU might also need to do less talking now and dirty their hands in the pitch and look to expand the fishing net to wider areas across the country. The usual hunts in Western and Nyanza provinces along with the usual Nairobi area are top favourites but you never know where the next Mwanja, Sudi or Ashioya comes from if the game is expanded to other regions in the Coastal, Central and Rift regions. Time we turn a new page Mr. Muthee and team...

• Gor Mahia hooligans need be DEALT WITH, lest KPL forgets

  Posted: June 6, 2011, 2:35 am by SportsKenya

  Lest the KPL Displinary Committee forgets, we need to act and act fast on the local league and in this respect fan trouble as clearly exhibited by the Gor Mahia fans. We have said this before that Gor fans do not hold a monopoly for cheering their team against any other fans across the country. That they have one of the leading clubs ( with some rich history resting on it) still doesn''t excuse their behaviours.
  Not wanting to continue with the rants, KPL please save our game, our other fans and even our infrastructure from these people who do not respect themselves. It seems you are held ransom by some of the officials in your backyard who might have vested interests with the club (or perceived support from members of a certain community). Many suggestions have been made from docking of points, to fans being banned for 2-3 games which all sound good from where we stand.
  Oh and Gor fans remember you have just secured a rather lucrative sponsorship deal for the next 2 years. I'm sure the brand managers are busy chattering away and hoping that it doesn't prove suicidal lest your drama continues...maybe there is even an exit plan and it might prove to be an option soon...

• Football : KFF & FIFA-Let's not have the charade

  Posted: June 6, 2011, 2:26 am by SportsKenya

  The world of football was treated to some very interesting times in May and the run-up to the 1st June at the behemoth that is FIFA. Sepp Blatter fighting ( well not that the only other candidate Mohammed bin Hammamm) for the top post for a fourth consecutive term really opened up a can of worms and somehow wiggle himself free to emerge as the only candidate and win this post till 2015.
  Well while he may want to wish away the whole charade whether the claims against Jack Warner and Mohammed bin Hammamm are proved or not; there is going to be lots of ín-house cleaning and PR as well as trying to keep the two gagged for the next couple of years if FIFA is to hold its own. Some disquiet has come from some of the major sponsors but nothing serious yet ( some had argued that they would withdraw their 2014,2018 and 2022 tournaments...)
  Back to Kenyan football, we had our joke of a football official from FKL representing Kenya's vote. Hoping they do not want to replicate a similar situation, it is about time the Independent Elections Board announced a date for the elections which are now becoming quite an obstacle for the local scene.
  The whole scenario is not helped by the fact that the IEB seems to be reading from FIFA's script and had to wait for the elections of the highest office to end before making any move. For the interests of our country and for us to save face, please do not let the fiefdoms from FIFA trickle down to our levels. Mr. Paul Otuoma kindly hold forte for the people of Kenya and if we shall be suspended for your cobbled coalition Government coming to our rescue then let be it.
  IEB announce a date and save us all this hassle, let the best man win!

• RIP Seve Ballestros

  Posted: May 7, 2011, 4:55 pm by SportsKenya

  One of golfs legends passed on earlier today at his home in northern Spain. Though his career spanned European & American circuits, he is worth our mention since he became one of the youngest winners of the Kenya Open in 1978 at the age of only 20 years. He helped raise the profile of the tournament then having won the European Tour Order of Merit in the same decade.
  Que descanse en paz , true golfing legend!

• African Football Executive Summit - A First of its Kind !

  Posted: May 4, 2011, 11:06 pm by SportsKenya

  African Football Executive Summit

  
  This premiere event is scheduled to be held in Accra, Ghana from 26th-27th May 2011. The theme is '21st Century Marketing Strategies, Branding and Leadership for the Development of the Game on the African Continent'.
  The organisers, Pinnacle Group (UK & Ghana) in association with the Chartered Institute of Marketing-Ghana are hoping to address good effective leadership and innovative marketing solutions to the African football game. These two can then be harnessed to become a catalyst for sustained development to achieve immense potential in a football and economic sense as has been achieved elsewhere in the world.
  For more details check their link here. Wonder who will represent Kenya in this ground-breaking event...

• Kenyan Football Elections - a Sneak Preview of Top Contenders

  Posted: May 4, 2011, 10:19 pm by SportsKenya

  As we wait for the election date for Kenyan football elections, we have been looking at some of the prospective candidates and their chances at the top office. Gathering info from both online and offline sources, we have the following review;HUSSEIN MOHAMMED

  Hussein Mohammed - courtesy of www.husseinmohammed.com

  
  He’s easily the most visible candidate for the top post and is also ‘well-greased’. Having cut his teeth through a sports business organisation Extreme Sports Limited, he is a darling of the media and is well-connected and networked both in the corporate and political world.
  Strengths:

  • His involvement in the world of football is without doubt. The success of the Super 8 tournament has ensured he has a head-start in terms of hands-on experience of organising anything football
  • Corporate connections – securing sponsorship in Kenyan for sports’ is not the easiest of tasks. Being in a game riddled with corruption and under-cutting is also not easy, but he has made it possible though not with direct involvement of the footballing bodies of Football Kenya, KFF or KPL. He also has also regularly made valued contributions to the footballing causes and youth affairs.
  • Age – this is double-edged. While an advantage, endearing him to the youth, it might also be his Achilles heel –which the Independent Election Board statutes had almost knocked him out but was later rescinded. It might also be used by his antagonists to portray him as greenhorn at the top.
  • Smart Use of Media – he is the first candidate to start using social media; check his website here, engaging media outlets every so often and enjoying favourable coverage from the same. This ensures he can harness the same in case of his successful election. An elaborate launch to his campaign ensured the media has had more than enough fodder to feed on and seem to hang onto his every word.
  • Fresh pair of hands- it favours him that the footballing fraternity in Kenya hopes to see a pair of new hands.

  Weaknesses:

  • Age – this keeps surfacing every now and then. He has kept answering back his critics and is trying to treat it as a non-issue.
  • Politics – his prior and perceived involvement in Kenya’s political world has had some murmurings saying he is not in the good books of the party sponsoring him to a local civil seat. This has not featured prominently yet but might serve as fodder for the rumour mills dimming his stellar streak.
  • Lack of Football heritage – some former players have been pushing for one of their own to run the top office and him not having made it to any club worth mentioning or representing the country at both club or national team level clearly makes this a drawback.
  • Over-promising – there was one Maina Kariuki in the early 2000s that made such a convincing pitch that it looked like we finally had an able hand to run the game. He was from the corporate world, and it was assumed he had the right credentials; does it sound familiar? His legacy is one of the worst offices to have run KFF in recent history.

  
  
  SAM SHOLLEI

  Sam Shollei - image courtesy of michezoafrika.com

  He was among the first to throw in the hat once the elections were announced. He was a former player having done duty with Kenya Breweries in the 1990s and also got capped for national duty. He currently holds forte at a local IT firm and is a fairly successful businessman.
  Strengths:

  • Football history – his involvement in the game is surely helping his case. Many in the footballing world feel it is time a former player held the top office. Taking examples from the likes of Kalusha Bwalya and Michel Platini – current Presidents of Football of Zambia Association and UEFA both of whom were former players too, he hopes to emulate these for the Kenyan scene.
  • Corporate world involvement – His running the IT firm has helped him work his resume well. A typical Kenyan former football player (sorry to say!) is not the most admirable or well-versed of business managers. This is working to his advantage.
  • Local Football Club Associations – he has been working his ‘magic’ towards the football clubs who might influence some of the votes at the national elections.
  • Use of media- though a slightly later option, he is also using both online and offline visibility to run his campaign – check his campaign link here. He has not quite endeared himself to the media outlets but comes in 2^nd in terms of coverage by print, TV and radio. He made a brief entry into online journalism writing for a local footballing site, check a sample piece here.
  • Age – he is not considered too young or too old and his age has not featured as an issue.
  • Fresh pair of hands – as Mohammed above, he is a new face in the game and analysts give him a safe bet.

  
  Weaknesses:

  • Lack of Football Management Skills – he has not managed relating to football and this is a major disadvantage to his candidature.
  • Banking on Foregone Player Status – given that he is milking on this alone to help him run for office, his career some say was not the most sterling and at times was considered a peripheral player. What will happen once in office?
  • Corporate World & Football Politics – just like Mohammed, though a success story in the corporate world, the football politics represent a different ball game; one where dirtying of hands every so often is required.
  • Aloofness – some critics have had it that he is aloof to lower rung bodies and clubs where he is said to have little time for.

  
  
  SAM NYAMWEYAHe has been in and out of the footballing world for the last 20 years. In terms of experience,he easily beats all the contenders but his terms have been dogged by claims of corruption and malpractices; from KFF, CECAFA and is currently said to masquerade with the Posta Rangers Club, recently promoted to the Kenya Premier League as their Chief Marketing Officer or something to that effect. He was ‘elected’ into office at KFF after declaring that Football Kenya Limited could not run Kenyan football as a registered company.

  Sam Nyamweya - courtesy of kenyafootie.com

  
  
  Strengths:

  • Experience – he has been in the game for over 20 years. From the Secretary General in the KFF team led by Maina Kariuki to the stint at CECAFA, he has held influential positions.

  
  Weaknesses:

  • Corruption & malpractices – his tenures at the different positions he’s held have almost always led to some scandal of sorts. Loss of prize money while at the CECAFA office for the club championships; 3 bans for the country while at KFF as well as loss of gate revenues for clubs and national team; personal bankruptcy charges and questionable political dealings have been on his name for the longest time.
  • Lack of media goodwill- his prior engagements have meant that he has a questionable past which the media touches on every so often. He has also not bothered to endear himself to the online and social media world.
  • Lack of major achievements - Been there, not-done-it – his record do not strike any major achievements thus the need for a new face which he is clearly not.
  • Lack of vision – enough said.
  • Political circus – his entreaties to politics have seen him try a hand and miserably fail. Many analysts question how he has managed to survive given the high cost of political activities which usually cause many to bury their fortunes.

  
  
  MOHAMMED HATIMYCurrently heading Football Kenya, he has thrown in his hat hoping for a sympathy vote to continue with the beleaguered tenure. His has been a rough patch with mixed fortunes but teetering on the negative side more than the success.

  Mohamed Hatimy - courtesy of www.standardmedia.co.ke

  
  Strengths:

  • Kenya Premier League – it is under his tenure that the KPL secured a major sponsorship with SuperSport which was a landmark and is slowly changing the face of Kenyan football.
  • Highest Ranking – it was also in his tenure that the national team achieved its highest ever FIFA ranking at 68^th place across the globe.Again a team effort but of course happening under him.
  • Status Quo – for those out to retain the status quo, this is the man for the job.

  Weaknesses:

  • Corruption, malpractices & boardroom coups – just like his former ally Sam Nyamweya, his legacy has been plagued by corruption and court cases, keeping busy to effectively run office (in fact this had knocked him out of the running on the pending court case technicality).
  • Lack of Vision – just as Sam above, he has never quite communicated his vision for the local game, not while taking over through the back-door or even trying to give something in the guise of a vision.
  • Old v/s New – having been in office under a cloud of controversy, he is one of those who are disadvantaged to have served rather (…disgracefully too).
  • Not media savvy – having the yoke of controversy around your neck means the media is never going to be your best friend.  

  
  
  NICHOLAS MUSONYEHe is strolls across the region slowly becoming a colossus of sorts in CECAFA. Working with struggling football associations, he has somehow managed to convince Government big-shots and companies in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Sudan to fall into place to ensure the club and national championships are held annually.

  Nicholas Musonye - www.michezoafrika.com

  
  
  Strengths:

  • Proven Track Record – his posting at CECAFA has been a major success for the body with the club and national championships; securing sponsorships year-in year-out and often going out on a limb to lambast national officials not too keen to work their part but quick to put their hands in the cookie jar; his tenure is admirable.
  • Media savvy – having worked in the media previously, he is always calling on them to articulate matters football in the region. He also throws in his two cents on situations in individual countries’ football associations and governments but is careful enough not to rub them the wrong way. True media darling!
  • Well ‘networked’- having contacts in high office of some of the major corporate organizations in the region, he can muster sponsorships even when all else seem to have given up. This can serve him well in enticing more corporates into the game locally. He’s also well-connected at the continental level.

  Weaknesses

  • Timing – if he does declare candidature, his will be a late announcement and not having enough time to muster support from the delegates
  • Lack of Vision – back to the first point, with little timing, even the best of visions cannot be communicated that well.
  • One-man show- some critiques have often referred to Nicholas as a bit of a one-man show who is not too open to team participation. That might be a personality issue to some who feel the game is too big for one individual.

  
  
  These are the main contenders and we have the favourites as Hussein Mohammed andSam Shollei and the rank outsider being Nicholas Musonye (in case he throws in his hat). The current scenario almost favours the incumbent for now and maybe that’s what they are hoping to play with. There is also the delegates bit which the candidates have to overcome.
  We have also been toying with the idea of Hussein and Shollei deciding to be one or the other’s running mate and they would make a formidable team. Hatimy and Nyamweya have already made entreaties to each other and let’s see what happens before the day. For all with hope for the game in the country, a new office would be the best gift for us and the sport. But we have been this way all too often only for our hopes to be dashed. Independent Election Board, over to you! 
  
  Thanks to the following sources;
  Kenya Premier League,
  Kenya Football,
  KenyanStar
  Hussein Mohammed
  VoteSholei
  Bleacher Report
  Wikipedia
  KenyaPage
  
  

• Kenya Football - Independent Election Board...Some Semblance of Order Please!

  Posted: May 3, 2011, 8:22 pm by SportsKenya

  Kenyan football is currently enjoying mixed fortunes at local and international outings. With the local Premier League slowly building , Kenya's club representatives Sofapaka hoping to move to next stage of club continental challenge and the national team finally securing a win at home; the time is ripe for a new team to ensure these success stories are sustained.

  Own Goal ? - Image courtesy of thevillagesblog

  
  The body entrusted with running the 'quagmire' that is Kenyan football elections the Independent Election Board (IEB), has been placing undue pressure on the footballing fraternity and Kenyans too. With clauses which had raised eyebrows ( the most contentious one being on age), the most recent drawback is lack of a date confirming the elections. This is even after release of KShs.24 million for the process to go on. Some argue that the IEB officials are hoping to hold the elections after FIFA's own scheduled for 1st of June at Zurich, Switzerland. This is pitting current chair Joseph Blatter against a rather feisty Mohammed bin Hammam.Whatever outcome this has it will definitely going to influence the local game. If Blatter serves his last term, he would love to leave a worthy legacy especially in developing markets ( countries if it were). bin Hammam on the other side if elected is likely to galvanise an Asian, Eastern Europe, American and of course African vote which would ensure a second or third term.As for the Kenyan case, the IEB should announce a date to give all interested ample time to prepare and work their campaigns for the betterment of the game. Up until then, we shall hold them to account for any failure or hitches that may arise from the prolonged process.
  

• Kenyan Marathoners to Retrace their steps ???

  Posted: April 15, 2011, 9:01 pm by SportsKenya

  The last week saw the Kenyan and indeed the athletics world treated to some shocking news. The organisers of the Utrecht Marathon have decided to discourage Kenyan marathoners from participating by granting prize money of a measly € 100 (approx. $144). Compare this with the prize money of € 100,000 promised to the local Dutch runners winning the race.
  

  Illustration courtesy of Jason Atwood

  
  If there has ever been discrimination of any kind , this is an example right there! It should be condemned from the highest of places and wonder what the IAAF and Athletics Kenya have to say about this.
  Given the domination of Kenyan athletes in major marathons across Europe with the country contributing at least 85-90% wins over any given year, this is a real disgrace to the very essence of a sport. If you cannot make a sport competitive by getting the athletes or participants to train harder, seek smarter ways to victory or even 'import talent', live with the fact that there will always be a winner who might not always tickle your fancy.
  As for Kenyan marathoners and the athletics fraternity in Kenya, it seems your success has not always left the best of impressions in most race organisers in Europe and other parts of the world. The World Marathon Majors series starts this weekend with the first marathon on card being the London Marathon  on 17th April followed by Boston Marathon the 18th April before taking a break and continuing in September at the Berlin Marathon.
  Let this announcement serve as ample motivation to win and win comprehensively for any Kenyan participant. We shall be proudly singing with you the victory song and enjoy playing that our national anthem once again!
  
  
  NOTE:
  Brand Kenya had made one of its major country branding strategies to focus on marketing the country through the major marathons across the world. They are currently setting up shop at Boston along RunWithKenyans which is seeking to partner along the same lines and create linkages between US marathoners and the Kenyan market.
  Their work is now really cut out with such careless pronouncements from our European brothers.

• Impala Floodlit Finals - KCB v/s Strathmore

  Posted: April 15, 2011, 8:26 pm by SportsKenya

  The last 2 weekends have seen some rugby action at the Impala Grounds - home to one of Kenya's top rugby side Impala RFC. The action has been slightly tempered given that the main rugby 2010-11 season is coming to a wrap ( save for the Bamburi Super Series).
  Last weekend semi-finals for the main tournament saw some upsets with Strathmore roping Mwamba in overtime while KCB made easy meal of hosts Impala. This represents a great outing for both finalists given their continued rise in the Kenyan rugby scene. For the former Strathmore with the exception of winning in the 7s circuit last season, this is a major upset and will stamp their presence. A triumph for them would be true icing for the college sides who operate under very tight schedules given the University calendar which comes first for most players.
  KCB on the other hand is out to avenge for the near misses in the Enterprise and if the intent shown in the semi-final is anything to go by they start as favourites for the exciting action under floodlights. Tomorrow is a date and we shall keep you posted. You can follow us on Twitter @sportskenya OR check the following for updates @maikwambo @kenyarugby247 and check for the hash-tag #ImpalaFloodies OR #ImpalaFloodlit

• Breaking News - Gor Mahia Finally lands Sponsorship

  Posted: April 13, 2011, 2:00 pm by SportsKenya

  Thanks to the social media platforms and my able brother @philipogola for this. Gor Mahia has finally broken the duck since the revamped KPL and secured sponsorship for the next two seasons. Reports coming through indicate the team has secured Tuzo ( manufactured by SpinKnit Dairy -which was bought out by Brookside a few years ago). Figures reported are KShs. 38 million but we shall give you the full details as and when confirmed.  Shirt sponsorship. This is the biggest of its kind in the game and promises an interesting season.
  
  
  NOTE:
  SpinKnit Dairy merged Brookside Milk and completed the merger last year. Brookside sponsors another KPL side Thika United and now with this sponsorship makes them the biggest corporate investor in the sport. Analysts say the Gor sponsorship is meant to build the brand Tuzo which has been on the decline in the last few months with the glut of milk processing firms in the country.
  Whatever is said, the sponsorship is hoped to build the club which has long been a sponsor's dilemma with the largest following in the country but also some of the most passionate fans & sometimes indisciplined fans.

• Volleyball...can the Girls be true Queens now?

  Posted: April 11, 2011, 9:48 pm by SportsKenya

  The continental volleyball scene is slowly becoming Kenya's mainstay. The club level shows this as the case but let's not be too happy for the time being. We have seen this before, our girls doing well on the continental platform but being dismal at the international engagements. As continental champs, the Confederation Africaine de Volleyball, CAVB needs to get its work cut out and send the team(s) for the necessary training camps of course with the national volleyball body working in close ties with them.
  It would be fair for the continent to come out and put a better performance in the Women's World Club Championships to be held in Qatar later this year. 5th out of 6 team is not a respectable position and though ambitious 3rd place is a possibility.
  Let's work towards that please Kenya Volleyball Federation and make the best for the continent as we have done in other sports. Well played though for Kenya Prisons winning the African club championships & Kenya Pipeline mustering a 2nd place too !

• Kenya v/s Angola - Africa Cup of Nations : Last Nail in the Coffin ???

  Posted: March 25, 2011, 12:14 pm by SportsKenya

  Its great to be patriotic and all but reality slaps you right back. This weekend international outings see Kenya hosting Angola at the jaded Nyayo National Stadium ( which shall have its sitting capacity ceiling at 20,000 for security and logistical reasons) for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifications.Pulling the tail at the other end of Group J after 2 games, Kenya's qualifications chances look like they might either be done or be revived. Pitting the team against Guinea-Bissau, Uganda and Angola looked almost a battle between the latter for topping the group. But playing away to Guinea and losing ; drawing to Uganda at home shows the frustration and tough road ahead for the team.Plagued also by the typical Kenyan management issues meaning that the team has played 2 games and a 3rd one under different coaches, along with a blunt front-line means it is not an easy outing. The pedigree from the Angola team cannot be overlooked but let's hope our Kenyan boys are not over-awed (Uganda handed them a comfortable 3-0 outing at home in Sept 2010.With the Kenyan squad being  full-house on the day, there are no more excuses to hide behind. Get out, play your hearts out or this will be the last chance of making the continental challenge!
  USE(FUL/LESS) FACTS:- Nyayo National Stadium has never been a favourite hunting ground for the national team. The venue seems to be jinxed, from fans and security issues to the often uneven playing field. The last good result being against Zimbabwe winning 2-0 in 2008.- Which colour of jerseys shall the team be wearing this time? That has also been quite inconsistent though there's the white with red trimmings from Adidas ( we've never known the value of the sponsorship deal).- Kenya fans have never had a rallying call for their national team in football. They've always aped their rugby ones and lack some identity. Anyone out there with some ideas? (& not the nonsense of ...mapambano,mapambano...)
  

• Kenya Karate host the World in Malindi for International Club Championships

  Posted: March 15, 2011, 2:41 pm by SportsKenya

  Martial arts in many a parts of the world has been popularised since the 1970s and 1980s thanks to the Oriental movies with the likes of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Hollywood actors like  Jean Claude van Damme and Wesley Snipes. Most often than not it is a young boy's dream to be able to throw those kicks and punches but with the discipline and rigorous training, it is never anyone's cup of tea.
  

  Karate in Kenya - Image courtesy of www.mullychildrensfamily.org

  
  This month (March 25th -31st ,2011) though, the Kenya Karate Federation is about to make many dreams come true for the hundreds who put in days and months of training at their local clubs.  Having won the bid to host the International Karate Club Championships last year, the Federation is making a good case for non-traditional Kenyan sports. The unsung truth though is that Kenya has achieved favourable continental success in another technique of martial arts Tae-kwo-ndo with a couple of medals in the last 15 years or so at the All-Africa Games and major tournaments.The tragedy (as is usually the case in Kenyan sports) is that not much investment has been made in inculcating these disciplines into the fabric of not just your common man on the street but the youth and sports clubs around the country. Most of these have the sport more for fitness or defensive training - which makes it quite popular with disciplined forces and security firms.However, the Kenya Karate Federation which has had past luminaries such as Karimbhai, and with its current Chairman media-savvy Caleb Atemi (who previously worked with NSSF) are hoping to endear themselves to Kenyan martial arts enthusiasts with the upcoming club championships. Incorporating the kata and kumite  forms of the Karate (Shotokan) form of art, they are sights to behold and worth watching. Hoping to secure funds from the major Kenyan corporate firms and a media partner, the club championships will be used as a training and selection platform for the Kenyan national team for the All Africa Games. The championships shall be held at the Blue Marlin Hotel in Malindi. We at SportsKenya hope to send one of our contributors( where possible) and capture a few interesting stories from that side of town. For more info, check this link.
  
  COMPASSION NOTE:
  Seeing as it is, this sport originated from the Orients with Japan being a focal point. With the latest double tragedy of earthquake and tsunami, our prayers to those affected. We also hope as one of the proponents Sensei Gichen Funakoshi sought to spread the art across the world to counter loss of Japanese clubs , teachers and students. For those who can make it, Kenya and indeed the world shall forever be endeared to your participation.
  

• Sports Bill – Kenyan Cabinet makes landmark approval

  Posted: March 11, 2011, 12:05 am by SportsKenya

  For many a sports administrator and entrepreneur, the Kenyan sporting scene has for the longest time operated quite rudderless. In 2002 though a Sports Bill was drafted by some of the key stakeholders in sport with some involvement too from the legislators who felt it was about time sports management was more organised in the country.Successive ministries in the then new Government came and went without having put the Bill forward for approval by the Cabinet and thus it almost became another piece for the Archives. However one of the pledges the current Minister made was to table the Bill for discussion by the Cabinet. Now it may have been slightly overtaken by events and some of the aspects also may not have much bearing in sport for the country. By and large though most of the proposals made in the Bill will forever change sport for good. These include;

  • -       Setting up a Trust Fund for development of sport through a national sports lottery;
  • -       Establishment of a Kenya Sports Institute;
  • -       Regulation of sports organisations ( federations, associations and unions alike);
  • -   Formation of a Sports Development Authority 

  
  Hoping our heavily politicised legislators put the interest of the country, we hope the Bill shall get the necessary support (and maybe some meaningful amendments) and eventually pass into Law. They shall bestow to Kenyan sport a landmark law that will ensure our success locally and even internationally in the very near future.  

• Retro TV Ads, before Cigarette Ads were Banned - Sportsman

  Posted: March 2, 2011, 8:08 pm by SportsKenya

  Retro TV Ads, before Cigarette Ads were Banned - Sportsman

• Bloggers v/s Journalists...a take on the sports scene in Kenya

  Posted: March 2, 2011, 4:31 pm by SportsKenya

  The ongoing tirade in social media circles reminds us of the Former Chief Justice of Kenya, Mr Benard Chunga, who got worked-up by an 'experts' report and was, caught on national TV saying:
  
  "Experts on what, for what, about what? What are they experts for?"This same line could be used by some of the journalists in the last couple of weeks who have felt like bloggers are ‘raining on their parade’. Not to bore you with the rants, we shall tackle it from the sports point of view. One of the reasons this blog was started was because sports journalists and reporters (in our thinking there are very few sports analysts in the country, hence most media house have reporters who do just that ...report) were lacking in their presentation of sports news to their audiences.
  This has improved to some extent with some media houses seeking to involve practitioners in the respective sports such as rugby, football to engage in briefs every once in awhile. But as for generation of local sports content, there is still a lot of ground to cover. We have no media house willing to take up exclusive sportscasting and none still has a dedicate channel for sports (Radio Africa Group has a semblance of a sports radio station but is usually relegated to football more than any other sport – there has also been mixed reactions from advertisers regarding their editorial policy, some asking if they could switch to socio-economic and health issues).TVAlmost all the TV stations have perfected the art of sending a cameraman who shoots clips which end up being ‘super-edited’ making them least relevant to the audience. If in cases where they have another media house’s clip such as SuperSport, BBC Sport or others, they end up showing unnecessary scenes which do not add value to the audience.As for live coverage, most media houses have invested in OB vans but are usually denied coverage by the more monied pay TV channels. Initiatives such as that by Nation Media Group to focus on youth tournaments are laudable but still lacking in creativity and appeal.Some like Citizen TV & KTN have once in awhile tried producing local sports digest programmes which again filter away due to lack of investment in local sports content. These are also usually deplete of any meaningful visual effects and creative presentation. RadioMost radio stations have adopted the ‘live coverage’ of some sports such as football and rugby, but in most cases the same journos are viewing this in their studio beamed from cable and pay channels- not much creativity there. As for coverage of local sporting activity, there has been marked improvement, though it’s usually knee-jerk and not always consistent. This is relegated to the weekends, fine for most sports enthusiasts. As for expertise in those sports, the best they do is have interviews and funny opinion shows and polls which irritate more than serve the purpose of analysing and remedying the sports world.
  PrintWe still wonder how foreign content gets well over 75% on a daily basis while we have local sports that can make up for that. True our sports world is still small compared to more developed countries, but we have issues that can be tackled better – management, youth development, local leagues, pundits, sports business and marketing, sports events bidding and hosting etc.Some dailies have pull-outs such as the Daily Nation on Monday – but this comes and goes depending on the editorial policy of the day. The Standard had also started some analytical bits on sports and business but these faded as the paper even readjusted their ‘upside-down’ look (where had that come from anyway?)Others have simply lost it, The Star in particular dedicates almost 3 pages to English and European football. OK we know Kenyans love those leagues but surely aren’t you doing a disservice to the local league if you cannot dedicate the same coverage and additional stories? In fact, most sports journalists seem to be more of ‘experts’ in the international leagues than our local scene.Back in the 1970s and 80s, it was exciting to read old rivalries like the AFC-Gor, Motcom-Kenya Breweries, Faisal-Scarlet in our dailies. True the local football game sunk in the 90s and early 2000s but that’s why you have a job, make our case and keep it relevant, if I want to know about Bolton, I can easily log on to the EPL but help me know more about Karuturi Sports, Posta Rangers and Sofapaka na kadhalika.For some of the disciplines, an expert (be it a former player or manager) would be much better writing about it than a journalist. I have seen some lift word-for-word what some blogs write and do not even bother to acknowledge their sources.It is sad that most of the journalists never make use of their wealth of resources – from the libraries, the archives (not just Kenyan National Archives but their own), former players and managers, and even the Internet.We have a couple of sports writers who we shall not name since we don't want to appear to sell their agenda on this forum. They have grown in the industry and every so often, point us in the right direction in engaging with our audiences. Blogs in Sport

  Photo by Fred Glo

  
  It is without a doubt that sports bloggers in Kenya (though few) have proved their worth in reportage and coverage of sport – even with such meagre resources. Experts we may not be labelled as such yet but we’ve shaken the order of things and suddenly media houses have taken notice. True our editorial policy at times borders on the absurd but that’s what makes sports interesting. These tools have also made it much easier for one to write what they see, believe is good for sport and also remedy situations. We have cases where sports officials have asked for our assistance to help make their sport better and we gladly oblige.We have also seen some media houses try to co-opt bloggers into their establishments (The Star with James Murua & Grace Kerongo and recently Capital FM with ArcherMishale while others have tried making their regular  columnists as blogs (*Fail...) but none has tried the same in the sporting world.
  It is necessary for sports journalists to accept the changes in media and either go with the flow or join it. The Internet is both a medium and a way of dissemination of content. Obviously it has ‘democratised’ how we communicate with our audiences and affected the bottom line (read ad revenues) but the smart people are busy understanding and trying to monetise these tools not mourning over it. And as one behemoth media owner would say “new times demand new journalism...(the) challenge is to take the best of traditional journalism...and combine it with the best of contemporary technology” – well put Sir!

• Brazilian EA Expo - Samba comes to town...

  Posted: February 28, 2011, 7:56 pm by SportsKenya

  In March 2011, the Brazilian EA Expo comes to Nairobi with a flurry of activities mainly on the sports arena. The finals of the Kenya Youth Football League which started in January 2011 comes to an end ; there shall be coaching clinics held by 4-6 Brazilian tacticians ; a Brazilian football club shall play a Kenyan counter-part with a Samba troupe expected to grace either or two of these occasions.
  

  Brazilian Samba Dancers - image courtesy of www.flirkr.com

  
  Along with this, there shall be a Brazilian art display at the KICC. This shall take place from the 26th of March 2011. Organisers of this event include BrazGroup (which has an interesting name featured, one Maina Kariuki - wonder whether it's the former KFF Chair?), Sadili Oval - a local youth talent development centre; along with EA Brazil Limited ; the Brazilian Embassy in Kenya and Carlson Wagonlit Travel. For more details, you can check the details here.

• ‘Richest’ Football Clubs in Kenya's Premier League

  Posted: February 28, 2011, 7:35 pm by SportsKenya

  KPL 2010-11 season has started and came in fast. For some of the clubs, it is a great start and others have been laying the necessary groundwork for their season onslaught. Besides recruiting and changing their technical management, some clubs have also sought to boost their financials in a bid to attract the best of talent. We take a look at some of the clubs that maybe regarded as ‘rich’ – and we use this term in loosely since their financials are shrouded in secrecy, and most have not accounted for their match-day revenues and ticketing revenues. Others are also not clear on their sponsorship packages. Here are the estimates;
  
  Mathare United FC – having started out as an outreach programme for youth in the Nairobi slum of Mathare, they have become a regular feature in the Kenya Premier League since moving up 6 years ago. They have also produced some of the best Kenyan footballing talent represented by their best example so far, Dennis Oliech. Under the leadership of Mr. Bob Munro (one among the brains behind the Kenya Premier League and heavily influences football agenda in the country), the club has managed to lure corporate sponsorship to the tune of US$ 437,500 (approx. KShs. 30 million) in the last 2 years. Their other sources of merchandising and ticketing are not clearly outlined but this wouldn’t be more than 10 % of total revenues. Add in the KPL/SuperSport TV airing bonuses and yearly grant of about US$7,000.
  (Estimated Total Revenue: US$ 478,500; for 2010-11)
  AFC Leopards FC – this is strictly by the sponsorship figure of approx US$187,500 announced early February 2011 from Mumias Sugar. They also got sponsorship from health service provider Africa Air Rescue (AAR) to the tune of US$ 18750. Last season, the club had secured under controversial circumstances some US$ 3750 (about KShs.300,000). The club also has a fairly tidy following but has not been able to translate this to good performances on the pitch much to the chagrin of their faithful. If they do find their winning ways, they are bound to reap big on the ticketing and merchandising. They may also need to resolve their management issues which might affect revenue inflows.
  (Estimated Total Revenue: US$ 233,875; for 2010-11)
  Thika United – the most popular side from Central Kenya has the support of one of Kenya’s food processing firm’s -  Brookside Limited’s funds to back its operations. Though not fully confirmed, the amount for the past season was approx. US$ 187,500 (and US$ 37,500 had been promised for top 3 finish which never happened). The club had also signed a kit sponsorship with Umbro between 2003-6 but no details of financials passing hands. The club has some followership in the town of origin and records good crowds both at home and away.
  (Estimated Total Revenue: US$ 206,250; for 2010-11)
  Sofapaka FC – this club made history in the 2008-9, coming through from the lower rung of the Nationwide League and winning the KPL title only its debut season. It has been able to become a feature in the last 2 seasons, thanks in part to their eccentric Elly Kalekwa – who’s also Chair of the KPL. They secured 3-year sponsorship from EA Portland Cement worth approx. US$ 150,000. They won the 2009 title securing US $ 19,000 in the process. They also won the SuperSport/DSTV Super Cup –the season’s curtain-raiser earning US$ 9375. Add another measly US$ 1250 for winning the Kenya Cup (Kenya’s equivalent of the FA Cup) and TV rights and merchandising as well as matchday revenues.
  (Estimated Total Rev: US$ 197,587.50; for 2010-11) 
  Ulinzi Stars – the army outfit is mainly made up of servicemen serving in the Kenyan Army. They have a disciplined side which surprised everyone last season to take top honours. Enjoying financial support mainly from the Kenya Army (in extension through the Defense Ministry – Govt of Kenya), the club winnings make up most of their revenues. Their loss to Zamalek means their earning power at continental championships is all but over. For winning the title, they got US$ 19,000 (KShs. 1.5 million), along with US$ 7000 (approx. KShs.0.6mill) as KPL mandatory pay-out for TV and media rights. They have not attracted any corporate sponsor though.
  (Estimated Total Rev: US$ 52,000; for 2010-11)
  Other Notable Mentions;Gor Mahia FC – this is the club with the largest and most passionate (and also once in awhile unruly) fan base. Though unsubstantiated, 'Sirikal' as they often refer themselves as are said to have earned US$ 13,482.5(about KShs. 1.0786 million) from merchandising alone last season. They have not managed to secure a corporate sponsor even with an able management team, but there are reports that this may soon change. They also attract good match-day collections across the spectrum for home and away games. {Add another US$ 19,200 or KShs. 1,536,000 for the sale of George ' Blackberry' Odhiambo to Danish side Rangers FC}
  Tusker FC – the club has enjoyed a sweet-sour relationship with the brand it represents Tusker. The mother company of Tusker EABL has been cutting down on sports sponsorship and the club was among those affected. The support though is still there but no figures have been declared. The team has managed respectable positions and last year finished 3^rd from the top.
  KCB FC – this is another corporate club which has the support of Kenya Commercial Bank through its KCB Sports Sponsorship – the wing which supports sports sponsorship for the firm. It is also not confirmed how much they secure annually though KCB Sports reports over US$ 250,000 ( KShs. 20 million) for the different sports disciplines – basketball, rallying, rugby and volleyball.
  Karuturi Sports – the club was previously known as Sher Agencies and is among those that graduated from the Nationwide League in 2002-03. The club is fully owned by Karuturi flowers which is 100% owned by the Indian Karuturi company. No figures are available for scrutiny.
  Nairobi City Stars – the club has its base in the outskirts of the city, in another slum Kawangare (which also gives it its previous names, Kawangare Stars and World Hope FC). It has some connection with former Kenyan football hero Musa Otieno, through Musa Otieno Foundation. Last year it had been rumoured to secure corporate sponsorship from Orange Telkom but the deal seems to have fallen off the rails. 
  From the figures, there is great potential for clubs which have been performing consistently. If a club such as Gor Mahia can achieve a tidy figure from merchandising, the clubs can exploit this with the right focus and business acumen. It is also to be seen how the TV rights can be enhanced though still tightly controlled by SuperSport/DSTv. The clubs also need to raise their performances at the local, regional and continental level. This will guarantee greater followers from the local and maybe across the borders. Why can't we have our own SA's Orlando Pirates, Ghana's Hearts of Oaks, or DRC's TP Mazembe? 
  
  

• KPL 2010-11 season has started and came ...

  Posted: February 28, 2011, 7:34 pm by SportsKenya

  KPL 2010-11 season has started and came in fast. For some of the clubs, it is a great start and others have been laying the necessary groundwork for their season onslaught. Besides recruiting and changing their technical management, some clubs have also sought to boost their financials in a bid to attract the best of talent. We take a look at some of the clubs that maybe regarded as ‘rich’ – and we use this term in loosely since their financials are shrouded in secrecy, and most have not accounted for their match-day revenues and ticketing revenues. Others are also not clear on their sponsorship packages. Here are the estimates;
  Mathare United FC – having started out as an outreach programme for youth in the Nairobi slum of Mathare, they have become a regular feature in the Kenya Premier League since moving up 6 years ago. They have also produced some of the best Kenyan footballing talent represented by their best example so far, Dennis Oliech. Under the leadership of Mr. Bob Munro (one among the brains behind the Kenya Premier League and heavily influences football agenda in the country), the club has managed to lure corporate sponsorship to the tune of US$ 437,500 (approx. KShs. 30 million) in the last 2 years. Their other sources of merchandising and ticketing are not clearly outlined but this wouldn’t be more than 10 % of total revenues. Add in the KPL/SuperSport TV airing bonuses and yearly grant of about US$7,000.
  (Estimated Total Revenue: US$ 478,500; for 2010-11)
  AFC Leopards FC – this is strictly by the sponsorship figure of approx US$187,500 announced early February 2011 from Mumias Sugar. They also got sponsorship from health service provider Africa Air Rescue (AAR) to the tune of US$ 18750. Last season, the club had secured under controversial circumstances some US$ 3750 (about KShs.300,000). The club also has a fairly tidy following but has not been able to translate this to good performances on the pitch much to the chagrin of their faithful. If they do find their winning ways, they are bound to reap big on the ticketing and merchandising. They may also need to resolve their management issues which might affect revenue inflows.
  (Estimated Total Revenue: US$ 233,875; for 2010-11)
  Thika United – the most popular side from Central Kenya has the support of one of Kenya’s food processing firm’s -  Brookside Limited’s funds to back its operations. Though not fully confirmed, the amount for the past season was approx. US$ 187,500 (and US$ 37,500 had been promised for top 3 finish which never happened). The club had also signed a kit sponsorship with Umbro between 2003-6 but no details of financials passing hands. The club has some followership in the town of origin and records good crowds both at home and away.
  (Estimated Total Revenue: US$ 206,250; for 2010-11)
  Sofapaka FC – this club made history in the 2008-9, coming through from the lower rung of the Nationwide League and winning the KPL title only its debut season. It has been able to become a feature in the last 2 seasons, thanks in part to their eccentric Elly Kalekwa – who’s also Chair of the KPL. They secured 3-year sponsorship from EA Portland Cement worth approx. US$ 150,000. They won the 2009 title securing US $ 19,000 in the process. They also won the SuperSport/DSTV Super Cup –the season’s curtain-raiser earning US$ 9375. Add another measly US$ 1250 for winning the Kenya Cup (Kenya’s equivalent of the FA Cup) and TV rights and merchandising as well as matchday revenues.
  (Estimated Total Rev: US$ 197,587.50; for 2010-11) 
  Ulinzi Stars – the army outfit is mainly made up of servicemen serving in the Kenyan Army. They have a disciplined side which surprised everyone last season to take top honours. Enjoying financial support mainly from the Kenya Army (in extension through the Defense Ministry – Govt of Kenya), the club winnings make up most of their revenues. Their loss to Zamalek means their earning power at continental championships is all but over. For winning the title, they got US$ 19,000 (KShs. 1.5 million), along with US$ 7000 (approx. KShs.0.6mill) as KPL mandatory pay-out for TV and media rights. They have not attracted any corporate sponsor though.
  (Estimated Total Rev: US$ 52,000; for 2010-11)
  Other Notable Mentions;Gor Mahia FC – this is the club with the largest and most passionate (and also once in awhile unruly) fan base. Though unsubstantiated, 'Sirikal' as they often refer themselves as are said to have earned US$ 13,482.5(about KShs. 1.0786 million) from merchandising alone last season. They have not managed to secure a corporate sponsor even with an able management team, but there are reports that this may soon change. They also attract good match-day collections across the spectrum for home and away games.
  Tusker FC – the club has enjoyed a sweet-sour relationship with the brand it represents Tusker. The mother company of Tusker EABL has been cutting down on sports sponsorship and the club was among those affected. The support though is still there but no figures have been declared. The team has managed respectable positions and last year finished 3^rd from the top.
  KCB FC – this is another corporate club which has the support of Kenya Commercial Bank through its KCB Sports Sponsorship – the wing which supports sports sponsorship for the firm. It is also not confirmed how much they secure annually though KCB Sports reports over US$ 250,000 ( KShs. 20 million) for the different sports disciplines – basketball, rallying, rugby and volleyball.
  Karuturi Sports – the club was previously known as Sher Agencies and is among those that graduated from the Nationwide League in 2002-03. The club is fully owned by Karuturi flowers which is 100% owned by the Indian Karuturi company. No figures are available for scrutiny.
  Nairobi City Stars – the club has its base in the outskirts of the city, in another slum Kawangare (which also gives it its previous names, Kawangare Stars and World Hope FC). It has some connection with former Kenyan football hero Musa Otieno, through Musa Otieno Foundation. Last year it had been rumoured to secure corporate sponsorship from Orange Telkom but the deal seems to have fallen off the rails. 
  From the figures, there is great potential for clubs which have been performing consistently. If a club such as Gor Mahia can achieve a tidy figure from merchandising, the clubs can exploit this with the right focus and business acumen. It is also to be seen how the TV rights can be enhanced though still tightly controlled by SuperSport/DSTv. The clubs also need to raise their performances at the local, regional and continental level. This will guarantee greater followers from the local and maybe across the borders. Why can't we have our own SA's Orlando Pirates, Ghana's Hearts of Oaks, or DRC's TP Mazembe? 
  
  

• KPL & Gor Mahia fans: Take control before you lose football fans’ credibility

  Posted: February 27, 2011, 8:54 pm by SportsKenya

  The weekend saw the start of the 2011-12 Kenya Premier League after a well-deserved break. A look at most the fixtures scheduled for the first 2 days looked more or less like foregone conclusions - except for the Mathare United v/s Sofapaka & AFC Leopards v/sTusker FC fixtures.Our interest though is in a fixture that most pundits had given to favourite Gor Mahia – who enjoy fanatical following from their fans. It was against newly promoted but without corporate sponsor, (Posta) Rangers. Come the start of the match and you would have been wrong to think the other way round. By the half-time break, Rangers were 2-0 up and deservedly so. Into the 82^nd minute, they crown an unassailable lead and the Gor Mahia fans who were all along taunting the female linesperson start throwing missiles into the pitch. Soon one of the barriers is down & they are running into the pitch.For the safety of the players, the referee calls off the game and the police are called in and as usually happens when they come in throw tear-gas to disperse the rowdy fans. Last year, the Gor Mahia fans were among the most flamboyant and loyal fans following their team towns such as Thika, Naivasha and Nakuru. They are among the loudest and most organized of fans for any football team playing in the KPL. But they can also lose their cool and control at the first signs of a loss. Last year they forced other clubs fans all sorts of taunts at times even snatching their tools of trade. During a late match-up between Gor and AFC Leopards, we all remember what happened though more blame would go the Sports Stadia Management Board, security and ticketing arrangements.Hooligans (because at best that’s what we would describe the game), have been known to cost many leagues across the world their attraction. The English, Italian and Spanish have been some of the more prominent ones and have come up with stringent measures to ensure the rule of the game is observed on the pitch and off it.Fans in this part of the world had deserted the stadiums but with last year’s lure they came back in small trickles before coming back in bigger droves towards the end of the League. Over the break many clubs have registered official fans clubs and you can find them in social media channels for your favourite club.But they too must learn the rules of the game and unfortunately the very club(s) they support suffer first. Our suggestion once investigations are finalized( hope hastily), is first dock points (between 5-9) of course losing the game they disrupted, play 2-3 ‘home’ games without fans and also pay a cash penalty. This will ensure club officials are able to manage the fans, isolate and discipline the unruly ones. KPL also needs to buttress the security arrangements available in the stadiums. From what happened on Saturday, the melee would have had severe casualties and the stadium would once again stare upon another ban from either CAF or FIFA. Officiating also needs to be raised a notch higher. The charade of referees and linesmen giving contentious decisions will only incense fans who look for the slightest provocation. We have not had the best of officials coming from our country but this can be changed this season.All in all, why should a whole League be held ransom by a group of fans from a single club?

• Top Earning Sports Personalities in Kenya in 2010

  Posted: February 24, 2011, 4:19 pm by SportsKenya

  Sport in Kenya has slowly become bread and butter for people fully engaged in it professionally. Fondly referred to by its peers as a ‘sporting nation’, the fact of the matter though is that much of the earnings are lop-sided with the one sport (athletics) accounting for almost 70% of total earnings.
  The other sport, football also has two individuals sitting among the top earners but they ply their trade overseas with little or no earnings from the local scene. It is also worth noting that some sporting disciplines have been able to attract major sponsorships as a discipline but the trickle-down effect to the players has not been reflected. This is the case in golf and rugby which enjoyed in excess of KShs 1 billion and 0.5 billion respectively.
  However going by the winnings, appearance fees and maybe some endorsement figures (throw ad revenues in there) and this is our list, in no particular order (most of these are estimates as actual figures are not easily availed here). We hope to inspire the budding talent waiting in the wings to take these individuals places;
  
  

  Mariga - Image courtesy of www.inter.it 1. McDonald Mariga – having transferred to the Italian club Inter Milan from Parma mid-way last season, he was part of the 2010 UEFA Champions League, Italian League and Italian Cup title wins last year. Add with the heavily criticized ad and endorsement with UAP Insurance and Coca-Cola Kenya

  {Estimates: $12,000,000 p.a., excl, bonuses and endorsements}
  2. Samuel Wanjiru – winning the Chicago Marathon (prize money & time bonuses of US$ 115,000); as well as earning an appearance fee of an average of US$ 250,000. He also won the World Marathon Majors 2009-10 getting US$ 500,000. There is the sponsorship deal with Meiji Seika sponsorship deal ( makers of sports supplement Savas) worth US$ 3 million spread over 10 years signed in 2008
  
  {Estimates:  US$ 500,000 for World Marathon title, US$ 115,000 prize money & bonus in Chicago, Appearance fees average of US$ 250,000 & US$ 300,000 per year for next 10 years from 2008-2018}
  3. Dennis Oliech – he also plies his trade in Europe thus he has some sizeable income from the French League. He has not had much in endorsements both locally and abroad due to his initial big-headedness and national team mishaps. He has mellowed now and recently signed an extension contract with French club AJ Auxerre.
  
  {Estimates:  between US$ 870,000 – 12,000,000 p.a.}
  4. David Rudisha –the darling of the athletics world last year and Kenyans gave him a hell of a vote (online) and won the IAAF Male Sports Athlete of the Year; he also won a couple of races on the IAAF Diamond League of course attracting some bonuses as he broke the record twice in the space of one week
  
  {Estimates: US$ 100,000 for World Athlete of the Year 2010, US$ 40,000 from IAAF Diamond League, undisclosed appearance and record breaking fees}
  

  Nancy L- Gold medal 2010 CWG- New Delhi

  5. Nancy Jebet Langat – she had a mixed year, being part of the winners of the inaugural IAAF Diamond League and also winning a Commonwealth gold ( some pickings from the government for winners can be added up); also won the Sports Personality of the Year Award-Kenya Female - 2010 edition 
  
  {Estimates: US$ 40,000 IAAF Diamond League winnings, US$ 6,250 for 2010 SOYA Lady winner, Govt bonus from 2010 Commonwealth Gold medal}
  
  
  5.    Other special mentions;6. Mary Keitany – women half marathon specialists, won the World Half Marathon title in 2009, 2010 Abu Dhabi Half Marathon and Ras al Khaimah Half Marathon ( where she broke the world record this year){Estimates: US$ 357,740 in prize money, appearance fees and record-breaking bonuses7. Edna Kiplagat – winner of 2010 Los Angeles Marathon and New York Marathon{Estimates: US$ 303,000}8. Wilson K. Kiprotich – marathoner{Estimates: US$ 197,010}
  

  Robert K. Cheruiyot - 2010 Boston Marathon Winner

  
  9. Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot – winner of 2010 Boston Marathon, quoted saying he would buy 50 more cows from his prize money of US$ 175,000{Estimates: US$ 175, 545}
  

• Rugby: Kenya Cup - Gulf between clubs, food for thought KRU....

  Posted: February 21, 2011, 8:05 pm by SportsKenya

  Rugby has easily become a favourite sport for most Kenyans thanks to the exploits of the national 7s team. For the more ardent fan though there is the 15-a-side clubs circuit in the name of Kenya Cup. We also have the Super Series which has 5 ( or 8 franchises depending on whether the 2 from Uganda; 1 from Tanzania do participate) - in fact this year's Series comes in the next 2 months as the rugby calendar changes to accomodate the Safari Sevens which shall be played in November ( hoping to attract top seeds from the IRB circuit).
  

  Kenya Harlequins 2011 Winners  -  Captain Victor Sudi all smiles with Kenya Cup Image courtesy of www.bcnn5.com

  
  Back to the club game though, a causally look at the Kenya Cup standings shows some rift between the clubs. This is the case that the winners Kenya Harlequins won the Cup with 2 games to spare. The 2nd and 3rd placed KCB and Impala clubs had looked like they would challenge Quins for 'Okombe' but the steam ran out by early January with both teams losing fixtures they would have won to take the chase to the wire. It was interesting that last weekend the bottom 2 teams were fighting for survival as one of the teams drops to the Eric Shirley Shield for 2nd tier teams of the national rugby circuit.
  Doesn't this show some big gulf between the top and bottom teams? It is true that the level of investment and corporate sponsorship attracted by some of the clubs puts them at a slightly better advantage than others. It is also fair to say that some clubs have been raided by the more 'affluent' ones thus losing their best to these teams.
  This ought to be some food for thought for Kenya Rugby Union as they hope to give the Kenya Cup some better form of competitiveness. There is no use for teams to graduate to the upper levels but are ill-prepared more established ones. It is only fair if there is some form of equitable spread of investment. The clubs also need to show more inclusive managerial and tactical improvements. The 15s game is looking up following some good fixtures for the national team in the Enterprise and Victoria Cups. If this is to be sustained, the clubs need invest more in their technical and other necessary investments as may be needed to realise the success.
  We should not be under any illusion that the success of a few clubs is good for the winners as it kills any form of competition and the same old same old names are staying up there ( a quick look at the list in the last 40 years, shows only 3 teams have won the Kenya Cup...hmmm...).
  
  All the same, we look forward to some interesting games at both the 2011 Bamburi Super Series and Impala Floodlites.

• Kenya can retain World Cross-Country Championship title(s)...

  Posted: February 21, 2011, 6:16 pm by SportsKenya

  The national championships for the Cross Country usually serve as a measure of what to expect from the Kenyan team at the continental and even more important World Cross Country championships. Last year witnessed a return to winning ways for both individual and team honours after fighting off the Ethiopian - led by Kenenisa Bekele ( and to a smaller extent, Eritrean Zerseney Tedesse) challenges. Some may argue that the wins came about since the main threats had withdrawn which is still the case this year for Bekele.
  

  2011 World Cross-Country Championships - Punta Umbria - Logo courtesy of www.iaaf.org

  
  
  Well this year the selection seems to have gotten some well-tested legs for repeating the feat. From the senior men to junior women, the team to Punta Umbria -Spain looks quite formidable for the task ahead. The challenge as expected will come from the Ethiopians and lately Ugandans who seem to be catching up at least at individual level.
  With Athletics Kenya easily being the most liquid of sports associations in the country, will have no excuses for letting any of these titles slip. The continental championships will most likely serve as a good curtain-raiser to help get the team into shape (though they don't need to show their hand fully to their opponents).
  Teams:
  Senior Men (12km)
  1. Geoffrey Mutai
  2. Matthew Kisorio
  3. Vincent Kiprop
  
  Senior Women (8km)
  1. Linet Masai
  2. Vivian Cheruiyot
  3. Prisca Jepteling
  
  Junior Men (8km)
  1. Isaiah Koech
  2. Justin Cheruiyot
  3. Philemon Yator
  
  Junior Women (6km)
  1. Janet Kisia
  2. Jepkorir Kipkoech
  3. Faith Chepngetich
  
  We shall be watching as the breeding grounds for future world beaters is unveiled in Spain. 20th March 2011, mark your calendars people!

• Cricket: If Kenya continues with this state, ICC was justified in reducing World Cup playing countries

  Posted: February 21, 2011, 1:15 pm by SportsKenya

  A few days to the start of the tournament, the International Cricket Council indicated that they were hoping to cut down on the number of teams playing in the Cricket World Cup to have 10 nations ( effectively this restricts the WC to Test playing countries eliminating the Associate members from the prestigious event). And from the first game by Kenya against New Zealand, the ICC may feel justified in its proposals.
  

  Kenyan Cricket team captain Jimmy Kamande rides on rickshaw during Opening ceremony of 2011 Cricket World Cup

  For the last 5 years, the Kenyan cricket game has deteriorated to its nadir and the showing in the World Cup is not surprising. Even in the run-up to the World Cup the team played some warm up matches which it performed well below par. Cricket Kenya has tried to cover up major weaknesses in the team and the local League has all but gone to the dogs.
  Infighting by the officials has meant that instead of the country fighting for Test playing status, it has been reduced to surviving in the Associate membership status ( this means we have had less One-Day Internationals and performed measly in the Twenty20 tournament. Remember Zimbabwe was suspended as a Test playing nation and technically Kenya would have been in good stead to succeed them). We currently languish in the 15th out of 17th nations in the Twenty20 standings. Surely we can do better than this.
  An article by Martin Williamson on ESPN Cricinfo carefully analyses the way we have neglected our local game leading to the detriment of international showing. If we come out of this World Cup with a win, it will be out of sheer grit and not any investment made in the team. Have to recall some old hands for the tournament meant Cricket Kenya was really not sure of itself. It may also explain the reason why local media houses have not bothered to air any of the games live ( for fear of showing embarrassing scenes from the Asian sub-continent).
  It's tragic when a sport has some much potential and the corresponding sports association dithers to make any meaningful investment. Even when the ICC has tried guiding our association, the Kenyan officials have not made any efforts to that effect.
  We shall watch the rest of the tournament, albeit to enjoy the gentleman's game.
  
  In Other News:
  No local company wanted association with our boys, and it took the Indian company Karuturi Global Limited to see sense in shirt sponsoring them, what happened? Is it because they do not like what they see at Cricket Kenya or their target market doesn't exist in the Indian sub-continent? (Remember Indian companies have been making in-roads into the African continent, it would only be fair if we at least returned the favour by making some effort. Barbs to Kenyan corporates!)

• Football : Shirt Sponsorships-Are Kenyan teams getting their worth?

  Posted: February 17, 2011, 1:28 pm by SportsKenya

  The off-season has had quite a flurry of activity and the teams have been busy making this and that deal to secure the best interests for their own before the kick-off of the new season by end of February, when the 2011 Kenya Premier League (KPL) season kicks off.
  Kicking off? Most teams seem to be kicking themselves instead and have not quite endeared themselves to the Kenyan corporate world. Some of the others who have, have done so for a pittance and not quite exploited their qualities and potential for the deals.
  

  Real Betis Sample Shirt - courtesy of www.footballtops.co.uk

  
  While some may argue that the teams do not warrant shirt sponsorship, there is quite some good that would be done to their financial position if this was secured albeit for  the short term ( short term here being 2-3 years). In a League too that is still learning the commercial bits of the game, clubs such as Mathare United and Sofapaka have led the way in trying to get as much support from corporates as possible. Mathare United alone has secured G4S around $125,000 (KShs. 10 million) and Real Insurance's $ 62,500( KShs.5 million).
  A cursory look at the 16 teams making up the KPL sees that almost 75% of the teams do not have a shirt sponsor from the strictest sense of the trade. For clubs to be assured of better revenues, they badly need to make corporates make these deals. Of course having their own management issues resolved is the first part- something most clubs are yet to do. Famous clubs such as Gor Mahia is yet to secure a shirt sponsor, though much has been in the works in the last 6 months to see this through.
  It is also important for the marketing departments in most of the Kenyan corporates to find better channels of getting visibility instead of the usual trades of roadshows, ugly billboards and expensive media ads. Finding this might take time but as is usually the case when one corporate firm does something, others follow suit and copy this.
  In European Leagues, shirt sponsorships account for about 2-10% of total revenues for most clubs.This comes after the earliest real commercial sponsorship deal signed in 1976 between Bayern Munich and  Kettering Tyres. It also endears the club fans more to the club and almost positively seek to identify themselves with the brands that sponsor the club.
  Even the most famous club Barcelona was forced to rescind a long-held tradition of not having a shirt sponsor ( currently they have the UNICEF logo for which they pay approx $2.4 million per year for charity) to the biggest deal starting in 2011-12 season with the Qatari Foundation worth around $ 204 million ( remember Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup so you see where they are coming from....).
  Back here, it will serve well if the football game gets more of the clubs to invest in commercial interests and seek partnership with corporates to achieve financial stability. Of course it shall not be smooth sailing but the clubs, players, corporate world and the game in general shall all enjoy the success. It would also spread the revenue streams that Kenyan clubs badly need.  Get your worth before the season starts!
  
  Top 10 Shirt Sponsorship Deals:
  1. Barcelona:- (approx) $34 Million p.a; 5 yr - Qatari Foundation
  2. Bayern Munich:-       $32.096 mill p.a; 3 yr - Deutsche Telekom
  3. Manchester United :- $27.2 mill p.a; 4 yr - AON
  4. Liverpool :-               $27.2 mill p.a; 4 yr - StanChart Bank
  5. Real Madrid :-          $22.848 mill p.a; 3 yr - Bwin
  6. Tottenham :-             $17 mill p.a; 2 yr - Autonomy & Investec
  7. Chelsea :-                 $13.6 mill p.a.; 5 yr - Samsung
  8. AC Milan:-               $13.6 mill p.a.; 5 yr - Emirates
  9. Manchester City :-    $10.2 mill p.a; 4 yr - Ethihad Airways
  10.Juventus:-                $9.112 mill p.a.; 2 yr -Betchic

• Sofapaka qualifies for next round of Confed Cup, but should we celebrate?

  Posted: February 15, 2011, 1:55 pm by SportsKenya

  Over the weekend, the Kenyan football scene was keenly following one of country's representatives in continental challenge, Sofapaka ( of course there was the bungled AFC Leopards elections). Having played to a barren draw in the Angolan capital to Aviacao, the team had the home advantage to play with. But it took more than the regular 90 regular play for the team to be able to break the country's jinxed continental challenge.
  

  Sofapaka Logo - courtesy of www.sofapaka.com

  
  But once the next opponent was confirmed, I think there will be little to celebrate. Ismaily from the Egyptian city of Ismailia. Coincidentally this is the same team they played last year in the CAF Champions League and came undone in the 2nd round losing 2-0 after holding the team to a barren draw in Nairobi.
  Our local clubs performance against the North African teams has been dismal to say the least and our current representatives in the CAF Champions League Ulinzi are evidence to the gap we have to close to have any chance of playing in the next round(s) of continental Cups.
  If 'batoto ba Mungu' are going to sharpen their attack and hopefully make good their home advantage winning by 2-3 goals without conceding, chances are that they might get close to beating their perennial rivals. That's when we shall celebrate their win...
  
  
  In Other News:
  What happened to Francis Kimanzi's appointment as coach of the team? He may be the factor waiting to beat the North Africans. His technical abilities and past experience would come in handy for the team's continental engagements ( no offence to fashionable Ezekiel Akwana) 

• What will save the ailing Kenyan Basketball scene?

  Posted: February 15, 2011, 12:54 pm by SportsKenya

  Kenya is easily one of the best sporting nations in the continent. But some of the disciplines are clearly putting the nation to shame. Coming as it from foreign assignments, it's a bit disheartening given that there is quite some interest for some of the sporting disciplines, only for the squabbles, demotivating practices to chase away any interested parties - be they youth talent or corporate organisations.
  Patriotism v/s Exploitation
  Kenya Basketball Federation, led by none other than Mr. Paul Otula. What is happening in Rwanda? Having gone for the All-African Games qualifiers, the teams (both men and women) were seen to be likely to qualify for the continental games to be held in September this year in Maputo, Mozambique.
  Before leaving there was a statement made that the national teams training would not be entitled to daily allowances which are usually mandatory for players for engaging their services. For most of these players, there are no regular sources of income and such a declaration would be clearly break the morale of the team.
  Getting to Rwanda and the teams do not have official kit for training and have to borrow from their hosts. Also there is no team doctor ( totally suicidal given the physical toll that the game takes on players). All over sudden all hell breaks lose and the team captains ( Ben Oluoch and Angela Luchivya) are handed an indefinite ban for allegedly pushing internal revolt and boycott from the players. From unconfirmed sources, one of the reason was that the players were getting a daily allowance of KShs.500 ( around $6.25). Even if its is patriotism, this is a pittance for national duty. Then follows a unilateral withdrawal of the Federation from the qualifiers as a way of seeking to cover the underlying issues instead of addressing them ( though the Kenya National Sports Council had to intervene and ask the teams to continue playing).
  What is wrong with these sports officials? If you had no funds going into national camp, it wouldn't hurt to appeal for funds from the locals. It would also be better to clearly outline the trip's difficulties in good time in case any player wants to withdraw their participation. Clearly it's not too much to ask, but when shall you take the game to another level?
  

  Co-op Bank v/s KCB Lions 2010, photo courtesy of www.michezoafrika.com

  
  Disgraced Play-offs
  If the end of the season was anything to go by, we are not entirely suprised by the happenings in Rwanda. The men's playoff finals were a sham. Game 3 had to be abruptly stopped with the claim that one of the team's fans (KCB Lions) were going to disrupt the game and cause physical harm to referees officiating the game. Some of the players from the two teams ( the other was regular play-off contenders Co-op Bank) are in the national team of course, this time representing national interest.
  
  But for a Federation not able to organise its own house, it is not for the Commissioner of Sports to call them to order. There have been claims of maintaining the status quo, but even then, there is nothing much to show. How many basketball courts have they been able to build? How many teams are currently playing in the national and formerly provincial leagues? Does the Federation have a plan of what they want the game to be now, in 1 year, 5 years? Having a senior FIBA official from the continental body ( by the name of Maurice Aluanga who was once KBF Chair), what synergies has the Federation sought to build the local game?
  
  Someone needs blow the whistle on this situation before we lose the game and it becomes a by-gone era. Anyone courageous enough to call it as it is?
  You can follow the local basketball scene here, www.kenyahoops.wordpress.com 

• Run with Kenyans

  Posted: January 21, 2011, 7:18 pm by SportsKenya

  Friday found one of our contributors dutifully make it for a breakfast briefing by Brand Kenya. The morning's call was to launch activities geared towards marking the country's 50th (golden) anniversary ( yup Kenya's 50 on 2013!).As has lately been realised by Government operatives and bodies tasked with promoting Kenya as nation brand, the use of sports is gaining credence and a focal point. As the Brand Kenya officials noted, it is important to leverage the country especially as it looks to mark some important milestones with an election next year as it moves to the next 50 years.Sport has been known to unify the most warring of states and Kenya is no exception. As such some Kenyan entrepreneur who works in the US, one Wilson Kiriungi ,Marco Peterson(former IT entrepreneur) and Benjamin Rapoport (a medical practitioner) have come up with a organisation, Run With Kenyans. The motivation behind this organisation is to ride on the wave of Kenyan marathoners/athletes who have been winners of various top marathons across the world.Using the goodwill built by the athletes, the organisation will target US recreational marathoners (the US has approximately 48 million of these, 15 million who run at least 10 times annually in the half & full marathons across the States). These runners are from the upper middle class to the affluent thus making good targets fpr sports tourism. Starting with the Boston Marathon, reputedly the oldest marathon in the world and which coincidentally has been won by Kenyans since 1991 (including a current sitting MP for Emgwen - Elijah Langat in 2000) ; the plans are to have a Kenyan House stand at the preceding Expo of the Marathon. This expo usually has an average attendance of 80,000. Replicating this across major marathons including the Chicago, New York, London among others. The other benefit is to pitch to the Kenyans living in the diaspora to cheer on their compatriots and also participate in the marathon(s). 
  

  Robert 'Mwafrika' Cheruiyot - one of the past winners - Boston Marathon

  We do wish them well in their endeavours and kudos to Brand Kenya for taking this initiative. This should not be the last of such ideas and the potent of sport is huge. If they can keep luring Government operatives away from the politics to focus more on such developments, the country will be all the better for this.

• 2022 World Cup Sneak Preview ? 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar

  Posted: January 13, 2011, 5:17 pm by SportsKenya

  Rated as one of the most nondescript tournaments in the world of football ( no offence to our Asian brothers), the current Asian Cup might serve another interesting perspective in the games future. After Qatar's winning bid for the FIFA World Cup 2022, FIFA's Sepp Blatter made the suggestion that the tournament might be moved to the early months of 2022 rather than the traditional mid-year calendar that is FIFA's money-spinning events.
  

  Qatari Football fans - courtesy of www.attackingsoccer.com

  
  FIFA's ( or is it Blatter's) rationale of the 2022 winning bid is that the game needs to expand in Asia and attract wider audiences and finances than is currently the case. Well, the Asian Cup is proving to be a great guinea pig from the stadium and transport infrastructure to the fans attending the games and maybe the weather conditions ( that is if Blatter has his way).
  It is admirable what the Qatari authorities have been doing for sport, indeed investing heavily and even making future plans for the related services such as housing of hosting a major tournament. The change though would mean that FIFA and its affiliates would have to radically change the footballing calendar for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons which of course is no easy task. There might be related costs and maybe loss of revenue. All the same, if countries (especially African countries who have a penchant of not planning in time) would need to have an idea of what it may feel like in 11 years, better catch the next flight to the Gulf emirate of Qatar!

• Do Kenyan Sports Personalities have PR experts?

  Posted: January 13, 2011, 4:42 pm by SportsKenya

  As the year came to a close, the sporting world was treated to some not so interesting news of Kenya's Samuel Wanjiru's alleged wife battery and consequent prosecution. As usual media houses were quick to pick on the item and some went to the extent of interviewing the wife and causing quite some embarrassment for the athlete{do a quick search of his name on Google News and see the results}.
  
  

  What did I do now?

  Not that we excuse sports personalities behaviours, but do Kenyan sports personalities engage in proper PR services? Why we ask?
  The aforementioned is bound to suffer some damages not just in trying to recover for the year's engagements, but also current and future endorsements. The psychological effects will almost surely see performances dwindle too.
  This reminds me of one of Kenya's more famous cricket men, one Maurice Odumbe. The issues that affected this Kenyan sportman left him all the worse off and though he has tried making a comeback, we all know he might never recover to play for the national team.
  Dennis 'The Menace' Oliech - that middle nickname didn't come from his comparison to some famous comic character rather more for his erratic behaviour off the pitch and more so on the local social scene. He had his brother as agent (and maybe PR too but we all know where he was headed). A little more sombre nowadays, he has made some positive changes, maybe the professional colleagues at Auxerre 'ironed him' out on that one.
  The list is long of other sports personalities. How they manage the crisis and get out of it requires some inspired PR spin and obviously not for the faint hearted. There are those that manage to comeback and of course the athlete too has to help his or her cause by putting on some great performances.
  In the increasingly small world that we are developing to, use of social media and such other platforms can be used to improve the image. Of course, social media has its misgivings of not being within too much control unlike traditional media channels, but if your fans understand you and believe in you genuinely beyond life's bumpy rides, it can be a powerful tool to consider.
  As for Samuel Wanjiru, sharing experiences with Tiger Woods, Wayne Rooney or one American footballer Michael Vicks might help shake off some of the bad omen and get the career back on track.

• Football Figures : Show Me The Money !!!

  Posted: January 10, 2011, 5:13 pm by SportsKenya

  2010 achieved many milestones but one major highlight was a return of the local football fans to the football grounds. Traditional rivalries in the form of AFC v/s Gor and newfound ones such as Sofapaka v/s Thika United all made us stream back to the stadiums. Of course there were the unforgettable scenes at Nyayo Stadium when fans died as they waited to watch the AFC/Gor game in November.
  
  With the local mainstream media houses also finally appreciating the Kenyan game, and creating a buzz where necessary, the numbers have started to show.
  Local media monitoring house, ReelForge , owned in part by Mugo Githongo ( for those who don't know he's brother to John Githongo, former Kenyan anti-corruption czar). According to recent findings as released to the Press, Kenya Premier League (KPL) was able to attract media coverage worth KShs. 686 million ( USD 8.575 million) over the period of March - November 2010. These figures are what the media firm termed as equivalent to Advertising Value Equivalent, that is, what KPL editorial coverage would cost if it were advertising space.
  
  Top Teams were as follows;
  1. Gor Mahia -        KShs. 200 million
  2. AFC Leopards - KShs. 155 million
  3. Tusker FC -        KShs. 150 million
  
  The corporate firms which also got a fair share of coverage thanks to their mentions were;
  1. KCB                  KShs. 378 million
  2. Safaricom           KShs. 166 million
  3. Zain                    KShs.  89 million
  What is suprising though is that of the major corporate firms mentioned, only KCB has actively sponsored top flight footbal consistently. Safaricom and Orange have been sponsoring youth football and regional tournaments respectively and haven't made headways into the mainstream game.
  How good it would be if these figures were actually translated to tangibles and the clubs able to benefit from the same. It would also serve well for the clubs now to raise the stakes and get professional consultants to pursue corporate sponsorships - be it team, shirt or as maybe prescribed - they have such numbers to show for it.
  Kenyan companies also need loosen up their purses and avoid knee-jerk approaches to investing in sports.
  Coupled with the 4-year TV rights deal signed by SuperSport worth around KShs. 400 million, Kenyan clubs might finally start living it up. Hopefully this shall trickle down to the players and aid in managing the teams effectively. It would be a great pleasure to see our team move up to the levels of African Champion League participants, Enyimba, Al-Alhy, Zamalek and recent wonderboys TP Mazembe ! Is this the year for Kenyan football to finally come of age?

• AFC Leopards v/s Gor Mahia - Kenya's Football Derby

  Posted: October 22, 2010, 11:30 pm by SportsKenya

  Yes, the Kenyan football scene works up some new fever and this time though the timing is slightly different given the fact that each of the team has different battles to fight for. Leopards' fighting for a favourable finish, while Gor is hoping to cut Ulinzi's table-topping lead points to a more realistic chance of winning the Kenya Premier League.
  Both teams have had mixed fortunes in the run in the League this year with Leopards suffering more even with the earlier promise of a better finish. They also won the 1st leg of this fixture against K'Ogalo. But inconsistent form has led them to a high of 5th position (though currently at 8th place).
  Gor on the other hand have a huge following and they shall be counting on the same to match their good form at the Nyayo National Stadium. But given the time in the season, the latter look to be yearning for a better show this time and the games left this one is the most difficult one.
  The game shall be played at 1900hrs East African time and shall be screened on SuperSport 9. Tickets are being sold at the selected outlets and Nyayo National Stadium ( why create such a logistical nightmare in the light of the Kenya-Uganda game, can't tell...).
  
  Predictions : Gor Mahia - AFC Leopards : 3-1
  May the best team on the day win !
  
  In other news, 2 Kenyan footballers have been called up by French clubs for trials. It's our hope they can do a good job and join our erstwhile and often unpredictable Dennis Oliech as we look to increase our Kenyan footballing talent in Europe.
  
  Quick One:
  Heartfelt wishes to the families of the fans whose lives were lost or who's hurt from Saturday's stampede. We had mentioned the organisational nightmare at Nyayo National Stadium a few weeks ago after the Kenya-Uganda game but no one from the Sports Stadia Management Board or Kenya Football Limited seemed to listen. How do you sell the tickets for such a game in one day and expect the crowd to be orderly?
  We also mentioned the risk of a huge crowd and safety measures at the same ground. Sad that we have to wait for tragedy for us to make the necessary arrangements. We shall not apportion blame here but SSMB, FKL , KPL and also the respective club 'unruly' fans have a bad taste in their mouths on this one.
  For future games;
  
  

  • Sell tickets 72 hours to the game and the final ones should be sold at the worst 6 hours to the game. 
  • Ensure the club fans are at the venue early enough and lock all gates an hour to the kick-off ( no preferences here) -  invest in big screens for late comers to view at a designated fan park nearby or around the stadium. 
  • Invest in new technology - why do we have to use people to cut tickets until the last minute before kick-off? Invest in bar-code ticketing and that way the only people you shall need are security people confirming safe entry.
  • Maintenance of the physical structures at the Stadium - for heaven's sake, how do you have 2-4 gates open when the venue is serviced by over 10 gates? Especially for a game of this magnitude? The excuse of late-comers and the weather doesn't cut. This is NOT the first derby of its kind and shall surely not be the last.

  
  You have cost the clubs game attending fans and unless the necessary measures are undertaken, come March when we host another international match and who knows what shall happen...
  

• Mashujaa Day – Kenyan Sports Heroes paraded but honoured? Hmmm….

  Posted: October 22, 2010, 11:07 pm by SportsKenya

  One of the milestones this year in Kenya’s history was the (peaceful) change of constitutional order which is still sinking in to one and all in the Kenyan scene.  Among the changes the new order recommended was the reduction and renaming of the public holidays - 20^th October previously known as Kenyatta Day became Heroes (Swahili Mashujaa) Day. The first of these days’ was marked on Wednesday with the usual (rather unexciting) march past and parades and one of the ‘highlights’ was the Kenyan sporting heroes. A quick glance of the day’s heroes showed a mix of both young and old sports people widely represented in athletics, football, boxing and latter day ones in swimming.Good thing so far. The tragedy is as one of the heroes held, “…get me a medal, parade me before Kenyans and national TV, invite me for lunch with the powers-that-be load me with a 500-note and get me on my way...”What happens to our past sporting heroes that we can’t honour them in a better way? Develop a transitional system to cushion the sporting personalities against the snares of life; use some of these as role models to the youth who are seriously missing local heroes ( remember make-believe Makmende?); and name major sporting venues, roads, streets after some of these sterling performers.We can do a better job too if we develop a National Sports Archives or Hall of Fame for different sporting heroes. This has been sampled by the Athletics Kenya though not with much success as regards public awareness and information-sharing bit. A National Sports Trust (here's South Africa's example) of the kind that will pool together winnings and tax bonuses of the sportsmen for future drawings can be developed. The Trust can engage in long-term investments or be part of the capital investments that Governments engage in.The Trust can also be enjoined to such community services such as the Kenya Charity Sweepstakes and other lottery games which are seen as potent fund-raisers. Surely there is a better way to honour our best than what we are already doing...

• Women's World Cup Championship - Can Kenyan ladies stop being the whipping kids?

  Posted: October 18, 2010, 10:59 pm by SportsKenya

  After the Commonwealth Games next up is the Women Volleyball World C'ships to keep Kenyan sports enthusiasts engaged. Since the discipline is not part of the Club Games, the ladies have been away in a nondescript training camp where they have been after Sports Stadia Management Board locked them out of the Kasarani gymnasium.When they were receiving the flag last week on Wednesday, we could not help but see that they maybe filling the slots and not be ready for the challenge. Even with the ladies having conquered Africa for the last 15 years both at national and continental fronts, on the global stage, it is a different preposition. 

  Take that - Image courtesy of www. watchonlinesportsfree.com

  
  Poor Preparations:Starting with a rather worrisome fact that they had to train in a secluded camp some place in the Central part of Kenya, the team has had some tough times. The team selection also raised eyebrows with some regulars such as Janet Wanja getting the boot apparently for disobeying team orders of travelling for club engagements without permission.Technically we feel the team still doesn't have the bone to succeed in at least winning a single game at the outing. The Kenya Volleyball Federation has stuck to the local tacticians who with all due respect have just enough exposure at international levels. Contrary to what we had last time when we had a Japanese volleyball coach helping the team tackle some of those technical aspects, we shall rely on good old 'African power' to sail us through to the next round. 

  FIVB - www.avf.org.au

  
  Recommendations:Starting with the camp, the best the team can do now is maintain a tight training schedule and as much as possible draw inspiration from their Commonwealth countrymen and women who did the country proud. They might also want to borrow inspirational movies such as A League of their Own, Remember the Titans among others.As much as we don't seem destined for the second and upcoming  games, the technical team should consult with the visiting squads' management for future exchange visits. Brazil is one country the authorities should consult; first because they have a well-developed local league, are among challengers in both regular and beach volleyball, are looking to host the 2016 Olympics and we have a good window of opportunity right there. The country has a well-developed sports policy and almost adoptable to the Kenyan case unlike more developed economies of Western & Eastern Europe.Once back from the international outing, Kenya Volleyball Federation SHOULD look to strengthening the local Women's League. We wouldn't want a similar story to what happened to the men's game which is now just a past-time to most players having shown much promise in the 1980s only for the Government and Federation to watch it spiral out of control. Professionalise and make it viable for players to engage in the sport ( the Kenyan rugby 7s way if not better)Enjoy the outing and avoid simple errors which lose the game(s). The power and stamina of the African woman should come into play and let it be your ace down the sleeve. We shall be cheering you on with every set won.From the current rankings and group set-up we are skewed to lose 3 games and maybe just maybe win 2 games (against Czech Republic and Puerto Rico).  Our group includes;- Brazil (among favourites for Finals)- Czech Republic- Italy- Netherlands- Puerto Rico
  Pray you shall give us some fair stay in Japan and as they say すべてのベスト!
  

• Kenya's Best Commonwealth Outing - Our Future looks Bright...

  Posted: October 14, 2010, 3:20 pm by SportsKenya

  Thanks to our athletes our very modest predictions have been clearly outdone and that's great to note. The success of the outing is a great motivator to future generations engaging in sport - at least now we can build on something and not rest on our laurels.
  Though major sporting nations were not represented, this didn't stop our sportsmen putting on a good showing and going the extra mile to ensure they challenged the pecking order of Commonwealth nations. This was our best outing ever at the Club Games and we shall shine the spotlight on a few of the sportsmen/women we thought did a great job out there;
  
  1) Jason Dunford (Gold Medal 50m Butterflystroke) - Without any doubt, he is edging his place into the history books from his international outings. Coming from a non-traditional country in the swimming circles and also given the fact they we do not have the right facilities, the gods have been good to their cause with the university (Stanford) providing a great training ground. The family has also been more than supportive helping ensure the boys get training facilities in Europe which have been well tested. His past African and Olympic exploits are coming to fruition and still rising.
  If those who award national awards are listening those Elder of the Golden Heart and Moran of the Burning Spear should not be awarded to taciturn and bureaucratic civil servants and politicians, these are the people who deserve them.
  Verdict: 5 Stars
  
  2) Nancy Jebet Langat( 800m & 1500m Gold )-At the 2008 Olympic Games, Kenyans read the headlines of a double gold medal win - one from the 800m men's contest by the more flamboyant and captain of Kenyan team Wilfred Bung'ei. The other gold was from the then little known Nancy Jebet -who's so unassuming other athletes underestimate her tenacity. Well this year she springs another suprise by doing a double in yes her speciality the 1500m and 800m. Some may say that the top athletes in the distance in the likes of Pamela Jelimo, Janeth Jepkosgei and South Africa's Caster Semenya were not around but who cares? She did her bit and was rewarded for that.
  Verdict: 5 Stars
  
  

  Mark Mutai just makes it - courtesy of Nation.co.ke

  3) Mark Kiprotich Mutai (400m Gold Medal & 4x400m silver ) - having shown some great sprint work at the African Athletics Championships and being denied a bronze medal in the individual 400m race he made it even sweeter stretching the Australian in the 400m and winning by the slimmest of margins. He also anchored the 4x400m relay team and scorched the track and missing the gold but settling for second-best.
  Verdict: 4 Stars
  
  
  4) Milcah Cheywah, Mercy Wanjiru Njoroge, Gladys Jerotich Kipkemoi (3000m Women's Steeplechase Gold , Silver & Bronze )  - theirs may have seemed like an easy race but when you come up and decide to share the spoils between yourselves and annihilate the competition from the other countries, that's no mean achievement. The water obstacle and how one jumped as they said is what won the race and  Milcah led the way for a Kenyan 1-2-3 sweep.
  Verdict: 3 Stars
  
  5) Irene Kosgei & John Eriku Elai ( Women & Men's Marathon Gold ) - waiting for an event till the last day in the humid conditions of the Indian sub-continent is not an easy thing. It also doesn't help when all your role models are busy winning the marathons in more lucrative races as the Boston, Berlin marathons portend. But the two decided to run their races and the former Irene led another Irene ( Mogake) into a 1-2 for the Commonwealth race.
  Verdict: 3 Stars
  
  
  6) Boaz, Richard and Abraham Kiplagat(not related) (800m Gold,Silver and Bronze) - slowly making up for lost ground are the men's 800m athletes who are trying to emulate the 1980s & 90s exploits of Billy Konchellah, Paul Ereng and William Sigei. They did this with style getting another 1-2-3 sweep.
  Verdict : 3 Stars
  
  

  Grace Momanyi - courtesy of Flickr

  7) Grace Momanyi ( Gold Women 10000m) & Silas Kiplagat (1500m Gold) - She and Doris Chepkwemo gave Kenyans another 1-2 finish which continued the trend of the Kenyan athletes in the Games. Same case to Silas Kiplagat leading James Kiplangat in the 1500m race.
  Verdict: 3 Stars
  
  
  Special Mentions:
  - Grace Wanjiru - 20 Km Bronze medallist
  - Richard Mateelong  & 3000m Steeplechase medallists
  - Benson Njangiru - Silver Medallist - Flyweight
  - Rugby Sevens Team ( very modestly here for beating Samoa at most)
  
  
  By close of the Games, Kenya topped the athletics medal table  11 Gold, 10 Silver & 9 Bronze medals( ahead of South Africa and Nigeria...hehehe) and that's a great achievement. As said there earlier, if the Kenyan authorities were to be genuine enough in awarding national honours, these are some who deserve to be on that roll.  We had also kept our forecast realistic but they have proved they have what it takes to be at international meets.
  
  Brand Kenya too needs to wake from the slumber (though we are told someone is working on it....imagine someone in India remembers Maurice Odumbe even after we sacrificed him on the corridors of justice....tragic!)
  
  
  
  

• Kenya v/s Uganda 0-0 :12th man doesn’t get his money’s worth

  Posted: October 10, 2010, 2:14 am by SportsKenya

  It was to be a clash of monumental proportions, a decisive tie for Kenya but the show never happened. Well for those of us who braved the scorching sun to make our way into the stadium, lots of disappointment and unmet expectations.The Ugandans had promised to come in their bus loads and they did. By last count there were twenty 49-seater buses with more minibuses (some parked in town due to heavy traffic on Uhuru Highway) and numerous personal vehicles. Oh by the way it was Independence Day today and maybe that’s why they should up in their numbers.They said that it was the 12^th man who would make victory ours. That we did and the droves of fans had streamed in from 10 a.m. As we made our way into the stadium, some not interesting sights of Kenyans ‘cutting queues’ and security hired for the day (G4S...Ponyoka na $$$) and regular police kept allowing impatient & irritating guys who almost faced the wrath of fans who filed along well.Onto the game and our boys looked a bit rusty and the Ugandans looked more technically able. They kept our defence on the back seat for the first 15min with good use of the flanks. We took time to get the game back and Mariga started lording it over the midfield but most of the other players around him kept waiting for him to make his move.The best chance of the 1^st half was the dead ball situation which Mariga cut down through the wall but straight into the hands of the able goalkeeper who plays for SuperSport in South Africa.  Much of the action in the first half was not all that to write home about.2^nd half and the game Kenyans had gone to watch almost came to pass. With Mariga now making some nice exchanges with the rest of the players in the mould of  Edgar Ochieng, Victor Mugabe and Dennis Oliech.The worst bit was the fact that we didn’t quite utilize those chances. Another deadball situation and Mariga’s kick hit the post again.Mid-way into the 2^nd half and the Ugandas were back to their flanks and the right one looked like their favourite side. They saw more of the ball and they seemed content to cross them past our goal mouth. By the 80^th minute, it looked like ours was a lost cause.Man of the Match : Without a doubt, MacDonald Mariga - we qualify him as our captain, not because he is playing Inter or Europe but he has the calmness and ability to make the other players dig themselves in.
  Plusses:

  •  Fans did come in their numbers without a doubt and the stadium was almost filled to capacity.
  • Ticketing was almost on point - no need of walking to the gates & monies collection points
  • Ban of bottled substances – we know what is usually in the bottles is not the stuff meant to be in those bottles. They also serve as missiles when fans when they get discontented with play on the field.
  • Fair security – Fair because their presence kept the crowd in check
  • Weather – beyond our control but yes it was nice to have the sun shining on our brows

  
  
  Drawbacks:

  • The fans who were to be the 12^th man at times kept mum only coming back when the Ugandans cheered along their team. We don’t seem to have a song or chant that unites the fans and no those political songs are so 2007. We should hire the rugby crowd next time.
  • Shall we see reciprocity of sorts from our Kenyan politicians and businessmen? The Ugandans travelled in true sports fans passion and their presence strengthened their team. Mike ‘Sonko’ , Mr. PM anyone?
  • Ticketing – while they insisted on not selling tickets at the venue, no arrangements were made for the visiting team fans. Even the VIP ones were totally sold out and the spaces filled out – disappointing if you paid that slight amount for money.
  • Lack of merchandise – The flags and wraps were good but since we don’t usually know the national colours worn at any particular time, we can’t stock up on the team shirts.
  • Security – Meant to help maintain law and order, they also were the part of the loopholes of people coming in without tickets. We counted over 10 people who ‘sneaked in’ even after we alerted them.
  • Parking- If the stadium is to maintain its international status; the Stadia Management Board must find some better space of parking for fans. International standards demand that only team vehicles, ambulances and fire engines and security vehicles should be anywhere close to the ground. Seeing the loads of buses too close to the stadium was a major concern. Thank God the score was as it was, Lord have mercy had Uganda won the game.
  • Technical expertise – the technical bench at times looked like they were waiting for reactions from the fans. Still on the same, please get a new captain, the current one didn’t seem to rally the players up even when the game was getting out of reach.
  • TV/Media Rights - the circus is truly NOT out of town when it comes to Football Kenya Limited and on Saturday they ensured that no media house screened the game thanks to the greed in selling the media rights. Our own media houses are not without blame for imagining that they can wait till the last minute to make a compromise bid. We hope both parties learned and moreso the Football Kenya who's term is really living on borrowed time. 

  Now that we have made life difficult for ourselves in qualifying for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, the rest of group games we MUST WIN (almost impossible) given we have an away game in Angola and another in Uganda- Kampala. Back to square one!

• Motorsport: FIA President to make a day visit to Kenya - Return the Safari Rally to WRC

  Posted: October 7, 2010, 7:46 pm by SportsKenya

  According to media reports,  Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) President Jean Todt is making a 1-day visit to the country. Seeing as we had in a previous post, the Kenya Motorsport Federation which seeks to build rallying as a sport in the country, shall hope to pitch the idea of a return of the Safari Rally back to the World Rally Championship circuit.
  It's may seem like an easy call since the President himself is pushing for a 12-Rally calendar ( from the current 13) where rallies are proposed to go beyond the 12-hour day sessions that have been the standard nowadays. Developments are in place to have the rally cars fitted with devices to help with rallying at night.
  There is also the sponsorship proposition that Rally organisers have to foot. This usually runs into 100s of millions which the host country's organisers are supposed to guarantee.The WRC -with its partners can then add the event to the calendar.
  Mr. Todt  we make a passion appeal for the Safari Rally to make its comeback to the circuit and continue being Africa's jewel in rallying ( we lost this and the Paris-Dakar Rally too...). Welcome to Kenya though!

• Africa Cup of Nations 2012 Qualification - Decisive Clash for Kenya

  Posted: October 5, 2010, 3:41 pm by SportsKenya

  
  After the usual circus that is Kenyan national football, this weekend we welcome our neighbours Uganda who are riding high on their chances after beating Angola in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification ties. With the fixture looking all more important for Kenya it is being rumoured that none other than the Head of State Pres Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to grace the match - to show allegiance and support to his side.
  With the countries currently enjoying a hot-cold relationship with the rather peculiar controversy of 'some rock' on Lake Victoria and the renditions of Kenyan Muslim human rights over the Kampala bombings in July 2010, the temperatures are rising by the day. Also controversial is the fact that Kenya has changed tacticians once again bringing back Mr. Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee who though we respect his work might just end up as his predecessor Twahir Muhiddin.
  Group J has Angola and Guinea-Bissau as the other teams. Let's see what the game holds for us;
  
  Strengths:
  - Home ground - Being played before the home fans who have been streaming back to the stadiums to watch the local teams, there is bound to be overwhelming support for the Harambee Stars. What is lacking is the right 'hype' to fill the stadium and promote the fixture. By asking the top Government offficials, Mr Titus Kasuve is not enough.
  - Professionals - Having the Oliechs and Marigas on the team who have been enjoying playing time on their respective European leagues is also a boon to the team. This though needs to translate to goals with at least 3 looking to 'charge' the team and fans to cloud 9.
  
  Weaknesses:
  - Nyayo National Stadium capacity - while it will be played at this ground, the capacity of the ground is limited to a little over 30,000 and any more than that is a crisis in waiting. We know what happens when the crowd is larger and passions up there. We can't afford to be banned hosting future games on the grounds not now not ever!
  - Team spirit- Losing to the minnows of the group dropped the team morale to a new low and there were media reports of team disunity. We also question the coach's choice of Dennis Oliech ( all respects to him as a player). You need a more unifying factor in the team.
  - Uganda's flying start - Beating Angola who hosted the last Cup of Nations and were in the 2006 World Cup is no mean feat. The Ugandans have less than 5 players playing in the European leagues so they have something else inspiring their play.
  - Consistency on the technical bench - if we have to win future games, there has to be some consistency on who sits on the technical bench. (We're made to understand they appointed an assistant coach who's currently in Europe studying, pray the head coach doesn't get red-carded anytime soon....). If the FKL officials or whoever is in charge wants to do the country a favour, get the right people for the job or at least give them ample time to prove themselves. Create the right working environment and please get some contracts done and no playing with allowances or other financial obligations. You have more than enough funds from FIFA to bankroll this.
  
  Our Uganda brothers are really excited about this fixture as you can see here and yes let's keep it on the pitch (as written by Daily Monitor's Mark Ssali) Come 9th October and let's see the boys put on a good show and get 2012 preparations back on the road. Haraaambeee !

• Tribute to Eric Cecil 'Bwana Safari' - 1920 -2010

  Posted: October 5, 2010, 2:30 pm by SportsKenya

  Salute to the man who together with Neil Vincent are rumoured to have founded the Safari Rally. Initially christened the Coronation Rally as part of paying tribute to Her Majesty-Queen Elizabeth for being crowned in Kenya while on safari with her husband Prince Philip; the rally eventually became known as the 'toughest race between man and machine'. The East Africa Safari Rally covered the 3 countries - Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda - till the 1970s when the strained relations between the 3 countries restricted the rally to just Kenya
  The Rally became one of the highlights of the World Rally Championship until 2002 when the organisers decided to throw it out of the circuit on the excuse of safety and logistical issues. 'Sir' Eric Cecil did come back again and thought of the idea of covering the original 3 countries in cars built for the former glory days. This Rally was started to mark the 50th anniversary of the original rally and continues to this day and attracts drivers from across the globe albeit on a smaller scale, after every 2 years.
  

  East African Classic Safari Rally - Start Point 2009 Sarova Whitesands

  
  We would urge the motoring world led by [www.motorsportkenya.com] to consider application to the World Rally Championship and put this rally where it belongs we remain Africa's pride in the rallying world, thanks to this man's heritage( apparently no Rally from Africa features in the WRC circuit presently). We should consider this hopefully to tie it in with the upcoming Diamond Jubilee of the Queen's Coronation in 2012. 
  
  Rallying News:
  Sebastien Loeb won his 7th WRC Driver's Championship over the weekend continuing with his record-breaking spree in the rallying world. He was the first to win 6 titles back-to-back and has now won 60 rallies on the ramp. I guess the one race that he has never won and should really test his mettle is ....guessed right! WRC right this wrong please!

• Commonwealth Games 2010 : Kenya's Medal Hopes

  Posted: October 1, 2010, 8:06 pm by SportsKenya

  2 days to go; we shall look at what medal hopes Kenya has hoping to work some magic and join the Commonwealth nations in throwing a great party in New Delhi. Much work has been done by the Indian authorities trying to get some reprieve from the hostile media coverage and even gotten fair endorsement from the IOC supremo Jacques Rogge. 
  We have also had our reservations but let's give our Asian brothers the benefit of doubt to put out something memorable.What chances do we have of beating the 2006 medal haul of 6 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze medals? Here's our take (DISCLAIMER: nothing scientific in determining this...);
  
  
  Athletics:
  This is our forte and shall continue being for the longest time. A great team assembled but some withdrawals from the 800m pair of David Rudisha and Janeth Jepkosgei ( and injury to Pamela Jelimo) means the star performers are reduced. There are also a couple of star athletes who gave the Games a miss for one reason or the other.
  

  Ezekiel Kemboi - Kenya's Team Captain & 3000m medal prospect

  
  Men 
  800m:- (Silver) ; 1500m:-(Gold & Silver) ; 3000m:-(Gold & Silver) ; 5000m:- (Silver) ; 10000m:-(Bronze)
  4x400m:- (Bronze) ; Marathon (none)
  Women
  800m:- (none); 1500m:-(Gold); 5000m (Gold); 10000m (Silver)
  Total Count : 4 Gold 5 Silver & 2 Bronze
  
  Swimming:
  This is ahead of traditional boxing because for the first time we have real medal prospects in the name of the Dunford ( David & Jason) brothers. Hoping the Australians, Britons and Canadians have a bad day in the temperate conditions of the Asian sub-continent, 1 silver; 1 bronze  (make that 1 gold & 1 silver and a bronze) look like possibilities.
  
  Boxing:
  With the team heavily depleted and lacking in technical expertise, we don't foresee any medal hopes here. There might a chance of a Quarter-finalist at best.
  
  Rugby:
  

  Kenya 7s rugby team - courtesy of orange.co.ke

  We have a great 7-a-side team playing great rugby and impressing on the IRB Sevens circuit. But when you have such powerhouses as New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Samoa and others such as Wales and England, any medal hopes quickly vanish.The instability drawn from the team's selection and fairly average performance in the IRB 7s 2009-10 season also slow down any progress we would have made. Don't underrate our boys though, at least they will pull one or two upsets. Check out this blog for more analysis on the Kenyan rugby team www.rugbykenya.blogspot.com.
  
  While we are represented in at least 6 other disciplines, none of these shall attract any medals and thus in all fairness ends our hopes. Sceptics we maybe but that's what the reality of the team's preparations put us. In total we foresee a total medal haul of 4 Gold, 6 Silver and 3 Bronze. Any bets on this? Sunday 3rd October the Games begin....for updates check the official site here [www.cwgdelhi2010.org].

• Stadium Management assures Kenyans of good job being done...

  Posted: October 1, 2010, 4:57 pm by SportsKenya

  On Wednesday the Sports Stadia Management Board  (SSMB) called media houses and other PR agencies as they sought to reassure Kenyans of the progress being made by the Chinese who are renovating the Kasarani Sports Complex ( aka the rather boring ,Moi International Sports Complex). The works shall cost the Kenyan taxpayer an estimated KShs. 900 million. It is scheduled to reopen mid 2011.
  

  Chinese Contractors from Shengli Engineering Construction Co work at the Kasarani Sports Complex - Image courtesy of Nation Media Group

  
  The PR officer Rakki Asman was resplendent in a helmet as he took the team around the works being done on Kenya's premiere sporting venue. On paper all these works look great and shall go a long way in helping Kenya's case for hosting major venues. The downside is that we have not developed our own capacity for building such works and worse is that we ran down the grounds making them a pale shadow of themselves in the 1990s and early 2000s.
  The Government decision to form the Sports Stadia Management Board in 2003 was a great decision and though they have managed to rescue the decline of 2 of Kenya's biggest stadia, they have not enjoyed much progress with the other grounds across Kenyan towns. A suggestion would be to invite bids for developing these grounds and eventually privatising them since the public corporation seems mired in less capital for infrastructural developments. Another alternative maybe is what the Government has started with Government paper and raise funds through the bond market and award contracts to interested parties; building the grounds before eventually releasing them to local authorities.
  Whichever way we look at it, we SERIOUSLY NEED bigger and better grounds for our sports sector to thrive. And to quote Mr. Minister...'take sports as serious business'!
  
  
  In Related News;
  The Sports Stadia Management Board is calling for applications to fill the positions of;
  
  

  • Chief Accountant
  • Marketing Officer
  • Assistant Aquatic Stadium Manager (how many of these would we probably have in Kenya???)
  • Human Resource Officer

  More details here, [www.stadiumskenya.co.ke]

• Sports Business in Kenya - Budding Investment

  Posted: September 29, 2010, 5:37 pm by SportsKenya

  Thanks and appreciation to all who contacted us (so far) on the sports marketing and business industry in the country. It is a good thing to note that the Kenyan sporting scene has started appreciating the need for professionalising sports. There are quite a number of firms engaged in sports management, sports events management and branding in sports. There are also sports marketing firms which have specialised in various sports disciplines but are hoping to diversify their offering.
  

  Kenyan Sports - Getting Paid at Last ?

  
  From initial feedback, the main sports in consultancy are athletics, football and rugby. Secondary ones include cricket,volleyball, swimming and basketball. The figures in the sponsorship are our closest aim to the findings. This shall be tabulated soon and we shall hope to inspire our sports specialists to invest more in sport as we look to being a major sporting nation in the continent and the world - our rightful place.

• We Condemn the Attack on Kenyan sports personality

  Posted: September 29, 2010, 5:20 pm by SportsKenya

  According to media reports, Kenyan track lady athlete Lucy Kabuu was attacked by thugs who raided their rural home and made away with valuables and some monies. This is against a background of Kenya looking to raise its performance in athletics in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
  

  Lucy Kabuu wins 2006 gold medal in women's 10000m - 2006 Commonwealth Games

  Lucy Wangui Kabuu - 10000m gold medallist and 5000m bronze medallist in the last Games held in Melbourne, Australia serves as an inspiration to many lady athletes and we wish her a quick recovery from the attack and healing from the trauma and any physical abuse suffered. Questions are raised on why security has deteriorated in some of the country's areas and what the Government is doing about it. Do we have to wait for some politico to get injured or gunned down for our security organs to get their act together? We also wonder how well they have vetted the security arrangements in India as concerns are continually raised about the sports people security. It is saddening that we still do not respect our own and shall try to frustrate their efforts even when they have put us on the world map. Surely hope this is the last of such an attack and the security charges take their jobs more seriously...

• India v/s South Africa : Hosting Major Games - Part 1

  Posted: September 22, 2010, 2:22 pm by SportsKenya

  While it maybe too early to make any comparisons, it has not escaped us that there are some lessons and conclusions that can be derived from the two countries. One represents the emergence from obscene levels of poverty while the other seeks to redress distribution of wealth. Let's take a deeper look here;
  South Africa - 2010 World Cup:
  

  2010 World Cup montage by Shellinfosight.com

  
  
  
  

  • This is a single discipline sport but one with the largest follower-ship and audience across the world. 
  • South Africa had just about 6 years to work on its infrastructure - building new roads, airports and stadia as well.
  • Doubts were expressed about the security but these were sorted out in good time and no major incident occurred worth raising concerns.
  • Support is given to the host country by FIFA which governs the sport but this is often re-couped back by the federation making the host incur the larger bill.
  • Massive support was given by the Government - which has lately incurred the wrath of its citizens for not have the same commitment to social and other national issues.
  • Elaborate marketing campaigns are carried out not only from the host nation but also from the Federation

  India - 2010 Commonwealth Games:
  
  

  • The Games rank 3rd or 4th depending on which continent you come from and has seen dropping audiences - it draws its audience mainly from member states most of which were colonies or administered by the British
  • India had slightly over 6 years to work on the infrastructure and much of the work has been hampered by delays, inflated costs and corruption charges. The so-called 'Friendly Games' might not be that friendly after all!
  • Just like the World Cup, security has become a major issue and is bound to cause organisers a headache with the populace of the sub-continent and the hostile nature of the country's neighbours.
  • The Games are run by the Commonwealth Games Federation which as they state in their mandate ' directs and controls' the Games. No major support is given to the host nation with the bill covered largely by the host nation and minimal awareness raised by participating countries ( commercial sustainability is lacking and maybe its undoing)

  2010 Commonwealth Games logo - courtesy of songsrealtime.com

  • The host nation undertakes the marketing campaign and all other campaigns to get potential countries to participate (though fairly supported by the Commonwealth Games Federation to a smaller extent). The major players here include former 'masters' Britain', Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa (to some extent).

  We shall cover the second part of this in the coming weeks (as and if the Games do take place...)

• Kenyan Swimmers finish 4th in Africa Swimming Championships

  Posted: September 22, 2010, 1:40 pm by SportsKenya

  Kudos to the Kenyan swimming team for finishing in a commendable 4th position in the continental championships.This will serve as a good morale booster as the team prepares for the Commonwealth Games which start in India in October. var a2a_config = a2a_config || {};a2a_config.linkurl = "www.sportskenya.blogspot.com";
  

  Jason Dunford - courtesy of Stanford University

  The good thing is that we have made a good case for hosting the championships coming to Nairobi in 2012. The Dunford brothers have also made ours a great sporting nation by showing that we have added talent not the traditional medal hopefuls.But the same good fortune almost ends there. While the Dunford brothers have dominated the medals coming home (3 gold & 2 silver while one other swimmer won the only bronze), it is time the Kenya Swimming Federation ensured that their legacy doesn't end there. They need to cultivate a lasting impression not just on future swimming juniors but have this translated to national meets. It is a fact that the sport is not for the faint-hearted both in physical and financial requirements, but very little has been done by the relevant authorities to ensure they invest in the sport locally. We also remember the tussle that saw one Ajulu Bushnell move base to Britain (how I wish the dual citizenship could be in force to ensure we keep a hold of this future star...). It is sad that Kenyan authorities did not do enough to argue their case and this is not like athletics where we can afford to 'export' our athletes.

  Future Kenyan Swimmers

  Kenya Swimming Federation needs become proactive in securing not just corporate sponsorships and individual sponsorships for the swimmers (since it is an individual sport anyway...), they need develop swimming academies for youth development and clinics and translate the benefits of the sport to our young populace. Besides being a healthy lifestyle, we all know the researchers concerns of our younger population becoming obese and taking on life's dangerous cycles in alcohol and other drugs which is slowly cutting off a certain generation - as the 2009 Kenya Census findings indicate.Let's hope the Dunford brothers shall help and guide Kenyan swimming talent to blossom and better their showings in both continental and international meets. It shall be for the good of the country for us to realise what we have (but let it not be only when it's gone...)
  
  

• Commonwealth Games: Kenya names her squad but ....

  Posted: September 22, 2010, 1:11 pm by SportsKenya

  Counting less than 12 days to the Commonwealth Games which start October 3rd - 14th, various sports disciplines have named their squads for the   Games with some already setting up camp at the Kasarani grounds and others too. While the lion's share shall be taken by traditional disciplines such as athletics, boxing, we have the current 'fresh kids-on-the-blocks' in rugby  (from the Rugbykenya blog) and swimming to look out to boost the medal haul. As expected the Government along with the National Olympic Committee(NOC) shall provide the support needed and facilitate the sports people trip to the Asian sub-continent. With various concerns about security and hygiene being expressed by inspection teams from participating countries, Kenya's NOC Chairman's Kip Keino words did not sound too convincing and though we shall not banish the Indian organisers, we do hope they put their house in order in good time. It will also a test to future Commonwealth Games organisers as the challenges facing the country seem to hamper sport in a big way.As for the Kenyan contingent, we shall cheer you on and look for a healthy and well-spread out medal haul. We shall be represented in the following disciplines;Individual Sports:Athletics - 60 athletes ( with 16 in the paraplegic Games)Boxing - 10 boxersSwimming - 10Cyclists - 9Shooting - 6Badminton - 6Lawn Ball Bowling - 4Weightlifting - 4Table Tennis - 4Lawn Tennis - 4Archery - 3
  Team Sports:Rugby ( 7s team)
  
  
  
  

• Football Fanaticism...let's not take it too far

  Posted: September 14, 2010, 9:03 pm by SportsKenya

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  Over the weekend during a local Kenya Premier League game between Gor-KCB ( one which I thought of attending but some family issues made it otherwise) a local fan lost his life . Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and the friends as well as football fans of the famed club.
  
  This not withstanding, the same club has a game tomorrow pitting it with last year's winners Sofapaka . The week-day games have become great crowd pullers and as such it would be a great way for the city football fans to make their way to the stadium. The game is expected to be a thriller though some fans are throwing their protestations too loud for the others.
  

  Now I win the $10,000 bet - Football fan runs onto Nemanja Vidic

  But a worrying trend is emerging especially with some of the clubs and their fans taking their antics both on and off the field too far. Early this year, some fans harassed others from rival clubs if they had any vuvuzelas saying that they held the 'rights for these new additions to football fan'. While it serves the club well to have their 12th man to help them win  their games, it does not serve any good to the game taking the passions to other levels.
  It doesn't make one a bigger fan by shouting and harassing the opposing team even before the ball is kicked. So what happens if the teams can't make it to the pitch thanks to the clashes that fans may have? We all know how harsh the penalties become with teams asked to play without their fans. We can all avoid this if we conducted ourselves with just a bit of decorum even on the stands.
  It will also serve the stadia management well, if the necessary security is in place to ensure that the fans do not get a chance to throw whatever burbs they have at each other. It is about time we matured in our fanaticism and not jeopardise
  Interestingly how come rugby fans do not end up clashing even with all the alcohol and 'other incentives' involved?

• Have Sports/Members Clubs & grounds in Kenya lost their meaning?

  Posted: September 13, 2010, 7:47 pm by SportsKenya

  A casual dip around Nairobi recently has revealed a worrying trend with regards to sports clubs and grounds. The tradition has been that for any major company - be it a public listed one, parastatal (Government-owned) or even big companies having their operations located here - most have a sports club or what some love subscribing as members' club (with more exclusivity and restrictive in enrolling). var a2a_config = a2a_config || {};a2a_config.linkurl = "www.sportskenya.blogspot.com";
  
  Vi
  
  
  
  Given the urban developments currently plaguing our urban centres, the life of most of these clubs is slowly coming to an not-so-natural death. Where do we start? A few strides to the Kenya Railways Sports Club indicates this as one of the worst hit with developments around  it slowly being given to private developers.In recent months, the club has lost the tennis courts and is also missing the field which is playing host to some 'hireling' whose having some fun-fair for God-knows-till-when.
  
  Sometime ago, they had even drawn some ambitious plans of developing a property - Golf City . Sweet dreams indeed ....The club's pool also looks so depleted and is also in its final throes of closure. The only part which looks untouched is the golf park but with the road works around the Upper Hill and along Uhuru Highway encroaching, it's just a matter of time.
  
  
  Cross over to Thika Road which is going into overdrive with 6-lane roads and all the hullabaloo of 'modernity' three clubs here are most likely to see their grounds chipped away. KCB Sports Club ( popularly known as The Den), Barclays Sports Club (which had almost been sold entirely by the Barclays Bank of Kenya) and Stima Club (housing Kenya Power and Lighting Co's sports club) all at Ruaraka are the main clubs affected.
  
  
  Crickets ground along Forest Road has also seen quite a chip thanks to the road works being done on Thika Road. I have not even mentioned the grounds in other urban centres and the clubs which have long become vandalised and lost to neglect.
  
  
  While it is good for the Government to construct and upgrade our roads, it seems sports grounds and clubs have long become viable places for taking up land and using it for other works. Very few estates in Nairobi City have grounds for children and budding talent to start nurturing their sports dreams. Some of the worst affected are the Eastlands sections - Umoja, Buruburu, Doonholm which have become 'concrete jungles'. Upmarket estates are quickly trying to emulate the other sides too and losing their leafy suburbs and the open spaces such as the grounds shall soon become all too good to miss.
  
  
  Are we sure we hope to be a sporting nation with such developments going on? When was the last time we invested in a new sporting venue without seeking international aid? Shall we continue begging even as we shoot (or is it build?) ourselves? Or maybe we are hoping to build indoor arenas ? Maybe we haven't gotten that memo yet...
  
  
  It breaks the spirit seeing no one is investing in physical structures to aid sport and the little that we have is either in neglect or grabbed by some greedy private developers.

• Harambee Stars Woes, are we surprised?

  Posted: September 9, 2010, 10:21 pm by SportsKenya

  It baffles the way Kenyan football fans are quick to put blame on one or the other for the team's poor performance in recent times. Are we surprised by that? Not from our brief here.
  It is always going to be tricky affair translating good league fixture games to national team performances. That FKL has always been joking when it comes to the national team is something that needs to end. How can a team train for 4 days and then leave on the actual day to play a fixture which is more than 6 hours away? And you expected to win?
  You must also have read The Daily Nation's- Macharia Gaitho's story about our team draping in all sorts of colours thus no consistency there too!
  

  Harambee Stars A.Makacha  in a Weird colour - (Courtesy of www.kenyafootball.com)

  
  Not even the presence of famed duo of MacDonald Mariga and Dennis Oliech could save the blushes the team suffered. What is amusing is that the technical bench found it fair to play Oliech as the captain for the day ( though Robert Mambo remains the captain) even though he hadn't trained with the team. If players decided to have a go-slow on the pitch and thus lose the game, well they did just that and now complicate their qualification chances in a group featuring Angola, Uganda and Guinea-Bissau (who were labelled the under-dogs). The next fixture has Kenya facing Uganda in a month's time (Oct 8th at Kasarani)...should be an interesting fixture...
  But if we are to make a difference in the qualifications, the rot starts from the top and needs to be pruned soonest possible. No need to blame the Twahirs, Oliechs, or other excuses that we've sought. Or else we shall remain non-starters on the continental-stage!

• SOYA Awards - Safaricom keeps their promise...

  Posted: September 9, 2010, 3:53 pm by SportsKenya

  The Kenyan sporting scene is not always the easiest to navigate and as sports people we can assure you it also not the easiest to sell to Kenyan corporate firms. But once again Paul Tergat has managed to pull the strings and wow Safaricom and get overall sponsorship for the annual Kenyan sports awards scheme, SOYA.
  
  You can view some of the action from the SOYA Awards 2009 here;
  Having filled in a vacuum left out (as usual by the public sector Government ), these awards have become a permanent feature in Kenya's sporting scene. As a celebration of Kenya's sporting exploits across the world, it has sought to inspire young talent to engage in sport as well as showcase and appreciate our own - with some token ( money & trophies in this case). We shall update on the date (likely to be in December 2010) and also cover it as we always do. See more media reports, here and here too.
  
  

• ATTENTION : SPORTS BUSINESS, MARKETING in Kenya

  Posted: September 2, 2010, 11:36 pm by SportsKenya

  If you know of anyone in sports business, sports marketing, sports branding and any other consultants in sports in Kenya ( be they homegrown or international franchises with local offices) kindly send us a note at sportskenya@gmail.com.

• Sports Policy : - Mr. Minister less talk, more walk , please, will get it done...

  Posted: September 2, 2010, 11:15 pm by SportsKenya

  As is the case with every new Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs, there is lots to say but much more to do than portends to be. Mr Minister, as you aptly put it, there is a 'big' matter of the Sports Bill which ought to help administer sports bodies in Kenya some which have operated under rogue characters while others seem like monopolies tied to few individuals tightly running the discipline(s).
  
  From our brief there are some more issues which though on paper are not being done. Our nosy selves found this little policy document which among others is supposed to have a National Sports Institute who's vision is ..."be a leading institution in sports training and capacity building in the country". There are the following bodies (centres) supposed to be set up under this Institute;
  

  1. Centre for Sports Science
  2. Centre for Documentation and Information.
  3. Centre for Sports Marketing
  4. Sports Heritage Centre

  None is in existence as we speak. Fair though we might say on the intended establishment of the International Sports Academy at Kasarani, Nairobi.
  There is the other sporting body that is under your Ministry going by the name Sports Stadia Management Board - which has become like a dumping ground for political cronies. They may have spruced up two of the countries biggest stadia, but that doesn't stop there. There are more 5 stadiums in need of reclaiming, renovating and generating the much-needed income that the Board is mandated to do. And no don't give us the charade that was the naming rights of one of the stadias, you lost and LOST BIG in the past 2010 World Cup ( by not hosting a single nation even for a day!).
  Mr. Minister, there is the small bit that we have tackled down there of alcohol and the ban in advertising and sponsorship(s). With Tobacco out ( which almost entirely killed Kenyan rallying), and now alcohol, what options are there for sports federations to pursue and what is the line Ministry doing to cushion our fratenity against this?
  Mr. Minister, we are about to go to another major meet in the name of Commonwealth Games. Shall we have the usual retinue of 50 athletes and 100 officials 'bloating our budget' yet coming home with less than 10 medals? As a Ministry, please help us save this much-needed spending by sending ONLY those deserving to be there.
  As a Ministry too, work with the Finance Ministry to help get tax holidays, tax rebates for those willing to invest in sport. As an example, please travel to Brazil and see what they are doing hoping to become one of the few countries to host the Olympics and World Cup back-to-back. Being an emerging economy, we can learn so much from their success and see what can aid our fledging sports industry ( You might also want to make time for Cuba seeing as it the lost glory in our boxing team, fondly named 'The Hit Squad'.
  Oops before we forget, there is the other matter of Football in Kenya...you know as we do, the 'magnanimity' of the world body FIFA in running the sport. We currently have a fairly organised local league which if well-managed and supported can see us become the 'pride of Africa'. The elections are around the corner. We shall be watching your move and that of the prospective officials...burn the midnight oil reading all those statutes that FIFA might use against the country and this document from Transparency International on local sports but for goodness sake, save the sport.
  Well as we said, the less talk, the more you'll get the work done! Ours is to remain vigilant for the sake of the country and our sportsmen!

• It is OFFICAL - Alcohol Bill in Kenya ends Sports Sponsorships

  Posted: September 2, 2010, 10:17 pm by SportsKenya

  With the signature appended on the paper, Kenya's Pres. threw the alcohol industry into a new era. Gone will be the creative ads that have graced your screens, radios and billboards among others; your favourite drink will have larger imprints warning you of the harmful effects alcohol is likely to have on your health and that of your future generations.
  In an earlier post, we had lamented about this given the amount of sponsorship and support accorded to sport by alcohol manufacturing firms in the country and the region too. Some firms seem to have read the script early and EABL in some mind-boggling changes dropped sponsorships from rugby, football and the premiere sport they have always supported, golf. (Wonder what happened to Tusker Sports...)
  The tragedy for sport is that now more than ever there is need for companies to support this budding industry. The challenge though is seen in the form of companies being forced to enter into what some like to call CSR activities and also the sports federations developing very tight proposals for the companies they wish to target to approach for this.
  If the Minister of Youth Affairs and  Sports is to be believed then let's hope to have robust sports industry....

• Promulgate yes, but you better change the Kenyan Sports scene too....

  Posted: August 26, 2010, 12:46 pm by SportsKenya

  If you are in Kenya, the last few days (and obviously the next few too) we have the benefit of adding to our vocabulary a new word, PROMULGATE. All said and done, it is good for a nation to move from one state of affairs and mature to the next stage and earning its place in history for it's fairly all-inclusive, all consultative and largely well-publicised process.
  While it is always fair to criticise our politicians and policy-makers for not making progress in some of the country's sectors, we hope the new mood in the air shall drive some sense into the very people we seek to engage in making our country a hub of sport and secure its place on the world scene.
  We shall not celebrate yet, but shall join Kenyans in marking this occasion tomorrow. The pessimist side of things tells us it's a slow grind getting to the 'promised land' (with regard to sports). It also requires vigilance from all involved parties - players, officials, investors, corporate firms, media and all - that wish well for this very lucrative and unifying sector but often overlooked and under-estimated.
  Mark your calendars people, 27th August 2010, we start counting as we hope to keep the promises to ourselves and the very state of Kenya. God bless Kenya !

• Dennis Oliech's Auxerre makes Champions League matches worth the watch for Kenyans

  Posted: August 26, 2010, 12:18 pm by SportsKenya

  Thanks to 2-1 aggregate against Zenit St. Petersburg , Kenyan football fans will now have two players ( and teams) to root for during the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League games this season. Auxerre confirmed their qualification to the UEFA Champs League group stages which kick off on Tuesday September 14th,2010. After last year's debut by MacDonald Mariga who's Inter Milan went all the way to winning the treasured Cup, shall we have a second bite at the cherry? Far-fetched but worth the watch.
  The draw for the group is on later today and we shall see who plays who with the pots drawing as follows;
  
  
  
  Pots for UEFA Champions League draw:Pot One: Inter Milan, Barcelona, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Lyon.Pot Two: Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Benfica, Valencia, Marseille, Panathinaikos.Pot Three: Tottenham, Rangers, Ajax, Schalke, Basle, Braga, FC Copenhagen, Spartak Moscow.Pot Four: Hapoel Tel Aviv, FC Twente, Rubin Kazan, Auxerre, CFR Cluj, Partizan Belgrade, MSK Zilina, Bursaspor.(Source ; www.bbc.co.uk) 
  Related News:Macdonald Mariga is hoping to use his current placing at Inter Milan to land European football scouts to the local scene. After the country's past dismal performance and with the current resurgence in the local league, there is bound to be some talent budding which needs to land our young players to the lucrative leagues.  With this it is hoped that we can challenge for continental honours and also be able to make a point if not qualify for the 2014 World Cup - I don't see why not !

• Football Kenya Elections in October .....Lord redeem us from the Circus !

  Posted: August 23, 2010, 2:55 pm by SportsKenya

  An announcement coming from the Kenyan football authorities notes that we have an active month in September with branch elections and the culmination being elections of 'new' officials in October. From behind the scenes, there is bound to be some interesting times on the game which is slowly making it back on our main menu of sports offering if the KPL games are anything to go by.
  
  Our prayer is that we shall see some fresh faces and 'clean hands' if we hope for the game to move to the next level. Given the shenanigans associated with the game, no suprises if all sorts of vested interests start sprouting out of the woodwork. We all remember the 1990s when one Maina Kariuki - he of the Coca-Cola Africa fame who gave one of the best presentations of a contesting official in the Kenyan sports scene only to sink into the mire of Kenyan football.
  His reign characterised some of the lows that the game would have and we all know what the story has been with the current officials. The positives have been cultivated by SuperSport who invested in developing the game and we hope they shall insist on some better management coming through especially if our national team is to hope to feature in continental and the 2014 World Cup.
  We also hope FIFA's 'briefcase officials' shall not show their hand in these elections. They have been part of the problem insisting on non-interference even when the game seems headed for the dogs from the Government. They have not helped much even when their own FIFA Goal Project seems to be a non-starter locally.
  Remember we have a new Minister for Youth & Sports in one Paul Otuoma and surely hope he gives us one memorable thing if he is to make his mark in this under-rated but full of potential Ministry. Let's hope to get some semblance of order and may the best win! More info on this announcement here.

• Can Kenyan Basketball stop scoring in its own backyard?

  Posted: August 23, 2010, 2:15 pm by SportsKenya

  This weekend, two Kenyan clubs managed to win the men's and women's Zone V basketball championships. Co-op Bank -men and the Eagle Wings  in the women's division are looking to conquer Africa for continental honours.  This is all well and good. But coming out the embarrassment that was the under-18 women's championships in Egypt due to age-cheating, something is amiss.
  For sometime now, the local game has been under-performing due to the Kenya Basketball Federation's lack of drive to market the sport and see its potential in commercial interests. While other sporting disciplines such as football, rugby and athletics continue attracting sponsors, the game has not been able to seize the opportunities. While we are informed that there some efforts in the works from a team led by the Marketing team led by a lady and former player Cynthia Mumbo, a lot needs to be cultivated among the officials, media and concerned parties to ensure the game becomes a major force to reckon with.
  The country needs to work with continental partners who can help improve our technical part since we shall be able to share notes with the countries from the region - Angola, Senegal, Nigeria come to mind. Spriteball Tournaments while always welcome should work to the Federation's favour and be able to nurture and expose talent to the best in the game. This is only possible if the Federations co-opts the corporate firms in not just sponsoring the one-off tournaments but have structured programmes from the high school level, colleges all the way to the club levels.
  FIBA the world governing body has an open-door policy that should allow the local federation to bloom and realise its potential. There is also need to cultivate a more transparent office from the current officials who have not been able to endear to their continental partners. Tragedy is the fact that heading the Zone V of  the continental body is our very own Eng. Morris Aluanga - so much potential but little action since taking office for the local game.
  Other News:
  (Pau Gasol - Image courtesy of 2010 FIBA World Championships promo - Giants Get Together)
  
  The FIBA World Championships starts in 5 days in the Turkish capital of Ankara and other cities in Turkey. The back-drop though is dominated by the USA team who's off-season trading consisted of some outrageous moves by free agents, Lebron James among others. How susceptible the side will be given the level of competition seen in previous championships means the ' Dream Team' shall not have easy passage again. Shall African representatives ; Angola, Cote de Ivoire and Tunisia give a good account of the continent? The tournament starts on 28th August.

• David Rudisha 'rudishas' the 800m world record home

  Posted: August 23, 2010, 12:09 pm by SportsKenya

  What a weekend it has been for Kenyan athletics! Not that we are never in the spotlight but this time, breaking this or that record. David Rudisha - son of another famous Rudisha (Daniel) who in his day was a 400m specialist and Olympic bronze medallist in 1968 - made sure that the record to the men's 800m 'comes back home'. The previous world record holder though Kenyan-born, changed citizenship to become a Dane before going on to conquer the world in the distance ( ....wonder if he qualifies for dual citizenships under the new constitution dispensation...). He posted a time of 1.41:09 shaving of 0.02 secs.
  
  His performance in the last two years has been phenomenal and it was only time before this young Kenyan athlete to cement his place in the 2-lap event. He also drew inspiration from the ladies in the names of Pamela Jelimo and Janeth Jepkosgei. They have led Kenya's onslaught in the distance in the last 3 years.  Let's see how he maintains his hold over the distance as the Commonwealth in India and later Olympic Games in 2012 shall be.
  
  (Fact: Even with all the pedigree in athletics, it is the first time that a Kenyan athlete claims the record...). For now though, let's raise our glasses to this true Kenyan hero!
  
  
  UPDATE:
  In less than 6 days, a record that took more than 13 years has been bettered by you guessed it, the one and only David Rudisha...1.41:01!  It is amazing to break a record but to better oneself within such a short time, we are lost for words. Another running sensation from this beloved country of Kenya. Makes us feel so full of pride, what with all the weekend 'renewal of vows' for the nation!

• Rugby 7s National Circuit starts...shall this dent Kenya's preparations to Commonwealth Games

  Posted: August 21, 2010, 4:17 pm by SportsKenya

  The local rugby scene comes alive again with the start of the 7s circuit starting with the Christie 7s. This being the breeding grounds of our national 7s teams, conflicting information has it that the Kenya Rugby Union intended for the Kenyan national team players to be excluded from the initial tournaments to enable them prepare for the October Commonwealth Games in India.
  Given that quite a number of teams in the Commonwealth Games also feature in the IRB circuit, the concern of the national office is an important thing to note. The local clubs have argued otherwise with some contenders such as Mwamba having 4 of their key players in the national team. With the release of the players for them to feature in the opening event ( there are 5 events in the 7s circuit proudly sponsored by Western Union), we do hope other players in the clubs shall make an impression to beef up the national team which in serious need of raise after the 2009/10 under par showing in the IRB series.
  The Commonwealth Games shall also serve as a good curtain-raiser but surely hope the players do not suffer burn-out from over-exposure in the number of games to be played throughout from 2010 to 2011.

• Nancy Lagat proves she's no fluke on the World Athletics stage

  Posted: August 21, 2010, 4:06 pm by SportsKenya

  (Images courtesy of www.diamondleague.com & Gladys Chai)August 2008 Beijing : Kenya is quickly trying to prove that the Games are not a flop after waiting till the last few days to get a respectable medal haul. It being a Saturday, Kenyans were waiting for their captain to lead from the front - this was none other that Wilfred Bung'ei who needed to break his duck in the 800m by winning the gold that had eluded him for so long. To win he did win, but on that same day, Kenyans were treated to a double gold when an uncelebrated and usually quiet lady by the name Nancy Lagat beating a strong Ukrainian team which had looked favoured to win the race. She was only the second woman to win a gold medal in the Olympics for Kenya after Pamela Jelimo had blazed the field to claim Kenya's first Olympic gold in the women's 800m.
  {that same season Pamela Jelimo won the Golden League jackpot becoming the first and only Kenyan athlete  to do so - it has since been replaced by the Diamond League}
  
  Fast forward to August 2010: With the new-look Diamond League - which features 14 events in athletics (including both track and field events, across the breadth of Europe, a race from China as well as Doha in the Middle East and also for the first time an American GP event; among the favourites to win the jackpot is yes Nancy Lagat. She won 8 out of the 14 races and was thus among the athletes honoured with the first Diamond League Ambassador status.
  
  What's more she made time to compete in the African Athletics Championships and won her speciality with ease. Much gratitude for her consistence on the field this season and also for returning Kenyan's own in the Grand Prix athletics series after Pamela Jelimo exploits ( where is this lady, one-season wonder or...? ). What next the Commonwealth Games?
  I'm sure this might earn her a photo-op with the Kenyan Head of State, like Pamela in 2008 ( but thankfully any suitors will be sad to learn she is married to a fellow athlete , serves in the Kenya Army and thus she keeps all the loot....)
  
  
  ALSO in: 
  Paul Kipsiele of the 3000m steeplechase also shared the podium as a Diamond League Ambassador even after being beaten by Ezekiel Kemboi in this Kenyan speciality. Congratulations in order too. 

• Commonwealth Games ....a Folklore past its Time?

  Posted: August 20, 2010, 8:16 pm by SportsKenya

  A sports event of any magnitude is bound to excite the passions of the enduring sports enthusiast. The buzz that accompanies it too is supposed to be almost fever pitch and reaching climax highs once the event starts.
  For all African sports or otherwise, this year has been really 'sportified' if there is such a word. Starting with an African Cup of Nations that almost stalled before it started, the 2010 World Cup, the African Athletics Championships among other highlights; the next stop is the Commonwealth Games  - New Delhi - India ( what they are calling, Friendly Games)
  
  This lore started by the British to cater for its colonies or territories is supposedly the 3rd largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games and the Asian Games *( this one is disputable) . In fact it was initially known as the British Empire Games!
  Pre-2010 World Cup ,most pundits had initially expressed their doubts of the African continent hosting such a major event. South Africa shown the light for Africa and didn't disappoint ( proving even our pessimist bone wrong...)
   (Logo from the 2010 Commonwealth  Games website,http://www.cwgdelhi2010.com/)
  Fast forward the Asian sub-continent with India in the spotlight. Now this is one of the greatest sporting nation known more for its exploits in cricket, archery, hockey, indoor games such as squash among others.  They earned the right to hold Games and sought to prove themselves as the next frontier, after China wowed us in 2008 with its Beijing Games.
  Allegations of corruption, poor workmanship and delays in venues are among the woes that the New Delhi authorities are fighting with. Word has it that the Indian Government might be felled by this event if all these allegations finger any authorities in the power allays. This might also cost India future bids for Olympics or any major event of its kind.
  
  While we are not at liberty to pass judgement, 1 and 1/2 month into the event, isn't it time we wondered if these Games are doing us any good? The current bill that India incurs for hosting it stands at US$ 1.6 billion - easily making it the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever.
  There are also the numerous sporting disciplines that have aligned their calendars accordingly to try accommodate their teams honouring their presence there. Rugby, athletics, swimming are some of the main ones. Already 3 major stars in athletics who would have featured in the Games have withdrawn, Usain Bolt of course being the biggest.
  
  We also know of the ever lurking danger of 'terrorists' and their attention-seeking methods. New Delhi was visited by these in 2008 and has been a fragile city given the islands and aggressive neighbours surrounding the Federal State of India.  Security has over 100,000 security officials seeking to make it impregnable to these elements.
  We also know the weather conditions that have hit Asia and the northern hemisphere. With some places recording dangerously high rainfall levels, and others having temperatures soaring into their 30s and 40   degrees Centigrade, it is NOT your sports person's favourite haunt.
  Just like many other Games of such proportions, what legacy do they leave for New Delhi and India as a whole? There are many concerns that some of the venues may turn out to dumpsites and wasting white elephants ....
  Regarding appearances as has become of such national representation, some elite sportsmen may opt to give them a pass. We all know there is nothing much coming in the way of athletes and sports people except for a nice medal and photo op which most can't trade for their appearance fees in more lucrative events. This makes the Games lacklustre, ensuring media rights become a hard sell for the organisers.
  
  When all's said and done, while we join the bandwagon of critics (and not proposing any recommendations), it's about time we started calling it like it is ...on some of these Games.  Read about more of the Games here and concerns about the safety.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Liverpool's Legend Ian Rush conducts football clinics in Kenya

  Posted: August 20, 2010, 7:10 pm by SportsKenya

  Having reported this story first, it is only fair that we pay tribute to one of the biggest legends of English football who spearheaded the technical team to the Kenyan visit.
  
  Ian Rush is one of the heros of the Liverpool team of the late 80s and early 90s (though he did stints in Juventus and Leeds United). He was part of a partnership that sees Standard Chartered Bank shirt sponsorship benefit countries that are developing their football scene. He is serving in his capacity as Liverpool's Soccer Schools Ambassador, 'working with the commercial team to help develop and support partnerships with other global sponsors and brands'...source (Wikipedia).
  For official info about the trip read more from the Liverpool site here.
  
  (Image courtesy of Football-Pictures.net)

• African Athletics starts in Nairobi

  Posted: July 28, 2010, 3:23 pm by SportsKenya

  One of Africa's athletics powerhouses finally gets the chance to host this continental championship which features  teams from across the expansive lands from the North, West, South, Central and of course East Africa. There are the sprints specialists, Nigeria and Namibia while the middle and long distance challenges of Morocco, Ethiopia and Eritrea shall hope to upstage the Kenyans at their home grounds.
  The next few days should be a beehive of activities at the fresh looking Nyayo National Stadium. Hoping the weather patterns permits, it should be a worthy outing for the Kenyan sports fans weaned more on team sports of football and rugby. It shall also bode well for Athletics Kenya to gain credence of hosting major meets in the country after a successful World Cross Country championship in 2007. For more updates follow us on Twitter here with #Nairobi2010 as the tag or blogs including SportinKenya.

• Sprite Slam Tour : Basketball in Kenya at Crossroads

  Posted: July 15, 2010, 6:39 pm by SportsKenya

  After milking the best attention (and revenues of course), Coca-Cola Kenya shall once again engage in another of their brands this time taking a sport which is not enjoying the best of times - Basketball.
  While its peers in football, rugby and athletics seem to be attracting monies and the cherry chips of the corporate world, basketball has become a pedestrian sport at its best. A visit to the games at the Nyayo Gymnasium (which has since been closed to pave way for African Athletics Championships happening July 28-August 1, why they need to close the gym you wonder !) ends up being a real 'labour of love'.
  
  The flavour of the game seen in other leagues such as would compare with the Angolan or West African ones or semi-professional European or basketball premiere league of the NBA has since been lost. Even the annual 3-on-3 tournaments which used to attract sizeable crowds have since disappeared as the interested parties sought solace in other sports.
  From our insider on the game, there are some developments in the works which  may curtail this but till then, Coca-Cola shall be holding forte with its 2nd consecutive tournament in the SpriteSlam tournament. The first round shall be at the Jomo Kenyatta Grounds in Kisumu 31st July-1st August with the final leg culminating in a basketball tournament at the Railways Grounds on Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi.
  Let's hope there shall be synergies drawn by both Kenya Basketball Federation and its corporate sponsors this one being Sprite - Coca-Cola Kenya.  
  (Image courtesy of Nation Media Group. www.nationmedia.com)
  
  
  
  Basketball Briefs:
  
  After creating a buzz with his free agency, Lebron James fell for Miami and its beautiful weather (maybe) deciding to play for the Heat in the NBA. While it seems like the best thing for the Miami franchise, I'm reminded of the fact that most of the greats from MJ, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and most of the legends defied their commercial interests to stick with one team(franchise) for the longest time. Not being a naysayer but I don't see King James earning any championship ring soon. See some insights on his move here.

• Our Take-Out : 2010 World Cup in South Africa

  Posted: July 14, 2010, 11:29 pm by SportsKenya

  (Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)
  The party's over, vuvuzelas quiet and for the next few days all else football (or soccer)'s relegated to the transfer market ( though the Kenyan Premier League has resumed...). There were highs and lows, in & outs and whys & wherefores relating to the tournament. Off from some naysayers ( including our own team here at SportsKenya) and critics we managed to scheme out some of the 8 major stand-outs;
  
  1)Big v/s Small : (Image courtesy of afreeimages.com)
   seasoned versus freshmen, top seeds v/s lower ranked nations, whichever way you look at it, there was not much of that once the tournament started. For experienced sides such as France and former champs Italy to be bundled out in the first round and for Uruguay to finish fourth ahead of other countries such as England, Portugal, Brazil,Argentina and Africa's own top seeds, this tournament proved too unpredictable for any bookmaker. But when push came to shove, the top two nations who had played some superior games Netherlands and Spain faced off in a not-so-entertaining Final.
  
  2)FIFA's 'Profitability v/s Host Nation's own investment: This is a question that hosting nations need to start asking themselves. Who makes the biggest catch in terms of profitability and invested properties, naming rights and other revenue streams? While FIFA's reported to have made around US$ 3.2 billion in revenue, South Africa's economy is expected to expand by only 0.5% in GDP terms - that's counting all other factors constant. So there is something called legacy and the ensuing infrastructural costs? And someone has been asking if Zuma & Co would want to bid for Olympics? Well they just did!
  
  
  (Image Courtesy of Abisa.co.za)
  3)Vuvuzela & Jabulani or is it Jobulani?: The noise-maker and the runaway ball were the main talking points in the pitch and around the stadiums. What other heritage could we have given the World Cup after our own African teams disappointed us massively? The more they criticized the fan-horn, the more sales it reported. Here's 10 of the best about it. As for the Adidas Jabulani ball, some of the very critics such as England's Fabio Capello had been given the chance to play the ball earlier but thanks to the hype from the media about their abilities they didn't give it a try.
  Iker Casillas had started on it too but after keeping clean slates, I guess there were other excuses to give besides the ball to blame.
  
  4)FIFA's 'Partners' v/s Ambush Marketers: FIFA has been trying to make major corporate firms to give long term commitments to the sport through the rather complicated (but often over-valued) sponsorship arrangement. This has seen some major companies avoid this arrangement and instead engage in developing ads which are drawn towards 'sowing where FIFA says they have not reaped'. From the 'Oranje beauties, to Nike's Writing the Future and Pepsi-Cola's African rendezvous, top companies which have previously been associated with the game have looked for cheaper ways to create their own buzz around FIFA's tournaments. Back to the drawing boards Mr. Blatter?
  
  5)'Real'Football versus Boring:
  From a wide range of views, this was a rather technical game rather than attacking game. Given the statistics of having the 2nd lowest goal average since the World Cup begun at 2.3 goals per game, there is need for footballing nations to stop wasting our valuable viewership. For the Final, we had to wait for a miserable 116 minutes before spiking our rather low spirits, no wonder Americans rue this game for its lack of 'exciting' moments!
  
  6)Social media: As we had noted earlier, social media was bound to play a huge part in this tournament and this shows the extent to which this will affect future sporting and landmark events. From Twitter, Facebook, Blogger (like yours truly who chose to watch this from the terrace), REAL TIME reportage and coverage just got better!
  
  7) FIFA's History books redrafted : A few footnotes for FIFA on its history books; South Africa's first round exit made it the first host nation to exit that early; new order in winning nations meant that Spain joins the rare privilege accorded to 9 other nations across the world. Europe pulled a fast one on South America making it 10 out of 19 (the rest obviously going to South American countries)
  
  8) Africa's Future: While most critics maybe quick to dismiss the effect the tournament had on the continent, it is fair to say that Africa shall be proud of South Africa for putting together this event. Measured we shall be in our praise since very few countries had any economic or commercial impact from the tournament. What was even worse was the fact that the party came in late for African teams with only Ghana making an effort to the quarters but again showing the inexperience that cripples most of the continent's teams. But learning, we sure did learn a thing or two from Africa's 'first-world' state.
  
  As Brazil start blazing the world as they look to host the first of its major tournaments in the next 4 years, let's hope African countries soak in more lessons from this as they hope for the windfall sometime maybe from ....2030? We can ask Paul the Octopus, well over to you FIFA!

• Africa Athletics Championships: Some Semblance of Action Finally...

  Posted: June 24, 2010, 9:50 pm by SportsKenya

  Well, trying to outdo a major event such as the World Cup is truly an enormous task but Athletics Kenya is finally putting up some form of activity to back their word on the upcoming Africa Athletics Championships in last weekend of July to 1st August.
  After securing title sponsorship through Safaricom and a term I've never heard before of 'The Presenting Sponsor', and also getting the Outdoor Advertising Association of Kenya to sign a deal that will see some major billboards give added visibility to the event; we can breath a brief sigh of relief.
  The arduous task left for the association now is to make sure they can whip up local fans who have never really developed an appetite for athletics events , save for the road races and marathons that have become quite a feature in local calendars. The coverage also needs to be seamlessly and seeing as the support received so far is almost adequately covered, they can't afford to mess this one up.
  We shall hope to gain some insights as we approach the event but the mean-time find more updates and info on the event here - www.nairobi2010.com

• Sports Tourism : Another One from the StanChart Kenya

  Posted: June 24, 2010, 9:10 pm by SportsKenya

  Seeing as it is, the current World Cup in South Africa has seen some of the best sports tourism packages developed and media platforms across the world are sampling the best that Africa has to offer. If you switch on to any major TV network or credible station and you'll see some interesting ads by popular tourist destinations and Kenya's not been left behind.
  Building on the Magical Kenya communication to not only promote local tourism which has been previously overlooked, we are informed that the Kenya Tourist Board is in discussion with the Standard Chartered Bank - Kenya the franchise holder of the Nairobi Marathon to develop some package targeting sports tourism.
  This would be some added boon to the event which has seen numbers soar only to stagnate in last year's event at just over 13,000 down from highs of 15,000 + in the 2007/8 races. There is word too that the meet may seek to attract some big names in the form of guest appearances and this might add the extra uumph that the event needs to make it sustainable and worth running for this year.
  It will also promote the country's major attractions and the city's too in the same vein and seek to gain international prominence along the lines of the  London, New York or other World Marathon Majors circuit.
  We welcome these developments if indeed they do take place and look forward to Kenyan sporting scene at least making its mark not just from the international meets but from locally developed and hosted events.
  
  IN OTHER NEWS :
  Image courtesy of Daryl & Sharna Balfour - www.lewa.org. 
  Still talking about the running, we have the now major sporing event in the calendar going down this weekend at the Lewa Downs. Popularly known as the Lewa Marathon, it's a pet project of East Africa's biggest company, Safaricom which shall host runners at the Lewa Conservancy. The race is an ideal outing for the discerning urbanite who needs to get away from the city.
  This year's event has some interesting partnerships with LG providing some big screens to ensure you the football fan does not miss any World Cup action as the tournament gets deeo into the knock-out stage over the weekend. For a worthy cause and to 'run in the wild' as they say, see you at the Lewa. For more details gp to www.lewa.org.

• Liverpool's African Trip??? Word has it....

  Posted: June 24, 2010, 8:40 pm by SportsKenya

  Logo courtesy of Liverpool FC website....that there is a football clinic coming up in August featuring some members of the technical bench of the English side, Liverpool. Given the new deal that the club signed in 2009 with the Standard Chartered Bank , to sponsor the club for the next 4 seasons ending in 2014 ; and the fact that Standard Chartered will be marking 100 years starting next month till 2011 -when the 100th year was as well as the relocation and finishing of its new headquarters on Museum Hill here in Kenya.  It seems like the football buzz has not missed the Kenyan scene after all... more details as we liven up the grapevine !
  
  
  

• Kenyan 2010/11 Budget Estimates : Sports Gets a big miss

  Posted: June 11, 2010, 3:19 pm by SportsKenya

  Maybe we've not read the fine print, but not much was mentioned with regards to sports development in the Kenyan Budget estimates for the financial year 2010/11. What sounds ironic is the fact that for the first time, a sitting President missed the Budget reading to attend to what....sports extravanganza !
  
  2008 had the then Finance Minister allocate a measly Kshs. 1m per constituency towards sponsoring football tournaments which didn't go as expected thanks in part to the murky Kenyan football management scene. If the technocrats in the Ministry could look deeper into their reports and especially with remittances from winnings abroad, they would see that our sportsmen are some of the biggest contributors to the national kitty.
  Another observation is that Kenyan corporate firms are taking a bigger role in developing sport in the country. The Government can do the same by matching the amounts in major sports development programmes. The Sports Stadia is one such body which hasn't put in a good show in the last 2 years.
  Incentives can be offered to development of infrastructure like we have seen with the golfing parks being built at Rea Vipingo and the expected Thika Greens. That way, the begging cup that federations have been used to can be channelled towards enhancing competitiveness in their respective leagues.
  Youth development programmes are some popular tunes we have sung for the longest time but in actual sense, it remains that, lip service. There are other suggestions that we have outlined many a times on this platform.
  Barbs in plenty to the Ministry of Finance for such an oversight in the midst of such a glaring opporturnity for sport !!!
  
  In Other News:
  When one Ministry dithered and ignored the sporting world, another was busy rewarding our own as Goodwill ambassador. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sport yesterday appointed McDonald Mariga as Kenya's Goodwill Ambassador in Italy. In discussion is the possibility of attracting more visitors from Italy ( currently ranked 3rd with lowly 67,000 visitors after US & UK ; patronising Kenya's coastal town of Malindi) ; developing youth academies in Kenya in liaison with Italian clubs to spot and nurtute talent. Do these guys sit in the same Cabinet ???

• 2010 World Cup - Should Africa Be Really Celebrating?

  Posted: June 11, 2010, 2:43 pm by SportsKenya

  Over the last few days, with the world coming to the African continent, albeit on what is arguably the world's biggest extravaganza ( and longest too considering that we 'suffer' for the next 30 days), we have been mulling over what maybe a huge oversight for the continent's nations to consider now and future contests. There have been quite a number of issues that we need to observe and see what is REALLY in it ( pessimistic some may call it...) ;
   Image courtesy of UnitedStatesofAfrica.com
  1) Publicity - While the media is obviously at a frenzy with every media house saying it's number one in this or that reportage, the last few years since South Africa was confirmed as the host of the tournament has seen some trying times for the continent. From the constant negativity on whether the country would be able to prepare the venues in time, to the intended ban of the vuvuzela, and over-exaggeration of security (shall cover it in a separate point below...read this example). Surely if you look at it, this is the time the world needs to come to relax and absorb in some peaceful moments and what better place than what maybe the least unexploited and compromised continent thus far.
  
  
  2) Security - as indicated above, the Western media has exaggerated some of the concerns that have risen over security arrangements for the visitors. While we cannot overlook this issue, it maybe of interest to see that some of the conditions that we are currently operating in were created by the very powers-that-be. Terrorism was not Africa's concern and SHOULD NOT have visited us if the US and other Western countries had not meddled in Middle East and parts of Asia. If what Kenyans endured in the last few days is anything to go by, there is surely not much to celebrate - making us feel like 2nd-class citizens in our own countries - BARBS!!!
  
  3) Commercialisation ( Overdrive) - delving into some of the nitty-gritties of the tournament and the FIFA's marketing strategies make's one wonder whether its good for sports or are we approaching another crisis of sorts? From a tight monopoly in issuing sponsorship places to a huge booty that comes with the territory -calling the shots from a tight leadership structure- blocking out many a company that may have a stake or more in the game. While it is good for companies to commit to sport some money, some of the officials look more for greed ( to help finance their fancy lifestyles) than investing in the long-term growth of the game. We know about the hospitality issue here.We have also seen more autocracy than 'democracy' especially here in Africa where Confederation of African Football CAF's made to look like the whipped kid and federations forced to put up - if Kenya's case is anything to consider. There is the issue of bribery and match-fixing which rears its head every once in awhile
  The financial crisis in some of the European leagues shows us that it may not be as rosy as FIFA leads companies to believe, putting too much money on hot air. Read the book - The Global Politics of Sport: The Role of Global Institutions in Sport by Lincoln Allison for more interesting perspectives.
  
  4) Infrastructure development and other capital-intensive works - While the discerning football fan maybe excited for finding top notch facilities and infrastructure, why do Governments in Africa need to have such tournaments to start making this happen? Why can't we just develop the infrastructure for our own citizenry and sake instead of trying to 'cover our nakedness' and 'sweeping the dirt ' for our visitors who are only here for some few days or months? It shocks and makes me sick how African states treat foreign dignitories especially from the West - it's as if all they will see is the fanciness of our buildings and all that.
  More concerns need to be raised if recent countries hosting major tournaments are to considered. Greece currently tottering on huge public debt can trace back some of the problems to 2004 Olympic Games which though beautiful and historic ended up leaving the public paying through their noses for under-utilised facilities.
  Image Courtesy of Adidas
  5)Sports - are we enjoying the sport for what it is? When players and managers alike start giving excuses such as they are with the vuvuzela and ball - Jabulani dynamics, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. If they don't like it, then we can leave the stadiums empty and have them carry their own balls and see if they can play at all. If anything, the reason fans flock the stadium is to see goals scored, the more the better.
  On the other hand, we have seen Africa's place not get enough support with more window dressing in our opinion. With the contintent having more than 45 active federations, 6 places from the continent are not sufficient and representative enough for such a passionate lot. Suffice it to say, that if there were at least 8 -10 teams, we could have a fair chance of winning the tournament and a truly global event if FIFA's word is to be believed.
  
  6) Overdrive and over-exposure - this covers two aspects; the players and FIFA's calendar of events. The growing list of injuries shows that quite a number of them are suffering from overdrive and exposure from playing too many games within one season. This leads us to the next point where FIFA has quite a number of tournaments and events within a year. Isn't this a bit of over-exposure which might lead to saturation or destruction at some point?Africa has its share of stars who will be missing from the roster thanks to this
  Image courtesy of AP7) Future of Sports in the continent - if the South African World Cup achieves the intended success ( don't know how it shall be quantified...), the continent may have a chance of hosting future major events. Consideration ought to be given to dual hosts to ease the burden on one state and give a wider spread of the game. But if the tournament does not live to the standards or the hype that some have put it in, Africa shall be for a long time be banished as '3rd-world' that much of the rest of the world likes branding us. Can we prove them wrong?  Relive past World Cups in brief and see if we shall hack it..You can also read some interesting books here on football and all the politics around it as well here
  
  Watch the games & may your favourite team win and see you in 30 days...

• Safaricom Safari Sevens - Final Take Out !

  Posted: June 11, 2010, 12:31 pm by SportsKenya

  Though coming in late, we preview what our take on this budding rugby tournament that has slowly come of age. There was plenty to bite on over the 3 days that the sporting extravaganza was held at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road. Allow us to fill you in;
  a) Growth :- Starting from the 1990s, the event has seen its growth to become a major mark on the sporting calendar of the Kenyan scene. That the grounds could command numbers in excess of 10,000 for the last 2 days, is no mean feat. There are also the different invitations extended to the secondary and lower levels which is encouraging as these aspire to be the Injeras and Ademas of this world.
  On stunted growth, it is fair to say that the competition has yet to attract competitive sides such as New Zealands All Blacks, Samoans or even the Springboks of South Africa on a regular basis. This is an area that the Kenya Rugby Union needs to work on to make it possible to competitively bid for a place in the IRB circuit series in case they extend the current 8 to a potential 10 or more tournaments - of course if they need more exposure for the game by 2016.
  
  b) Infrastructure - the grounds were resplendent with lots of corporate colours from this or that company. This is a big boon and an even interesting prospect is the fact that there are some energy and resource saving solutions that are being explored by the corporate firms which see it not just as an investment but a way to utilise innovation - a case in point Lister Petter.
  There is also the added value that new sponsors have brought on board investing in fan stands and other necessary structures to ensure the teams have a peaceful game on the pitch. Companies in Kenya must learn that sports MUST be part of their investment plans and NOT some CRS- corporate social responsibility programme - loathe that term !
  The one worry though is that of the grounds were intended to host a bigger and more competitive, investing in bigger sitting space, better parking grounds, floodlights in case of playing on the early evening or night and such features. The security though improved can be better, as we saw on the last day when a streaker ran the full length of the pitch half-naked.
  
  c) Media liaison and centre - It's been awhile to see such well co-ordinated communication for the media and the centre for reporting and interview booths. Though the usual case of some prima donnas ( thanks to working for certain media organisations, some individuals definitely think they are bigger than life - the basics is to get the unattending fan to catch up on the game and get the job done - period. All else is just secondary....) who almost gave a bad name to the place, with the demands for this or that favour. There was also the case of constant reprieves from organisers for over-zealous cameramen - our own included. The idea of a ring around the main pitch separating the crowd from the media people is not a bad idea.
   Relating to live coverage and social media, there were constant updates from the SuperSport team as well as our own K24 which broadcast the game live. This is a plus for the game for future screening and if we do bid for the IRB circuit.  W e had the social media buzzing with updates from both Twitter accounts, Facebook updates and uploads as well as the blogging world ( including yours truly...)
  
  d) Invitational teams - while we cheer our boys for winning the game, in retrospect we should be rooting for the developmental side or team B to have achieved better. If our national team is to have a feeder programme, the second-string team needs to be up to the standards. Its not a lost cause for the team ( Shujaa as it were) due to the fact that the team had not even trained together comprehensively for them to play in this tournament. As earlier said, we also need to get more competitive sides from the IRB circuit to come play before our fans - that way we get better value the money, both for the corporate firms and enthusiasm to continue coming for more.
  
  e) Entertainment - while we enjoyed the lady dancers and acrobats on the pitch, could we have a wider variety - maybe some comedians like we had some time back with the Redykulass guys? Still on the same, while it may cost a little more, we could love to see some international act like we did sometime in 1997-8 with former Fugee Lauryn Hill making her presence felt on this East African city.
  
  
  Overall it was a well-run tournament and big kudos for the team for giving us a vantage point to absorb the happenings. Good tidings for next year's and future Safari Sevens.

• Safaricom Sevens : Day 3 action on Pics

  Posted: June 6, 2010, 8:03 pm by SportsKenya

  Safaricom Sevens : Day 3 action on Pics

• Day Two Action - in Pics

  Posted: June 6, 2010, 3:39 pm by SportsKenya

  Day Two Action - in Pics

• Safaricom Sevens : Day 2 action ends on a high...

  Posted: June 5, 2010, 10:50 pm by SportsKenya

  For you the Kenyan rugby fan ( OK that's a really lame one), we've had another great outing with both Kenyan teams playing their hearts out. The only cause of alarm was the injury to Biko Adema knocking his knee and that's missing the rest of the action and the Shujaa team losing to Grenoble. Seeing as it is the crowd didn't care less and with the final game pitting Kenya and Les Blues - the French side, it was a nice way to end the day.
  The fans have been electric with the 'Green Bay' - the new Safaricom-built fan stands providing a superb backdrop for the cheering lot. Tis hoping the weather respects the 3rd and final day of action, keep it here for the updates...meanwhile enjoy the clips of the famous Kenyan crowd courtesy of Safaricom 7s page...www.facebook.com/safaricom7s

• Safaricom Sevens : Day 1 action on Pics

  Posted: June 5, 2010, 8:46 pm by SportsKenya

  Here's some more action from the RFUEA Grounds. The place is getting warm, action's hotter (ladies even hotter....), better come down here, both Kenyan teams playing their hearts out as the crowd gets worked into a frenzy...some pic rolls to go by
  
  

• Safaricom Safari 7s: Day One: Kenya wallops Samurai 46-0

  Posted: June 5, 2010, 4:41 pm by SportsKenya

  The mood electric, weather just right....drinks flowing, and it can't get better, Kenya's main team starts with a BANG! You are missing the action, you don't know what you are missing...keep it here as we give you the updates from the pitch and the ongoings on the stands...

• Safaricom Safari Sevens - Keeenyaaa !

  Posted: June 3, 2010, 3:40 pm by SportsKenya

  After a somewhat disappointing season in the IRB Sevens circuit , the Kenyan fans welcome the boys home and hope to crown the season by winning this novel tournament. The tournament celebrating its 14th consecutive year shall also be marking a new milestone by having the new sponsors mobile phone company, Safaricom Limited, hence a rather interesting name Safaricom Safari Sevens.
  The event has been a major sporting extravaganza over the 3-day period that its held and is amust for any rugby fan (though some purists may differ with us) and city sports fan looking for a weekend of fun and socialising beyond the normal clubbing scene that's all too common in Nairobi.
  Due to the exposure the team has gotten from the IRB 7s, the rugby crowds have continually become big with the recently held Bamburi Super Series and Kenya Cup bearing witness to this. The performance of the 15-a-side team though has a long way to go to match their 7s counterparts but there is room for improvement.
  The same must be said of the 7s team which witnessed some lacklustre performances in Twickenham , Scotland and London, England as the IRB circuit came to a close. Kenya Rugby Union officials and the technical bench surely have some work to do before the start of the 2010/11 season in December where we hope to retain the no.6 ranking achieved in the 2008/9 season if not better.
  We cannot forget that the game has borne some of the best rugby players locally including, Sammy Khakame, Benjamin Ayimba, Oscar Osir, and the current crop ably led by the Injera brothers ( I hear the youngest in their family's also making a knock on to the senior side)
  We can join our boys as they make their homecoming trip and look forward to a worthy weekend. The team shall use the tournament to weed out any poor performances and also prepare for the Commonwealth Games to be held later this year in New Delhi, India. We also hope the Kenya Rugby Union can make a bid for inclusion in the IRB circuit { if and when they make an addition(s) to the current 8 tournaments }.
  Surely if we are to make a mark in the inaugural sevens inclusion in the Olympics in 2016, we need to start working on it NOW ! We shall be reporting live from the venue and big kudos to Safaricom for sponsoring the tournament and making an impact in the sport. We also thank the organisers for availing us the platform to cover the event and its peripheral activities.  Come let's cheer our boys, KEEENYAAA....

• World Cup 2010 : The lure is too good...

  Posted: June 3, 2010, 2:43 pm by SportsKenya

  The lure of the World Cup has drawn even some of the most unlikely of characters with the most educated President in the world one Bob Gabriel Mugabe reportedly forking out US $ 1.8 million (KShs. 144 million) to host the Brazilian team in Harare for their friendly yesterday. The rare occasion even made the Pres, give half-day off to civil servants for them to make it for the game. 60,000 strong fans showed up and the excitement must have seen him score one with his own citizens already disillusioned by his failure to step down after more than his fair share of troubles and mismanaging the country.
  
  The National Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam - Venue of the 7th June Brazil v/s Tanzania friendly
  
  Next week Tanzania's Football Federation TFF hosts the Samba Boys in Dar-es-Salaam with the lowest ticket going for US$ 25 (KShs for the game to be played at the coastal city's National Stadium. The cost of hosting the team has been estimated at US$ 2.5 million to lure Brazil into the country. The Federation which has had the country's mobile phone operator, Vodacom sponsor the league is said to be planning ahead and targeting to qualify for the 2014 World Cup which shall be hosted by no other than Brazil.
  It is a real coup that Tanzania has managed to upstage its East African counter-parts who will need to work harder to try and encourage its players and football fans. It maybe hefty but if they do manage a goal or two (of course we don't expect Brazil to lose this one), the game's heroes shall be clearly motivated to playing in the qualifiers to see them in Rio de Janeiro in 4 years.
  Are there any other African countries willing to take such a risk or is the lure not good enough for most States?

• Kenyan Football Famous Derby that was

  Posted: May 27, 2010, 11:50 pm by SportsKenya

  For your local football fan, yesterday was another historic day in recent times for the game. This was in the famous derby between AFC Leopards & Gor Mahia. The streams of fans walking to the stadium at Nyayo in Nairobi West was quite a buzz. We decided to go the typical fan way and avoid the trappings of the media box and go down to the Russian stands.
  
  
  Here's our take and learnings for KPL;
  
  a) Ticketing - the queues were a bit too long and chaotic at some point prompting the breaking of one of the gates (Gate 3 or 4 if I'm not wrong). This could have been avoided if the match ticketing firm had distributed the tickets at outlets such as supermarkets and other retail outlets. Though still in its infancy, try printing more season tickets, that way some of the ardent fans would have been sorted and entered early enough. And what was this about VIP Stand only for the place to be packed beyond its seams. Have a clear allotment of the tickets per sitting area and demarcate them as such.
  
  b) Branding - the branding of both team fans' is still wanting with only t-shirts available. The more enthusiastic Gor fans had a little more with vuvuzelas and some other own paraphenalia did its rounds during the game. No wonder they seemed more organised and louder (guess that proved too much for the players on the pitch, thus losing their focus...)
  
  c) Security - for the umpteenth time, the security lapses at the stadium were horrendous to say the least. From the queueing where some kept jumping the queue until other fans objected, to the pitch where at some point some AFC fans started throwing objects into the field. From where we were, by the 80th minute, there were fans in another world thanks to some 'illegal smokes'. Could have sworn to have gotten a 'kick' too from all that smoke. Surely you don't want to know what would have happened if there was some ruckus or fracas post-match exit.
  
  d)Entertainment (or lack thereof) - maybe it's because it was a week-day match, but that void needs to be filled urgently. Pre-match, mid-match and post-match entertainment was non- existent making the breaks a long bore. If you want to add value to your program, include some interesting skits like this
  
  
  e)Transport - OK maybe most fans can't afford but can someone think of getting buses or vans to move the masses to and from a game?
  
  f) Fan-clubs - None of the clubs had their fan-clubs actively selling merchandise on the day. How else do you wish to connect with your fans when you've nothing for them to look out for? Same would apply for season and other tickets.
  
  g) Prizes and giveaways- you've to entice us to keep coming to the games by giving certain ticket prizes or give-aways.
  
  h) Stadium Management - it might not be the clubs' fault but the stadium needs to be restricted to matches and sports events ONLY. If someone wants to hire it for something else, please let them make the necessary arrangements for the pitch not to be damaged. The army march-past for these 'idlers from the Barracks' can be done elsewhere like the Uhuru Park which is rightly made for them. Sports Stadia Management Board still smarting from the poor performance slumber....???
  
  i)Autographs - Maybe it's a foreign culture but why didn't anyone think of capitalising on the appearance of MacDonald Mariga and fellow professional footballer, Dennis Oliech? Coca-Cola took full advantage earlier and appointed Mariga Copa Coca-Cola Goodwill Ambassador. Some of us may never get that close to these guys from the look of things while they are at the peak of their careers!....(chuckle, chuckle....) 
  
  
  j) Game Quality - Though Gor Mahia showed a slightly superior game and had superior ball possession, there is still room for improvement on the technical and simple ball techniques. Some of the quality was lacking and they need to do better if we are to keep coming for these games. Oh and AFC turned the tables by scoring a late winner to secure the 3-points.
  
  From this, why can't Kenya Premier League also think of having games on a Friday evening and maybe let some of us go for a game before over-indulging as the weekend starts? The ticket sales from the Wednesday game give credence to this. We can't wait for the return leg of these two teams and other interesting fixtures if the Kenyan game is to sustain itself. Kazi kwako Mr. Elly Kalekwa!

• Kenyan Football - Midweek Fixtures excite Nairobi crowds

  Posted: May 26, 2010, 3:53 pm by SportsKenya

  Seeing as it is, the European and major leagues across the world may have come to an end or mid-season break but not yet for our Kenyan game. The Kenya Premier League games have become quite the talk of town and this the case with the mid-week fixtures.
  
  
  Today sees one of the what is traditionally Kenya's  biggest games with traditional arch-rivals AFC Leopards pitted against Gor Mahia fondly referred to by its fans as 'K'Ogelo'! The publicity these games have created is bound to give this game added flavour. What is more interesting is the fact that none of the teams is in the top 3 but Gor's two places down at 5th place and the point difference is one point with 'Ingwe' placed 10th in the standings.
  You can be sure we shall be in the stadium bringing you the behind-the-scenes action and whatever else might be of interest to our readers. The game starts at 7p.m under the floodlights ( but with a bad pitch given the rains and army marching in readiness for June 1st national day, why can't they keep their boots at Uhuru Park for Pete's sake???)
  BE THERE !
  You can read a history of this Kenyan football rivalry from here or this. 

• World Cup 2010 Ads: Nike 'Writes the Future'

  Posted: May 24, 2010, 12:30 pm by SportsKenya

  This is one of my favourite ads of the World Cup 2010 tournament so far. This particular one has some interesting snap-shots of the African tournament and features among others, Kenya's own sportscaster, Torome Tirike ( albeit in very cameo role) and also a famous crowd cheer we have been renowned for especially in the rugby circles. You can here it as Drogba's about to score, anyway let me not spoil your fun...enjoy it.
  

• Mariga's Inter Milan Score Treble but....

  Posted: May 24, 2010, 12:18 pm by SportsKenya

  Over the weekend for most Kenyans it was the perfect curtain-raiser for the upcoming 2010 World Cup. Kenya's own Macdonald Mariga didn't play in the Final but that was not a hindrance as by virtue of his team being in the final, we rooted for the team to make history under one Jose Mourinho.
  History indeed was made and Inter became among the elite European teams of winning the treble ( the League Championship, League Cup and Champions League) - other teams being Ajax Amsterdam, Celtic , among others and most recently Barcelona last season.
  While we congratulate Mourinho for winning these titles, there is the small thing of his unconfirmed move to Real Madrid. As he was quoted saying that any manager worth his salt must have coached in the 3 most competitive leagues, and that Real's always a boon; we cannot guarantee Mariga's fate in playing for regular games for Inter let alone his being part of next season's team.
  
  Hoping Mourinho's continues with his tradition of moving along with some of the players who help him mould a team, Mariga might be excess of his requirements given the La Liga's team penchant for spending excessively to attract the best talent. Again seeing as some of the game's scouts might be tempted to indulge in the transfer market after the World Cup hoping to get some raw talent  from there ( though most post-World Cup signings prove to be highly over-rated, we all know of the Davor Sukers, Denilsons and others of this game).
  There is also the bait that Manchester City might be seeking what they missed out in the mid-season's signings in January. 
  All in all, we pray our home-boy gets the chance to prove his own on the pitch whichever team he plays for, we shall be seeing our boys conquer Europe in the 2010/2011 Champions League.
  
  Note:
  Dennis Oliech's the other Kenya expected to play in next season's Champions' League after Auxerre finished third and thus is to play in the League proper. We sure hope to see more Kenyans moving into the lucrative fields after getting transfers from the local league as we improve on our game here. Who's most likely to join Mariga and Oliech? Keep it here as we keep you posted on the off-season, summer signings.

• Nairobi BarCamp is Back !

  Posted: May 18, 2010, 6:00 pm by SportsKenya

  After giving it a miss in 2009, the Nairobi BarCamp's back this year. This time around, the venue of the event's what is easily becoming the hot-bed of mobile-based, IT and other solutions developers 'joint'- the aptly named, iHub.
  The registration is ongoing and do make it hasty since there's the upper limit of 500 which is quickly being taken up. No scroungers and idlers please! For those who's World Cup may have started, it will only be the second day into the sporting extravaganza and you never know what interesting solutions and applications might be on show to make yours a memorable day.
  See you there !
  Register for it, http://www.barcampnairobi.com

• Volleyball : Kenyan Queens do it again

  Posted: May 17, 2010, 6:08 pm by SportsKenya

  This year's Women’s African club championship held in Mauritius saw our three teams qualify for the semi-finals, with Kenya Prisons winning the title, 3-1 sets against Kenya Pipeline. This is something of a perennial thing for Kenyan women clubs and this has made them contribute to national and continental success.
  The only tragedy is that we have not been able to translate this to the international scene with our team losing mercilessly in the World Championships and Olympics respectively. Methinks the new Kenya Volleyball Federation has its work cut out. With the Commonwealth Games, Olympics and world championships coming up in the next 2 years, better start working now. I do hope you've resolved your little tiff with the Sports Stadia Management Board to avail to you the Kasarani Gym (which the Federation ought to pay for though the Government can throw in a subsidy or two).

• UEFA Champions League 2010/2011 : Double Treat for Kenyan fans

  Posted: May 17, 2010, 5:51 pm by SportsKenya

  Thanks to the exploits of their respective teams Inter Milan (Italy) and Auxerre (France), Kenyan football fans shall be treated and enjoy more UEFA Champions League 2010/2011 than has ever been. Seeing our very own is bound to change quite a number of dynamics especially TV rights  and viewership.
  This year the only local TV station screening the matches was K24 (which a little birdie tells me partners with KBC, but is trying to cut its own niche). In 2008/9 NTV, Nation Media Group's Kenyan TV station had that priviledge but has left it audience asking what happened to its sports offering.
  To our two brothers, it is kudos and wish Mariga's Inter all the best against German's champions Bayern Munich on Saturday 22nd May. It would be a nice crowning moment for all football fans across the country this season, before we start the 2010 World Cup in June.

• Rhino Charge charges through in the last week of May

  Posted: May 12, 2010, 10:52 pm by SportsKenya

  Playing into what is a busy 2nd quarter of the calendar year and forthcoming sporty weekends, the Rhino Charge takes place from the 29th -31st of May. Given that 1st of June is usually a public holiday in Kenya, it will serve as the ideal getaway for a weekend of bush action for you and your friends mixing it with charity as they seek to raise funds for the Rhino Ark - which helped fence off the Aberdare National Park to protect wildlife and the Aberdare range forest, from human encroachment.
  The 4x4 showcase for many a rough road enthusiast and has lately become many corporate firms favourite way of hanging out with peers and networking. The fund-raising for each of the teams also makes it a nice run-up to the event.
  
  UPDATE: Rhino Charge Venue Confirmed
  Organisers confirm this year's Rhino Charge is at Corner Baridi past Kiserian on your way to Ole Polos - a favourite hang-out for Nairobians especially on weekends. This's even almost a long weekend given we have a public holiday on Tuesday June 1st. { well that's if you can convince your boss not to make it to work on Monday...:-)}
  
  Book your way there with various providers of camp services and be ready for a wild weekend! Check out more details here, www.rhinocharge.co.ke

• 2030 FIFA World Cup - Kenya 's Time ?

  Posted: May 12, 2010, 9:09 pm by SportsKenya

  All protocols observed,gentlemen and the single lady representing FIFA, we the Government of Kenya wish to submit our bid for the 2030 World Cup. As Africa's second time, we believe we have the right to showcase our ability and to ensure we successfully host this once-in-a-lifetime (...twice now for Africa) tournament.
  Distinguished guests, having satisfied various indicators from economic,financial and related factors; we wish to present the following 7 points as our support case.
  Super-duper Highways
  
  It must not escape your attention that we have a few years left and we have already accomplished over 95% of the Vision 2030 as set forth by our beloved 3rd Pres of the Republic. Thus are the major strides we have made;
  
  A) Vision 2030 - this economic plan developed by a think-tank back in the later 2000s, has become one of the leading economic blueprints across Africa and indeed across the world. Countries which have recently followed our path have moved from Third World countries to Emerging Economies. As mentioned earlier, we are well ahead of schedule having consistently achieved over 10% growth rate in our GDP (check with IMF, World Bank and the most recent Inter-Continental Financial Magnates- ICFM figures). Indeed it shall be a culmination of this landmark plan & a celebration of what human effort can do with the right focus and vision from a people.
  
  B)State-of-the-art Infrastructure : - looking at our investment on roads and related infrastructure, and with the kind help of our Chinese brothers; we have developed what maybe considered one of Africa's brand spanking roads.
  
  We have also gotten our stadiums built to specifications that would make the Maracana Stadium look like a speck.With sophisticated arenas like the one we have along our coastline, we shall show the world what you never saw (or if you did, make your experience in Africa a premier class one). This has been the efforts of our very own Sports Stadium Management Board which is currently being consulted by the Japanese and German engineers on how they achieved this in the most astounding of engineering feats.
  
  C) Governance :- Noting we have celebrated 20 years since we ushered in a new constitutional disposition, we have become a model nation for many a country across the continent. We have seen smooth transition of successive governments which has seen each compliment the other and continue in the 'nyayo' building blocks for our economic prosperity and serve as an 'island of peace & haven for investors'.
  
  D) Strategic location :- Smack in the middle of the globe, we have the Equator ( 0"- latitude) running across the nation. This makes ours some of the most pleasant you could get anywhere in the world. It is the reason we have had some of the best hotels and game reserves as nature interacts with our modern infrastructure. Where else can you get wild game in its natural habitat and cities-within-cities? As you may well know we have Africa's only peak on right at the Equator with plenty of snow for those visiting from the Scandinavian countries and Eastern European regions. Plenty are the ski resorts that our visitors from these regions can enjoy.
  
  E)Cosmopolitan centres - from Kisumu - Lakeside city,to what some call the 'Birmingham of Kenya' or 'Pineapple City' - Thika as well as the lash green area in Marsabit and our golden sandy beaches of Mombasa and Malindi, we have more than enough cities to host this colossal tournament. We have great grounds as mentioned above, electric over-head and undergrounds rails, 24-hour economic centres and more than we can mention, do come to Kenya and experience it yourself!
  
  F)ICT - having successfully outdone the original Silicon Valley, we have managed to bring the ICT sector and currently host it in our model city of Athi (not a corruption of the word 'Earthy'). Many of the start-ups from the Silicon Valley moved their operational bases to this location along with others which have developed thanks to our innovative populace. If you do remember, as far back as the early 2000s we pioneered the mobile money transfer, the open source system for cloud-sourcing crisis information, the iHub thus attracted by our pedigree,we have most of the major companies listed not just on the German DAX, New York Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, Tokyo Stock Exchange and our own Nairobi Stock Exchange - the largest stock exchange in Africa in terms of capitalisation and listed companies.
  
  G)Kenya Football scene - thanks again to your able leadership at FIFA we managed to streamline the football scene in the country back in 2010. We developed a homegrown league in the Kenya Premier League and in 7 years was attracting talent from across the globe with some the biggest names then playing in Europe ( from England's Theo Walcott, Spain's Xavi and Argentina's Lionel Messi) being among the first to play for our teams. We currently contributed over 25% of all players playing in the forthcoming 2026 World Cup and this is likely to go up on confirmation of our bid. Our able partners in this have been SuperSport which has built an out-of-this-world broadcasting centre in readiness of the 2030 World Cup.
  
  Our esteemed hosts,we seek your indulgence and consider these as our main highlights and hope to influence your thinking as you vote for the host of the 2030 World Cup. Indeed...This is Africa, Our Africa !
  

• 2010 Africa Athletics Championships : AK, PLEASE GET SERIOUS !

  Posted: May 6, 2010, 5:35 pm by SportsKenya

  Kenyan athletics has for the longest time remained one of the most successful sports discipline in the country and with this comes the added bonus of prosperity and expectations. Being managed by one of the richest (if not the richest) sports body in the country, it is thus a joke to find it hard to get things rolling for the continental championships to be hosted in Nairobi July 28th - August 1st 2010.
  The team headed by the current chair who's served for the longest time ever can do better than it currently is.
  According to media reports, our own prominent athlete Paul Tergat has asked the Local Organising Committee led by its CEO David Okeyo - who also doubles up as the AK's Secretary General - to redouble their efforts for putting up a worthy show in the next 2 months.
  That they usually reprimand organisers of local athlete meets and roadshows is sure the standard they can set for themselves. The goodwill enjoyed from most corporate organisations, the Government and the Sports Stadia Management Board (that which has been dithering though in renovating Nyayo Stadium - venue of the championships)is enough to put something respectable in place.
  They also have the experience of hosting the annual cross-country events and national trials which are good testing grounds. AK also successfully hosted the 2007 World Cross-Country Championships.
  That said, they can always seek the Paul Tergats and Martin Keinos of this world who have over the years shown proficiency in managing athletics brands and events. The annual Sports Personality of the Year Awards -SOYA's such a case.
  Get working people and DON'T let us down!
  You can follow African Athletics here.

• Mariga makes cameo appearance as Inter shield Barcelona from UEFA Champions League Final

  Posted: April 29, 2010, 11:33 am by SportsKenya

  For what was billed as the battle between the 'Special One' on the pitch (Lionel Messi) and the 'Special One' off the pitch & on the touchline ( Jose Mourinho), the latter endured to end the misery of losing at the semi-final stages (previously with Chelsea) and take I Nerazzurri into the Final of UEFA Champions League ( this year being played on May 22nd a Saturday due to the 2010 World Cup).
  The Kenyan football fan had a unique opportunity to see one of their own playing at a UEFA Champs game and though it was a cameo appearance, it was enough to turn our patriotic selves into rapturous cheer...well forgive the Catalans and the beautiful game ( Arsenal - English club cited to play a similar game suffered at their hands - so fair game !)
  
  Images courtesy of Inter Milan's website
  
  Now isn't Mourinho just the hero for sneaking in and taking our classy midfielder and most likely turning him into a world-class act. We said so in a previous post here. The Nerazzurri gave Real Madrid players, Guti & Ronaldo something to smile about and save them the nightmare of seeing their arch-rivals play at their home pitch in the Final.
  Read some real jewels from the post-match press conference by Jose Mourinho here.
  Can't wait for the 22nd of May as we hope to see our own take on German Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and seemingly start as favourites to win the trophy.

• Sports Stadia and Ministry of Sport among worst performers in Kenyan Government Performance Index

  Posted: April 27, 2010, 2:35 pm by SportsKenya

  That Sports Stadia Management Board was ranked as one of the worst performing Government parastatals by the Government of Kenya performance index is not a wonder to many a sports fan or enthusiast. Download the report here.
  Along with this is the fact that the line Ministry also performed poorly pulling at the 39th out of 43 Ministries (...what a waste!) which signed to the Public Service Performance Contracts. With the Ministry being charged with the sports department dithering in management of major sports associations and missing the opportunities among others;
  
  a) Football - not sorting out the wrangles that couple the football bodies portending to run the game in the country. Right now FIFA's trying to extend some diplomacy by offering KFF and FKL an amicable way of running the game. If you ask me, if we keep waiting for the FIFA far and Ms. Minister you have the chance to redeem our game.
  b) Athletics - that we are hosting the African Athletics Championships is bound to be giving a boost to the local athletes but alas I read a different script. With no prize money and the Athletics Kenya still dragging its feet in managing the event, we are most likely to get our elite athletes missing the event of one or the other reason. If the Government can raise the profile of the event as well as commit more funds to the association and also insist on a reflection of changing times and tact in Athletics Kenya, we might be able to fend off competition from our northern neighbours, Ethiopia as well as North Africans. You can read what success Jamaica has with its athletes in the sprints.
  c) Sports Stadia Management - having a fully fledged parastatal since 2003, we thought things looked up for hosting major events in the country in the next few years. True we can't expect miracles within 5-6 years but then again, when a Government Ministry decides to cross swords with corporates for the petty reason of 'preserving our heritage', we shall have monuments of shame. How now do you decide to renovate your prized stadium when the world's coming to Africa, is beyond me
  d) Sports Policy Document - we still don't have a sports policy document, detailing how we can make the best of sports in the country. From investing in infrastructure to tax holidays for investors in sports and setting curriculum for sports business and sports psychology are issues we can outline in such a document. Not that there is not one in place, with a bit of haste and consultations we can get to rival South Africans and other African countries who know what sport can do to a nation. From golf, rugby, athletics and football, the list is endless in where we can lead potential local and foreign investors. Do you know your Ministry's easily one of the highest in foreign exchange remittances thanks to our winning athletes and sports personalities?
  
  Addressing some of these issues will ensure you improve your lot in next year's ranking. Ms. Minister do us THAT FAVOUR please !

• Kenya Football Woes: Ain't bought that yet ....

  Posted: April 23, 2010, 9:01 pm by SportsKenya

  Following what one FIFA official reportedly said as having resolved the KFF and FKL issue, I ain't bought on that cr**! As they await the case to be resolved before the Court of Arbitration on who should run Kenyan football next week, the feebled FKL officials led by Mohammed Hatimy and his side-kick Titus Kasuve have been sending olive branches to the KFF 'officials' led by Sam Nyamweya.
  
  
  No Bullshit !
  
  
  
  Now I don't know which devil to support but the situation needs to be resolved urgently. Here's why;
  
  
  
  1. 2010 World Cup - Missed opportunities - from missing the qualification and the coaching debacle that occasioned this. They have also not acted in the best interests misinforming the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs to undertake repairs to Kenya's premiere sports venue, Kasarani Sports Centre. How now do you do this when the world is coming to Africa?
  2. FIFA Goal Project (Youth Development Programme) - Office upon office has been telling us how they will work with the youth programmes through the FIFA Goal project. Last year we missed the grant again ,thanks to the FKL officials
  3. Kenya Premier League - this is our only hope for now but the vested interests in the boardrooms might spill into the field. The latest is the refereeing scandal which saw a nervy game between Tusker FC and Gor Mahia end in a draw with both sides having shown indiscipline to warrant severe punishment. That players and officials alike can walk into a game when and if they feel like is an abomination in any league worth its salt. KPL should be no exception!
  Plus what SuperSport and other major corporates have invested can not go down the drain in such stupid fashion.
  
  If the likes of Mariga and Oliech are making it through the European Leagues, it should be because of their own drive and lots of passion to the game. But if we can clean up our act soonest, I don't see why we should have a whole first 11 Kenyans playing for various leagues in Italy, France,Spain or even England ! Till then, FIFA please stop playing to the gallery!

• Bamburi Super Series starts

  Posted: April 23, 2010, 8:50 pm by SportsKenya

  For you rugby fan, the last many weekends have been quite eventful leading to the final of the Kenya Cup. As if that's not enough, the Rugby Super Series proudly sponsored by Bamburi Cement as title sponsors starts this weekend.
  Action shall be in 3 East African cities with the 1st Match pitting the SDV Transami Cheetahs v/s Lions which shall also be screened live on SuperSport Live from 1400hrs local time.
  The other games have;
  Rhinos v/s Buffaloes - RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
  Twigas v/s Sharks - Friedkin RC, Arusha Tanzania
  Rwenzori v/s Victoria - Kampala RUFC, Kampala Uganda
  
  For more interesting insights on these games visit, www.rugbykenya.blogspot.com for the live updates and coverage of the games. Surely hope this helps mould a worthy 15-a-side team to rival the 7-a-side team which is currently riding the populist wave.

• Kenyan "Superstars" at the London Marathon

  Posted: April 23, 2010, 7:35 pm by SportsKenya

  Thanks to the volcanic ash from the Icelandic islands, our Kenyan athletes have attracted added interest and given the London Marathon the intended PR they invested in. Yes they put their money where their mouths are, paying $230,000 to get the elite runners from Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea.
  
  This year's title sponsors are Virgin Group of Companies through its Virgin Money brand. They even have a branded website for the London Marathon. The company's known for not shuddering among sports disciplines and is always on the look-out for major sports sponsorship opportunities. They will hold title naming rights till 2014.
  Kenya holds a special place in this marathon dating back to the 1989 victory of the first Kenyan to win a World Athletics Champions gold medal in the marathon, Douglas Wakiihuri - remembered best for his white gloves thanks to the dreary weather conditions in the city. Kenya has also been winning the men's race since 2004 when Evans Rutto set the pace and opened doors for 3-time winner Martin Lel, 2006 winner Felix Limo and reigning champ Samuel Wanjiru, who remains the man to beat as reported on UniversalSport.com - find list of previous winners here.
  The marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors which features; Boston,London,Berlin, Chicago & New York marathons. Come watch our Kenyan contingent in the race pitted to raise the temperatures around breezy London.Catch the marathon live on SuperSport 1 on Sunday between 0945-1400, Central African Time.

• Brand Kenya : Thinking of Ideas? Open Your Eyes !

  Posted: April 20, 2010, 3:58 pm by SportsKenya

  Over the last few months, Brand Kenya & Kenya Tourism Board has made some efforts in trying to promote the country as an ideal destination for tourists from Europe and other continents.
  
  I've even seen a flash ad on the BBC Website as well as the Magical Kenya one which even appeared on CNN which some critiques have commented on.
  While all this is well-intentioned and may serve a certain number of interested parties, I'd wish to refer them to a survey they did some few days ago saying Kenyan athletes are the best for our country's image ?
  Well RIGHT THERE ! You have your answer !
  Why can't those who seek to promote the country think of selling our country during the major races in the cities of Madrid, Paris, London and Boston? They can sponsor a section of the race or put a 25-30 sec ad during the race (most of which are covered live across major TV channels and other terrestrial networks). Even better they can have the respective ambassadorial and diplomatic offices seek some placement before or after the race to sell some of their agenda or brand the events - sports branding.
  How ideal it would be since you are almost always assured that a Kenyan will win the race or be among the top 3. When our brothers placed 2nd-5th on this year's Paris Marathon, our own ambassador Elkanah Odembo was among the fans cheering and was emblazoned in Kenyan colours and had also handed out Kenyan flag-lets to Kenyans and fans along the way. It was a joy watching the cameras capture our few minutes of glory.
  What more, what happens when our boys are playing in the IRB circuit across the world? Hey maybe they have not thought of it that way but you'll have more than enough to do and the savings from having to send all the entourages across the globe. Wishful thinking ???

• Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot wins Boston but Kenyan athletes may suffer losses

  Posted: April 20, 2010, 2:57 pm by SportsKenya

  Thanks to our sportsmen we breath a sigh of relief again as the media is peppered by verbal diarrhoea and the tempers start rising thanks to the intended referendum mid this year.
  One Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot ran the race of his life to win the Boston Marathon in race record. We congratulate him on this mean achievement. His is a worthy victory and firmly puts Kenya once again on the map.
  On another note though, concerns have been raised about Kenyan athletes missing out on major races coming up in Europe in the next few weekends. The London Marathon comes to mind as well as the soon-to-continue Grand Prix in Europe. The earnings from our athletes is something that has been overlooked for many years but one which plays into our remittances from abroad. As much as $100,000 could be lost in a single weekend's missed earnings and endorsements as well as appearance fees.
  
  Visit the North Rift Valley and you'll know what I'm talking about. Various options are being explored with some athletes thinking of taking shorter flights to North Africa where they can take the road into Europe.
  It seems the volcanic ash was finally going to hurt us too. Talk about 'globalisation'.
  
  Quick Update:
  London Marathon organisers make arrangements for Kenyan athletes to be airlifted. Guess we do matter after all !

• Kenya's only semblance of a Sports FM Station falters

  Posted: April 14, 2010, 12:15 pm by SportsKenya

  Maybe it's me or has the media scene in Kenya been reduced to a duopoly? What's even more depressing is the fact that what was almost an exclusive sports FM radio station, Radio Jambo 97.5 has changed editorial policy. They say, it's in line with the 'market needs and advertisers interests'.
  Although much of the editorial stuff was foreign-based with the most coming from the European football scene, I'd think the station would have done better if they decided to focus on more local sports news and live coverage.
  Talking about live coverage, could the partnership with DStv, Radio Africa (Jambo FM's parent company) & KBC have informed the decision to reduce their content? Right now Jambo FM sounds like it's trying to replicate what other stations such as Q FM ( Nation's Swahili station), Milele FM and Radio Citizen are doing. Anyone trying to maintain standards or is it free-fall there? Their presenters needed a class or two on professional coverage and reporting.
  For any future investors in media and especially sports-related in Kenya or indeed in Africa, please do your legwork and background checks REALLY well. It's sad that when the 2010 World Cup is setting foot in Africa, we are turning things for the worst. Or can SuperSport make it's way into radio? Maybe, just maybe someone is listening...
  For a full list of Kenyan FM radio stations check here.

• Dennis Mwanja's Back !

  Posted: March 16, 2010, 2:37 pm by SportsKenya

  One of Kenya's celebrated rugby heroes is back in the game. Dennis Mwanja ( he should carry the nickname 'The Menace' better than the other Dennis Oliech !) was selected by the Kenya Rugby Union to be part of the team as they continue with the IRB Series in Adelaide, Australia and Hong Kong.
  Recovering from an injury which threatened his career and also one which took too long, it is kudos for the KCB club and the others who aided in his comeback. Special mentions he made to Edward Rombo - one of the pioneers of professional rugby in Kenya. Let's see what edge he provides to the team as they look to move beyond the current ranking of 6th position in the IRB Circuit 2010 Series. For more on this, check out www.rugbykenya.blogspot.com !
  You can also watch a video of Kenyan team warming up and working the crowd into a frenzy. They are one of the biggest crowds' favourites in the Series!
  

• Telkom Kenya to sponsor City club

  Posted: March 16, 2010, 2:32 pm by SportsKenya

  Unconfirmed reports suggest that Telkom Kenya has decided to get into the local football scene foray and sponsor a city club. Speculation states the club in question is City Stars and the amount though not confirmed will range between KShs. 10-15 million - given other sponsors have been pledging similar amounts.
  Another plus for the local football scene and another challenge for local clubs to better manage their teams to engage in constructive discussions with corporate firms. Who's next ?

• Another Sponsorship Deal in the Works ...

  Posted: March 8, 2010, 8:14 pm by SportsKenya

  Word has it that a Kenyan football club - City Stars is about to secure sponsorship of some few millions from a local telco company. The world of football is surely getting interest in this side of the world. Hope this goodwill's going to uplift the game's standards and move the clubs to better positions locally and regionally. More details as they unfold.

• Sports Clubs - Institutional clubs, Community-driven or Tribal Affairs?

  Posted: March 4, 2010, 3:54 pm by SportsKenya

  In the last few months, I have been feeding off comments and conversations about the need for sports clubs and more specifically football clubs to embrace ‘tribal’ outfits (for lack of a better word).
  My dilemma though is that are we trying to re-live past days or create rivalries? Again what informs the decision is it the competitive nature or just some misinformed session? There is also the reasoning around the need for communities (read tribes) to rally behind their own.
  
  
  Tanzanian football club Simba Union
  
  Given the small matter of the 2007/8 election debacle I would trend on this one carefully. There is the perception that football thrives from certain parts of the country. True, but really wholly scientific.
  In my humble opinion the clubs should be developed by the communities around them. What do I mean? For instance, we have areas such as Kawangware, Kangemi, Huruma, Spring Valley, Madaraka, Kileleshwa, and many more. The residents around these areas can develop football clubs right from the under 9 , under 13, under 15 and so on.
  Structures such as we have with the Ligi Ndogo and what the Super Eight Tournament is trying to do should help. Then these can conglomerate around a common channel by having mini-tournaments and the winning team(s) be awarded.
  Using Nationwide League and KPL these should then go up the ranks to eventually play at the top League. Of course some of these things are happening but not with the focus and the direction they ought to take.
  Youth centres and clubs should be developed using the CDF funds and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports which were intended for football in the 2008/9 Budget estimates. The long-abandoned FIFA Goal Project’s funds can also be secured and grants offered to the clubs displaying the best management skills.
  Eventually these should be monitored on a regular basis and the wealth of talent brought to a common pool for the national teams which then train and meet on a regular basis.
  Of course the clubs can also prepare business plans in consultation with the experts and the corporate world which is slowly starting to appreciate the potential of sports marketing. This can be done on an annual or semi-annual basis. This way clubs would be forced to prepare financial reports and potential suitors to conduct due diligence before making any commitment to the sporting outfits.
  This can be replicated in other sporting disciplines such as rugby, basketball, and handball and as maybe pursued.
  A line of contention is of course the institutional clubs from corporate firms which feel they can sponsor individuals from their companies to play in a team. This is usually tricky given the fluid nature of company management in most corporate firms and parastatals alike.
  
  We also know what happens when the management changes hands and one top manager doesn’t find sense in sponsoring sports. Others would use the oft-made statement of rationalising, scaling down or whatever jargon tickles your fancy.
  As the sporting season heats up in the local scene, let’s see what unfolds as the year trudges on. There are definitely interesting times ahead, but let’s be rational more than emotive which is not easy in sports!

• Kenyan Football :- Back to the Doldrums

  Posted: March 1, 2010, 12:15 pm by SportsKenya

  Earlier this year, I had done a post on Kenyan football and it's perceived comeback on the continental scene. But all this has been undone by the weekend fixtures which effectively means our local teams can only wait for the CECAFA Club tournament to make any meaningful contribution to the football scene beyond our borders.
  This is tragic given the amount of investment that has been streaming in thanks to the good work by SuperSport ( and no , they are not paying us to blow the horn for them). KPL- which manages the Kenyan Premier league has given its fair share too but not without its shortcomings.
  The real culprit though especially for one of the clubs, AFC Leopards has been its management team.
  - How do you employ a person only to pressure him when they have managed only one game?
  - What measures did you have in place to challenge the continental onslaught since you had over 3 months to prepare for this?
  - How do you entrust a management team which has no wherewithal to finance the team even if they have to dip into their pockets? (I'm made to understand the team got its air tickets to Ethiopia on Friday evening from a prominent politician who's leveraging himself using the team)
  - There is a whole season to play for. Do you have the funds and the structures to be able to ensure the team plays for top honours?
  - Do we have a technical training institute for football tacticians or do we wait for retired footballers to come into the scene and claim to know a thing or two about football?
  - Youth academies, how many local clubs have these in place ?
  
  If we dare answer some of these questions, we can spare the blushes next year to at least see one of our teams feature in the African Champions League. As for now, it's back to the local stadiums and the usual English and other European leagues on TV. Sad if I must say!

• MacDonald Mariga - Making the Champions' League cum English Debut ?

  Posted: February 24, 2010, 7:03 pm by SportsKenya

  
  After creating such a buzz during the transfer window in January, our very own McDonald Mariga's about to take to the pitch, this time on a high profile game which might just launch his career into greatness.
  Playing for one of the continent's revered sides and playing against one of England's best hopes for a Champions League win, Mariga will come up against tried and tested pedigree at a continental level.
  It's good that for a long time now most Kenyans have rooted for either an English or Spanish side but Italians, we've never really fancied. Well feast your eyes on this one ! Tonight at 2245hrs on your favourite sports channel (if you have cable) or if they screen it on the normal network(s). Here's the squad named by Jose Mourinho.

• Football Broadcasts - Another Radio Station joins the Circus

  Posted: February 24, 2010, 6:31 pm by SportsKenya

  Those of you who make time with your favourite radio presenters and stations will notice that there has been an increased occurrence of stations broadcasting live football games.
  Commendable it would be BUT I can't emphasise the fact that most of these focus mostly on the English Premier League and Champions League on weekdays. A great departure was the Africa Cup of Nations and of course we have the World Cup coming up in June which the national broadcaster and Radio Africa Group are hoping to reap handsomely.
  On Saturday, yet another local radio station , Milele FM (specialising in playing rhumba music) broadcast the English Premiership games in partnership with BBC ( Idhaa ya Kiswahili) - great for your average football fan but disastrously to the growth of local game.
  With the interest in the local game rising, we are bound to have fans starting to tune into the stations to find their favourite presenters as they make-believe and blow themselves hoarse as they bring the games.
  Though it seems like a conspiracy by the media companies especially TV,I think they can serve our state of the game better by reducing these channels. For their business model it will work in the short term but for the local and continental game, no way.
  While we all remember during the Africa Cup of Nations especially the final games, we know how Egypt v/s Ghana's game was beamed albeit to a reduced audience across it as most people preferred watching the EPL's Arsenal v/s Man U !!!
  The dilemma first for the Kenyan football authorities is to sort out the first few problems of an unattractive game which needs to be worked on to impress upon fans to make their way into the stadiums. This will in turn become an attraction for the fans to come watch these fixtures. The incentives are coming through with sponsorship packages as corporate companies make their way into the game, KDN, Sofapaka and others thank you !
  Ultimately, the local radio stations will have no option to give the local game preference over the other leagues. No illusions about this, we need to build our OWN!

• Serena Williams expected in Kenya next week

  Posted: February 22, 2010, 6:53 pm by SportsKenya

  
  Kenya's slowly becoming a hotspot to major sports stars. This week we receive Serena Williams for her second visit into the country courtesy of the HP organisation and Build African Schools (BAS) Foundation. We surely hope this is the beginning of a host of stars, given our strategic spot across the continent.
  Last week we had former Newcastle start Alan Shearer make a stop in the country. Now Serena, who's next? Tiger Woods? Cristiano Ronaldo or ?
  
  Thanks to Tennis Info Blog for the information.

• Football In Eastern Africa - 'The Invisible Region ' & Nicholas Musonye's growing stature

  Posted: February 12, 2010, 3:46 pm by SportsKenya

  Courtesy of Soccernet.com's Sven Frandsen, read through why the Eastern part of Africa will not be enjoying much boons from the World Cup and the frills of major tournaments. Once again Nicholas Musonye comes out blazing with the a true picture of the situation and could it be that this guy should be heading the Kenyan football fratenity. He saved AFC Leopards from CAF's axe and his efforts to bring CECAFA to the forefront of continental football. He also made a strong case for football in war-torn Somalia at the CAF meeting which is said to have impressed FIFA gurus. Hmmm an interesting year indeed for the CECAFA man.
  You can also read this about the dearth of players from Eastern part of Africa,which may have helped Sven develop his article for Soccernet.

• Kenyan Football :- Are we ready for take-off?

  Posted: February 8, 2010, 7:36 pm by SportsKenya

  Over the weekend, we made time to visit the curtain-raiser for the upcoming season in the Kenyan football calendar & to a large extent, we were not disappointed. The game between Sofapaka & AFC Leopards had not had much hype but a fair crowd should up to cheer their favourite teams;
  Positives:
  - Fanbase - given last season's hype by SuperSport and Kenya Premier League officials, the fans for both teams should up for what looks like a most interesting season. Though AFC enjoyed a larger crowd, as the season progresses we shall see a growth in Sofapaka's fan-base especially if they conquer their continental assignment.
  - Ticketing - the prices for the tickets were reasonable enough and any fan worth their salt should not even go there complaining about this. The russian side was at 50 /= and the sheltered area 100/= with the main dais 200/=.
  
  - Stadium management - the grounds looked well-maintained but might need more sprucing up especially as the season warms up proper.
  - Refreshments & snacks - the fancy-looking hawkers selling the snacks got a boost from Coca-Cola which made their day by giving them easy vests to carry the bottles. This is a welcome move since the Sun was beating down on us for the better part of the afternoon.They were also affordable unlike other events where catering costs an arm and a leg.
  
  Areas to Work On;
  - Ticketing - Though the prices are fair, can the ticketing guys (one firm called Sports Ticketmasters) try and organise for advance tickets? For logistical purposes as well as security measures during big matches, they might need to work on this urgently.
  - Security - I noticed less than 10 police officers around the grounds even when you consider that there is a police station right there at the stadium grounds. Given the penchant of fans getting carried away and questioning rather loudly the officials/referees word, a contingent of not less than 20 police and maybe security guards and volunteers is a future consideration. At one point, one of the linesmen had a bottle of soda hurled at him, not good in bigger (and most likely tense) games.
  There was also a section of fans who were smoking some not-so-legal stuff and would most likely not be suitable in case of crowd trouble.
  - MC and entertainment before and at half-time- This was a bit wanting and did not have the uumph that the crowd would participate in. One of the reasons people come to watch the game live is get entertained not just by the game but also antics of the acts as they get ready to watch their favourite players. As for the MC, he was more concerned with the English Premiership game which was to be screened later that evening than telling us more about the two teams on the pitch.
  - Technical expertise of the teams - Though they have been having at least 2 months off the pitch, there were some wanting moves by both teams. AFC seemed most affected especially their forward line. Maybe it's the fact that they are moulding a new team but they need to come up with a tighter game.
  Sofapaka looked more comfortable on the ball and looked more dangerous on the counter. They will need to work on their backline though especially given the Egpytians penchant for quick counters as seen during the African Cup of Nations.
  
  If what we saw on Sunday is anything to go by,and if the Kenyan football officials do not interfere, Kenyan football might just be ready for take-off!

• SuperCup : AFC Leopards v/s Sofapaka

  Posted: February 3, 2010, 6:42 pm by SportsKenya

  The Kenyan football season's curtain raiser opens this weekend where last season's winners of the Kenya Premier League - Sofapaka and Football Kenya Limited (FKL) Cup - AFC Leopards will be playing for honours and prize money of around KShs. 500,000 for the winning team and the losing team, KShs. 250,000.
  It shall be interesting seeing the new season start with much aplomb given the interest generated by the Africa Cup of Nations (though Kenya didn't make the cut) and the Mariga saga.
  Both teams have also been building up for the new season with AFC having more controversies than successes. Sofapaka have managed to secure a couple of sponsors who will ensure they have the money to challenge for continental honours.
  AFC have also made changes again to their technical bench as shown below;
  Jean Marie Abeels has been elevated to the position of Technical Director,
  Chris Makokha - Head Coach;
  Roberto Bollen - First Assistant Head Coach;
  Aggrey Imonje - Second Assistant Head Coach; and
  Washington Muhanji as the Goalkeeper's Trainer.
  
  Sunday 3p.m. at the Nyayo National Stadium and for those not in live with the smell of the raw nerves & sweat and the beautiful grass, catch it on SuperSport.

• MacDonald Mariga's Miss - Lessons for Kenyan football

  Posted: February 3, 2010, 11:23 am by SportsKenya

  Thanks to the dithering football authorities and the usual last minute haste and Mariga missed out on what the local media had already hyped as the deal of the year. What is even more amusing is the fact that our very own PM tried gaining mileage too saying how he'd helped acquire a work permit after placing a call to the UK authorities. Laughable if you ask me...
  Photo Courtesy of Inter Milan official website.
  
  What do we learn from this ?
  
  First we are celebrating a single player almost making it to the English Premiership League for the first time, well and good. But shouldn't we be sad that it has taken us almost 18 years to get what would have been the first player into the EPL ? Countries such as Congo (both Congo Kinshasa & Congo Brazzaville already have two players having played there even when their states are not the most stable economically). You can also check out the spread of international players currently playing in the EPL here.
  Secondly if this is not a good enough wake-up call for the Kenyan football authorities then I don't know what is. Forget the fancy bid they made for the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations ( Big Joke !)Forget the Antoine Hey fiasco (Mr. PM he DID NOT IMPROVE Kenyan football). If there is a time that Kenyan young players will get inspired in playing the game it is now. If you put a little more effort and time in investing in the Kenya Premier League as SuperSport has so willingly been patient with you, then the yield will be a whole load of talent.
  Third expounding on the 2nd point above, if you have good local talent it automatically means you develop a good local scene. Coming from the Africa Cup of Nations, the North Africans and some West African countries have shown us that they have what it takes to earn bragging rights, ask the Egyptians.
  That's fair enough for now as we look forward to a new season 2010 !
  
  Mariga's Boon:
  It may seem lost that he didn't make it to England, but methinks he will improve dramatically working under the 'The Special One'. It may also be right given he has a chance playing in the Champions League fixtures starting soon.
  Who knows in the summer his tag may improve dramatically and may find just the right suitors?

• MotorSport - San Valencia Rally School breaks new ground

  Posted: February 1, 2010, 6:14 pm by SportsKenya

  Awhile back when the rallying world seemed to have come down crumbling after the withdrawal of the Safari Rally by the WRC gurus, rallying enthusiasts all but gave up on this fledging sport. Not one to be faint-hearted both on the wheel and off it, it requires lots of nerves, guts and also the good-old mullah ($$$)to go with it.
  
  That's why there was cause for celebration when retired (& soon to come out of retirement...)one Phineas Kimathi of San Valencia Group - which operates eatery and catering services around Nairobi - came up with other rallying veterans ( Abdul Sidi, Azar Anwar, Asad Khan and George Mwangi) to form the San Valencia Rally School.
  The first of its kind in the country, it is hoped to develop local talent into rally drivers and impart a bit of the technical aspects of the sport to the younger and upcoming rally drivers.
  
  Hoping to incorporate other worthy components such as WRC's Junior World Rally Championship, and other aspects such as may involve rallying, it is a fresh way of developing our drivers and inspiring future ones at that. We hope such initiatives will give impetus to the local organisers to up their game on rallying to get the Safari Rally back to the WRC circuit, that way your efforts will not be in vain. You can also learn more from such rallying schools as this one at Silvestone.

• 2010 Africa Cup of Nations - Are we ready for the World Cup?

  Posted: February 1, 2010, 4:56 pm by SportsKenya

  
  
  With the tournament coming to a close last night with the Egyptians winning the trophy a third time in as many times crowning a sterling performance from much of the homegrown talent.
  Having been threatened by the initial attacks on the Togolese team (which has since been banned from CAF tournaments, absurd if you ask me...), the tournament had a hot-cold feel to it which meant there were spectacular moments but also the usual drawl that such tournaments have. These are our take-outs worth noting;
  
  1. Security - this has becoming of paramount importance since the 1972 Olympics when Israel lost some of its members to a fundamentalist group. This should have been avoided at the start if the Angolan authorities had not overlooked the fact of Cabinda being a potential trouble-spot. Future tournament organisers will also need to notify the countries available means of entry into their countries to avoid such travesties as endured by the Togolese team.
  
  2. Sponsors - for once most the companies who sponsored the tournament made an effort to localise even their communication using largely African players and people too. This is a boon to the fledging industries in sports, advertising and marketing which couple together to make it possible to enjoy the tournaments.
  A mention too for the SuperSport sportscasters for adding the African flair to their wardrobe. Though some people looked awkward in the flowing designs, it was refreshing to see the change from the more formal polo shirts to the truly African wear.
  
  3. Timing - not seemingly supporting the European team managers, the tournament needs to have a longer period between one and the next tournament. Though CAF's Issa Hayatou , thinks otherwise, the level of competition would be heightened if there is a wider period and also allow for the players to give their best as compared to what they currently have to endure. Some of the main contenders had to contend with 4-6 players of the first team injured.
  Again the pressures on the host country have all been there to see, like Burkina Faso in 1998 and Mali in 2002. Though FIFA has made the changes into an odd year,so as to see the possibility of not clashing with the European and World Cups, the work is cut out for the CAF officials.
  
  4. Trophy Design - Now that Egypt has won the trophy 3 consecutive times, does the old tradition of keeping the trophy stand? If it does, it's about time CAF developed a more representative and iconic trophy. The current World Cup is a good starting point.
  
  5. Stadium Management - It was clear that most of the stadia were being used for the first time and the toll on some of them made it hard to train and play at the same time. Taking us back to the 3rd point, the organisers ought to give the host country ample time to develop the stadia and also test them with local or international fixtures. That way no excuses of not training at the same grounds will be heard like what we had in the Angolan tournament.
  
  6. Africa Cup of Nations cum World Cup qualifiers - judging from the performance of most countries that qualified for the World Cup, it shows the need to have it held every 3-4 years. Though 3 of the countries qualified for the semi-finals, the lacklustre performances in the group stages and the quarter & semi-finals depict a worrying picture. Unless the countries pick themselves up and play with serious passion and technical approach, I don't see anywhere more than 2 countries going into the second round of the World Cup.
  
  7. Local vs international tacticians - Once again, we argue the case for local coaches taking the national teams. Look at Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria, though the latter two didn't win anything substantial, the use of local coaches showed why we need to do away with the notion that expatriates will make our game. What's even more interesting is the fact that much of the Egyptian team had players from their local league. I wonder how they lost the WC qualifiers again...
  (Don't you just love it?)
  I'm sure the South African LOC for the World Cup has been camping at the Angola cities taking notes. I don't foresee the two tournaments ever coming into such close proximity as it has this year. Thus South Africans, you've the work cut out for you !

• MacDonald Mariga 's Promised Deal ? No Celebrating Yet

  Posted: February 1, 2010, 4:22 pm by SportsKenya

  Over the weekend, the local Press and sports enthusiasts were treated to some interesting news about one of Kenya's sterling footballers about to make his forays into the richest Premier league in Europe -EPL.
  While perusing I noticed a rather disappointing tone to most of the stories which highlighted more of what he is supposedly going to earn rather than tell us more about his exploits on the pitch and impact in his current team Parma in Italy.
  Something else we must realise is that the deal is not yet sealed. As Mark Kaigwa notes in his blog- Mariga's likely miss , we must remember that Manchester City is currently the richest club and though we would love to have him join them (the first Kenyan player if he does to play in the English Premier League), there is the small matter of whether he will earn top notch playing games or languish on the bench ala Angola's Manucho @ Manchester United.
  As a player though, he has managed to stay in good playing condition given the very physical nature of the Italian game - catenaccio. If he makes it to the English game, the pace, weather and exhausting schedule is something to think about. He may also need to consult some serious tax guys to sort out his pay and any endorsements (if they come his way) since England is known to have one of the tightest tax regimes in sports.
  As the January transfer window comes to an end in the next few hours, we hope history shall be made but with much thought and hindsight before embarking on the English rendezvous.
  
  Kenyan football officials you watching?
  
  Did you know that...
  - Mariga was part of the Kamukunji High School - that included Dennis Oliech -Auxerre (France) who won two national titles in 2002 & 2003.
  - His deal to Parma was engineered by former Swede international Martin Dahlin - first black player for the Swedish team which went on to place 3rd in the 1994 World Cup in the US.
  - There are reports of interests too from Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan
  (Sources: Wikipedia & Goal.com)

• AFC Leopards Spotless for now ???

  Posted: January 26, 2010, 3:48 pm by SportsKenya

  
  It seems symptomatic of Kenyan sports ( no pun intended for the Leopards FC fans) that anytime there is a semblance of success, all hell breaks loose.
  According to media reports, AFC Leopards one of Kenyan's football club with a rich heritage has been having 2 camps training separately and under different management. As a keen supporter of the development of the local game, consultations with reliable sources managing the team's affair indicate that this was a case of blown egos from the past season.
  
  While it is any fans wish that some of these problems would stop manifesting themselves just before the team engages in its first continental challenge in the last 13 years, it cannot escape the usual infighting that comes with success and promises expected. A causary look at most of the Kenyan teams and the sponsorship they are attracting gives credence to this.
  In addition to this, we have seen KFF or whatever body runs the game serve as the template for most clubs where chaos and underhand dealings run the game. FIFA has not helped matters either as they have come up with all sorts of reasons to save their underlings managing the local scene.
  If my sources are correct, the 2 camps have buried the hatchet and decided to merge the teams and also the management. One of the opposing camps has been raising the issue of legitimacy of the elections held, but we all know the price of 'democracy' especially when you decide to boycott the polls. As such the official management team is as follows;
  
  Chairman - Julius Ochiel
  Executive Director - Micah Luvutse
  Logistics Manager - Gilbert Selebwa
  Chief Steward - Edward Mulanda
  Technical bench comprises of ;
  Technical Director – Chris Makokha
  Team Manager – Tony Lidonde
  Head Coach – Jean Marie Abeels from Belgium
  First Assistant Coach – Roberto Bollen from Brazil
  Second Assistant Coach – Charles Bushira
  Physiotherapist – Aggrey Omune
  
  As for Nick Yakhama, the axe seems to have landed on him heavily and especially because of the taking of sides when things almost got out of hand. It doesn't bode well for any technician to start voicing your opinion rather too loudly. You can ask the English Premiership League and other European Leagues managers.
  
  SIDE-NOTE:
  - The ongoing imbroglio seems to have raised the profile of the SuperCup game between AFC Leopards {winners of Kenya (formerly President's) Cup 2009} & Sofapaka (Kenya Premier League winners 2009) to be played on February 6th 2010 and to be screened on SuperSport.
  - There is also the small matter of the continental challenge starting with the Ethiopians on February 14th.

• Stadia Renovations - Are we that blind to opportunities?

  Posted: January 21, 2010, 1:39 pm by SportsKenya

  
  Reading from the Press reports, initially I thought it was a joke but our Sports Stadia Management Board chair one Benjamin Sogomo ( guy always looks shifty from back in the days of the Kenyan education crises), confirmed my fears.
  In a year when we shall witness a myriad of sporting activities across the continent and even expected to host some in our own backyard, the Board has decided to shut down the Kasarani complex for renovations. OK, there are some places that needed urgent works but that's why we needed to have planned for these like 2 years ago and sort this by last year.
  With the 2010 World Cup coming, this would have been a perfect pitch for selling the venue to at least one or two qualified nations to use for their residential training before proceeding down South. Gold-mine !
  There are also continental championships coming up such as the junior athletics and continental volleyball games in July & August and swimming championships in the last quarter of the year. What do they say? "...they will have to held elsewhere". I remember with bitterness how we missed out hosting the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (I'd a free 2-months planned for it only for the Kenyan government to claim 'they didn't have enough money to host it,losing out to eventual winners South Africa - the words of then Minister for Culture & Social Affairs one Maalim Mohammed still ring in my ears ****!!!!)
  If we look at the other possibilities that we'd have to host any meaningful championships, they can't out-number the fingers of my hand...thanks again to our own internal wars in early 2008 (Afraha Stadium - Nakuru & Eldoret's Keino Stadium) and sheer neglect coupled with the grabbing culture (such as is at Ruringu Stadium -Nyeri)
  Is it that we have such myopic leadership in some of these ministries or is just a Kenyan thing to shoot ourselves in the foot every so often? It really hurts to see some sports generate some positive light and make huge strides only for the Government-managed bodies to stifle these developments and stagger our progress. At this rate we should explore possibilities of privatising the Sports Stadia Management Board. Remember the Nyayo Stadium & Coca-Cola fiasco? All the more we should hasten this...

• Africa Cup of Nations 2010 - Boys to Men

  Posted: January 21, 2010, 12:55 pm by SportsKenya

  Starting on the wrong footing, Africa's first major sporting milestone this year has seen some interest from football enthusiasts across the continent. Of course we can't rule out the critics such as Hull City's Phil Brown who even started criticizing the 2010 World Cup while he can't place where some countries are at on the African map.
  True the tournament's seen its share of mis-steps again due to the fragile nature of Angola's infrastructure and security arrangements. But as they say, this is Africa ! (my fairy tale one though!)
  Getting into the games proper, we were treated to a goal fest in the opening match and though the underdogs seemed to have stepped up their game, the usual suspects are quickly getting back the order of things. Thursday's games shall see the final 2 teams qualify for the quarter-finals.
  The main concern though has been the poor show by the continent's World Cup representatives with 1 nation on the verge of elimination - Cameroon unless they win against Tunisia today. Another concern, is there seems to be less talent coming from the other country's - maybe they are getting warmed up for the quarters & semis but from what we've seen, we don't have as much world-beaters as we portend.
  Crowds watching the games- South Africa should be taking notes. During the Angola - Algeria game, there were parts of the upper stadium that were almost empty. Serious concerns if you are to make any revenues from the ticketing.
  Ad campaigns and sponsorships - some of the major apparel companies seem to have shunned the continent leaving Puma to hold forte in almost all the top teams. Maybe it's a lack of confidence in the teams' abilities or Puma has offered lucrative deals. Only Nigeria's wearing another company's outfit. Still on this, the media campaigns have the usual African colourful works but don't quite inspire (me) into thinking Pan-African.
  All in all, the next one week will see out the finals of this tournament which FIFA & CAF ought to seriously think about. The 2-year cycle's too monotonous and maybe that's why it can't attract major sponsors. It also destabilises clubs not just in the African leagues but also the European ones -where some of the managers have made quite a critique as well. It will also help host nation's prepare and avoid fiascos of building fancy stadiums only for these to remain empty and decrepit on the tournaments' ending.
  Keep watching your favourite team though and may the best Kings of Africa win !
  For your reading pleasure, check this too, soccer wars !

• 2-0-1-0

  Posted: January 8, 2010, 5:35 pm by SportsKenya

  
  Don't you like the way this year just rolls out the tongue? Methinks we are upto something good (unless of course we keep seeing headlines like what the funny Kenyan MPs may receive if the recommendations go through).
  Sporting activities and opportunities are already in the pipeline and of course have the big one in June-July. Kenya shall also host a few events and though we might not reap as much boon from the World Cup and its crumbs, we shall feature prominently as is the case in the rugby 7s, swimming, continental club football (that's if we can move beyond the 1st & 2nd round to Africa Club Champions League proper) among others.
  We shall hope to give you the best of our insights and keep you posted on the whys and wherefores of some of the happenings. Watch out too for live coverage (unless technical issues challenge us like it happened last year during the SOYA Awards at KICC).
  
  Great year , shouldn't it be ?

• SOYA Awards - SportsKenya Take !

  Posted: December 10, 2009, 11:15 am by SportsKenya

  With less than 24hr to go for this year's Sports personality Of the Year Award (SOYA) about to take place at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), we have come up with our list of winners ( nothing scientific there...), let's see how this compares with tomorrow's winners, at least in the top categories.
  Starting with
  COACH OF THE YEAR:
  Benjamin Ayimba - Kenya Rugby 7s coach - without a doubt, this man has managed to put Kenya firmly among the top 6 in the IRB Sevens Circuit and even came within touching distance of the Rugby World Cup 7s in Dubai.Formerly a 7s player, he has led from the front and taken the brunt when the team doesn't perform as witnessed in 2008 when the 2008/9 IRB Circuit started with dismal performances. Sofapaka's Robert Matano would come a close second, playing the Premier League in the first season and winning it, special!
  
  OUTSTANDING SPORTS ASSOCIATION/FEDERATION:
  It might be controversial but I go with the Kenya Rugby Football Union. Reasons being, they managed to stage the Junior World Rugby tournament, supported the Olympic bid for having the 7s game included as a Olympics in 2016 in Brazil (which sailed through), securing new (and loaded)sponsorship for the Safari Sevens tournament and 7s team too. The 15-a-side maybe their Achilles heel, but for the 7s, give it to them, they have put a fair show.
  
  SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR:
  World champion , Linet Masai takes the cake here. She managed to upstage the Ethiopians and ran such a tactical race that we had not given her a chance to win it. ensured that the Kenyan women maintained the tempo and brought the country at least 2 more gold medals just like their male counterparts.
  
  SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR:
  Rugby comes through for the 3rd time and this time it's the star of the year Collins Injera. Finishing as top scorer in the IRB Sevens circuit in the 2008/9 season and losing out narrowly in the IRB Sevens Player of the Year award shows the pedigree this gent has.He was hinted to have gotten prospects of playing professional games in France and South Africa but I guess he's decided to hack it out in the local scene. He has managed to secure endorsement from top mobile firm Nokia and boy do the ladies love this guy, check his Facebook fan-page.
  
  
  
  SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR (WOMEN):
  It's a tricky one, but I'd put money on the Kenya Commercial Bank women's club at the front. This is after the team lost out to eventual winners Al Ahly of Egypt but upset the form book to displace Kenya Pipeline and Prisons clubs at the pecking order of volleyball in Kenya.
  
  SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR (MEN):
  This squarely lays with Sofapaka football team. The 7s team may claim a right as well as the athletics team but Sofapaka beats them all since they ultimately won the Kenya Premier League - football - in their first outing. Given the chaotic football scene, coming up with a team and managing to give established teams with sizeable fan-bases; Sofapaka kept their cool. They play in next year's African Champions League with money in the bank.
  
  Those are but our thoughts. Nominations were handed in and let's see who takes what home, the winners of the Sportsman & Sportswoman of the Year take a prize money tag of KSh. 150,000. Who's in and who's not? See you tomorrow at KICC!

• KPL Football Awards - Why the Rush ?

  Posted: December 9, 2009, 10:34 pm by SportsKenya

  I'm wondering why these Kenya Premier League guys had to hold their awards ceremony rather hurriedly. With SOYA Awards coming up on Friday and CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup about to end, I thought they'd work with the CECAFA Secretariat and have joint ceremonies.
  Our Kenyan managers badly need some professionalism inculcated and maybe just maybe, we might count a few more lucky turns in the next few years. Again, just my thoughts !

• East African Classic Safari

  Posted: December 3, 2009, 5:29 pm by SportsKenya

  
  The dust's finally settled down at the Coast and in the North Eastern part of Tanzania. While the locals may claim victory, a lot needs to done for the rally to really connect with Kenyans the way the main one did.
  First, there has to be a substantial number of prominent drivers (former winners can get leeway here). Local drivers could be an added attraction and indigenous ones at that. The Patrick Njirus and Jonathan Toroitichs of this part of the world did a great deal of a PR job for the rally, they can come back and return the favour to the Classic version.
  I am also wondering if the organisers could consider covering more than two East African country, and venture into Uganda as well. This is the whole essence of the East Africa and I'm sure our colonial masters did enjoy their rendezvous back in the day. We could offer the same to our present day rally enthusiasts and make it a one-of-its kind.
  Considering Africa's loss of two major races from The Safari Rally and Paris-Dakar Rally, we need to work within ourselves and make it happen. We can't wait for the WRC technocrats.

• Gor Mahia to unveil new shirt for 2010 season

  Posted: November 18, 2009, 10:00 pm by SportsKenya

  After making it to the top 4 (and maybe still sneak into 3rd position), the Kenyan club with some of the most fervent support in the country unveils new uniform. Given that they might get an outside chance to play in the regional tournament, the club is set to be presented with the kit by the country's PM.
  
  A flurry of activity has started as clubs look to position themselves for the next season and most clubs have been sending feelers to corporations who are starting to soften their stance towards sports and more specifically football. We'll watch and see what happens where.
  
  2010 World Cup:
  The final 6 slots to the World Cup in South Africa are decided tonight. The fixtures that stand out are France v/s Ireland and Egypt v/s Algeria. I foresee an upset in one or both. But then again,that's the armchair analyst in me talking !

• Breaking News :Football - Telkom Kenya wants in too !

  Posted: November 10, 2009, 2:19 pm by SportsKenya

  Telkom Kenya has today added to the list of Kenyan corporates who are finally waking up to the reality of sports sponsorship. In a gesture towards CECAFA which was previously enjoying sponsorship from GTV ( Gateway Services)- which has since wound up, this is a major boost in confidence to the local and regional football fraternity.
  Beating the deadline for hosting the tournament, Kenya almost dithered with the chance but thanks to some inspiration from the CECAFA Secretariat led by one Nicholas Musonye. The tournament will run in Nairobi and Mumias from November 28th to December 13th 2009. With KFF or KPL (or whoever runs football locally, I seem to get lost all the time) almost grounding our chances in the continental championships, let's hope the regional cup can be ours for the taking. Better watch out though for Rwanda and Tanzania...

• Out Goes Virgin Air, In Come Kenya Airways

  Posted: November 9, 2009, 1:45 pm by SportsKenya

  With rugby slowly trying to upstage athletics as the more lucrative sport in terms of sponsorship, the weekend was another milestone especially for the 7s. Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) penned a deal with Kenya Airways to be their official shirt sponsors to the tune of KSh. 15 million for 2 years.
  
  Logo courtesy of Kenya Airways
  
  
  Out with the old and in comes the new. After seeing the mileage Virgin Atlantic gained by having the Kenyan boys wear the shirts, it was only natural that once Virgin's deal was over, a major Kenyan firm would take over. The package includes flying the team across the different cities (where possible). Good thing going thus far !
  My concern though is the fact that we had to wait and see what Virgin would do (and gain) then we reacted to that. Why does it take foreign companies to realise that we can do more to sport than we currently are? There is just enough to spend on sport that would go a long way in changing the course for most these and the participants.
  I also hope the boys keep their feet on the ground and grace us with some outstanding performances this time gunning for the top 4 finish in the IRB circuit (and hopefully a series win or two!).Ayimba kazi kwako !
  Let's see more proactive corporates come forward. 2010's bound to be an interesting year for sport !

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Fish cakes

Alas a fish cake.

Yet more fish cakes

Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.

The end of the fish cakes