kenyanstar magazine volume 2 issue 1

www.kenyanstar.co.ke KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012 1

2 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012 www.facebook.com/kenyanstar


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CONTENTSJULY AUGUST 2012

SOCCER .......................... 6 - 21

GOLF ............................. 22 - 25

VOLLEYBALL ................... 26 - 27

STADIA .......................... 28 - 29

RUGBY ............................ 30 - 35

ATHLETICS ...................... 36 - 37

SCRABLE .......................... 38 - 40

PICTORIAL ....................... 42 - 43

HOCKEY ........................... 44 - 47

BOXING ........................... 48 - 49

OPINION .......................... 50 - 60

PITCH POET ........................... 61

HEALTH ...................................62

32

38

19

36

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EDITOR’SNOTE

ADMINISTRATIONSamuel Eyinda([email protected])Booker Ngesa([email protected])

MANAGING EDITORMichael Kwambo ([email protected])

EDITORIALGregory MulemiFrancis OntomwaCarrey OmbakaMwangi GichauKenyatta OtienoJohn A. OtienoTimothy OlobuluRizz WangalachiFrancis NandiJames Oluoch

DESIGN AND LAYOUTAlex Ireri([email protected])

PHOTOGRAPHYGregory Mulemi

EDITED BY:Kenyatta Otieno

Kenyanstar

@Kenyanstar

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part with-out written permission from the editor is strictly prohibited

A Publication of Intercontinental Publishers LtdP.O Box 45754 nairobiTel:4443649/50/72Fax:4443650Cell: 0700126608Email:[email protected]

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KENYANSTAR TEAM

In our tradition to take Kenyan sports to the next level, in this issue of your favourite

magazine, we look at upcoming talent and sound management practices for sports

federations.

But first, The Summer Olympics are here with us and from 27th July to 12th August

all sports antennas will be facing London to catch the action. The good thing about

Olympics is that every sports lover will not miss a discipline he will enjoy. We at

Kenyanstar wish our athletes all the best as they do what the whole world knows Kenya

for. Do as proud; we are behind you all the way.

It was a relief when National Olympic Committee of Kenya –NOCK and Athletics Kenya

–AK confirmed that 3000m Steeplechase World Champion Ezekiel Kemboi will travel to

London despite facing criminal charges. Britain has a strict visa rule for people facing

criminal charges in their home countries; this could have dented our gold prospects in

a race we have dominated for decades.

This year’s edition Copa Coca Cola was launched with an assurance of full support from

FKF. Sam Nyamweya graced the occasion and gave the young participants something

more to play for; a chance to be in Kenya’s Under 17 national team. We can’t wait to

see who will make the final list.

Meanwhile, there is Sunrise from the East of Nairobi. Sunrise Football Club is a

community club that seeks to bring out the best in the youth around Umoja Estate. We

look into this good initiative that is bound to give us future stars just like Copa Coca

Cola.

Sports has become big business the world over and it is prudent that Kenyans are not

left behind. Our sportsmen have left great marks in the world of sports; it is wise if we

look at the money-side of sports as well. To this end, John Aggrey in his usual style

highlights areas one can venture into in this untapped industry.

Professionalism has become a buzz word in world of sports. We look into areas our

federations can work on to take our sports to the next level. Communication is crucial in

everything we do so we bring you the basics of good communication that will be good

for coaches and anybody who has a message to put across.

Lastly, Now I have an idea of what golf is all about. The Birdie takes through an

informative and exciting step by step on the golf course in know your game.

Enjoy the read.

Kenyatta Otieno4 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012


FEEDBACK

What would YOU wantus to write about andcover in Kenyanstar?Is there anything you think is being done wellor badly?Send your feedback andsuggestions to [email protected]

READER’S RESPONSE

1. How many teams play in the Kenya Premier League?

2. When was the last time Wazalendo Hockey Club won the National Hockey League

Send your answers to [email protected] and stand a chance of winning Kenyanstar merchandise including a free copy of the fifth edition.

KENYANSTAR TRIVIA; Answer & WIN!!!!!

KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 5

LETTERS

Dear Editor,Superby written preview of the Kenya premier league season 2012, second leg on your website [www.kenyanstar.co.ke], much appreciated….excellent!With best regards Gishinga NjorogeManaging Editorwww.kpl.co.ke

Dear Kenyanstar Team, I like the works being done by Kenyanstar both online and the print version. You guys have opened another door where we share with others stories and issues that had previously been killed by the other media. Congrats.

Khamasi Richardnixon [email protected]

Dear Editor Hallo, I am a very talented midfielder and play for Real Stars Fc (Mombasa Polytechnic), we feature in the Coast provincial league and I believe I play a key role for my team. I wish to find out how one qualifies to feature in the ‘Kenyanstar of the week column’ on your website. I’m a huge fan of the Kenyanstar and appreciate the fact that you guys nurture local talent but I feel so far this has been only beneficial to Nairobi residents. I will be looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank youJoseph Owino

Response;Dear Joseph,Thanks for keeping it Kenyanstar. We appreciate your being our fan. We will get our contact in Mombasa to review one of your matches then get back to you soonest. The easiest way for one to be profiled under the Kenyanstar of the week column is by bringing him/her to the attention of the editor via [email protected] once you spot a talent.

RegardsKenyanstar team

Dear Editor,I am a Malawian and read the article entitled ‘ Harambe Stars can break the Malawian jinx’ by Francis Nandi on your online portal. The article includes a photo of the Malawi National Team of the 1980s. I was so fascinated to see the photo and totally loved the details in the article. Currently I am writing on the Malawi National Team of the 1970s and 1980s. Now I wanted authority if I could quote parts of the story by Nandi. It is such a good story that brings back memories of the likes of Young Chimodzi, Kennedy & Holman Malunga. It reminds me of those good old days of the East and Central African Senior Challenge Cup. Your favourable response wi l l be appreciated.

Regards,Ndisi.

Response; Dear Ndisi,We appreciate your reading. Feel free to quote any part of the story in your works. Just kindly remember to acknowledge ‘Kenyanstar’ as the source of the quotes.

RegardsKenyanstar team


T his year’s premier league started on an encouraging note where players and fans gave their whole.

What’s more the matches have been unpredictable. Who could ever believe that City Stars who had been languishing at the wrong end of the table would outclass the then leaders AFC Leopards 0-3? Former

champions Sofapaka are patched at the top of standings after making a slow move to the summit. Tusker FC the defending champions did struggle at some point but quickly got their bearing rights the moment they upset Leopards 0-2 in Mombasa and never looked back. Former giants and traditional arch rivals AFC Leopards and GorMahia did

have their own share of bitter-sweet taste. The latter case witnessed a renaissance of some sought in the late stages of the league. Hiring of the Croatian Logurisic has brought in some stability in the playing unit and the results have been there for all and sundry to see. More importantly is the fact that they should keep on with same spirit and belief right up

By Francis Nandi

KENYAN PREMIER LEAGUEFIRST LEG REVIEW.2012

SOCCER

6 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012


to the end after a horrible start in their league campaign. Arch-rivals AFC Leopards, after a brilliant start where they clearly announced their intensions of clinching the title suddenly found the going tough immediately they lost to Tusker in Mombasa.From there, it has been upheaval’s for the club especially its administration with various groups claiming to be the genuine managers of the club. The wrangles stretched to court and even it required the intervention of Football Kenya Federation to choose an interim committee to run the club affairs. Issues were as bad as that. The club needs to iron their problems out quickly and focus on playing soccer they will surely regain their winning form and must apply at all times. However their vision of lifting the premier league title should be their main focus.City stars story is the most remarkable for a team that had been rooted at the bottom of the league for three straight months. After their excellent triumph over leopards which was dubbed Goliath versus David battle,

paved way and enhanced their belief that they could get out of their quagmire and they duly did. Three weeks on and they were relatively comfortable out of the relegation zone. Such is the tale that should inspire Rangers, Oserian, Muhoroni and Mathare. It could be the best thing to have happened especially to Rangers whose financial difficulties have stretched over a year now. With their management promising to settle the burning issue sooner. Ulinzi stars, Chemilil,Western Stima, and Karuturi sports have had a fantastic first leg and surely come the second leg these are the teams that will claim strong bold as to the direction of the league title to mention their own ambition for charging for the crown. What is certain is that the mentioned clubs will be part and parcel of derailing the early league campaigner’s smooth passage towards the cup trail. Indeed the Kenyan premier league has grown in leap and bounds, ever unpredictable as it used to be in early eighties to nineties.Back in the eighties, Re –union,

Shabana, Scarlet and Kenya Breweries would push the then see-saw champions AFC Leopards and GorMahia to the core. However at the end of the league it would be either Gor or AFC that would have carried the title while the above mentioned team would close the top six. The year 1980-1982 where leopards won three consecutive league titles was a cliff hanger between them and Gor from the word go to the finishing line. Gor would react to Leopards’ triumph and also did triumph for three straight seasons 1983-1985. Leopards would storm back in 1986 and took the scrap of the league by its neck and went on to win the league unblemished and pumped in 96 goals still an unbroken record to date.In 1987 it seemed the Gor –AFC see –saw affairs would be put to a halt by KTM and Shabana the early pace setters. Leopards were struggling badly and while Gor were concentrating on the cup winner’s cup, they clinched the title the very last month of the league. Leopards would reclaim the title in 88 and 89 while Gor also did a double in 90 and 91.The 1992 season was the most dramatic of all. While leopards went on to win the league, the leadership kept revolving around Kisumu Posta, Gor, AFC and Tusker until the very last day when Leopards,Gor and Kisumu Posta were equal on 38 points however leopards carried the day on superior goal difference. The same scenario was witnessed in 1996. This time Mumias Sugar set the pace under close watch of AFC leopards and Tusker. Leopards would seize the leadership from Mumias and led for the last four months only to lose it on the last day to Tusker in that intriguing finale.For the 2012 season it’s hard to predict everyone will give a good account of themselves.Let’s brace ourselves towards the second leg which surely will have all the ingredients.

SOCCER


www.facebook.com/kenyanstar8 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

From Front to Back; Brenda Wangari, Lilian Wanjiku and Janet Muiruri

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T he 2013 African cup of nations is beyond the Harambee stars reach. They were duly eliminated

by Togo on away goal rule. Having won 2-1 in Nairobi during the first leg, stars conceded a goal that would eventually lock them out of a trip to South Africa. Harambee Stars failed to collect vital three points against Malawi in their opening world cup qualifying match. A point from a disappointing performance behind home ground advantage left fans expecting the worst in their two away games. The next match was away to Namibia where Kenya lost by a solitary goal. Arnold Origi made a comeback in goal for the national team for the

HARAMBEE STARS AFCON AND WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PROSPECTS

Windhoek match. Despite his presence which would be expected to give the stars a shove, he conceded two goals but with an outstanding performance.The Kenyan premier league current top scorer, John Barasa declined an invite to join the team due to personal reasons. At a time when Oliech has lacked his leathal edge Baraza’s knack for scoring goals in crucial matches was missed. Nigeria Super Eagles are Kenya’s next opponents in March 2013. Eight months is enough to institute the right changes for stars in their preparations for their away fixture with Nigerian. Nigeria has always flown above the stars in world cup qualifiers .These was the case in 1985, 1997 and 2009. On these occasions, especially in

Abuja and Lagos, Stars were soaked in three goals. The trend continued seriously even in friendly matches and the 1988 AFCON finals that were held in Morocco. To break this jinx stars need to prepare both technically and physiologically.The good news is that Nigerian football currently is not as strong as it used to be. There has been a change of coaches in the recent past due to poor results. They failed to qualify for 2010 World Cup and even missed out on AFCON 2012. Stars can take advantage of this and grab at least a point away in Nigeria. Should their preparations continue to be in disarray then as the case has always been, then stars will lose in Nigeria perhaps collect a draw in

By Francis Nandi



Volleyball

the return tie. From there, the home boys should try and win against the rugged Namibians. In the final game against Malawi they should at least aim for a draw. In total, stars would have amassed five points, if they lose still to Nigeria in Nairobi and Malawi in Lilongwe and draw Namibia here they will have two points. Indeed Kenyan soccer needs a lot of improvement in terms of its preparation. In the meantime the under 14, 15, 17, and 20 should be selected and be given quality friendly and feature in experience-exposing tournament’s in preparation for 2015 Nations cup and 2018 World Cup. If that is still impossible, then we concentrate in building teams for the 2017 AFCON and 2022 World Cup. PRELUDE TO THE AFCON AND WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS2014 world cup hosts Brazil have qualified for the FIFA based event a record of twenty times(inclusive the 2014 which the qualified by virtue of being the hosts) They have managed

to win the continental trophy five times that is a quarter the number of their record appearance. On the other hand the defending champions Spain have qualified to the event thirteen times and won the event once. However they will need to qualify for the 2014 edition in order to defend their title since currently the defending champions aren’t guaranteed direct passage as it was back then. Kenya Harambee stars on the other hand are making a tenth qualifying series appearance after debuting in the 1978 qualifiers. It has been a tale of heart breaks, only ifs and utter despondency. To make the matters more intriguing is the fact once again they have been seeded with Nigeria, Malawi and Namibia. These are countries that are no strangers to the Kenyan football. Going by past records even though matches aren’t played on paper reveals that each time Kenya was seeded with Nigeria or Malawi their overall world cup qualifying campaigns had been disastrous. Will Kenya shake itself from that curse?

With the absence of long serving goal keeper Arnold Origi, midfield maestro Mac Donald Mariga and Kenyan all-time leading scorer and captain Dennis Oliech are absent through self –resignation from the national team. The trio form the nucleus of the team. Their departure indeed will be a devastating blow to Kenya hopes of excelling in the qualifiers. Should they stick to their guns, then Boniface Oluoch, and Patrick Matasi have the duty to replace Origi while Titus Mulama,Jamal Mohamed, Victor Mugabe, Belgian based Ayub Timbe and up comings Francis Kahata and Kepha Aswani have the duty to fill the enviable boots left by Mariga. On the striking duties, old warhorse John Baraza who has rediscovered his goal scoring form in the Kenyan premier league should be given the nod to lead the attack. He has vast experience concerning the qualifiers and came out handy in the 2004 nation’s cup qualifiers and 2006 world cup qualifiers. Mike Baraza, Allan Wanga if fully recovered, Mike Baraza,Ken Wendo and Patrick Oboya are other strikers who have an enormous task to fill Oliech gap and talismanic charms. After qualifying for group stage proper, stars victory over Seychelles in the preliminaries qualifiers shouldn’t be used as a spring board in their world qualifying pursuits. Rather it should be used as a match that put them in


Former coach Francis Kimanzi giving instructions to Harambee Stars players


shape before the genuine qualifiers commenced. Just like the 1989 and 2006 qualifiers, Stars once more kick off their campaign against Malawi. Their former regular customers of whom it seems the old traditional order is about to be restored. In all the qualifiers Malawi has had an edge over Kenya each time they have clashed. In 1989 they settled for a one all draw in Nairobi before their hosts dealt them a 1-0 defeat in Lilongwe. It was even more painful in the 2002 world cup preliminaries qualifiers when Malawi torched them 2-0. Mark you the goals came deep in injury time (91st and 93 minutes) Stars had no choice but had to beat Malawi by three clear goals. This was a gigantic task as both sides settled for a barren draw resulting into Kenya’s premature exit.Four years on, stars would defeat Malawi 3-2 in their first world cup qualifying match for the 2006 edition and then lost the last match of the qualifiers 3-0. Recently, in the 2011 CECAFA Cup Malawi once more trounced Kenya 2-0.This time around stars should be prepared physiologically based on these Malawians spank and collect a comprehensive win at home. Up next stars will be travelling to Windhoek to face the Namibian brave warriors. By this time stars should be in a position

(bold enough) to rattle their host. The Namibians have always beaten the stars in Windhoek as it was in the 2010 preliminaries qualifiers and the 1998 nation’s cup qualifiers. It should be keenly noted that each time stars lost to Namibia they conceded a goal late in the game. The stars attacking machine should be in full throttle attacking the hosts relentlessly while the defence should stand tall and improve imperious.Most importantly, they should concentrate intensely for the rest of the game giving no room for their hosts to manoeuvre. Indeed stars have had a habit of conceding late goals (at least the last fifteen minutes) as the case was against Guinea Bissau and Angola in the away ties during the 2012 FCON qualifiers. By the time stars visit Nigeria super eagles, the pedigree team in the group that has qualified four times to the world cup, stars should be having six points or at least four. Nigeria has always made sure that they have the stars making sure that their ambitions and crumbled their world cup qualifying hopes. These were the case as it was in 1985, 1997 and 2009. On both those occasions, especially in Abuja and Lagos, Stars were soaked by three goals. The trend continued seriously even in friendly matches and

the 1988 AFCON finals that were held in Morocco. For this to grind to a halt, stars need to prepare both technically, historically and physiologically .Indeed the team needs a motivator and physiologist who will prepare the boys against the Nigerian pedigree and the enthusiastic if hostile fan base in the Nigerian stands. The good news is that Nigerian football currently as not as strong as it used to be and even their technical bench have decided to include some of the home based players to the national team albeit the galaxy of their European stars. Stars should dare the eagles for the first time and grab at least a point in Abuja/Lagos. While preparing for the return tie, stars buoyed by the famed results in Nigeria and quantum leap in their self –made faith, plus crowd support rallying behind them, it would be enough for the home boys to upset Nigeria . From there Malawi should be wary of stars when they visit Lilongwe and by then stars should have grown in leaps and bounds a win away from home will never be surprising. Finally when Namibia jets in, stars should romp over them. The statistic would indicate from the marathon qualifiers, stars would have collected fourteen points which is enough to see them clinch the top spot and secure the second round place where they need to believe in their abilities and beat their opponents thoroughly and when they play the return match away should aim for a draw or can even audaciously go for a win. With it a world cup ticket would be secured.Scenario two: If we get spanked by Nigeria and collect a draw at home, then we collect six points from Namibia and Malawi at home while we gain other two points also from the latter two away from home, stars will have amassed nine points. That should form impetus and springboard for them to qualify for the 2018 World cup.

SOCCER


Osborne Monday (Left) and James Situma tackle a Zambian opponent in a CECAFA Cup match


VolleyballSOCCER

T he Nationwide league has over the years been run as a roadside kiosk due to wrangles in Kenyan

Football. The clubs that have been participating in the league have not been certain of making it to the top flight. Drastic decisions would be made at any time that will overturn match results.Before this year, there were two parallel nationwide leagues that were going on in the country. The two

factions KFF faction that then led by current chairman Sam Nyamweya and Mohamed Hatimy’s FKL both ran separate leagues.The above confusion led to uncertainty in the league management and there was a tussle on which teams were eligible to participate in the 2012 season of Kenya Premier League (KPL)On December 16th 2010, the FKL faction of the nationwide league under the leadership of Jilo Ibrahim formed a Nationwide League Limited in a bid to

boost the competition. In an effort to restore order in the management of the Nationwide League which had been run by Football Kenya Limited (FKL), clubs agreed to form a company that will run the League the following season. The Nationwide League Limited chaired by Administration Police Secretary Ibrahim Jilo is run along the Kenya Premier League (KPL) model. In the format, Benjamin Ndolo was appointed the Secretary of the League Company. These was to bring order in a league marred by poor officiating, match fixing, open favoritism, tampering with League fixtures, malicious and poor communications and lack of consultative meetings with clubs. With two parallel factions running the show, it was necessary to merge all warring factions so as to create harmony in the league. A total of 40 teams are participating in this season’s league and only two teams will make it to next year’s Kenya Premier League. The league has been divided into Western Zone and the Eastern Zone, where the top team from each zone will qualify for next season’s top flight league.This is a good format as the cash strapped teams don’t have to travel across the country every so often. A team from Coast will come as far as Nairobi while Karungu and Nzoia Sugar far off in the West will stop at Nakuru to play All Stars. With the first half of the season done, the clubs will take a two week break before the grueling second leg. Nick Mwenda’s Kariobangi Sharks sit top of Zone A and former KPL side Agrochemicals are at the helm of Zone B on 44 points.The league is slowly transforming into a professional league and with good management, and sponsorship tremendous strides will be made.

NATIONWIDE LEAGUEThe return of order is good for growth

By Gregory Mulemi

SOCCERSOCCER


Kariobangi Sharks player (in green ) up against a Coast United player in a nationwide fixture.


Volleyball

S unrise football club is a community based club formed in December 2009.The club is located in the

outskirts of Umoja location, Embakasi constituency, Nairobi County. The club has 45 members who include officials and players who are below 16 years of age. They are grouped into 3 age groups, under 11 years, under 13 years and under 16 years’ old teams. The club is based at Tumaini Primary School and 34c in Tena Estate where they hold their trainings sessions and matches every weekends.It is not all about football at Sunrise, community programs like environmental clean ups and social skills training are offered as well. The youth are drawn from Umoja area and surrounding regions like Kayole, Komarocks, Tena and Kariobangi South. The club has grown steadily since its inception in late 2009 and has seen it grow to produce some promising talents. The club participates in local tournaments, MYSA league and friendly matches in the Eastlands area. Their hardwork and discipline has brought impressive performance;

SUNRISE

they have won trophies football equipments that come in handy during their trainings sessions.The club solely depends on their two coaches and some of the player’s parents for financial support since most come from humble background and donations of football activities from well wishers who are impressed by the ever impressive display of play which many have dubbed it as the Dutch style.The club hopes that one day their young players would develop and participate in the Kenya premier league and produce some of the best talents ever to be witnessed in the country. Most of the club players have excelled in the national tournaments (copa cocacola and the Orange mabingwa challenge mainly from Chavakali secondary school from Western county and Peter Kibukosya and Tumaini primary schools from Embakasi constituency).The club hopes that one day their mission of being a leading football organization in the development of young football talent and guiding them in their social lives would be realized.

Residential area East of Nairobi City is informally divided into Near, Middle and Far East. The area from City Stadium to Buruburu is Near East, Kayole and beyond is Far East. Somewhere in the around Umoja is Middle East where there is a road nicknamed Gaza strip. We sent our correspondent …………….. to ‘Middle Eastlands’ where a football sunrise has occurred.

By Gregory Mulemi

FOOTBALL CLUB

SOCCERSOCCER



Volleyball

K enya has seen many great football players along the way, from Joe Kadenge, Jonathan Niva, Allan Thigo, James “Jacaranda” Ouma,

Ambrose Ayoyi, Wilberforce Mulamba and Peter Ochieng Dawo, to name but a few. One man who deserves a mention but often gets overlooked is Michael Okoth Origi, or simply Mike Okoth to those who interact with him. He is the first Kenyan to play professionally at the highest level in Europe.Born on 6th November 1967, Okoth started out his soccer career as a goalkeeper. A legacy that has seemingly been bequeathed to his nephew, Arnold the current Kenyan first choice in goal. Okoth made his mark in a penalty shootout in 1987 at Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium. As the goalkeeper for Itierio High School they had played to a barren draw with defending champions Kakamega High School in Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national finals. Itierio had converted all five of their penalty kicks, the onus was on Okoth to stop Kakamega’s last penalty, which he did, handing Itierio the national schools title. A year later he would be part of the Kisii based Shabana team that represented the country in the African Club Champions

By Gregory Mulemi & Francis Nandi

MIKE OKOTH THE GENTLEMAN AND UNSUNG HERO

SOCCER


Mike Okoth in action against Mali during the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia


Cup (the pre-cursor of the modern day African Champions League.) Gor Mahia, the 1987 league winners, had opted to defend the Mandela Cup title they had won the previous year. Shabana would bow out of the tournament in the first round, losing 2-4 on aggregate to Zambian side Kabwe Warriors. This was the last time Okoth would feature in goal.(The last time he played in goal was against Kabwe Warriors of Zambia and the hunted became the hunter)

The Goal PoacherWith Shabana drawing blanks upon return to league action, coach Akbar Khan took the gamble of playing Okoth upfront. The gamble that paid off as the goalkeeper turned striker scored five goals in two matches. His prowess in front of goal saw him earn a call up to the Harambee Stars “B” side when Kenya hosted the 1989 East and Central Africa Senior Challenge, putting in a good display that took him into Kenya’s final 22 man squad for the 1990 African Cup of Nations in Algeria. He would also join Kenya Breweries (the present day Tusker FC) around this time.Fast forward to 1991; Kenya needed a win to qualify for the 1992 Cup of Nations in Senegal. Okoth rose to the occasion with a thumping header beating legendary Sudan keeper Hamid Breima to secure Stars a berth in the African showpiece. The goals continued to flow for Okoth earning him a professional move to Oman side Boshar. He moved to Belgium where he started out at KV Oostende.During the 1994 Cup of Nations

qualifiers, which Kenya narrowly missed out due to an inferior goal difference after tying on points with Zaire (DR Congo.) Okoth provided four of Kenya’s eleven goals during that campaign.Kenya was banned from CAF organized activities for one year as a result of backing out of hosting the 1996 Cup of Nations. This kept Okoth out of international football for close to two seasons.

TransitionsHe returned for Kenya’s famous 3-2 aggregate win over fancied Algeria during the pre-qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup. He did not do much upfront as then coach Gadesavic Vojo employed tactical but match winning tactics that eliminated the 1982 and 1986 World Cup participants.Okoth proved to be a lethal striker in the qualifiers finishing runners up in the scorers log with four goals even though Kenya did not qualify. Nigeria’s Daniel Amokachi and Guinea’s Momo Wandel Souamah as Patrice Mboma emerged tops with five goals.Mike Okoth moved to Belgium after three months with Omani side Boshar, becoming the first Kenyan to feature professional in a European league. He started out at KV Oostende, spending four years at the club, between 1992 and 1996, then KRC Harelbeke between 1996 and 1998, before joining RC Genk in 1998, where he won a league title.Okoth would end his stint at Genk in 2001, crossing over to RWD Molenbeek for the 2002 season, before joining Heusden Zolder for two seasons, between 2002 and 2004. It

was around this time that he would return for Kenya, making his last appearances for the national team at the 2004 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia. He played alongside teenager Dennis Oliech as Kenya bowed out of the event with two losses to Mali (1-3), Senegal (0-3) and one win against Burkina Faso (3-0)Okoth would retire from international foo tba l l , ca r ry ing on p lay ing professionally in Belgium, though in the lower leagues, moving to Belgian Division III side KSK Tongeren for the 2005 and 2006 seasons before retiring from active football at Division five club Cobax 76 in 2007 aged 40. He was known in Belgium for being a gentleman on and of the pitch. Never complaining, never protesting and never injuring an opponent. Fans knew his as a friendly football player.He is now involved with soccer administration in that country with further plans to extend the same back home.Apart from nephew Arnold, his son Divoc , has played for Belgium at U-17 level. He also played for the RC Genk U-15 but signed for French side OSC Lille in 201 where he features in the B team as an offensive midfielder. His brother, Austin “Makamu” Oduor, played for Kenya and Gor Mahia, captaining the K’Ogallo side that lifted the 1987 Africa Cup Winners Cup trophy. His other brothers, Gerald and Anthony also played for Kenya Breweries (now Tusker) in the mid ‘90s. His is truly a family of football that can be likened to the Denis Oliech’s, his siblings have played football for KPL and even abroad.

SOCCER



Volleyball

P aul Mungai Kiongera is currently KCB’s Top scorer with six goals to his credit. He has featured prominently

for the national junior teams, the Under 20 and the Under 23. Before the start of the season, no one really knew much about the Friends School Kamusinga alumni.However, his exploits on the pitch have made him a known figure in the local soccer scene. He even received his first ever Senior Harambee Stars Call up when the team was preparing for the match against Malawi in Nairobi.Mumgai Kiongera, commonly known as ‘Munga’ to his peers was born in Webuye on the night of 14th June in 1993. He started playing as soon as he could co-ordinate his two feet.He attended primary school in Webuye where he used to prominently feature for the school team in inter school competitions in Webuye. He played as goalkeeper in primary school but would switch once in a while to offensive midfield.Upon Completion primary school, he joined Friends School Kamusinga, a school known better for basketball and hockey talent. However, he chose to continue with his love for football. At FSK, he started off in goal, the then coach Mr. Oruko noticed his good goalkeeping during inter class

PROFILE: PAUL MUNGAI KIONGERA, I AM NOT THERE YET..

By Timothy Olobulu

SOCCER


Mungai Kiongera


Volleyball

competitions and drafted him into the school team.But Mr. Oruko would then be promoted to the School’s Games Master and the soccer team had a new coach, Mr. Waluvafu. The coach then noticed that Mungai would make a better attacking midfielder than a goalkeeper. He switched from goalkeeping into high work rate station in the midfield.He was later drafted back as a defensive midfielder at Form Two, a position he played up to the time he completed school.Though he says they never had such great outings as a soccer team in Western Province, Mungai vividly remembers his last year in fourth form as one of the best years in the School’s soccer history.“In that year, we participated in the Allan Bradley Tournament hosted by our school and managed to reach the finals. We had never gone into the finals before. We beat very notable schools like Kakamega high and Vihiga, but we lost to Manor house in the finals. In the same year, we managed to reach the Provincials’ Level of the school games. The last time the school

reached the Provincials was in 1998,” says Mungai.He never really thought he would take up soccer as a career. His parents too, never always advised him so, and neither did the principal of his school.“We used to collide with my parents. They thought I was not taking my academics seriously by concentrating on soccer. The Principal alluded to the wrangles in football leadership to deter anyone from thinking of taking football as a career. I loved football but I never thought at even one point I would play professional football,” adds the KCB forward.Upon Completion of high school, he immediately joined the Kenyatta University in 2011 where he is currently a second year pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. In his first year at KU, he went for trials at Nationwide side KRA, with his desire still burning to play soccer. Good for him, he was picked by the team. He only played there for six months before KCB noticed his talent and captured him.2012 is so far his best season at the bankers’. He has scored six goals for

the team, been selected for the Under 23 National team and earned a call up to the national team. He vividly remembers the most important call of the year inviting him to the senior team like it was just yesterday.“It was on a Monday, I was just relaxing in the house because we had played a game on Sunday. As I was resting I got a call from an unfamiliar number. I received the call and got the most “shocking” news. The person at the other end told me that he was the coach and I was needed in camp immediately. I could not believe it, it was a huge surprise for me,” he says.“I did not expect it because the squad had already been named. It was a BIG surprise for me,” he adds.He notes that he picked a lot of experience from his days in the National team camp, interacting with players who have plied their trade in Europe and also getting to learn a lot from the immediate former national team coach Francis Kimanzi.As a young player, he has also had his ups and downs. For his lowest moment;“That had to be in 2010 in the CECAFA

SOCCER


Mungai Kiongera dribbles past Roy Waswa of Sony Sugar


Under 20 Championships in Eritrea. We had played so well in the tournament and were even hot favorites to win the cup. Everybody was talking about us. However, we lost 2-1 to Uganda in the semi final. I felt too bad because we lost due to simple mistakes, a match that we would have easily won,” says Mungai.

His highest moments;“My career is still on a high and I know I will have bigger and better moments. But up to now, my highest moment is the West African trip we had with the Under 23 team. We surpassed many people’s expectations. ““I was delighted at meeting top players I only watch on television like Demba Ba and Demba Cisse. In our match against Guinea I was tightly marked by Bobo Balde and Ishamel Bangoura who I have only heard on radio and watched on TV, made me feel great,” he says with a huge smile on his face.Challenges are part of life and soccer is no exception. But for the young

Mungai, the important thing is how you handle the challenges that will make you a better player.“The biggest challenge I have seen in my soccer career is when things don’t work out for the team. You do everything right and play to the latter according to the coach’s instructions but still go for almost a month without victory. The pressure is always high on everybody’s shoulders but it is always up to an individual to break out of the pressure and come out a champion,” adds Mungai.He puts his aspirations to one day play in the elite European leagues.“It is any player’s dream to play in Europe. I am no different. I would like to work hard and see myself playing in bigger and better leagues,” says the avid Manchester United fan.

His role models,“Here in Kenya, I admire Sofapaka’s John Baraza. He is a prolific scorer and despite his age he still runs around like and 18 year old. Ever since I started hearing of him, he has never stopped

scoring. Around the globe, I admire Totenham Hotspur’s Raphael Van Der Vaart. He is an attack minded player whose philosophy is always forward play. You rarely see him playing the ball to his back. That is what I want to adapt as a player,” he adds.And which striker would he be happy twin striking alongside?“Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney is my role model. He is a team player who fights for the team and can lift the team when it is evidently down,” he says.Of the defenders he has played against in the Kenyan Premier League, he has singled out Tusker duo of Brian Mandela and Joseph Shikokoti as the hardest nut to crack.“The two are very intelligent defenders who play with a striker’s mind. They are never in a hurry to make tackles and beating them is not easy. Most of the times they will win the ball so easily, they are the best defenders in the KPL,” he adds.

His parting shot;“Always work hard and trust in God. Never let your dreams die. Challenges are part of life and never give up even if you find the biggest rock on your path. If you were destined to success and you work towards that, nothing will come in between you and your success”

SOCCER


Mungai Kiongera goes for goal against Sony Sugar


Volleyball

CAN 2012 COPA COCA-COLA By Gregory Mulemi

football either, but they were good at what they did. A look at every passing year, while other nations export talents en masse, Kenya seems to be discovering only one talent at a time. Today Oliech, tomorrow, Mariga. Then a long drought.Blame it on many things, the off-putting, superfluous and incessant wrang les in the management of football. Lack of real football development at the grassroots level is the major problem. There seems to be little being done to check the situation. The ostrich head in the sand obsession of local fans with foreign leagues is a product of dwindling standardsCOPA Coca-Cola stepped into the gap five years ago and today many players discovered through the tournament are in KPL clubs. The sensational duo of Emmanuel Tostao and Edward

The ‘Beautiful ’ game of football has been on a downward trend in Kenya in the recent past. With every

passing year, Kenya has been falling down the pecking order, not only in regional tournament but internationally as well. Once a former East African giant and known for churning out prodigious talents like JJ Masiga, Joe Kadenge, James Siang’a, Joe Masiga, Bobby Ogolla, the late Hussein Kheri, Musa Otieno, Mahmoud Abbas, Peter Dawo and the likes. Kenyan football is no longer something that arouses excitement among the fans or evokes fear in opposing teams.Granted, the aforementioned players never won anything major for Kenya. They did not make it to the coveted European leagues that define the success and/or failure in modern

PROVIDE KENYA THE FOOTBALL TALENT IT NEEDS?

The 2012 COPA is the fifth edition and a lot will be at stake as the tournament gets to the provincial stage in July. Many stars have been born from this tournament and it is expected that talent scouts will be checking out for some prodigious talent. Gregory Mulemi continues with the story.

SOCCER



Seda are at AFC Leopards while Felix ‘Felixinho’ Omondi is at Gor Mahia. There is also Steve Odhiambo, Jackson Macharia and Joseph Kuria at Thika United, Dan Waweru and Ali Ahmed (Western Stima) Victor Oduor of Muhoroni Youth and Edwin Mwaura (Rangers).The tournament has come of age, growing by strength on each edition and is run in twenty African countries. Initiated in Mexico in 1998, the annual national youth football tournament aims at identifying the best out of the good from the grassroots by engaging the youths in football activities while also encouraging them to adopt responsible healthy lifestyles. Most of the players in the tournament have shown that Copa Coca-Cola has the potential to bring out the many more Macdonald Marigas. The FC Parma in Italy is the COPA Coca-Cola goodwill ambassador. He is also a beneficiary of the talent search event, having been the first to be discovered in 1999 in the precursor Coca-Cola sponsored tournament dubbed The Coca-Cola Cup.The tournament promises to give young players an international standard environment to play football. The exposure to this environment will encourage them to showcase their talent to catch the eyes of selectors for the national Copa Coca Cola team. It is also an avenue for talent scouts to chose, the best young talent for the Kenyan youth football circles.This season’s tournament is quite attractive and with the grace of the new Football Kenya Federation, the tournament is bound to go a notch higher. During this year’s edition launch, FKF president Sam Nyamweya said that the tournament would go on to help pick the national U-17 football team. It is good news to players and soccer lovers in the country who have always criticized the way junior national teams are selected.The tournament will go through four stages and see over 600 teams

take part in the competition. The tournament commenced with the teams, both boys’ and girls’, competing at the sub-branch level, with each sub-branch being presented by 2 girls and 6 boys’ teams in all the 8 provinces.A total of 130 teams were first drawn to battle it out for the provincial finals that start on June 23 until July 14. According to COPA administrator Gerald Chege, the new model will follow the FKF league calendar. It will be the official district (FKF sub branch) league tournament while tapping and developing young prospects to become the country’s official U-17 team.Talent scouts will follow through and identify 30 best performing players’ right from the sub-branch level. Out of this, the top 16 players will be selected and form the Kenyan contingent that will travel to South Africa for a two-week international camp. The 16 players will also officially form the Kenya U-17 soccer team.A total cash prize of Shs.1.6 million will be up for grabs in this year’s tournament. The winning boys’ team at the national finals will be awarded Ksh. 600,00, runners up 300,000 while the second runners up will walk home with 100,000 Ksh. The winning girls’ team will pocket Ksh. 300,000, Ksh.

200,000 for the runners up while the third placed girls’ team will be awarded Ksh. 100,000.“COPA has grown in leaps and bounds since being unveiled in Kenya over five years ago. As part of our commitment in maintaining a world class football tournament, we have increased our investment in the tournament to make it even more attractive as we help young boys and girls develop a bright future in football while inspiring others to maintain active healthy lifestyles,” said Coca-Cola Senior Brand Marketing Manager Catherine Mudachi.Since its re-launch in 2007, COPA has created opportunities for a host of upcoming footballers to realize their potential and play in both the local professional leagues as well as junior international football tournaments.With the county level coming to a close in June, the provincial and national championships will pull a spark in search of a new champion. In the next edition, we will review all the matches that were played in 2012 plus a special feature on the winning teams.

SOCCER



Moun t a i n b i k i n g i s a b u d d i n g spor t in Kenya and is garnering

popularity because of the promise of adventure through Kenya’s scenic landscape and the sheer adrenaline rush one experiences as you hurtle down off-road tracks. The main proponents of this sport are a band of outgoing adventurists who organise local events throughout the year. Once such event the “Rough Ride” was recently held near Ngong Hills.The Rough Ride, it is an individual mountain bike sprint event held on forest tracks over an 8.5 km loop, where the rider can do the loop as many times as they wish and on as many different bikes as they like. Although most of the riders are extremely competitive, the sense of camarader ie amongst all the participants is quite heartwarming - and makes it a more fun event.Riders start at oneminute intervals, and compete on a course that is twisty, hilly and of course rough. Once completed, you recover, refuel and re-cycle…Each rider is timed to the second and their time is posted as they

TRACKS AND TRAILSMTB DIARY By Rizz Wangalachi

cross the line, so they can see straight away how they compare to others or their previous lap(s).This year ’s event attracted 36 riders varying in age from a determined 8 year old to a spritely 77 year old biker! All tryingto outdo each other and having a lot of fun.A new course record was set and now stands at a blistering24 minutes 13 seconds by Gerald Osmond, this betters last year’s benchmark of 24:29. Daniel Szlapak came in a scorching runners-up, 25:11 fol lowed by a powerful performance by Jason Potter in third in 25:43. AsaForsman posted the best womens’ time, a 28:35 screamer, eclipsing most men! The under

18’s record is 32minutes 59 seconds by Shabaz Anwar. And valiant performance by 8 year old Toby Szlapak, took the “totos” honours.Due to its growing popularity, plans are underway to have two Rough Rides a year, and these will include a shorter kids loop.The event was hosted by Mama Mary of Shelter Children’s Home, near Ngong town, as she does for a number of other events and all proceeds from the event went to the Home.

Details of this and other mountain bike events can be found at kenyacycling.org or sign up to the cycling forum at [email protected]


CYCLING


GOLF

Golf is one of the oldest games in history. Through time, golfing has gained e n t h u s i a s t s a m o n g

various cadres of society. Widespread popularity is not out of its simplicity but the opposite. It is a game of precision, decision making, and patience.If you want to learn the sport, the first thing that you have to do is to bear in mind that your aim is not to set the longest drive record. You’ll have to learn the basics of the sport. Studying the basics is probably the most important phase in learning the sport. It will be your foundation for you success in the game.The aim of golf is simple: hit a small ball into a hole with the fewest possible shots, 18 times.Unlike other sports, a golfer’s real enemy is never his or her opponent but him/herself and more importantly the surroundings. That is one reason why the game has managed to keep a sense of

KNOW YOUR GAME: GOLFBy the Birdie

sportsmanship as its centre - because even at the highest level golfers are united in their battle against the course as much as each other. If you’re new to the sport, either as a player or spectator, our guide to the basics will provide an insight into what it’s all about.

The CourseA standard golf course is made up of 18 holes. That is just about the only thing all golf courses have in common. The first shot on each hole is played from a teeing area (known as a tee) with the ball usually being placed on a plastic or wooden peg (also known as a tee).

ScoringIn basic terms your score on a golf course is made up of the number of shots you take, plus any penalties you may incur. So if you take 90 shots to go around a course and your friend

takes 92, you are the winner. Par is the number of shots (or strokes) a top-class golfer is expected to take to play each hole based on its length and difficulty. It also refers to an expected total of shots for the whole round of 18 holes. Par for a course usually ranges between 70 and 72 shots but most golfers never match that. Par for a hole is usually between three and five shots, although there are a couple of pars-sixes in America. If you take four shots on a par-four hole you make par. But if you do better or worse than that you’re introduced to some funny names. Take three shots on a par-four hole (i.e. one less than par) and you call it a birdie. Take five shots on a par-four hole (i.e. one shot more than par) and you’ve got a bogey. These are just names though. What counts is the number of shots you play on each hole, which are



GOLF

added together for your total score for the round.

Par ThreePar three holes tend to be less than 250 yards in length for men and 220 for women. They work on the idea that you can hit the green in one shot and then you have two putts to score par, in this case a three.

Par FourPar four holes range from a little less than 300 to over 450 yards. You’d hope to reach the green in two shots, leaving two putts for par.

Par FivePar five holes tend to be longer than 480 yards. There are a few par six holes in the world - usually more than 600 yards long. Getting to the green in less than three shots is very difficult. Again that will leave two putts for par.

Golf scoring terms Albatross: Three shots less than parEagle: Two shots lessBirdie: One shot lessBogey: One shot moreDouble bogey: Two shots moreTriple bogey: Three shotsIn addition golf allows you to play against better players by giving you extra shots, almost like a head start. This is called handicapping. One of the reasons golf is such a popular game is that a system of handicapping means players of all abilities can play against each other. A handicap is a certain number of strokes which a player is allowed to remove from his total score for a round. Think of it like a head start given by more skilful players to weaker opponents; the better the player, the lower the handicap. It means that good players with a low handicap can play those with a

higher handicap and the game can still remain competitive. A player with an 18 handicap, for example, will subtract 18 shots from his or her score at the end of the round. The handicap system can seem confusing, which is why it is so important to keep your scores on a scorecard so you can work it all out at the end of your round. Only highly skilled players reach zero, also known as “scratch”. A select few even get so good they enter positive figures - which mean they have to add strokes to their total. In reality, most golfers who reach that standard are good enough to turn professional where tournaments are played off scratch i.e. without handicaps. In foursomes, the team’s handicap is usually calculated by adding the two players’ handicaps together and dividing by two. The normal maximum handicap is: Men: 28 Women: 36 Juniors: 29-54HandicappingThe actual number of shots taken to play a hole or a round is known as the ‘gross’ score. To calculate how well he or she has played, the player deducts his handicap from the total to work out the ‘net’ score. For instance, if a player with a handicap of 20 takes 90 shots to go round a par 70 course his net score will be 70 - which means he will have ‘played to his handicap’ by returning a net score the same as par. You can also work out your score for each hole as you go along as illustrated above. If you do not have a handicap you can work out what it roughly is by subtracting par for the course

from your total. For instance if you return a score of 98 on a par 72 course, you will have played to a handicap of around 26.Your handicap score is actually calculated by the standard scratch score but this method gives you a ball-park idea of where your game is at.

Rules of GolfThere are many rules that apply to golf but unlike many other sports, unless it is a tournament, there is no need for a referee or umpire. Players must know the rules themselves, be honest about the number of shots they take and play the ball as it lies. Moving or interfering with the ball is a big no-no, although there are some exceptions. If you lose your ball or hit it in a lake then you will have to add strokes to your score before you can play on. But generally common sense prevails.

EtiquetteThe great American golfer Bobby Jones said: “In golf, the customs and etiquette and decorum are as important as the rules of play.” The host of dos and don’ts can seem petty, especially at the more elitist clubs. But this code of conduct has allowed golf to retain its sporting values despite becoming a multi-million pound global industry. At its heart are two principles - respect for the course and respect for fellow golfers. Examples include not talking during a player’s swing, not walking on the line of their putt on the green, raking bunkers, repa i r ing p i tch marks and replacing divots.



On T h u r s d a y 2 4 t h May,Muthaiga Golf Club played host to the launch of this year’s edition of

Dasani Golf Gala. The first event teed off on Saturday 26 May 2012 at the Kiambu Golf Club to be followed by subsequent events that will culminate with the Grand Finale in September.The annual golf series, now in its third year running, is open to all amateur golfers with official handicaps. The grand finale is set to be held at

Nairobi’s Karen Country Club on Saturday 29 September 2012 where the top two teams from all eighteen qualifying rounds will compete for the grand prize.The winning team of 4 players will travel to Dubai for the Grand Finale of the European Tour – the DP World Tour

Championship at the Jumeirah Golf Estates. While in Dubai, they will have the oppor tun i ty to see Europe’s top 60 m o n e y earners on the 2012 Order of Merit battle it out for a $ 1.3 Million winner’s cheque. They will also play at some of the best golf courses in the region, including the Dubai Creek Course and the challenging Faldo Course at the Emirates Golf Club, designed by former world number 1 and 6-time Major Champion Sir. Nick Faldo.”This year’s series will feature players from 36 clubs across the country battling it out in 18 different golf courses. Over 3,600 golfers across Kenya are expected to take part in the race for a chance to fly to Dubai.At the time of going to press, five qualifying rounds had already been played at the Kiambu, Thika, Vet Lab,Windsor and Railway Golf Clubs .

More about the Dasani Golf GalaNow in its third year of existence, the Dasani Golf Gala was launched in 2010 with the intention of taking the game to a wider playing base, fusing accomplished players with those wishing to pick up the game. This has played a major role in helping the aspirations of both sets of players, all driven by the strong desire to realize their potential and chart their own path. The quartet of Willie Samoei, Tim Alala, Ferej Ahmed and Michael Rotich from the Eldoret Golf Club won the inaugural Grand Finale, in 2010 earning themselves an all expenses paid trip to South Africa where they participated in two pro-am events at the famous Fancourt Golf Resort in George, where they participated in the

GOLF

2012 DASANI GOLF GALA TEES OFF


By Michael Kwambo


Coca-Cola Championship and the Gary Player Invitational.The Kenya Railways team of Abbas Nasser, David Kigomo, Giginder Padam and John Wangai claimed the 2011 title, earning themselves a fully paid trip to Thailand that saw them play golf at the Red Mountain Golf Course and the Blue Canyon Country Club, completing their tour with a round of golf at the Mission Hill Golf Course, a course that offers one of the most intriguing finishing holes; the 18th hole, which has two greens, allowing golfers to choose an alternative end to their game.

GOLF

ROUND VENUE DATE

Round 1 Kiambu Golf Club, Kiambu Saturday 26 May 2012

Round 2 Thika Sports Club , Thika Saturday 2 June 2012

Round 3 Vet Lab Sports Club, Nairobi Saturday 9 June 2012

Round 4 Windsor Golf and Country Club, Nairobi Saturday 16 June 2012

Round 5 Railway Golf Club, Nairobi Saturday 23 June 2012

Round 6 Nyali Golf Club, Mombasa Saturday 30 June 2012

Round 7 Leisure Golf Club, Diani Saturday 7 July 2012

Round 8 Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Nairobi Saturday 14 July 2012

Round 9 Nakuru Golf Club, Nakuru Saturday 21 July 2012

Round 10 Karen Golf and Country, Nairobi Saturday 28 July 2012

Round 11 Nyeri Golf Club, Nyeri, Saturday 4 August 2012

Round 12 Sigona Golf Club, Nairobi Saturday 4 August 2012

Round 13 Eldoret Golf Club, Eldoret Saturday 11 August 2012

Round 14 Nyanza Golf Club, Kisumu Saturday 18 August 2012

Round 15 Machakos Golf Club, Machakos Saturday 25 August 2012

Round 16 Kisii Golf Club, Kisii Saturday 1 September 2012

Round 17 Muthaiga Golf Club,Nairobi Saturday 8 September 2012

Round 18 Limuru Golf Club, Limuru, Saturday 15 September 2012

Grand Finale Karen Golf and Country Club Saturday 29 September 2012

DASANI GOLF GALA COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS



VOLLEYBALL

K enya Prisons retained the African Women Club Cup Volleyball title after beating Kenya Pipeline 3-0 at the

Kasarani Gymnasium on Saturday 19 May 2012.It took less than two hours for the three time champions to get their fourth title and book a place in the World Club tournament set for Doha Qatar in December.Prisons were in terrific form and took control of the game right from the start. They won the match in sets of 25-29, 27-25 and 25-13.Mercy Moim and Lydia Maio were at their best as the Prisons side cruised to a routine victory over the bitter rivals.The first set was one way traffic as Prisons took an early 8-0 lead. Pipeline coach Japheth Munala made changes to his squad bringing in Asha Makuto for Captain Catherine Wanjiru. This paid off and soon the deficit was reduced as the game continued.

Lack of concentration gifted Prisons an advantage and a comeback was next to impossible for Pipeline in the end. Prisons have now won the title four times in a row and will be representing the continent at the world club cup in Qatar.Prisons coach David Lung’aho was full of praise for his squad and promised to better the results the side has posted in past events.‘In 2010 we finished 6th and later we finished 5th.That to me was an improvement and I am looking forward to finishing second or third this year.’His opposite number Japhet Munala blamed lack of concentration for his side’s loss but promised to make sure that he retains the national title.‘I think we lost the game due to lack of concentration. Prisons were good in all departments and this did us a lot of damage. I will concentrate on retaining the league and I promise to bounce back in style.’

By Mulemi Gregory Peter

PRISONS; THE QUEENS OF AFRICA

KENYA


Kenya Prisons volleyball team celebrates after winning the African Women Club Cup title

By Gregory Mulemi


VOLLEYBALL

E arlier this month, I caught up with Florence Bosire, interviewing her at the Moi international Sports Center

Kasarani after her team Kenya Prisons won the African Women Club Volleyball Championships. Prisons beat Pipeline 3-0. She was in a very happy mood after the win and could not hide her joy. Her success in the volleyball pitch has been huge and she has asset major ambitions for her future.She started playing volleyball at the age of nine at Kawaii primary School. She is currently one of the best setters in the country. Recently, she was part of the Prisons team that won the Africa Women Volleyball Championship trophy for the fourth time in succession. She did not participate because of an ankle injury she sustained while on national duty in Japan. She has however put all injury woes away and she tells us her inspirational story.

When did you start playing volleyball?(Smiling)I started playing volleyball at the age of 9 at Kawaii Primary school then joined Lugulu Girls who gave me a schorlaship for four years. It was

FLORENCE BOSIRE

from Lugulu that I started playing serious volleyball.

When was your first national team call-up?I was first called to the national team in 2008 just after my form four. It was during the World cup qualifier in Algeria. During this period, I got several offers from clubs to play volleyball for them but I chose Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) which had better offers.

When did you join Kenya Prisons?I joined Kenya Prisons in 2009. During my time at KCB, I did get several offers but due to personal reasons, I chose to join Prisons and that is where I am up to now.

How far have you traveled with Volleyball?I have gone far and wide with volleyball. My first outing was with KCB in the African Championships in Cairo, last year (2011) I was with Kenya Prisons in Japan and I was also there with the national team for the world championships.

Which are the best moments and worst moments of your career?(Laughing)My best moment was when I had my first trip with the national team to the World Cup in Japan. I played against Italy and the result was great. My worst moment was also in Japan when I got an ankle fracture. It was a turning point in my career as I thought that my career had ended

but thank God physiotherapists did a wonderful job and now I am on my feet.

What is the problem with the national team, you perform well in Africa but very poorly outside the continent?(She bursts in laughter) That is true, we perform well here but at the global field, we do poorly because of many factors. Height factor is one of the biggest factors here. We have a disadvantage when it comes to height. Europeans and Americans are very tall. When we go to the pitch, people mistake us for athletes. Our preparations are also wanting at times, we use modern facilities two to three weeks before any tournament, and this is a letdown because we struggle against sides which have the facilities.

Who is the best volleyballer you have ever come up against? Lydia Maiyo, she is such a professional, when I got a chance to play alongside her, I was very happy and I always wish that we could play together for such a long time.

What are your future plans as a volleyball player?At the moment I am at Prisons. They have employed me and I have to honor that. If a chance comes for me to go pro I will talk to my employers about it and see what they feel about it.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?I will be one of the best setters in the country.

What do you do off the field. Who is Florence Bosire off the field?I am very talkative and I love meeting new people and friends. I also love visiting new places. I am simple and down to earth. Watching movies is my hobby and that is me.



KNOW YOUR STADIAIn a bid to acquaint you the reader with Kenyan sporting facilities, we have embarked on a new feature, “Know your stadia” which will be in this and subsequent editions of your favorite sports magazine. We begin with the country’s two flagship stadia, the Nyayo National Stadium and the Moi International Sports Center, under the management of the Sports Stadia Management Board and both located in the capital city, Nairobi.

BackgroundCompleted in 1983, Nyayo National Stadium was a vision that was to lead to greater and bigger things for the sports men and women of this country.The completion of Nyayo National Stadium gave Kenya the opportunity to be placed in the category of Nations that were invited to bid for the 4th All African games in 1987, a bid that was awarded to Kenya, giving it International status. In essence Nyayo Stadium gave “birth” to Moi International Sports Centre.Facilities

a) Main StadiumMain Features

Nyayo National Stadium

STADIA


Nyayo National Stadium

By Michael Kwambo


• 30,000 seater• FIFA approved standard size

football pitch – home to several nat iona l and internat iona l matches

• Hosts large gatherings, including concer ts , nat iona l ho l iday celebrat ions, meetings and crusades

• 2 VIP lounges, a boardroom• Internet enabled media centre.• Floodlights upgraded and ready

b) Aquatic CentreMain Features:• Spectator terraces for 2000 pax• A f i l trat ion plant has been

installed at the swimming pool• 50 x 25 m Swimming pool• Open to Public all week• Trained lifeguards

c) Indoor Gymnasium Main features• 2500 capacity• A busy indoor Arena - Home to

National Basketball League• Snack bars are within the

gymnasium• fully covered indoor arena and

can host:o Basketballo Boxing o Badminton o Martial artso Social functionso has computerized scoreboards o has functioning Floodlights

d) Handball and Volleyball Training CourtsMain features• Terraces for 1500 capacity• Standard Court Open air - Ideal

Training Court• Available for social events

BackgroundIn the early 80’s, Kenya was invited to bid for the All African Games, which were to be held towards the end of that decade. Like any other African Nations, Kenya submitted and won the bid to host the 4th All African Games in 1987.In preparation for the games, Kenya entered into a bilateral agreement with the Chinese government to build a sports complex which would be used to host these prestigious games. The proposed plan was to build a stadium of international standard, perhaps one of the best on the African continent then. It was with this undertaking that in 1987, saw the official opening of a 60,000 capacity stadium in time to host one of the largest events held in this country the 4th All African Games.The complex was completed in 1987, and hosted the 4th All African Games in august of the same year, an event that filled the stadium to capacity.Prior to this, athletics practice sessions were held at the Coca-Cola National Stadium, which was built in the early 1980’s.Located about 15 km from the city centre along Thika road, this complex provides clients with an opportunity to do their business out of the hustles and bustles of town. Facilities at MISC Kasarani include: i) The Stadion HotelThe Stadion has the following facilities offered at competitive rates to clients• Accommodation with 108 rooms

equipped with TVs and telephones • 200 seater restaurant and 60

seater adjacent grillroom• Sports bar • Laundry• 400 seater multipurpose ballroom• Business Centre with cyber café

• Seminar rooms with secretariat• Gift shop• Luxurious swimming pool (free of

charge to residents)• Poolside bar

ii) Kasarani Stadium The Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 seated persons, with VIP lounges and hospitality suites. The facilities are equipped with modern Changing Rooms, Restaurants, Mini-shops, press/media areas and offices. There are internet connections and a hot spot installed in strategic positions. It also has 6 conference rooms at Kasarani Grand Stadium each with a capacity of 60 pax

iii) Kasarani Indoor ArenaA state of the art Indoor Arena at Kasarani with a capacity of 5000pax, a very ideal venue for AGMS, corporate sporting and team building activities . The Indoor Arena also has presidential suites, snack bar, and a restaurant, a typical setting for exclusive corporate use for business presentations, product launches and other business meetings in idyllic and peaceful surroundingsKasarani Aquatic Stadium

Swimming poolThe facility has:• One Baby Pool; 1.25m Warm-up

or training pool; 1.5m Competition (Olympic size) Pool and Diving Pool with 3 springboards and up to 10m diving platform. .

• One recreational seminar room with 30 pax capacity and a VIP Lounge.

• Our pools are clean and properly treated. We have ample and secure car park and also provide catering services at request at our poolside Cafeteria.

STADIA

Moi International Sports Complex (MISC)



In his literary works Old Man’s War, 2005, award winning science fiction writer John Scalzi says this of death:

‘When you lose someone you love, you die too, and all you can do is to wait around for your body to catch up’.As celebrations for the much hyped mothers’ day took the world by storm everywhere in the month of May, one lonely mother was counting the greatest loss of her life silently at a remote village in Western Kenya. Her second last born in of 11 children that comprises 5 brothers and 6 sisters was no more.Mama Monica Muliro lay to rest her

By Francis Ontomwa

beloved daughter and a darling to the sporting fraternity, the late Aberdeen Shikhoyi, the immediate former captain of the Kenya rugby ladies team died on April 28 a week after damaging her spinal cord during the Elgon Cup Rugby Competition staged in Kampala Uganda.Emotions hit crescendo as tempers flared during the sorrowful burial ceremony for the late Shikhoyi at her home in Kasavai village in Ikolomani area of Kakamega County. Shikhoyi died at the age of the age of 31; she captained both the national 7s and 15s ladies rugby teams since 2010. She won a record 16 cups with both the 7s

and the 15s teams. The national rugby ladies team was present to give one of their own the last send off. And as they carried her casket on their shoulders walking solemnly through their compound, grief, regrets and sobs stole the thunder among hundreds of mourners who attended the low profile burial ceremony.To her the fateful Saturday was just another day in office doing what she loved and representing her country in the now popular Elgon Cup Competition pitting Kenya and Uganda. Her words are still reverberating in the ears of fellow players on the eve of

ABERDEEN SHIKHOYI THE RUGBY HEROINE


RUGBY



the game.“Guys we just have to give our all in this game, Ugandans play hard rugby and to counter their wits, we need to get tougher” said Shikhoyi.Doreen Remuor, who has now taken over the captaincy from her, recounts the last moments with Shikhoyi remorsefully.“She was our strength, all of us loved her and her words were an inspiration to us any time before we moved into any game, she made sure we were psyched up before this particular international encounter” said Remuor.On the match day, the Kenyan team lined up in the field and when the match referee gave the green light, fireworks became evident from both sides. Kenya held Uganda for the better part of the clash and it was clear to many that this was going to be their day.The battle persisted until the second phase of the deadly encounter when the moment many would want to forget forever finally showed up.“The match was heading to its critical point and at this juncture we needed much more synergy and inspiration than ever” notes Remuor.“ An opponent player scratched the ball with Shikhoyi going for a tackle, everybody charged up inspired by the move but things were not to pan out well for us, she was hit and

brought down” she narrates.“The knock didn’t raise eyebrows, this is common in rugby. It turned out to be a different case and quite serious than we thought when she pulled out” notes Remuor crestfallenly.Shikhoyi was rushed to a Uganda hospital and immediately referred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It was established that her spine had been injured and for specialised care she had to be airlifted to Nairobi Hospital the following morning. The ladies rugby team kept praying and hoping their leader will recover from the ordeal but this wasn’t to be she succumbed to the injuries.Her death has in the recent days been a topic of discussion on several local and international media platforms.Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch attended the funeral accompanied by his wife. He de s c r i bed Sh i khoy i a s a distinguished player and a pillar of women rugby in Kenya whose contribution the world of rugby will not forget. He challenged the remaining players and officials to be inspired by the loss of their captain to develop women rugby in Kenya.“ We have lost a heroine, her outstanding role in rugby made her to be given the role of leading as the captain and I must say her death is untimely, she died when we needed her most” noted Oluoch.

The Kenya Rugby Ladies team manager Yvone Makwali said her role in the team was bigger than winning matches; she wanted to elevate rugby status in Kenya.“We believed in Aberdeen, we worked closely together given her role and mine in the team and I am not going to lose only a player but a friend and a sister” said Makwali amid sobs.Shikhoyi schooled at Lusui and Ivonda Primary Schools before joining Makhokho High School for her O-levels in the year 2000. She later joined Erijen Training School for a certificate in Early Childhood Development in 2008 then shifted her focus to rugby in 2010. She attained both levels 1 and 2 in rugby coaching from the Kenya Rugby Union. She played for Mwamba Rugby Football Club, a club she joined in 2007. She has travelled far and wide flying the Kenyan flag high at various rugby competitions in different countries. In 2011, she guided the Kenyan team to retain the Elgon Cup for the second time and was instrumental when Kenya sevens advanced to the final round of the world cup pre-qualifier in Botswana. Last year she led Kenya to clinch the Safari 7s 2011 trophy at Nyayo National Stadium.It is a big loss to the family and especially her brother Pastor Solomon Amalemba who eulogized his sister as beacon in the family despite her age.


RUGBY



Eighth ManJersey 8 is his number and is also reffered to as a back-row. They close up the back of the scrum. The ball ideally will travel to their legs, where the Scrum Half will grab it. They bind between the locks at the back of the scrum, providing extra weight at the push. Number eights interact with the scrum-half at the back of the scrum to control and provide clean ball for the backs. They can also pick the ball from the back of the scrum and run with it or flick it to the scrum half. At lineouts they can be either another jumper or a lifter. Around the field they have a similar set of responsibilities as the flankers at the breakdown. Number eights are often strong ball carriers and run off the backs in an attempt

RUGBY POSITIONINGEXPAND YOUR VOCABULARY:

to break through or push past the opposition’s defensive line.

Scrum HalfPossessor of jersey 9. He is more or less the “Quarterback.” The Scrum Half will pick the ball up from scrums or rucks and either run with it or pass it to the Fly Half, or others behind him.The scrum-half is the link between the forwards and the backs. He receives the ball from the lineout and removes the ball from the back of the scrum, usually passing it to the fly-half. They also feed the scrum and sometimes have to act as a fourth loose forward. Along with the fly-half they make many of the tactical decisions on the field. During general play the scrum-half is generally the player who receives the ball from the forwards

and passes it to the backs.They are good communicators, especially at directing the forwards around, and their aim is to provide the backs with clean balls.Good scrum-halves have an excellent pass, a good tactical kick and are deceptive runners. At defensive scrums they put pressure on the opposition scrum-half or defend the blindside. On defence in open play they generally cover for deep kicks after the ball has been passed wide.

Fly HalfWears Jersey 10. The Fly Half will either Kick the ball or decide to pass it down the line of backs if need be. He is a crucial part to deciding how the play will go along. He is right behind the Scrum Half. A fly-half is crucial to a team’s game plan. They

Part II

RUGBY

By Carray Ombaka

RUGBY



are usually the first to receive the ball from the scrum-half following a breakdown, l ineout or scrum and need to be decisive with what actions to take and be effective at communicating with the outside backs. Good f ly-hal f ’s are calm, c lear thinking and have the vision to direct effective attacking plays. Fly-halfs need good passing and kicking skills. Often the fly-half is the best kicker in the team and needs to be able to execute attacking kicks such as up-and-unders, grubbers and chip kicks as well as being able to kick for territory. Many fly-halfs are also the team’s goal kickers.

CentresThe Inside and Outside Centre’s descend from where the Fly Half

is. They receive the ball when it is passed down the line, and they are literally the center of defense. The Centres are utility positions, as they need to be well rounded in the game of Rugby.There are two centres in a game of rugby, inside centre is number 12 and outside centre is number 13. The inside centre usually stands close to the fly half or at first receiver on the other side of the scrum or breakdown. The outside centre is positioned outside the inside centre and is generally the faster of the two. The centres main role is to provide space for the men outside them. They need to run good lines, have good passing skills and should be able to offload in a tackle. When the ball is moved along the oppositions backline the centres are

the first players to make the tackle. They need to be solid tacklers and good at organising the defensive l ines. Outside centres general ly have more room to move than inside centres. Centres also provide support at the breakdowns and can run as decoys to confuse the defence.

Wings The Left and Right Wing are not immediately behind the Fly Half, but rather on the edge of each side of the pitch. They will stop any play on the wings from developing, or they will chase on the wings if a ball is kicked. The wings are generally positioned on the outside of the backline with the number 11 on the left and the number 14 on the right. Their

RUGBY


Action during the IRB Sevens


primary function is to finish off moves and score tries. Wingers are usually the fastest players in the team and are either elusive runners, or more recently big, strong and able to break tackles. The skills needed for the left wing and right wing are similar. The winger on the blindside often “comes off the wing” to provide an extra man in the midfield, in the same vein as a fullback. One or both wingers will usually drop back on opposition kicks to give the fullback extra options for counterattacking.

FullbackWears jersey 15. He is the last line of defense. The Fullback will prevent all attacks if he can, before the other team can get into the try zone, and he will also clear the ball out. Most deep kicks are directed to the fullback.F u l l b a c k s n o r m a l l y p o s i t i o n themselves several metres behind

the back l ine . They f ie ld any opposit ion kicks and are often the last line of defence should an opponent break through the back line. On attack they can enter the back line, usually near the centres or wings, with the aim of providing an extra person and overlapping the defending players. Two of the most important attributes of a good fullback are a safe pair of hands and a good kicking game. The fullback is the player most likely to field the high ball or “up and unders” kicked by the opposition. Good hands are needed to ensure the ball is caught cleanly to deny the opposition the chance to regain possession. As the fullback will inevitably catch the ball deep in their own territory with little support from their own players the best option will be to kick the bal l downfield. A long and accurate kick will gain more

ground and reduce the pressure on the team. As they are the last line of defence a solid tackle is also important.To provide effective cover behind the defensive line good fullbacks are careful not to get caught out of position and must anticipate the opposition’s play. Their position behind the back line allows them to see any holes in the defensive line and they either communicate with the backs to close the gaps up or cover the gaps themselves. The fullback has the most potential for attacking the opposition, especially from a misdirected kick. If a kick is fielded and there is enough space and support, the fullback may decide to counterattack by running the ball back towards the opposition.Apart from the fly-half, the fullback is also responsible for taking the goal kicks...to be continued in next issue


Collins Injera


A lexis Vovk, the Managing Director of Total Kenya Limited and Ben Clay, the Country Manager of DHL

Supply Chain, presented a sponsorship cheque for 2.5 million shillings to the Nondescripts Rugby Club.Speaking at the cheque presentation function held at the Total Limuru Road Service Station, Alexis Vovk, said, “DHL Supply Chain is a major Total customer and the joint sponsorship has emerged from the interaction between our company and our business partners.”“Total is happy to support sports in Kenya and we are glad to sponsor Nondescripts Rugby Football Club. The sponsorship will include travel and medical expenses, field, shirts and club house branding. This means the players’ jersey will carry

NONDIESGET KSH. 2.5M JOINT SPONSORSHIPTotal and DHL names and colours. The two companies will receive exposure at each of the games played by Nondies.” Thomas Opiyo, the Chairman of the Nondies Rugby Club added, “The funds will also be used towards our Corporate Social Responsibility. This started on March 31stwith a program to nurture rugby talents in children from Kibera. A career tutor took 50 kids between the age of eight and fifteen from the slum through a career, or personal development talk for 30 minutes.This was followed by rugby and soccer skills training session for about one hour. In the future the kids will all be branded in Total and DHL shirts.This is a big boost to Nondescripts Rugby Football Club which is the oldest

rugby club in the country. It is marking its 88th year in active existence, having been started in 1923 by British settlers living in Kenya. Nondies are the most successful club in the country’s rugby league; with 17 Kenya Cup and 23 Enterprise Cup wins. They have also won several Impala Floodlit tournaments, the Great Rift Nakuru 10s, Driftwood Sevens and Christie Sevens as well. Many famous players have donned the Nondies shirt over the years. Currently the most notable player is Biko Adena who is a member of the national Rugby Sevens Team. During their most dominant period, popularly referred to as the ‘Nondies 1980s Reign’, Nondies won Kenya Cup six times.

RUGBY


Nondies Captain Biko Adema receiving the sponsorship cheque from DHL and Total Kenya


RUGBY

K enya has a rich tradition in long and middle distance running and in Beijing 2008 won 14 medals - their best

Olympic performance. With a total of 6 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 Bronze medals, the country put a sterling performance at the Birds Nest Stadium which was wrapped up with a stellar performance from the late Samuel Wanjiru who won gold in the men’s marathon on the final day of the month long championships.This year, the crème de la crème of Kenyan athletes plus two swimmers and a boxer will out in London to improve on the Beijing exploits.

OLYMPICSenroute to the Summer Games and only disappointments can make them fail to get medals at the games.

Olympic medal historySince making the Olympic debut in 1956, Kenya has had an impressive record at the games. A total of 75 medals have been bagged by our athletes and boxers(22 Gold, 28 Silver and 24 Bronze). Kenya has made 12 appearances in the game and at no time has the country come out without a medal. This year’s event is quite different from the previous events for the country has enough world beaters

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya has said that it expects a much better performance form the local athletes.

Star performersLeading Kenya’s charge will be Mary Keitany, who won the 2011 London marathon, Boston marathon winner Geoffrey Mutai David Rudisha, Asbel Kiprop, Vivian Cheruyiot and 3000m steeplechase champion Br imin Kipruto, who will be going for his third consecutive Olympic medal.Most of the named athletes have been able to post very impressive times

By Gregory MulemiIS HERE… AGAIN!



VolleyballATHLETICS

Kenyan 4 x 400 metres team that won a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968. Rudisha may be feeling the heat of emulating his father but when the games come to light, he will be needed to rise to the occasion.

Vivian CheruyiotDouble world champion Viv ian Cheruiyot has her sights sets on running both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres in London after qualifying for the team over the longer distance with victory in the national trials held in June at the Kasarani Stadium.Cheruiyot, 28, who took both titles at last year’s world championships last year in Daegu South Korea, won the national championships in 32:24.52. Joyce Chepkirui was second with world silver medalist Sally Kipyego crossing the line in third.“It is never easy to win at the Kenyan trials,” Cheruiyot told reporters.With former world champion Linet Masai dropping out of the trials with two laps to go after struggling to keep pace with the leaders Cheruyiot will need to be inspirational in London to avoid a backlash especially from her closest challenger Meseret Defar of Ethiopia.

Ezekiel Kemboi.He had to wait and wait and wait for success to come his way, the world champion realized his dream of winning gold for Kenya at the world championships in Daegu and the way he celebrated his win still remains in every person’s mind. Kemboi will be aiming to make it a double at a global event but he must first pass the test at the Nyayo Stadium and then hope that he does not get stomach cramps on the day of the race.The Kenyan Olympics team will be camping in Bristol just before the games and nothing short of positive results will be expected from the heroes.

who carry hopes of the 40 million Kenyan population at the games.

Preparations.The National Olympic Committee stepped us campaigns to help athletes perform well in London and the campangs have been successful so far. The marathon team was named in January

Who to watch

David RudishaKenyan 800 metres world record holder David Rudisha will run the 4

x 400 at the Olympics as well as his specialty distance if the country are confirmed for the event in London.AK Secretary General David Okeyo confirmed in June that Rudisha had been included in Kenya’s 4 x 400 team for the African championships in Benin later this month.“We are ranked eighth among the 16 countries slotted to make the relay teams at the Olympics but we must remain in that bracket until July 2 when the IAAF (world athletics governing body) will confirm the countries for the Olympics,” Okeyo said.Rudisha’s father, Daniel, was in the


Linet Masai leads the pack during the 10,000 metres in the just concluded national olympic trials.


RUGBYBy John Aggrey Otieno

Hello DanHello, (smiling) how are you?

Fine Fine, How are the qualifiers so far?Really tough, everybody wants to represent the country, so it’s tough

Who is Dan Machanje?I’m 23, the last born in a family of 4 boys and three girls. A fourth year student at Kenyatta university and basically, I can say, I’m just an outgoing character but slightly

shy. Apart from scrabble, I’m a big basketball fan but for now let’s concentrate on scrabble, the basketball will be for another day.

So you’re just about 23. When did Scrabble figure in your scheme of things?The first time I ever had interest in scrabble was back then when I was in class 4. I used to watch my sisters and brothers play with their buddies. Age difference didn’t encourage teaching, so I learned the hard way, I learned

MACHANJE,

It’s only a few months to the PANASO (Pan African Scrabble Organisation) tournament to be held in Zambia. I have the privilege to catch up with the team as they take on each other to get a representative for the student’s category. So this time I get to catch Mr. Daniel Machanje the current reigning Scrabble Student Masters Champion and this is what he had to say;

SCRABBLER AT HEART

DAN

SCRABBLE


Dan Machanje

By John Aggrey Otieno


RUGBY

through observation.

How many hours do you practice every day?If I would equate the time to hours I would be lying. On practice days, I could spend about 6 hours with my buddies training. However, every time I glance at a combination of letters, I quickly imagine of the anagrams…that is some real training now.

Do you enjoy playing any other board games?Mmmh…I have played draught once, chess I play occasionally, but no any other board game has ever convinced me to commit other than scrabble.

So is English your favourite subject?(He laughs wryly) You would be amazed if I told you that the majority of Kenyan Scrabblers are in fact scientists, we have doctors, engineers and I know of only one lawyer. Personally, I pursued Computer Science in college and seriously, English is not my favourite.

How do you improve your vocabulary?There are several scrabble training tools one would use. I use a program called Zyzzyva and another called Quackle. I also have my phone installed with an app called Word App. It is an android application. That way I get to learn new words and improve my scrabble knowledge.

So how do you remember words? Do you just rote learn them from the dictionary?Personally, my training skill doesn’t encompass writing. So when I learn new words, I try memorizing them. Actually, the best way to grasp scrabble words is by playing against a stronger opponent then analyzing the game afterwards for probable and better moves.

Most games are decided by these two tiles as there is always a high probability of playing a bonus or a jackpot with this. One can use it to represent any letter…The most valuable tile in scrabble for sure.

How did your folks at home take to the idea of you playing Scrabble?Both my parents were Engl ish teachers, so they had a good opinion of it, however, maybe due to their busy schedule, they never got the chance to learn it. About my siblings…that’s the game at home.

What do you do a day before a game?I would presume you mean a

So are there any words that have the letter ‘Q’ and not a ‘U’ following it?Hehehehe…nice question..a lot…you would be amazed…QIN, QINTAR, TRANQ, WAQF, INQILAB, QANAT, TALAQ, QI, GUQIN…the list is quite long though not that populous.

Q’ is generally perceived to be the most hated tile. What comes second?I think you got some wits with the game. Ok, some correction, Q is only hated when its picked among the last tiles and there is no U or I hanging…there is a saying before most tournaments that goes…”May the Q be with U”..so, the second letter according to my opinion is ‘U.’ Apparently that is what one needs mostly while with Q.

And what is the most-loved tile?Oh..it ain’t a letter…rather, it is the BLANK tile..they are two In the bag.

SCRABBLE



tournament. Aaah..I ensure that I am not under any pressure of any kind, I will play very few games, if possible none. I will pass through my short lettered words and I will ensure that I have enough rest the day prior to the D-day.Like as I answer this, I have a tourney …national tourney on Saturday and Sunday.. that’s open day ahead..though I have had a late night tonight, I will ensure the reverse for tomorrow.

What is the one thing that Scrabble has taught you bout life?Life is one BIG chal lenge…and just as scrabble, one always has many OPPORTUNITIES…so just as strategizing in scrabble, one has to weigh all options including the next possible move by ones opponent before making the right decision…never be in a rush..but always remember time is not always on our side, just as scrabble..each player

is usually allocated 25 minutes of playtime.

What do you describe as your greatest game ever?I guess my greatest game ever was the last game against Maina Gachomo…the one that made me topple him for the first time in that same tourney. Playing against such a good player was tough, I didn’t celebrate early, even though I knew I had it, I had to be humble till there was no chance he would put a bonus. I beat him 478-361. That game was worth 3000…that was the difference between number 1 and number 2.

How many medals have you won since you started playing the game?Mmmmh…nostalgic moments they were…I have collectively won about 13 accolades…10 medals and 3 cups.

Are there any special people you look up to in this game?Yeah..There definitely is. I love the way Allan Oyiende plays. I also love the way Gitonga Nderitu, the number one scrabble player and Willy Mwangi do their thing. You should watch them play, they are masters I tell you.

What are your plans for the future and is it possible to just play Scrabble for a living in this country?For my future regarding scrabble I guess, I wanna be the number one scrabbler in Kenya in the next 7 years. I know I can make it. About playing scrabble for a living at this level in the country, I guess not, most of the players are professional and really in love with the game, enthusiasts but they all have careers in different paths.

Now that you are soon completing university education, will you continue playing scrubble or it ends here?Hey, this is the start of it all. I have anticipated this for long…I guess it is now my turn….

Your advice to the young people who would love to take scrabble seriously and compete like you?Scrabble is a witty game that challenges the mind in a very healthy way. I would cheer upcoming players on as it is an extremely interesting game, with the peak attained at competitive levels.

Parting shot.Whoever is out there wondering about scrabble…it is time to make a move and become real serious with it and give it a shot. Contact the following numbers for more info…0717226698, Ikawa the Scrabble Kenya Chairperson, 0722810800, Metric “Tush” the Vice-chair and 0725791021, Dr. Muema, The Organizing secretary.



PICTORIAL

www.facebook.com/kenyanstar42 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012

A dance for gold

Family day out Mexican wave

Sijazoea hii kitu...Mission possible

The Cane cutters..

www.kenyanstar.co.kewww.kenyanstar.co.ke

PICTORIAL


Is this how its blown really? The juggler at work

Wazito ndio hao!

Diva in the making I am gonna fire somebody here


GOLF

Wazalendo Hockey Club was started in 1995. Wazalendo started af ter then Kenya

Breweries Hockey club disintegrated into two.The Kenya Breweries Hockey team was originally made up of employees of the company, Kenya Breweries Limited with the club’s budget being financed wholly by the company. Gradually the composition of players changed with a majority of the players being non employees of the company. This trend was not pleasing to KBL and it led to the withdrawal of the sponsorship. It was not only the hockey team, but also other teams bearing the company’s name but comprised of players who were non

employees of the company.Majority of the players left Breweries Hockey Club en masse and formed the current Parkroad Hockey Club while others joined Barclays Hockey Club, which was later disbanded. The remaining players led by the late Tobias Oduor&late Eric Otieno, Julius Odera, Edwin Were, the late Ian Taifa and Joseph Ndambuki “Koji” continued to play as ‘Breweries’ though the team had no association with the company.Lacking the numbers to make a complete team, the team relied on Jamhuri High School students to fill the positions. This exercise was to later become the backbone of the club’s success. Annually, the club would visit these schools and later universities, to motivate and share its

hockey experience with the young and talented players.The players continued to play hockey under the name of Kenya Breweries Hockey Club and this presented a problem. First, the team had no link whatsoever with the company. Secondly, the team’s success was being falsely associated with KBL and thirdly, it was impossible to seek external support for the club. It was then that the senior players decided to seek an autonomous ident i ty. The proposal was put forward to the players to come up with a club name that would give the team its own identity and at the same time portray the ideals of the team. More than twenty names were proposed. After a long and exhaustive

WAZALENDO HOCKEY CLUBTEAM PROFILE


By Timothy Olobulu


deliberation among the players, the name Wazalendo (meaning patriots) was voted the best and adopted. Jeremy Kamau (then a student of Kiambu High School and prolific striker in the team) was the brainchild of the name. Consequently the club’s name was changed from Breweries Hockey Club to Wazalendo Hockey Club and got formerly registered with the Registrar of Societies in October 1998.Wazalendo owes its existence primarily to two players, Edwin Were and Julius Odera both of whom have since retired to their rural areas but are still part and parcel of the club. They were determined to maintain the team at all costs. They set about recruiting upcoming and talented players who shared their vision. Since its establishment in 1995, Wazalendo has always focused on the development of young players in the sport. The identification, mentoring and provision of opportunity to young talented players is the core of the vision of the club as espoused by the founder chairman Mr. Edwin Were. At inception, Wazalendo recruited players from Jamhuri High School to make up the team and to date Moses Kagochi is the remaining member of that crop of players. The others included Moses Kamau, Julius Njeruand others who have since retired from active hockey.

In subsequent years Wazalendo established a nursery of players from schools such as Alliance, Kamusinga, Nairobi School and Lenana to name but a few through annual hockey clinics it held in these schools. This practice would later be extended to the universities and subsequently included annual tournaments where such talents would be tested.The tide however changed when the universities started appreciating the sport and hence begun mobilizing their teams to take active involvement in the leagues. This prompted Wazalendo to change its Young Player Development Strategy to focus more on pre-secondary school players hence the re-launch of the program in the year 2011.

Youth Development Program success storiesThese are some of the players who exemplify the success of the Wazalendo Young Players Development Program in the recent years as they continue

to shine for both the club as well as in other teams where they play from time to time.

Stan ley Chege (DOB: 29th February 1992)He began playing hockey in early 2003 aged 11 years, having been lured by watching the training sessions of the club at Highway Secondary School where he resides. He mastered the game so fast to the point of being snapped up by Musingu High School of Western Kenya on partial scholarship for his secondary education immediately after completing his primary education. He was the captain of the hockey team at Musingu High School during his senior years. He is currently one of those called up for the under 21 trials and is hopeful to make the team.

Nelson Shilaku “Franco” (DOB: June 1992)Just like Chege he was encouraged by trooping to the Highway Secondary


HOCKEY


School grounds watching the team train. Also, Chege getting into the team was an encouragement to him to also join. He was also given a partial scholarship at Musingu for his hockey exploits.He has since completed his secondary education and is a formidable member of the Wazalendo main team as well as competing for selection in the under 21 team.

Festus NdaigaKamanja (DOB: 5th September 1990)After watching his brother Chege play hockey, Festus was also drawn to the hockey pitch in late 2003. At that time he found his brother Chege and their friend Franco had started making a mark for themselves in the pitch and Festus had to fast track his learning in order not to be left behind by his younger colleagues. He reckons that at the time he started playing, he was in class six.

his school holidays.

Club ManagementManaging such a club is no mean task. According to Moses Majiwa, the Director of Young Players Development Program, the club is managed by trustees.“We have trustees at the highest level who are focused on the club policies and strategies followed by the management committee who look into the day to day running of the club and then the players at the bottom who form the base of the club.” Says Majiwa.

League CampaignWazalendo is yet to win the premier league cup but has been active on tournaments and have gathered a few trophies for themselves. They won the Nairobi League Cup twice in a row, in 2004 and 2005, won several Seven-a-side tournaments, won the Uganda Hockey Easter Invitational tournament last year and most recently winners of the Greensharks David Olalo Memorial tournament held early this year.To date, The 2006/2007 season remains to be the most memorable for Wazalendoin two ways, according to Moses Majiwa. “First Wazalendo finished 3rd in the log of 8 teams in the premier league to set up a playoff tussle with Armed Forces which had finished in position one. The other playoff was between 2nd placed Kenya Police and 4th placed Kisumu Simba.” He says.“Wazalendo marshaled al l their resources to beat the Armed Forces to book a ticket to the final. The defeat of Armed Forces was so sweet given that the army side was dominant of the hockey scene in Kenya for many years,” adds Majiwa with a nostalgic smile on his face.However, they lost the final match 2-0 to Kisumu Simba, which Majiwa refers to as the most painful. This would have been their maiden league title.“Desp i t e l o s i ng i n t he f i na l s ,


After his primary education, he joined highway secondary school which gave him the opportunity to continue to train and play for Wazalendo Hockey Club.He has since joined the United States International University (USIU) on a sports scholarship and is currently in his senior years.

Joshua NdunguPeer pressure could also be of positive influence. Having watched all his friends in the neighbourhood start playing hockey, Joshua could not help but join the bandwagon after Chege, Franco and Kamanja.He has been a very instrumental member of the Wazalendo hockey club both during his primary school and secondary school days. On completion of Secondary school, he was taken up by USIU on a sports Scholarship to play hockey. He still has a passion for Wazalendo Hockey club which developed him to what he is today. The club expects him back after completing his university education.

James NzyokaJames joined Musingu High School in 2012 on a partial sports scholarship privately arranged by members of Wazalendo Hockey Club. He will be expected to feature for the club during


Wazalendowas picked to represent Kenya in the Africa Cup of Club Champions in December 2007, however due to flight logistics, the team arrived in Cairo after the set time and ended up playing friendly matches,” says Majiwa.They played four matches with Egyptian teams picking valuable experience from them, despite the disappointment of not participating in the African tournament. They;-Lost 3:2 to Egypt U21-Won 2:0 against Zamalek-Won 2:1 against Egypt Police Club-Drew 2:2 with Egypt U21After the 2007 disappointment, Majiwa believes that this year, the team can write off history and win their maiden league title.“We are st i l l yearn ing for that opportunity to represent Kenya not only in an African tournament, but also a global tournament. We believe that this year may be our year to

take the premier league crown and thus represent the country in the continental championships.” He adds.

ChallengesJust like any other self-sponsored Sports Club in Kenya, Wazalendo have been through so many challenges in their 17 years of existence. Player retention, Youth Development, training facilities and playing equipment have been some of the greatest challenges they have faced. Funding has also been a huge challenge especially bearing in mind that Hockey is a costly game. Acquiring equipment itself is a costly affair. Hockey sticks, balls, shin guards and the Keeper’s kits are all costly and acquiring the best would mean digging deeper into the pockets.In Kenya, Hockey is not a professional sport and thus players have been gradually forced to look more into their personal life and interests such as academics and their own careers at the expense of hockey.“Inadequate support from hockey authorities and sports authorities in general is also another hugechallenge that not on ly Waza lendo face, but also most hockey clubs in the country. Authorities like the KHU should recognize and reciprocate any developmental efforts undertaken by a club,” adds Victor Machoka, one of the Trustees of the club.“For example, any club that has a registered youth program should have free or subsidized access to the City park turf for the youth team to train since this directly promotes awareness & develops talent for the game at a prime age. AdditionallyKHU should provide technical assistance by seconding a youth development coach or any other technical assistance to these clubs. This activity can be covered by FIH under the developmental fund provided the national association can prove that the program exists and is active.” Victor adds.

Has Kenyan Hockey come of age?“Going back to the basics & grass roots is the only measure we can take to ensure we develop the game in Kenya. Everyone is doing it in the international arena and they are becoming very successful at it. Focusing on developing the game at an early age is very important. In Europe, theystart at 6-7 years! Kenya has great talents in hockey so we only need a mechanism to tap and nurture these talents away from other competing interests.” Majiwa notes.He notes that Wazalendo has been doing that for ages and will not stop. He is encouraging other clubs to start the same to enrich the competition.

Wazalendo’s driving force?“Our Club Motto - More than a game!““it gives us the passion to serve one another through the game and the will to give back to the society through the sport.”

Aspirations of Wazalendo Hockey Club in the next five years?Majiwa lists down some of the things the club would like to undertake in its expansion program;-Create a sel f-sustaining youth academy to nurture young talent. -Owning a hockey facility & contributing to developing the sport! -The club also aspires to see proper hockey governance both at club level and at national level, by being a model themselves. The clubs and particularly the hockey union should have some program that is focused towards some agenda in the form of strategic plan that all the rest of the hockey fraternity coalesce around for the development of the game. Devoid of that we will continue to watch high level hockey from the sidelines.Finally, we would like to see the expansion of hockey facilities in the country commensurate with the growth of hockey talent in the country. One Astro turf is not enough. We need more!


HOCKEY


BOXING


BOXING

Benson Gicharu will be Kenya’s sole boxing representative at the London Olympic Games. This is a far cry from days

gone by when Kenya sent a sizeable contingent of boxers. Kenya has even won medals on four occasions through Philip Waruinge in 1968 (Bronze/Mexico) and 1972 (Silver/Munich), Ibrahim Bilali in 1984 (Bronze/Los Angeles), Robert Wangila (Gold/Seoul) and Chris Sande (Bronze Medal/Seoul 1988).T h e n a t i o n a l b o x i n g t e a m , affectionately referred to as the “Hit Squad” was a force to reckon with. We dominated the Commonwealth Games and African Championships for years on end, producing boxers such as Stephen Moi, Dick “Tiger” Murunga, Modesty Oduori Napunyi, Joseph Akhasamba, Omar Ahmed “Kasongo”, Morris Maina, Patrick “Mont” Waweru, George “Foreman” Onyango, John “Duran” Wanjau to name but a few.Clearly, the secret behind the national team’s success during those glory days was the existence of structures that allowed boxing to flourish locally. The Amateur Boxing Association ran a national boxing league that saw clubs face off in twelve divisions on a home and away basis. It is worth noting that there existed a second tier boxing league as well. Teams that competed in these leagues were mostly institutional clubs. We had AFABA (Armed Forces Amateur Boxing Association), Posta, KCC Boxing Club, Nairobi City Council, Kenya Breweries, Railways, Kenya Police “Chafua Chafua”

KENYAN BOXINGBy Michael Kwambo

as well as the Nakuru Amateur Boxing Club, one of the few self supporting clubs. Well, boxing thrived. Venues such as Nairobi’s City Hall or Nakuru’s “Madison Square Garden” were the scenes of many an epic battle pitting the best boxing talent on offer. The national team would also engage in international friendly bouts against other nations as well as taking part in a number of international tournaments such as the Inter Cup in Germany and the Kings Cup in Thailand. In short, Kenya’s boxers were highly rated on the regional and world fronts.

So, where did the rain start beating Kenyan boxing? Was it with the introduction of structural adjustment programs on the Internat ional Monetary Fund’s recommendation that made government backed institutions to cut on non-core business expenditure? Was it with the introduction of electronic scoring by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) that signaled the fall of Kenyan amateur boxing?The IMF urged the Kenyan government to ensure its parastatal bodies were self sustaining, government funding was slashed and non essential services scrapped. Many parastatals with boxing teams that were fully funded by the parastatals fell victim to this edict, boxers were laid off and their teams disbanded. The Kenyan boxing leagues became less competitive.With electronic scoring coming to the fore after the 1988 Olympic Games,

Kenya’s fortunes changed for the worse. The sport became much more than just landing punches on the opponent with the aim of defeating him, but it now required one to hit particular parts in order to score points. In short, it was now an issue of enhancing tactics, an endeavor that successive boxing administrations failed to pursue via the facilitation of technical training for various stakeholders in the sport. The state of the sport today is nothing to write home about, the decline has been slow and steady, Kenyan boxers struggle to compete on the international scene. Despite a few minor victories, one or two debacles have seen Kenya’s Olympic ambitions shattered. The David Munyasia incident in 2004 where he was banned for consuming a banned substance found in khat (miraa) was evidence that boxing was in the red corner. Recent press reports indicated a boxer taking part in a round of the national league even after being declared unfit by the medical officer on site. Kenya’s boxing authorities must change with the times and repackage their organization and the sport. This is the only way to attract much needed sponsors and other partners to pump in the resources. We need to go back to the days we could produce Africa’s first ever Olympic boxing gold medalist in Robert Wangila.

Boxing authorities….over to you….

ON THE VERGE OF A TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT

www.kenyanstar.co.ke KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 49


I ’m predominantly a football writer but my love for sports in general is insurmountable. In all aspects sports has

proved to be a great pass time, mind relaxer and not just that; sports is big business out there. It’s sad though in this country, not much has been invested in sports. Since time immemorial, the society has believed sports should be left for those who can’t do well in class and are better off in co-curriculum activities. Sports has mainly been used for leisure and relaxation but have you ever come to think of it; as a business?You might be asking yourself how this works. How can we make money in sport while still enjoying the game? How can we view sport not only as a pass time but as a mega business opportunity?Every day in this country there’s always a sporting event taking place regardless of the absence of the glare of the media and it’s ever preying eyes. This morning probably you took to the gym before setting out to work or rather; you’ll have your time later

By John Aggrey in the evening. Someone is either swimming, playing basketball or even indoor board games.Have you ever wondered why that gym instructor is always available when you need him? Have you ever wondered why he’s never closed shop and is always smiling when he sees you walking in? Probably it’s not because you are the best company he has.Owning and running sports facilities is quickly becoming big business in as much as it’s a pass time to those who use it. More and more people need gyms, basketball courts, tennis courts, chess boards’ e.t.c nearer to them than before. Get it closer to them and even those who had dropped the sport would be soon running back to it. So while they would be running back to it, you would be smiling all the way to the bank. Marketing experts will tell you that happy, enthusiastic people make the very best prospects for any product presented to them. More business is transacted on the golf course or at a football game than in the business

office.When you have an opportunity to market your product or service to the sports crowd you should be jumping for joy as the likely hood of success is much higher than usual. You might have by now seen the crowds on TV whenever a rugby match is played. Most of them seem to be holding a glass of beer or soft drink. They may be so much enjoying themselves taking the drinks but in real sense the company selling the beer or the drinks is marketing itself and making profits. In most cases, these companies and corporate entities will have a desk where they interact with the fans but just the difference this time round, it’s not an office atmosphere, in fact it’s a more relaxed one. This way they are able to reach to more clients and win several admirers to their product than those who just settle for office business and have no time for the crowds. In the book Invisible Monsters, the author says ‘’I hate how I don’t feel real enough unless people are watching.’’ This applies same to all of us the fans of the game and even the sports men alike. If you’ve ever attended a sports event or match you’ll probably notice this; the fans come dressed in crazy regalia and eye catching clothing either to cheer for their team or mock the opposing team all in the name of fanatism and identity. You’ll be shocked to learn they are not paid by the team to do that but each and every person in a special way

HOW SPORTS CAN BEAND NOT JUST A PASS TIMEVIEWED AS A BUSINESS


OPINION

Kenya Sevens Team celebrating after winning Bowl Title in Dubai


would love to express their love for the team. Zombies as they may look, they are part of one great business, the merchandise business. In Kenya merchandise shops are few while they stock expensive products. In the UK for example, all national teams of every team sports has a merchandise shop. While most sports groups own shops, others have their businesses done online and the merchandise delivered to the buyer later. Either way, the merchandise business as it is, is a never dying business. The main problem though in this country is the increase in fake merchandise dealers who not only compromise on standards but also bring the business to its knees.Sports fans love to move in droves and groups everywhere they go. Forget about their sitting position whilst already in the arena area of the game. They for sure love each other’s company before and after the game.Not long ago in 2010, the world cup came closer than we all ever imagined. Going to South Africa alone would be a boring idea having to leave your fellows behind. In as much as our country might have not qualified for the global showpiece, fans still managed to pay to travel down together in buses while others drove just to have a feel of the world cup. It was seemingly a long journey but the experience; worthwhile. Whereas the fans drove, the teams on the other hand had to be taken to the venues too. Sports tour firms who managed to get the tenders to ferry the teams too made brisk businesses.So even after arriving to the venue, no sports fan is going to scream their

lungs off in an empty stomach for sure. On the other hand, no sports team is going to perform on an empty stomach. So what did that mean? Apart from the ferrying to the venue, food is forever a necessity. Food vendors, hotels and soft drink joints have never been left behind when it comes to sports. So while you enjoy the game, the drink, the vendor too smiles, another great day in his schedule, a greater one for you, the fan regardless of the result.But just before I forget, results are the main reasons we go to sporting events. Personally, I’m not the best of losers, or rather, what’s gracious in loosing? Nothing of cause. So why not bet on your favorite team winning the derby or just bet for the money? Yes, betting has become big business in this country. Every sporting side has its own fans and betting against the opponent might just give you the money. In Kenya, Gaming International offers betting services for several sports around the world. The rules might be stiff but who knows, today might just be your lucky day. In other countries, betting is done online and in case of a correct prediction, the money debited to your account.

Speaking of accounts, most sporting communities or organizations are business ventures in their own rights. Every football team is worth its own value in money. The money is either raised by the owners of the club, shareholders or the entity tasked with the running of the club. Sometimes these sporting organizations decide to share the ownership of the club with the public as a way of increasing its value. So in a case of a big sporting entity like GorMahia, AFC Leopards and Sofapaka football clubs, fans would buy and sell shares of the club and make profits from the trading as the club’s equity grows. The club will enjoy the financial support of the fans as the fans are stakeholders. In short, I would write the whole day and still not be able to outline all the business opportunities available in sports in Kenya. And just as my greatest economics and sports mentor Michael Jordan once said; ‘’I viewed it as a business, but I always viewed it as a game. An opportunity to show my skills, my basketball skills, amongst the best in the world.’’ So are you ready to be the best, to show your skills and get into business, this is Kenya, this is our sports, let’s make money from it.


OPINION

Comedian Jalang’o shows his passion for Gor Mahia


W hen Collins “Gattuso” Okoth, the feisty former Gor Mahia midf ie ld dynamo

posted comments on his Facebook account to the extent that he wanted to quit the club, it indeed opened up a series of arguments regarding whether he was justified in lashing out at the club’s technical bench or whether new coach Zdravko Logarusic had it in for him.Did anyone ever stop to think about the manner in which Okoth broke this news to the public? Was there anyone to advise him on the proper channels of handling this situation? Equally worth noting was former Rangers coach Ezekiel Akwana’s outbursts as his side struggled during the KPL’s first leg earlier this season. On more than one occasion, he issued statements that touched on the integrity of individuals and organizations associated with the running of the league. Where are we headed with this

By the Kenyanstar team

conversation? To a place where our sports personalities within various fields conduct themselves with dignity in regard to statements they may give to news outlets, or share with the public via their Twitter and Facebook accounts. While players and coaches may feel aggrieved under certain circumstances, these guidelines actually dictate the manner in which they articulate their issues without bringing the sport into disrepute.Maybe it is about time Kenyan sport organizations came up with guidelines that clearly spell the do’s and don’ts of conducting oneself while in the public domain, either via social media or while granting interviews to the mainstream media. These guidelines should also come with sanctions to specifically deal with those individuals who proceed to flout the procedure as laid out in the guidelines. Precedent has been set in other leagues around the world. Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babbel was

sanctioned after posting disparaging remarks about an English Premier League match official on his Twitter account. A Samoan player was equally punished during the 2011 Rugby World Cup for the same offence. Further afield, the National Basketball Association, home of glamorous teams and superstar basketballers put in place measures outlining the use of social media by players and coaches. A memorandum sent out in September 2009 read , “The use of cell phones, PDAs and other electronic communications devices -- and thus accessing Twitter, Facebook and similar social media sites -- is now prohibited during games for players, coaches and other team personnel involved in the game. During games is defined as the period of time beginning 45 minutes before the opening tip and ending “after the postgame locker room is open to the media and coaches and players have first fulfilled their obligation to be available to media attending the game. It also encompasses halftime, according to the memo, but the new guidelines do allow players to engage in social networking during the pregame media access period that starts 90 minutes before tipoff and lasts for 45 minutes.”With these clearly defined guidelines, communication channels within the NBA have been clear, with potentially controversial issues nipped in the bud and handled decently, without sensationalism and in the long run protecting the competition’s image and those of its various stakeholders too. A s Ke nyan s p o r t e mb r a c e s professionalism with each passing day, it is imperative that stakeholders pay attention to communication etiquette for athletes, as this is key in building or ruining the reputation of any particular sporting discipline.

COMMUNICATIONS ETIQUETTE FOR SPORTS PERSONS

OPINION

By Michael Kwambo


Tiger Woods addresing a press conference


C ommunication is a very e s sent ia l e l ement in life and sports are no except ion. It i s most

important to coaches who have to impart a sporting philosophy to athletes. Every experienced coach can speak about the dozens of tricks that they’ve learned over their years of service. Having the knowledge is not enough, the water mark between a good and best coach may just be one thing- communication. They can tell you about how they motivate their players, how they establish discipline, most of them will even be able to give you a few tricks about how to deal with the referees and match officials that you’ll be dealing with. When they are done, you’ll be left with one conclusion; most of what they are discussing comes down to communication.There is no doubt that good coaches communicate well—what a concept! You’d think that this would be obvious, but so many coaches struggle with this on a regular basis. Many young coaches think that they ought to automatically get respect from their players and the game officials; but like most things, they have to learn to earn it. Good communication skills will accelerate this process.It starts with the initial meeting; first impressions count for a great deal! Dress well, hold your head up high, look into their eyes when you are speaking, and always speak slowly

and clearly. Treat everyone with the respect that you hope to earn. Yes, it is important to give the respect you expect to earn.Listen when others speak; and consider what they have to say before you respond. Ask questions, to understand their point of view before continuing the conversation. When you disagree, do so respectfully and with restraint. Clearly state your case and avoid repeating the same points over and over.Always remember who you are speaking to and what you are speaking about, and pay attention to the situation you are in. You cannot use the same logic and vocabulary with a group of eight-year-old players that you would with a group of college athletes. You might be able to yell at a lagging older player during drills, but you can’t do the same thing to a third grader or an Umpire during a dispute. Above all, always… ALWAYS remember that the world does not revolve around you. Every player, parent, spectator, and game official has their own beliefs and set(s) of priorities. Very few of these people will bend to your desires just because you are a coach. Be prepared to negotiate for what you want, and always remember that if you follow these guidelines, you will earn their respect in the long run.N / B T h e i m p o r t a n c e o f communications for players and athletes will be carried in the next edition of this magazine

Sports is an art where coaches and athletes are the artists who paint beautiful patterns in the various sports disciplines to us. As is common with artists, be it a painter or musician they would rather do what they do best and let those who can speak or write about it do so. This tends to bring out the empirical perception that athletes and their coaches who in most cases played the same sport as poor communicators. Our Correspondent …………………. brings us the basics of effective communication.

COMMUNICATION IN SPORTSIMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION FOR COACHESBy MICHAEL KWAMBO

OPINION


Former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi


OPINION

T unaomba serikali” (We request the government), has become a popular refrain across all spheres

of Kenyan society, from security to sports. Thanks to the power of media, whether mainstream or alternative, we are constantly exposed to requests from various local sports federations requesting the government to step in and aid them in one way or another.The government is indeed obligated to ensuring the overall success of sports in the country through the development and implementation of policies that are critical in the growth of the sports in Kenya. Sports organizations are at times guilty of asking too much from the government. They too can internally improve their

systems, pretty much along the lines of corporate culture to grow and be commercially viable by adopting prudent management. In short they need to embrace professionalism.For many years, the s tandard operating procedure for many sports organizations has been to operate using volunteers. The emerging trend has been to hire a few full time qualified and competent employees to run the secretariat. Great social organizations thrive on volunteers, not any busy body but competent professionals attracted to the social good culture which lacks in sports organizations.

Principles and ValuesProfessionalism is not only about

having good strategies, management skills and ideas. Theoretically all companies and organizations should have these fundamental components. Professionalism is about the principles and values that are reflected in the behaviour and working style of the management, employees and everyone represent ing an organization. It is the strict adherence to these principles and values that differentiates professional firms, clubs and organizations.A sponsor will not accept the excuse It was not my fault; it was a volunteer

who forgot to put up the logo in the sports hall`? It is important that someone is in the position to brief, prepare, inform and give feedback to volunteers, interns, trainees or juniors. With good support the staff will be more motivated to recruit good volunteers who deliver higher quality work and on time. This means that full time employees will have more time for other activities. Financial systems that promote accountability are another area of interest o a sponsor.

SPORTS FEDERATIONS MUST EMBRACE

PROFESSIONALISM


FKF President Sam Nyamweya, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Elizabeth Ongoro

By Michael Kwambo


OPINION

Very often invoices are structured in order to maximize the profit; sponsors will tooth comp the budget presented to them. To avoid suspicion it would make sense to meet the sponsor s goals at minimal costs to them. A true professional knows that being effective and reducing costs will be compensated for by the reputation for fidelity which in turn leads to new sponsorship contracts. A final example of what it means to be professional outlines what it means to look after your clients. Imagine the situation where someone wants to sell you something. When do you decide to buy a product? We tend to purchase an item when we have the feeling that the person really cares about improving our situation.

Professional customer care is about sincerely caring for clients over and above caring about your work. If you show genuine sincerity they will trust you and you will be able to build long term partnerships.True professionalism means sticking to your values, not only as a person but also as an entire institution. Whether it be a club, federation, or organization, core values should be defined and agreed on by everybody. The combination of common goals and values, together with coaches who will support the staff to get aligned with these principles leads to a great working team. Further to that it will create motivation amongst the staff to complete their tasks at the highest possible level of quality.

Reward and PunishmentTo enforce these core values, reward the performers and serve consequences for non-compliance. The meaning of the core values will be clear as soon as every person agrees to the consequences which describe what happens if the core values are followed or not. These consequences are not established as a punishment but more as an inspiration to stick to the values. The aim is not to stop people trying something new but also give incentives for creativity within the boundaries of these values.Professionalism is not only about work ing hard, invo lv ing your colleagues, caring about clients and doing a satisfactory job. It`s not about competence but more about the pursuit of excellence. The easiest way to achieve excellent performance is very basic: Have fun! Derive happiness from your job for your own contentment but to achieve success in your work.Being professional is not about hiring top brains as fulltime employees but aligning everybody directly involved with the organizat ion with the principles of the organization so that they care about the people they work with and serve while enjoying what they are do!Maybe if more sports federations in Kenya adopted professionalism, the “tunaomba serikali” refrains would be pointed towards asking the government to attend a function or open a facility fully funded by a local sports organization.Kenyan sports federations must embrace professionalism as this is one way of attracting funding, partnerships and interest which can only be positive for various sporting disciplines in the country.


Mercy Cherono and Sally Jepkosgei Kipyego celebrate in Daegu


OPINION

Millions of people all over the world are directly or indirectly involved in sports. This creates a big

pool of people in need of equipment; jerseys, tools, and business options that can open up in this area. There is a lot of promise and fulfillment in running a business that allows one to work and earn good money in their area of passion.An individual may opt for various ideas like starting a website that purely generates and disseminates sports content. Take note that the ICT sector in Kenya has witnessed massive growth, allowing for the rise of fields such as sports marketing, which are slowly carving niches in the local consumer world. The possibilities are endless and here are a few business opportunities in sports that can be of assistance to you our dear reader.

Making Money Off FootballFootball is much more than the popular sport played and watched by millions locally and internationally. Its popularity has led to football being a multi billion industry. If you can’t wear the original jersy don’t get satisfied with a replica, there is a lot more.

Football, both local and international now gives you the opportunity to make an income, and not through the sale of tickets, watching or playing the game but in other ways that appear below.

Football is beautifulIndeed, as columnist Tom Bwana put in one of his recent columns on our website (http://www.kenyanstar.co.ke ), football is beautiful. One would be the fact that football is a game that can give a person fun whenever and wherever one plays it. The beauty in the game attracts a huge market that one can meet its needs and earn a buck.

Personalizing Replica Football JerseysPersonalizing replica football jerseys can be an obvious idea when it comes to earning money. But if you will think about it, people who will pay for these personalized replica shirts will also surely pay for other kinds of personalized items. The fruits of this are plain for all to see on the local scene, where football fans have purchased replica jerseys of their favorite foreign teams in the EPL, La Liga and Ligue One, and have them

personalized with their names or those of their idols. As more Kenyan Premier League clubs embrace the concept of replica shirts, the potential that lies in the field of personalizing replica football shirts could rise exponentially.

P r o f e s s i o n a l A t h l e t e endorsementsWorld 800m record holder David Rudisha stands out as one of the most prominent Kenyan professional athletes called upon to embrace a brand when he featured in a TV ad endorsing a certain brand of shoe polish. Brand manufacturers use professional athletes to heighten the image of their products or services. Typically, it is through event endorsements, athlete endorsements, and celebrity endorsements that they boost their brand’s market equity.The world over, it has now become very effective in influencing consumer’s purchase decisions that companies spend more on athlete’s endorsement every year. It is about time more Kenyan based brands made use of the emerging stars in local sports to endorse their products. This will have the twin effects of raising an athlete’s popularity as well as increasing the brand recognition. The bigger market share will lead to increased profits for the brand owners and extra incomes for the professional athlete and their agent/management company.

Why Choose a Professional Athlete?There is no doubt that our lives partly evolves with the emergence of celebrities. By celebrities, we mean here of those who are widely known whether in the field of film industries, business industries, politics, and sports. We are very much interested

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORTS By Michael Kwambo


Former Gor Coach Anaba Awono unveiling the new branded Gor Mahia kits


OPINION

with their lifestyle, especially musicians and other public figures and lately, even professional athletes. These social icons influence culture beyond their countries and fields.Professional athletes now transcend from being normal sportspeople to a national heroes. This is entirely because their fans recognize and appreciate not only their talents but also their hard work, determination, discipline, as well as dedication to bring honor to their country. It is because of these reasons that big brand firms can through the help of agents, identify a professional athlete to represent their brands over the other celebrities. Their credibility is unquestionable. Thus, when they endorse a product, consumers and especially their fans will definitely patronize it.

Benefits of Professional Athlete EndorsementsA serv ice as we l l as product endorsement by a professional athlete provides substantial and concrete competitive advantages to the product. Here are some of the benefits that Professional Athlete Endorsements give:• E n d o r s e m e n t s m a d e b y

Professional Athlete have an element of awareness in it. Notice that once they endorse a product, sooner or later it will be acknowledged by the public.

• It also has a “cool factor”. We have this tendency to look up to these professional athletes as having it all together in life. Hence, most fans who are also consumers will be inclined to think that the products that they endorse are also cool. So when for example, Victor Mugubi endorses a local energy drink in a promotional ad, consumers will seek to identify, connect by sampling the drink or by commenting about the brand, raising its popularity.

• Ano the r b ene f i t t h a t an endorsement of a professional athlete brings is the element of recall. Once a professional athlete endorsed a brand, people usually create a lasting memory of it. A consumer will have the product embedded in his memory by associating it with the athlete who graces the world media often.

Other benefits that a professional athlete endorsement provides are mitigation of a broken image if any, ensured attention, establishment of the brands’ credibility, rejuvenating effect, and lastly, it compensates lack of any innovative ideas in the interim for the manufacturers.

Sports PhotographyIf you love taking pictures, it would seem natural for you to make a business out of it. Working in a kind of business that you love would really be rewarding if you make time to plan for your work and business before you even click your camera.A bit of groundwork on designing your sports photography business will help you spend lesser time doing paperwork and more time clicking your camera on the field doing what you really love to do.

Know Your Type of BusinessTry to decide on what type of business you are going to run because this will definitely give effects on how you collect revenue and pay your taxes. There are many options. You may do the sole proprietorship, limited liability Company, and other types of companies.Each of these types would carry with it different tax and debt obligations and liabilities so you have to meet with an accountant to clarify what these means for your business. It is much better that you are decided on what type of business you are dealing with. Through this, you will be able to prepare yourself and your business

for future troubles and to comply with all the necessary things you need to comply with.

Examine Sports photography is a fast action type of profession that would give you the opportunity to sit as close to the athletes as possible to capture the action without distractions. Test all the lenses you have to make sure that your camera is on the go and whether it can capture fast moving shots and if it is good enough to capture unexpected happenings in the field. Buy a camera that is really intended for professional use. You need to invest in a good camera which costs a fortune.

Back upSince you already have your camera, this is not enough. You have to purchase backup equipment. This backup equipment includes flashes, camera bodies and other needed accessories. Most sports are played in outdoor settings with unpredictable fans which means your cameras and equipment are always at risk of damage. Always think for the worst case scenario. Be aware of the things that happen in your surroundings to keep you prepared to leave anytime you have to. These cameras and equipment are your main source of income so you have to take good care of them to keep you away from further finances that would definitely affect your business budget.

InsuranceHaving insurance for your sports photography business, including your cameras and equipment would simply secure you from further unexpected f inances and damages. These insurances would help you replace your cameras and equipment if ever they got lost or they were damaged in one of your shoots. In any type of business, insurance is always a great and big help for owners.


www.facebook.com/kenyanstar58 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012

Pep Guardiola is arguably the most success fu l coach in the history of football. Never mind he has coached only one

team FC Barcelona where he has won fourteen titles out of 18 he set out his team to win. The worst season for Pep is 2011/2012- he lost La Liga title to Jose Morinho coached Real

Madrid then again losing to Chelsea in the Champions League semi finals; an anticlimax end of Pep’s reign at Camp Nou. Wha t d o F C B a r c e l o na an d

Lessons From Pep Guardiola

MANAGEMENT LESSONSFROM CAMP NOU

OPINION

By Kenyatta Otieno

www.kenyanstar.co.ke KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 59

Pep Guardio la teach us about management? First Pep’s success was not an overnight affair as there is always a story behind every success. Pep has been part of Barca’s culture since he was 13 years old with a short stint abroad as a player. This made it possible for him to achieve what he achieved in a very short time.

Build a winning cultureBarcelona has a culture that defines the club. First the motto- more than a club, clearly defines that it is not just about football. The club embodies the spirit of Catalonia. There is also the ‘trinity’- fair play, creativity and winning- that is drilled into players from an early age. It is not just about winning; you have to win only after you have achieved the first two.Barcelona has one of the best youth development systems in the world of football. Pep himself is a product of this system. The old farm house dormitory of La-Masia just next to Camp Nou housed Pep in mid 80’s then LionellMessi, CescFabregas and many others will follow. It has now been moved to an ultra-modern facility. The first team is must have 50% home grown players, 35% the best of Spain and Europe then the rest the cream of the world.It is not about building a winning team but creating a culture of winning and how to win. This will make winning more than just a mentality but a way of life. The players coming through the ranks at Barcelona are also taught to be gentlemen off the field.

You are never too young:At 41 years of age, no manager can dream of achieving what Pep has achieved. He took over at Barcelona at the age of 37 and proved that experience sometimes does not count if you believe in yourself. Pep first saw action at Camp Nou as a ball boy; Bobby Robinson spotted him and brought him to the first team.

He played under the best coaches to ever grace FC Barcelona, Bobby Robinson, Johan Cryuff and Louis Van Gaal. He must have been keen to learn more than just how to play from them which prepared him for coaching. Learn more from your boss than what is required for your job; it will come in handy when you take over his role. If you prepare well, age will remain a number, Pep experimented his philosophy with Barcelona ‘B’ team and was familiar with most of the players before he took charge of main team. Take what you are doing now seriously, you never know where you will land tomorrow.

Re-Invent yourselfAccording to one Gabriele Macotti there is a philosophy in today’s football called Guardiolaism. In his playing time up until 2003, Pep was known more as a passing midfielder. This is the time when midfielders had evolved into tackling ball winners like Patrick Viera and Edgar Davids and ball players in ZinadineZidane.The thoughtful passers like Pep had no place so he left Barcelona at 33 years of age when he still had something to

offer.Pep said in 2004 that players like him have become extinct only for him to come in 2009 as coach and mould three Guardiolian players in the centre of his midfield – Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. Six years after his mode of play was thought to be ‘dead and buried,’ midfield passing as epitomized by Barcalona has become the desired mode of play. Note that Xavi and Iniesta were inspired by Pep when he was Barca’s skipper. If the market sends you aredundancy note and you believe it you are right, because you can reinvent yourself.

Take chargePep got into the team and took charge; Ronaldinho’s ego and ball playing skills were packed and sent to AC Milan. Then Samuel Eto’o went

OPINIONFC Barcelona players celebrate after scoring at the Camp Nou


Volleyball

thoughts revolved around winning. It is said Pep thought about football and FC Barcelona 24 hours a day. This can

be unhealthy as I will mention next; but his commitment definitely brought him the glory that silverware is made of.

Pace yourselfPep was indeed committed to the Barca cause. The levels which it is reported he went to prepare his team for a match can be unhealthy. He could not eat before a crucial match, and his frustration was evident on the touchline before Barcelona got a goal. Pace yourself for the long haul to avoid burn out and miss out on a possible legacy that has characterized the careers of the likes of Alex Fergusson. It doesn’t matter if you are winning or losing, you could end up with a burn out.Another thing Pep lacks is grace in a loss. It is wrong for a manager to be accustomed to losing but you cannot win every match; Pep is a bad loser. It is rumored that Barca’s failure to clinch La Liga and Champions League this season may have cemented his desire to take a break.

Quit when it is timeThings may be going your way and the organization may still be enjoying your presence but if you need to move- move. I believe Pep knows where he is going next whether he can transplant the success he had at Camp Nou

elsewhere, only time will tell. When it is time for a new challenge, move away from your comfort

zone. Pep has been at Barcelona for almost three decades, a change

is as good as the rest he is craving for. Do not burn bridges either- I believe Pep is welcome at Camp

Nou whenever both parties can agree on his return.

Then as a manager always have a replacement in the shadow of your star- Tito Vilanova will not have it hard to step into the dugout. He has been by Pep’s side on the bench since 2008.

to Internazionale in a swoop with Ibrahimovic. When Ibrahimovic could not perform he was on his way to AC Millan as well. All this was a plot to make Lionel Messi the centre upon which his team revolved and the lad did not disappoint his benefactor.

OwnershipTo succeed in your role as a manager or leader, you must own the position and the process. Pep’s father was reported saying that his son is exhausted and in need of a rest. He has been eating, sleeping and drinking football since 2008 when he became first team coach at Barcelona.Pep owned the team, his life and

OPINION


Former Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola giving instructions


VolleyballPITCH POET

Sports is booming business

Brings medals and happiness

But sports is also capable

Of bringing food to the table


Apart from physical fitness

It builds influence and a name

Brings money, power and fame


Investing in it is not profitless

Becoming a sporty enterprenuer

Can easily make you a millionaire


Millions descend on stadiums

Billions watch on television

Internet, these could be clients


Advertise during these live games

Sponsor these teams and events

Then smile all the way to the bank

Booming Business


By Mwangi Gichau


Healthy living has gained an additional importance in our day to day lives as new health chalenges

come our way day by day. Now more than ever , we are confronted with issues our ancestors never had to even think about as their lifestyle back then ensured theystayed active and healthy. The advent of technology and more improved lifestyle has brought with it a sedentary lifestyle which in turn has poured on us a long lsit of maladies that make our lives a misery. Does it have to be that way though ? No, there is a way out and one sure way is by adopting a more healthy way of life.

By making a changes in our lifestyle, we can live a happier and healthier life that is good and fulfilling, below are some ways we can make things better.

1. Start with a positive outlook to life. Being always positive whatever the challenges facing us is the first step in negotiating the issues coming

HEALTHY LIVING

our way. A positive attitude ensures an always calm and calculated approach with less stress and anxiety. Be positive always and have the belief that a solution is always available, this will raise your confidence and self esteem.

2. Exercise - This is a must in any healthy body, any kind of movement that works and exerts the body one way or another is good. Even in moderation, a little exercise is better than none at all. There is a whole variety of work outs one can engage in, walking, riding, jogging, gym work out among many other. The benefits range from ; improved heart rate, muscle and bone strength, less risk of sedentary lifestyle ailments like diabetes, strokes and heart attacks in some cases, better body balance and flexibility. Maintained body weight, obesity is one of the main causes of diseases and heart attacks. These among other things brings out a healthy and happy human being.

3. Diet - A good healthy diet that is well balanced in quality and quantity is recommended. This must include a lot of fruits and vegetables that should be consumed in plenty. Good quality proteins from legumes should be encouraged and none or very little of animal proteins and fats. Deep fried foods and fizzy drinks are also a no go zone. Fatty foods tend to clog the arteries which results in strokes if not attended.

4. Some good habits you can adopt are ; Walking - Always walk the short distances instead of driving, apart from enabling us take in the fresh air, one also gets to enjoy the outdoor scenery and nature that is good for the soul. - Avoid too many hours(more than three consecutive) watching television. Too much sitting in front of the “box” makes us immobile and lazy and some studies say it’s also unhealthy for the eyes.- Take up new chal lenges that stimulates the brain eg. learn to play a music instrument, play challenging board games like Chess.Lastly take care of and grow your spiritual fitness by reading a lot of material pertaining to your chosen path. Take time to do your prayers or meditation and keep touch with your spiritual side to give you the necessary balance in your new way of life. Some habits like these stuck on with commitment and discipline will enhance our lives in a positive way.

By James Oluoch

A WAY OF LIFE

HEALTH



Volleyball

64 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012 www.facebook.com/kenyanstar

kenyanstar magazine volume 2 issue 1

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