Kenyanstar Magazine Volume 1, Issue 4 by Kenyanstar sports and media

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball

2 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball

INSIDE

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SOCCER Sports Management Orange Mabingwa Tournament I Can Handle any Team; Michael Kulali The Star of the Starlets KPL; Millions of Shillings Exchange Hands TENNIS Know Your Game; Tenis CRICKET Cricket Wings in Kenya

RUGBY Expand Your Vocabulary Kenya Fifteens Know Your Star GOLF Barclays Kenya Open SPOTLIGHT The Nairobi School Nurturing Rugby Talent ATHLETICS Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Olympic Journey OPINION Sports and Drugs

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KENYANSTAR TEAM ADMINISTRATION Samuel Eyinda (samueleyinda@kenyanstar.co.ke) Booker Ngesa (booker@kenyanstar.co.ke) MANAGING EDITOR Michael Kwambo (michaelkwambo@kenyanstar.co.ke) EDITORIAL Peninah Njakwe Gregory Mulemi Stephanie Haan Francis Ontomwa Carrey Ombaka Mwangi Gichau Kenyatta Otieno SALES AND ADVERTISING Habiba Rashid (habiba@kenyanstar.co.ke) SUBSCRIPTIONS Fanuel Andwati (fandwati@kenyanstar.co.ke) DESIGN AND LAYOUT Alex Ireri (design@kenyanstar.co.ke) PHOTOGRAPHY Peninah Njakwe Gregory Mulemi EDITED BY: Maureen Onyango Articulate Edits Limited P.O. Box 101011- 00101 editor@articulateedits.com articulateedits@gmail.com A Publication of Intercontinental Publishers Ltd P.O Box 45754 nairobi Tel:4443649/50/72 Fax:4443650 Cell: 0700126608 Email:info@kenyanstar.co.ke

EDITOR’S NOTE

2012 is a significant year for Kenya. Politics aside, this is also the year that our brothers and sisters with feet that can fly will do us proud. We are optimistic that in the coming London 2012 Olympics, the Kenyan Anthem will be sung numerous times. The more times it is sung the more gold we will bag. For those who may not be aware of our track record in these games then all is not lost. One of our writers has traced Kenya’s performance in the Olympic Games since 1956. And as the country prepares to put its best feet in London we at the Kenyan Star will be here to update you on the selection, training and performance of out athletes. It is also at this time of the year that many companies will come out to sponsor athletes during training and even award them after good performance. This is why the magazine has focused on the important role played by corporates in supporting local teams through sponsorships. Now, take a moment and think, How would it feel to be the last person in the country to know that you have been fired, embarrassed or maybe angry? Well this is one of the fears that many of our coaches live with everyday. With jobs that have no security and what determines whether you are in or out is the fans’ emotional status and the players performance. Most of the coaches learn through the media that they have been fired even before they receive official communication. In this issue KenyanStar explores the trend and ways of reversing it as a way of improving performance of our local teams. Game On Enjoy

www.kenyanstar.co.ke

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Maureen

LETTERS

FEEDBACK READER’S RESPONSE

aving come to the end of 2011 KPL football action,I would be mean if I dont pass my kudos to you. Your site has been of great importance to me. I have been viewing Kenyanstar in social media and incase I miss a live action. You have done a great job for updating us upto date actions in the world of football. Keep up the spirit.

Dear editor, I’m very disappointed with the edition 3 of Kenyanstar magazine. With Jonas Nahimana’s photo on the cover, I expected that I would read a lot about him in the magazine only to find a brief bio of him. However, I do think that the content is of very good quality. I would like more stories in the magazine.

i Kenyanstar, we in Tana North district in Madogo division have been doing soccer trainings of young stars since 2008. We appreciate your efforts of highlighting young talents and hope that the same is extended to our side. Richard Mambo

Sharon Adenyi

CRICKET Club. than 60 Jeffreys a Nairobi been training more te grounds don’t have Nick has pitch. We dusty esta ths children a training six mon ren on the office. The g. use even gear. child weekend for over t base or keep risin ctective y happy beca permanen numbers any prote them come ever ry but am brothPlaying the out sala ety. with a and labe, his paid play now the soci , most of ed is not avai me from g back to is a train is very risky and some of them never he who am givin This Whe et has kept a, lies for amb crick fami al evils hing come ael Abw in for him. and coac from poor other soci etimes they I would er Ishm I pray ire, stands drugs and “ ans. Som . and ump g.’’ g hol, orph Nick et alco are said crick out eatin ever ythin ghetto,’’ s U-13 to come even with God for be fulfilled. ma Focu sponsor here in the training “I thank dream will al to any to get hes his Huru girls. He also t doesn’t day, my me even Nick coac like to appe that this talen and that one gonis will help so ployed both boys Kon d God a of unem boar d. team on the Keny lop I know ,” concluded the final of y,’’ he adde plays for and deve sors e it to the currently waste awa n- spon g to spread , who mad ed Nick. League. the expa crickettin ’s goal is determin Cricket Club Africa Premier Kenya’s r parts of ring Nick , Kari- but East initiative, e in othe g and nurtu the 2011 . the gam like Dandora also With this at developin me area. “Huku He s promising lands area He aims sive East Mathare. future look re is a this low inco the disKayole and talent from talent sana,’’ (The obangi, cricket for introduce available to not . s ntly said ghetto kuna four plan which is curre t here), he project with lot of talen abled, started the using an armted and Kenya. are talen When he was and in disabled only, Nick bowl, bat, one ball players “Even the They can He had discricket. obtained stumps. In Uganda, chair as can play He later ning even run. the Deden bat. et. Am plan nt from one woo catch and play crick et equipme Railways Club ma. d people Huru in at more crick able that here nt Manager course. velopme to introduce coaching pleting a e a small this plac after com et to make plays crick dream is s y “My esse ybod e ever ls and Succ Cricket Council Credentia India, wher nal ts.’’ ed Internatio pleted sevhas train in the stree He is an has com girls he the even coach. He s like Athi ng them ral of the certified ses amo cricket club Whales se, Seve ing cour joined top Yala ching cour eral train se, have nia Sharks, them have Cricket Coa cour Cha ory g of Introduct Mambas, Coachin hins. Four team l 1 Cricket Course and ICC Tana Dolp the Kenya U-19 ICC Leve and ing e. He er Train against d up to s Programm Lev- been calle Cricket Scor d to play in inistrator schedule ICC leman’s qualifier Cricket Adm completed the a gent that was ld Cup in a Wor It is a have ricket is in the next girls, Faith hopes to Tanzania they say. g Course of these the game, so 3 Coachin er. One e played rks, won el 2 and all gam r Decemb of Chania Sha at the bat-and-b . s of 11 et at Pete er Award one year Mwende d to crick two team g to ising Play introduce between played at in Umoja bats tryin Nick was School Most Prom ya Tournament team ary his . One ng a Prim Obu ible while completi Kibukosy 2011 20 players each y runs as poss 4. Upon d Stray s trying man , he joine at Standard score as ls and field y education 2006, where he thus limit r team bow secondar in the othe men and ket Club the bats . In early team. Lions Cric until 2009 to dismiss ed by the batting nt and off not unscor his curre played on adult will the runs uited by Kenyan was recr make the n above. 2011, he hopes to An average shor t descriptio He s. goni the by mem club Kon . derstand tly played live funds to team soon e is mos munity who Kenya A he lacked The gam by Indian com a says that t of Naia story told Abwamb rbs wes bers of the er studies, s. He arket subu school chilpursue furth people in Eastland but in the upm primary is a or g for many lands, this many youn of becoming a doct luck robi. But ma in East d very well m his had a drea rstan ke. He tried didn’t dren of Huru smo unde in they t up amba. ent but this wen spor t that nory Abw recruitm one Nico and com military a cricket to n g is ks a uptio durin than amb ded a due to corr fied with old Abw make it ever satis 25 year s. He foun urs many He is how in Eastland ma in Febr petition. encounte pioneer ugh he emy in Huru ring to cricket altho cricket acad has been voluntee also in es. . He challeng ary 2011 estate and JAN-MAR 2012 the in and ren ma KENYANSTAR train child Daima, Huru ing. We of Funds such as ols. e is fund Scarcity schools ary Scho est challeng and kits and does all mo Prim nt “Our bigg known, Ndururu equipme he is best for crickneed more wNick, as ion he has the pass “I am not n. retur this out of nothing in et and gets

John Atigara

’s Eastland Cricket Pioneer

CRICKET

ello, I’m happy with the good work Kenyanstar is doing in coverage of Kenyan sports. I’m particularly happy with the cricket story on page 12. I wish to request for details on how upcoming junior football team in Shihuli, Kakamega called Evestar FC can be featured and get to participate in upcoming activities.

ns neer ope Young pio demy. As cricket aca Huruma in children e the lov and learn game i Gichau By Mwang

Evelyn Mukanda Kakamega. 12 KENYANSTAR

JAN-MAR 2012

KENYANSTAR TRIVIA; Answer & WIN!!!!! 1. When did Kenya win gold in the men’s 4 X 400m relay at the Olympics? 2. Who is the current coach of the Kenya U-20 women’s football team? Send your answers to info@kenyanstar.co.ke and stand a chance of winning Kenyanstar merchandise including a free copy of the fifth edition.

What would YOU want us to write about and cover in Kenyanstar? Is there anything you think is being done well or badly? Send your feedback and suggestions to info@kenyanstar.co.ke

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball

TOO OLD? ALL YOU NEED IS PASSION By Peninah Njakwe

he passion for soccer is not something that can be built over night. Playing soccer is something that a person does from the moment he or she is introduced to the game to the moment one seizes to be part of the game. Age barriers have been a hindrance to many people but for some, the passion and love of the game grows by age. Travelling down to Thika reveals the passion which people have for football. The Thika veterans are an example of people who would give up anything just to make sure that they enjoy playing soccer. With fifteen years of existence, the team has come of age to becoming one of the most respected outfits in Thika town. Most players who play for the veterans have come of age and discipline is what keeps most of them fit. Using the game to inspire the youth Brigadier Owino who is the patron of the club says that most

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of the members are professionals who have decide to keep fit and make sure that they become role models to other members of the society and the youth in Thika. The club which was started fifteen years ago has progressed to becoming a force to reckon due to its impact in changing people’s lives in the area. ‘We have travelled to many places in the country. When we play other teams, we make sure that we help the teams through donation of equipment that can be used in soccer development.’ Says Brigadier Owino. ‘This is a social club that meets here every Sunday. We train together every Sunday and this keeps us fit. We have very good structures which are strictly followed and nobody misses training.’ Only passion can overcome the challenges The passion in the team is timeless and this is seen in the way the veterans play. Most of the team members here are ap-

proaching retirement age but constant practice and commitment is what is driving them towards achieving what they started a decade and a half ago. ‘“If I wasn’t playing football I’d probably be six fit under,’ says Brigadier Owino The Veterans have recruited youth into their program and rewards are slowly coming. Through the youth recruitment program, several big names in the KPL like Yusuf Juma of Gor Mahia, Geoffery Simiyu of Thika United, Stephen Ocholla of Ulinzi Stars and Joseph Mwangi who plies his trade in Rwanda have benefitted from the Thika Veterans program. ‘We have promoted a lot of youth through our program and we intend to do this a notch higher. Currently we are sponsoring a lot of youth teams in Thika and this is bearing fruits.’ The Thika veterans train every Sunday to keep fit and make friends and this is what has kept them together for long. The club is registered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and this makes it possible to attract people aboard in the quest for nurturing more talent and making sure that the veterans keep fit. The team trains every weekend at the BAT grounds in Thika as Sunday since most of the players are busy during the week.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball SOCCER

Hussein Mohammed and Sam Nyamweya shake hands after the Kenya football elections

SPORTS MANAGEMENT; IS KENYA DOING IT WRONG

Loosing a match in Kenya is a sad event for the fans but doom for the coach. As Carry Ombaka & Michael Kwambo writes the fans can literally send the coach home

8 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

egardless of the reasons to get fired most employers are noble enough to handle this devastating action in confidence. But like politicians who learn of their sacking on press coaches are now facing the same scenarios. Many a coach has lost their job unceremoniously after it was determined that the fans were not satisfied. Such disgruntlement of fans is seen through social networks where they can go to the extent of forming groups and petitions to have a coach dismissed. The rate at which the coaches are sacked goes to show that the moment the fans are dissatisfied (loosing a match) then its time to pack and leave. This lack of patience from fans is

seen across all sports in Kenya and watching any sports bulletin you will find a disgruntled coach complaining of his unfair dismissal and a new coach overzealously talking of what plans he has for his or her new team. The channel used to communicate their dismissal is also worrisome. More often than not the coaches learn that they have been sacked through the press and social networks. Take the example of a coach being approached by media to comment on his sacking yet he is not even aware he has been sacked.One such big name is rugby coach Benjamin Ayimba who was sacked via e-mail. However before he even read his e-mail the news was already spreading in the social networks and main stream media. His performance not withstanding the coach had to face this humiliation. Coach Ayimba had taken Kenya to the semi-final stage in the world cup and had been ranked as Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best coach having had an excellent

SOCCER the planning ability of a coach comes to the fore, it brings out resilience.

Oserian FC versus Rangers FC in a Kenya Premier League match. record in sevens rugby. Rugby giants Impala R.F.C also parted ways with their coach Bill Githinji replacing him with former club captain Innocent Simiyu. The main reason for his sacking was due to poor results posted by the club in the first leg of the Kenya Cup season. The recent sacking of Gor Mahia’s Cameroonian Head Coach Anaba Awono. The tactician was literally hounded out of office after barely five months in charge. He took over the coaching duties in late 2011 and managed to steady the ship, guiding the side to a fourth place finish in that season’s KPL.His side would have a slow start to the 2012 campaign and he would be given his marching orders after just three games. Club legend John “Bobby” Ogolla would take

over for just one game, on what the public would later learn was on an interim basis before Croat Zdravko Logarusic was given the mantle. While the Gor administration were genuinely concerned about their league placing, they lacked patience with Awono.

The way forward Coming up with performance contracts for our coaches could be a big step towards reversing this trend. Having an official way of monitoring who is performing and who is not will avoid emotional sacking of coaches. Coaches and teams work hand in hand therefore they need to create a good rapport and have a bond. This bond takes time to achieve and it is only when there is an understanding between the two parties that good results can begin to be seen. As long as a coach is professional and he or she need not work under fear and duress. But with job security and a good working relationship then fans will expect the team to perform. If this does not happen then the authorities can take action based on the contracts and fire professionally.

Kenya should learn from established clubs Alex Ferugson joined Manchester United somewhere in England in 1986 but it was not until 1990 that the side claimed its first trophy, the FA Cup. They would win their league the following year, and have not stopped winning since. They have grown to rule the English game and command a lot of respect on the European stage. The team’s administration was patient enough, and gave him the requisite support. Sadly, these actions are unheard of locally. Teams go through lean spells, and define themselves through those lean spells. That is where a team’s character and

Interference from the fans The fans build on the thrill of the game. They motivate the players and push them to greater levels to ensure success of the teams. But should the fans be allowed to interfere with the management of the teams. Yes and No. Yes through petitions they can challenge coaches and managements that are corrupt; And No when it comes to gauging the professionalism of the coach by one lost match. Dismal performance from the team does not necessarily mean that the coach did not do his job. How many times to big teams loose due to other reasons relating to the players and not the coach?

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball SOCCER Orange Mabingwa 2011 Champions Baba Dogo primary School.

ORANGE MABINGWA SOCCER TOURNAMENT “Corporate institutions have been on the forefront in making sure that the most loved sport in the continent stays alive.” By Gregory Mulemi

his year’s Africa Cup of Nations witnessed tremendous strides made in making the tournament popular to people. Unlike the past events which lacked publicity, this year’s edition has sparked the continent with joy and this is what football needs for quick development. The AFCON is traditionally fought tooth and nail as regional rivals duke it out to claim continental bragging rights. Orange’s sponsorship to year’s competition has had an impact and this is what is needed for soccer development. In 2009, Orange telecom, relatively new in the Kenyan mar-

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ket, made a mark in the local soccer scene by sponsoring the annual CECAFA senior challenge cup that was held in Nairobi and Mumias. Through this, the company had a vision of having one team from the region participate in the 2014 World Cup finals in Rio de Janeiro. The current African Champions Zambia was represented in the tournament and they got the exposure they needed. Out of the 11 players that won the Cup of nations, nine players took part in the CECAFA senior challenge cup. With such and exposure and gesture from one of the world’s leading Telkom companies, the Zambians might thank CECAFA and Orange for the experience. Normally, we underestimate the role of cooperate institutions in the development of football but with the recent soccer tournaments and sponsorships, many people in the country have started thinking otherwise.

Soccer Development Projects The projects that have been initiated by corporate institutions in recent times have made it possible for people to get the best out of the hundreds of soccer talents in the country. As a matter of fact, the Kenya Premier League and nationwide league cannot tap all the talent in the country. Getting opportunities in any club in the top flight is sometimes very hard and the introduction of talent search tournaments and soccer fetes make it possible for some of the talent to be spotted. Mabingwa soccer Tounament fires the youth Many corporate companies take the development and support at the grass root level. The Orange Mabingwa soccer Tournament that was held last year set the whole country ablaze as youth teams battled out for the coveted trophy that is sponsored by the giant Telkom Company. Com-

SOCCER Volleyball

pany CEO Mikael Ghosein said the league was meant to create a shift from corporate support being mainly aimed at the top levels of the game and to introduce innovate, fun, interactive and high return on investment projects that captivate the mass public. The league that is played annually involves children under the age of 13years and since its inauguration; the tournament has been the focal point for many with many scouts hoping to tap talent from the participating players. With players from around Nairobi taking part in the tournament, young players got a chance to play in the tournament something which created an avenue for many of the players to be noticed by football scouts from local clubs and international set outs. Residents and schools around Nairobi had a chance of getting a glimpse of the upcoming soccer stars. With the tournament being run in a league format, the participating teams had no otherwise but to perform. So what role do the institutions play? Corporate institutions have a big role in the development of soccer in the country and sponsorships like that of Orange to the Orange Mabingwa soccer league has posed a challenge to other

Angela Mumo Head of Marketing Orange Kenya awards a trophy to tournament winners in the girls category corporate institutions that just sit and watch as talent is being wasted. Champions are created from exposure and this is what some corporate societies have done to the improvement of soccer in the country. During the Orange Mabingwa soccer tournament, Orange had lined up several activities to drive up public awareness for the tournament and ostensibly to change the public perception about local soccer and this proved successful as many people had a chance to watch future football stars play in front of their mentors free of charge. With the improvement of soccer standards being the main target, the corporate institutions like Orange Kenya have gone an extra mile to do that through 100% sponsorship. With the standards set and a new football administration, it is hoped that many other corporate institutions will come up and support local tournaments and help young footballers aspire to their dreams and become the Messiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Kenya.

Phillip Kisia Nairobi town clerk awards a trophy to tournament winners in the boys category

Jack Oguda KPL CEO awarding the best player of the tournament in the boys category Brian Wekesa.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball PROFILE

Michael Kulali

Michael Kulali speaks to players of Kenya Under 20 Womens Team.

I CAN HANDLE ANY TEAM MEN OR WOMEN

DECLARES MICHAEL KULALI Coaching women is the most difficult thing. This is according to Harambee Starlets coach, Florence Adhiambo, women are sometimes hard to understand and this makes it hard for them to perform to the expected standards. Despite all those difficulties, Michael Kulali Okang’o has found this a passion. By Gregory Mulemi

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ver since joining Makolandas in 1996, he has grown from a player to a coach and he is raring to go. He is the head coach of Makolandas FC which is participating in the National Girls Premier League and the assistant coach for the Sportsconnect FC which is participating in the Nairobi County League. When we met him training the Girls premier league outfit at the Shepherds Foundation

grounds in Buruburu, the team was training with the men’s team and Kulali said that this is normal and the girls are used to it. ‘I took up the challenge of coaching the ladies and this made me withdraw all stereotypes about them. The ladies understand more easily and when you get along with them, you will always have an easier time with them.’ Since joining Makolandas men’s team in 1996, Okang’o has never

PROFILE looked back. He played for the team under the youth program and through this; he was able to represent the side in various tournaments in the country. ‘I was sure that I had the ability to change someone’s life and after getting through with my playing career, I was given the coaching role for both the men and the women’s teams.’ With coaching the two sides being a challenge, Kulali says that he finds it easier to make the two sides train together especially when he does not have a full house. “The boys train with the ladies comfortably and they have no problem with that. I had to adapt to this method because most of our players go to school and training has to go on. I handle both the men and women teams because most of the time, my head coach (Florence Adhiambo) is away with the Harambee Starlets.’ Still nurturing talent and playing big games The Sports Connect men’s soccer team has come of age and it is gradually becoming a stable outfit. Kulali says that the initial project of nurturing talent from Nairobi’s Eastlands region did bear fruits but with the changing times, the institution had to change and participate in the league. ‘We have seen progress at Sports Connect and right now I think we are heading in the right direction. We started with a small group of boys aged 8-14 years but steadily the institution grew bigger and up to now, we have 267 beneficiaries from Sports Connect and I am proud to be part of that team.’ When one looks at Mike, he looks like an 18-year old. He is actually an experienced player and coach and he says that his secret lies in discipline.

Michael Kulali

‘In everything you do, you must have discipline. I normally tell my players that discipline is key to every success and those who have heeded to this have succeeded.’ The soft spoken tactician pays tribute to the impact the Sports Connect initiative has done to the society and says that this cannot come any better than it has done. ‘We have produced several world class players who have played in the top flight while some have gotten scholarships and are plying their trade in Europe and USA. Some of our players are playing in the Kenya Premier League and this gives the others hope.’ Counting the Successes Among the notable players who have come from Sports Connect include Chris Ojiambo formerly of AFC Leopards, Mike Simiyu of Sony Sugar, Derrick Otieno of Bedjos and Ezekiel Odera of KCB. Apart from the success, Kulali feels that he is yet to achieve what he wants in life. He says that his priority is to let kids learn first then have

the fun later. He trains Makolandas girls’ football team and Sports Connect FC from Tuesday to Friday before the weekend engagements. With everybody drawing inspiration from somewhere, Kulali admires his boss Florence Adhiambo “Kadwaro” and Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi. ‘Kimanzi for me is an example of the kind of coaches we need for Kenya to move forward in soccer. For Kadwaro, she is an inspiration to the girl child and that is why I admire her. The founder of Sports Connect Habil Nanjero is definitely my role model and his exploits in volunteering are very encouraging. I would like to emulate him in future. ’ As we part ways with Mike, he summons his team and gives them instructions. Through this, a sense of authority is seen and the respect the players have for him sends out a clear picture that he surely has something to give to the talented youth who ply their trade here.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball PROFILE

THE STAR OF THE STARLETS Kadwaro as she is popularly known is a force to reckon with. Not only does she train her girls to be “men” in the field but she also wants them to be inspired and women of impact in the society.

Florence Adhiambo

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By Gregory Mulemi

airobi City Stadium is where I meet her. Florence Adhiambo stands tall and all her instructions to the team are followed to the letter. Not that she is harsh while at it but it is the care and understanding with which she trains the girls that has seen her hit the headlines for all the right reasons. When KenyanStar catches up with her the Kenya U-20 women’s team was preparing for a FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifier match against Tunisia. Popularly known as “Kadwaro”, Adhiambo started playing for Makolandas in 1996 and she has since then progressed to becoming a well known football coach both at club and national team level. She is the assistant coach of the Makolandas women’s soccer team which is currently playing in the National Girls premier league. Speaking about her association with the game, Adhiambo says, ‘One day I was watching Eastlander’s girls play in the estate and when the ball went out of play, I juggled it and that is when I got an invitation to play for Eastlander’s and

PROFILE Volleyball

Harambee Starlets

that was the starting point of my career.’ Since her introduction to soccer, Adhiambo has made tremendous strides in the quest for success and has so far exceeded her expectations.‘I never thought that I would be coaching at national team level. It is through God’s will that I am doing this and I will continue doing this as long as I am capable of doing so.’ She said. The soft-spoken coach has represented Kenya in different levels during her career. She says, ‘I have represented the country in matches in Uganda, Tanzania, and in the USA during the Dallas cup. Through that exposure, I have been able to meet many people and professionals who have impacted positively on my life.’ The Best Memories A lifetime of playing soccer is fun in most cases and memorable moments must occur. For Adhiambo, the 1999 soccer match against South Africa remains her most memorable moment to date. ‘I remember playing South Africa in 1999. Our team was assembled in one day and we had a one hour

training session at the Railways club before heading to the stadium. The South Africans did not notice who we were as they were being driven to the Nyayo Stadium and they never knew that we were prepared for them. ‘ Kenyan girls stunned their hosts 1-0 courtesy of a Rose Anyango goal, a result that surprised the South Africans who knew that they were coming for a walkover. ‘Infact they (South Africans) had underrated us and we had to play our hearts out to make sure that we carried the day. I remember giving Anyango the pass and she made no mistake.’ Adhiambo draws inspiration from her glittering career and is out to ensure to that the girls achieve the best they possibly can in all that they set out to do. After winding up her playing career, sitting on the sideline was not easy for her and for someone as talented as her, she felt that it was time to give back to society. ‘I always tell my players to have a vision because you cannot succeed if you are not focused. I had a big role when I was playing soccer and I believe through the experi-

ences that I got, I was able to find myself coaching.’ Can she handle the older teams? Adhiambo is however not ready to coach the senior women’s team. She says that coaching women is quite tough and when she was given the U-20 role she was hesitant but accepted the challenge later on. ‘Girls are always very tough headed and that is why I prefer coaching the boys.’ She also doubles up as the Makolandas assistant coach and she manages this well.‘My motivation comes from my husband Habil Nanjero. He has always been by my side. He keeps motivating me and this is what has made succeed. ‘ The tactician plans extend her services to the community by helping women coaches with skills in coaching. With a cabinet full of trophies and medals, the Eastland’s born soccer queen is leaving no stone unturned as she continues climbing the hard rock before she achieves what she wants in the end.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball SOCCER

Record signings (Left;Allan Wanga,Right;Erick Masika)

MILLIONS

OF SHILLINGS EXCHANGE HANDS

AS CLUBS RUSH FOR BEST PLAYERS 16 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

SOCCER Volleyball

As football fanatism in Kenya hits peak many local teams have geared up to economically sustain their players and even put finances aside to buy players from other teams. Clubs are spending millions to get the players they want. By Gregory Mulemi

nvesting in something wisely always brings good results this has been evident in the KPL as early premier league pacesetters AFC Leopards and Sofapaka seem to be running away from the pack with eight games played. Any result in football counts and this has been proved in the recent past by the sides which made massive buys during the transfer period. AFC Leopards grabbed the headlines once again with the big spending sprees. The club did one of the most controversial buys in recent times by signing former Gor Mahia kingpin Eric Masika for a massive Sh450,000 transfer fee. The club also went forth to sign

Jacob Kelly (KCB No.7) moved from Mathare FC to KCB

Victor Ochiengâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Abbas Kiwabye and Armon Muchiri to bolster the squad that was already perfoming well under the stewardship of Jan Koops and Mickey Weche. With the first half of the season gone, many football fans have started judging the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performances from the results each club is posting after the matches. Big spenders AFC Leopards have been on the romp and have gotten good results from the matches they have played so far. Just like AFC Leopards, many premier league sides did some transfers to gear up for the season. During this period, a total of Sh2.66, million exchanged hands between clubs. Leopards spent

Sh835,000, Gor Mahia cashed out Sh610,000 on nine players, Tusker Sh260,000, Ulinzi Sh210,000, Sofapaka Sh35,000, Oserian Sh90,000, Muhoroni Sh40,000 with Karuturi and Rangers using only Sh5,000. The matches so far On the opening day of the season, Ingwe struggled to beat Chemelil Sugar but the inclusion of Allan Wanga in the next match against Mathare United sparked some flames in attack and they have not dropped points in the matches played between February and March 2012. Despite the signings made by several teams, the KPL season has

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball SOCCER

Rangers’ Joseph Njuguna aka Pablo

18 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

witnessed a lot of shocks and disappointments. 2008 Champions Mathare United have had a season to forget. The Slum boys had to wait for seven matches to register their first win of the season. Coach Gabriel Kingi Njoroge who succeeded Salim Ali found life difficult and as it is a common trend in Kenya, Kingi got a boot in March for poor results. Just like Kingi, Gor Mahia parted ways with Cameroonian Anaba Awono after he managed to win only one game in two months for K’Ogalo. The giants have been on a slump and even after securing the services of former Sofapaka tactician John Bobby Ogolla, Gor could not get out of the woods. The coming of Croat national Dravko Lugorusic seem to have sparked some hope to the side and getting Gor to a respectable position would be his first major assignment. Only Chemelil Sugar and AFC Leopards have conceded goals this season and this is an indication of how tactical the two sides are. With only two goals conceded so far, Chemelil seem to be on the upward trend. At the close of last season, the side lost Victor Ochieng’ and Abass Kiwalabye to AFC Leopards but this has not shaked the squad. Muhoroni Youth have shocked everyone with their performance. The side which used to participate in the low profile KFF nationwide league has caused upsets in the league and they seem to be going for nothing but a win in very assignment they take. A 1-0 victory over Gor Mahia back in February sent a tough warning to opponents and ever since, they have been on the upward trend. They

almost caused another upset later in March when they played AFC Leopards at the Nyayo Stadium but the spirited fight of Jan Koops men did the damage as they came from behind to win 2-1. League’s Shortcomings With so much to talk about in the KPL, the shortcomings in the league cannot be ignored. Perennial strugglers City Stars have had a difficult time in the campaign while Rangers seem to be having one of those soap operas than never ends with Daima Milk. Lack of sponsorship and poor officiating seem to be denting the image of the now popular league in the region. The incidents that marred the derby match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on 18th of March cast a dark shadow to the league and once again the KPL was put on spotlight. The KPL score chat has been interesting with Kepher Aswani leading the pack with seven goals. Jacob Kelly took an early stride getting five quick goals for KCB before going on a slump but this has not stopped his side from getting impressive results and playing beautiful football at the same time. Ulinzi stars have had one of their worst seasons in Premier league history and they have been soaking in goals at will leading to the sacking of Coach Bernard Nyangweso. The once dreaded side seems to be heading for tatters and maybe a new coach can change the fortunes for the 2010 KPL champions. With the league still at the development stage and with the first leg only halfway, many people will be following keenly the league table after the conclusion of the first leg.

SOCCER Volleyball

BIG SPENDERS AND THEIR EXPENDITURE ERIC MASIKA (AFC Leopards) Previous club: Gor Mahia Fee: Sh450 000 The PPO was a hero at Gor but when he crossed over to the ‘noisy neigbours’ he was called all sorts of names. He has quickly established a good partnership with Jonas Nahimana and together, the two have kept many strikers at bay. His intention to play for Leopards was clear at the end of last season and this seem to have instilled a lot of confidence in him and he seems more composed and calm at Leopards as if he was there two seasons ago.

Leopards’ Victor Ochieng

ABBAS KIWALABYE (AFC Leopards) Previous Club: Chemelil Sugar Fee: Sh380 000 He was virtually unheard before his coming to the den. He started the league on a high note but his blistering start to the season was cut short by a knee injury. His dangerous crosses and surging runs made him an instant hit at Ingwe but his best is yet to come. ABDALLA JUMA (Sofapaka) Previous Club: Rangers Fee: Sh5 000 The former Rangers man has scored spectacular goals for Batoto ba Mungu. His goal against his former side Rangers and a beauty of a free kick against Ulinzi stars has made him a household name to all KPL lovers. His accurate passes have made him one of the most established left backs in the league. TOM “Tass” ONYANGO (Oserian) Previous club: Karuturi Fee: Sh5 000 He was voted the defender of the

season twice with Karuturi Sports. His vast experience and discipline has made Tass a household name in Naivasha. The defender now in his prime years as a player seem to be maturing with age and his experience has played a major role in making sure that his new side keeps respectable scorelines. HASSAN “Rio” MOHAMMEDUlinzi Previous club: Congo United Fee: Sh5 000 With the aging Ulinzi defense, getting new blood is the only solution. The central defender is slowly growing and will be a big asset to the Soldiers in their bid to getting back to a respectable KPL position and hopefully the league title. His ability to deal with aerial balls and man marking might be one of the reasons for his signing and if he clicks into the squad, he will bring some punch to the squad. RAMA SALIM (Gor Mahia) Previous club: Congo United Fee: Sh5 000 Like Hassan Mohammed, Rama made it clear that he was not going back to the nationwide. He has quickly established himself at K’Ogalo and together with Collins Okoth, the two can make a deadly combination in midfield. JERRY SANTOS (Tusker) Previous club: Simba Sports Club, Tanzania Fee: Undisclosed Tusker fought off Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards to get his signature ad the former Simba skipper is finding the going well at Tusker especially with the absence of Crispin Olando.his combination with Peter Opiyo and Fredrick Onyago is giving Sammy Pamzo Omollo some good time as he intends to defend his title.

Gor Mahia’s Ramah Salim

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

TENNIS

KNOW YOUR GAME- TENNIS By Peninah Njakwe

The Basics Tennis is a sport usually played between two players (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent’s court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all ages. The sport can be played by anyone who can hold a racket, including people in wheelchairs. Tennis is enjoyed by millions of recreational players and is also a hugely popular worldwide spectator sport, especially the four Grand Slam tournaments (also referred to as the “Majors”): the Australian Open played on hard courts, the French Open played on red clay courts, Wimbledon played

20 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

on grass courts, and the US Open played also on hard courts. Equipment Racquets The components of a tennis racquet include a handle, known as the grip, connected to a neck which joins a roughly elliptical frame that holds a matrix of tightly pulled strings. Under modern rules of tennis, the racquet must adhere to the following guidelines; • The hitting area, composed of the strings, must be flat and generally uniform. • The frame of the hitting area may not be more than 29 inches in length and 12.5 inches in width. • The entire racquet must be of a fixed shape, size, weight,

and weight distribution. There may not be any energy source built into the racquet. • The racquet must not provide any kind of communication, instruction or advice to the player during the match. The rules regarding racquets have changed over time, as material and engineering advances have been made. For example, the maximum length of the frame had been 32 inches until 1997, when it was shortened to 29 inches. Tennis Balls Tennis balls are of hollow rubber with a felt coating. Traditionally white, the predominant color was gradually changed to Optic Yellow in the latter part of the 20th century to allow for improved visibility.

TENNIS Court Tennis is played on a rectangular, flat surface, usually grass, clay, a hardcourt of concrete and/or asphalt and occasionally carpet (indoor). The court is 78 feet (23.77 m) long, and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide for singles matches and 36 ft (10.97 m) for doubles matches. Additional clear space around the court is required in order for players to reach overrun balls. A net is stretched across the full width of the court, parallel with the baselines, dividing it into two equal ends. The net is 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) high at the posts and 3 feet (91.4 cm) high in the center. How to Score A tennis match is determined through the best of three or five sets. While recreational players may agree to play any number of sets, depending upon time availability or stamina, on the professional circuit, including all four Grand Slam tournaments, Davis Cup, and the final of the Olympic Games, women play three-set matches, while men play five-set matches. For men, the first player to win three sets wins the match, and for women, the first player to win two sets wins the match. A set consists of games, and games, in turn, consist of points. A game consists of a sequence of points played with the same player serving. A game is won by the first player to have won at least four points in total and at least two points more than the opponent. The running score of each game is described in a manner peculiar to tennis: scores from zero to three points are described as “love”, “fifteen”, “thirty”, and “forty” respectively (see Tennis score.) If at least three points have been scored by each player, making the player’s

scores equal at forty apiece, the score is not called out as “fortyforty”, but rather as “deuce”. If at least three points have been scored by each side and a player has one more point than his opponent, the score of the game is “advantage” for the player in the lead. During informal games, “advantage” can also be called “ad in” when the serving player is ahead, or “ad out” when the receiving player is ahead. The score of a tennis match during play is always read with the serving player’s score first. In tournament play, the chair umpire calls the point count (e.g., “fifteenlove”) after each point. At the end of a game, the chair umpire also announces the winner of the game and the overall score. A game point occurs in tennis whenever the player who is in the lead in the game needs only one more point to win the game. The terminology is extended to sets (set point), matches (match point), and even championships (championship point). For example, if the player who is serving

has a score of 40-love, the player has a triple game point (triple set point, etc.) as the player has three consecutive chances to win the game. Game points, set points, and match points are not part of official scoring and are not announced by the chair umpire in tournament play. A break point occurs if the receiver, not the server, has a chance to win the game with the next point. Break points are of particular importance because serving is generally considered advantageous, with the server being expected to win games in which they are serving. A receiver who has one (score of 30–40), two (score of 15–40) or three (score of love-40) consecutive chances to win the game has break point, double break point or triple break point, respectively. A set consists of a sequence of games played with service alternating between games, ending when the count of games won meets certain criteria. Typically, a player wins a set by winning at least six games and at least two games more than the opponent.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

TENNIS

tage court or deuce court) the service is to be delivered on the seventh and game-deciding point. Pro set Instead of playing multiple sets, players may play one “pro set”. A pro set is first to 8 (or 10) games by a margin of two games, instead of first to 6 games. A 12-point tie-break is usually played when the score is 8–8 (or 10–10). These are often played with no-ad scoring. Match tiebreak This is sometimes played instead of a third set. This is played like a regular tiebreak, but the winner must win ten points instead of seven. Match tiebreaks are used in the Hopman Cup for mixed doubles, on the ATP and WTA tours for doubles and as a player’s choice in USTA league play.

If one player has won six games and the opponent five, an additional game is played. If the leading player wins that game, the player wins the set 7–5. If the trailing player wins the game, a tie-break is played. A tie-break, played under a separate set of rules, allows one player to win one more game and thus the set, to give a final set score of 7–6. In tournament play, the chair umpire announces the end of the match with the well-known phrase “Game, set, match” followed by the winning person’s

22 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

or team’s name. The final score in sets is always read with the winning player’s score first, even if the winning player loses set(s) during the match (e.g., “6–2, 4–6, 6–0, 7–5”). Rule variations No ad The first player or doubles team to win four points wins the game, regardless of whether the player or team is ahead by two points. When the game score reaches three points each, the receiver chooses which side of the court (advan-

Surfaces Clay Examples are red clay (used at the French Open and many other tournaments, especially in Europe and Latin America) and green clay (an example of which is Har-Tru and used mainly in the U.S.). Clay courts normally have a slower paced ball and a fairly true bounce with more spin. Hard Examples are acrylic (e.g. Plexicushion used at the Australian Open, DecoTurf used at the US Open), asphalt, and concrete. Hardcourts typically have a faster-paced ball with a very true bounce.

TENNIS

Grass Used at Wimbledon. Grass courts usually have a fasterpaced ball, and a more erratic bounce. Wimbledon has slowed its courts over the years. Officials In most professional play and some amateur competition, there is an officiating head judge or chair umpire (usually referred to as the umpire), who sits in a raised chair to one side of the court. The umpire has absolute authority to make factual determinations. The umpire may be assisted by line judges, who determine whether the ball has landed within the required part of the court and who also call foot faults. There also may be a net judge who determines whether the ball has touched the net during service The referee, who is usually located off the court, is the final authority about tennis rules. When called to the court by a player or team captain, the referee may overrule the umpire’s decision if the tennis rules were violated (question

of law) but may not change the umpire’s decision on a question of fact. If, however, the referee is on the court during play, the referee may overrule the umpire’s decision (This would ONLY happen in Davis Cup or Fed Cup matches, not at the World Group level, when a chair umpire from a non-neutral country is in the chair). Tournaments Tournaments are often organized by gender and number of players. Common tournament configurations include men’s singles, women’s singles, and doubles, where two players play on each side of the net.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

COVER STORY

Jonathan Nissan Meshami(Left) Francis Tepele Ole Naimado(Right)

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COVER STORY

CRICKET WINGS IN KENYA

She crossed boundaries to come to Kenya and change lives. A South African with a strong penchant for the sport of Cricket, Aliya Bauer is the brainchild behind the now famous Maasai Cricket Warriors (MCW). According to her, their endeavours have born fruits since inception; Maasai warriors are embracing the sport like no oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business. She spoke to our writer FRANCIS ONTOMWA.

Jonathan Nissan Meshami batting

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

COVER STORY coaching clinics for children in various schools as well as coaching seminars for teachers and youths. In November last year, over 700 children from Laikipia joined the coaching clinic. We managed to conduct also both an Introductory Cricket Coaching Course and a Level I Cricket Coaching Course and as things stand today, there are 58 teachers and youth who have passed and have since been confirmed as coaches.

started off from humble beginnings by introducing cricket at a primary school, Il Polei Primary School in Laikipia North in May 2007 while I was in the area managing a primate research field project. With meagre resources at the time of conception of the idea, things started to change with time, today we have managed to introduce the sport in 25 schools and

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youth groups spread across Laikipia North, Laikipia East and the Nanyuki area of Laikipia County in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. I have had the support of a UK based organization, Cricket Without Boundaries (CWB) who have already visited our area twice, the first time was in November 2011 and later they came in the month of February this year. During the visits, we held successful cricket

Challenges and how to beat them Our biggest challenge now lies in providing and supplying all these schools with the necessary and required equipment to ensure the continuity of the game in the area and finding a way of helping those children and youth that we’ve identified with great potential to progress to the next level and to ensure that cricket continues to grow in the area. A programme called “’Cricket Kit for Africa” was launched in the UK in October 2011 with a mission to collect used cricket equipment that are still in usable condition, specifically for this programme. They have done a remarkable job and now the buck again stops with us. It has proved an uphill task for us to get the equipment to Kenya despite the encouraging gesture from the programme’s coordinators. However, I have recently managed to liaise with the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) and the equipment is due to be transported to Kenya with the next troop of soldiers due to travel to Kenya. Although things have been very challenging for the Maasai Cricket Programme, there are still hopes that we are destined to go far if we can get support and funding for this project.

COVER STORY

The programme is being used as a vehicle to target social issues including Creating HIV/AIDS awareness through cricket, curbing alcohol and substance abuse through cricket and Empowering Girls and Women through cricket. Our other missions are to preach peace amongst rival communities through cricket in addition to spreading messages about conservation and engaging children and youth in conservation activities. Through cricket development amongst schools and youth within Maasai communities a platform is built to promote education and as a means of encouraging sustainable social change. This is achieved by focusing on developing personalities, improving life skills and reducing at-risk behaviour by encouraging good sportsmanship, broadening youths’ horizons, bridging social divides, increasing health-related awareness and providing participants with the tools to help them make the right choices when facing social challenges. The entire project and development has been run on a purely voluntary basis and sadly as yet without the support of Cricket Kenya. Cricket Kenya urged to get involved Cricket Kenya can most definitely help out and needs to get involved with the cricket development that is taking place in Laikipia. For the development and sustainability of cricket in the area it is important for Cricket Kenya to get involved in the area and also if possible, crick-

et be incorporated in school sports curriculum. Away from the sporting field, we are also involved in other human interest projects. We currently have one Children’s Home (Tumaini Children’s Home) in Nanyuki that takes care of orphaned children that are infected with HIV/Aids who are also part of our cricket programme. The home has 3 caretakers who have participated in our coaching courses and who have passed the Level one cricket coaching course and 2 of the older girls in secondary school have passed the Introductory cricket coaching course. We also have another Children’s Home and Rehabilitation Centre that takes care of former street children and provides them with schooling, shelter and a home that has also been introduced to cricket and is also part of our programme. The HIV/Aids message is of particular importance to these children

due to their vulnerability and backgrounds. The Maasai Cricket Warriors are acting as role models and ambassadors in their communities where they are actively campaigning against retrogressive and harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early childhood marriages and also fighting discrimination against women in Maasai communities. Through sports participation they are also promoting healthier lifestyles and spreading awareness about HIV/ aids Awareness amongst youth. The future looks bright for the sport of Cricket in this country. If we can get all stakeholders getting involved, we can accomplish much. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, nothing is impossible for a willing heart! We are going to put shoulders to the wheel and ensure Cricket grows not only in Maasai region but in the entire nation!

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball

National Oil Managing Director Ms. Sumayya Hassan-Athmani (Left) and Ian Duncan (Right)

NATIONAL OIL RENEWS

IAN DUNCAN RALLY SPONSORSHIP

ational Oil Corporation of Kenya in February renewed its sponsorship for rally ace Ian Duncan for the next three years. The leading oil company has sponsored the 2011 rally champion since 2008. The new sponsorship deal worth Sh5.2 million per year is an improvement from the previous Sh4.7 million sponsorship deal which elapsed in December 2011. Speaking at the new sponsorship signing ceremony, National Oil Managing Director Ms. Sumayya Hassan-Athmani said that

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the corporation has gained immense brand recognition from the sponsorship.“We are excited that Ian Duncan has agreed to this renewed sponsorship which has given our brand unmatched publicity in the last four years. The National Oil rally team led by Ian has done exceptionally well during the last sponsorship period and we look forward to more success,” said Ms. Sumayya. On his part, Ian thanked National Oil for its continued support. “I am extremely grateful to National Oil for giving me another chance to lead the National Oil

rally team. With this sponsorship, we will continue working hard to ensure that we keep winning,” said Duncan.Ian Duncan co-driven by Amar Slatch in a National Oil branded Mitsubishi Evolution 9 won the 2011 Kenya National Rally Championship and has started the 2012 season on a good footing by coming second in the first rally of the year held in Nyeri recently. Ian Duncan has been the undisputed Motor Rally champion for over one decade and his exploits in the discipline has seen him exploit every moment and attracting a lot of sponsors.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

RUGBY

Collins Injera beats his marker during the recent Hong kong Sevens

EXPAND YOUR VOCABULARY: RUGBY POSITIONING

ugby as a game is an enjoyable sport, which has several rules and terminologies. These rules apply to all versions of the game be it seven aside, ten aside or the fifteen aside version. A normal game of Rugby consists of fifteen players. Although there are other shorter versions of the game such as the seven aside version and the ten aside version, the fifteen aside version is what is given the most preference when you are talking about rugby in general. A rugby team is divided into two segments. The first segment are the first eight people who are commonly reffered to as forwards while the last seven are referred to as backs making a total of fifteen players. The forwards are further divided into front- rows, second rows and

30 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Part I

By Carray Ombaka back-rows and during a scrum down they form in that order respectively. The last seven are divided into halfbacks, centres and the back three. While the half-backs and back three are expected to be kickers, the centers are not necessarily required to kick the ball. PROP The props “prop up” the hooker in the scrum.They bear the jersey’s 1 and 3 while the hooker takes jersey number 2. The first prop is the tight head prop while the other prop is the loose head prop. They form part of the front row of the scrum and push against the oppositions props. The loosehead prop is positioned to the right of the hooker and their head will be on the outside of the scrum when it engages.

The tighthead is to the left of the hooker with their head positioned between the hooker and the opposition’s loosehead. The prop’s main role is to provide stability at the scrum and support the hooker in quickly winning the ball. At the lineout the prop’s role is to support the jumper as they compete for the ball. They are usually positioned at the front of the lineout with a jumper in between them. They are also often involved in lifting jumpers when receiving kickoffs.While scrummaging is still seen as their main responsibility, modern props are also expected to contribute in attack and defence. Props have to take in pressure from the locks and loose forwards pushing from behind and the opposition pushing against them, so they are

RUGBY

Victoria Cup action between Uganda and Zimbabwe in Kampala

often among the strongest players in a team. Some scrummages are uncontested, meaning no pushing is allowed and the team putting the ball into the scrum wins it. On their own scrum the loosehead’s role is to provide the hooker with a clear view to strike the ball while the tighthead tries to keep the scrum stable. When the opposition is putting the ball in, the tighthead attempts to disrupt the opposing hooker or loosehead, making it difficult for them to win the ball.

the two props in the scrum and generally throws the ball into the lineout. After the scrumhalf has put the ball into the scrum they use their feet to “hook” the ball back and win possession for their team. When the opposition is putting the ball into the scrum, the hooker will either attempt to win the ball or try and disrupt the scrum. Hookers are usually more mobile than the props and are often used to carry the ball up during open play.

HOOKER Placed in between the Props, they literally “hook” the ball toward the back of the scrum, so the Scrum Half can get it. A hooker completes the front row. The hooker is positioned between

LOCKS The locks bear jersey 4 and 5 respectively. They are also referred to as second rows. These players literally “lock” the scrum together. They are usually the tallest players on the team and they do a large part

in pushing the scrum. They bind together and put their heads at each side of the Hooker. The locks form the second row and push against the front row during the scrum providing much of the power. They are almost always the tallest players on the team and are the primary targets when the ball is thrown in at line-outs. Locks must also have good catching ability. At the lineout the locks are supported by team mates allowing them to compete for the ball, either tapping it to the scrumhalf or setting up a drive to form a maul. In scrums the two locks bind tightly together and slide their heads between a prop and the hooker. Locks tend to compete for the kick offs and are involved in securing the ball in rucks and mauls.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Victoria Cup action between Uganda and Zimbabwe in Kampala

Kenya’s Sydney Ashioya

32 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

FLANKERS They wear jerseys 6 and 7. Together with the Eighth man they are also known as back-rows. These two are on the outsides of the Locks. They bind in by grabbing onto the Locks and “sit” next to where the Number 8 is. Their job is usually to get to the other team’s scrum half and fly-half and kill the ball before it reaches the wings. The flanker’s role is to tackle the opposition and try to steal the ball. The openside flanker binds to the side of the scrum that covers the greatest area, while the blindside covers the side nearest the sideline. They bind loosely to the side of the scrum, but still play an important role in keeping the props tight by pushing at an angle. They should be the first forwards to a breakdown from a scrum or lineout and are expected to link with the backline or secure the ball at the tackle. Both

positions have a high workrate, meaning the players need to be fit as well as good at reading the oppositions attacking plays. During open play if they have not made the tackle they usually stand in the loose next to the ruck or maul. This allows them time to arrive quickly at the next tackle. The blindside is generally the larger of the two and usually acts as a third jumping option at the lineout. The openside flanker is usually faster than the blindside with good opensides excellent at turning over the ball at the tackle. Teams often use their openside Flankers to ‘charge’ the oppositions Fly Half, putting pressure on him and forcing him to rush his decision making, kicking or passing. Blindside flankers also have the task of stopping any attempt by the opposition eighth-man to run with the ball around the blindside of a scrum.

Volleyball

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

RUGBY

Kenya vs Zimbabwe during Victoria Cup.

KENYA FIFTEENS 2011/2012 FIFTEENS SEASON IN KENYA By Michael Kwambo

enyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifteens national side were crowned African champions after beating Tunisia 16-7 in the final in Nairobi on 12 November 2011. They would later tour the UAE where they took part in the Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations, beating higher ranked Brazil 27-25, losing 12-44 to Hong Kong before beating hosts UAE 55-17 to finish second. The EACN was good exposure for many especially for those who had never played outside African continent. Even in their loss to Hong Kong, Kenya were no pushovers, only let down by lapses in concentration as they had matched the victors during the match, even leading 12-10 at half time. With lessons learned from this tour, one hopes the KRU will expose the national fifteens side to more high profile matches as it pursue its dream to have Kenya feature at the Rugby World Cup (RWC) in 2015.

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Kenya Cup The curtains rose on the 2011/2012 Kenyan league season and what a season it turned out to be! The opening fixtures on 26 November 2011 boycotted by clubs opposed to the expansion of the Kenya Cup by current Kenya Rugby Union office which had allocated slots to Kisumu and Kakamega. That weekend saw Strathmore and Mwamba the only teams engage in a contest. An amicable resolution saw the rebel clubs, (KCB, Quins, Impala, Nakuru, Nondies) enter the fray on 3 December 2011. What has happened since then? Defending champions Lunch Bar Quins had a torrid start to the season, winning their opening fixture, a 17-0 result over Mean Machine, before losing 5-12 to newly promoted Homeboyz a week later but since recovered to move to the top of the table after winning 10 matches in a row. Former champi-

ons Impala, with whom they share a great rivalry and dominance of the Kenya Cup league over the past decade and a half, are in mid table oblivion, facing their worst season since 1997. As we look critically at the league, it is interesting to note that Menengai Oil Nakuru and Strathmore are in the top three alongside defending champions Quins, it looks as if the Kenya Cup top three will have a different complexion for the first time since 2002. Remember, Quins, Impala and KCB have been in the top three every season since 2002 and the task is upon the likes of Strathmore, Mwamba, Menengai Oil Nakuru, Machine and Nondies to sustain the challenge they have mounted thus far in the campaign. What can be done to improve the game There needs to be an investment in the technical development of the players too, it is imperative that sides set up structures that see them enjoy depth in their talent pools. Lunch Bar Quins have for example gone the extra mile, hiring conditioning coach Geoffrey Kimani and the fruits of their investment are plain for all to see. It is upon all other teams to stand up and be counted, investing in their players, make Kenyan fifteens rugby competitive, thus raising the quality of the game. This will in turn most probably have the effect of attracting sponsorships and investments that will put the fifteens version of the game on the same footing as the sevens. Until our rugby clubs change the old way of doing things, and unless they change their approach to the game, they will be unable to mount a serious challenge for the Kenya Cup title which will remain the preserve of a select few.

Volleyball RUGBY

HOMEBOYZ

RUGBY CLUB: FROM UNDERDOGS TO BULLDOGS By Carray Ombaka

ot even a fortune teller could have predicted this. It’s the kind of mentality that every amateur player dreams of. When athletes overcome the toughest of odds in pursuit of their dream. Homeboyz - a household name in the entertainment circles - joined the rugby pack as the underdogs, but they finished as the bulldogs. Homeboyz had virtually been written off by bookmakers in Kenya’s second tier competition (ESS) but came out with guns blazing to claim the trophy and join the elite Kenya Cup League. Previous teams that called the shots such as Kenya Harlequin, Impala and Kenya Commercial Bank had to lay back for the new kids on the block. Other teams were left chasing shadows as Homeboyz carried the coveted trophy. Tracing their steps Homeboyz RFC was established in late 2009 with a stint in the National Sevens circuit playing in three of the five tournaments of the circuit. The club initially started as an idea by

the two brothers Myke and John Rabar due to the euphoria associated with rugby in Kenya. At that moment in time, the Kenya sevens national team were doing good and had been ranked sixth in the IRB circuit and had also reached the semifinals of the sevens rugby world cup in Dubai. Due to this success, rugby was seen as a growing sport in Kenya gaining popularity among the youth and also countrywide. Hence Homeboyz rugby was started as an initiative to give new and upcoming players a platform to showcasing their skills. The team began their adventure in competitive rugby in 2009 with the National Sevens Circuit before forming a team for the ESS league in February 2010. The team’s coach-cum-player Paul “Pau” Murunga said the youngsters were driven by an acute hunger for glory. This is the detailed account of a rugby club which started as a joke but ended up playing in the top flight league of the country. This success is historic in Kenyan rugby. Although Homeboyz are currently struggling in the Kenya Cup league, the journey of

their pursuit to glory cannot go unmentioned. Due to the Kenya team’s success and the talent that was witnessed, this encouraged Homeboyz group of companies to start a fully-fledged rugby unit. Successes and Setbacks Homeboyz RFC officially held their trials for the team on the 31st of January 2010 under the supervision of the coaches Eric Situma (now head coach at Menengai Oil Nakuru RFC) and Paul Murunga and the chairman Myke Rabar. A team of 25 players was selected which has now grown to over 70 players. The team went ahead and competed in the Eric Shirley Shield trophy and won on their debut season in the 2010 season. The team suffered some minor setback in not being allowed to play in the Main Kenya Cup league due to some technicalities. However this did not last long as the team went ahead and won the Eric Shirley Shield trophy in 2011 to secure a chance to play in the Kenya cup league.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

RUGBY

ZOOM IN Meet and Know your Star

In this issue we zoom into the personal and professional lives of two of the best of rugby players By Carray Ombaka

36 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

RUGBY

DANIEL OTIENO AGE: 25 HEIGHT: 6 ‘0 WEIGHT: 94 kg CLUB: Homeboyz RFC POSITION: Flanker Dan started playing rugby in 2005 at Imani School Thika, now known as Braeburn Imani. He was used as a utility player but later on settled in well at the back row when he joined Impala R.F.C late in 2007. He then made his move to Homeboyz Rugby in 2010 to make the starting lineup for the 15’s side for the club. Experience as a Flanker As a flanker, I am basically part of the team’s defensive component, providing cover defense when the opposing team breaches our defense. I also protect my own fly-half in scenarios of relieving pressure from the 22, and 5 yard lines. My work is also to break explosively on offence, creating platforms for our team to attack, gain ground and eventually score points. I do this together with the blindside flank and eighth-man Achievements Winning the Eric Shirley Shield twice with Homeboyz during the 2010/2011 season with 51unbeaten games and only one loss, winning the Chairmans Cup as well as the Mwamba cup. What has been the greatest challenge so far? Balancing rugby and daily life can be difficult. Also adapting to the high demands of Kenya Cup and proving most importantly to yourself that you deserve it when the

world wants to watch you fall. What’s your drive or motivation? I am driven by passion, by God, by the people around me. I always have this will to survive where many have fallen because I am different. To whom do you owe the greatest gratitude? Joseph Osunga (High school coach) Benjamin Ayimba,( former Kenya sevens tactician) Philip Mwenesi ( Former player Impala R.F.C) Mitch Ocholla( current Kenya sevens coach), Malik Ndemi, (Impala R.F.C player) Bill Githinji,( Technical Director, Homeboyz RFC) Paul Murunga( Homeboyz coach) Eric Situma(Nakuru coach) and most of all, my mum. All these people have believed in me and shown me that I am capable of being great, and I can be pushed beyond limit. They’ve shown me what it takes to be a champion. Now all I have left is to be that champion that they believe I am. Which is your dream team? All Blacks, done deal. Name your mentors and role models Shane Williams (small man, huge heart), Richie McCaw, Henry Tuilagi and my brother Kichwa. What plans do you have for the future? To play at the highest levels for the club and country. I also aspire to be as good a coach as the ones I have had.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

RUGBY

ZOOM IN

38 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

RUGBY

ZEN MIDAMBO AGE: 23 YEARS HEIGHT: 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;8 WEIGHT: 87kg CLUB: HOMEBOYZ RUGBY POSITION: CENTRE/WING Zen started having an interest in rugby while at Chavakali High School as a form one student. He quickly developed a passion for the game and from Chavakali; he transferred to Kakamega, a school which prides itself in eating, breathing and sleeping rugby. Upon completion of his high school education, Zen joined Nakuru R.F.C before finally settling down at Homeboyz R.F.C. Which experiences have you had in this position? I am expected to act as a finisher. I am usually the last man in possession when my team is on the attack. I use my position to either score tries or create opportunities for my support players to utilize. I can play either open or blind wing depending on the game plan. My speed is above average and I can outdo any slow players. What is your greatest achievements? Earning a Kenya U-19 call and playing franchise rugby for the Buffaloes during the Bamburi Rugby Super Series in 2009 when they lost in the final to eventual winners Rhinos.

Winning the National Schools Sevens title with Kakamega High School in 2008.

What is the greatest challenge you face? Juggling schoolwork and rugby What is you motivation and drive? The desire to succeed on and off the pitch. To whom do you owe the greatest gratitude? I thank my mother for believing in my abilities as a rugby player. I also thank Paul Murunga, the Homeboyz coach for believing in me as a player and Eric Situma for nurturing my skills. Which is your dream team? All Blacks New Zealand and Canterbury Crusaders Name your mentors and role models Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers and England) Bryan Habana (Blue Bulls and South Africa). What are your future plans? Playing professional rugby in South Africa, Most probably Western province or KwaZulu Natal where many South African rugby legends hail from.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball

; S P I H S N O I P M A H C Y E K C O L H O O H C S H G I H GIRLS KERUGOYA

Throughout the school year, schools battle it out on the sporting fields for supremacy in various disciplines. Kenyanstar talks to schools that have shown resilience in their quest for the trophies

hools East Africa Sc again at the to ck bounced ba games. They Af tional and East dominate the Na a in mes two years rican Schools ga had en ev d 2011) an row,(2010 and onisi ov ed to the pr By Stephanie Hann six players nam ua team sq d tional women’s na al re mes hockan option he 12 Olympic ga 20 e Failing is not th r fo 08 a. the 20 ld in South Afric place finish at ey qualifiers he ol, A second ho nd Sc hi be ct gh Hi tra es at rls m s would erugoya Gi Schools ga eir performance Th vi- National di em u th ug w se ch sa Gi EF who gh School located in tention of UNIC at Pangani Girl’s Hi e is th t at ric st y tr Di er nt ga e coun ol to be a ce sion of Kirinya to represent th lected the scho hich ng East qualify w ni ig es The re m . e ey ga th s ck ol of ho Scho home r girls’ the East Africa of excellence fo s. ld on ou pi w ol am ey ho ch Sc Th ey . hock anda ived the African Schools were held in Rw hool also rece sc rls gi e e th th at e i th ed an ur ard at na nurt ss to Pang of the Year Aw Coach P.J. Mai avenge their lo am Te on pi g in am at ch ar be Ye mes, students to rsonality of the nal Schools ga from ordinary 2010 Spor ts Pe hing to coach- Natio nc cli on girls’ to ok st e to ut be ro e He and th s 4-0 en hockey players. Award (SOYA) d it their rival an , 03 uo 20 . ag in le Ch tit ck ay ba African the 2011 ing the team w their first East hool award at ar sc st r 09 ei 20 th e re th fo at third years be ds. ey would finish would take two la Teeniez Awar es and big year for Th m a ga as s w ol 05 ho 20 Sc l tiona began to rise. ntral at the Na g second in Ce in ish fin , rls gi the

40 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

tional ur th at the Na Province and fo . Schools games o more followed by tw This would be 2006 finishes at the second place ships. incial champion and 2007 prov

Volleyball

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

PICTORIAL

‘Im winning this Title’ -Jan Koops

Where is it?????

The babies won’t sleep, who has some Tuzo?

42 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Haha! Now they can think and run!

The crowd- The joy of a footballer

Hallo, huyu Matasi iko wapi? I’ll kill him.

PICTORIAL

We aint prisoners. Its Just a CSR!

Tunapiga saluti!

The beautiful game of football

HOT! But do we say?

Grrrrrr!

Running mate! Nyamweya Tosha!

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

GOLF

THE BARCLAYS KENYA OPEN 2012 - Hard Luck for the Kenyan Contingent By Michael Kwambo

44 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

GOLF

Action at the Barclays Kenya Open at the Muthaiga Golf Course

he Barclays Kenya Open recently took place at the Muthaiga Golf Course in Nairobi bet ween Thursday 29 March and Sunday 1 April and which saw Englishman Seve Benson emerge victorious, taking home the winners prize of 30,400 Euros af ter beating Denmark’s Lasse Jensen in a play-of f. Kenya entered 56 players in this tournament which ser ves as a leg of the European Challenge Tour; a second tier event whose best fif teen performers earn qualification to the top tier European Tour, where they get an oppor tunit y to rub shoulders with leading players like Ireland’s Ror y McIlleroy and American Tiger Woods among others. The best placed Kenyan performers were Dismas Indiza and Brian Njoroge who finished joint 22nd with a t wo under par score of 282, while Ganeev Giddie, Stefan Andersen, Nicholas Rokoine and Anil Shah were the other Kenyans who completed all four rounds of play af ter sur viving the cut on Friday evening. Indiza and Njoroge were within

touching distance of the leaders on the first t wo days of the tournament but falling off the pace at the most crucial time. It was evident that the pressure brought about by the expectations from many Kenyan fans got to them as they dropped out of the top ten, finishing in the positions that they did. Are Kenya’s golfers getting enough exposure? Speaking separately upon completion of their rounds on the final day of the competition, the t wo golfers seemed to speak in unison, stressing the need for more exposure in similar tournaments around the world. Their argument was that this would give them the mental edge, owing to the fact that they would be playing in front of large audiences and they can learn how to hold their own in pressure situations. And they do have a point, Jacob Okello was on the verge of winning the 1998 Kenya Open but lost in the sudden open. Ali Kimani led for t wo days in 2010 before fading to finish

17th overall. Exposure will do these golfers a great deal of good, improved performances in the coming days. As one golfing pundit put it, “You get lit tle by competing in many low intensit y competitions and expecting to win at a high intensit y tournament such as the Kenya Open. Exposing players to high intensit y scenarios will give them a sense of what to do, and how to do it. This must be however be matched by suppor t in terms of sponsorships from well-wishers and coverage from the media. Until then, we will see our local golfers crumble at the finish line while their more composed opponents hold their ner ve, earn more money and rise up the rankings.” Af ter all is said and done, the writing is on the wall, Kenyan golfers will require suppor t and exposure if they are to win their home tournament, the Kenya Open and eventually break into the mainstream professional golf tours and have a stab at the world rankings.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

SPOTLIGHT

Nairobi School, formerly known as Prince of Wales School is an institution with a rich rugby tradition. The school’s rugby team is popularly known as “Patch Machine”, a corruption of the popular University of Nairobi rugby team Mean Machine. Patch is recognized with distinction for having produced popular and great rugby players such as Edward Rombo, the pioneering Kenyan professional player who plied his trade in England, Innocent Simiyu among others. Below is a list of Old Cambrians who have excelled in rugby over the years. The 1990’s 1. Edward Rombo- Mean Machine/ Mwam ba, the first Kenya Pro Player. 2. George Kariuki- Former Chairman KRFU. 3. Paul “Pablo” Murunga- Mean machine/ Nondies, Kenya 7’s and 15’s 4. Steve “ Seniormost” Obondi- Impala RFU/ Kenya 15’s 5. The Onyango brothers; Allan and Pat rick- Harlequins/ Kenya 7’s and 15’s 6. Erick Situma- Impala/ Kenya 15’s/, coach Nakuru RFC 7. Felix Ochieng’- Harlequins/ Kenya 7’s and 15’s, Asst. coach Kenya 7’s 8. Edward Kinyany- Harlequins/ Kenya 7’s and 15’s, Asst. coach Kenya 15’s

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NAIROBI SCHOOL-

NURTURING RUGBY TALENT OVER THE YEARS

2000 to date 1. Nick Olewe- Impala/ Kenya 7’s 2. Michael Kimani- Nondies/ Kenya 15’s 3. Fred Nzui- Mean Machine/ Kenya 15’s 4. Innocent “Namcos” Simiyu- Harlequins/ Impala, Kenya 7’s and 15’s former cap 5. Nato Simiyu- Impala/ Kenya 7’s(Shujaa) and 15’s, now in Kenya 7’s 6. David Gitau “Madilu”- Nondies/ Quins, Kenya 7’s (Shujaa), Kenya 15’s 7. Teddy Salano- Strathmore/ Nondies, Kenya15’s 8. Ken Moseti- Homeboyz/ Nondies, Ken ya 7’s 9. Ken Andola- Strathmore/ Kenya 15’s 10. Ken Isindu “Salamba”- KCB/ Home boyz/ Kenya Shujaa 7’s 11. Phillip Wamae- KCB/ Kenya 7’s Upcoming Talent There is a crop of budding players in the school determined to break out into mainstream rugby. Below are some of the most promising players on the 2012 school team.

Name: Ng’etich Towett Date of Birth: 26/06/1995 Position: Flanker Favorite club: Homeboyz RFC Career aspiration: To play pro rugby in Kenya 7’s team Role model: Nato Simiyu, Sydney Ashioya About patch rugby: Nairobi School’s rugby team a.k.a Patch Machine is about going all in and all out, putting your life on the line for the pride we hold, for the name we know. It is showing solidarity and loyalty for Patch Machine.

Name: Odiyo Allan Date of Birth: 09/08/1994 Position: Fly half/ Scrum half/ Fullback Favorite club: Nakuru RFC Career Aspirations: playing for the Kenya 15’s team Role model: Nato Simiyu, Peter Abuoga About Patch rugby: Machine kipenzi changu we give our all because we get our all

SPOTLIGHT

Name: Ikambili Phillip Date of Birth: 4/01/1995 Position: Center, winger Favorite rugby club: Kenya Harlequin Role Model: Victor Sudi Career Aspirations: To play for Kenya 7’s and 15’s About patch rugby: This is the place to be.

Name: Oduor Moses Date of Birth: 25/08/1994 Position: 8th Man/ 2nd row Favorite club: Harlequins Aspirations: to play in 7’s and 15’s Role model: Horace Otieno About patch: Where else can I be, what else can I give if not excellence? Name: Kenneth Githinji Date of Birth: 09/06/1993 Position: 2nd row/ flanker Favorite club: Mwamba Career aspirations: to win 7’s and 15’s school nationals and play for national 15’s team. Name: Ian Oneal Date of Birth: 07/03/1996 Position: Scrum half/ fly half Favorite club: Kenya Harlequins Aspiration: To win secondary school nationals 7’s and 15’s Role Model: Biko Adema

Name: Martin Thairu Date of Birth: 06/07/1995 Position: Full Back/ Winger Role Model: Victor Sudi Favorite club: Impala RFC Career aspirations: Play for Impala Rugby Club, attain 10 caps for the Kenya 7’s team About patch rugby: I thank the school for supporting rugby in every way, we have good quality coaches who guide us and give us the game plans. There is brotherly love among the players which develops on and off the pitch. Name: Steve Muthui Date of Birth: 06/05/1995 Position: center/ fly half Favorite club: Kenya Harlequin Career Aspirations: to build a name in school rugby, to help Kenya win a sevens leg. Role model: Allan Omuka About Patch Rugby: A team of disciplined players who respect their coach and keep priorities in everything they do. The Principal, Mr. Cleophas Tirop is supportive and has recognized the Rugby team as a flagship for the school. He encourages us to excel not only in Rugby, but also in our academics.

Name: Mongare Alvin (Captain) Date of Birth: 29/08/1994 Position: 8th man/ flanker. Favorite club: Kenya Harlequins Role Model: Collins Injera Career Aspirations: To play for the Kenya 7’s team

Name: Boaz Waweru Date of birth: 11/09/1994 Position: Fly half Favorite club: Impala Career Aspiration: Represent Kenya in the 7’s rugby Role model: Nato Simiyu, Biko Adema Team Achievement so far: This team comprising young talent has the following achievements to their name for the last one year: 1. Provincials 15’s runners up 2011 2. Prescottt cup, Damu Changa runnersup 2011 3. Floodlight Tournament 2011, 3rd place 4. Runners-up Upper Hill 7’s 2011 5. Winners Thika High 7’s 2012 6. 3rd place Lenana Founder’s Day 2012 7. Winners Moi Forces Academy 15’s Trophy 2012 8. Alliance High School 7’s Open, Plate winners 2012

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

SPOTLIGHT

The Patch Machine

COACHING Nairobi School values rugby as sport that has stood the test of time over the years. The coaches have built teamwork, discipline, hard work, understanding, co-operation and respect among the players. After the exit of Felix Ojal to perennial rivals Lenana School early this year, former Kenya 15’s scrum half David Gitau took over the coaching duties. To this end, we have separated the 15’s and 7’s players who are undergoing different training regimes as the two versions of the game dictate. The 15’s team comprises mainly of the Form Three and Two students with a reserve of only 5 Form Fours who play as forwards. An U-15 team that comprises of Form 1 and 2 students has also been established. This team won the R.V.A U-15 tournament in November last year. The juniors train separately under trainers from the Physical Education Department.

48 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Line out Training; • We train daily at 4.00pm- 6.00pm during games time. • The players take a morning run within the school compound and sometimes along Waiyaki Way • We also take the players through endurance and fitness tests at Ngong

•

Hills and Nairobi Arboretum. This is important because rugby is an intensive sport that requires proper conditioning of players. The players also get an opportunity to watch various Kenya Cup matches as well as video sessions in school.

POEM

STARS OF TOMORROW If stars are born And stars grow old Then stars are fed Stars must be trained They need to be encouraged If stars are bright During the dark night Then stars are lit Stars take the lead Then stars will emit light The stars of tomorrow Are stars identified today Nurtured and shown the way To realise their potential Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way to go Milk for their bones Water for their tissues Food for their bodies Tournaments and competitions They need these and more We are the stars of tomorrow We are what you see at the end of this tunnel Now we play for our school teams If future we will feature for big clubs And we will twinkle and shine for our country By Mwangi Gichau

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

50 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

ROME, ITALY 1960 Kenya sent a twenty seven man contingent to these games, represented in athletics, hockey, shooting and sailing. Nothing much to write home about from these games as the team’s most notable performance was

THE BREAK OUT OLYMPICS MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA 1956 Competing as a colony of Great Britain, Kenya would make their Olympic Games debut in Melbourne, represented in athletics, hockey, swimming and shooting by a contingent of 25. There were no medals for the team but notable results included Nyandika Maiyoro’s seventh position in the men’s 5000m final, Arap Sum Kanuti’s thirty first position in the men’s marathon and Lerease Joseph’s eighteenth place in the men’s high jump competition.

A clean sweep for Kenya

Kenya has competed in almost every Olympic Games since making their debut at the Melbourne Olympics of 1956. With the exception of the 1976 and 1980 games which Kenya and other countries boycotted for varying reasons, it has been a long, winding journey filled with many firsts, highs and lows along the way too. KenyanStar documents Kenya’s journey over the years.

By Michael Kwambo

KENYA’S OLYMPIC JOURNEY 1956-2008

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

THE BIG BANG GAMES MEXICO CITY, MEXICO 1968 Kenya’s fourth appearance at an Olympiad would be a special one for various reasons. This was the first Olympics to be held in a developing country. Taking part in athletics, boxing, hockey and shooting, the Kenyan Olympic team were out to build on the sole bronze medal won in Tokyo four years earlier. Kipchoge Keino, by now a household name worldwide due to his distance running exploits beat the fancied American world record holder over 1500m, Jim Ryun, claiming Olympic Gold over the distance. Naftali Temu had earlier claimed Kenya’s first ever Gold medal at an Olympic Games, beating a strong field to win the

THE BREAKTHROUGH OLYMPICS TOKYO, JAPAN 1964 Kenya were back at the Olympics for a third successive games, this time taking part in five disciplines namely, athletics, boxing, sailing, shooting and hockey. Future stars Kipchoge Keino, Naftali Temu and Philip Waruinge were part of the travelling party to the Far East as Kenya competed for the first time as an independent nation, having gained freedom from Great Britain in 1963. 800m runner Wilson Kiprugut’s third place in the final race in Tokyo saw him bag Kenya’s first ever medal at an Olympic Games. Kenya’s hockey team put in a strong display, claiming a sixth overall position in their discipline, a feat that would see them ranked sixth globally.

by Nyandika Maiyoro’s sixth placing in the men’s 5000m.

MUNICH, WEST GERMANY 1972 Having exploded on to the world scene with a bang, Kenya would be keen to replicate, if not eclipse their 1968 show. Kipchoge Keino, competing in his third Olympiad, ensured that Kenya would successfully defend the 3000m/steeplechase as he claimed gold in this race. Kenya’s second gold came from their 1600m relay quartet of Daniel Rudisha (current 800m world record holder David’s father), Charles Asati, Munyoro Nyamau, Julius Sang’ and Robert Ouko.Silver medals from Ben Jipcho in the steeplechase, Keino’s 1500m silver and Philip Waruinge in boxing coupled with bronze medals from Julius Sang’ over 400m, Mike Boit in the 800m as well as Sammy Mbugua and Dick “Tiger” Murungu in boxing saw Kenya continue their medal haul that started way back in 1964.

10000m while Amos Biwott, with his then unorthodox hurdling style that saw him go over the water jump in the 3000m/steeplechase and emerge dry, won the first of many Kenya medals over the distance. Keino (5000m), Ben Kogo (3000m/steeplechase), Wilson Kiprugut (800m) and 4x400m men’s team ( Daniel Rudisha, Charles Asati,Naftali Bon and Munyoro Nyamau) would be Kenya’s silver medallists while boxer Philip Waruinge and Naftali Temu (5000m) were Kenya’s bronze medallists at a games where Kenya had announced her presence to the world with a big bang. The Kenyan hockey team would place eighth in their discipline.

THE RETURN LOS ANGELES, USA 1984 Kenya had been away from the Olympics for twelve years, missing out as a result of politically instigated boycotts. Returning to the Los Angeles games in 1984, the country set out on a mission to continue from where they left off in 1972. Julius Korir reclaimed the 3000m/steeplechase title, following in the steps of Amos Biwott and Kip Keino before him. Bronze medals from boxer Ibrahim Bilal and athlete Mike Musyoka in the 10000m saw Kenya maintain their medal winning trend that started in 1964 with Wilson Kiprugut’s solitary bronze over 800m in Tokyo.

MOSCOW, USSR 1980 This would be followed by another boycott in 1980, this time against the USSR’s decision to invade Afghanistan in 1979. Emerging talent such as Mike Boit and Henry Rono would be unlucky to miss out on both games, especially when you realize that they were in the prime of their careers at this point in time.

THE BOYCOTTS MONTREAL, CANADA 1976 Politics would come in the way of Kenya’s continued participation in the games, as they missed out on the 1976 games, boycotting with several other African countries in protest against the failure by the International Olympic Committee to suspend New Zealand from the games after it’s rugby team, the All Blacks, visited South Africa, which was then governed under the apartheid (segregation) system of government.

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THE GOLD RUSH SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA 1988 Heading into Seoul, Kenya had enjoyed some sporting successes in various disciplines. John Ngugi had won the World Cross Country championships in 1986, retaining it in 1987 and again in 1988. Kenyan athletes had dominated the All African Games in Nairobi. Douglas Wakiihuri had won the marathon gold medal at the World Athletic Championships in Rome. Kenya’s hockey and boxing teams were equally successful at these games. Crossing over to football, and though Kenya was not represented at the Olympics, Gor Mahia had won the African Cup Winners Cup in 1987 while the national football team had won silver at the 1987 All African Games in Nairobi. Indeed there was a feel good factor about Kenyan sport. This feel good factor spilled over to the Seoul Olympics, where Kenya bagged nine medals, five gold, two silver and two bronze to crown their best showing since their debut in 1956.

Sprinter Ruth Waithera broke ground for Kenyan women athletes, reaching the final of the 400m in Los Angeles, her time of 51.56 seconds a Kenyan record that still stands to date.

ATLANTA, USA 1996 A further dip for Kenya in terms of medals, Joseph Keter sparing the country’s blushes by winning gold in the 3000m/ steeple chase, becoming the seventh different Kenyan to win this race. Paul Bitok (5000m), Paul Tergat (10000m), Moses Kiptanui (3000m/steeplechase) and Pauline Konga (women’s 5000m) were Kenya’s silver medallists. Bronze medals came from Fred Onyancha (800m), Steve Kipkorir (1500m) and Eric Wainaina in the men’s marathon. Konga’s medal was particularly remarkable as she had become the first Kenyan wom

THE SECOND GOLD RUSH BEIJING, CHINA 2008 Kenya competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, People’s Republic of China from August 8 to August 24, 2008 winning a total of 14 medals, 6 of the gold, its best ever performance at the Olympics. The Kenyan’s sent a total of 28 men and 18 women to the 2008 summer Olympics. Four of the Kenyan men were credited for the six gold medals and two went to the women.

eba became the third and fourth Kenyan Olympic medallists.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

THE AFTERMATH BARCELONA, SPAIN 1992 The class of 1988 was going to be a tough act to follow, many of the medallists from that squad had moved on for various reason. William Tanui and Matthew Birir won Kenya’s only gold medals at this game, Tanui making sure Kenya retained the 800m title won in Seoul while Birir continued Kenya’s legacy in the steeplechase. Nixon Kiprotich (800m), Paul Bitok (5000m), Richard Chelimo (10000m) and Patrick Sang (3000m steeplechase) were Kenya’s silver medallists. Sprinter Samson Kitur claimed bronze in the men’s 400m alongside William Mutwol in the 10000m. Eight medals for Kenya at these games. A certain Tecla Lorupe finished 17th overall in the women’s 10000m final.

Four gold medals in athletics from Starehe Boys Center alumni Paul Ereng 800m, Peter Rono with Kenya’s first Olympic win in the 1500m since 1968, Julius Kariuki maintaining the country’s dominance in the 3000m/steeplechase and John Ngugi (5000m) were topped up by boxer Robert “Napunyi” Wangila’s gold in the welterweight division, the first ever by an African boxer. Douglas Wakiihuri, the reigning world champion in the marathon claimed silver alongside Peter Koech in the steeplechase while bronze medals from Kipkemboi Kimeli in the men’s 10000m and boxer Chris Sande in the middleweight division made it a good outing for Kenya.

ATHENS, GREECE 2004 Kenya would win one gold medal in Athens, the spiritual home of the games. The gold inevitably came from the 3000m steeplechase where Ezekiel Kemboi become the eighth different Olympic gold medallist for Kenya in this race. Four silvers from Bernard Lagat (1500m), Brimin Kipruto (3000m steeplechase), Isabella Ochichi (women’s 5000m) and Catherine Ndereba (women’s marathon) added to the Kenyan tally. Paul Kipsiele Koech (3000m steeplechase) and Eliud Kipchoge (5000m) were Kenya’s bronze medallists. Kenya’s men claimed the first ever clean sweep of the 3000m steeplechase, taking all medals on offer while Ochichi and Nder-

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 2000 Noah Ng’eny in the 1500m and Reuben Kosgei in the 3000m steeplechase were Kenya’s gold medallists. Ng’eny winning Kenya’s first 1500m Olympic title since Kip Keino thirty two years earlier while Kosgei ensured Kenya’s dominance of the steeplechase continued. Paul Tergat was beaten to second place in an epic 10000m final by Haile Gebreselaise, settling for silver alongside Wilson Boit Kipketer in the steeplechase and Eric Wainaina in the marathon. Joyce Chepchumba became the second ever Kenyan woman to win an Olympic medal, claiming bronze in the women’s marathon. Bernard Lagat claimed the other bronze in the 1500m.

an to win an Olympic medal of any kind.

Next Page for Kenya London Olympics 2012 KenyanStar will be on the lookout as the country prepares its best athletes to go shine. Opening ceremony July 27, 2012.

The other eight medals were split down the middle with four silver and four bronze. Among the gold medalists in Beijing for the Olympics was Brimin Kipruto. He brought home the seventh straight medal in the 3,000 meter steeplechase for the Kenyans. This record dates back to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Coming in at a close third was Richard Mateelong who couldn’t quite catch the Frenchman Mahiedne Mekhissi-Benabbad. The 2008 Beijing Olympics was the first time the Kenyans had participated in the women’s 800 meter event final. Shortly after the 3,000 meter steeplechase, the women captured a gold medal against many odds. Along with the gold, they also took home the silver as well. Pamela Jelimo led her fellow Kenyan Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei to a one-two finish. Samuel Wanjiru (now deceased), was only 21-years-old at the time. He timed his marathon at 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 32 seconds. This not only brought home the gold medal for the Kenyans, but also broke the 24 year-old Olympic record set by Carlos Lopes. The Kenyans finished the Olympics being the most successful African country in the Beijing Olympics, and 15th place in the overall country standings.

OPINION

DUAL CITIZENSHIP; A CURSE OR A BLESSING FOR KENYA’S SPORTS?

rior to passage of the new constitution, Kenya has had to lose some of its biggest sporting talent to more developed and sportsappreciating countries. A cursory look at most sporting disciplines would tell you the country’s been poorer of such wealth of talent and exposure. Look at these few names; Achieng-Ajulu Bushnell, Bernard Lagat, Lorna Kiplagat and the list continues. Some may argue that we have an abundance of talent and can afford to overlook the few who have changed nationalities. But looking at it retrospectively, Kenyan sporting authorities and Government

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By Richard Wanjohi

officials would have saved the country a long time ago by easing the citizenship burden of both budding and outstanding citizens. Putting socio-economic and political issues on the table, the country’s has never been that bad that anyone would want to change their citizenship that much, but neither have our authorities tried to keep a hold for the few athletes who have changed their countries’ residence. Except for the thorny issue that was Kenyan runners changing citizenship in the middle East and sports body managing athletics disowning the runners, most of the other sports bodies have pret-

ty much let go of talent easily. What does citizenship entitle one too anyway? In our case, it means the right to “freedom of expression, freedom of conscience and belief, the right to equal opportunities for men and women, freedom of the media, the rights of arrested persons, and the right of an accused person to get a fair trial”. Expanding further to sports this would mean fair competition and ability to compete and represent the country on equal footing after attainment of qualifying times/ standards, as well as relevant support from the sports body/as-

OPINION sociation and sports discipline that manages that sport. Well the new constitution spells out that dual citizenship is a possibility and this is a big boon to the world of sport in Kenya. Apart from giving sports people born in the country as chance of representing the country, it also offers them a wider net for which they can engage those in sports and its development during and after their professional life. A good case in point is the development of youth training centres. For most sports disciplines these are the grooming grounds for fresh talent where retired international players can engage their services both having had the expertise and using their networks internationally to raise funds and secure sponsorships for such initiatives. Dual citizenship would also make it possible to have players in nontraditional sports. Like for the longest time since the late 1980s, the Kenyan hockey fraternity has lost much of its shine and not been able to represent the country in that sport. Imagine what would happen if there were a few Kenyan-born players from the Asian sub-continent or hockey gurus in the Dutch republic! A perfect example is Equatorial Guinea in the recently held Africa Cup of Nations which they cohosted. Owing to their lack of local talent, the national team heavily recruited from players with roots from the country or naturalised for the sake of playing this tournament. The ‘project’ was not such a big success but at least they managed to rally a nation in the game and were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the tournament.

Abel Kirui defending MarathonWorld Champion

find lenient tax regimes for their career earnings and endorsements. This has made some of Europe’s famous countries not so attractive but on the other hand Scandinavian ones more accommodating. This happens especially in the entertainment scene. In Kenya, no clear policy is there on what happens to winnings and endorsements but with the impending Sports Bill said to be at an advanced stage, some difference will be seen on how sports personalities earn and make their keep. Others have attained this status once it is clear that if for example they came from country A and changing citizenship to country C, they shall easily qualify to represent their newly found states and enjoy greater windfalls from ensuing honours. Countries such as Nigeria, Congo DR (formerly Zaire), Sudan to name but a few have seen how dual citizenry can change the face of their sporting world. Look at what Dikembe Mutombo, Hakeem Olajuwon and Manute Bol did for the game of basketball? Others sports like football have had hundreds of players opting to identify with either one or the other state whichever they deem will see them have playing chances. This is especially so for national team appearances. So the next time Taiwo Atieno dons the Harambee Stars shirt, let Kenyans cheer him like one of our won. With the major meets such the Olympic Games, Africa Cup of Nations, World Cup and Commonwealth, many a sports person has changed or attained dual citizenship to be able to represent their country or ‘new country’. This is a trend that is likely to continue. The Blessings of it all Dual citizens have also used their Shall Kenya reap any benefit or different status to either escape or shall we remain stuck in the past?

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

OPINION

LIFE IS A BALL GAME;

HOW DO YOU PLAY IT? By Kenyatta Otieno

picked a gold nugget from Liza Mundyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book Michelle on USA first lady Michelle Obama. Michelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother Craig Robinson who is a basketball coach can deduce the character of a person from the way he plays basketball. It got me thinking, that life is just a ball game that brings out who we are. Inducing this to the beautiful game- I can confidently ask you, if life is a ball game, how do you approach it? It is who we are that determines the position we play on the pitch. If you got a chance to enter the pitch, which position will you ask for? Goalkeepers Goalkeepers are courageous, quick to response instincts, intelligent and good leaders. Are you the kind of person who anticipates situations and plans people around it?

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This also means you are not afraid to jump into any situation and restore calmness and order. Imagine how you always feel when the goalkeeper grabs the shot from a lethal striker. These are people with great judgment abilities, with a presence in their (penalty) area of influence. Stoppers are committed people who must remain committed and focused even when the team is being whipped. If you can elicit such response at home and at work, then you always stand between the posts in the ball game of life. The flamboyance and recklessness of Jose Luis Chilavert or Fabien Barthez is not necessary to be outstanding, it is about positioning- being at the right place at the right time. Defensive Let me watch my words lest I

come under attack from the defensive types. These are the people who believe every nail needs to be hammered. The main attribute is dependability and good recovery after a slip. Do you know a person who knows how to tackle challenges with clinical precision? That must be a defender in the ball game of life. They know how to tackle threatening situations, keeping tabs on a situation and jumping in at the right time to quell any dangers. The worse side is the person never sees a fight he did not want to get involved. The positive is composure, confidence in the face of attack and good clearance. Just watch out what you do under pressure. Especially in a relationship or how you spend your money. Defenders never get involved so much in the play, they wait to come in when need be. There is no

OPINION

You know them, at home and in the office, they are the life of the moment. They know their way around and have a rapport with everybody. They are flashy and play to the gallery; they enjoy the attention of just being involved. They are always en-vogue and the life of the party. In an attempt to please the crowds, they stretch the truth and what they do for a while. They support the main strikers (finishers) and can also finish the job when need be. They are good dribblers and can get around a few obstacles. Look around you, there are people who can sell anything and any idea, yes- you got it. Strikers They have the clinical precision of assassins and snipers. They are not the best dribblers or ball players, they just know where and when to be there. Baldwin Ngwa of Gor Mahia, Mike Baraza at Leopards and John Baraza of Sofapaka. The Drogba’s of this world are only as good as the number of goals they score. These are the people who know how to seal the deal after someone else has done the spade work. They know how to position themselves for the final powerful shot that wins the deal. They cover little space in terms of running around but will analyze the final document with tooth combs and get you the best deal. They tend to be on demand and most likely poached by rival companies. Utility Players These are the most gifted ones in the ball game of life. Michael Essien of Chelsea, Musa Mudde of

need for flowery football here, just doing what you got to do. Defensive midfielders They play dirty, cutting the opponents play and slowing them down. They support the defense and always seem anonymous in a match but they are very important. These are the type of people who turn the wheel but will never get the limelight. Look at Ghana, Asamoah Gyan and Dede Ayew are favorites yet Antony Annan (do you even know him) - the diminutive lad was so good in front of the defense he did not miss a match in the 2010 World Cup. They are very supportive of the previous and next step of the system. They cover easily when someone moves out of position. For all this great work, they are the ones who get the flogging when things get bad. To slow down the opponents attack, defensive or holding midfielders play dirty and they often get booked or sent off for it. Musa Mudde of Sofapaka, Collins Okoth of Gor and Chrispine Olando of Tusker exemplify this position. They know how to get the ball from opponents, or from defenders and send it to the attack department. Theirs is more of a mundane spade work type of play, tackle, posses and pass. Attacking midfielders Talk of flamboyance and the darling of the crowds. Humphrey Mieno, Bob Mugalia and George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo are good examples of players in this role. Jay Jay Okocha was the darling of Bolton Wanderers fans while Ronaldinho smiled his way into the hearts of Barcelona fans.

Sofapaka, and Andres Iniesta of Barcelona are good examples. They can be deployed in any department as per the need and still perform. Essien has played in defense, holding and central midfield. They are an asset a coach will let go only if he has to because they are rare. They can juggle many roles in a team and home and have a knack for solving problems. They may get lost as well and become jacks of all trades and masters of none. Never the less, these rare talents are dependable and every managers Mr (s) Fix it. When redundancy calls, rest assured they will be the last to go. They learn quickly and adapt to the new environment fast as well. Due to their high work rate and constant motion, they could be prone to mistakes and injuries (like Essien) more easily. Players do not end up in a position because that is where they like. Their physical and mental attributes must match their role on the pitch. The no nonsense defender, the work horse defensive midfielder, flamboyant play maker and efficient striker. This is why we operate as social beings (teams) and employers need people with good inter-personal skills. You can tell where you fall, though I believe most of us have more than one of the above attributes. It is good to know your strong points and build on them then explore ways of working on your weaknesses. The best option is to build social teams around us of people with the attributes we lack. Life is a tough match, before the final whistle is blown; you have to give it your best shot.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

OPINION

DO NOT PLAN TO WIN,

DEVELOP A WINNING CHARACTER

ailing to plan may not be planning to fail after all. Everyone wants to win- I cannot imagine a football player going into the pitch to lose a match. I believe everyone will not venture into anything in life with loosing as an option. At the end of the day, some win and some lose, yet they both planned. I am not trashing the hard work and thought that goes into planning. I love to see a product of thought out processes. It takes more than just planning to win

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By Kenyatta Otieno

a match or any engagement in life. A football team coach will prepare his team to the T. He will bring video recordings of the opposing teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s matches and all. There will even be a strategy to lock out of play influential players. That is the ideal, imagined scenario. When the kickoff whistle goes, the rubber begins to meet the road. This also happens in real life, away from training grounds and the strategic planning serene retreat centers. What each player will do and the team does

will determine if a match is won or lost. It does not matter how meticulously you prepared for the match, it is won within the 90 minutes. A winning mentality is good enough Patrick Viera- the former Gunner now at Manchester City back room was a special kind of player. Roberto Mancini who coached him at Juventus/Inter said the player has a winning mentality. Viera would charge like an injured bull for Arsenal whenever things

OPINION

were not working. Tackling, winning balls and delivering the passes. The match had to be won and Viera took not prisoners This is where an intelligent player will find a balance between the coach’s instructions and the reality on the ground. He will adapt accordingly and rally his team mates into the new approach. The reality will always be different and so the team that adapts first wins the match. It will apply in any project you are involved in. The budget is bound to change, and the weather is out of your control. Your team is composed of people with personal interests under the collective goal. All these are factors beyond your control, so the ability to adapt and change is the key to success. What has made FC Barcelona the best team in the world in the past few years is their distinct character. It is a character that is defined by the clubs ‘trinity’ of fair play, creativity and winning. Take note that winning comes last and should come after the other two have been achieved. This makes it hard to beat them- especially with multiple creative hubs. Jose’ Mourinho never bothers on the means- the end justifies everything. This clearly tells you why there has been a high turnover at Stamford Bridge technical bench since he left. Mourinho’s mantra is winning at all costs and when he loses he does it at no cost as well. The same has followed Inter Milan in their post Mourinho reign and Real Madrid should prepare for a rough spell when he calls it a day. Smart strategy People and organization spend huge amounts of money and time on strategic planning. The same way football teams spend resourc-

es planning for a match. Business Schools have formulated graduate programmes on strategic planning. This shows just how much it is valued in the world, from corporate to political parties. Many organizations will book their managers in serene lodges and conference facilities just to provide the right environment for planning. Football teams will also go to camp to stem distractions ahead of a crucial match. The difference in these secluded environments to the real world is like night and day. Execution separates boys from men, counterfeit from original stuff. It is managers who go away to plan then lower cadres must put that vision into reality. The difference in football is you have to take every player through is part in the plan. The employee who said is a team player must prove it. The manager who leads an efficient team will maneuver the reality in the market. There are no certainties in this world, what looks good today may be far from good tomorrow. It takes a wrong decision or forces beyond our control like terrorism and post election violence to upset the cart. On the football pitch is an injury or change in the opposing teams game plan, it could be going physical or applying antifootball tactics. You never have control of the competition even if the playing field is leveled. Where does this leave us- drop strategic planning all together or spend less time on it? I don’t believe that is the way to go, failing to plan will remain planning to fail. Strategic planning is good, but more effort should be spent in the organization’s ability to adapt to change. Change is a constant, the ball will keep moving

on the pitch and you can’t predict its next stop. Loosing concentration of your industry environment is the beginning of the end of your team. Schools and Colleges should put character formulation as part of extra curriculum programme. Learning skills is easy, but strength of character is the differentiating factor. It is vital that children are brought up with the character traits I call the ‘Cs’ to enable them perform in adulthood. Courage, Commitment, Concentration, Competence and Chemistry (people skills) will help a child navigate this unpredictable world. Others are honesty, patience, focus and emotional fortitude. Back to football and to FC Barcelona in particular. People ask if the numerous passes they make on the pitch are necessary. By keeping procession, means they take control of the game. They will slow down the opponent and decide when to attack. It is this unique way of play that is built in players from as early as eight years old that makes the club special. They have won 12 trophies out of thirteen they have competed for in the past three years. I will conclude with Patrick Viera, a player who has won a trophy with every team he played for. From Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan and recently Manchester City. Roberto Mancini says he decided to keep him in his backroom team because he has a winning mentality. He is a player with the courage to go beyond the coach’s instructions if it will help the team win. It is hard work, building individual character and managing team dynamics. When the chickens come home to roost, you realize that it takes more than the systematic steps put down on paper.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball& DRUGS SPORTS

SPORTS AND

DRUGS Continued from last issueâ&#x20AC;Ś

In Part I of this story Gregory Mulemi explored the issue of doping in sports. Facts discussed were how Kenyan sports personalities were succumbing to pressure to take drugs to enhance performance. In this final part of the story the writer has explored how this vice can be curbed.

he World Anti Doping Agency, WADA, has over the years tried to ensure that all sportspersons are well informed of the causes of doping and so far some of the campaigns that the agency has done have borne fruits. Through the help of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the quest to have drug free competitions is almost being achieved. Athletes are taken through random tests prior to major competitions and this is bringing sanity into the sporting scene. Going by the statistics, many athletes who did not want to have their blood and urine samples tested ended up being flops in later stages in life. WADA in

60 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

liaison with local Olympic committees has stressed the need of athletes staying healthy and this is exactly what is needed to make sports a professional discipline. In the last edition we focused on some athletes from the country who had their careers ruined due to the use of banned substances. Most sports federations in the country are trying to make sure that all those taking part in every tournament or event pass both fitness and health tests. Doping is a global concern When we look at the general situation globally, we know of athletes who have had their reputations ruined by the use of drugs. If we take a glimpse at some of

SPORTS Volleyball & DRUGS

the stars who have had their careers ruined by bad use of drugs we will realize that true success comes from hard work not forcing out results. In 1994, Argentina soccer wizard Diego Armando Maradona was involved in perhaps one of the most famous World Cup controversies of all time. The best player of modern times was alleged to have used a non-performance enhancing drug and was kicked out of the 1994 world cup in USA. Maradona had overshadowed all other players of his generation with his dazzling runs but after this scandal, he could not salvage his glittering career. The long running addiction to cocaine affected his play. Maradona tried to resurrect his career later on but that could not save him from the mystery and when he collapsed from heart problems in the year 2000, the world almost came to a standstill. He might have reformed but the ugly picture still paints his wall. Just like many other athletes who have seen a steady rise in their careers turn into a steady downfall; Maradona is still trying to smart himself so is Andre Agassi and Marion Jones. What is being done about the situation? The need to control use of drugs

might have been heightened in the recent past but is it enough? Many health experts try distributing leaflets to clubs and sports organizations in a bid to sensitize athletes on the effects of doping but this has not been successful. There is need to prohibit doping at all costs. If all federations come up with a clear objective and campaign to wheel out doping cases in sports, the country will witness a turnaround in performances. Good results are usually appreciated by people if they see the level of effort and commitment that a person puts in training and competition. The WADC has stressed the need of having self belief among participants and everybody taking part in any competition. The agency always mentions character and values like the â&#x20AC;&#x153;spirit for sportsâ&#x20AC;? as a special factor towards making one succeed at any level of competition. If someone is an athlete then it is important for the person to have a good image in the public and this must be protected at all costs. Many people in the public domain will tend to look into the finest details if sports personalities and only good reputations carry the day. As a matter of fact,

the public becomes resigned to places where it is suspected that everything is scandalous. Many sporting events have lost publicity among fans because of the bad picture painted on them by scandals. If an athlete does get involved in scandals, there are many things that the athlete is likely to loose and damage his or her reputation. The public normally has no apology to their actions and this makes it hard for an athlete to ever think of doping. Knowing the drugs that have been prohibited by the WADC and IOC helps in ensuring sanity in sports. The 2 organizations have come up with a list of drugs that have been banned and all federations need to have the list. Most of the prohibited drugs are anabolic agents that are commonly used for body building, Beta-2 agonists that are normally used in treating respiratory problems and stimulants. If an athlete wants to know the drug list then visiting the website on www.wadc.org will provide for the best information on this. Some of the drugs put on the list can be controversial but it is the decision of the athlete to either win smart or get involved in a scandal.

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

CSR

Kenyanstar Team in CSR

KENYANSTAR…LET IT SHINE

Reporting on sports matters is our main business But if we can make an impact Then we put our best feet forward This is KenyanStar touching Lives By Peninah Njakwe

enyanstar team has always called on corporates and other bodies to take sports seriously and tap talents. In fact in our virgin issue we focused on nurturing talent as a way of improving performance in sports. It is with this in mind that the team is very keen on giving back to the society. At the end of end of every year the team is dedicated to touch someone or some teams’ life in one way or another. Last year on December 21, the staff visited the Joseph Kang’ethe Rehabilitation Centre. The home is located at Adams Arcade. As

62 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

is the norm the team must participate in match with the hosts before any other programme commences. Luckily for us the centre is built adjacent to a football pitch and there was room to show case our “talents” or lack thereof. The home houses about fifty boys who are all former street children and undergoing rehabilitation after which they are sent to school. With KS on one team and the youngstars on the other the match kicked off. At the end of the match one team emerged victorious but due to prior memorandum of understanding we will not disclose the winner. The boys are talented and the ages of our staff and years without exercise could not match up to the boys swiftness and agility. The score was 3-2. The match apart from giving the boys an

opportunity to showcase their talent was also a good chance for our team to stretch their muscles and a challenge for them to get fit. The KenyanStar team offered refreshments to all who were present and had an opportunity to interact with the boys. Afterwards we wanted to see whether they are just talented in the pitch or also at the dance floor. The answer yes they are. The boys-so quick and robust, out did the staff on the dance floor. They displayed dance moves that Kenyan Star employees couldn’t match and had no choice but to sit and watch. After a day full of activities gifts were presented and received by KS and Principal in charge of the centre respectively followed by a vote of thanks by KS, Managing Director Mr. Booker Ngesa.

Volleyball

KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012

Volleyball

64 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012