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  • The Days When The Game Of Football Was Just That; A Game

    The Days When The Game Of Football Was Just That; A Game

    {Photo courtesy of Vagabondish}

     

    By Dennis Mungai

     

    Anyone who is a true football fan will remember the last day of the 2011/12 English Premier League season very well. Sergio Aguero scoring the last goal of the season to help Man City beat QPR 3-2 and win the first Premier League trophy for the Citizens. Their noisy neighbors Man United had won their match and a draw for City would have seen the title go to Old Trafford. So memorable is this moment that outside Etihad Stadium, City’s home ground there’s a statue of Aguero celebrating with his shirt off.

    Eleven years later, no one would have envisioned what today’s football has become. It seems there’s always something extra to fight for, not just the trophy and medals. Nowadays Premier League matches begin by players taking a knee to show their support in the “No room for racism” initiative. This was mainly brought by the infamous George Floyd,a black man who was murdered by white cops back in 2020, sparking a “Black Lives Matter” campaign across the globe.

    Black players have suffered the worst due to racism by fans, officials and even other people. Take the Champions League game between PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir for instance. One of the members of the Istanbul technical team was racially abused by a UEFA official. The players got so infuriated that they left the match and was forfeited in the 25th minute.

    Video Assistant Referee ( VAR) is another problem. Teams have lost games and players sent off for mistakes committed only for the referees’ official body to issue an apology for unfair treatment. Countless cases of players being red carded then having it withdrawn have floored the football world in recent past. The unforgettable one is Man United’s game against Brighton. Players had to be brought from the dressing room way after the game was over just to take a penalty after VAR intervened and overturned the ref’s decision.  Of course the technology has its advantages, like helping define whether a ball had completely crossed the line for a goal or was cleared out in the nick of time.

    The issues surrounding gender equality have also slipped into the game. The recently- concluded  FIFA Women’s World Cup has many fans questioning the women- empowerment agenda and how far it should go. People have learnt more about the women’s game because of the drama that surrounds it and not the game itself. Spanish FA président Rubiales is now facing sexual assault charges for kissing World Cup- winning Spanish player Hermoso on the mouth.

    I have not even delved into the Saudi league and the ridiculous amounts of money players are shifting clubs for. There’s debate that value of football is now being equated directly with money spent. LGBTQ community has also gained support, with June being the pride month. The corner flags, stadium designs, background colors on social media pages, captains’ armbands, even boots’ laces all show support for this community not only during that month but generally.

    Sometimes I watch that Aguero goal again and just take in that moment. The aura in that stadium at that exact moment when he celebrates with the fans, while their rivals in the other stadium have dejected faces. We might never go back to such days, when it was only football that mattered and nothing else, but it was special while it lasted.

  • Ballon D’or 2023 nominees revealed

    Ballon D’or 2023 nominees revealed

    {Photo courtesy of Remezcla}

     

    By Dennis Mungai

     

    The 2023 Ballon D’Or nominees list has been released ahead of the awards ceremony slated for October 30 in Paris, France. Football’s most prestigious award went to Karim Benzema last year after winning the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid. The nomination for this year’s award has taken into consideration not only domestic league form but also performance on the global stage, notably the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Lionel Messi is in contention and will battle it out with fellow World Cup finalist Kylian Mbappe and his Argentinian teammate Emiliano Martinez. Another Argentine, Lautaro Martinez is also in the list after having won the World Cup and reached the Champions League final with Inter Milan. Manchester City has a decent representation in the list, with Ruben Dias, Kevin De Bruyne  Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland all being nominated.

    This was after Man City won the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history to complete an unprecedented treble. Sevilla’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made it to the list after his heroics helped Morocco reach the semis of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the only African team to have gone that far.

    Despite losing out on the Premier League trophy last season, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have made the list as well. There are quite a number of new names on the list, with first time nominations for players like  Napoli’s Kvichi Kvarastkhelia, Man City’s Josko Gvardiol, who won German Cup for Leipzig last season and Man U’s keeper Andre Onana, who reached Champions League final with Inter Milan last season.

  • THE WORLD IS BOILING UP

    THE WORLD IS BOILING UP

    {Photo courtesy of Washington Post}

     

    By Joe Aura

    Aurajoe6@gmail.com

     

    ‘The period of global warming is over; we are now in the era of global boiling,’ These were the sobering remarks of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Scientists have now confirmed July 2023 as the hottest month ever recorded on Earth.

    The term “global boiling” refers to the current state of the earth as a result of climate change. It is a term used to characterize the extreme heatwaves and droughts that are becoming more common and severe. It sounds like one of those words you’ve heard someplace before. Perhaps on an infographic or a conspiracy theory group discussion. However, it is not a scientific term; rather, a term coined by the U.N that appropriately defines the status of the climate.

    The revelation of Global Boiling by the UN is a grim warning. Temperatures are rising, weather patterns are shifting and we must act even quicker to combat climate change. Global warming’s repercussions are already being seen around the planet. We are experiencing protracted droughts and chilly days, which force everyone to dig out their best winter wardrobe.

    One of the solutions is to cut greenhouse gas emissions and shift to renewable energy sources. Greenspace reports wildfires raging through countries such as Greece, while oil giant Shell just reported quarterly profits of more than $5 BILLION (£3.9 billion). Big oil and gas businesses are accused of benefitting from the climate distraction all around us. In addition to Greece, flames are raging in Algeria. One-third of the world’s droughts occur in sub-Saharan Africa, and Ethiopia and Kenya are enduring one of the worst in at least four decades . So, certainly, Africans are also affected by this.

    But let’s face it, Shell and these big consumer corporations give things that people need. Most industries in the world depend on them for the flow of production. Few, however, have been able to adopt and use their products less. Millennials are the generation making the biggest difference, since 24% of them practice eco-friendly living. But what about the 76 percent who cannot afford electricity or electronic vehicles and automated machines? Even if we are beginning to see green energy enter Africa, I for one don’t think it makes sense to buy a hybrid or electronic car just to drive it on some of the cratered roads within the country.

    The evidence is clear though : extreme weather is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires, and some economic models are benefiting from it. But as of 2021, 85% of individuals worldwide think sustainably while making purchases, having adjusted their behavior to be more environmentally conscious. It really is to everyone of us to do our share to safeguard the world for future generations.

    God gave absolute power over His creation and assigned dominion over the animals to humanity (Genesis 1:26), yet it appears that humans have done everything but secure the situation here at home. It’s not that our species isn’t capable; we conquer, manufacture, and develop incredible innovations while learning more about ourselves. I mean, just the other day, a bunch of scientists developed a transcriber that allows deaf individuals to read your lips.

    The most catastrophic implications of climate change are still avoidable, according to a group of the world’s leading energy experts, economists, and social scientists, but only if societies take urgent, decisive action to put the globe on a safer course. So you and I are more than capable of treating our world in the manner in which we would like to be treated. Not our mother earth, but the negativity in our planet, should be burned. Everyone has a role to perform. Let us remain calm and work together to save the earth.

     

  • Jalang’o Responds Gracefully Following ODM Expulsion

    Jalang’o Responds Gracefully Following ODM Expulsion

    {Photo courtesy of Jalang’os Instagram}

     

    By Janet Wambua

     

    Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o  has chosen a dignified response after his recent expulsion from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

     

    Jalang’o took to his Instagram page to share his thoughts on the matter. He responded with a Bible verse, accompanied by a symbolic image of himself carrying an evidence box to court during the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party’s presidential election petition.

     

    His message read, “No trial is too heavy to lift! No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Corinthians 10:13.”

     

    In a recent announcement, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, led by Raila Odinga and National Chairman John Mbadi, convened to address the conduct of its members. Their actions were based on a report from the disciplinary committee.

     

    Among those facing expulsion from ODM were five members, including Jalang’o. They were alleged to have violated the party Constitution and the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly supporting a rival political group and opposing the party’s lawful decisions.

     

    The other members include, Members of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo, Gideon Ochanda, Caroli Omondi, and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.

     

    Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, on the other hand, faced reprimand for her defiance of the party’s stance on the Finance Bill 2023. She has been instructed to issue a written apology to the party within seven days and is required to pay a fine of Ksh.250,000 within 60 days.

     

    Furthermore, ODM decided to revoke the nominations of four Members of the Kisumu County Assembly (MCAs); Caroline Opar, Kennedy Ajwang’, Peter Obaso, and Regina Kizito.

  • Alarm Antics: Unleashing Your Inner Snooze Champion

    Alarm Antics: Unleashing Your Inner Snooze Champion

    {Photo courtesy of Pinterest}

     

    By Janet Wambua

     

    We’ve all been there folks, the epic battle between you and your alarm clock, a showdown fit for the ages. If there’s one thing students have perfected, it’s the delicate dance of snoozing. Forget dancing like nobody’s watching, I’m talking about snoozing like nobody’s counting.

     

    Let’s talk about my snooze escapades, shall we? I’ve hit the snooze button more times than I’ve hit the “skip intro” button on Netflix. In fact, I’ve turned snoozing into an art form, a finely tuned dance routine between my finger and the snooze button, as I convince myself that I’ll be able to conquer the world after just five more minutes of sleep.

     

    Every morning, it’s a battle of wits between me and my alarm. It sounds, I snooze, it sounds again, I snooze again. It’s a timeless symphony of beeping and dreaming. Funny right?

     

    The initial “BEEP BEEP BEEP” assaults your eardrums, and that’s when the snooze symphony begins. Your half-asleep hand fumbles for your phone like it’s a lifeline, and you’re a sleep deprived sailor lost at sea. A quick tap on the snooze button, and you’re granted a blissful nine minutes of extra sleep. Ah, the sweet illusion that nine minutes can somehow rejuvenate your entire existence.

     

    But who are you kidding? In the span of three snooze cycles, you’ve transformed from a responsible adult-in-training to a pro-level alarm ninja. As your alarm keeps ringing, you keep hitting snooze, convinced that your snooze reflex has become your second nature.

     

    And let’s not forget the masterpiece of excuses your half-awake brain concocts. “I’ll wake up at the next snooze. No, seriously, THIS time I mean it!” you declare with the conviction of someone who’s about to start that assignment due in three days. Spoiler alert: you probably won’t.

     

    By the time you decide to finally emerge from your cozy cocoon, you’re already running late, blaming the universe for conspiring against your noble attempts at punctuality.

     

    So there you have it, dear students, the tale of the snooze symphony. From hitting the snooze button like you’re playing a life-saving game  to negotiating with your alarm like it’s your last-ditch shot at diplomacy. As funny as this sounds, I must say snoozing is like an art, a science, and an Olympic sport all rolled into one.

     

    As you venture forth into your snooze-filled mornings, just remember, you’re not alone. There’s a whole world of us out here, stumbling through the snooze button together, one nine-minute interval at a time.

  • THE AFRICA CLIMATE SUMMIT

    THE AFRICA CLIMATE SUMMIT

    {Photo courtesy of Aljazeera}

     

    By Samwel Owino

     

    Wednesday, 6 September, marks the last day of the Africa Climate Summit co-hosted by the African Union and the Kenyan government that lasted 3 days in Nairobi, Kenya where African leaders convened to discuss climate change.

    One of the main issues of the summit was that countries in Africa suffer the most as a result of the greenhouse gases even though they contribute least to none to pollution.

    On Tuesday during the opening session of heads of state, several leaders made their proposals towards climate action and financing and its future. The proposals made are featured in the “Nairobi declaration” ahead of the cop28 to be held in the United Arab Emirates late November.

    Cop28 president, Sultan Al Jaber proposed on finding a plan that is all inclusive and one that delivers.

    “We need an integrated approach that delivers transformation progress and we need a plan that leaves no one behind,” he said.

    The Nairobi declaration announced by Kenya’s president, William Ruto, has been adopted by  political and business leaders to raise $23Bn to fight the effects of climate change in Africa.

    A united African voice could generate momentum for a series of key gatherings leading to the UN climate summit starting in November, including the G20 meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, 9 September, 2023.

    “We march on with the Nairobi declaration,” said President Ruto, bringing the three-day conference to a close.

  • Matukio na Matokeo Ligi Kuu Nchini Uingereza

    Matukio na Matokeo Ligi Kuu Nchini Uingereza

    {Picha kwa hisani MyBroadBand}

     

    Na Dennis Mungai

     

    Raundi ya nne ya mechi Ligi kuu nchini Uingereza imekamilika wikendi hii siku ya Jumapili, mechi ya mwisho ikiwa baina ya  Arsenal dhidi ya Manchester United. Mechi yenyewe ilikua ya kusisimua, The Gunners wakipata ushindi wa mabao tatu kwa moja. Declan Rice alifunga bao lake la kwanza kama mchezaji wa Arsenal kisha Gabriel Jesus kufunga la tatu na kuhakikisha ushindi wao. Bao la United lilifungwa na Marcus Rashford kisha Martin Odegaard kusawazisha dakika moja baadaye. Vijana wa Erik Ten Hag sasa wapo katika nafasi ya kumi na moja wakiwa na alama sita huku Arsenal wakiwa na alama kumi.

    Siku ya Jumamosi ilishuhudia wachezaji watatu wakifunga mabao matatu kila moja, ama kwa Kimombo “hat-trick”. Evan Ferguson wa Brighton alifunga mabao matatu kusaidia timu yake kupiga Newcastle 3-1. Erling Haaland alifunga mabao matatu pia na kuzalisha lingine huku vijana wa Pep wakigaragaza Fulham 5-1. Mabao mengine yalifungwa na Nathan Ake na Julian Alvarez. Spurs walishinda Burnley 5-2, Son Heung-Min akicheka na wavu mara tatu huku Romero na James Maddison wakiongezea vijana wa Vincent Kompany masaibu baada ya kupandishwa daraja msimu huu.

    Jurgen Klopp alipata ushindi wa 3-0 katika mechi yake ya mia tatu kama mkufunzi wa Liverpool.  Szoboszlai na Salah walifungia Reds huku difenda wa Aston Villa Matty Cash akijifunga. Crystal Palace walipata ushindi wa mabao matatu kwa mawili dhidi ya Wolves nayo Chelsea walilazwa 1-0 na Nottingham Forest.

    Siku ya Ijumaa West Ham walishinda Luton Town mabao mawili kwa moja, Jarrod Bowen akiendeleza msururu wake wa  kufunga mabao msimu huu. Brentford na Bournemouth walitoka sare ya mabao mawili nayo mechi ya Sheffield United na Everton kumalizika kwa matokeo sawia.  Ligi itachukua mapumziko ya mechi za kitaifa za kirafiki na itaendelea tarehe kumi na sita mwezi huu.

  • English Premier League Review

    English Premier League Review

    {Photo courtesy of SN}

     

    By Dennis Mungai

    Round three of the English Premier League ended yesterday with the fixture between Liverpool and Newcastle United closing out what has been an interesting weekend. Defending champions Manchester City had to scrap and settle for a 2-1 win over newly promoted Sheffield United. Last season’s top scorer Erling Haaland missed a penalty but still scored with a header for his third goal this season.

    Arsenal blew a 2-1 lead to concede late in the match and end with a 2-2 draw against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. Bukayo Saka scored a penalty and Eddie Nketiah tapped in the second goal. But Joah Palhinha poked in a late equalizer to spoil Arteta’s perfect start to the season.  Liverpool needed Darwin Nunez’s last minute heroics to beat Newcastle 2-1 as he came off the bench to score both the equalizer and winner for the Reds. Anthony Gordon had put Newcastle ahead but Virgil Van Dijk was sent off some minutes later for denying Isak a goal scoring opportunity.

    Brentford drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace and Everton ended the third straight weekend without a goal or a point as they lost 1-0 to Wolves. James Maddison continued his hot form for Spurs with another goal as they beat Bournemouth 2-0. Elsewhere, Brighton’s fine start to the season was ended by a 3-1 home defeat to West Ham, inspired by new signing James Ward-Prowse stellar perfomance.

    At Old Trafford, Manchester United had to come back from an early surprise by Nottingham Forest. The Red Devils were 2-0 down after just four minutes thanks to goals by Taiwo Awoniyi and Willy Boly. Goals by Christian Eriksen and Casemiro restored some calm for Ten Hag’s men before Bruno Fernandes scored the winning goal via a penalty in the second half to secure all three points. Chelsea got their first win under new manager Pochettino by beating Luton Town 3-0 on Friday. Raheem Sterling scored twice, with new signing Nicolas Jackson getting his name on the scoresheet as well.

  • Harry Kane Shines on Home Debut as Bayern Munich Defeats Augsburg 3-1

    Harry Kane Shines on Home Debut as Bayern Munich Defeats Augsburg 3-1

    [Photo courtesy of Allfootball]

    By Eugene Oyier

    Harry Kane made a dazzling home debut for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, guiding his team to a resounding 3-1 victory against Augsburg. This defeat marked Augsburg’s 15th consecutive winless away game, underscoring Bayern’s dominance.

    Bavarian giants Bayern, who had previously scored four against Werder Bremen, exploited Augsburg’s defensive vulnerabilities. Despite Augsburg showing promise on the counter, their chances were marred by Ermedin Demirović’s missed opportunity.

    Bayern’s breakthrough came through fortunate circumstances, as a rebound off Felix Uduokhai followed Leroy Sané’s shot, putting them ahead. Minutes later, a handball in the box led to a penalty, confidently converted by Kane for his debut goal at Allianz Arena.

    Kane, eager to add to his tally, narrowly missed from an angle. Augsburg struggled to contain Bayern’s pace, with Dahmen’s reflex save and Rexhbecaj’s block preventing further goals. An unlucky strike from Sané hit the post.

    Kane completed his brace with a well-placed poke over Dahmen, courtesy of Alphonso Davies’ precise setup. Augsburg managed a late consolation goal through Demirović to finish 3-1.

    Bayern’s victory solidifies their Bundesliga standing, with Kane’s performance hinting at a promising season ahead.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Malkia Strikers Clinch 10th African Nations Championship

    Malkia Strikers Clinch 10th African Nations Championship

    [Photo courtesy of the star]

    In a stunning display of skill and determination, the Malkia Strikers of Kenya have emerged victorious in the African Nations Championship!

    Kenya’s Malkia Strikers defeated Egypt 3-0 to win the African Nations Championship, giving them their tenth continental championship. With this historic victory, an 8-year wait comes to a triumphant end, giving Kenya a firm hold on the 10th championship.

    With a remarkable 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-14) victory over Egypt in Cameroon, they were able to emerge victorious. As members of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB), they have qualified for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship thanks to the victory. Additionally, they have already qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

    With their unwavering teamwork and exceptional talent, they dominated the competition, leaving their opponents in awe.

    The Malkia Strikers’ path to success was not an easy one. They were up against formidable squads from throughout the continent. Their unrivaled spirit and unrelenting quest of excellence, however, catapulted them to the top.

    The Malkia Strikers, led by their excellent captain and star player Mercy Moim, demonstrated their prowess in every encounter. Throughout the competition, their strong spikes, crisp serves, and solid defense kept their opponents on their toes.

    Now that they have won the African Nations Championship, the Malkia Strikers have their sights set on the Olympics in Paris! They are adamant about representing Kenya on the international scene and bringing home Olympic gold.