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Category: News

  • Juventus Midfielder Pogba Banned For Four Years For Doping

    Juventus Midfielder Pogba Banned For Four Years For Doping

    [Photo Courtesy]

    Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has reportedly been handed a four-year ban from football after failing a drugs test last August.

     

    The French man tested positive for testosterone after Juventus’s first game of the season against Udinese.

     

    The midfielder left Manchester United for the second time in summer of 2022 to join Juventus for a second stint after a mixed time of highs and lows with the Red devils.

     

    Pogba’s second stint with the Old lady did not live up to expectations and fell incredibly short of what he achieved in Turin prior to his move to Manchester in 2016.

     

    The ban could be career ending for the 30-year-old who will be turning 31 next month, and will not see a return to the pitch until he is almost 35.

  • Manchester City Moves Within One Point of Liverpool With Brentford Win

    Manchester City Moves Within One Point of Liverpool With Brentford Win

    [Photo Courtesy]

    Manchester City kept pace with league leaders, Liverpool after a 1-0 triumph over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, February 20.

     

    The Cityzens were made to wait as Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the 71st minute to hand Pep Guardiola’s side all three points against Bees.

     

    After a frustrating display against Chelsea, the Danish striker was back on the scoresheet as he capitalised on a mistake from Krisstofer Ajer, who slipped at the vital moment, allowing him through on goal.

     

    The victory took City above Arsenal into second spot and one point behind the leaders who they are yet to play at Anfield on March 10.

     

    For Brentford, with six points from their last 11 games, they are only five points off the relegation zone and still searching for the sustained improvement that will get them away from trouble.

     

     

  • Atletico Come Up Short as Dortmund Held

    Atletico Come Up Short as Dortmund Held

    [Photo Courtesy]

    Atletico Madrid’s hopes of reaching the quarter-final stage of the Champions League have taken a blow, as they lost 1-0 to Inter Milan at the San Siro.

     

    The round of 16 encounter saw Inter take the game by the scruff limiting Diego Simeone’s men to few chances as Lautaro Martinez nearly put the hosts ahead nearing half-time but scuffed his chance.

     

    The Nerazzurri pulled ahead when Marko Arnautovic who was introduced at half time due to an injury for Marcus Thuram, proved to be the difference maker for Inter.

     

    After missing two clear-cut chances in the second half, the Austrian scored the winning goal with 15 minutes to play as he pounced on a rebound from Lautaro’s saved shot.

     

    Diego Simeone’s men are however far from condemned as the 1-0 scoreline means they do have a chance of overturning the deficit in the reverse fixture in Spain.

     

    In another fixture, PSV Eindhoven held Borussia Dortmund to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 encounter.

     

    Goals from Donyell Malen for the German side and Luuk de Jong for the Dutch side ensured all was to play for going into the second leg set to be played in Germany.

     

  • English Premier League review

    English Premier League review

    By Dennis Mungai

    Aston Villa were left to rue missed chances as they lost 2-1 to Manchester United at Villa Park. Rasmus Hojlund had given United the lead before Douglas Luiz equalized in the second half. Villa wasted some clear cut chances and got punished for that when substitute Scott Mctominay scored the winning goal via a header from a Diogo Dalot cross. The result sees United close the gap to five points behind Villa.

    Earlier on Sunday, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice starred for Arsenal in a 6-0  rout of West Ham at the London Stadium. William Saliba, Trossard and Gabriel also got on the score sheet for the Gunners. The win sees them solidify third spot on the table, level on points and goal difference with Man City in second place.

    Erling Haaland returned to the starting 11 and scored a brace to help Man City see off Everton 2-0. The Toffees had held back City to zero shots on target till the 71st minute when Haaland got his first goal. He then added another from a Kevin De Bruyne assist, his fourth since his return from injury. Haaland now has 16 goals, 2 ahead of Mo Salah in the race for the Golden Boot.

    Other Saturday results saw Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 3-2, while Fulham defeated Bournemouth 3-1. Tottenham Hotspurs needed a last minute goal from Brennan Johnson to defeat Brighton 2-1, while Darwin Nunez’s late goal in the second half helped Liverpool blaze past Burnley 3-1. Only 2 points separate the league leaders Liverpool and third placed Arsenal.  The last match of the week sees Chelsea visit Crystal Palace on Monday, with a win for the Blues moving them to 10th place.

  • Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Dies in a Road Crash

    Marathon World Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum Dies in a Road Crash

    Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, the holder of the men’s marathon world record at 24 years old, tragically passed away in a car accident on Sunday evening, February 11.

    Alongside him, his coach Gervais Hakizimana from Rwanda also lost his life in the accident on a road in western Kenya.

    Kiptum emerged as a significant figure in marathon running in 2023, rivaling fellow country man Eliud Kipchoge, one of the sport’s greats.

    Notably, Kiptum surpassed Kipchoge’s achievement in Chicago last October, completing the 26.1 miles in two hours and 35 seconds.

    Both athletes were poised to represent Kenya in the marathon at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

    Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for sports Ababu Namwamba expressed profound grief, calling Kiptum a “special gem” and remarking on the loss for Kenya.

    Those sentiments were shared by Raila Odinga, Kenya’s opposition leader and former prime minister, who hailed Kiptum as a “true hero” and mourned the loss of a remarkable individual and icon in Kenyan athletics.

     

  • Sebastien Haller’s Remarkable Journey From Cancer Treatment to AFCON Final

    Sebastien Haller’s Remarkable Journey From Cancer Treatment to AFCON Final

    [Photo Courtesy ]

    Sebastien Haller’s journey from battling testicular cancer to scoring crucial goals for the Ivorian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations final is a testament to his resilience and determination. Born in Paris to a French father and Ivorian mother, Haller’s decision to represent his mother’s homeland on the international stage proved pivotal in the Elephants’ journey to the final.

     

    In July 2022, just two weeks after joining a Bundesliga side, Haller received the shocking diagnosis of testicular cancer. Despite the daunting prognosis, Haller faced his illness with courage and fortitude, undergoing rigorous treatment with unwavering determination. With the unwavering support of his team and fans, Haller emerged victorious from his battle against cancer, returning to full training in early January 2023.

     

    His comeback was marked by a goal against Freiburg on World Cancer Day, symbolizing his triumph over adversity. However, injury struck again in December, hindering his participation in the 2023 Nations Cup. Nevertheless, Haller’s return to the squad provided a much-needed boost after a rocky start for the Elephants.

     

    His impact was immediate, as his physical presence and skill proved crucial in key matches. From his pivotal role in securing a dramatic victory over defending champions Senegal to his contribution in the thrilling quarter-final against Mali, Haller’s influence on the pitch was undeniable.

     

    Now, as Ivory Coast prepares to face Nigeria in the AFCON 2023 final, Haller’s presence embodies more than just football; it represents the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. With the prospect of securing Ivory Coast’s first Nations Cup title since 2015 within reach, Haller’s journey serves as an inspiration to all who face challenges in their path.

     

    As Haller himself reflects on the upcoming final, he remains focused on the task at hand, determined to seize the opportunity to etch his name in the annals of Ivorian football history. With his remarkable journey from cancer diagnosis to AFCON final, Sebastien Haller’s next game promises to be his most memorable yet.

  • The Making of a Football god: Ronaldo at 39

    The Making of a Football god: Ronaldo at 39

    [Photo Courtesy]

    By Leeroy Wuone

    Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Santo Antonio, the mountainous neighborhood of Funchal, Madeira. The Portuguese superstar  was born on February 5, 1985 as the youngest of four children; two girls and two
    boys.

    Ronaldo’s mother Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro was a cook and cleaning lady while his
    father, Jose Dinis Aveiro was a gardener and the parents ensured that they worked extremely hard to
    provide for Cristiano’s siblings and Cristiano himself.

    Ronaldo who had trouble controlling his temper was expelled from school for throwing a chair at a
    teacher and this led the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star to assume he would become a village fisherman.

    One time when asked by Canal 11 where he thought he would be at the age of 35 as a kid he said he thought he was going to be a fisherman in his village In Madeira.

    “This never came to my mind and I wanted to be a professional footballer but I
    did not think I was going to win everything I won by 35,’’ he said.

    Cristiano who had little interest in academics later joined Clube Desportivo Nacional of Madeira and then transferred to Sporting Clube de Portugal or Sporting CP also known as Sporting Lisbon, where he played for various youth teams.

    The then teenager made 31 appearances for Clube Sporting Lisbon and scored 5 goals as he later went on
    to be signed by English club Manchester United in 2003 at 18 years old. It was later revealed he joined
    the English giants because every other club that was interested in signing the winger wanted to loan him back to sporting CP. This was revealed by his agent Jorge Mendes.

    In Manchester United’s 2008 squad, instead of being part of the frontline, Ronaldo primarily played as a right-sided midfielder in former United coach Sir Alex Ferguson’s preferred 4-2-2 formation. He played on the right and operated as a hybrid right midfielder-winger.

    The 2008 UEFA Champions league took place on 21 May 2008 at the Luzhniki Stadium in
    Moscow, Russia and was contested between Man United and Chelsea, making it an all-English final for the first time in the history of the UEFA competition.

    Manchester United won the game after a 6-5 penalty shootout win, as CR7 was the Fan’s man of the match having scored the opener goal in the 26th minute after a cross by Wes Brown while Edwin van der Sar, the united veteran goalkeeper was the UEFA man of the match.

    The Portuguese will forever go down as one of La Liga’s all time greats having made the switch to Spanish giants, Real Madrid in 2009 and enjoyed an incredible nine-year stint in the Spanish capital as he went on to score a total record of 450 goals and 131 assists in 438 games while winning 4 ballon d’ors with the Los Blancos.

    Most football fans can attest they enjoyed the positive football rivalry between Cristiano and Argentine great Lionel Messi of who plied his trade at arch rivals Barcelona at the time, well known for his dribbling and use of his magic wand of a left foot.

    At Juventus club in Turin Italy, the famous number seven managed to become the fastest ever Juventus
    player to score 100 goals for the club having been  signed for a reported fee of 117 million euros from the Los Blancos in the summer of 2018 .

    Currently at Al-Nassr after making a surprise move to the Saudi pro league, Cristiano has managed to score a whooping 44 goals in 50 games for the Riyadh based team. Two of these goals earned the team a trophy as Al-Nassr won their first Arab Club Champions cup in 2023 courtesy of a CR7 brace in the final against rivals Al-Hilal.

    Apart from football the polarizing superstar has had great impact in society having supported a wide range of charities, including Save the Children, UNICEF, and world vision. He has also donated money to help victims of natural disasters such as the Nepal earthquake and the covid-19 pandemic.

    For sure outside the pitch Cristiano the GOAT isn’t as fierce as he seems in boots and on shorts. For me, CR7 is my greatest of all time footballer, for some Messi for his humbleness, natural skill and immense impact he has had among football lovers more so his hometown In Rosario, Argentina.

    Happy 39th birthday CR7, 5th February,1 985 and a GOAT was born

  • Arsenal Close the Gap on 1st Placed Liverpool With Convincing Win

    Arsenal Close the Gap on 1st Placed Liverpool With Convincing Win

    [Photo Courtesy ]

    Arsenal came out on top in a six-pointer match against Liverpool, at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, February 4 2024.

    The excitement peaked in the 10th minute when Bukayo Saka missed a golden chance, setting the tone for a nail-biting encounter. Just two minutes later, Donyell Malen’s shot for Liverpool narrowly missed the target, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

     

    In the 14th minute, the crowd erupted as Saka found the back of the net, putting Arsenal in the lead with a stunning goal. However, Liverpool quickly equalized in the 48th minute, thanks to an unfortunate own goal by Gabriel.

     

    The tension continued to rise as both teams fought tooth and nail for dominance. In the 67th minute as Gabriel Martinelli secured a crucial goal for Arsenal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

     

    The drama didn’t end there, as Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate received his marching orders in the 88th minute after receiving a second yellow card, leaving his team with a mountain to climb.

     

    As the clock ticked into injury time, Arsenal sealed their victory with a goal from Leandro Trossard in the 92nd minute, putting the result beyond doubt.

     

    Despite the fierce competition, Arsenal emerged triumphant with a final score of 3-1, much to the delight of their fans. The match showcased the intensity and skill of both teams, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating their next encounter.

    The result leaves the Gunners trailing the league leaders by just 2 points, seating on 49, 2 behind Liverpool and 3 ahead of Manchester City.

  • Manchester United Dominate West Ham with 3-0 Victory at Old Trafford

    Manchester United Dominate West Ham with 3-0 Victory at Old Trafford

    [Photo Courtesy]

    By Eugene Oyier 

    Eugeneoyier@gmail.com

    In a commanding display, Manchester United secured their fourth win in five games in 2024 with a resounding 3-0 triumph over West Ham United. The Red Devils extended their unbeaten head-to-head record against the Hammers at Old Trafford to an impressive 16 league games.

     

    The match kicked off with both teams displaying end-to-end action, with goalkeepers Alphonse Areola and André Onana being called into action early on. Manchester United took the lead when Casemiro intercepted the ball in the Hammers’ half, setting up Rasmus Højlund for a brilliant finish from the edge of the box.

     

    Despite West Ham’s efforts to respond, the Red Devils almost doubled their lead just before half-time as Højlund narrowly missed a shot from a tight angle. The second half saw a goalkeeping switch for West Ham, with Łukasz Fabiański replacing the injured Areola. However, United quickly capitalized on this change, with Alejandro Garnacho’s deflected shot finding the back of the net, leaving Fabiański helpless.

     

    While United sought a third goal, defensive vulnerabilities left them exposed at the back. West Ham had an opportunity to cut the deficit, but Diogo Dalot’s last-gasp block denied Jarrod Bowen a chance to score. In the final half-hour, United’s defense put up a solid performance, providing a platform for Scott McTominay to seal the victory in the 85th minute by setting up Garnacho for his second goal of the game.

     

    Despite defensive frailties shown throughout the season, United’s backline demonstrated resilience in the later stages, securing their third clean sheet in 12 home league games this season. The win keeps Manchester United in contention for a top-four finish, with only eight points separating them from fourth-place Aston Villa.

     

    This commanding performance by Erik ten Hag’s side sees them climb above West Ham in the Premier League table, with a comfortable 3-0 victory that marks their biggest home win of the season. The Red Devils now set their sights on a crucial clash with top-four hopefuls Aston Villa, while West Ham looks to bounce back against title challengers Arsenal at the London Stadium.

  • Meta CEO’s Apology Echoes Historical CEO Confessions

    Meta CEO’s Apology Echoes Historical CEO Confessions

    By Joe Aura

    In a recent Senate hearing, Meta CEO c found himself in the spotlight as he issued a public apology to families who claimed their children suffered harm due to social media content. The emotional and intense session has drawn comparisons to other historic CEO apologies, such as Bill Clinton’s acknowledgment of the Monica Lewinsky scandal and Steve Jobs’ response to the iPhone 4 antenna problem. As the world watches, these apologies reflect a common thread of public figures facing intense scrutiny, acknowledging mistakes, and expressing remorse.

    Zuckerberg’s apology, delivered after intense questioning, resonates not only with an international audience but also with the Kenyan public. The societal impact of social media, particularly on children, is a concern shared globally. In Kenya, where social media usage is widespread, the implications of online safety for children are pertinent, making Zuckerberg’s apology relevant to Kenyan families.

    The international audience is closely observing the consequences of CEO apologies on reputation, career, and legacy. While Clinton’s legacy remains tarnished, Jobs’ apology contributed to Apple’s image recovery. The repeated appearances of Zuckerberg before Congress prompt questions about the potential long-term impact on Meta’s standing and its influence on the global tech industry, with implications for Kenyan users. The hearing’s exploration of legislative initiatives to hold tech companies accountable extends concerns beyond the United States, resonating with Kenyans navigating their regulatory landscape. This ongoing debate emphasizes the urgent and complex need to address online safety on a global scale, including in Kenya.

    The emotional testimonies from affected families resonate across borders, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to address the challenges posed by social media content. As the future of social media, regulation in the United States remains uncertain, but the global implications of such decisions are profound. For Kenyan and international audiences alike, the ongoing dialogue about online safety reflects the evolving relationship between technology, responsibility, and the well-being of users, particularly the younger generation.