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Category: Sports

  • Premier League Approaches €1 Billion Spending Spree

    Premier League Approaches €1 Billion Spending Spree

    By Eugene Oyier

    (eugeneoyier@gmail.com)

    The Premier League is quickly approaching the remarkable milestone of spending €1 billion on incoming transfers this summer. The English league has already splurged an incredible €870 million during the summer transfer window, which has been open for less than two weeks.

    It is highly likely that by the end of the week, the Premier League will successfully reach the €1 billion mark with upcoming transfers of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to Arsenal for €123 million, and Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana making a move to Manchester United for €60 million.

    Impressively, these figures have been achieved with the European transfer window still in its early stages. Despite the emerging competition from the Saudi Pro League, the Premier League shows no signs of slowing down and is poised to break spending records once again.

    Among the notable spenders, Arsenal is set to surpass the €200 million mark by acquiring Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber. Meanwhile, Tottenham currently holds the title for the highest spenders in England, having secured the signings of five players for a total of €136 million.

    Liverpool, on the other hand, has made substantial investments, exceeding €100 million on two players, namely Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szobozlai. Additionally, Manchester United’s expenditure will reach €125 million when Onana joins their ranks alongside newcomer Mason Mount.

    Although Chelsea has only just begun their spending spree, they are already nearing the €100 million mark. Notably, Newcastle broke the transfer fee record for a Milanese and Italian player by acquiring Sandro Tonali for €70 million.

    Brighton, Brenford, and Wolves have also shown their financial muscle, each surpassing €50 million in spending so far.

    In terms of net spend, the Premier League currently stands at -€382 million, outshining Serie A (€71 million), La Liga (€-20 million), and the Bundesliga (€187 million in the green).

    These staggering figures once again highlight the vast economic gap between the Premier League and other European leagues. Consequently, it is no surprise that fans outside of England express their dissatisfaction with the lack of competitive balance and equality in club football today.

    As the years pass, this trend continues to grow, widening the gap between the Premier League and the rest of Europe. The league’s superior economic might raises concerns about the future of football, emphasizing the

     

  • World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament set to kick off

    World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament set to kick off

    By Stephen Awino

    stephenawino180582@daystar.ac.ke

    The World Rugby Under 20 Trophy tournament is set to kick off this coming Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

    Spain and the USA are the latest teams to arrive in Nairobi for the tournament, totalling to six teams that have touched down. The other teams include Hong Kong, Scotland, Uruguay and Samoa.

    Four matches will be played on Saturday as Scotland open the tournament against Zimbabwe. Uruguay will take on the USA as Spain face Hong Kong. The hosts, Kenya, will play Samoa.

    The series of matches spanning four days, will see the team that emerges victorious earn promotion to the U20 Championship scheduled for 2024.

    The World Rugby U20 Trophy is making a comeback having taken a long hiatus due the pandemic.

  • Europe’s top five leagues kick off pre-season

    Europe’s top five leagues kick off pre-season

    By Stephen Awino

    stephenawino180582@daystar.ac.ke

    After a long summer break and the opening of the summer transfer window, Europe’s top five leagues have kicked off pre-season ahead of the of the 2023/24 season.

    Manchester United comfortably beat Leeds by two goals to nothing in their first match of pre-season. Goals scored Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill in the 67th and 81st minute respectively, eased the red devils past the whites.

    Manchester United new boy Mason Mount started the match alongside first teamers, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho. Key players like Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are yet to join the squad.

    The Red Devils will travel to Scotland ahead of their match against French side Lyon. Afterwards they will travel to the US to take on Premier League rivals Arsenal.

  • Saudi Pro- League, The Way To Go.

    Saudi Pro- League, The Way To Go.

    By Dennis Mungai

    In December of 2022, the world watched in awe as Saudi-based football club Al Nassr unveiled their newest signing, Cristiano Ronaldo. Many fans could not believe that arguably the best footballer ever had left the European stage after more than 20 years. The salary he was to receive was eye-catching, close to 200 Million dollars per year. People thought that he had only gone there for the money, but the recent transfers are proving something different.

    Since that enormous transfer, close to 10 players have made transfers to clubs in the Saudi Pro- League since the start of 2023. Most notably was Karim Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad. Having won literally every European trophy possible, even the prestigious Ballon D’Or , it came as a surprise when he mentioned that he was leaving Spanish giants Real Madrid.

    Having joined the Los Blancos in 2009, Benzema went on to become the second highest Real Madrid goal scorer ever and left Madrid having won 24 trophies during his time in Spain. He became club captain in his final year at the club, having being vice captain shortly before that.

    The move to Saudi was very fast-paced. It began as rumours, then the player tweeted on his social media pages a heartfelt message to his Madrid fans. Few days later, Al- Ittihad unveil Benzema as their new number 9, a new path for the 35 year-old striker. It did not take long for the club to then unveil a second acquisition. In a surprise move, 2- time Premier League winner Chelsea’s Ngolo Kante joined Benzema in  Saudi , donning  Al- Ittihad’s  yellow and black- striped shirt.

    Other Saudi clubs also started hunting for European talents. Clubs like Al- Hilal and Al-Ahly have signed big names like Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech, all who were former teammates of Kante at Chelsea. Former Wolves’ captain Ruben Neves also joined the Saudi league. Multiple Champions League winner with Real Madrid Luka Modric also decided to follow in his former teammate Benzema’ s footsteps and join a Saudi based team.

    This massive exodus of players has also managers being appointed to lead teams in that league as well. Former Liverpool captain and Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard was recently appointed Al-Ittifaq manager, with him also targeting to bring Premier League players to his new team.

    Emphasis has been laid on Chelsea, which has seen 4 of its players leave the team for Saudi Arabia. Questions are beginning to arise over potential dealings between the oil-rich Arab nation and the Blues. Chelsea spent over 600M euros on players in the two transfer windows and are looking to plough back some of that money through player sales.

    The speed of completion of these deals is also noteworthy. Stories that begin as rumors are quickly dashed away as players make decisions without hesitance. Some of these deals were unknown till the player reveal happens and every one is taken aback. But what now lingers on fans’ minds is, what are Saudi Arabia aiming at by going for European big guns? Those who thought it was a retirement package for old players, think again. Benzema and Ronaldo may be on the wrong side of 30, but players like Ziyech and Neves still have plenty to play for. What does this mean for subscription to channels that broadcast these games? Fans would definitely want to see Benzema vs Ronaldo for the first time.

    The Saudi Pro- League will definitely be one to watch, having been on everyone’s radar recently with the signing of all these big players. Will it be a threat to other big leagues like the English Premier League or LaLiga?  Is it just about signing massive headliners or there is something more to this? Fans will just have to wait and find out.

  • Mandonga ‘Mtu Kazi’ lives up to his words

    Mandonga ‘Mtu Kazi’ lives up to his words

    Karim ‘Mtu Kazi’ Mandonga put up a performance of the night showing against Kenyan Daniel Wanyonyi at the Pocket Rocket fight night at KICC. The fight was highly anticipated by the fans due to Mandonga’s smack talk. His talking attracted thousands of fans to witness the main event match up.

    The crowd and set up at the KICC

    The KICC Tsavo ballroom was packed to the rafters. Politicians, dignitaries and celebrities all came to witness Mandonga’s punch, ‘Sugunyo’. The Tanzanian praised ‘Sugunyo’, saying it was from Ukraine and had one shot knockout power.

    The first round was the only round that could have had close scoring as both boxers had good moments. From the second to the sixth, Mandonga showed his quality against a seasoned Wanyonyi. He landed more punches and showed great evasive skills. Mtu Kazi put up a clinic in the 4th, 5th and 6th rounds where almost everything he threw landed and even when Wanyonyi threw, the punches did not have enough to take out or wobble the Tanzanian.

    At the end of the sixth round, Wanyonyi was unable to return from his corner, handing Mandonga a TKO victory. For greater parts of the bout , it was one sided and even if it had gone to the judges, Mandonga should have comfortably secured the win.

    Mandonga did not disappoint

    Following the fight, the Tanzanian said he would return to Kenya in April for another fight. Fans will be awaiting his next visit as his unique character is something Kenyan boxing has lacked for a while.

    Smack talking and playing characters is something crucial in the promoting of boxing as it adds more to the fight. Following the success of this event press conferences and weigh ins should be televised in the build up to the matches.

  • Gareth Bale retires from football aged 33

    Gareth Bale retires from football aged 33

    By Benjamin Wanguba

    Gareth Bale has stunned the world by retiring from the game of soccer at the ripe age of 33. The former Real Madrid star’s move has caught many by surprise as he is considered to be relatively young. Furthermore, Bale had a good year in football last year as he won the MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC. He also participated in the 2022 world cup with Wales over the winter however they did not manage to progress past the group stages.

    Gareth Bale’s career started at Southampton before moving to Tottenham where he stunned the league earning him a world record move to Spanish Giants Real Madrid. His time there saw him win 5 champions league titles despite some challenges. He finished his career playing in the MLS with Los Angeles FC.

    5 time UCL winner Gareth Bale

    His retirement further surprised fans due to the fact that he has not picked up an injury in recent times. In a statement released by Bale he expressed how fortunate he was to have made a career out of the game he loves but that it was time for him to hang his boots.

    “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football. I feel incredibly fortunate to have realized my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.” he said. He finished by saying, “So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure…”

    Bale wrote on social media

    Bale retires with various accolades including 5 Champions League titles that he won at his time at Real Madrid. Bale was also at one time the most expensive signing ever when Real signed him from London side Tottenham for a then record fee of €100 million. In Wales, he holds various records including record number of caps for the Welsh men’s national team having played 111 times for them. He also holds the national men’s team goalscoring record scoring 41 goals for Wales since first playing for them in 2006 at age 16. This made him become the youngest player to ever play for his country.

  • Done deals in the January transfer window

    Done deals in the January transfer window

    With the first week of January coming to an end, a number of sides have already announced deals to bring in new players. Clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United continue to be active in the window, looking for valuable additions to their teams.

    Will Fernandez get his move?

    Some deals have dragged out and become sagas with others just staying as rumours. The Chelsea – Benfica tussle over the transfer of Enzo Fernandez could be put on hold till next summer as Benfica do not want anything less than the $126 million release clause paid. Arsenal’s pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk is also in danger of completely failing. Shaktar are adamant in demanding $100 million for the Ukrainian.

    Struggling Liverpool could be in the market for another defender as Virgil Van Dijk is set for a month out of action due to a hamstring injury.

    Let’s take a look at some already completed deals during this winter transfer window.

    Cody Gakpo training with Liverpool for the first time. He could feature as the Reds play Wolves in the FA Cup

    1. Cody Gakpo – PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool – 5 and a half year contract
    2. Jack Butland – Crystal Palace to Man United – Loan deal till the end of the season
    3. Benoit Badiashile – Monaco to Chelsea – 7 and a half year contract
    4. David Datro Fofana – Molde to Chelsea – Unspecified
    5. Andrey Santos – Vasco Da Gama to Chelsea – 5 and a half year contract
    6. Daley Blind – Ajax to Bayern Munich – 6 month contract
    7. Max Wober – Red Bull Salzburg to Leeds United – 4 and a half year contract
    8. Kevin Schade – SC Freiburg to Brentford – 5 year contract
    9. Matheu Cunha – Atletico Madrid to Wolves – 4 and a half year contract

    Matheus Cunha was officially unveiled as a Wolves player and could feature against Liverpool in the FA Cup

  • FA Cup 3rd round preview

    FA Cup 3rd round preview

    The FA Cup returns on Friday with 3rd round fixtures. All Premier League teams will have a fixture in this round of games with some facing each other.

    The third round kicks off with a Premier League clash as Manchester United welcome Everton to Old Trafford. Everton will be seeking to upset a United side that has been in good form in both league and cup competitions. The Reds will look to continue their brilliant run of form at home.

    Another key clash will see Wolves host Liverpool at Molineux. Liverpool are not having the best of seasons especially after it was announced that Virgil Van Dijk will be out with a hamstring injury for a while. Liverpool face a Wolves side that has shown signs of resurgence under Spanish tactician Julen Lopetegui. Besides the Champions League, the FA Cup remains Liverpool’s only other competition where they stand a chance of winning.

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will face further questions if they are unable to beat a resurgent Wolves side in the FA Cup.

    Following another defeat in the league, Southampton will look to win against Crystal Palace as they travel to London to face Patrick Viera’s side.

    The biggest tie of the round will see Chelsea visit Manchester City, setting up what will be their third clash already this season. City already knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup and will be keen on repeating the feat in their FA Cup meeting.

    Games that end in draws will go to replays. It is equally important to note that this will also happen in the fourth round.

    Select FA Cup 3rd round ties.

    Friday

    Manchester United vs Everton

    Saturday

    Crystal Palace vs Southampton

    Bournemouth vs Burnley

    Brentford vs West Ham

    Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

    Sunday

    Manchester City vs Chelsea

  • United move joint third as they beat Bournemouth 3-0

    United move joint third as they beat Bournemouth 3-0

    Manchester United are level with third place Newcastle United on the Premier League standings after their brilliant win against Bournemouth on Tuesday night. Goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford sealed the astounding 3-0 victory for the Reds.

    United now sit 4th on 36 points, level with Newcastle United and one behind Manchester City who face Chelsea on Thursday.

    Marcus Rashford continued his scoring streak, making it 4 in 4 after the World Cup. Rashford has 7  goals in the Premier League this campaign, making him United’s top scorer. He has also scored in six consecutive home games for resurgent United.

    Marcus Rashford’s celebration after getting United’s 3rd goal.

    The Reds recorded another clean sheet in last night’s match, taking their league tally to 8. The defensive improvement United has shown can be attributed to each individual defender but the work Casemiro does in front of the back four has also proven to be crucial. The Brazilian has been key in intercepting opposition passes and winning loose balls. He has also chipped in in the attacking play with two goals and two assists.

    Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal meant they dropped points thus allowing United to catch up. The Magpies have played a game more than the both the Reds and the Gunners.

    Arsenal lost the chance to go 10 points ahead of Manchester City after the stalemate at the Emirates.

    Arsenal played out a feisty 0-0 draw against Newcastle at the Emirates.

    Manchester United play Everton (H) in the FA Cup on Friday. United’s next two league games could be pivotal at the top of the table. They face Manchester City (H) on 14th of January before travelling to the Emirates on 22nd to face league leaders Arsenal.

  • Donovan Mitchell’s insane 71 points help the Cavs beat the Bulls

    Donovan Mitchell’s insane 71 points help the Cavs beat the Bulls

    By Ken Andrew

    kennyandrewmuganda@gmail.com

    Donovan Mitchell set a franchise record of 71 points in a game as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Chicago Bulls in Monday’s NBA action. The points helped the Cavs rally from 21 points down to win 145-134 in Overtime.

    Cleveland Cavaliers on Twitter

    The 71 points are the highest recorded in an NBA game in 17 years, with Kobe Bryant getting 81 in 2006.

    Donovan Mitchell joins an exclusive list of players with 70 points or more

    Mitchell was humbled to made history and to be included amongst the greats.

    “To be there in the record book with guys like Wilt is truly humbling. I always believed I could be one of the best players in the league. I’m speechless and blessed to be in the company of that greatness.”

    – The Guardian

    Mitchell was not the only high scoring player in the last round of NBA though. Klay Thompson (54), Lebron James (43), Joel Embiid (42) and Luka Doncic (39), led their franchises to wins. Lebron’s points helped him edge closer to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all time scoring record of 38387. He is only 500 points away.

    James is 500 points away from becoming NBA’s greatest scorer

    Donovan Mitchell joins an exclusive list of players to record 70+ points in an NBA game.

    NBA players to score 70+ a game

    1. Wilt Chamberlain – 6 times
    2. Kobe Bryant
    3. David Thompson
    4. Elgin Baylor
    5. David Robinson
    6. Devin Booker
    7. Donovan Mitchell