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Category: Sports

  • Volkanovski, Sterling win big at UFC 273

    Volkanovski, Sterling win big at UFC 273

    By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Volkanovski lands a punch on The Korean Zombie during their UFC 273 bout
    Photo courtesy : UFC KOREA instagram page

    Reigning UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski defended his title in a one sided battle against the Korean Zombie. Volkanovski, who looked faster than ever on the feet, managed to win after a round four stoppage by the referee. Many at the arena seemed to back the Korean Zombie but it was not to be his day as Volkanovski put on a clinic. The win became Volkanovski’s third title defence and with the shape he was in, he seems to have more defences to come.

    The co-main event saw Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling renew their rivalry. The two had met at UFC 259 in a fight which ended controversially after an illegal strike by Yan. Though Yan was very dominant in the first fight, things were different this time as Aljo showed heart and managed to completely dominate two rounds.  Aljo used his wrestling and grappling skills to ensure he got the win. Without any controversy in the fight, the win means that Aljo is the undisputed UFC Bantamweight champion.

    Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev put up an instant classic in the fight before the co-main event. Many had wondered how lowly Chimaev would do against the number two ranked burns and he surely held his own. Both fighters landed punches that dropped the other and showed heart to go the distance in what was the fight of the night. at the end, Chimaev won the bout by unanimous decision but that takes nothing away from Burns’ perfromance.  The fight could probably even win fight of the year!

    With the upsets and shocks experienced at UFC 273, it becomes one of the best events of the year thus far.

  • Xavi Ball: Barcelona Rising From The Ashes

    By Murimi Daniel  

    (danielnyaga.dn@gmail.com)

    Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez
    Photo Courtesy: Khelnow

    Xavi Hernandez was appointed head coach of FC Barcelona replacing Ronald Koeman in November 2021. His appointment elicited mixed reactions from fans as some felt he was the right man and others were sceptical about his ability as a coach.

    Sitting in ninth place in La Liga, the Spanish giants were a shadow of themselves. Coupled with the financial challenges the Club was facing, chaos ensued when star striker Lionel Messi left for PSG due to the inability by the club to renew his contract.

    The marriage between the Argentine and the club was cut short and life without Messi had to become a reality sooner than expected. The atmosphere around and within the club was at an all-time low and Xavi was the man called to steady the ship.

    Having no prior experience managing a club the magnitude of the Catalan giants, Barcelona took a risk hiring their ex-player. Boasting a win rate of 65% out of 100 games managing Qatar side Al-Saad proved enough to get him the job.

    Looking back, it has not been smooth sailing but it has been very impressive. As it stands, Xavi has taken a mid-table team to second place. Barcelona has a game in hand and they are 12 points behind first place Real Madrid. Winning their game in hand will bring them within 9 points of their rivals.

    What seemed like a dead season could turn into a late domestic title race between the two Spanish giants. Furthermore, they have progressed into the Quarter Finals of the Europa League and look set to win this title for the first time. Having defeated rivals Real Madrid 4-0 last month in El-Clasico sent a statement that this club may just be headed back to its old ways.

    There have been a couple of lows such as losing to bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-2 and being knocked out in the Supercopa Semi-finals, being knocked out of the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2006 and losing to Athletic Bilbao 3-2 to get knocked out of the Copa Del Rey.

    What does the future hold for Xavi’s young team? Well, qualifying for the Champions League is a priority. In addition, winning the Europa League would be historic for the Catalans.

    With 9 games left to play, we might witness an unimaginable comeback as Barcelona try to bring the La Liga title back home and what could be better than nicking it off their bitter rivals. The race for La Liga might just be on. This team has shown time and again that it is never over until the whistle blows.

  • Kenya Simbas Squad To South Africa – Carling Currie Cup

    Kenya Simbas Squad To South Africa – Carling Currie Cup

    By Abdul Shaban
    {abdoolmtyro@gmail.com}
    Forwards:
    Ian Njenga.  – [Nondescripts]
    Edward Mwaura.  – [Menengai Oilers]
    Andrew Siminyu. –  [University of Johanesburg, South Africa]
    Coleman Were. –  [Menengai Oilers]
    Brian Waraba.  – [Kenya Harlequins]
    Patrick Ouko. – [KCB]
    Ephraim Oduor. – [Kabras]
    Joseph Odero. – [Kabras]
    Brian Juma. – [Kabras]
    Oliver Mangeni. – [KCB] (to be replaced by Brian Ndirangu)
    Thomas Okeyo. – [University of Johanesburg, South Africa]
    Clinton Odhiambo. – [Menengai Oilers]
    Shem Joseph. – [Kabras]
    George Nyambua. – [Kabras]
    Bethuel Anami. – [Strathmore Leos]
    Brian Amaitsa. – [Nondescripts]
    Dan Sikuta –  [Kabras] Captain)
    Elkeans Musonye –  [Impala Saracens] (VC).
    Backs:
    Samuel Asati. – [KCB]
    Brian Tang.  – [Kabras]
    Brian Wahinya. – [KCB]
    Jone Kubu. – [Kabras]
    Andrew Matoka. – [Strathmore Leos]
    Timothy Omela. – [Menengai Oilers]
    Beldad Ogeta. – [Menengai Oilers]
    John Okoth. – [Menengai Oilers]
    Vincent Onyala. – [KCB]
    Peter Kilonzo. – [KCB]
    Derrick Ashihundu. – [Kabras]
    Jacob Ojee.  – [KCB] (To be replaced by Collins Injera)
    Darwin Mukidza. – [KCB]
    Geoffrey Ominde. – [Menengai Oilers]
    Carling Currie Cup First Division
    Participating teams:
    Leopards (defending champions)
    Griffons
    Valke
    Boland Kavaliers
    Eastern Province
    Border Bulldogs
    SWD Eagles
    Georgia
    Kenya
    Zimbabwe
    Opening round: 1/2 April (single round of matches)
    Final: 24/25 June

  • Falcons Overpower Bungoma To Set Up Semi against Mombasa RFC

    By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Falcons Rugby Captain John Oliele in action during a past game.

    The Daystar Falcons Rugby team on Saturday 2nd  April 2022 faced their biggest match of the season thus far. They welcomed Bungoma RFC to the Athi River rugby pitch in a KRU Nationwide national quarter final match. The winner would advance to the national semi-final where they would have a chance to be promoted into the KRU Championship next season with a win.

    The match was as tough as it was billed to be as there was nothing much between the two sides. A tight affair it was and the Falcons got the better of Bungoma in the first half which ended 5-0 to the Falcons. Bungoma RFC fought back in the second half and their level of physicality was clearly seen. The Falcons still managed to extend their lead after their opponents got back into the game. They held on to win 11-5 with Elvis Sande getting the try and captain John Oliele getting a dropgoal and  a penalty, adding to the score.

    Vice Captain Joshua Ngomeli commended the Bungoma side’s physicality. He also said that the sides were well matched and the team had to grind hard for a win. The support from the school was evident with fans, both students and staff present to cheer the Falcons.

    With that win, the Falcons will welcome Mombasa RFC in the semis on 9th April in Athi River. They managed to be in the same position last year but failed to get the promotion after losing to Shamas. This year, the squad will be confident going into the match as not many players are injured unlike last year. They have a week to put in the work and improve on their weaknesses as they enter a crucial weekend in their promotion hopes.

  • A SAD EVENING TO THE KENYA RUGBY FRATERNITY

    A SAD EVENING TO THE KENYA RUGBY FRATERNITY

    BY ABDUL SHABAN

    {abdoolmtyro@gmail.com}

     

    The Kenyan Rugby fraternity is saddened to hear the news of the demise of former @NakuruRFC Chairman Ali Al-jabri.

    A great lover and supporter of the game,Ali’s sacrificial commitments to Kenyan rugby during and after his term will always be cherished.

  • KENYA SIMBAS 60-MAN SQUAD FOR CURRIE CUP AND RWC PREPS

    KENYA SIMBAS 60-MAN SQUAD FOR CURRIE CUP AND RWC PREPS

    By Abdul Shaban

    {abdoolmtyro@gmail.c0m}

     

    Loosehead Props:

    Ian Njenga (Nondescripts)

    Andrew Siminyu (University of Johanesburg, South Africa)

    Edward Mwaura (Menengai Oilers)

     

    Hookers:

    Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar)

    Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar)

    Coleman Were (Menengai Oilers)

    Toby Francombe (Boroughmuir, Scotland)

    Brian Waraba (Kenya Harlequin)

     

    Tighthead Props:

    Patrick Ouko (KCB)

    Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar)

    Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar)

     

    Locks:

    Davis Chenge (KCB)

    Brian Juma (Kabras Sugar)

    Brian Ndirangu (Menengai Oilers)

    Thomas Okeyo (University of Johanesburg, South Africa)

    Manasseh Oduor (KCB)

    Malcom Onsando ( Sportiv Bucaresti, Romania)

    Oliver Mang’eni (KCB)

    Clinton Odhiambo ( Menengai Oilers)

    Joseph Shem ( Kabras Sugar),

    Emmanuel Silungi (Yiezreel Rugby Club, Israel)

     

    Blindside Flankers:

    George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar)

    Oscar Ouma (Zastava, Russia)

    Bethuel Anami (Strathmore Leos)

    Openside Flankers:

    Dan Sikuta (Kabras Sugar)

    Martin Owilah (KCB)

    Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar)

    Brian Amaitsa (Nondescripts)

     

    Number Eights:

    Chrispine Shitundo (Menengai Oilers)

    Felix Ojoo (KCB)

    Mark Mutuku (Notre Dame University, USA)

    Elkeans Musonye (Impala Saracens)

     

    Scrum Halves:

    Samuel Asati (KCB)

    Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar)

    Michael Wanjala (KCB)

    Brian Wahinya (KCB)

    Barry Robinson (Kabras Sugar)

    Samson Onsomu (Menengai Oilers)

     

    Fly Halves:

    Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar)

    Anthony Omondi (Mwamba)

    Geoffrey Ominde (Menengai Oilers)

    Owain Ashley (Cardiff University, Wales)

     

    Left Wings:

    Andrew Matoka (Strathmore Leos)

    Timothy Okwemba (Menengai Oilers)

    Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers)

     

    Inside Centers:

    Dominic Coulson (Exeter University)

    John Okoth (Menengai Oilers)

    Collins Injera (Mwamba)

    Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar)

    Max Omondi (Catholic Monks)

     

    Outside Centers:

    Vincent Onyala (KCB)

    Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar)

    Peter Kilonzo (KCB)

     

    Right Wings:

    Jacob Ojee (KCB)

    Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar)

    Michael Kimwele (KCB)

    William Ambaka (Zastava, Russia)

     

    Full Backs:

    Jeffrey Mutuku (Notre Dame University, USA)

    Darwin Mukidza (KCB)

    Isaac Njoroge (KCB)

  • Portugal Secure World Cup Ticket

    By Benjamin Wanguba

    benjaminwanguba181205@daystar.ac.ke

    Portugal have qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
    Photo courtesy: Portugal official Twitter handle

    A brace from Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was enough to secure victory for Portugal in a 2-0 win against North Macedonia. The win secured Portugal’s ticket to the 2022 world cup in Qatar.

    Although Portugal were the favorites to win the tie, many were still hopeful North Macedonia would manage to pull a miracle. This is after they managed to beat EURO 2020 champions, Italy in the semi finals of the playoffs. The defeat for The Azzurri means that they will not be featuring at the world cup in November. The tournament which usually takes place in the summer will Instead take place in November when the temperatures will be much cooler as compared to the summer.
    This will be the 5th time that Cristiano Ronaldo gets a stab at playing in the world cup. He will be hoping to win the tournament this time round as it is the only competition that has alluded him. Ronaldo is currently 37 years old and thus this could be his last chance of winning the World cup. He has previously had success with the national team, as Portugal won the euros in 2016.
    Prior to the match against north Macedonia when he was asked on the possibility of Portugal missing from the world cup he simply responded, “there is no World Cup without Portugal”.
    This shows that he clearly meant business and he delivered by combining with his United teammate Bruno for the first goal of the tie.
    In the tie played on the 29th march, Poland managed to secure their slot for the world cup by defeating Sweden 2-0. Bayern Munich talisman, Robert Lewandoski managed to get on the scoresheet by scoring a penalty for Poland. The other goal was scored by Piotr Zielinski.

  • Old Trafford: The Theatre Of “Screams”

    Old Trafford: The Theatre Of “Screams”

    By Murimi Daniel

    danielnyaga.dn@gmail.com

    A photo of Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium.

    For decades, Old Trafford was a fortress to Manchester United and its supporters. Few sides relished visiting the Theatre Of Dreams as there was always an aura of invincibility. “Fergie time” as known amongst United and its supporters is now simply a myth. The anticipation that oozed from supporters during games has turned to frustrated screams and jeers.

    What has gone wrong? With 5 managers in 9 years, there is hardly ever a solution. Teams come to Old Trafford with hope that they can get some points, or win the game. The fear factor is gone!  United’s recent knockout by Atletico Madrid from the Champions League, and their exit from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively, will mark their fifth year without silverware.

    Cristiano disappointed after hitting the crossbar
    Photo Courtesy: Sky Sports

    It is time for some introspection at Old Trafford. Despite all that has happened and been said, United faithful’s keep the hope that their club will one day rise again to conquer England and Europe. Who is the best man to lead this charge? Well, this a chapter that will be unveiled at the end of the season. With nine games left, the fight for top four is on as United’s European dreams hang by a thread.

  • Final Weekend of KUSA League Takes Center Stage

    By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Daystar City in action against Daystar Falcons at Bethel Grounds
    Photo Courtesy of George Mwangi

    Daystar sports teams will, for the last time this season, set out to represent the school in the KUSA League. Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th March will see Daystar teams travel to Mount Kenya University in Thika for their matches.  It has been a long season and a league title will elude Daystar for yet another season but the Falcons will keep fighting.

    The weekend will see most of the teams play twice across the different disciplines. Football, basketball and volleyball face games on both days while hockey, handball and netball play only once.

    The Daystar Falcons Ladies football team finish their season against KU Ruiru on Saturday and Gretsa on Sunday. The season saw them revived after the pandemic and they have produced promising results this year, only losing once. For the men, Daystar City face rivals USIU on Saturday before ending the season against perennial contenders Kenyatta University on Sunday. Daystar Falcons play St Paul University on Saturday and KU Ruiru await them as their final fixture on Sunday.

    The Basketball Ladies face KU on Saturday as their last match this season while the men face USIU on Saturday and MKU on Sunday. The games will take place at the MKU Court. In Volleyball, the men face SPU on Saturday and Gretsa on Sunday as the women tackle their lone fixture against SPU on Sunday. The handball team squares off against Gretsa and MKU on the same day, Saturday. The hockey men team battle USIU while the Netball ladies face KU on Sunday.

    The season has been long, but the will and desire of the Falcons did not vanish. They always gave their best as they toiled to represent the school. As they end the season, we wish them all the best.

  • Volkanovski, Zombie to clash for Featherweight Title at UFC 273

    UFC 273 Main Event Poster.
    Photo courtesy of ESPN

    By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his UFC Featherweight title against Chan Sung Jung at UFC 273. Chan, popularly known as the Korean Zombie got his chance after Max Holloway dropped out due to injury. The fight will headline UFC 273 which has a stacked card with two title fights.

    Volkanovski is coming off a superb performance and win against Brian Ortega. Chan is also coming off a great win and performance over Dan Ige. The Zombie has been hanging with the top featherweights for the best part of his UFC career but this will be his first title fight. For Volk, The Zombie will only be his third different opponent since he gained the title, after Holloway and Ortega.

    In the co-main event, Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan will settle their differences and battle for the Bantamweight gold. Their first meeting ended controversially with Yan kneeing a downed Aljamain which is illegal according to the UFC rules. Yan lost his title to Aljo then, but can regain it with a win at UFC 273. He also enters this fight as the Interim Bantamweight Champion after producing a praised masterclass against Cory Sandhagen.

    Gilbert Burns will meet Khamzat Chimaev in the fight before the co-main event. The winner of the fight will most likely be next in line for the Welterweight Championship. The two fighters have clashed on social media before and helped set up a tasty fight for the fans. Burns will seek to win and gain another crack at the title whereas Chimaev faces his biggest test ever in the UFC. Khamzat has been a fast rising name in the UFC and that explains why he fights the number 2 ranked welterwight in only his fifth UFC fight.

    All unfolds on April 9th 2022.