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Category: Sports

  • Kyrie Irving becomes 9th player in NBA history to join elite 50/40/90 club

    Kyrie Irving becomes 9th player in NBA history to join elite 50/40/90 club

    By Saboke Masaki

    (sabokemasaki@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE Via Getty Images

    On Monday, Brooklyn’s all-star shooting guard, Kyrie Irving became the ninth player in the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) history to average at least 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 90% from the free-throw line. He finished the season with 50.6%, 40.2% and 92.2% splits.

    Kyrie Irving has long been one of the league’s most dynamic and versatile scorers; this latest achievement further cements his impact on the game. To put this in context, the only other players to accomplish this feat are Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, Mark Price, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Malcolm Brogdon. To join this exclusive company, Irving had to be near perfect from three-point range in Monday’s game against his old team, the Cavaliers.

    Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets goes for reverse layup during game vs Cavaliers on May 17, 2021 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Photo Courtesy of Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE Via Getty Images

    He was, in fact, perfect making all three of his attempts from behind the arc. He also led the league in mid-range field goal percentage shooting a ridiculous 54.5%. “His work ethic, how he cares about his teammates, how he approaches the game every single day is the reason why he can go out there and do something so remarkable as 50-40-90,” superstar teammate Kevin Durant (and fellow 50/40/90 club member) said.

    “We almost expect that from Kyrie, and that shows how great he is. Welcome to the club.” “Remarkable player, remarkable accomplishment and really proud that I could see it in person”, said Nets head coach Steve Nash after the game. This is a potentially much needed impetus for the Brooklyn Nets who go into this year’s postseason with championship aspirations. Brooklyn’s big three- Durant, Irving and James Harden- have all missed time but are now healthy just in time for the playoffs.

    The Nets will face the winner of the play-in matchup between the Celtics and Wizards. After this, they will clash with the winner of the Bucks-Heat series in round two before getting to the conference finals. That is, of course, if the team is able to overcome its defensive deficiencies.

  • Philadelphia 76ers clinch East’s top seed with win over Magic

    By Saboke Masaki

    (sabokemasaki@gmail.com)

    Joel Embiid shoots over Dwayne Bacon in the win vs Magic. PHOTO| Garrabrant/NBAE Via Getty Images

    A 122-97 blowout win over the Orlando Magic Saturday morning clinched the Philadelphia 76ers the top seed in the Eastern Conference, guaranteeing them home-court advantage through to at least, the East’s finals.

    This is only the third time in 44 seasons that the Sixers have clinched the top spot. The victory is also their first in 20 years, something Joel Embiid describes as motivational for the team.

    “Home-court advantage helps a lot,” said the Cameroonian center.  “We’ve been dominant at home; we barely lose here. It means a lot to have the No. 1 seed.”

    Embiid’s words are not hyperbolic; the Sixers being 28-7 at home this season, which is best in the East and second to only the Jazz this season. Apart from a relatively easier path to the NBA finals, this is one of the reasons the team aggressively pursued the top seed.

    “I think for this team, being as young as we are, to have home-court is really important and so we should be proud of it,” sixers’ coach Doc Rivers said after the win.

    For the first round, the Sixers will face the winner of the East’s final playoff position in this year’s play-in tournament which will feature the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. Their path to the NBA finals will most likely involve the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks or Brooklyn Nets with the last two guaranteed to be a nail-biting series.

    The Sixers coined the phrase “Trust the process” (which later became popular in sports and culture) and it is now time to collect. Everyone from Coach Rivers to the duo of Embiid and Simmons are under immense pressure this season, anything short of an NBA championship this year will be a failure for the franchise seeking their fourth banner.

  • Thierry Henry Quits Social Media over racism

    Thierry Henry Quits Social Media over racism

    By Daniel Nyaga

    danielnyaga.dn@gmail.com

    Thierry Henry gives a press conference at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in San Jose. 
    Ezequiel Becerra. PHOTO| AFP

    Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry announced that he shall be quitting all social media until there is more done to tackle racism and harassment online.

    In a statement shared with his combined 14.8 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the French striker said he would quit the platforms until a solution is found to the on-going harassment.

    “Hi Guys, from Saturday morning I will be removing myself from social media until the people in power are able to regulate their platforms with the same vigour and ferocity that they currently do when you infringe copyright.” read his message.

    According to the former world cup winner, the sheer volume of racism, bullying and resulting mental torture is too toxic to ignore. He further called for greater “accountability” online.

    “It is far too easy to create an account, use it to bully and harass without consequence and still remain anonymous,” he added. “Until this changes, I will be disabling my accounts across all social platforms. I’m hoping this happens soon.”

    Recently, Twitter has been under increasing pressure for allowance of abusive language and harassment on its platform. Users have been victims of bullying and harassment on the platform mostly from anonymous accounts.

    Henry, France’s all time top goal scorer has been vocal on racism in football as well as citing his struggles against racism as a high profile black footballer. Thierry Henry is the latest celebrity to quit social media citing abuse as the reason.

    Twitter released a statement last week highlighting, “there is no room for racist abuse” on its platform and that it was working to ensure that users who are guilty of the above should face dire consequences.

  • Falcons win derby against City

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Falcons side celebrate scoring a goal in league match.

    A goal in each half earned Daystar falcons a coveted win against arch rivals Daystar City in a friendly derby played yesterday at the Bethel grounds in Athi River.

    The rejuvenated falcons’ side recorded back to back wins for the first time since the start of the new season, following their FKF triumph over UNOA Sports on Sunday.

    The game that ended 2-1 saw captain Barrack Khaseke continue with his excellent form, netting a second half goal after coming in as a substitute in the first half. The goal is his third in a span of 5 days, having netted a brace during the win against UNOA sports.

    Team manager Walter Nalwa has assured Falcon’s fans of a win come Saturday, when the team plays its second FKF match.

    “The Athi River team has numbers, and the players have the necessary skills. If we could have more playing time, we’d have scored more goals but we won, and are expecting to win a league match tomorrow,” stated Walter.

    He further urged fans to show up in large numbers for the FKF match to be played at 3pm at the Bethel grounds on Saturday.

    “…everyone who is on campus kindly avail yourselves and cheer your team. We win, Daystar wins,” continued the manager.

    The team will be hoping for the return of forward Gian Gaile, who was sidelined with a groin injury picked up in Sunday’s league game.

    Daystar City’s consolation goal was scored in the second half by former Falcon’s full-back Phegan Indeche, netting a superb goal following a defensive error. Sitting bottom of the KUSA rankings, the team’s poor run of form progresses, as they continue the search for their first victory of the season.

  • Falcons win first FKF match

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    (tolakofa1@gmail.com)

    Falcons soccer team

    A brace from captain Barrack Khaseke handed the soccer team a 2-0 win in their opening FKF Division 2 fixture today against UNOA Sports, in a match played at the Bethel grounds in Athi River.

    The first goal was scored in the dying minutes of the first half, after a superb through pass from John Jusu found Barrack’s feet, who eased his way to opening the scores. His second goal came 10 minutes to the end of the match, after an unforced error from the goalkeeper handed him a golden opportunity.

    “I’m happy for the two goals which came as a result of good connection from the team. We promised the fans a win and have delivered,” said Barrack.

    The captain had a chance to extend the score line and bag a hat trick late in the game but his well taken shot from outside the box was deflected out for a corner.

    Head coach Boniface Mutuku commended the team’s performance, which was solidified by the return of center back Collins Chimoi and midfielder  Jusu- who created the first goal. He further stated that despite the team’s lack of consistency, today’s match announces their arrival in the league, given their late start to the season.

    “We had a full house in terms of players today. The defense and midfield were solid…The main challenge usually is consistency. Sometimes players are not available due to attachments or other commitments such as classes,” commented the coach.

    The match attracted a huge fan base, with daystarians turning up in huge numbers in support of the team. Esther Mumo, a fan at the grounds congratulated the team for the excellent game and result, but was quick to point out that the team could perform better than they did.

    “The game was okay but the team did not perform as best as they could in the game. There was room for a better performance,” stated Esther.

    The team plays Al Ahly of Kajiado on March 11 in their next fixture, and are hoping to replicate today’s performance come Saturday.

  • Falcons win darts trophy in Mombasa

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    (tolakofa1@gmail.com)

    Daystar falcons ladies’ team won the annual KUSA championship darts trophy in a tournament hosted in the scenic city of Mombasa.

    The team led the standings with six points, one ahead of Meru University who came in second. Kisii University came in third with three points as the Technical University of Kenya finished fourth with a point.

    Team captain Faith Ndonye has praised the team’s performance, stating that the win serves as motivation and encouragement for the team going forward.

    “The game requires a lot of concentration hence winning isn’t easy. The win acts as encouragement to the whole team,” stated the captain.

    The team has grown from pitching just one player in the previous tournament- Faith, to a full team that is progressively growing. The captain had represented the falcons solely during last year’s tournament, stupendously and single handedly going on to win the trophy.

    Accompanied by the other ladies’ teams, the team travelled for the tournament on March 4.

    Elsewhere, the ladies soccer team lost 1-0 in their opening fixture against Chuka University yesterday, as hockey waits to play today.

    • Daystar Ladies soccer Team

    Team manager Millicent Tipatet had earlier on in an interview decried the effects of Covid 19, stating that it limited their training sessions as a team.

    “COVID affected the team in that we were not able to train together as a team and also as sports were halted, there was minimum practice,” mentioned Tipatet.

    Other teams to travel were chess and scrabble, which both sit at third on their standings after two days of gaming. Basketball and volleyball teams are also participating in the three day tournament which comes to an end later today.

    The teams are expected to travel back tomorrow morning.

  • Falcons register mixed results in KUSA opening fixtures

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    (tolakofa1@gmail.com)

    Daystar Soccer Falcons Team.

    Daystar football Falcons recorded mixed results in the opening three fixtures of Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) league, drawing twice and losing once.

    The team were held to a 3-3 draw in their recent fixture against KCA University in a match that saw Nigerian sharpshooter Victor Atta extend his goal tally to 4 goals. The falcon’s talisman netted a brace to continue his excellent form of scoring in every match this season.

    Team captain Barrack Khaseke commended the team’s performance while speaking to the Involvement, stating that every moment brings a learning experience, following their defense’s lack of sharpness to let in three goals. They face UNOA Sports at 3 pm today at the Bethel grounds in the Athi River campus, for their first FKF Division 2 match.

    “We are prepared and are transferring the same input in today’s game. It’s a bit different but we hope to get a win given that we’re home…Our main challenge is the lack of maintenance of our home ground, but we’re working on it to better our game,” mentioned the captain.

    The result places the falcons third on the KUSA standings with 2 points, one behind second placed Mount Kenya University (MKU). An in-form Kenyatta University tops the log with nine points, having won all their three opening fixtures.

    The team suffered a 4-1 defeat against Kenyatta University on their opening fixture, with Nigerian Victor Atta pulling back the sole consolation goal for the falcons. The team went on to record a 1-1 draw against the Pan African Christian University, sending it third on the league standings.

    Team manager Walter Nalwa blamed the results on the lack of preparedness of the team, having spent almost one year away from the pitch. The team’s lack of training had it struggling for good results, as lack of fitness proved to be a challenge during the opening fixture.

    “Our preparedness wasn’t of the right standards to allow us perform better. In the first game, the players delivered their best performance but due to fitness challenges, the results were not welcoming,” said Walter.

    Elsewhere, a poor run of form has left Daystar City in shambles, and currently sit at the bottom of the league table, following a 2-0 loss against MKU on Saturday.

  • Ghana wins U20 AFCON Championship

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    (tolakofa1@gmail.com)

    The Black Satellites crowned champions of Africa. PHOTO| Twitter

    The Black Satellites of Ghana are the 2021 champions of the coveted U20 Africa Cup of Nations championship that was held in Mauritania from February 14 to March 16.

    The team led by Captain Daniel Afriyie won their fourth- and first since 2009, AFCON title after defeating the Hippos of Uganda in a tightly contested match at the Stade Olympique de Nouakchott. A brace from the captain earned the team a 2-0 win against the Hippos. The performance earned him Man of the match award.

    Vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia congratulated the team through twitter, stating his pride for their performance.

    “Congratulations to Black Satellites of Ghana for winning  the 2021 Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament…We are proud of you,” tweeted Dr. Bawumia.

    The win came as a gift for the Ghanians, who were celebrating their 64th independence day. Head coach Abdul Karim Zito had insisted on the importance of winning the trophy on the anniversary, citing this as a great motivation for the team.

    “We are privileged to represent our nation here and as a way of thanking our country we have to win this trophy and present to H.E President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo,” stated the coach during the pre-match conference.

    The team maneuvered through the group stage with a 4-0 win against Tanzania and a draw against Morroco before eliminating Cameroon in the quarterfinals. They then won 1-0 in a tightly contested semifinal against the Scorpions of Gambia.

    The Hippos, who had had an outstanding debut at the tournament, won the Fair Play Award as striker Derrick Kakooza bagged the top scorer award with 5 goals. The striker, together with teammate Aziizi Kayondo was named in the Best XI as Head Coach Morley Byekwaso walked away with Manager of the tournament award.

    Uganda Hippos wins AFCON U20 Fair Play Award PHOTO| FUFA

    The Scorpions of Gambia won the bronze medal after defeating Tunisia 4-2 in penalties following a goalless draw in the third place playoff on March 5.

  • MCHUANO WA KUKATA NA SHOKA

    MCHUANO WA KUKATA NA SHOKA

    Na: Dorothy Waweru
    dorothywaweru161706@daystar.ac.ke

    Picha: Wachezaji wakijikakamua uwanjani

    Sikukuu ya Moi chuoni Daystar ilisherehekewa kwa mbwembwe, vifijo na nderemo kwani katika uga wa “Santiago Barna Betheli” kama unavyojulikana na wacheza kandanda wengi, mchuano mkubwa ulikuwa ukiendelea. Mchuano huo uliandaliwa na wanafunzi wacheza kandanda ikiwemo; Walter Nalwa, Nicholas Atulo Snr, Cedrick na Dadiseh Olwaga ambao walinuia kujiburudisha katika mchezo huo wa miguu.

    Mchuano huo ulijumuisha timu sita zikiwemo: Blueboys, Rawa, Buffoons, Bomboclats, DCF handball na Fimbu. Timu hizi zilimenyana vilivyo ili kushinda zawadi murwa ambayo ilikuwa ni mbuzi mzima. Timu za Buffoons na Rawa ndizo zilifungua uga huo ambao ulikuwa na utelezi kufuatia mvua kubwa iliyokuwa imenyesha usiku wote.

    Timu ya Buffoons ilijikakamua katika dakika za kwanza huku Caleb Msando akiifungia timu hiyo bao la kwanza naye Nicholas Atulo Snr akifunga bao lao la pili. Timu ya Rawa ilijikakamua katika kipindi cha lala salama ambapo John Lemaiyan aliifungia Rawa bao lao la kwanza. Kitengo hicho cha kwanza cha mchezo kilipotamatika, Buffoons walikuwa wamefunga mabao mawili kwa moja.

    Mashabiki wa timu ya Buffoons walijaa uwanjani wakiimba nyimbo za ushindi kwani timu hiyo ingemchinja mbuzi kama zawadi ya ufanisi wao iwapo wangewashinda wenzao kwenye semifinali. Baada ya dakika chache za mapumziko, timu ya DCF handball ilijitosa uwanjani kumenyana na wachezaji wa timu ya Fimbu. Uzoefu mkuu katika mpira wa mikono wa timu ya DCF handball ulionekana kuwapa mkono uwanjani. Hata hivyo baada ya dakika kumi na tano Wallace kutoka timu ya Fimbu alifunga bao la kwanza. Baada ya dakika zingine tano, DCF handball ilisawazisha kupitia mchezaji Ephantus.

    Baada ya nusu wakati wa mchezo huo, timu ya Fimbu ilifunga bao lingine ambalo liliwawezesha kuibuka washindi katika kitengo hicho kwa mabao mawili kwa moja. Timu ya Blueboys vilevile ilichuana na timu ya Rawa huku wakifunga bao lao la kwanza ambalo lilikuwa la pekee katika mchezo huo hivi basi kuibuka washindi dhidi ya Rawa.

    Hata ingawa jua lilikuwa mtikati, wachezaji wa Bomboclat waliingia ugani kumenyana na DCF handball. Yasemekana kuwa wachezaji wa Bomboclat walikuwa wamekesha wakijitayarisha kwa mchuano huo wa kipekee. Katika dakika za kwanza, Bomboclat ilifunga bao lao la kwanza na baadaye kufunga la pili. DCF handball ilijizolea nunge hivi basi Bomboclat kuibuka washindi.

    Isitoshe, kabla ya semi fainali, Bomboclat ilichuana na Fimbu na wakailaza Fimbu bao moja kwa nunge. Timu zilizofuzu kwenye semi fainali ni Fimbu, Buffoons, Bomboclat na Blueboys. Mechi ya kwanza katika semi fainali ilikuwa kati ya Buffoons na Fimbu. Buffoons walilazwa bao moja la kufunga virago baada ya kucheza kwa ukakamavu mwingi sana.

    Nyuso za wachezaji wa timu ya Buffoons zilijaa simanzi kwani mbuzi alikuwa amewakwepa. Lisilobudi hubidi, Buffoons walidondolewa kwenye mchuano wakabaki kuwa mashabiki tu. “Ni uchungu sana mama kubeba mimba tumboni kwa miezi tisa halafu anampoteza mwana wake. Nasikitika sana kuwa tumeshindwa,” Duncan Olile, kipa wa timu ya Buffoons alisema.

    Timu za Bomboclat na Blueboys zilichuana kwenye mchezo wa pili katika semi fainali huku Bomboclat ikiibuka mshindi baada ya kuilaza Blueboys mabao mawili kwa nunge. Washindi wa semi fainali walikuwa Bomboclat na Fimbu. Wakati ukiwa saa kumi na mbili kamili, mchuano kati ya timu hizi mbili ulianza huku Bomboclat ikifunga mabao mawili mida ya dakika za kumi na tano za kwanza. Japo Fimbu iling’ang’ana kiudi na uvumba kujizolea angalau bao moja, jitihada zao hazikuzaa matunda kwani katika kipindi cha pili cha mchezo huo, Bomboclat ilifunga bao lingine. Bomboclat wakafunga mabao matatu kwa nunge.

    Mbwembwe na shamrashamra zilijaa uwanjani wakati ambapo wachezaji wa Bomboclat walipokabidhiwa mbuzi wao. Wachezaji waliachwa ugani wakisherehekea ushindi wao huku mashabiki wakiungana nao kushangilia ushindi wao.

  • MWANARIADHA ELIUD KIPCHOGE AMEWEKA REKODI DUNIANI

    MWANARIADHA ELIUD KIPCHOGE AMEWEKA REKODI DUNIANI

    Na Wangu Kanuri
    kanuriwangu@gmail.com

    Picha kwa hisani ya: Reuters

    Oktoba 12 mwaka wa 2019 ni siku ambayo daima itakuwa kumbukumbu kwani mwanariadha Eliud Kipchoge amevunja rekodi aliyokuwa amejiwekea ya kukimbia kwa kilomita arubaini na mbili kwa muda wa saa moja na dakika hamsini na tisa.

    Isitoshe jina lake limeandikwa katika kitabu cha rekodi cha dunia cha Guiness. Eliud aliyekuwa amejibidisha na kuamini kuwa ataweka historia duniani, aliwafanya wakenya wengi kujumuika kumtizama akivunja rekodi hii iliyofahamika kama INEOS 159.

    Rais Kenyatta aliwaongoza wakenya katika kumhimiza Kipchoge kulenga lengo lake huku naibu wake mheshimiwa Ruto na bibiye wakisafiri Vienna kumpa mkono anapokimbia.

    Kusudio kuu lake Kipchoge lilikuwa kuonyesha kuwa hakuna pingamizi lolote iwapo mtu anataka kuwa wa kwanza katika lolote. Isitoshe, alisisitiza kuwa hashindani na wengine bali anashindana na muda na kuweka historia katika dunia.

    Shindano hili liliokuwa likitizamwa moja kwa moja katika mitandao, limewafunza watu kuwa; shindano letu si dhidi ya marafiki, maadui ama wenzetu bali dhidi ya muda. Pili, mbio yetu yapaswa kuwa dhidi ya lengo tulizojiwekea na mwishowe mbio yetu ni katika tunayonuia kulenga.

    Eliud Kipchoge vilevile amesema kuwa alikuwa mwenye tumbo joto baada ya kupokea simu kadha wa kadha kutoka viongozi wakuu katika serikali ya Kenya ikiwemo rais Kenyatta. Hata hivyo, bado alishikilia msimamo wake dhidi ya kuweka rekodi ya wanariadha duniani.

    Akizungumza baada ya shindano hilo, Kipchoge amesema kuwa imemchukua mwanadamu miaka sitini na tano kuweka historia katika mbio za dunia kwa hivyo yeye amejazwa na furaha ghaya kuweza kuifufua historia hii. Mwenyekiti wa INEOS bwana Jim Ratcliffe alisema kuwa hakuamini vile Kipchoge alikimbia mtawalia mbio ya kwanza kwa muda wa chini ya saa moja.

    Picha kwa hisani ya: New York Post