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Post by phil on Jun 17, 2008 12:46:51 GMT 3
Prime Minister manages to reinvigorate Kenyan patriotism that is reminiscent to the 2002 NARC dream  Through the personal intervention of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the circus that has been Kenyan football seems to be on its way to sanity and recovery. Raila has in the space of only one month (something that the GNU/PNU government could not do in five years) managed to have the stars back to winning ways and consequently also given the sharply divided Kenyan population what is, in my opinion, the single most important unifying factor since the disastrous elections in 2007. While some ethnic chauvinist and rookie politicians refuse to accept the reality that the PM did this country a big favour when he accepted to drop political demands and is now in an equitable partnership in the coalition government, the youth of this country have found a national bond in sports and are rallying behind the national team and the prime minister – whose name, together with that of Senator Obama and Oliech, they chanted whenever Oliech raced towards the Zimbabwean defence last Saturday. The red-hot Dennis Oliech put Kenya on the road to a World Cup and African Nations cup qualification on Saturday with an 88th minute goal against the Warriors of Zimbabwe. Oliech’s goal two minutes from the final whistle plus a 12th minute goal scored by MacDonald Mariga took Kenya to a 2-0 victory over the Zimbabweans. Oliech ended the game as stand-in goalkeeper after Origi was stretchered off with a knee injury. Kenya are now at the top of their group with six points. It is no secret, but the hottest ticket in any man’s wallet in Nairobi today is not a ticket to the movies and what-have-you but a ticket (and a miniature Kenyan flag) to watch any of the Harambee Stars matches. Tickets to these matches are selling-out two days before D-day and crowds are filling the 30,000 capacity Nyayo Stadium hours before kick-off. While it is clear the PM and the country has moved on from Kivuitu’s antics, it is a pity some politicians still want to play power games humiliating the PM in have been caught flat footed and are a busy criticizing the Prime Minister for accepting to be installed as a Gikuyu elder. Even more importantly, and in accordance with the ODM manifesto, the recent grand coalition government budget allocated Kshs. 1 million to each of the country’s 210 constituencies for development of soccer and purchase of sporting goods. During his recent trip to Germany for an eye surgery, Raila not only met Sepp Blatter (FIFA President) whom he convinced to allow him (Raila) time to sort out the mess in management of soccer, he also had the German government pledge to support the stars by way of supplying technical support to KFF, even if it meant seconding a qualified coach to head the stars technical bench. A similar pledge was made recently when Raila met South African President Thabo Mbeki during the World Economic Forum in Cape Town. No doubt the PM, himself a former player with disbanded premier league side Luo Union, having recognized the importance of sports in economic development and has made it his business to give hope to the youth of this country through sports. During his meeting with Mbeki, Raila also managed to set up a crucial appointment for Sports Minister Hellen Sambili. The minister will this week be visiting South Africa where she will attend a summit in Durban which will strategize on how Africa can explore the many socio-economic benefits arising out of soccer. This good news was delivered to media through a news dispatch from the Prime Minister's Press Service in which Raila said Sambili would also visit Johannesburg to meet South African government officials and the National World Cup Committee to explore better cooperation, technical assistance and sponsorships. Additionally, and in what will sound like sweet music to rural communities who have no access to pay channels DSTV or GTV, Raila also revealed that South African government will provide giant screens for 2010 World Cup live matches to urban centres in Kenya. Details of this arrangement will be handled by KFF. It is hard to imagine that just early May 2008, the country was staring at the prospects of an indefinite football sanction when World soccer governing body, FIFA, angered by the a court ruling barring KFF officials, gave the country a 72-hour ultimatum to rescind the move or face a total ban. This was after the High Court in Nairobi kicked out the KFF executive led by Mohammed Hatimy for being in office illegally. High Court Judge, Justice Hatari Waweru, ruling in a suit filed by the faction led by Sam Nyamweya that had demanded the removal of the Hatimy group, said Hatimy and his group were "strangers" who were in office illegally. The court ruled that the Hatimy group, which enjoys the backing and recognition of FIFA, could not be entrusted with running the federation. "Football is a serious sport in this country and it cannot be left in the hands of strangers," he said, technically giving the Government-recognized Nyamweya team the mandate to manage the sport. But FIFA Secretary-General, Jerome Valcke, in a letter to Hatimy, accused the Nyamweya group of "colluding with a former sports minister (read PNU’s Maina Kamanda) to orchestrate the crisis in the federation to maintain their control of Kenyan football". Last week, the High Court, on receiving Hatimy’s appeal and recognising the folly of antagonizing FIFA, overturned its own ruling and reverted the management of soccer to the Hatimy group as per the KFF constitution and FIFA statutes which provide for elaborate mechanisms of dispute resolution and even bar football officials from recourse to courts of law. The prestigious FIFA World Cup is due to take place in South Africa and for the first time ever on the continent in the year 2010. All African countries have their sights set on sending a team to this event, and indeed all of us have a patriotic duty to drop the politics and support the PM in his efforts to ensuring Harambee Stars qualify for this event. This may sound like a dream to many people out there, but I have every confidence that Harambee Stars may just surprise you!
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Post by politicalmaniac on Jun 17, 2008 14:34:28 GMT 3
I remember OOs post decrying the worship of European football to the exclusion of Kenyan football.
This is great.
Imagine if R were FULLY in charge of the economy, infrastructure, legal/constitutional affairs and land reform.
Where would we be now?
Instead we have inept corrupt tribalistic folks like kameme or whatever his name is, in charge of our money.
They are still stealing with wanton abandon.
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Post by wakwitu on Jun 17, 2008 19:29:31 GMT 3
Phil: Well said. ..as much as I am a political junkie - I have taken a hiatus from Kenyan political blogs [contradictory here] and I am full time blogging away at: www.kenyafootball.com/ I am loving every minute of it, especiailly Sammy Sholei's essays on yester years...I am loving being Kenyan. Odinga, Obama, Oliech!!! |
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Post by dubois on Jun 17, 2008 21:21:03 GMT 3
I hate to spoil the party but we should not get ahead of ourselves. If you examine Raila's political career there is a common theme; sudden short outbursts of energy which dissipate almost as fast as they appeared. His record in various ministries speaks for itself. The problem with the Kenyan prime minister is that he seems to suffer from attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Don't get me wrong though, I am also hoping that the standard of soccer can be lifted and Harambee stars qualify to go to SA in 2010. The only difference is that I am not counting on the globe-trotting politician but rather on practical steps like those of Kimunya in the 2008 budget.
Dubois
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Post by einstein on Jun 17, 2008 22:26:57 GMT 3
I hate to spoil the party but we should not get ahead of ourselves. If you examine Raila's political career there is a common theme; sudden short outbursts of energy which dissipate almost as fast as they appeared. His record in various ministries speaks for itself. The problem with the Kenyan prime minister is that he seems to suffer from attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Don't get me wrong though, I am also hoping that the standard of soccer can be lifted and Harambee stars qualify to go to SA in 2010. The only difference is that I am not counting on the globe-trotting politician but rather on practical steps like those of Kimunya in the 2008 budget. Dubois Is there any good thing that Raila has done for the country lately according to you? And while at it, whose death are you preparing to celebrate soon? Let me guess, the globe-trotting Raila of course!!! I just pray for you Dubois, keep going!!! And with regards to soccer, why don't you want to count on Kamanda? His ministry was voted the best of them ALL!! DUBOIS, HAVE YOU ACTUALLY REALISED WHAT A HOPELESS THREAD HIJACKER YOU ARE??? YOU AIN'T GOT NOTHING TO CONTRIBUTE!! THAT IS YOUR MAJOR PROBLEM. IF ONLY YOU COULD LEAVE PEOPLE IN PEACE!!! |
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Post by dubois on Jun 17, 2008 22:48:15 GMT 3
Einstein,
Actually I have to give Raila some props for his conduct as PM. Since he became PM, he has behaved like a true statesman and avoided the divisive politics that he is most famous for. The problem is, knowing Raila, this could be a very short phase of his colorful political career. ODM supporters should wean themselves off this mentality that Raila is a Mr fix it all. His perfomance at the roads ministry was characterized by road-side decisions and ineptness. It is way too early to suggest that Raila has fixed problems at KFF. In fact politicians and sport do not go together.
But seriously, just to clarify my position, I cannot compare Raila to the likes of Kones, Kosgey or Ntimama. I do not believe that Raila had any active role in the post-election violence and his indifference toward the Kikuyu victims is perhaps a result of the bitterness resulting from the bungled election. Undoubtedly, Raila is a true hero of the second liberation and I think history will recognize his enormous contribution to the democratization of Kenya. Raila is also perhaps the best political operative in Kenya's history and he remains the clear front-runner in 2012. However, in my opinion, I think he will be an awful leader. Anyway to answer your question, I do not celebrate deaths and I think Kenya is a better place with Raila in it (just not as president).
Dubois
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Post by phil on Jun 17, 2008 22:53:33 GMT 3
I hate to spoil the party but we should not get ahead of ourselves. If you examine Raila's political career there is a common theme; sudden short outbursts of energy which dissipate almost as fast as they appeared. His record in various ministries speaks for itself. The problem with the Kenyan prime minister is that he seems to suffer from attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Don't get me wrong though, I am also hoping that the standard of soccer can be lifted and Harambee stars qualify to go to SA in 2010. The only difference is that I am not counting on the globe-trotting politician but rather on practical steps like those of Kimunya in the 2008 budget. Dubois Dubois, The Prime Minister's duties does not include responsibility for managing soccer affairs in Kenya. What you are seeing RAO doing is mainly owing to his love for the game and as a fulfilment of his own promise to the youth during the launch of his vision sometime last year. ODM as a party recognises the role of sports in socio-economic development. As far as I can remember and contrary to what you call various, RAO has served in two ministries only. First was very short spell at the energy ministry during Moi's time and secondly another short spell in Roads, Public Works (and Housing) ministry during the Kibaki error (no typo here). I would further appreciate if you would be a little more specific when you say Raila exhibits "sudden short outbursts of energy which dissipate almost as fast as they appeared" because all Kenyans are aware that the then Finance minister deliberately starved the roads ministry of funds so as to curtail any credit that RAO would attract in successfully rehabilitating our roads. Please see RAO's record as cabinet minister at this link www.raila07.com/record.html . Rather than resort to cheap and deeply insulting remarks as to allege that RAO suffers from "attention deficit hyperactive disorder", Dubois, why dont you be brave enough and honestly criticize what you think are the PM's shortcomings in his efforts to revive Kenya's football and sports in general, and while you are at it, point out possible avenues that KFF may follow to get Harambee Stars qualify for the world cup in 2010. |
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Post by einstein on Jun 17, 2008 22:53:55 GMT 3
Einstein, Actually I have to give Raila some props for his conduct as PM. Since he became PM, he has behaved like a true statesman and avoided the divisive politics that he is most famous for. The problem is, knowing Raila, this could be a very short phase of his colorful political career. But seriously, I cannot compare Raila to the likes of Kones, Kosgey or Ntimama. I do not believe that Raila had any role in the post-election violence and his indifference toward the Kikuyu victims is perhaps a result of the bitterness resulting from the bungled election. Undoubtedly, Raila is a true hero of the second liberation and I think history will recognize his enormous contribution to the democratization of Kenya. Raila is also perhaps the best political operative in Kenya's history and he remains the clear front-runner in 2012. However, in my opinion, I think he will be an awful leader. Anyway to answer your question, I do not celebrate deaths and I think Kenya is a better place with Raila in it (just not as president). Dubois Hey man, You are a head of youself!! Why do you respond to my post before I'm even through with the writing? Are you suffering from some mental disorders?? If you are, then I suggest you pay a courtesy call on Mathare Mental Hospital. Damn!!! |
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Post by politicalmaniac on Jun 17, 2008 23:17:15 GMT 3
Phil: Well said. ..as much as I am a political junkie - I have taken a hiatus from Kenyan political blogs [contradictory here] and I am full time blogging away at: www.kenyafootball.com/ I am loving every minute of it, especiailly Sammy Sholei's essays on yester years...I am loving being Kenyan. Odinga, Obama, Oliech!!! Funny how the last names of R and BHO start and ends with similar vowels! |
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Post by phil on Jun 18, 2008 12:25:03 GMT 3
This weekend will be a busy one for the PM and a challenging one at that. Immediately upon his return from the US, he will attend Laboso's funeral on Friday 20th, then also attend Kones' funeral on Saturday 21st, before flying to Harare to lend moral support to the Harambee Stars who will be squaring off with Zimbabwe Warriors on Sunday 22nd. Zimbabwe have vowed to give the stars a 5-0 drubbing to avenge the loss to stars in Nairobi last weekend. This is akin to David vs Goliath because Zimbabwe are ranked 23rd in Africa (96th globally) while Kenya are placed 34th (117th globally) in FIFA World rankings. Raila's presence in Harare during this charged electioneering period is bound to cause some uncomfort for Mugabe and his overzealous security. Consider that Tendai Biti MDC Secretary General is currently in jail for the last one week awaiting a court appearance on TREASON charges. Tendai has been to Kenya to see the PM at least twice and the two were together at the World Economic forum in Cape Town wherein RAO gave African leaders a dressdown for failing to condemn the situation in Zimbabwe. I am not sure if Mugabe will bar Raila entry into Zimbabwe, but then will RAO be bold enough to repeat his remarks within the borders of Zimbabwe. Will he be a panAfricanist enough to condemn the harassment of opposition figures and demand for Tendai's release? I hope the PM will WALK the TALK. I cant wait for Sunday! www.afriquenligne.fr/news/africa-news/zimbabwe-vow-to-atone-world-cup-qualifier-defeat-200806166854.htmlZimbabwe vow to atone World Cup qualifier defeat
Nairobi, Kenya - Disturbed by the 2-0 drubbing by Kenya in Saturday's 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier here, Zimbabwe have vowed to atone the defeat in Harare.
Kenya sailed past Zimbabwe in a fast-paced and thrilling match at the fully-packed Nyayo National Stadium to take the leadership of Group Two with six points an d five goals.
A Zimbabwe team official, speaking at a dinner organised for the team by the Zimbabwe community in Nairobi, said "these things happen in football sometimes you lose, but I am seeing a 5-0 scoreline in favour of Zimbabwe in the return match in Harare."
He said he believed on homeground, Zimbabwe will beat Kenya with many goals.
Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Guinea are pooled together in Group Two of the African World Cup qualifiers, being used to pick Africa's four representatives to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 16 teams to battle it out in the 2010 African Cup of Nations finals in Angola.
South Africa, hosts of the 2010 World Cup, got an automatic ticket to the global event, but four other African flag carriers, will be determined by the ongoing qualifiers.
In all, five teams will carry the African flag to the event.
Kenya is leading the group standings with six points from three matches, followed by Zimbabwe with four.
Namibia are in the third spot with three, while Guinea are at the bottom with one point.
Meanwhile, two Kenyan players, goalkeeper Arnold Origi, and striker Patrick Oboy a, will miss the return match against Zimbabwe for different reasons.
Origi who plays for Norway's Moss FK, twisted his knee and sustained a minor fra cture during Saturday's match against Zimbabwe.
Rushed to hospital in an ambulance, he will be out of action for six weeks.
Czech Republic-based Oboya, has been twice yellow-carded in the ongoing World Cu p qualifiers, and will, in accordance with FIFA regulations, miss the Harare match.
Meanwhile, Kenya's soccer-loving Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, currently leading a Kenyan delegation on a three-day official visit of the United States, is set to fly to Harare for the match.
Odinga who has been rewarding the national team with cash tokens, believes his presence in Harare will boost the morale of the players and inspire them to win the match.
Nairobi - 16/06/2008
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Post by atis on Jun 19, 2008 15:25:07 GMT 3
fifa is totally political. it's owned by an elect group of influential corporations. practically owned by a certian corporation i won't name at this point in time. if kenya wants to get around the top they should get an influential coach. you want to befriend this guy en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chung_Mong-joon to get an influential coach. he's a good man (son of hyundai founder) and probably the next president of fifa.. also this is insider news but he'll be going for the presidency in korea again in the current president's faction sometime in the future. if you make him aware of kenya's recent political turmoils like the sufferings etc. kenya may do relatively well in the footy circuit of course given they play well too. this is his site www.mjchung.com/ to add further to that, he's quite similar to Raila, humble, smart, christian, blunt, down to earth, heart for welfare, very hard working, for korea korea, love his footy, suffered govt persecutions, his elder brother was assassinated by the govt, he went through detentions, exile etc. this mzee is abit of an engima as well. people often ask how is it that so many koreans manage to get to all these protests around the world and even to these fifa games. well, this mzee paid for the plane. |
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Post by kmdo on Jun 19, 2008 15:40:01 GMT 3
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Post by phil on Jun 22, 2008 20:40:48 GMT 3
Guys an update from Uwanjani,
The Prime Minister, who only was in Bomet yesterday for Kipkalia's funeral yesterday soon after arriving in Nairobi from Washington USA, did not travel to Harare as earlier reported. He was making history in Nairobi.The PM was at the Rugby Football Grounds of East Africa (RFUEA) along Ngong Road for the Tusker Safari Sevens Rugby Tournament. (I wish to remind you guys this is neighbouring the same venue - Ligi Ndongo Grounds - where the PM was said to have escaped an assassination attempt in January this year when anti-riot police violently dispersed ODM mourners when they threw tear gas canisters and fired live ammunition rounds into the VIP tent where RAO was seated during a funeral service for people killed in post-election violence - PHEW!!!!). This is also the highest-ranking EVER Kenya government official ever to have attended a RUGBY game since African natives (no pun intended) started playing the game in the 1960s. For those of you who have been living in exile over the last few years, Tusker Safari - 7s has evolved into the biggest sporting event in this part of the world following aggressive marketing and school programs by the Rubgy Football Union and also the impressive perfomances of the National Rugby Sevens team in the world series! EABL has also been very generous in sponsorship! The PM made his entry after Musalia Mudavadi (DPM and ODM Vice Captain) and then - surprise, surprise- went ahead to allow Musalia to be crowned Guest of Honour - a very powerful political statement, in my opinion. Information Minister Samuel Porghiso also made an entry plus a host of former MPs. The PM was widely cheered when he made his entry when Kenya had just knocked out the Zim national rugby team. Kenya were, of course, crowned champions after years of being knocked out of the main event at the semis and quarters, and many of the wananchi present attributed the win to the motivation factor due to PM's presence! On top of this, the crowd was kept updated of events in Harare, via the PA system, where the national team were playing their Zim counterparts in match that ended in a barren draw. The Kenyan state broadcaster KBC had initially promised to air the FIFA world cup qualifying match live but failed to do so for unexplained reasons. Meanwhile in Harare, it was a barren draw for Harambee Stars! news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/7467352.stm Kenya hold Zimbabwe in HarareZimbabwe lost further ground in the race to grab Group Two's automatic ticket to the second phase of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers after being held 0-0 by Kenya on Sunday. The Warriors, who were two points adrift of leaders Kenya, were hoping to win the game in Harare to overtake the Harambee Stars. But it was not to be as the Kenya's defenders frustrated the attackers of the home side into making basic mistakes. The result leaves Kenya at the top of the group with seven points while Zimbabwe stay second on five. Guinea, who have four points, can join Kenya at the top of the group if they beat Namibia in Conakry later on Sunday. -------+++++-----------++++---------- PS1. The PM is still utilising his personal (armoured) Toyota Lexus although he has been allocated government vehicles for his security and personal use. PS2. The crowd at RFUEA grounds chanted 'MUGABE MUST GO' during all of Zims matches and also after Kenya defeated the Zimbabwe team. And the ZIm players gave a thumbs-up when doing the traditional lap of honour.
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Post by adongo23456 on Jun 23, 2008 7:59:47 GMT 3
Yap,
I guess after today's results it is up to Harambee stars battle with Namibia and Guinea for the last two games to qualify for the group of twenty which is beautiful because it sets the stars up for a shot at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and a really good shot (coming third in our group) for the African Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010.
Looks very good. Cheers all round to the Harambee Stars!
But this earlier game with the warriors must have been a treat to those who watched it. Poor Zimbabwe.
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Post by genius on Jun 23, 2008 10:16:41 GMT 3
Phil, I was at the RFUEA yesterday and I will confirm that your report is largely accurate. The funny thing is that both Nation and Standard Newspapers have given the event very poor coverage today and make no mention of the fact that Raila received a very warm, almost fanatical welcome from the crowd at RFUEA.
even the foreign teams playing in the tournament seemed very eager to catch a glimpse of the man.
I was at the main Stand just close to the VIP stand so I had a very good view of how it happened.
First to arrive was the Deputy PM Musalia Mudavadi just before Kenya played Zimbabwe in the Semi Finals. He received a rousing welcome from the crowd as he walked to the VIP stand accompanied by his bodyguards and Richard Omwela, the Kenya Rugby Footbal Union Chairman. The crowd could not stop shouting ODM slogans and kept singing the song Bado Mapambano.
Kenya went ahead to beat Zimbabwe 14-7 in a tight match which was extrememly tense. We must give credit to the Zimbabwean team which put up a very good fight and stayed focused on the game despite the serious problems they have at home. and they were also very dignified in the face of taunts from Kenya. But they received a standing ovation when they made a lap of honour after their exit. I just pray that these young men will not have their careers ruined by the greed of one Robert Mugabe.
just after the Zimbabwe game, the PM, Raila Odinga walked in, accompanied by Richard Omwela and the reception by the crowd was just awesome. the crowds chanted 'Haki Yetu' and the now ODM anthem 'Bado Mapambano' as the PM walked towards the VIP stand.
He then went to meet the Kenya team players who were warming up for the finals for a small pep talk. around this time, Information Minister Samuel Pghisio walked in at about this time and received a generous helping of boos from the crowd.
after this incident it is very obvous which side has the support of the rugby players and supporters.
to crown a wonderfule day, the Kenya team led by captain Humphrey Khayange came into the pitch for the finals amid rupturous support from the ecstatic crowd and went ahead to make mincemeat of the South African outfit steamrolling them 31-12. it should be noted that this is the first time in 3 years that Kenya has won this even which is billed to be one of the biggest Sevens rugby events in the whole world.
It should also be noted that Kenya is currently ranked seventh in the whole world in Seven-a-side rugby competing favourably with the likes of New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji, Samoa, England etc.
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Post by afrigun on Jun 23, 2008 19:51:45 GMT 3
On the subject of harambee stars, and indeed, all our other national teams in the other sports, wouldnt it be great if they adopted the rugby sevens team colours (which is now recognised worldwide) as the official uniform? would put an end to the hotchpotch of colours our teams are ever appearing in!
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Post by aeichener on Jul 1, 2008 14:12:52 GMT 3
The problem with the Kenyan prime minister is that he seems to suffer from attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Which would be at least a change from the otherwise common and prevalent "attention deficit inactivity disorder" among most politicians. Sports, anyhow, is now nominally in one ministry with youth, gender having been outsourced. Kenyan sports in width and breadth are in a pitiful state, mostly due to lack of resources and state support, not to lack of talent. If somebody hyperactive would set to change that, all the better. So please keep me and us updated on the prime minister's sports development initiatives... A. |
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Post by phil on Sept 7, 2008 19:42:36 GMT 3
Not many were impressed by the quality Harambee Stars delivered at Kasarani yesterday - but a win is a win! It looks like they are a one-man team - and the absence of Denis the menace Oliech was clearly evident! Harare today, Guinea were due to play Zimbabwe and if they win, they will be at par with Kenya on points - and goal difference will decide the group leader. If they draw (see article) Kenya will remain group leaders and move on to next round - due next year.  A Kenyan soccer fan looks on during the 2010 World Cup qualifying match between Kenya and Namibia at the Moi International Sport Centre Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi September 6, 2008.2010 CAN/World Cup qualifiers: Kenya pips Namibia 1-0 Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - In the absence to top flight striker Dennis Oliech, Kenya struggled to pip a determined Namibia 1-0 in a 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Nairobi on Saturday. Watched by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, among others, a struggling Kenyan striking force probed the heavily-defended Namibian goalmouth and its efforts yielded fruits in the 44th minute, when Jamal Mohammed converted a penalty after John Njoroge was fouled in the box. Kenya had to go the extra mile to beat the southern African side in the well-attended Group 2 return match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Oliech, with French side Auxerre, missed the match because he is serving a suspension after receiving two yellow cards in the tournament. The not-so-impressive win shot Kenya to the top of the group with 10 points, overtaking Guinea which has seven points. But a lot depends on Sunday's match between Guinea and Zimbabwe in Harare. If Guinea beats Zimbabwe, it will tie with Kenya on 10 points and the group leadership will be determined by goal aggregate. Nairobi - 07/09/2008 www.panapress.com/freenews.asp?code=eng048304&dte=07/09/2008 ---------------------------- Kenya strengthen their chances of World Cup qualifier
Sun 7 Sep 2008, 9:05 GMT NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya, recently returned from a FIFA suspension, strengthened their chances of qualification for the last phase of the African World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 home win over Namibia on Saturday. The victory pushed Kenya to the top of Group Two, three points ahead of second-placed Guinea, who play at Zimbabwe on Sunday.  Jamal Mohamed converted a 44th-minute penalty after left back John Njoroge had been tripped in the penalty area. Kenya have twice been suspended by FIFA in recent years for political interference in the running of the football federation. The top 20 teams from the second round of the Africa World Cup qualifiers go through to the last phase, which starts in March. africa.reuters.com/sport/news/usnBAN736316.html© Reuters 2008. All Rights Reserved. ----------------------------------- And then this good news for the stars: Zimbabwe draws 0-0 against Guinea in World Cup qualifier Released on: 2008-09-07 15:52:24 APA-Harare (Zimbabwe) Zimbabwe’s star faded further Sunday after the senior national team played a goal-less draw against Guinea in a 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played in Harare. Despite creating numerous chances, the wasteful Zimbabwe Warriors failed to beat the well-marshaled Guinean defence which thwarted their every attack. The Zimbabweans had a goal disallowed in the 22nd minute after South African-based striker Gilbert Mushangazhike was adjudged to be offside. Guinea had a player sent off after 78 minutes but managed to contain the charging Zimbabweans. The draw means Zimbabwe remains in third position on six points, behind Group Two leaders Kenya on 10 points and Guinea on eight points. Zimbabwe’s next opponents, Namibia, anchor the group on three points following their 0-1 loss Saturday to Kenya in Nairobi. The Zimbabwe Warriors would end their campaign on nine points if they beat Namibia’s Brave Warriors in the last group match in Windhoek while Guinea would finish on 11 points if they win against Kenya at home in Conakry. This would mean that the top two teams, Guinea and Kenya, would progress to the final qualifying round. JN/tjm/APA 2008-09-07 www.apanews.net/apa.php?page=show_article_eng&id_article=74645 |
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Post by einstein on Sept 25, 2008 5:19:28 GMT 3
German Coach for starsBy Gilbert Wandera A German coach will soon be in Kenya to help Harambee Stars through the qualifying rounds of the 2010 World Cup, if current negotiations between Nairobi and Bonn are completed in time. The German Ambassador to Kenya, Walter Lindner said modalities of seconding a coach to Kenya are ongoing. The Ambassador said this is in line with their bid to revive a sports partnership between Germany and Kenya. "We are working on it and there are plans to bring a coach to Kenya. I have talked to various ministers in our government who have made the commitment," said Lindner. He was speaking in Nairobi where he donated kit to Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA). In the past, Germany has seconded football coaches to Kenya, who include the late Reinhardt Fabisch and Manfred Steves. The defunct Olympic Youth Centres, which groomed some of the best footballers in Kenya, were started by Bernard Zgoll, another German national who was seconded by their government. Before Zgoll, Eckhardt Krautzun also had a stint on a similar arrangement. Fabisch handled the national team Harambee Stars while Steves took on reviving national youth centres. Lindner said his government is working on identifying the right candidate to take up the coaching job in Kenya. "There are various things to consider including finding a coach who will accept to work here and who will pay his salary," said the envoy. Exchange ProgrammeHe said Germany will also accept local coaches to train in various institutions so long as they are seconded by the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) in an exchange programme. Meanwhile, the Government is ready to take on the responsibility of preparing the national team Harambee Stars for their last World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea. Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch said yesterday they have set aside Sh600,000 for camping of the team at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The state will also pay for the team’s air tickets to Guinea and bonuses of Sh810,000 if they win in Guinea. Oluoch said they are waiting for the Harambee Stars Management Board to tell them when the team is going to camp so that they can make camping plans. "We made a commitment to cater for the team and we are ready. We are waiting for the board to tell us when they are going to camp so that all logistics can be put in place," said Oluoch. Oluoch has also called for a meeting between the ministry, KFF and its affiliate KPL to agree on who does what in preparing the team. Confusion"This meeting will clear any confusion between KFF and KPL regarding the management of the team." said the Commissioner of Sports. With the partnership between KPL and KFF ending after the Guinea game, Oluoch said the state is willing to form another board to manage the team in the second round of the qualifiers. But he insisted that they can only do this with the permission of the federation which is mandated to run football. Oluoch spoke a day after sharp differences emerged between the KFF and KPL over the camping of the team ahead of the Guinea match. KFF Secretary General Sammy Obingo complained that the KPL had postponed the team’s camping date from Monday without informing them. The accusation was denied by acting KPL Managing Director Gerald Chege, who said it has been agreed that the team goes to camp on September 28. KFF and its affiliate have been reading from different scripts lately in football management if concerned. KFF’s advise was ignored on Gor/Mathare league replay. www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1143995588&cid=4&
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Post by einstein on Oct 13, 2008 1:36:33 GMT 3
Beaten Harambee Stars sail throughBy Robin Toskin and Agency Kenya qualified for the final round of the 2010 World Cup/Africa Nations Cup despite 3-2 loss in Conakry, Guinea last night. AJ Auxerre striker Denis Oliech grabbed a brace late on but it was not enough to cancel out goals from Hull City’s Kamil Zayatte, Mamadou Bah and Dynamo Kiev’s Ismael Bangoura. The win enabled Guinea top Group Two with 11 points and Kenya, who were on top going into the match, finished second but well within the points bracket to seal passage to the next round as one of the best second-placed eight teams. Harambee Stars looked vulnerable from set pieces and attacks from the flanks as Bangoura powered in the opener on 32 minutes after the Kenyans failed to clear their lines. Bah stretched the West Africans’ lead on 61 minutes profiting from slack defending from a corner to find the back of the net before Zayatte headed home another free header. Oliech, returning after suspension, put respectability on the score line despite the Kenyans playing second fiddle to the Guineans when he scored at the near post. Rings the rearOliech, who is mulling over a move back to Qatar, then hit the second on the stroke of full time, finding the top left corner of goalkeeper Naby Yattara, Elsewhere, Mozambique took the last remaining places in the last round of the Cup qualifiers. Mozambique joined them after Angola came from behind to beat Niger 3-1 in Luanda. Uganda were set to go through as one of the best runners-up if Angola failed to win, but the result put the Cranes down into third position in the group. In Dakar, Senegal's failure to make it to the final stage of qualifying for the 2010 World and Africa Cup of Nations was met by a hail of missiles from their fan. Full List of Qualified TeamsCameroon, Kenya, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, Gabon, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Rwanda, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Sudan, Zambia, Togo, Malawi, Egypt, Guinea and Mozambique. www.eastandard.net/InsidePage.php?id=1143996880&cid=38
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Post by einstein on Oct 13, 2008 1:44:55 GMT 3
KFF polls: Raila and Sambili should save our footballBy Robin Toskin We have heard of attempts to postpone elections of the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) until next year. Now that is worrying. That, if it is true, is taking things a little too far. In fact, the said elections ought to have been held before May 31 in accordance with the KFF constitution. Every Kenyan knows the debilitating leadership wrangles within the football body. The opinion of most people is that there is need for elections to bring new but committed leadership. But now the talk of a postponement is like these officials are telling Kenyans-"mta do?" I remember an official telling me to my face "nyinyi watu wa magazeti mnapiga kelele tu. KFF ni society na iko na members. Wao ndio wanaamua nini wanataka."(You media people just make noise. KFF is a society and has its members who decide what they want). Isn’t that frightening? I have always thought that as a tax paying Kenyan who funds Harambee Stars, the government holds my stake at KFF. Like other Kenyans we need an answer in this regard from the Ministry of Sports. Thank goodness Harambee Stars concludes the second round of the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea tomorrow. Mathematically, we are through to the final round, which starts in March. That is almost half a year before the final phase commences. I think gods of football love Kenya because we now have adequate time to dispense with this nagging issue of KFF wars. Athletics Kenya has settled theirs and within no time they will be ready to move on to other business. What about KFF? And, who are these contemplating postponing the elections? This is the time the Government, and in particular the Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Sports Minister Hellen Sambili need to rise up against this monster called KFF. Need to move onThe two were very instrumental in persuading World football governing body not to unleash a ban on Kenya just before the second round qualifiers begun last May. Raila and Sambili chose to pursue the diplomatic path and it yielded results to the relief of everybody. The government now needs to hit the road and visit Fifa to petition them about Kenya’s vision 2030 and how sports and football in particular would play an integral part towards its realisation. My argument is, that vision will be realised without seriously addressing problems afflicting sports in this country and more so football, which is a big industry. But, it looks like these KFF officials want to behave like a leper, who after you extend a hand for a handshake he will want an embrace. No. It is time the government said a big NO and order KFF to follow its constitution. We need to move on. We want before the final round kicks off in March we have a credible office in place- one that can win back the confidence of sponsors. Already, Harambee Stars players are jittery of the fact that the team’s management will revert to KFF after the Guinea match. We should not take lightly captain Robert Mambo’s advice that they would rather be handled by Kenyan Premier League than KFF. Mambo has a point. But, perhaps he does not know that federations and not the league body manage the national team. Let the proponents of election postponement come out and tell us why we should not hold these elections now. And it should not be that Fifa has directed so because we all know that when elections are due, they are due. They are constitutional and even Fifa does not defer theirs. —The writer is the Standard’s Deputy Sports Editorwww.eastandard.net/columnists/InsidePage.php?id=1143996731&cid=548&
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Post by phil on Dec 17, 2008 19:54:47 GMT 3
Kenya moves up in FIFA rankingsWritten By:Buckley Fedha , Posted: Wed, Dec 17, 2008Kenya is the biggest African mover in the latest FIFA world rankings table, jumping 17 places to position 68. FIFA's "Best Movers of 2008" top ten list features five African sides. Burkina Faso moved a massive 51 places in 2008 to finish 62nd in the world. Egypt, Sierra Leone, Gabon and Kenya also feature on the list, after seeing their rankings rise over the past 12 months. The Harambee Stars have benefited from a good run in 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, winning through to the final stage, which begins in March. Cameroon remain the highest placed African side, in 14th place overall, while Egypt jumped five places to 16th. Nigeria moved into the world top 20, up three places to 19th, benefiting from an unbeaten run so far in World and Nations Cup qualifying. Ghana is up one place to 25th while Ivory Coast dropped one place to 29th. Morocco, Mali and Tunisia all feature within the top 50.
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Post by kingtut on Jan 8, 2009 1:11:13 GMT 3
Gor launch on Thursday
Updated 4 hr(s) 11 min(s) ago
By Erick Ochieng
After returning to the continental football map, Gor Mahia kick off a massive membership recruitment drive this weekend, which will be preceded by a fund raising ceremony at Nairobi’s Charter Hall today.
Today’s ceremony will see the club unveil its vision and mission, new logo and website as it seeks Sh40 million to successfully participate in this year’s CAF Cup competition which kicks off on February 1.
The management will also unveil the club’s communication and strategic plan and also establish the way forward for the former continental football powerhouse which rocked Africa by and large in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Members of the public will be informed of modalities and avenues of becoming registered members, a venture that will be managed from the branch level. K’ogalo intends to register a million members in the shortest time possible during the continental championship.
Club’s assistant secretary general, Ronald Ngala said yesterday in Nairobi that an appeal will be made to members of the public to help in the rekindling of the club’s old memories, especially where crucial matches involving the club are concern, so as to help increase the club’s viewership and popularity across the divide.
Ngala said a test run, to check on the response, will be done during the club’s CAF cup match against APR of Rwanda on February 1 at Nyayo National Stadium with a repeat of the same at Amahoro Stadium two weeks later to establish the strength of the club’s fan base.
"The engine of managing a community-based club is simply a solid fan base, lubricant could be active branch members and attractive football.
A combination of the two will lead you to securing a corporate sponsorship as part of the component" said Ngala.
Club chairman, Ambrose Rachier, last week admitted Gor was experiencing a serious financial crisis and urged well-wishers and sponsors to come on board and assist the club ahead of the championship.
Rachier clarified that the funds would be used to prepare the team and also cater for players’ allowances and salaries during the championship they qualified for after winning the KFF Cup last year.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his deputy Musalia Mudavadi will grace Thursday’s occasion that kicks off at 6pm.
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Post by einstein on Jan 9, 2009 2:10:32 GMT 3
A simple revival of the old Gor Mahia-AFC Leopards rivalry with good soccer display but without hooliganism will do the magic! Funds will come rolling in automatically.
But the management of the two clubs MUST also eliminate corruption in the management of the club funds and club affairs!!
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Post by kingtut on Jan 9, 2009 2:29:31 GMT 3
I think hoologanism and thuggery are the greatest threats to kenyan soccer. And please lets not mix sports, politics and tribalism. Chants like Obama, Odinga, Oliech should not be tolerated.
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