Category: SPORTS

Kenya’s Canoe Slalom Kayaker Wins Tujiamini’s Central Region Gold Award

Kenyan Slalom Canoe Kayaker Samuel Muturi (Right) celebrates alongside his teammate after being unveiled as the Central Tujiamini Gold Award Winner.

Samuel Muturi, the 29-year-old canoeing Slalom Kayaker currently stretching the boundaries of sports and talent in Kenya, has been unveiled as the Gold Winner central region in the ongoing Tujiamini Initiative powered by SportPesa.

Muturi, who made history when he became the first Kenyan slalom canoe kayaker to reach a semifinal at the 2019 World Championships in La Seu d’Urgell in Spain during his debut, received a Kes 500,000 award in support and recognition of his talent, which he now seeks to take to the next level with a vision to be Kenya’s first-ever Olympic canoe slalom kayaker.

During the unveiling that took place at the Savage Wilderness Whitewater Rafting Centre in Sagana, Kirinyaga County, Muturi’s prowess was evident as he displayed his skills and mastery in the water paddling sport alongside one of his teammates.

“I have participated in several events, including four world championships and three Africa championships, including the Africa Olympic Qualifiers held in Sainte Suzanne, La Reunion, in February. It is not easy, however, for us to train around here because we don’t have a permanent course. While we try our best with what we have, water sports equipment is expensive, and we have no choice but to train with our old gear. Therefore, support like this will help us improve kayaking and canoeing in Kenya,” said Muturi.

As he continues to make waves in the world of water sports, to represent Kenya in the 2028 Olympics, Muturi elaborated on his commitment to attracting young talent and growing the niche sport in the country.

Kenyan-Slalom-Canoe-Kayaker-Samuel-Muturi-in-action-at-the-Savage-Wilderness-Whitewater-Rafting-Centre.

Muturi trains local youngsters around his home in Sagana, hoping to encourage more people to take up water sports and put canoe slalom kayaking on the Kenyan Olympic agenda.

At the 2019 World Championships, Muturi achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Kenyan canoe slalom kayaker to qualify for a semifinal in an international competition. Muturi, who competes in the K1 and C1 categories, including the extreme Slalom discipline, currently works with his coach, Titus Mureithi, and about 20 teammates, domiciled at the Savage Wilderness Whitewater Rafting Centre as his training grounds.

According to Coach Mureithi, the Tujiamini initiative offers a very good platform for talent at all levels, and Samuel’s award resonates perfectly with the intended impact on emerging talents.
Willis Ojwang, the Communication and Advertising Manager, of SportPesa, noted the uniqueness of water rafting and paddling sports such as canoeing and kayaking, which are relatively unknown in Kenya but have huge potential for mopping up talent at the grassroots.

“As a young boy, Muturi Watched rafters float downstream, igniting his passion for water sports. Today, he is a trailblazer who is not only committed to achieving his dream of representing Kenya as the country’s first-ever Olympic canoe slalom kayaker but has also chosen to inspire other young people to take up the sport. That is the true essence of believing in oneself. This is what Tujiamini Initiative is all about,” he said.

Muturi’s unveiling follows that of four other 80 winners in the silver and bronze categories, respectively, over the weekend during the conclusion of the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament in Kirinyaga.

The Tujiamini Initiative, which aims to provide a showcase platform for both individual and community grassroots sports and related talents, now moves to the Eastern region, covering 11 counties where other Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Tujiamini Cheza Dimba
Winners will be announced in one month.

April 18, 2024
Kirinyaga Stars FC Clinch Victory in Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Football Tournament, Central Region

Members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly join Kirinyaga Stars players in celebration after they emerged winners of the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024. L-R Tujiamini In the white hat is Kepha Kariuki Chief officer sport’s, in the red Jacket is Mutithi ward Representative Jinaro Jamumo also the Deputy Speaker, County Assembly of Kirinyaga, on the right is Hon. James wambu, MCA Kangai Ward.

Kirinyaga Stars FC outclassed their regional opponents to emerge victorious in the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, which marked the culmination of Tujiamini activities in the Central region.

The tournament that took place at the ACK Good Samaritan School in Mutithi Ward, Kirinyaga County, brought together six teams in a hard-fought battle for the top spot, with one winner expected to represent the region in the nationwide tournament at the end of the year.

Based in Kirinyaga County, the club won 1-0 against Galacticos in the finals to walk away with the prize of a three-year sponsorship deal by Sport Pesa worth Kes 250,000 annually. The team will also receive both home and away kits, as well as other benefits such as professional mentorship for the players.

In the group stages, Kirinyaga Stars FC beat Karia FC and Galacticos FC to top Pool B, before proceeding to the semi-finals, where they thrashed Pool A finalist Midway FC 5-0. As fate would have it, they went ahead to set up a tantalizing conclusive fixture against Galacticos FC, who redeemed themselves in their two consecutive matches after suffering a loss during the group stages.

In the semifinal against Murang’a County’s Midway FC, the Kirinyaga Stars showed great resilience and stamina to dominate the entirety of the game.

Buoyed by an excited and charged home crowd, the Stars rallied to score five goals, including one penalty in the second half.

Galaticos FC, Kevin Kimani alias Di Maria, takes off from Kirinyaga Stars’ Aren Kimani during the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024. The NIBS College lost 1-0 to the home side.

According to Kirinyaga Stars Team Manager, Julius Mutiso, the Kes 250,000 award will go towards player welfare in particular; supporting logistics in meeting their league fixtures. Mutiso added that, as one of the leading teams in the FKF county league, they are encouraged and ever more focused on exposing the young and budding talent to such tournaments.

Willis Ojwang, the Communication and Advertising Manager, SportPesa, noted the high number of submissions received from the Central region of over 100 teams, leading to the lineup of the top 6 entrants.

The Cheza Dimba Central region football tournament featured four teams from the larger Kiambu County, with the rest coming from Murang’a and Kirinyaga County. “Even if there is only one winner at the end of the regional activities, no one is walking away empty-handed.

Players from participating teams have received supportive resources such as playing kits and are free to reapply for a chance to feature in the other ongoing Tujiamini activities until December 2024.”

The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, which aims to provide a showcase platform for both individual and community grassroots sports and related talents, continues to play a huge role in boosting players’ morale in their search for recognition and support in taking their talents to the next level.

“For an amateur team, we did not know that we would be facing highly skilled players. Our Cheza Dimba outing today was quite competitive but well worth it because of the exposure, which will help in improving our game even as we set our targets for the higher FKF leagues,” said Joel Mallow, team captain of Kiambu-based Lions FC.

Kirinyaga Stars’ Goalkeeper Jeremy Karanja in action during the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024.

As part of the central region culmination activities, the event in Kirinyaga saw the announcement of four winners in the silver categories: Leon Oduor with his entry on rugby coaching and music producer Franklin Ireri, as well as Patrick Mugu, a Kenyan cyclist who ranked 9th overall in the National 2023 Cycling Series, and Kennedy Stephen, a weightlifter ranked Kenya’s 7th strongest man, all walk away with a Ksh. 100,000 cash prize.

Another 80 bronze winners in the county will get various support in the form of sports kits, fees, gym memberships, access to physiotherapy, and nutritionists, among others.

The tournament now moves to the Eastern region, covering 11 counties, where another community club will have the chance to gain a three-year sponsorship that is designed to help clubs realize their goals while addressing key resource gaps such as player welfare, kitting, travel, and accommodation among other needs that tend to hinder the progress of both players and clubs.

April 14, 2024
BangBet: A Driving Force for Growth and Development

Beyond its partnership with Kariuki and Ngugi, BangBet has been instrumental in fostering growth and development in Kenyan motorsport through a range of sponsorship initiatives and grassroots programs. From supporting local rallies and events to nurturing up-and-coming talent, BangBet is committed to cultivating the next generation of motorsport stars and propelling the sport to new heights of success.

In addition to its motorsport endeavors, BangBet has also demonstrated its commitment to grassroots sports development through its sponsorship of Shabana FC, a football club with a rich history and a strong focus on youth development. Through its partnership with Shabana FC, BangBet is not only promoting sports but also investing in the future by providing young athletes with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

In conclusion, BangBet’s sponsorship of Kariuki and Ngugi is a testament to its dedication to driving Kenyan motorsport to new heights of success. With their partnership with BangBet, Kariuki and Ngugi have not only realized their dreams but also inspired a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts, paving the way for a brighter future for Kenyan motorsport.

April 11, 2024
Gor Mahia Outwit Murang’a Seals to win Derby 3-1 at the SportPesa Arena

Gor Mahia & Murang’a Seals Derby

The air was electric with anticipation as two of Kenya’s beloved football clubs, Gor Mahia FC and Muranga Seals FC, clashed in the much-awaited SportPesa Derby
held on Saturday, May 4. 2024.

Fans who turned up for the thrilling encounter at the SportPesa Arena in Muranga County were not disappointed, as both teams, in exceptional form this season, gave a good account of themselves in the fast-paced and high-stakes game that kicked off at 3.00 pm.

Gor Mahia took the lead early on with a goal by Austin Odhiambo. This was soon followed by Benson
Omalla’s spectacular header halfway through the first half missed the bar by a whisker, sending Gor fans wild in the stands.

Not to be outdone Muranga Seals soon sent a rejoinder across Gor Mahia’s net when defender Brian Marvin, laid up a long ball at Gor Mahia’s doorstep. A spill by a Gor Mahia defender gave John Kiplangat a perfect right shot that found the net, leaving the stablemates with one goal each at
halftime.

In a well-coordinated chase for goals, the Muranga Seals came back blazing in the second half. Pushing an aggressive agenda against the Gor Mahia front, John Kiplangat at one point left with Gor Mahia, and the keeper was unlucky, sending the ball over the bar.

With several missed chances Muranga Seals’ dominance was short-lived when they conceded a second goal to Benson Omalla from a penalty after Dennis Munyovi brought down Austin Odhiambo, in what Muranga Seals fans felt was not a deserved call.
Ultimately, it was Gor Mahia’s game when Benson Omalla found the net yet again, to give Gor Mahia a 3-1 with minutes to the final whistle.

“We started the game very well and were in control for the first 20 minutes. The first goal was fully deserved, but after that, Murang and Seal came back quite threateningly and eventually equalized. Even so, we dominated 70 percent of the game and are pleased with the win and what it means for the
table,” said Gor Mahia head coach, Johnathan McKinstry.

Gor Mahia FC, with a legacy that spans decades, is known for its passionate play and dedicated fanbase.

Muranga Seals FC, although a newer addition to the Kenya top-tier league, has proven to be a formidable opponent, quickly earning respect in the football community.

“We were ready and prepared to give a performance that our fans could be proud of. We respect Gor
Mahia FC and we are not afraid to face them. Except for the penalty that rattled the boys
slightly, I am happy with how we handled today. We trained hard, and my players were
hungry for victory, said Juma Abdallah, Murang’s head coach.

April 6, 2024
Josiah Kariuki and John Ngugi rallying with Bang Bet

As the WRC Safari Rally Kenya kicks off amidst a flurry of excitement and anticipation, all eyes are on the dynamic duo, Josiah Kariuki and John Ngugi, who are primed to make waves in this thrilling motorsport spectacle. Piloting the ex-Don Smith FIA Africa Rally Championship-winning car adorned in vibrant BangBet livery, Kariuki and Ngugi are set to embark on an exhilarating journey filled with twists, turns, and the promise of victory.

Navigator John Ngugi, a second-generation driver with rallying in his blood, exudes confidence as he discusses their preparations for the rally. With meticulous attention to detail and the expertise of Don Smith’s seasoned mechanics servicing their car, Kariuki and Ngugi are poised for success. “We’ve left no stone unturned in our preparations. Recce went smoothly, and despite the Easter rains adding a touch of slipperiness to the stages, we’re ready to tackle the challenges head-on,” Ngugi affirms.

Reflecting on past endeavors, Ngugi recalls their previous attempts at the Safari Rally with a mix of determination and optimism. Despite setbacks in previous years, including a minor hiccup during scrutineering, the duo remains undeterred, fueled by the unwavering support of their sponsor, BangBet. “Rallying demands resilience, and we’re grateful for BangBet’s steadfast backing. They’ve enabled us to pursue our passion and compete on the grand stage,” Ngugi acknowledges.

For Kariuki and Ngugi, the Safari Rally represents more than just a competition; it’s a test of endurance, skill, and strategy. As they navigate the treacherous fesh-fesh speed tests, their focus remains on preserving the integrity of their car while pushing boundaries on the rugged terrain. “Driving sensibly is key to a successful Safari. We aim to strike the perfect balance between speed and caution, ensuring we cross the finish line with our heads held high,” Ngugi elaborates.

Under the watchful gaze of technical delegate Musa Locho, the BangBet-sponsored car underwent rigorous scrutiny at the Wildlife Research & Training Institute in Naivasha, a testament to their commitment to adhering to the highest standards of safety and performance.

For Ngugi, the legacy of rallying runs deep in his veins, as the son of the late John Ngugi Senior, a revered rally driver of the 1990s. Embracing his family’s heritage, Ngugi embarks on the Safari Rally with a sense of pride and purpose, carrying forward his father’s legacy with every twist of the wheel.

As Ngugi navigates the challenging Naivasha course, he joins a cadre of second-generation drivers, each driven by a shared passion for motorsport and a desire to leave their mark on rallying history. Among them are Carl “Flash” Tundo, Hamza Anwar, and Oliver Solberg, a testament to the enduring legacy of rallying dynasties.

For Ngugi, the journey from childhood dreams to professional racer has been a remarkable odyssey—one fueled by passion, perseverance, and the unwavering support of sponsors like BangBet. As he revs up for the Safari Rally, Ngugi embodies the spirit of a true champion, ready to conquer the track and inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts

March 29, 2024
Rockstars FC Hot on the Trail of the FKF Division 2 League Qualifiers

Wekesa Barasa played a pivotal role as he steered the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba winners Rockstars.

FC to a 1-0 victory against Nakalira FC, to further widen the gap against their opponents in Zone B of the FKF
Western Region League.

The goal that came in the 29th minute secured maximum points for the home team solidifying their place on the
standings where they lie at 4th with 24 points, while Nakalira settled for 5th with 20 points.

The outcome of the much anticipated derby earned Rockstars FC bragging rights having so far won seven matches, drawing in three and losing four after playing 14 matches out of 22.

Speaking during the match, Rockstars FC Team Manager, Ronald Mugera, said the match was a crucial tie up for the team, with the win giving them a much needed four point lead ahead of Nakalira FC.

Mugera lauded the recent financial injection received from the Tujiamini Initiative, noting that it will boost the team’s efforts of getting into the FKF Division 2 League.

“I think we are going to have the easiest time managing the team because of the availability of resources. As we now focus on the qualifiers, we want to nurture and position our players for higher leagues, and through Tujiamini’s three year sponsorship, we now have a clear plan towards achieving this,” said Mugera.

The Tujiamini Initiative powered by SportPesa aims to identify and recognize local talent with its unique approach
and commitment in exposing and rewarding talent and passion in sports towards sustaining grass roots sports
development in the country.

Further enunciating the team manager’s sentiments, the team captain Emmanuel Wanjala expressed the team’s renewed vigour adding that the sponsorship was a big motivating factor for players to exert themselves and aim higher in the league.

“The support has come at the opportune time seeing as we have been struggling to attend some matches due to lack of resources. As players, we shall work hard to bring results that can propel us to the
top tier leagues”, he said.

Rockstars FC are the inaugral winners of the Cheza Dimba Awards in the Tujiamini initiative securing a three year sposnsorship deal worth 250,000 shillings annually alongside kit support.

They are among community-owned football teams that receive the support in a bid to foster grass-roots football talent.

March 11, 2024
A Mother’s Remarkable Journey to Millionaire Status with SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus

Lilian Akinyi Onooro could not hide her excitement as she basked in the glory of a significant victory after walking away with a breathtaking 1,804,255 million shillings in this week’s SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus.

The school administrator from Nakuru clinched an impressive 15 out of 17 bets, defying the odds
and turning what initially felt like a distant dream into a life-changing reality. This extraordinary win
not only highlights Lilian’s exceptional luck but also adds a thrilling chapter to the narrative of ordinary
individuals achieving extraordinary financial exploits.

Lilian stumbled across the good news by chance and it only took her daughter’s validation to achieve
believability, “My daughter woke me up regarding an urgent matter that needed my attention in the
home. Then, I looked at my phone and noticed an unlikely message that I nearly dismissed.
However, my thoughts were thrown into disarray after my daughter hollered, announcing that I was a
millionaire. A call from SportPesa eventually confirmed this.”

In the wake of her newfound bounty, Lilian’s sights are set on the horizon, with plans to establish an
executive barbershop by the end of the year.

In addition, she seeks to give back to the community by offering her share of winnings as tithe in the church, along with plans to delve into charitable causes.

The aspiring entrepreneur is no stranger to the gaming industry, having won much smaller bets in her
initial tries. She, however, has advised punters not to lose hope in the pursuit of success, even as her
energy is renewed for the mega jackpot.

The day’s conquest was further highlighted by PSV Manager, Jared Ondieki, who won a similar amount
under the Mega Jackpot Bonus.

SportPesa remains the leading gaming company in Kenya, offering the most lucrative products for
punters including jackpots, whose past winners remain the highest in the country.

This week’s SportPesa Mega Jackpot is set to kick off on Saturday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. and
promises a whopping 352,237,394 shillings with healthy bonuses from 12 correct predictions out of the 17 matches available on the weekly set of matches to predict their outcomes.

February 22, 2024
Valentine’s Bounty for 14 Lucky SportPesa Jackpot Bonus Millionaires

Love was in the air for SportPesa enthusiasts as 14 fortunate punters struck gold in the jackpot bonuses. Among the winners was Paul Mwasya from Makueni County, a family man with a wife and three children, who walked away with an impressive 2,295,125 shillings by accurately predicting 12 out of 13 matches in the SportPesa Midweek Jackpot, missing out on the 25,042,835 shillings that were up for grabs.

Mwasya, currently a mechanic whose livelihood comes from the car trade, expressed plans to transform
his life with the newfound fortune, saying, “I aspire to kick-start a business and build a modest home
for my family.”

Other than Mwasya, thirteen others came close to bagging SportPesa’s all-time high Mega Jackpot, which stood at 349,893,489 shillings. They were also crowned into the company’s fast-growing club of millionaires, even as Valentine’s Day came alive to them.

With a total of 24,058,101 shillings paid to the new millionaires in town, the limousine rides around
Nairobi, culminating in a luncheon, was welcome to their transformed lives with what the winnings would look like.

“That was so close. I have renewed hope that I could take home this SportPesa Mega Jackpot.
now stands at over 351 million. Should I be the lucky winner, I will establish a telecommunications
business and a portion to the church as tithe,” remarked Pancras, who celebrated his 2,079,702
shillings win, accompanied by the fiancé.

SportPesa remains the leading gaming company in Kenya, offering the most lucrative products for
punters, including jackpots, whose past winners remain the highest in the country.

This week’s SportPesa Mega Jackpot is set to kick off on Saturday, February 17 at 6:00 p.m. It promises a whopping 351,066,369 shillings with healthy bonuses from 12 correct predictions out of the 17 matches available on the weekly set of matches to predict their outcomes.

February 15, 2024
Kisumu Woman Turns 99 Bob To Over 3.5 Million After Winning SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus

In an exhilarating turn of events, Rosemary Auma Opiyo, a proud resident of Kisumu, has recently become the talk of the town, securing a sensational SportPesa Mega Jackpot bonus win exceeding 3.5 million Kenyan shillings.

Her triumph stems from accurately predicting the outcomes of an impressive 15 out of the 17 games featured on the SportPesa platform.

Rosemary, a dynamic businesswoman who owns a local general shop, joined SportPesa in December 2023. Remarkably, she placed her first-ever bet on February 2, 2024, and fortune favored her, propelling her into the realm of Jackpot bonus royalty.

This victory not only brings immense joy to Rosemary but also stands as a significant milestone for SportPesa, underscoring the platform’s dedication to transforming lives.

Recalling the moment of her win, Rosemary shared, “I was in my shop early in the morning when I placed the bet after analyzing the games on the platform. Until Sunday evening around 12 am, I couldn’t sleep. I woke up to check the progress but faced network issues, so I went back to bed.”

The elated mother of one expressed her excitement upon waking up to a substantial amount of money in her SportPesa account. She promptly shared the news with her husband, who confirmed the delightful turn of events.

For Rosemary, this win transcends being a mere windfall; it serves as a catalyst for her aspirations. She envisions expanding her business, acquiring a piece of land, and securing a brighter future for her family.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Rosemary was accompanied by her husband, Mr. Felix Omondi, who also experienced success with SportPesa. Mr. Felix, expressing his joy, stated, “We are happy about this. I have placed bets before, but nothing like this big win. The most I have won before was 107,000 Kenyan shillings.”

Encouraging his wife to continue playing with SportPesa, he expressed confidence in their chances to claim the SportPesa Mega Jackpot prize, set at a staggering 349,893,489 shillings, commencing on February 10, 2024, at 11:00 PM. Bonuses await those who correctly predict 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 games out of the 17 offered. The couple is determined to continue their winning streak with SportPesa.

February 8, 2024
Second Lady Winner Scoops One Million Bob with SportPesa

Homabay County is making waves in online gaming, especially for women, with the recent triumph of a 36-year-old mother of two. Irene Auko Maina, hailing from Kadongo, has secured the SportPesa Midweek Jackpot Bonus, a substantial sum of 1,101,920 shillings.

Irene’s victory marks the beginning of the year’s Midweek Jackpot Bonus winners, as she successfully predicted the outcomes of 12 out of 13 matches.

This achievement comes from another lady’s win in the Lake Region, where 24-year-old Christine Adhiambo Muganda clinched the Mega Jackpot Bonus with a remarkable prize of 2,335,528 shillings.

Despite facing previous unsuccessful attempts at multi-bets, single-bets, and midweek jackpots, Irene persevered. Currently, the midweek jackpot stands at an impressive 22 million shillings. Irene shared her excitement.

‘’I participate a lot in the midweek jackpot as compared to any other jackpot, and this is not the end. I will continue betting.’’

“I received the pleasant phone call as I was going home from the farm. This is a blessing because I was
looking for capital to help me start rearing chicken, which I can now do,” said Irene.

Accompanied by her husband, Irene expressed confidence in winning again shortly, urging punters to play responsibly and saying anyone, male or female, has the potential to win with SportPesa.

Concurrently, the Midweek Jackpot Bonus was also won by 30-year-old Japhet Mwachi Ngare. The young lad from Kitengela in Kajiado is a self-employed youth who runs a barbershop.

Looking ahead, the SportPesa Mega Jackpot is set to kick off on Saturday, January 27, at 10:00 p.m., boasting a staggering prize pool of Kshs 347,478,678. The mega jackpot promises hefty cash prizes for those who can make 12 correct predictions. The stage is set for an exciting round of predictions and potential life-changing wins.

January 24, 2024