Category: SPORTS

 

 

Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) in collaboration with StarTimes on Saturday awarded nine coaches for their exemplary efforts as Coach of the Month Award winners for the period between April and December 2023.
Martin Abunde, head coach of Roll Ball national team was named April’s Coach of the month in a colorful ceremony held in Nairobi.

Abunde edged out two other top competitive coaches to the award after his World Cup heroics with the national roll ball teams in India.He guided the Kenya national women’s and men teams to the historic Roll Ball World Cup victory.

The Kenya women’s team crashed Egypt 5-0 in the finals. Despite arriving late for the global tourney played in Pure, India, Kenya defeated Nepal 8-1, France 10-0, Sri Lanka 6-2 and Egypt 2-1 in the group stages. Kenya then overcame Poland 2-1 in the semi-finals.The men’s team on the other hand saw off hosts India 7-4 in the final to complete a double.
Abunde garnered 31 votes to edge out Kabras Sugar’s Carlos Katywa and Nyamira Girls Hockey coach Eliakim Obondo.

Boniface Nyamuhnyamuh of Vihiga Queens football team was named May’s winner for guiding Vihiga Queens to the coveted 2022-2023 FKF Women’s Premier League title. Vihiga finish top with 55 points, seven points ahead of Gaspo who finish the season second.

Gor Mahia’s tacician Jonathan McKinstry won the June 2023 award after helping his side win their record 20th FKF Premier League title. Gor finished top with 70 points, a point above Tusker whom they dethroned after previously winning the title two seasons in a row.

July 2023 winner Patrick Odhiambo won the award after helping Kakamega Homeboyz win their first ever silverware. Homeboyz defeated Tusker 1-0 to win the Mozzartbet FKF Cup. Homeboyz thus bagged Sh2 million in prize money and also earned the right to represent Kenya at the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup, the first time they played in continental football.
Nyamira Girls hockey team coach Eliakim Obondo was named the

Eliakim Obondo won the August award after helping Nyamira Girls rack up their first ever East African Secondary School games title two months after leading his side win the KSSSA National title in 32 years. Nyamira Girls won all the titles from Sub County, County, Regional, National, East Africa.They will represent Kenya at World School Games this year in Serbia.
Obondo beat Paul Bitok who helped Kenya’s Malkia Strikers win the African Volleyball Championship for the first time since 2015 by defeating Egypt 3-0 in the final in Yaounde, Cameroon to also qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics.

Other winners were Kevin Wambua of Rugby-Kenya Sevens in September, Japhet Munala of KCB Women Volleyball team in October, Moses Andiwo of Equity Chess in November and Evelyne Kedogo of Basketball 3 by 3 in December.

Munala led KCB to the 2023 Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Premier League title victory whilst Andiwo won the award after helping Equity Bank Chess Club win the 2023 Kenya National Chess Premier League (KNCPL) champions.

StarTimes CEO Jimmy Carter Luo expressed his joy during the event and announced StarTimes continued SUPPORT to SJAK.
He said that the StarTimes will continue investing in support of the sport across the Country.
“I’m very happy for this occasion and StarTimes will continue supporting local talents across the Country,”
SJAK President James Waindi on his part said
“We are very pleased with the partnership with Startimes, it comes at an ideal time where all eyes are on AFCON 2023.

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Pay television StarTimes today announced a media partnership with mobile phone provider Safaricom and gaming firm BangBet to enable football lovers to stream the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon (which kicks off today) January 13, 2024, in Cote d’Ivoire.

 

Speaking during the StarTimes/SJAK coach of the month award ceremony, in Karen on Saturday, Jimmy Carter Luo, the CEO of StarTimes Media Kenya, expressed his enthusiasm during the announcement, stating that StarTimes secured AFCON 2023 broadcast rights alongside all 2024 CAF events which will enable the company bring the best sports entertainment to the viewers.

“With this exclusive acquisition, StarTimes is set to elevate the sports-viewing experience for millions, ensuring that fans across Sub-Saharan Africa can immerse themselves in the excitement and drama of AFCON 2023 and other CAF Events. To ensure that football fans do not miss a match we have partnered with Safaricom who will ensure that they can stream the match without any interruptions.” Said Luo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He added that the significant investment in the broadcasting rights for AFCON 2023 and CAF Events underscores StarTimes’ dedication to supporting and promoting African sports noting that Startimes aims to bring the thrill and excitement of AFCON to an even broader audience, fostering a sense of unity and pride across the continent.

The 2023 AFCON will be featuring 24 nations competing in 52 thrilling matches which will be broadcasted at World Football channel, Sport Premium, Sport Arena, Sport Live and Sport Focus channels on Startimes.

 

Safaricom representative Flabia Othim announced that their will a data bundle package that will ensure the viewers get to enjoy and cheer their favorite team at their own comfort.

“We have a package tailored for football lovers. Through our unique partnership with StarTimes we will ensure that football lovers can stream a match for three hours without any interruption for just ksh 50.” Said Othim.

StarTimes’ having previously broadcasted the 2019-2022 AFCON and the 2020 CHAN, solidifying their position as a reliable sports broadcaster.

Businessman and former Nyanza National Executive Committee (NEC) member Tom Alila has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency.

Tom Alila, who has football administration in his lineage with his father, Nelson Alila Onyango, being a revered figure in the Kenyan Football Federation (KFF), made his ambitions clear as he set out his vision for the development of the game from the grassroots to the national level.

“I am running on three main principles: Firstly, we aim for a radical change in the administration of football, as the current management has been unsatisfactory,” said Mr Alila.

Already the campaigns are underway for the elections that are slated for next year.

The other strategic element of his plan involves creating a robust football curriculum in schools to promote the sport among the youth and establishing sustainable structures for young players’ development.

“We intend to implement structured programs for a football curriculum in schools, ensuring widespread participation in football activities,” added Alila .

Mr Alila has also set out an elaborate plan to promote women’s football across the country by effectively utilising funds from the world football governing body FIFA.

“In my tenure, I’ll ensure that women’s leagues and Harambee Starlets have title sponsors,” he emphasised.

To achieve his manifesto conclusively, Alila has come up with both short and long-term plans that his presidency will strive to achieve.

Alila said his track record as a former football administrator speaks for itself. For Instance, he ensured Moi Stadium in Kisumu got an artificial turf facelift which was a Sh52 million collaboration project with world football governing body FIFA during his tenure as Nyanza NEC member.

His period also saw four clubs from the region, namely Agro Chemicals FC, Muhoroni Youth FC, Western Stima FC and Sony Sugar FC, promoted to the top flight.

Other prolific sides that got a lease of life in the period were Palos FC, Migori Youth FC and Kisumu All Stars FC.

To ensure he attracts sponsors and corporates to the sport when elected, Alila says transparency and accountability will be key. He says his NEC members will be allowed to work independently and without any micromanagement.

“My office will not be a one man show, it will be an all inclusive relationship,” he stated.

Alila also plans to work in tandem with the government, saying it’s the only way to get goodwill from the State.

“I will put players’ interest first, because they are the core of the game. I will ensure that contracts signed with sponsors are within the public domain. In as much as sponsors need value for their support, players welfare will be a priority,” he stated.

He has also vowed to tackle match-fixing that is slowly creeping into Kenya football. He also said, in conjunction with the government, he will set up a penal code to criminalize the act.

To ensure Kenya soccer national Team Harambee stars and Harambee starlets strive and succeed in international games, Alila will ensure there is smooth transition of players from clubs to the national level.

“To be sincere, I currently have a problem with the way players are being drafted into the national team. Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia FC) is our top scorer yet he is not there, that I have a problem with, I believe Harambee Stars call up should be based on merit to reflect a national outlook,” he stated.

 

In a nail-biting encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Shabana FC showcased immense courage and determination, even in the face of a controversial 1-0 defeat against Gor Mahia at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani. The match, marred by contentious decisions and heated moments, highlighted Shabana FC’s unwavering resolve to challenge the giants of Kenyan football.

Shabana FC, under the astute guidance of head coach Sammy Okoth, approached the game with a well-thought-out game plan. Despite the absence of key players due to injuries, Shabana FC’s defense stood tall, thwarting Gor Mahia’s attacking onslaught on numerous occasions. Goalkeeper Erick Ongiri emerged as the hero of the match, making crucial saves that kept his team in contention until the final whistle.

The defining moment of the game occurred in the 79th minute when Shabana FC’s defender Aduda Abisolom received a controversial red card, reducing the team to ten men. The decision, met with disbelief and frustration, added an extra layer of challenge for Shabana FC. However, rather than succumbing to pressure, Shabana FC rallied together, displaying remarkable unity and spirit.

Head coach Sammy Okoth expressed his admiration for his players’ bravery, emphasizing their ability to stand firm against adversity. “I cannot fault my players’ effort and determination. Despite the controversial decisions, they fought with all their hearts. This match showcased our character as a team,” praised Okoth.

Shabana FC’s fervent supporters echoed Okoth’s sentiments, applauding the players for their valiant performance. James Omari, a devoted fan, highlighted the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. “Our players exhibited extraordinary courage. We may have lost the match, but their bravery has won our hearts. We stand by them, no matter what,” declared Omari.

Another passionate supporter, James Maribo, emphasized the need for unwavering support from the fans, especially during challenging times. “This is the moment when our players need us the most. Let’s continue backing them, showing them that we believe in their abilities. Together, we can overcome any obstacle,” urged Maribo.

Amidst the challenges, Shabana FC found solace in the steadfast support from their sponsors, Bangbet. The Sh20 million sponsorship deal, initiated before the season commenced, has provided the team with vital resources and financial stability. Bangbet’s commitment to grassroots football and community development resonates deeply with Shabana FC’s ethos.

“Our partnership with Bangbet is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a shared vision to uplift our community through sports. Their support empowers our players and motivates them to excel. We are immensely grateful for their belief in our team,” expressed Okoth, acknowledging the significant role played by the sponsors.

As the season progresses, Shabana FC remains undeterred by challenges, standing tall with their heads held high. With the unwavering support of their passionate fans and the steadfast backing of sponsors like Bangbet, Shabana FC faces the future with optimism and determination. The team’s courageous stand against Gor Mahia, amidst controversial circumstances, serves as a testament to their spirit and resilience, laying the foundation for a promising journey ahead.