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KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012 1
2 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012
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38 CONTENTS JULY AUGUST 2012
19
SOCCER .......................... 6 - 21 GOLF ............................. 22 - 25 VOLLEYBALL ................... 26 - 27 STADIA .......................... 28 - 29 RUGBY ............................ 30 - 35 ATHLETICS ...................... 36 - 37 SCRABLE .......................... 38 - 40 PICTORIAL ....................... 42 - 43
36
HOCKEY ........................... 44 - 47
44 46 50 58
BOXING ........................... 48 - 49 OPINION .......................... 50 - 60 PITCH POET ........................... 61 HEALTH ...................................62
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KENYANSTAR TEAM ADMINISTRATION Samuel Eyinda (samueleyinda@kenyanstar.co.ke) Booker Ngesa (booker@kenyanstar.co.ke) MANAGING EDITOR Michael Kwambo (michaelkwambo@kenyanstar.co.ke) EDITORIAL Gregory Mulemi Francis Ontomwa Carrey Ombaka Mwangi Gichau Kenyatta Otieno John A. Otieno Timothy Olobulu Rizz Wangalachi Francis Nandi James Oluoch
EDITOR’S NOTE
In our tradition to take Kenyan sports to the next level, in this issue of your favourite magazine, we look at upcoming talent and sound management practices for sports federations. But first, The Summer Olympics are here with us and from 27th July to 12th August all sports antennas will be facing London to catch the action. The good thing about Olympics is that every sports lover will not miss a discipline he will enjoy. We at Kenyanstar wish our athletes all the best as they do what the whole world knows Kenya for. Do as proud; we are behind you all the way. It was a relief when National Olympic Committee of Kenya –NOCK and Athletics Kenya –AK confirmed that 3000m Steeplechase World Champion Ezekiel Kemboi will travel to London despite facing criminal charges. Britain has a strict visa rule for people facing criminal charges in their home countries; this could have dented our gold prospects in a race we have dominated for decades.
DESIGN AND LAYOUT Alex Ireri (design@kenyanstar.co.ke) PHOTOGRAPHY Gregory Mulemi EDITED BY: Kenyatta Otieno
This year’s edition Copa Coca Cola was launched with an assurance of full support from FKF. Sam Nyamweya graced the occasion and gave the young participants something more to play for; a chance to be in Kenya’s Under 17 national team. We can’t wait to see who will make the final list. Meanwhile, there is Sunrise from the East of Nairobi. Sunrise Football Club is a community club that seeks to bring out the best in the youth around Umoja Estate. We look into this good initiative that is bound to give us future stars just like Copa Coca Cola. Sports has become big business the world over and it is prudent that Kenyans are not left behind. Our sportsmen have left great marks in the world of sports; it is wise if we look at the money-side of sports as well. To this end, John Aggrey in his usual style highlights areas one can venture into in this untapped industry. Professionalism has become a buzz word in world of sports. We look into areas our
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federations can work on to take our sports to the next level. Communication is crucial in
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informative and exciting step by step on the golf course in know your game.
everything we do so we bring you the basics of good communication that will be good for coaches and anybody who has a message to put across. Lastly, Now I have an idea of what golf is all about. The Birdie takes through an
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Enjoy the read.
Kenyatta Otieno www.facebook.com/kenyanstar
LETTERS
FEEDBACK
READER’S RESPONSE Dear Editor, I am a Malawian and read the article entitled ‘ Harambe Stars can break the Malawian jinx’ by Francis Nandi on your online portal. The article includes a photo of the Malawi National Team of the 1980s. I was so fascinated to see the photo and totally loved the details in the article. Currently I am writing on the Malawi National Team of the 1970s and 1980s. Now I wanted authority if I could quote parts of the story by Nandi. It is such a good story that brings back memories of the likes of Young Chimodzi, Kennedy & Holman Malunga. It reminds me of those good old days of the East and Central African Senior Challenge Cup. Yo u r fa vo u ra b l e r e s p o n s e w i l l b e appreciated.
Dear Editor Hallo, I am a very talented midfielder and play for Real Stars Fc (Mombasa Polytechnic), we feature in the Coast provincial league and I believe I play a key role for my team. I wish to find out how one qualifies to feature in the ‘Kenyanstar of the week column’ on your website. I’m a huge fan of the Kenyanstar and appreciate the fact that you guys nurture local talent but I feel so far this has been only beneficial to Nairobi residents. I will be looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you Joseph Owino
Response; Dear Ndisi, We appreciate your reading. Feel free to quote any part of the story in your works. Just kindly remember to acknowledge ‘Kenyanstar’ as the source of the quotes.
Response; Dear Joseph, Thanks for keeping it Kenyanstar. We appreciate your being our fan. We will get our contact in Mombasa to review one of your matches then get back to you soonest. The easiest way for one to be profiled under the Kenyanstar of the week column is by bringing him/her to the attention of the editor via admin@kenyanstar.co.ke once you spot a talent.
Regards Kenyanstar team
Regards Kenyanstar team
Regards, Ndisi.
Dear Editor, Superby written preview of the Kenya premier league season 2012, second leg on your website [www.kenyanstar.co.ke], much appreciated….excellent! With best regards Gishinga Njoroge Managing Editor www.kpl.co.ke
Dear Kenyanstar Team, I like the works being done by Kenyanstar both online and the print version. You guys have opened another door where we share with others stories and issues that had previously been killed by the other media. Congrats. Khamasi Richardnixon Madegwa zeketemades@gmail.com
KENYANSTAR TRIVIA; Answer & WIN!!!!! 1. How many teams play in the Kenya Premier League? 2. When was the last time Wazalendo Hockey Club won the National Hockey League Send your answers to info@kenyanstar.co.ke and stand a chance of winning Kenyanstar merchandise including a free copy of the fifth edition.
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What would YOU want us to write about and cover in Kenyanstar? Is there anything you think is being done well or badly? Send your feedback and suggestions to info@kenyanstar.co.ke
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 5
SOCCER
KENYAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2012 FIRST LEG REVIEW. By Francis Nandi
T
his year’s premier league started on an encouraging note where players and fans gave their whole. What’s more the matches have been unpredictable. Who could ever believe that City Stars who had been languishing at the wrong end of the table would outclass the then leaders AFC Leopards 0-3? Former
6 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
champions Sofapaka are patched at the top of standings after making a slow move to the summit. Tusker FC the defending champions did struggle at some point but quickly got their bearing rights the moment they upset Leopards 0-2 in Mombasa and never looked back. Former giants and traditional arch rivals AFC Leopards and GorMahia did
have their own share of bitter-sweet taste. The latter case witnessed a renaissance of some sought in the late stages of the league. Hiring of the Croatian Logurisic has brought in some stability in the playing unit and the results have been there for all and sundry to see. More importantly is the fact that they should keep on with same spirit and belief right up
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SOCCER
to the end after a horrible start in their league campaign. Arch-rivals AFC Leopards, after a brilliant start where they clearly announced their intensions of clinching the title suddenly found the going tough immediately they lost to Tusker in Mombasa. From there, it has been upheaval’s for the club especially its administration with various groups claiming to be the genuine managers of the club. The wrangles stretched to court and even it required the intervention of Football Kenya Federation to choose an interim committee to run the club affairs. Issues were as bad as that. The club needs to iron their problems out quickly and focus on playing soccer they will surely regain their winning form and must apply at all times. However their vision of lifting the premier league title should be their main focus. City stars story is the most remarkable for a team that had been rooted at the bottom of the league for three straight months. After their excellent triumph over leopards which was dubbed Goliath versus David battle,
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paved way and enhanced their belief that they could get out of their quagmire and they duly did. Three weeks on and they were relatively comfortable out of the relegation zone. Such is the tale that should inspire Rangers, Oserian, Muhoroni and Mathare. It could be the best thing to have happened especially to Rangers whose financial difficulties have stretched over a year now. With their management promising to settle the burning issue sooner. Ulinzi stars, Chemilil,Western Stima, and Karuturi sports have had a fantastic first leg and surely come the second leg these are the teams that will claim strong bold as to the direction of the league title to mention their own ambition for charging for the crown. What is certain is that the mentioned clubs will be part and parcel of derailing the early league campaigner’s smooth passage towards the cup trail. Indeed the Kenyan premier league has grown in leap and bounds, ever unpredictable as it used to be in early eighties to nineties. Back in the eighties, Re –union,
Shabana, Scarlet and Kenya Breweries would push the then seesaw champions AFC Leopards and GorMahia to the core. However at the end of the league it would be either Gor or AFC that would have carried the title while the above mentioned team would close the top six. The year 1980-1982 where leopards won three consecutive league titles was a cliff hanger between them and Gor from the word go to the finishing line. Gor would react to Leopards’ triumph and also did triumph for three straight seasons 1983-1985. Leopards would storm back in 1986 and took the scrap of the league by its neck and went on to win the league unblemished and pumped in 96 goals still an unbroken record to date. In 1987 it seemed the Gor –AFC see –saw affairs would be put to a halt by KTM and Shabana the early pace setters. Leopards were struggling badly and while Gor were concentrating on the cup winner’s cup, they clinched the title the very last month of the league. Leopards would reclaim the title in 88 and 89 while Gor also did a double in 90 and 91. The 1992 season was the most dramatic of all. While leopards went on to win the league, the leadership kept revolving around Kisumu Posta, Gor, AFC and Tusker until the very last day when Leopards,Gor and Kisumu Posta were equal on 38 points however leopards carried the day on superior goal difference. The same scenario was witnessed in 1996. This time Mumias Sugar set the pace under close watch of AFC leopards and Tusker. Leopards would seize the leadership from Mumias and led for the last four months only to lose it on the last day to Tusker in that intriguing finale. For the 2012 season it’s hard to predict everyone will give a good account of themselves. Let’s brace ourselves towards the second leg which surely will have all the ingredients.
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 7
WAREMBO NA HARAMBEE STARS
From Front to Back; Brenda Wangari, Lilian Wanjiku and Janet Muiruri
8 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012
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HARAMBEE STARS AFCON AND WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PROSPECTS By Francis Nandi
T
he 2013 African cup of Windhoek match. Despite his presence Abuja and Lagos, Stars were soaked nations
is
Harambee
beyond stars
the which would be expected to give the in three goals. The trend continued
reach. stars a shove, he conceded two goals seriously even in friendly matches and
They were duly eliminated but with an outstanding performance.
the 1988 AFCON finals that were held
by Togo on away goal rule. Having The Kenyan premier league current in Morocco. To break this jinx stars won 2-1 in Nairobi during the first top scorer, John Barasa declined an need to prepare both technically and leg, stars conceded a goal that would invite to join the team due to personal physiologically. eventually lock them out of a trip to reasons. At a time when Oliech has The good news is that Nigerian South Africa.
lacked his leathal edge Baraza’s knack football currently is not as strong as it
Harambee Stars failed to collect for scoring goals in crucial matches used to be. There has been a change of coaches in the recent past due to
vital three points against Malawi in was missed.
their opening world cup qualifying Nigeria Super Eagles are Kenya’s poor results. They failed to qualify match. A point from a disappointing next opponents in March 2013. Eight for 2010 World Cup and even missed performance behind home ground months is enough to institute the right out on AFCON 2012. Stars can take advantage left fans expecting the changes for stars in their preparations advantage of this and grab at least a worst in their two away games. The next match was away to Namibia
point away in Nigeria.
for their away fixture with Nigerian. Nigeria has always flown above the
Should their preparations continue
where Kenya lost by a solitary goal. stars in world cup qualifiers .These to be in disarray then as the case Arnold Origi made a comeback in was the case in 1985, 1997 and 2009. has always been, then stars will lose goal for the national team for the On these occasions, especially in in Nigeria perhaps collect a draw in www.kenyanstar.co.ke
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 9
Volleyball
With the absence of long serving goal keeper Arnold Origi, midfield maestro Mac Donald Mariga and Kenyan alltime
leading
scorer
and
captain
Dennis Oliech are absent through self –resignation from the national team. The trio form the nucleus of
Former coach Francis Kimanzi giving instructions to Harambee Stars players
the team. Their departure indeed
the return tie. From there, the home
to win the continental trophy five
Should they stick to their guns, then
boys should try and win against the
times that is a quarter the number of
Boniface Oluoch, and Patrick Matasi
rugged Namibians. In the final game
their record appearance. On the other
have the duty to replace Origi while
against Malawi they should at least
hand the defending champions Spain
Titus Mulama,Jamal Mohamed, Victor
aim for a draw. In total, stars would
have qualified to the event thirteen
Mugabe, Belgian based Ayub Timbe
have amassed five points, if they lose
times and won the event once.
and up comings Francis Kahata and
still to Nigeria in Nairobi and Malawi in
However they will need to qualify for
Kepha Aswani have the duty to fill
Lilongwe and draw Namibia here they
the 2014 edition in order to defend
the enviable boots left by Mariga. On
will have two points. Indeed Kenyan
their title since currently the defending
the striking duties, old warhorse John
soccer needs a lot of improvement
champions aren’t guaranteed direct
Baraza who has rediscovered his goal
in terms of its preparation. In the
passage as it was back then.
scoring form in the Kenyan premier
will be a devastating blow to Kenya hopes of excelling in the qualifiers.
league should be given the nod to lead
meantime the under 14, 15, 17,
Kenya Harambee stars on the other
and 20 should be selected and be
hand are making a tenth qualifying
given quality friendly and feature in
series
debuting
He has vast experience concerning
experience-exposing
appearance
after
the attack.
tournament’s
in the 1978 qualifiers. It has been a
the qualifiers and came out handy
in preparation for 2015 Nations cup
tale of heart breaks, only ifs and utter
in the 2004 nation’s cup qualifiers
and 2018 World Cup. If that is still
despondency. To make the matters
and 2006 world cup qualifiers. Mike
impossible, then we concentrate in
more intriguing is the fact once again
Baraza, Allan Wanga if fully recovered,
building teams for the 2017 AFCON
they have been seeded with Nigeria,
Mike Baraza,Ken Wendo and Patrick
and 2022 World Cup.
Malawi
are
Oboya are other strikers who have an
countries that are no strangers to the
enormous task to fill Oliech gap and
PRELUDE TO THE AFCON AND
Kenyan football. Going by past records
talismanic charms.
WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
even though matches aren’t played on
After qualifying for group stage proper,
2014 world cup hosts Brazil have
paper reveals that each time Kenya
stars victory over Seychelles in the
qualified for the FIFA based event a
was seeded with Nigeria or Malawi
preliminaries qualifiers shouldn’t be
record of twenty times(inclusive the
their overall world cup qualifying
used as a spring board in their world
2014 which the qualified by virtue of
campaigns had been disastrous. Will
qualifying pursuits. Rather it should
being the hosts) They have managed
Kenya shake itself from that curse?
be used as a match that put them in
10 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
and
Namibia.
These
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SOCCER the 1988 AFCON finals that were held in Morocco. For this to grind to a halt, stars need to prepare both technically, historically and physiologically .Indeed the team needs a motivator and physiologist who will prepare the boys against the Nigerian pedigree and the enthusiastic if hostile fan base in the Nigerian stands. The good news is that Nigerian football currently as not as strong as it used to be and even their technical bench have decided to include some of the home based
Osborne Monday (Left) and James Situma tackle a Zambian opponent in a CECAFA Cup match
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players to the national team albeit the galaxy of their European stars. Stars should dare the eagles for the first time and grab at least a point in
shape before the genuine qualifiers
(bold enough) to rattle their host. Abuja/Lagos.
commenced. Just like the 1989 and
The Namibians have always beaten
2006 qualifiers, Stars once more kick
the stars in Windhoek as it was in the stars buoyed by the famed results
off their campaign against Malawi.
2010 preliminaries qualifiers and the in Nigeria and quantum leap in their
Their former regular customers of
1998 nation’s cup qualifiers. It should self –made faith, plus crowd support
whom it seems the old traditional
be keenly noted that each time stars rallying behind them, it would be
order is about to be restored. In all the
lost to Namibia they conceded a goal enough for the home boys to upset
qualifiers Malawi has had an edge over
late in the game. The stars attacking Nigeria . From there Malawi should be
Kenya each time they have clashed. In
machine should be in full throttle wary of stars when they visit Lilongwe
1989 they settled for a one all draw in
attacking the hosts relentlessly while and by then stars should have grown
Nairobi before their hosts dealt them
the defence should stand tall and in leaps and bounds a win away from
a 1-0 defeat in Lilongwe. It was even
improve imperious.
more painful in the 2002 world cup
Most
preliminaries qualifiers when Malawi
concentrate intensely for the rest of romp over them. The statistic would
torched them 2-0. Mark you the goals
the game giving no room for their indicate from the marathon qualifiers,
came deep in injury time (91st and 93
hosts to manoeuvre. Indeed stars stars would have collected fourteen
minutes) Stars had no choice but had
have had a habit of conceding late points which is enough to see them
to beat Malawi by three clear goals.
goals (at least the last fifteen minutes) clinch the top spot and secure the
This was a gigantic task as both sides
as the case was against Guinea Bissau second round place where they need
settled for a barren draw resulting into
and Angola in the away ties during the to believe in their abilities and beat
Kenya’s premature exit.
2012 FCON qualifiers.
importantly,
While preparing for the return tie,
home will never be surprising. Finally they
should when Namibia jets in, stars should
their opponents thoroughly and when
Four years on, stars would defeat
By the time stars visit Nigeria super they play the return match away
Malawi 3-2 in their first world cup
eagles, the pedigree team in the should aim for a draw or can even
qualifying match for the 2006 edition
group that has qualified four times to audaciously go for a win. With it a
and then lost the last match of the
the world cup, stars should be having world cup ticket would be secured.
qualifiers 3-0. Recently, in the 2011
six points or at least four. Nigeria Scenario two: If we get spanked by
CECAFA
has always made sure that they Nigeria and collect a draw at home,
Cup
Malawi
once
more
trounced Kenya 2-0.
have the stars making sure that their then we collect six points from
This time around stars should be
ambitions and crumbled their world Namibia and Malawi at home while
prepared physiologically based on
cup qualifying hopes. These were the we gain other two points also from
these Malawians spank and collect a
case as it was in 1985, 1997 and 2009. the latter two away from home, stars
comprehensive win at home. Up next
On both those occasions, especially in will have amassed nine points. That
stars will be travelling to Windhoek to
Abuja and Lagos, Stars were soaked should form impetus and springboard
face the Namibian brave warriors. By
by three goals. The trend continued for them to qualify for the 2018 World
this time stars should be in a position
seriously even in friendly matches and cup.
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 11
Volleyball SOCCER SOCCER
boost the competition. In an effort to restore order in the management
of
the
Nationwide
League which had been run by Football Kenya Limited (FKL), clubs agreed to form a company that will run the League the following season. The
Nationwide
chaired
by
League
Administration
Limited Police
Secretary Ibrahim Jilo is run along the Kenya Premier League (KPL) model. In the format, Benjamin Ndolo was appointed the Secretary of the League Company. These was to bring order in a league marred by poor officiating, match
fixing,
tampering
with
open League
favoritism, fixtures,
malicious and poor communications and lack of consultative meetings with clubs. With two parallel factions running the show, it was necessary to merge all warring factions so as to create harmony in the league. A total of 40 teams are participating in this season’s league and only two teams will make it
Kariobangi Sharks player (in green ) up against a Coast United player in a nationwide fixture.
NATIONWIDE LEAGUE
The return of order is good for growth
T
By Gregory Mulemi
to next year’s Kenya Premier League. The league has been divided into Western Zone and the Eastern Zone, where the top team from each zone will qualify for next season’s top flight league. This is a good format as the cash strapped teams don’t have to travel across the country every so often. A team from Coast will come as far as Nairobi while Karungu and Nzoia
he Nationwide league has
factions KFF faction that then led by
Sugar far off in the West will stop at
over the years been run
current chairman Sam Nyamweya
Nakuru to play All Stars.
as a roadside kiosk due
and Mohamed Hatimy’s FKL both ran
to
With the first half of the season
separate leagues.
done, the clubs will take a two week
Football. The clubs that have been
The above confusion led to uncertainty
break before the grueling second leg.
participating in the league have not
in the league management and there
Nick Mwenda’s Kariobangi Sharks sit
been certain of making it to the top
was a tussle on which teams were
top of Zone A and former KPL side
flight. Drastic decisions would be made
eligible to participate in the 2012
Agrochemicals are at the helm of Zone
at any time that will overturn match
season of Kenya Premier League (KPL)
B on 44 points.
results.
On December 16th 2010, the FKL
The league is slowly transforming
Before this year, there were two
faction of the nationwide league under
into a professional league and with
parallel nationwide leagues that were
the leadership of Jilo Ibrahim formed a
good management, and sponsorship
going on in the country. The two
Nationwide League Limited in a bid to
tremendous strides will be made.
wrangles
12 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
in
Kenyan
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Volleyball SOCCER
SUNRISE
FOOTBALL CLUB By Gregory Mulemi
Residential area East of Nairobi City is informally divided into Near, Middle and Far East. The area from City Stadium to Buruburu is Near East, Kayole and beyond is Far East. Somewhere in the around Umoja is Middle East where there is a road nicknamed Gaza strip. We sent our correspondent …………….. to ‘Middle Eastlands’ where a football sunrise has occurred.
S
they
community
equipments that come in handy during
based
club
have
won
trophies
football
formed in December 2009.
their trainings sessions.
The club is located in the
The club solely depends on their two
outskirts of Umoja location, Embakasi
coaches and some of the player’s
constituency, Nairobi County. The club
parents for financial support since
has 45 members who include officials
most come from humble background
and players who are below 16 years
and donations of football activities
of age. They are grouped into 3 age
from well wishers who are impressed
groups, under 11 years, under 13
by the ever impressive display of play
years and under 16 years’ old teams.
which many have dubbed it as the
The club is based at Tumaini Primary
Dutch style.
School and 34c in Tena Estate where
The club hopes that one day their
they hold their trainings sessions and
young players would develop and
matches every weekends.
participate in the Kenya premier
It
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unrise football club is a
is
not
all
about
at
league and produce some of the best
Sunrise, community programs like
talents ever to be witnessed in the
environmental clean ups and social
country.
skills training are offered as well. The
Most of the club players have excelled
youth are drawn from Umoja area
in the national tournaments (copa
and surrounding regions like Kayole,
cocacola and the Orange mabingwa
Komarocks,
challenge
Tena
football
and
Kariobangi
mainly
from
Chavakali
South.
secondary school from Western county
The club has grown steadily since its
and Peter Kibukosya and Tumaini
inception in late 2009 and has seen
primary
it grow to produce some promising
constituency).
talents. The club participates in local
The club hopes that one day their
tournaments,
and
mission of being a leading football
friendly matches in the Eastlands
organization in the development of
area. Their hardwork and discipline
young football talent and guiding them
has brought impressive performance;
in their social lives would be realized.
MYSA
league
schools
from
Embakasi
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 13
Volleyball SOCCER
Mike Okoth in action against Mali during the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia
K
enya has seen many great football players along the way, from Joe Kadenge, Jonathan Niva, Allan Thigo, James “Jacaranda” Ouma,
Ambrose Ayoyi, Wilberforce Mulamba and Peter Ochieng Dawo, to name but a few. One man who deserves a mention but often gets overlooked is Michael Okoth Origi, or
MIKE OKOTH
simply Mike Okoth to those who interact with him. He is the first Kenyan to play professionally at the highest level in Europe. Born on 6th November 1967, Okoth started
THE GENTLEMAN AND UNSUNG HERO
out his soccer career as a goalkeeper. A
By Gregory Mulemi & Francis Nandi
to his nephew, Arnold the current Kenyan
legacy that has seemingly been bequeathed first choice in goal. Okoth made his mark in a penalty shootout in 1987 at Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium. As the goalkeeper for Itierio High School they had played to a barren draw with defending champions Kakamega High School in Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national finals. Itierio had converted all five of their penalty kicks, the onus was on Okoth to stop Kakamega’s last penalty, which he did, handing Itierio the national schools title. A year later he would be part of the Kisii based Shabana team that represented the country in the African Club Champions
14 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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SOCCER
Cup (the pre-cursor of the modern
qualifiers, which Kenya narrowly
was around this time that he would
day African Champions League.) Gor
missed out due to an inferior goal
return for Kenya, making his last
Mahia, the 1987 league winners,
difference after tying on points with
appearances for the national team at
had opted to defend the Mandela
Zaire (DR Congo.) Okoth provided four
the 2004 African Cup of Nations in
Cup title they had won the previous
of Kenya’s eleven goals during that
Tunisia. He played alongside teenager
year. Shabana would bow out of the
campaign.Kenya was banned from CAF
Dennis Oliech as Kenya bowed out of
tournament in the first round, losing
organized activities for one year as a
the event with two losses to Mali (1-
2-4 on aggregate to Zambian side
result of backing out of hosting the
3), Senegal (0-3) and one win against
Kabwe Warriors. This was the last
1996 Cup of Nations. This kept Okoth
Burkina Faso (3-0)
time Okoth would feature in goal.
out of international football for close to
Okoth would retire from international
(The last time he played in goal was
two seasons.
football, carrying on playing
against Kabwe Warriors of Zambia and the hunted became the hunter)
professionally in Belgium, though in Transitions
the lower leagues, moving to Belgian
He returned for Kenya’s famous 3-2
Division III side KSK Tongeren for
The Goal Poacher
aggregate win over fancied Algeria
the 2005 and 2006 seasons before
With Shabana drawing blanks upon
during the pre-qualifiers for the
retiring from active football at Division
return to league action, coach Akbar
1998 World Cup. He did not do much
five club Cobax 76 in 2007 aged 40.
Khan took the gamble of playing Okoth
upfront as then coach Gadesavic Vojo
He was known in Belgium for being a
upfront. The gamble that paid off as
employed tactical but match winning
gentleman on and of the pitch. Never
the goalkeeper turned striker scored
tactics that eliminated the 1982 and
complaining, never protesting and
five goals in two matches. His prowess
1986 World Cup participants.
never injuring an opponent. Fans knew
in front of goal saw him earn a call
Okoth proved to be a lethal striker in
his as a friendly football player.
up to the Harambee Stars “B” side
the qualifiers finishing runners up in
He is now involved with soccer
when Kenya hosted the 1989 East
the scorers log with four goals even
administration in that country with
and Central Africa Senior Challenge,
though Kenya did not qualify. Nigeria’s
further plans to extend the same back
putting in a good display that took him
Daniel Amokachi and Guinea’s Momo
home.Apart from nephew Arnold, his
into Kenya’s final 22 man squad for the
Wandel Souamah as Patrice Mboma
son Divoc , has played for Belgium at
1990 African Cup of Nations in Algeria.
emerged tops with five goals.
U-17 level. He also played for the RC
He would also join Kenya Breweries
Mike Okoth moved to Belgium after
Genk U-15 but signed for French side
(the present day Tusker FC) around
three months with Omani side Boshar,
OSC Lille in 201 where he features in
this time.
becoming the first Kenyan to feature
the B team as an offensive midfielder.
Fast forward to 1991; Kenya needed
professional in a European league. He
His brother, Austin “Makamu” Oduor,
a win to qualify for the 1992 Cup of
started out at KV Oostende, spending
played for Kenya and Gor Mahia,
Nations in Senegal. Okoth rose to
four years at the club, between
captaining the K’Ogallo side that lifted
the occasion with a thumping header
1992 and 1996, then KRC Harelbeke
the 1987 Africa Cup Winners Cup
beating legendary Sudan keeper
between 1996 and 1998, before
trophy.
Hamid Breima to secure Stars a berth
joining RC Genk in 1998, where he
His other brothers, Gerald and Anthony
in the African showpiece. The goals
won a league title.
also played for Kenya Breweries (now
continued to flow for Okoth earning
Okoth would end his stint at Genk
Tusker) in the mid ‘90s. His is truly a
him a professional move to Oman side
in 2001, crossing over to RWD
family of football that can be likened
Boshar. He moved to Belgium where
Molenbeek for the 2002 season,
to the Denis Oliech’s, his siblings
he started out at KV Oostende.
before joining Heusden Zolder for two
have played football for KPL and even
During the 1994 Cup of Nations
seasons, between 2002 and 2004. It
abroad.
www.kenyanstar.co.ke
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 15
Volleyball SOCCER
PROFILE: PAUL MUNGAI KIONGERA, I AM NOT THERE YET.. By Timothy Olobulu
P
aul
Mungai
Kiongera
is
currently KCB’s Top scorer with six goals to his credit. He has featured prominently
for the national junior teams, the Under 20 and the Under 23. Before the start of the season, no one really knew much about the Friends School Kamusinga alumni. However, his exploits on the pitch have made him a known figure in the local soccer scene. He even received his first ever Senior Harambee Stars Call up when the team was preparing for the match against Malawi in Nairobi. Mumgai Kiongera, commonly known as ‘Munga’ to his peers was born in Webuye on the night of 14th June in 1993. He started playing as soon as he could co-ordinate his two feet. He attended primary school in Webuye where he used to prominently feature for the school team in inter school competitions in Webuye. He played as
goalkeeper
in
primary
school
but would switch once in a while to offensive midfield. Upon Completion primary school, he joined Friends School Kamusinga, a school known better for basketball and hockey talent. However, he chose to continue with his love for football. At FSK, he started off in goal, the then coach Mr. Oruko noticed his good goalkeeping during inter class
16 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
Mungai Kiongera
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Volleyball SOCCER
Mungai Kiongera dribbles past Roy Waswa of Sony Sugar competitions and drafted him into the
reached the Provincials was in 1998,”
the team, been selected for the Under
school team.
says Mungai.
23 National team and earned a call
But Mr. Oruko would then be promoted
He never really thought he would take
up to the national team. He vividly
to the School’s Games Master and the
up soccer as a career. His parents too,
remembers the most important call
soccer team had a new coach, Mr.
never always advised him so, and
of the year inviting him to the senior
Waluvafu. The coach then noticed that
neither did the principal of his school.
team like it was just yesterday.
Mungai would make a better attacking
“We used to collide with my parents.
“It was on a Monday, I was just
midfielder than a goalkeeper. He
They thought I was not taking my
relaxing in the house because we had
switched from goalkeeping into high
academics seriously by concentrating
played a game on Sunday. As I was
work rate station in the midfield.
on soccer. The Principal alluded to
resting I got a call from an unfamiliar
He was later drafted back as a
the wrangles in football leadership to
number. I received the call and got
defensive midfielder at Form Two, a
deter anyone from thinking of taking
the most “shocking” news. The person
position he played up to the time he
football as a career. I loved football
at the other end told me that he was
completed school.
but I never thought at even one point
the coach and I was needed in camp
Though he says they never had such
I would play professional football,”
immediately. I could not believe it, it
great outings as a soccer team in
adds the KCB forward.
was a huge surprise for me,” he says.
Western
vividly
Upon Completion of high school,
“I did not expect it because the squad
remembers his last year in fourth form
he immediately joined the Kenyatta
had already been named. It was a BIG
as one of the best years in the School’s
University
surprise for me,” he adds.
soccer history.
currently a second year pursuing a
He notes that he picked a lot of
“In that year, we participated in the
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology.
experience from his days in the
Allan Bradley Tournament hosted by
In his first year at KU, he went for
National team camp, interacting with
our school and managed to reach the
trials at Nationwide side KRA, with
players who have plied their trade in
finals. We had never gone into the
his desire still burning to play soccer.
Europe and also getting to learn a lot
finals before. We beat very notable
Good for him, he was picked by the
from the immediate former national
schools like Kakamega high and Vihiga,
team. He only played there for six
team coach Francis Kimanzi.
but we lost to Manor house in the
months before KCB noticed his talent
As a young player, he has also had
finals. In the same year, we managed
and captured him.
his ups and downs. For his lowest
to reach the Provincials’ Level of the
2012 is so far his best season at the
moment;
school games. The last time the school
bankers’. He has scored six goals for
“That had to be in 2010 in the CECAFA
Province,
www.kenyanstar.co.ke
Mungai
in
2011
where
he
is
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 17
SOCCER
scoring. Around the globe, I admire Totenham Hotspur’s Raphael Van Der Vaart. He is an attack minded player whose philosophy is always forward play. You rarely see him playing the ball to his back. That is what I want to
Mungai Kiongera goes for goal against Sony Sugar
adapt as a player,” he adds. And which striker would he be happy
Under 20 Championships in Eritrea. We
Mungai, the important thing is how
twin striking alongside?
had played so well in the tournament
you handle the challenges that will
“Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney
and were even hot favorites to win the
make you a better player.
is my role model. He is a team player
cup. Everybody was talking about us.
“The biggest challenge I have seen
who fights for the team and can lift
However, we lost 2-1 to Uganda in the
in my soccer career is when things
the team when it is evidently down,”
semi final. I felt too bad because we
don’t work out for the team. You do
he says.
lost due to simple mistakes, a match
everything right and play to the latter
Of the defenders he has played
that we would have easily won,” says
according to the coach’s instructions
against in the Kenyan Premier League,
Mungai.
but still go for almost a month without
he has singled out Tusker duo of Brian
victory. The pressure is always high on
Mandela and Joseph Shikokoti as the
His highest moments;
everybody’s shoulders but it is always
hardest nut to crack.
“My career is still on a high and I know
up to an individual to break out of the
“The two are very intelligent defenders
I will have bigger and better moments.
pressure and come out a champion,”
who play with a striker’s mind. They
But up to now, my highest moment is
adds Mungai.
are never in a hurry to make tackles
the West African trip we had with the
He puts his aspirations to one day play
and beating them is not easy. Most
Under 23 team. We surpassed many
in the elite European leagues.
of the times they will win the ball so
people’s expectations. “
“It is any player’s dream to play in
easily, they are the best defenders in
“I was delighted at meeting top
Europe. I am no different. I would like
the KPL,” he adds.
players I only watch on television like
to work hard and see myself playing
Demba Ba and Demba Cisse. In our
in bigger and better leagues,” says the
His parting shot;
match against Guinea I was tightly
avid Manchester United fan.
“Always work hard and trust in God. Never let your dreams die. Challenges
marked by Bobo Balde and Ishamel Bangoura who I have only heard on
His role models,
are part of life and never give up even
radio and watched on TV, made me
“Here in Kenya, I admire Sofapaka’s
if you find the biggest rock on your
feel great,” he says with a huge smile
John Baraza. He is a prolific scorer and
path. If you were destined to success
on his face.
despite his age he still runs around like
and you work towards that, nothing
Challenges are part of life and soccer
and 18 year old. Ever since I started
will come in between you and your
is no exception. But for the young
hearing of him, he has never stopped
success”
18 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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Volleyball SOCCER
CAN 2012 COPA COCA-COLA
PROVIDE KENYA THE FOOTBALL TALENT IT NEEDS?
T
The 2012 COPA is the fifth edition and a lot will be at stake as the tournament gets to the provincial stage in July. Many stars have been born from this tournament and it is expected that talent scouts will be checking out for some prodigious talent. Gregory Mulemi continues with the story.
www.kenyanstar.co.ke
By Gregory Mulemi he ‘Beautiful’ game of
football either, but they were good at
football has been on a
what they did. A look at every passing
downward trend in Kenya in
year, while other nations export
the recent past. With every
talents en masse, Kenya seems to be
passing year, Kenya has been falling
discovering only one talent at a time.
down the pecking order, not only in
Today Oliech, tomorrow, Mariga. Then
regional tournament but internationally
a long drought.
as well. Once a former East African
Blame it on many things, the off-
giant and known for churning out
putting, superfluous and incessant
prodigious talents like JJ Masiga, Joe
wrangles in the management
Kadenge, James Siang’a, Joe Masiga,
of football. Lack of real football
Bobby Ogolla, the late Hussein Kheri,
development at the grassroots level is
Musa Otieno, Mahmoud Abbas, Peter
the major problem. There seems to be
Dawo and the likes. Kenyan football
little being done to check the situation.
is no longer something that arouses
The ostrich head in the sand obsession
excitement among the fans or evokes
of local fans with foreign leagues is a
fear in opposing teams.
product of dwindling standards
Granted, the aforementioned players
COPA Coca-Cola stepped into the gap
never won anything major for Kenya.
five years ago and today many players
They did not make it to the coveted
discovered through the tournament
European leagues that define the
are in KPL clubs. The sensational
success and/or failure in modern
duo of Emmanuel Tostao and Edward
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 19
SOCCER Seda are at AFC Leopards while Felix ‘Felixinho’ Omondi is at Gor Mahia. There is also Steve Odhiambo, Jackson Macharia and Joseph Kuria at Thika United, Dan Waweru and Ali Ahmed (Western Stima) Victor Oduor of Muhoroni Youth and Edwin Mwaura (Rangers).The tournament has come of age, growing by strength on each edition and is run in twenty African countries. Initiated in Mexico in 1998, the annual national youth football tournament aims at identifying the best out of the good from the grassroots by engaging the youths in football activities while also encouraging them to adopt responsible healthy lifestyles. Most of the players in the tournament have shown that Copa Coca-Cola has the potential to bring out the many
take part in the competition. The
more Macdonald Marigas. The FC
tournament commenced with the
Parma in Italy is the COPA Coca-Cola
teams, both boys’ and girls’, competing
goodwill ambassador. He is also a
at the sub-branch level, with each sub-
beneficiary of the talent search event,
branch being presented by 2 girls and
having been the first to be discovered
6 boys’ teams in all the 8 provinces.
200,000 for the runners up while the
in 1999 in the precursor Coca-Cola
A total of 130 teams were first drawn
third placed girls’ team will be awarded
sponsored tournament dubbed The
to battle it out for the provincial
Ksh. 100,000.
Coca-Cola Cup.
finals that start on June 23 until July
“COPA has grown in leaps and bounds
The tournament promises to give
14. According to COPA administrator
since being unveiled in Kenya over five
young players an international
Gerald Chege, the new model will
years ago. As part of our commitment
standard environment to play football.
follow the FKF league calendar. It will
in maintaining a world class football
The exposure to this environment will
be the official district (FKF sub branch)
tournament, we have increased our
encourage them to showcase their
league tournament while tapping and
investment in the tournament to make
talent to catch the eyes of selectors
developing young prospects to become
it even more attractive as we help
for the national Copa Coca Cola team.
the country’s official U-17 team.
young boys and girls develop a bright
It is also an avenue for talent scouts
Talent scouts will follow through and
future in football while inspiring others
to chose, the best young talent for the
identify 30 best performing players’
to maintain active healthy lifestyles,”
Kenyan youth football circles.
right from the sub-branch level. Out of
said Coca-Cola Senior Brand Marketing
This season’s tournament is quite
this, the top 16 players will be selected
Manager Catherine Mudachi.Since its
attractive and with the grace of the
and form the Kenyan contingent that
re-launch in 2007, COPA has created
new Football Kenya Federation, the
will travel to South Africa for a two-
opportunities for a host of upcoming
tournament is bound to go a notch
week international camp. The 16
footballers to realize their potential
higher. During this year’s edition
players will also officially form the
and play in both the local professional
launch, FKF president Sam Nyamweya
Kenya U-17 soccer team.
leagues as well as junior international
said that the tournament would go on
A total cash prize of Shs.1.6 million
football tournaments.
to help pick the national U-17 football
will be up for grabs in this year’s
With the county level coming to a close
team. It is good news to players and
tournament. The winning boys’ team
in June, the provincial and national
soccer lovers in the country who
at the national finals will be awarded
championships will pull a spark in
have always criticized the way junior
Ksh. 600,00, runners up 300,000 while
search of a new champion. In the next
national teams are selected.
the second runners up will walk home
edition, we will review all the matches
The tournament will go through
with 100,000 Ksh. The winning girls’
that were played in 2012 plus a special
four stages and see over 600 teams
team will pocket Ksh. 300,000, Ksh.
feature on the winning teams.
20 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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CYCLING
M
ountain biking is
a
budding
s p o r t i n Ke n y a and is garnering
popularity because of the promise of adventure through Kenya’s scenic landscape and the sheer adrenaline rush one experiences as you hurtle down off-road tracks. The main proponents of this sport are a band of outgoing adventurists who organise local
TRACKS AND TRAILS MTB DIARY
By Rizz Wangalachi
events throughout the year. Once such event the “Rough Ride” was
cross the line, so they can see
18’s record is 32minutes 59
recently held near Ngong Hills.
straight away how they compare
seconds by Shabaz Anwar. And
The Rough Ride, it is an individual
to others or their previous lap(s).
valiant performance by 8 year
mountain bike sprint event held
This year ’s event attracted
old Toby Szlapak, took the “totos”
on forest tracks over an 8.5 km
36 riders varying in age from
honours.
loop, where the rider can do the
a determined 8 year old to a
Due to its growing popularity,
loop as many times as they wish
spritely 77 year old biker! All
plans are underway to have two
and on as many different bikes as
tryingto outdo each other and
Rough Rides a year, and these
they like. Although most of the
having a lot of fun.
will include a shorter kids loop.
riders are extremely competitive,
A new course record was set
The event was hosted by Mama
t h e s e n s e o f c a m a ra d e r i e
and now stands at a blistering24
Mary of Shelter Children’s Home,
amongst all the participants is
minutes 13 seconds by Gerald
near Ngong town, as she does for
quite heartwarming - and makes
Osmond, this betters last year’s
a number of other events and all
it a more fun event.
benchmark of 24:29. Daniel
proceeds from the event went to
Riders start at oneminute
Szlapak came in a scorching
the Home.
intervals, and compete on a
runners-up, 25:11 followed
course that is twisty, hilly and of
by a powerful performance by
Details of this and other mountain
course rough. Once completed,
Jason Potter in third in 25:43.
bike events can be found at
you recover, refuel and re-cycle…
AsaForsman posted the best
kenyacycling.org or sign up to
Each rider is timed to the second
womens’ time, a 28:35 screamer,
the cycling forum at Kenya_mtb-
and their time is posted as they
eclipsing most men! The under
subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 21
GOLF
KNOW YOUR GAME: GOLF
G
By the Birdie
olf is one of the oldest sportsmanship as its centre - because takes 92, you are the winner. games in history. Through even at the highest level golfers are Par is the number of shots (or strokes) time, golfing has gained united in their battle against the a top-class golfer is expected to take enthusiasts
a m o n g course as much as each other.
to play each hole based on its length
various cadres of society. Widespread If you’re new to the sport, either as a and difficulty. It also refers to an popularity is not out of its simplicity but player or spectator, our guide to the expected total of shots for the whole the opposite. It is a game of precision, basics will provide an insight into what round of 18 holes. decision making, and patience.
it’s all about.
Par for a course usually ranges
If you want to learn the sport, the
between 70 and 72 shots but most
first thing that you have to do is to The Course
golfers never match that.
bear in mind that your aim is not to A standard golf course is made up of Par for a hole is usually between three set the longest drive record. You’ll 18 holes.
and five shots, although there are a
have to learn the basics of the sport. That is just about the only thing all couple of pars-sixes in America. Studying the basics is probably the golf courses have in common.
If you take four shots on a par-four
most important phase in learning the The first shot on each hole is played hole you make par. But if you do better sport. It will be your foundation for from a teeing area (known as a tee) or worse than that you’re introduced you success in the game.
with the ball usually being placed on to some funny names.
The aim of golf is simple: hit a small a plastic or wooden peg (also known Take three shots on a par-four hole ball into a hole with the fewest possible as a tee).
(i.e. one less than par) and you call
shots, 18 times.
it a birdie.
Unlike other sports, a golfer’s real Scoring
Take five shots on a par-four hole (i.e.
enemy is never his or her opponent In basic terms your score on a golf one shot more than par) and you’ve but him/herself and more importantly course is made up of the number of got a bogey. the surroundings.
shots you take, plus any penalties you These are just names though.
That is one reason why the game may incur. So if you take 90 shots to What counts is the number of shots has managed to keep a sense of go around a course and your friend you play on each hole, which are
22 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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GOLF
added together for your total score
higher handicap and the game
from your total.
for the round.
can still remain competitive. A
For instance if you return a score
player with an 18 handicap, for
of 98 on a par 72 course, you
example, will subtract 18 shots
will have played to a handicap of
Par Three
Par three holes tend to be less than from his or her score at the end
around 26.
250 yards in length for men and 220
of the round.
Your handicap score is actually
for women.
The handicap system can seem
calculated by the standard scratch
They work on the idea that you can
confusing, which is why it is so
score but this method gives you a
hit the green in one shot and then
important to keep your scores on
ball-park idea of where your game
you have two putts to score par, in
a scorecard so you can work it all
is at.
this case a three.
out at the end of your round. Only highly skilled players reach
Rules of Golf
Par Four
zero, also known as “scratch”. A
There are many rules that apply
Par four holes range from a little less
select few even get so good they
to golf but unlike many other
than 300 to over 450 yards.
enter positive figures - which
sports, unless it is a tournament,
You’d hope to reach the green in two
mean they have to add strokes to
there is no need for a referee or
shots, leaving two putts for par.
their total.
umpire.
In reality, most golfers who
Players must know the rules
Par Five
reach that standard are good
themselves, be honest about the
Par five holes tend to be longer than
enough to turn professional
number of shots they take and
480 yards. There are a few par six
where tournaments are played
play the ball as it lies. Moving or
holes in the world - usually more
off scratch i.e. without handicaps.
interfering with the ball is a big
than 600 yards long.
In foursomes, the team’s handicap
no-no, although there are some
Getting to the green in less than is usually calculated by adding the
exceptions.
three shots is very difficult. Again two players’ handicaps together
If you lose your ball or hit it in
that will leave two putts for par. Golf scoring terms
and dividing by two.
a lake then you will have to add
The normal maximum handicap
strokes to your score before
is:
you can play on. But generally
Albatross: Three shots less than par
Men: 28
Eagle: Two shots less
Women: 36
Birdie: One shot less
Juniors: 29-54
common sense prevails. Etiquette
Bogey: One shot more
Handicapping
The great American golfer Bobby
Double bogey: Two shots more
The actual number of shots taken
Jones said: “In golf, the customs
Triple bogey: Three shots
to play a hole or a round is known
and etiquette and decorum are as
In addition golf allows you to play as the ‘gross’ score.
important as the rules of play.”
against better players by giving you
To calculate how well he or she
The host of dos and don’ts can
extra shots, almost like a head start.
has played, the player deducts his
seem petty, especially at the
This is called handicapping.
handicap from the total to work
more elitist clubs. But this code
One of the reasons golf is such a
out the ‘net’ score.
of conduct has allowed golf to
popular game is that a system of
For instance, if a player with a
retain its sporting values despite
handicapping means players of all
handicap of 20 takes 90 shots to
becoming a multi-million pound
abilities can play against each other.
go round a par 70 course his net
global industry.
A handicap is a certain number of
score will be 70 - which means he
At its heart are two principles -
strokes which a player is allowed
will have ‘played to his handicap’
respect for the course and respect
to remove from his total score for a
by returning a net score the same
for fellow golfers.
round. Think of it like a head start
as par. You can also work out
Examples include not talking
given by more skilful players to your score for each hole as you
during a player’s swing, not
weaker opponents; the better the go along as illustrated above.
walking on the line of their putt
player, the lower the handicap.
If you do not have a handicap you
on the green, raking bunkers,
It means that good players with a
can work out what it roughly is
repairing pitch marks and
low handicap can play those with a
by subtracting par for the course
replacing divots.
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KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 23
GOLF
2012 DASANI GOLF GALA TEES OFF By Michael Kwambo
Championship at the Jumeirah Golf Estates. While in Dubai, they will have the opportunity to
see
Europe’s top 60
m o n e y
earners on the
2012 Order
of Merit battle it out f o r a $ 1 . 3 Million winner’s cheque. They will also play at some of the best golf courses in the region, including the Dubai Creek Course and the challenging Faldo Course at the Emirates Golf Club, designed by former world number 1 and 6-time Major Champion Sir. Nick Faldo.” This year’s series will feature players from 36 clubs across the country battling it out in 18 different golf courses. Over 3,600 golfers across Kenya are expected to take part in the race for a chance to fly to Dubai. At the time of going to press, five qualifying rounds had already been played at the Kiambu, Thika, Vet Lab,Windsor and Railway Golf Clubs . More about the Dasani Golf Gala Now in its third year of existence, the Dasani Golf Gala was launched in 2010 with the intention of taking the game to a wider playing base, fusing accomplished players with those
O
wishing to pick up the game. This has played a major role in helping the 24th
aspirations of both sets of players, all
May,Muthaiga Golf Club
driven by the strong desire to realize
played host to the launch
their potential and chart their own
of this year’s edition of
path.
n
Thursday
The quartet of Willie Samoei, Tim
Dasani Golf Gala. The first event teed off on Saturday 26 May 2012 at the
Nairobi’s Karen Country Club on
Alala, Ferej Ahmed and Michael
Kiambu Golf Club to be followed by
Saturday 29 September 2012 where
Rotich from the Eldoret Golf Club won
subsequent events that will culminate
the top two teams from all eighteen
the inaugural Grand Finale, in 2010
with the Grand Finale in September.
qualifying rounds will compete for the
earning themselves an all expenses
The annual golf series, now in its third
grand prize.
paid trip to South Africa where they
year running, is open to all amateur
The winning team of 4 players will
participated in two pro-am events at
golfers with official handicaps. The
travel to Dubai for the Grand Finale of
the famous Fancourt Golf Resort in
grand finale is set to be held at
the European Tour – the DP World Tour
George, where they participated in the
24 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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GOLF DASANI GOLF GALA COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS ROUND
VENUE
DATE
Round 1
Kiambu Golf Club, Kiambu
Saturday 26 May 2012
Round 2
Thika Sports Club , Thika
Saturday 2 June 2012
Round 3
Vet Lab Sports Club, Nairobi
Saturday 9 June 2012
Round 4
Windsor Golf and Country Club, Nairobi
Saturday 16 June 2012
Round 5
Railway Golf Club, Nairobi
Saturday 23 June 2012
Round 6
Nyali Golf Club, Mombasa
Saturday 30 June 2012
Round 7
Leisure Golf Club, Diani
Saturday 7 July 2012
Round 8
Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Nairobi
Saturday 14 July 2012
Round 9
Nakuru Golf Club, Nakuru
Round 10
Karen Golf and Country, Nairobi
Saturday 28 July 2012
Round 11
Nyeri Golf Club, Nyeri,
Saturday 4 August 2012
Round 12
Sigona Golf Club, Nairobi
Saturday 4 August 2012
Round 13
Eldoret Golf Club, Eldoret
Saturday 11 August 2012
Round 14
Nyanza Golf Club, Kisumu
Saturday 18 August 2012
Round 15
Machakos Golf Club, Machakos
Saturday 25 August 2012
Round 16
Kisii Golf Club, Kisii
Saturday 1 September 2012
Round 17
Muthaiga Golf Club,Nairobi
Saturday 8 September 2012
Round 18
Limuru Golf Club, Limuru,
Saturday 15 September 2012
Saturday 21 July 2012
Coca-Cola Championship and the Gary Player Invitational.
Grand Finale Karen Golf and Country Club
Saturday 29 September 2012
The Kenya Railways team of Abbas Nasser, David Kigomo, Giginder Padam and John Wangai claimed the 2011 title, earning themselves a fully paid trip to Thailand that saw them play golf at the Red Mountain Golf Course and the Blue Canyon Country Club, completing their tour with a round of golf at the Mission Hill Golf Course, a course that offers one of the most intriguing finishing holes; the 18th hole, which has two greens, allowing golfers to choose an alternative end to their game.
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KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 25
VOLLEYBALL
Kenya Prisons volleyball team celebrates after winning the African Women Club Cup title
KENYA
PRISONS; THE QUEENS OF AFRICA
Gregory Mulemi ByBy Mulemi Gregory Peter
26 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
K
enya Prisons retained the African Women Club Cup Volleyball title after beating Kenya Pipeline 3-0 at the Kasarani Gymnasium on Saturday 19 May 2012. It took less than two hours for the three time champions to get their fourth title and book a place in the World Club tournament set for Doha Qatar in December. Prisons were in terrific form and took control of the game right from the start. They won the match in sets of 25-29, 27-25 and 25-13. Mercy Moim and Lydia Maio were at their best as the Prisons side cruised to a routine victory over the bitter rivals. The first set was one way traffic as Prisons took an early 8-0 lead. Pipeline coach Japheth Munala made changes to his squad bringing in Asha Makuto for Captain Catherine Wanjiru. This paid off and soon the deficit was reduced as the game continued.
Lack of concentration gifted Prisons an advantage and a comeback was next to impossible for Pipeline in the end. Prisons have now won the title four times in a row and will be representing the continent at the world club cup in Qatar. Prisons coach David Lung’aho was full of praise for his squad and promised to better the results the side has posted in past events. ‘In 2010 we finished 6th and later we finished 5th.That to me was an improvement and I am looking forward to finishing second or third this year.’ His opposite number Japhet Munala blamed lack of concentration for his side’s loss but promised to make sure that he retains the national title. ‘I think we lost the game due to lack of concentration. Prisons were good in all departments and this did us a lot of damage. I will concentrate on retaining the league and I promise to bounce back in style.’
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VOLLEYBALL
but thank God physiotherapists did a wonderful job and now I am on my feet. What is the problem with the national team, you perform well in Africa but very poorly outside the continent? (She bursts in laughter) That is true, we perform well here but at the from Lugulu that I started playing
global field, we do poorly because
serious volleyball.
of many factors. Height factor is one of the biggest factors here. We have
When was your first national
a disadvantage when it comes to
team call-up?
height. Europeans and Americans are
I was first called to the national team
very tall. When we go to the pitch,
in 2008 just after my form four. It
people mistake us for athletes. Our
was during the World cup qualifier
preparations are also wanting at times,
in Algeria. During this period, I got
we use modern facilities two to three
several offers from clubs to play
weeks before any tournament, and
arlier this month, I caught
volleyball for them but I chose Kenya
this is a letdown because we struggle
up with Florence Bosire,
Commercial Bank (KCB) which had
against sides which have the facilities.
interviewing her at the Moi
better offers.
FLORENCE BOSIRE
E
Who is the best volleyballer you
international Sports Center
Kasarani after her team Kenya Prisons
When did you join Kenya Prisons?
have ever come up against?
won the African Women Club Volleyball
I joined Kenya Prisons in 2009. During
Lydia Maiyo, she is such a professional,
Championships. Prisons beat Pipeline
my time at KCB, I did get several offers
when I got a chance to play alongside
3-0. She was in a very happy mood
but due to personal reasons, I chose
her, I was very happy and I always
after the win and could not hide her
to join Prisons and that is where I am
wish that we could play together for
joy. Her success in the volleyball pitch
up to now.
such a long time.
major ambitions for her future.
How far have you traveled with
What are your future plans as a
She started playing volleyball at the
Volleyball?
volleyball player?
age of nine at Kawaii primary School.
I have gone far and wide with
At the moment I am at Prisons. They
She is currently one of the best setters
volleyball. My first outing was with KCB
have employed me and I have to honor
in the country. Recently, she was part
in the African Championships in Cairo,
that. If a chance comes for me to go
of the Prisons team that won the Africa
last year (2011) I was with Kenya
pro I will talk to my employers about it
Women Volleyball Championship trophy
Prisons in Japan and I was also there
and see what they feel about it.
for the fourth time in succession. She
with the national team for the world
did not participate because of an ankle
championships.
has been huge and she has asset
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Where do you see yourself five years from now?
injury she sustained while on national duty in Japan. She has however put all
Which are the best moments and
I will be one of the best setters in the
injury woes away and she tells us her
worst moments of your career?
country.
inspirational story.
(Laughing)My best moment was when I had my first trip with the national
What do you do off the field. Who
When did you start playing
team to the World Cup in Japan. I
is Florence Bosire off the field?
volleyball?
played against Italy and the result was
I am very talkative and I love meeting
(Smiling)I started playing volleyball at
great. My worst moment was also in
new people and friends. I also love
the age of 9 at Kawaii Primary school
Japan when I got an ankle fracture.
visiting new places. I am simple and
then joined Lugulu Girls who gave me
It was a turning point in my career as
down to earth. Watching movies is my
a schorlaship for four years. It was
I thought that my career had ended
hobby and that is me.
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 27
STADIA
Nyayo National Stadium
Nyayo National Stadium
KNOW YOUR STADIA
By Michael Kwambo
In a bid to acquaint you the reader with Kenyan sporting facilities, we have embarked on a new feature, “Know your stadia” which will be in this and subsequent editions of your favorite sports magazine. We begin with the country’s two flagship stadia, the Nyayo National Stadium and the Moi International Sports Center, under the management of the Sports Stadia Management Board and both located in the capital city, Nairobi.
Background Completed in 1983, Nyayo National Stadium was a vision that was to lead to greater and bigger things for the sports men and women of this country. The completion of Nyayo National Stadium gave Kenya the opportunity to be placed in the category of Nations that were invited to bid for the 4th All African games in 1987, a bid that was awarded to Kenya, giving it International status. In essence Nyayo Stadium gave “birth” to Moi International Sports Centre. Facilities a) Main Stadium Main Features
28 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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STADIA
• •
•
• • •
30,000 seater FIFA approved standard size football pitch – home to several national and international matches Hosts large gatherings, including concerts, national holiday celebrations, meetings and crusades 2 VIP lounges, a boardroom Internet enabled media centre. Floodlights upgraded and ready
b) Aquatic Centre Main Features: • Spectator terraces for 2000 pax • A filtration plant has been installed at the swimming pool • 50 x 25 m Swimming pool • Open to Public all week • Trained lifeguards c) Indoor Gymnasium Main features • 2500 capacity • A busy indoor Arena - Home to National Basketball League • S n a c k b a r s a re w i t h i n t h e gymnasium • fully covered indoor arena and can host: o Basketball o Boxing o Badminton o Martial arts o Social functions o has computerized scoreboards o has functioning Floodlights d) Handball and Volleyball Training Courts Main features • Terraces for 1500 capacity • Standard Court Open air - Ideal Training Court • Available for social events
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Moi International Sports Complex (MISC) Background In the early 80’s, Kenya was invited to bid for the All African Games, which were to be held towards the end of that decade. Like any other African Nations, Kenya submitted and won the bid to host the 4th All African Games in 1987. In preparation for the games, Kenya entered into a bilateral agreement with the Chinese government to build a sports complex which would be used to host these prestigious games. The proposed plan was to build a stadium of international standard, perhaps one of the best on the African continent then. It was with this undertaking that in 1987, saw the official opening of a 60,000 capacity stadium in time to host one of the largest events held in this country the 4th All African Games. The complex was completed in 1987, and hosted the 4th All African Games in august of the same year, an event that filled the stadium to capacity. Prior to this, athletics practice sessions were held at the Coca-Cola National Stadium, which was built in the early 1980’s. Located about 15 km from the city centre along Thika road, this complex provides clients with an opportunity to do their business out of the hustles and bustles of town. Facilities at MISC Kasarani include: i) The Stadion Hotel The Stadion has the following facilities offered at competitive rates to clients • Accommodation with 108 rooms equipped with TVs and telephones • 200 seater restaurant and 60 seater adjacent grillroom • Sports bar • Laundry • 400 seater multipurpose ballroom • Business Centre with cyber café
• • • •
Seminar rooms with secretariat Gift shop Luxurious swimming pool (free of charge to residents) Poolside bar
ii) Kasarani Stadium The Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 seated persons, with VIP lounges and hospitality suites. The facilities are equipped with modern Changing Rooms, Restaurants, Mini-shops, press/media areas and offices. There are internet connections and a hot spot installed in strategic positions. It also has 6 conference rooms at Kasarani Grand Stadium each with a capacity of 60 pax iii) Kasarani Indoor Arena A state of the art Indoor Arena at Kasarani with a capacity of 5000pax, a very ideal venue for AGMS, corporate sporting and team building activities . The Indoor Arena also has presidential suites, snack bar, and a restaurant, a typical setting for exclusive corporate use for business presentations, product launches and other business meetings in idyllic and peaceful surroundings Kasarani Aquatic Stadium Swimming pool The facility has: • One Baby Pool; 1.25m Warm-up or training pool; 1.5m Competition (Olympic size) Pool and Diving Pool with 3 springboards and up to 10m diving platform. . • One recreational seminar room with 30 pax capacity and a VIP Lounge. • Our pools are clean and properly treated. We have ample and secure car park and also provide catering services at request at our poolside Cafeteria.
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 29
RUGBY
ABERDEEN SHIKHOYI
THE RUGBY HEROINE
I
By Francis Ontomwa
n his literary works Old Man’s
beloved daughter and a darling to the
and the 15s teams.
War, 2005, award winning
sporting fraternity, the late Aberdeen
The national rugby ladies team was
science fiction writer John
Shikhoyi, the immediate former
present to give one of their own the
Scalzi says this of death:
captain of the Kenya rugby ladies
last send off. And as they carried her
‘When you lose someone you love, you
team died on April 28 a week after
casket on their shoulders walking
die too, and all you can do is to wait
damaging her spinal cord during the
solemnly through their compound,
around for your body to catch up’.
Elgon Cup Rugby Competition staged
grief, regrets and sobs stole the
As celebrations for the much hyped
in Kampala Uganda.
thunder among hundreds of mourners
mothers’ day took the world by storm
Emotions hit crescendo as tempers
who attended the low profile burial
everywhere in the month of May,
flared during the sorrowful burial
ceremony.
one lonely mother was counting the
ceremony for the late Shikhoyi at her
To her the fateful Saturday was just
greatest loss of her life silently at a
home in Kasavai village in Ikolomani
another day in office doing what she
remote village in Western Kenya. Her
area of Kakamega County. Shikhoyi
loved and representing her country
second last born in of 11 children that
died at the age of the age of 31; she
in the now popular Elgon Cup
comprises 5 brothers and 6 sisters was
captained both the national 7s and 15s
Competition pitting Kenya and Uganda.
no more.
ladies rugby teams since 2010. She
Her words are still reverberating in the
Mama Monica Muliro lay to rest her
won a record 16 cups with both the 7s
ears of fellow players on the eve of
30 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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RUGBY
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the game.
brought down” she narrates.
The Kenya Rugby Ladies team
“Guys we just have to give our all
“The knock didn’t raise eyebrows, this
manager Yvone Makwali said her role
in this game, Ugandans play hard
is common in rugby. It turned out to
in the team was bigger than winning
rugby and to counter their wits, we
be a different case and quite serious
matches; she wanted to elevate rugby
need to get tougher” said Shikhoyi.
than we thought when she pulled out”
status in Kenya.
Doreen Remuor, who has now
notes Remuor crestfallenly.
“We believed in Aberdeen, we worked
taken over the captaincy from her,
Shikhoyi was rushed to a Uganda
closely together given her role and
recounts the last moments with
hospital and immediately referred
mine in the team and I am not going
Shikhoyi remorsefully.
to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It
to lose only a player but a friend and a
“She was our strength, all of us
was established that her spine had
sister” said Makwali amid sobs.
loved her and her words were an
been injured and for specialised care
Shikhoyi schooled at Lusui and
inspiration to us any time before we
she had to be airlifted to Nairobi
Ivonda Primary Schools before joining
moved into any game, she made
Hospital the following morning. The
Makhokho High School for her O-levels
sure we were psyched up before this
ladies rugby team kept praying and
in the year 2000.
particular international encounter”
hoping their leader will recover from
She later joined Erijen Training School
said Remuor.
the ordeal but this wasn’t to be she
for a certificate in Early Childhood
On the match day, the Kenyan team
succumbed to the injuries.
Development in 2008 then shifted her
lined up in the field and when the
Her death has in the recent days been
focus to rugby in 2010. She attained
match referee gave the green light,
a topic of discussion on several local
both levels 1 and 2 in rugby coaching
fireworks became evident from both
and international media platforms.
from the Kenya Rugby Union. She
sides. Kenya held Uganda for the
Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch
played for Mwamba Rugby Football
better part of the clash and it was
attended the funeral accompanied by
Club, a club she joined in 2007.
clear to many that this was going to
his wife.
She has travelled far and wide flying
be their day.
He described Shikhoyi as a
the Kenyan flag high at various rugby
The battle persisted until the second
distinguished player and a pillar
competitions in different countries. In
phase of the deadly encounter when
of women rugby in Kenya whose
2011, she guided the Kenyan team to
the moment many would want to
contribution the world of rugby will not
retain the Elgon Cup for the second
forget forever finally showed up.
forget. He challenged the remaining
time and was instrumental when
“The match was heading to its
players and officials to be inspired by
Kenya sevens advanced to the final
critical point and at this juncture
the loss of their captain to develop
round of the world cup pre-qualifier
we needed much more synergy and
women rugby in Kenya.
in Botswana. Last year she led Kenya
inspiration than ever” notes Remuor.
“ We have lost a heroine, her
to clinch the Safari 7s 2011 trophy at
“ An opponent player scratched the
outstanding role in rugby made her
Nyayo National Stadium.
ball with Shikhoyi going for a tackle,
to be given the role of leading as the
It is a big loss to the family and
everybody charged up inspired by
captain and I must say her death is
especially her brother Pastor Solomon
the move but things were not to
untimely, she died when we needed
Amalemba who eulogized his sister as
pan out well for us, she was hit and
her most” noted Oluoch.
beacon in the family despite her age.
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 31
RUGBY RUGBY
EXPAND YOUR VOCABULARY: RUGBY POSITIONING
Part II
By Carray Ombaka Eighth Man
to break through or push past the
and passes it to the backs.They are
Jersey 8 is his number and is also
opposition’s defensive line.
good communicators, especially at directing the forwards around, and
reffered to as a back-row. They close up the back of the scrum. The
Scrum Half
their aim is to provide the backs with
ball ideally will travel to their legs,
Possessor of jersey 9. He is more or
clean balls.Good scrum-halves have
where the Scrum Half will grab it.
less the “Quarterback.” The Scrum
an excellent pass, a good tactical
They bind between the locks at the
Half will pick the ball up from scrums
kick and are deceptive runners. At
back of the scrum, providing extra
or rucks and either run with it or
defensive scrums they put pressure
weight at the push.
pass it to the Fly Half, or others
on the opposition scrum-half or
Number eights interact with the
behind him.The scrum-half is the
defend the blindside. On defence in
scrum-half at the back of the scrum
link between the forwards and the
open play they generally cover for
to control and provide clean ball for
backs. He receives the ball from
deep kicks after the ball has been
the backs. They can also pick the
the lineout and removes the ball
passed wide.
ball from the back of the scrum and
from the back of the scrum, usually
run with it or flick it to the scrum
passing it to the fly-half. They also
Fly Half
half. At lineouts they can be either
feed the scrum and sometimes have
Wears Jersey 10. The Fly Half will
another jumper or a lifter. Around
to act as a fourth loose forward.
either Kick the ball or decide to pass
the field they have a similar set
Along with the fly-half they make
it down the line of backs if need be.
of responsibilities as the flankers
many of the tactical decisions on the
He is a crucial part to deciding how
at the breakdown. Number eights
field. During general play the scrum-
the play will go along. He is right
are often strong ball carriers and
half is generally the player who
behind the Scrum Half. A fly-half is
run off the backs in an attempt
receives the ball from the forwards
crucial to a team’s game plan. They
32 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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RUGBY
Action during the IRB Sevens
are usually the first to receive the
is. They receive the ball when it is
the first players to make the tackle.
ball from the scrum-half following
passed down the line, and they are
They need to be solid tacklers and
a breakdown, lineout or scrum
literally the center of defense. The
good at organising the defensive
and need to be decisive with what
Centres are utility positions, as they
lines. Outside centres generally
actions to take and be effective at
need to be well rounded in the game
have more room t o move t han
communicating with the outside
of Rugby.There are two centres in
inside centres. Centres also provide
backs.
a game of rugby, inside centre
support at the breakdowns and
G o o d f l y- h a l f ’s a re c a l m , c l e a r
is number 12 and outside centre
can run as decoys to confuse the
thinking and have the vision to
is number 13. The inside centre
defence.
direct effective attacking plays. Fly-
usually stands close to the fly half
halfs need good passing and kicking
or at first receiver on the other side
skills. Often the fly-half is the best
of the scrum or breakdown.
kicker in the team and needs to be
The outside centre is positioned
immediately behind the Fly Half, but
able to execute attacking kicks such
outside the inside centre and is
rather on the edge of each side of
as up-and-unders, grubbers and
generally the faster of the two. The
the pitch. They will stop any play on
chip kicks as well as being able to
centres main role is to provide space
the wings from developing, or they
kick for territory. Many fly-halfs are
for the men outside them. They
will chase on the wings if a ball is
also the team’s goal kickers.
need to run good lines, have good
kicked.
passing skills and should be able to
The wings are generally positioned
offload in a tackle.
on the outside of the backline with
Centres
Wings The Left and Right Wing are not
The Inside and Outside Centre’s
When the ball is moved along the
the number 11 on the left and
descend from where the Fly Half
oppositions backline the centres are
the number 14 on the right. Their
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KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 33
Collins Injera
primary function is to finish off
the back line. They field any
ground and reduce the pressure
moves and score tries. Wingers are
o p p o s i t io n k ic k s a nd a re o f t e n
on the team. As they are the last
usually the fastest players in the
the last line of defence should an
line of defence a solid tackle is also
team and are either elusive runners,
opponent break through the back
important.
or more recently big, strong and able
line. On attack they can enter the
To provide effective cover behind
to break tackles. The skills needed
back line, usually near the centres
the defensive line good fullbacks
for the left wing and right wing are
or wings, with the aim of providing
are careful not to get caught out
similar. The winger on the blindside
an extra person and overlapping the
of position and must anticipate the
often “comes off the wing” to provide
defending players.
opposition’s play. Their position
an extra man in the midfield, in the
Two of the most important attributes
behind the back line allows them
same vein as a fullback. One or both
of a good fullback are a safe pair
to see any holes in the defensive
wingers will usually drop back on
of hands and a good kicking game.
line and they either communicate
opposition kicks to give the fullback
The fullback is the player most likely
with the backs to close the gaps up
extra options for counterattacking.
to field the high ball or “up and
or cover the gaps themselves. The
unders” kicked by the opposition.
fullback has the most potential for
Fullback
Good hands are needed to ensure
attacking the opposition, especially
Wears jersey 15. He is the last
the ball is caught cleanly to deny
from a misdirected kick. If a kick is
line of defense. The Fullback will
the opposition the chance to regain
fielded and there is enough space
prevent all attacks if he can, before
possession.
and support, the fullback may decide
the other team can get into the try
As the fullback will inevitably catch
to counterattack by running the ball
zone, and he will also clear the ball
the ball deep in their own territory
back towards the opposition.Apart
out. Most deep kicks are directed to
with little support from their own
from the fly-half, the fullback is
the fullback.
players the best option will be to
also responsible for taking the goal
Fullbacks normally position
kick the ball downfield. A long
kicks...to be continued in next
themselves several metres behind
and accurate kick will gain more
issue
34 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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RUGBY
Nondies Captain Biko Adema receiving the sponsorship cheque from DHL and Total Kenya
NONDIES GET KSH. 2.5M JOINT SPONSORSHIP
A
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lexis Vovk, the Managing
Total and DHL names and colours.
rugby club in the country. It is marking
Director of Total Kenya
The two companies will receive
its 88th year in active existence,
Limited and Ben Clay, the
exposure at each of the games played
having been started in 1923 by British
Country Manager of DHL
by Nondies.”
settlers living in Kenya.
Supply Chain, presented a sponsorship
Thomas Opiyo, the Chairman of the
Nondies are the most successful club
cheque for 2.5 million shillings to the
Nondies Rugby Club added, “The
in the country’s rugby league; with
Nondescripts Rugby Club.
funds will also be used towards our
17 Kenya Cup and 23 Enterprise Cup
Speaking at the cheque presentation
Corporate Social Responsibility. This
wins. They have also won several
function held at the Total Limuru Road
started on March 31stwith a program
Impala Floodlit tournaments, the Great
Service Station, Alexis Vovk, said, “DHL
to nurture rugby talents in children
Rift Nakuru 10s, Driftwood Sevens and
Supply Chain is a major Total customer
from Kibera.
Christie Sevens as well.
and the joint sponsorship has emerged
A career tutor took 50 kids between
Many famous players have donned
from the interaction between our
the age of eight and fifteen from the
the Nondies shirt over the years.
company and our business partners.”
slum through a career, or personal
Currently the most notable player is
“Total is happy to support sports in
development talk for 30 minutes.
Biko Adena who is a member of the
Kenya and we are glad to sponsor
This was followed by rugby and soccer
national Rugby Sevens Team.
Nondescripts Rugby Football Club.
skills training session for about one
During their most dominant period,
The sponsorship will include travel and
hour. In the future the kids will all be
popularly referred to as the ‘Nondies
medical expenses, field, shirts and club
branded in Total and DHL shirts.
1980s Reign’, Nondies won Kenya Cup
house branding.
This is a big boost to Nondescripts
six times.
This means the players’ jersey will carry
Rugby Football Club which is the oldest
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 35
RUGBY
OLYMPICS IS HERE… AGAIN! By Gregory Mulemi
K
enya has a rich tradition in The National Olympic Committee of
enroute to the Summer Games and
long and middle distance Kenya has said that it expects a much
only disappointments can make them
running and in Beijing 2008 better performance form the local
fail to get medals at the games.
won 14 medals - their best athletes.
Olympic performance. With a total of
Olympic medal history
6 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 Bronze medals, Star performers
Since making the Olympic debut in
the country put a sterling performance Leading Kenya’s charge will be Mary
1956, Kenya has had an impressive
at the Birds Nest Stadium which was Keitany, who won the 2011 London
record at the games. A total of 75
wrapped up with a stellar performance marathon, Boston marathon winner
medals have been bagged by our
from the late Samuel Wanjiru who won Geoffrey Mutai David Rudisha, Asbel
athletes and boxers(22 Gold, 28 Silver
gold in the men’s marathon on the final Kiprop, Vivian Cheruyiot and 3000m
and 24 Bronze). Kenya has made 12
day of the month long championships. s t e e p l e c h a s e c h a m p i o n B r i m i n
appearances in the game and at no
This year, the crème de la crème of Kipruto, who will be going for his third
time has the country come out without
Kenyan athletes plus two swimmers consecutive Olympic medal.
a medal. This year’s event is quite
and a boxer will out in London to Most of the named athletes have been
different from the previous events for
able to post very impressive times
the country has enough world beaters
improve on the Beijing exploits.
36 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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Volleyball ATHLETICS
Kenyan 4 x 400 metres team that won a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968. Rudisha may be feeling the heat of emulating his father but when the games come to light, he will be needed to rise to the occasion. Vivian Cheruyiot Double world champion Vivian Cheruiyot has her sights sets on running both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres in London after qualifying for the team over the longer distance with victory in the national trials held in June at the Kasarani Stadium. Cheruiyot, 28, who took both titles at last year’s world championships last year in Daegu South Korea, won the national championships in 32:24.52. Joyce Chepkirui was second with world silver medalist Sally Kipyego crossing the line in third. “It is never easy to win at the Kenyan trials,” Cheruiyot told reporters. With former world champion Linet Masai dropping out of the trials with two laps to go after struggling to keep pace with the leaders Cheruyiot will need to be inspirational in London to
Linet Masai leads the pack during the 10,000 metres in the just concluded national olympic trials.
avoid a backlash especially from her closest challenger Meseret Defar of Ethiopia. Ezekiel Kemboi. He had to wait and wait and wait for
who carry hopes of the 40 million
x 400 at the Olympics as well as his
success to come his way, the world
Kenyan population at the games.
specialty distance if the country are
champion realized his dream of
confirmed for the event in London.
winning gold for Kenya at the world
Preparations.
AK Secretary General David Okeyo
championships in Daegu and the way
The National Olympic Committee
confirmed in June that Rudisha had
he celebrated his win still remains in
stepped us campaigns to help athletes
been included in Kenya’s 4 x 400 team
every person’s mind. Kemboi will be
perform well in London and the
for the African championships in Benin
aiming to make it a double at a global
campangs have been successful so
later this month.
event but he must first pass the test
far. The marathon team was named in
“We are ranked eighth among the 16
at the Nyayo Stadium and then hope
January
countries slotted to make the relay
that he does not get stomach cramps
teams at the Olympics but we must
on the day of the race.
remain in that bracket until July 2 when
The Kenyan Olympics team will be
the IAAF (world athletics governing
camping in Bristol just before the
David Rudisha
body) will confirm the countries for the
games and nothing short of positive
Kenyan 800 metres world record
Olympics,” Okeyo said.
results will be expected from the
holder David Rudisha will run the 4
Rudisha’s father, Daniel, was in the
heroes.
Who to watch
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KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 37
RUGBY SCRABBLE
By John Aggrey Otieno
DAN MACHANJE, SCRABBLER AT HEART By John Aggrey Otieno
It’s only a few months to the PANASO (Pan African Scrabble Organisation) tournament to be held in Zambia. I have the privilege to catch up with the team as they take on each other to get a representative for the student’s category. So this time I get to catch Mr. Daniel Machanje the current reigning Scrabble Student Masters Champion and this is what he had to say; Hello Dan
shy.
Hello, (smiling) how are you?
big basketball fan but for now let’s
Apart from scrabble, I’m a
concentrate on scrabble, the basketball Fine Fine, How are the qualifiers
will be for another day.
so far? Really tough, everybody wants to
So you’re just about 23. When did
represent the country, so it’s tough
Scrabble figure in your scheme of things?
Dan Machanje
38 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
Who is Dan Machanje?
The first time I ever had interest in
I’m 23, the last born in a family
scrabble was back then when I was in
of 4 boys and three girls. A fourth
class 4. I used to watch my sisters and
year student at Kenyatta university
brothers play with their buddies. Age
and basically, I can say, I’m just
difference didn’t encourage teaching,
an outgoing character but slightly
so I learned the hard way, I learned
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SCRABBLE RUGBY through observation. How many hours do you practice every day? If I would equate the time to hours I would be lying. On practice days, I could spend about 6 hours with my buddies training. However, every time I glance at a combination of letters, I quickly imagine of the anagrams…that is some real training now. Do you enjoy playing any other board games? Mmmh…I have played draught once, chess I play occasionally, but no any other board game has ever convinced me to commit other than scrabble. So is English your favourite subject? (He laughs wryly)
You would be
amazed if I told you that the majority of Kenyan Scrabblers are in fact scientists, we have doctors, engineers and I know of only one lawyer. Personally, I pursued Computer Science in college and seriously,
So are there any words that
English is not my favourite.
have the letter ‘Q’ and not a ‘U’ following it?
How do you improve your
Hehehehe…nice question..a lot…you
vocabulary?
would be amazed…QIN, QINTAR,
There are several scrabble training
TRANQ, WAQF, INQILAB, QANAT,
Most games are decided by these
tools one would use. I use a program
TALAQ, QI, GUQIN…the list is quite
two tiles as there is always a high
called Zyzzyva and another called
long though not that populous.
probability of playing a bonus or a jackpot with this. One can use it
Quackle. I also have my phone installed with an app called Word App.
Q’ is generally perceived to be
to represent any letter…The most
It is an android application. That way
the most hated tile. What comes
valuable tile in scrabble for sure.
I get to learn new words and improve
second?
my scrabble knowledge.
I think you got some wits with the
How did your folks at home
game. Ok, some correction, Q is
take to the idea of you playing
So how do you remember words?
only hated when its picked among
Scrabble?
Do you just rote learn them from
the last tiles and there is no U or I
Both my parents were English
the dictionary?
hanging…there is a saying before most
teachers, so they had a good opinion
Personally, my training skill doesn’t
tournaments that goes…”May the Q be
of it, however, maybe due to their
encompass writing. So when I learn
with U”..so, the second letter according
busy schedule, they never got the
new words, I try memorizing them.
to my opinion is ‘U.’ Apparently that is
chance to learn it. About my siblings…
Actually, the best way to grasp
what one needs mostly while with Q.
that’s the game at home.
a stronger opponent then analyzing
And what is the most-loved tile?
What do you do a day before a
the game afterwards for probable and
Oh..it ain’t a letter…rather, it is the
game?
better moves.
BLANK tile..they are two In the bag.
I would presume you mean a
scrabble words is by playing against
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KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 39
Are there any special people you look up to in this game? Yeah..There definitely is. I love the way Allan Oyiende plays. I also love the way Gitonga Nderitu, the number one scrabble player and Willy Mwangi do their thing. You should watch them play, they are masters I tell you. What are your plans for the future and is it possible to just play Scrabble for a living in this country? For my future regarding scrabble I guess, I wanna be the number one scrabbler in Kenya in the next 7 years. I know I can make it. About playing scrabble for a living at this level in the country, I guess not, most of the players are professional and really in love with the game, enthusiasts but they all have careers in different paths. Now that you are soon completing university education, will you continue playing scrubble or it ends here? tournament. Aaah..I ensure that I am
is usually allocated 25 minutes of
Hey, this is the start of it all. I have
not under any pressure of any kind, I
playtime.
anticipated this for long…I guess it is now my turn….
will play very few games, if possible none.
What do you describe as your greatest game ever?
Your advice to the young people
words and I will ensure that I have
I guess my greatest game ever was the
who would love to take scrabble
enough rest the day prior to the D-day.
last game against Maina Gachomo…
seriously and compete like you?
Like as I answer this, I have a tourney
the one that made me topple him for
S crabble is a wi tty game that
…national tourney on Saturday and
the first time in that same tourney.
challenges the mind in a very healthy
Sunday.. that’s open day ahead..
Playing against such a good player
way. I would cheer upcoming players
though I have had a late night tonight,
was tough, I didn’t celebrate early,
on as it is an extremely interesting
I will ensure the reverse for tomorrow.
even though I knew I had it, I had to
game, with the peak attained at
be humble till there was no chance he
competitive levels.
I will pass through my short lettered
What is the one thing that
would put a bonus. I beat him 478-
Scrabble has taught you bout life?
361. That game was worth 3000…that
Parting shot.
Life is one BIG challenge…and
was the difference between number 1
Whoever is out there wondering about
just as scrabble, one always has
and number 2.
scrabble…it is time to make a move and become real serious with it and
many OPPORTUNITIES…so just as strategizing in scrabble, one has to
How many medals have you won
give it a shot. Contact the following
weigh all options including the next
since you started playing the
numbers for more info…0717226698,
possible move by ones opponent
game?
Ikawa the Scrabble Kenya Chairperson,
before making the right decision…
Mmmmh…nostalgic moments they
0722810800, Metric “Tush” the Vice-
never be in a rush..but always
were…I have collectively won about
chair and 0725791021, Dr. Muema,
remember time is not always on our
13 accolades…10 medals and 3 cups.
The Organizing secretary.
side, just as scrabble..each player
40 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012 41
PICTORIAL
A dance for gold
The Cane cutters..
Family day out
Mexican wave
Mission possible
Sijazoea hii kitu...
42 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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PICTORIAL
Is this how its blown really?
The juggler at work
Wazito ndio hao!
Diva in the making
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I am gonna fire somebody here
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 43
GOLF
WAZALENDO HOCKEY CLUB TEAM PROFILE
By Timothy Olobulu
W
azalendo Hockey Club
employees of the company.
hockey experience with the young and
was started in 1995.
Majority of the players left Breweries
talented players.
Wazalendo started
Hockey Club en masse and formed
The players continued to play hockey
a f t e r t h e n Ke n ya
the current Parkroad Hockey Club
under the name of Kenya Breweries
Breweries Hockey club disintegrated
while others joined Barclays Hockey
Hockey Club and this presented a
into two.
Club, which was later disbanded.
problem. First, the team had no
The Kenya Breweries Hockey team was
The remaining players led by the late
link whatsoever with the company.
originally made up of employees of
Tobias Oduor&late Eric Otieno, Julius
Secondly, the team’s success was
the company, Kenya Breweries Limited
Odera, Edwin Were, the late Ian Taifa
being falsely associated with KBL
with the club’s budget being financed
and Joseph Ndambuki “Koji” continued
and thirdly, it was impossible to seek
wholly by the company. Gradually the
to play as ‘Breweries’ though the team
external support for the club.
composition of players changed with
had no association with the company.
It was then that the senior players
a majority of the players being non
Lacking the numbers to make a
decided to seek an autonomous
employees of the company.
complete team, the team relied on
i d e n t i ty. T h e p r o p o s a l wa s p u t
This trend was not pleasing to KBL
Jamhuri High School students to fill
forward to the players to come up
and it led to the withdrawal of the
the positions. This exercise was to
with a club name that would give
sponsorship. It was not only the
later become the backbone of the
the team its own identity and at the
hockey team, but also other teams
club’s success. Annually, the club
same time portray the ideals of the
bearing the company’s name but
would visit these schools and later
team. More than twenty names were
comprised of players who were non
universities, to motivate and share its
proposed. After a long and exhaustive
44 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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HOCKEY
deliberation among the players, the name Wazalendo (meaning patriots) was voted the best and adopted. Jeremy Kamau (then a student of Kiambu High School and prolific striker in the team) was the brainchild of the name. Consequently the club’s name was changed from Breweries Hockey Club to Wazalendo Hockey Club and got formerly registered with the
In subsequent years Wazalendo
to shine for both the club as well as
Registrar of Societies in October 1998.
established a nursery of players from
in other teams where they play from
Wazalendo owes its existence primarily
schools such as Alliance, Kamusinga,
time to time.
to two players, Edwin Were and Julius
Nairobi School and Lenana to name
Odera both of whom have since retired
but a few through annual hockey
Stanley Chege (DOB: 29th
to their rural areas but are still part
clinics it held in these schools. This
February 1992)
and parcel of the club. They were
practice would later be extended to
He began playing hockey in early 2003
determined to maintain the team at
the universities and subsequently
aged 11 years, having been lured by
all costs. They set about recruiting
included annual tournaments where
watching the training sessions of the
upcoming and talented players who
such talents would be tested.
club at Highway Secondary School
shared their vision.
The tide however changed when the
where he resides.
Since its establishment in 1995,
universities started appreciating the
He mastered the game so fast to
Wazalendo has always focused on the
sport and hence begun mobilizing their
the point of being snapped up by
development of young players in the
teams to take active involvement in the
Musingu High School of Western
sport. The identification, mentoring
leagues. This prompted Wazalendo to
Kenya on partial scholarship for his
and provision of opportunity to young
change its Young Player Development
secondary education immediately after
talented players is the core of the
Strategy to focus more on pre-
completing his primary education. He
vision of the club as espoused by the
secondary school players hence the
was the captain of the hockey team at
founder chairman Mr. Edwin Were.
re-launch of the program in the year
Musingu High School during his senior
At inception, Wazalendo recruited
2011.
years. He is currently one of those called up for the under 21 trials and is
players from Jamhuri High School to make up the team and to date Moses
Youth Development Program
Kagochi is the remaining member
success stories
of that crop of players. The others
These are some of the players who
Nelson Shilaku “Franco”
included Moses Kamau, Julius Njeruand
exemplify the success of the Wazalendo
(DOB: June 1992)
others who have since retired from
Young Players Development Program
Just like Chege he was encouraged by
active hockey.
in the recent years as they continue
trooping to the Highway Secondary
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hopeful to make the team.
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 45
his school holidays. Club Management Managing such a club is no mean task. According to Moses Majiwa, the Director of Young Players Development Program, the club is managed by trustees. “We have trustees at the highest level who are focused on the club policies and strategies followed by the management committee who look into the day to day running of the club and then the players at the bottom who form the base of the club.” Says Majiwa. League Campaign After his primary education, he joined
Wazalendo is yet to win the premier
highway secondary school which gave
league cup but has been active on
him the opportunity to continue to
tournaments and have gathered a few
train and play for Wazalendo Hockey
trophies for themselves. They won the
Club.
Nairobi League Cup twice in a row, in
He has since joined the United States
2004 and 2005, won several Seven-
International University (USIU) on a
a-side tournaments, won the Uganda
sports scholarship and is currently in
Hockey Easter Invitational tournament
his senior years.
last year and most recently winners of the Greensharks David Olalo Memorial
Joshua Ndungu
tournament held early this year.
School grounds watching the team
Peer pressure could also be of positive
To date, The 2006/2007 season
train. Also, Chege getting into the
influence. Having watched all his
remains to be the most memorable for
team was an encouragement to him
friends in the neighbourhood start
Wazalendoin two ways, according to
to also join. He was also given a partial
playing hockey, Joshua could not help
Moses Majiwa.
scholarship at Musingu for his hockey
but join the bandwagon after Chege,
“First Wazalendo finished 3rd in the log
exploits.He has since completed
Franco and Kamanja.
of 8 teams in the premier league to set
his secondary education and is a
He has been a very instrumental
up a playoff tussle with Armed Forces
formidable member of the Wazalendo
member of the Wazalendo hockey club
which had finished in position one. The
main team as well as competing for
both during his primary school and
other playoff was between 2nd placed
selection in the under 21 team.
secondary school days. On completion
Kenya Police and 4th placed Kisumu
of Secondary school, he was taken
Simba.” He says.
Festus NdaigaKamanja
up by USIU on a sports Scholarship
“ Waz ale ndo mar s hale d al l t he ir
(DOB: 5th September 1990)
to play hockey. He still has a passion
resources to beat the Armed Forces to
After watching his brother Chege play
for Wazalendo Hockey club which
book a ticket to the final. The defeat
hockey, Festus was also drawn to the
developed him to what he is today. The
of Armed Forces was so sweet given
hockey pitch in late 2003. At that time
club expects him back after completing
that the army side was dominant of
he found his brother Chege and their
his university education.
the hockey scene in Kenya for many years,” adds Majiwa with a nostalgic
friend Franco had started making a mark for themselves in the pitch and
James Nzyoka
smile on his face.
Festus had to fast track his learning
James joined Musingu High School in
However, they lost the final match 2-0
in order not to be left behind by his
2012 on a partial sports scholarship
to Kisumu Simba, which Majiwa refers
younger colleagues. He reckons that
privately arranged by members of
to as the most painful. This would have
at the time he started playing, he was
Wazalendo Hockey Club. He will be
been their maiden league title.
in class six.
expected to feature for the club during
“Despite losing in the finals,
46 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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HOCKEY take the premier league crown and
Has Kenyan Hockey come of age?
thus represent the country in the
“Going back to the basics & grass
continental championships.” He adds.
roots is the only measure we can take to ensure we develop the game
Challenges
in Kenya. Everyone is doing it in
Just like any other self-sponsored
the international arena and they
Sports Club in Kenya, Wazalendo have
are becoming very successful at it.
been through so many challenges in
Focusing on developing the game at an
their 17 years of existence. Player
early age is very important. In Europe,
retention, Youth Development, training
theystart at 6-7 years! Kenya has great
facilities and playing equipment have
talents in hockey so we only need a
been some of the greatest challenges
mechanism to tap and nurture these
they have faced. Funding has also been
talents away from other competing
a huge challenge especially bearing in
interests.” Majiwa notes.
mind that Hockey is a costly game.
He notes that Wazalendo has been
Acquiring equipment itself is a costly
doing that for ages and will not stop.
affair. Hockey sticks, balls, shin guards
He is encouraging other clubs to start
and the Keeper’s kits are all costly and
the same to enrich the competition.
acquiring the best would mean digging deeper into the pockets.
Wazalendo’s driving force?
In Kenya, Hockey is not a professional
“Our Club Motto - More than a game!“
sport and thus players have been
“it gives us the passion to serve one
gradually forced to look more into
another through the game and the will
their personal life and interests such
to give back to the society through the
as academics and their own careers at
sport.”
the expense of hockey. “Inadequate support from hockey
Aspirations of Wazalendo Hockey
Wazalendowas picked to represent
authorities and sports authorities in
Club in the next five years?
Kenya in the Africa Cup of Club
general is also another hugechallenge
Majiwa lists down some of the things
C h a m p i o n s i n D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 7,
t h a t n o t o n l y Wa z a l e n d o f a c e ,
the club would like to undertake in its
however due to flight logistics, the
but also most hockey clubs in the
expansion program;
team arrived in Cairo after the set
country. Authorities like the KHU
- C re a t e a s e l f- s u s t a i n i n g yo u t h
time and ended up playing friendly
should recognize and reciprocate any
academy to nurture young talent.
matches,” says Majiwa.
developmental efforts undertaken by a
-Owning a hockey facility & contributing
T h e y p l aye d fo u r m a t c h e s w i t h
club,” adds Victor Machoka, one of the
to developing the sport!
Egyptian teams picking valuable
Trustees of the club.
-The club also aspires to see proper
experience from them, despite the
“For example, any club that has a
hockey governance both at club level
disappointment of not participating in
registered youth program should
and at national level, by being a model
the African tournament. They;
have free or subsidized access to
themselves. The clubs and particularly
-Lost 3:2 to Egypt U21
the City park turf for the youth team
the hockey union should have some
-Won 2:0 against Zamalek
to train since this directly promotes
program that is focused towards some
-Won 2:1 against Egypt Police Club
awareness & develops talent for the
agenda in the form of strategic plan
-Drew 2:2 with Egypt U21
game at a prime age. AdditionallyKHU
that all the rest of the hockey fraternity
After the 2007 disappointment, Majiwa
should provide technical assistance by
coalesce around for the development
believes that this year, the team can
seconding a youth development coach
of the game. Devoid of that we will
write off history and win their maiden
or any other technical assistance to
continue to watch high level hockey
league title.
these clubs. This activity can be covered
from the sidelines.Finally, we would
“ We a r e s t i l l y e a r n i n g fo r t h a t
by FIH under the developmental fund
like to see the expansion of hockey
opportunity to represent Kenya not
provided the national association can
facilities in the country commensurate
only in an African tournament, but
prove that the program exists and is
with the growth of hockey talent in the
also a global tournament. We believe
active.” Victor adds.
country. One Astro turf is not enough.
that this year may be our year to
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We need more!
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 47
BOXING
48 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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BOXING
KENYAN BOXING
ON THE VERGE OF A TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT By Michael Kwambo
B
enson Gicharu will be Kenya’s sole boxing representative at the London Olympic Games. This is a far cry from days gone by when Kenya sent a sizeable contingent of boxers. Kenya has even won medals on four occasions through Philip Waruinge in 1968 (Bronze/ Mexico) and 1972 (Silver/Munich), Ibrahim Bilali in 1984 (Bronze/Los Angeles), Robert Wangila (Gold/Seoul) and Chris Sande (Bronze Medal/Seoul 1988). The national boxing team, affectionately referred to as the “Hit Squad” was a force to reckon with. We dominated the Commonwealth Games and African Championships for years on end, producing boxers such as Stephen Moi, Dick “Tiger” Murunga, Modesty Oduori Napunyi, Joseph Akhasamba, Omar Ahmed “Kasongo”, Morris Maina, Patrick “Mont” Waweru, George “Foreman” Onyango, John “Duran” Wanjau to name but a few. Clearly, the secret behind the national team’s success during those glory days was the existence of structures that allowed boxing to flourish locally. The Amateur Boxing Association ran a national boxing league that saw clubs face off in twelve divisions on a home and away basis. It is worth noting that there existed a second tier boxing league as well. Teams that competed in these leagues were mostly institutional clubs. We had AFABA (Armed Forces Amateur Boxing Association), Posta, KCC Boxing Club, Nairobi City Council, Kenya Breweries, Railways, Kenya Police “Chafua Chafua”
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as well as the Nakuru Amateur Boxing Club, one of the few self supporting clubs. Well, boxing thrived. Venues such as Nairobi’s City Hall or Nakuru’s “Madison Square Garden” were the scenes of many an epic battle pitting the best boxing talent on offer. The national team would also engage in international friendly bouts against other nations as well as taking part in a number of international tournaments such as the Inter Cup in Germany and the Kings Cup in Thailand. In short, Kenya’s boxers were highly rated on the regional and world fronts.
Kenya’s fortunes changed for the worse. The sport became much more than just landing punches on the opponent with the aim of defeating him, but it now required one to hit particular parts in order to score points. In short, it was now an issue of enhancing tactics, an endeavor that successive boxing administrations failed to pursue via the facilitation of technical training for various stakeholders in the sport. The state of the sport today is nothing to write home about, the decline has been slow and steady, Kenyan boxers struggle to compete on the international scene. Despite a few minor victories, one or two debacles have seen Kenya’s Olympic ambitions shattered. The David Munyasia incident in 2004 where he was banned for consuming a banned substance found in khat (miraa) was evidence that boxing was in the red corner. Recent press reports indicated a boxer taking part in a round of the national league even after being declared unfit by the medical officer on site. Kenya’s boxing authorities must change with the times and repackage their organization and the sport. This is the only way to attract much needed sponsors and other partners to pump in the resources. We need to go back to the days we could produce Africa’s first ever Olympic boxing gold medalist in Robert Wangila.
So, where did the rain start beating Kenyan boxing? Was it with the introduction of structural adjustment programs on the International Monetary Fund’s recommendation that made government backed institutions to cut on non-core business expenditure? Was it with the introduction of electronic scoring by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) that signaled the fall of Kenyan amateur boxing? The IMF urged the Kenyan government to ensure its parastatal bodies were self sustaining, government funding was slashed and non essential services scrapped. Many parastatals with boxing teams that were fully funded by the parastatals fell victim to this edict, boxers were laid off and their teams disbanded. The Kenyan boxing leagues became less competitive. With electronic scoring coming to the fore after the 1988 Olympic Games, Boxing authorities….over to you….
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 49
OPINION Kenya Sevens Team celebrating after winning Bowl Title in Dubai
office. When you have an opportunity to market your product or service to the sports crowd you should be jumping for joy as the likely hood of success
HOW SPORTS CAN BE
is much higher than usual. You might have by now seen the crowds on TV
VIEWED AS A BUSINESS
whenever a rugby match is played.
AND NOT JUST A PASS TIME By John Aggrey
I
Most of them seem to be holding a glass of beer or soft drink. They may be so much enjoying themselves
’m predominantly a football
in the evening.
Someone is either
taking the drinks but in real sense the
writer but my love for sports
swimming, playing basketball or even
company selling the beer or the drinks
in general is insurmountable.
indoor board games.
is marketing itself and making profits.
In
has
Have you ever wondered why that
In most cases, these companies and
proved to be a great pass time, mind
gym instructor is always available
corporate entities will have a desk
relaxer and not just that; sports is big
when you need him? Have you ever
where they interact with the fans but
business out there.
wondered why he’s never closed
just the difference this time round, it’s
It’s sad though in this country, not
shop and is always smiling when he
not an office atmosphere, in fact it’s
much has been invested in sports.
sees you walking in? Probably it’s not
a more relaxed one. This way they
Since time immemorial, the society
because you are the best company he
are able to reach to more clients and
has believed sports should be left
has.
win several admirers to their product
for those who can’t do well in class
Owning and running sports facilities
than those who just settle for office
and are better off in co-curriculum
is quickly becoming big business in as
business and have no time for the
activities. Sports has mainly been used
much as it’s a pass time to those who
crowds.
for leisure and relaxation but have you
use it. More and more people need
In the book Invisible Monsters, the
ever come to think of it; as a business?
gyms, basketball courts, tennis courts,
author says ‘’I hate how I don’t feel real
You might be asking yourself how this
chess boards’ e.t.c nearer to them
enough unless people are watching.’’
works. How can we make money in
than before. Get it closer to them and
This applies same to all of us the fans
sport while still enjoying the game?
even those who had dropped the sport
of the game and even the sports men
How can we view sport not only as
would be soon running back to it. So
alike. If you’ve ever attended a sports
a pass time but as a mega business
while they would be running back to
event or match you’ll probably notice
opportunity?
it, you would be smiling all the way to
this; the fans come dressed in crazy
Every day in this country there’s
the bank.
regalia and eye catching clothing
always a sporting event taking place
Marketing experts will tell you that
either to cheer for their team or mock
regardless of the absence of the glare
happy, enthusiastic people make the
the opposing team all in the name of
of the media and it’s ever preying
very best prospects for any product
fanatism and identity.
eyes. This morning probably you took
presented to them. More business is
You’ll be shocked to learn they are not
to the gym before setting out to work
transacted on the golf course or at
paid by the team to do that but each
or rather; you’ll have your time later
a football game than in the business
and every person in a special way
all
aspects
50 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
sports
www.facebook.com/kenyanstar
OPINION
would love to express their love for the team. Zombies as they may look, they are part of one great business, the merchandise business. In Kenya merchandise shops are few while they stock expensive products. In the UK for example, all national teams of every team sports has a merchandise shop. While most sports
Comedian Jalang’o shows his passion for Gor Mahia
groups own shops, others have their businesses
done
online
and
the
merchandise delivered to the buyer
lungs off in an empty stomach for
Speaking of accounts, most sporting
later. Either way, the merchandise
sure. On the other hand, no sports
communities
business as it is, is a never dying
team is going to perform on an empty
business ventures in their own rights.
business. The main problem though
stomach. So what did that mean?
Every football team is worth its own
in this country is the increase in fake
Apart from the ferrying to the venue,
value in money. The money is either
merchandise dealers who not only
food is forever a necessity. Food
raised by the owners of the club,
compromise on standards but also
vendors, hotels and soft drink joints
shareholders or the entity tasked with
bring the business to its knees.
have never been left behind when it
the running of the club. Sometimes
Sports fans love to move in droves
comes to sports. So while you enjoy
these sporting organizations decide to
and groups everywhere they go.
the game, the drink, the vendor
share the ownership of the club with
Forget about their sitting position
too smiles, another great day in his
the public as a way of increasing its
whilst already in the arena area of the
schedule, a greater one for you, the
value.
game. They for sure love each other’s
fan regardless of the result.
So in a case of a big sporting entity
company before and after the game.
But just before I forget, results are
like GorMahia, AFC Leopards and
Not long ago in 2010, the world cup
the main reasons we go to sporting
Sofapaka football clubs, fans would
came closer than we all ever imagined.
events. Personally, I’m not the best
buy and sell shares of the club and
Going to South Africa alone would be
of losers, or rather, what’s gracious in
make profits from the trading as the
a boring idea having to leave your
loosing? Nothing of cause. So why not
club’s equity grows. The club will
fellows behind. In as much as our
bet on your favorite team winning the
enjoy the financial support of the fans
country might have not qualified
derby or just bet for the money? Yes,
as the fans are stakeholders.
for the global showpiece, fans still
betting has become big business in
In short, I would write the whole
managed to pay to travel down
this country.
day and still not be able to outline all
together in buses while others drove
Every sporting side has its own fans
the business opportunities available
just to have a feel of the world cup.
and betting against the opponent
in sports in Kenya. And just as my
It was seemingly a long journey but
might just give you the money. In
greatest economics and sports mentor
the experience; worthwhile. Whereas
Kenya, Gaming International offers
Michael Jordan once said; ‘’I viewed it
the fans drove, the teams on the other
betting services for several sports
as a business, but I always viewed it
hand had to be taken to the venues
around the world. The rules might be
as a game. An opportunity to show my
too. Sports tour firms who managed to
stiff but who knows, today might just
skills, my basketball skills, amongst the
get the tenders to ferry the teams too
be your lucky day. In other countries,
best in the world.’’ So are you ready to
made brisk businesses.
betting is done online and in case of a
be the best, to show your skills and
So even after arriving to the venue,
correct prediction, the money debited
get into business, this is Kenya, this is
no sports fan is going to scream their
to your account.
our sports, let’s make money from it.
www.kenyanstar.co.ke
or
organizations
are
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 51
OPINION Tiger Woods addresing a press conference sanctioned after posting disparaging remarks about an English Premier League match official on his Twitter account. A Samoan player was equally punished during the 2011 Rugby World Cup for the same offence. Further afield, the National Basketball Association, home of glamorous teams and superstar basketballers put in place measures outlining the use of social media by players and coaches. A memorandum sent out in September 2009 read , “The use of cell phones, PDAs and other electronic communications devices -and thus accessing Twitter, Facebook and similar social media sites -- is now prohibited during games for
COMMUNICATIONS ETIQUETTE FOR SPORTS PERSONSBy the Kenyanstar team By Michael Kwambo
W
players, coaches and other team personnel involved in the game. During games is defined as the period of time beginning 45 minutes before the opening tip and ending “after the postgame locker room is open to
hen Collins “Gattuso”
conversation? To a place where our
the media and coaches and players
Okoth, the feis t y
sports personalities within various
have first fulfilled their obligation to
former Gor Mahia
fields conduct themselves with dignity
be available to media attending the
midfield dynamo
in regard to statements they may give
game. It also encompasses halftime,
posted comments on his Facebook
to news outlets, or share with the
according to the memo, but the
account to the extent that he wanted
public via their Twitter and Facebook
new guidelines do allow players to
to quit the club, it indeed opened
accounts. While players and coaches
engage in social networking during
up a series of arguments regarding
may feel aggrieved under certain
the pregame media access period
whether he was justified in lashing
circumst ances, these guidelines
that starts 90 minutes before tipoff
out at the club’s technical bench or
actually dictate the manner in which
and lasts for 45 minutes.”
whether new coach Zdravko Logarusic
they articulate their issues without
With these clearly defined guidelines,
had it in for him.
bringing the sport into disrepute.
communication channels within the
Did anyone ever stop to think about
Maybe it is about time Kenyan sport
NBA have been clear, with potentially
the manner in which Okoth broke this
organizations came up with guidelines
controversial issues nipped in the
news to the public? Was there anyone
that clearly spell the do’s and don’ts
bud and handled decently, without
to advise him on the proper channels of
of conducting oneself while in the
sensationalism and in the long run
handling this situation? Equally worth
public domain, either via social media
protecting the competition’s image
noting was former Rangers coach
or while granting interviews to the
and those of its various stakeholders
Ezekiel Akwana’s outbursts as his side
mainstream media. These guidelines
too.
struggled during the KPL’s first leg
should also come with sanctions to
As Kenyan spor t embraces
earlier this season. On more than one
specifically deal with those individuals
professionalism with each passing
occasion, he issued statements that
who proceed to flout the procedure as
day, it is imperative that stakeholders
touched on the integrity of individuals
laid out in the guidelines.
pay attention to communication
and organizations associated with the
Precedent has been set in other
etiquette for athletes, as this is key
running of the league.
leagues around the world. Former
in building or ruining the reputation
Where are we headed with this
Liverpool winger Ryan Babbel was
of any particular sporting discipline.
52 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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OPINION
COMMUNICATION IN SPORTS IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION FOR COACHES By MICHAEL KWAMBO
Sports is an art where coaches and athletes are the artists who paint beautiful patterns in the various sports disciplines to us. As is common with artists, be it a painter or musician they would rather do what they do best and let those who can speak or write about it do so. This tends to bring out the empirical perception that athletes and their coaches who in most cases played the same sport as poor communicators. Our Correspondent …………………. brings us the basics of effective communication.
C
ommunication is a very and clearly. Treat everyone with the e s s e n t i a l e l e m e n t i n respect that you hope to earn. Yes, it life and spor t s are no is important to give the respect you e xc e p t i o n. It i s m o s t expect to earn.
impor tant to coaches who have Listen when other s speak; and to impart a sporting philosophy to consider what they have to say before athletes. Every experienced coach you respond.
Ask questions, to
can speak about the dozens of tricks understand their point of view before that they’ve learned over their years continuing the conversation. When of service. Having the knowledge is you disagree, do so respectfully and not enough, the water mark between with restraint. Clearly state your case a good and best coach may just be and avoid repeating the same points over and over.
one thing- communication.
They can tell you about how they Always rememb er who you are motivate their players, how they sp e ak ing to and what you are establish discipline, most of them will speaking about, and pay attention to even be able to give you a few tricks the situation you are in. You cannot about how to deal with the referees use the same logic and vocabulary and match officials that you’ll be with a group of eight-year-old players that you would with a group of college
dealing with.
When they are done, you’ll be left athletes. with one conclusion; most of what
You might be able to yell at a lagging
they are discussing comes down to older player during drills, but you can’t communication.
do the same thing to a third grader or
There is no doubt that good coaches an Umpire during a dispute. communicate well—what a concept! Above all, always… ALWAYS remember You’d think that this would be obvious, that the world does not revolve around but so many coaches struggle with you. Every player, parent, spectator, this on a regular basis. Many young and game official has their own beliefs coaches think that they ought to and set(s) of priorities. automatically get respect from their Very few of these people will bend to players and the game officials; but your desires just because you are a like most things, they have to learn coach. Be prepared to negotiate for to earn it. Good communication skills what you want, and always remember will accelerate this process.
that if you follow these guidelines, you
It starts with the initial meeting; first will earn their respect in the long run. impressions count for a great deal! N / B
The
importance
of
Dress well, hold your head up high, communications for players and
Former Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi www.kenyanstar.co.ke
look into their eyes when you are athletes will be carried in the speaking, and always speak slowly next edition of this magazine
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 53
OPINION
FKF President Sam Nyamweya, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Elizabeth Ongoro having good strategies, management
SPORTS FEDERATIONS MUST EMBRACE
PROFESSIONALISM By Michael Kwambo
T
skills and ideas. Theoretically all companies and organizations should have these fundamental components. Professionalism is about the principles and values that are reflected in the behaviour and working st yle of the management, employees
unaomba serikali� (We
systems, pretty much along the lines
a n d e ve r yo n e r e p r e s e nt i n g a n
request the government),
of corporate culture to grow and be
organization. It is the strict adherence
has be come a p opular
commercially viable by adopting
to these principles and values that
refrain across all spheres
prudent management. In short they
differentiates professional firms, clubs
of Kenyan society, from security to
need to embrace professionalism.
and organizations.
sports. Thanks to the power of media,
F o r m a ny ye a r s, t h e s t a n d a r d
A sponsor will not accept the excuse
whether mainstream or alternative,
operating procedure for many sports
`It was not my fault; it was a volunteer
we are constantly exposed to requests
organizations has been to operate
who forgot to put up the logo in the
from various local sports federations
using volunteers. The emerging
sports hall`? It is important that
requesting the government to step in
trend has been to hire a few full time
someone is in the position to brief,
and aid them in one way or another.
qualified and competent employees
prepare, inform and give feedback
The government is indeed obligated
to run the secretariat. Great social
to volunteers, interns, trainees or
to ensuring the overall success of
organizations thrive on volunteers,
juniors. With good support the staff
sports in the country through the
not any busy body but competent
will be more motivated to recruit good
development and implementation
professionals attracted to the social
volunteers who deliver higher quality
of policies that are critical in the
good culture which lacks in sports
work and on time. This means that full
growth of the sports in Kenya. Sports
organizations.
time employees will have more time for other activities. Financial systems
organizations are at times guilty of asking too much from the government.
Principles and Values
that promote accountabilit y are
They too can internally improve their
Professionalism is not only about
another area of interest o a sponsor.
54 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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OPINION
Reward and Punishment To e nf o r c e t h e s e c o r e v alu e s, reward the performers and serve consequences for non-compliance. The meaning of the core values will be clear as soon as every person agrees to the consequences which describe what happens if the core values are followed or not. These consequences are not established as a punishment but more as an inspiration to stick to the values. The aim is not to stop people trying something new but also give incentives for creativity within the boundaries of these values. Professionalism is not only about working hard, involving your colleagues, caring about clients and doing a satisfactory job. It`s not about competence but more about the pursuit of excellence. The easiest way to achieve excellent performance is ver y basic:
Have fun! Derive
happiness from your job for your own
Mercy Cherono and Sally Jepkosgei Kipyego celebrate
contentment but to achieve success in
in Daegu
your work. Being professional is not about hiring
Very often invoices are structured in
Professional customer care is about top brains as fulltime employees but
order to maximize the profit; sponsors
sincerely caring for clients over and aligning everybody directly involved
will tooth comp the budget presented
above caring about your work. If you with the organiz ation with the
to them. To avoid suspicion it would
show genuine sincerity they will trust principles of the organization so that
make sense to meet the sponsor`s
you and you will be able to build long they care about the people they work
goals at minimal costs to them.
term partnerships.
A true professional knows that being
True professionalism means sticking they are do!
effective and reducing costs will be
to your values, not only as a person Maybe if more sports federations
compensated for by the reputation
but also as an entire institution. in Kenya adopted professionalism,
for fidelity which in turn leads to new
Whether it be a club, federation, or the “ tunaomba serikali� refrains
sponsorship contracts.
organization, core values should be would be pointed towards asking the
A final example of what it means to
defined and agreed on by everybody. government to attend a function or
be professional outlines what it means
The combination of common goals and open a facility fully funded by a local
to look after your clients. Imagine
values, together with coaches who sports organization.
the situation where someone wants
will support the staff to get aligned Kenyan spor ts federations must
to sell you something. When do you
with these principles leads to a great embrace professionalism as this
decide to buy a product? We tend
working team. Further to that it will is one way of attracting funding,
to purchase an item when we have
create motivation amongst the staff partnerships and interest which can
the feeling that the person really
to complete their tasks at the highest only be positive for various sporting
cares about improving our situation.
possible level of quality.
www.kenyanstar.co.ke
with and serve while enjoying what
disciplines in the country.
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 55
OPINION Former Gor Coach Anaba Awono unveiling the new branded Gor Mahia kits
personalized with their names or those of their idols. As more Kenyan Premier League clubs embrace the concept of replica shirts, the potential that lies in the field of personalizing replica football shirts could rise exponentially. Professional
Athlete
endorsements World 800m record holder David Rudisha stands out as one of the
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORTS
M
By Michael Kwambo
most prominent Kenyan professional athletes called upon to embrace a brand when he featured in a TV ad endorsing a certain brand of shoe polish.
illions of people all over Football, both local and international
Brand manufacturers use professional
the world are directly now gives you the opportunity to make
athletes to heighten the image of
or indirectly involved in an income, and not through the sale of
their products or services. Typically,
sports. This creates a big tickets, watching or playing the game
it is through event endorsements,
pool of people in need of equipment; but in other ways that appear below.
athlete endorsements, and celebrity
jerseys, tools, and business options
endorsements that they boost their
that can open up in this area. There Football is beautiful
brand’s market equity.
is a lot of promise and fulfillment in Indeed, as columnist Tom Bwana put
The world over, it has now become
running a business that allows one to in one of his recent columns on our
very effective in influencing consumer’s
work and earn good money in their website (http://www.kenyanstar.co.ke ),
purchase decisions that companies
area of passion.
football is beautiful.
spend more on athlete’s endorsement
An individual may opt for various One would be the fact that football
every year. It is about time more
ideas like starting a website that is a game that can give a person fun
Kenyan based brands made use of
purely generates and disseminates whenever and wherever one plays
the emerging stars in local sports to
sports content. Take note that the ICT it. The beauty in the game attracts
endorse their products. This will have
sector in Kenya has witnessed massive a huge market that one can meet its
the twin effects of raising an athlete’s
growth, allowing for the rise of fields needs and earn a buck.
popularity as well as increasing the
such as sports marketing, which are
brand recognition. The bigger market
slowly carving niches in the local Personalizing Replica Football
share will lead to increased profits for
consumer world. The possibilities are Jerseys
the brand owners and extra incomes
endless and here are a few business Personalizing replica football jerseys
for the professional athlete and their
opportunities in sports that can be of can be an obvious idea when it comes
agent/management company.
assistance to you our dear reader. Making Money Off Football
to earning money. But if you will think about it, people who will pay
Why Choose a Professional
for these personalized replica shirts
Athlete?
Football is much more than the will also surely pay for other kinds of
There is no doubt that our lives
popular sport played and watched by personalized items.
partly evolves with the emergence of
millions locally and internationally. Its The fruits of this are plain for all to see
celebrities. By celebrities, we mean
popularity has led to football being a on the local scene, where football fans
here of those who are widely known
multi billion industry. If you can’t wear have purchased replica jerseys of their
whether in the field of film industries,
the original jersy don’t get satisfied favorite foreign teams in the EPL, La
business industries, politics, and
Liga and Ligue One, and have them
sports. We are very much interested
with a replica, there is a lot more.
56 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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OPINION Another benefit that an
for future troubles and to comply with
and other public figures and lately,
endorsement of a professional
all the necessary things you need to
even professional athletes. These
athlete brings is the element of
comply with.
social icons influence culture beyond
recall. Once a professional athlete
their countries and fields.
endorsed a brand, people usually
Professional athletes now transcend
create a lasting memory of it. A
Sports photography is a fast action
from being normal sportspeople to
consumer will have the product
type of profession that would give you
a national heroes. This is entirely
embedded in his memory by
the opportunity to sit as close to the
because their fans recognize and
associating it with the athlete who
athletes as possible to capture the
appreciate not only their talents but
graces the world media often.
action without distractions. Test all the
also their hard work, determination,
Other benefits that a professional
lenses you have to make sure that your
discipline, as well as dedication to
athlete endorsement provides are
camera is on the go and whether it can
bring honor to their country.
mitigation of a broken image if any,
capture fast moving shots and if it is
It is because of these reasons that
ensured attention, establishment of
good enough to capture unexpected
big brand firms can through the help
the brands’ credibility, rejuvenating
happenings in the field. Buy a camera
of agents, identify a professional
effect, and lastly, it compensates lack
that is really intended for professional
athlete to represent their brands over
of any innovative ideas in the interim
use. You need to invest in a good
the other celebrities. Their credibility
for the manufacturers.
camera which costs a fortune.
endorse a product, consumers and
Sports Photography
Back up
especially their fans will definitely
If you love taking pictures, it would
Since you already have your camera,
patronize it.
seem natural for you to make a
this is not enough. You have to
with their lifestyle, especially musicians
•
Examine
is unquestionable. Thus, when they
business out of it. Working in a kind
purchase backup equipment. This
Benefits of Professional Athlete
of business that you love would really
backup equipment includes flashes,
Endorsements
be rewarding if you make time to plan
camera bodies and other needed
A service as well as product
for your work and business before you
accessories. Most sports are played
endorsement by a professional athlete
even click your camera.
in outdoor settings with unpredictable
provides substantial and concrete
A bit of groundwork on designing your
fans which means your cameras
competitive advantages to the product.
sports photography business will help
and equipment are always at risk of
Here are some of the benefits that
you spend lesser time doing paperwork
damage. Always think for the worst
Professional Athlete Endorsements
and more time clicking your camera on
case scenario. Be aware of the things
give:
the field doing what you really love to
that happen in your surroundings to
do.
keep you prepared to leave anytime
•
Endorsements
made
by
you have to. These cameras and
Professional Athlete have an
•
www.kenyanstar.co.ke
element of awareness in it.
Know Your Type of Business
equipment are your main source of
Notice that once they endorse a
Try to decide on what type of business
income so you have to take good care
product, sooner or later it will be
you are going to run because this will
of them to keep you away from further
acknowledged by the public.
definitely give effects on how you
finances that would definitely affect
It also has a “cool factor”. We have
collect revenue and pay your taxes.
your business budget.
this tendency to look up to these
There are many options. You may
professional athletes as having it
do the sole proprietorship, limited
Insurance
all together in life. Hence, most
liability Company, and other types of
Having insurance for your sports
fans who are also consumers
companies.
photography business, including your
will be inclined to think that the
Each of these types would carry with
cameras and equipment would simply
products that they endorse are
it different tax and debt obligations
secure you from further unexpected
also cool. So when for example,
and liabilities so you have to meet
finances and damages. These
Victor Mugubi endorses a local
with an accountant to clarify what
insurances would help you replace
energy drink in a promotional ad,
these means for your business. It is
your cameras and equipment if ever
consumers will seek to identify,
much better that you are decided on
they got lost or they were damaged
connect by sampling the drink or
what type of business you are dealing
in one of your shoots. In any type of
by commenting about the brand,
with. Through this, you will be able to
business, insurance is always a great
raising its popularity.
prepare yourself and your business
and big help for owners.
KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 57
OPINION
MANAGEMENT LESSONS FROM CAMP NOU
By Kenyatta Otieno
P
Lessons From Pep Guardiola
ep Guardiola is arguably
team FC Barcelona where he has won
Madrid then again losing to Chelsea
the most successful
fourteen titles out of 18 he set out
in the Champions League semi finals;
coach in the history of
his team to win. The worst season an anticlimax end of Pep’s reign at
football. Never mind he
for Pep is 2011/2012- he lost La Liga
has coached only one title to Jose Morinho coached Real
58 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
Camp Nou. What do FC Barcelona and
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FC Barcelona players celebrate after scoring at the Camp Nou
OPINION
Pep Guardiola teach us about management? First Pep’s success was not an overnight affair as there is always a story behind every success. Pep has been part of Barca’s culture since he was 13 years old with a short stint abroad as a player. This made it possible for him to achieve what he achieved in a very short time. Build a winning culture Barcelona has a culture that defines the club. First the motto- more than a club, clearly defines that it is not just about football. The club embodies the spirit of Catalonia. There is also the ‘trinity’- fair play, creativity and winning- that is drilled into players from an early age. It is not just about winning; you have to win only after you have achieved the first two. Barcelona has one of the best youth
He played under the best coaches
development systems in the world
to ever grace FC Barcelona, Bobby
of football. Pep himself is a product
Robinson, Johan Cryuff and Louis Van
of this system. The old farm house
Gaal. He must have been keen to learn
dormitory of La-Masia just next to
more than just how to play from them
Camp Nou housed Pep in mid 80’s
which prepared him for coaching.
then LionellMessi, CescFabregas
Learn more from your boss than
and many others will follow. It has
what is required for your job; it will
now been moved to an ultra-modern
come in handy when you take over
offer.
facility. The first team is must have
his role. If you prepare well, age will
Pep said in 2004 that players like him
50% home grown players, 35% the
remain a number, Pep experimented
have become extinct only for him to
best of Spain and Europe then the rest
his philosophy with Barcelona ‘B’ team
come in 2009 as coach and mould
the cream of the world.
and was familiar with most of the
three Guardiolian players in the centre
It is not about building a winning team
players before he took charge of main
of his midfield – Xavi Hernandez,
but creating a culture of winning and
team. Take what you are doing now
Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.
how to win. This will make winning
seriously, you never know where you
Six years after his mode of play was
more than just a mentality but a way
will land tomorrow.
thought to be ‘dead and buried,’ midfield passing as epitomized by
of life. The players coming through the ranks at Barcelona are also taught to
Re-Invent yourself
Barcalona has become the desired
be gentlemen off the field.
According to one Gabriele Macotti
mode of play. Note that Xavi and
there is a philosophy in today’s
Iniesta were inspired by Pep when
You are never too young:
football called Guardiolaism. In his
he was Barca’s skipper. If the market
At 41 years of age, no manager can
playing time up until 2003, Pep was
sends you aredundancy note and you
dream of achieving what Pep has
known more as a passing midfielder.
believe it you are right, because you
achieved. He took over at Barcelona
This is the time when midfielders had
can reinvent yourself.
at the age of 37 and proved that
evolved into tackling ball winners like
experience sometimes does not count
Patrick Viera and Edgar Davids and
Take charge
if you believe in yourself. Pep first
ball players in ZinadineZidane.The
Pep got into the team and took
saw action at Camp Nou as a ball
thoughtful passers like Pep had no
charge; Ronaldinho’s ego and ball
boy; Bobby Robinson spotted him and
place so he left Barcelona at 33 years
playing skills were packed and sent
brought him to the first team.
of age when he still had something to
to AC Milan. Then Samuel Eto’o went
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KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 59
Volleyball OPINION be unhealthy as I will mention next; but his commitment definitely brought him the glory that silverware is made of. Pace yourself Pep was indeed committed to the Barca cause. The levels which it is reported he went to prepare his team for a match can be unhealthy. He could not eat before a crucial match, and his frustration was evident on the touchline before Barcelona got a goal. Pace yourself for the long haul to avoid burn out and miss out on a possible legacy that has characterized the careers of the likes of Alex Fergusson. It doesn’t matter if you are winning or losing, you could end up with a burn out. Another thing Pep lacks is grace in a loss. It is wrong for a manager to be accustomed to losing but you cannot win every match; Pep is a bad loser. It is rumored that Barca’s failure to clinch La Liga and Champions League this season may have cemented his desire to take a break. Quit when it is time Things may be going your way and the
Former Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola giving instructions
organization may still be enjoying your presence but if you need to movemove. I believe Pep knows where he is
to Internazionale in a swoop with
going next whether he can transplant
Ibrahimovic. When Ibrahimovic could
the success he had at Camp Nou
not perform he was on his way to AC
elsewhere, only time will tell. When
Millan as well. All this was a plot to
it is time for a new challenge,
make Lionel Messi the centre upon
move away from your comfort
which his team revolved and the lad
zone. Pep has been at Barcelona for
did not disappoint his benefactor.
almost three decades, a change is as good as the rest he is
Ownership
craving for. Do not burn
To succeed in your role as a manager
bridges either- I believe
or leader, you must own the position
Pep is welcome at Camp
and the process. Pep’s father was
Nou whenever both parties
repor ted saying that his son is
can agree on his return.
exhausted and in need of a rest. He
Then as a manager always have
has been eating, sleeping and drinking
a replacement in the shadow of your
football since 2008 when he became
thoughts revolved around winning. It star- Tito Vilanova will not have it hard
first team coach at Barcelona.
is said Pep thought about football and to step into the dugout. He has been
Pep owned the team, his life and
FC Barcelona 24 hours a day. This can by Pep’s side on the bench since 2008.
60 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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Volleyball PITCH POET
Booming Business Sports is booming business Brings medals and happiness But sports is also capable Of bringing food to the table Sports is booming business Apart from physical fitness It builds influence and a name Brings money, power and fame Sports is booming business Investing in it is not profitless Becoming a sporty enterprenuer Can easily make you a millionaire Sports is booming business Millions descend on stadiums Billions watch on television Internet, these could be clients Sports is booming business Advertise during these live games Sponsor these teams and events Then smile all the way to the bank By Mwangi Gichau
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KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012 61
HEALTH
3. Diet - A good healthy diet that is well balanced in quality and quantity is recommended. This must include
HEALTHY LIVING A WAY OF LIFE By James Oluoch
H
a lot of fruits and vegetables that should be consumed in plenty. Good quality proteins from legumes should be encouraged and none or very little of animal proteins and fats. Deep fried foods and fizzy drinks are also a no go zone. Fatty foods tend to clog the arteries which results in strokes if not attended.
ealthy living has gained
our way. A positive attitude ensures an
an additional importance
always calm and calculated approach
4. Some good habits you can adopt
in our day to day lives
with less stress and anxiety. Be positive
are ; Walking - Always walk the short
as new health chalenges
always and have the belief that a
distances instead of driving, apart from
come our way day by day. Now more
solution is always available, this will
enabling us take in the fresh air, one
than ever , we are confronted with
raise your confidence and self esteem.
also gets to enjoy the outdoor scenery and nature that is good for the soul.
issues our ancestors never had to even think about as their lifestyle back then
2. Exercise - This is a must in any
- Avoid too many hours(more than
ensured theystayed active and healthy.
healthy body, any kind of movement
three consecutive) watching television.
The advent of technology and more
that works and exerts the body one
Too much sitting in front of the “box�
improved lifestyle has brought with it
way or another is good. Even in
makes us immobile and lazy and some
a sedentary lifestyle which in turn has
moderation, a little exercise is better
studies say it’s also unhealthy for the
poured on us a long lsit of maladies
than none at all. There is a whole
eyes.
that make our lives a misery. Does it
variety of work outs one can engage
- Take up new challenges that
have to be that way though ? No, there
in, walking, riding, jogging, gym work
stimulates the brain eg. learn to play
is a way out and one sure way is by
out among many other.
a music instrument, play challenging
adopting a more healthy way of life.
The benefits range from ; improved
board games like Chess.
heart rate, muscle and bone strength,
Lastly take care of and grow your
By making a changes in our lifestyle,
less risk of sedentary lifestyle ailments
spiritual fitness by reading a lot of
we can live a happier and healthier life
like diabetes, strokes and heart attacks
material pertaining to your chosen
that is good and fulfilling, below are
in some cases, better body balance
path. Take time to do your prayers
some ways we can make things better.
and flexibility.
or meditation and keep touch with
Maintained body weight, obesity is
your spiritual side to give you the
1. Start with a positive outlook to
one of the main causes of diseases
necessary balance in your new way of
life. Being always positive whatever
and heart attacks. These among other
life. Some habits like these stuck on
the challenges facing us is the first
things brings out a healthy and happy
with commitment and discipline will
step in negotiating the issues coming
human being.
enhance our lives in a positive way.
62 KENYANSTAR JULY / AUG 2012
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Volleyball
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64 KENYANSTAR APR-JUN 2012
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