KBC Channel 1

Author: Bernard Okumu

  • Amos Wanjala called up to Valencia CF’s first team ahead of pre-season

    Amos Wanjala called up to Valencia CF’s first team ahead of pre-season

     

    Kenyan U20 captain and defender Amos Wanjala has been called up to Valencia CF’s first-team squad ahead of pre-season training. The team’s pre-season campaign begins on 18 July; the LaLiga club has confirmed.

    Wanjala’s football journey began at St Anthony’s Boys High School, where he first developed the foundations of his game.

    He later joined Nastic Academy alongside compatriot Kibet, a move that proved pivotal in shaping his career and exposing him to a higher standard of structured, competitive football.

    His performances at Nastic Academy caught the attention of Valencia CF, who brought him into their youth setup.

    Since joining the Spanish club, Wanjala has steadily risen through the ranks, impressing coaches at various age groups with his composure, defensive discipline, and consistency.

    That steady development has now culminated in his first call-up to Valencia’s first team, as the club begins pre-season preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

    The promotion offers him the opportunity to train alongside senior professionals and stake a claim for a more permanent role within the setup.

    Valencia’s coaching staff have used the early pre-season period to assess academy graduates and fringe players, with Wanjala among those handed a chance to impress.

    Back home, his rise is being followed closely, with many viewing his pathway, from St Anthony’s Boys to Nastic Academy and now Valencia CF’s first team.

    As an inspiring blueprint for young Kenyan talent aspiring to break into European football.

  • Prodigal Son: Abuod Omar completes move back to Tusker from Police FC

    Prodigal Son: Abuod Omar completes move back to Tusker from Police FC

    Tusker FC have completed the signing of Harambee Stars defender Abuod Omar from Kenya Police FC, marking the player’s return to the club after thirteen years, where his career began.

     

    The left-back returns to Ruaraka nearly 13 years after he first joined Tusker in 2013 from Bandari FC.

    He becomes the club’s second signing of the transfer window, following the arrival of Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma from Remo Stars.

    Omar joins after an outstanding season at Kenya Police, where he was named Most Valuable Player and helped the club win its first-ever FKF Premier League title in 2024/25.

    He also won the 2024 Mozzart Bet Cup during his time with the Law Enforcers.

    During his first spell at Tusker, Omar won four domestic trophies, including two Mozzart Bet Cup titles (then the GOtv Shield) and two Top 8 Cup crowns.

    His performances at the club earned him a move to Greek side Panegialios.

    The signing comes as head coach Julien Mette continues to strengthen his squad ahead of his first full season in charge, with Tusker targeting a serious title challenge in the 2026/27 campaign.

  • Bandari FC appoints Charles Okere as new head coach ahead of 2026/2027 campaign

    Bandari FC appoints Charles Okere as new head coach ahead of 2026/2027 campaign

    Bandari FC have appointed Charles Okere as their new head coach, bringing the experienced tactician to the Mombasa-based club months after his departure from Tusker FC.

    Okere parted ways with the Brewers on February 17, 2026, ending an eight-year association with the club that began in 2018 as assistant coach under Robert Matano.

    He later took over as head coach in 2021 and guided Tusker to two league titles during his tenure, along with a fourth-place finish in the 2024/25 season.

    His exit came amid a difficult 2025/26 campaign, with Julien Mette brought in as his successor.

    Beyond his club career, Okere previously served as head coach of the Harambee Starlets, Kenya’s women’s national team, where he oversaw a memorable 15-1 aggregate victory over South Sudan in 2021 World Cup qualifiers.

    He also had a spell in charge of Vihiga Queens, leading them to continental qualification via the CECAFA route.

    At Bandari, Okere joins a club that has experienced significant instability on the technical bench this season, having already changed head coaches multiple times.

    He will be tasked with restoring consistency at Mbaraki Sports Club as the Dockers look to steady their campaign under his guidance.

  • Harambee Starlets land tough Group A draw at WAFCON 2026

    Harambee Starlets land tough Group A draw at WAFCON 2026

    Kenya’s Harambee Starlets face a daunting test at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after being drawn into Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria, widely dubbed the tournament’s “group of death.”

    The draw, conducted in Rabat, sets up a start-to-finish gauntlet for coach Beldine Odemba’s side, who return to the continental stage a decade after their debut appearance in 2016.

    Kenya open their campaign against host nation Morocco at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, before facing Senegal at the Olympic Stadium and closing out the group phase against Algeria, also in Rabat.

    All three opponents rank among Africa’s most established women’s football nations. Morocco, twice runners-up in recent editions, will carry the weight of home advantage and a passionate crowd.

    Senegal and Algeria bring deep tournament pedigree of their own.

    Kenya secured their place at the expanded 16-team tournament after eliminating Gambia 4-1 on aggregate in the qualifiers.

    Goals from Mwanalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, and Shirleen Opisa proved decisive across the two legs.

    Despite the difficult draw, Odemba has struck an optimistic tone, insisting that facing top-tier opposition is essential to Kenya’s growth as a footballing nation.

    The stakes extend beyond pride; the top four semi-finalists at WAFCON 2026 will earn automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

    While the losing quarter-finalists get a further shot through an inter-confederation playoff.

    For a Starlets squad blending youthful talent with more experienced campaigners, the group represents both a serious challenge and a rare opportunity to measure themselves against the continent’s best.

    With preparations now underway, Kenya’s focus shifts from the ceremony of the draw to the substance of the work ahead, as they aim to defy the odds and make a genuine push toward history in Morocco.

  • President Ruto hosts NSL Champions Migori Youth FC

    President Ruto hosts NSL Champions Migori Youth FC

    President William Ruto on Monday hosted Migori Youth FC, the 2025/26 National Super League (NSL) champions, at State House, Nairobi.

    The President handed over a bus to the team, fulfilling a pledge he had made to them to ease their movement for matches across the country.
    He also said the Government is building 34 stadia across the country, including Talanta Sports City Complex, and the renovation of Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium.
    “Many people have been asking me whether building stadia is a priority. Those people should ask the young people of Kenya that question. You will get the right answer from the young sportsmen and women,” President Ruto noted.
    He pointed out that young Kenyans have won global acclaim, citing multiple victories in athletics championships and the Junior Harambee Starlets qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.


    In Migori County, the President said the government is building a modern stadium to provide the team and the wider community with quality facilities for nurturing local talent.
    “The stadium we are building in Migori will be the home base of this great team,” he said.
    The President explained that stadia being built across the country will inspire more young people to “step forward, take their rightful place, and make Kenya a sporting nation”.
    He called on young people to explore the opportunities the Government is making available in various sectors.
    He pointed out that the Government is creating opportunities for young people in sports, business support under National Youth Towards Advancement (NYOTA), the digital economy and ICT hubs, overseas employment and infrastructure development.
    Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko commended the President for the ongoing development of a stadium in Migori to support sports talent in the county.
    Mr Ayacko noted that the stadium will be ready by September.
    “These young people will have an opportunity to use the stadium and, when they use it, I believe they will bring the Premier League title to Migori County,” he said.
    Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, who is also the patron of Migori FC, thanked President Ruto for supporting the team, which he noted had been struggling.

  • “I am beyond dark here”: McGregor speaks out after shock first-round exit

    “I am beyond dark here”: McGregor speaks out after shock first-round exit

    Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC return unravelled in stunning fashion Saturday night, ending just 69 seconds into his welterweight clash with Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, after the Irishman suffered an apparent knee injury moments after the opening bell.

    McGregor, fighting for the first time in over five years, launched a flying left roundhouse kick as soon as the bout began, landing awkwardly on his right knee.

    He attempted to continue, throwing two more strikes, but his leg repeatedly gave way beneath him.

    Referee Mike Beltran waved off the contest at 1:09 of the first round, handing Holloway a TKO victory in the main event at T-Mobile Arena.

    McGregor left the Octagon without speaking to media, skipping his post-fight interview. He addressed the outcome later on social media, denying suggestions that he carried an injury into the fight.

    He wrote that the setback came without warning, describing the moment as devastating.

    UFC president Dana White told reporters afterward that the promotion is working under the assumption McGregor suffered a torn ACL, noting how difficult a five-year layoff can be on a fighter’s body.

    White added that no signs of injury were visible during Friday’s weigh-in, despite the intense scrutiny McGregor draws on social media.

    Holloway, who described the finish only as fortunate for him, said he urged the referee multiple times to stop the fight once it became clear McGregor was compromised, but the Irishman insisted on continuing.

    Reflecting on the anticlimactic finish, Holloway said: “I was looking forward to this. I was working hard to get to 170lb and fight this guy. For it to end like this, it sucks.”

    The result marks another setback in a turbulent stretch for McGregor, who last competed in 2021 before suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier.

    His return had been delayed further by a scrapped 2024 bout with Michael Chandler due to a toe injury, extending the wait for “Mystic Mac’s” comeback to more than five years.

  • Strathmore Leos survive Nondies scare to defend Ruff n Tuff 7s crown

    Strathmore Leos survive Nondies scare to defend Ruff n Tuff 7s crown

    Strathmore Leos held their nerve in a tense finale to retain their Ruff n Tuff 7s title on Saturday, edging hosts Nondescripts RFC by the barest of margins at Ngong Racecourse Grounds.

    The defending champions, who lifted the inaugural title last year with a comfortable win over Mwamba RFC, found no such comfort this time around. Nondies, celebrating 103 years as Kenya’s oldest rugby club, pushed the Leos all the way in a final that lived up to its billing as the toughest test yet for the tournament’s new-look draw.

    Strathmore had been drawn into a difficult Pool A alongside Nondies, Kenya Harlequins, and Blak Blad, and had to fight through a congested playoff race just to reach the knockout stages. That grind appeared to pay off, with the Leos showing the composure needed to close out a close contest under pressure.

    For Nondies, the result will sting given the significance of the occasion. As tournament hosts and organisers, the club had hoped to add a first Ruff n Tuff title to their milestone anniversary celebrations. Instead, they will have to settle for the runners-up spot, though their performance signals they’ll be strong contenders again next year.

    This year’s edition also broke new ground with the introduction of a women’s exhibition match between Kenya Harlequins and Mwamba, part of organisers’ push to expand the tournament beyond its men’s-only origins.

    With the Ruff n Tuff 7s serving as a key warm-up event, both Strathmore and Nondies will now turn their attention to the National Sevens Circuit, where the margins may need to be wider if the Leos hope to carry their momentum forward.

  • Infantino opens door to 64-team World Cup

    Infantino opens door to 64-team World Cup

    Plans for a 64-team men’s World Cup are set to be assessed after the 2026 tournament, with Fifa boss Gianni Infantino saying the event needs to be “for the whole world”.

    The proposal for an expanded tournament was put forward last year, and Infantino says the success of the expanded 48-team tournament means Fifa should look at how a 64-team World Cup could work.

    “These are all issues that we will be examining after the World Cup,” Infantino told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, external when asked if the tournament could grow to 64 teams.

    “When organising a World Cup, it’s important to organise it for the whole world – not just Europe and South America, but effectively the entire world. Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup.

    “You can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high, and it’s getting higher and higher, all over the world. If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving.”

    Infantino said that the first 48-team World Cup has been “a huge success”, citing the progression of nine out of 10 African teams to the knockout stages.

    “At the last World Cup, there were only five teams from Africa,” he said. “That just goes to show how important it is to include all teams – to give them this opportunity to participate.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Colombian Star Campaz receives death threats after World Cup exit, skips flight home

    Colombian Star Campaz receives death threats after World Cup exit, skips flight home

    Colombian midfielder Jaminton Campaz has become the target of death threats after missing a crucial scoring chance in Colombia’s Round of 16 exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Colombian Football Federation condemning the threats and demanding a formal investigation.

    Colombia’s tournament ended on July 7 in a penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland following a scoreless draw and extra time.

    Campaz had one of the best chances to win the game outright in extra time, intercepting a stray pass from Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka but firing his effort off target in the 115th minute.

    He later converted his own penalty in the shootout, but Colombia still fell 4-3 as Switzerland advanced.

    In the aftermath, Campaz’s social media accounts were flooded with abusive comments and threats, prompting him to limit comments on his accounts and, as a precaution, skip the team’s return flight home with his teammates.

    The Colombian Football Federation condemned the threats, stating that no athlete or member of their circle should face intimidation for representing their country.

    The federation has also pressed the national attorney general’s office to move quickly in identifying those responsible.

    Campaz addressed the backlash directly, writing in Spanish that frustration and sadness are understandable, but that no level of passion justifies hatred or living in fear. The episode has revived painful memories of Colombian football’s darkest chapter.

    After Colombia’s elimination from the 1994 World Cup, defender Andrés Escobar was shot and killed in Medellín days after scoring an own goal in a group-stage loss to the United States.

    A tragedy widely linked to the country’s gambling-fueled football culture at the time.

    More than three decades on, Colombia’s federation is urging fans to ensure sporting heartbreak never again spills into real-world violence.

  • Four arrested as police seize 3,860 litres of illicit brew in Kahawa West

    Four arrested as police seize 3,860 litres of illicit brew in Kahawa West

    Police have seized 3,860 litres of illicit brew and arrested four suspects following an intelligence-led operation conducted in Soweto area, Kahawa West.

    The operation, carried out by officers from Kahawa West Police Station on July 12, 2026, led to the dismantling of an illegal brewing den.

    A total of 3,800 litres of Kangara and 60 litres of Chang’aa were recovered during the raid. Officers also confiscated equipment used in the production of the illicit alcohol.

    The four suspects were taken into custody and are awaiting arraignment in court.

    The National Police Service (NPS) says it remains committed to dismantling criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit brews and narcotic drugs. The Service has also appealed to members of the public to continue working closely with police by providing information that will help curb the illegal trade.

    “Reports of any suspicious activity should be made at the nearest police station or through the toll-free numbers 999 and 911, via FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203, or by WhatsApp on 0709 570 000 to report anonymously,” says NPS.