KBC Channel 1

Author: Dismas Otuke

  • CAF President Dr. Motsepe commends Morocco’s football infrastructure

    CAF President Dr. Motsepe commends Morocco’s football infrastructure

    CAF president Dr.Patrice Motsepe has commended the Royal Morrocan Football Federation for its recently established headquarters in Rabat.

    Dr. Motsepe at the same time lauded Royal Kingdom under the leadership of King Mohammed VI ,for its support and humongous investment in the football game, which has seen the construction of several state-of-the art stadiums, which places the country in pole position to stage major international sports events.

    Newly built FRMF offices in Rabat

    The CAF Supremo, who is in Morocco to witness the AFCON Under 23 tournament, spoke on Friday after holding an executive committee meeting in the new offices in which they unanimously approved scrapping the CAF Confederation Cup 2nd preliminary rounds, which implies that 16 teams that win the first preliminary matches will proceed to the group stage as is the case in the CAF Champions League.

    “We would like to congratulate the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football and our Brother Fouzi Lekjaa for their world class headquarters. We would also like to express our gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Government and people of Morocco.

    The excellent headquarters that we visited today and the world class stadiums and football infrastructure in Morocco are good examples of the success and accomplishments that can be achieved through partnerships between our African Governments and our National Football Associations.”said Dr Motsepe

    President Motsepe added: “The integrity, independence and credibility of referees, match commissioners and VAR operators is crucial for the respect and growth of African football and we are confident that the newly appointed CAF Referees’ Committee members will contribute towards the growth and global competitiveness of football in Africa.”

    The CAF leadership later attended a 3rd place AFCON Under 23 play-off  at the Ibn Batouta stadium in Tangier city, which saw Mali book their ticket for next summer’s Olympic games after beating Guinea 4-3 on penalties following a barren draw in regular time.

    Host Morocco will square it off against defending champions Egypt in Saturday’s final set for Prince Mouley Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

    Cheickna Diakite of Mali and Fode Doucoure of Mali and Alkalifa Coulibaly of Mali celebrates victory during the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations 3rd place match between Mali v Guinea held at Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco on 07 July 2023 © Ladjal Djaffar/BackpagePix

    Both teams had earlier qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

  • Soccer, a factor of African integration and global visibility for the Continent

    Soccer, a factor of African integration and global visibility for the Continent

    A high-level conference titled “Morocco within its continent: a South-South, win-win, active, and united partnership football, a factor of African integration and global visibility for the Continent” was organised by the Amadeus Institute.

    This gathering of important figures from the football world, political decision-makers, experts, and the glories of African football was organised on the eve of the U23 African Cup of Nations being held in Morocco in the presence of 46 African FA Presidents and on the eve of the CAF Executive Committee meeting in Rabat. All were committed to promoting South-South cooperation in Africa and an Africa that trusts Africa.

    The conference featured fruitful discussions and frank interactions, highlighting the Kingdom of Morocco’s continuous dedication to multifaceted collaboration in Africa, inspired by the Vision.

    Which promotes a more cohesive, connected, and independent Africa is that of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God help Him. The Kingdom has made it clear that it is committed to deepening its ties with African countries in order to promote economic cooperation, regional integration, and sustainable development on the continent.

    This has been done through more than fifty Royal Visits to the continent and the signing of more than 5,000 bilateral agreements.

    In this context, the conference emphasised the essential function of football as a tool for South-South cooperation to promote African integration, particularly in light of the 46 partnerships established by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for the transfer of skills and expertise, as well as for football infrastructure and the promotion of women’s football.

    Soccer’s significance as a global language was stressed by speakers.

    Crosses boundaries and cultural barriers, strengthens international relations, and promotes understanding across nations.

    The benefits of further continental collaboration in this area were underscored by highlighting soccer’s potential for growth and integration.

    The significance of establishing a Pan-African Think Tank on Development Through Football was another significant recommendation made at the meeting.

    This Think Tank could act as a platform for collaboration, bringing together specialists, political decision-makers, and representatives from the sporting world to develop policies and initiatives aimed at promoting soccer’s crucial contribution to the growth and influence of Africa in all of its forms.

    The Conference’s suggestions assist the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco and other African nations to foster long-term collaboration and the development of African talent.

  • Africa football legends back Morocco’s 2030 World Cup host bid

    Africa football legends back Morocco’s 2030 World Cup host bid

    African football’s growth can be harnessed through inter-country cooperation to exploit talents.

    This was discussed during the one-day conference organized by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) on Thursday in Rabat,aimed at finding solutions in the development of the football game.

    Over 46 African federation presidents and football legends attended the meeting and unanimously agreed on the need for FIFA to stage the World Cup on the continent for a second time since it was held in South Africa in 2010.

    Morocco is bidding to stage the 2030 FIFA World Cup in collaboration with its Mediterranean neighbors, Spain and Portugal, competing against South America’s joint bid of Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay.

    Among the legends we spoke to, among them Alexander Song from Cameroon,Anthony Bafoe and Asamoah Gyan from Ghana and Elhadji Doiuf of senegal believed Africa deserved an opportunity to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup after Morocco’s good performance in last year’s edition.

    “It’s a good opportunity to be here today, and I am grateful to all my fans across Africa and all over the World   .
    After my retirement, I now want to give back to my community back home in Ghana by building a sports academy.”

    I am in support of Morocco’s joint bid to stage the 2030 FIFA World Cup because I did participate in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and I know it’s such a nice thing to play the World Cup on our continent, said Asamoah Gyan.

    The conference was a buildup to the 3rd place play-off of the AFCON under 23 between Mali and Guinea at the IBN Batouta stadium in Tangier today evening, before host Morocco battles defending champions Egypt in a much anticipated mouth-watering match set for tomorrow at the Prince Mouley Abdellah stadium.

    The winner between Mali and Guinea will join Egypt and Morocco in next year’s summer Olympic games in Paris, France.

  • Italy applauds Morocco’s efforts in the Moroccan Sahara

    Italy applauds Morocco’s efforts in the Moroccan Sahara

    Italy praised Morocco’s “serious and credible efforts” to resolve the Sahara conflict in the Action Plan for the Multidimensional Strategic Partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Italian Republic, signed on Wednesday in Rome.

    According to the Action Plan, which was signed by Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Expatriates, and Antonio Tajani, his Italian counterpart, “Italy commends the serious and credible efforts made by Morocco”, as reflected in Security Council Resolution 2654 of October 27, 2022.

    In relation to the Moroccan autonomy proposal, Italy also reiterates “its support for the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to pursue the political process aimed at achieving a just, realistic, pragmatic, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara”The document emphasises the need for a compromise approach to the issue, in line with Resolution 2654.

    It is stated in the same Action Plan that Italy “encourages all parties to pursue their commitment in a spirit of realism and compromise, within the framework of arrangements consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

    The action plan, which comes after the Joint Declaration signed in Rabat on November 1, 2019, is a practical application of the multifaceted Strategic Partnership between Morocco and Italy, a partnership geared towards ongoing communication and effective, mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

    On Wednesday, July 5, Nasser Bourita, the minister of foreign affairs, African cooperation, and Moroccan expatriates, travelled  to Italy on business.

  • Over 46 African football chiefs  to attend  AFCON Under 23 final in Morocco

    Over 46 African football chiefs  to attend  AFCON Under 23 final in Morocco

    Host Morocco will face defending champions Egypt in the 3rd edition of the Africa Cup Of Nations Under 23 Final set for this Saturday, July 8, at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

    The Atlas Lions booked their spot in the final after a hard-fought 4-3 win over Mali in the last semi-final played on Tuesday night at the Prince Moulley Stadium following a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes.

    Zakaria El Quahdi put the home team ahead when he scored just after 14 minutes.

    As hosts, enjoying dominance and good possession, Mali were forced to change tactics and eventually equalise through Diambou in the 66th minute.

    The match ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, forcing the referee to add 30 minutes.

    Morocco regained the lead through Amine El Quazzani’s strike in the 108th minute, but resilient Mali levelled again 4 minutes from the final whistle through Issoufi Maiga and held on to the spot kicks.

    Morocco maintained their composure and successfully converted all four of their penalties, while Mali faltered with misses from captain Boubacar Traore and Ahmed Diomande.

    In the earlier semi-final, the Young Pharoes dispatched Guinea 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from Mohamed Shehata Mahmoud connecting Ibrahim Adel’s pass.

    Both Egypt and Morocco qualified for next year’s summer Olympic games in Paris, France, and will be joined by  Mali, or Guinea, who will battle for the 3rd place play-off on Friday at the Grande Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier City.

    More than 46 presidents of African football federations are expected to attend Saturday’s final, which is expected to be a big occasion.

    The attendance of the presidents of the federations attests to the Kingdom of Morocco’s dominant position in the African football scene, where it is considered a key factor in the growth of football on the continent.

    The Kingdom of Morocco is excited about the possibility of maintaining its dedication to hosting top-notch sporting events and building on its track record of achievement.

    In fact, it is eagerly mulling over the prospect of hosting the 2030 World Cup together with the 2025 African Cup of Nations in association with Spain and Portugal.

  • Hussein Mohammed calls for collaboration in developing boxing in Kenya

    Hussein Mohammed calls for collaboration in developing boxing in Kenya

    Hussein Mohammed, CEO of Extreme Sports, has stressed the importance of cooperation amongst all parties in order to resurrect boxing at all levels, from local to national.

    Hussein was speaking on Saturday after attending the national boxing Olympic trials, which served as a pre-Paris Olympic Games team Kenya selection competition at the Nairobi Charter Halll.

    The founder of the famous Super 8 football tournament commended the Boxing Federation of Kenya for raising the sport’s standards but urged county governments to work towards the revival of the once famous social halls, the introduction of boxing in schools, and tax rebates as some measures that need to be implemented to realize the full revival of the sport.

    “I wish to congratulate all the participants in this important trial that will select our representatives heading to the Olympics next year. Despite all the challenges they face, the organizers and boxers have shown resilience, commitment, and dedication to the sport and country.

    Kenya used to be a boxing superpower in the 1980s, but we have unfortunately lost our status on the global stage over the years. Recovery is possible, but we must get back to the basics. Reclaim our community social halls, popularize the sport in schools, and get both public and private sector investment reaching the grassroots.

    Stakeholders in sports must be proactive in the national budgeting process moving forward if the sector is to experience any meaningful growth.

    Enhanced incentives to sponsors in the form of tax rebates and special consideration for private sector players in the development of sports infrastructure should be a significant part of our budgeting process moving forward.” Said Hussein

    Hussein called on corporations and other well-wishers to help in the growth of the game, which has been a traditional second-highest medal accumulation sport in the Olympic Games after athletics.

    Among the day’s results, David Karanja of Police defeated Kelvin Maina of KDF in flyweight, while former Commonwealth bronze medalist Christine Ongare reigned supreme over Ann Wanjiru of Kongowea.

  • Robert Kipkemboi and Naomi Jebet win 2nd Nairobi City Marathon

    Robert Kipkemboi and Naomi Jebet win 2nd Nairobi City Marathon

    Robert Kipkemboi and Naomi Jebet are the winners of the 2nd edition of the Nairobi City Marathon that was held on Sunday.

    Kipkemboi cut the tape in the men’s race in 2:08:30, followed by Yosei Mneria, who was running his second marathon, clocking 2:08:06, while Robert Kipkorir bagged bronze in 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 15 seconds.

    Kipkemboi, 33, said he outpaced the leading pack with only 6 kilometers remaining to bag his second local marathon title after winning the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in 2016.

    Jebet won women’s marathon gold in 2:24:33, her first marathon win, followed by Sharon Chelimo, who clocked 2:25:20, and Judith Jeruth, who took bronze in 2:27.01.

    Robert Kipkemboi winning the 42 KM men race at the 2nd Nairobi City Marathon

    Both Kipkemboi and Jebet bagged fat cheques  of Ksh 3.5 each for their wins.

    In the half marathon races, Gladys Chepkurui and Ugandan Maxwel Rotich emerged victorious for women and men, respectively.

    Chepkurui won the race in 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 6 seconds, followed by Susan Chembai 59 seconds later, while Nancy Chepleting finished 3rd, stopping the clock in 1:10:17.

    Iten-based Ugandan Rotich was a surprise winner in the men’s 21KM competition, clocking 1:00.10, followed closely by Kenyan Vincent Kipkorir in 1:01.13.
    while Kennedy Kimutai came home in 3rd place with a time of 1:01.22.

    Over 12,000 runners took part in the second edition, which was flagged off by Sports CS Ababu Namwamba and Nairobi Governor Jonson Sakaja.

  • King Mohammed VI recalls Morocco Ambassador in Sweeden

    King Mohammed VI recalls Morocco Ambassador in Sweeden

    The Swedish Embassy’s charge d’affaires in Rabat was summoned this Wednesday to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates on the very high instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful. The Swedish ambassador to the Kingdom was also called back to the country for consultations on an ongoing basis.

    The Swedish ambassador was notified of the Kingdom of Morocco’s “most vehement condemnation of this offense and its serious consequences” during the summons, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates.

    According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, the Swedish ambassador was notified of the Kingdom of Morocco’s “most vehement condemnation of this offense and rejection of this unacceptable act” during the summons.

    The statement emphasized that “this new offensive and reckless act disregards the feelings of more than a billion Muslims during this sacred period of the great pilgrimage to Mecca and the blessed feast of Eid Al-Adha.”

    “Regardless of the political stances or differences that may exist between nations, the Kingdom considers it unacceptable that the faith of Muslims should be disrespected in this way, nor can the principles of tolerance and the values of universalism be reduced to accommodating the views of a few while ignoring the views of the majority.

  • Betika launch campaign to reward loyal sports customers

    Betika launch campaign to reward loyal sports customers

    Betika has launched a football off-season nationwide campaign dubbed Beticar Ibambe aimed at rewarding its loyal customers.

    Speaking on Friday in Nairobi during the launch ceremony, Joseph Mbugua, the firm’s Senior Product manager, said they are committed to appreciating their clients.

    Cars to be won during the 6 weeks campaign

    “Thank you for being patient. It has been a long wait, but we have finally finished curating this campaign.Vivo car as the end-of-campaign prize—the Isuzu NQR 33-Seater Matatu.
    “The New zero-mileage Polo Vivo is here today.

    “We carefully selected Kenyan-assembled cars because we are a fully owned and run Kenyan firm, and we were intentional about supporting our own, especially in these tough times.” Joseph Mbugua

    Mr. Mutua Mutava, Deputy General Manager Kenya and Group CFO, said, “Not more than a month ago, we concluded a campaign that saw 40 of our customers take home 40 motorbikes by playing one of our popular games, Aviator, in a campaign dubbed Nduthika na Aviator.

    Kent-Kagicha-senior-Product-Manager-Betika

    Our customers were excited about the campaign and the prospects of taking home more than just the cash won on Aviator, and when the campaign ended, we received tons of feedback from them, wanting us to bring back “Nduthika na Aviator”.

    During the  campaign 3 brand new VW Polos and a brand new Isuzu NQR will be up for grabs and  daily winners of Ksh 100,000 for 6 weeks!

    Our campaigns are never just about selling products; they are more about creating an experience, an emotional connection that goes beyond transactions. We are more about inspiring, empowering, and captivating our customers at every touch point. Our aim is to become a brand that resonates with our customers’ aspirations, their dreams, and their values.

    Mr.-Mutua-Mutava-Deputy-MD-and-Group-CFO

    Betika has been at the forefront of supporting Kenyan sports, as they are the main sponsors of AFC Leopards and Police FC, besides sponsoring rally driver Carl Flash Tundo in the recently concluded WRC Safari Rally.

  • Burning of the Quran condemned by King Mohammed VI

    Burning of the Quran condemned by King Mohammed VI

    There is no connection between “freedom of expression” and burning a copy of the Quran. The Kingdom of Morocco, whose Sovereign is an Amir Al Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful), has always despised irreverent acts that outrage the sensibilities of Muslims worldwide and violate the Islamic religion, regardless of where they may originate.

    The burning of the Holy Quran on Wednesday in Stockholm has been strongly condemned by the Kingdom because it violated human rights and was an unacceptable act of recidivism committed under the passive and permissive watch of Swedish authorities who were under pressure from the contentious decision of the Supreme Court, which upheld the ban on such demonstrations.

    Nevertheless, to situate the savagery of Islam’s Holy
    The book falls under the “freedom of expression” or “demonstration” banner, but this is nonsense because it has more to do with injustice than justice. Burning the Quran is the height of contempt, bigotry, and prejudice against all Muslims, especially during these holy days when the Muslim world is celebrating Eid Al-Adha.

    Burning the Quran is neither an act of freedom of speech or insult, defamation, or threat. How can we communicate to Muslims in Sweden and throughout the world that these basic liberties are being taken advantage of and diverted from their original purpose in order to appease some, even at the cost of insulting others?
    The circumstances are grave, just as the facts are.

    The Quran being burned is a heinous act, occurring amid a rise in racism, Islamophobia, and incitement of hatred against Muslims in Europe.

    There are many manifestations of this, including the rise of xenophobic sentiments, the dissemination of Islamophobic narratives, political and populist comebacks, the stigmatization of Islam and Muslims, the creation of scapegoats, and the instrumentalization of the migration issue, which essentializes Muslims and devolves into conspiracy theories that foster an imagined threat and demonization of the “Other”.

    A copy of the Koran was burned on Wednesday in Stockholm, while a day earlier in Nanterre, a 17-year-old fled into the arms of a police officer. Under the rule of law, such violence—physical, emotional, or symbolic—cannot continue.

    When it does not directly result in death, Islamophobia is a call to violence and a violation of human rights. Anywhere must not allow it.

    In His Royal Message to the Participants in the Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, delivered on June 13 in Marrakech, His Majesty the King recalled that ideologies of “extremism, self-centeredness, hatred, and reclusiveness” are prevalent in our world.

    He also emphasized that “we should realize that fearing a given religion—or, to put it more accurately, inspiring feelings of fear of that religion—leads to hatred for the manifestations of that faith and As a result, there is agitation against that faith, prejudice, and violent acts.