KBC Channel 1

Author: Maxwell Wasike

  • It’s all systems go for KSF Kiambu Minnows Championship

    It’s all systems go for KSF Kiambu Minnows Championship

    Crawford International School will host the second edition of the Kenya Swimming Federation Kiambu County Minnows Swimming Championship scheduled for Saturday 10th June, 2023.

    The championships – coming at the back of the previous minnows competition held at Braeburn School last March – will also round up as the last event of the season, with next term’s events penciled to resume in August this year.

    “Don’t miss out on the thrilling KSF- Kiambu County Minnows Swimming Championships scheduled this Saturday 10th,” an invite from KSF – Kiambu County administration read.

    “The gala will be taking place at Crawford’s magnificent and sparkling blue heated pool. Join us and be a part of this super exciting event and end the swimming season in style!” the statement added

    In what is geared up to be a special event, one school – ACK Thika Memorial Church School is expected to make their debut appearance in the championships having acquired new membership under the Kenya Swimming Federation – Kiambu County.

    The school has in recent months also invested in a new standard sized swimming pool.

    The upcoming minnows will be 9 and Under, and will involve over 15 schools around the region.

    In the March Minnows event, Aga Khan Academy topped the combined team-scores with a points total of 484.50, ahead of Super Marlins Swim Club and Potterhouse School who recorded 405.50 and 313 points respectively.

    KSF- Kiambu is also expected to hold their Annual General Meeting in July where new sponsors for the next season are set to be announced. Zetech University has been the main sponsor of this season.

    To add on that, the first gala of next season will be managed with a new-tech timing devices dubbed the Colorado System 7 – part of an investment made by KSF – Kiambu to ensure comprehensive training, timing, scoring, and display solutions for all swimming competitions.

  • The government urges local drivers to defy odds and do better at the WRC Safari

    The government urges local drivers to defy odds and do better at the WRC Safari

    Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has appealed to the local drivers to strive to put in a great showing during the World Rally Championship Safari Rally slated for June 22 to 25 in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

    Speaking on Tuesday at the sponsorship announcement of the WRC Safari Rally for the third consecutive year by the CFAO Motors (formerly Toyota Kenya),Namwamba reiterated government’s commitment to support more local drivers to participate in the global rallying spectacle which has attracted 33 participants so far.

    “We are going to roll up a number of initiatives that are key to the bottom up economic transformation of our agenda. We want to see a stronger Kenyan flavour in the rally, not for the foreign drivers to dominate, so we are encouraging a high number of local drivers to enter the race. We also want to see more women in rally and the government will be supporting three women teams for the event. Together with the joint partnership of the government, KCB, Safaricom and Toyota, I’m sure we will produce a great and memorable Safari Rally,” Ababu said

    The Kenyan hunt for glory will be led by African rally champion cum Chairman of the WRC Safari Rally Organising Committee Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo.

    The renowned motorsport icon said he would light up the country’s streets and jungles with a spectacular event that would probably surpass everyone’s expectations.

    Other local drivers expected to grace the event include Kenya National Rally Championship winner Karan Patel navigated by his long term partner Tauseef Khan in a Ford Fiesta Rally 2.

    Nikhil Sachania is the only confirmed paraplegic driver in Africa who has a custom-built rally car with no foot pedals and will be co-driven by Deep Patel in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X NR4.

    “The good thing is that we have already secured a sponsorship for our participation in the rally, what now remains are several test drives in Athi River before we descend to Naivasha for the completion,”said Sachania.

    The government has already disclosed its plans of sponsoring the promising FIA Young Star drivers namely Jeremiah, Wahome/Victor Okundi, Hamza Anwar/Adnan Din and McRae Kimathi/Mwangi Kioni.

    The Safari will follow most routes of last year with minor changes including scrapping the Narasha open roads stage over the hills overlooking the Ol Karia Geothermal wells.

    The start has been switched from the KICC to Uhuru Park to coincide with the Hustlers Bazaar week bringing together ordinary Kenyans in an open market fanfare as part of the 70th-anniversary celebrations.

  • Paolo Maldini sacked as AC Milan Technical Director

    Paolo Maldini sacked as AC Milan Technical Director

    AC Milan have sacked technical director and former captain Paolo Maldini after five years in the role.

    Maldini helped Milan claim the Serie A title in 2022, the first in 11 years.

    This season the club finished fourth in Serie A and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they were defeated by rivals Inter Milan.

    “We thank him for his years of service, contributing to the return to the Champions League and to winning the Scudetto,” a club statement said.

    During his time as technical director, Maldini was integral to helping the Rossoneri acquire the services of key players Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez, Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud.

    The statement added that Maldini’s “day-to-day duties will be performed by a team working in close integration with the first team manager.”

    The 54-year-old spent his entire playing career with AC Milan, making 901 appearances and winning 26 trophies, most notably seven Serie A titles and five European Cup/Champions League crowns.

    His father, Cesare, was also a legend at the club, featuring 467 times before a two-year stint as manager, while his son, Daniel, is on the books at Milan but spent last season out on loan at Spezia

  • Rovanperä seeking to defend his WRC Safari title

    Rovanperä seeking to defend his WRC Safari title

    Defending WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä will be hoping to continue with his glittering performance to reclaim the title he won on Kenyan soil last year at the upcoming World Rally Championship Safari Rally scheduled for June 22-26 this year in Nairobi and Naivasha.

    The 22-year-old Finn who is currently on top of the FIA World Rally Championship standings once again proved the class of the field as he completed last year’s 19 brutal gravel stages (363.44km) with victory at a gruelling Safari Rally Kenya, as Toyota locked out the top four positions.

    “It feels great,” beamed Rovanperä. “I have to say, this was the hardest rally I have ever done and if I am honest we just have to thank the team.

    “To have four cars like this with no issues means it is clearly the strongest and fastest car. The team did a fantastic job.”

    The fast-rising speedster led his team Toyota to a 1-2-3-4 finish on the final day with his compatriots Elfy Evans, Takamoto Katsuta and Sebastien Ogier finished in that order.

    He said he was determined to right the wrongs he made in the Safari Rally during the 2021 season, which saw him retire from the championships without a podium finish.

    The event which will start at Kasarani Super Special Stage at the ceremonial flag off at Uhuru Park has retained 90 percent of last year’s route which will see fans treated to full day action in the Kedong/Loldia areas on the Friday followed by Roysambu,Elementaita and Sleeping Warrior test before the Rally concludes on Saturday at the Hells gate

    The Safari of old has evolved to fit the modern-day WRC, but its character remains with challenging closed dirt roads, stunning picture-postcard scenery and exotic wildlife.

    Competitors can expect rocky and rutted tracks and unpredictable weather which could transform dry and dusty trails into glutinous mudbaths.

    The Safari Rally was first held in 1953, as the East African Coronation Safari in Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

    In 1960 it was renamed the East African Safari Rally and kept that name until 1974, when it became the Kenya Safari Rally.

  • Kianda school reigned supreme at the weekend PIPSSA Invitational Swimming Championship in Nairobi

    Kianda school reigned supreme at the weekend PIPSSA Invitational Swimming Championship in Nairobi

    Kianda school were crowned the overall champions of the Private and International Prep School Sports Association (PIPPSA) Invitational Swimming Championship which was staged over the weekend at the Moi Educational Centre .

    The Parklands based institution which besides providing swimming sessions to its students also offers other sporting disciplines such as basketball, field hockey and Tae-Kwondo managed to collect a total of 4885 points to win both the female category and overall Championships title.

    Strathmore School clinched the boys category after enmassing 1792 points and was third overally behind second placed Dashing Dolphins Swim Club which had a superior medal hunt at the individual level performance.

    According to PIPSSA Kenya Technical Coordinator Francis Mwangi ,the entire tournament was a success.

    “It was a true testament to the growth of our swimming with over 400 participants taking the plunge and showcasing their skills across various levels.What warmed our hearts even more was the sight of numerous young swimmers embracing the sport some as young as three years. The future is bright, and we’re excited to see these aspiring athletes become the next generation of champions.Let’s continue to push the boundaries, inspire greatness, and make waves for grassroots swimming in Kenya and beyond..” he said.

    “The gala was unique since it attracted kids from public schools who have expressed commitment to train hard and excel in swimming just like swimmers from well established international Schools which have been dominating Swimming” he added.

    The event was a build-up to the upcoming swimming gala dubbed “BUSH GALA” set for July this year in an exercise expected to bring together various swimmers from both primary and secondary schools in a bid to promote development of the sport in Kiambu County.

    According to organisers led by Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF) Kiambu Executive Committee member Joseph Ndung’u,the gala will act as a forum of spotting talents and subsequently have them properly nurtured through structures being put in place by the Mt Kenya stakeholders of the game.

    Prior to the Kiambu showpiece,PIPPSA will hold the Rift Valley Swimming Championships at the Shah Lalji Academy, Nakuru on 10 June 2023.

    This will come a month after Rift Valley region emerged overall champions of Brookside Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association which took place in Uasin Gishu County.

  • Tusker, Gor in a hotly contested battle over KPL title

    Tusker, Gor in a hotly contested battle over KPL title

    Holders Tusker FC and record local champions Gor Mahia have been locked in an exhilarating title race throughout this season, each team taking turns at the top of the table.

    The unpredictability of this season’s outcome has kept fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the ultimate winner. As the 2022/2023 season draws to a close, both sets of fans are hoping that their team will emerge victorious.

    Following a great match between the two teams in their second-leg encounter, which ended in a draw, Tusker still holds the top position, with only a one-point lead over second-placed Gor.

    When asked about his approach for the remaining three fixtures, Coach Matano expressed his determination to win every match that lies ahead. “Playing hard, playing well, and securing victories,” he emphasized.

    On the other hand, his opposite number, Coach Mckinstry, is not ready to relinquish the title chase just yet. He understands the challenges posed by the remaining fixtures but remains focused on chasing down the leaders, the Brewers, until the very end. “The race is still on, and it will go down to the wire,” he declared.

    In the upcoming round 32, Tusker FC will face Wazito FC at Muhoroni Stadium, while Gor Mahia will play Ulinzi Stars at the MISC Kasarani.

    In other remaining matches,the Brewers will take on Posta Rangers and already relegated Vihiga Bullets in the final fixtures of the season while K’Ogalo locks horns against Kakamega Homeboyz and City Stars.

    The winner of the league will represent the county in CAF Champions League despite missing out prize money after Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa disclosed that there will be no cash awards for the overall champions due to the financial challenge the federation is facing

  • Allardyce leaves relegated Leeds United

    Allardyce leaves relegated Leeds United

    Sam Allardyce has left Leeds after failing to save the club from Premier League relegation.

    Allardyce, who had not managed since 2021 before replacing Javi Gracia, was given four games to keep Leeds up but failed to win, losing three matches and drawing the other.

    Leeds are now back in the Championship and managerless after three years in the Premier League.

    Explaining his decision not to stay, Allardyce, who had signed a deal until the end of the season, said: “At this stage in my career I am not sure taking on this challenge, which is potentially a long-term project, is something I could commit to.”

    Leeds had already sacked Jesse Marsch in February despite backing him with more than £140m over the past two transfer windows with the club in 17th.

    Former Watford boss Gracia was then brought in on a “flexible” deal and lasted just 11 league games – three of which he won – as the club’s hierarchy acted again with Leeds above the relegation only on goal difference.

    Allardyce stepped in to try and keep Leeds up but failed to turn things around in a tough run-in against Man City, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham.

    Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear said: “We thank Sam for being brave enough to step in and do all he could to save us.”

  • PSG confirm Lionel Messi is leaving the club

    PSG confirm Lionel Messi is leaving the club

    Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season, with the Argentine set to play his final game against Clermont Foot on Saturday

    PSG manager Christophe Galtier confirmed in a press conference on Thursday afternoon that the World Cup winner will depart, with Inter Miami one of many potential destinations.

    Messi joined PSG after a financial tug of war with Barcelona in 2021 and has won a pair of Ligue 1 titles, though the Parisians have not got any closer to winning the Champions League crown they so desire.

    Inter Miami, managed by Phil Neville, are said to be offering Messi a lucrative package, while there is still interest from Asian clubs.

    ‘I hope that he will be welcomed in the best way,’ added Galtier ahead of Messi’s final game. PSG have already won the Ligue 1 title.

    There have also been suggestions that the World Cup winner could be on the verge of signing a lucrative deal with Saudi side Al-Hilal.

    Rumours last month claimed that Messi had been offered a contract worth £522million from Al-Hilal, despite the concerns of his wife Antonela Roccuzzo.

    Messi’s father, Jorge, quickly shut down reports that a decision had been made about his son’s club for next season.

    Messi has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, but his relationship with the team’s fans has soured with the Argentina captain subjected to whistles as the French side fell short in their pursuit of Champions League glory once again.

    There was an option to extend his initial two-year deal – worth £25m per year after tax, plus bonuses – by a further 12 months, but that will not now happen.

    Barcelona head coach Xavi has called on the club hierarchy to bring Messi back to the Nou Camp this summer, but says the move depends on the Argentina forward.

    Messi, who scored 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barca between 2003 and 2021, has spent the last two seasons at PSG after Barcelona let him move for a free due to being unable to renew his contract.

  • Ababu lauds President Ruto for delivering Embu stadium in time

    Ababu lauds President Ruto for delivering Embu stadium in time

    The Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba has hailed the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration led by President William Ruto for delivering Moi stadium which hosted Madaraka Day Celebrations on Thursday June 1 in Embu County.

    Speaking to Press on Wednesday, Ababu noted that the completion of the facility which has five VIP lounges, including a presidential-level and deputy-presidential section is in line with the ruling regime’s agenda of fast-tracking sports infrastructure in the country.

    New look Moi stadium in Embu County

    “We are very happy in how this project has been undertaken in a record 15 weeks for Ksh476 million. We have been able to completely transform the face of this facility,” Ababu stated.

    “In those 15 weeks we have been able to redo the playing surface fitted with a pop irrigation technology. We have been able also to do terraces around the field with a capacity of 9,500 seats. We have identified extra spaces to extend that capacity to 15,000,” the CS added.

    Earlier this year,Namwamba ordered for an audit of all stadiums under refurbishment by his ministry, adding that it was shameful that the country was spending millions of money on upgrading stadiums, yet there was no meaningful progress.

    The CS said he had written a letter to the auditor general, asking for an audit on all the recently constructed stadiums across the country.

    This was after he toured Moi Stadium which was under construction he claimed the contractor was delivering shoddy work and that the project was not commensurate with the amount that the government had appropriated to put up the stadium.

    “It is a big shame for one to claim a contract to build a stadium that cost Sh180 million only to do a job that does not match the amount of money allocated,” he noted.

    Kenya alongside other East African countries Uganda and Tanzania have submitted a bid dubbed ‘Pamoja Bid’ to the Confederations of African Football (CAF) seeking to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.

    President William Ruto said the submission is part of the Government’s plan to harness skills and talents.

    He said the Government was keen on undertaking interventions that will make Kenya thrive in sports.

    “We are focussed on harnessing the full potential of each sector for our prosperity.”

    Appreciating Kenya’s rich sporting and creative talent, President Ruto explained that the sector has a potential to stimulate economic growth.

    “This sector is a giant wellspring of opportunities. We will ensure we place Kenya on its rightful position as a sporting superpower.”

    Some of the interventions that the President noted were being pursued are infrastructure development, enhanced monetisation of sporting talent and the reinstatement of Kenya’s football into good standing.

    He added that a long-term intervention will be the attraction of premier international sports and athletics events to Kenya.

    “This will stimulate local sports, promote tourism, create employment and enhance our national sporting and athletic brand.”

    Apart from Moi Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, a majority of sporting facilities outside the capital have not been in good state and do not meet International FIFA standards

  • Sevilla win seventh Europa League title after beating Roma 4-1 on penalties

    Sevilla win seventh Europa League title after beating Roma 4-1 on penalties

    Sevilla secured a record-extending seventh Europa League title after beating Roma 4-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

    Gonzalo Montiel, who converted the winning penalty for Argentina in the World Cup final, scored the deciding spot-kick.

    The Europa League specialists condemned Roma manager Jose Mourinho to his first European final loss, having triumphed on five such occasions previously.

    “I have to fight for these lads and therefore not say objectively that I will remain,” Mourinho told Sky Italy in the aftermath of the defeat. “I lost this one, but I return home prouder than ever this time.”

    A furiously contested encounter, where more yellow cards were issued to coaching and technical staff in respective dugouts than players, went to extra-time after Gianluca Mancini’s own goal cancelled out Paulo Dybala’s well-taken opener.

    Similar to Roma, but to a greater extent, Sevilla have endured an arduous domestic campaign, marred by relegation fears until recently, but continental competition tends to be their mecca.

    Five months after scoring the winning penalty on the biggest stage of all, Montiel converted the clinching spot-kick, this time in a European final, to crown Sevilla champions at the expense of Mourinho’s Roma.

    A hot-tempered affair was narrowly edged by the masters of Europe’s second-tier competition, who will journey home to Spain with an unbelievable seventh scalp.

    Mourinho, whose Roma future is now in question, was on track to become the most decorated European manager in history with six trophies when Dybala overcame a problem ankle injury in time to give the Serie A side the lead.