KBC Channel 1

Author: Maxwell Wasike

  • Otula faults an injunction stopping KBF league

    Otula faults an injunction stopping KBF league

    The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) President Paul Otula has castigated decision by former player Dennis Opiyo Achiego alias Dikembe to stop KBF premier league which had started a few weeks ago.

    Dikembe filed a case at the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) stopping the progress of the league on grounds of non-registration of teams taking part.

    But in a rejoinder, the long serving sports stakeholder Otula while speaking to KBC Digital noted that registration is a process and not a one-off exercise terming the injunction as a hurdle to paralyse livelihoods of many young Kenyans who rely on sports for daily bread.

    “Registration is a process,just like CBC where you come up with rules and policies but during implementation you come across challenges. For example, UoN Basketball can’t register their team yet their mother institution is a registered centre of higher learning. They say you produce audited accounts yet some self-supporting clubs who rely on handouts don’t have an accountant. Sports is a livelihood to many people who are on scholarship program in various private academic institutions so an injunction paralyse their learning.We are grateful to the government and NOCK for their continued support to the game and these cheap politcs should be kept away in distracting this milestone which will see our 3×3 Basketball qualify for Paris Olympics next year in Paris ” noted Otula.

    Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men and women teams defended their Premier League titles last season.

    Strathmore University Blades head coach Tony Ochieng’ is optimistic of a good showing courtesy of new signings.

    “I was very happy with my new signings; they did well by racking up good stats despite being their first show.I want to encourage them to keep playing better. Containing Ulinzi’s offense was no mean feat, and I believe they are now getting the confidence they need to be successful in the top flight,” Ochieng said

    The 2022-2023 leagues ended in June despite starting as early as April 2022, the most prolonged league ever in the history of the KBF.

    Otula who returned back to the country days ago from FIBA World Congress in Manilla,Philippines reiterated his commitment of supporting the development of the sport through his experience and international connections.

    Speaking while meeting German former professional basketball player and a special advisor for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Dirk Nowitzki,the former Principal of Maseno School and Mang’u high among others lauded the growth of the game locally.

    “Our sport is tremendously getting to another level and we will keep partnering with relevant stakeholders to help actualize this amazing feat.Those who thrive on sideshows to hamper this development we want to tell them their days are numbered because our government led by Sports CS Ababu Namwamba won’t tolerate this.Over 2000 players earn a living directly or indirectly from basketball. Recently our 3×3 earned kshs 600k for being silver medalists in the just concluded Africa Beach games in Tunisia” he added

    Otula a respected educationist, sports personality, coach and administrator says the development of basketball as a sports discipline has been as a result of deliberate strategy they put in place to invest in the sports from secondary schools and estates.

  • Nguna tournament set to kick-off over the weekend

    Nguna tournament set to kick-off over the weekend

    The 21st edition of Mwingi West Member of Parliament Charles Nguna tournament will kick off this weekend on September 9,in various nine parts of the constituency.

    The annual extravaganza has attracted a total of 141 teams which have confirmed participation in this year’s edition which will see winners both male and female take home a prize money of Kshs 150,000 and 100,000 respectively.

    According to tournament sponsor and area MP Charles Ngusya Nguna alias CNN,the upcoming showpiece will see exceptional talents getting an opportunity to be spotted by some of the Kenya Premier League club coaches who will be present.

    “I’m in talks with various football stakeholders locally including the country’s football governing body FKF officials to grace December finals.Some of the KPL tacticians have also expressed interest to show up and watch our amazing talent who can be a huge addition to their charges in pursuit of top tier silverware this season.So this year’s competition will be a battle royale and hopefully each of the participants has prepared sufficiently” The soft spoken lawmaker said.

    Kitumbi FC and Kairungu Starlets who emerged last year’s winners in a hotly contested and well attended finals are expected to defend their titles in the respective male and ladies categories.

    Nguna urged fans to show up in large numbers and show support for their favourite teams in a repeat of last year’s gesture that saw over 30,000 people grace the tournament culmination staged at Migwani Boys High School.

    “The previous edition was well attended and this year’s won’t be an exception. I want to call upon everyone ranging from youth to the old to rally behind their area teams.This time round I have a unique person and most celebrated personality I’m planning to invite for the finals so they better warm up in style for a big day” added Nguna,who is also a member of Parliamentary Sports Committee.

    Africa’s fastest man and 2022 Commonwealth Games 100m gold medallist Ferdinand Omanyala attended last December finals where he urged the local youth to maintain discipline and stay focused if they have to achieve desirable results.

  • CS Nakhumicha elated with President Suluhu’s healthcare agenda

    CS Nakhumicha elated with President Suluhu’s healthcare agenda

    The Cabinet Secretary for Health Nakhumicha S. Wafula has backed Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu following her unrelenting passion to drive forward the agenda of affordable healthcare in her country which continues to champion for safe public health protocols.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre ,the vibrant CS lauded Suluhu for remaining steadfast in proactively engaging with multilateral and bilateral partners in the region and around the world to improve the medical standards of her people.

    “On the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit 2023,happy to have met Tanzanian president Her excellency Hon Samia Suluhu. I was amazed by her enthusiasm and commitment in ensuring Tanzanians get quality and accessible healthcare even as they battle adverse effects of climate change on Health. Kenya shares the same dream” she said

    In Tanzania, the role of the private sector as an engine of growth has been given renewed emphasis with increased attention to addressing major constraints on private investment.

    Suluhu recently announced the removal of barriers to access to quality medication by pregnant girls and young mothers besides factoring them for continued education, a reflection of the government’s commitment to supporting girls and young women.

    Under her administration, Tanzania made significant progress in addressing HIV and maternal and child health, and more specifically in its efforts to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV,a move that saw a success rate of more than 90 percent among HIV-positive pregnant women.

    She assumed office in March 2021 after the death of President John Maghufuli, making her the sixth president of the United Republic of Tanzania having previously served as vice-president in 2015 and was re-elected to the post in 2020.   

    In her maiden speech at the General Assembly, Ms. Suluhu decried the COVID-19 vaccine inequality, noting that high and middle-income countries were now giving booster vaccinations while developing countries such as Tanzania had barely inoculated even 2 percent of the population. 

    “The level of vaccine inequity that we see is appalling.  It is truly disheartening to see that most of the countries have inoculated less than 2 per cent of the populace and thus need to seek more vaccines for our people,” she said.

    While calling for the waiving of the rights of vaccine patents in order for all countries to be able to produce them, Ms. Suluhu also spoke about the devastating effects COVID-19 had on Tanzania’s once-flourishing economy, including increased poverty levels and decreased economic growth. 

    “After the onset of the pandemic, we in Tanzania, and I believe in many other developing countries, were stuck in the twilight of protecting lives and livelihoods.  Measures advocated by the WHO were geared towards protecting lives, however, an economy like Tanzania, consists of a bigger proportion people living on subsistence economy whom we need to keep afloat,” she said.

    In Kenya,Nakhumicha who took charge of the critical health docket after August 2022 General Elections has remained optimistic that under her watch,the country will achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC)  in a bid to ensure all individuals have access to quality healthcare services without having to endure financial destitution.

    Health CS Nakhumicha S. Wafula with Bill & Melinda Gates partners led by Dr Christopher Elias

    In her pursuit of improving the delivery of health products and services and promote health system innovations, she met on Monday with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Health Partners whose work in Kenya focuses on areas of overlap between their expertise and the government’s priorities under the Kenya Vision 2030 development blueprint and the country’s United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include primary health care and gender equality.

    “I met with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Health Partners led by Mr. Christopher Elias, the President Global Development, and Mr. Cheikh Oumar, Africa Director.I updated the team on the UHC progress on each pillar and what the Ministry of Health has managed to achieve so far as we gear up for the launch in October.The foundation is keen to explore possible opportunities and partnerships to ensure the Government of Kenya delivers Universal Health Care to the people.” read her Twitter account.

    President William Ruto has in the past  reiterated his commitment of successful delivery of UHC through prioritization of preventive healthcare, anchored on community health workers, NHIF reform, and provision of medical supplies and equipment.

  • Brazil drop Antony after abuse allegations

    Brazil drop Antony after abuse allegations

    Brazil have dropped Manchester United winger Antony following allegations of abuse by his former girlfriend.

    The Brazilian football federation said the 23-year-old had been withdrawn from the squad after “facts became public” that “need to be investigated”.

    Brazilian news outlet UOL published allegations made by Antony’s ex-partner on Monday.

    Police in Sao Paulo and Greater Manchester are investigating the claims, which the player has denied.

    “I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made,” Antony said on social media.

    “I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence.”

    Antony is accused of attacking his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin “with a headbutt” in a Manchester hotel room on 15 January, leaving her with a cut head which needed treatment from a doctor.

    She also alleges she was punched in the chest, causing damage to a silicone breast implant, which required corrective surgery.

    Antony added in his statement on Monday that his relationship with his former partner was “tumultuous”, but insisted he “never committed any physical aggression”.

    He also released a statement in June saying he had been falsely accused by his former girlfriend of domestic violence.

    Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it is “aware of the allegations made and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this report”.

    It added: “We will not be commenting any further at this time.”

    Manchester United said they had no comment on the matter at present when contacted by BBC Sport.

    The allegations come after the Premier League club announced last month that forward Mason Greenwood would leave by mutual agreement following a six-month internal investigation.

    Charges against Greenwood, including rape and assault, were dropped in February. The 21-year-old joined Spanish side Getafe on loan last week.

    Antony has been replaced in the Brazil squad by Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru

  • Musa Otieno lauds FKF for coaching courses across the country

    Musa Otieno lauds FKF for coaching courses across the country

    The former national team Harambee Stars skipper Musa Otieno has expressed his strong support for the coaching courses being conducted by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in various parts of the country.

    According to Otieno who captained Kenya at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia before retiring from football in 2011 and venturing into coaching afterwards,these courses are instrumental in nurturing and developing the skills of aspiring coaches throughout the country.

    With a deep understanding of the impact that quality coaching can have on the growth of football, Otieno believes that these courses are a crucial step towards raising the standards of technical growth in the local game.

    “By equipping coaches with the necessary knowledge and techniques, these courses empower them to guide and mentor young talents, ultimately contributing to the overall progress of football in the nation.” he said

    The Ofafa Jericho alumnus, who won two Kenyan Premier League (KPL) titles with AFC Leopards (1992) and Tusker (1994), has challenged former players to take up coaching courses.

    “There is a misplaced notion that once you are a football player one can automatically be a qualified coach without attending the classes. Once you sit in class, you realize there are other dimensions of football that you are unaware of and need to learn to be a qualified coach,” added Otieno.

    The 49 year-old whose coaching journey started right before his retirement in South Africa with his former club Santos has also had stints with Harambee Stars as assistant coach and Talanta FC where he was the head coach.

    In May this year,FKF led by President Nick Mwendwa unveiled plans to host the lucrative Confederation of African Football (CAF) A License Coaching Course later this year.

    “This investment in their coaching education promises to enhance their skills and knowledge, empowering them to make substantial contributions to the growth and development of football in Kenya.FKF endeavors to host the prestigious CAF A License Coaching Course in Kenya underscores our unwavering commitment to elevating coaching standards within the country. By equipping coaches with advanced training and expertise, the federation aims to foster a new generation of skilled football mentors capable of nurturing talent and fostering excellence on the field.” read their statement

  • MP Nguna urges elderly to turn up for Inua Jamii programme

    MP Nguna urges elderly to turn up for Inua Jamii programme

    Mwingi West Member of Parliament Charles Ngusya Nguna alias CNN has appealed to communities around Kenya to support the elderly in a bid to enable them register sufficiently for the ongoing Inua Jamii program which kicked off on Friday across different parts of the country.

    Speaking at Migwani Baraza park over the weekend ,the second term Wiper Democratic Party lawmaker called upon the government to ensure beneficiaries receive the monies through their mobile phones saying this will ease the burden and agony of travelling to their respective banks for withdrawals.

    “Today at Migwani Baraza park, I officially launched Inua Jamii cash transfer programme whereby over 3,000  senior Citizens (Over 70+ years) from all over the Constituency are expected to benefit.In my speech, I promised to put  proper logistics in place to facilitate the implementation of the programme at the grassroot level in the next 15 days.Let’s sensitize the community to bring out those senior Citizens to enlist in huge numbers” he wrote

    The program which currently benefits over 1.2 million Kenyans, including 353,000 orphans and vulnerable children, 833,129 elderly citizens, and 47,000 persons with severe disabilities across the country is facing a hitch of insufficient enumerators to handle the needs of hundreds of Kenyans turning up for the exercise.

    However,the Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizens affairs Joseph Motari has affirmed commitment by the ruling administration to actualize the success of program which remains one of the key priorities of President William Ruto’s administration in bettering the lives of the poor and vulnerable through Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA).

    “The success story of the Inua Jamii program is undeniable. It stands as a testament to our dedication to empowering households with older citizens, orphans, vulnerable children, and individuals with disabilities. Together, we are enhancing livelihoods and igniting hope.” he said

    Inua Jamii programme is the government’s flagship National Safety Net Programme whose objectives are to uplift the lives of the poor and vulnerable citizens through regular and reliable bi-monthly cash transfers.

    The government released Sh2.8 billion which has been credited into the accounts of over 1 million beneficiaries, who will receive Sh2,000 as payment for July.

    The programme includes Cash Transfers for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Older Persons Cash Transfer, Persons with Severe Disabilities Cash Transfer and the Hunger Safety Net Programme.

    “Our officers will be moving to every corner of the country to ensure that all deserving Kenyans are enlisted with the cash transfer programme. We will start with 500,000 this year and then register 800,000 more Kenyans at the start of next year,” noted Cabinet Secretary for Labour Florence Bore

    Her sentiments were echoed by Motari who emphasized need for streamlining of the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme  in order to increase coverage and accountability.

    He assured the beneficiaries of timely and efficient payments noting that the delayed payment of the two payment cycles was occasioned by the transition from the previous administration to the Kenya Kwanza Government.

    “We wish to assure the beneficiaries of the Inua Jamii programme that the government will disburse their money at the appropriate time to cushion the vulnerable and elderly persons in the society against poverty,” added Motari.

    Besides the Inua Jamii programme that will continue to help eradicate poverty, hunger and malnutrition, the government has also reiterated its commitment of improving  the health of senior citizens.

  • Kiambu County Aquatics association commits to supporting development of swimming in Mt Kenya

    Kiambu County Aquatics association commits to supporting development of swimming in Mt Kenya

    The newly elected Kiambu County Aquatics Association has reiterated its commitment of advocating for the growth and development of swimming activities in the entire central part of Kenya.

    Speaking on Saturday at Zetech University following a successful elections during the 2023 Annual General Meeting,the office bearers vowed to work together for the betterment of interests of young swimmers in the region.

    The event also doubled up as the ceremony for the  conclusion of the 2022/2023 swimming season, marking an end of hotly contested campaign which saw Woodcreek School and Super Marlins dominate school and club category respectively.

    Speaking during the event, Deputy Governor of Kiambu County Aquatics Association and Technical Committee Chairman Gideon Kioko expressed his satisfaction with the season.

    “The 2022/2023 season has been relatively fair for KIAMBU swimming, where we have been able to run a number of successful galas, attracting a substantial number of schools and clubs.The association proudly hosted the first inaugural intercounty event, which drew over 1500 entries and over 700 athletes.” he stated.

    One of the association’s key goals is the professional development of its member coaches. To achieve this, a series of clinics and training programs have been incorporated into their calendar to ensure coaches and swimmers stay up-to-date with the sport’s developments.

    “The focus remains on the development of aquatics activities, raising standards in management and administration of galas, and prioritizing grassroots swimming and the welfare of coaches and athletes” added Kioko

    Kiambu County has been actively involved in organizing the Private and International Preparatory Schools Sports Association (PIPSSA) Swimming Championships bringing together a host of participants for the recommended age groups for the individuals and teams.

    The invitational championships, which are conducted in compliance with Kenya Aquatics Federation rules have had no qualifying times- all events being swum on a heat-declared basis, with seeding done using times from the team database.

    Ex-Corporal and County Public Relations Officer  Nesmas Mbati disclosed plans for the new office to expand the association’s reach, attract new schools, and promote inclusive swimming competitions.

    “In the next 100 days, our office will endeavor to bring on board at least 10 new private Schools and five new public schools to compete in our gala. The one and only public school to participate during the season was Mugumoini primary school whose participation fees was waivered as a corporate social responsibility of Kiambu County Aquatics Association.We shall also endeavour to search for sponsorship for the proposed Kiambu county swimming team to travel to international swimming competitions.We are also seeking to have the first inclusive swimming competition in Kenya where pupils who are visually impaired, deaf, physically challenged and those with special needs will be prioritised” read part of his statement

    Among those who were elected include  Stanley Kaberu(Governor), Dr Douglas Okatso(Secretary), Monica Wanjiku( Athlete Representative) and Joseph Ndungu(Public Schools Representative).

  • Genesis Sports to support the actualization of East African Chipkizi Cup

    Genesis Sports to support the actualization of East African Chipkizi Cup

    The sports company known for quality and affordable sports equipment and wear Genesis Sports Limited will be a key partner for the upcoming East African Chipkizi Cup scheduled for this year from December 11 – 17 in Arusha,Tanzania.

    The tournament which enters its 14th edition has become an established football competition attracting more teams from inside East Africa and European countries, not only to play football but moreover to endorse social cohesion.

    According to the company chief agent Bilhah Njunge, the brand is positioning itself as a reputable organisation seeking to support the development of the game not only in Kenya but also beyond.

    “Genesis Sports Limited, a sports company reknown for quality and affordable sports equipment and wear will be designing, producing footballs that will be played at East African Chipkizi Cup, the largest youth soccer tournament scheduled in December this year in Arusha, Tanzania. The tournament will attract about 200 teams mostly drawn from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Cameroon, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Malawi among others” she said.

    “The tournament will also be graced by scouts from UEFA and Spanish football leagues and clubs. Swimming as a sport has also been introduced and will take place alongside the soccer tournament at Braeburn Arusha. Genesis Sports will be opening a soccer manufacturing plant in Kiambu County early next year as part of their mission to promote grassroots sports and making sports accessible to many youth and institutions.” added Njunge

    Since its inception, Kenya’s contingent to the annual youth tournament have done well in a move aimed at stamping authority as a regional football powerhouse among the youth.

    “The East African Chipkizi Cup tournament continues to provide an exceptional regional talent nurturing a platform for our Junior teams. The exposure in Arusha with playoffs between Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda among other countries is invaluable and always serve to build our teams confidence,” remarked Juve Academy Director and Head Coach Eric Ouma

    Last year,Kenya was represented by among others Ligi Ndogo football teams in a three-day annual extravaganza that saw over 100 teams from neighbouring countries battling it out for top honours in various categories.

    Currently styled as the largest youth tournament, plans are underway to transform Chipkizi Cup into a fully-fledged continental competition to foster social cohesion and provide a talent scouting platform.

  • Rapper Abich crowned the winner of TAMBUA! Talent Showcase

    Rapper Abich crowned the winner of TAMBUA! Talent Showcase

    The fast-rising artist Levis Omondi popularly known as Abich emerged the winner of first edition of TAMBUA! Talent Showcase held on Saturday at the Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) School for Girls Auditorium in Kibra.

    Abich beat a strong field of participants in an event that attracted a significant interest bringing together 25 acts representing the entire spectrum of music,from singers and rappers to MCs,DJs,dancers among others.

    The event was organised by founder and CEO of SHOFCO which is also Kenya’s largest grassroots movement, and one of Africa’s most esteemed social entrepreneurs and community organisers Kennedy Odede.

    Founder and CEO of SHOFCO Kennedy Odede[/caption]

    Odede known for his award-winning work to localise aid and direct resources and decision-making power to local community organisations said this is the start of big things to come for local artists especially coming from the humble backgrounds in Nairobi.

    “TAMBUA! Is a talent platform that has been launched by the community advocacy organisation to create opportunities for the next generation of music stars in Kenya.This is not just going to be a one off showcase but would be a sustainable platform for emerging generation of talent going to selected neighbourhoods in Nairobi, particularly those that are economically disadvantaged and creating opportunities for the young artists to be mentored by some of the most established professionals in the music business” read part of SHOFCO statement

    Nominated senator Gloria Orwoba who graced the occasion lauded SHOFCO for organizing an initiative which she said had been embraced by the locals,a move geared towards furthering community development amongst the young talents.

    The vibrant politician well known for her advocacy of Menstruation Hygiene Care said as someone who has been involved in promoting the arts, she recognised the high standards of performance and encouraged the young artists to keep working on their craft

    Senator Orwoba awards First Runner Up rapper Barbara Cloe

    “I had such a good time at Kibera this afternoon where I attended the ‘Tambua showcase’, a music skills development and mentorship program sponsored by Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO).We have a lot of hidden talent in our communities and especially with our youth. Thank you Kibera for inviting me to be part of this initiative!” she posted on her official online handles.

    Kenyan hip-hop and rap artist who has taken East Africa by storm Henry Ohanga aka Octopizzo having grown up in the slums of Kibra on his part challenged the artists to be disciplined in their music engagements and stay focused if they have to achieve desirable results.

    “Though the music industry offers great economic opportunities , it takes at least 5 years to be able to establish your brand and earn a livelihood from your music. Therefore it is important to have alternative revenue streams when you start your music career” disclosed the renowned rapper well known for his 2007 ‘Namba Nane’ hit song

    Others who attended the highly publicised and packed event were multitalented entertainer Antony Mwangi christened Anto Neosoul and bubbly radio/TV presenter,entertainer and Endometriosis awareness champion Jahmby Koikai.

    Crowd chering contestants

    Others include veteran music producer and founder of ketebul Music Tabu Osusa who gave a global perspective using the illustration of musicians from the DRC and the Japanese nyatiti player Ericko Mukoyama (Anyango Nyar Japan), to challenge the artists to harness the diversity of rhythms in Kenya and give them a contemporary twist that stand out on a global platform.

    He warned them that Artificial Intelligence could now produce singers and so it was important to have a unique skill such as playing a traditional instrument that technology cannot replicate.

    Winners were awarded various cash prizes courtesy of main event organiser Odede and Senator Orwoba who was the main guest of the event and also doubled as a mentor to the young performers

    The next edition scheduled for Korogocho early November this year will be in partnership with the multi award winning youth advocate at the national, regional and international levels Raphael Obonyo who grew up in the third-largest slum in the capital, Nairobi, where people live in grinding poverty.

  • Arsenal stun Man United in stoppage time

    Arsenal stun Man United in stoppage time

    Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scored stoppage-time goals to take Arsenal to a famous 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

    In a game packed with drama, United thought they’d won it themselves in the final minutes when Alejandro Garnacho broke free to score but a close VAR offside call denied him his moment.

    Instead it was Arsenal’s £105m man who delivered the decisive goal, brilliantly controlling a corner at the back post before blasting a shot off 35-year-old Jonny Evans and past Andre Onana. Evans appealed for a foul from the cross but Rice’s celebrations into the crowd were an iconic moment, adding another remarkable chapter to this Premier League rivalry.

    Moments later Jesus sealed it, breaking away and leaving Diogo Dalot and United on the floor. Last season it was Eddie Nketiah dealing the injury-time knockout blow to United. This time it was a Rice-Jesus one-two.

    In the first half, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard had come up with an instant response to Marcus Rashford’s counter-attack goal, hitting the net 35 seconds after the restart.

    A thrilling finish to a match which leaves Arsenal with three wins from four and moves Mikel Arteta’s side up to fifth, just two points behind title rivals Manchester City.

    As for Manchester United, they are down in 11th, six points behind their neighbours.

    It was a cruel finale for them but Erik ten Hag – yet to pick up a point away in the Premier League this season – will spend the international break mulling over a six-point return from their opening batch of games which leaves them already playing catch up on the teams they want to challenge.