Frank Nutall

NAIROBI, September 13 – Champions Gor Mahia are a point away from officially retaining the SportPesa Premier League title, after playing to a barren draw with Ulinzi Stars who delayed their coronation at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium on Sunday.

In the early kick-off at the same venue, Boniface Akenga grabbed a hat-trick while Bebetto Lnamba notched a brace as relegation threatened Nakuru All Stars trounced KCB 5-2.

The eagerly anticipated top of the table clash saw K’Ogalo move to 63 points, 12 ahead of Ulinzi and with five matches to go.

Mathematically, if a miracle occurs, the Soldiers can topple the leaders if they win their remaining matches with Gor losing theirs with cricket scorelines to overhaul their commanding +26 goal difference gap between them.

Despite the disappointment, Gor head coach, Frank Nuttall is positive of wrapping their record 15th crown when they host Sony Sugar on Wednesday at Nairobi City Stadium.

“We matched anything Ulinzi threw upon us. It was a physical game but we were capable of handling it. It’s obvious it was going to be a difficult game for both sides who were trying to win.

“I feel my boys played well today, they were mentally focused and very determined. I was happy with them. Wednesday is another opportunity for us to try and get three points,” the Scotsman who did not make any substitution, said after the tensed match.

His opposite number, Robert Matano who in the pre-match interview vowed to put Gor’s champagne in the ice, was content with the result.

“It was a fair result because both sides didn’t create chances so the game was even and we appreciate what we got. I’m happy with my defence they stuck to my instructions because our aim was to deny their forward Michael Olunga a chance since he is a good finisher.

“We contained them especially their full backs. We are now focusing on the next match against Chemelil Sugar,” Matano who is popularly referred as the ‘Lion’ stated.

-Physical encounter-

The Green Army packed the 5000 capacity stadium to its seams besides invading the flood light pylon, roof stands and adjacent trees but their initial bubbling mood was soon subdued by the physical encounter with both sides resulting to long balls.

Nuttall was forced to make three adjustments to his squad after having most of his first XI away on international duty where left back, Abuoba Sibomana picked injury while representing Rwanda.

Ugandan Godfrey Walusimbi reverted to his defensive position while Eric Ochieng replaced Collins Okoth in midfield as Ali Abondo was elevated to the starting line-up for Enoch Agwanda.

Unbeaten K’Ogalo got off brightly; pressing Ulinzi but both sides failed to create opportunities as the champions dominated early proceedings with Meddie Kagere and Olunga keeping the hosts’ back line busy.

However, Olunga who was coming from the back of netting his first Harambee Stars goals in their 2-1 loss to Zambia in 2017 AFCON qualifiers last Sunday, was man marked by Ulinzi defender, Mohammed Hassan.

Ali Abondo tested keeper, Francis Ochieng at the quarter hour mark with a well curved set piece that the former national team custodian parried away in the only shot on target in the cagey opening half.

Neither of the two could not change their tactics as the hard tackles continued even after Matano introduced his top scorer, John Makwata for Enos Ochieng.

The visitors managed to break through from the left in the 68th minute but Innocent Wafula blazed over the bar after Ochieng did well to come off his line to deny Kagere.

Kevin Amwayi threatened from a counter attack for the Military side but K’Ogalo skipper, Musa Mohammed recovered to clear the danger.

Amwayi was withdrawn for Ezekiel Otuoma but that did not stop Gor from attacking as they found momentum in the dying minutes.

A good build up from the left by Kagere could have resulted to the moment the Green Army were waiting for but Uganda Cranes midfielder, Khalid Aucho, fluffed the chance after Olunga set him up.

AFC Leopards fans flee tear gas during Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 14 – Mashemeji rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have been fined Sh1m for the crowd trouble that marred their August 23 SportsPesa Premier League derby clash in Nairobi.

K’Ogalo who are on the verge of sealing a third successive league crown will fork out Sh600,000 whilst Leopards who jumped back to fifth on the standings will pay Sh400,000.

The Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) delivered the verdict on Monday while recommending that the Kenyan Premier League to have a ‘bigger oversight role on security matters in the football matches, electronic ticketing be introduced in the league and matches be called off once a serious breach of security has occurred.’

“Having considered all relevant factors and in the exercise of our powers under Rule 7.8 of the Rules, we apportion liability between the 1st Respondent Gor Mahia) and 2nd Respondent (AFC Leopards) at 60%:40% with the fine assessed at KSh1, 000,000.00 hoping that this will get the Respondents to find a way of controlling their fans and generally managing security in future matches.

“This means that the 1st Respondent, Gor Mahia Football Club will pay KSh600,000.00 while the 2ND Respondent, AFC Leopards SC will pay KSh400,000.00.

“This fine should be paid within 60 (Sixty) Days from the date hereof,” IDCC, chaired by Prof Migai Akech, said in its ruling released on Monday.

The hugely anticipated match between the two traditional rivals was abandoned midway through the second half after fans threw stones onto the pitch after champions Gor were awarded a penalty.

Chaos ensued and the match was eventually abandoned and subsequently awarded to Gor Mahia on a 2-0 result by the KPL.

The league body then took the case to IDCC accusing the two clubs and their set of supporters of contravening rules of the game.

IDCC ruled that AFC Leopards was guilty of causing the abandonment of the match.

“It’s clear its (AFC Leopards) fans made it impossible for the penalty to be taken. The referee had already made a call for the penalty to be taken and could not have continued with the match unless the penalty was taken.”

Gor did not escape blame for the chaos.

“From an assessment of the evidence and the submissions, a lot of the unfortunate events that happened on that day would have been avoided had proper security arrangements been put in place and the things agreed to be done, done.

“Gor Mahia failed to print enough tickets and failed to adhere to the safety and security guidelines that had been agreed upon,” IDCC said.

Gor will wrap up the title if they gain a point from their Wednesday clash against Sony Sugar.

Gor Mahia fans in full song at the aborted Mashemeji Derby. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 15- Brace yourselves for a night street party in the capital if as expected, Gor Mahia, wrap up their record 15th domestic title on Wednesday after their midweek SportsPesa Premier League clash was shifted to a 7pm kick-off.

Green Army supporters who have been accorded opportunity to cheer on their team will do so away from their City Stadium citadel after the game was moved across the capital to Nyayo National Stadium.

Confirming the changes, the club announced on their website gate charges will be Sh600 for the VIP stands and Sh300 for the terraces whilst calling on their devoted supporters to turn out in numbers to give their boys one final push to history.

K’Ogalo were earlier scheduled to host the Awendo based millers colloquially known as ‘Gor B’ on Wednesday afternoon but will now play under floodlights in a game likely to be televised on SuperSport.

Should Frank Nuttall’s side get the point they need to be confirmed champions, Gor will not be handed the big eared trophy for keeps until the final game of the season in the first week of September with a formal presentation in the works.

K’Ogalo came away unscathed from the ambush thrown by closest challengers, Ulinzi Stars in Nakuru on Sunday after sharing a barren stalemate with the Kenya Defence Forces side to leave them on 63 points, 12 ahead of the 2010 crown holders.

In theory, Ulinzi can overhaul the champions if they win their remaining matches with cricket scores provided the leaders suffer the mother of all collapses and lose theirs in a flood with the goal difference between them a massive +26 in Gor’s favour.

But Nutall’s men who are seeking to emulate the mid 80s side that won three on the trot are also eyeing further history by becoming the first side in the Kenyan Premier League era that started in 2008 to complete an entire campaign without defeat.

The club is mourning two diehard fans that passed away following a grisly road accident in the early hours of Monday morning after their vehicle rammed into a truck in Nairobi’s Jogoo Roads after coming from Nakuru to cheer their team against Ulinzi.

Joseph Odhiambo Opiyo alias ‘Dilikes’ succumbed to his injuries at a Nairobi hospital whilst famed K’Ogalo Diva Jackie Nyar Annasy died on the spot.

Fans are calling for tributes before kick-off.

Gor Mahia fans in full song at their aborted Mashemeji Derby. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 17- “We are tired of winning Yawa tho!!!,” was the banner self-proclaimed K’Ogalo Defence Force commander, Jaro Soja, held aloft subsequent to Gor Mahia being officially confirmed the 2015 SportPesa Premier League champions on a memorable Wednesday night for the best supported club in the land.

It’s now 15 and counting as Gor continue putting distance between them and fellow giants, AFC Leopards who are a shambles of their greatness after a wretched campaign in K’Ogalo’s slipstream.

Unless other players in the soon to be 18-team top tier come up with an answer quick, fast and in a hurry, Gor will continue re-writing domestic football’s history unchallenged in the foreseeable future.

It now seems ancient history only three short seasons ago, Gor celebrated like the second coming of the Messiah after going 18 agonising years without the crown in a dark period for the great club that coincided with Kenyan football’s meltdown.

Their revival and subsequent dominance having come close to catching the bouquet in the 2010 and 12 seasons when they were beaten to the finish line by Ulinzi Stars and Tusker FC in agonising final day heartbreaks, should signal the upturn in fortunes for the country’s tattered football.

However, while Gor and by extent the Kenyan Premier League Limited run top-flight are slowly but surely bringing the groove back to the club game, the malevolent Football Kenya Federation (FKF) mandarins have perfected the art of reversing the gains through pitiable management-but for now, it’s all about the majesty of K’Ogalo.

Having been led to their first title since 1995 by Bobby Williamson who is now struggling to pick up the ruins of another Harambee Stars failure, compatriot Frank Nuttall, a respected physical trainer once in the books of Glasgow giants, Rangers FC, has masterminded two championship winning runs on the bounce with the swagger associated with Gor’s core support base.

While Sofapaka FC were allowed to mount a sustained challenge for the crown until the last lap of last year’s campaign, Nuttall’s boys have not allowed anyone to have a sniff at the trophy they will get to keep this term with the kind of choking dominance associated with the legendary K’Ogalo sides of the mid 80s.

-Gor breeze-

Until April 12 when Leopards came from behind to rescue a point against the champions in a 1-1 result, Gor breezed through their opening four games with a 12-5 goal-difference, hammering Mathare, Chemelil and KCB by three or more whilst edging stubborn Bandari 2-1.

Since then, Nuttall’s charges have either beaten or drawn with rank title challengers, Sofapaka, Tusker and Ulinzi while hammering minnows All Stars (5-0), City Stars (3-0), KCB (6-1) when the situation called for it to reduce their last four games to a title procession.

The only blot in what will be long remembered as one of the most commanding title runs in Kenyan football came at the August 23 Mashemeji Derby where Leopards fans, perhaps green with envy with their arch-rivals ascendancy, decided to halt the game in the 66th minute after K’Ogalo were awarded a penalty by pelting the pitch with missiles.

Judicial review awarded Gor a 2-0 victory but anyone at Nyayo Stadium that afternoon and those watching on television across Africa could see it was a matter of when, not if, the champions got their goal after overrunning the old enemy particularly in the second half, with only the sheer brilliance of Ingwe keeper Lucas Indeche preventing an embarrassment.

There are those who will argue the circus that is AFC Leopards, the drying up of Sofapaka coffers, an aging Ulinzi side and the implosion of Tusker contributed to the lack of a sustained challenge to K’Ogalo’s might but that all pales into the shadow if you consider the champions have not had an easy ride as well.

-Parting ways-

Gor forward Meddie Kagere, the scorer of the opening goal in 3-1 win over KMKM, celebrates netting at a past KPL match. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Since parting way with Spin-Knit Dairies through their Tuzo Brand, Gor have been rumoured to come close to deal with an assortment of companies with no formal deal closed and on a number of occasions, their devoted fans have come in to bail them out.

Like Jesus, they had to turn to bread to feed their hungry coffers with Good Bread and now Elliot given the rights to sell ‘Gor Bread’ with the club getting a shilling in the first deal for every loaf before doubling the amount with the latter.

Nuttall also had to deal with player unrest due to unpaid dues with a training boycott or two whilst the team was in danger of missing out on the regional Cecafa Kagame Cup when FKF bailed out on paying their tickets until the club’s National Executive organised another fund raiser.

Once in Tanzania, Gor captured the imagination of the entire region when they sailed to the final but fell 2-0 at the final hurdle to Azam FC, a team though bereft with the fanatical support their opponents enjoy, nonetheless have the resources and structure that K’Ogalo aspires to model itself in the near future.

In a sign of the huge gulf between them and the rest of the SPL- in their three-week absence- all title rivals conspired to short-circuit themselves and Gor returned six points clear at the top with three games in hand- another plus that inspired them to complete the job with four games to spare.

Any other team, losing such a final with a lot at stake, Sh3m in prize money for the winners, would have rocked their spirit to its foundations but Gor raided KCB’s vault and handed them a 6-1 hiding on August 8 in a ruthless display of aggression with the poor bankers at the receiving end of their disappointment. That was their biggest victory to date.

On the pitch, Gor simply have out-lasted their domestic opponents with fitness levels any SPL club should incorporate in their training manual in Nuttall’s biggest in print in the side.

It’s no secret that most, if not all, remaining15 teams in the top flight are a sore to watch in the last 15 minutes but a huge chunk of Gor’s goals have come deep in the second half when their rivals begin to tire.

With top domestic football talent continuing flattering to deceive, Gor’s title charge has been aided in large part by foreign imports with former Rwandese international Meddie Kagere (forward), Ugandans Godfrey Walusimbi (midfielder), Khalid Aucho (defend), Burundian Karim Nizigiyimana (right-back) and Rwandese Abuoba Sibomana (left-back) playing starring roles to supplement local stars.

-Engineer Olunga-

Michael Olunga (left) in action for Gor Mahia as Sony Sugar’s Sammy Oyuga tries to intercept in their SPL clasha at Nyayo Stadium on August 16, 2015. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

Any title-winning campaign is spearheaded by a lethal forward and when Gor lost Ugandan Dan Sserunkuma, their top scorer in the 2013 and 14 victorious seasons; Nuttall invested faith in former Liberty Academy and Tusker youngster, Michael ‘Engineer’ Olunga that proved to be a masterstroke.

The engineering college student, 22, brought another dimension to Gor’s attack and in mid season, Nuttall refused to take up the option of returning Sserunkuma despite the Green Army’s clamour to bring him back from Simba SC and his faith has been repaid with 15 goals thus far.

Throughout the campaign, Gor have been lifted by an in form scoring midfielder, with veteran Ali Abondo opening the season on fire with nine before, Innocent Wafula, took over the mantle with four in the latter part, including the 38th minute strike that floored Sony Sugar on Wednesday to seal the crown.

It cannot be underscored the importance of Kagere, who has weighed in with 13, to the campaign with his wise head and nous in attack allowing those around him to flourish and will surely be ranked among Gor’s latter-day legends.

In his hit, M.V.P, the late celebrated American rapper, Lamont Coleman popularly known as Big L dropped a line, “my girls are like boomerangs/no matter how far I throw them they come back”.

The same can be said about Gor and the most desired ‘girl’ in top flight football-SPL crown since no matter how far they have thrown it to their challengers in the past two seasons, it keeps coming back to the Green Army barracks and few can bet against the quadruple next season.

AFC Leopards’ Erick Masika fights for the ball with Western Stima’s Daniel Makachi in a past SpotPesa Premier League match.

NAIROBI, September 19 – AFC Leopards are through to the GOtv Shield round of 16 after rallying a goal down to edge out National Super League side, Wazito FC 2-1 in a pulsating encounter played at Kasarani.

Elsewhere, Mark Barasa scored the winner as Nzoia FC stunned Football Kenya Federation Premier League side, Posta Rangers 1-0.

Bandari thrashed Bondo FC 3-0 while Palos eliminated Talanta FC 4-3 on post match penalties after the match had ended in a barren draw in regulation time.

At Kasarani, Joakim Omollo gave Wazito the lead five minutes after the break.

Things moved from bad to worse after Leopards right-back Edwin Wafula was then sent off for a second bookable offence in the 62nd minute.

A goal and a man down, Leopards looked dead and buried, but coach Zdravko Logarusic made two changes that started a stirring comeback.

On for Solomon Nasio, Dennis Dodi brought matters level 20 minutes from time after controlling Michael Khamati’s cross before smashing home.

Another sub Lamin Diallo sealed the win on the stroke of fulltime when he received the pass from the midfield to dribble past Wazito defence before slotting home for the winner.

Ingwe boss, Logarusic paid tribute to Diallo and Dodi for changing the game.

“It was not an easy game but from my players’ body language I saw something was coming as usual. We started the second-half badly but the players realised the situation was serious after I took risk in playing three defenders and three midfielders.

“The changes really worked because we started making some rotation and they gave us what we needed. Our problem is I have seven players on the bench but only one is fit the rest can’t play even 20 minutes,” the Croatian underscored after the win.

His opposite number, Frankline Obare was content with the outcome in a clash where his players were wasteful.

“We have also proved to them that we are good. Today they were lucky but I accept the defeat although concentration at the back cost us but I’ve leant a lot from the game.”

The quest for the CAF Continental ticket continues on Sunday with defending champions Sofapaka facing Administration Police whilst newly crowned SportPesa Premier League winners, Gor Mahia take on Ushuru FC.

Tusker will square it out with Eldoret based side GFE105.

Meddie Kagere (center) celebrates after scoring a double in their GOtv Shield match against Ushuru FC on September 20. PHOTO/ Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, September 20 – Champions Sofapaka were bundled out of the GOtv Shield knock out tournament after National Super League side, Administration Police FC stunned them 5-3 on post match penalties in the Round of 32 on Sunday.

Elsewhere, newly crowned SportPesa Premier League winners, Gor Mahia sent 10-men Ushuru FC packing in a hard fought 3-2 victory with Meddie Kagere lifting K’Ogalo with a brace.

In the early kick-off at Kasarani, Jesse Were notched a hat-trick to help Tusker FC maul Eldoret based GFE 105 FC 5-0 to book a date with Nzoia FC in the Round of 16.

Muhoroni Youth edged out KCB 4-2 on post match penalties whilst FKF Premier League side, Nakumatt FC progressed after overcoming Nairobi City Stars 3-1 on spot kicks.

At Nairobi’s Ruaraka Grounds, Sofapaka had a nightmare outing after AP rallied a goal down to hold them 1-1 in regulation time to force the tie to penalties.

AP keeper, Preston Omondi saved Heritier Luvalu’s kick whilst Jesee Wabale, Geoffrey Muhando, Christopher Gathara, Robert Jakero and Julius Kavoo converted for the third tier side.

Felly Mulumba, Ezekiel Odera, and Erastus Mwaniki scored for Sofapaka.

Veteran forward, John Baraza netted the opener for Batoto Ba Mungu in the 38th minute when he turned in a Fuadi Ndayisenga corner-kick.

AP found their leveller 10 minutes to the final whistle through Muhando who converted from the spot after Luvalu hacked down Salim Mzee.

Batoto Ba Mungu who have gone six matches without a win, only have the KPL top 8 knock-out cup to fight for after failing to charge for the SportPesa Premier League title.

-Gor through-

Gor enhanced their chances of clinching a treble this season after Kagere added on Collins Okoth’s fifth minute opener to see the 2012 domestic cup winners progress to the Round of 16 where they will meet Palos FC.

“We predicted a tough match because Ushuru have been trying to beat us. We had a busy week after winning the league so we have played three games in six days and all those things added up, we are pleased with the win.

“We dropped the tempo in the first-half but we did what was necessary after upping our game,” Gor head coach, Frank Nuttall underlined after the match.

His opposite number, Ken Kenyatta blamed the defeat on Joseph Shikokoti’s sending off in the 66th minute after the defender was booked for the second time.

“In a game, there is either a win, draw or loss, so today things didn’t turn to our favour. I concede the defeat but I will go back and form a formidable team that can beat Gor. The red card was not fair because Shikokoti was not near the ball when the foul occurred but I’m happy with my player’s performance.”

Gor took the lead when Okoth tapped the ball home off a deflection from Ushuru defender Philemon Otieno in a move started by Innocent Wafula from the left.

Otieno made the amends three minutes later when he fed former AFC Leopards forward, Mohammed Hassan, to smash home from inside the area for the leveller.

Michael Olunga, George Odhiambo and Innocent Wafula came close for K’Ogalo before unmarked Kagere restored the lead on the stroke of half-time when he nodded past keeper, Samuel Odhiambo from a Karim Niizigiyimana pin-point cross.

Olunga lit up the second half when his long range thunderbolt brought out a brilliant save from Odhiambo.

The taxmen were back in the game in the 55th when Hassan notched his double after making good use of Otieno’s defence splitting pass to dance past Musa Mohammed before bringing the ball to his favourite right foot and shooting home.

Ushuru suffered a blow when they were reduced to ten men when Shikokoti elbowed Khalid Aucho who had set up Kagere before referee, Anthony Ogwayo denied them the advantage after the Gor striker had hit the target.

Gor exploited the dismissal of the former Leopards defender with Kagere handing the most decorated club in the country a deserved winner in the 74th when Odhiambo spilled a Godfrey Walusimbi cross from the left to fire in from the rebound.

Sofapaka players in a previous KPL clash. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 21- Tribulations of Sofapaka FC this season after running SportPesa Premier League winners Gor Mahia close last term are another sad example of how quickly it can unravel in football when money flow runs thin.

The Elly Kalekwa owned-outfit stormed to the top flight in 2009 in the most astounding of fashions when they won the title with swagger and panache that swept away traditional giants Gor, AFC Leopards, Tusker and Ulinzi Stars as they threatened to establish a new order in domestic football.

At the time, every side in the division turned green with envy, the club’s players and coaches enjoyed best salaries, allowances and bonuses as Kalekwa was hailed the local Roman Abramovich- after the Russian Oligarch who turned English Premier League champions Chelsea from also-rans to upset established titans, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

However, the bubble started to burst last season when it emerged the club’s staff were going unpaid or getting salaries late although the downturn was masked by a title-run that ended on the last day of the campaign.

There has been no hiding place this time with Ugandan head coach, Sam Timbe, the quiet tactical genius who held their challenge together gone when the club could no longer afford him.

“This season we are not doing well but it’s normal because we cannot win every cup. Finances have been a big stumbling block to our team just like the other 15 KPL clubs and I believe we are performing dismally because I’m not around to motivate them.

“We lost good players like Fiston Abdul Razak and its taking time for new ones to combine but all is not lost. We will find our way back to the top,” the flamboyant Batoto Ba Mungu boss told Capital Sport on Monday.

Timbe’s departure to rejoin his former Uganda side, Police FC piled more misery to the three-time domestic cup winners but Kalekwa maintains he has faith in his assistant, David Ouma as he shops for a replacement for the 2014 KPL Coach of the Year runners-up.

“I declined to extend his contract because he was very expensive but we don’t regret since the team was second under Ouma when he joined, so let’s see how the season ends. We have moulded international players like Danson Kago whom we worked with for four years.

“Another is Bebeto Lnamba we have loaned to Nakuru All Stars. He has now seven goals but Timbe didn’t give him a chance. Whatever God will give us this season, we will take,” the Congolese-born business man noted.

Sofapaka had a slow start at the beginning of the season when players went on go slow demanding salary and bonus arrears and after Timbe, whom most adopted as a father departed, they have gone five matches without a win as they desperately hang on to third on 42.

Arguably their darkest day of their campaign came on Sunday when they were knocked out of the GOtv Shield by National Super League side, Administration Police 5-3 on post match penalties to end their hold on the crown they won last season.

Batoto Ba Mungu became the first club in the country to inch closest to the re-modeled CAF Confederations Cup when they lost the play-off for the lucrative group stages to Egypt’s Ismaily.

Having surrendered the DSTv SuperSport Cup to K’Ogalo, failed to challenge for the league and now out of the Shield, only the KPL Top 8 remains to fight for where they are paired against Chemelil Sugar in the quarter-finals that get underway this weekend.

The team that produced the 2014 Player of the Year as well as midfielder of the Year, Ekaliani Ndolo who has failed to get anywhere close to the heights this term has a daunting conclusion to the season that could see them toppled from the top three.

Ouma charges host fellow limping giants, AFC Leopards before welcoming unbeaten Gor before rounding up with tricky tests against Mathare United and Thika United.

AFC Leopards head coach, Zradvko Logarusic looks dejected during their final KPL first-leg clash of the season against Sofapaka after issues with raising a squad. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 21 – AFC Leopards head coach, Zdravko Logarusic, is concerned about the fitness of his charges after they laboured to progress to the third round of the GOtv Shield knock-out tournament over the weekend.

It took the Croatian’s magic to turn fortunes around when he introduced substitutes- Denis Dodi and Lamin Diallo- who scored to help Leopards overcome National Super League side, Wazito FC 2-1.

Go-slows have been the order of the day in The Den with  players boycotting training on several occasions after going three months without pay disrupting their training programme.

“Our problem is that I have seven players on the bench in any particular match but only one is always fit. The rest can only play for 20 minutes.

“Against Wazito, Bernard Mang’oli couldn’t play at all, Diallo although he scored the second goal, he told me he can only play for15 since he was under medication, Duncan Otieno didn’t train the entire week.

“Also we have our players who are a bit old, Ivan Anguyo and Joseph Njuguna but they are trying that’s why I take risks in every match we play and sometimes it pays sometimes it doesn’t. My job is to make decisions,” the 53-year-old former Gor Mahia tactician, said.

Lack of fitness has been evident in some of Ingwe matches in the SportPesa Premier League where they are seeking to fight to qualify for next season’s KPL Top 8 with four matches to wrap up a nightmare 2015 campaign.

Logarusic, who joined the 13-time champions this season, has been a source of inspiration to the team having managed to bring them back on track after returning from a four-game absence to guide them to a 1-0 league win over Western Stima that ended a six-match winless run.

“It doesn’t matter how much time I spend in the changing room to tell my players what they are supposed to do but people should know it’s not easy,” Logarusic added.

Despite the management woes that has seen two factions claim to be in control, the head coach who won the Shield with K’Ogalo in 2012 is focused on returning Ingwe to the continental competition and reclaiming the domestic cup they last won in 2013.

Leopards, placed sixth in the Premier League on 38 points, face a tough test this weekend when they battle it out with Tusker FC in the KPL Top 8 quarter-finals.

Ingwe will play their final match behind closed match against Sofapaka when the league resumes in October before tackling Mathare United, Muhoroni Youth and Tusker.

Eric Obura (left), Sammy Sholei (centre) and Dan Shikanda when they announced their candidatures for the FKF Polls on September 23, 2015 in Nairobi. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, September 23- Re-instated Football Kenya Federation vice-president and retired international, Sammy Sholei, will run against his boss, Sam Nyamweya in the forthcoming polls after he formally declared his candidature in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Sholei will contest on a joint-ticket with fellow former internationals, Nairobi Representative, Dr. Dan Shikanda who’s suspension from football was also lifted during the August 28 FKF Annual General Meeting and Eric Obura as they seek to contest on a platform of bringing change in a game whose fortunes have plummeted.

The former Tusker FC midfielder joins FKF-Premier League chairman, Nick Mwendwa, former Gor Mahia forward, Ken Oliech and Gor Semelang’o, a former boss of the National Youth Fund in the race to oust Nyamweya during the November 13 national polls.

“Having been overwhelmingly elected as deputy president of Football Kenya Federations during the 2011 Elections, I was denied the mandate to roll out my vision when Nyamweya, engineered my suspension from football soon after.

“However, with his term soon coming to an end, I once again put forward my candidature and it is my belief I can right the wrongs of the past four years in a game that is the most popular sport yet most inefficiently managed in the country,” Sholei, who was suspended from all football activities for six years before the ban was lifted, said in a statement.

Sholei, who only enjoyed three months in power, believes he is the change that Kenyan football enthusiasts need as he accused the current office of corruption and poor management.

“The greatest motivation behind my candidature is to ensure the game often labelled as opium of the masses is used to foster national cohesion, engage youth in meaningful activity by giving them a livelihood and above all, ensure our nation is not left behind the global multibillion dollar boom.

“One of the biggest failures of the current and past regimes is to attract Government and private investment in the sport owning to inept management and widespread corruption owing to running the federation as a fiefdom,” the 48-year-old who also featured Rivatex FC underlined.

Sholei will be seeking to oust Nyamweya after stepping down for Hussein Mohammed in the 2011 elections where the Extreme Sports Super 8 boss was floored by the incumbent.

His ban was reversed by Sports Tribunal in August after the jury ruled the manner in which the federation and its president, Sam Nyamweya went about undertaking disciplinary measures was “fundamentally flawed and harsh.”

Shikanda, a former Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards player will be hoping to return to football management after he was suspended from his Nairobi seat.

The branch elections are scheduled for October 29 before branches elect delegates for the national exercise on November 5.

FKF Presidential candidate, Nick Mwendwa, prepares for a TV interview. He has urged full disclosure of correspondence betwen FKF and FIFA. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, September 23- Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential contestant, Nick Mwendwa is calling for the correspondence between the national body and FIFA that led to Wednesday’s directive to stick to the rules of the 2011 polls to be made public.

Reacting to Capital Sports fkf stop manipulating polls that outlined Fifa’s demands for the forthcoming sub-branch, branch and national elections that will be held between October 28 and November 13, Mwendwa read sinister motives in the world body’s orders.

“We resolved as stakeholders during the Annual General Meeting to adopt changes to the constitution of delegates and branches to counties.

“The FIFA letter referred to the potential changes in membership of FKF as tabled during the AGM which is not the position. FIFA normally does not go against resolutions of national assemblies,” the FKF-Premier League chairman said.

He read mischief that only contents of Wednesday’s letter by acting FIFA Secretary General, Markus Katter, were made public yet the letter addressed to federation boss, Sam Nyamweya started with “We refer to the recent exchanges”.

“It seems that correspondence by FKF to FIFA created the impression these were proposed rather than universally agreed changes. The letter did not also touch on the electoral code, only on the voting branches.

“This is against what we wanted to achieve. The status quo is conversant with the old system and it suits them well since they are familiar which whom they are dealing with and it is our wish full correspondence between FIFA and FKF is shown to us,” the Kariobangi Sharks chairman added.

He explained their push to have all 47 counties vote during the elections was to draw resources from their respective governments in a bid to open up more revenues to the game.

“For example, if you are the Kisii County chairman, you can go to the Governor of the region and get assistance on developing the game in that particular area. If this letter was sincere, then all others before it should be made public,” Mwendwa charged.

His allegations will only heighten fears the elections are being stage managed by the incumbency with Nyamweya keen to cling on to power despite the poor results on the international stage.

With FIFA also in the middle of a credibility storm, with the recent suspension of secretary and key president Sepp Blatter ally, Jerome Valcke over a World Cup ticketing scam, Mwendwa’s claims could drag the beleaguered world body into efforts to prop a discredited local administration in power.

It also shed dark clouds over FIFA’s assertion the proposed changes would have given players in the election an avenue to manipulate the elections.

Following the directive, 20 branches and 78 delegates, down from 94 will vote in the national polls.

Gor Mahia head coach, Frank Nutall. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 24 – Gor Mahia head coach, Frank Nuttall anticipates a tough encounter against Muhoroni Youth when the two sides battle it out in Saturday’s KPL Top 8 quarter-final clash in Kisumu.

Nuttall who guided K’Ogalo to their third successive SportPesa Premier League title admitted fatigue is starting to catch up with his charges but was confident they will overcome it.

Both sides have their own bragging rights, with Gor boasting of their SportPesa Premier League unbeaten run while the sugar belt side are yet to taste defeat in the second-leg.

K’Ogalo will enter the match as favourites having taken control of the first-leg where they won 1-0 when they last meet but the Scotsman is not taking anything for chance.

“It will be another tough match but I believe we have recovered and hope to continue with our winning ways. We had a difficult week and having our fixture congested, our tempo has dropped. We must up our game,” Nuttall, who sees his one-year contract ending in November, stated.

Muhoroni face an uphill task in stopping the record 15-time national champions, having a poor head-to-head record where they have only managed to beat Gor once since they joined the top flight league in 2011.

However, they will be motivated by their second-leg impressive run with skipper Abbass Akinyemi warning the Cecafa Kagame Cup beaten finalists not to expect maximum points in a match where one will bow out.

“Gor is a fantastic team with good players we know each one of them but I think the game will be like their derby against AFC Leopards because they are unbeaten and we too are unbeaten in the second-leg. Nobody wants to spoil their unbeaten.

“We believe in ourselves and I’m sure by the end of the season we will have either the Top 8 or GOtv Shield in our cabinet,” Akinyemi, a former Tusker FC forward warned.

Both sides enter the clash from the back of wins in the GOtv Shield where Gor edged out Ushuru FC whilst Muhoroni sent home KCB.

K’Ogalo are expected to welcome left-back Abouba Sibomana who was sidelined for two matches with groin injury he picked while on international duty for Rwanda in September.

Muhoroni head coach, Paul Nkata has his all players available for selection after SJAK/SportPesa Player of the Month of August; George Mandela who missed KCB match recovered from a hamstring injury.

Having bagged the league and DSTV Super Cup, K’Ogalo are chasing two more titles this season, the Top 8 and GOtv Shield where they are through to the round of 16.

Other fixtures will see Chemelil Sugar square it out with Sofapaka in Kisumu’s early kick-off.

Defending champions Tusker FC will be up against cash-strapped AFC Leopards while Ulinzi Stars face Sony Sugar in a double header at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium on Sunday.

KFK Vice-president Robert Asembo (left) and President Sam Nyamweya (centre) in a NEC meeting in Eldoret. The two have been urged to quit the federation by NEC member Tom Alila.

NAIROBI, September 29 – Football Kenya Federation (FKF) refuted claims it misled world governing body FIFA on resolutions adopted at the August 28 Annual General Meeting following claims by a presidential candidate the incumbency was scheming to manipulate the forthcoming football elections.

In a statement, FKF claimed the decision was unanimously endorsed by all delegates during the third AGM that agreed among others to have the national governing body increase its branches from 20 to 47 to align it with counties.

FKF insisted neither the National Executive Committee nor National Secretariat can alter the adopted matters by the AGM.

“As is custom, the decision adopted by the AGM of August 28 were prepared by the Secretary General and conveyed to FIFA without any alterations whatsoever and it is therefore unbecoming of any individual to impute improper motive in communicating with the FIFA headquarters in Zurich,” part of the statement read.

The federation claimed presidential candidate; namely Nick Mwendwa, who spoke to Capital Sport on an alleged plot to skew the election in favour of sitting boss, Sam Nyamweya and his cronies, was planning to organise demonstration against FIFA.

This is after the global body advised against implementing the proposed new structure in the 2015 elections calling on ‘Kenyans to dismiss any calls for mass action.’

“It is therefore deplorable that one presidential aspirant is now resorting to use colossal sums of money whose source is not well known, to protest.

“FIFA is the world governing body and as such have the full authority over any matter related to football in territories affiliated to it. Moreover, member associations including having an obligation to follow statues, decisions and directives of FIFA as envisaged under Article 13 of the FIFA Statures,” the federation asserted.

Last week, Mwendwa called for the correspondence between the national body and FIFA that led to the directive to stick to the rules of the 2011 polls to be made public.

He read mischief that only contents of the letter by acting FIFA Secretary General, Markus Katter, were made public yet the letter addressed to federation boss, Sam Nyamweya started with “We refer to the recent exchanges”.

FKF reaffirmed its commitment to conducting “a free, fair and transparent election as underscored by the decision to have National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to oversee the elections.”

“The aspirant who is complaining has been involved at every stage in the process of adopting elections rules and guidelines as well as the appointment of the Elections and Appeals Boards.

“For him to turn around and feign ignorance of matters and allude foul play is pretentious and should be treated with the contempt it deserves,” FKF added.

“We confirm that the process of vetting the club’s list as presented to the National Secretariat by branches and sub-branches is underway and it will involve thorough scrutiny of the names presented to ensure only genuine clubs have the chance to participate in the elections.”

Gor Mahia fans in full song at last week’s aborted Mashemeji Derby. Their team won 2-1 at Bandari on August 29, 2015 to inch closer to a third successive title. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, September 30 – Police have cancelled Thursday’s SportPesa Premier League matches involving local giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on security grounds.

The Kenyan Premier League secretariat confirmed to Capital Sport the games were postponed to avoid clashing with the ongoing Nairobi International Trade Fair that culminates on Sunday.

“There will be no Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards matches as scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) because the Nairobi Show is on. We will announce the new dates soon,” KPL Leagues and Competition Officer, Phoebe Amuyunzu, announced.

Champions Gor were to host Western Stima at Nyayo National Stadium while struggling Leopards had a tricky encounter with fellow giants Sofapaka at Nairobi City Stadium.

“The SportPesa Premier League matches involving Sofapaka versus AFC Leopards at City Stadium and Gor Mahia versus Western Stima at Nyayo Stadium scheduled for Thursday afternoon have been postponed.

“This follows communication from the Nairobi County Police Commandant stating that they will not be able to provide security for the two matches because they are stretched due to the on-going Nairobi International Trade Fair that is running from September 26 to October 4,” a statement from KPL read.

“Consequently, the league body has postponed the fixtures on security grounds to later in October and November in Kenya’s capital city.”

The last time the arch rivals met in the SPL on August 9 saw their fans engage police in running battles with the game abandoned in the 63rd minute when Ingwe supporters pelted the Nyayo pitch with missiles when K’Ogalo were awarded a penalty.

Gor were awarded the match 2-0 after a disciplinary process that saw both clubs fined Sh1m in total for damages caused when their supporters went on rampage.

Other fixtures that will see the top flight league resume after a two-week break remain intact.

Former champions, Tusker FC welcome Muhoroni Youth in the early kick-off at Nyayo before relegation threatened Nakuru All Stars travel to Mathare United.

Deputy President, William Ruto (left), Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary, Eugine Wamalwa (center) and Bungoma Governor, Ken Lusaka (right) during the fundraiser on October 2. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, October 2 – Deputy President, William Ruto reiterated poor management of football has ruined the sport as Harambee Stars plummeted 15 places in the latest FIFA rankings .

Ruto, was speaking on Thursday night when he presided over cash-strapped AFC Leopards’ fundraiser in Nairobi where the club raised Sh4.5m (USD43, 000.48) to cater for players and technical bench salary arrears.

President, Uhuru Kenyatta donated Sh1m (USD 9,555.662) while Ruto, who was the guest of honour, was the highest contributor, with Sh2m (USD19,111.32) in a ceremony attended by Bungoma Governor, Ken Lusaka and his Vihiga counterpart Moses Akaranga.

Also in attendance was Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa who gave Sh100, 000 (USD 957.951) while club patron, Cyrus Jirongo contributed Sh500, 000 (USD 4,789.78).

“Bad management in the beautiful game has killed talent and put the livelihoods of millions to waste. I urge Kenyans with interest in football, passion for success and experience to step forward and manage the affairs of football in the country.

“With good professional management, football can join other sports in putting Kenya in the international map. It will also give a livelihood to many youths.

“After all there is no greater sport in the world than football. Glad to join friends of AFC Leopards to raise funds for the club’s empowerment programme,” Ruto, who expressed similar sentiments when he opened Nairobi’s Camp Toyoyo in August, declared.

Football Kenya Federation under the leadership of president Sam Nyamweya has been heavily criticised for slapstick management after Stars were bundled out of the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers by minnows Lesotho last year.

The team that is ranked 131 in the world, is yet to register victory in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers after drawing 1-1 away to Congo Brazzaville before losing 2-1 at home to Zambia.

Leopards are also affected by poor leadership with two factions fighting to be in charge, something that has thrown the club into disarray as the season draws to a close.

On Wednesday, interim Secretary General, Professor, Asava Kadima became the latest official to resign, joining chairman Allan Kasavuli and Organising Secretary, Tmothy Lilumbi as top executives to quit.

The 2015 season has been financially challenging for Ingwe after shirt sponsors Mumias Sugar withdrew leading to mass exodus of key players led by keeper, Wycliffe Kasaya during the June transfer window.

This forced the club to stretch it begging bowl to well wishers for their first fundraiser in June where they collected Sh5.5m (USD52,682.30)

Leopards owe players who opted to stay like skipper, Jackson Saleh, as well as head coach, Zdravko Logarusic four months in salary and bonus arrears with new players who joined in June demanding three months dues.

Ingwe who were tipped to fight for the crown have staggered to sixth in the SportPesa Premier League on 38 points and left with only the GOtv Shield to chase after Tusker bundled them out of the KPL Top 8.

Ulinzi Stars celebrate scoring a second goal during their SPL match against Mathare United. They depart for Kampala on Friday for EA Military Games. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, October 3 – Mark Makwata’s hat-trick inspired Ulinzi Stars to a 3-2 win over hosts Chemelil Sugar at Moi Stadium in Kisumu in the standout game of Saturday’s action in the SportPesa Premier League.

In Mombasa, Anthony Kimani and David King’atua scored against their old club as Bandari beat relegation bound Nairobi City Stars 2-1  with Gambian, Ebrimma Sanneh notching his 10th goal of a rewarding campaign for the losers.

Ulinzi’s win over the Sugar Millers saw them stretch their unbeaten run to seven to cement second spot on 54 points, 12 behind champions Gor Mahia.

The hosts started brightly, attacking from the onset but Ulinzi custodian, Jacktone Odhiambo, who was starting for the first time since his return from military duty, stood tall.

Chemelil were rewarded for their strong start after seven minutes when Meshack Karani controlled Khamis Mwinyi’s cross before unleashing a thunderbolt for the opener but the Soldiers bounced back after quarter of an hour through Makwata who converted from the spot.

The cane cutters conceded the penalty after James Omino brought down Ezekiel Otuoma in the box.

Makwata scorcher almost gifted the military side the lead in the 60th minute but Chemelil keeper, Jairus Adira, produced a brilliant reflex save but he couldn’t stop the former City Stars forward from putting the visitors ahead four minutes later with another ferocious shot from outside the 18-yard box.

The brilliant collaboration between Otuoma and Makwata produced the third goal on 71 minutes with the latter sealing his hat-trick by rounding Adira before squeezing the ball in at the far post.

Chemelil made a game of the dying embers of the contest when Samuel Olwade pulled one from the spot after Geoffrey Kokoyo handled the ball in the area in the 77th but the military side soaked in the pressure to collect maximum points.

-City Stars misery-

City Stars desperately needed to win to boost their flailing chances of remaining in the top flight but their former players returned to haunt them.

Kimani put the home team in the lead in the 34th when he headed home a Musa Mudde delivery.

Sanneh restored parity in the 72nd when he headed in Oscar Mbugua’s cross but City Stars suffered a blow four minutes later when defender Yusuf Suf was sent off for his second yellow card in controversial fashion.

Substitute King’atua then compounded their woes by scoring from the set-piece shortly after coming on to settle the contest much to the delight of the normally calm Bandari coach, Twahir Muhiddin, who is on the verge of achieving his target of finishing top eight.

Kester Shimonyo (SportsPesa), right and Moses Margi (LG Electronics) hand Gor Mahia forward, Meddie Kagere (centre) a 42-inch flat screen television after he was named September SportsPesa/SJAK Player of the Month on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, October 13- Gor Mahia forward, Meddie Kagere, is determined to help the SportsPesa Premier League champions clinch the treble as he continues to enjoy his purple patch after joining the team at the beginning of the season.

The Ugandan-born former Rwanda international has been instrumental in Gor’s unbeaten charge to a third successive league title and was crowned the SportPesa/Sports Journalist Association of Kenya Player of the month of September on Tuesday morning.

Kagere won the award ahead of Nairobi City Stars striker, Emrima Sanneh, after scoring two goals and providing three assists as K’Ogalo wrapped their third league crown in succession besides progressing in the Top 8 and GOtv Shield competitions.

“I thank my fellow players because I didn’t do this alone. I celebrate this award with my team. September was one of my best and I’m happy I achieved what led to this award.

“There is time a player is in top form and scoring comes naturally but it depends on the type of team we are playing against. I’m focusing on the knockout games because our target is to win the GOtv Shield and Top 8.

“Winning the Premier League unbeaten was my biggest achievement and I’m hoping we will not lose the remaining two games,” Kagere, whose one year contract lapses at the end of the season, stated.

The 29-year-old who has scored 13 this season, believes he can topple Tusker FC forward, Jesse Were’s 19 in the top scorer charts and win the race for the Golden Boot.

With K’Ogalo settling for a barren draw with Ulinzi Stars in their first league match in September, Kagere was influential in their next fixture against Sony Sugar, providing the assist for winger, Innocent Wafula to score the winner.

It was the result that confirmed a third league title in a row for K’Ogalo.

The powerful forward affectionately referred to as ‘Luanda Magere’ went on to score a brace in their 3-2 win over Ushuru FC in the GOtv Shield Round of 32 before netting the opener in their 3-0 victory over Muhoroni Youth in the KPL Top 8 quarters.

Assistant head coach, John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla was not surprised when Kagere was rewarded with Sh50,000, a 42-inch LG smart TV and a trophy engraved with his name on Tuesday.

“Journalists are doing a good job because they encourage the players to work hard.

“With Gor’s splendid performance, I think you should be coming here every month and I’m happy it’s the third time the award is coming to K’Ogalo,” Ogolla, a former Harambee Stars and Gor midfield general said.

“We are hoping this will help us improve the league competition and encourage players to work hard. We promise by the ends of the season more awards will be given. The players will be motivated and hope the performance will impact the national team,” LG Marketing Manager, Moses Marji declared.

Title sponsor, SportPesa Chief Marketer, Kester Muhanji said, “We are here to nurture and contribute towards talent development. We are hoping to have a grand and better one at the end of the year that will have more awards.”

Inaugural winner and midfielder Ali Abondo and Burundian defender, Karim Nizigiyimana are the other Gor players who have bagged the monthly honour.

Khalid Aucho (foreground) training with Gor Mahia in Nairobi on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, October 13 – Gor Mahia assistant head coach, John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla has urged his charges to give 100 percent when they take on Kisumu outfit Palos FC in their Wednesday’s GOtv Shield Round of 16 clash at Kasarani.

Ogolla, is wary of a huge upset after seeing defending champions Sofapaka and fellow titans Tusker FC bundled out of the domestic cup competition by second tier sides, Administration Police and Nzoia United.

The three time back-to-back SportPesa Premier League champions are likely to miss services of lethal attacker Michael Olunga, Ugandan Godfrey Walusimbi, Burundian defender Karim Nizigiyimana and Rwandese left-back Abuoba Sibomana.

Olunga, could be rested after playing for Harambee Stars in their 2018 World Cup preliminary round qualifier against Mauritius, Walusimbi is injured while Nizigiyimana and Sibomana are away on international duty.

“Tomorrow’s (Wednesday) game against Palos will not be easy because small teams are the most difficult sides since you play with the unknown. If we take them lightly, they can shame us.

“Being a one off game, it can be disastrous if we don’t give our all. When you go to play a team like Tusker it’s motivating but a team like Palos by the time you wake up the game is over if you start badly,” the former Gor and Harambee Stars player outlined.

SportPesa/SJAK Player of the Month for September, Meddie Kagere, is hoping to inspire his side keep their treble hunt alive but underlined they will not underrate their opponents.

“We always focus on one game at a time. I always rate all teams strong because when I’m facing them, I see them better than me and only consider them small when I win.

“We will take Palos match as serious as we have done with the rest,” the Ugandan born former Rwandese international underscored.

A win against Palos will seal a quarterfinals place as they look to claim the trophy they last clinched in 2012 under then head coach, Zdravko Logarusic, who is now with their bitter rivals AFC Leopards.

With Gor inching closer to another their historic milestone of finishing the season unbeaten, Ogolla hailed the class of 2015 as modern greats having wrapped the league without losing with four matches to go.

“I have played for Gor all that time and there is no season we went unbeaten but chances are high will finish the league unbeaten.

“We have crucial games remaining against Tusker who are not performing well but I know the game against us will not be easy the same with Sofapaka, Muhoroni Youth and Western Stima,” the Gor legend who  was nicknamed ‘six dollar man’, explained.

K’Ogalo will face Tusker in the KPL Top 8 knockout semi-finals in what will be revenge against the Brewers who eliminated them twice at the same stage in that competition.

Francis Kimanzi, who stepped down as Tusker FC coach on October 14, 2015. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, October 14- Local giants Tusker FC’s hangover season staggered further on Wednesday when head coach Francis Kimanzi stepped aside from his role.

The UEFA-B coaching license-holder and former Harambee Stars boss decided to relinquish his position after a string of drunken results sunk to a new low last weekend when they were knocked-out of the GOTv Shield by lower division Nzoia FC.

Assistant coach, Leonard Odipo will be in charge of the team for the remainder of the season with club chairman, James Musyoki confirming to Capital Sport the former Harambee Stars tactician had not resigned.

“He has not quit the club since he has not tendered his resignation but it’s the good thing he has done since his working formula has failed to give us results.

“As a club we are concerned by the team’s performance this season but the problem is not necessarily him,” Musyoki explained the latest setback in the team’s nightmare season.

Boasting of an enviable squad by local standards and means far above the reach of domestic rivals, Tusker have appeared to consume their own brew in a wretched campaign where their expected SportsPesa Premier League title charge failed to fire as rivals Gor Mahia retained their crown.

Kimanzi, whose contract expires in December, was hired last season to reclaim the crown they last won in 2012 but even his magic could not rouse a group of talented and well paid players from their stupor as indiscipline took root within the squad.

Musyoki declared the club will not tolerate rotten apples in the team after forward and top league scorer, Jesse Were and winger, Danason Kago were suspended from the national team after being accused of sneaking out of camp.

“We are disappointed by some of our player’s behaviour because if someone calls you and tells you negative things about them, it’s something we cannot condone but we are in discussion with them,” the chairman added.

Besides the pair, teammate Osbourne Monday was embroiled in a tiff with the Anti-Terror Police Unit but later in August but was later cleared when his phone was reportedly used by a friend to call Al Shabab operatives in Somalia.

That was followed by Kago being accused by his expectant live-in girlfriend of assault days before he was due to play for Stars in a 2017 AFCON qualifier against Zambia on September 6 that saw him arrested and released from the team camp.

On the eve of the Chipolopolo game, the same player Were and another were caught up in lurid claims of a night of debauchery in the team hotel where allegations of a sex orgy were made but no arrests were made.

Their limp 5-4 exit on penalties to Nzoia in the Shield last Sunday was the last straw for the tactician who led slum boys Mathare United to league glory in 2008 before Stars to the last qualifying group phase of the South Africa 2010 World Cup.

Kimanzi, who is the most qualified coach in East Africa, went seven matches without a win in the league to see them drop sixth on 38 points with three to wrap up their season.

The former Mathare United and Sofapaka tactician joined Tusker November 2013 with the hopes of reclaiming the KPL title they last won in 2012 and the Shield that has evaded them for 22 years.

Odipo’s first task will be on Sunday when they travel to treble-chasing K’Ogalo in the first leg of the KPL Top 8 semis before aiming to end the season on a high when they take on Sony Sugar, Gor and AFC Leopards in the league.

Khalid Aucho (foreground) training with Gor Mahia in Nairobi on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, October 14 – Ali Abondo rediscovered his scoring touch to sink a brace as SportPesa Premier League champions, Gor Mahia, dismissed third tier side Palos FC 4-2 to storm to the quarter-finals of the GOtv Shield.

The six-goal thriller played at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday, saw Harambee Stars forward, Michael Olunga and defender Harun Shakava, also on target to complete the rout with  Calvin Omanga also notching a double in reply for the Kisumu based minnows.

Gor head coach, Frank Nuttall gave non regulars, captain and keeper Jerim Onyango, Ernest Wendo, Erick Ochieng, Abondo and George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo a start and he was elated with the win despite the fact Palos gave the titans a scare.

“We deserved to score four goals because we had possession and created chances. To come out winners in a cup competition and go through to the next round was the main idea.

“It’s not necessarily we will be winning games with clean sheets because today we had a new defence. I’m pleased with their performance,” the Scotsman gushed after surviving a spirited display from the massive underdogs.

His opposite number, Paul Ogai, hailed his charges after giving a good account against a team that has swept all before them in clinching a third successive top flight crown.

“My players did their best since we were playing against the champions. We scored two goals and we didn’t deserve to concede two. The chances we created shows the boys have taken it to the next level so we will continue on improving,” he mused.

With full backs, Burundian Karim Nizigiyimana and Rwandese, Abuoba Sibomana out on international duty, Nuttall deployed midfielder Ochieng in the unfamiliar left back position as Olunga and Kagere maintained their twin striking role.

Abondo gave K’ogalo the early lead in the second minute when he volleyed home Olunga’s flick-on from deep midfield to give the overwhelming favourites the best of starts.

However, the flood of goals and any thoughts of steamrolling to the quarterfinals were soon dispensed with by their dogged lower division opponents.

Geoffrey Ochieng saw his ferocious long range shot hit side netting before their raids in Gor territory paid-off in the18th when Omanga fashioned a neat cross goal finish off a Keneth Mugambi defence-splitting pass for the leveller.

The Kisumu outfit threatened to upset the titans but Onyango produced a stunning save to deny Palos captain, Edwin Clifford’s stinging effort from the edge of the box.

Gor were roused into action and Olunga restored their lead at the half hour mark on the counter after his strike partner,  Kagere, provided the assist as the leading scorer squeezed a low shot on target for a 2-1 half time lead.

Abondo added his second five minutes after the breather when he picked Wendo’s pass to turn and smash past Palos keeper, Geoffrey Were, for Gor’s third.

Were then denied Odhiambo who unleashed a cracker in the 58th with substitute Eddy Balaa missing a chance to make a game of the contest after he did well to beat Onyango in the K’Ogalo goal but could not reach the ball to turn it back into an empty net.

Palos mounted pressure when they reduced the deficit in the 66th after Omanga picked Mugambi’s pass from the left to tap past Onyango for his double.

Bernard Ochieng then denied Gor when he cleared Olunga’s shot off the line from a corner brought in by Abondo.

Harun Shakava broke Palos hopes of mounting the comeback  when the Stars defender ghosted in the near post to finish off Abondo’s corner in the 73rd for the decisive strike.

Sofapaka’s Collins Shivachi (center) celebrates after equalising against AFC Leopards. PHOTO/ Raymond Makhaya.

NAIROBI, October 14 – Collins Shivachi salvaged a point for Sofapaka in a 1-1 stalemate with AFC Leopards as the struggling bigwigs slugged it out in a SportPesa Premier League clash at Nairobi City Stadium on Wednesday.

Batoto Ba Mungu trailed Leopards on the stroke of half time when Ivan Anguyo converted from the spot but Shivachi came to their rescue after curling in a free-kick for the equaliser in the 65th minute.

It was a contest that underlined their underwhelming campaigns this season since none could fashion the bragging rights by picking maximum points on the day having seen their title charge dissipate.

Sofapaka, who stretched their winless run in the league to six successive matches, left the more wounded side after failing to exact revenge against cash-strapped Ingwe who silenced them 1-0 with a make shift team in the first leg.

David Ouma’s side further rued a missed penalty in the 50th having allowed Leopards to dominate the first 20 minutes with Lamin Diallo getting an early chance but delayed to shoot allowing defender, David Okello to clear the ball.

Ingwe had an opportunity to open the scoring but Bernard Mang’oli fired over from a set piece after Ezekiel Odera handled the ball just outside the box.

Sofapaka found their feet with halftime looming but Miamey Mbakiye and Shivachi blazed over with only the keeper to beat.

Leopards went ahead moments later after Odera handled the ball inside the box with Anguyo tucking in the resultant spot kick for the halftime advantage.

The first 10 minutes of the second half was end to end but Sofapaka should have levelled the scores in the 50th after Israel Emuge handled the ball in the area but Mbakiye spurned the penalty after aiming straight at Ingwe keeper, Lucas Indeche.

However, their opponents, mirroring what they have often done this season, wilted and an equaliser was inevitable when Shivachi  beat Indeche from an 18-yard free-kick.

Okello denied substitute Victor Omune the chance to seal the win for the Zdravko Logarusic side in the 89th.