Category: Falcons News

  • Zone 2 FC Win the inaugural Daystar City Tournament

    The poster for the Inaugural Daystar City Tournament.
    photo courtesy : @daystarcitycf on Instagram

    The Inaugural Daystar City tournament was successfully staged at Public Service Club on Saturday 9th of April through the office of outgoing Campus Secretary Nairobi, Brian Achoka. The tournament, which aims to create funds to support players through their studies in Daystar saw twenty teams register to play.

    The teams were pooled into two groups, A and B, with each team playing four matches. The opening match of the tournament was an exciting one as Kifo Cha Mende FC took on Makwapa Machafu FC. It set the tone for the rest of the day as the level of intensity of the match was very high even though it ended in a draw.

    The tournament had a couple of teams from both Daystar City and Daystar Falcons namely Pioneer, Corinthians, Kifo Cha Mende, Makwapa Machafu, Game of Stones and City Legends. Only Makwapa Machafu advanced to the quarterfinals from the six teams, just showing how tough the registered teams were.

    In the quarters, favourites Interdjinamory cruised past Medellin as Zone 2 managed to edge Foreign 9 on penalties. CPF managed to get past Badboys FC while Makwapa Machafu also edged Outlook FC on penalties setting up a semi final tie against Zone 2. The other semi final saw CPF meet Interdjinamory where the latter managed to ease past the former with two goals in regular time. Zone 2 beat Makwapa Machafu on penalties with Daystar student Marvin Kowero getting the winning penalty. Makwapa Machafu lost out 2-0 in the third place play-off to CPF meaning they finished fourth.

    The final saw Zone 2 defeat Interdjinamory 1- 0 to see them crowned the first ever winners of the Daystar City tournament. They took home fifteen thousand Kenyan Shillings and a trophy from the tournament sponsors AA.

  • Falcons Overpower Bungoma To Set Up Semi against Mombasa RFC

    By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Falcons Rugby Captain John Oliele in action during a past game.

    The Daystar Falcons Rugby team on Saturday 2nd  April 2022 faced their biggest match of the season thus far. They welcomed Bungoma RFC to the Athi River rugby pitch in a KRU Nationwide national quarter final match. The winner would advance to the national semi-final where they would have a chance to be promoted into the KRU Championship next season with a win.

    The match was as tough as it was billed to be as there was nothing much between the two sides. A tight affair it was and the Falcons got the better of Bungoma in the first half which ended 5-0 to the Falcons. Bungoma RFC fought back in the second half and their level of physicality was clearly seen. The Falcons still managed to extend their lead after their opponents got back into the game. They held on to win 11-5 with Elvis Sande getting the try and captain John Oliele getting a dropgoal and  a penalty, adding to the score.

    Vice Captain Joshua Ngomeli commended the Bungoma side’s physicality. He also said that the sides were well matched and the team had to grind hard for a win. The support from the school was evident with fans, both students and staff present to cheer the Falcons.

    With that win, the Falcons will welcome Mombasa RFC in the semis on 9th April in Athi River. They managed to be in the same position last year but failed to get the promotion after losing to Shamas. This year, the squad will be confident going into the match as not many players are injured unlike last year. They have a week to put in the work and improve on their weaknesses as they enter a crucial weekend in their promotion hopes.

  • Final Weekend of KUSA League Takes Center Stage

    By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Daystar City in action against Daystar Falcons at Bethel Grounds
    Photo Courtesy of George Mwangi

    Daystar sports teams will, for the last time this season, set out to represent the school in the KUSA League. Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th March will see Daystar teams travel to Mount Kenya University in Thika for their matches.  It has been a long season and a league title will elude Daystar for yet another season but the Falcons will keep fighting.

    The weekend will see most of the teams play twice across the different disciplines. Football, basketball and volleyball face games on both days while hockey, handball and netball play only once.

    The Daystar Falcons Ladies football team finish their season against KU Ruiru on Saturday and Gretsa on Sunday. The season saw them revived after the pandemic and they have produced promising results this year, only losing once. For the men, Daystar City face rivals USIU on Saturday before ending the season against perennial contenders Kenyatta University on Sunday. Daystar Falcons play St Paul University on Saturday and KU Ruiru await them as their final fixture on Sunday.

    The Basketball Ladies face KU on Saturday as their last match this season while the men face USIU on Saturday and MKU on Sunday. The games will take place at the MKU Court. In Volleyball, the men face SPU on Saturday and Gretsa on Sunday as the women tackle their lone fixture against SPU on Sunday. The handball team squares off against Gretsa and MKU on the same day, Saturday. The hockey men team battle USIU while the Netball ladies face KU on Sunday.

    The season has been long, but the will and desire of the Falcons did not vanish. They always gave their best as they toiled to represent the school. As they end the season, we wish them all the best.

  • Daystar Chess Falcons Move up the Ranks in Kenya Online Chess League

    By Karan Christie

    karanchristie@gmail.com

    It was a good weekend for the Daystar Chess Falcons who managed to climb up the ladder from 10th to 6th position in the ongoing Kenya Online Chess League. A total of 21 teams are participating in this prestigious event.

    Three games were played over the weekend on 28th and 29th of August 2021. The team managed to secure three wins with a total of 10 rounds yet to be played.

    Playing online is a new experience as some players can be prone to mouse slip and poor network; a drawback which wouldn’t be seen in a physical match. However, there are also benefits such as quick analysis of one’s game and opponents. This in turn helps to strategize and prepare against the next team.

    The Kenya Chess Federation has adopted a hybrid system where the league will be conducted online on Tornelo platform, approved by FIDE (the international governing body of chess). Open tourneys will be physical under the guidance of the Ministry of Health (MOH).

    Daystar was represented by the following Chess Falcons:

    Board 1: Glen Kingoina

    Board 2: Edwin Kipterem

    Board 3: Weldon Ngetich

    Board 4: Brian Ngetich

    Board 5: Karan Christie/Vincent Muthuiya

    Board 6: Olive Sang/Wamuyu Macharia

    Daystar Chess Falcons continue to grow in number and in strength.

  • Daystar Falcons Chess Team Shines at Nakuru Open Chess Tournament

    By Karan Christie

    karanchristie@gmail.com

    Daystar’s Falcons chess team emerged as the top university scoring 19 points at the Nakuru Open Chess Tournament held at Waterbuck Hotel. The tournament was held on July 31 and August 1. It featured more than 120 players from Kenya and had 7 universities present. It consisted of 7 rounds and was, in fact, the largest competitive tourney in the past two years.

    Daystar sent a team of 8 players (6 men and 2 ladies) under the guidance of Karan Christie and captained by Brian Ngetich.

    “I would like to thank Daystar management for giving us the opportunity to participate in this prestigious event. This has been a good performance especially after resuming over the board Chess in Kenya and we look forward to improving our games and win more tournaments in the future,” said Brian.

    The top scorers were Weldon Ngetich (former captain) and Glen Kingoina with 4.5/7 points respectively. The other players representing Daystar were: Carlos Musungu, Jackline Wambugu, Olive Sang and Vincent Muthuiya.

    The Daystar Chess Falcons Team.

    In 2020 the team shifted to online chess due to the pandemic. This took away the thrill and general feel of the game. The Nakuru Open 2021 brought back a more positive vibe and allowed our chess players to really immerse themselves. Daystar now looks forward to hosting the 6th Daystar Chess Open soon.

    For more information on joining the Daystar Chess Falcons, please contact Brian on +254 713 599 645.

  • Falcons Humble Daystar City in Comeback Win

    By Lewis Njeruh

    lewisnjeruh@gmail.com

    Falcons side celebrate scoring a goal in league match.

    Falcons produced a masterclass performance that saw them win 3-1 against derby rivals Daystar City at the Bethel grounds on July 24.

    Daystar City took an early lead through Abubakar Omondi but failed to hold to it as Nigerian Victor Atta and Lorenzo put Falcons ahead a few minutes later. Valentine Omondi won a penalty late in the first half, scoring Falcon’s third and his first goal of the season.

    “The game was easy. We conceded the first goal but we put our heads up and managed to equalise, found the second goal and I thank God for my first goal of the season which was our third,” said Valentine Omondi.

    Daystar Falcons captain Barrack Khaseke in a post-match interview said the team was in good form recording a three match winning streak. He is convinced that with no injury to keep players out, the current team can perform well in the KUSA and FKF leagues. He further urged the administration to look into the challenges faced by the teams which include a poor state of facilities for both indoor and outdoor games.

    City Captain Ken Andrew on the other hand was positive with the loss and is convinced they will be back better. He was backed by team manager and Nairobi campus Governor Brian Zaza Achoka, who insisted that his team lost due to some defensive errors and not because the opponents were at their best.

    Boniface Mutuku, falcons’ head coach while speaking to the Daystar press applauded his boys for the win. The coach recalls City scoring in the first minutes due to mistakes after which the falcons rectified scoring three goals in the quick succession. He adds that second half was tough, as the team failed to capitalize on goal scoring opportunities.

    The coach further pointed out that players get affected by fatigue, citing a scenario where the team has had to play seven games in the last two weeks.

    “Actually as we come to the end of KUSA, my boys will have a little rest because we may be playing one or two matches in a weekend and that will be a little bit okay,” says coach Mutuku.

    KUSA Secretary General Nairobi congress Muli Muluta states that it has been challenging for league teams with two games every weekend as it is tiring for players as some have to play in both games. Mr. Muluta acknowledged the challenges caused by the pandemic, with new rules being incorporated to mitigate it.

  • Falcons Coach Calls Out Referee for Questionable Officiating

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Falcons side celebrate scoring a goal in league match. PHOTO: Desmond Mboya

    Falcons’ soccer team head coach Boniface Mutuku has questioned referees’ officiating following a few controversial incidents that saw two of his players red-carded in a Sunday FKF Division 2 fixture.

    “If you look at the referee sometimes he was emotional, also retaliating against the players. That is something to be looked at in future because as a referee and a professional, you don’t need to engage with the players,” said coach Mutuku.

    Speaking after a 2-1 win against Itoleka FC at the Bethel grounds, the coach further commended the team for their resilience and fighting spirit. Two second half set piece goals were enough to overturn a one goal deficit in a match that almost had the visitors walk out midway. The goals, each from a free kick by Barrack Khaseke were netted by Daniel ‘Dante’ Zevai and substitute Wallace Anene.

    Joash Olwaga picked up the first red card after committing a foul that yielded the visitors’ only goal from the resulting free kick. Keeper Kennedy Omondi received the second, whilst defending a corner. Defender Mahisi Luzolo was forced to pull on the goalkeeping gloves, producing some superb saves that kept the score line in Falcon’s favor.

    The coach’s remarks were backed by team captain Barrack, who expressed his displeasure in the referee’s decisions as he commended his teammates’ discipline. According to him, referees make good decisions and bad ones, but it’s really disappointing when they make decisions that affect the game.

    The team’s fitness has been a key discussion point, with most of the first team players nursing injuries, with the team having as many as four fixtures in one weekend. Team manager Millicent Tipatet has acknowledged that fatigue is a challenge on the players, hence the frequent injuries.

    “A lot of people have been injured. I think we need to work on our conditioning more but for the next game we’ll be good to go,” said Tipatet.

  • CRUNCH TIME IN THE KUSA LEAGUE AS TEAMS FACE ELEVEN GAMES IN FOUR WEEKS

    By KEN ANDREW

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Emmanuel Loreng’.

    Daystar City and Daystar Falcons football teams are gearing up for a tough four weeks which will see them play twice every weekend in the Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) League, Nairobi conference.

    The Falcons have one fixture on the weekend of 26th and 27th June and their double game weekends start on Saturday 3rd July 2021.Daystar City, having played a game less, kick off their double game weekends on 26th June 2021 against Pan Africa University. Both teams are looking to start the run strongly and have a good end to what has been a long season because of the pandemic. The period is especially tough for the Falcons who also have fixtures in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division Two Eastern Zone alongside the KUSA league games. They will need a big squad with no injuries to be able to sail easily through this tough period.

    The Falcons have had a tough season in the KUSA League. They are on two points having played five times. They have not been able to win a game this season- drawing two and losing three- and are keen to turn their fortunes this weekend as they face Gretsa University on Sunday. The game is seen as winnable for the Falcons as Gretsa University are at the bottom of the log (yet to kick a ball in the restarted league) and are not usually the toughest of opponents for the Falcons. Fatigue could also play a key role in that match as Gretsa play twice that weekend, facing KCA on Saturday before the Falcons on Sunday.

    City will be starting the period off with a win in the derby. Their current record stands at four games played with two losses, one draw and one win. They will only be focused on the varsity league as they do not participate in the FKF leagues. Their first double game weekend will see them face Pan Africa University and KCA University, who are both tough outfits that will be looking to gain maximum points.

    Daystar City (blue) play against Kenyatta University in the KUSA league. Photo Courtesy of George Mwangi

    The league leaders, Kenyatta University, will also face tough fixtures this weekend with the ‘KU Derby’ taking center stage on Saturday 26th June as they take on Kenyatta University Nairobi Campus. On Sunday, they will face long time challengers JKUAT Main Campus in what will be a tasty clash for the fans and the result might have a serious effect on the league table. Kenyatta University will have a home advantage as all the league games will be taking place at their school football pitches.

    Key Fixtures and Dates in the KUSA League 2021 Saturday 26th June 2021: KU vs. KU Nairobi

    Sunday 11th July 2021: Daystar City vs. KU

    Sunday 18th July 2021: Daystar Falcons vs. Daystar City

    Sunday 25th July 2021: KU vs. Daystar Falcons.

  • INVOLVEMENT ISSUE 240

    Use the link below to access the Involvement Newspaper issue 240 which features a range of articles written by our writers to ensure that you stay informed on News within and outside Daystar. 

    Issue 240 Final

     

  • Falcons Stunned as Daystar City Run with Derby

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Daystar City’s Prince Kofi stole the show with a cameo performance as his second half hat trick sealed a 3-1 comeback in a mouthwatering derby played at the Mount Kenya University (MKU) grounds on June 13.

    Falcons looked on course to extend their good form following yesterday’s win when Emmanuel Lorenzo’s first half strike gave them the lead in the early morning fixture against their arch rivals. The former City player’s goal was however not enough, as his former team was full of responses in the second half.

    Insipid in the first, the City side returned for the second half livened up, Kofi taking advantage of two fumbles by the falcon’s keeper and a kick from the spot to punish the Athi based team. Brilliant performances by Eric Linox and Nathan Hanif, who won the penalty for his team fostered a hard-earned coveted victory.

    “It was a tough game, but I am proud of Daystar City. We conceded in the first half but rallied in the second and showed heart and desire to earn a comeback win. I loved our fight as a team,” said Ken Andrews, the Daystar City team captain.

    The win is their first of the season having lost two and drawn one. It also marks a comeback from yesterday’s game that saw them get thrashed 5-1 by log leaders Kenyatta University (KU), and takes the team off the bottom of the standings.

    Falcons on the other hand moves below City on the log for the first time this season, each having 4 points. City however have a game in hand over their rivals, having played a game lesser.

    The clash saw a number of intense moments, with City’s Kenneth Kagugo seeing red in the second half. The coaches were forced into making substitutions after Falcon’s sharpshooter Victor Atta ran into Nathan, both picking up injuries in the process.

    Atta’s injury adds on to Falcon’s crisis, with forward Gian Gaile having picked one during yesterday’s 2-0 FKF win against 3K FC. Head Coach Boniface Mutuku had hinted at the possibility of having a tough day, as he insisted on the importance of both teams’ recovery after yesterday’s matches.

    Falcons look to respond to the defeat when they face Al Ahly in their second game of the day.