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Category: Sports

  • FORMULA 1: HOW THINGS STAND HEADING INTO THE SUMMER BREAK

    By Blaise Ogutu

    ogutublaise@gmail.com

    Ever since the season kicked off 5 months ago in Bahrain, the F1 campaign has been a constant slugfest between Red Bull and Ferrari. Back and forth throughout 12 races, all the winners have either come from the Italian team or the team run by the energy drinks company. In the drivers’ championship, the battle seems to be going Max Verstappen’s way with seven wins out of twelve compared to his counterpart Charles Leclerc with only three wins this season. The other two race winners have also been Red Bull and Ferrari drivers in the form of Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.

    For a team that was believed to have the best package on the grid in terms of performance and reliability, Ferrari have often found themselves throwing away race wins with poor strategies and surprisingly engine malfunctions. Something their fans have grown accustomed to since 2018 with Sebastian Vettel.

    Behind all this Ferrari-Red Bull battle is 8-time constructors champion Mercedes who had a torrid time finding form in the earlier races but have since improved on their consistency. For many races, the team struggled to come to terms with the new regulations and the one thing hurting their title defence challenges was the cars ‘porpoising.’ Recently that has seemed to be water under the bridge but their pace is still ways off the top two sides.

    Their drivers have also had different stories to tell. Multiple world champion Lewis Hamilton struggled to get in sync with the machinery as he posted some of his worst ever finishes this season. In Italy, at the Emilia Romagna GP, Hamilton finished in a measly 13-place but has since bounced back. His teammate George Russell has looked more comfortable than Lewis consistent top five finishes throughout the season.

    The rest of the grid looks far detached from the top three teams with Renault Alpine in fourth place 177 points behind Mercedes. They are followed by McLaren who have been a disappointing outfit this season. Touted as one of the teams to break the Red Bull-Mercedes dominance of previous years, the team has drastically dropped as they can’t get veteran driver Daniel Ricciardo to put in performances that match his teammate Lando Norris. Alfa Romeo and Haas follow in sixth and seventh place and both teams would be proud of their performances this season. Haas have had Mick Schumacher and Kevin Magnussen consistently getting point finishes, which helped lift the team in the standings.

    The three remaining teams are Alpha Tauri, Aston Martin and Williams. Alpha Tauri are also another disappointing outfit performing way below their standards as a mid-table team. Aston Martin have also had their issues with reliability and with the announcement of Sebastian Vettel’s retirement, they have to find a new driver for next season. Williams haven’t had their luck in quite a while and it isn’t changing with the kind of finishes their two drivers are posting.

    Max verstappen Celebrates after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix

  • Haaland, Nunez lead the list of New Talent in Premier League.

    By Blaise Ogutu
    The 2022 summer transfer window has been open for the past three weeks and player movements are in full swing. Let’s take a look at the Premier League and what different clubs are up to.
    The two top clubs in the form of Manchester City and Liverpool have both made blockbuster signings with Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez respectively. City has been on the lookout for a new striker ever since the departure of veteran Sergio Aguero and seems to have found the perfect replacement in the tall Norwegian. With 86 goals in 89 matches for Borussia Dortmund, Erling Haaland decided a new challenge was on the cards for him and Manchester was the city in mind.
    Liverpool on the other hand has added Darwin Nunez to their ranks, in an attempt to win another Premier League title under Jurgen Klopp. The 23-year-old Uruguayan penned a six-year deal from Benfica, the second signing from the league by Liverpool in recent months since Luis Diaz from Porto. Coming into the squad with 34 goals from last season, Klopp will be banking on the young striker to produce the goods in the frontline.
    Tottenham Hotspur has been arguably the most active in the window so far with Antonio Conte at the helm looking for an instant impact. The Italian has brought Ivan Perisic from Inter on a free transfer effectively improving his flanks. They have also secured the services of Yves Bissouma from south coast club Brighton and Hove Albion and recently Richarlison from Everton. The latter will be a sore miss for Everton as his goals in the final stretch of last season ensured safety for the Toffees. It is also reported that the club is in advanced talks with Middlesborough to sign Djed Spence.
    Spurs’ crosstown rivals Arsenal have also made moves this summer with the impending arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City to bolster their attack following the departure of Alexander Lacazette to Lyon. Courtesy of the Gunners, there will be another Vieira in the league in the form of Fabio Vieira who they signed from Porto. For a long time, the club had been linked with Leeds forward Raphinha but that has since evaporated as Chelsea came swooping in for the Brazilian and are now involved in a battle with Barcelona for his signature.
    Plenty of movements all around with pending deals (Manchester United still eyeing Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona) with plenty of time to go before deadline day in September.

  • Daystar Falcons Rugby to Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa

    (Photo Courtesy of Daystar Falcons Rugby – Facebook)

    By Abdul Shaban

     

    The Daystar Falcons Rugby Team is going to the Driftwood Sevens tournament this weekend which will be held in Mombasa Sports Club.

    The Falcons are optimistic as we reflect on their good performance during the first two rounds of the National Sevens Circuit in Kabeberi and Christie Sevens. With the hard runs on the wing by Patrick Odongo, mighty hand-offs by Floyd Wabwire, raging-bull-agression by by Trevor Opondo, dancing sidesteps by Clinton Kioko, hard and heavy runs by Augustine Owino, good kicks by Captain John Oliele, smart moves by Emmanuel Opondo and skilful dives into the try line by David Williams, indeed they are worthy opponents to their rival teams.

    They are placed in Group B with the Kenya Cup side , KCB and Kabras RFC, together with their fellow Championship side South Coast Pirates. It is not an easy task with all these teams portraying a good performance in the recent two circuits but the Daystar Rugby Falcons have all that it takes to outshine them for as with prayer, smart work and the bond between the players, everything is positively possible.

    Falcons on duty at Driftwood 7s are:

    • David Williams
    • Trevor Opondo
    • Augustine Owino
    • John Oliele (C)
    • Emmanuel Opondo
    • Floyd Wabwire
    • Patrick Odongo
    • Samuel Ovwamu
    • Gregory Simiyu
    • Duncan Olile
    • Clinton Kioko
    • Elvis Sande
    • Cedric Oronje

    Coach : Caleb Bosire

    S&C : Quinto Ongo

    TM : Dorcas Yerah

    Physio : Dora Bobette

     

    All the best Daystar Rugby Falcons.

  • PFA Players’ Player Of The Year

    (Photo Courtesy of Bleacher)

    By Abdul Shaban

    Mo Salah is the PFA Players’ player of the year for the second time

  • KWAHERI POGBA

    (Picha kwa hisani ya SportsArena)

     

    {Na Abdul Shaban}

     

    Manchester United wametangaza rasmi kuachana na kiungo wao Mfaransa, Paul Labile Pogba akiwa kama mchezaji huru.

     

    Pogba akiwa na Manchester United amecheza michezo 233, amefunga mabao 39 na kutoa assists 51.

  • Falcons defy expectations and shine at Kabeberi 7s

    By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    The Daystar Falcons rugby team managed to impress many at the Kabeberi 7s despite bowing out in the 5th place semi final. The Falcons began their journey with a loss against Kenya Cup side Top Fry Nakuru but that did not set the tone for the day. They managed to win their next two games 12-5 and 12-24 against the famous Impala Saracens and Northern Suburbs respectively.  The two wins put them through to the main cup quarterfinal where they met Kenya Cup perennial contenders Homeboyz Rugby. Homeboyz proved to be a handful for the Falcons as they took the game 34-7 sending the Falcons to the 5th place playoff. Sunday was most definitely not their day as after the quarterfinal, they narrowly lost to Masinde Muliro University 17 -12, bringing their run in the Kabeberi 7s to an end.

    Despite their unlucky end to the tournament, many were impressed by the Falcons’ performances. With a lighter squad than the 15s, the selected team managed to hold their own against multiple Kenya Cup teams. Debutant Patrick Odongo shone and managed to be the top try scorer after playing all five games.  Without doubt, he still has a lot more to give as the Falcons head into the Christie 7s next weekend.

    The Falcons selected to represent Daystar at the Kabeberi 7s.
    Photo Courtesy: instagram/dufalconsrugby

    Coach Caleb Bosire was proud of his squad and saw the experience gained as vital for their 7s season progression.  He also praised Patrick Odongo for his stellar performances on the pitch.

    The Falcons head back to the RFUEA grounds on 28th and 29th May for the Christie 7s. Having secured a first quarterfinal tie since 2013, they will be looking to improve and maybe make the semis. The experience they gain from 7s will be crucial as they head to the KRU Championship next season.

    Bring on the Christie 7s!

  • VERSTAPPEN WINS THE IMOLA GRAND PRIX AS HAMILTON FACES A NIGHTMARE IN HIS CAREER

    By Joy Miano
    Joymiano18033@daystar.ac.ke
    The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, often referred to as Imola Grand Prix, in Italy, is usually one of the most emotional races in the Formula 1 season. Max Verstappen won his second Grand Prix of the season with the fastest lap, ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez.  Lando Norris came in third to ensure McLaren fill the last podium position with his first podium of the year. The season leader, Charles Leclerc, slipped down to position six after spinning into the barriers. Unfortunately, his teammate Carlos Sainz was out in the first lap. This was a repeat of the Australian Grand Prix, after being spun into the gravel trap by Daniel Ricciardo’s Mclaren.

    Max Verstappen won his second Grand Prix in Italy.
    Photo courtesy ; instagram.com/f1

    George Russell had a better race than his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who had a very miserable day and finished position 13. He was embarrassingly lapped by Verstappen during the closing stages of the race. Lewis is more likely to lose a chance to battle with the top drivers for the Driver’s championship this year. It was a sad day for the Tifosi (Scuderia Ferrari fans) and the seven time world champion Hamilton fans. On the other hand, a great day for Redbull with Verstappen on pole on Friday ,won the sprint on Saturday and a double podium.
    Formula 1 returns in a fortnight in the United States with the much awaited Miami Grand Prix .

  • LIVERPOOL MANAGE TO SECURE A DRAW AGAINST CITY KEEPING TITLE HOPES ALIVE

    By Benjamin Wanguba

    Benjamin.wanguba@gmail.com

    Andy Robertson and Rodri after the game. Photo Courtesy: Manchester City official Instagram page

    A 46th minute equalizer from Senegalese star Sadio Mane, was enough to ensure Liverpool get a point against League leaders Manchester City.

    The tie which was highly contested was a high-octane affair that saw Liverpool come from behind twice at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the fifth minute with his strike deflecting off Joel Matip to find its way to the back of the net. Soon after a strike from in form Diogo Jota would bring Liverpool at par with the league leaders once again. Liverpool almost went ahead in the 23rd minute when City Goalkeeper Ederson slipped missing the ball which almost went into his own net before quickly ushering it away. Gabriel Jesus would then reinstate City’s lead in the 36th minute with the match heading to half time with a 2-1 score.

    Sadio Mane would then score the equalizer early in the second half. In the 63rd minute, Sterling thought he had won the tie for city when he calmly slid the ball under Allison but it would later emerge after a VAR check that he was offside when he received the brilliant pass from De Bruyne.  Both teams continued at each other but the game would result in a stalemate. The draw means that Manchester City remain at 1st although just 1 point ahead of Liverpool in 2nd. This ensures that the title race still remains hot with both teams eager to lift the trophy once again. Of the remaining fixtures, Liverpool has the harder challenge as they will have to face Manchester united, Tottenham and Wolves who are all embroiled in a fight for a top 4 slot.  Manchester city’s toughest upcoming opposition on the other hand is West Ham with them being expected to breeze over their other opponents. This means that the title race could even go up to the last day.

    Liverpool and Manchester city will clash again on Saturday 16th April when they meet in the semi finals of the FA cup. The winner of that match will meet in the finals with whoever wins between Chelsea and Crystal palace.

  • MANCHESTER UNITED AND ARSENAL DROP POINTS IN RACE FOR TOP 4

    By Benjamin Wanguba

    Benjamin.wanguba@gmail.com

    Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi Celebrate goal against Manchester United.(Image : Everton FC)

    Over the weekend, both Manchester United and Arsenal suffered blows in the fight to finish in the top 4. Manchester United suffered a 1-0 loss to relegation threatened Everton whilst Arsenal lost 2-1 at the hands of Brighton.

    Both teams are engaged in a stiff competition on who gets to be a part of the top 4. The Arsenal defeat came at a time when many arsenal fans were hopeful that they were on the rise. The loss follows a prior shock defeat to Crystal Palace where the Eagles won 3-0 against the Gunners. In recent weeks they have also dropped points against Liverpool as well. The Gunners now sit in 5th place with 54 points although they have played one game less than 4th placed Tottenham. Although the loss was detrimental to their chances of a Champions League spot they could still stand a chance if they regain the form they had picked up in the second half of the season. Their remaining fixtures are tough as they have to face off against fellow top 4 contenders, Manchester United, Tottenham, 3rd placed Chelsea and West Ham. They also will face off against Everton who are currently fighting to avoid relegation by any means possible. This was seen in their weekend 1-0 win over Manchester United.

    An Anthony Gordon strike was enough to secure a win for the Toffees. The win came as a surprise as Everton have been struggling to pick up wins and are even engaged in a relegation battle. They had even lost their last 2 league engagements against West Ham and Burnley. The win now puts them at 17th place, 4 points above 18th placed Burnley, offering them some breathing space. United on the other hand have to up their game or else find themselves competing in the Europa League next season. In moment of frustration after the game, star man Cristiano Ronaldo knocked the phone of a fan to the ground while walking towards the tunnel proving just how much this loss meant to him and the team.

    Meanwhile Tottenham won convincingly against Steven Gerard’s Aston villa 4-0. Heung Min Son’s hattrick and a goal from January signing Dejan Kulusevski ensured that Tottenham land at the 4th spot for the time being. West ham is also in the fight for that Champions League spot but also dropped 3 vital points over the weekend against Brentford.

     

  • FIJI WINS THE SINGAPORE 7S AS KENYA FINISH IN 11TH PLACE

    By Benjamin Wanguba

    Benjamin.wanguba@gmail.com

    On Sunday 10th of April, Fiji defeated New Zealand  28-17 to emerge as winners of the Singapore 7s. By half time, Fiji had managed a 21-0 lead with Vuiviawa Naduvalo, Waisea Nacuqu and Joseva Talacolo converting tries that would give them the lead.

    In the second half New Zealand would be able to reduce the difference but a second try for Vuiviawa Naduvalo would be enough to secure a win for Fiji in the finals. The win was Fiji’s first series win since winning in Sydney, Australia in February of 2020.

    To get to the final, Fiji won their group matches against France and Japan after losing their first game to Ireland. They then beat series leaders South Africa in the quarter finals before winning in the Semis against Australia. South Africa have so far managed to win in Dubai, Seville and Malaga and will be looking to come back on top in Vancouver next weekend.

    Shujaa in Action at the Singapore 7s. COURTESY: World Rugby Sevens Official Twitter Account

    Meanwhile Kenya’s Shujaas finished in 11th at the just concluded Singapore 7s. They started by losing both their opening matches in the group stage. They lost 12-10 to USA and 26-5 to South Africa. They would then bounce back by winning their 3rd group match by convincingly beating Canada 24-7. Shujaa then went ahead to beat Japan 12-10 in the quarter final for the 9th place play-off. They would however loose to Spain 19-10 in that match. Spain managed to be 19-0 up by half time. The boys tried their best to salvage the situation in the second half but only managed to get 10 points with tries from Billy Odhiambo and Kelvin Wekesa.

    Shujaa will however be hoping to have a better performance in Vancouver next weekend after only picking 5 points in Singapore.