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Category: Sports

  • Another Year, Another Battle Between FIFA and eFootball

     By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of  Trusted Reviews)

    The battle between the biggest football simulation video games will be intense this year. Electronic Arts (EA) will be releasing the twenty ninth installment of their ‘FIFA’ series – FIFA 22, while the Japanese company Konami is working on releasing its game, eFootball, in September or October.

    The Konami game is more popularly known as Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), but recently underwent a name change and will now be referred to as eFootball. The two games have sat atop the football gaming world for well over two decades with both achieving critical and commercial success.

    The two video games are often in a constant battle with each other. The latest battle is seeing some of the biggest European football clubs opting for Konami rather than EA. Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus, Bayern Munich and AS Roma have opted to partner with Konami thus bringing more attention to their game and taking some off FIFA. Juventus and AS Roma even refused to grant FIFA the naming licenses in their games and go by alternative names.

    A photo from eFootball announcing Neymar as their newest partner Photo Courtesy of Instagram/efootball

    This year, the two games have undergone wholesale changes in attempts to wow the fans as they have been accused of little to no change in prior game versions over the years. The graphics and gameplay departments of both companies have been hard at work over the past year and both have promised significant change in their subsequent games.

    For FIFA 22, EA have enlisted the use of Hyper Motion technology which has combined advanced 11 v 11 match capture and machine learning to give players a more advanced ‘next-gen’ feel. From their released gameplay trailer, FIFA 22 promises to have advanced player humanization which aims to mirror the communication, aggression and even emotions on the pitch between the real-life players.

    A photo illustrating hyper motion flow as used in FIFA 22 Photo Courtesy of  Instagram/easportsfifa

    eFootball has decided to take a different route and become a Free-to-Play (F2P) game across all gaming platforms. eFootball will deliver advanced graphics and more animations than ever thanks to “Motion Matching” technology.

    The fact that the game will be F2P on console, PC and mobile might give it an upper hand over FIFA 22 even though many gamers have chosen FIFA in recent years. Additionally, many will be keen on eFootball as they did not actually release a full game last year- only a season update on their previous version- and promised to unveil an improved version of the game this year.

    Gamers have been favoring FIFA over eFootball in past years mostly because of the likeness between the real-life footballers and the simulations as well as the authentic names of teams. With some clubs opting to partner with Konami and the wholesale changes promised, will FIFA still have an edge over its rival?

    eFootball has received a lot of praise for its in-game physics and realistic gameplay over the years, but FIFA has also greatly improved in both areas over the past few years.  What is for sure is that both games have received heavy investment to give users and gamers better experiences.

     

  • 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.

  • Daystar to Play Host to KUSA League on Final Weekend

    By Ken Andrew

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy Instagram/Daystarcity: Poster for the weekend derby.

    The final weekend of what has been a long season in the Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) league is set to take place at Daystar University Athi River Campus on July 24.

    The final four matches will be hosted at the Bethel Grounds, which serves as the home ground for Daystar Falcons. The Falcons play their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) league home matches at the ground and will have home turf advantage- they understand the topography of the pitch and their fans will be close by.

    They will have two matches in the KUSA League at their home venue. The first one will be a Daystar Derby in which they will be seeking to avenge their loss from the first leg of the season against the Daystar University Valley Road campus team, Daystar City. The match will be played on Saturday the 24th of July at 9.00 am before they take on Kenyatta University Town Campus the next day.

    Having home advantage, the Falcons are expected to try everything to deliver positive results over the two games but their opponents will not be walkovers. Daystar City will be looking to pick up their third win of the season and complete the league double over the Falcons in what will be their final match of the season. In the first Daystar Derby of the season, a Prince Kofi second-half hat trick helped City achieve a comeback win over the Falcons. The striker will be looking to add to his goal tally this weekend. City goalkeeper Richie Ekhalie will be looking for a start in the Derby this season after missing the first leg due to injury. The long-time City custodian will be keen to produce a superb performance in keeping the Falcons’ forwards at bay.

    The Falcons will be heading into the derby without utility player Lenteipa Learamo, who got injured during an FKF League match. The versatile player has featured in forward positions and even at center back for the Falcons this season. This was his first season with the Falcons. When asked about his assessment of the season, the player was positive and hopeful in his reply

    “My first season with the Falcons was really great. I really enjoyed my time traveling and doing what I love most,” he said. “Sadly, my dislocated ankle and fractured fibula means that I will be out till next season. This being my first injury, it took some time to accept it. I learnt that this is something that can happen to all athletes thus one should cherish every chance they get to play and not take it for granted. I cannot wait to be back honestly. Turning setbacks into comebacks.” 

    The player will hopefully make a proper comeback next season.

    Alongside Lenteipa, Collins Orina also had a great debut season with the Falcons. The midfield maestro has played in a majority of the Falcons’ games as a starter. 

    “Actually, this is my first season in Falcons. So far, it has been a wonderful experience. The senior players received me well when I joined the team and that helped me settle easily. I cannot wait to learn more from them. I am happy to be at Falcons. Next season, I want to help the team achieve its goal and also achieve my personal goals,” he said when asked about his season and what the future holds. 

    The last Derby of this season is set to be a banger with both teams wanting to win. Caiseyann Munee, the Daystar City Team Manager is hopeful that the City team will continue to grow after learning a lot this season. 

    “I think Daystar City will play a clean game and that we will go and have fun and do our best. I am certain we are going to push ourselves but bottom line, we are going to grow and learn a lot from the game on Saturday and as we conclude this season we are definitely going to have leveled up as compared to how we were when we started the league,” she said.

     She also gave her thoughts on the KUSA League being held at the Bethel Grounds in Athi River: “Personally, I think the league being held in Athi is quite odd considering the fact that we are playing against people we go to school with but I also feel like us playing in Athi will expose us to a new ground which some of our players have never played on and we, again as City, are here to grow so we are going to learn something new and grow and better ourselves for next season.”

    The students of Daystar are sure to have some quality games available for them to watch this weekend. The Derby will be headlining the fixtures. Who will come out on top? be at Bethel Grounds on Saturday the 24th of July to find out.

    KUSA LEAGUE WEEKENDS FIXTURES AT BETHEL GROUNDS

    Saturday 24th July 2021

    Daystar City vs. Daystar Falcons 9.00 am

    MKU (W) vs. KU (W) 11.00 am

    Sunday 25th July 2021

    KU Nairobi vs. Daystar Falcons 9.00 am

    KU vs. MKU 11.00 am

    Z

  • EURO 2020; Master of The Unexpected

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Italy celebrate winning the UEFA European Championship at Wembley Stadium. PHOTO: UEFA EURO 2020

    Former Arsenal vice chair David Dein once stated that “normality is boring”, when describing Arsene Wenger- one of the greatest managers to grace the city that hosted the European Championship’s final match on July 11. To put his words into context, the tournament has been one of the most surprise filled, feeding us with matches that kept us on our toes all through.

    Many are stories to tell from it, as dreams were realized – and others crushed. Barcelona and Spain’s 19 year old Pedri proved to be a reincarnation of the midfield maestro Andres Iniesta, with performances that won him the Young Player of the Tournament award. This, among others gave the Euro 2020 a special feeling, as fans witnessed a revamped Italy led by the grandfather of defending Giorgio Chiellini scoop the Henry Delaunay trophy on their opponent’s home ground.

    The Awakening of the Azzuri

    Italy gave a masterpiece of a performance as they rose to win their first major tournament since the 2006 World Cup. The team had been on a decline that culminated with them failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but the appointment of the classy Roberto Mancini has seen them go on to win the tournament, in the process extending their unbeaten run to 34 games.

    The fall of England in yet another tournament extends their wait for an international trophy, the last being the 1966 World Cup.

    The Demise of the ‘Group of Death’

    Group F, which pitted France (reigning world champions), Portugal (2016 European champions) Germany (2014 World Champions) and Hungary lived up to its name, as all teams were knocked out of the tournament in the early stages.

    France’s exit orchestrated by Switzerland in the Round of 16(R16) is the biggest upset, with the world champions having been the favorites to lift the trophy. Germany gave football fans a fitting end to an action packed group stage when they welcomed Hungary to Munich, but failed to produce the same momentum against England at the R16. Portugal went down to current toppers of the FIFA rankings Belgium in the same round.

    Denmark’s Dream Tournament

    Denmark’s journey started with unexpected events as the world was subjected to some uneventful scenes during their first match against Finland. The team lost the services of their star player Christian Eriksen who had to be transported to hospital mid match after suffering a cardiac arrest.

    Theirs is however a wonder tale as they qualified for the knockout stages of the competition following a 4-1 thumping of Russia in Copenhagen in their final group stage fixture. The team put four past Wales in the R16, proceeding to the quarterfinals where they also triumphed following a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic. Their hopes of replicating their 1992 performance when they won the title were dimmed by Gareth Southgate’s English army that saw them off in an action packed semifinal that went all the way to extra time.

    This remains to be the one of the country’s best performances only coming close to their ’92 triumph after joining the tournament late on following the expulsion of Yugoslavia.

  • 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.

  • THE DIAMOND VS THE NOTORIOUS: WHO WILL WIN THE TRILOGY?

    BY KEN ANDREW

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy Of Instagram/Dustin Poirier)

    A turning point in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is expected on July 10th* 2021 as “The Notorious” Conor McGregor will step into the octagon to face “The Diamond” Dustin Poirier for a third time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This fight is viewed as a do or die for McGregor as many feel that he may have to retire if he loses. 

    The Irishman has been vocal on social media throughout the pandemic often tweeting that he would like to challenge for both the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight titles. He held the lightweight title in 2016 after a spectacular second-round finish over former champion Eddie Alvarez but is yet to taste welterweight glory. Ever since his debut in 2007, McGregor has risen to become one of the biggest athletes in the world and has seen his wealth grow incredibly. He will be under pressure as Poirier looks to knock him out in consecutive bouts.

    In their first bout, which was in the UFC’s featherweight division, Conor got into Dustin’s head with mind games and trash talk. The Irishman knocked Dustin out and was then seen as a serious contender for a title. This was at UFC 178 in 2014. Fast-forwarding to January 2021, both men were competing in the lightweight division and met in the octagon for the second time headlining UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi. The first round was pretty even with Dustin landing some good low kicks and taking Conor down while Conor landed some good left hands and shoulder strikes. In the second round, a flurry of punches from Dustin saw him knock out Conor, something nobody had seen coming. As sweet as the victory was, Dustin was quick to acknowledge that they were tied 1-1 and a third tiebreaking fight had to happen. The third fight was then set for UFC 264 on July 10th, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is expected to be the biggest Pay Per View (PPV) of the year. Unsurprisingly, the tickets for the event were sold out in seconds!

    McGregor (left) and Poirier fight at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi Photo Courtesy Of Getty Images)

    The pair have had words for each other on social media with Dustin disappointed that Conor did not honor his promise to donate half a million dollars to his charity and Conor angrily retorting that it was meant to be “a donation, not a debt”. This sets up the fight nicely with everyone involved expectant to see the Conor of old with his swagger and brilliant trash talking which has not been seen in his last two fights. This winner of this fight will get the next shot at the lightweight title which is currently held by Jiu-Jitsu specialist Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira.

    One of the big questions still yet to be answered is centered on Conor’s motivation. He was recently named the highest-earning athlete by Forbes having earned $180 million in 2020, surpassing even footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi! Marvin Hagler, a boxing legend, once said that it is hard to get up in the morning for a run when you are sleeping in silk sheets implying that it is hard to find the motivation to go to work when you have already earned everything you may want- money and titles for example. Conor has won two titles in the UFC; he recently sold his whiskey brand for a huge amount and has a couple of endorsement deals. Why does he still keep fighting? Do these factors affect his preparations for fights? If there was a time to put the doubters and those questioning his motivation away for Conor, it is on July 10th.

    Whatever the outcome, the fight promises to be exciting. Will Dustin put Conor away or will Conor put his best foot forward and deliver another iconic knockout. We will find out on July 10th as The Diamond Dustin Poirier takes on The Notorious Conor McGregor in the biggest fight of the year.

    *July 10th is the official date provided by the UFC. Due to time zone differences, the event happens on July 11th EAT in Kenya.

  • 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

     

  • Safari on the Rally

    By Jonah Karanja

    Rally car passes by as onlookers enjoy the scene. PHOTO: sportsnews.africa

    After nearly 19 year of inaction, the Safari Rally is back in action in the Kenyan Wilderness. The event is expected to unite young and old motorsports enthusiasts in cheering and enjoying the thrill that is created by sports cars while also enjoying the scenic beauty that lies across the six planned rally routes. The 3-day event is to mark the sixty eighth running of the Safari Rally and will be the sixth round of the 2021 World Rally Championship, World Rally Championship-2 which is the second tier in rallying event and World Rally Championship-3 which is the third tier in the event.

    The WRC Safari Rally return is much anticipated by Kenyans, event organizers, rally drivers and motorsports manufacturers among them Hyundai, Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen as they wait to test their modern vehicles on the unforgiving Kenyan terrain. The Kenyan government through the ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage is giving the event and its organizers all the necessary support to see to it that the WRC Safari Rally has successful return. The smooth return of the WRC Safari Rally after a 19year break cements Kenya’s position when it comes to sporting events ranging from rugby, camel, athletics and motorsports. “We want to make Kenya the rally country in the continent and the entire globe,” Sports CS Amina said.

    Probably the biggest sporting event in Kenya, the Safari Rally was supposed to make a comeback in the WRC around July 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic that is wreaking havoc across all sporting activities in the world. Nearly all sporting activities in the year 2019-2020 were cancelled or rescheduled as crowding was attributed to be a big factor in increased Covid-19 infections in Sports.

    Due to its rugged nature, Kenya’s  welcoming, and sporting spirit and unforgiving terrain, the Safari Rally reputation is set to increase tourism activities into the country hence bringing in the much needed foreign exchange into the Kenyan Economy.

    The 3-day WRC Safari Rally event is projected to inject approximately 6 billion into the Kenyan economy while also creating employment in the service industries such as caterers, local mechanics in the workshops and purchase of locally made products. The Made in Kenya brand and products will be visible to hundreds of foreigners and spectators especially through Media Coverage.

    By taking advantage of the World Rally Championship Viewership, Kenya as a country will be laid bare in the eyes of people hundreds of miles away given that the World Rally Championship commands a viewership of almost 800 million. With the ever-growing view ship, The Safari Rally is set to advertise Kenya’s capability in event planning and hosting, Kenya’s welcoming people and Kenya’s progress in terms of social economic structures as a middle-income country, all which will impacts positively to our economy.

    The Safari Rally comes barely a month to the onset of the Great Wildebeest migration which is heralded as one of the seven new wonders of the world. It is indeed a great time to be in Kenya to witness the transition from Man versus Machine to Animals versus Nature. The migration is an annual spectacle in Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti and boosts thousands of Animals that try to overcome tiredness, hungry crocodiles, lions, hyenas and wild dogs. The sports tourism and nature tourism will give Kenya an edge when it comes to Tourism in Africa and bring about development as part of the revenue earned can be used as a driver towards the realization of the Big 4 Agenda.

  • Falcons Stunned as Daystar City Run with Derby

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    • Daystar City coach Antony Baki discusses Tactics with the team (photo retrieved from Sadiqsnapshots)

    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.