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Category: Sports

  • DERBY DAY FOR DAYSTAR FOOTBALL AS FALCONS TAKE ON CITY


    BY KEN ANDREW
    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of facebook.com


    The Daystar University sports department and football enthusiasts will on Sunday June 13 be treated to the biggest game of the season so far. The Daystar Falcons (The team based in Athi River) will play hosts to Daystar City (the team based in Valley Road) in the Daystar Derby. The match is a Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) League match and will be played at Mount Kenya University in Thika- a neutral Venue.


    The Daystar derby is just like any other derby worldwide; it is a feisty clash with both teams eager to keep their pride intact and get bragging rights by beating their closest friends- who are also their fiercest rivals. The fact that the match will be played at a neutral venue takes a little bit of spice off it but expect a proper and intense showing by both teams.


    This will be the first KUSA League Daystar derby since early 2019. The last meeting was a friendly at the Bethel Grounds in Athi River with the Falcons getting a slim 2-1 victory. On Sunday, both teams will be under pressure to secure the three points as the league is beginning to pick up.

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

    Daystar City will be looking to capitalize on the fact that they have only played two games, drawing one and losing the other. They have a double header this weekend facing the table toppers Kenyatta University Main Campus on Saturday before engaging the Derby on Sunday. The Falcons, on the other hand, have played four games, drawing two and losing two.


    “I’m excited about the derby because it’s obvious, as has always been, that the Falcons will take it home. We’re prepared to do what we always do so Daystar City should just concede while they can,” said Millicent Tipatet, the Falcon’s team manager.


    The Falcons were boosted by the arrival of new players who were impressive in their debuts. Amongst them is Emmanuel Loreng’-who mostly goes by the name “Lorenzo”- who switched allegiances by leaving City for Falcons. He will be a key player alongside captain Barack and Gian. For Daystar City, new arrival Joss Chindia will be looking to make his league debut with regular Nathan Hanif keen to increase his goal tally for the team.


    When questioned about the derby, Daystar Falcons captain Barack said that both teams will be out to stop the other. He added that derby games have a special place in the hearts of fans and that it will be their chance to witness what the players have to offer. He reiterated, from a management point of view, that everything had been done to facilitate both teams. The views from many in the City camp is that they have been neglected with their equipment and kits being old and few. They have been unable to secure new ones for a very long time.


    Daystar City’s assistant captain Victor Gakuru said that he expects a tough outing in a rivalry that has stood for a longtime. The Nairobi Campus Secretary Brian ‘Zaza’ Achoka is expecting competitiveness in the fixture and added that a win will be important for Daystar City.

    His counterpart, Walter Nalwa, from Athi River says that his team has trained adequately throughout the week with the players being fit and ready to secure the points. He is hopeful and confident that the Falcons will win.


    With both teams out for the win, it is sure to be an enticing match.

  • The World is Watching: Euro 2020


    By Ken Andrew
    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of uefa.com

    The Euros are football tournaments that attract large audiences throughout the world because of the number of elite teams in the competition. The television audiences at times even rival those of the World Cup which is an incredible feat. This year’s tournament is set to be one of the toughest in recent years as the qualified national teams have an array of talent at their disposal. Before we look at the favorites, underdogs, and dark horses, let us get to understand this year’s tournament format.


    Due to the severity of the pandemic last year, the tournament had to be postponed and is set to take place a year after its original date; it will run between June 11 and July 11, 2021. Even though the year of competition has changed, the tournament retains the name Euro 2020. Twenty-four European national football teams have secured qualifications for the tournament which, for the first time, will not have designated host countries. Games will be hosted in eleven venues in different cities across Europe. The host cities are Amsterdam, Baku, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome, St Petersburg, and Seville. Out of the eleven venues, nine are set to have a certain percentage of spectators allowed but everything is subject to change when necessary due to the pandemic still being a nuisance to sports and live events.


    The teams will be divided into six groups of four. The top two teams in each group and the four best third-placed teams will go through to the round of 16. The teams will have a rest day on June 25. The first game is set to take place on Friday 11th June at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy with a resurgent Italy team- which failed to qualify for the past world cup- facing the high-flying Turkey national team. The Azzurri (The Italy national football team) had flawless run-through qualifications and look to be serious contenders this year boasting a very hardworking squad. The current champions, Portugal, will still be the favorites of many with talisman Cristiano Ronaldo looking to lead his team to a third consecutive European Trophy after past successes at Euro 2016 and The UEFA Nations League in 2019. They have their work cut out for them as they are set to face France and Germany in Group F, which is said to be the group of death. The French are boosted by the return of Karim Benzema- who is coming off three spectacular club seasons with Real Madrid- to the national setup. England, who have always been favorites at the Euros, boasts a squad full of exciting youth prospects with the inclusion of Marcus Rashford, Trent Alexander Arnold, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden who are well on their way to being the best talents in the world. English manager Gareth Southgate is under lots of pressure to deliver and has also been criticized for the inclusion of four right-backs in the squad.

    Portugal players celebrating with the Euro 2016 trophy after beating France 1-0 in the final. Photo Courtesy of The Guardian)

    The Dutch national team has also been on a rise after missing out on the 2018 World Cup with most of their stars having great club seasons and look to be hungry for some international glory. Spain on the other hand look to be troubled with many of their regulars missing out due to injuries. Real Madrid stars Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal have had troubled seasons with injuries disrupting their form and game time and eventually costing them places at the Euros. How will Spain fair without the presence and leadership of Sergio Ramos? Furthermore, the decision on who should be the Spanish first-choice goalkeeper seems a tough one to make with inexperienced but talented starters for their teams; Roberto Sanchez and Unai Simon are tussling for the number one spot with Man United’s David De Gea who had a strong end to the season.


    Scotland, who have qualified for their first major finals in twenty years will look to prove a point against Europe’s elite with their key players being Andrew Robertson, Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, and John McGinn all of whom have been integral in their clubs in the past season. The Turkish squad also looks like one to shine with Hakan Calhanoglu and Burat Yilmaz the standout names in the squad. World Cup finalists Croatia will look to have another stellar tournament with thirty-five-year-old Luka Modric still going strong.


    So, will it be France’s flair or England’s youth, Cristiano’s charisma, or Lewandowski’s finesse? The Dutch resurgence or the Italian resurgence? Will Scotland or Turkey challenge despite their statuses as underdogs? Whatever happens, we are set to experience one of the best international football tournaments in recent years. Bring on the Euros!

  • Kyrie Irving becomes 9th player in NBA history to join elite 50/40/90 club

    By Saboke Masaki

    (sabokemasaki@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE Via Getty Images

    On Monday, Brooklyn’s all-star shooting guard, Kyrie Irving became the ninth player in the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) history to average at least 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 90% from the free-throw line. He finished the season with 50.6%, 40.2% and 92.2% splits.

    Kyrie Irving has long been one of the league’s most dynamic and versatile scorers; this latest achievement further cements his impact on the game. To put this in context, the only other players to accomplish this feat are Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, Mark Price, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Malcolm Brogdon. To join this exclusive company, Irving had to be near perfect from three-point range in Monday’s game against his old team, the Cavaliers.

    Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets goes for reverse layup during game vs Cavaliers on May 17, 2021 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Photo Courtesy of Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE Via Getty Images

    He was, in fact, perfect making all three of his attempts from behind the arc. He also led the league in mid-range field goal percentage shooting a ridiculous 54.5%. “His work ethic, how he cares about his teammates, how he approaches the game every single day is the reason why he can go out there and do something so remarkable as 50-40-90,” superstar teammate Kevin Durant (and fellow 50/40/90 club member) said.

    “We almost expect that from Kyrie, and that shows how great he is. Welcome to the club.” “Remarkable player, remarkable accomplishment and really proud that I could see it in person”, said Nets head coach Steve Nash after the game. This is a potentially much needed impetus for the Brooklyn Nets who go into this year’s postseason with championship aspirations. Brooklyn’s big three- Durant, Irving and James Harden- have all missed time but are now healthy just in time for the playoffs.

    The Nets will face the winner of the play-in matchup between the Celtics and Wizards. After this, they will clash with the winner of the Bucks-Heat series in round two before getting to the conference finals. That is, of course, if the team is able to overcome its defensive deficiencies.

  • Philadelphia 76ers clinch East’s top seed with win over Magic

    By Saboke Masaki

    (sabokemasaki@gmail.com)

    Joel Embiid shoots over Dwayne Bacon in the win vs Magic. PHOTO| Garrabrant/NBAE Via Getty Images

    A 122-97 blowout win over the Orlando Magic Saturday morning clinched the Philadelphia 76ers the top seed in the Eastern Conference, guaranteeing them home-court advantage through to at least, the East’s finals.

    This is only the third time in 44 seasons that the Sixers have clinched the top spot. The victory is also their first in 20 years, something Joel Embiid describes as motivational for the team.

    “Home-court advantage helps a lot,” said the Cameroonian center.  “We’ve been dominant at home; we barely lose here. It means a lot to have the No. 1 seed.”

    Embiid’s words are not hyperbolic; the Sixers being 28-7 at home this season, which is best in the East and second to only the Jazz this season. Apart from a relatively easier path to the NBA finals, this is one of the reasons the team aggressively pursued the top seed.

    “I think for this team, being as young as we are, to have home-court is really important and so we should be proud of it,” sixers’ coach Doc Rivers said after the win.

    For the first round, the Sixers will face the winner of the East’s final playoff position in this year’s play-in tournament which will feature the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. Their path to the NBA finals will most likely involve the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks or Brooklyn Nets with the last two guaranteed to be a nail-biting series.

    The Sixers coined the phrase “Trust the process” (which later became popular in sports and culture) and it is now time to collect. Everyone from Coach Rivers to the duo of Embiid and Simmons are under immense pressure this season, anything short of an NBA championship this year will be a failure for the franchise seeking their fourth banner.

  • Thierry Henry Quits Social Media over racism

    By Daniel Nyaga

    danielnyaga.dn@gmail.com

    Thierry Henry gives a press conference at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in San Jose. 
    Ezequiel Becerra. PHOTO| AFP

    Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry announced that he shall be quitting all social media until there is more done to tackle racism and harassment online.

    In a statement shared with his combined 14.8 million followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the French striker said he would quit the platforms until a solution is found to the on-going harassment.

    “Hi Guys, from Saturday morning I will be removing myself from social media until the people in power are able to regulate their platforms with the same vigour and ferocity that they currently do when you infringe copyright.” read his message.

    According to the former world cup winner, the sheer volume of racism, bullying and resulting mental torture is too toxic to ignore. He further called for greater “accountability” online.

    “It is far too easy to create an account, use it to bully and harass without consequence and still remain anonymous,” he added. “Until this changes, I will be disabling my accounts across all social platforms. I’m hoping this happens soon.”

    Recently, Twitter has been under increasing pressure for allowance of abusive language and harassment on its platform. Users have been victims of bullying and harassment on the platform mostly from anonymous accounts.

    Henry, France’s all time top goal scorer has been vocal on racism in football as well as citing his struggles against racism as a high profile black footballer. Thierry Henry is the latest celebrity to quit social media citing abuse as the reason.

    Twitter released a statement last week highlighting, “there is no room for racist abuse” on its platform and that it was working to ensure that users who are guilty of the above should face dire consequences.

  • Falcons win derby against City

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Falcons side celebrate scoring a goal in league match.

    A goal in each half earned Daystar falcons a coveted win against arch rivals Daystar City in a friendly derby played yesterday at the Bethel grounds in Athi River.

    The rejuvenated falcons’ side recorded back to back wins for the first time since the start of the new season, following their FKF triumph over UNOA Sports on Sunday.

    The game that ended 2-1 saw captain Barrack Khaseke continue with his excellent form, netting a second half goal after coming in as a substitute in the first half. The goal is his third in a span of 5 days, having netted a brace during the win against UNOA sports.

    Team manager Walter Nalwa has assured Falcon’s fans of a win come Saturday, when the team plays its second FKF match.

    “The Athi River team has numbers, and the players have the necessary skills. If we could have more playing time, we’d have scored more goals but we won, and are expecting to win a league match tomorrow,” stated Walter.

    He further urged fans to show up in large numbers for the FKF match to be played at 3pm at the Bethel grounds on Saturday.

    “…everyone who is on campus kindly avail yourselves and cheer your team. We win, Daystar wins,” continued the manager.

    The team will be hoping for the return of forward Gian Gaile, who was sidelined with a groin injury picked up in Sunday’s league game.

    Daystar City’s consolation goal was scored in the second half by former Falcon’s full-back Phegan Indeche, netting a superb goal following a defensive error. Sitting bottom of the KUSA rankings, the team’s poor run of form progresses, as they continue the search for their first victory of the season.

  • Falcons win first FKF match

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    (tolakofa1@gmail.com)

    Falcons soccer team

    A brace from captain Barrack Khaseke handed the soccer team a 2-0 win in their opening FKF Division 2 fixture today against UNOA Sports, in a match played at the Bethel grounds in Athi River.

    The first goal was scored in the dying minutes of the first half, after a superb through pass from John Jusu found Barrack’s feet, who eased his way to opening the scores. His second goal came 10 minutes to the end of the match, after an unforced error from the goalkeeper handed him a golden opportunity.

    “I’m happy for the two goals which came as a result of good connection from the team. We promised the fans a win and have delivered,” said Barrack.

    The captain had a chance to extend the score line and bag a hat trick late in the game but his well taken shot from outside the box was deflected out for a corner.

    Head coach Boniface Mutuku commended the team’s performance, which was solidified by the return of center back Collins Chimoi and midfielder  Jusu- who created the first goal. He further stated that despite the team’s lack of consistency, today’s match announces their arrival in the league, given their late start to the season.

    “We had a full house in terms of players today. The defense and midfield were solid…The main challenge usually is consistency. Sometimes players are not available due to attachments or other commitments such as classes,” commented the coach.

    The match attracted a huge fan base, with daystarians turning up in huge numbers in support of the team. Esther Mumo, a fan at the grounds congratulated the team for the excellent game and result, but was quick to point out that the team could perform better than they did.

    “The game was okay but the team did not perform as best as they could in the game. There was room for a better performance,” stated Esther.

    The team plays Al Ahly of Kajiado on March 11 in their next fixture, and are hoping to replicate today’s performance come Saturday.

  • Falcons win darts trophy in Mombasa

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    (tolakofa1@gmail.com)

    Daystar falcons ladies’ team won the annual KUSA championship darts trophy in a tournament hosted in the scenic city of Mombasa.

    The team led the standings with six points, one ahead of Meru University who came in second. Kisii University came in third with three points as the Technical University of Kenya finished fourth with a point.

    Team captain Faith Ndonye has praised the team’s performance, stating that the win serves as motivation and encouragement for the team going forward.

    “The game requires a lot of concentration hence winning isn’t easy. The win acts as encouragement to the whole team,” stated the captain.

    The team has grown from pitching just one player in the previous tournament- Faith, to a full team that is progressively growing. The captain had represented the falcons solely during last year’s tournament, stupendously and single handedly going on to win the trophy.

    Accompanied by the other ladies’ teams, the team travelled for the tournament on March 4.

    Elsewhere, the ladies soccer team lost 1-0 in their opening fixture against Chuka University yesterday, as hockey waits to play today.

    • Daystar Ladies soccer Team

    Team manager Millicent Tipatet had earlier on in an interview decried the effects of Covid 19, stating that it limited their training sessions as a team.

    “COVID affected the team in that we were not able to train together as a team and also as sports were halted, there was minimum practice,” mentioned Tipatet.

    Other teams to travel were chess and scrabble, which both sit at third on their standings after two days of gaming. Basketball and volleyball teams are also participating in the three day tournament which comes to an end later today.

    The teams are expected to travel back tomorrow morning.

  • Falcons register mixed results in KUSA opening fixtures

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    (tolakofa1@gmail.com)

    Daystar Soccer Falcons Team.

    Daystar football Falcons recorded mixed results in the opening three fixtures of Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) league, drawing twice and losing once.

    The team were held to a 3-3 draw in their recent fixture against KCA University in a match that saw Nigerian sharpshooter Victor Atta extend his goal tally to 4 goals. The falcon’s talisman netted a brace to continue his excellent form of scoring in every match this season.

    Team captain Barrack Khaseke commended the team’s performance while speaking to the Involvement, stating that every moment brings a learning experience, following their defense’s lack of sharpness to let in three goals. They face UNOA Sports at 3 pm today at the Bethel grounds in the Athi River campus, for their first FKF Division 2 match.

    “We are prepared and are transferring the same input in today’s game. It’s a bit different but we hope to get a win given that we’re home…Our main challenge is the lack of maintenance of our home ground, but we’re working on it to better our game,” mentioned the captain.

    The result places the falcons third on the KUSA standings with 2 points, one behind second placed Mount Kenya University (MKU). An in-form Kenyatta University tops the log with nine points, having won all their three opening fixtures.

    The team suffered a 4-1 defeat against Kenyatta University on their opening fixture, with Nigerian Victor Atta pulling back the sole consolation goal for the falcons. The team went on to record a 1-1 draw against the Pan African Christian University, sending it third on the league standings.

    Team manager Walter Nalwa blamed the results on the lack of preparedness of the team, having spent almost one year away from the pitch. The team’s lack of training had it struggling for good results, as lack of fitness proved to be a challenge during the opening fixture.

    “Our preparedness wasn’t of the right standards to allow us perform better. In the first game, the players delivered their best performance but due to fitness challenges, the results were not welcoming,” said Walter.

    Elsewhere, a poor run of form has left Daystar City in shambles, and currently sit at the bottom of the league table, following a 2-0 loss against MKU on Saturday.

  • Ghana wins U20 AFCON Championship

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    (tolakofa1@gmail.com)

    The Black Satellites crowned champions of Africa. PHOTO| Twitter

    The Black Satellites of Ghana are the 2021 champions of the coveted U20 Africa Cup of Nations championship that was held in Mauritania from February 14 to March 16.

    The team led by Captain Daniel Afriyie won their fourth- and first since 2009, AFCON title after defeating the Hippos of Uganda in a tightly contested match at the Stade Olympique de Nouakchott. A brace from the captain earned the team a 2-0 win against the Hippos. The performance earned him Man of the match award.

    Vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia congratulated the team through twitter, stating his pride for their performance.

    “Congratulations to Black Satellites of Ghana for winning  the 2021 Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament…We are proud of you,” tweeted Dr. Bawumia.

    The win came as a gift for the Ghanians, who were celebrating their 64th independence day. Head coach Abdul Karim Zito had insisted on the importance of winning the trophy on the anniversary, citing this as a great motivation for the team.

    “We are privileged to represent our nation here and as a way of thanking our country we have to win this trophy and present to H.E President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo,” stated the coach during the pre-match conference.

    The team maneuvered through the group stage with a 4-0 win against Tanzania and a draw against Morroco before eliminating Cameroon in the quarterfinals. They then won 1-0 in a tightly contested semifinal against the Scorpions of Gambia.

    The Hippos, who had had an outstanding debut at the tournament, won the Fair Play Award as striker Derrick Kakooza bagged the top scorer award with 5 goals. The striker, together with teammate Aziizi Kayondo was named in the Best XI as Head Coach Morley Byekwaso walked away with Manager of the tournament award.

    Uganda Hippos wins AFCON U20 Fair Play Award PHOTO| FUFA

    The Scorpions of Gambia won the bronze medal after defeating Tunisia 4-2 in penalties following a goalless draw in the third place playoff on March 5.