From the ‘Special One’ Mourinho to the Hypocritical Bore-Rinho

Is putting 11 men behind the ball and hitting them on counterattack tactical ingenuity? Well, for Jose Mourinho, and perhaps a few of you reading this, it is.

The Portuguese manager endeared his name as a ‘tactical genius’ (to Chelsea fans) but earned even more odium in the eyes of lovers of the beautiful game (in literal sense) this past weekend. 

After frustrating Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash at the Vicente Calderon by ‘parking the bus’, Mourinho put Liverpool under the cosh by ‘parking two buses’ as Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers would put it after the match.

The 51-year-old fielded a first IX that was way too ultra-defensive, Mohammed Salah, Schurrle and Demba Ba the only attack minded players. But for most part of the game, only Ba crossed into the Liverpool half as all the 10 Chelsea players were behind the ball. 

When Sam Allardyce adopted that defensive playing plan (I still won’t call it a tactic) against Mourinho’s Chelsea in a barren draw in January this year, the Portuguese went on a tirade in the post match press briefing saying, “This is not Premier League. This is not the best league in the world. This is football from the 19th century.” What he set out his team to play at Anfield on Sunday evening must have been from two centuries earlier. 

After the Liverpool match, he said, “It was a defensive display? I'm a bit confused with what the media thinks about defensive displays. When a team defends well you call it defensive display.”

Totally hypocritical! 

His counterpart, Rodgers, said, “"I think there were two buses parked today, never mind one…It was like a back six with three midfield players in front of that. That's 10, with the goalkeeper, for 90 minutes consistently behind the ball.”

Enough said.

In the match against West Ham, the Hammers enjoyed over 27% of possession the whole 90 minutes. Chelsea had exactly 27% against Liverpool. And Mourinho dared to criticize them, but defend his team's win against Liverpool. Here's a manager who criticizes the opposition when they play in a manner he thinks doesn't level up to what football should be, and then employs almost the same, if not far worse game plan then thinks it is right.

Enough of Mou and back to the game.

Steven Gerrard is perhaps more pumped up to win the league than any other Liverpool player. The captain has played all his football at Liverpool and won everything there is except the Premier League title. This could be the season however when the Whiston-born lad finally lays his hands on the Holy Grail. He’s never been this close. But his mistake that led to Chelsea taking an undeserved lead might just prove too costly. With Liverpool launching one attack after another on the visitors, Gerrard (who under Brendan Rodgers has transformed from a lung bursting offensive midfielder to a deep lying one) made THE mistake of the game; he slipped, and just in time too, for Demba Ba to pounce and race into Liverpool’s penalty area and slot the ball under Simon Mignolet’s arms.

The goal was a bitter dent on Liverpool players who had a blue wall of players packed in front of them. That the Reds would lose 2-0 after committing all but one of their men forward later in the game which saw them get hit on a counter-attack was very cruel on a team that tried to play football the way it should be played.

Chelsea’s win puts them 2 points behind Liverpool but the Merseysiders still have destiny in their own hands heading into the last two games. Should they win the last two fixtures away to Crystal Palace and at home to Newcastle, the Reds will after all be crowned Premier League champions. However, that will also depend on Manchester City dropping points in their remaining three matches. One of those, perhaps the toughest one, is the trip to Goodison Park to face Liverpool's city rivals Everton. How the Reds who love the Toffees to do them a favor! After all, a trophy in Liverpool city is far more worthy to Everton than one at Manchester.

Will this season again be decided on goal difference? And will Manchester City be the celebrating lot again?

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Kyanika, Kuinet Girls Romp into COPA Coca-Cola Provincials

North Rift’s Kuinet Girls and Kyanika from Southern Branch became the first teams to qualify for the COPA Coca-Cola provincial finals.

Kyanika’s 1-0 win over Makueni Redshooters was enough to book them a slot into the branch finals as Matithini and Machakos Queens could only manage a barren draw. The result means Kyanika are destined to top the standings leaving the second spot to be fought for between Makueni and Machakos Queens.

However, in North Rift, fortune fell on Kuinet Girls after they were handed a 2-0 walkover result over St. Elizabeth who failed to turn up. Kuinet lead the standings with 6 points, three ahead of second placed Simbolei who had Nelly Kimaiyo to thank in their solitary goal win over Bishop Birech.

Machakos County Youth were the biggest winners of the weekend though after they put five past Makueni Boys in the Southern Branch boys’ matches. Muthama Musau opened the floodgates for the county team in the 7th minute and Michael Musau doubled the lead just three minutes later. A goal each from Kyalo Jackson, George Musyoki and Kyalo Mulua gave Machakos an unassailable lead even before the interval. In their second match however, they were brought down to earth by Kitui Stars who thumped them 3-0. 

However, Kitui could only manage a 0-0 result against Sultan Hamud. Migwaini All Stars beat Machakos Talent 2-0, John Ben’s 15th minute strike putting them on the lead before Vundi Muteti scored at the half hour mark to secure Migwaini the points. They then shared the spoils with Machakos Youth talent with a barren scoreline in the second match. Makueni Boys’ participation in the tournament were left hanging by a thread after they lost 2-0 to Sultan Hamud.

The giant’s battle between Langas and Kunji Santos ended on a 2-2 stalemate in North Rift. It wasn’t a good outing for the two as they drew their other matches, Kunji sharing a 1-1 draw against Ustar while Langas were held 0-0 by Kapcherop. Kayodescter were the only team to put three points in the bag in North Rift after Denis Mohanji scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Patuso. However, they drew their second match 1-1 against Kapcherop.

The stalemates were not only witnessed in North Rift. Three of five boys’ matches in North Coast ended in draws. Malindi Talent drew 0-0 against Moyeye with the latter also sharing a scoreless result against Malindi Youth. Omar Ali cancelled out Lemi Jilani’s opener for Tana Boys in a 1-1 draw against coast province defending champions Malindi United. Daniel Karisa’s goal helped Malindi Youth to a 1-0 win over Mnarani with the latter losing with the same score line against Malindi Talent, Hammed Abdala the hero of the match.

The games continue this weekend with most branches expected to play their second round matches in the lead up to the provincial finals slated for June-July.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

COPA Coca-Cola Action Returns in Machakos, North Rift and Nyanza South

Four branches will play their second round of COPA Coca-Cola matches this weekend as the Under-15 youth football tournament gathers momentum across the country.

North Rift, North Coast, Southern and Nyanza South will host their matches scheduled for this Saturday.

After playing host to the launch of COPA nearly three weeks ago, Machakos County will again be the place to be for the Southern Branch round two matches. Kitui Stars who romped past Makueni Boys 6-0 in their first match will be back on the pitch with two matches on the cards for them. They will play Machakos Youth County in the first match before taking on Sultan Hamud.

Makueni Boys will have destiny in their own hands when they try to save face in their matches against Sultan and Machakos Youth. However, the mother of all battles will be in the ladies’ category where Makueni Red Shooters will battle Kyanika Girls. The two teams were rampant in their first matches where Kyanika mauled Matithini 7-0 while Makueni thumped Machakos Queens 4-0. 

In North Coast, last year’s national finalists and defending Coast provincial champions, Malindi United, will be gunning to extend their 100% start when they face Tana Boys in a crunch match. Both teams won their opening two matches with Malindi thumping Malindi Youth 4-0 before dismissing Malindi Talent 1-0, while Tana had an identical 2-0 scoreline against Malindi Talents and Malindi Youth. The winner of this clash will assume leadership of the table standings.

Other matches will feature Malindi Youth against Mnarani Soccer Academy as Malindi Talents look for maximum points against Moyeye Academy who will also face Malindi Youth.

Moving Goal Post were the only girls’ team to collect three points in the first round of matches. They will be in action this weekend when they play Italian Football Academy as Tana Girls face Malindi Action Girls. The matches will be played at Mnarani Kilifi.

In North Rift, branch leaders, Uprising Stars will also be aiming to keep their perfect start to the season when play Langas Youth and Kunji Stars at Eldoret University. Uprising collected maximum points in the first round of matches piping Kayodestcer 1-0 before outclassing Patuso Youth 3-2. They’ll face Langas who stopped Patuso with a 4-0 drubbing only to be held by Kayodestcer 1-1. 

The other matches on the day will see bottomside Kacherop Stars aim to register their first points when they play Kayodestcer. They will then take on Langas Youth whose clash against Patuso will be the last assignment of the day. 

Kuinet Girls who gave Simbolei Girls a 3-0 humbling a fortnight ago will clash with Bishop Birech Girls as Simbolei meet St. Elizabeth in the girls’ only matches of the day.

Collated Fixtures

Nyanza South Branch (at Kenyenya Stadium in Nyamira)
Boys

Rachuonyo Boys v Kisii Youth Boys

Gucha Juniors v Manga Youth Boys

Gucha Star Boys v Nyamira Stars

Manga Youth Boys v Rachuonyo Boys

Gucha Juniors v Kisii Youth Boys


Girls

Nyamira Ladies v Gucha Girls

Kisii Girls v Rachuonyo Girls


And That's thesteifmastertake!!

JMJ Academy Begin their COPA Coca-Cola Title Defence Unconvincingly

Reigning COPA Coca-Cola national champions, JMJ Academy, began their title defence in an unconvincing fashion after they failed to collect maximum points from their opening matches played over the Easter weekend. 

JMJ were held to a frustrating barren draw in their first match against debutants Victoria Sports who sucked in constant pressure from the off but were able to keep the champions at bay until the final whistle. In their second encounter, the Mountain View-based side looked to be settling for another draw against Peilko Academy but Duncan Kectemes struck in the second half to help them secure a nervy 1-0 win.

Kibera All Stars took an early lead in the group after they registered 2-0 wins over Peliko and Victoria Sports. Geoffrey Karanja and Nicholas Omondi both netted for Kibera in their match against Peliko while Lucas Maina and Antony Munene were the scorers in their second clash against Victoria as Silas Wangombe’s young lads collected maximum points. The only other boys’ match on the day saw Mainstream and Young Salumbe settle for a barren draw.

In the girls’ matches, last year’s losing finalists, Beijing Girls were ruthless in their match against newcomers Kabagale Girls who soaked in five goals without reply. Sheila Kwisi and Catherine Adhiambo both netted a brace for Beijing before Nancy Awuor completed the 5-0 rout in matches played in Woodley Grounds.

In Upper Eastern Branch, giants, Taqwa Academy began their campaign with a 5-0 demolition job of Mecese Youth. Hussein Salahudin opened the floodgates for Taqwa in the 20th minute and Jamal Mohammed also netted at the half hour mark to set the stage for Farah Abdi who completed the rout with a hat-trick. 

Green Santos battered Buyoti 3-0, Emerson Mugendi with a hat-trick but they could not go past Mali Tatu Young Stars who piped them 1-0 courtesy of a Ronney Mwendwa goal in the 46th minute.

Ramadhan Adan netted a goal either side of Yusuf Udheifa’s 16th minute strike to help Isiolo United secure a 3-0 win over Buyoti.

The games continue this weekend across the country.

Collated Results

North Eastern
Young Muslims 5 0 Jaribu Primary

Garissa Pry 1 1 Wamu

Berlin FC 1 1 Garissa Township

Iftin FC 3 3 White Eagles

Northwest Rift Branch
Saboti Youth 1 1 Kapenguria Boys

Kitale Youth 2 1 Cheranganyi Boys

Elimu FC 0 0 Namanjalala

Kapenguria 2 0 Elimu FC

Namanjalala 1 0 Saboti Youth

Girls

Kitale Youth 1 0 Cheranganyi
Kitale Young Starlets 2 0 Kiminini Girls

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Mbaisi, Okinyi, Trounce in Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Elections

Chris Mbaisi and Mike Okinyi have been elected as Chairman and Secretary General of Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) in hotly contested elections which were held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday morning.

Mbaisi, the Sports Editor at Radio Africa’s The Star newspaper emerged triumphant in the Chairman’s elections amassing over 70% of total votes cast. With over 80% (62/75) of registered voters turning out for the crucial process, Mbaisi was voted in with 44 votes with his only challenger, James Waindi of The People receiving 18 votes.

The People photographer, James Magayi, won the Vice Chairman’s seat with a landslide receiving 36 votes, 19 more than his closest challenger, Gilbert Wandera who received 17 votes. KBC’s Omole Asiko finished a distant third with 9 votes.

Citizen TV’s Mike Okinyi captured the powerful Secretary General post with 40 votes, 22 more than his challenger Milton Nyakundi who got 22 votes.

KBC’s Vereso Mwanga needed a run off to beat off the challenge of Eric Ochieng’ from the Standard in the fiercely contested Organizing Secretary position. With no less than 5 candidates having their names on the ballot including Goal.com’s Dennis Mabuka, photographer Fredrick Omondi and Robert Kiptoo, the race boiled down to Eric and Vereso who received 24 and 19 votes respectively in the first round.

It was the lady who emerged triumphant in the second round receiving 33 votes to Eric’s 15. Evelyn Wata was elected unopposed for the Treasurer position and so were Torome Tirike, Rebecca Gichana and Idris Situma who were unchallenged for the Committee Members position.

The elected officials will serve for the next 4 years.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

JMJ's COPA Coca-Cola Star, Lloyd Kim, to Travel to 2014 Brazil World Cup

JMJ Academy’s Lloyd Kim will travel to Brazil in June for a one-week camp that will culminate in the young lad watching Live the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup. Kim, who captained JMJ to the national finals title last year and also captained the Kenyan team in their exploits at the international camp in South Africa, will join over 150 (12 from Africa) other young players in Brazil for a soccer camp. This was revealed when Coca-Cola launched its 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign on Wednesday.

“Lloyd demonstrated leadership and maturity beyond his light age during last year’s COPA Coca-Cola tournament,” said Coca-Cola’s General Manager for East Africa, Peter Njonjo. “He was the calm voice in the dressing room and the astute player on the pitch. He showed us all that we can lead at any age and stage for as long we give the task at hand our best and our all. We are honoured to reward him in this way,” he remarked.

The young COPA players will get topnotch coaching at the camp. They will also attend the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony and watch the opening match between hosts Brazil and Croatia live.

Meanwhile Coca-Cola has officially kicked off its FIFA World Cup 2014 campaign, with the beverage giant lining up a series of exciting activations for football fans in a bid to make this year’s World Cup, ‘Everybody’s Cup’.

With the world’s most celebrated game barely two months away, Coca-Cola, one of FIFA World Cup’s longest standing partners, promises to bring the football bonanza closer to the people by engaging football fans and customers in exciting activities that will give them the ultimate “Brazilian Experience”.

Speaking during the launch of the campaign in Nairobi, Coca-Cola’s General Manager for East Africa, Peter Njonjo outlined the dynamic partnership between Coca-Cola and the FIFA and the possibilities it created for football fans everywhere.

“We have been part of the FIFA World Cup since 1978. Since then, we have always brought the World Cup closer to the people and we will replicate that this year by ensuring that all our consumers get the feel of the global sporting spectacle in a way that only Coca-Cola can do,” he said.

The highlights will, among others, include a Happiness Flag activation where the company will run an online promotion asking football fans across the globe to send their pictures for compilation and printing on a huge ‘Happiness’ flag. The flag will then be paraded at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup, bringing together different faces from different places in one venue.

“Our first step in making the upcoming World Cup ‘Everybody’s Cup’ was through the 2013 FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour which saw the iconic trophy make an over 148,000 kilometer world tour across 88 countries. And we didn’t stop there. We brought our World Cup anthem artiste, Brazilian David Corey, to Kenya and he worked with Octopizzo to record our anthem – The World is Ours – with a Kenyan touch,” said Mona Karingi Coca-Cola’s Senior Marketing Manager - Kenya.

As part of the campaign, Coca-Cola will also run promotions that will see thousands of consumers and football fans win branded and valuable merchandize. The beverage company will also set up World Cup viewing centers in strategic places across the country where fans will have an opportunity to come together and rally behind their teams giving them the ultimate World Cup experience.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

COPA Coca-Cola Action Set for North Eastern and Rift Valley

The third week of the global grassroots youth football tournament, COPA Coca-Cola, will see 6 branches play their matches across the country.

The bulk of the games will be played on Saturday where North Eastern, Nyanza West, Upper Eastern, and North West Rift will host their matches. In Upper Eastern, 2011 national finalists, Taqwa Academy will begin their 2014 campaign with a clash against Mecesu Youth in the two teams’ only assignment of the day.

Green Santos will play two matches starting with a fixture against Maili Tatu Young Stars before they meet Buyoti FC. The latter will also play Isiolo United who will have their second match against Maili Tatu. The ladies’ matches will pit Fun Starlets against Kariene Starlets as Luuma Young Starlets take on Kirindara Girls. The matches will be played at Isiolo Grounds.

In Nyanza West Branch, Asumbi will be aiming to dim Mbita Little Stars in the first match of the day before they take on Kuria Youth in Kehancha. Other matches will see Awendo FC clash with Kuria Youth as Aspire Youth battle against newcomers St. Julian Lugari Boys. St. Julian Lugari Girls versus Kuria Ladies and Moi Girls Sindo versus Orwa Ojode Girls will be the only girls’ matches.

Garissa High will be the venue for North Eastern branch matches. Young Muslims versus Jaribu Primary and Garissa Primary versus Wamu FC will be highlight boys’ matches. Berlin FC’s clash against Garissa Township will precede the only other clash in the girls’ matches where Iftin FC will take on White Eagles.

The North West Rift matches will be played at the Kenyatta Stadium, Kitale. Elimu FC versus Namanjala Boys, Saboti Youth Boys versus Kapenguria Boys and Kitale Youngstars versus Cherangany Boys will kick off the day’s schedule. The other two matches will pit Elimu against Kapenguria and Saboti against Nyamanjala. 

Cherangany Starlets will battle Kitale Young Starlets as Kiminini Girls meet Kitale Youth Center in the girls’ matches.

The matches will be played on a round robin format with winners and runners-up of each branch proceeding to the provincial finals and getting closer to the grand prize of Kshs. 500,000 that will be rewarded to the national finals winners.

JMJ Academy are the defending champions of the boys’ title while Otto Benecker has the girls’ gong.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Goals Galore Mark COPA Week Two Action

There was goals galore across the country as the COPA Coca-Cola Under-15 youth football tournament entered its second week. With games being played in 8 branches including Nairobi East, South Coast and South Nyanza branches among others, fans attending the matches were treated to some spectacular football and goals to boot.

In Nairobi East, last year’s provincial finalists, Makadara Juniors, began their campaign in an emphatic note winning both their matches played at Nairobi Technical grounds. The Eastlands-based outfit mauled Kamukunji 4-0 in their first match, Goya Opiyo netting a brace after Solomon Kimanzi had given them the lead and Vincent Ochieng’ doubled within 20 minutes of the game. Makadara took their scoring form into the next match where Kimanzi was on the score sheet again, the young lad netting twice either side of Andrew Mwihe’s goal in a 3-0 win over Young Rovers.

Rovers’ second game ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Kalvin Trevor put them ahead in the 10th minute only for Wesley Otieno to hit the equalizer at the half hour mark. Debutants Kariobangi Sports edged out Ajentos Youth 2-1 in an entertaining clash that saw David Ayunda put Ajentos ahead but two goals from Richard Okumu and Abdi Hudheifa helped Kariobangi take the three points. John Kimani’s first half brace helped Indomitable Boys edge out Kamukunji 2-1.

In the girls’ encounters, Diana Rose scored twice in Tia Hope’s 2-1 win over Golden Angles who scored their consolation goal through Shantel Mwenje. Kayole Starlets took an early charge of the table standings following their 2-0 win over St. Anne Girls, Gladys Wanja and Rose Labo with the goals.

In South Coast, Kisauni Youth laid the marker on the Coast Provincial title by winning both their opening matches played at Ngala Primary School. Omar Hassan’s 8th minute penalty put them on course for a 4-0 thrashing of Mvita Youth in the first match. Musa Hamisi doubled the lead just three minutes later before Hassan’s second and Omar Hamisi’s 35th minute tap-in secured the win. Hamisi was on target again in Kisauni’s 2-0 dimming of Bright Stars, Alex Emmanuel also finding the back of the net for Kisauni. Mvita Youth bounced back from their first loss with a nervous 2-1 win over Changamwe Youth who ensured they finished the matchday with three points after beating Wayzata 2-0. A Salim Hamisi first half double and a 37th goal from Hamadi Juma helped Wayzata claim a 3-0 win over Bright Stars. Mombasa County Starlets and Brightstar Girls drew 0-0 in the girls’ only match of the day.



Collated Results

Nyanza South Branch
Nyamira 0 0 Manga

Gucha Junior 1 1 Kisii Youth

Rachuonyo 1 0 Gucha Junior

Rachuonyo 1 0 Manga

Gucha Junior 0 0 Nyamira



Girls

Kisii 1 0 Gucha

Rachuonyo 0 0 Nyamira



Aberdares Branch
Kasa Academy 2 0 G-River FC

VYSA Youth 2 1 Muranga United

Maragua Youngters 1 1 G-River FC

Muranga United 4 2 Kasa Academy



Girls

Maragua Queens 4 0 Muranga Ladies



Northwestern Branch
Sacred FC 6 0 Bukembe Youth

Webuye Pry 8 0 Kapsokwony

Teso United 8 0 Makhalanya

Sacred FC 2 0 Teso United



Girls

Chepsai Girls 1 1 Nangwe
Kapsokwony 3 1 Kidera FC Girls Teso

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Thika Greens Opens Door for Golf

The Inaugural Golf Tournament at the brand new Thika Greens Golf City was home to the Maina Kageni Golf Challenge on Saturday. A huge field of 277 players played the par-72 golf course for the first time. With most holes playing against the wind and with 13 holes having water hazards, it was a challenging day for a lot of players. The greens were a huge delight for most, though, playing at standards sometimes only seen at the Kenya Open.

Deputy President, William Ruto, dropped in for a quick lunch and was awed by the view from his seat in the clubhouse and was spotted clutching some Thika Greens brochures, no doubt wanting to own a piece of the beauty that he saw over lunch.

Big events at big places attract only big names and that was the case yesterday in as far as sponsors were concerned. Famous Grouse, the internationally revered whiskey were present, also showcasing their other brands, Famous Black Grouse, Highland Park Single Malt as well as their exclusive range of Macallan Single Malt brands. RMA, the exclusive dealers of Range Rover, Land Rover and Jaguar were also present, showcasing their internationally famed brands. Sarova Hotels and Heritage Hotels also supported the hugely successful event.

It was a day of fun and celebration for all. Golf-wise, it was a great experience. Especially for George Karugu, playing off 7, who won the Men's overall prize with a great score of 39 points and Dr Michelle Muhanda who won the Ladie's top prize with a solid 36 points.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

COPA Action Set for Nairobi, Nyanza South and 6 Other Branches

After a successful launch in Machakos last weekend, the 2014 edition of the COPA Coca-Cola Under-15 youth football tournament takes precedence in 8 branches across the country.

Last year’s Nairobi provincial finalists, Makadara Juniors, will begin their 2014 campaign at Nairobi Technical Grounds on Saturday where they will clash against Kamukunji Combined before facing a tricky tie against Young Rovers in Nairobi East Branch. Rovers will then square it out against Indomitable Boys as newcomers Kariobangi Combined and Ajentos Boys clash in the other match.

The girls’ matches will see St. Anne Girls, who will be featuring for the second year in a row, fight for points against debutants Kayole Starlets as Golden Angels clash with Tiah Hope Girls.

Oyugis Grounds will host the Nyanza South matches where Nyamira Stars, Manga Youth Boys, Kisii Youth Boys, Gucha Star Boys as well as Rachuonyo Boys and Gucha Juniors will be fighting for the honours to represent the branch in the provincial finals slated for July. Nyamira Ladies, Gucha Girls, Kisii Girls and Rachuonyo Girls will contest in the girls’ category.

Other matches on Saturday will be played in Aberdares Branch in Muranga School with Mt. Kenya Branch matches kicking off in Kerugoya Stadium while Ngala Primary School will stage the South Coast branch matches. 

Bukembe grounds will play host to the North Western Branch matches with Sacred FC, Bukembe Youth, Kapsokwony Deb Boys and Webuye Primary contesting alongside Makhalanya FC and Teso United. Chepsai Ladies versus Nangwe and Kapsokwony versus Kidera FC will be the only girls’ matches.

The branch games will be played on a round-robin format every weekend across the county. Winning branch teams will proceed to the provincial finals before proceeding to the nationals which will be held in August. The winning team will receive Kshs. 500,000.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

UEFA Champions League Semifinal Draw: Real Madrid Face Bayern as Chelsea Tackle Atletico Madrid

The draw for the UEFA Champion League semi finals saw the two Spanish clubs remaining in the competition, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, paired apart meaning there could be an all-Spanish clash in the May 24 finals in Lisbon.

Real Madrid who have won the title for a record 9 times will face defending champions Bayern Munich with the first leg being played at the Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho’s quest  for another Champions League title will be given a stern test against Atletico Madrid who beat Barcelona in the quarters.

The first leg matches will be played on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd April with the return legs set for Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 April.


And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Kyanika Girls, Kitui Stars Shine as COPA Coca-Cola 2014 Edition Kicks Off

The 2014 edition of the global grassroots youth football tournament, COPA Coca-Cola, kicked off in Machakos this past weekend.

The tournament which has been running in the country for over 7 years was launched at a colourful ceremony at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. 

Speaking during the launch of what is one of the longest-running youth football tournaments in the world, Coca-Cola Senior Marketing Manager Mona Karingi said, “We are glad as a company to be associated with this tournament which has produced some of the best players in world football. The likes of MacDonald Mariga, Danny Sserunkuma, Ronaldinho, Robert Lewandowski, and Javier Chicarito all started their careers participating in the COPA tournament.”

The tournament which features both boys and girls team who are less than 15 years will see teens set their sights on becoming Kenya’s and indeed the world’s next generation of football heroes. 

This year’s COPA Coca-Cola tournament will be executed in 10 countries in Africa. The winning boys and girls teams in the Kenyan edition will walk away with Kshs. 500,000, runners-up Kshs. 200,000 and second runners-up Kshs. 100,000 each. The Most Valuable Players will be awarded with Kshs. 30,000 each with the best goalkeeper and top scorer walking home with Kshs. 20,000 each. 

The tournament kicked off in earnest with 5 games played at the venue. Kitui Stars and Kyanika Girls were the biggest winners of the day. Kitui thrashed a hapless Makueni Boys outfit 6-0 in the opening match. Salim Ibrahim netted a brace before Wambua Mutie and Christopher Joseph also registered their names on the score sheet. The other two goals were scored by Ng’ang’a Mulwa and Nzuki Mutunga. 

Kilonzo Ndanu and Peter Kalunda both netted a brace as county giants Kyanika Girls romped past Matithini 7-0. In other matches, last year’s provincial finalists Mukuyuni thumped Machakos Queens 4-0 while far-traveling Sultan Hamud were given a 3-0 humbling by newcomers Migwaini. Machakos Talents pipped Machakos Youth 2-1 in the last match of the day.

Other games were played in North Rift and North Coast. 

Meanwhile the exhibition match between the Sport Journalists and the Machakos County team ended in a 3-2 win to the media. The scribes went 1-0 behind early in the half courtesy of Mohammed Abdala but Steve Obuya drew level five minutes later. Abdala netted his second before the breather. A rejuvenated Media team controlled the second half with Steve Ayoo finding the back of the net to make it 2-2 before Kevin Otieno netted the winning goal from the spot kick. 

The COPA Coca-Cola games will be played every weekend with the National finals scheduled to take place in August.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

2014 Edition of COPA Coca-Cola to Kick Off in Machakos

The 2014 edition of the global grassroots youth football tournament, COPA Coca-Cola, will kick off tomorrow at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County.

The tournament which has been running in the country for over 7 years will be launched at a colourful ceremony which will be graced by high ranking county officials, members from the Football Kenya Federation as well as representatives from tournament sponsors, Coca-Cola.

Six boys and four girls teams from Mwingi, Kitui, Makueni and Machakos Counties who make up the extensive Southern Branch will contest for the honours on the day.

“We are ready for kickoff. Everything is set and we are inviting fans from Machakos County and beyond to come in large numbers and rally behind their teams,” said tournament Coordinator, Gerald Chege.

The 6 boys’ teams who will aim to have a good start to their 2014 campaign include Sultan Hamud and Makueni Boys from Makueni County, Machakos Talent and Machakos Youth from Machakos and Kitui Stars and Mwingi All Stars from Kitui County. Kyanika Girls from Kitui County will renew their longstanding rivalry with Makueni based Makueni Red Shooters in the girls’ category which also has Machakos Girls and Matithini Girls.

Entry to the stadium will be free. Fans attending the day-long games will be treated to a host of gaming and entertainment led by local boy Ken Wa Maria. Mejja will also perform with comedian Chipukizi MCing the event.

Games will also kick off in North Coast and North Rift branches.

This year’s COPA Coca-Cola tournament will be played in a round-robin format with the winners and runners-up qualifying for the advanced stages of the tournament as they build up for provincial and national finals which will see them test their resolve against teams from other regions. Nairobi County are the defending Champions after JMJ Academy and Otto Benecker won the boys’ and ladies’ national titles.

Meanwhile there will be an exhibition match between Kenya Sports Journalists (KSJ) and a locally-based team. KSJ have upped the tempo in their training at the Nairobi University with the scribes to take home the grand prize after losing out last year to Wazee wa Kazi at City Stadium. The two teams will be fully kitted by Coca-Cola.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Champions League Quarter Finals: Chelsea, Dortmund at Risk after Costly Defeats to PSG and Real Madrid

La Liga side Real Madrid and Ligue 1 outfit, Paris Saint Germain, both took giant steps towards qualifying for the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League after both registered huge wins against Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.

Madrid won 3-0 at the Bernabeu with first half goals from Gareth Bale and Isco and a third one from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 57^th minute and look set to earning sweet revenge on Borussia Dortmund who bundled them out at this level last year. The Spanish side surged ahead with only three minutes on the clock, the world’s most expensive player, Gareth Bale tucking in inside the penalty area to give the 9-time champions a perfect start.

The hosts continued pressing the Dortmund defense and were duly rewarded in the 27^th minute, Isco beating Roman Weidenfeller from the edge of the area. The German keeper would face more tests before the interval but could do nothing thereafter as Ronaldo pounced in the 57^th minute to give the hosts their third goal which almost guarantees Carlo Ancelloti’s side entry into the semis bar a miracle in the return leg next week.

Chelsea’s job won’t be easier when they host PSG at Stamford Bridge next week after the Blues conceded three goals against the Ligue 1 Champions elect. Like Real Madrid, PSG scored early in the game, Ezequiel Lavezzi netting the opener in the 4^th minute. Jose Mourinho’s men leveled matters through an Eden Hazard penalty in the 27^th minute. However, that’s as good as it got for the visitors who conceded an own goal through David Luiz before Javier Pastore made sure the London side will have an uphill task in the return leg with a goal in stoppage time. 

The Tuesday night quarter finals matches ended on 1-1 stalemates. Manchester United drew first in their clash against defending champions Bayern Munich, Nemanja Vidic rising above the rest to score with just 13 minutes on the clock. The visitors dominated possession but could not breach the United rearguard until the 67th minute when Bastina Scheweinsteger netted what could be a vital away goal. However, the German will miss the return leg in Munich next week after getting a booking.

Nothing could separate Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the all-Spanish clash at the Camp Nou. Brazilian Diego Ribas netted a stunning goal for the visitors five minutes after the hour mark but Neymar ensured the spoils were shared with a goal in the 71st minute meaning there will be everything to fight for in the return leg at the Vicente Calderon

And That's thesteifmastertake!!