Battle for COPA Coca-Cola Provincial Finals Slots Enters Last Leg in 8 Branches

The tussle for COPA Coca-Cola provincial final slots enters its decisive leg in 8 branches across the country this weekend. With 20 boys and girls teams already assured of participation in the provincials slated for the second week of June, 32 more teams will advance from this weekend’s matches.

The battle will begin at the capital where Makadara Juniors and Kariobangi Combined have all to fight for when they clash on Saturday at Railways grounds in Nairobi with the winner of that match almost guaranteed progress.

Makadara lead the Nairobi East standings on 9 points, two ahead of Kariobangi with the two sides favorite to advance. Makadara will face lowly Ajentos Boys in their second match as Kariobangi tackle Indomitable Boys who could spoil the party for them. A win for Indomitable in that fixture plus victory against rock bottom Ajentos will see Kariobangi crash out.

Kamukunji Combined have been eliminated but they will face Young Rovers who are also mathematically out of contention. Tia Hope Girls booked their ticket to the next stage in the previous match day but will still be in action against St. Anne Girls. A winner-takes-all clash between Golden Angels and Kayole Starlets will see the winner of that match advance but a draw will also work in favor of Angels.

North Coast’s Malindi United, Tana Boys, Moving Goal Post and Malindi Action Girls already qualified for Coast Provincials showdown and are now waiting to see who will join them from South Coast. Kisauni Youth and Changamwe Youth are locked in a colossal gruel at the top with both teams standing on 9 points, three ahead of third placed Mvita Youth who have a game in hand. Changamwe will face Taveta Heroes as Kisauni take on Wayzata Boys in matches that both teams must win to be safe. Mvita’s two games will be against Taveta and bottomside Bright Stars.

Bright Starlets look to have secured the ladies’ title but will still be in action against Taita Queens. The second position is still open and will be contested by Taita Queens who will play against Kwale Queens and Mombasa County Starlets. The matches will be played at Bomu Grounds.

Young Muslims have advanced from North Eastern Branch but will face Wamu FC for top of the table honours as Garissa Primary facing Jaribu Primary. Leaders in the ladies category, Berlin FC will take on White Eagles as Ifitin FC face Garissa Township in the still open table.

Other matches will be played in Upper Eastern where Taqwa Academy will contest for the Eastern provincial slots against Isiolo United and Mali Tatu Youngstars at Ex-Lewa grounds. South and North Rift branch matches will be held in Kericho and Iten respectively with Nyanza West and North playing in Mbita and Kisumu.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Austin Ejide’s ‘Own Goal’ in Nigeria-Scotland Friendly Exposes the Latest Rot in Nigerian Football

Austin Ejide in action against Scotland

The kick off to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is only days away with 32 teams expected to contest for the World Cup title currently held by Spain.

Africa will be represented by five nations including Nigeria who’s best run in the tournament was in 1994 where they came to within two minutes of advancing to their quarters in their maiden participation. The Super Eagles are preparing to go one better this time and were in action against Scotland in a friendly match played at Fulham’s Craven Cottage grounds in North London.

Coach Stephen Keshi opted to test some of his fringe players in the squad with the likes of custodian Vincent Enyeama and John Obi Mikel rested altogether while Chelsea wingman Victor Moses, Celtic’s Efe Ambrose and Stoke City’s Peter Odemwingie entered the fray after the interval.

The Super Eagles dominated the early exchanges but it was Gordon Strachan’s men who took the lead through Charlie Mulgrew in the 10^th minute. Michael Uchebo got the equalizer for the African side before the interval but it was what happened at the half hour mark that had tongues wagging.

Blackburn Rovers defender Grant Hanley leaped to challenge a ball in the Super Eagles penalty area but he was met by the hands of Nigeria second-choice keeper Austin Ejide. The Hapoel Be’er Sheva keeper then did what in my opinion confirmed the earlier fears that the match could be fixed.  He appeared to deliberately throw the ball into his own net and although the referee saved his embarrassment by blowing for a foul, that attempt did little to whisk away fears that the game would be brought into disrepute.

Make your own conclusion on the challenge as shown in the video below but this latest incident showed to the world once again just how rotten Nigerian football is both at national and international level.

In July last year, Nigeria Football Federation reportedly suspended four teams who were suspected to have been involved in some match fixing. With two league clubs, Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine, needing to overturn their goal differences to gain promotion into the professional league, Plateau, a club which where the likes of John Obi Mikel, Celestine Babayaro and Victor Obinna started their careers annihilated Akurba FC 79-0 with 72 of those goals scored in the second half!      

Police Machine were equally ruthless thrashing Babayaro FC 67-0 with 61 goals coming in the second half.

But that’s lower league clubs, you might opine.  Wait, there was the Nigerian Premier League. Kano Pillars became the first club to win back-to-back titles in a decade beating Enyimba to it by just two points. Everything normal so far.

A close look at the league table though and you see all the rot. Kano won 20 games in the 38 match league but 18 of those wins were at their Sani Abacha Stadium home ground. They recorded only two wins away from home. Enyimba won all but two of their home matches which ended in draws. More curiously though, they did not concede a single goal at home but soaked in 19 away.

That apparent poor away form and close-to-perfect home form was evident throughout the table. Bottom side Shooting Stars was one of the only seven teams not to win away but recorded 13 home victories. Half the teams in the league finished the season unbeaten in their own backyard.

See the table to make further conclusions.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Malindi United, Rachuonyo Boys Headline COPA Coca-Cola Provincial Finalists

Last year’s COPA Coca-Cola national finalists, Malindi United, was among the teams that booked their slots in the provincials finals set for next month.

Malindi who were beaten to third position by Gunners FC last year drew their two matches against Moyeye Academy and Mnarani but still topped the North Coast group ahead of Tana Boys and Malindi Youth. They will be joined by Tana in the tussle for Coast provincial title in spite of them suffering a shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Moyeye.

Moving Goal Post took the girls’ honours finishing with maximum points. Anet Ngala’s 10th minute strike secured Malindi Action Girls a 1-0 win over Italian Football Academy, a result that sees them progress to the provincials alongside Moving Goal Post.

In Southern Branch, Migwini All Stars successfully defended their unbeaten run after winning one and drawing their other match to finish top of Southern Branch pool. After being held by Kitui Stars, Migwini were ruthless against Makueni Boys as Dennis Mutua netted a sublime first half hat-trick to help them to a 4-0 win, Musyimi Nzue grabbing the fourth goal.

The day however belonged to Machakos Talent Center who moved from second last to finish runners-up after they collected two crucial wins and overturned a -1 goal difference. Erick Kioko’s brace either side of Mohamed Abubakar opener and Joel Mutua’s 25th minute goal saw them crash Sultan Hamud 5-0 with Cliff Mbugua finishing the rout. They still had work to do though in their second match against Makueni boys who they saw off with a solitary goal from Alex Musyoka in the 28th minute.

The results set them up for a tense finale against Kitui Stars in a winner-takes-all match. Joel Mutua opened the scoring for Talent Center but Bernard Otieno equalized for Kitui almost immediately. The two teams traded punches in equal measure but none could get the winning goal, much to the advantage of Machakos Talent who finished just a point ahead of Kitui.

Makueni Redshooters and Kyanika Girls advanced in spite of the latter suffering a 5-0 mauling at the hands of Machakos Girls. Red Shooters won 3-0 against Matithini Girls, Saina Mumbua netting a brace after Charity Nguli’s opener.

Rachuonyo Boys leaped ahead of Gucha Star Boys after collecting four points from their two matches to top the Nyanza South Branch Standings. The two teams could only muster a 1-1 stalemate in their top of the table clash but Rachuonyo’s 1-0 win over Nyamira Stars saw them finish top ahead of Gucha who drew their second clash 0-0 against Gucha Juniors.

The script was repeated in the ladies’ matches where Gucha Girls pipped Nyamira Ladies to top spot after beating them 1-0 but the two teams advanced as Kisii Girls who needed to beat Rachuonyo Girls were held to a barren draw. 

Other teams to qualify for the provincials were Angaza Boys and VYSA Youth from the Aberdares Branch as well as Maragwa Queens and Cardinal FC.


Collated Results

North West Rift
Cherangani Boys 1 1 Kapenguria Boys

Kitale Youth 4 0 Namanjalala Boys

Elimu 1 0 Saboti Boys

Cherangani Boys 1 1 Namanjalala Boys


South Rift
Kapkatet 0 0 Kilgoris Youth

Bomet Youth 2 1 Ujuzi Stars

Kapkatet 2 1 Maasai Boys

Kericho Township 3 0 Maasai Boys

Kilgoris Youth 2 1 Kericho Township


Girls

Chebo Girls 1 0 Konoin

Maasai Girls 2 0 Nyasita Girls


Northwestern Branch
Makhalanya FC Boys 2 3 Bukembe Youth

Teso United 4 0 Kapsokwony DEB Boys

Sacred FC 1 1 Makhalanya FC Boys

Webuye Primary 1 0 Teso United

Bukembe Youth 4 1 Kapsokwony DEB Boys

Sacred FC 1 1 Webuye Primary


Girls

Kapsokwony Ladies 1 1 Chepsai Ladies

Nangwe Girls 1 0 Kidera Ladies


Western BranchBulimbo Academy 2 0 Ebulonga Primary

Murhanda Youth 1 0 Busia Olympic

Muungano Youth 3 1 Gladraba Academy

Murhanda Youth 5 0 Ebulonga Primary

Bulimbo Academy 2 0 Busia Olympic


Girls

Ebusiloli Girls 3 0 Bulemia Ladies

Ibinda 1 0 Shinyalu Youth Sports


Lower Eastern
Embu Youth 1 1 Kavengero Juniors

Black Cats 2 0 Tharaka Youth

Black Stars 3 1 Maara United

Black Cats 3 0 Maara United

Tharaka Stars 3 0 Black Stars


Girls

CI Starlets 1 0 Tharaka Starlets
Embu Starlets 0 2 Muminji Starlets

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

COPA Coca-Cola Provincial Finals up for Grabs in 5 Branches

At least 10 teams could qualify for the COPA Coca-Cola Provincial finals at the end of this weekend’s matches. Teams from Aberdares, North Coast, Mt. Kenya, Nyanza South and Southern will play the final round of their matches this Saturday with the top two boys’ and girls’ teams in each branch advancing to the next round.

In Aberdares Branch, Angaza Boys are just a point shy of the finish line and will advance should they collect the point in any of their two matches against Kasa Academy and VYSA Youth. The latter are three points ahead of Kasa who they face before taking on Maragwa Young Stars.

Bottom two, Griver FC and Muranga United, will clash in a dead rubber match before Maragwa battle with Kasa Academy. In the ladies’ category, Cardinal FC already advanced to the provincials but will still be in action when they entertain last year’s national finalists Maragwa Queens. Maragwa look certain to join them since they are three points ahead of third-placed Angaza Queens with a far superior goal difference. Angaza will take on Muranga Girls with all matches taking place at Thika Technical.

The North Coast branch pool is equally tight with four teams all capable of nicking the first or second spot needed for the provincials stage. Leaders, Malindi United, have what on paper looks like easy fixtures. They face the two bottom sides, Moyeye Academy and Mnarani Soccer Academy needing only a win to progress. Moyeye and Mnarani will also battle against Tana Boys who will advance should they collect four points out of the two matches. Malindi Youth versus Malindi Talents will close the chapter in the boys’ category. Moving Goal Post already booked their spot in the provincials but will still have a say on who joins them when they face Tana County Girls. Malindi Action Girls will advance with a stalemate result against Italian Football Academy.

All the top four teams in Mt. Kenya branch have a chance of qualifying for the provincials with only three points separating leaders Nanyuki United and the following pack of Young Baricho, Karatina Youth and Brighter Juniors. Nanyuki will progress to the provincials should they win only one of their two matches against second-placed Young Baricho or already eliminated Harmony Youth. Baricho could join them should they ease past Harmony and Karatina Youth fall to Nanyuki. The other match on the day will pit also-runs Brighter Juniors against bottomside Thunder Birds.

The four teams in the ladies’ category could also qualify as they are all locked on 3 points each. Tigithi Primary will tackle Male Team as Iriuku Queens battle Karatina Queens in winner-takes-all matches. The matches will be played at Ruringu Stadium.

Other matches on the day wil be in Nyanza South where Gucha Stars will tussle for top spot with Rachuonyo Boys at Ekerenyo in Nyamira. The penultimate round of matches in North Western, Lower Eastern and Northwest Rift matches will be staged at Ilala Webuye, Umau and Makutano Stadium respectively. Other matches will be played in Butere Mumias, and Kapkatet Stadium which will host Western and South Rift matches.


Collated Fixtures

Nyanza South – Ekerenyo, Nyamira
Gucha Juniors v Kisii Youth Boys

Gucha Star Boys v Rachuonyo Boys

Nyamira Stars v Kisii Youth Boys

Manga Youth Boys v Kisii Youth Boys

Nyamira Stars v Rachuonyo Boys

Gucha Star Boys v Gucha Juniors


Girls
Nyamira Ladies v Gucha Girls

Kisii Girls v Rachuonyo Girls



Southern – Machakos
Sultan Hamud Youth v Machakos Talent Center

Kitui Stars v Migwini All Stars

Makueni Boys v Machakos Talent Center

Sultan Hamud Youth v Machakos Youth County

Kitui Stars v Machakos Talent Center

Migwini All Stars v Makueni Boys


Girls

Matithini Girls v Makueni Red Shooters
Kyanika Girls v Machakos Girls

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Kibera All Sports Qualify for Nairobi Provincials, JMJ Academy, Kisumu Lakers Close in

Moses Otieno of Siaya United (left) competes for the  with Jack Odhiambo of Kisumu Lakers

Last year’s COPA Coca-Cola national finalists, JMJ Academy and Kisumu Lakers collected crucial points this past weekend as they put themselves back in contention for the provincial finals.

Lakers were in fine form winning two of their three matches as they joined Bondo Combined Boys at the summit of the Nyanza North Branch. The Isaiah Opiyo-led side had an easy time dismissing Siaya United 3-1 in the first match with three different goalscorers, John Mudavadi, Erick Ochieng and Aston Amuko on target. Christopher Nanen grabbed the consolation goal for the county boys. Edwin Ouma’s strike in the 23rd minute was enough to claim the three points against Gem Center Maliera.

The much anticipated derby between Lakers and Kisumu United ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Lakers went ahead with just three minutes on the clock, Frankline Otieno’s thunderbolt free kick flying past Hanningtone Ouma in United goal. Benjamin Mirunda tested Joseph Bwire from outside the area but the experienced Lakers keeper easily smothered his tame effort. Mirunda’s goal would come sooner though after he breached the Lakers’ backline to slot past Bwire for the equalizer.

The two teams traded punches in equal measure after the interval with Lakers missing a glorious chance to nick the winner but Erick Ochieng was wasteful with only the keeper to beat. Bondo Combined Boys cemented their position at the top after beating Kisumu United 1-0 courtesy of a Tales Opondo strike in the 13th minute before they were held 1-1 by Muhoroni Stars. Kisumu Queens beat Siaya Queens 2-0 thanks to Dodosi Athman’s first half brace while Doris Akoth scored the only goal in Onjiko Talents’ 1-0 win over Bondo Girls.

Nairobi’s Kibera All Sports became the first team in the county to book their slot in the provincial finals. Kibera thrashed Young Salumbe 3-0 before an Antony Munene brace and a goal from Daniel Odhiambo secured them a 3-1 win over hard fighting Mainstream Academy.

JMJ were ruthless in Nairobi East Branch winning their two matches 4-0 to move to move to within a win from joining Kibera in the provincials. A goal each from Vollar Okinyi and Rajab Abdul either side of Mark Ochieng’s brace saw them clip Mainstream 4-0 in the first clash. Ochieng’ and Abdul were on target again in the second 4-0 humbling of Young Salumbe with Biron Otieno and Edwin Okoth also netting. Victoria Sports thrashed Peliko Academy 5-0.

Beijing Girls qualified for the provincials after outclassing Kibera Queens 2-0, Pauline Atieno and Anney Matinde with the goals while Vapour Girls and Kabagare drew 1-1


Collated Results

North Eastern
Wamu 2 0 Jaribu Primary

Young Muslim 3 0 Garissa Primary

Berlin 1 0 Iftin

Garissa Township 1 1 White Eagles


Central Rift
Flamingo Youth 0 0 Boca Juniors

Flamingo Youth 0 0 Naivasha United

The Gunners 3 0 Koibatek Youth

Naivasha United 2 2 Flamingo Youth

Boca Juniors 1 0 Kabarnet Youth


Girls

Site FC 2 0 Ravine Ladies
Nakuru Starlets 2 0 Evastar Ladies

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Nasri, Isco, Tevez to Miss 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup

They may be household names in European club football but when it comes to the FIFA World Cup, they may just not be up to standards. France international Samir Nasri, Argentina’s Carlos Tevez and Spaniard Isco will watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup on TV or perhaps from the stands.

The three were surprisingly overlooked by their national team coaches with barely a month before the tournament kicks off in Brazil.

Nasri was disregarded once again by Les Blues coach Didier Deschamps even after helping Manchester City claim their 2nd Premier League title in three years. The 26-year-old has always been seen as a scalawag since the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and has been on and off the French squad.

Nasri was omitted even from the standby list alongside his Man City teammate Gael Clichy and Monaco fullback Eric Abidal. Les Blues will play Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador at the World Cup.

Carlos Tevez was the notable absentee in Argentina’s squad headed to Brazil. The Juventus forward has found the back of the net 19 times to help the Old Lady win the Serie A but was left out of the Argie squad. Manchester City centerback Martin Demichelis was the surprise inclusion in coach Alejandro Sabella’s 30-man squad. The 33-year-old played a pivotal role in City’s backline, his partnership with Vincent Kompany helping the Citizens concede the third least goals in the league.

The Argentine squad is once again awash with attacking potent with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Gonzalo Higuain leading a star-studded line up.

Meanwhile Real Madrid midfielder Isco will also miss the plane to Brazil after failing to make it in Vicente del Bosque’s Spanish 30-man provisional squad. The youngster has struggled to make an impact in Madrid’s squad during the second d half of the season which might have cost him the position. The World Champions who meet Netherlands, Chile and Australia in Group B will be led by keeper Iker Casillas and Barcelona midfield trio Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta while there was also call up for misfiring forward Fernando Torres.


Argentina Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers:
Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors)

Defenders:
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro), Lisandro Lopez (Getafe), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate)

Midfielders:
Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ever Banega (Newell's Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid),Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys), Fabian Rinaudo (Catania), Enzo Perez (Benfica)

Forwards:
Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen)\


Spain Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United)

Defenders:
Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla), Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Midfielders:
Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Xavi (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Silva (Manchester City), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)

Forwards:
Diego Costa, David Villa (Atletico Madrid), Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas (Manchester City), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Fernando Llorente (Juventus), Pedro (Barcelona)

France Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers:
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mickeal Landreau (Bastia)

Defenders:
Raphael Varane (Real Madrid ), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool ), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal ), Lucas Digne (Paris), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United)

Midfielders:
Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).

Forwards:
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Loic Remy (Newcastle)

On Standby: Remy Cabella (Montpellier), Maxime Gonalons (Lyon), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Loic Perrin (Saint-Etienne), Stephane Ruffier (Saint-Etienne), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Benoit Tremoulinas (Saint-Etienne).

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Kisauni Youth, Makadara Juniors Edge Closer to COPA Provincials, Tia Hope Girls Qualify

South Coast’s Kisauni Youth and Nairobi East’s Makadara Juniors edged closer to their respective COPA Coca-Cola provincial finals after collecting crucial points this past weekend.

Kisauni needed just one win and a draw from their two matches to book their slot in the coast provincials but their celebrations were put on ice after they suffered a shock 4-2 defeat by an unpredictable Changamwe outfit in the first match. They however bounced back with a 4-1 thrashing of Taita which ensured they will be on top of the standings heading into the final leg of the group stage matches. 

Wayzata’s participation in this year’s tournament all but ended after they drew 1-1 against Taita before losing 2-0 to Mvita Youth in their second assignment, Alfasy Suleiman grabbing a first half brace. In the girls’ matches, Chizi Omar and Antonina Mwarabu both found the back of the net as Bright Stars beat Kwale Girls 2-0. Kwale lost their second match 1-0 against Mombasa Starlets through a 26th minute strike from Beth Waithera.

In Nairobi East, Makadara Juniors extended their unbeaten run in Nairobi East after edging out Indomitable Boys 2-1. Collins Amutala put Makadara in the lead 7 minutes into the game only for John Kimani to draw level three minutes later. Solomon Kimanzi netted the winner at the half hour mark to give Makadara the three points.

Young Rovers outclassed Ajentos Youth 3-0 to record their first maximum points of the season. Rovers’ topscorer Calvin Trevor netted his third and fourth goals of the campaign with Brian Ochieng netting the third. However, the lost 1-0 to Kariobangi Combined in their second fixture, Erastus Otieno’s strike at the half hour mark proving the difference. Kariobangi drew their next two games, a barren draw against Ajentos was followed by a 1-1 stalemate against Kamukunji.

Tia Hope Girls qualified for the provincials with a 2-1 win over Kayole Starlets. Lydia Awuor and Wanjiru Esther found the back of the ent for Tia. A Shantel Mwende hat-trick helped Golden Angles maul St. Anne Girls 3-0.

Collated Results

Lower Eastern
Kavengero Juniors 0 0 Maara United

Tharaka Youngsters 3 0 Embu Youth

Embu Starlets 0 0 Tharaka Starlets

Embu Youth 0 4 Maara United 4

Black Cats 2 0 Black Stars

Girls

Muminji Starlets 2 0 CI Starlets


Nyanza West
Asumbi All Stars 0 0 Awendo Youth

Aspire 1 0 Mbita Little Stars

Kuria Stars 4 0 Ugari FC

Mbita Little Stars 1 0 Ugari FC

Girls

Orwa Ojode Girls 3 0 St. Julianne


South Rift
Ujuzi 3 0 Kilgoris

Kapkatet Boys 1 1 Kericho Township

Bomet Youth 3 0 Maasai Boys

Bomet Youth 1 0 Kilgoris Youth

Ujuzi Stars 5 0 Maasai Boys


Girls

Nyasita Queens 0 0 Chebo
Konoin Starlets 1 0 Maasai Girls

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Kisumu Lakers, Queens in Action as COPA Matches Resume

After taking a breather last weekend, the COPA Coca-Cola Under-15 youhth football tournament resumes this weekend with last year’s losing finalists, Kisumu Lakers, in action.

Lakers who lost to JMJ academy 3-1 in last year’s national finals will have revenge on their minds when they start their campaign in Nyanza North branch. Their first assignment will be to navigate past city rivals Kisumu United in their first tie. The two met in last year’s group stages with the match ending in a stalemate.

Lakers’ second match will be against Siaya United as Kisumu United tackle hosts Muhoroni Stars in Muhoroni. Muhoroni will then play Siaya United as Bondo Combined clash with debutants Gem Center Maliera.

Kisumu Queens had it easy qualifying for the national finals last year and will be favorites to win the girls’ group. They will face Bondo Girls as Onjiko Girls Talent take on Siaya Queens in the ladies’ fixtures.

Railways Club will host the Nairobi East branch matches. Last year’s provincial finalists Makadara Juniors could book their slot into their second provincial finals in a row. To achieve that feat, they will have to take all the three points in their clash against Kariobangi Combined.

The runners-up slot is still open with all the remaining five teams capable of joining Makadara to the advanced stages. Ajentos boys who lost 2-1 in their first match will take on Young Rovers in their first match before meeting Kamukunji Combined. The latter will take on Kariobangi Combined in the last assignment of the day.

Kayole Starlets and Tia Hope Girls are deadlocked at the top with only goal difference separating the two in the girls’ category. The two will clash in a winner takes all match as Golden Angels and St. Anne Girls meet in the other match.

Kisauni Youth won their opening two matches and could qualify for Coast provincial finals should they collect four of six points available in their clash against Bright Stars and Wayzata Boys. Other matches will pit Mvita Youth against Changamwe Youth who will also battle with Taveta Heroes. Bright Stars second and third matches of the day will be against Mvita Youth and Taveta Heroes. Kwale Queens will play two matches in the ladies’ category, first against Bright Starlets then against Taita Queens. The latter will tackle Mombasa County Starlets in the last assignment of the day. The matches will be played in Changamwe.

Kuinet Girls from North Rift and Kyanika from Southern Branch are the only teams who have booked their slot in the provincial finals set for July.


Collated Fixtures

Nyanza West (Migori Stadium)

Kuria Youth v St. Julian Lugari Boys

Aspire Youth v Mbita Little Stars

Awendo FC v Asumbi

Mbita Stars v St. Julian Lugari Boys

Aspire Youth v Kuria Youth


Girls

Moi Girls SIndo v St. Julian Lugari Girls

Kuria Ladies v Orwa Ojode Girls

South Rift Branch (Bomet)

Ujuzi Stars v Kilgoris Youth

Bomet Youth v Maasai Boys

Kapkatet Boys v Kericho Township

Ujuzi Stars v Maasai Boys

Bomet Youth v Kilgoris Youth



Girls

Nyasita Queens v Konoin Starlets

Chebo Girls v Maasai Girls


Lower Eastern (Kibugua Chuka)

Kavengero Juniors v Maara United Boys

Embu Youth v Tharaka Young Stars

Black Cats v Black Stars

Kavengero Juniors v Tharaka Young Stars

Embu Youth v Maara United Boys


Girls

CI Starlets v Muminji Starlets

Embu Starletsv v Tharaka Starlets

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Joachim Loew Names Germany’s 30-Man Provisional Squad for World Cup

German coach, Joachim Loew, has excluded Fiorentina forward Mario Gomez from his 30-man squad that will be cut down to 23 players who will  compete in the 2014 FIFA World Cup set for Brazil next month. 

Loew overlooked Gomez who has been suffering from injuries all season as he continued with his philosophy of giving youngsters a chance while also dropping in a few unknown faces in a squad that has only two out-and-out strikers. Manuel Neuer look set to be Die Mannschat’s first choice keeper and the Bayern Munich man will face competition from Borussia Dortmund’s Roman Weidenfeller and Hannover’s Ron-Robert Zieler.

The 30-man squad will be reduced to 26 and finally to 23 players who will compete at the World Cup. The final list must be submitted by June 2nd, 10 days before the competition kicks off in Brazil. 

Among the new faces in the 53-year-old’s squad include Schalke 04 teenage sensations Leon Goretzka and Max Meyer. Sampodiria defender Shkodran Mustafi and Freiburg’s Mathias Ginter also received their maiden call-ups. The squad is dominated by players from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund who have 7 and 6 players respectively. English Premier League contributed four players into the squad with Serie A and La Liga the only other club competitions contributing to the German squad with one each.

German Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hanover 96)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Kevin Grosskreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Erik Durm (Borussia Dortmund), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Marcell Jansen (Hamburg SV), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Shkodran Mustafi (Sampdoria) 

Midfielders: Julian Draxler (Schalke 04), Max Meyer (Schalke 04), Leon Goretzka (Schalke 04), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Andre Hahn (Augsburg), Sami Khedira (Real Madrdi), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Andre Schuerrle (Chelsea), Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen)

Forwards: Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Kevin Volland (Hoffenheim)

And That's thesteifmastertake!!