Category Sporsts & Entertainments

2024 motorsport recap: A 12 months of observe and mud battles

Listen to This Article

Enhance your studying expertise by listening to this text.

The 2024 motorsport season roared to life with the proper mixture of adrenaline-pumping motion and boardroom drama, leaving followers on the fringe of their seats each on and off the observe. It’s pointless to say that it has been a 12 months to recollect, each on and off the observe. The 2024 season was really one for the books within the latest historical past of motorsports.

Boardroom battles

From boardroom politics to rallying phenomena throughout the continent and the Safari Rally, there was one thing for each spectator who craved thrills and the roar of engines.

However, the native rallying scene confronted challenges, notably low entries within the Kenya National Rallying Championship (KNRC). This was largely attributed to exorbitant registration prices for internet hosting rights and drivers, sparking discontent, notably with the Kenya Motorsports Federation (KMSF) administration.

The state of affairs in home rallying was unpre-cedented, with 4 occasions cancelled for failing to fulfill the required competitors thresholds. Despite this, the finished races witnessed a fierce battle for honors between Jasmeet Chana/Ravi Chana and Samman Vohra/Alfir Khan, which lasted till the season’s finish.

Jasmeet Chana stays one of many few drivers to have received in all classes, together with 2WD, Division One, Division Three, Group N and Group S, since his debut in 2007. He was the runner-up within the 2022 KNRC season after an intense homestretch battle, ending simply behind Karan Patel.

Meanwhile, politics inside the KMSF dominated the headlines for a lot of the season.

Jim Kahumbura and Maina Muturi have been embroiled in a management dispute that ended up in court docket, with each events in search of authorized orders to resolve the stalemate. Muturi, the bona fide elected chairperson of KMSF, was briefly barred from persevering with as chair following a case filed by KMSF director James Kahumbura and different administrators difficult his management. Senior Principal Magistrate A. Nyoike issued the orders.

Muturi, who was elected chairman in 2023, served for a 12 months earlier than questions surrounding his eligibility arose, resulting in his elimination by the Federation’s Board of Directors.
Kahumbura, a former KMSF chairman, was reinstated throughout a contentious board assembly on September 28 on the Sikh Union Club in Nairobi.

2024 in perspective

On the continental stage, Kenya’s Karan Patel had a stellar season within the Africa Rally Championship (ARC), securing the title with two rounds to spare. Patel dominated the 2024 season, profitable 4 legs in Uganda, Zimbabwe, Burundi and Rwanda.

However, monetary constraints and low registrations led to the cancellation of the Tanzanian and Ivorian legs. Patel amassed 140 factors, comfortably forward of Uganda’s Michael Mukula, who earned 47 factors after collaborating in solely two races. Jas Mangat of Uganda completed third with 27 factors, whereas Kenya’s Hamza Anwar got here in fourth with 24 factors.

Since its inception in 1981, the ARC has delivered spectacular motion amidst gorgeous landscapes. Boosted by Kenya’s return to the FIA World Rally Championship in 2021, the ARC continues to develop in power and repute, regardless of disruptions brought on by the worldwide well being pandemic.

Naivasha satisfaction

The international spectacle that’s the WRC Safari Rally as soon as once more returned to Naivasha in Nakuru County. The 2024 Safari Rally Kenya, held from March 28-31, was the third spherical of the 2024 World Rally Championship, in addition to World Rally Championship-2 and World Rally Championship-3.

The occasion featured 19 particular phases over a complete distance of 355.92 kilometers.

Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT claimed the general victory with a time of three:36:04.0. Gus Greensmith and Jonas Andersson triumphed within the WRC-2 class, whereas Hamza Anwar and Adnan Din emerged victorious in WRC-3.

Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais, the 2023 rally winners, together with Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, efficiently defended their titles in 2024.

Francis Kimanzi makes comeback as interim head coach as Harambee Stars unveil squad for Mapinduzi Cup

Listen to This Article

Enhance your studying expertise by listening to this text.

Harambee Stars have unveiled a provisional squad for the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup that has seen former coach Francis Kimanzi make a comeback as interim head coach.

The match is scheduled to happen from January 3, 2025, to January 13, 2025.

Harambee Stars technical bench

Kimanzi will lead the technical bench, with John Kamau and Zedekiah Otieno serving as deputies.

Former Kenyan worldwide goalkeeper Arnold Origi has been appointed goalkeeper coach, whereas Mikael Igediah will oversee health expertise.

Wycliff Makanga and Noel Mandi will function the crew physician and physiotherapist, respectively. The appointments are short-term because the recruitment course of for the official nationwide crew teaching workers continues.

The crew, which consists of a mixture of skilled and rising skills, is about to enter residential camp on December 28, 2024, in a preparation that’s a part of a broader plan to present native gamers publicity forward of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) match.

FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga says the Mapinduzi Cup is vital in getting ready the crew for CHAN.

“The Mapinduzi Cup offers our local boys a perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming CHAN tournament, and this is why we have honored the invite. We will give the team all the required support to ensure they are settled and ready to concentrate on their job, which is to play football and carry the Kenyan flag high,” Mariga stated.

Provisional Harambee Stars Squad

Goalkeepers

Byrne Omondi (Bandari FC), Farouk Shikalo (KCB FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks).

Defenders

Brian Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC), Hanif Wesonga (KCB FC), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka FC), Ronald Sichenje (AFC Leopards), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC).

Midfielders

Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Musa Katimbi (Kenya Police FC), Michael Mutinda (KCB FC), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Kakamega Homeboyz), Brian Michira (Shabana FC), Ovella Ochieng (AFC Leopards), David Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Isaac Omweri (Nairobi United FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Samuel Kapen (Gor Mahia FC), Darius Msagah (Shabana FC), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards). Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police FC), Shafan Siwa (Tusker FC), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), David Okoth (Kenya Police FC).

Strikers

Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Francis Kahiro (KCB FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz).

Interim Technical Bench

Francis Kimanzi (Head Coach) John Kamau, Zedekiah Otieno (Assistant Coaches) Arnold Origi (Goalkeeper Coach) Mikael Igediah (Fitness Technology) Wycliff Makanga (Team Doctor), Noel Mandi (Physiotherapist).

Garang Diing leads Blacklist to victory in Eldoret Betika Bingwafest

Listen to This Article

Enhance your studying expertise by listening to this text.

Nairobi City Thunder combo guard Garang Diing powered the Blacklist basketball crew to a hard-fought 19-16 victory over UB throughout the Betika Bingwafest North Rift 3×3 basketball last held at Eldoret Sports Club.

The intently contested match performed on the outskirts of Eldoret City, captivated scores of bas[1]ketball lovers as Blacklist emerged triumphant, claiming a money prize of Sh500,000, a trophy and gold medals.

Diing, instrumental within the victory, teamed up with fellow Thunder guard Eugene Adera to guide Blacklist to glory. The duo, each natives of Eldoret City, honed their basketball expertise of their youth and proved unstoppable within the event.

Their efficiency was notably decisive towards defending champions Basketbros, who had been eradicated on the quarterfinal stage. Speaking after the win, Diing mirrored on their journey: “The final game was intense, but we managed to pull through against UB, who had beaten us in the pool stages. We focused on our defensive strategies and executed our game plan, which gave us the upper hand.”

In the lads’s semis, Blacklist dominated Vortex Kajiado 21-13, whereas UB edged Expandables 13-9. In the ladies’s 3×3 class, Hookies defeated Rising Stars 17-12 to clinch the title, having narrowly overwhelmed Sun’s 12-11 within the semis.

The winners in each classes acquired Sh500,000, a trophy and gold medals, whereas the runners-up pocketed Sh250,000 and Sh100,000, respectively. The Betika Bingwafest boys’ soccer last between GFE105 and Langas Stars was disrupted by fan hassle, whereas Turkana Queens lifted the Under-23 ladies’ trophy after defeating Soccer Queens.

Championship director Cynthia Mumbo confirmed that the boys’ last will probably be replayed on December 27 at a venue but to be introduced.Garang Diing leads Blacklist to victory in Eldoret Betika Bingwafest

Menengai Oilers Academy left it late to clinch the BingwaFest Rift Valley Edition rugby title as they beat P61 RFC in sudden dying on the Eldoret Sports Club to stroll dwelling with KES 1 million.

Captain Eric Ogutu commanded his group to the final minute, together with his late penalty incomes the younger Oilers sudden dying victory after the match ended 12-12 in common time.

Pioneer RFC secured the title within the ladies’s competitors after edging out Kitale Community RFC 12-7 within the closing, taking dwelling an identical quantity as Menengai Oilers Academy in prize cash.

Turkana Queens’ goalkeeper was the star as she saved two penalties towards Soccer Queens within the post-match shootout to see her aspect clinch the women’ soccer title following a 10-9 victory. Like rugby, the soccer champions have been awarded KES 1 million.

However,the lads’s closing pitting native groups GFE 105 and Langas Superstars is about to be replayed on a later date after organizers shelved the match because of security issues.

In 3×3 basketball, Hookies efficiently defended their title, incomes the highest money prize of KSh 500,000 within the ladies’s class whereas Blacklist triumphed within the males’s class to win an identical quantity.

BingwaFest continued its custom of awarding equal money prizes to males’s and ladies’s groups, reinforcing its dedication to selling gender equality in sports activities whereas fostering sporting excellence. This initiative has contributed to elevated participation amongst ladies athletes and has positively influenced perceptions of equity and inclusion throughout the sporting group.

Betika Brand Manager Eric Mwiti praised the match’s progress: “Anyone who has been following BingwaFest since its inception right here in Eldoret in December 2023 can attest to the strides we’ve made in high quality of competitors and fan expertise. We are grateful

to the City of Eldoret for its enthusiasm and help. Congratulations to all winners, and we look ahead to the subsequent competitors.”

With BingwaFest Rift Valley Edition now concluded, consideration shifts to the finals of the Karamoja Super Cup and the Chris Oguso Football Tournament, scheduled for December 28 and 29, respectively. These tournaments are important for the event of grassroots soccer expertise, embodying the mission of the Betika Na Community Initiative to nurture and promote native sports activities throughout Kenya.

ELDORET, Kenya, Dec 24 – Menengai Oilers Academy left it late to clinch the BingwaFest Rift Valley Edition rugby title as they beat P61 RFC in sudden demise on the Eldoret Sports Club to stroll house with KES 1 million.

Captain Eric Ogutu commanded his group to the final minute, along with his late penalty incomes the younger Oilers sudden demise victory after the match ended 12-12 in common time.

Pioneer RFC secured the title within the ladies’s competitors after edging out Kitale Community RFC 12-7 within the last, taking house the same quantity as Menengai Oilers Academy in prize cash.

Turkana Queens’ goalkeeper was the star as she saved two penalties in opposition to Soccer Queens within the post-match shootout to see her facet clinch the women’ soccer title following a 10-9 victory.

Like rugby, the soccer champions had been awarded KES 1 million. However,  the lads’s last pitting native groups GFE 105 and Langas Superstars is about to be replayed on a later date after organizers shelved the match attributable to security considerations.

In 3×3 basketball, Hookies efficiently defended their title, incomes the highest money prize of KSh 500,000 within the ladies’s class whereas Blacklist triumphed within the males’s class to win the same quantity.

BingwaFest continued its custom of awarding equal money prizes to males’s and girls’s groups, reinforcing its dedication to selling gender equality in sports activities whereas fostering sporting excellence.

This initiative has contributed to elevated participation amongst ladies athletes and has positively influenced perceptions of equity and inclusion inside the sporting group.

Betika Brand Manager Eric Mwiti praised the match’s progress:

“Anyone who has been following BingwaFest since its inception here in Eldoret in December 2023 can attest to the strides we’ve made in quality of competition and fan experience. We are grateful to the City of Eldoret for its enthusiasm and support. Congratulations to all winners, and we look forward to the next competition.”

With BingwaFest Rift Valley Edition now concluded, consideration shifts to the finals of the Karamoja Super Cup and the Chris Oguso Football Tournament, scheduled for December 28 and 29, respectively.

These tournaments are vital for the event of grassroots soccer expertise, embodying the mission of the Betika Na Community Initiative to nurture and promote native sports activities throughout Kenya.

A Year of legacy and innovation: The Olympic motion in 2024

Listen to This Article

Enhance your studying expertise by listening to this text.

The 12 months 2024 marks a milestone for the Olympic Movement, because the Summer Olympics return to Paris after a century. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) superior vital reforms, starting from the mixing of synthetic intelligence (AI) to the way forward for esports and diversified occasion codecs.

These modifications are designed to draw broader audiences, significantly youthful generations, and underscore the Olympic spirit of inclusivity and progress.

With IOC President Thomas Bach ending his time period subsequent 12 months, 2024 can also be a pivotal 12 months of management transition. The election of a brand new president not solely symbolizes a switch of energy but additionally units the stage for a brand new chapter within the Olympic Movement’s journey.

A historic return

The 2024 Summer Olympics opened on July 26 with a blinding ceremony alongside the Seine River, marking the primary time in trendy Olympic historical past that the opening ceremony was held outdoors a stadium.

Athletes from 205 delegations traveled six kilometers by boat, from Pont d’Austerlitz to the Eiffel Tower, charming the worldwide viewers with a seamless mix of city surroundings, historical past and Olympic beliefs.

Paris, internet hosting the Olympics for the third time, efficiently integrating sports activities into town. Iconic landmarks just like the Eiffel Tower hosted seaside volleyball, the Grand Palais held taekwondo, and breakdancing premiered at Place de la Concorde, creating new cultural dimensions for the Games.

“We wanted to bring sports closer to the heart of the city and showcase Paris’ vibrancy and inclusivity,” mentioned Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet.

The Paris Olympics achieved a historic milestone in gender equality, changing into the primary Games to function an equal variety of female and male athletes, every representing 50 p.c of the contributors. The occasion additionally launched extra mixed-gender occasions, demonstrating the IOC’s dedication to fairness.

“Gender equality lies at the core of Olympism. Through the Paris Olympics, we aim to send a clear message that sports belong to everyone,” mentioned Bach.

Sustainability was one other defining theme of Paris 2024. As a mannequin for the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the occasion lowered carbon emissions by 50 p.c in comparison with the earlier Summer Games, prioritizing present venues.

Only three new amenities had been constructed: the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, the Le Bourget Climbing Center and the Olympic Aquatic Center close to Stade de France, and all will proceed to serve native communities after the Games.

The Olympic Village, that includes modular designs and eco-friendly applied sciences is transformed into 3,000 residential items, creating lasting advantages for the group. “Paris 2024 is more than a sporting event, it’s a legacy for future generations,” mentioned IOC Corporate and Sustainable Development Director Marie Sallois.

Olympic reform

In 2024, the IOC demonstrated foresight in advancing the Olympic Movement. In April, it launched the Olympic AI Agenda, outlining the potential of AI in sports activities. AI was deployed extensively at Paris 2024, from OBS’s “Cloud Venue” for dwell broadcasting to AI-enhanced refereeing and customized athlete coaching applications. It even performed a job in selling a optimistic digital setting by combating on-line hate speech on social media.

“AI enhances fairness, and efficiency, and delivers an immersive experience for global audiences,” Bach famous.

To maintain Olympic pleasure past the Games interval, the IOC launched the Olympic Qualifier Series, with two legs in Shanghai and Budapest that includes skateboarding, sport climbing, breakdancing and BMX freestyle.

These progressive qualifiers drew high athletes competing for Paris 2024 berths and attracted youthful audiences with music, cultural performances and interactive experiences.

“The Qualifier Series is more than an experiment; it’s a new way to express Olympism,” mentioned Pierre Fratter-Bardy, Olympic Games Strategy & Development Associate Director.
Esports additionally gained momentum as a spotlight of IOC reforms.

Following the formation of the Esports Committee, the IOC introduced plans for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025 in Saudi Arabia. While esports provides huge alternatives to interact youthful audiences, its alignment with Olympic values stays a key problem.

“Esports is a global language for youth, but we must ensure its values align with the Olympic spirit,” mentioned David Lappartient, Chair of the IOC’s Esports and Gaming Liaison Group.

Flexibility in occasion codecs was one other spotlight of this 12 months’s reforms. The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics will introduce interactive cultural showcases whereas decreasing occasion disciplines to 151, easing organizational burdens.

The occasion can even obtain full gender parity and see Wushu debut as an official sport, celebrating the variety of Olympic tradition. These reforms, mixing expertise, youth engagement and cultural inclusion, have strengthened the Olympic Movement’s relevance and attraction. The achievements of 2024 set a strong basis for future Games.

Leadership transition

As Bach’s 12-year tenure nears its finish, the IOC is getting ready for a management transition. Over his time period, Bach led reforms just like the Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, advancing sustainability, innovation and gender equality.

This summer season in Paris, the 70-year-old German introduced he would step down in 2025, marking the beginning of a brand new chapter for the IOC. Seven candidates have entered the race to succeed Bach, together with IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, International Cycling Union President David Lappartient, Zimbabwean Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry, International Ski Federation President Johan Eliasch, International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe, and Prince Faisal Al Hussein of Jordan.
The election vote will happen in March 2025 in historical Olympia.

Candidates will current their visions in January earlier than members solid their votes in a closed-door poll. Meanwhile, the IOC’s business framework has seen vital modifications. Three Japanese companies – Panasonic, Toyota and Bridgestone – will exit The Olympic Partner (TOP) program after 2024, elevating questions on future partnerships. Despite these departures, the IOC stays assured in TOP’s international attraction.

“TOP remains one of the most successful marketing platforms, and we are actively engaging new partners,” mentioned an IOC advertising and marketing government.

Chinese manufacturers have emerged as robust contenders, with companies like Hisense, Vivo and BYD having already gained worldwide publicity via main sports activities sponsorships. As the Olympic Movement adapts to a shifting international panorama, new alternatives for partnership and progress are anticipated.

Looking forward, the Olympic Movement continues to embrace improvements.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 23 – The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2025 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) on Monday hit the bottom operating with an inspection of the Nyayo National Stadium.

The LOC chaired by the Principal Secretary State Department of Sports Eng. Peter Tum held its inaugural assembly in a race to beat the CAF deadline that was prolonged to January 10, simply two weeks earlier than the continental showpiece designated for regionally primarily based gamers kick-off.

Also within the assembly was Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed, and LOC Chairman Nicholas Musonye.

Deputy president McDonald Mariga, FKF NEC members Dabar Ahmedqadar (North Eastern), Robert Macharia (Central), FKF CEO Patrick Korir and FKF Competitions officer Natasha Nyakundi have been additionally current, additional underscoring the federation’s collective dedication to the occasion’s success.

The assembly and inspection signaled that it’s now all programs go for CHAN, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania from February 1–28, 2025.

This event will function a precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), additionally set to be hosted by the East African trio.

FKF boss Mohammed counseled the federal government’s dedication to infrastructure growth.

“I congratulate the government for the incredible job that is going on at all the sites in terms of the preparations for CHAN, which is coming up very soon,” he acknowledged.

Sports PS Peter Tum highlighted the strategic planning underway, emphasizing the position of technical working teams.

“Today we met to ensure the technical working groups understand their roles and responsibilities, which they already did. We are within the timelines we anticipated, and I believe by January, we will be ready to host,” he assured.

LOC Chair Nicholas Musonye exuded confidence in Kenya’s readiness, saying, “We are working around the clock and will deliver on our mandate. I want to assure everyone we are going to host CHAN.”

With simply over a month left earlier than the event kicks-off, Kenya is leaving no stone unturned to satisfy the infrastructural and logistical necessities of internet hosting this prestigious occasion. All eyes at the moment are on the following steps because the nation gears up for CHAN 2025.

-By FKF Website-