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Kenyan ‘Golden Girl’ Faith Kipyegon wins maiden World Athletics Women Athlete of the Year 2023

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Faith Kipyegon, popularly called “Kenyan Golden Girl”, ended a spectacular 2023 by winning the maiden World Athletics Women’s Athlete of the Year in a glittering ceremony in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Kipyegon won ahead of Jamaica’s world 200m champion, Shericka Jackson, and Netherland’s 400m Hurdles world champion, Femke Bol.

World Athletics had changed the awards categories this year by naming six athletes as the World Athletes of the Year, against just two categories in the previous years, which means Kipyegon is the first female athlete to pick the inaugural award.

According to the World Athletics, the adaptation follows the feedback received during the voting process with many calling for more names to be added to the list.

Kipyegon, a double Olympic champion, etched her name in athletics history books when she became the first female in history to win both the 1500m and 5000m at the World Championships in Budapest in August, setting three different world records in a 50-day sequence.

Her outstanding 2023 season was highlighted by breaking Genzebe Dibaba’s World Record (WR) with a sensational time of 3:49.11, becoming the first woman to break the 3:50 barrier.

The record also set the pace for a clutch of world records she will later achieve in the 5000m and one mile, making her one of the most outstanding athletes of the 2023 season.

The elated Kipyegon, while reacting to her prize, said:

“Today is a beautiful closure of an amazing year for me. I am honoured that my performances on the track have been recognized by the athletics community.

“The support of my family, team, training partners and fellow competitors fuels me to work hard and chase my dreams and ambitions. I hope my achievements motivate and inspire many girls to do the same.”

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Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

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Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

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SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

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South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”

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