Sports

Kenyan President Ruto promises Kiptum’s widow new house, job, Ksh.5m cash

Published

9 months ago

February 24, 2024

Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has promised that the State will build a new and befitting house for the family of late marathon world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum.

Ruto who made the pledge while speaking during Kiptum’s burial ceremony held on Friday at the Chepkorio Showground in Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, said government will give the family another house in addition to the one built on Kiptum.

Apart from the new house, President Ruto said the government would give every support to Kiptum’s family in honour of the pride and glory the late marathoner brought the country.

He also pledged to give Kiptum’s widow, Asenath Rotich, automatic employment and Ksh.5 million cash to support her and the two young children left behind by Kiptum.

The new house will be in addition to the two three-bedroomed houses the government constructed for the late world marathon champion and his father in a record one week.

In his address at the funeral ceremony, President Ruto eulogised Kiptum as an “ambitious, disciplined and focused” sportsman, highlighting Kiptum’s humility, noting that he overcame all challenges facing him to become an icon.

“He had more reasons not to succeed than he had to succeed. But he worked against the odds. He could have said ‘I come from a village that is not well known, or I come from a family that cannot cater for me’ or he does not have running shoes… you heard he ran barefoot in his earlier days.

“He didn’t see those as impediments to his ambition and his success. I say Kelvin, even in his death, is speaking to us as Kenyans that we may not have gold, we may not have so much… and that should not deter us from being the great country that we must be.

“All of us as the people of Kenya must love this country enough to be able, to make Kenya great,” Ruto said.

The late Kiptum died in a tragic road accident along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Eldoret road alongside his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana on Sunday, February 11.

Related Topics:Death Featured Kelvin Kiptum president William Ruto

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

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.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

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.”