Sports

Kenya’s Daniel Simiu dominates Berlin Half Marathon as country completes clean sweep

Published

8 months ago

April 7, 2024

Kenyan World Half Marathon silver medalist, Daniel Simiu, on Sunday morning, posted an impressive 59:30 to lead the country to a top-five sweep at the Berlin Half Marathon tournament.

Though he fell short of breaking the course record, impressive performances from Amos Kurgat and Isaiah Kipkoech saw the Kenyans securing the second and third spots with times of 59:42 and 59:47, respectively, further showcasing its depth in long-distance running in the heart of the German capital.

Other Kenyan runners,Benard Biwott and Bravin Kiprop rounded out the top five, finishing in 60:21 and 60:29, leaving the sixth position to the United States’ Diego Estrada.

The Kenyan dominance was further underscored by Robert Kiprop and Vincent Kiptoo, who completed the race in seventh and eighth places with times of 61:27 and 61:29, respectively.

Athletics World reports that race was tightly contested up to its midway point, with Simiu part of a leading pack that included Kiptoo, Kipkoech, Biwott, Kurgat, and Kiprop.

“However, the dynamics shifted with 8km left when Simiu and Kurgat pulled ahead, turning the competition into a thrilling duel between the two athletes.

“As the finish line approached, Kurgat appeared to lose momentum, allowing Simiu to surge ahead with a powerful finish.

“Despite his victory, Simiu was aiming to break the course record of 58:42 set by Eric Kiptanui in 2018 but fell short.”

Speaking after the race, Simiu expressed his determination to continue improving.

“Every race is a learning experience, and today was no different. I’m proud of what we achieved as a team and what I achieved personally.

“The record was on my mind, but it’s all about the win today. We’ll look forward to breaking more barriers in the future,” Simiu, 28, said.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

11 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

1 day 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.”