Sports

How stray dog stopped Kenyan athlete from winning Argentina marathon

Published

1 year ago

September 29, 2023

A Kenyan marathon athlete,
Robert Kimutai Ng’eno, has blamed a stray dog for denying him the chance to win the Buenos Aires Marathon in Argentina and pocket the prize money of KSh 1.1 million ($7,450).

According to Ng’eno, he was in the lead during the race on September 24 and was closing in on the final stretch when the dog came out of nowhere and ran after him on the race course, destabilizing him.

Ng’eno ended up in third place behind fellow Kenyans, Cornelius Kiplagat and Paul Kipngetich Tanui, who came first and second respectively.

Ng’eno, who shared a picture of the dog chasing after him on X, said despite efforts by some spectators to shoo the dog away, the encounter distracted him into losing the race.

He said he also tried to chase the canine away with stones, but it kept coming at him until a lady whisked it away.

“I was really scared and I think that was what made me lose focus. I knew I was going to win the race but the other athletes closed the gap at the 38km mark,” he said.

“My target was to register a better time and I knew having surged forward, I was going to achieve it but it was cut short by the dog. I want to forget these quickly,” Ng’eno added.

A Kenyan Senator, Samson Cherargei, who also shared the story on X, criticised the organisers of the race for failing to act after a dog chased Ng’eno during the marathon race.

“The athlete was robbed of his dignity and subjected to untold ridicule,” Cherargei wrote on the platform.

The senator argued that Kenya’s Sports Minister, Ababu Namwamba and Athletics Kenya had also failed the runner, adding that they “have not found it wise to protest and call for investigations by Argentina authorities,” he added.

Related Topics:Athletics Dog Featured Kenya Marathon Robert Kimutai Ng'eno

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

15 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.”