Sports

Female survivor in late Kiptum’s car recounts final moments

Published

9 months ago

February 17, 2024

The only survivor in the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of Kenyan world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, and his Rwandese coach, Garvis Hakizimana, has recounted the moments leading up to the crash.

According to Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge, the lady, Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei who survived the tragic crash, has provided her statement to the authorities after coming out of coma.

Mulinge who spoke to journalists on investigations into the accident, disclosed that the police were able to get details from Kosgei that will continue to assist in the investigations.

“We were able to record Sharon Kosgei’s statement yesterday. The investigations are still ongoing, and once we are done, we will deliver our findings to the public,” Mulinge said.

“Sharon Kosgei stated that at the time of the accident, she saw the driver of the vehicle, Mr. Kelvin Kiptum, stepping onto the road. She alerted him but was unable to control the vehicle.”

The police commissioner said Kosgei painted a vivid picture of the chaos and desperation that unfolded on the Eldoret-Ravine road in Keiyo South Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“Following the crash, Kosgei was rushed to Racecourse Hospital and later transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Usain Gishu County, where she underwent treatment for injuries sustained during the accident,” he said.

“Medical personnel attending to Kosgei reported that she received a stitch on her head and suffered bruises on her arm, necessitating her discharge from the hospital.”

Kiptum became a world marathon record holder when he set a time of 2:00:35 in the Chicago Marathon in October last year after switching to running the marathon from shorter distance races a year before.

At the London Marathon, he set a record pace and improved his personal best time by 50 seconds to beat the 2:01:09 record set by fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge, widely considered the greatest marathoner of all time.

Kiptum broke the course record for the London Marathon, winning the men’s event in the second-fastest marathon in history, crossing the finish line in two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.

His coach, Hakizimana, 36, was a former professional athlete from Rwanda who participated in different races from the 5,000 meter to the half marathon.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

22 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.”