Sports

Kenyan athletics body mourns as another athlete dies

Published

9 months ago

February 26, 2024

The Kenyan athletics governing body, Athletics Kenya, has once again been thrown into mourning following the death of another of its high profile athlete, Charles Kipkorir Kipsang, who collapsed and died on Saturday while competing in the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, which was held in the city of Buea, the capital of Cameroon’s south west region.

Governor of the Buea region, Bernard Okalai Bilia, who broke the news of the death of Kipsang, said the 33-year-old athlete was leading the race but suffered what seemed a cardiac arrest that forced him to briefly stop minutes to the finish line.

Bilia said Kipsang “ultimately crossed the finishing line, but collapsed and died shortly afterwards.”

“We cannot say exactly what happened. He was fine. He was good after the race. We might believe that it is something like heart attack,” the governor told journalists.

While reacting to the death of Kipsang which brings to three deaths of the country’s high profile athletes in one month,
Athletics Kenya said in statement that it was saddened with the development a few weeks after the death of marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum who died in a tragic car crash on February 11.

“This is indeed very sad considering it is coming just a day after burying the world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum who died in a tragic road accident, and when we are preparing to bury the legendary Henry Rono,” the body said in a statement shared on X.

“We are in touch with the athletics authority and Cameroonian government and will keep you posted on the next steps,” the statement added.

The Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is an annual endurance marathon race held on the slopes of Mount Cameroon known for its gruelling and tortuos routes because of the mountain’s steep terrain.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

18 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.”