Sports

Kenyan world champion Zablon Ekwam cries out over alleged neglect from govt

Published

8 months ago

March 16, 2024

Kenyan World Indoors Championships record holder, Zablon Ekwam, has expressed frustration over alleged neglect of athletes by the government even after performing so well and bringing honour to the country.

Ekwam who recently shattered the African record at the World Indoor Championships held in the UK, expressed his frustration about receiving no recognition from the government even when his performance had put the country on the world map.

Ekwam who spoke to sports journalists on Friday, lamented that they (athletes)
had to put in all the work to bring honour to the country, yet the government has continuously failed to recognise them.

Ekwam said he was particularly frustrated that as he had never been to an indoor championship and breaking an African record is a feat that should be recognised.

At the tournament, the quartet of Ekwam, Wiseman Were, Boniface Mweresa, and Kelvin Tauta shattered an existing African record by clocking an impressive 3:06.71 to finish fourth in the tight race that was won by Team Great Britain with the USA and the Netherlands taking the second and third spots.

Ekwam feels that the hard work the quartet should have been recognised and they should also receive a token of appreciation for the effort.

“Breaking the African record has motivated me; however, the government has not done anything and we have not received any appreciation but we are content with what we did and we ask God to give us more courage,” Ekwam lamented.

“If we are given another chance to run anywhere, we shall continue breaking records because in other countries, when someone breaks a record it’s a big thing.

“Here, people have taken it very lightly and no one is even talking about it but it is okay and we shall continue working hard,” Ekwam said.

He added that as they prepare for the Africa Senior Athletics Championships and the continental tour in South Africa, they hope to continue breaking more records.

He added that if for anything, the fact that the African record had been in place for more than five years and the quartet put in all their effort and shattered it twice in one day was something that the government should have recognized and appreciated.

Related Topics:Athletics Featured Kenya Neglect Zablon Ekwam

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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.”