Sports

Late Kelvin Kiptum inducted into prestigious Talanta Hall of Fame

Published

8 months ago

March 20, 2024

Late Kenyan world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum was on Wednesday morning, inducted into the prestigious Talanta Hall of Fame by the government.

His family and that of the Rwandese coach, Gervais Hakizimana, who died alongside the marathon great in a ghastly road accident on February 11, were also given the sum of Ksh10 million each by the President William Ruto-led administration.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts,
Ababu Namwamba, who presided over the event that had in attendance Kiptum’s and Hakizimana’s families, said Kiptum’s name will paint the hall alongside other iconic legends in the sports and creative economy realm.

The Talanta Hall of Fame is a prestigious platform that celebrates excellence in the realm of creativity, sports and innovation in the East African country.

During the induction ceremony, Nanwamba said Kenya will always celebrate Kiptum’s life and even in his death, the world will continue acknowledging his impact.

“This Hall celebrates the best of Kenya’s sports and creatives such as Joe Kadenge, Paul Tergat, and Ngugi wa Thiong’o.

“This is both a proud and sad moment as we celebrate the induction of a promising athlete who departed this world in his prime.

“This is special because it is the very first formal induction, and Kelvin becomes the first of our legends to be formally inducted in this hall of fame and stands here as a permanent heritage to his incredible contribution,” Nanwamba added.

Before he was cut down in his prime, Kiptum was the world marathon record holder and the reigning London Marathon champion.

In his short but impactful career, Kiptum had won all the marathons he had competed in since his debut at the 2022 Valencia Marathon where he won in the fastest time ever by a debutant.

He then won the London Marathon in 2023 in the second fastest time before shattering compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

He was due to attempt the sub-two-hour marathon assault at the NN Rotterdam Marathon before his untimely death.

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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.”