RB Leipzig & Man City ‘Very Far Apart’ Over Gvardiol

By

-

July 21, 2023

RB Leipzig sports director Max Eberl says “there is no agreement” between the German club and Manchester City over Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol.

The 21-year-old is valued in the region of £86m and if that fee was paid by City it would make him the most expensive defender in football history.

When asked if a deal had been reached, Eberl said: “A lot has been written and the latest information about Josko surprised us all.

“Currently we’re still very far apart.”

He added: “As you can see, Josko is here – so it’s not true.

“He didn’t do a medical check – not that we know. And I don’t think he did it behind our backs because he’s just a full professional.

“There is no agreement, not even remotely an agreement.”

The centre-back has made 87 appearances for the German club since signing from Dynamo Zagreb in July 2021.

Last season he scored against City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, which RB Leipzig lost 8-1 on aggregate.

He has won 21 caps for Croatia since making his debut in 2021 and helped his country finish third at the 2022 World Cup as well as runners-up to Spain in this year’s Nations League.

Earlier in July Eberl confirmed talks were taking place with the Premier League champions but it was understood City were yet to make a formal bid.

Recent reports had suggested an agreement had been reached that would eclipse the £80m Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019.

Superb Spain Earn Comfortable Win Over Costa Rica

By

John Mutiso

-

July 21, 2023

Spain cruised to victory in their Women’s World Cup opener as they dominated Costa Rica in Wellington.

Valeria del Campo scored an own goal to put Spain ahead, before Aitana Bonmati curled in a second two minutes later.

Esther Gonzalez added a third after a header against the crossbar by Jennifer Hermoso, who then had a penalty saved by Daniela Solera.

Olga Carmona hit the bar and Solera made a number of fine saves to restrict Spain to three goals.

The Spanish team’s dominance was shown in the match stats, as they had 46 attempts at goal, including 12 on target, with Costa Rica, ranked 36th in the world, only having one shot, which went wide.

Spain also had 80% possession and 22 corners compared with just one from their opponents.

For Spain, looking to advance past the last-16 phase for the first time, it was the perfect start to their Group C campaign after a disrupted build-up to the tournament.

In September, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) claimed 15 members of its national team, unhappy with training methods and match preparation, said they would resign if manager Jorge Vilda did not step down.

The federation backed Vilda and he only then named three of those 15 players – Barcelona’s Mariona Caldentey, Bonmati and Ona Batlle – in the World Cup squad.

Costa Rica had never won a match at a Women’s World Cup, but had drawn 1-1 in their opener against Spain in 2015 – the only other tournament they had qualified for.

But there never looked like being a repeat as Spain dominated.

Bonmati, Gonzalez, Ivana Andres and Salma Paralluelo all missed chances before Del Campo accidentally converted Gonzalez’s cross from the left.

Spain scored three times in a seven-minute spell and had a great opportunity for a fourth but Hermoso’s poor penalty was pushed away by Solera.

Only an inspired performance from Solera kept the scoreline respectable as she made excellent saves to deny Paralluelo, Carmona and Ivana Andres.

Midfielder Alexia Putellas, who won the Ballon d’Or for being the best player in the world in 2021 and 2022, was among the Spain substitutes and played the last 13 minutes as she recovers from injury.

She sustained a serious knee injury just before last year’s Women’s European Championship and has not played a full match since.

Spain will be looking for another big win in their next match on 26 July as they face Zambia, at 77th the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, with Costa Rica facing 2011 winners and 2015 runners-up Japan.

Shoke Shoke Festival Postponed Due To Anti-Government Protests

By

John Mutiso

-

July 21, 2023

The organisers of the Shoke Shoke Festival, Mwanaume Ni Effort, have announced the cancellation of the second edition of the Shoke Shoke Festival that was meant to take place on July 29.

Announcing the news via a statement released online the organisers cited growing concerns of unrest within the country as the main reason for rescheduling the event. Further adding that the headliners Ruger and Sun-El would still perform at the festival in September.

“Due to the ongoing political unrest and “Maandamano” demonstrations in Nairobi, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the festival from July 29 to September 9. All performing acts, including Ruger and Sun-El, are set to entertain fans on the new festival date,” the statement read.

Further citing concerns about the safety of the fans and suppliers, MNE said that moving the date forward would ensure a more enjoyable experience for all involved.

“The safety and well-being of our suppliers, vendors, artists, partners, and, most importantly, you – our valued attendees – are of utmost importance to us,” the organisers said, adding, “We believe that moving the festival forward to a future date will ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”

If you had already bought tickets to the event, no need to worry, the tickets will still be valid for the new September date.

“Rest assured that your current tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure a seamless transition to the new date, with improved amenities and an even more unforgettable experience for each attendee,” the statement clarified.

The July edition of the Shoke Shoke festival would have been the second edition following the critically acclaimed festival that took place early this year headlined by Ayra Starr.

Mandonga, Wanyonyi Trade Barbs Ahead Of Return Bout

By

John Mutiso

-

July 21, 2023

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Kenyan boxer Daniel Wanyonyi and Tanzanian pugilist Karim Mandonga prepare to face off once again within the hallowed ring at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi on Saturday 22nd evening.

Their first meeting lived upto billing when Mandonga defeated Wanyonyi in front of a noisy Kenyan crowd. The Tanzanian is promising fans nothing but the best. The outspoken Mandonga Mtu Kazi says this time he will be unleashing a jab called King’uki from Russia and not his usual Sugunyo from Ukraine.

“I have prepared well. My homework is on point. I am very fit. We have to defeat Wanyonyi whether he likes it or not. The last time we fought, I finished him with a Sugunyo jab from Ukraine. This time, I will clear him with a King’uki blow from Russia. King’uki is very offensive. It neither retreats nor surrenders,” Mandonga told Mozzart Sport in an interview.

The Tanzanian also issued a warning to Wanyonyi, noting that he would have a sweltering day in the ring.

“What I know is that he is going to have a torrid day in the ring. What I don’t know is whether the fight will end in the first round or second round, or whether I will finish him with a knock out,” he warned his opponent.

Wanyonyi on the other hand appeared confident despite the warning from his opponent. He noted that he had come back stronger, ready to unleash the unforgiving ‘Dusla’ blow on Mandonga who he said would ‘see stars’.

He assured that he would not let down thousands of fans that would turn up for the clash.

“Dusla is a blow which is not recommended by a doctor. But I am going to unleash it in raw form. Mandonga will see stars,” he told Mozzart Sport.

Raila Denies Meeting Diplomats, Says Kalonzo Under House Arrest

By

John Mutiso

-

July 21, 2023

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition party leader Raila Odinga has denied meeting diplomats as has been reported.

The former prime minister on Friday said he was unwell.

“I am currently under the weather, battling a strong strain of flu, hence keeping off public engagements and all meetings. I have therefore held no meeting with any envoys as reported by some media outlets,” he tweeted.

He, however, confirmed that indeed Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was under house arrest.

Raila noted that Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni had paid Kalonzo a visit at his Karen home “following his ongoing house arrest and detention.”

“Representatives of our coalition Hon Opiyo Wandayi and Hon Jeremiah Kioni have today visited Hon Kalonzo Musyoka following his ongoing house arrest and detention,” he added.

Earlier reports indicated that Kalonzo had held a closed-door meeting with diplomats.

But according to Wandayi, Kalonzo had not been allowed to leave his home for two days now.

“All we know is that His Excellency Kalonzo Musyoka has been detained for the last two days, and has not been able to leave his house,” Wandayi said.

While announcing plans to take legal action, Azimio says this is a scheme orchestrated by the government to frustrate the opposition.

This comes as anti-governmental protests enter day three with minimal action experienced from across the country.

Ichung’wah: Police Being Vilified For Doing Their Job

By

John Mutiso

-

July 21, 2023

Kimani Ichung’wah, Majority Leader of the National Assembly, has defended the police force in the face of condemnation for their actions during the anti-government protests.

According to Ichung’wah, the police are being “vilified” for doing their jobs in keeping the peace during the protests.

“Our police force has been vilified for the actions that they have had to take to ensure that there is peace and that in our country, law and order thrives,” he said.

He stated that people are quick to condemn the police, ignoring their (police) safety in carrying out their mandate.

“I know even those of us in the fourth estate, we are very quick to vilify our police officers but we fail to recognise that there are criminal elements that have taken advantage of the demonstrations that were called by those in the opposition. And we have seen even armed groups engaging our police officers with arms,” he said.

Ichung’wah urged President Ruto to expedite policy formulation in order to improve police welfare in the country.

“But we want to encourage you our excellency that the task force that you appointed to look into the welfare of our officers to hasten in the work that they are doing so that our police officers in this country are well taken care of as well as they took care of lives and property of Kenyans during these last three days when those who were engaging in subversive activities tried to interfere with the peace and law and order of our country your excellency,” he added.

During the anti-government protests, police have come under fire for alleged brutality that has resulted in deaths and injuries.

Ichung’wah was speaking at Our Lady Consolata Mugoiri Girls’ High School in Kiharu, Murang’a County, on Thanksgiving and Prize Giving Day.

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Holds Private Meeting With Foreign Envoys

By

John Mutiso

-

July 21, 2023

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Co-Principal and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Friday held a private meeting with a number of diplomats at his home in Karen, Nairobi.

According to media reports, envoys representing foreign powers were seen entering and exiting Kalonzo’s home, possibly in an attempt to persuade the opposition to end the nationwide protests that have paralysed the country this week.

While the agenda of the closed-door session could not be immediately determined, the meeting comes in the wake of growing concern from foreign nations and organisations about the widespread violence and loss of life during the countrywide anti-government protests led by the Azimio coalition.

Earlier this week, diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and nine other countries urged Azimio and the government to settle their differences peacefully.

Kalonzo Musyoka is yet to speak to the media about the meeting.

Chinese Man Convicted In Malawi Over Racist Videos

By

John Mutiso

-

July 21, 2023

A Malawian court on Thursday convicted a Chinese national accused of racism and exploiting children in relation to a series of online videos and ordered him to leave the country.

A judge in the nation’s capital of Lilongwe handed Lu Ke, 27, a 12-month sentence after the man was found guilty of procuring children to take part in entertainment and racially exploiting them.

Public prosecutor Masauko Chamkakala said Lu, who was arrested last year, was given seven days to leave Malawi, having already served his time behind bars.

“He has already served 12 months, hence his immediate release,” Chamkakala told AFP.

Lu allegedly filmed children singing racist chants about themselves in Chinese — which they did not understand — and then sold the videos on Chinese social media.

In one video, a young child aged about nine was heard saying: “I am a monster with low IQ.”

Chamkakala said Lu has paid compensation to the victims but declined to disclose the amount.

Lu was arrested in June last year in neighbouring Zambia for illegal entry after fleeing there and was later extradited back to Malawi.

When the allegations surfaced, the Chinese embassy in Malawi condemned the accused’s actions in a statement, saying “the Chinese government has zero tolerance for racism.”

Kenyan Passport Climbs Six Positions In Latest Global Rankings

By

John Mutiso

-

July 21, 2023

The Kenyan passport has improved six places in the global mobility ranking to position 67, up from the 73rd place it ranked in January while moving one step up in the continent to occupy the seventh most powerful position.

The Henley Passport Index Report released on Wednesday further shows that the number of countries that Kenyans can visit without a visa, or obtain one on arrival, increased to 76 from 73 in January.

The mobility score measures the number of countries that a person holding a given country’s passport can visit without possessing a visa or the nations where they can get a visa on arrival.

Mauritius, which has maintained its top position on the continent, improved five places in the global rank to hold position 29, showing that holders can visit 148 countries visa-free.

It was followed by South Africa (51), Botswana (58), Namibia (62), Lesotho (64) and eSwatini, with Kenya toppling Malawi which came 68th position in the globe. Tanzania emerged position 69 while Zambia and Uganda came positions 70 and 72 respectively.

Singapore dislodged Japan from the world’s top rank, allowing visa-free users to access 192 countries, followed by Germany, Italy and Spain, which all came position two at 190 each.

Afghanistan’s passport ranks the lowest, only allowing holders to visit 27 countries visa-free. It comes immediately below Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia, among others, in that order.

Kenya’s document’s boost is attributed to a government deal inked with its South African and Eritrean counterparts to remove visa travel restrictions.

The strength is set to improve after the Senegalese government this week agreed to allow Kenyans to tour the country without visa requirements.

In 2015, Kenya first made public the decision to roll out new chip-embedded passports for its citizens in efforts aimed at taming rampant forgery and impersonation of holders.

The electronic passport was initially to be launched in December 2016, but the unveiling was over the years extended several times.

The government, however, finally set last December as the deadline for phasing out the old generation passports, with the move being part of a binding commitment to migrate to the new East African e-passport.

Nine Killed In East DR Congo Bomb Blast

By

John Mutiso

-

July 21, 2023

At least nine people have been killed and 16 injured after an explosive device accidentally detonated in a field in conflict-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, local sources said on Thursday.

The blast occurred on Wednesday evening in Lubwe Sud in North Kivu province’s Rutshuru territory.

Justin Mwangaza, a local civil-society figure, told AFP that a civilian had picked up a bomb in a field and given it to a militiaman when it subsequently exploded.

“Nine people were killed and 16 injured,” he said.

A nurse at a nearby clinic confirmed the toll, explaining that two people died on the spot and seven later succumbed to their wounds.

Some of the 16 wounded people are in critical condition, the nurse said.

AFP was unable to independently confirm the death toll.

Armed groups have plagued much of eastern DRC for decades, a legacy of regional wars that flared in the 1990s and 2000s.

One such group, the M23, has captured swathes of territory in North Kivu since taking up arms again in late 2021 after years of dormancy.

The rebel campaign has displaced over one million people, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha).

Independent UN experts, the DRC government and several Western nations including the United States and France accuse Rwanda of actively backing the M23, despite denials from Kigali.

Create a free account, or log in.

Upgrade your subscription