Kenya Sports centre

Name the Harambe stars player

Cherki Shows His Magic as Manchester City’s New Creative Spark

Rayan Cherki is quickly showing Manchester City supporters why the club invested in his talent, with the French attacker producing another eye-catching display in Friday’s Premier League action.

Cherki scored twice as Manchester City secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, underlining his growing influence in Pep Guardiola’s attacking setup.

What makes Cherki different is the way he plays. The 23-year-old is not a player who simply waits for the ball and looks for the easiest pass. He constantly tries to take defenders on, using close control, quick feet and changes of direction to create openings.

Playing with freedom in the attacking areas, Cherki can operate from the wing or move into central positions where he can combine with teammates. His vision also allows him to turn seemingly harmless situations into dangerous attacks.

Against Crystal Palace, his confidence was clear. Cherki found the net twice in a short spell, adding another important chapter to what has been an impressive start to life at Manchester City.

His ability to score while also creating chances makes him particularly valuable. He can beat a defender, provide the final pass or take responsibility himself when an opportunity appears.

For City, Cherki's emergence could provide another dimension to an already dangerous attack. For the player himself, performances like this suggest that he is beginning to make his mark on English football.

If he continues developing at this rate, Cherki could become one of the most exciting creative players to watch in the Premier League.

By Nathan Njeru

Shumah’s Wait for AmaZulu Debut Raises Questions as Zwane Searches for More Firepower

AmaZulu FC’s bright start to the season has been accompanied by a growing concern in attack, with coach Arthur Zwane still waiting for Kenyan striker Moses Shumah to become available.

The Harambee Stars forward arrived at the Durban club with a reputation for finding the back of the net, but his introduction to competitive football in South Africa has taken longer than anticipated.

For Zwane, the situation presents a selection headache. The coach has had to build his attacking plans around the players currently available, leaving little room for rotation as the campaign gathers momentum.

Shumah’s absence is particularly notable because AmaZulu could benefit from another natural goalscorer capable of changing games from the front. His eventual return to the squad could give Zwane greater flexibility and reduce the pressure on the club’s current attacking options.

The Kenyan’s patience will now be tested as he works towards full match readiness. Rather than rushing him onto the pitch, AmaZulu appear determined to ensure he is physically prepared before handing him his competitive debut.

For Kenyan football followers, Shumah’s first appearance in the South African top flight will be closely watched. His performances could also strengthen his position in the Harambee Stars setup ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Until then, Zwane must find solutions with the resources at his disposal, while Shumah continues the final steps towards making his mark in Durban.

Nathan Njeru
Freelance Sports Journalist

🚨 HARAMBEE STARS HIT BY MAJOR INJURY BLOW

Collins Sichenje’s injury setback leaves Benni McCarthy with a defensive headache

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has been dealt a major blow after defender Collins Sichenje suffered a serious injury while playing for Charlton Athletic against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Kenyan defender was forced off on a stretcher just 15 minutes into the Carabao Cup clash after a challenge involving Tottenham forward Mathys Tel. Despite initially attempting to continue, Sichenje collapsed again and had to be taken off.

Charlton boss Nathan Jones has described the injury as significant, with the club now looking to strengthen its defence because of Sichenje's absence.

The setback comes at a difficult time for the 22-year-old, who had only recently returned from previous injury problems and was working his way back into regular action.

For McCarthy, Sichenje’s absence could force the Harambee Stars coach to explore alternative defensive options ahead of Kenya’s upcoming international assignments.

A huge setback for Sichenje—and a worrying development for Harambee Stars. 🇰🇪⚽

What do you think? Who should McCarthy trust to fill the defensive gap?

Nathan Njeru
Freelance Sports Journalist

🔥 YAYA TOURÉ MAKES HISTORY AS SLovan BRATISLAVA BOSS!

Did you know that legendary Ivorian midfielder Yaya Touré is now making history from the touchline?

The former Manchester City star is coaching Slovan Bratislava, where his journey as a head coach is quickly attracting global attention.

Touré, one of Africa’s greatest footballers, has now taken another major step in his football career—this time trying to make his mark as a coach.

His move to the Slovakian club is a major moment for African football, as one of the continent’s most celebrated stars continues to build his legacy beyond his playing days.

From dominating midfield battles to leading from the technical area, Yaya Touré’s next chapter is one to watch. 🌍⚽

What do you think—can Yaya Touré become one of Africa’s top coaches?

Nathan Njeru
Freelance Sports Journalist

🇰🇪🏉 WHY ARE KENYAN RUGBY STARS HEADING TO CANADA?

Kenya continues to produce some of Africa’s finest rugby talent, but an increasing number of players are looking overseas for better opportunities.

Canada is becoming an attractive destination, offering Kenyan players a chance to earn, gain international exposure and build a future beyond rugby.

But this raises a bigger question:

Are our players leaving because Canada offers better opportunities, or because Kenya is failing to retain its best talent?

The conversation around the future of Kenyan rugby has just begun.

What do you think? 🇰🇪🏉

Why Kenyan Rugby Stars Are Crossing the Atlantic to Canada

Kenya has for years produced rugby players capable of competing on the international stage. But behind the success of Shujaa lies a less discussed reality: some of the country's best players are increasingly looking beyond Kenya for better opportunities to make a living from the sport they love.

Canada is emerging as one of those destinations.

The movement is not simply about players changing clubs. It raises a bigger question about the state of professional rugby in Kenya and why established Kenyan internationals are willing to leave familiar surroundings for opportunities thousands of kilometres away.

Among those who have made the move are former Kenya Sevens stars Alvin “Buffa” Otieno, Dan Sikuta and Johnstone Olindi. Denis Abukuse has also joined the growing list of Kenyan players pursuing opportunities in Canada.

The money question

For many rugby players, talent alone does not guarantee financial security.

Kenya has a strong domestic rugby structure, with competitions producing players for Shujaa and the Simbas. However, the financial rewards available to players can differ considerably from what athletes may find abroad.

That difference is becoming an important factor in career decisions.

Players who have spent years representing Kenya at international tournaments still have relatively short sporting careers. For them, securing better playing conditions and financial opportunities while they are at their peak can be as important as winning another domestic title.

This is where Canada comes into the picture.

Recent reports on the movement of Kenyan players point to better terms and opportunities outside rugby as some of the reasons behind the migration. Canada also offers players the chance to continue playing rugby while building opportunities away from the pitch.

Why Canada?

Canada's rugby environment provides Kenyan players with a different pathway.

Instead of viewing rugby purely as a short-term sporting career, players can explore an environment where rugby can be combined with other opportunities.

That makes the Canadian option particularly attractive to experienced Kenyan players who have already represented their country and are looking at life beyond international rugby.

The relationship between the two rugby nations is also becoming more visible. Canada's men's sevens team travelled to Nairobi in February 2026 for the HSBC SVNS Division 2 competition, putting the two rugby communities in direct contact on Kenyan soil.

For Kenyan players, however, the attraction is ultimately personal: better opportunities, international exposure and the possibility of creating a more secure future.

What Kenya risks losing

The migration presents a difficult question for Kenyan rugby administrators.

When established players leave, young players are given an opportunity to step up. But when too many experienced players leave without a strong pathway to replace them, national teams and domestic clubs can lose valuable experience.

The departure of players who have featured for Shujaa is therefore more than a series of individual transfers. It could become a wider talent-export trend.

Kenya has built a reputation for producing exciting sevens players, with the national team recording historic achievements including its first World Rugby Sevens Series tournament victory in Singapore in 2016.

But producing talent and retaining talent are two different challenges.

A warning for Kenyan rugby?

The movement to Canada should not necessarily be viewed as a failure of Kenyan rugby. International exposure can benefit players and, ultimately, the national team if those athletes return with greater experience.

The bigger concern is whether Kenya can create enough professional opportunities at home to convince its best players that they do not have to leave the country to build sustainable careers.

For now, Canada appears to be offering an alternative.

And as more Kenyan rugby stars cross the Atlantic, the question is becoming harder to ignore: Are Kenyan players moving to Canada because the opportunities there are better or because Kenya has not done enough to keep its best talent at home?

That is the deeper story behind the growing Kenyan presence in Canadian rugby.

Nathan Njeru

TUSKER FC: THE BREWERS’ GOLDEN YEARS AND THE STARS WHO BUILT A KENYAN FOOTBALL DYNASTY

Do you know? Tusker FC, formerly known as Kenya Breweries FC, is one of the most successful clubs in Kenyan football history, with 13 league titles, four FKF President’s Cup triumphs and a rich tradition of producing players who have gone on to represent Kenya at the highest level.

Founded in 1969, the club established itself as a major force in Kenyan football during the 1970s. Its first major league success came in 1972, before the Brewers added consecutive championships in 1977 and 1978.

THE 1970s: THE BEGINNING OF THE BREWERS’ DYNASTY

Kenyan League Champions – 1972, 1977 and 1978

The three league victories announced Kenya Breweries as a serious force in the country's football landscape. The team became known for disciplined football and talented players who formed the backbone of the club's early success.

THE 1980s: CECAFA GLORY

While league success proved harder to achieve during the 1980s, Kenya Breweries made its mark regionally.

CECAFA Club Championship – 1988 and 1989

The Brewers established themselves as a force in East African football, winning regional honours and strengthening their reputation beyond Kenya.

FKF President’s Cup – 1989

The club also captured the national cup in 1989, adding another major trophy to its cabinet.

THE 1990s: THE MOTEGО ERA

The 1990s produced one of the most memorable periods in the club's history.

Kenyan League Champions – 1994 and 1996

FKF President’s Cup – 1993

One of the players strongly associated with this golden generation was Henry Motego, a prolific striker who spent more than a decade with the Brewers and won four league titles with the club.

Another legendary figure was Sammy Omollo ‘Pamzo’, a tough defender who played a key role in the club's historic continental campaign.

The biggest highlight came in 1994, when Kenya Breweries reached the final of the African Cup Winners’ Cup. They faced DC Motema Pembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite scoring in a 2–2 first-leg draw in Kinshasa, the Kenyan side lost the return leg 3–0 at Kasarani.

1999–2000: A NEW NAME, SAME WINNING CULTURE

In 1999, Kenya Breweries officially became Tusker FC, taking the name of East African Breweries Limited's famous Tusker brand.

Kenyan League Champions – 1999 and 2000

The change of name did little to alter the club's winning mentality. Tusker immediately continued its dominance, winning back-to-back league titles.

The club also enjoyed regional success during this era, winning the CECAFA Club Championship in 2000 and 2001.

2007: THE RETURN TO THE TOP

Kenyan Premier League Champions – 2007

Tusker returned to the summit in 2007, led by one of the club's most prolific modern-era strikers, Allan Wanga.

Wanga scored 23 league goals, helping Tusker win the championship while also claiming the Golden Boot. His outstanding performances earned him a move to Angolan club Petro Atlético.

2011–2012: BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS

Kenyan Premier League Champions – 2011 and 2012

The Brewers once again dominated Kenyan football by winning consecutive league titles.

The 2011 title was particularly significant because Tusker finished top of the table with 58 points, one point ahead of Ulinzi Stars.

The 2012 triumph further established Tusker as one of Kenya's modern football powerhouses.

2016: THE DOUBLE

Kenyan Premier League – 2016

FKF President’s Cup – 2016

Tusker produced one of its most impressive modern campaigns in 2016 by winning both the league and the national cup.

Shafik Batambuze scored the decisive goal against AFC Leopards in the final league match that secured the championship.

Humphrey Mieno was another important figure in the successful team, providing creativity and leadership from midfield.

2020–21: THE BREWERS RETURN TO THE THRONE

FKF Premier League Champions – 2020/21

Under coach Robert Matano, Tusker defeated Bidco United 2–1 in the final match to secure the championship with 65 points.

Captain Eugene Asike lifted the trophy, while teenage striker Henry Meja scored 10 league goals and became one of the team's key attacking players. Rodgers Aloro also scored in the title-clinching match.

2021–22: BACK-TO-BACK AGAIN

FKF Premier League Champions – 2021/22

Tusker successfully defended its crown, completing back-to-back league triumphs and claiming its 13th league championship. The club's unbeaten run of 22 matches was a major feature of the campaign.

Players such as Eugene Asike, Boniface Muchiri and Henry Meja were among the notable figures of this successful generation.

THE TROPHY CABINET

Tusker's major honours include:

Kenyan League/Premier League – 13 titles: 1972, 1977, 1978, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2020/21 and 2021/22.

FKF President’s Cup – 4: 1975, 1989, 1993 and 2016.

Kenyan Super Cup – 3: 2012, 2013 and 2021.

KPL Top 8 Cup – 2: 2013 and 2014.

CECAFA Club Championship – multiple regional titles, including victories in 1988, 1989, 2000, 2001 and 2008 according to historical club records.

THE MEN WHO MADE THE BREWERS GREAT

Across the decades, several players have become closely associated with Tusker's remarkable history.

Henry Motego – A legendary goalscorer and one of the club's longest-serving stars.

Sammy Omollo ‘Pamzo’ – A commanding defender who helped the club reach the 1994 African Cup Winners’ Cup final.

Sammy Sholei – A creative midfielder who became an important figure during the 1990s.

Allan Wanga – The 2007 Golden Boot winner who scored 23 goals during Tusker's title-winning campaign.

McDonald Mariga – A former Tusker player who later became the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010.

Humphrey Mieno – A midfield maestro who played a key role in the 2016 league-and-cup double and later helped the club to further success.

Eugene Asike – A long-serving defender and captain who led the Brewers to the 2020/21 title.

These players represent different generations, but together they tell one story: Tusker FC's enduring place at the heart of Kenyan football.

A LEGACY THAT REFUSES TO FADE

From Kenya Breweries to Tusker, from the early league triumphs of the 1970s to the modern championships of 2021 and 2022, the Brewers have remained a constant presence in Kenyan football.

With 13 league championships, Tusker stands among the giants of the Kenyan game. Its history is not only measured by trophies, but also by the legendary players it has produced and the generations of footballers who have worn the famous yellow jersey.

By Nathan Njeru
Freelance Sports Journalist

Job Ochieng’ Registers Assist as Real Sociedad Fall 4-1 to Real Madrid

Harambee Stars winger Job Ochieng’ featured for 66 minutes and provided an assist as Real Sociedad suffered a 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in a Spanish La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night.

Ochieng’ was among Real Sociedad’s key attacking players, contributing an assist as his side attempted to match the hosts. However, Real Madrid proved too strong, producing an impressive attacking display to secure a comfortable victory on home soil.

The Kenyan winger’s 66-minute appearance provided a positive moment despite Sociedad’s heavy loss, with his assist highlighting his ability to make an impact against one of Europe’s leading clubs.

Ochieng’ will now turn his attention to his next assignments with Real Sociedad as he continues to develop his career in Spain. His performances will also be closely followed by Harambee Stars supporters ahead of Kenya’s upcoming international engagements.

Name the country the three comes from