16 Jan 2022
NCS, Team News Permalink
City Stars
City Stars players celebrate Oliver Maloba's goal that delivered a 1-0 win over Tusker in Ruaraka on Sun 16 Jan 2022

Tusker FC 0 Nairobi City Stars 1

January 16, 2022

An 87th-minute goal by substitute Oliver Maloba, off a sure pass from Timothy Babu Ouma, handed Nairobi City Stars a 1-0 win over home team Tusker FC in Ruaraka on Sunday 16 January 2022.

The latest result, coupled with others, sees Simba wa Nairobi shoot to the second spot with 16 points stretching away from Tusker who remains 13th with 16 points.

It was Maloba’s first goal of the season, and it earned City Stars their second straight win while visiting Tusker in six months at the same venue.

He had only been on the pitch for 12 minutes after taking up the place of out-and-out striker Ezekiel Odera.

The game started on a high and City Stars, parading an unchanged lineup from the one that hit FC Talanta 2-1 in the last game, could have been up with a goal as early as the third minute had Odera, scorer of the lone and winning goal against Tusker in late July 2021, burst into the box and chose to make one more step before shooting allowing stopper Christopher Oruchum to clear the ball.

Five minutes later Tusker won a freekick on the left but eventually wasted it. It took a whole of six minutes to take the dead ball after an incident in the box left City Stars stopper, Salim Shitu Abdalla, on the ground. He received a heavy bandage on his head.

Tusker had a chance to take the lead a minute after the quarter-hour mark but a shot from outside the box by John Njuguna rattled the crossbar and straight to the arms of City Stars keeper Jacob Osano who went on to register a seventh clean sheet in 13 games.

The 20th minute, bubbly Timothy Ouma broke into the box to receive a perfect John Kamau cross. But as was the case with Odera earlier, he took a little too long to pull the trigger allowing Tusker to force a fruitless corner.

Within seven minutes after the half-hour mark, Kamau, a former Tusker winger, had sent a freekick right to keeper Brian Bwire as Babu’s attempted long-range chip fell shot. On the other end, Tusker’s foreign forwards Deograetius Ojok and Ibrahim Joshua had shots that Osano contained well to keep City Stars in the game. Ojok’s follow-up freekick earned a corner that bore no fruits.

In the 40th minute, City Stars left-back Dennis Wanjala saw his freekick, earned by Peter Pinchez Opiyo, clip the upright.

The rest of the minutes before the breather saw Pinchez waste a freekick as Babu’s cross for Kamau ended with Bwire before he fired an Odera cross at the side netting.

At the start of the second half Tusker brought in Shami Kibwana for Ojok and within the next few seconds, they had a freekick that only rolled out for a freekick.

Within the next seven minutes Sven Yidah, with a man of the match performance all through, attempted a shot on goal off a freekick from skipper Anthony Kimani. It was bundled back in play. On the other end, Shami’s cross arrived in the box but Ibrahim failed to connect to it.

A minute after the hour mark, Shitu went into Davies Omweno’s book due to a high boot clearance. Tusker however could not get the most of the awarded freekick.

In the 70th minute Erick Ombija took up Kamau’s place and five minutes later he was joined by game hero Maloba who was accompanied by Tusker pair of Clyde Senaji and Stewart Omondi who replaced Humphrey Mieno and Lawrence Luvanda, respectively.

In between Ombija’s arrival and the follow-up three subs, Sven had given a dangerous freekick at the edge of the box but as had been the case in the game, Tusker wasted it despite the good range.

Tusker was awarded a corner in the 76th minute but wasted it and in the next minute had Rodgers Ouma carded for a foul on Babu.

As the clock struck 80 minutes, Babu and Maloba combined well in the Tusker box only for the latter to miscue the ball marginally wide.

That combination had a different effect six minutes later when Babu picked out a dashing Maloba who bundled the ball home past Bwire for the winner.

Just before the goal, Muki gave way for winger Davis Agesa.

The game was to end with one last corner for Tusker who were hosting City Stars for the 13th time since the year 2003.

Lineups

Tusker: 1. Brian Bwire, 12. Isaac Kipyegon, 40. Eugene Asike-captain, 6. Christopher Oruchum, 24. Daniel Sakari, 30. Humphrey Mieno (5. Clyde Senaji-74), 26. John Njuguna, 23. Rogers Ouma, 11. Lawrence Luvanda (18. Stewart Omodi-74), 13. Deograetius Ojok (28. Shami Kibwana-46), 17. Ibrahim Joshua

Unused subs: 29. Michael Wanjala, 22. Kevin Monyi, 27. Charles Momanyi, 4. Apollo Otieo, 8. Wellington Ochieng, 7. Eric Zakayo,

Coach: Robert Matano

Nairobi City Stars: 16. Jacob Osano, 19. Kevin Okumu, 12. Edwin Buliba, 26. Dennis Wanjala, 18. Sven Yidah, 10. Peter Opiyo, 30. Anthony Kimani-Captain (11. Davis Agesa-86,), 20. Timothy Noor Ouma, 15. John Kamau (24. Erick Ombija-70), 32. Ezekiel Odera (21. Oliver Maloba-74),

Unused subs: 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 8. Calvin Masawa, 5. Michael Madoya, 4. Salim Abdalla, 27. Lennox Ogutu, 3. Charles Otieno

Out: 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 6. Ronney Kola (all injured), 23. Stephen Njunge (GK), 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 14. Rowland Makati, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui, 28. Herit Mungai

Coach: Nicholas Muyoti

Yellow cards

Tusker: 23. Rodgers Ouma (77)

Nairobi City Stars: 4. Salim Abdalla (61)

Goal: 21. Oliver Maloba – City Stars (87)

City Stars, Maloba

Man of the moment Oliver Maloba with fans after his goal secured a 1-0 win over Tusker in Ruaraka on Sun 16 Jan 2022

15 Jan 2022
NCS, Team News Permalink
Odera, Tusker, City Stars
Midfielder Timothy Ouma celebrates with scorer Ezekiel Odera celebrates a 53rd minute goal that handed Nairobi City Stars a 1-0 win over Tusker on Fri 30 July 2021 in Ruaraka

Head-to-head: Tusker (H) vs Nairobi City Stars (A): 2021/22 FKF Premier League season

January 15, 2022

On Sunday 16 January 2022, in Ruaraka, champions Tusker FC will face-off with Nairobi City Stars in the premier league for the 27th time since the year 2003.

Broken down, it will be the 14th time that Tusker will be the host to Simba wa Nairobi. 

From the previous 13 games away to Tusker, City Stars has managed four wins, three draws, and lost the other six.

It will be the sixth time that City Stars will be hosted at Ruaraka by Tusker after visits in 2004, 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2021.

The 2004 and 2010 games ended in 1-0 wins in favor of Tusker, while the 2009 and 2014 games ended 1-1.

City Stars’ only triumph in Ruaraka was in the last game between the two, played in late July 2021. Ezekiel Odera scored to deliver a 1-0 win in that game.

Coach John Amboko masterminded that win last year by seeing off his former coach Robert Matano.

But on Sunday, Amboko will deputize head coach Nicholas Muyoti as City Stars has another go at Tusker in their backyard.

Into the game, Tusker carries a 1-0 loss to Posta Rangers to the duel as City Stars goes in with a 2-1 win over FC Talanta from their last assignment.

Summary

City Stars away games vs Tusker; Wins (4), Draws (3), Loses (6). Total – 13

17-Oct-04; Tusker vs World Hope, 1-0 (L)
2-Jul-06; Tusker vs World Hope, 1-0 (L)
21-Jul-07; Tusker vs World Hope, 3-1 (L)
20-Aug-08; Tusker vs World Hope, 0-2 (W)
4-Apr-09; Tusker vs City Stars, 1-1 (D)
9-May-10Tusker vs City Stars, 1-0 (L)
17-Jul-11; Tusker vs City Stars, 2-1 (L)
11-Feb-12; Tusker vs City Stars, 2-1 (L)
20-Sep-13; Tusker vs City Stars, 2-3 (W)
19-Sep-14; Tusker vs City Stars, 1-1 (D)
21-Aug-15; Tusker vs City Stars, 0-1 (W)
23-Oct-16; Tusker vs City Stars, 1-1 (D)
30-Jul-21; Tusker vs City Stars, 0-1 (W)
16-Jan-22; Tusker vs City Stars, ??

Odera, Tusker, City Stars

Striker Ezekiel Odera celebrates his 53rd minute goal that handed Nairobi City Stars a 1-0 win over Tusker on Fri 30 July 2021 in Ruaraka

15 Jan 2022
NCS, Team News Permalink
Nairobi City Stars
Elvis Ochieng Ochoro during his unveiling at City Stars on Thur 3 Sep 2020

Ochoro in squad for Tusker face-off

January 15, 2022

For the first time this season, budding goalkeeper Elvis Oblak Ochoro has made the squad for a league game, this time for the showdown against champions Tusker at Ruaraka on Sunday 16 January 2022 starting 3 pm.

Ochoro, a former Kenya U20 trialist, takes up the place of Steve Njunge who takes a worthy rest after making the squad in all 13 games into the season.

Ochoro joins Jacob Osano who has been between the posts for the last 12 straight games.

Other than Ochoro, the other change from the squad that took down FC Talanta 2-1 in the last league assignment is bully Davis Beast Agesa.

The Beast takes up the slot of defender Herit Mungai who takes a rest.

From the lot that last faced Tusker at the same venue in late July 2021, winning 1-0, changes are seven

Other than Ochoro’s entry for Njunge, the defense line will have three new faces; Lennox Ogutu, Salim Shitu Abdalla, and Dennis Decha Wanjala in place of Bolton Omwenga who has since left the club, Wycliffe Otieno, and Herit who has taken a rest.

Elvis Noor Ojiambo and Azizi Okaka, who has since left the club, are the midfielders who are out and in their places Rodgers Okuse Okumu, Oliver Maloba, as well as two former Tusker players Michael Madoya, and Peter Opiyo.

The added midfielders buffer the frontline that sees Nicholas Kipkirui and Vincent Otieno Okoth miss out on yet another game against Tusker.

20-man squad to Tusker FC

Goalkeepers: 16. Jacob Osano, 1. Elvis Ochoro

Defenders: 26. Dennis Wanjala, 19. Kevin Okumu, 4. Salim Abdallah, 8. Calvin Masawa, 12. Edwin Buliba, 27. Lennox Ogutu,

Midfielders: 30. Anthony Kimani-captain, 20. Timothy Ouma, 18. Sven Yidah, 3. Charles Otieno, 7. Rodgers Okumu, 21. Oliver Maloba, 5. Michael Madoya, 15. John Kamau, 10. Peter Opiyo, 11. Davis Agesa,

Strikers: 32. Ezekiel Odera, 24. Erick Ombija,

Out: 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 6. Ronney Kola, 23. Stephen Njunge, 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 14. Rowland Makati, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 17. Nicholas Kipkirui, 28. Herit Mungai,

14 Jan 2022
NCS, Team News Permalink
Decha, City Stars
Many thoughts for left-back Dennis 'Decha' Wanjala during an 8th round FKF Premier League match on Wed 8 Dec 2021 in Ruaraka during a game against his former employers. It ended 0-0

Wanjala talks up his City Stars experience so far

January 14, 2022

Left-back Dennis Decha Wanjala has picked his spot at Nairobi City Stars and is not about to let go.

Decha, roped in from Nzoia Sugar in the offseason, say’s he is fully settled at Simba wa Nairobi and is out to aid the team to achieve its set objectives.

Wanjala joined the Nairobi City Stars family in September 2021 on a three-year deal taking up the slot vacated by Bolton Omwenga after he was released to move over to Kagera Sugar in Tanzania.

Decha is the current starting left-back at City Stars, and as evidenced by 13 games into the season, Decha has completed all minutes in all league games, save for the last four minutes in the match against AFC Leopards after he limped off injured.

“So far so good. I am loving it here at Nairobi City Stars. When I arrived I was received very well and a few months later I can confirm that I am fully settled at the club,”

“The environment at Simba wa Nairobi allows me to fully concentrate on my game and as the matches progress I hope to step up a gear and push the club to greater heights.” added the soft-spoken defender.

As he transitioned between Nzoia and City Stars, Decha was called up to the provisional Kenya team that was shaping up for an away and home game against Mali in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“That was a big call. I went to the Harambee Stars camp for a few days which was a first. Unfortunately, coaching changes at the National team followed soon after, and I am still waiting for a recall,”

“That is a platform I wish to play in, for the national team. The right time will come but until then my focus is to give 100% percent at my team Nairobi City Stars be it in training or in competitive games,” added Decha

Save for his astute defending, Decha is a dead ball specialist and even though he is yet to score, he says; “It’s just a matter of time, the goals are coming.”

Wanjala dons jersey no. 26.

Wanjala, Decha, Lennox, Wazito

City Stars defenders Dennis Wanjala (26) and LEnnox Ogutu (27) eyeing the ball in a game against Wazito on Thur 21 Oct 2021. City Stars won it 3-1 at Thika Stadium

13 Jan 2022
NCS, Team News Permalink
City Stars
JJF CEO Diana Sifuna ushers in Nairobi City Stars players to seminar on 'How to Save'

City Stars players receive tips on how to save

January 13, 2022

Live within your means, stop bad habits such as alcoholism, stop being over-generous, learn to plan (budget), stop impulse (unplanned) purchases and buying excesses, as well as cut down on unnecessary expenses.

Those were choice words handed to Nairobi City Stars players and technical bench during a workshop on how to save held in World Hope Centre on Wednesday 12 January 2022.

The clubs’ bankroller Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF), through its economic Empowerment pillar, called out the aforementioned as part of the hindrances that stop many players, and athletes as a whole, from saving their hard-earned monies thereby failing to plan for a future.

During the Wednesday meet-up, JJF’s Business Development Manager (BDM) Randy Ochieng, reiterated the importance of financial management, and planning.

“The ultimate aim of the workshop was to inculcate the savings culture among the City Stars family as well as highlight suitable savings channels to the members to enable them to build up their savings for future purposes,” said Randy

“Among the areas we looked at was the importance of saving, factors that determine ability to save, as well as pillars and channels of saving whether formal or informal and the challenges of savings,”

Virtually all players agreed the seminar was an eye-opener and speaking at the event, these are some of the sentiments that came out;

“I am learning early, that for a good future I have to start saving what I earn now,” said teenager Timothy Babu Ouma

His senior Peter Pinchez Opiyo echoed Babu’s sentiments by saying; “This is an eye-opener, and it is very clear that saving calls for discipline and sacrifice. My take-home is, you have to start saving what you have now, and not tomorrow.”

Head coach Nicholas Muyoti, a former Kenya captain and international said;

“Most of what was highlighted at the seminar are things players can relate to. We thank the Jonathan Jackson Foundation for bringing this to light and we hope from today onwards we can pick up the saving culture by embracing proper financial management.” Added Muyoti

BDM Randy asked those at the seminar to acquire the culture of saving, discipline that includes deliberate effort not to withdraw saved money before a set objective is met, need to always budget, need to cut down on luxuries and unnecessary expenses e.g. use of cheaper means of transport, or walking home from training.

Diana Sifuna, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at JJF had the following closing remarks:

“The topic of the day and the teachings from the BDM is of great importance and if well embraced, will shape the future of the players and coaches,”

“I am happy at the uptake of the discussions based on the open intearctivity at the workshop. On behalf of the Foundation, I thank all those that attended,” said Diana before adding;

“In due course, the Foundation will engage the players and coaches in yet another life-changing workshop that aligns with our existing pillars.”

The latest seminar followed up on one in late November where club owner Jonathan Jackson promised to support any of his players and coaching staff who wished to venture into business.

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