Blog | Page 163 | Nairobi City Stars

31 Dec 2020

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

News and intrigues that made Nairobi City Stars in 2020

Patrick December 31, 2020

Corona Virus. It’s the one thing that characterized Nairobi City Stars Super League season in 2020.

The novel pandemic leapt out the woods into our lives and before we could understand it, we were operating in a lockdown.

For a few months we all had to stay indoors, quarantined, and when we ventured outside under strict curfews, we had to be masked.

Despite having a stellar season, Nairobi City Stars was not spared by the virus, as, from mid-March, all footballing activities in the country froze.

It their fourth stab at promotion, Simba wa Nairobi had done all they needed to do and 28 rounds into a 38-game season, the team had scooped 64 points and carried a ten-point buffer over second placed Bidco United.

With a clear view of the premier league, the team look forward to that one game they would win to be declared promoted, and the 2019/20 super league champions.

But that day never came. Neither did the coronation.

For when the games finally resumed in November, some eight months later, there was no looking back. It was picking up from where the ball had stopped.

The year began with the chase for promotion and ended with five games into the top flight league.

Though curtailed near the last mile, City Stars season’s objective was duly met in spite of the pandemic.

To sum Simba wa Nairobi‘s year, here’s a blow by blow account of the 2020 year gone.

January

7th – Peter Opiyo, Ezekiel Odera, Azizi Okaka, Tedian Esilaba and keeper Jacob Osano join the City Stars stable

11th – Simba wa Nairobi starts second leg on a high with an unprecedented 1-0 win away to Shabana in Kisii. Stopper Salim Shitu Abdalla scored the lone goal as Jimmy Bageya was named MVP. Azizi Okaka made his debut for City Stars in the second half.

18th – Goals on either half by Oliver Maloba (named MVP) and the returning Ezekiel Odera handed Nairobi City Stars a 2-0 win over visiting Vihiga Bullets in a round 21 National Super League (NSL) tie played at Camp Toyoyo, Jericho

26th – A lone Davis Agesa lone striker, off Oliver Maloba’s cross, topped up with a late Levis Lovae Opiyo penalty save, confirmed a 1-0 over hosts Vihiga United in Mumias to end the month on a high. Levis was named MVP as his sibling Peter Opiyo made his debut.

City Stars vs Vihiga Bullets at Camp Toyoyo on Sat 18 Jan 2020. They won 2-0

February

2nd – City Stars wipe out Eric Gichimu’s first half goal to see off title challengers Bidco United 2-1 at Camp Toyoyo to complete a season double. Anthony Muki Kimani and Jimmy Bageya scored the goals. Agesa was named MVP

8th – A four game winning streak brought to a rude end after a shock 3-1 loss to Coast Stima at Camp Toyoyo. Rogers Okumu, Erick Ombija and Kassim Mohammed scored for the visitors as Shitu found a consolation for the hosts. Anthony Kimani was named MVP

29th – Two penalties by Peter Opiyo and Ezekiel Odera cancelled out another penalty by David Oluoch for City Stars to outwit Kenya Police 2-1 at Toyoyo to complete a season double. Opiyo was named MVP

March

8th – City Stars starts the month with a 2-1 win over AP Bomet in Kericho. Odera forced an own goal and scored a beauty in the early minutes of the game. Keeper Jacob Osano made his debut for suspended Levis Opiyo. For a second straight game Peter Opiyo was named MVP

14th – Lead striker Ebrima Sanneh comes of the bench to power home a fine late header for City Stars to take down a tough Nairobi Stima 1-0 at Camp Toyoyo in a round 28 clash. It confirmed yet another season double as Simba wa Nairobi hit the 64-point mark to shoot ten points clear. Shitu was named MVP.

The game was played behind closed doors following the announcement by Government of the first Corona Virus victim in the country the day before. The game turned out to be the last of the season as all sporting activities were suspended after that weekend

24th – Due to Corona Virus lockdown, players put on ‘work from home’ programme to the end of April

Ezekiel Odera vs AP Bomet in Kericho on Sun 8 Mar 2020

April – August

With no football in the foreseeable future due to Corona virus, City Stars players and staff recoiled to ambassadorship and caregiving roles at the Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JFF) to partake in regular community service.

Distribution of food hampers to the vulnerable families in Kibera and Deep Sea in Parklands (April, May and June) and in #JengaJirani initiatives in July and August kept the players and team officials busy.

In the midst of all the activities, it was confirmed, on 1st May, that Nairobi City Stars – and Bidco United – were promoted once the Federation realized the Corona Virus pandemic was here to stay.

City Stars DM Charles Otieno Oduro doing distribution work in Kibera on Thur 16 Jul 2020 during the #JengaJirani drive

July

Keeper Levis Opiyo, defenders Kevin Okumu and Tedian Esilaba, midfielders David Gateri, Eric Ochieng and keeper Ronny Kagunzi all leave the club at expiry of their contracts.

Eric Ochieng, Noah Abich, Tedian Atuto, Levis Opiyo

August

7th – Teenage midfielder Timothy Babu Ouma from Laiser Hill Academy joined Simba wa Nairobi on a long term deal becoming the first off season signing. At the time of signing he was the reigning Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Rift Valley MVP.

19th – Offensive midfielder Rowland Babu Makati, 19, joined Nairobi City Stars on a long term deal from Vapor Sports, a club that signed him from local club Escalators of Gatina.

Rowland Makati with team coordinator Samson Otieno on his unveiling at City Stars on Tue 18 Aug 2020

September

1st – Defensive midfielder Ronney Kola Oyaro, 20, made a big leap from lower tier side Kenya School of Government (KSG) to sign a long term deal at City Stars.

3rd – Teenage keeper Elvis Ochieng Ochoro, 18, who spent his formative football years at Makadara Junior League, joined from regional league side Hakati Sportiff.

4th – Striker Erick Ombija, 25, joined Nairobi City Stars from champions Gor Mahia on a two-year deal to becoming the fifth arrival in the current transfer window

7th – Defensive mid Sven Yidah arrives from Kariobangi Sharks on a two-year deal

28th – After close to seven months of no football, team starts low key training at Hope Centre and Camp Toyoyo

Sven Yidah with Nairobi City Stars CEO Patrick Korir during his unveiling on Mon 7 Sep 2020

October

8th – Head coach Sanjin arrives back in the country accompanied by assistant coach Nihad Nalbantic to prepare for the Premier League season. Team shifts training to Ligi Ndogo

15^th – Dead ball specialist Noah Abich officially announces his retirement as a footballer. He joins City Stars bench as an apprentice assistant coach.

24th – Ligi Ndogo offers first preseason test at their backyard. They fall fall 4-0 from goals from Ebrima Sanneh, a brace from Davis Agesa and Charles Otieno

31st – First major preseason friendly against Kariobangi Sharks ends even at 1-1 at Utalii grounds. New signing Rogers Okumu scores first before Peter Lwasa equalized. Striker Ebrima Sanneh suffered a long term injury in the game.

Timothy Ouma of City Stars challenging for the ball against a Sharks player during a friendly at Utalii on Sat 31 Oct 2020

November

2nd – Left back Herit Mungai completes his arrival to City Stars — the last signing – after impressing in the Sharks friendly. His last station was Coast Stima

7th – Hosts Bidco rallied to hold City Stars at Thika Stadium in a preseason friendly. Anthony Muki Kimani’s first half penalty was cancelled out by Anthony Gathu’s long range shot in the next half

11th – Mixed results for City Stars at PSC as the main team goes down 1-0 to KCB, while the second team romps 6-0 past Kibera Select Interbase. Eric Ombija missed a penalty but still came out with a brace as Ezekiel Odera registered a treble.

Davis Agesa on the ball as Peter Opiyo looks on during a friendly against Mt. Kenya United on Sat 14 Nov 2020. It ended 1-1

13th – New signings Ronny Kola and Rowland Makati head to NSL side Nairobi Stima for half-season loan

15th – Tevin Opondo levels matters in the second half to cancel out a first half goal by Erick Ombija as second tier side Mt. Kenya holds City Stars to a 1-1 draw at Dagoretti High School.

21st – Mixed results posted at the Jamhuri Showground as City Stars falls 1-0 to Posta Rangers before letting go a 1-0 half time lead to tie Gor Mahia 1-1

29th – Team registers a 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar in their Premier League opener at the Narok Stadium. It was a historic clash on many fronts as 12 players making their Premier League debut for City Stars on the day, head coach Sanjin Alagic made his top flight bow, and was the first top tier game for City Stars since 19 November 2016. Salim Abdalla was named MVP as keeper Steve Njunge – who saved a penalty – and Muki made it to the team of the week. Maloba and Agesa made the reserve team

Oliver Maloba celebrates his goal, the second for City Stars in the season opening 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar FC at Narok Stadium on Sun 29 Nov 2020

December

4th – A lone goal in the 43rd minute by Henry Onyango proved the difference as KCB registered a 1-0 win over Nairobi City Stars in a second round Premier League game played at Kasarani’s outer pitch on Friday 4th December 2020.

On the morning of the game, City Stars family went into mourning following the shock demise of long serving TM Neville Ovi Oduor Pudo

11th – Simba wa Nairobi hit visiting Bandari FC 2-0 in a third round Premier League game played at Kasarani to bounce back to winning ways. Njunge and Shitu made the team of the week

Skipper Anthony Muki Kimani, off an assist by Jimmy Bageya, and an own goal by the opposite skipper Bernard Odhiambo off a Davis Agesa cross ball, in the 60th and 68th minutes respectively, delivered the second win in three games. Njunge was named MVP

12th – On loan Rowland Makati came off the bench to score and provide assist to help Nairobi Stima salvage a 2-2 draw against promoted Soy United in Thika in an NSL season opener

17th – Nairobi City Stars posted their first draw of the season after holding hosts Bidco United 0-0 in a fourth round FKF Premier League game played at Utalii grounds. It was a third clean sheet for the team

Keeper Steve Njunge gets the thumps up after saving a penalty against Nzoia Sugar in a season opener on Sun 29 Nov 2020 in Narok. He was named MVP on Fri 11 Dec 2020 after a 2-0 win over Bandari

19th – TM Pudo laid to rest in Yala, Nyanza

Full game for Ronney Kola and second half appearance for Rowland Makati as Nairobi Stima draws AP Bomet in the NSL in Bomet

21st – Amidst pomp and color, the club fetes all its players and technical bench from the past season for promoting the club. Muki named 2019/20 season MVP

23rd – City Stars forced to come from behind to tie Vihiga United 1-1 at Utalii grounds in a fifth Premier League clash. Sven Yidah’s first goal, a header, for the club in the 48th minute cancelled out David Simiyu’s 43rd minute header. Sven was named in the league’s team of the week

28th – Team resumes training after four days of a short holiday to prepare for premier league resumption in early January

29 Dec 2020

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

Sven Yidah up against Bandari's Collins Agade on Fri 11 Dec during FKF Premier League round 3 game at Kasarani. City Stars won 2-0

Sven in match day 5 team of the week

Patrick December 29, 2020

Nairobi City Stars midfielder Sven Yidah was named to the starting eleven at the close of round five Premier League games played on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 24th December 2020.

Sven was unaccompanied in the 18-man team of the week from Nairobi City Stars who managed a 1-1 draw with Vihiga United at Utalii grounds to head to new year placed fifth on the log.

In that game, Sven scored the leveler, a header in the 48th minute off an Oliver Maloba cross to cancel out David Simiyu’s opening goal in the 42nd minute.

He could have ended the game with a hat trick had his header off a Jimmy Bageya cross not bounced off the upright and another effort just weaved wide.

Sven was named in midfield alongside Jackson Dwang from Posta Rangers and Michael Mutinda of KCB.

KCB’s Jacob Okoth was named the best keeper in the week alongside his defender David Owino, Daniel Sakari of Kariobangi Shaks, Nzoia Sugar’s Gabriel Wandera and Ulinzi’s Bonface Andayi.

Derrick Otanga (KCB), Enosh Ochieng (Ulinzi) and Eric Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks) complete the front row.

James Saruni (GK), Brian Birgen, Elvis Nandwa (All Ulinzi), Bernard Odhiambo, Yema Mwana (Bandari), Eric Gichimu (Bidco United) and Patrick Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks) completed the list of reserves.

In Week 4, City Stars center back Kenedy Vidic Onyango made it to the reserves of the team of the week.

In Week 3, where City Stars knocked out Bandari 2-0 at Kasarani, keeper Steve Njunge and center back Salim Shitu Abdalla were named to the team of the week.

In the same week Njunge was nominated as player of the year while head Coach Sanjin Alagic was nominated as coach of the week.

In week 1, skipper Anthony Kimani and Davis Agesa were in the team of the week as Oliver Maloba and keeper Steve Njunge made the bench.

26 Dec 2020

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

Ebrimma Sanneh — Ebrima Sanneh hugs coach Sanjin Alagic after scoring winner against Nairobi Stima on Sat 14 Mar 2020 at amp Toyoyo

Players speak on allegations levelled against Coach Sanjin

Patrick December 26, 2020

On Wednesday 23 December 2020, allegations were made against head coach Sanjin Alagic that he had made certain racial comments towards Vihiga United players during a fifth-round match held at the Utalii Grounds from 1pm.

The grave allegations were made on social media after which it was picked by an international portal which spurned the falsehood like wildfire thereby maligning the reputation of the coach, and Nairobi City Stars in sum.

But three players; midfielder Peter Pinchez Opiyo, defender Calvin Masawa and striker Ezekiel Omulo Odera, on behalf of the rest, have come out to clear the coaches’ name in the wake of the sensitive allegations.

Pinchez, who joined Simba wa Nairobi in January 2020 ending six years of playing in Qatar and Finland put forward a strong statement in the wake of the recent occurrence.

This is over and above an official statement released by Nairobi City Stars.

“I’ve been for many times a victim of racial abuse, so as a black person I know how it feels, and I wouldn’t want any one from any race to be subjected to such a sick situation. Therefore, I would be the first one to condemn such utterances, if there were any,”

“Allegations made against our Coach Mr. Sanjin, are very serious and having been there, and heard every single word from him, I must say it’s very uncouth for any person to implicate anyone on such grounds, having in mind how serious this type allegation is treated in our society now,”

“I was very saddened also by bloggers and football lovers, who resorted to writing things, they were not sure of, on different platforms on social media. They were not at the stadium, and when you ask them where they got such material, they say they were told. Very irresponsible!

“There are channels to be followed when such things arise, leave them for the legal teams, don’t go jumping into conclusions because a white man is involved.” Concluded Opiyo

Overall team captain Calvin Masawa, the longest serving City Stars player (since 2011), echoed Peter’s sentiments.

Masawa started off the bench and made his way to the pitch six minutes after the hour mark in place of left back Herit Mungai.

At half time he had a spat with Vihiga United players over the allegations and had to be pulled away by one of the match officials.

This is what he had to say;

“Hello guys, I hope this finds you well. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy new year. I’m Calvins Masawa, captain Nairobi City Stars FC,”

“Following the allegations made by Vihiga United players that our head Coach Mr Sanjin Alagic made some racial slur towards them during our match against them at Utalii grounds on Wednesday 23rd, I’m stating categorically that the said statement is baseless, ill-advised and did not happen since I happened to be just yards away from the scene at half time,”

“I’m not here to defend the Coach, because he doesn’t need defending. This is even more obvious now that Goal has retracted an article they published on the allegations and apologized,”

“In addition to this, I still want to show that it is important that we speak. I am sober, confident and honest enough to say such did not happen and will never happen,”

“We as Nairobi City Stars fc Players DO NOT ENCOURAGE racist remarks or discrimination of any nature because we believe in equality and fair play regardless of race, nationality or even ethnicity,”

“Mr Sanjin is always a very social, humble and one easy guy who always socialize and interact with every player(s) and at times as far as the soccer fans, that’s according to the one and a half years we have worked with him. He has never been anything but kind and professional with all of us,”

“So to make such damaging and alleging claims against him is kind of lack of respect to him, his family and the entire Nairobi City Stars family,”

“Lastly I’m urging everyone to stay calm, sober and stop judging or politicizing since racism is a very sensitive issue and should not be raised in such a carefree manner,”

“I hope that the publications who were quick to sensationalize the story, and individuals that were quick to run with the same in their own social media pages, will also be as quick in spreading news of our statement of support, as well as the retraction and apology by Goal.” Concluded Masawa

Odera, who returned City Stars in January for a second stint since 2017, said;

“It has come to my attention that it is alleged that our coach racially insulted Vihiga United players. It is my responsibility as a senior player to voice my sentiments to this critical issue

of racism/insults/harassment. The beautiful game is about love, inclusivity, passion, togetherness,”

“It is very unfortunate because I was actively involved in that match and it is frivolous and damaging for Vihiga United management to bring such accusations against our coach and play with the media over such serious allegations,”

Coach Sanjin Allagic is a very passionate, self driven and sober minded person. He has managed me and other players and its unfortunate for purposes of gaining media sympathy a person would want to damage his good reputation,”

“Kindly let us be impartial and truthful when handling this issue. Our beautiful has come a long way and let’s continue building on the gains achieved. Merry Xmas and a Happy/prosperous New year.” summed Odera

Several other City Stars players have commented on the same in their individual social media pages.

The Utalii game ended 1-1. Vihiga United led 1-0 at half time.

23 Dec 2020

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

Sanjin alagic, Patrick Korir — Coach Sanjin Alagic from Bosnia being ushered back to the club with a season long contract by City Stars CEO Patrick Korir

Club statement on alleged ‘racist’ remarks made by our coach

Patrick December 23, 2020

Reports have reached us on allegations that our head coach Sanjin Alagic made racist comments against Vihiga United at the Utalii grounds on Wednesday 23 December 2020.

The game kicked off at 1pm and it is alleged that the comments were made to the Vihiga United players at half time. At that point the visitors led the game 1-0.

The allegations are grave to say the least and as a club we have launched immediate investigations on the same.

Nairobi City Stars and Jonathan Jackson Foundation are anti-racist organizations, and have done everything in their power to promote inclusivity and access to opportunity both within, and outside of football.

Our appointments have always fallen in line with our beliefs and our ethos.

The entire top brass of the club – chair Jonathan Jackson, CEO Patrick Korir and team coordinator Samson Otieno watched the game at very close range and we are aware of the coaches lamentation at refereeing decisions which led him to confront the fourth official time and again.

In fact, they were at all times, close enough to see and hear the engagement of the coach. At one point the chair Jonathan walked up to him asking him to lessen his complaints to the referee which he did for the entirety of the second half.

We also took note of exchange of words between some of our players and those from Vihiga United at that very moment.

The club and all of its employees firmly stand by Sanjin during this time, and is stoic in its belief in him as a personality that has never done anything other than fit in with, and amplify, Nairobi City Stars and Jonathan Jackson Foundation values at all times.

Sanjin is a well loved coach who has been personable with every person working with the club and the foundation since his arrival in Kenya, and has always been helpful and supportive even during his times away from the country.

To make baseless allegations of such gravity against an individual that has never shown such tendencies is intolerable.

To get us to the bottom of the matter, we have asked for the footage of the recorded game and would urge any one who was close by to share any videos, audios that can provide evidence on the same.

Should there be any evidence we will take immediate action as our club policy does not condone any form of kind of racism as we believe in respect and dignity to all.

By the same token, should no clear evidence be provided, as we expect, we will request a formal retraction and strong apology from those that have made these allegations, and will pursue all means necessary to ensure that the names and reputations of all involved are not tarnished by the frivolity of a few.

The matter is serious and we will treat it with the seriousness that it deserves.

23 Dec 2020

Patrick NCS, Team News Permalink

Nairobi City Stars shared spoils (1-1) with Vihiga United in a fifth round Premier League game on Wed 22 Dec 2020 at Utalii grounds. Pictured - goal scorer Sven Yidah and Oliver Maloba

Nairobi City Stars vs Vihiga United: It’s a draw

Patrick December 23, 2020

Visiting Vihiga United collected a point off hosts Nairobi City Stars on Wednesday 23 December 2020 in a fifth round Premier League game played at Utalii Grounds starting 1pm. It ended 1-1.

Vihiga punished a wasteful City Stars with a 43rd minute opener when, against the run of play, big unit David Simiyu got ahead of Herit Mungai to power in a header at the near post after connecting well a long left sided cross from Lesley Owino.

The game was level soon after restart, in the 48th minute, after Oliver Maloba zoomed into the box to square a pass for Sven Yidah to head in from close range. It was his first ever goal for City Stars.

The results keeps Simba wa Nairobi fifth on the log with eight points and Vihiga United at tenth with four points as both sides close shop for the year.

As early as the second minute City Stars registered the first danger of the game with a freekick that right back Azizi Okaka sent wide.

Vihiga had a response two minutes to the half hour mark when Mark Mkala powered a header just wide off a cross from right back Johnson Muyesu. Mkalla was to send another header wide seven minutes later off a freekick.

Two minutes later Oliver Maloba drove the ball to the Vihiga box but youngster Timothy Babu Ouma failed to get a firm shot on it.

Then came the goal from Simiyu just a minute after Herit Mungai, City Stars left back, had seen his long range shot picked up by keeper Morgan Alube who initiated the counter that led to the goal at the other end.

City Stars started the game with pressure leading to Sven’s early goal. Just four minutes later it could have been 2-1 for City Stars had Babu not seen his close ranger echo off the base of the upright.

The post came to Vihiga’s rescue once again to deny Sven a brace off a cross from sub Jimmy Bageya who had come on for Babu.

Vihiga too had their chances to collect the spoils as sub Junior Adeyefa – on for scorer David Simiyu at the hour mark – saw his long range pile driver in the 73rd minute just whisk wide off a counter attack.

Perhaps the best they had was in the 80th minute when another sub Alex Imbusia smacked goalward a 30-yarder only for City Stars keeper Steve Njunge to parry it out for a fruitless corner.

No further action could separate the teams as the two teams had to share points for a third time in Nairobi in the last four years.

Lineups

Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza (8. Calvin Masawa-66′ – captain from 72′), 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 27. Azizi Okaka, 10. Peter Opiyo, 18. Sven Yidah , 20. Timothy Ouma (19. Jimmy Bageya-60), 30. Anthony Kimani-Captain((2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo-72), 21. Oliver Maloba (7. Rodgers Okumu-60), 32. Ezekiel Odera (24. Erick Ombija-72)

Unused subs: 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 12. Edwin Buliba, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth

Not considered: 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 3. Charles Otieno, 11. Davis Agesa, 16. Jacob Osano, 5. Wesley Onguso, 15. John Kamau, 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa

Coach: Sanjin Alagic

Vihiga United: 30. Morgan Alube, 28. Johnston Muyesu, 4. Michael Odongo, 14. Sammy Sindani, 25. Norman Werunga (C), 15. Mark Okalla, 5. Wycliffe Nthatha, 24. Lesley Owino, 10. Hillary Otieno [(16. Alex Imbusia-60 (36. Henry Juma-90+), 23. David Simiyu ((21. Junior Adeyefa-60), 40. Dennis Wafula 20. Meshack Makokha-78)

Unused subs: Michael Matiso (GK), 25. Kevin Omondi, 17. Lawrence Luvanda, 8. Patrick Ongaya, 19. Michael Isabwa,

Coach: Sammy Okoth

Goals: David Simiyu (Vihiga United-43), Sven Yidah (Nairobi City Stars-48)

Yellow cards: 24. Lesley Owino-52, 21. Junior Adeyefa-69, 4. Michael Odongo-86 (Vihiga United)//10. Peter Opiyo-45′ (Nairobi City Stars)

Match Officials: Edward Wabungu (Match Comm), Meshack Omwami (Centre Ref), Dorine Kendi (AR 1), Emmanuel Barasa (AR 2), Simon Ogaga (Reserve Ref)

Nairobi City Stars shared spoils (1-1) with Vihiga United in a fifth round Premier League game on Wed 22 Dec 2020 at Utalii grounds. Pictured – goal scorer Sven Yidah (18)and Azizi Okaka (21)