07 Dec 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink
Elvis Ojiambo taking on a Migori Youth player in the NSL on 2 Nov 2019
Elvis Ojiambo taking on a Migori Youth player in the NSL on 2 Nov 2019

Ojiambo admits to nervousness on KPL debut

December 7, 2020

On Sunday 29 November 2020, Nairobi City Stars beat Nzoia Sugar 2-0 at the Narok Stadium in their opening game of the 2020/21 FKF Premier League season.

In that game, the first Premiership tie for City Stars in four years and ten days, one Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 19, started in the mid of the pack alongside Peter Opiyo for his top flight debut.

The lad signed to City Stars from Kibera Black Stars mid last year admitted to the magnitude and weight the game had on him.

“For me it was such a big game. I have to admit that I was very nervous before and during the game. It was the my first ever Premier League game and it was a very big one for me. It came with pressure,” said Elvis

His debut lasted 66 minutes before he gave way to Sven Yidah for his City Stars debut, but game number 98 in the Premier League.

Last Friday Elvis nailed another start as City Stars went on to lose 1-0 to KCB in the second game at Kasarani.

In his own words, he was more at ease in Kasarani than in Narok.

“It was the second Premier League game and there was little pressure compared to the first. I am now slowly coming to terms with playing the games at this level.” he added

As was the case in Narok, Elvis once again gave way for Sven in the second half in the game against KCB.

In the Narok game, his younger sibling Timothy Noor Ouma aka Babu – the reigning Rift Valley Chapa Dimba MVP – also made his Premier League bow after coming on for Oliver Maloba.

He was a second half sub once again in the game against KCB.

04 Dec 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink
City Stars stopper Kenedy Onyango keeps vigil against two KCB opponents as the two faced off at Kasarani on Fri 4 Dec 2020 in a 2nd round premier league game. KCB won 1-0
City Stars stopper Kenedy Onyango keeps vigil against two KCB opponents as the two faced off at Kasarani on Fri 4 Dec 2020 in a 2nd round premier league game. KCB won 1-0

KCB stops City Stars

December 4, 2020

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.

Onyango had a second bite on the cherry after his first attempt was parried back into play, and on take-two, roofed the ball to the far post with a right footer past Steve Njunge in City Stars goal to settle the game of nerves.

Both teams came to the game with wins from the opening round; KCB with a 3-0 win over Posta Rangers and City Stars with a 2-0 win over Nzoia Sugar, but with the latest win, KCB shoots to the top of the table with maximum six points ahead of further league games at the weekend.

Simba wa Nairobi called the tune early and had a goal in the 12th minute when Kenedy Vidic Onyango headed in a corner only for it to be ruled out due to a handball by a City Stars player.

KCB was forced into an early change in the 20th minute when center back Bethwel Warambo had to go out due to a recurrent injury with forward Victor Omondi taking up his place which led to readjustment to positioning at the back.

Not too long after the tempo of the game changed as KCB took advantage of lost balls in midfield to patrol the flanks to go forward leading to the goal at the brink of half time.

Second half saw the introduction of dangerman Enock Agwanda by KCB alongside Vincent Wasambo, but it is City Stars that dictated the pace of the game upon entry of Sven Yidah, Laiser Hill alumnus Timothy Ouma, Ezekiel Odera, as well as winger Rodgers Okumu and defender Edwin Buliba who both earned their Premier League debuts.

A header by Davis Agesa, a long ranger by Peter Opiyo and cheeky heel clip by Ezekiel Odera, all off target, highlighted the final quarter of the game but KCB held on for their eighth home win over City Stars in 11 premier league games since the 2005/6 season.

City Stars players donned black armbands on their sleeves in respect of their fallen team manager Neville Ovi Oduor Pudo who passed on in the morning of game day.

Lineups

KCB: 1. Joseph Ochuka Okoth, 8. Dennis Odhiambo, 2. Rama Mwenda, 13. Bethwel Warambo ((17. Victor Omondi-20′(5.Nahashon Nanyendo-89′)), 23. Baraka Badi, 4. Michael Mutinda, 26. David Owino Ambulu, 7. Simon Munala (Captain), 19. Brian Ochieng (14. Vincent Wasambo-57′), 11. Derrick Otanga (29. Ian Motanda-89), 15. Henry Onyango (18. Enock Agwanda-57′)

Unused subs: 22. Gabriel Andika, 15. Brian Wepo, 25. Antonio Abwao, 6. Moses Odhiambo

Coach: Zedekiah Zico Otieno

Nairobi City Stars: 23. Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 27. Azizi Okaka (12. Edwin Buliba-71), 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo (18. Sven Yidah-59), 10. Peter Opiyo  (captain from 66′), 30. Anthony Kimani – Captain (20. Timothy Noor Ouma-66′), 21. Oliver Maloba (32. Ezekiel Odera-71′), 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth (7.Rodgers Okumu-59′), 11. Davis Agesa

Unused subs: 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 8. Calvin Masawa,

Coach: Sanjin Alagic (Bosnia)

Not considered for City Stars: 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa, 3. Charles Otieno, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 15. John Kamau, 24. Erick Ombija (injuries), 19. Jimmy Bageya, 16. Jacob Osano (sickness), 5. Wesley Onguso

Yellow cards: Anthony Kimani (Nairobi City stars-35), 26. David Owino (KCB-70′), 7. Simon Munala (KCB-90′)

Scores: KCB 1 (Henry Onyango-43′), Nairobi City Stars 0

Match Officials: Maxim Itur (MC), Andrew Juma (Centre Ref), Godfrey Ndeva (AR1), Hannah Njambi (AR2), Winnie Were (Reserve Ref)

04 Dec 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink
City Stars winger Azizi Okaka going for the ball in against an Inter base player a friendly on Wed 11 Nov 2020 at Public Service Club. City Stars won 5-0
City Stars winger Azizi Okaka going for the ball in against an Inter base player a friendly on Wed 11 Nov 2020 at Public Service Club. City Stars won 5-0

Azizi, Jamaica start against KCB

December 4, 2020

Azizi Okaka and teenage forward Vincent Otieno Okoth aka Jamaica are the two changes to the starting lineup when Nairobi City Stars visits KCB in their second round Premier League match at Kasarani on Friday 4 December 2020.

Okaka and Jamaica take up the places of Wycliffe Otieno and Erick Ombija who started the season opener against Nzoia Sugar in Narok last Sunday. Both Wycliffe and Ombija have been forced out due to injuries.

Jamaica made his Premier league bow last week in Narok after coming on for Ombija a minute after the hour mark. Azizi did not make the traveling squad.

Save from the two changes in the starting eleven is the entry of Ezekiel Odera to the bench.

Odera, a survivor from the City Stars squad that was relegated in 2016, and part of the members that lifted the squad back up after four years in 2020, was a reserve player in Narok last Sunday.

Lineup

Starting XI: Steve Njunge (GK), 28. Herit Mungai Atariza, 25. Kenedy Onyango, 4. Salim Abdalla, 27. Azizi Okaka, 2. Elvis Noor Ojiambo, 10. Peter Opiyo, 30. Anthony Kimani, 21. Oliver Maloba, 9. Vincent Otieno Okoth, 11. Davis Agesa

Subs: 1. Elvis Ochoro (GK), 12. Edwin Buliba, 18. Sven Yidah, 20. Timothy Ouma, 7. Rodgers Okumu, 8. Calvin Masawa, 32. Ezekiel Odera

Not considered: 29. Ebrima Sanneh, 17. Yusuf Mukisa Lubowa, 3. Charles Otieno, 22. Wycliffe Otieno, 24. Erick Ombija (injuries), 19. Jimmy Bageya, 16. Jacob Osano (sickness), 5. Wesley Onguso, 15. John Kamau

04 Dec 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink
Neville Pudo, 63, passed away on Fri 4 Dec 2020
Neville Pudo, 63, passed away on Fri 4 Dec 2020

City Stars TM Neville Pudo is no more

December 4, 2020

Nairobi City Stars is in mourning following the shock demise of long serving team manager Neville Ovi Oduor Pudo on the morning of Friday 4 December 2020.

According to his immediate family, Pudo, 63, suddenly passed on at his house while preparing to leave for the day.

“It is indeed sad news. The most unlikely news one could receive on a morning,” said club CEO Patrick Korir

“He spent a better part of the day yesterday at the office as we pieced up all logistics’ for our live game today at Kasarani,”

“He was our father figure and a great mentor to the entire City Stars family. May our condolences reach his family and may he rest in peace.” said Korir

Club chairman Jonathan Jackson, on behalf of the club said;

“I take this opportunity to relay our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and relatives for the great loss,”

“Pudo was humble, diligent and worked tirelessly for the good of the team. I pray for the eternal repose of a man of distinguished humanity. May he RIP.” said Jonathan

Former club Chair Peter Jabuya, who roped in Pudo to the team back in 2014, said;

“It is with regret and sorrow to receive the news of Pudo’s passing on. He was truly a kind person. Words can’t quite describe this sad feeling. I give my condolences to the entire family. God rest his soul.” said Jabuya

Pudo is a former a striker at Black Mamba and Kenya Breweries (now Tusker). Back in May 1978 he was part of Jonathan Niva coached Kenya National team squad that featured in the Presidents Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia alongside the hosts, South Korea and Pakistan.

Part of his highs at City Stars included being named the Premier League team manager of the year at the close of the 2015 season, and in leading the club back to top tier in 2020 after four seasons in the lower reaches.

04 Dec 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink
KCB keeper Gabriel Andika goes for the ball against Davis Agesa and Salim Abdallah during a friendly at Public Service Club on Wed 11 Nov 2020. KCB won 1-0
KCB keeper Gabriel Andika goes for the ball against Davis Agesa and Salim Abdallah during a friendly at Public Service Club on Wed 11 Nov 2020. KCB won 1-0

Head to head: KCB vs Nairobi City Stars

December 4, 2020

On Friday 4 December 2020, KCB FC will host Nairobi City Stars in Kasarani during a second round Premier League game starting 3pm.

It will be the first meeting in the top flight between the two sides since year 2015. According to the archives, KCB is a one of City Stars’ bogey teams.

From 20 premier league encounters from the 2005/6 to the 2015 season, KCB and City Stars have met 20 times.

Of those encounters KCB has won nine, City Stars seven with the other four encounters ending in draws.

Of the 20 , KCB has hosted half and have gone on to win seven, forcing one draw and have only lost two home games to City Stars.

Though KCB has the better home record, City Stars will recall winning the last away encounter when they visited KCB at Nyayo Stadium on 18 April 2015.

City Stars, then coached by Ugandan Paul Nkata, won the game 3-1. Ebrima Sanneh, a member of the current team, scored a brace to top up on Oscar Mbugua’s opening goal. KCB’s goal came via Raymond Murugi.

Though its been over five years since the two met in the premier league, KCB and City Stars faced off four times while in the second tier in 2017 and 2018.

Their most recent encounter was back in November 2020 during a preseason friendly. KCB won it 1-0  with a Derrick Otanga first half strike.

Which side will blink first when the Lions in Nairobi face off at Kasarani? Tune in to Startimes to catch the game live on BTV Ch 172/463 or stream on StarTimes ON bit.ly/2OwhRNP #BKPL #LigiYetuTwendeNayo

Summary of KCB FC vs Nairobi City Stars in the Premier League

Overall 20 games: KCB wins (9), Nairobi City Stars wins (7), Draws (4)

KCB as City Stars hosts: Wins (7), Draws (1), Losses (2)

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