Habari za mpira
Football news in our own words. English and Kenyan football.
Lionel Messi retires from international football
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, stating it was a decision that "hurt" him but that "the time has come." The 39-year-old, who is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, said he has given everything to the national team but now has "nothing left to give." Messi's retirement follows a period of reflection after the death of his father, and he expressed his belief that younger players deserve their chance. He shared that he wrote his retirement message on July 21, just two days after Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final.
Kenya Mon 31 Aug, 18:47 · from Capital SportsAli 'Teargas' Abondo appointed head coach of Gor Mahia Queens
Former Gor Mahia midfielder Ali 'Teargas' Abondo has been appointed as the head coach of Gor Mahia Queens. The FKF Premier League champions announced his return after the departure of Tom Odiyo. Abondo, who has a rich history with the club, aims to lead the team to their first Women's Premier League qualification, having narrowly missed out last season. He has been nurturing talent at his Ali Abondo Academy and holds a Caf C coaching license.
Kenya Mon 31 Aug, 15:36 · from Capital Sports
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FKF postpones Premier League kick-off amid promotion and relegation dispute
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has postponed the opening round of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season. This decision comes as disputes over promotion and relegation rules continue, leaving clubs and fans waiting for clarity on the situation.
Kenya Sun 30 Aug, 23:45 · from Standard SportsSt. Joseph Starlets Murang'a, LYSA win Safaricom Chapa Dimba Central titles
St. Joseph Starlets Murang'a and Laikipia Youth Soccer Academy (LYSA) have been crowned champions of the fifth edition of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Central Region. St. Joseph Starlets ended a five-season wait for the girls' title, defeating Barcelona Rising Starlets 5-1, with Patience Waithera scoring four goals. In the boys' category, LYSA claimed their third regional title by beating MASFO Academy 1-0, with Patrick Ngaira scoring from the penalty spot. Both teams now turn their focus to the national tournament, aiming to keep their momentum going.
Kenya Sun 30 Aug, 23:28 · from Capital Sports
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FKF races to start league as legal questions linger
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced that the 2026-2027 SportPesa Premier League will start tomorrow. However, legal questions regarding the league's organization and governance remain unresolved, creating a hot atmosphere around the kickoff.
Kenya Sun 30 Aug, 06:00 · from Standard SportsFKF Premier League faces protests over new fixture list and start date
The Football Kenya Federation's decision to start the 2026/27 Premier League has led to protests from several club bosses. They are unhappy with the rushed timeline for the new season, set to begin on August 31, without clear communication addressing previous issues. Gor Mahia vice chair Sally Bolo has publicly criticized the federation's lack of proper governance, emphasizing that clubs need certainty as they invest heavily in preparations. She pointed out that FKF's leadership struggles, including the absence of a CEO, are crippling the federation and affecting Kenyan football.
Kenya Sat 29 Aug, 22:06 · from Capital SportsEuphrasier Shilwatso joins Haymana Spor Kulubu from Kayole Starlets
Harambee Starlets defender Euphrasier Shilwatso has signed with Turkish club Haymana Spor Kulubu on a permanent deal. Her former club, Kayole Starlets, confirmed the move and thanked her for her contributions. Shilwatso's impressive performances, especially during the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, have showcased her abilities, making this a safi transition for both her and the club. She is the second Kenyan to join Haymana Spor Kulubu in less than two weeks, following teammate Lavine Achola.
Kenya Fri 28 Aug, 16:33 · from Capital SportsFKF acknowledges challenges for local coaches to reach elite level
Football Kenya Federation technical director Francis Kimanzi has acknowledged the difficulties local coaches face in upgrading to the Caf A license. With a maximum of 25 slots available, competition is fierce, as over 100 applications have been received for the upcoming class in September. The criteria for enrollment are stringent, requiring applicants to hold a CAF B license and have at least two years of experience in coaching. Kimanzi noted that the selection process is tough, as only a limited number of slots will be available for local coaches after accounting for foreign applicants.
Kenya Fri 28 Aug, 16:00 · from Capital SportsKefwa raises alarm over halted Kenyan football league
Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (Kefwa) has expressed concern that the delayed start of the 2026/27 FKF Premier League is damaging players' careers. Kefwa president James Situma highlighted that ongoing legal disputes are hindering the league's progress, which directly affects players' livelihoods and career development. The league was set to begin on August 29, but a High Court order in Murang'a has put it on hold due to a case filed by Kariobangi Sharks, who are contesting their relegation. The situation is untenable, and players should not suffer because of institutional disputes.
Kenya Fri 28 Aug, 13:56 · from Capital Sports
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Harambee Stars players shine in Europe despite losses
Job Ochieng, Collins Sichenje, and Timothy Ouma represented Harambee Stars in Europe this week, showcasing their skills on the continental stage. Despite the defeats for their clubs, the players made a notable impact in their respective matches.
Kenya Fri 28 Aug, 06:00 · from Standard Sports
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CAF inspection reviews Kenya's AFCON 2027 preparations
Kenya's preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are facing scrutiny as a Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection mission has begun assessing key stadiums. This inspection marks a crucial phase in ensuring the country's readiness for the tournament.
Kenya Thu 27 Aug, 18:15 · from Standard SportsCollins Sichenje seeks fan support before facing Tottenham Hotspur
Collins Sichenje is eager to impress Charlton Athletic fans as they prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup. The defender appreciates the support from fans, recalling their strong presence during the West Ham game. Sichenje has had limited playing time this season but hopes to earn a starting spot in the upcoming match. Meanwhile, fellow Kenyan Timothy Ouma, who joined Charlton on loan from Slavia Prague, is still working on his fitness and has yet to make his debut.
Kenya Wed 26 Aug, 16:45 · from Capital Sports
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Mvurya urges focus beyond hosting AFCON 2027
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has called on the FKF and the Harambee Stars technical team to create a thorough preparation plan that looks beyond just hosting the 2027 AFCON. He emphasized the importance of aiming for success and developing strategies that will lead to a win for Kenya in future competitions.
Kenya Wed 26 Aug, 15:14 · from Standard SportsMan City sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £86m
Manchester City have signed midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in an £85.6m deal, making him the Premier League's most expensive teenager. The 18-year-old joins on a five-year contract, with City paying £81.4m upfront and £4.2m in add-ons. Bouaddi impressed at the World Cup, starting five of Morocco's six matches, and has made 96 appearances for Lille since his debut in 2023. He will be part of a revamped midfield, joining England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who was signed for £116m. Bouaddi has shown he can perform at a high level, making him a hot addition to City's squad.
Kenya Wed 26 Aug, 14:44 · from Capital Sports
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Tuskers defeat overshadowed by chaos at Nyayo Stadium
Tuskers' 3-1 victory at Nyayo Stadium was marred by chaotic scenes as tear gas filled the air. Some fans invaded the pitch, leading to property damage and a disruption of the match atmosphere.
Kenya Tue 25 Aug, 10:35 · from Standard SportsBarcelona Rising Starlets and LYSA defend titles at Chapa Dimba finals
Barcelona Rising Starlets and Laikipia Youth Soccer Academy (LYSA) successfully defended their titles at the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Laikipia County Finals held at Nyahururu Stadium. Barcelona Rising Starlets clinched the girls' title for the fifth consecutive time with a 1-0 win over Nanyuki Starlets, while LYSA retained the boys' title by defeating Ilpolei Giants 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw. All county winners received KES 75,000 and qualified for the Central Regional Finals this weekend. Other teams that qualified include Thriving Queens, Kerugoya Sportiff, and St. Joseph Starlets in the girls' category.
Kenya Mon 24 Aug, 22:24 · from Capital SportsMette praises teamwork as Tusker eyes league title
Tusker head coach Julien Mette credits the club's strong teamwork culture for helping new players adapt to his philosophy. Since taking over in February, Mette has transformed the team, leading them to a 2-1 victory over Kenya Police in the FKF Cup final and a recent 3-1 win against Gor Mahia in the FKF Super Cup. Mette highlighted the collective effort of the team, noting they performed better in all aspects against the reigning champions. New arrivals like Servyl Akouala and Alvin Mang'eni have made significant contributions, showcasing the depth of talent at Tusker.
Kenya Mon 24 Aug, 12:51 · from Capital SportsAkonnor criticizes Gor Mahia's errors after loss to Tusker in FKF Super Cup
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has pointed out the 'funny' mistakes that led to their defeat against Tusker in the FKF Super Cup at Nyayo Stadium. He expressed concern that these schoolboy errors are becoming a recurring issue that could jeopardize the team's chances for silverware this season. Despite the loss, Akonnor insisted he fielded a competitive side, dismissing claims that the line-up was experimental. Gor struggled to create clear chances and ultimately fell 3-1, with individual mistakes contributing to their downfall.
Kenya Mon 24 Aug, 11:27 · from Capital SportsMaradona's 'Hand of God' ball auctioned for £2.5m
The football used by Diego Maradona for his iconic 'hand of God' goal at the 1986 World Cup has been sold for £2.5m at Heritage Auctions in the United States. This ball, collected by referee Ali Bin Nasser after the match, was expected to fetch around $10m but ultimately sold for a lower price. Bin Nasser had kept the ball for over thirty years and confirmed it was the only one used in the match, a detail verified by independent authentication. The same auction saw the shirt worn by Maradona during the match sell for £7.1m in 2022.
Kenya Mon 24 Aug, 10:39 · from Capital SportsFKF condemns violence during Super Cup match between Tusker and Gor Mahia
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has strongly condemned the violence and vandalism that occurred during and after the Super Cup match at Nyayo Stadium. The federation highlighted incidents of intimidation towards journalists, destruction of property, and the use of tear gas by security personnel, calling for restraint and professionalism. The situation escalated into chaos as police clashed with fans, resulting in a rough atmosphere that put the safety of everyone involved at risk. FKF emphasized that there is no place for such conduct in football and urged for better management of crowd control.
Kenya Sun 23 Aug, 22:15 · from Capital SportsWritten by us from headlines published by the outlets named above. Pictures are theirs too, shown from their own feeds and credited on each one. Every story links back to the original — tap through for the full report.