The 38-year-old former Chelsea and Ivory Coast star had stunned the club last weekend after demanding to be left out of the match-day squad upon discovering he would start on the bench.
The uproar left Drogba facing an uncertain future with Montreal as the club look towards the Major League Soccer postseason.
However Impact President Saputo said in a statement on Tuesday that the situation with the veteran striker had now been resolved.
“We met with Didier. The situation has been resolved to the club’s satisfaction,” Saputo said.
“Didier has accepted to assume the role that the head coach sees fit while contributing to the success of this club moving forward.
“When he came to Montreal, Didier said he came here to win, and he still has the same objective.
“Our main priority now is to focus on the last game of the season and the upcoming playoffs.”
The controversy is just the latest glitch in a turbulent second season in the MLS for Drogba, who was linked to a return to Chelsea in a coaching role last December.
Impact initially denied the story but then admitted they had been in contact with Chelsea amid reports that Drogba was considering announcing his retirement in order to escape the second year of his contract with Montreal to force a move back to Stamford Bridge.
Drogba denied the claim and eventually reported back for duty with the Impact.
Although he has scored 10 goals and contributed six assists this season, controversy has continued to follow him, with the player involved in a spat with New York Red Bulls fans last month.
The problems have led to mounting calls amongst fans for Drogba to be let go, with critics noting that the team’s record this season has been better when he has not played.
Month: October 2016
Shabaab assault on key Somali town leaves 10 dead
Fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab group launched a major attack on a strategic town near Mogadishu on Tuesday, killing at least 10 people, including civilians, before retreating.
Witnesses and officials reported heavy clashes between Shabaab militants and Somali troops in Afgoye, which lies just 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of the capital Mogadishu.
The main target of the assault was a police post attacked with a car packed with explosives, and Somali army posts. Heavy exchanges of fire were also heard around the town.
The Shabaab fighters pulled out before troops from the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia, AMISOM, arrived.
“The terrorists have retreated back from the town and the situation is back to normal, Somali government forces are now in full control,” local police official Abdukadir Ahmed said by phone.
“We don?t have the exact number of casualties so far but we have seen the dead bodies of more than 10 people, including civilians, who were killed in the attack.”
He said the attackers also suffered casualties.
AMISOM confirmed on Twitter that a car bomb had been used to target a police post but said Somali forces had held their position, waiting for reinforcements.
Witnesses said the Shabaab fighters left town and dead bodies were strewn in some roads.
“Shabaab fighters left the police station and other locations they have taken this afternoon, there are dead bodies and I saw 11 of them at our neighbourhood. Somali and AMISOM soldiers are now in some parts of the town,” Abdirisak Isgowe, a resident, said.
Another resident, Fadumo Wariri, said most of those killed perished in the blast, and most were soldiers.
A statement from Shabaab said they had killed 35 government soldiers and seized a sizeable quantity of military equipment from the posts it attacked.
It was not immediately clear whether the main aim of the Shabaab operation was to seize equipment or to show they were capable of launching attacks at will, even in daylight.
The attack on Afgoye, which lies at a strategic crossroads of routes heading north, west and south into Somalia, shows the country’s continuing fragility.
On Saturday the UN humanitarian agency said a week of violent clashes in northern Somalia had left 11 people dead and driven more than 50,000 people to flee.
In just a few weeks Somalia is due to hold elections that it is hoped will bring a measure of stability to the conflict-plagued nation.
The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, losing control of the capital in 2011 before losing other bastions such as Afgoye.
Shabaab assault on key Somali town leaves 10 dead
Fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab group launched a major attack on a strategic town near Mogadishu on Tuesday, killing at least 10 people, including civilians, before retreating.Witnesses and officials reported heavy clashes between Shabaab militants and Somali troops in Afgoye, which lies just 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of the capital Mogadishu.The main target of the assault was a police post attacked with a car packed with explosives, and Somali army posts. Heavy exchanges of fire were also heard around the town.The Shabaab fighters pulled out before troops from the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia, AMISOM, arrived.”The terrorists have retreated back from the town and the situation is back to normal, Somali government forces are now in full control,” local police official Abdukadir Ahmed said by phone.”We don?t have the exact number of casualties so far but we have seen the dead bodies of more than 10 people, including civilians, who were killed in the attack.”He said the attackers also suffered casualties.AMISOM confirmed on Twitter that a car bomb had been used to target a police post but said Somali forces had held their position, waiting for reinforcements.Witnesses said the Shabaab fighters left town and dead bodies were strewn in some roads.”Shabaab fighters left the police station and other locations they have taken this afternoon, there are dead bodies and I saw 11 of them at our neighbourhood. Somali and AMISOM soldiers are now in some parts of the town,” Abdirisak Isgowe, a resident, said.Another resident, Fadumo Wariri, said most of those killed perished in the blast, and most were soldiers.Shabaab claimA statement from Shabaab said they had killed 35 government soldiers and seized a sizeable quantity of military equipment from the posts it attacked. It was not immediately clear whether the main aim of the Shabaab operation was to seize equipment or to show they were capable of launching attacks at will, even in daylight.The attack on Afgoye, which lies at a strategic crossroads of routes heading north, west and south into Somalia, shows the country’s continuing fragility.On Saturday the UN humanitarian agency said a week of violent clashes in northern Somalia had left 11 people dead and driven more than 50,000 people to flee.In just a few weeks Somalia is due to hold elections that it is hoped will bring a measure of stability to the conflict-plagued nation.The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, losing control of the capital in 2011 before losing other bastions such as Afgoye.
How Life has Changed After That Sex Therapy Video Went Viral
Obama to Trump: ‘Stop whining’ about rigged vote
President Barack Obama slapped down Donald Trump’s claim that the 2016 presidential race is rigged, telling the Republican nominee to “stop whining” and get on with his campaign.
The withering riposte, in language usually used to scold a moody teenager, came on the eve of the third and final presidential debate between Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Obama discarded diplomatic decorum, skewering the Republican mogul from the Rose Garden in front of visiting Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
Trump has ramped up conspiracies about America’s election system as his poll numbers have plummeted in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him.
He trails Clinton by around seven points nationwide and bookmakers in Europe — where political betting is legal — have already begun to pay out on a Clinton win.
But the White House is increasingly concerned that Trump and his supporters will not recognize the election’s outcome, plunging the country into a political crisis.
According to a poll by Politico and Morning Consult, 41 percent of American voters, including 73 percent of Republicans, now believe the vote could actually be stolen from Trump.
“I have never seen in my lifetime or in modern political history any presidential candidate trying to discredit the elections and the election process before votes have even taken place. It’s unprecedented,” Obama said.
“If, whenever things are going badly for you and you lose, you start blaming somebody else? Then you don’t have what it takes to be in this job,” he added.
Addressing Trump’s allegations of “large scale voter fraud,” Obama said, “There’s no evidence that that has happened in the past, or that there are instances in which that will happen this time.”
“I’d advise Mr Trump to stop whining and go try to make his case to get votes.”
Trump and Clinton jetted in separately Tuesday to Las Vegas, the entertainment capital in the Nevada desert, ahead of their final debate Wednesday.
With three weeks until the November 8 election, it may be Trump’s last chance to make a positive mark on millions of voters.
Campaigning Tuesday in Colorado, a slightly subdued Trump indicated his scorched-earth tactics would continue.
“We’ve only just begun to fight, believe me,” he said. “This is our final shot, folks,” he told a rally in Grand Junction.
Polls giving Clinton the lead were inaccurate, he insisted. In fact, “they’re sort of good” for the Trump campaign.
“We are going to have one of the greatest victories in political history,” he predicted, excoriating the US media for being “an extension of the Hillary Clinton campaign.”
“The press has created a rigged system and poisoned the minds of the voters,” he said.
“Either we win this election or we lose the country.”
Trump doubled-down on his vote rigging claims, saying “voter fraud is all too common.”
His dark call to monitor polling stations in cities with large populations of African Americans, who overwhelmingly favor Clinton over Trump, could be interpreted as pre-election intimidation.
“If nothing else, people are going to be watching on November 8,” he told Colorado supporters.
“Watch Philadelphia. Watch St. Louis. Watch Chicago.”
Experts and Republican elected officials have denounced Trump for accusations of voter fraud, prompting the nominee to turn on his own party.
He went a step further Tuesday, calling for term limits for every member of Congress: 12 years in the US Senate and six in the House of Representatives.
But Clinton’s campaign believes Trump’s hot rhetoric has helped Democrats — not only by galvanizing supporters but also shifting undecided voters to their camp.
“We know that he thought that strategy of scorched earth would depress our vote, but if anything, we have found that it’s helped to motivate our voters,” Clinton communication’s director Jennifer Palmieri said.
Democrats are beginning to target traditionally Republican states in a bid to run up the score and help win legislative races that could decide who controls Congress.
On Thursday, First Lady Michelle Obama will campaign in Arizona, which has not voted Democratic since Bill Clinton’s landslide win against Bob Dole in 1996.
Tom Lazzaro, a 45-year-old who owns a real estate company in Colorado, said he worried about electoral fraud.
“If there’s a lot of red states that suddenly turn blue I’m going to really question that,” he told AFP at Trump’s rally in Colorado Springs.
But retiree Mike Bergst, a Trump supporter, said the nominee’s responsibility was to defeat Clinton fair and square.
“He needs to win the election, bottom line, whether it’s rigged or not,” said 60-year-old Bergst.
“If he loses, I’m not going to go around saying it was fixed.”
Obama to Trump: ‘Stop whining’ about rigged vote
President Barack Obama slapped down Donald Trump’s claim that the 2016 presidential race is rigged, telling the Republican nominee to “stop whining” and get on with his campaign.The withering riposte, in language usually used to scold a moody teenager, came on the eve of the third and final presidential debate between Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.Obama discarded diplomatic decorum, skewering the Republican mogul from the Rose Garden in front of visiting Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.Trump has ramped up conspiracies about America’s election system as his poll numbers have plummeted in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him.He trails Clinton by around seven points nationwide and bookmakers in Europe — where political betting is legal — have already begun to pay out on a Clinton win.But the White House is increasingly concerned that Trump and his supporters will not recognize the election’s outcome, plunging the country into a political crisis.According to a poll by Politico and Morning Consult, 41 percent of American voters, including 73 percent of Republicans, now believe the vote could actually be stolen from Trump.”I have never seen in my lifetime or in modern political history any presidential candidate trying to discredit the elections and the election process before votes have even taken place. It’s unprecedented,” Obama said. “If, whenever things are going badly for you and you lose, you start blaming somebody else? Then you don’t have what it takes to be in this job,” he added.Addressing Trump’s allegations of “large scale voter fraud,” Obama said, “There’s no evidence that that has happened in the past, or that there are instances in which that will happen this time.””I’d advise Mr Trump to stop whining and go try to make his case to get votes.”‘Final shot’Trump and Clinton jetted in separately Tuesday to Las Vegas, the entertainment capital in the Nevada desert, ahead of their final debate Wednesday.With three weeks until the November 8 election, it may be Trump’s last chance to make a positive mark on millions of voters.Campaigning Tuesday in Colorado, a slightly subdued Trump indicated his scorched-earth tactics would continue.”We’ve only just begun to fight, believe me,” he said. “This is our final shot, folks,” he told a rally in Grand Junction.Polls giving Clinton the lead were inaccurate, he insisted. In fact, “they’re sort of good” for the Trump campaign.”We are going to have one of the greatest victories in political history,” he predicted, excoriating the US media for being “an extension of the Hillary Clinton campaign.””The press has created a rigged system and poisoned the minds of the voters,” he said.”Either we win this election or we lose the country.”Trump doubled-down on his vote rigging claims, saying “voter fraud is all too common.” ‘Watch Philadelphia’His dark call to monitor polling stations in cities with large populations of African Americans, who overwhelmingly favor Clinton over Trump, could be interpreted as pre-election intimidation.”If nothing else, people are going to be watching on November 8,” he told Colorado supporters.”Watch Philadelphia. Watch St. Louis. Watch Chicago.”Experts and Republican elected officials have denounced Trump for accusations of voter fraud, prompting the nominee to turn on his own party.He went a step further Tuesday, calling for term limits for every member of Congress: 12 years in the US Senate and six in the House of Representatives.But Clinton’s campaign believes Trump’s hot rhetoric has helped Democrats — not only by galvanizing supporters but also shifting undecided voters to their camp.”We know that he thought that strategy of scorched earth would depress our vote, but if anything, we have found that it’s helped to motivate our voters,” Clinton communication’s director Jennifer Palmieri said.Democrats are beginning to target traditionally Republican states in a bid to run up the score and help win legislative races that could decide who controls Congress.On Thursday, First Lady Michelle Obama will campaign in Arizona, which has not voted Democratic since Bill Clinton’s landslide win against Bob Dole in 1996.Tom Lazzaro, a 45-year-old who owns a real estate company in Colorado, said he worried about electoral fraud. “If there’s a lot of red states that suddenly turn blue I’m going to really question that,” he told AFP at Trump’s rally in Colorado Springs.But retiree Mike Bergst, a Trump supporter, said the nominee’s responsibility was to defeat Clinton fair and square.”He needs to win the election, bottom line, whether it’s rigged or not,” said 60-year-old Bergst.”If he loses, I’m not going to go around saying it was fixed.”
Brazil’s embattled Lula declares innocence
Embattled former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva insisted Tuesday that he played no role in Brazil’s huge corruption scandal, accusing his opponents of damaging Brazil’s democracy.
Lula, who faces three corruption-related court cases that could sink his hopes of returning to power in 2018 presidential elections, wrote in Folha de Sao Paulo that he was the victim of “political persecution.”
“I can’t keep silent in the face of the abuses committed by agents of the state,” he wrote. Prosecutors, he said, intend “to destroy the basis of democracy in Brazil.”
Lula’s declarations came amid persistent rumors of his possible pre-trial detention, although officials have said nothing to indicate that this is imminent.
Lula, 70, was a hugely popular president for two terms before handing over to his protege Dilma Rousseff in 2014. However his reputation has been badly damaged by the revelation of a vast corruption scheme that flourished during his time in office at the state flagship company Petrobras.
Rouseff was ejected from office in an impeachment trial on separate charges this year and Lula’s leftist Workers’ Party was hammered in municipal elections earlier in October.
“I never practiced, never authorized or benefited from illegal acts at Petrobras,” he wrote.
Brazil’s embattled Lula declares innocence
Embattled former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva insisted Tuesday that he played no role in Brazil’s huge corruption scandal, accusing his opponents of damaging Brazil’s democracy.Lula, who faces three corruption-related court cases that could sink his hopes of returning to power in 2018 presidential elections, wrote in Folha de Sao Paulo that he was the victim of “political persecution.””I can’t keep silent in the face of the abuses committed by agents of the state,” he wrote. Prosecutors, he said, intend “to destroy the basis of democracy in Brazil.”Lula’s declarations came amid persistent rumors of his possible pre-trial detention, although officials have said nothing to indicate that this is imminent.Lula, 70, was a hugely popular president for two terms before handing over to his protege Dilma Rousseff in 2014. However his reputation has been badly damaged by the revelation of a vast corruption scheme that flourished during his time in office at the state flagship company Petrobras.Rouseff was ejected from office in an impeachment trial on separate charges this year and Lula’s leftist Workers’ Party was hammered in municipal elections earlier in October.”I never practiced, never authorized or benefited from illegal acts at Petrobras,” he wrote.
Ruby Talks Future Collabos With Diamond Platnumz, Ali Kiba & Vanessa Mdee
Oracle open America’s Cup regatta against French entry
Defending America’s Cup champions Oracle Team USA will open the 35th edition of the prestigious yachting regatta in Bermuda next year against French entry Groupama Team France, organizers confirmed Tuesday.
Two-time America’s Cup winner Jimmy Spithill and his Oracle crew will open the event in a race against a Groupama team led by French star Franck Cammas in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers.
The May 26 race in the azure waters of Bermuda’s Great Sound launches five weeks of sailing action which will reach its climax in late June with the finale of the America’s Cup.
The opening race of the qualifiers will be the first time the America’s Cup Class (ACC) yachts and their crews face off in full competitive action.
The state-of-the-art yachts are wingsail catmarans designed to foil above the water at great speed in a battle for the oldest trophy in international sport, organisers said.
“It will be a fantastic spectacle,” New Zealander Russell Coutts, chief executive of the America’s Cup Event Authority said in a statement, predicting the “greatest America’s Cup ever.”
Oracle skipper Spithill said improved technology of the racing yachts would lead to one of the most fiercely competitive America’s Cups in the event’s 165-year history.
“The physical and mental demands on the athletes on board have gone up exponentially – the catamarans will be faster than last time, more maneuverable, and likely will foil all the way around the race track, given the right conditions,” Spithill said.
“The competition is going to be fierce. We have six great teams preparing for racing next year and this is quite possibly shaping up to be one of the hardest, most competitive America’s Cups in its long history.”
All six America’s Cup teams take part in the Louis Vuitton qualifiers in a round robin competition. Each team races every other team twice, with the challengers aiming to be among the top four who advance to the America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs, which begin on June 4.
The current defending champion, Oracle Team USA, automatically advances to the America’s Cup Match, where it will face the winner of the challenger playoffs.
The America’s Cup dates back to 1851 when the yacht America won a race around the Isle of Wight off the south coast of Britain.
Only teams from four countries — the United States, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia — have managed to win the America’s Cup since then.
Oracle open America’s Cup regatta against French entry
Defending America’s Cup champions Oracle Team USA will open the 35th edition of the prestigious yachting regatta in Bermuda next year against French entry Groupama Team France, organizers confirmed Tuesday.Two-time America’s Cup winner Jimmy Spithill and his Oracle crew will open the event in a race against a Groupama team led by French star Franck Cammas in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers.The May 26 race in the azure waters of Bermuda’s Great Sound launches five weeks of sailing action which will reach its climax in late June with the finale of the America’s Cup.The opening race of the qualifiers will be the first time the America’s Cup Class (ACC) yachts and their crews face off in full competitive action.The state-of-the-art yachts are wingsail catmarans designed to foil above the water at great speed in a battle for the oldest trophy in international sport, organisers said.”It will be a fantastic spectacle,” New Zealander Russell Coutts, chief executive of the America’s Cup Event Authority said in a statement, predicting the “greatest America’s Cup ever.”Oracle skipper Spithill said improved technology of the racing yachts would lead to one of the most fiercely competitive America’s Cups in the event’s 165-year history.”The physical and mental demands on the athletes on board have gone up exponentially – the catamarans will be faster than last time, more maneuverable, and likely will foil all the way around the race track, given the right conditions,” Spithill said.”The competition is going to be fierce. We have six great teams preparing for racing next year and this is quite possibly shaping up to be one of the hardest, most competitive America’s Cups in its long history.”All six America’s Cup teams take part in the Louis Vuitton qualifiers in a round robin competition. Each team races every other team twice, with the challengers aiming to be among the top four who advance to the America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs, which begin on June 4.The current defending champion, Oracle Team USA, automatically advances to the America’s Cup Match, where it will face the winner of the challenger playoffs.The America’s Cup dates back to 1851 when the yacht America won a race around the Isle of Wight off the south coast of Britain.Only teams from four countries — the United States, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia — have managed to win the America’s Cup since then.
Diack advisor Cisse in French custody
Habib Cisse, the former legal advisor to disgraced former world athletics head Lamine Diack, has been placed in custody as part of the French investigation into corruption linked to state-sponsored doping of Russian athletes, sources said Tuesday.
Cisse, 41, was put under investigation in November 2015 for corruption along with Diack and Gabriel Dolle, former anti-doping doctor for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Cisse’s lawyers, Louis-Marie de Roux and Cedric Labrousse, told AFP the decision was “unbelievable and unjustified” and immediately appealed it.
Eliane Houlette, head of France’s financial prosecution department, said in January that all three men had admitted covering up positive Russian drug tests.
They “admitted that after 2011 the treatment of athlete biological passports for 23 Russian athletes were carried out in an abnormal way — without the Russian athletics federation or the international federation carrying out sanctions or suspensions”.
They gave the excuse that they did not want “a big scandal” before the 2012 London Olympics that could influence talks with a sponsor and over television rights.
Diack headed the IAAF from 1999-2015, but found himself at the centre of a maelstrom that blew track and field’s governing body apart.
French police charged Diack with corruption on suspicion the 83-year-old Senegalese accepted bribes to cover up doping cases in Russia. He was also charged with money laundering and conspiracy.
Cisse, a lawyer by profession, is thought to have played a key role in the scandal.
He was named at the end of 2011 as the IAAF’s pointman for tracking Russian athletes’ biological passports, and drew up a 23-strong list of suspected doping cheat in Russia.
Cisse then travelled several times to Moscow and investigators suspect him of having been sent by Diack to find a financial arrangement with the Russian athletics federation.
“I’ve never been aware of a corruption pact,” Cisse said on November 3 last year in the office of the investigating judges, according to one source.
Following bombshell revelations of state-sponsored doping in Russia, the country was hit hard for the Rio Olympics.
All 68 track and field athletes bar one (long jumper Darya Klishina who is based in the United States) were barred from competing, while the entire Russian team were blackballed for the Paralympic Games.
Current IAAF president Sebastian Coe has insisted there is no deadline for Russia’s return to international competition, with many athletes wondering whether the country will be at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.
Diack advisor Cisse in French custody
Habib Cisse, the former legal advisor to disgraced former world athletics head Lamine Diack, has been placed in custody as part of the French investigation into corruption linked to state-sponsored doping of Russian athletes, sources said Tuesday.Cisse, 41, was put under investigation in November 2015 for corruption along with Diack and Gabriel Dolle, former anti-doping doctor for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).Cisse’s lawyers, Louis-Marie de Roux and Cedric Labrousse, told AFP the decision was “unbelievable and unjustified” and immediately appealed it.Eliane Houlette, head of France’s financial prosecution department, said in January that all three men had admitted covering up positive Russian drug tests.They “admitted that after 2011 the treatment of athlete biological passports for 23 Russian athletes were carried out in an abnormal way — without the Russian athletics federation or the international federation carrying out sanctions or suspensions”.They gave the excuse that they did not want “a big scandal” before the 2012 London Olympics that could influence talks with a sponsor and over television rights.Diack headed the IAAF from 1999-2015, but found himself at the centre of a maelstrom that blew track and field’s governing body apart.French police charged Diack with corruption on suspicion the 83-year-old Senegalese accepted bribes to cover up doping cases in Russia. He was also charged with money laundering and conspiracy.Cisse, a lawyer by profession, is thought to have played a key role in the scandal.He was named at the end of 2011 as the IAAF’s pointman for tracking Russian athletes’ biological passports, and drew up a 23-strong list of suspected doping cheat in Russia.Cisse then travelled several times to Moscow and investigators suspect him of having been sent by Diack to find a financial arrangement with the Russian athletics federation.”I’ve never been aware of a corruption pact,” Cisse said on November 3 last year in the office of the investigating judges, according to one source.Following bombshell revelations of state-sponsored doping in Russia, the country was hit hard for the Rio Olympics.All 68 track and field athletes bar one (long jumper Darya Klishina who is based in the United States) were barred from competing, while the entire Russian team were blackballed for the Paralympic Games.Current IAAF president Sebastian Coe has insisted there is no deadline for Russia’s return to international competition, with many athletes wondering whether the country will be at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.
Kate reveals Charlotte’s horse passion at palace Olympic party
The Duchess of Cambridge has revealed how her daughter, Princess Charlotte, has inherited the British royal family’s love of horses.
Kate, the wife of Prince William, spoke of 17-month-old Charlotte’s enthusiasm at a reception for the successful 2016 British Olympic and Paralympic teams held at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday and attended by Queen Elizabeth II.
The queen, William’s grandmother, is a noted horsewoman and racing enthusiast in her own right.
Both Princess Anne and Zara Phillips, the queen’s daughter and grand-daughter, rode for the British equestrian team at the Olympics.
And Kate, talking to Natasha Baker, who won two equestrian golds at this year’s Paralympic Games in Rio, indicated Charlotte might yet follow suit.
Recalling her palace conversation with Kate, Baker said: “I asked her how are the children, and she said George really enjoyed the fencing and Charlotte really enjoyed her riding. It obviously got to her and maybe she will be here in a few years time.
“She emphasised that Charlotte has this passion about horses, and although she doesn’t echo it, she’ll do her best to champion and encourage it.”
Meanwhile the queen talked to Britain’s Nick Skelton, who won Olympic showjumping gold in Rio on Big Star.
“The queen was asking about Big Star and we were talking about her horse Dartmouth, who ran on Sunday in Canada,” said Skelton.
“You don’t need to give the queen any advice, she’s very knowledgeable about all equestrian sports. She can tell me a thing or two.”
Earlier on Tuesday, some 6,000 fans gathered in Trafalgar Square for a parade lauding the achievements of the 2016 British team.
‘The Heroes Return’, as it was called, came after the British Olympic and Paralympic teams both finished second in their respective overall medal tables in Brazil.
In Rio, the British team became the first nation to increase its medal haul immediately after staging an Olympics, taking 67 — two more than at London 2012 — while ParalympicsGB returned with 147 medals, including 64 golds.
Olympic sprint swimming champion Adam Peaty, speaking at the parade, said he hoped Britain’s success at this year’s Rio Olympics would act as a springboard for another large medal haul at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
Peaty broke his own world record to win Britain’s first gold of the Games in the men’s 100 metres breaststroke before taking a silver in the 4x100m medley relay.
“Swimming has had a rough spot these past four years,” he told the cheering crowd. “But thankfully we have a strong and hungry team who can inspire millions of kids around the world and that’s what it’s all about for us.
“Hopefully you can all go on and take some of that gold into your lives and that’s exactly why us Olympians and Paralympians do it.”
Kate reveals Charlotte’s horse passion at palace Olympic party
The Duchess of Cambridge has revealed how her daughter, Princess Charlotte, has inherited the British royal family’s love of horses.Kate, the wife of Prince William, spoke of 17-month-old Charlotte’s enthusiasm at a reception for the successful 2016 British Olympic and Paralympic teams held at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday and attended by Queen Elizabeth II.The queen, William’s grandmother, is a noted horsewoman and racing enthusiast in her own right.Both Princess Anne and Zara Phillips, the queen’s daughter and grand-daughter, rode for the British equestrian team at the Olympics.And Kate, talking to Natasha Baker, who won two equestrian golds at this year’s Paralympic Games in Rio, indicated Charlotte might yet follow suit.Recalling her palace conversation with Kate, Baker said: “I asked her how are the children, and she said George really enjoyed the fencing and Charlotte really enjoyed her riding. It obviously got to her and maybe she will be here in a few years time.”She emphasised that Charlotte has this passion about horses, and although she doesn’t echo it, she’ll do her best to champion and encourage it.”Meanwhile the queen talked to Britain’s Nick Skelton, who won Olympic showjumping gold in Rio on Big Star.”The queen was asking about Big Star and we were talking about her horse Dartmouth, who ran on Sunday in Canada,” said Skelton.”You don’t need to give the queen any advice, she’s very knowledgeable about all equestrian sports. She can tell me a thing or two.”Earlier on Tuesday, some 6,000 fans gathered in Trafalgar Square for a parade lauding the achievements of the 2016 British team.’The Heroes Return’, as it was called, came after the British Olympic and Paralympic teams both finished second in their respective overall medal tables in Brazil.In Rio, the British team became the first nation to increase its medal haul immediately after staging an Olympics, taking 67 — two more than at London 2012 — while ParalympicsGB returned with 147 medals, including 64 golds.Olympic sprint swimming champion Adam Peaty, speaking at the parade, said he hoped Britain’s success at this year’s Rio Olympics would act as a springboard for another large medal haul at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.Peaty broke his own world record to win Britain’s first gold of the Games in the men’s 100 metres breaststroke before taking a silver in the 4x100m medley relay.”Swimming has had a rough spot these past four years,” he told the cheering crowd. “But thankfully we have a strong and hungry team who can inspire millions of kids around the world and that’s what it’s all about for us.”Hopefully you can all go on and take some of that gold into your lives and that’s exactly why us Olympians and Paralympians do it.”
Sarri a believer as Napoli look to make history
Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri insists he has “total faith” his side will make up for recent setbacks in Serie A by making Champions League history against Besiktas on Wednesday.
Successive Group B wins over Dinamo Kiev and Benfica means Napoli stand on the verge of becoming the first team to clinch a last 16 berth after just three games.
Napoli will make history if they beat Besiktas at the San Paolo on Wednesday, and Benfica and Dinamo draw in Lisbon.
It is an impressive start by the Azzurri, but contrasts sharply with Napoli’s domestic form: consecutive league setbacks to Atalanta and Roma has already left them seven points behind leaders and champions Juventus.
Sarri admitted his team’s focus on the Champions League came at a price, but insists they are working to redress the balance.
“I have total faith in the squad, we’re well aware of where we’re making mistakes and we’re working to get back to the way we were playing several weeks ago,” he told media on Tuesday.
“The reality is, up till now the Champions League has been a bigger source of motivation for us compared to the league, and this is one of the problems we have to resolve.
“When you play such important games, psychologically you pay the price, especially when you have so many debutants in the competition as we do.”
Last month, Napoli’s impressive 4-2 win over Benfica came with a brace from Belgian international Dries Mertens and a 54th minute penalty from striker Arkadiusz Milik.
It was Milik’s last goal for the club before he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury while on international duty with Poland that is set to sideline him for several months.
Although Sarri brought Manolo Gabbiadini off the bench as a replacement, the 24-year-old Italian — a more versatile forward than Milik — ended up receiving much of the flak for a 3-1 defeat to Roma at the weekend.
Goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes it was not warranted, and called on fans to get behind Gabbiadini as Napoli look to eclipse the disappointment of their past two outings with another top performance in Europe.
“We’ve heard a lot of talk about Gabbiadini, but he’s a top player, but it’s up to the team to help him. I’m sure he will be a big help for us,” said Reina.
After their Roma setback Reina was so incensed he wanted to face Besiktas the next day.
“It’s important to get back to playing as soon as possible after a defeat. I would have played this game on Sunday,” added the Spaniard.
“Two weeks ago it seemed we were the best team in Europe, now we’re the worst.
“We’re looking for a big performance tomorrow, we want to get back to playing in a clinical fashion in attack and with determination when it comes to defending.”
Reina will make his 150th appearance in Europe on Wednesday, but says he hopes to continue.
“I’m getting old, but racking up 150 appearances in UEFA competition is something to be proud of,” he said.
“But I’m looking forward. Let’s hope I can make another 50.”
Sarri a believer as Napoli look to make history
Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri insists he has “total faith” his side will make up for recent setbacks in Serie A by making Champions League history against Besiktas on Wednesday.Successive Group B wins over Dinamo Kiev and Benfica means Napoli stand on the verge of becoming the first team to clinch a last 16 berth after just three games.Napoli will make history if they beat Besiktas at the San Paolo on Wednesday, and Benfica and Dinamo draw in Lisbon.It is an impressive start by the Azzurri, but contrasts sharply with Napoli’s domestic form: consecutive league setbacks to Atalanta and Roma has already left them seven points behind leaders and champions Juventus.Sarri admitted his team’s focus on the Champions League came at a price, but insists they are working to redress the balance.”I have total faith in the squad, we’re well aware of where we’re making mistakes and we’re working to get back to the way we were playing several weeks ago,” he told media on Tuesday.”The reality is, up till now the Champions League has been a bigger source of motivation for us compared to the league, and this is one of the problems we have to resolve.”When you play such important games, psychologically you pay the price, especially when you have so many debutants in the competition as we do.”Last month, Napoli’s impressive 4-2 win over Benfica came with a brace from Belgian international Dries Mertens and a 54th minute penalty from striker Arkadiusz Milik.It was Milik’s last goal for the club before he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury while on international duty with Poland that is set to sideline him for several months. Although Sarri brought Manolo Gabbiadini off the bench as a replacement, the 24-year-old Italian — a more versatile forward than Milik — ended up receiving much of the flak for a 3-1 defeat to Roma at the weekend.Goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes it was not warranted, and called on fans to get behind Gabbiadini as Napoli look to eclipse the disappointment of their past two outings with another top performance in Europe.”We’ve heard a lot of talk about Gabbiadini, but he’s a top player, but it’s up to the team to help him. I’m sure he will be a big help for us,” said Reina.After their Roma setback Reina was so incensed he wanted to face Besiktas the next day.”It’s important to get back to playing as soon as possible after a defeat. I would have played this game on Sunday,” added the Spaniard.”Two weeks ago it seemed we were the best team in Europe, now we’re the worst.”We’re looking for a big performance tomorrow, we want to get back to playing in a clinical fashion in attack and with determination when it comes to defending.”Reina will make his 150th appearance in Europe on Wednesday, but says he hopes to continue.”I’m getting old, but racking up 150 appearances in UEFA competition is something to be proud of,” he said.”But I’m looking forward. Let’s hope I can make another 50.”
DR Congo opposition rejects bid to postpone poll to 2018
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s main opposition party firmly rejected a deal signed Tuesday which would keep President Joseph Kabila in power until 2018 by postponing this year’s presidential vote until April 2018.
The UDPS, led by veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, “rejects” the proposal mooted Monday to delay the vote as a “flagrant violation” of the constitution, the party’s secretary-general Jean-Marc Kabund told AFP.
The idea was agreed by the authorities and fringe opposition groups taking part in a “national dialogue” held to reduce tensions triggered by fears that Kabila has no intention of stepping down when his mandate ends in December.
On Tuesday, the leaders of the groups that took part in the dialogue gathered for a ceremony in Kinshasa to sign their 24-page accord.
Kabund said the postponement plan “unilaterally imposes Mr Kabila in flagrant violation of the constitution which sets the end of his mandate at December 20.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the election postponement plan was “no response to the crisis”.
“There’s only one way out of the crisis, and that is for the president (Kabila) to announce that he will not run again, and for an election date to be set,” he added.
The plan emerged after the EU threatened sanctions if the country did not hold elections in 2017.
The main opposition coalition — “Rassemblement” (Gathering) — has boycotted the “national dialogue” talks, branding them a ploy by Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his term.
It has also called for a general strike on Wednesday across the vast central African nation, to give Kabila a “yellow card”.
Kabila first took office in 2001, and in 2006 a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to a two-term limit which expires in December.
DR Congo opposition rejects bid to postpone poll to 2018
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s main opposition party firmly rejected a deal signed Tuesday which would keep President Joseph Kabila in power until 2018 by postponing this year’s presidential vote until April 2018.The UDPS, led by veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, “rejects” the proposal mooted Monday to delay the vote as a “flagrant violation” of the constitution, the party’s secretary-general Jean-Marc Kabund told AFP.The idea was agreed by the authorities and fringe opposition groups taking part in a “national dialogue” held to reduce tensions triggered by fears that Kabila has no intention of stepping down when his mandate ends in December.On Tuesday, the leaders of the groups that took part in the dialogue gathered for a ceremony in Kinshasa to sign their 24-page accord.Kabund said the postponement plan “unilaterally imposes Mr Kabila in flagrant violation of the constitution which sets the end of his mandate at December 20.”French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the election postponement plan was “no response to the crisis”.”There’s only one way out of the crisis, and that is for the president (Kabila) to announce that he will not run again, and for an election date to be set,” he added.The plan emerged after the EU threatened sanctions if the country did not hold elections in 2017.The main opposition coalition — “Rassemblement” (Gathering) — has boycotted the “national dialogue” talks, branding them a ploy by Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his term.It has also called for a general strike on Wednesday across the vast central African nation, to give Kabila a “yellow card”.Kabila first took office in 2001, and in 2006 a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to a two-term limit which expires in December.
Watch how this Kenyan Police Assaulted this mwananchi
Norway releases images of Russian fleet en route to Med
The Norwegian military said Tuesday it had taken photos of a Russian fleet, including its flagship aircraft carrier, which were shadowed off its coast as they headed for the eastern Mediterranean.
Based in Severomorsk in the Barents Sea in the Arctic, the carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and seven other vessels were photographed on Monday in international waters off Norway, Major Elisabeth Eikeland, spokeswoman of the National Joint Headquarters in the Norwegian army, told AFP.
“We have been informed that they are en route to the Mediterranean,” Eikeland said.
“It’s not every day that so many ships sail together off Norway,” she said.
The carrier was shadowed by a Norwegian navy frigate, with a vessel from another NATO member primed to take over escort duties afterwards, Eikeland said.
“The tone is good” with the Russian ships, Eikeland said.
Russia announced on Saturday that the Soviet-era Admiral Kuznetsov, its only aircraft carrier, was to reinforce Moscow’s military presence in the eastern Mediterranean, where its forces are conducting a bombing campaign in Syria.
The Admiral Kuznetsov is travelling with the Pyotr Veliky battlecruiser, the Vice Admiral Kulakov destroyer and large anti-submarine ships, the defence ministry in Moscow said.
On Tuesday, Moscow announced an immediate halt to raids by Russian and Syrian air forces on Aleppo as a gesture of “goodwill”.
The Kremlin said this would enable the evacuation of civilians from rebel-held areas of the city, which has been bombed intensively during the past month.
Norway releases images of Russian fleet en route to Med
The Norwegian military said Tuesday it had taken photos of a Russian fleet, including its flagship aircraft carrier, which were shadowed off its coast as they headed for the eastern Mediterranean.Based in Severomorsk in the Barents Sea in the Arctic, the carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and seven other vessels were photographed on Monday in international waters off Norway, Major Elisabeth Eikeland, spokeswoman of the National Joint Headquarters in the Norwegian army, told AFP. “We have been informed that they are en route to the Mediterranean,” Eikeland said. “It’s not every day that so many ships sail together off Norway,” she said. The carrier was shadowed by a Norwegian navy frigate, with a vessel from another NATO member primed to take over escort duties afterwards, Eikeland said.”The tone is good” with the Russian ships, Eikeland said.Russia announced on Saturday that the Soviet-era Admiral Kuznetsov, its only aircraft carrier, was to reinforce Moscow’s military presence in the eastern Mediterranean, where its forces are conducting a bombing campaign in Syria.The Admiral Kuznetsov is travelling with the Pyotr Veliky battlecruiser, the Vice Admiral Kulakov destroyer and large anti-submarine ships, the defence ministry in Moscow said. On Tuesday, Moscow announced an immediate halt to raids by Russian and Syrian air forces on Aleppo as a gesture of “goodwill”. The Kremlin said this would enable the evacuation of civilians from rebel-held areas of the city, which has been bombed intensively during the past month.
Hilarious, NJUGUSH, Bahati, Mbaya
“I received orders…” Sonko explains why he declared himself President as he throws shade at Raila Odinga for shaming him at a funeral
Mike Sonko caused drama after he declared himself President during the funeral of the husband Wavinya Ndeti. He explains he received orders from above to be President.
Last Friday 14 October, both President Uhuru and his deputy, William Ruto, were out of the country on official business. Nairobi Senator, Mike Sonko, annoyed some people, including DPP Keriako Tobiko, when he revealed he was the acting President at a funeral of the late Henry Odwale, husband to Wavinya Ndeti (Former Kathiani MP)
Also Read: Mike Sonko faces arrest after declaring himself president
Sonko has since explained why he declared himself President; he says he was anointed by the highest office in the land to be ‘President’.
Sonko explained on a Facebook post.
The controversial lawmaker further claimed opposition leaders were the ones who disrespected the presidency when they walked out of the funeral function as he was delivering his speech.
Sonko refused to withdraw his statement going on to say the viral footage of him declaring himself President was edited to maim his character.
After Brenda Chepkoech, Kenyan photographer humiliates Chris Brown over theft of intellectual property
Chris Brown is just leaping from one problem to another; just when he’s ‘acquitted’ of smashing a 90k iPhone, a Kenyan photographer pops to humiliate him.
21-year-old Brenda Chepkoech accused Chris Brown of smashing her Kes 90,000 iPhone at Moi International Airport when she requested to take a selfie with him.
It was later proved that Breezy didn’t break the expensive phone as it turned out that Brenda was imposing herself upon the American singer.
Also Read: “This b!tch lyin” Chris Brown responds to the woman who claimed he smashed her Kes 90,000 iPhone
Well, CB isn’t off the hook just yet; Kenyan photographer, Michael Khateli, has slapped the singer with a case of copyright infringement.
Khateli hasn’t sued Chris Brown per se but he has called out the singer for ‘stealing’ his photo by cropping credits and uploading it on his Instagram handle.
Khateli claims he was the one who took the photo Chris Brown posted on Instagram. He says he attended Breezy’s concert at Mombasa Golf Club to take professional photos. And the one Chris Brown ‘stole’ was among the many she took
Khateli told Ghafla! he didn’t want Chris Brown to compensate him with money; he explained photography was his livelihood and that all he needed was credit.
“” Khateli told Ghafla! over the phone.
Activists sue Norway over Arctic oil drilling
Environmental groups filed a lawsuit against energy-rich Norway on Tuesday to stop oil drilling in the Barents Sea.
Greenpeace Nordic and Norwegian group Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth) accused the government of violating the Paris agreement on climate change and Norway’s constitution by allowing companies to drill for gas and oil in the Arctic waters.
“The constitution obliges the state to guarantee a healthy environment, and definition of a healthy environment is linked to the commitments of the Paris agreement,” Greenpeace Norway head Truls Gulowsen told AFP.
“We will argue in court that the Norwegian government has an obligation to keep its climate promises and will invoke the people’s right to a healthy environment for ours and future generations,” Nature and Youth head Ingrid Skjoldvaer said in a joint statement with Greenpeace.
“It will be against the people of the Arctic,” she said.
Norway, whose oil revenue is declining, in May provided 10 production licences covering a total of 40 blocks to 13 companies, including national oil major Statoil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips of the US, Germany’s DEA, Japan’s Idemitsu, Swedish Lundin, Austria’s OMV and Lukoil of Russia.
The government believes it is abiding by the constitution and that the “validity of the licences cannot therefore be attacked on this basis,” energy ministry spokesman Ole Berthelsen told AFP.
The three most disputed licences are located in a currently unexplored maritime border area, over which non-OPEC states Norway and Russia were bitterly at odds before reaching an agreement in 2010.
One of these areas is the northernmost ever open for exploitation, and environmental groups are concerned about its proximity to the disputed limits of sea ice.
Norway was one of the first countries to ratify the December Paris agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
“Signing an international climate agreement while throwing open the door to Arctic oil drilling is a dangerous act of hypocrisy,” Gulowsen said in a statement.
“By allowing oil companies to drill in the Arctic, Norway risks undermining global efforts to address climate change,” he said.
Largely ice free due to the Gulf Stream, the waters now open for exploration are considered promising by the oil industry as Norway’s crude production continues to decline since it reached a peak in 2000.
Activists sue Norway over Arctic oil drilling
Environmental groups filed a lawsuit against energy-rich Norway on Tuesday to stop oil drilling in the Barents Sea.Greenpeace Nordic and Norwegian group Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth) accused the government of violating the Paris agreement on climate change and Norway’s constitution by allowing companies to drill for gas and oil in the Arctic waters. “The constitution obliges the state to guarantee a healthy environment, and definition of a healthy environment is linked to the commitments of the Paris agreement,” Greenpeace Norway head Truls Gulowsen told AFP.”We will argue in court that the Norwegian government has an obligation to keep its climate promises and will invoke the people’s right to a healthy environment for ours and future generations,” Nature and Youth head Ingrid Skjoldvaer said in a joint statement with Greenpeace. “It will be against the people of the Arctic,” she said.’Act of hypocrisy’Norway, whose oil revenue is declining, in May provided 10 production licences covering a total of 40 blocks to 13 companies, including national oil major Statoil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips of the US, Germany’s DEA, Japan’s Idemitsu, Swedish Lundin, Austria’s OMV and Lukoil of Russia.The government believes it is abiding by the constitution and that the “validity of the licences cannot therefore be attacked on this basis,” energy ministry spokesman Ole Berthelsen told AFP. The three most disputed licences are located in a currently unexplored maritime border area, over which non-OPEC states Norway and Russia were bitterly at odds before reaching an agreement in 2010. One of these areas is the northernmost ever open for exploitation, and environmental groups are concerned about its proximity to the disputed limits of sea ice. Norway was one of the first countries to ratify the December Paris agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.”Signing an international climate agreement while throwing open the door to Arctic oil drilling is a dangerous act of hypocrisy,” Gulowsen said in a statement. “By allowing oil companies to drill in the Arctic, Norway risks undermining global efforts to address climate change,” he said. Largely ice free due to the Gulf Stream, the waters now open for exploration are considered promising by the oil industry as Norway’s crude production continues to decline since it reached a peak in 2000.
Popular Gay Activist Joji Baro Blasts KFCB’s Ezekiel Mutua
This is what Uhuru has to say about Sonko’s “acting president” remarks
President Uhuru Kenyatta has finally spoken about the controversial remarks made by Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko last Friday.
Uhuru downplayed the claims that Sonko was the “third in command” and dismissed it as a non-issue.
Speaking at State House Nairobi, during the Accountability and Governance Summit, Uhuru said that he remains the elected President of the Republic of Kenya, so long as he is still in office, wherever he is.
Uhuru said that he has left his seat only once ever since he became president when he was at the International Criminal Court at the Hague, during which time, his Deputy President William Ruto temporarily assumed command.
weddings
wachawasemewanataka kusema
The matter now seems to have been put to respect despite the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko ordering the senator to be interrogated over his remarks.
Sonko on Sunday evening presented himself at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation headquarters where he recorded a statement over his statements.
The Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinett earlier this week said that the senator’s file will be presented to the DPP for action.
IOC strips Russian weightlifter of London silver
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday stripped Russian weightlifter Apti Aukhadov of the silver medal he won at the 2012 London Games after a re-test of samples tested positive for drugs.
The 23-year-old finished second in the men’s 85kg weightlifting event.
But re-analysis of Aukhadov?s samples from London resulted in a “positive test for the prohibited substances Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone(turinabol) and Drostanolone”.
The ruling is the latest blow to Russia, whose track and field athletes were barred from the Rio Games and which is at the centre of a unprecedented doping scandal that led the IOC to seek a complete overhaul of global drug testing.
The IOC at the weekend called for all testing and sanctioning powers to be taken away from sports federations.
It wants the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to set up a new global testing body and the Court of Arbitration for Sport to make all decisions on punishments for those caught cheating.
The IOC added that Ukrainian pole vaulter Maksym Mazuryk, who ranked 18th in the event in London, had been disqualified after re-analysis came back positive, also for turinabol.
IOC strips Russian weightlifter of London silver
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday stripped Russian weightlifter Apti Aukhadov of the silver medal he won at the 2012 London Games after a re-test of samples tested positive for drugs.The 23-year-old finished second in the men’s 85kg weightlifting event.But re-analysis of Aukhadov?s samples from London resulted in a “positive test for the prohibited substances Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone(turinabol) and Drostanolone”.The ruling is the latest blow to Russia, whose track and field athletes were barred from the Rio Games and which is at the centre of a unprecedented doping scandal that led the IOC to seek a complete overhaul of global drug testing. The IOC at the weekend called for all testing and sanctioning powers to be taken away from sports federations. It wants the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to set up a new global testing body and the Court of Arbitration for Sport to make all decisions on punishments for those caught cheating. The IOC added that Ukrainian pole vaulter Maksym Mazuryk, who ranked 18th in the event in London, had been disqualified after re-analysis came back positive, also for turinabol.
Wenger adamant Walcott was always staying at Arsenal
The England international started just 15 league games and scored five goals in the 2015/16 season.
But Walcott, 27, has already matched that goal tally this term following a double in Arsenal’s win over Swansea City on Saturday.
Arsenal manager Wenger, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Ludogorets, said of winger Walcott: “Look, I haven’t spoken to anybody because I was not ready to let him go. I always wanted to keep him.
“What I’ve seen of him is that he lets the passion for the game come out of his body. That’s what you want from him.
“I’ve felt that since he’s played with more freedom, maybe he lets his feelings come out a bit more and is less calculating: ‘Can I do that or can I not do that?’,” the veteran French boss added.
“He plays with more freedom and more desire. I think he has a less restricted attitude and that shows you that he is a completely different player.”
Arsenal have won their last six matches in all competitions and could welcome Francis Coquelin back into the starting side on Wednesday.
He featured as a substitute against Swansea following the knee injury he suffered in last month’s win over London rivals Chelsea.
“I feel 100 percent fit. It took me a few weeks to get back to full fitness, but now I feel good,” said Coquelin.
“When you make these kinds of tackles, and this happened before against West Brom, you are a bit scared. It was a similar tackle to then.
“The good thing was that I could run back onto the pitch afterwards, even if I couldn’t stay on for long. The scan which followed was all positive so that was great news.”
Coquelin is having to fight more for first team action following the additions of Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny over the last year.
But the Frenchman is aware that competition for places will always be intense at Arsenal and he is up for the challenge.
“Let’s not forget we are Arsenal Football Club,” he added. “There’s always going to be great quality in this squad.
“You have to be ready for a fight. It’s good for me to improve my game and give even more in training and every game. It can only improve the whole squad.”
With four points from their first two Champions League Group A matches, Arsenal will be firmly on course for the last 16 if they can see off Bulgarian champions Ludogorets at the Emirates Stadium.
France striker Olivier Giroud and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey both trained on Tuesday but Wenger wants to give them longer to recover from respective toe and hamstring injuries.
David Ospina is set to replace Petr Cech in goal as he has in Arsenal’s previous two Champions League matches.
German defender Per Mertesacker and England forward Danny Welbeck are still absent with new injuries.
White Men Singing Swahili Song “Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe”.
Ton-up Bravo proud of West Indies fightback
West Indian batsman Darren Bravo, who scored a resolute hundred in the first Test against Pakistan, Tuesday said his team could have beaten Pakistan after fighting their way in Dubai.
Bravo defied Pakistan’s potent bowling attack on a weary fifth day pitch on Monday, scoring 116 which lasted 310 minutes before his wicket saw West Indies lose by 56 runs in the second ever day-night Test played with pink ball.
Pakistan, who set a daunting target of 346, are 1-0 up in the three-match series.
Bravo said his plan was to bat out the whole day and launch an attack in the last session.
“It was a situation where I wanted to actually bat out the entire day,” said Bravo. “As long as I batted and spent a lot of time out in the middle, it definitely frustrated the Pakistanis.
“I think it was a very good batting wicket for the entire match but the thing was with the situation, if we had won the game, we would have won the game in the last session or something like that, was waiting to launch in the end.”
Bravo, whose hundred was his eighth in Tests — seventh on away tours and fifth in Asia — praised his team’s fightback.
“I think it was a tremendous effort. The guys really fought throughout the entire Test match even though the first two days in the entire Test match we were totally outplayed. The way (Devendra) Bishoo bowled put us in good stead to obviously come out on top,” said Bravo.
Bishoo took a career best 8-49 to dismiss Pakistan for a paltry 123 in the second innings.
“I don’t think Bishoo bowled enough in the first innings and it was a conscious effort to give him the ball in the second innings to work his magic and that is exactly what he did,” said Bravo.
“He put us in a very very good position and I’m really happy for him. Hopefully he can continue for the rest of the series.”
Bravo said he was inspired by Azhar Ali’s 302 in Pakistan’s big first innings total of 579-3 declared, to stay longer at the crease.
“It was just a matter of spending time. I realised that as long as you spend time in the middle, you’re going to score runs. Ali scored a triple-century, he batted a very very long time.
“I didn’t really concentrate on runs, I just wanted to bat for the team. I think I did that pretty okay and I just want to continue from here,” said Bravo, who scored 87 in West Indies first innings of 357.
Bravo said he hoped West Indies could keep the momentum in the second Test, starting in Abu Dhabi from Friday.
“I think it’s very important that we start well in the second Test. We don’t want to be behind the eight-ball playing catch up cricket.”
The third and final Test will be played in Sharjah from October 30.
Ton-up Bravo proud of West Indies fightback
West Indian batsman Darren Bravo, who scored a resolute hundred in the first Test against Pakistan, Tuesday said his team could have beaten Pakistan after fighting their way in Dubai.Bravo defied Pakistan’s potent bowling attack on a weary fifth day pitch on Monday, scoring 116 which lasted 310 minutes before his wicket saw West Indies lose by 56 runs in the second ever day-night Test played with pink ball.Pakistan, who set a daunting target of 346, are 1-0 up in the three-match series.Bravo said his plan was to bat out the whole day and launch an attack in the last session.”It was a situation where I wanted to actually bat out the entire day,” said Bravo. “As long as I batted and spent a lot of time out in the middle, it definitely frustrated the Pakistanis.”I think it was a very good batting wicket for the entire match but the thing was with the situation, if we had won the game, we would have won the game in the last session or something like that, was waiting to launch in the end.” Bravo, whose hundred was his eighth in Tests — seventh on away tours and fifth in Asia — praised his team’s fightback.”I think it was a tremendous effort. The guys really fought throughout the entire Test match even though the first two days in the entire Test match we were totally outplayed. The way (Devendra) Bishoo bowled put us in good stead to obviously come out on top,” said Bravo.Bishoo took a career best 8-49 to dismiss Pakistan for a paltry 123 in the second innings.”I don’t think Bishoo bowled enough in the first innings and it was a conscious effort to give him the ball in the second innings to work his magic and that is exactly what he did,” said Bravo. “He put us in a very very good position and I’m really happy for him. Hopefully he can continue for the rest of the series.”Bravo said he was inspired by Azhar Ali’s 302 in Pakistan’s big first innings total of 579-3 declared, to stay longer at the crease.”It was just a matter of spending time. I realised that as long as you spend time in the middle, you’re going to score runs. Ali scored a triple-century, he batted a very very long time. “I didn’t really concentrate on runs, I just wanted to bat for the team. I think I did that pretty okay and I just want to continue from here,” said Bravo, who scored 87 in West Indies first innings of 357.Bravo said he hoped West Indies could keep the momentum in the second Test, starting in Abu Dhabi from Friday.”I think it’s very important that we start well in the second Test. We don’t want to be behind the eight-ball playing catch up cricket.”The third and final Test will be played in Sharjah from October 30.
Tiwa Savage & Heavykdrumboss To Perform At Barbeque Live In Kenya
Renzi sees no ‘major disasters’ if Italy reform referendum fails
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said Tuesday he did not anticipate any “major disasters” if a December 4 referendum on constitutional reform were to fail.
The proposed reforms — deemed the most important in Italy since World War II — are aimed at increasing political stability in a country which has had 63 governments since 1945.
They would streamline parliament and the electoral system by bringing an end to the existing system whereby each law must be adopted by both chambers in the same terms — a process that can take years.
“I don’t believe that there will be any major disasters if the ‘no’ wins at the referendum,” Renzi told a joint press conference after White House talks with US President Barack Obama.
“But in order to have no doubts, I’d rather win the referendum. I’ll do everything I can.”
The vote is shaping up as a referendum on Renzi’s two-and-a-half years in office. He initially promised he would quit if the measures, already approved by the two chambers of parliament earlier this year, are voted down at a referendum.
Since then, the center-left Renzi has repeatedly nuanced those words, saying he had “committed a mistake by personalizing” the vote but had merely sought to convey “a message of seriousness and responsibility.”
“This referendum does not have to do with the great world events, the great world issues. Very simply, do you want to simplify the institutional system in Italy?” Renzi said through a translator.
Obama expressed his support for the changes, a comment that was criticized in Italy.
“We believe that it will help accelerate Italy?s path towards a more vibrant, dynamic economy, as well as a more responsive political system,” the US president said.
All the opposition parties are campaigning against the constitutional reform measures, and Italy’s European partners are watching the proceedings with some concern.
Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, the head of the center-right Forza Italia who negotiated the reforms with Renzi, said late Tuesday that he was against the move, which risked “entrusting Italy and Italians to one man and one party.”
Renzi sees no ‘major disasters’ if Italy reform referendum fails
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said Tuesday he did not anticipate any “major disasters” if a December 4 referendum on constitutional reform were to fail.The proposed reforms — deemed the most important in Italy since World War II — are aimed at increasing political stability in a country which has had 63 governments since 1945. They would streamline parliament and the electoral system by bringing an end to the existing system whereby each law must be adopted by both chambers in the same terms — a process that can take years.”I don’t believe that there will be any major disasters if the ‘no’ wins at the referendum,” Renzi told a joint press conference after White House talks with US President Barack Obama.”But in order to have no doubts, I’d rather win the referendum. I’ll do everything I can.”The vote is shaping up as a referendum on Renzi’s two-and-a-half years in office. He initially promised he would quit if the measures, already approved by the two chambers of parliament earlier this year, are voted down at a referendum.Since then, the center-left Renzi has repeatedly nuanced those words, saying he had “committed a mistake by personalizing” the vote but had merely sought to convey “a message of seriousness and responsibility.””This referendum does not have to do with the great world events, the great world issues. Very simply, do you want to simplify the institutional system in Italy?” Renzi said through a translator.Obama expressed his support for the changes, a comment that was criticized in Italy.”We believe that it will help accelerate Italy?s path towards a more vibrant, dynamic economy, as well as a more responsive political system,” the US president said.All the opposition parties are campaigning against the constitutional reform measures, and Italy’s European partners are watching the proceedings with some concern.Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, the head of the center-right Forza Italia who negotiated the reforms with Renzi, said late Tuesday that he was against the move, which risked “entrusting Italy and Italians to one man and one party.”
Fierce clashes in key Somali town close to Mogadishu
Fighting between Somali troops and Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab fighters was ongoing Tuesday in the key town of Afgoye, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of the capital Mogadishu, a security source and a witness said.
“There is heavy fighting going on at several bases in Afgoye district and one of the bases was attacked with a car loaded with explosives,” Abdulakir Ahmed, a local security official, told AFP.
A Shabaab statement said the group had recaptured the town, which it evacuated in May 2012 after coming under attack from the Somali army and African Union peacekeepers.
“The Mujahedeen fighters have secured control of Afgoye town after heavy fighting and they put up the Islamic flag over the enemy bases,” said the statement.
“The infidel soldiers who stayed in town have fled” and “tens of the enemy forces have been killed,” it said.
There was no independent confirmation of the reported capture of the town.
Residents said the target of the bomb attack was the local police station.
?There was a suicide car bomb attack targeting the police station and heavy fighting is going on,” said resident Amin Moalim.
He said the town had been taken by surprise and “people are hiding in their houses and those who stayed outside have fled.”
“I saw wounded civilians and Somali soldiers as well,? he added. “We don?t know who is controlling the city so far because heavy exchange of gunfire is going on.”
The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, losing control of the capital in 2011 before losing other bastions such as Afgoye.
Fierce clashes in key Somali town close to Mogadishu
Fighting between Somali troops and Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab fighters was ongoing Tuesday in the key town of Afgoye, some 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of the capital Mogadishu, a security source and a witness said.”There is heavy fighting going on at several bases in Afgoye district and one of the bases was attacked with a car loaded with explosives,” Abdulakir Ahmed, a local security official, told AFP.A Shabaab statement said the group had recaptured the town, which it evacuated in May 2012 after coming under attack from the Somali army and African Union peacekeepers.”The Mujahedeen fighters have secured control of Afgoye town after heavy fighting and they put up the Islamic flag over the enemy bases,” said the statement.”The infidel soldiers who stayed in town have fled” and “tens of the enemy forces have been killed,” it said.There was no independent confirmation of the reported capture of the town.Residents said the target of the bomb attack was the local police station.?There was a suicide car bomb attack targeting the police station and heavy fighting is going on,” said resident Amin Moalim.He said the town had been taken by surprise and “people are hiding in their houses and those who stayed outside have fled.””I saw wounded civilians and Somali soldiers as well,? he added. “We don?t know who is controlling the city so far because heavy exchange of gunfire is going on.”The Shabaab has fought to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu since 2007, losing control of the capital in 2011 before losing other bastions such as Afgoye.
Man stabs friend over Chelsea vs Leicester City match
The English Premier League match involving Chelsea and Leicester City ended in disaster as a 28-year-old man,Nasiru Yahaya, has been arrested for stabbing his close friend, Aliyu Saidu.
Also Read: “Stupidity: Nigerian man stabs ‘brother’ over Ronaldo/Messi comparison”
The incident, according to Daily Trust, occurred at a football viewing center at Unguwar Hausawa, Madalla, a town in Niger State.
An eyewitness narrated that Yahaya and Saidu who are best of friends had placed a bet of N500 on which team would carry the day and at the end of the match, Chelsea won by three goals to zero.
The jubilant Saidu was said to have requested for his winning from the suspect who refused to hand over the money and instead, picked a fight.
In the heat of the fight that ensued, Yahaya was said to have dashed into a nearby shop, grabbed a bottle which he broke and stabbed Saidu on the back and hands.
Also Read: “In Lagos: 2 in court for allegedly stabbing football fan at viewing centre”
The accused allegedly fled the scene after other football fans tried to stop him from killing his friend but he was later arrested by a vigilante group and handed over to the police, while the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The English Premier League match involving Chelsea and Leicester City ended in disaster as a 28-year-old man,Nasiru Yahaya, has been arrested for stabbing his close friend, Aliyu Saidu.
Also Read: “Stupidity: Nigerian man stabs ‘brother’ over Ronaldo/Messi comparison”
The incident, according to Daily Trust, occurred at a football viewing center at Unguwar Hausawa, Madalla, a town in Niger State.
An eyewitness narrated that Yahaya and Saidu who are best of friends had placed a bet of N500 on which team would carry the day and at the end of the match, Chelsea won by three goals to zero.
The jubilant Saidu was said to have requested for his winning from the suspect who refused to hand over the money and instead, picked a fight.
In the heat of the fight that ensued, Yahaya was said to have dashed into a nearby shop, grabbed a bottle which he broke and stabbed Saidu on the back and hands.
Also Read: “In Lagos: 2 in court for allegedly stabbing football fan at viewing centre”
The accused allegedly fled the scene after other football fans tried to stop him from killing his friend but he was later arrested by a vigilante group and handed over to the police, while the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Israeli army unprepared for 2014 Gaza tunnel threat: report
An investigation has found that Israel’s military was unprepared for the threat posed by tunnels dug by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip in the 2014 war between them, reports said Tuesday.
The findings are likely to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced criticism from political rivals over allegations that not enough was done to prepare for the tunnel threat.
Militants in Gaza, run by Islamist movement Hamas, used the tunnels during combat in the 2014 war, including to carry out cross-border attacks.
Tuesday’s reports cited leaked findings from an internal military investigation, which was not released publicly.
Israel’s army radio said the probe found that military brigades were not prepared for the magnitude of the threat the tunnels posed.
It also said that the “enemy’s command and its capacity to fire rockets remained intact continuously until the end of the operation and the number of Hamas victims was lower than would have been expected given the firepower used.”
The military did not immediately respond to a request for comment by AFP.
Despite the findings, the Gaza Strip suffered an overwhelmingly higher number of victims and amount of damage in the 2014 war.
The 50-day conflict killed 2,251 Palestinians and left 100,000 homeless.
On the Israeli side, 73 people were killed, most of them soldiers.
A UN report said both Israel and Palestinian militants may have committed war crimes, decrying “unprecedented” devastation and human suffering.
The military probe is not the first time criticism has been levelled at Israel’s preparations ahead of the Gaza war.
In May, Israeli media reports said a draft of a separate inquiry by the state comptroller found that “the security establishment did not have a comprehensive plan for dealing with Hamas’s offensive tunnels”.
Netanyahu has defended preparations ahead of the conflict, saying his cabinet repeatedly discussed the tunnel threat beforehand.
Israeli army unprepared for 2014 Gaza tunnel threat: report
An investigation has found that Israel’s military was unprepared for the threat posed by tunnels dug by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip in the 2014 war between them, reports said Tuesday.The findings are likely to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced criticism from political rivals over allegations that not enough was done to prepare for the tunnel threat.Militants in Gaza, run by Islamist movement Hamas, used the tunnels during combat in the 2014 war, including to carry out cross-border attacks.Tuesday’s reports cited leaked findings from an internal military investigation, which was not released publicly.Israel’s army radio said the probe found that military brigades were not prepared for the magnitude of the threat the tunnels posed.It also said that the “enemy’s command and its capacity to fire rockets remained intact continuously until the end of the operation and the number of Hamas victims was lower than would have been expected given the firepower used.”The military did not immediately respond to a request for comment by AFP.Despite the findings, the Gaza Strip suffered an overwhelmingly higher number of victims and amount of damage in the 2014 war.The 50-day conflict killed 2,251 Palestinians and left 100,000 homeless.On the Israeli side, 73 people were killed, most of them soldiers.A UN report said both Israel and Palestinian militants may have committed war crimes, decrying “unprecedented” devastation and human suffering.The military probe is not the first time criticism has been levelled at Israel’s preparations ahead of the Gaza war.In May, Israeli media reports said a draft of a separate inquiry by the state comptroller found that “the security establishment did not have a comprehensive plan for dealing with Hamas’s offensive tunnels”.Netanyahu has defended preparations ahead of the conflict, saying his cabinet repeatedly discussed the tunnel threat beforehand.
Afghanistan, Taliban hold secret talks in Qatar
The Taliban and senior Afghan government officials have held two secret meetings since September in Qatar in a bid to restart long-stalled peace negotiations, sources said Tuesday.
An official in the National Unity Government in Kabul told AFP that the two rounds of discussions took place in Doha, where the Taliban maintain a political office.
Britain’s The Guardian newspaper said the talks were attended by Mullah Abdull Manan Akhund, brother of Taliban founder and long-time leader Mullah Omar who died in 2013.
A senior American diplomat was also present in the Qatar meetings, the newspaper said citing a Taliban official.
The Taliban and the US government have so far not commented officially on the development.
The outcome of the September meeting was not clear but a Taliban source told the newspaper that it “went positively and was held in a trouble-free atmosphere”.
A second dialogue was held this month despite intensified nationwide fighting between insurgents and US-backed Afghan troops.
The meetings come after Pakistan — the Taliban’s historic backers — hosted several rounds of international talks over the last year to jumpstart peace negotiations, which yielded little progress.
The dialogue process ground to a complete halt when the US killed former Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a drone strike in May.
The insurgency has shown stubborn resilience under new Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, attacking northern Kunduz city for a second time and threatening the capital of the southern opium-rich province of Helmand.
Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, Afghanistan’s intelligence chief, and National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar attended one of the Qatar meetings, local Tolo television said citing a presidential palace source.
“In Afghanistan war and peace go hand in hand,” another Afghan official told AFP, confirming the Qatar meetings.
“While the government is fighting the Taliban we are simultaneously trying to talk to them. The purpose of these meetings is to find ways to end the 15-year insurgency,” he added.
The official did not say if a new round of discussions would happen, but hinted that the dialogue process could accelerate in the winter months, when fighting usually ebbs.
No Pakistani officials were present in the latest talks, sources said.