Sports
Sad News: Ugandan Olympian, Rebecca Cheptegei dies after ex-boyfriend set her on fire
Ugandan 2024 Olympic medalist Rebecca Cheptegei has died this morning September 5, after she was set on fire by his ex-boyfriend four days ago in Kenya.
He poured kerosene on her and set her on fire.
Cheptegei, 33, suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body in Sunday’s brutal attack that was allegedly carried out by her ex-boyfriend, according to medical officials.
Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei unfortunately passed on at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret where she was admitted at the ICU.
Cheptegei sustained serious burn injuries after her alleged partner (Dickson Ndiema) poured petrol on her and set her ablaze over a land dispute.
Dr Owen Menach, who oversaw Cheptegei’s treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, issued a statement shortly after her passing.
‘It is sad that we lost the patient early this morning after all organs failed at about 5am while we were doing our best to save her life,’ Menach said.
Dr Tony Sabila, a family member, confirmed he was by Cheptegei’s bedside at the time of her death.
‘It is true that we lost our sister this morning although the doctors tried to save her life and I was there personally,’ he said.
Kenyan police confirmed the runner was attacked at her house in western Trans Nzoia County, close to the Ugandan border, where she had recently relocated to be closer to superior Kenyan training facilities.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said her former partner Dickson Ndiema had bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement on Sunday.
Police discovered a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone at the scene of the incident, according to Kenyan newspaper The Nation.
A press release from the UOC bearing Rukare’s signature later urged law enforcement agencies ‘to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrator to justice’.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei in an interview said “We are in so much pain, We have lost our bread winner.”
Describing how he rushed to the hospital after receiving a call from doctors at 5:30 a.m., Mr.Cheptegei said he got there too late to say goodbye to his daughter, Rebecca Cheptegei.
In a message to sympathise with the bereaved family, Ugandan political activist, and former Member of Parliament, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine,
Bobi Wine noted,“Very saddened by the untimely passing of this young, talented Ugandan athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei. The circumstances of her death are even more depressing.
He called for a swift investigation saying “Initial reports indicate she was doused in petrol by her ex-boyfriend and set on fire. We hope there can be quick, efficient investigations of the incident and the perpetrator(s) brought to book. May her family and loved ones find comfort in this very difficult time.
The 33-year-old contested the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics last month. Two other female athletes have been killed in Kenya since October 2021, with their partners the main suspects.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Sports
CAF withdraws approval for Baba Yara Stadium
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn its approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, due to technical infractions, including an unsuitable playing field.
The decision was made after observations made by CAF during the recent Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, which was played at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5th, 2024.
Based on these observations, it was determined that the stadium did not meet the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches.
The CAF team identified several issues, including a playing field that was deemed unsuitable for competitive matches.
The stadium’s playing field had deteriorated significantly, with uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover.
The Baba Yara Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 40,000, has hosted several high-profile matches in the past, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON matches.
CAF officials expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the stadium, citing the need for Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading the facility to meet international standards.
A letter from CAF noted earlier concerns expressed by the continental body about the state of the playing field.
According to him, “It is important to note that, prior to the match, CAF had expressed concerns about the suitability of Baba Yara Sports Stadium for hosting top-tier international fixtures. Persistent issues at this venue, as well as others in Ghana, such as Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium, have also been noted.”
Given the absence of any other CAF-approved Category 3 stadiums in Ghana, CAF has requested the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select an alternative venue from among those approved by CAF outside Ghana for Matchday 3 and 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
The letter from CAF also recommended that the relevant authorities “conduct a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they comply with CAF technical standards.”
Additionally, CAF advised that the stadium management engage experienced companies immediately to undertake the necessary refurbishment to meet CAF/FIFA standards.
CAF expressed its commitment to supporting Ghana (through the GFA) in bringing its stadiums up to the required standards for hosting CAF/FIFA senior international matches, offering to assist by providing an international pitch consultant with experience in major international competitions, including AFCON, to offer additional expert guidance on the necessary improvements.
The cost of this support would be borne by the GFA.
CAF went on to indicate that once the needed renovation works were completed, it would, at the GFA’s request and expense, conduct an independent inspection to reassess the stadium’s suitability for future matches.
The withdrawal of approval means that Ghana will have to find alternative venues for upcoming international matches, including the AFCON qualifiers.
The Ghana Football Association has promised to work with Government to address the issues and restore the stadium to its former status.
Sports
CAF, University of Cape Town launch Football Management Executive Programme
On September 2, 2024, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the leadership of the University of Cape Town (UCT) launched the CAF Football Management Executive Programme.
This initiative aims to enhance the governance and leadership of African football by equipping administrators from CAF’s 54 Member Associations with essential skills.
The programme, which blends online and on-site learning, was unveiled at an event attended by representatives from 28 African nations.
Dr. Motsepe emphasized the critical role of education in driving excellence in football administration, stating, “Education is the foundation on which excellence is built.”
The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq., and Deputy General Secretary, Ama Brobey Williams, represented Ghana at the launch.
Prosper Harrison Addo delivered a presentation on the growth of Women’s Football in West Africa, while Ama Brobey Williams spoke on making African football more sustainable and globally competitive.
This partnership marks a significant step in CAF’s commitment to empowering football administrators and advancing the future of African football.
The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq., and Deputy General Secretary, Ama Brobey Williams, represented Ghana at the launch.
Prosper Harrison Addo delivered a presentation on the growth of Women’s Football in West Africa, while Ama Brobey Williams spoke on making African football more sustainable and globally competitive.
This partnership marks a significant step in CAF’s commitment to empowering football administrators and advancing the future of African football.
