Commonwealth Games 1,500m champion Chepng’etich has faith in banned Keringet coach

(L-R) Scotland's Laura Muir, Kenya's Hellen Onsando Obirim and Kenya's Faith Chepngetich Kibiegon compete in the final of the women's 1500m athletics event at Hampden Park during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland on July 29, 2014. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS

Commonwealth Games 1,500m champion Faith Chepng’etich and Mercy Chebwogen have defended their embattled coach Charles Ng’eno for alleged unprofessional behaviour over the management of his Keringet training camp in Nakuru.

Chepng’etich said she is surprised by the allegations levelled against her coach, saying she has had no problems under his management.

On the other hand, Chebwogen sad her injury and illness have nothing to do with the coach.

“I have had injuries but it is not because of the coach or his system of training. He did not handle me in a bad way,” said Chebwogen.

Chepng’etich said: “I usually go and train at the camp and return home, where I stay with my sister. He was not to blame for my ankle injury that led to my pulling out of the World Cross Country team.”

“Keringet camp is still operational. We trained today and will continue unless they tell us to go somewhere else.” Ng’eno said his predicament is part of a wider scheme to take control of the camp from his grip.

“This is witch hunt. It is a war that I have been fighting with some officials from the Secondary Schools Sports Association. I will take these athletes, Faith and Mercy, including Rosflyne Chepng’etich to Riadha House (AK headquarters) next week so they can speak for themselves,” said Ng’eno.

The coach insisted his work at the camp is above board.

“Mercy’s injury was well documented by AK. She had joint problems and when I was with the team at Kigari (for the World Cross Country) they knew her condition.

“It is AK that asked me to take her to Nairobi Hospital and Hill Hospital in Eldoret. They had the report and knew she was not ready for action when the cross-country season started,” said Ng’eno.

Athletics Kenya President Isaiah Kiplagat banned coach Ng’eno and his Keringet camp for manipulating athletes which has impacted negatively on the national teams performances. Kiplagat also said the camp is under pathetic conditions.

AK had in 2009 banned Kiptenden camp in Kericho and also banned coach David Koskei for manipulating athletes including World 5,000m silver medallist Mercy Cherono, Hilda Chepkwemoi and Judith Chepkeoch.