AFRICAN SPORTS MONTHLY March Issue

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Table of Contents P.8 Feature Article ‘Good To be Alive’ an in-depth look at the transformation of Togo’s Adebayor ….

P. 20 The Middle east is in Turmoil as citizens demand a change in the status quo of their Governments we take a look at the impact this has had on sports...

P. 28 Brazilian Legend Ronaldo retires from the Game

P. 32 The Cricket World Cup Begins in Bangladesh

P. 38

P.44

Player Profile

Mayweather Vs Manny Pacquiaio

An in-depth look at ElHadj Diouf of Senegal

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Leslie Koroma

Saidu Kaye Sesay

Chairman/CEO

President

(ASMN)

African Sports Monthly

Texas/USA

London/UK

Anthony K Kamara Jr. Communications Director (ASMN) Philadelphia USA

Kingsley Kobo Editor in Chief (ASM) Cote D’Ivoire

Thomas Meinders

Sahr Morris Jr.

Hadiatu Dumbuya

Chief of Bureau

Chief of Bureau Africa

Marketing & Advertising Director

Europe

Freetown/Sierra Leone

Muctaru Wurie Deputy Editor in Chief (ASM) Freetown/Sierra Leone

Correspondent

(ASMN)

Germany

Detroit/USA

Nanama Keita Correspondent Banjul/Gambia

Alie Bittar UK

Daniel Rogers

Ayodele Odumade Correspondent

London/UK

London UK

Ephraim O King

Senior Adviser

North Carolina

(ASMN)

USA

UK

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Bamako/Mali

Correspondent

Gibril Samura Correspondent

Aminata Mariko

Editor’s Note

Our hopes for a peaceful New Year meant to usher sport lovers into the din of festive moments have suffered glaring perturbations following the wave of political unrest rocking the northern African region and Ivory Coast.

Sporting activities in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia were grounded in the wake of the tensions, however, the local Eagles of Carthage from Tunisia were able come home from the 2011 African Nations Championship held in Sudan with pride and honour after winning the trophy. Even if the accompanying jollification was far from cooling off the protest across Tunis and beyond, it provided some respite.

Besides the CHAN 2011, our focus remains in Egypt where the recent upheavals largely hindered the national league, but scantily quelled the spirit of sports there, according to our European Bureau chief Saidu K Sesay, who also reports on the build up to the Formula 1 race.

Once adored, soon forgotten, Togo former international Emmanual Adebayor did slip into oblivion at Manchester City and with the Sparrow Hawks of Togo, but the 27-year-old is making a brisk comeback at his new Real Madrid base and rumours of his rejoining the national team is cooking up. Find out all you need to know about the man who escaped death in Cabinda, Angola early last year, with more reasons to continue living, in our cover story.

Our African Bureau chief Sahr Morris Jr looks at the forthcoming All African Games holding in the Mozambican capital Maputo in September. Sahr also brings reports from the ongoing Cricket World Cup about African representatives.

The fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao has always been envisaged but has never been scheduled for reasons our reporter Ayodele Odumade provides here, even as boxing fans get more impatient with days passing.

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We also bring to you a mouth-watering piece on the odyssey of Brazilian football legend Ronaldo who recently hung up his boots after an enterprising career.

But who wins the English Premier League? Manchester United are in pole position but our EPL analyst Foday Mannah says there might be surprises.

And many more inside…

On behalf of the African Sports Monthly team, I’d like to thank you all for your trust and appreciation. We’d like to hear more from you like you’ve always been doing. If you have any questions concerning our stories, outfit or something else, feel free to write to us.

Stay blessed. Peace to North Africa and other parts of the Arab world!

Kingsley Kobo

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Good to be Alive

By Kingsley Kobo

After escaping death in Angola and sinking into inaction at Manchester City, Togolese-born Emmanuel Adebayor bounces back to top form at Real Madrid

Togo former international Emmanuel Adebayor has tasted the realities of death. He has seen red-hot bullets cracking out of the noses of Kalashnikovs, splintering glasses, piercing metals and mangling human flesh and bones. But he survived, suppressing the trauma and gasping for fresh air and a new life.

Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor is a name synonymous with Togo, as Bob Marley is to Jamaica and George Weah to Liberia. No other indigenous public figure has culturally fostered the image of the tiny West African nation to the heights the 26-year-old, 6 ft 4 lanky dreadlocked footballer has achieved in recent times.

In 2006, French TV5 alleged that Adebayor was Togo’s most important personality after President Faure Gnassingbé. Adebayor was adored and extolled in the streets of Lomé and beyond to the provinces by both aficionados and non-fans of soccer. His wave animated gossips in lounges and cafés. He was an idol of countless teenagers then, but does he still matter there is 2011?

The Making Born in Togo to a Nigerian immigrant couple, Adebayor escaped street hooliganism to discover and embrace football, first as an early pastime and then as an ordinary passion, like many African lads of his then 11 years of age.

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where he stamped 104 appearances and netted 46 goals, savouring some of the best days of his career, during which he won the African Footballer of the Year in 2008 and largely contributed to the Sparrow Hawks’ first qualification for Fifa World Cup finals – Germany 2006.

Expect ceaseless scolding and whacking from his typical strict Yoruba parents, for abandoning school to play soccer. Expect mockery from his brilliant classmates, who saw no future in him.

Imagine how gloomy and confused the skinny and pimply boy was as he helplessly clinched to the sport - the only route left to success, however bleak it seemed!

He was the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2007 while retaining the Togo Footballer of the Year recognition for four years in a row Adebayor’s persistence was rewarded by an (2005 – 2008). No other Togolese footballer admission to the Sporting Club de Lomé – a lohad made such achievements. No other percal lower division club in the Togolese capital – sonality had brought such pride and honour to where he would learn serious football for the Togo. The olive-skinned adopted first time, with the hope of a son became a household possible professional career name in Togo, prompting parconsolidating every passing To us here, death is the most ents to bustle their little boys to day. terrible thing we know. But when we football academies, abetting French scouts prospecting for have tasted its reality, it will mean to them to emulate the steps of young talents in the West Afrius birth, deliverance and a new the millionaire footballer, can sub-region discovered creation of ourselves. whose posh sport cars and Adebayor in 1999, successHammer jeeps shook town fully proposing him to the then each time he came calling.

Championnat de France side George Merriam (1803-1880) Metz, which the then strongwilled 15-year-old integrated after two seasons in the junior outfit.

The gates to top European clubs were flung wide open for him after he confirmed his worth at the Grenats across three worthwhile seasons marked by 44 appearances and 15 goals.

Shattered Hopes of Angola 2010 The Adebayor-led Sparrow Hawks’ jawdropping qualifying campaign for the 2006 Fifa World Cup and their historic qualification raised hopes of seeing another Senegal-like team (2002 World Cup) at the Germany 2006. Not only did the Togolese players broke millions of hearts with their debacle in Germany, their inability to secure a spot at the 2008 African Cup of Nations hosted by neighbouring Ghana, be-

Successively, Adebayor broke grounds, making it through to Monaco, where he aided the club in 2003 to reach the 2004 UEFA Champions League final; and then shooting westward to England to adventure in the Premier League with Arsenal – a move considered then by pundits as a real test for his inspiring career. Adebayor exceeded expectations and kept detractors gasping during his days at the Gunners, 9

Cont’d on Page 12

The Cricket World Cup kicked on February 19th in Bangladesh with three African Nations representing the continent in South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe the event will continue till April 2011 The African Nations Championships were held in Khartoum, Sudan and Tunisia came out the Champions while the host Sudan ended up with a third place finish

In the NFL the Green Bay Packers Won SuperBowl 45 on Sunday February 6th 2011 the Green Bay Packers rightfully claimed the Lombardi Trophy that was named after the famed Green Bay Coach Vince Lombardi defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) has named a new president .The president of the Gambia Draught Association Mr Momodou Dibba was appointed the new GNOC chief

Former Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) president and IOC member has died at age 71 after a long illness. Nyangweso was a former boxer who competed at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome 10

N’damuhkong Suh has won the NFL’s Defensive rookie of the 2010/11 Season. He easily ran away with the votes as he had been tapped by many as a shoe in for the award.

After their successful launch in Egypt and Morocco, the English football club, Arsenal have unveiled plans to open at least six other “Arsenal Soccer Schools” in North Africa and Middle East (MENA)

Athletes of African descent in the NFL are doing big things in their communities as evidenced by this year’s selection of finalists for the Walter Payton Community Award. All three nominees are of African descent, Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders; who is of Nigerian origin, Israel Idonije of the Chicago Bears another athlete of Nigerian origins and Madieu Williams who was born in Sierra Leone. Madieu William was announced the winner by the children of Walter Payton in a ceremony before the Super Bowl on February 6th 2011

Serge Ibaka of the Congo dazzled the fans with his spectacular dunk from the free throw line but falls short at the Sprite Slam Dunk contest during the NBA All Star Game in Los Angeles, California on Saturday February 19 2011. The contest was won by fan favorite Blake Griffin who jumped over the hood of a car to win the event.

Hasheem Thabeet of Tanzania the number 2 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft was sent to the Houston Rockets by the Memphis Grizzlies in a two team trade among a host of trades that also saw Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets traded to the New York Knicks

Mehdi Cerla a begian and Moroocan citizen decides to compete for his native morocco. The 21-year-old made his first apperearance for the North African side during his team’s 3-0 win over Niger in a friendly international. .

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been right or the President was simply scared of further proofs the defence was prepared to furnish.

gan to throw doubts on the real worth of the over-lauded set up.

Internal quarrels between Adebayor and Nigerian-born tactician Stephen Keshi – the man behind the Hawks’ back-to-live operation; and the firing of his successor German coach Otto Pfister later on, bared unhealthy and baneful situation the once-inspiring squad was stuck in.

No reaction came from Adebayor during the saga, prompting many to seriously consider the paper’s version.

Hiatus

All eyes back home and abroad were on Adebayor for deliverance in the build up to the 2010 African Cup of Nations. He assured he would deliver, counting on solidarity and the preparedness of the team. A whole nation was thus set to imbibe some healing from past failures, when the worst flared up. Togo team bus was ambushed in the exclave of Cabinda, Angola, killing three people aboard and poisoning the hopes of millions.

Adebayor had said he wanted to concentrate on his mission at Eastlands, after slamming the door on anything Togolese. But he soon saw his services declined at the Premier League club, accepting to holiday on the bench for a while, only making short appearances unlike during his heydays.

From injury to media outburst, Adebayor’s fans across Europe, especially Africans, began to murmur the player’s frustration at Manchester City, which exploded during a training-ground bust-up early January with fellow West African, Ivorian-born Touré Kolo, reputed to be a coolheaded gem.

Consequently, “Captain” Adebayor abandoned his ship and ran for cover, arousing disapprobation and unpatriotic sentiments within the Togolese population, which are yet to abate. But some Togolese sport editorialists had linked Adebayor’s international retirement to an issue far from the field of play.

Rumours of Adebayor’s possible move to José Mourinho-managed Real Madrid on loan were confirmed on January 25 when he signed a deal to fulfil the remainder of his City’s £25 million five-year contract at Santiago Bernabéu. A too-risky adventure many pundits felt could sink more the career of the desperate striker, but which is seemingly turning to be a blessing, hopefully not in disguised.

L’Indépendant-Express, a Togolese weekly magazine, published in its June 22, 2010 issue that the main reason for Adebayor’s quitting Togo national team was related to his amorous affairs with Togo 2004 beauty pageant, whom the Head of State was allegedly dating alongside the footballer. Adebayor was said to have been pissed off with the President’s attitude, and decided to leave for good.

It is still too early to assert that Adebayor is successfully breathing new life into his career at the Merengues, under the auspices of the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or coach Mourinho. But his precocious achievement of scoring two goals in his

However, President Gnassingbé sued the paper for 100 million CFA ($200,000), but later withdrew the case, a move that keeps raising eyebrows in Togo as to whether the paper had 12

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first four appearances is possibly the herald of a graceful comeback, which many of his fans would not wish to dwindle soon.

Inside the Man Behind the rugged and wanton Adebayor resides a benign spirit, sustained across his arduous years by the remnants of parental discipline, which still permits the star to genuflect before his mother whom he says is his all in life at the moment, after he lost his father some years ago.

Adebayor is yet to found a recognised and functioning foundation in Togo, which many still criticise him for back home, but he has been of great assistance to Kodjovi Obilalé – former Togo goalkeeper who was shot in the lower back during the Cabinda gunfire attack, and consequently became disabled to continue his career at his former club GSI Pontivy in France, thus slumping into dire poverty.

Obilalé told French sports magazine L’Equipe that when the whole world abandoned him in the wake of the incident, and when he was lying helpless and penniless at a hospital in Lorient, France, Adebayor was one of the few sending him money for food, bills and others.

Perhaps Adebayor’s foundation is in the pipeline. Perhaps he has other motives of returning the love, pure love and support Togolese had showered on him. But the more he takes his time, the 14

more the common gossips about his lack of patriotism and wickedness gain momentum across his adopted country.

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Back to Base There have been persistent rumours of Adebayor’s imminent return to the Sparrow Hawks. The Togolese sports media even suggest the striker might join the team’s almost futile qualifying campaign for the 2012 African Cup of Nations – Togo may not qualify given their current points and the rounds left.

It is still very hard to verify these rumours as Adebayor has always rebuffed questions concerning his rejoining the national team, but the affair seems to be pumping some warmth under the seats of some of his old fans who wouldn’t hesitate to swallow their stale bitterness and befriend the player anew.

Adebayor has floated a quite brief career, but in the process, he has been able to sell himself and his small nation not only to the world of soccer, but to where news – good and bad – is consumed with little moderation.

As we try to envisage how long more the Real Madrid new recruit will continue to shine, a number of young football players in Togo and beyond keep siphoning off their inspiration from the wave Adebayor’s success has modestly set across the local terrain.

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Revolution halts Egypt’s Etisalat League, but not the spirit

By Saidu Kaye Sesay, London

When the people’s revolution commenced on January 25th in the North African state of Egypt, the question asked by most sports lovers was, what effect it will have on the country’s passion for football. True, the impact was there. But how massive, and how it was managed, is what this article will scrutinise.

Arguably, the Egyptians run the most organised and successful Premier League in Africa. The currently sponsored by Emirati communications company other wise known as Etisalat, after taking over from Vodafone (2005-2007), in 2007.

The Premier League has sixteen teams, with eighteen stadiums spread across the country with the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, having the most seating capacity of 86,000.

The strict rules of the organisers, that include limiting just three foreign players to a side, with an emphasis on home grown talents have seen the Pharaohs of Egypt (the national team) emerge as the toast of the continent, and a reference point for international football.

Domestic

Such are the assurances of the Egypt’s league that most of its nationals had shunned the trappings of European leagues to play domestic football. If the contracts could match those offered by European leagues, then why would their stars want to go abroad for the name of it, only to be plunged into nostalgia. True, of recent years, Egypt, which boasts of vibrant youth transition projects had given Europe stars such as Ahmed Hossam “Mido” formerly of Ajax Amsterdam (Holland) and Middlesbrough FC (England), the controversial Hossam Ghaly at Tottenham Hotspur and Mohamed Zidan of Borussia Dortmund (Germany) to name but a few. However, the nostalgic feeling still looms, as evidenced by the recent home coming of Mido.

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Shrewd business

While the revolutionaries were keeping vigil at Tahrir Square, current league leaders, Zamalek were doing shrewd business. In an interview with Ahram Online, The White Knights’ (Zamalek) director of football, Ibrahim Hassan disclosed, “Mido is with us and he has signed.”

For Mido, the home coming is like a reunion with his boyhood club. Having traversed main land Europe, the star agreed a loan move from his latest European club (Middlesbrough). He told Fifa.com, “I want to finish my career here.”

Cancellations Though the Egyptian Football Association had cancelled all football activities in the country, as the stand-off continued, all but Zamalek continued training. The team had just returned from a triumphant first leg tie of the African Champions League, only to be faced with the crisis; (beating Ulinzi of the Kenyan Premier League 4-0 in Nairobi).

Conscious of the impasse, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) cancelled the return leg to have been played in Cairo, to the end of February.

Football reasons The

activities

of

Zamalek,

therefore,

angered some pro-democrats, who, fired-up, believed that the interest of the country should come above anything else, sports included. For some, it appeared as if the club, which is based in the affluent district of

Mido in West Ham colours

Zamalek, was attempting to help deposed President Mubarak to restore normalcy in Egypt, by holding regular training sessions.

The director of football Ibrahim Hassan responded that their activities were based purely on football reasons. “The league has to be resumed as soon as possible because sport is proof that our country 21

is strong and has returned to regular life”, he told Ahram Online.

“The majority of our team members attend the training sessions but only few, who live outside Cairo, find it hard to join due to the current curfew”, Hassan said adding that “we are set to fine players who don’t keep discipline.”

“We are in action no matter what and we are planning to play friendly games soon,” he said.

Solidarity

If the revolutionaries thought everyone associated with Zamalek did not care, they got a friend in former Zamalek goalkeeper Nader el-Sayed. In a show of solidarity, the star was seen in a YouTube video leading protests in Tahrir Square.

Nader el-Sayed, footballer turned revolutionary

El-Sayed, who is rumoured to be on the move to USA’s Major League Soccer, with LA Galaxy courting him, was joined by Zamalek’s coach Hossam Hassan, new acquisition Ahmed Hossam “Mido” and the numerous Zamalek fans and even their arch rivals Al Ahly SC at the demonstrations.

Now that the dust has settled, the super rich Etisalat Egyptian Premier League is set to resume. But first, Zamalek has the unfinished business of hosting their first leg vanquished, Ulinzi of Kenya.

Director of Football, Ibrahim Hassan of Zamalek

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Rising Star of the Month - Tando Yuji Velaphi

By Thomas Meinders, Germany This month's rising star is Tando Yuji Velaphi - goalkeeper of Australian club Perth Glory.

A droll choice that may lead to scratching the head by many of our readers. Neither is Velaphi playing in one of the big leagues in Europe or South America nor can he be referred to as the big African hope, since he holds Australian citizenship and has made six appearances for the country's U20- and U23squad.

But it is worth to take a second look at the 23-year-old. Although born in Perth on the beautiful west coast of the Australian continent, Velaphi, whose parents are Zimbabwean and Japanese, also holds Zimbabwean citizenship. And Velaphi scintillates on a position, where only few African players are to be counted to the international class - the position of a goalkeeper.

But like his origin prognosticates, it isn't always the easy way for the 1,85m tall ‘keeper Tando Yuji Velaphi to choose. He made his A-League debut at the beginning of the 2009/10 season against Adelaide United. Although Perth lost the first games, Velaphi convinced his coach to be the right choice, making 25 appearances in his debuting season.

Pundits agreed in predicting a big career for him. A fact, that didn't disturb Velaphi in his efforts to improve. The expired campaign, he made 28 out of 30 possible appearances for Perth. But the club's bad performances didn't make a detour around the young ‘keeper. Velaphi weakened slightly, 23

Against Matt Simon of Central Coast Mariners but got more constant again towards the end of the season.

This winter - the Australian summer - Velaphi felt, that the time has come to make the next step. He was transferred without a fee to Melbourne Victory, one of the most prestigious clubs in Australia, where he is going to fight with former Australia international Michael Petkovic for being first-choice keeper the upcoming season.

Hypothetically, Velaphi could still play for the Zimbabwean national squad, but he makes no secret of his goal: Being the first -choice goalkeeper for Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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The Road to Maputo 2011 of Egypt in 1987.

If this crop of players is called upon to compete in such a tournament of much greater importance to the other disciplines like athletics, swimming, tennis and martial arts, we truly expect to see a different showpiece.

With just eight teams from seven zones expected to make it to the final stage of the tournament, organizers started the ball rolling by categorizing the team to different zone which include both Egypt and Libya in Zone one, while zone two comprises of Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali and Senegal.

Benin, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria were placed in zone three, Cameroon, Congo RD and Gabon in zone four, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania make up zone five.

However, zone six comprises of the majority of the teams and it include Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe, but in zone seven, Madagascar and Seychelles will battle it out.

With only a team expected to qualify from each zone, the race for qualification began in January and will be concluded in July 2011.

By Sahr Morris Jr. The All Africa Games is the only multi-sports event in the continent and is usually referred to as the continent's version of the Olympic Games.

From September 2-18, the sporting lenses will be focused on the Mozambican capital Maputo for the 10th in the series of the quadrennial event which is set to attract over 1000 athletes across the continents in different sport-

ing disciplines.

Athletes will stage battles for personal medals and honors for their nations, but for football, the battle has already begun. Seven places are up for grabs in the ongoing qualifying series for both men and women with Mozambique already qualified being host nation.

Twenty-seven countries are participating in the men's qualifiers, with a spot reserved for each of the seven zones for the final tournament holding at a number of stadiums across Mozambique, with the final taking place at the Estádio do Zimpeto Stadium - a multipurpose 42,000-seater facility in the suburbs of Maputo.

With the most team’s in their region, zone six started the campaign in a preliminary clash and already Zimbabwe U-23 men’s football are one of the team to have booked a place in the qualifying round of tournament after settling to a 1-1 draw at home against neighboring Zambia at the Rufaro Stadium in Harare.

After a 3-2 shoreline from first leg, The Young Warriors, sealed victory on a 4-3 aggregate, putting an end to Zambia’s run of four consecutive appearances at All Africa Games.

Another nation that has already sailed through from the preliminary stage is Malawi. They booked a place to the first round of the Games after a 1-1 draw against Lesotho’s Makoanyane XI in the second leg preliminary round match played in Maseru. The Junior Flames secured their ticket with a 4-1 aggregate after a comfort-

Although the games don't take football seriously, to athletes in other disciplines, the PanAfrican showpiece does not come around every other year and it is the ultimate dream to win a medal on the continent's biggest sporting stage for young African players. For example, in the case of the Harambee Stars of Kenya, most of the current players of the team were not born when Kenya last played at home in the finals of the All Africa Games and lost to the Pharaohs 25

able 3-0 victory in the first leg at home.

The Junior Flames will now face the winner between South Africa and Angola thou South Africa are currently a step ahead after an away victory defeating the Angolans 4-1 in their home soil.

Already Botswana are also through to the qualifying round of the Maputo Games after drawing 1-1 with Swaziland in the preliminary round second leg played in Gaborone.

Philane Khwela South Africa U-23 Icon

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Botswana’s Under-23 coach Daniel ‘Chico Dance’ Nare

A spirited Swaziland side was keen on avenging the first leg loss and came out of the blocks flying.

The visitors dominated the first half play and were duly rewarded when captain Welile Maseko put them in front. Maseko was on the end of a cross from Mthunzi Mkhondvo to head home and leave Swaziland on equal aggregate score with Botswana.

With the match ending 1-1, Botswana proceed on a 2-1 aggregate and will now meet Zimbabwe.

The qualifying process will continue from the 15th April to the 1st of May on both legs. Egypt will face Libya, Guinea Bissau take on Senegal, Guinea and Mali will settle it out, Liberia and Nigeria will dust it out, Ghana will take on Benin, Gabon face DR Congo, Uganda and Tanzania, Eritrea take on Kenya, and Seychelles battle against Madagascar.

Since its inception, Cameroon have emerged gold winners a record four times (1991, 1999, 2003, 2007), with Egypt trailing on two occasions in 1987 and 1995. One time winners include Congo (1965), Nigeria (1973) and Algeria (1978).

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Ronaldo retires from the beautiful game

By Danny Rogers On Monday 14 February 2011 in São Paulo, Brazil, World Cup legend Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, flanked by his sons Alex and Ronald at an emotional press conference, told the world that he was hanging up his boots at the end of this season. Did this come as a surprise to the world’s football community or was it an announcement long overdue? African Sports Monthly’s Danny Rogers looks at the glittering career of the player who made history by scoring 15 goals in four World Cup appearances and winning countless football accolades during his splendid calling.

Born on 22 September 1976 in the favela (slums) of Buento Ribeiro of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) to Nelio Nazario de Lima and Sonia Barata's, Ronaldo like all slum kids, began playing barefooted hoping to overcome poverty after quitting school whilst in the seventh grade. Aged 11, his parents separated and Ronaldo was left to face the tough world of single parenthood and poverty. To support her four children, his mother found work behind the counter of a luncheonette, working up to 12 hours a day for a little more than the minimum wage.

In an interview with Brazil’s O Globo newspaper last year, Sonia Barata's said: "I could not accept the fact that my son thought only of playing soccer. What kind of future would he have? I always found him on the street playing ball with friends, when he should have been in school. I know, I lost my battle."

Ronaldo’s passion for the game began with Social Ramos, an indoor football club that paid him a stipend for food, bus fare and boots. He wanted to play for Flamengo, a top division side in the Brazilian League, which his idol, the legendary Brazilian Zico had played for.

Unfortunately, the then 13-year-old found himself playing for struggling Rio de Janeiro clubside São Cristovão. His exploits alerted football scouts and Ronaldo was destined for a glittering career. He was sold to Cruzeiro, a top Brazilian team for $25,000 at the age of 17 where he scored 12 goals in 14 appearances. He impressed at the club with his exquisite skills and helped them to the Brazilian title in 1994, which alerted leading European clubs.

Popularly known as “O fenomeno”, his first destination into European football was with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, when his contract was sold for $6 million from Cruzeiro after 28

the USA 1994 World Cup. Ronaldo spent three seasons with Eindhoven (1994-1996), scoring 30 league goals in his first season, and helping them win the Dutch Cup in 1996.

His big break came, when former England and Barcelona Manager, the late Bobby Robson spotted his exploits which resulted in a tug of war with Inter Milan over his service. Robson eventually had his way and paid an astronomical $20 million and Ronaldo landed at the Nou Camp.

During the 1996-97 season, he lived up to his price tag, scoring an incredible 47 goals (in all competitions) in 49 appearances. He led the Catalan club to the UEFA Cup Winners Cup 1996/97 scoring the winning goal that year to beat Paris Saint-Germain.

He also won the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana with Barcelona and the La Liga top scorer award in 1997 with 34 goals in 37 appearances.

Unsettled over contract renegotiations with Barcelona, Ronaldo had his next adventure in his European journey when Inter Milan bought out the remainder of his “buy out clause” in his contract for $28 million, another world record but at the time in 1997. Reports revealed that Inter Milan paid him an astonishing $14 million signing on bonus to lure him to the Nerazzurri.

He was voted FIFA player of the year for a second time in a row and won the prestigious Ballon d’Or as well. He scored 59 goals for Inter in 99 games.

When he announced his retirement, Ronaldo stated “I think of a move but I can't perform it as I want to. It's very hard to leave something that made me so happy”.

This was made in reference to the niggling injuries that had blighted his career. He first sustained a major injury during a Serie A match with Inter Milan against Lecce. An aerial challenge resulted in him landing awkwardly, that saw him limped off the pitch.

Medical examination later revealed he had ruptured a tendon in his knee which required surgery.

After a few months layoff, he made his comeback in April 2000, but lasted for only some ten minutes after triggering a recurrence. A further two operations was required with added rehabilitation treatments before he burst into the 2002 winning

Ronaldo is injured at Inter Milan 29

FIFA World Cup team in Japan-South Korea with Brazil. He went on to score both winning goals in the final against Germany.

After a phenomenal 2002 World Cup in which he danced, scored and entertained millions around the world, Ronaldo’s next sojourned was to Real Madrid for a reported $39 million, making the highest sales of his jerseys in the process. He was sidePele greets Ronaldo after winning the 2002 World Cup lined during the first few months with his new club, but after regaining full fitness, he went on to score 23 league goals in his first season. He won the Intercontinental Cup (2002) and Spanish Super Cup (2003) with the side.

Crippled with niggling injuries and weight problems, then Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello acquired Dutch hitman, Ruud Van Nistelrooy in 2006 and Ronaldo’s days were numbered at the Bernabeu. Restless and anxious to leave for football reasons, he personally bought the remainder of his contract with Real Madrid for a reported $7.5 million as the Madrid refused to let him join AC Milan on the cheap, whilst the latter were not prepared to meet his valuation price.

After much wrangling, he joined AC Milan and went on to score 7 goals in 14 appearances before injury struck again. In 2008, his European sojourn came to an end, when he ruptured his left knee ligament while jumping for a cross in a 1-1 draw with Livorno - third knee injury he had sustained on both knees. He was stretchered off the pitch and released by the club at the end of the season.

Ronaldo headed back to Brazil in 2008, training with Flamengo, then controversially signed a year’s contract with their fierce rival Corinthians. Flamengo president Marcio Braga expressed his shock over Ronaldo’s failure to join his side stating "I was surprised by the news," he said. "It was a disappointment. He said he wanted to stay here, he was training here. Flamengo did not receive even one 'thank you'." However, it turned out that Flamengo refused to offer him a contract and when Corinthians did, Ronaldo was on his way.

During the 2008 season he scored some remarkable goals for the club that saw them win two titles in the Brazilian league, the São Paulo State Championship and the Copa do Brazil. However, he was sidelined by injury and was unable to play for the rest of the 2009 season.

Last season, Corinthians had great hopes he would spearhead them to win the Libertadores, but they failed.

This enraged fans, who tagged him a mercenary, whilst some said his career was long over in 1999 when he sustained that spectacular knee injury.

If his professional football had been sparkling and brilliant, he ingeniously transposed this on to the international stage with the Brazilian national side. He won bronze with the Brazilian under 23 side at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games (USA) and helped the side to the 1998 World Cup final in France, losing to the host in the final 0:3.

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At the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, he equaled Pele’s 12 World Cup goals record, surpassing him in the 2006 World Cup and equaling Germany’s Gerd Müller’s 14 World Cup goals. He went on to surpass him in the match against Ghana to take his tally to an all time record of 15. He further joined a list of 20 world players to score in three different World Cups.

A United Nations (UN) Goodwill ambassador since 2000 championing the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Ronaldo has not forgotten his humble origins, stating: "In football, I learned that with motivaRonaldo scores against Ghana to take his World Cup goals to tion and determination I could achieve my dreams – even if they seemed impossible at times. If the whole world unites against poverty and hunger, we can beat it and become champions."

As with his soccer, Ronaldo’s anti-poverty efforts began among the poor children of Brazil, funding projects to help those living in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. He supported the inter-agency efforts of UNAIDS as special representative in its 1998 and 1999 awareness-raising campaigns against HIV/AIDS. In 1999, Ronaldo launched the UNDP global mobilization campaign called Teams to End Poverty, donating a cheque for the rehabilitation of a school in Kosovo.

An emotional Ronaldo announces his retirement

All good things must come to an end, and when Ronaldo finally hangs up his boots at the end of the season, his name will be in the football hall of fame alongside greats like Pele, Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, George Weah to name but a few.

Danny Rogers currently lives in London and is available on twitter@ http://twitter.com/#!/SirDanny or email drogers@africansportschannel.com

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Cricket World Cup: Poor Starts for Africa Nations

By Sahr Morris Jr.

Kenya had Pakistan in early trouble at 12 for two The ongoing cricket World Cup has been a night mere for the three Africa representatives Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa contrary to high expectation before the kick-off.

Earlier, Kenya and Zimbabwe were hoping to cause upsets at the tournament while South Africa went to the tournament hoping to clinch their first world crown since their re-admission into the sport in 1992.

Steve Tikolo dismiss In the build up to the tournament, underdogs Kenya and Zimbabwe suffered disaster in their warm-up matches, losing to Holland and Ireland respectively. The two nations are grouped in a difficult stand alongside defending champions Australia, former champions Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and lightweights Canada.

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Kenya Kenya went to the event with a record of 23 World Cup matches winning just six times and only made the semi-finals in 2003 which turned out to be their best performance to date.

Seen to many as a difficult start, Kenya opened with New Zealand in Chennai, losing woefully to the New Zealanders by 10 wickets.

The match scheduled for 100 overs only lasted less than 32 over, as the Black Caps dismissed Kenya for 69 and knocked off the runs in just 48 balls. The Kenyans were never at the races and lost their last

nine wickets for 29 in the face of some impressive seam bowling.

Their misery continued in their second clash of the tournament allowing Pakistan to start their campaign with a flying performance after claiming a 205 run win in Hambantota.

Zimbabwe Pakistan set a commanding total of 317-7 within their allotted 50 overs but in reply, Kenya could only muster 112 all out in 33.1 overs, although it represents a marked improvement from their capitulation to New Zealand in their opening match in which they posted the fifth lowest total in World Cup

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history with their 69.

It was a red letter day for the continent other representative, the defending champions Australia with the latter eased to a 91-run victory over Zimbabwe.

It was a relatively trouble-free start for the title holders as they comfortably defended their total of 262-6 with Zimbabwe slumping to 171 all out.

The total always looked too big for Zimbabwe to haul down, however, the Zimbabwean slow bowlers applied early pressure with a double strike that gave them hope at first but could not cope as the match was effectively rounded off by the 12th over.

EPL - The Madness Continues....

By Foday Mannah January was bound to be a rather interesting month with the now customary opening of the transfer window. Needless to say, one team (or one man) commanded more column inches than anybody else: Fernando Torres. Torres traded Anfield Red for West London Blue for a British record fee of a staggering 50 million pounds. The Torres transfer was significant for two reasons: Torres claims to have left Liverpool for a “bigger club”, which says a lot about the Anfield outfit’s current state of affairs. Needless to say (especially considering Liverpool’s esteemed history) Torres’ comments caused rancour and acrimony. But more significant perhaps is the fact that the relatively quiet Roman Abramovich has once again flexed his considerable financial muscle after being comparatively quiet in recent times.

The Russian tycoon also shelled out another 21 million for defender David Luiz. It would however appear that the recent largesse at Stamford Bridge is not the much expected panacea to problems on the pitch.

The Chelsea system for one does not seem suited to accommodate the trident striking force of Drogba, Anelka and Torres. Since the Torres signing, Chelsea have been beaten at home by Liverpool (karma some might say) whilst only managing to eke out a draw at struggling Fulham.

To make matters worse, Chelsea were dumped out of the FA Cup by a gutsy Everton, which means that all the Chelsea eggs are currently in the Champions League basket. Ancellotti it would appear is on borrowed time.

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Manchester United continue in pole position, although still inconsistent and sporadic. Their now customary experience and know-how was however to the fore as they overcame a sleek Manchester City outfit in the recent derby. Wayne Rooney’s winning goal was a thing of sheer audacity and beauty and was fit to win any football match. United’s unbeaten run has however ended, with them slumping to bottom side Wolves.

The United midfield still remains a serious Achilles’ heel, with Carrick, Fletcher and Anderson being at best average for most of the season. Nani has however been their stand-out player of the season.

Arsenal continue in their now customary Jekyll and Hyde fashion: inspired against Barcelona on one evening, and then contriving to blow a four-goal advantage against Newcastle in the league’s greatest comeback of all time. The North London aristocrats boast some brilliant attacking players: Nasri, Walcott, Van Persie, Wilkshire, but continue to show defensive frailties - the debacle at Newcastle a case in point.

Michael Carrick

Spurs continue to be the toast of most neutrals, and their plucky win against AC Milan at the San Siro was sure to have secured more converts to the religion that is Harry Redknapp. Spurs play with boundless energy and enthusiasm, and are a joy to watch. Their league form also continues to impress with fine recent victories against Bolton and Sunderland.

Manchester City, despite their reversal at neighbours United, continue to impress and were deserving of a draw on the day. With money being abundant at Eastlands, City also dabbled in the transfer market with the signing of striker Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg. City have the Italian steel of their manager and are exceedingly hard to break down. However, the sheer cost of their squad demands perhaps a more liberated style of play, with a premium on scoring more goals. Carlos Tevez continues to be the stand-out man in that department, and the signing of Dzeko could possibly ease the burden.

Kenny “The Messiah” Dalglish appears to have arrested the debilitating slide at Liverpool, with commendable victories against Fulham, Wolves and Chelsea in recent times. Raul Meireles continues to impress with a glut of very important goals. The Torres money has also been well spent with the 35

Edin Dzeko snapping up of strikers Andy Carroll from Newcastle and Luis Suarez form Ajax. Carroll remains injured and his true worth and value will become apparent in the future.

The bottom of the league continues to be a melee for safety with several clubs hovering over the relegation trap-door. The curse of the letter “W” seems strong with West Ham, Wigan and Wolves all in serious danger. In the same company are the likes of West Bromwich Albion, who rather surprisingly dismissed the charismatic Roberto di Matteo, replacing him with Anfield flop Roy Hodgson. Birmingham also have concerns, although getting to the Carling Cup final should provide impetus and verve. The Blackpool bubble has also burst, with the tangerines’ plucky and fearless attacking style being undermined by Kamikaze defending. Aston Villa also spent big in January with the acquisition of Darren Bent from Sunderland for 24 million. Manager Gerrard Houllier appears to have ridden the storm with Villa showing significant signs of progress. Sunderland, Bolton and Blackburn all seem ensconced in mid-table and should be around next season.

So who’ll win the league? Manchester United are favorites by virtue of the fact that they’re currently top and have been down the final straight several times before. They however have daunting away fixtures at Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. Arsenal are still very much in touching distance and per36

haps may just have what it takes to pip the old Trafford side to the title. Spurs are a decent outside bet, but Chelsea and Manchester City may have just left themselves too much to do. We shall see!

Tennis

Kenya Pins Hopes on Tennis Prodigy

By Muctaru Wurie Born on the June 26, 1996, Ismael Changawa is still a young lad but recent performances have led many to believe he can throw his country to the limelight in international tennis.

The young Kenyan is dragging a country’s hope along with him. Changawa, who was bundled out of the boys’ singles in the Mombasa ITF tennis tournament, revived the country’s hopes of reaching the finals after he partnered with Julian Turosienski of Poland to power their way to the doubles semi-finals of the ITF tennis tournament.

The tournament entered it crucial phase at the Mombasa Sports Club, the left-handed Changawa seeded fourth, and Turosienski dismissed un-seeded Christian Barbera of Italy and Isa Mammetgulyyev of Turkmenistan 7-6, 0-6, 10-5 to qualify for the semi-finals.

Ismael Changawa

According to Kenyan sport writer, Philip Onyango, the precocious skills Changawa currently exhibits lure many in Kenya to dream of having the next Roger Federer in the next future.

Kenya has long been a country that has been producing talents in the athletics field and many are hoping that the country which has invested so much in youth tennis in the past few years is finally reaping something positive.

Ismael Changawa who excelled in a tournament that saw the best young talents in world tennis coming together has the quality of a good tennis player because he has power and quick movement on the lawn.

His forehand and backhand response shows he has skills that can be horned. Although some have cautioned that the young Ismael Changawa has a long way to go before being considered a strong candidate to steal global tennis headlines, many are hopeful that he can continue his progress and make it big time.

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Player Profile: El-Hadji Diouf – Senegal’s Controversial Striker Who Divides Opinion

By Nanama Keita One of African football’s great stars-cum- a bad boy - El Hadji Diouf - is a Senegalese striker who currently stars for Rangers FC, having joined the Scottish giants on loan from Blackburn until the end of the 2011 season.

Born in the Senegalese city of St. Louis on the 15th January 1981, the well-travelled forward - who goes with the full name “El-Hadji Ousseynou Diouf” - has spent most of his career in the English Premiership where earned a reputation as a versatile but temperamental player who divides opinion.

He has played 41 times and scored 21 goals for the Senegal national team – Terenga Lions - before announcing his retirement recently.

Twice crowned African Player of the Year, Diouf has also garnered a large amount of notoriety for a series of controversial and unpleasant incidents both on and off the pitch.

Diouf started his career in France with Sochaux-Montbéliard making his debut appearance in a 2-1 win against Bastia on 12 November 1998, before moving to Rennes for the 1999-00 season. He moved to Lens the following season, spending two years at the Pas-de-Calais club before moving to 38

English club Liverpool in 2002 just before his sparkling World Cup with the Senegalese Lions in the 2002 Wolrd Cup finals hosted in Korea/Japan.

Before joining the Reds, Diouf he had inspired Lens to the verge of a French championnat, and had shone for Senegal in the 2002 Nations Cup finals. Those accomplishments were enough for Diouf to be awarded the African player of the year award in both 2001 and 2002.

Bolton Wanderers Bolton Wanderers bought Diouf from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee at the start of the 2005/06 season, after they had loaned the player for the 2004/05 season. On 15 September 2005, Diouf scored Bolton's first ever goal in a European competition in a 2-1 home win Lokomotiv Plovdiv in a UEFA Cup match.

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Compared to his short stint at Anfield, Diouf was largely successful at Bolton and became a fans' favorite due to his flair and direct running.

Despite earning the fans’ favorite tag at the Reebok Stadium, Diouf confirmed in an interview that he would be leaving Bolton at the end of the 2007/08 season and that his goal against Sunderland on 3 May marked his last appearance at the club.

Sunderland Diouf signed for Sunderland on 28 July 2008, after Bolton agreed to a transfer fee of £2.6 million.

The Senegalese inked a four year contract at the Stadium of Light after undergoing a medical before expressing his delight joining Sunderland. Then-manager Roy Keane also said he was happy that a player who "teams and supporters hate" had joined Sunderland: "El-Hadji has always been the kind of player opposition teams and supporters hate, a thorn in the side. That's why we're delighted to now have him in our squad."

Blackburn Rovers Diouf signed for Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee on 30 January 2009, signing a three-andhalf-year deal after just six months at the Stadium of Light, rejoining former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce at the club. He wore the number 18 shirt and scored his debut goal for the club against Fulham at Craven Cottage on 11 March 2009 in a 2–1 win.

During the summer transfer window, Rovers manager Sam Allardyce revealed that Diouf was acquired for only £1 million. Diouf scored his first home goal for Rovers at Ewood Park in the club's 3– 1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 12 September 2009.

On 2 January 2010, he was sent off in a 3–1 defeat to Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup. On 21 March 2010, Diouf scored the equalising goal against Chelsea in a 1–1 draw at Ewood Park which opened up the 2010 title race, with Chelsea dropping vital points. He started the next two Premier League games against Birmingham and Burnley; he then made his fortieth appearance for the club at Fratton Park playing against bottom-of-the-league side Portsmouth in a 0–0 draw on 3 April.

At the end of the 2009/10 season, he had made 27 appearances, scoring three goals.

Rangers On the last day of the 2011 winter transfer window, Diouf joined Scottish Premier League champions Rangers on loan until the end of the 2010–11 season. He made his Rangers debut on 2 February, coming on as a 20th minute substitute for injured team mate Lee McCulloch during a 1-0 win over Hearts, before earning his first start for the club 4 days later in a 2-2 draw with Celtic at Ibrox.

International career El-Hadji Diouf's international career started in April 2000 against Benin. He has earned 41 international caps and scored 16 goals for his country. He played for Senegal in their 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign and was elected to the World Cup All-Star team, after leading Senegal to the quarterfinals and victories over France (1–0) and Sweden (2–1). Senegal eventually lost 1–0 in extra time to Turkey.

He was also part of the Senegal team who were the runners-up in the 2002 African Cup of Nations hosted in Bamako, Mali.

In 2004, the controversial forward was slapped with a four-match ban from international football for a verbal assault on United Arab Emirates born referee Ali Bujsaim during 2004 Nations Cup finals in Tunisia.

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Diouf was however named in the FIFA 100, a list of the 125 greatest living footballers selected by Pelé in conjunction with FIFA's centenary celebrations in the same.

In October 2007, Diouf retired from international football, stating he had been frustrated by organizational problems with the side. However, Senegal then-coach Henri Kasperczak announced later in the month that he would name Diouf in the next squad.

On 3 April 2009 he reconfirmed his retirement after 41 games.

Controversies Diouf's professional career has at times been overshadowed by controversy. During his time at Sochaux, he was involved in a succession of minor transgressions. This resulted in the move to Rennes, where he was convicted for driving without a licence, and was involved in a car crash. Taking into account his age and evident remorse, the French courts sentenced Diouf to community service.

In England During the start of his early Premier League career, Diouf was involved in several incidents where he spat at fans and opposition players. On 13 March 2003, whilst playing for Liverpool, he was involved in an incident when he spat at Celtic fans during a televised UEFA Cup quarter-final.

His club fined him two weeks' wages, UEFA gave him a two-match ban, and Diouf was charged with assault. Although Diouf initially pled not guilty, he later changed his plea to guilty, and was fined £5,000.

Whilst he was on loan at Bolton, Diouf was charged by the police for spitting at an 11-year-old Middleborough fan during a 1–1 draw in November 2004. Then, on 27 November 2004, Diouf spat in the face of Portsmouth player Arjan de Zeeuw.

He was fined two weeks' wages by Bolton and was banned for three games by the FA after pleading 41

guilty to a charge of improper conduct.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce later revealed that he considered sending Diouf to see a sports psychologist.

In April 2010, Diouf was arrested and charged with motoring offences in Manchester.

On 8 January 2011, following Blackburn's 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup third round, QPR manager Neil Warnock accused Diouf of taunting Jamie Mackie whilst the latter lay on On 20 September 2009, Diouf was questioned by police after allegations that he had made a racial slur to a ball-boy during a match at Everton, telling him to "fuck off, white boy". Diouf defended his actions by saying Everton fans were racially abusing and throwing bananas at him, but police found no evidence of this.

the pitch injured with a broken leg and referred to Diouf as "lower than a sewer rat".

El Hadji Diouf and Richard Dunne of Aston Villa exchange views during a Premier League match between Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa Diouf is a retired professional footballer. He is also the chairman of the DIOUFY FOUNDATION which helps children in need both in his country of birth and other children who ask of his help.

The foundation, which was initiated on 3rd January 2008, was established in cooperation with one of his close confidant and popular hip hop singer Akon.

Though he never seems far away from something controversial happening to him or around him, the Senegalese is one of the greatest African strikers of the current generation.

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Personal life Diouf is married and has a daughter named Kenza. His older brother Dame

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Will The Pacman V Mayweather Fight Ever Take Place?

By Ayodele Odumade For the past three years, there has been only one fight that the boxing world has wanted to watch, but for a number of reasons the fight has not taken place as yet. In one corner we have Floyd Mayweather Jr who is undefeated and in the other we have Manny Pacquiao who was last beaten 15 years ago. Arguably they are both the two best boxers in the world pound for pound. Many boxing critics see Pacquiao as the best boxer in the world pound for pound and the fact that he is an unprecedented 8-weight champion had lent credibility to this claim.

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In the past it was easy to match the best boxers against each other. The promoters got together, put aside their differences and managed to work out a deal. Two of the greatest boxing promoters of all time – Don King and Bob Arum did not see eye to eye. However when there was a dollar or two to be made they always managed to reach an agreement and got the best boxers in the ring. Mike Tyson who was the youngest world heavyweight champion always stated that he would fight the best and he was as good as his word as he cleaned up the heavyweight division in the mid and late 80s.

So why can’t Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao reach an agreement? Mayweather at first stated that Pacquiao should submit himself to a blood test to help to dispel the rumors that he was involved with the intake of some stimulants before fights. Pacquiao stated that he was willing to take blood test a month before the fight but Mayweather stated the fight would not happen unless Pacquiao agreed to take a test two weeks before the fight. Pacquiao stated that this would make him weak and disrupt his preparations. What Mayweather was trying to do was endorsed by the boxing world as he was trying to show that boxing could be a clean sport. However some pundits and critics understood Pacquiao stance, as he had not stated he would not take a test but that he would only take the blood test a month before the fight. With both boxers taking their various stances, it appeared that there would be no deal for this fight.

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On the 1st of May 2010 after Mayweather had beaten Sugar Shane Mosley, he was asked by boxing commentator Larry Merchant, what it would take to make the fight with Pacquiao and he stated that all he (Pacquiao) had to do was take the test to show that boxing is a clean sport. Not long after that Pacquiao stated that he was willing to take any blood test to make this fight happen. The boxing world thought that the fight the world was waiting with bated breath to see would finally take place, but it was not to be as Mayweather had suddenly changed the “goalpost”! He now stated that he purse should be split 60-40 because he believed that he brought more to the table and helped to sell more pay per views than Pacquiao could! Pacquiao is also a box office hit and arguably as popular all over the world with a huge following.

If you look at Mayweather’s record you will see that his marquee conquests in the ring are Diego Corrales (deceased), Jose Luis Castillo, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Marquez and Sugar Shane Mosley. In comparison, Pacquiao’s marquee conquests are Eric Morales (twice), Marc Antonio Barrera (twice), David Diaz, Oscar Dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton (in quicker time than Mayweather could knock him out), Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. The common names on their records are Hatton and De La Hoya. Pacquiao’s next fight will be against Mosley (who is also one of Mayweather’s conquests) in May. With all due respect to Mosley, Pacquiao is the favourite to come through safely in this fight.

So looking at the fighters that Pacquiao has beaten, he has been equally as impressive at Mayweather if not better. So why can’t Mayweather recognize this and just get on with it so that he can cement his place in history? Is he scared of Pacquiao? Is he merely using a clever ploy by waiting for Pacquiao to burn himself out by fighting boxers who are above his weight such as the dangerous Margarito? Medical evidence provided after the Margarito fight showed that Pacquiao suffered a rib injury due to the impact of the body punches he received. However the beating he administered to Margarito was evident from the pictures produced post fight. Although Mayweather looked impressive against Mosley in his last fight apart from the scare he had in the second round, it can be argued that this is a fight that should have happened ages ago. Mayweather has been accused of not facing the best. He would not take a risk against the likes of Cotto and Margarito, yet Pacquiao put in impressive performances against these two. Without trying to take anything away from Mayweather, he is a brilliant boxer who remains undefeated and has put in some impressive performances. The most impressive I saw was the beating he administered to the late Arturo Gatti who was pulled out of the fight because of the savage beating he received. The beating he gave to Ricky Hatton was also impressive but not as impressive as Pacquiao who chillingly knocked Hatton out in just two round.

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Daba Modibo Ke誰ta, World Taekwondo Champion

By Aminata Mariko In what was considered by many as a poor performance during his appearance at the Olympics Taekwondo competition held in Beijing where he was eliminated during the quarter finals, thirty year old Ivorian born, Daba Modibo Keita, revenged his disastrous loss when he was declared Taekwondo world champion in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The 84 kg Keita, born of Malian parents, did not disappoint his many fans around the world and the Malian nation which he represented. Covering himself with the Malian flag, one could only see that the culmination of such a competition is the result of hard work; fulfilling the hopes and dreams of all Malians.

It is his sustained hard work and perseverance in the face of difficulties that have enabled him to compete and win internationally and in the process made a name for himself. In 1996 and 1997, he won the silver medal in the West African Championships in Abidjan and Bamako respectively. In 1999, he was awarded the bronze medal in the Championship West Africa in Accra and was declared 2002 and 2004 champion for the Malian nation.

Between 2004 and 2005 he also won the Gold Medal at the Paris Open Championship, the Open International Tournament in Nantes and open Picardy followed by the gold medal at the Paris Open Championship. This was followed by an award for maintain a good fighting spirit in the 17th World Championship Taekwondo Madrid, Spain. Then came the gold medals he won from Madagascar and Francophone world cup in Niamey, Niger which were followed his showing at the 18th world Championship games in Beijing in 2007 and in Copenhagen in 2009.

Perhaps, it is no surprise therefore that, having carved a place for Mali in the world of Taekwondo, the president of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure received him with pomp and also offered him five million CFA in addition to a villa he was also presented.

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Caster Semenya Sets Eyes on 2012 Olympic Games By: Sahr Morris Jr.

South African 800m runner, Caster Semenya says she looking forward to compete in the 1500m at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Semenya who returned to action at this month with victory in the 800m at the first leg of the local Yellow Pages Series in Potchefstroom is already eyeing the London games Just back from injury, Semenya clocked two minutes 04.12 seconds in Potchefstroom to finish ahead of national champion Mapaseka Makhanyam and already this year's World Championship in Daegu is top of Semenya's list for the season, but she has also revealed that she wants to double up and attempt the 1500m as well as the 800m at London 2012.

She said: “I'm going for my second successive gold medal in Daegu in August. This will also be part of my preparations for the 2012 London Olympics. I'm looking forward to my first Olympics and the plan is to include the 1,500m at the Olympics."

Now back on the track, Semenya hopes to get a decent run of appearances ahead of her World and Olympic campaigns.

Semenya had to miss the Commonwealth Games in India last year due to a back injury which is still causing her some troubles.

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Tunisia Triumphs at Sudan 2011

By Kingsley Kobo

Tunisia has become the second nation after DR Congo to win the two-edition-old African Nations Championship (CHAN) reserved uniquely for players plying their trade within the continent.

The CHAN 2011 was held in the Sudanese cities of Khartoum, Omdurman, Port Sudan, Wad Madani between February 4–25.

Unlike the maiden edition held in Cote D’Ivoire in 2009, the just-concluded 2011 CHAN hosted by Sudan created better media and public awareness, flavouring the New Year with rapture amid noxious political tensions across the continent.

The 2011 CHAN had 16 teams participating as opposed to only eight in 2009.

Hosts Sudan were pitted against Algeria, Gabon and Uganda in Group A, while Group B was composed of South Africa, Niger, Zimbabwe and Ghana.

Defending champions and top favourites DR Congo led Group C dubbed group of death because of the presence of continental top flights Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire and Mali, while Group D housed Tunisia, Angola, Senegal and Rwanda.

Much of the tournament previews tipped DR Congo capable of retaining the title in regard to their squad stiffly reinforced and wholly inspired by 11 players 51

diles 17th minute 1-0 lead in the second half and dragging the hosts to a queasy penalty shootout won by Sudan.

from CAF club champions and Fifa Club World Cup finalists TP Mazembe.

Despite the absence of CHAN 2009 MVP, Mazembe former captain Tresor Mputu, who’s facing a Fifa ban, many pundits believed the local Leopards would repeat their two-yearback exploit or at least stage another Mazembe unfaltering march towards the summit.

Another disappointing team at the tournament was Ghana, who failed to win a single match and scoring just one goal.

Quarterfinals Unfortunately, they failed to live up to expectation, shockingly losing their opener to Cameroon 2:0 and struggling to defeat a weak Ivorian side 2-1 in their group’s second outing and finally trudging into the knockout stage after woefully pulling a 1-1 draw with Mali that had lost their first two games.

South Africa were floored in the quarterfinals by Algeria 2-0, while Sudan fortunately qualified for the semis after narrowly edging Niger in penalties. Cameroon, who raised much hope after their 2-0 win over DR Congo and clearing of both Cote D’Ivoire and Mali to rake nine full points in the group stage, went down against Angola after a fierce clash that ended goalless and proceeded to penalties.

Focus shifted from the tournaments darlings DR Congo after they were kicked out by Tunisia 1-0 in the quarterfinals, and settled on the CHAN revelation – Niger!

Tunisia had a smooth ride across the group stage, trouncing Rwanda (3-1), Senegal (2-0) and drawing against their eventual final adversary Angola (0-0). But their quarterfinal game against DR Congo was even softer as they quietly licked the tired, used and disconnected Leopards 1-0 to seize their spot in the semis.

The local Mena were a surprise, although they were the team that prevented Nigeria from reaching the finals, many analysts had deemed them minnows, but after beating Zimbabwe (10) and Ghana (1-0) in the group stage, their ranking soared in the championship.

Semi-finals Although Niger couldn’t reach the semis, their quarterfinal face-off against host team Sudan was a worthwhile battle, which saw one of their players red-carded midway but couldn’t slash their determination of levelling the Nile Croco-

Algeria and Tunisia became the teams to beat after they showed consistency and much progress from start to the semis. But previews slanted more on Algeria due to their pacy attacking line championed by ES Setif forward 52

Angolan Fans Abdelmoumene Djabou and ASO Chlef playmaker El Hillel Soudani. But the Fennecs faced a sturdy resistance from Tunisia in their semi-final meeting that looked more of an all-north African derby.

APEP Pitsilia’s Salema Kasdaoui’s 18 minute goal for Tunisia was answered by Algeria with a goal from omnipresent Djabou. The physical sessions petered out across full to extra time with no more introductions on the score board, ushering both sides into penalty shootout that eventually went in favour of Tunisia after Hocine Metref wasted Algeria’s fourth kick, ending 3-5.

Sudan and Angola’s showdown was also decided by penalties after a 1-1 draw, with the Palancas Negras winning 2-4.

Third Place Playoff Host Sudan retained some honour for home fans by winning the third place title after they defeated Algeria 1-0; however, a great number of fans boycotted the meeting owing to their frustration from Sudan’s failure to reach the final.

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Finals At a jam-packed 42,000-seater Al Merreikh Stadium in Omdurman, Tunisia and Angola locked horns for the title of the 2011 African Nations Championship, with the graceful presence of Fifa President Sepp Blatter and CAF boss Issa Hayatou.

After a barren first half, things quickly turned in favour of the Eagles of Carthage when EspĂŠrance Sportive de Tunis midfielder Mejdi Traoui broke the deadlock in the 47th minute.

Dhaouad and Oussama Darragi spoilt the rest for Angola after each dropped a goal to swell the lead to 3-0 in the 74 and 80th minutes. With little hope of pulling any back, Angola let it go and fell under the severe domination of the Tunisians, ending the game in that margin.

Back home in Tunis, the local Carthage were being celebrated by thousands of street protesters still demanding for the outing of the newly-formed government. But the victory offered some respite from tensions and fights, as they awaited the arrival of the contingent flying in with the nation’s first football trophy after many years of poor outings.

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Fatmata Koroma Executive Director/ Founder Therapeutic Interventions Inc. Washington D.C. Fatmata Koroma is Executive Director and founder of Therapeutic Interventions Inc. THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS INC. provides the surrounding community and international community with education on health and wellness. Fatmata is a hand-on healthcare professional with a diverse healthcare background providing knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional care to patients and clients of all medical conditions.

She specializes in massage therapy, nursing, and Quality of Health Issues in the Community.

Fatmata Koroma is born and raised in Washington DC after her parents immigrated to the United States from Sierra Leone. She has a Bachelor of Science from Howard University with a concentration in Recreation Therapy and Allied Health Sciences. She has Associates in Applied Sciences in Nursing from The University of the District of Columbia. Fatmata is also a Certified Massage Therapist. She resides in the Washington DC. Fatmata has been honored in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and is an honored member of the Cambridge Who’s Who registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs. She has professional affiliations with the National Association of Nurse Massage Therapists and the Association of 56 Professionals in Infection Control.

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African Sports Monthly best dressed African Footballers

Frédéric Kanouté

Adebayor

By Alie Bittar African Sport Monthly sport edition will continue with African Best Dressed Football Players off the pitch. In recent years African players started wearing famous labels and brands like Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Hermes, Gucci by Gucci, Louis Vuitton etc.

Researching choices from African continent for our March edition 2011, Malian soccer star Frédéric Kanouté tops the list this time, starting at number six (6) followed by Real Madrid's Togolese international Emmanuel Adebayor, Nigerian Obafemi Martins, El Hadji Diouf and Chelsea Ivorian striker Solomon Kalou making the list of our Stylish players of the pitch.

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Solomon Kalou

El Hadj Diouf

Obafemi Martin

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No. 6. Frédéric Oumar Kanouté born in Sainte Foy les Lyon is a Malian with Sevilla FC in the

Spanish League, He is known for his designers outfit and knows how to dress off the pitch, earning 6,000,000 Euro per year. In 2010 the striker, who has been practising Islam since the age of 20 refused to wear the Seville shirt whilst it was sponsored by gambling website 888.com, and therefore wore a more relax French Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior free version. Kanouté has also purchased a Mosque in Seville for $700k after its lease had expired.

No. 7. Togolese designer Nadia Salif Keita points out, that Emmanuel Adebayor is truly a modern-

day icon. His fame extends well beyond football. He represents a brand of his back ground. Rated No 5 in the premiership earners with £140,000 per week, when he signs from Arsenal to Manchester City for £25m in July 2009.

Now in Madrid with £160.000 a week wages the Togolese international is making our second choice fashion player for knowing what to wear and how to wear it. Sources close to Gucci say: “Adebayor is a perfect best-dressed choice. He has the height and looks with an inner confidence that makes him appear relaxed.” He chooses the cut well, always looks good like he’s enjoying his clothes when he steps out.

No. 8-Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins with a style of fashion, that looks in his days with Inter Milan Italian brands Vito de Bari and Luigi Colani. The Nigerian is among the ranks of the best dressed for this edition. Valentino Garavani from Voghera Italy is amongst Martin's choices. The 26-year-old striker is also a fan of Ralph Lauren, and in 2009 despite his £75,000 a week wages, fashioning was a great factor for the player reportedly broke. He is also known for riding top cars like Gemballa Stormtrooper Enzo.

Moving from Russian side Rubin Kazan to premiership side Birmingham for a £500,000 loan fee the Nigerian is well known for his love for Versace as well!

No. 9- El Hadji Diouf is known for his versatility around and off the pitch. Sources say, he wears

Jean Paul labels most times. Now with Scottish side Rangers the Senegalese is a well known soccer star in the continent and beyond for his stylish appearance to his fans. He has a knack of being able to carry off virtually any look with aplomb. He can do casual, bling, sleek suits.

No. 10-Salomon Armand Magloire Kalou is a house whole name in the Chelsea rank and files

born 5 August 1985 in Oume Cote d’ Ivoire. Most often seen in casual gear, Kalou can look caged in a suit and tie in official assignment, but he makes interesting choices that butter him up.

Kalou, who joined Chelsea in an £8m transfer from Feyenoord in 2006, seeing the star wing attacking midfielder with top trademark Giorgio Armani and Gucci, marks him the fifth African best dressed for the month of March .

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Political impasse halts Formula 1 Saidu Kaye Sesay, London

The 2011 Formula 1 season earlier scheduled for kick-off in Bahrain on March 13 has been shifted to March 27 and moved to Australia following political unrests in Bahrain.

The announcement was made by the Crown Prince of Bahrain Sheik Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa who said, “We must focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting to a later date.�

All eyes will be on Sebastian Vettel, the defending champion, when the race kicks off in Melbourne, Australia. The German, who will be flying the No 1 plate on his car, has already set a marker this year with a lap time of 1: 13. 769 secs at the Valencia circuit early February.

Melbourne F1 Circuit But Vettel, 24, knows that it is yet a long way to the finishing line. Testing of new cars and fittings, count for nothing when the race commences, knowing fully well of the bitter rivalry in the sport.

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There is last year’s runner-up and two-time world champion, Spanish-born Fernando Alonso to contend with, while Vettel will do well to keep an eye on Alonso’s Ferrari team mate Felipe Massa of Brazil. Then there is Vettel’s own team mate and last year’s fierce rival (no love lost), the inspirational Australian, Mark Webber. If these are not a handful, surely, the two English men - Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, 2008 and 2009 champions respectively, of McLaren Mercedes, will give the defending champion a run for his money.

Valencia test After the Valencia test, Vettel noted, “It is practice for all of us, different programmes, different days and we need to be aware of the big teams-hopefully us and I guess McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.

Also, maybe, a surprise like Renault, who perhaps have an interesting concept”. About the car, he said, “It feels a bit different but not that much.”

Sebastian Vettel getting used to Kers and the new rear wing at Jerez, Spain

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His closest rival of the day, Ferrari’s Alonso had this to say to the press: “It's impossible to have an idea of how the different teams line up after just a few hundred kilometres and I don't think that we will have a clear picture before the Bahrain Grand Prix. I remember that last year at the last test in Barcelona we were sixth fastest with Sauber and Force India ahead of us. At Sakhir we lapped them. I think that this question mark will remain right up to the first race."

Fernando Alonso (centre), enjoys the champagne world of F1

Consistency The consistency of the cars all season has always been of concern to drivers in the championship.

After his first taste of his new car, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton had this to say: “We didn't do any particularly long runs, and I wasn't too aggressive with the car, but we learned a couple of useful things.

The car feels good compared to last year's, which is positive. It feels like a good step over MP4-25."

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Lewis Hamilton with new car in Jerez

Gruesome accident With a couple of weeks to go, the world of F1 is still left in doubt as to whether Lotus Renault’s driver Robert Kubica will drive at all this season. Kubica, the first Polish to drive in F1 was involved in a gruesome accident while participating in a low key rally in Andora, Italy, February 6. The driver, who was rescued from the wreckage by crews, after almost an hour, suffered multiple fractures to his right leg, arm and hand.

A series of surgeries had been undertaken to see if he would be able to use his right hand. While doctors are still to give a full prognosis of his recovery, his manager Daniele Morelli informed the press, “The surgeons are trying to restore the functionality of the right hand. They must now think about the muscle function. But Robert has a very strong temper and will succeed.”

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Robert Kubica in his Renault suit

Robert Kubica’s damaged car 65

Favourite While Lotus Renault awaits news on Kubica, German driver Nick Heidfeld has been recruited to replace the former. And the German has done himself favours, when he posted the quickest time on the third day of testing in Jerez. Heidfeld, formerly of Sauber, afterwards said: “I really enjoyed today. It's obviously going to take time to get used to it when it's the first time in a car and with a new team. My first impressions are very positive."

The calendar year will see twenty races ending with the final race at the Interlagos Circuit in Brazil on 27 November. The F1 world expects some thrilling encounters as the engines roar pit side.

Seydou Kéita « Seydoublen » Aminata Mariko

Focus on Barcelona midfielder Considered to be among the best African footballers, Malian born Seydou Keita, who began his career at the Salif Keita centre has garnered the attention of sports authorities and fans as an excellent midfielder who has helped his current team Barcelona win the La Liga title and UEFA championship league. Born in Mali’s capital, Bamako in 1980 and coming from a family of footballers, it is not a surprise to many that his career continues to soar after he was first spotted by French team, Olympique Marseille.

Marking his first professional football debut, Keita played at Marsielle. After playing about seven games, he later moved Lens where he played for five seasons before departing for Spain. In Sevilla,Spain, he had the opportunity to join his Malian counterpart Frederic Kanoute. Having played for a number of teams, he has amassed a lot of experience that continues to underscore his abilities as a midfielder.

Keita who signed a two year extension with his current team is hoping to retire with Barcelona where he seems to be very happy and continues to deliver as a midfielder. While he is optimistic about what the future holds, he also knows that things are out of his control. However, he promises to do 66

Despite his obligations to his team in Spain, he is deeply committed to the Malian national team and has played in the African Cup of Nations in 2002, 2004 and 2008 championship tournaments.

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ALL WEST AFRICAN NOMINEES FOR THE NFL WALTER PAYTON MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

By Hadiatu Dumbuya Israel Idonije, Madieu Williams, and Nnamdi Asomugha, three West Africans, 3 finalists for the Walter Payton Many of the Year Award.

These three men have excelled on the football field and in the community in the United States and abroad. It is a great honor Israel Idonije that each have dedicated their time and money to help those less fortunate.

Israel Idonije and his Foundation "exists to extend positive, life changing opportunities to families and individuals in economically disadvantaged communities. They promote the pursuit of education and knowledge, while providing programs for the youth and community members, in hopes that they may actualize and maximize their full potenMadieu Williams tial.". Through his foundation, Israel also does a yearly mission trip to Nigeria provide medical health care services, health care education, clean water and physical education programs. Along with his contributions to Nigeria, Israel participates in community service through the Chicago Bears initiatives on his days off during the season.

Madieu Williams hails from Sierra Leone and has payed continuous homage to his homeland. The Madieu Williams Foundation focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education for underprivileged youth. Through his foundation, Madieu reaches out to youth and teaches them at an early age the importance of a healthy lifestyle. He also conducts yearly health screenings and football 68

clinics where he grew up in Maryland. Along with his contributions through his foundation, Madieu has donated $2 Million to his University for a Global Health Initiative. This will provide health services to Sierra Leone and hopefully expand to other regions. Madieu was fortunate enough to win this prestigious award but was in Iraq with the troops during the ceremony. It is fitting that he won the award while donating more time to those in need.

Nnamdi Asomugha is currently one of the most sought after free agents from the Oakland Raiders. From a very young age he realized the importance of giving back and once the opportunity arose, he did just that. As an Oakland Raider in his spare time he would make frequent visits to the East Oakland Youth Development Center to conduct tutoring sessions, academic parties, and provides shoes to those in need. Asomugha even brings those that he mentors to the training facility to get them in a different environment. Shortly after starting his visits Nnamdi started a program to expose the children to college. The students chosen for this Asomugha College Tour for Scholars (ACTS) program are already on the right path for success but could use exposure to different universities. Along with his contributions to the Bay Area, Asomugha works hand in hand with his family charity, the Orphans and Widows In Need (OWIN) Foundation. The Mission: Education is the springboard for innovation and growth. Educational opportunities for vulnerable populations, especially those in poverty, are limited. Our mission is to alleviate the consequences of poverty in vulnerable populations by creating the conditions and environment to support educational opportunities (Asomugha Foundation).

All three of these men are more than remarkable for what they do in America and in West Africa. It is rare that their contributions are highlighted and respect given to the countries that they hail from. Each and every one of you should take some time to look at their foundation websites and learn how you can donate to the cause.

Nnamdi Asomugha

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The bling bling world of Senegal's El Hadj Diouf

By Daniel Rogers, London Senegal’s own soccer prodigy El Hadj Diouf is living up to the tag of King of Bling amongst African footballers in Europe. Diouf who plies his trade with English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers but is currently on loan with Scottish side Glasgow Rangers, has a penchant for the high life: a fleet of expensive fast cars, blings and boutique designer clothes.

Diouf owns nearly a dozen expensive cars running into several millions. If Diouf were to form a football team of cars then his squad would be more expensive than Real Madrid or Chelsea team. The star owns a £42,000 Mercedes Benz SLR Mclaren, the world’s fastest convertible car that does 60mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 207mph. He also has a white Range Rover Sports 3.0 TD V6, with a 5 speed command shift valued at an estimated £75-90,000 after personalisation. Diouf added a gold Cadillac Escalade limousine, a white £82,000 customised Cadillac escalade covered in diamonds from the door handles to the steering wheel and a Lincoln navigator.

With his love of fast cars come his desires for designer apparels. He owns a £35;000 Audemars Piquet Royal Oak watch like rapper Jay Z, and hardly goes out without his £25,000 white gold diamond chain. Diouf says of himself “I’m special, just like on the pitch. I like nice clothes. My medallion is made of diamonds and has the names of my family – my mum, my wife and daughter. Everything on me is diamond”.

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His volatile temper and rashness has sometimes found him on the wrong side of the law. The former African footballer of the year who inspired his country to the 2002 World Cup was axed by French Club Rennes in 2000 after he nearly knocked over a pedestrian whilst driving without a license in France. He received a six months driving ban last may in the UK after driving for seven years without a valid licence.

While playing for Liverpool in a UEFA match against Celtic, he spat at a Celtic fan and was fined ÂŁ5,000 by a Glasgow Sheriff Court. In 2006 he was arrested for allegations of assaulting his wife Valerie, a former Miss Senegal His best pal is rapper Akon.

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Sierra Leone Premier League Struggles for Credibility and Funding

By Muctaru Wurie The 2010-2011 Sierra Leone Premier League was due to commence last August, several postponements and a search for donor saw another sad chapter in the history of Sierra Leone football. Fortunately for the clubs, a sponsorship deal was finally reached on Saturday February 19. The deal saw leading mobile company Africell doling out 100 million Leones and gambling company Mercury International giving 50 million Leones in a joint sponsorship deal to the Sierra Leone premiership board.

One observer who witnessed the unveiling of the deal said even this much heralded money was only a drop in the ocean. Mohamed Sankoh, a sports analyst told African Sport Magazine that he was disappointed by the work of the Premiership Board and the sponsors. “I think the Premiership Board is not doing enough to lift the standard of football and local clubs, and for the sponsors, I find this sum ridiculous. Can you believe Africell for instance claim to offer one billion Leone to lucky subscribers in their raffle draw and all they could offer the whole of Sierra Leone football is 10 % of that figure given to just one lucky subscriber?” Sankoh wondered.

The reality of the situation is that the premier league in Sierra Leone itself is in a delicately disadvantageous position. The hitherto enthusiasm and euphoria for inter-club rivalries are all but now gone.

Many Sierra Leoneans soccer fans are either no longer interested or have very little interest in the local leagues. According to sports journalist Abubakarr Kamara, the problem lies with the Sierra Leone Football Association and the Premier League Board’s inability to truly represent a solid image to sponsors. “How can you get serious sponsors when your house is not in order? We all know the SLFA is corrupt and inefficient, so they will never attract the kind of big offer you will expect a premier league to have,” he said.

At a recent meeting of key football stakeholders in Moyamba, southern Sierra Leone, one observer remarkably asked when would a well-organised league run in the country. The reality is that Sierra Leone has not managed a consistent flow of a top league in the country.

The Premier League was rejuvenated seven years ago and the first title was won by FC Kallon.

However, even the FA and football clubs knew at that time that the league was nowhere premier. It was only a few years after the war came to an end, when most of the country’s football talent had left the country and professional leagues had been non-existent for some time.

However, the highpoint of the league only came two years after the inception of the new league when FC Kallon and Ports Authority made some encouraging impact on the continent’s two prestigious competitions - the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. The following year, there was 72

FC Kallon another setback that saw the SLFA failing to meet the CAF deadline in submitting the qualifying teams for the CAF competitions. At the end, club football suffered another setback as the country missed out on another important chance to augment confidence in the game. Since then however, there has been a decline in progress.

Sierra Leonean football fans and observers will at least have a sigh of relief that at least the 2011/2012 Sierra Leone Premier league season that has been procrastinated for over six months will now start on Saturday February 26, 2011 at Makeni between Wusum Stars and Ports Authority.

It will also coincide with the official opening of the artificial turf in Makeni.

This is expected to be an official opening by President Ernest Bai Koroma. According to reports, the league should have started with defending champions East End Lions against Wusum Stars but because of the Lions’ second leg match with their Malian opponent in Mali.

The match is postponed and the Premier League board has no alternative but to start the league with Ports Authority. Many fans are waiting to see how another slow league season commences.

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Demba Ba - dubious transfer, dubious character?

by Thomas Meinders, Germany Demba Ba is a scoring machine, and a well liked team player - for football fans in Germany, that is the past. The Senegalese international advanced to the least of all liked players throughout the country, since his final transfer from 1899 Hoffenheim to Premier League bottom-placed club West Ham United.

What happened? To understand the full consequences of Ba's actions, you have to look back 1 1/2 year. Ba, though still on contract with Hoffenheim, which signed him two years ago from small Belgian club Excelsior Mouscron, tried to force his club to transfer him to fellow Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart.

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It became a farce, when different agents, who all claimed to speak on behalf of Ba, wanted to negotiate the transfer, though Hoffenheim always stated, that they are not interested in a transfer at all. It culminates in Ba's thread of not playing again for 1899, saying, that they were trying to ruin his career.

Ba got injured soon after. The club helped him with his recovery and so Ba played again with Hoffenheim by the end of 2009.

But, it wasn't set for the length of his new contracted, which he signed after the problems were solved. Sending no signs in the first half of this season, the club's best scorer suddenly refuses to take part at Hoffenheims training camp. He simply refuses to enter the plane. A kick in the teeth for the tolerant club bosses and his teammates.

Ba himself told in an interview with German football magazine "Kicker", that "no one ever told me to get back to the training." A statement, that was hardly challenged by Manager Ernst Tanner and club boss Joachim Hopp. Even if this would have been true, does a club need to pledge every player to take part at their training sessions? It was a farce.

Hoffenheim decided, that it would be the best for both sides, to transfer Ba. Stoke City was interested, offering a 8 million Euro deal, which was ready to be signed. But surprising everyone, Ba failed the medical. At Hoffenheim, he played the complete 17 matches of the season before, anyhow. Stoke offered to loan Ba until the end of the season. But Tanner refused, saying: "It is somehow dubious, that he should be able to play after a loan, but not after a transfer."

The time was running out, when West Ham appeared on the negotiating table. Both clubs agreed on a transfer with a transfer fee of 3 Million Euros. Surprisingly, Ba didn't fail the medical at West Ham. Players and officials throughout the Bundesliga criticized Ba's behaviour. "I hate these mercenaries", said German international Per Mertesacker of Werder Bremen, referring to such players in general, but of course thinking of Ba. Bremen's managar Klaus Allofs and his colleague Heribert Bruchhagen of Eintracht Frankfurt stated, that the Bundesliga managers stand united against such behaviour and would never sign a player, who behaved like this at his former club. Sadly, this unity hasn't spread throughout the globe till yet, but the Ba-transfer could be a warning to every club.

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DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE BENEFITS ACHIEVABLE THROUGH SPORT

By Ephraim King USA Sport can be used to advance a broad range of development and peace goals. While the academic research evidence of sport’s impact is only beginning to emerge, there is strong qualitative data and anecdotal information to support sport’s potential impact on development and peace. In all cases, however, this impact depends on programs giving priority to development objectives, being welldesigned, embodying positive values, empowering participants, fostering local ownership, being inclusive, and ensuring a quality sport experience that is fun and enjoyable.

PROMOTING HEALTH AND PREVENTING DISEASE Sport generates health benefits in two ways — through direct participation in sport and through the use of sport as a platform for communication, education and social mobilization.

Research has shown that sport can help to: Prevent and manage non-communicable (chronic) diseases — Sport is a powerful means of increasing physical activity levels, a key factor in preventing and managing chronic disease. Physical activity is particularly beneficial in tackling obesity and reducing related health risks. People who are active on a regular basis also significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Sport can also help people who have CVD, diabetes and osteoporosis to manage their conditions more effectively.

Prevent and manage infectious diseases — Sport provides a powerful platform for public education and social mobilization to prevent and manage infectious disease. It has been used effectively to: increase awareness and prevention knowledge related to HIV, malaria and tuberculosis; improve the health of people living with HIV and AIDS; reduce stigma associated with HIV and AIDS; reduce health risk behaviours; and increase measles and polio vaccination rates.

Enhance mental health — Through physical activity, the acquisition of skills, and positive social relationships, sport can enhance self-esteem and self-confidence, reduce stress and anxiety, and alleviate depression in people of all ages. Among children and youth, sport can also help reduce trauma in post-conflict and post-disaster situations and foster positive adolescent identity formation and development. In older adults, physical activity through sport helps to improve memory and learning, and reduces the risk of cognitive loss through Alzheimer’s and small strokes.

Reduce direct and indirect health costs — Physical inactivity was estimated to contribute as much as US$75 billion to US medical costs in 2000 and to be responsible for 6% of Canada’s total health care costs. While there is no comparable data available yet from developing countries, sport — through physical activity — has been shown to significantly reduce these costs in a number of developed countries. Workplace physical activity programs in the US have been shown to reduce shortterm sick leave by 6%–32%, reduce health-care costs by 20%–55%, and increase productivity by 2%–52%.

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Champions Peace games

STRENGTHENING CHILD AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION Sport can contribute significantly to international, national and local efforts to give children a healthy start in life. Sport can help those who haven’t received a good start, and equip youth with the information, skills, personal and social resources, and the support needed to make key life transitions successfully. Research has shown that positive, well-designed, age-appropriate sport and play experiences can help to: Enhance physical health and development — While the links between physical activity and the prevention of non-communicable disease among children and youth are not as well-documented as they are for adults, regular physical activity helps to: build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints; control weight, build lean muscle and reduce fat; prevent or delay the development of high 77

Foster psychosocial health and development — During a child’s first six years, play is essential to the development of physical, cognitive and social-emotional capacities that enable them to learn and function later in life. In older children, sport helps to reduce anxiety and depression and build selfesteem. In adolescence, sport supports healthy identity formation by reinforcing self-esteem and self -concept and creating opportunities for positive relationships. Fostering self-esteem is particularly important because low self-esteem is linked to: drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse; early and unsafe sexual activity; teen pregnancy; anti-social behaviour; and suicide.

Build life skills and positive values — Well-designed sport programs can also help young people to develop their capacity to face life challenges, acquire important life skills, improve their employability, and increase their willingness to volunteer in the community. Sport can also foster positive values and morals when consistently delivered by involved and caring adults who are committed to providing a positive sport experience. Youth involved in sport are less likely to engage in delinquent behaviour or to be arrested than those who are not. Sport is also being used successfully to address youth gang participation.

Help children and youth recover from trauma — Sport and play activities are believed to activate resilience in children and youth that can naturally help to protect, strengthen, and heal them in times of extreme stress caused by conflict and natural disasters. Sport and play activities contribute to normalization by restoring structured activity, providing a sense of safety and stability, and reestablishing supportive social networks. Programs have also been shown to help youth resolve emotions arising from trauma and to reduce cases of depression. Sport is being used successfully in post-conflict situations to reintegrate former child combatants into communities, helping them rebuild their identities and self-esteem, and acquire education, skills and experience for employment.

Strengthen education — Physical education and sport play an important role in school life, helping to increase enrollment and attendance, raise standards, improve behaviour and health, create an environment more conducive to learning, and develop children’s social skills and readiness to learn.

Sport has also been shown to promote identification with, and commitment to, school values and to improve academic performance.

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Champions League Roundup

By Thomas Meinders, Germany Valencia CF - FC Schalke 04 1:1 It has been a tough in the Champions League round of 16 match between Valencia and Schalke. The result of 1:1 seems to be a good one for the German guest. There was no team dominating at the beginning with very few chances on both sides. Valencia tried to benefit from their players speed, outrunning especially Christoph Metzelder in Schalke's central defence. It didn't came from nothing with this strategy, that Ruben Soldado was a few steps faster than Metzelder and scored for the home team. It has been a setback for Schalke's efforts and the team seemed to be shocked for a little while. But JosĂŠ Manuel Jurado and above all star RaĂşl revolted against a defeat back on spanish ground. A little more than an hour was played, when the Ex-Real-Madrid-striker showed all his class, scoring the equalizer and switching the mementum to the Germans. It was his sign to the people in his home country, that he's still the goalgetter, he was a few years ago. Later Schalke even had the better chances to score the winning goal, but lost defender Lukas Schmitz at three minutes in adding time due to his second booking. Even though, Schalke seems to be the favorite at the return match at March, 9th.

AC Milan - Tottenham Hotspur 0:1 The club from the north of London is on his way to defeat the big favorite. Even though Milan was the better team, the Italians collapsed time and again in front of Tottenham's Brazilian keeper Gomes, who happens to be on his best. When both teams seemed to settle with a goalless draw, it was a big play by English international Aaron Lennon, which brought the decision. The midfielder played off Colombian Mario Yepes. After his pass, Peter Crouch had no difficulties to score the goal of the match (81.). But it became frantic once again at adding time, when Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the reputed equalizer, which didn't count, because of a foul of the Swedish international. After the match, there were a lot of riots on the playground. Forwardmost Italian Andrea Gattuso, who was not to restrain by his teammates and has to fear punishment by the European association (UEFA).

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NBA February Roundup

By Leslie Koroma February is usually about the All Star Game the Dunk contest and all the festivities that go along with it in the NBA and of course the Trade Deadline. 2011 has been no different from previous years as we once again witness the pomp and pageantry of the All Star Game with a great half time show that featured singing sensation Rihanna, Kanye West and more.

The All Star Game proved to be rather competitive unlike recent All Star Games as LeBron James of the Eastern All Stars prodded his team mates to step it up and it became a cliff hanger from thereon as the East pulled closer and closer to West but it was not to be as the West with All Star MVP Kobe Bryant lead the charge to once again get the West to clinch Victory once again.

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The Highlight of the All Star weekend was the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest and this year’s event was indeed special. The competitors were Africa’s own Serge Ibaka, fan favorite Blake Griffin, last year’s (2010) Dunk contest competitor Demaar DeRozen of the Toronto Raptors and Javelle McGee of the Washington Wizards. The contest was very competitive as the competitors came up with very creative Dunk ideas. Blake Griffin will go on to win the contest with a leap over the hood of a car parked close to the basket. But some analyst like Charles Barkley openly declared that Serge Ibaka was robbed. Ibaka performed one of the most spectacular dunks of all time emulating and paying homage to Dr.J and Michael Jordan by leaping from the free throw line without touching the line a feat that both Dr. J and Michael Jordan could not do, but Serge Ibaka came up short with the judges giving him mostly nines in their scores (including Dr. J).

The All Star weekend will be followed by the Trade deadline as a spectacular trade that had been rumored for a while will go down with the New York Knicks acquiring Carmelo Anthony formerly of the Denver Nuggets along with Point Guard Chauncey Billups Sending Raymond Felton and young Italian basketball sensation Danilo Gallinari from the Knicks to the Nuggets.

The trade deadline also saw young African Center in Hasheem Thabeet getting traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets in exchange for seasoned veteran Shane Battier.

The trade deadline saw quite a number of players moved.

Teams are currently on a playoff push mode but the status quo remains pretty much the same as far as the league’s superpowers goes except for the addition of the New York Knicks as a Team to contend with league wide.

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New Knickerbocker Carmelo Anthony

Power Rankings 1. Miami Heat

2. Boston Celtics 3. Dallas Mavericks 4. Chicago Bulls 5. San Antonio Spurs 6. Orlando Magic 7. Los Angeles Lakers 8. Oklahoma City Thunder 9. New York Knicks 10. Atlanta Hawks

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African NBA Stars A Continued look

AL FAROUQ AMINU

Team: Los Angeles Clippers Born: September 21, 1990 Nationality: Nigerian Descent College: Wake Forest Size: 6 ft 9 in / 215 lb Position: Shooting Guard/ Small Forward Jersey Number: 3

By Hadiatu Dumbuya

Farouq is a Nigerian basketball player born in Atlanta, GA. He is a descendant from a line of Nigerian kings with his first name meaning the chief has arrived. His father and mother Aboubakar Aminu and Anjirlic Aminu have two other sons, one of which plays basketball also and was signed by the Miami Heat in May of 2010.

Aminu began his high school career at Wesleyan and then transferred to Norcross where he played Varsity with another Nigerian, Gani Lawal. In 2007 and 2008 the two took the team to back to back Georgia 5A State titles gaining much media attention for these young stars. The accomplishments of the later year propelled Aminu to be selected as a member of the McDonald’s All- American Team and selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic Before Aminu’s senior year, he had already decided on the college to attend, Wake Forest University. He had an exceptional freshman year garnering 10 double doubles and averaging 8.3 rebounds per game. This performance was the reason he was named a Freshman All-American by the Sporting News and selected to ACC All-Freshman Team.

During his sophomore year as at Wake Forest he received Honorable mention AP All- American and Second Team All-ACC. In 2010, Aminu was selected as the 8th pick in the draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged a team-high 14.8 points to go with 5.4 rebounds for the Clippers’ entry in the 2010 NBA Summer League (nba.com). Look for more to come from this young talent.

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KELENNA AZUBUIKE

Team: (Bought Out by the New York Knicks – Teamless at the moment) Born: December 16, 1983 Nationality: Nigerian Descent College: Kentucky University Size: 6 ft 5 in / 220 lb Position: Shooting Guard/ Small Forward Jersey Number: 7

By Hadiatu Dumbuya

Azubuike is an English born Nigerian basketball player that was raised in Oklahoma. He was born to Kenneth and Chy Azubuike and has three siblings, Nesochi, Nonzo, and Adaeze.

Kelenna attended high school at Victory Christian High School where he became an All State Player and the top scorer in Oklahoma. Because of his high school accomplishments, Kelenna was recruited by Tubby Smith of the Kentucky Wild Cats. As a Wildcat, he learned the true importance of defense which enabled him to lead his team to two Southeastern Conference titles, two SEC Tournament titles, and two NCAA Elite Eight appearances. In Kelenna’s junior year, which ended up being his last year of college, he was named to the All-SEC Second team. After that successful season he declared himself eligible for the 2005 NBA draft.

The 2005 draft left Azubuike without a team so he took his talents to the NBA Development League where he played for the Fort Worth Flyers. His success with the Flyers afforded him the opportunity to fulfill his dream. He was invited to participate in the 2006 Toshiba Summer League with the Denver Nuggets and finished tenth in the league in scoring by averaging 16.4 points per game. At the conclusion of the Summer League, Kelenna was picked up by the Houston Rockets for a short while but then returned to the development league where he once again proved that he was an elite player. He shot 51.4% from the field and 48.5% from three-point range over twelve games. Because of his continuous hard work on the court, in 2007 the Golden State Warriors signed Azubuike where he played for a couple of years until he was traded to the New York Knicks.

In Kelenna’s spare time he enjoys creating his own music. In 2007 he was invited to do an interview on a local radio station where he played music that he produced. Maybe this will be his next career step when he is finished with basketball.

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STEVE NASH

Team: Phoenix Suns Born: February 7, 1974 Nationality: South African Descent College: Santa Clara University Size: 6 ft 3 in / 178 lbs.

Position: Point Guard Jersey Number: 13

By Hadiatu Dumbuya

is a South African born Canadian that currently plays for the Phoenix Suns. Steve came from a family full of athletes. His father and siblings played soccer while his mother played netball. His brother and sister both went on to play at the collegiate level and his brother went on to become a member of the Canadian National soccer team.

Steve attended college at Santa Clara University where he was recruited by coach Dick Davey. Although Steve had excelled in high school, Santa Clara was the only one to actively pursue him. Dick Davey’s vision came to fruition during Steve’s 4 years at Santa Clara. He led his team to to numerous visits to the NCAA tournament and was named Conference Player of the year twice in his four years. At the conclusion of his senior year, Nash was named Honorable Mention All America as a senior by the Associated Press and the USBWA. Because of his success, Steve’s jersey was retired making him the first Santa Clara student athlete to receive that honor.

With a degree in Sociology Steve Nash entered the draft as was selected in the first round by the Phoenix Suns. His stint with the Suns only lasted two years until he went to the Dallas Mavericks for 6 years where he earned a spot on the NBA All Star Team. As his contract expired, the Phoenix Suns reacquired their first rounder. During his second tenure with the Suns, Steve was named league MVP two years in a row and was a member of the NBA All Star Team. He has proved himself to be one of the greatest NBA point guards of all time. His accolades far surpass anything that he or his family could ever imagine including but not limited to:

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• • • • •

leading the league in assists for 4 years winning 2005 and 2010 NBA all-Star Skills Contest in 2005 becoming the 4th player in NBA history to shoot 50% or better from the field, 40% from three-point range (43.9), and 90% from the line and repeating it 4 more years in 2006 Nash was named by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world

In the midst of becoming an NBA legend, Steve Nash married and had 3 children, one set of twin daughters and a son born 6 years later. After his son’s birth he and his wife dissolved their marriage. He also started his foundation in 2001 which aims to foster health in kids by funding projects that provide services to children affected by poverty, illness, abuse, or neglect, and create opportunity for education, play, and empowerment (wikipedia.com). The Steve Nash Foundation has won many awards for all it does for the community.

Along with his charitable giving, Steve has ventured into the business world and is a part owner of the USL-Vancouver Whitecaps FC which is set to be a MLS team this year and is one of the investors in the Women’s Professional Soccer. He also opened the Steve Nash Sports Club in downtown Vancouver.

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African Community Sport Event

By Ephraim King USA

Peace Games The Ascension Town Youth Football Association in collaboration with, Community Group Networks (C.G.N) and the community coach association recently celebrated a three days Peace Games. The venue for the celebration was the Grey Bush Community Field. The Match Commissioner for the event was selected from the community coaches association. A total number of four male youth football teams and two female teams participated in the event. The Clay Ground FC, Central FC, Grey Bush United and Crab Town FC were selected from four deprived communities in slums settlement.

The female teams played the opening match on the second day of the event. In attendance were beneficiaries from the Ascension Town community education centers who demonstrated blue peace ball games. These children debriefed messages that will promote peace, tolerance, tame work and cooperation among individuals and communities.

Out comes A total number of about 745 youths, 523 children and 215 adult participated in the event and signed the USESCO Manifesto. Members of the community coaches association took active part in this event.

The Peace Games organized in Freetown resolved a six month conflict between the Samaria Junior Secondary School and the youths of Gray Bush in Ascension Town. This event brought together the school administration, the youths and gray bush elders and section chief. They had the opportunity to shake hands, signed the manifesto and distributed prizes.

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Peace Games Champions

runners up

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The Bundesliga Roundup

by Thomas Meinders, Germany It's getting tough and close again in German football. But not the championship, where Borussia Dortmund seems to make his way unstoppable, but the relegation question is the one, that's getting exciting more and more. With a few of the "big clubs" fearing to get relegated by the end of the season.

Werder Bremen, champion of 2002 and for years Germany's number two behind Bayern Munich, currently ranks 14th, just one point ahead of the relegation rank. Though the northern German club still works with his successfull team of coach Thomas Schaaf and manager Klaus Allofs, they perfom a terrible season, managing to not win a single of their last five matches. Worst of all, they lost against struggling rival Hamburger SV at the northern derby 0-4.

Then there is VfL Wolfsburg, surprising champion of 2009, who ranks 15th, with the same points, the team on the relegation rank - 1.FC Kaiserslautern - has on his side. Wolfsburg lost striker Edin Dzeko to Premier League side Manchester City at half of the season and got rid of former Three Lions coach Steve McLaren. But it's not getting better at all. New coach and former German international Pierre Littbarski lost his first games as well. And the pundits wonder about the Coach's actions. He suspended his star player Diego right before his first game. The following week, he took Diego back, appointing him his most important player. But on the other side he suspended Danish international Thomas Kahlenberg and former German international Alexander Madlung, because they wouldn't do enough to be prepared for the fight against relegation. That seems to be odd, since Kahlenberg is of high repute with his behaviour. Even more odd is the Madlung-suspending. After having trasferred Andrea Barzagli to Juventus Turin and after Simon Kjaer was out due to his 5th yellow card, Arne Friedrich and Madlung were the only left central defenders at the squad. So it was no surprise, that Wolfsburg lost - though being the better team - against Freiburg 1-2 due to major defense problems.

Really dark is the situation of VfB Stuttgart, champion of 2007. The club from the southern state of Baden-W端rttemberg has his third coach of the season already. After Swiss Christian Gross and Jens Keller, now Bruno Labbadia took over - but without any success. The team ranks 17th, four points behind Kaiserslautern and with no sign of getting the wheel around. Even though there are many good strikers at the squad, with German international Cacau, Austrian international Martin Harnik and Russian international Pavel Pogrebnyak, the performances of the defensive part of the

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squad are pitifully. In the central defense, team captain Mathieu Delpierre strucked by injuries plays not his best season and his partners - either Serdar Tasci or Georg Niedermeier - are not to be considered suitable to play Bundesliga at the moment. In addition Cristian Molinaro, who played a fantastic second part of last year's campaign, is a total failure at this campaign.

Noticing, that bottom-placed club Borussia Mรถnchengladbach, currently equal on points with Stuttgart, seems to succeed in coming back with his new coach Lucien Favre after a 2-1 win over FC Schalke 04, a tough final stage of Bundesliga football is predicted.

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Interview with Sierra Leone’s Captain as they prepare for the CAN qualifiers By: Sahr Morris Jr. As Sierra Leone’s national team, Leone Stars prepares for a crucial clash against Niger in Niamey, the team Captain, Ibrahim Kargbo aka Obreh in an interview with our bureau chief, Sahr Morris Jr. reaffirm his determination of leading his country to the Nations Cup after a 15 years absence from the continent’s showpiece.

Ibrahim Kargbo in his club colour

ASM: Obreh good afternoon and welcome to Africa’s hottest and highly followed media institution?

Obreh: Good afternoon and thank you for given me this opportunity to be featured in this magazine, you are really doing a great job I hope this will continue and become the best on the continent.

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ASM: If I may ask, are you the captain of Sierra Leone’s national team, Leone Stars; because we understand there was some misunderstanding as to who the captain really is?

Obreh: Yes I am the official captain of the team, but as you rightly said there was some problem within the team but it has been solved, and that’s the past and I don’t want to go back to that please.

ASM: Your country was grouped alongside the Africa Champions, Egypt, South Africa and Niger in group G, what was your reaction when you first heard of the draw?

Obreh: (Laugh), like any other player, being grouped alongside the African Champions, is a great challenge considering their record in the continent.

Also looking at South Africa-a team which just hosted and played in the World Cup makes our group very interesting, and to be honest I rated Niger highly but not as the other two sides. When the draw was made, South Africa and Egypt were seen as the favorites to go through but this is football we have no underdogs in present day football. The game is not all about names but determination that gave me the confidence that we can make it if we are determined enough for it.

ASM: So what’s your opinion about the group and what are the chances of your team in qualifying for the Nations Cup?

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Obreh: The group is very interesting as it is, and at present every game is important for us, we have a big chance of qualifying for the Nations Cup if only we can grab enough points in Niamey it will be good for us because I truly believe that South Africa will not be able to garner enough points from both legs against Egypt.

We have two home matches against Egypt and Niger. Believe me Morris we are going to get the points from these two matches. Even in our match against South Africa we will not lose there.

Critically looking at the standing and the fixtures you can see we have the greatest advantage if only we get to perform at our best in our upcoming match in Niamey, because I believe we will win all our remaining home matches in Freetown.

ASM: You sound confident what makes you so confident?

Obreh: Yes I am, I am the leader of the team I must be confident everything starts with me and I have the faith we can make it, God has never let me down whenever I cried to him.

Beside that I have faith in my colleagues; you can see that everybody in the squad has the ambition and the spirit is there which tells me we can make it. Above all our 1-1 results against Egypt in Cairo and South Africa in Freetown was another added advantage for us it build upon that spirit, that we can do it.

Also I believe the top two team, South Africa and Niger will definitely drop points along the way.

ASM: What do you think can prevent you from qualifying to the Nations Cup?

Obreh: Brilliant question Morris, you know we can only fail to reach Equatorial Guinea and Gabon if we did not improve on our discipline which has been the longest problem in Sierra Leone football. If we want to realize our dream we need to be disciplined and focused, the problem with us we always think we know everything of which we are not. If only we do the right thing we can qualify for the Nations Cup. In Football it is not only playing the game but your attitude and approach also counts.

ASM: As a captain how do you intend to handle this from spoiling your dreams?

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Obreh: You know we have no kid in the national team, disciplinary measures are already there, if you are found wanting then you will have yourself to blame.

Obreh ASM: So what will it be like for you as a captain to lead Sierra Leone back to the African Nations Cup? Obreh: Well it will be a dream come true for me because after Mohamed Kallon in Sierra Leone football the next person is Ibrahim Kargbo, I became the first Sierra Leonean footballer to win the FIFPro Merit award which was followed with $ 50,000 was great achievement for me.

I see this as a national fight, yes I am the captain but we all need to play our own part to see this become a reality, from the prisoners up to the president we need to play our role at the end of the day it is Sierra Leone flag that would be flying once again in the Nations Cup.

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ASM: If you lead the team to the Nations Cup will it be your first and last?

Obreh: Definitely no, I have more than seven to eight years to play football, I am still young I can play up to age 35, the only thing with me is I started playing at an early stage. And I hope to lead the team to three or more Nations Cup tournaments.

ASM: A Swedish coach will be in charge of the team against Niger what do think about this, is it necessary to have a foreign coach now?

Obreh: em…..Morris, I don’t like to say Obreh much in Sierra Leone football, Christian Cole has done his best, he is a great coach but it is nice to also get this coach, whoever between the government and SLFA decided to get this coach knows what they are doing I don’t have much to say.

He can only succeed with supports, at this stage he should have identified those Sierra Leonean players that are actively involve week in week out in their various European league.

For example we need the likes of Italian based defender, Kawulley Conteh in the squad we need his experience, I have pleaded with him and he has expressed his willingness to come only if he is invited.

He is a player we need because the squad does not have much experienced players, I know the pressure we face when the game heats up, a typical example is the recent friendly against Nigeria the team could have won but there was not that much experienced players on the squad.

ASM: You are currently playing out of position in the squad, are you enjoying it or is it because of the current crop of players in the squad?

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Obreh: Like I said earlier, I always love putting on the national jersey, it’s a pride for me, we are currently having few problems in that role and the coach asked me to play there and I have no problem with that because I want to do my best for the country.

Really I feel like I am depriving the fans from my talent because I can do more than what I am doing for the country if I played in the correct role which is the midfield. That is why we need few more players in Europe be added to the squad.

ASM: If Leone Stars makes it to the Nations Cup what effect will it have on the country’s football and you the players?

Obreh: It is the dream of every African footballer to play in the Nations Cup no doubt about it, or every country to be part of the tournament. This can create room for more Sierra Leone players to play in the major leagues across Europe and also help the country in terms of economic and other benefit.

The Ghanaian, Ivoirians to name but few are playing in big European clubs today because they are making it to the Nations every now and again.

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ASM: Obreh lets go back in history, how did it all started for you, I mean when you first made your debut in the national team?

Obreh: Well I started playing with the team with the likes of Ahmed Kanu- the former coach, Junior Tumbu during the 90’s, em….1999 and I made my debut in our 4-0 defeat against Ghana in Accra by then I was 19 years-old. I guess at that time you had not started your journalism yet huh …(laughs) ASM: How was it like losing a match on your debut?

Obreh: It was a great day for me because I got the opportunity to play against the Charles Akounoh, Sam Johnson and others; I was not disappointed with the result anyway because for me it was good experience.

ASM: What are some of the difference with the current Leone Stars to that of the 90’s?

Obreh: Well its unity, they were united, they were like brothers and besides respect was the key word everyone was respected even to the smallest player in the squad. That is the major difference.

ASM: So were the players you did admire in your early days in the team?

Obreh: Junior Tumbu, Rashid Wurie, Junior Parade, John Samma to name but few, I spent a lot of time with these players they realy encouraged me a lot.

ASM: What about the current squad who are you realy admiring and believe can hit the headlines more than you and Kallon?

Obreh: Mustapha Haji Bangura and Mohamed Poborsky Bangura can hit the headlines big time in Europe, they have long way to go but some time they need to put their head 100

down. Also the likes of Sherrif Suma, Julius Woobay and Umaru Zangallay can hit it big.

I believe these guys will attract the bigger European market ASM: Thanks for sparing some of your time with us, what will be your final massage?

Obreh: Well I want all Sierra Leoneans to keep the faith and rally behind us to reach the Nations Cup. It’s a pleasure talking to you Morris and thank you for giving me this opportunity also.

Obreh

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Italian Serie A League with Danny Rogers

AC Milan maintain league lead, Ranieri resigns as Roma boss

After losing to English side Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the last sixteen in the UEFA Champions League knockout series, AC Milan found solace at home winning 3:1 against Chievo. Drabbed in kits bearing the autograph of Italian Prime Minister and club’s President Silvio Berlusconi to mark the 25th year at the helm of the club, Milan were determined to win and they won with a late winner from Brazilian Alexandre Pato in the 82nd minute.

Milan took the lead in the 23rd minute through Robinho, but Gelson Fernandes drew parity in the 62nd minute. When Chievo thought they would at least earn a much deserved point, Pato cruelly denied them notching in the 82nd.

Pato The win leaves Milan at the top of the table with 36 points, 3 points clear of second placed Napoli, and 13 points clear of Inter Milan, who though have two games.

In another interesting comeback match, Genoa came from 0-3 down to beat Roma 4:3 that resulted in Manager Claudio Ranieri tendering his resignation. Roma raced to a three goals lead inside the 102

Ranieri resigned 52 minutes and victory plus three points looked guaranteed. The Giallorossi took the lead in the 6th minute from a Philip Mexes goal, and ten minutes later Nicolas Burdisso made it 2:0. Captain Francesso Totti made it 3:0 in the 51st minute and all looked done and dusted.

However, Genoa rallied and in the 53rd minute, Rodrigo Palacio pulled one to make it 3:1. Fifteen minutes later, Alberto Paloschi made it 3:2 and the rout began. Palacio equalised in the 74th minute, his second of the match to make the score line 3:3. In the 85th minute, Paloschi also had his second and winning goal to notch all three points from Roma, inevitably forcing Claudio Ranieri to resign.

Roma still lie fifth in the table despite loss whilst Genoa leapfrogs to mid table.

Inter Milan despite their dismal form still nurse hopes retaining the Scudetto. An early Andrea Ranocchia goal in the 7th minute ensured a 1:0-victory over Cagliari. The win leaves them 7th in the table, 13 points adrift of AC Milan but with two games in hand.

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Elsewhere, Sampdoria and Fiorentina drew blanks in a 0:0-draw. Fiorentina are still not safe from threat of relegation as they are just above the bottom four.

Lazio won 1:0 against Bari, who are rock bottom of the League table, whilst Juventus also lost 0:2 to Lecce, who despite win are second from bottom. Napoli maintained their second position in the table edging past Catania 1:0. Parma held Cesena to a 2:2-draw whilst Udinese held Brescia to a 0:0-draw.

Bologna also registered a 1:0-victory over Palermo from a last gasp 90th minute goal from Daniel Paponi.

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Major league Soccer set to Kick off

By Leslie Koroma

Major League Soccer is set to kick off on the Ides of March (March 15th) on ESPN between David Beckhams L.A Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders FC. As we have been doing in previous issue of this magazine we will continue to introduce the African Players in this league to you our readers and also bring you insights and analysis of the games that the African Players will be performing in during the regular season and the Playoffs.

The Pre Season are underway and teams are tweaking their rosters in preparation for the regular season and as the league sets to take off for the 2011 season, work is already underway in Houston Texas in the construction of a new stadium for the Houston Dynamos, one of very many efforts by the league to solidify itself in the minds of the average American as one of the main stream sports to follow.

The league is surely being watched and followed by many including us here at African Sports Media Network. Stay tuned as we bring you highlights and analysis during the regular season.

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Macoumba Kandji

By Leslie Koroma

Team: Colorado Rapids Born: August 2nd 1985 Nationality: Senegalese Descent College: Georgia Military College Size: 6 ft 4 in / 220 lb Position: Striker/Forward Jersey Number: 10

Born in Senegal but raised in the Gambia Macoumba is a tall athletic forward one of several Africans that are plying their trade in the US Major League Soccer.

He attended East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, and played college soccer at Georgia Military College. He would then go on to join the senior Atlanta Silverbacks team of the USL in 2007. He debut in the MLS against Colorado Rapids on September 2008. After playing for several seasons in the USL Macoumba will then be acquired by the New York Red Bulls. New York purchased his rights and signed him on a one-year deal in 2009. Kandji was traded to the Colorado Rapids for fellow African Mehdi Ballouchy in 2010

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Macoumba has never appeared internationally for any team even though it is said that he has had invites from both Senegal and the Gambia but he said to have resisted their advances because he intends to play for the US internationally but lately there have been word that Kandji has been considering playing for his African home teams and a chance to appear in the African Nations Cup tournament the most important and prestigious tournament for African Footballers on the continent.

Look for Macoumba Kandji in a local MLS Soccer Stadium in a location near you whenever the Colorado rapids come to town in the US.

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Ligue 1 Roundup

by Thomas Meinders, Germany

It is due to Younes Belhanda that French top flight football became a close race again. His goal for his club HSC Montpellier against OSC Lille (85.) meant the first defeat for the leader after 13 unbeaten matches in a row. The last defeat was a 1-3 to Olympique Marseille in Octobre of 2010.

And since the other top teams won their games across-the-board, Lille feels the breath of the followers again. Only two points behind is Stade Rennes, which gained a late victory at Toulouse FC. At the score of 1-1, the draw seemed to be set, but Colombian striker Víctor Hugo Montaño made the decisive goal, just seconds before the end.

At Marseille's Stade Vélodrome it was just the other way round. After leading 2-0 against AS SaintÉtienne due to goals of Lucho Gonzalez and Loïc Rémy, Christophe Landrin made it close again, shortly before the end. But Marseille succeeded in bringing home the victory.

The other top clubs had no problems with their opponents. Olympique Lyon won 4-0 against AS Nancy-Lorraine, scoring three goals in the last 15 minutes of the game. Paris Saint-Germain won 30 at OGC Nice with Nice's Malian international Drissa Diakité being sent off.

At the bottom there is still AS Monaco, fearing to face relegation. Even though they transferred Malian superstar Mahamadou Diarra from Real Madrid, the team is a shadow of his former self. Diarra was thought off as being the chief on the field, playing an important role to get the club to secure ranks. But though stating that "Monaco is a top club in France", when being presented, Diarra's game lacks on everything that is important in a relegation battle. His performances are lacklustre. In this shape, Diarra won't help the club from the small principality staying up.

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