Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,181
Last edited by a moderator:
Michezo magazetini leo...
Michezo magazetini leo...
- Thread starter Rutashubanyuma
- Start date
- Status
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,182
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,183
How Asamoah Gyan became embroiled in fan suicide threat (plus video)
By The Mole
Published 08:02 05/12/10
Sunderland star *Asamoah Gyan is at the centre of a suicide threat – with a young woman *telling live TV that she will kill herself unless he *marries her by *Christmas.
Gyan, the Black Cats' record £13m summer buy from Rennes, has scored six goals so far for Steve Bruce's side.
He is idolised in his native Ghana for his rapping and singing *talents as well as his on-pitch *ability.
A woman from Ghana's capital city Accra has now launched an *impassioned marriage plea to the 25-year-old World Cup hero, telling him via a local TV station: "I love you so much", and "I will kill myself" if he refuses her.Here
Obaa Yaa, in her 20s, also copied Gyan's goal celebration dances and raved about the *striker's skills and appearance – admitting she has had sleepless nights *dreaming about him.
Videos of her TV appearance have become a YouTube smash in the West African country.
By The Mole
Published 08:02 05/12/10
Sunderland star *Asamoah Gyan is at the centre of a suicide threat – with a young woman *telling live TV that she will kill herself unless he *marries her by *Christmas.
Gyan, the Black Cats' record £13m summer buy from Rennes, has scored six goals so far for Steve Bruce's side.
He is idolised in his native Ghana for his rapping and singing *talents as well as his on-pitch *ability.
A woman from Ghana's capital city Accra has now launched an *impassioned marriage plea to the 25-year-old World Cup hero, telling him via a local TV station: "I love you so much", and "I will kill myself" if he refuses her.Here
Obaa Yaa, in her 20s, also copied Gyan's goal celebration dances and raved about the *striker's skills and appearance – admitting she has had sleepless nights *dreaming about him.
Videos of her TV appearance have become a YouTube smash in the West African country.
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,184
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,185
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,186
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,187
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,188
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,189
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,190
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,191
Last edited by a moderator:
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,192
Mazembe players proud of historic feat
12-19-2010
Subject : Mazembe players proud of historic feat
Zoom
TP Mazembe Englebert's exciting adventure at the FIFA Club World Cup 2010 finally came to an end on Saturday after succumbing to defeat in the final of the prestigious event in Abu Dhabi. Given the stature of opponents F.C. Internazionale Milano, it is fair to say that football logic was respected. The Congolese side can still hold their heads high, however, having defied predictions and statistics since the beginning of the tournament.
Prior to suffering the resounding 3-0 loss, the African champions had gone on a remarkable run which saw them dispose of both the CONCACAF Champions League winners, Club de Futbol Pachuca, and the Copa Libertadores holders, SC Internacional do Porto Alegre. "We're heading home without the trophy, but we're so proud of what we've managed to do here," T.P. Mazembe striker Dioko Kaluyituka told FIFA.com after the final at Zayed Sports City. "It's a real shame that we weren't at our best in the final, but you'd also have to admit that we came up against a stronger team today. We shouldn't let that overshadow the other great performances that we've put in already, though," he added.
"We've come a long way," pointed out the captain of Les Corbeaux, Kazembe Mihayo. "When we got here, our objective was just to win a match, so that we could improve on last year's display." Indeed, in the run-up to the competition, even the predictions of the most optimistic of TP Mazembe supporters would have been tempered by the results obtained by the club in their maiden appearance at the tournament in 2009. Two defeats in as many matches, resulting in a disappointing sixth-place finish, did not augur well. Another worrying sign for the Lubumbashi side was the year-long suspension of Tresor Mabi Mputu, one of their most potent attacking weapons.
Despite these low pre-tournament expectations, Lamine N'Diaye's beaten finalists now find themselves wondering what might have been. To fully comprehend the scale of their achievement, it is essential to take into account that never before had a team from outside Europe or South America reached the competition's finale. "I'm fortunate to have been at the club for many years and to have witnessed the progress we've made. I know we can do even better, but I'm already proud of what we've achieved," continued Mihayo. "And what's important is that we did it together, as a team."
While the Congolese skipper is correct to emphasise the tremendous level of teamwork that has propelled his solid outfit to the next level, Les Corbeaux can also boast certain individual talents who have done their reputations no harm in Abu Dhabi. "The goal would be for us to stick together as a group, so that next season we can improve even further, but it's probably inevitable that one or two players will leave," said Mihayo with a regretful shrug of the shoulders. "We've shown the world what we're capable of, but that's a double-edged sword, because some of our players are now going to be in great demand."
One of those star performers is flamboyant goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba. Impressive throughout the tournament and now known the world over for his unusual backside-bouncing celebration routine, the Congolese international knows that, at the ripe old age of 35, the bulk of his career is already behind him. However, his fine displays in the United Arab Emirates may well enable him to realise his dream of playing in Europe, despite his advancing years. The same could also be said of Kaluyituka, whose performances earned him the not insignificant consolation prize of the adidas Silver Ball.
"I'm delighted with how our team has done, but I'm also very happy with this personal award," he explained with a smile, evidently proud to have come second to the mighty Samuel Eto'o. "When you do well against some of the best players on the planet, it's clearly a sign that you're heading in the right direction. I can only hope that we'll keep making progress and keep proving that we belong in this competition," he said.
And the CAF Champions League holders have every intention of making the FIFA Club World Cup a regular stop-off. "Every footballer wants to frequently test themselves against the very best. You can't help but learn from competing against top-level teams – it shows you how far you need to go to improve," said Kaluyituka. "We're keen to qualify again in 2011 to show that we've learned some valuable lessons from this experience. We want to do better than this year. And of course that means actually winning the cup next time around," he added. #
As far as this year is concerned, Les Corbeaux will not be travelling back to Congo DR clutching a gleaming trophy. But the welcome that awaits them in Lubumbashi is likely to outstrip that of any of the other teams that have taken part in the tournament. "We've made history, quite simply," concluded Mihayo. "I hope there'll be a warm welcome for us back home. We've certainly earned it."
12-19-2010
Subject : Mazembe players proud of historic feat
TP Mazembe Englebert's exciting adventure at the FIFA Club World Cup 2010 finally came to an end on Saturday after succumbing to defeat in the final of the prestigious event in Abu Dhabi. Given the stature of opponents F.C. Internazionale Milano, it is fair to say that football logic was respected. The Congolese side can still hold their heads high, however, having defied predictions and statistics since the beginning of the tournament.
Prior to suffering the resounding 3-0 loss, the African champions had gone on a remarkable run which saw them dispose of both the CONCACAF Champions League winners, Club de Futbol Pachuca, and the Copa Libertadores holders, SC Internacional do Porto Alegre. "We're heading home without the trophy, but we're so proud of what we've managed to do here," T.P. Mazembe striker Dioko Kaluyituka told FIFA.com after the final at Zayed Sports City. "It's a real shame that we weren't at our best in the final, but you'd also have to admit that we came up against a stronger team today. We shouldn't let that overshadow the other great performances that we've put in already, though," he added.
"We've come a long way," pointed out the captain of Les Corbeaux, Kazembe Mihayo. "When we got here, our objective was just to win a match, so that we could improve on last year's display." Indeed, in the run-up to the competition, even the predictions of the most optimistic of TP Mazembe supporters would have been tempered by the results obtained by the club in their maiden appearance at the tournament in 2009. Two defeats in as many matches, resulting in a disappointing sixth-place finish, did not augur well. Another worrying sign for the Lubumbashi side was the year-long suspension of Tresor Mabi Mputu, one of their most potent attacking weapons.
Despite these low pre-tournament expectations, Lamine N'Diaye's beaten finalists now find themselves wondering what might have been. To fully comprehend the scale of their achievement, it is essential to take into account that never before had a team from outside Europe or South America reached the competition's finale. "I'm fortunate to have been at the club for many years and to have witnessed the progress we've made. I know we can do even better, but I'm already proud of what we've achieved," continued Mihayo. "And what's important is that we did it together, as a team."
While the Congolese skipper is correct to emphasise the tremendous level of teamwork that has propelled his solid outfit to the next level, Les Corbeaux can also boast certain individual talents who have done their reputations no harm in Abu Dhabi. "The goal would be for us to stick together as a group, so that next season we can improve even further, but it's probably inevitable that one or two players will leave," said Mihayo with a regretful shrug of the shoulders. "We've shown the world what we're capable of, but that's a double-edged sword, because some of our players are now going to be in great demand."
One of those star performers is flamboyant goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba. Impressive throughout the tournament and now known the world over for his unusual backside-bouncing celebration routine, the Congolese international knows that, at the ripe old age of 35, the bulk of his career is already behind him. However, his fine displays in the United Arab Emirates may well enable him to realise his dream of playing in Europe, despite his advancing years. The same could also be said of Kaluyituka, whose performances earned him the not insignificant consolation prize of the adidas Silver Ball.
"I'm delighted with how our team has done, but I'm also very happy with this personal award," he explained with a smile, evidently proud to have come second to the mighty Samuel Eto'o. "When you do well against some of the best players on the planet, it's clearly a sign that you're heading in the right direction. I can only hope that we'll keep making progress and keep proving that we belong in this competition," he said.
And the CAF Champions League holders have every intention of making the FIFA Club World Cup a regular stop-off. "Every footballer wants to frequently test themselves against the very best. You can't help but learn from competing against top-level teams – it shows you how far you need to go to improve," said Kaluyituka. "We're keen to qualify again in 2011 to show that we've learned some valuable lessons from this experience. We want to do better than this year. And of course that means actually winning the cup next time around," he added. #
As far as this year is concerned, Les Corbeaux will not be travelling back to Congo DR clutching a gleaming trophy. But the welcome that awaits them in Lubumbashi is likely to outstrip that of any of the other teams that have taken part in the tournament. "We've made history, quite simply," concluded Mihayo. "I hope there'll be a warm welcome for us back home. We've certainly earned it."
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,193
WHAT A NIGHT! As African Football celebrates
12-18-2010
Subject : WHAT A NIGHT! As African Football celebrates
Zoom
The Crowning moment for Africa's finest football year, 2010 culminates with the CAF/GLO awards in Cairo on Monday 20th December.
In 2010 Africa hosted successfully the first ever FIFA Men's World Cup on the continent and now Africa Club Champions TP Mazembe stand on the threshold of a historic victory in the FIFA World Club Championships.
The African and international football fraternity will gather in Cairo to honors the those who have toiled to make the African football the better product that it has become and is growing into. The Awards now in their 40th year will see eight main categories contested for namely Footballer of the Year, African- based Footballer of the Year, Player, Most Promising Talent of the Year, Women's Footballer of the Year, Club of the Year, National Team of the Year, Women's National Team of the Year and Coach of the Year.
TP Mazembe's excellent run in the FIFA World Club Cup currently underway in Abu Dhabi has put them in a strong position to retain the Club of the Year award. TP Mazembe became the first ever Africa club side to reach Saturday's final where they play European club champions Internazionale. Also enhanced are the victory chances for two of their members in player Alain Dioko (African based Footballer of the Year nominee) and coach, Lamine N'Diaye(Coach of the Year Nominee) in their respective categories.
It's an all Nigeria affair in the Women's Footballer of the Year with Stella Mbachu, Perpetua Nkwocha and Ebere Orji vying for the bragging rights to the top female footballer title. Team mates Nkwocha and Mbachu won top goal scorer and most valuable player of the tournament awards respectively at last month's 7th Africa Women Championship in South Africa. That all conquering Nigeria Women's team which won in South Africa is up against their fellow country women's U20 side that reached but lost the final against hosts Germany, becoming the first African women's team to claim a medal at FIFA tournament.
There are also awards from CAF President, called Presidential Awards, to be given on the night, to those have contributed immensely to the development of football in their country.
12-18-2010
Subject : WHAT A NIGHT! As African Football celebrates
The Crowning moment for Africa's finest football year, 2010 culminates with the CAF/GLO awards in Cairo on Monday 20th December.
In 2010 Africa hosted successfully the first ever FIFA Men's World Cup on the continent and now Africa Club Champions TP Mazembe stand on the threshold of a historic victory in the FIFA World Club Championships.
The African and international football fraternity will gather in Cairo to honors the those who have toiled to make the African football the better product that it has become and is growing into. The Awards now in their 40th year will see eight main categories contested for namely Footballer of the Year, African- based Footballer of the Year, Player, Most Promising Talent of the Year, Women's Footballer of the Year, Club of the Year, National Team of the Year, Women's National Team of the Year and Coach of the Year.
TP Mazembe's excellent run in the FIFA World Club Cup currently underway in Abu Dhabi has put them in a strong position to retain the Club of the Year award. TP Mazembe became the first ever Africa club side to reach Saturday's final where they play European club champions Internazionale. Also enhanced are the victory chances for two of their members in player Alain Dioko (African based Footballer of the Year nominee) and coach, Lamine N'Diaye(Coach of the Year Nominee) in their respective categories.
It's an all Nigeria affair in the Women's Footballer of the Year with Stella Mbachu, Perpetua Nkwocha and Ebere Orji vying for the bragging rights to the top female footballer title. Team mates Nkwocha and Mbachu won top goal scorer and most valuable player of the tournament awards respectively at last month's 7th Africa Women Championship in South Africa. That all conquering Nigeria Women's team which won in South Africa is up against their fellow country women's U20 side that reached but lost the final against hosts Germany, becoming the first African women's team to claim a medal at FIFA tournament.
There are also awards from CAF President, called Presidential Awards, to be given on the night, to those have contributed immensely to the development of football in their country.
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,194
Rwanda hosts Kenya, Tanzania ahead of CAN U-17
12-18-2010
Subject : Rwanda hosts Kenya, Tanzania ahead of CAN U-17
Zoom
Aware that the success of the Rwanda team is the sucess of the entire eastern Africa region, the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has teamed up with the Rwandese Football Association (FERWAFA) in helping prepare the junior Amavuvi team for the Africa U-17 finals.
The tiny central African nation will be hosting the eight-team finals and hope to impress well enough to be among the four to represent the continent in the FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled from 18 June – 10 July, 2011 in Mexico.
CECAFA has organised a three-nation tournament in Kigali starting Saturday to give the Rwandese side the practice they need ahead of the January African finals. Invited are teams from Tanzania and Kenya. The Tanzanians jetted into Kigali Friday night while the Kenyans are expected Sunday.
Rwanda and Tanzania play Saturday at the Amahoro National Stadium, one of the three stadia that will be used for the continental event. Other matches will pit Kenya against Tanzania and Rwanda against Kenya.
"The African finals are every important to the Cecafa region and that is why we have organised this special tournament for the Rwandese side," said Nicholas Musonye, the Cecafa general secretary who arrived here Friday.
Cecafa has worked closely with the Rwanda team, even allowing them to play in the Under-20 regional tournament in Eritrea in August finishing third.
"We hope the team has hardened enough after the Asmara esperience," Musonye said.
The African finals bring together eight nations that will be devided into two groups of four each.
The groupings for the Championship were revealed following the draw held on November 27 at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel in Gisenyi, Rwanda.
Rwanda are in Group A alongside Burkina Faso, Senegal and Egypt whilst reigning champions, Gambia, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire and Mali are in Group B.
The four teams in each group will engage each other on a round-robin basis with the group winners and runners-up advancing to the semi finals with the eventual winners progressing to the final.
The tournament will be staged from 8-22 January, 2011 and matches will be played at the Amahoro National Stadium, Umuganda Stadium in Gisenyi and Stade de Kigali (Nyamirambo). The opening match and the final will be held at the Amahoro National Stadium.
The semi finalists will represent the continent FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled from 18 June – 10 July, 2011 in Mexico.
12-18-2010
Subject : Rwanda hosts Kenya, Tanzania ahead of CAN U-17
Aware that the success of the Rwanda team is the sucess of the entire eastern Africa region, the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has teamed up with the Rwandese Football Association (FERWAFA) in helping prepare the junior Amavuvi team for the Africa U-17 finals.
The tiny central African nation will be hosting the eight-team finals and hope to impress well enough to be among the four to represent the continent in the FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled from 18 June – 10 July, 2011 in Mexico.
CECAFA has organised a three-nation tournament in Kigali starting Saturday to give the Rwandese side the practice they need ahead of the January African finals. Invited are teams from Tanzania and Kenya. The Tanzanians jetted into Kigali Friday night while the Kenyans are expected Sunday.
Rwanda and Tanzania play Saturday at the Amahoro National Stadium, one of the three stadia that will be used for the continental event. Other matches will pit Kenya against Tanzania and Rwanda against Kenya.
"The African finals are every important to the Cecafa region and that is why we have organised this special tournament for the Rwandese side," said Nicholas Musonye, the Cecafa general secretary who arrived here Friday.
Cecafa has worked closely with the Rwanda team, even allowing them to play in the Under-20 regional tournament in Eritrea in August finishing third.
"We hope the team has hardened enough after the Asmara esperience," Musonye said.
The African finals bring together eight nations that will be devided into two groups of four each.
The groupings for the Championship were revealed following the draw held on November 27 at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel in Gisenyi, Rwanda.
Rwanda are in Group A alongside Burkina Faso, Senegal and Egypt whilst reigning champions, Gambia, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire and Mali are in Group B.
The four teams in each group will engage each other on a round-robin basis with the group winners and runners-up advancing to the semi finals with the eventual winners progressing to the final.
The tournament will be staged from 8-22 January, 2011 and matches will be played at the Amahoro National Stadium, Umuganda Stadium in Gisenyi and Stade de Kigali (Nyamirambo). The opening match and the final will be held at the Amahoro National Stadium.
The semi finalists will represent the continent FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled from 18 June – 10 July, 2011 in Mexico.
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,195
Trophy in sight for Inter and Mazembe
12-17-2010
Zoom
As European representatives, FC Internazionale Milano would have been accustomed to fulfilling the traditional role of tournament forerunners in the build-up to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010. Odds on an Italian triumph were shortened yet further once the South American champions, typically the principle obstacle to European success in the event, were ousted unceremoniously. Congolese side TP Mazembe Englebert, architects of the downfall of Brazilian giants SC Internacional do Porto Alegre, now find themselves on the brink of creating what would undoubtedly be the biggest shock in the short history of the competition.
The match
TP Mazembe Englebert-FC Internazionale Milano, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, Saturday 18 December 2010, 21.00 (local time)
The stakes
It would be fair to say that prizes in club football do not come much bigger than this. The team that emerges victorious from Saturday's clash will succeed 2009 winners Barcelona as world champions. If the cup ends up in Italian hands, it will be the third time that the Milanese outfit have achieved such a feat, following their back-to-back wins in the Intercontinental Cup in 1964 and 1965. For TP Mazembe, success at this level would obviously be a first, given that in its former guise the competition was reserved solely for the European and South American champions.
Nerazzurri will start the match as favourites, and are hopeful that a win will provide the team with a timely morale boost after a testing couple of months in Serie A and Europe. As for Les Corbeaux (The Crows), they have already more than surpassed their initial goal, that of making up for the two disappointing losses they suffered at the tournament last time around. With an entire continent behind them, the Lubumbashi side will be looking to end 2010 – an extremely significant year for African football – on a spectacular high.
The stat
1 – The remarkable aspect of this game is that it is the only time that a South American team has failed to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final. Consequently, T.P. Mazembe are the first club from outside the UEFA and CONMEBOL confederations to qualify for the showpiece match. By defeating Sport Club Internacional, the Africans also became the first club to have got the better of Brazilian opposition at the event.
12-17-2010
As European representatives, FC Internazionale Milano would have been accustomed to fulfilling the traditional role of tournament forerunners in the build-up to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010. Odds on an Italian triumph were shortened yet further once the South American champions, typically the principle obstacle to European success in the event, were ousted unceremoniously. Congolese side TP Mazembe Englebert, architects of the downfall of Brazilian giants SC Internacional do Porto Alegre, now find themselves on the brink of creating what would undoubtedly be the biggest shock in the short history of the competition.
The match
TP Mazembe Englebert-FC Internazionale Milano, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, Saturday 18 December 2010, 21.00 (local time)
The stakes
It would be fair to say that prizes in club football do not come much bigger than this. The team that emerges victorious from Saturday's clash will succeed 2009 winners Barcelona as world champions. If the cup ends up in Italian hands, it will be the third time that the Milanese outfit have achieved such a feat, following their back-to-back wins in the Intercontinental Cup in 1964 and 1965. For TP Mazembe, success at this level would obviously be a first, given that in its former guise the competition was reserved solely for the European and South American champions.
Nerazzurri will start the match as favourites, and are hopeful that a win will provide the team with a timely morale boost after a testing couple of months in Serie A and Europe. As for Les Corbeaux (The Crows), they have already more than surpassed their initial goal, that of making up for the two disappointing losses they suffered at the tournament last time around. With an entire continent behind them, the Lubumbashi side will be looking to end 2010 – an extremely significant year for African football – on a spectacular high.
The stat
1 – The remarkable aspect of this game is that it is the only time that a South American team has failed to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final. Consequently, T.P. Mazembe are the first club from outside the UEFA and CONMEBOL confederations to qualify for the showpiece match. By defeating Sport Club Internacional, the Africans also became the first club to have got the better of Brazilian opposition at the event.
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,196
Kaluyituka: We're not here by accident
12-17-2010
Zoom
Alain Kaluyituka may not yet be a household name outside his home continent, but keen observers of African football have been aware of his goalscoring exploits for TP Mazembe Englebert for some time now. However, given the rate at which the Congolese forward's star is rising, it may not be long before he is a household name the world over.
Joint-top scorer in the CAF Champions League this season, Kaluyituka opened his account at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 during Mazembe's 2-0 semi-final victory over SC Internacional do Porto Alegre. "I just had to score – I've thought of nothing else since we got here," the striker admitted to FIFA.com, content with having notched his team's second goal in the game.
"The collective performance of the squad is obviously the most important thing, but that doesn't mean I wasn't desperate to hit the net," he said. "I've scored a lot of goals in Africa, but I knew it would be tougher here. I just wanted to prove to myself I could do it, and leave a mark on the tournament. And it wasn't a bad strike either!"
The goal was indeed impressive, Kaluyituka cutting in from the left-hand side before letting fly with a powerful right-foot shot that beat Colorado goalkeeper Renan at his near post and sealed an unlikely win for Les Corbeaux.
"We're aware of the historic nature of our performance," said the Congolese international, in reference to his club breaking new ground as the first team from outside Europe or South America to reach the final. "I don't think anyone, our opponents included, thought we could do it. In the back of their minds, perhaps they saw us as a little team they would beat easily, which is something that Pachuca were possibly guilty of in the previous round. But now the little team has made it all the way to the final."
While Mazembe's players may still be in a daze about exactly how they have achieved such a feat, there is certainly no doubt as to why: "From the outset, we just wanted to take things one step at a time. The first goal was to win the opening match, so that we could at least say that we'd done better than last year," explained the young African. "And then we took the same approach in the dressing room before the second match. And we'll do the same for the final, even though we're likely to have a much more difficult match in store for us."
Kaluyituka is right to be wary, because the adversary lying in wait is none other than FC Internazionale Milano. "One of the best teams in the world," he said, aware that a victory over the UEFA Champions League holders would provide his club with much more than the title of world champions.
"We get the impression that African football still isn't taken as seriously as it should be. Maybe our run will change a few minds out there, and help Africa to keep pressing forward," pointed out Kaluyituka. "You don't take part at the Club World Cup by accident – we deserve to be here as the best team in our continent. We already made an appearance last year, but we weren't really ready to step up a level. This year, we decided that if we were going to be taking part, our aim would be to win the whole competition."
Another of his stated objectives is to perform well enough to attract the notice of European scouts, thereby possibly opening the door to a transfer abroad one day. "I'm happy at Mazembe, but I do hope to play in Europe sometime in the future," admitted the skilful front man, who had a trial with Ligue 1 side Arles-Avignon over the summer. "It went well, but the transfer never happened for financial reasons, and also because we lost one of our strikers, Mabi Mputu, to suspension, which affected my own situation. Both the coach and chairman asked me to stay, and when I look at where I am today, on the verge of playing in the Club World Cup final while Arles-Avignon are bottom of the French league, I think I made the right choice."
On Saturday, Kaluyituka will cross swords with an African player who has won all there is to win in Europe and is greatly admired by TP Mazembe's squad, namely Samuel Eto'o. "Eto'o is an example to all of us," he said. "He's managed to establish himself at the very highest level, while never losing touch with his African roots. For every forward on this continent, he is the model to follow."
The striker is certainly looking forward to facing his illustrious opponents, saying: "It'll be an honour to play against Eto'o and his team. We're all keen to show that we can mix it with the big boys, and perhaps even beat them. If we perform as best we can, Africa will be proud of us."
Maybe then the name Kaluyituka will be a little more familiar to football supporters the world over.
12-17-2010
Alain Kaluyituka may not yet be a household name outside his home continent, but keen observers of African football have been aware of his goalscoring exploits for TP Mazembe Englebert for some time now. However, given the rate at which the Congolese forward's star is rising, it may not be long before he is a household name the world over.
Joint-top scorer in the CAF Champions League this season, Kaluyituka opened his account at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 during Mazembe's 2-0 semi-final victory over SC Internacional do Porto Alegre. "I just had to score – I've thought of nothing else since we got here," the striker admitted to FIFA.com, content with having notched his team's second goal in the game.
"The collective performance of the squad is obviously the most important thing, but that doesn't mean I wasn't desperate to hit the net," he said. "I've scored a lot of goals in Africa, but I knew it would be tougher here. I just wanted to prove to myself I could do it, and leave a mark on the tournament. And it wasn't a bad strike either!"
The goal was indeed impressive, Kaluyituka cutting in from the left-hand side before letting fly with a powerful right-foot shot that beat Colorado goalkeeper Renan at his near post and sealed an unlikely win for Les Corbeaux.
"We're aware of the historic nature of our performance," said the Congolese international, in reference to his club breaking new ground as the first team from outside Europe or South America to reach the final. "I don't think anyone, our opponents included, thought we could do it. In the back of their minds, perhaps they saw us as a little team they would beat easily, which is something that Pachuca were possibly guilty of in the previous round. But now the little team has made it all the way to the final."
While Mazembe's players may still be in a daze about exactly how they have achieved such a feat, there is certainly no doubt as to why: "From the outset, we just wanted to take things one step at a time. The first goal was to win the opening match, so that we could at least say that we'd done better than last year," explained the young African. "And then we took the same approach in the dressing room before the second match. And we'll do the same for the final, even though we're likely to have a much more difficult match in store for us."
Kaluyituka is right to be wary, because the adversary lying in wait is none other than FC Internazionale Milano. "One of the best teams in the world," he said, aware that a victory over the UEFA Champions League holders would provide his club with much more than the title of world champions.
"We get the impression that African football still isn't taken as seriously as it should be. Maybe our run will change a few minds out there, and help Africa to keep pressing forward," pointed out Kaluyituka. "You don't take part at the Club World Cup by accident – we deserve to be here as the best team in our continent. We already made an appearance last year, but we weren't really ready to step up a level. This year, we decided that if we were going to be taking part, our aim would be to win the whole competition."
Another of his stated objectives is to perform well enough to attract the notice of European scouts, thereby possibly opening the door to a transfer abroad one day. "I'm happy at Mazembe, but I do hope to play in Europe sometime in the future," admitted the skilful front man, who had a trial with Ligue 1 side Arles-Avignon over the summer. "It went well, but the transfer never happened for financial reasons, and also because we lost one of our strikers, Mabi Mputu, to suspension, which affected my own situation. Both the coach and chairman asked me to stay, and when I look at where I am today, on the verge of playing in the Club World Cup final while Arles-Avignon are bottom of the French league, I think I made the right choice."
On Saturday, Kaluyituka will cross swords with an African player who has won all there is to win in Europe and is greatly admired by TP Mazembe's squad, namely Samuel Eto'o. "Eto'o is an example to all of us," he said. "He's managed to establish himself at the very highest level, while never losing touch with his African roots. For every forward on this continent, he is the model to follow."
The striker is certainly looking forward to facing his illustrious opponents, saying: "It'll be an honour to play against Eto'o and his team. We're all keen to show that we can mix it with the big boys, and perhaps even beat them. If we perform as best we can, Africa will be proud of us."
Maybe then the name Kaluyituka will be a little more familiar to football supporters the world over.
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,197
Glo-CAF Awards 2010: Who will make it!
12-17-201
Subject : Glo-CAF Awards 2010: Who will make it!
Zoom
4-3-1 does not quite make it as playing formation but come Monday, December 20, 2010 night, one of the above numbers might resonate a significant meaning. Samuel Eto'o is eyeing his 4th CAF Footballer of the Year title, in a fascinating contest, that could also make Didier Drogba a 3rd time winner or see Asamoah Gyan crowned first time winner of the prestigious award.
Africa's finest Footballer for this year will be announced at the GLO-CAF Awards Gala to be held in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
Only a brave pundit would predict the outcome in the men's tight race to the award. The three candidates are gifted players who have scaled great heights this year showcasing Africa's ever improving and growing football pedigree.
Asamoah Gyan is the new kid on the block, who has lit up the African continent and world football starting with this year's African Cup of Nations in January in Angola and stepped up the momentum with two man-of-the-match performances at the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Didier Drogba at 32 is getting even better with age and led from the front at club and country in 2010. He might have won more with his Premiership side Chelsea's but he isn't a crowd favorite for nothing; he is a top-class player world over and is not about to give up his crown any time soon. If anything he is focused on his hat-trick of titles.
Samuel Eto'o has been named the top footballer three times already and his stellar performance in 2010 mostly with Internationale Milan put him in a better position for a fourth win. The Cameroonian was red-hot in the European Champions League and Italian domestic league scene scoring goals for fun. He added a third European Champions League medal to his impressive collection.
There is an arm's length list of achievements strewn from all angles and sides when you look at the candidates for 2010 Glo-CAF Footballer of the Year award, making it a hard call to decide the winner but come Monday night in Cairo 4-3-1, one of those numbers will usher a significant win.
12-17-201
Subject : Glo-CAF Awards 2010: Who will make it!
4-3-1 does not quite make it as playing formation but come Monday, December 20, 2010 night, one of the above numbers might resonate a significant meaning. Samuel Eto'o is eyeing his 4th CAF Footballer of the Year title, in a fascinating contest, that could also make Didier Drogba a 3rd time winner or see Asamoah Gyan crowned first time winner of the prestigious award.
Africa's finest Footballer for this year will be announced at the GLO-CAF Awards Gala to be held in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
Only a brave pundit would predict the outcome in the men's tight race to the award. The three candidates are gifted players who have scaled great heights this year showcasing Africa's ever improving and growing football pedigree.
Asamoah Gyan is the new kid on the block, who has lit up the African continent and world football starting with this year's African Cup of Nations in January in Angola and stepped up the momentum with two man-of-the-match performances at the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Didier Drogba at 32 is getting even better with age and led from the front at club and country in 2010. He might have won more with his Premiership side Chelsea's but he isn't a crowd favorite for nothing; he is a top-class player world over and is not about to give up his crown any time soon. If anything he is focused on his hat-trick of titles.
Samuel Eto'o has been named the top footballer three times already and his stellar performance in 2010 mostly with Internationale Milan put him in a better position for a fourth win. The Cameroonian was red-hot in the European Champions League and Italian domestic league scene scoring goals for fun. He added a third European Champions League medal to his impressive collection.
There is an arm's length list of achievements strewn from all angles and sides when you look at the candidates for 2010 Glo-CAF Footballer of the Year award, making it a hard call to decide the winner but come Monday night in Cairo 4-3-1, one of those numbers will usher a significant win.
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,198
Bougherra adjudged Algerian footballer of the year 2010
12-17-2010
Subject : Bougherra adjudged Algerian footballer of the year 2010
Zoom
Central defender Madjid Bougherra has been adjudged the Algerian footballer of the Year 2010 for the second successive time over the weekend.
The Glasgow Rangers defender received the topmost award at the 10th edition of the Algerian Golden Ball organized by sports dailies, Le Buteur and El-Haddaf.
This is the second time I have won this award. It gives me strength to continue to serve and honour the colours of the national team, Bougherra said after the decoration.
The honour reflects an impressive year for the central defender who was also nominated for the CAF Player of the Year 2010 following stellar performances for the Desert Foxes at the Angola 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations and the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Local club, MC Algiers was named Club of the Year whilst striker Hajj Bougueche scooped the top scorer prize.
Entente Setif star Abdelmounene Djabou was crowned best player on the local scene, striker Ryad Boudebouz as Promising Star of the year with JS Kabylies Malian-import Iddrisa Koulibaly going away with the Best foreign player award.
12-17-2010
Subject : Bougherra adjudged Algerian footballer of the year 2010
Central defender Madjid Bougherra has been adjudged the Algerian footballer of the Year 2010 for the second successive time over the weekend.
The Glasgow Rangers defender received the topmost award at the 10th edition of the Algerian Golden Ball organized by sports dailies, Le Buteur and El-Haddaf.
This is the second time I have won this award. It gives me strength to continue to serve and honour the colours of the national team, Bougherra said after the decoration.
The honour reflects an impressive year for the central defender who was also nominated for the CAF Player of the Year 2010 following stellar performances for the Desert Foxes at the Angola 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations and the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Local club, MC Algiers was named Club of the Year whilst striker Hajj Bougueche scooped the top scorer prize.
Entente Setif star Abdelmounene Djabou was crowned best player on the local scene, striker Ryad Boudebouz as Promising Star of the year with JS Kabylies Malian-import Iddrisa Koulibaly going away with the Best foreign player award.
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,199
Mali: CSK stays top of championship
12-17-2010
Subject : Mali: CSK stays top of championship
Zoom
By overcoming Centre Salif Keita 1-0 CSK have consolidated their lead at the top of the Orange First Division championship whose third playing day ended on Wednesday at the Modibo Kéita stadium.
The playing day also saw Djoliba defeat Jeanne d'Arc of Bamako 2-0. Apart from Djoliba, the Onze-Créateurs of Niaréla also recorded a positive result. The team defeated archrivals Korofina (ASKO) 2-0.
During the inaugural launch of the campaign at the Modibo Kéita stadium, CSK were victorious over AS Police, with the score separating the two sides being 1-0. The slender victory was vital as it enabled the victors to stay top of the standings. At the same time in Ségou, the match opposing Bakaridjan to Cercle sportif Duguwolofila (CSD) ended in a virgin parity.
The other encounters of the day ended in draws. Outgoing champions Stade malien of Bamako, were held to a 0-0 draw by COB. This was followed by the game between Union sportive des forces armées et securités (Usfas) and Association sportive Bamako (ASB) that ended 2-2. The encounter saw Hamed Diakité of ASB limping off and medical reports say he will not be available for five months. AS Réal made biggest gains of the day as they humiliated Centre d'animation sportif of Sevaré 4-0.
At the end of the playing day CSK are top of the standings with 9 points followed by Djoliba who have two points less. CASS is tailing the classification table after they are yet to pick a point in their first three outings. The fourth playing day has been slated for Saturday December 18 with a top of the table clash at the Modibo Keita stadium between CSK and runners up Djoliba.
12-17-2010
Subject : Mali: CSK stays top of championship
By overcoming Centre Salif Keita 1-0 CSK have consolidated their lead at the top of the Orange First Division championship whose third playing day ended on Wednesday at the Modibo Kéita stadium.
The playing day also saw Djoliba defeat Jeanne d'Arc of Bamako 2-0. Apart from Djoliba, the Onze-Créateurs of Niaréla also recorded a positive result. The team defeated archrivals Korofina (ASKO) 2-0.
During the inaugural launch of the campaign at the Modibo Kéita stadium, CSK were victorious over AS Police, with the score separating the two sides being 1-0. The slender victory was vital as it enabled the victors to stay top of the standings. At the same time in Ségou, the match opposing Bakaridjan to Cercle sportif Duguwolofila (CSD) ended in a virgin parity.
The other encounters of the day ended in draws. Outgoing champions Stade malien of Bamako, were held to a 0-0 draw by COB. This was followed by the game between Union sportive des forces armées et securités (Usfas) and Association sportive Bamako (ASB) that ended 2-2. The encounter saw Hamed Diakité of ASB limping off and medical reports say he will not be available for five months. AS Réal made biggest gains of the day as they humiliated Centre d'animation sportif of Sevaré 4-0.
At the end of the playing day CSK are top of the standings with 9 points followed by Djoliba who have two points less. CASS is tailing the classification table after they are yet to pick a point in their first three outings. The fourth playing day has been slated for Saturday December 18 with a top of the table clash at the Modibo Keita stadium between CSK and runners up Djoliba.
Rutashubanyuma
JF-Expert Member
- Sep 24, 2010
- 219,468
- 911,184
- Thread starter
- #1,200
Kidiaba: All of Africa is behind us
12-16-2010
Although it had to happen one day, it still came as a shock when a team from outside Europe and South America eventually reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. And while Congo DR's TP Mazembe Englebert, architects of this remarkable accomplishment, put in a remarkable team performance to progress from their semi-final against SC Internacional do Porto Alegre, it was a heroic display from their goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba that provided the platform for their unexpected victory.
This turn of events is even more remarkable given that the Congolese international could have been fulfilling the role of goalkeeping coach at the global event. This was the career path he had mapped out for himself over a year ago, as his mid-30s approached. Instead, he stayed on a few more weeks to gain a taste of the 2009 tournament. Weeks swiftly turned into months, and a year later, Kidiaba is once again back in the limelight in Abu Dhabi.
The TP Mazembe custodian's first experience of the competition was mixed – he produced some incredible saves, but also received a red card in the match for fifth place against Auckland City, precipitating his team's defeat. "I was keen to banish that memory, and to try to help my team-mates this time, rather than hinder them," explained Kidiaba to FIFA.com in the immediate aftermath of his club's stunning win over Sport Club Internacional. "But today was not about the performance of one single player. This feat was achieved by a solid, well-prepared team."
The word ‘feat' fails to adequately convey what the Lubumbashi-based side have achieved here in UAE. Never before had a team from the Mother Continent reached the FIFA Club World Cup final. Les Corbeaux (The Crows), who have got used to upsetting the odds on African soil in recent times, have now done the same in Abu Dhabi, filling an entire continent with joy in the process.
"We're so proud to be flying the flag for Africa," said Kidiaba. "We'd like to think that the Congolese nation, as well as people all across the continent, are behind us, just as they were for Ghana at the World Cup in South Africa."
The Black Stars' exploits at this year's FIFA World Cup™ did not go unnoticed by the four-time African champions. "This was always going to be a great year for African football, but it must be said that overall the World Cup was a little disappointing for our confederation's teams," said the TP Mazembe shot-stopper. "But Ghana showed us the way. We're now in the final and the cup is within touching distance. We're confident we can put in a performance that will enable us to lay our hands on it."
If TP Mazembe were to emerge victorious on Saturday, it would be no surprise if Kidiaba's gloved hands were among the first to clutch the trophy. A disappointed Brazilian front line can testify to their reliability, having failed to find the net against a side that were clear underdogs on paper, just as AFC Champions League winners Seongnam Ilhwa FC will be when they face European champions FC Internazionale Milano in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
"What we did tonight, Seongnam can do tomorrow," stated the veteran keeper. "We proved that the only thing that matters is what takes place on the pitch; other factors shouldn't ever come into play. If the Koreans believe in themselves like we do, the match is certainly not a foregone conclusion."
These are sentiments that would instantly gain the approval of Lamine N'Diaye, T.P Mazembe's Senegalese coach. "During our pre-match preparations, he placed a special emphasis on two things," revealed Kidiaba, who is famed for his unorthodox celebration routine of bouncing on his backside. "Hard work, because without that, talent is useless. And total concentration because, without that, hard work is pointless. Our other strength is team spirit. It's as if we're ready to die for each other out on the pitch."
As far as personal success is concerned, Kidiaba is not averse to some hard graft himself, as he explained at the end of our interview. "Football is all I have. It's in my blood and it's what I'm good at. Moreover, I don't know any other way of earning a living, so it makes sense for me to train continuously in order to produce my very best."
12-16-2010
Although it had to happen one day, it still came as a shock when a team from outside Europe and South America eventually reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. And while Congo DR's TP Mazembe Englebert, architects of this remarkable accomplishment, put in a remarkable team performance to progress from their semi-final against SC Internacional do Porto Alegre, it was a heroic display from their goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba that provided the platform for their unexpected victory.
This turn of events is even more remarkable given that the Congolese international could have been fulfilling the role of goalkeeping coach at the global event. This was the career path he had mapped out for himself over a year ago, as his mid-30s approached. Instead, he stayed on a few more weeks to gain a taste of the 2009 tournament. Weeks swiftly turned into months, and a year later, Kidiaba is once again back in the limelight in Abu Dhabi.
The TP Mazembe custodian's first experience of the competition was mixed – he produced some incredible saves, but also received a red card in the match for fifth place against Auckland City, precipitating his team's defeat. "I was keen to banish that memory, and to try to help my team-mates this time, rather than hinder them," explained Kidiaba to FIFA.com in the immediate aftermath of his club's stunning win over Sport Club Internacional. "But today was not about the performance of one single player. This feat was achieved by a solid, well-prepared team."
The word ‘feat' fails to adequately convey what the Lubumbashi-based side have achieved here in UAE. Never before had a team from the Mother Continent reached the FIFA Club World Cup final. Les Corbeaux (The Crows), who have got used to upsetting the odds on African soil in recent times, have now done the same in Abu Dhabi, filling an entire continent with joy in the process.
"We're so proud to be flying the flag for Africa," said Kidiaba. "We'd like to think that the Congolese nation, as well as people all across the continent, are behind us, just as they were for Ghana at the World Cup in South Africa."
The Black Stars' exploits at this year's FIFA World Cup™ did not go unnoticed by the four-time African champions. "This was always going to be a great year for African football, but it must be said that overall the World Cup was a little disappointing for our confederation's teams," said the TP Mazembe shot-stopper. "But Ghana showed us the way. We're now in the final and the cup is within touching distance. We're confident we can put in a performance that will enable us to lay our hands on it."
If TP Mazembe were to emerge victorious on Saturday, it would be no surprise if Kidiaba's gloved hands were among the first to clutch the trophy. A disappointed Brazilian front line can testify to their reliability, having failed to find the net against a side that were clear underdogs on paper, just as AFC Champions League winners Seongnam Ilhwa FC will be when they face European champions FC Internazionale Milano in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
"What we did tonight, Seongnam can do tomorrow," stated the veteran keeper. "We proved that the only thing that matters is what takes place on the pitch; other factors shouldn't ever come into play. If the Koreans believe in themselves like we do, the match is certainly not a foregone conclusion."
These are sentiments that would instantly gain the approval of Lamine N'Diaye, T.P Mazembe's Senegalese coach. "During our pre-match preparations, he placed a special emphasis on two things," revealed Kidiaba, who is famed for his unorthodox celebration routine of bouncing on his backside. "Hard work, because without that, talent is useless. And total concentration because, without that, hard work is pointless. Our other strength is team spirit. It's as if we're ready to die for each other out on the pitch."
As far as personal success is concerned, Kidiaba is not averse to some hard graft himself, as he explained at the end of our interview. "Football is all I have. It's in my blood and it's what I'm good at. Moreover, I don't know any other way of earning a living, so it makes sense for me to train continuously in order to produce my very best."
- Status