GREAT CAPTAINS: HOME AND AWAY

The upcoming premier league season will be bigger, better and much more interesting than last season, at least I think so. Yes, I know, we witnessed a new winner after a very long time, and yes, the premier league was won on the last day having gone all the way down to the wire, but I still think the battle-lines are already being defined. From the imminent departure of captain Robin Van Perfect(for Man United), to the signings of Kagawa & Hazard, to the awarding of a six-year contract to Vincent Kompany. Lets not forget the other potentially big deals coming up... Modric, Baines et al.

Influential Captain Kompany

Lets talk about captains though. They're important. They're influential. They lead by example. Everybody knows that right? Remember when Vidic got injured? See what happened to United... they conceded and kept conceding and lost the title to City eventually. Think Barca... Puyol got injured, Barca lost the title to Real Madrid. Look at Manchester City... Kompany got appointed captain, and the boy has led that team to their first title since 1968. I think we are now on the same page.

Lets narrow it down and talk about Kompany. The boy just signed a new six-year contract to keep him at City till he is 32. For a club(Manchester City) to show that much faith in a player(the captain, the leader, the Kompany), is reward enough for him being so influential. And deliver he has. Remember how he got the captaincy? Let me run that by you... Toure was made captain on signing for City from Arsenal, and then he was involved in that doping saga, so he was dropped as captain, upon which Tevez the prodigal son was appoined. We all know his story, don't we? Yeah... so in his absence, guess who was appointed? The Kompany. He's the only one player, who was not signed by Mancini, who has been shown favour, and still remains in the team. Think of Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Micah Richards, Mwaruwari(remember him?), Wayne Bridge. Even De Jong saw the better part of the bench for most of the second half of last season. The City captain is confident that he and Kompany(get it?) can build on last season's win. And I wouldn't doubt him. I just don't think United, Chelsea and Arsenal will let them

Closer Home... The Mashemeji Derby(GOR MAHIA vs AFC LEOPARDS) is around the corner. This is a rivalry that goes all the way back to when our grandfathers were still young men. It was a duel between Luo and Luhya. It has since become the biggest match in Kenyan football, since the tribal factor is gradually fading away, and the clubs are signing players from various parts of East Africa. Every time these two great rivals meet, it becomes a heated affair, as in every derby worldwide, with each one wanting to come out with the upper hand. It gets ugly at times. It has been suggested that extra security be provided during duels between these two rivals as some fans take it as the perfect time to wreak havoc.

The Mashemeji Derby

And as such, sometimes, it comes down to the captains of these teams. Remember the last time these two great rivals met? I'll refresh your memory. Most people in Kenya wanted Gor fans to be banned. Remember the clash at the stadium when the Gor fans started hurling stones into the pitch? It was the Gor captain who spoke to them amicably and they eventually stopped the chaos. And for that... we should respect and honour all responsible captains. Am sure our friend Carol Radull knows the guy and will pass our regards, right Carol?

So, to all who will be attending the Mashemeji derby, all the best. Enjoy the game. Most of all, be safe. That said, I cannot wait for the EPL to resume. The Supersport analysis is one of my favourite segments of soccer. 

Also, do not forget about the August 4th soccer Tweet up at Saint George Primary, Hurlingham. Its a free event, just show up, play soccer, meet and socialize with other peeps. Thats all. 

Enjoy yourselves. Lets talk more football another time, eh?