The past week has borne some of the most exciting football action we have seen all season. Where do I even start? Kenyan Premier, English, Champions league...
KENYAN PREMIER LEAGUE:
On Friday night, I was having a chat with sports anchor, Mike Okinyi before I left work for the day, and he was talking of Gor Mahia leading the Tusker Kenyan Premier League and I thought... "These Gor guys are just too optimistic". I actually told him that. I hate to admit it, but it looks like Mike was right, even though that was a cheap goal(if it was in fact a goal). It probably wasn't but credit to Gor Mahia. You do not get such a goal if you do not create that chance. Credit also to Sserunkuma too The UG player has totally transformed Gor's season. Gor face Muhoroni. I think that will be an easy game for them with the talent they flaunt.
AFC Leopards are starting to realize that they might lose the title now, after some crazy weeks of poor form. It could be too late. Only time will tell though. It's two games to the end and anything can happen in football. Remember Arsenal lost to Birmingham in an FA Cup final, and Man United were thrashed 6-1 at home by the bitter rivals. Ingwe next face Mathare United. That will be a tough fixture. A must-win, and a tough fixture.
Tusker FC... they're still my most preferred title winners. Its sad they conceded that silly 'goal' against Gor Mahia. We demand goal-line technology in Kenya. Tusker play Western Stima this weekend. Very tough team, considering they hammered Ingwe earlier this season.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:
We always like to come down hard on Liverpool fans because of their team's performances of late, but I can honestly say that this week, Liverpool played some great football. against Anzhi, they were composed and kept them out comfortably. Against Everton... they played even better football, created the scoring opportunities they haven't been getting lately, but they still lack one thing... LUCK.
Arsenal... they look to be taking Liverpool's place as the laughing stock of the premier league. Thing is they lost at home in the Champions league and played shit against QPR. And whats worse... they meet Manchester United next. At least they won their three points against QPR, so they won't feel bad if United beat them.
Manchester United.... faced by a worthy opponent, this team crumbles. But they are also extremely lucky. These are the kind to enter Safaricom's 'Bonyeza ushinde' and actually win the prize and use it to bribe the staff to pick them again in future. Am a United fan by the way...
We won our CL game against a stubborn Braga. They deserved to lose though. Nobody comes to OT and brandishes a City shirt just cause... That was only punishable by a painful winner. Against Chelsea... well, both red cards were deserved. We are in agreement, eh? Moving on...
Chelsea.... They were just a sad sacrifice in this war against Man United. They played some good football and exposed United on several occasions until their indiscipline side kicked in.... Hehe. These guys do not play like worthy champions of Europe. So unconvincing. By the way am inviting any opposing arguments on that issue. Only in the premier league do they play like prospective champions.
Let us just sit and wait for the weekend's fixtures for now. Especially the big match, Man United vs Arsenal. This fixture was always a big deal. Be it on a Sunday evening or Monday night fixture.... this fixture used to be watched as if the next day was a public holiday... people not caring whether they're working the next day.
Showing posts with label KPL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KPL. Show all posts
Monday, 29 October 2012
Monday, 8 October 2012
WE REMIND OURSELVES
First of all I salute you all in the name of the beautiful game and all that makes it so. Ronaldo, Messi, Scholes, Xavi.... OK, let me stop. I might mention all of the Barca players. I am no Barca fan. Neither am I a hater, don't get me wrong. Today... WE REMIND OURSELVES.
Remember the days when AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia were relegation battle material? NO? Me neither. Kenyan football was only for the players then. Even Kenyan media didn't cover it. They still dont. But look at the attention they have gotten since they changed managements. Now every mashemeji derby is like a publlic holiday. Cops are extra, fans even more. Lets now wait and see if either of them will win the title and then we shall have something to reminisce. In the meantime, Tusker FC are giving them a run for their money. I remember when they were fifth, and AFC looked to have a solid grip on the lead. I thought they'd never make it. Turns out Coach Matano is really just what they needed.
EL CLASSICO: Remember the post about Ronaldo that I wrote? Here it is: great players win, good players affect games I cannot go into the details again you can read it for yourself. I can only say a few words about the Classico. Heated affair. Barca and their flair play were all over the pitch running things, AS USUAL. And boy were they passing the thing all around. Let me tell you, if Real Madrid can change their formation when they play Barcelona(and mind you they are only one of the few teams who can beat the latter), then that just places Barca at the top of the food chain.
One thing is a fact though; Real Madrid have one of, if not the best defenses, and attack force(ask City), in the world. Not many teams can keep Barca at bay like that, and still reserve the attacking threat that they had. They rode their luck although you could see they tried at least.
That said, the fluidity of Barca last night night.... You cannot be a hater, honestly. Although Cristiano, aka CR7, and Messi(insert your favorite nickname here)stole the show from the others, as usual. Whomever you pledge your loyalties to, CR7 or Messi, you are in a lucky generation. One that got to watch two great players do battle. Remind yourself of that fact. You will tell your kids
THE MILAN DERBY: This used to be a great contest. The days of Ronaldo(Brazilian), then later Ibrahimovic, Adriano, Dejan Stankovic, Ronaldinho, Gatusso, Inzaghi, Zanetti, Maldini(remember him?) and the likes. I personally focused on it more during the days of Maldini(AC Milan) and Adriano(Inter). I made Inter my team henceforth on Play Station(am a PES guy btw) and yes, I was also a force to reckon with, on 'loser-pays'. People feared me. Until Manchester City rose to glory. Thats beside the point. The Milan derby was played on the same day as the Classico(7th October 2012) just in case you've forgotten yesterday's date). That went unspoken of. Anyway, Walter Samuel scored the only goal, as Inter were red carded but held on for the three points. These guys in Italy just love to play it rough. Remember those days? When football was football? And no referees 'protected' the players? Yes, we all do.
Moving on to the the juicier stuff. Giroud broke his Prem duck. yaaay! Hooray for Arsenal guys. Remember when Tottenham had gone winless against Manchester United at OT? Well, gone are those days. My friend told me to make sure I blogged it. Damn, that was a... different game. Tottenham really wifed us in the first half. 62% possession, 2 goals up. That was a tough reality.
And Chelsea are having a great season. They are now not dependent on wingers, they have play-makers all over their mid(Mata, Oscar, Hazard) and engines in the names of Mikel and Ramires. But they have always been strong in midfield. And QPR... Remember the days they had a team, now they have a new full team and subs... and they're still rooted at the bottom of the EPL table. I think what they need now is a new manager. All in favour of having Mark Hughes sacked say AYE!!... sorry i forgot this is not Parliament and am not the Speaker.
Do you remember the days when the Prem was graced by players like Dirk Kuyt, Fabrice Muamba, Ole Gunaar Solskaer and the likes? Kuyt, leave alone Gerrard, carried Liverpool on his back. Look where they are now without the man. Mwamba... he helped his team a lot. Sad he wasnt around to help them survive. Neither will he be there to help them back up into the Prem. Manchester United still remains the team to beat on the other hand. They've had no shortage of attackers. Though they will need a powerful man to take up the role of Scholes. Just like Barca will struggle to replace Xavi, another great player.
DID YOU KNOW:
Sir Alex Ferguson took up the management of Manchester United at a time when they were in the relegation zone?
Well, now you know.
Our 'Know KPL Teams' blog just took a step closer. My friend @MikeOkinyi, yes, THE one and only Mike Okinyi, Citizen TV sports anchor, has agreed to do a guest post for us. Thanks in advance Mike, that'll be awesome.
Also, our new website will be online hopefully.... next week. Its about time, eh? We would want that 'Know KPL teams and their managers'
Lets talk football another time, good people.
Remember the days when AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia were relegation battle material? NO? Me neither. Kenyan football was only for the players then. Even Kenyan media didn't cover it. They still dont. But look at the attention they have gotten since they changed managements. Now every mashemeji derby is like a publlic holiday. Cops are extra, fans even more. Lets now wait and see if either of them will win the title and then we shall have something to reminisce. In the meantime, Tusker FC are giving them a run for their money. I remember when they were fifth, and AFC looked to have a solid grip on the lead. I thought they'd never make it. Turns out Coach Matano is really just what they needed.
EL CLASSICO: Remember the post about Ronaldo that I wrote? Here it is: great players win, good players affect games I cannot go into the details again you can read it for yourself. I can only say a few words about the Classico. Heated affair. Barca and their flair play were all over the pitch running things, AS USUAL. And boy were they passing the thing all around. Let me tell you, if Real Madrid can change their formation when they play Barcelona(and mind you they are only one of the few teams who can beat the latter), then that just places Barca at the top of the food chain.
One thing is a fact though; Real Madrid have one of, if not the best defenses, and attack force(ask City), in the world. Not many teams can keep Barca at bay like that, and still reserve the attacking threat that they had. They rode their luck although you could see they tried at least.
That said, the fluidity of Barca last night night.... You cannot be a hater, honestly. Although Cristiano, aka CR7, and Messi(insert your favorite nickname here)stole the show from the others, as usual. Whomever you pledge your loyalties to, CR7 or Messi, you are in a lucky generation. One that got to watch two great players do battle. Remind yourself of that fact. You will tell your kids
THE MILAN DERBY: This used to be a great contest. The days of Ronaldo(Brazilian), then later Ibrahimovic, Adriano, Dejan Stankovic, Ronaldinho, Gatusso, Inzaghi, Zanetti, Maldini(remember him?) and the likes. I personally focused on it more during the days of Maldini(AC Milan) and Adriano(Inter). I made Inter my team henceforth on Play Station(am a PES guy btw) and yes, I was also a force to reckon with, on 'loser-pays'. People feared me. Until Manchester City rose to glory. Thats beside the point. The Milan derby was played on the same day as the Classico(7th October 2012) just in case you've forgotten yesterday's date). That went unspoken of. Anyway, Walter Samuel scored the only goal, as Inter were red carded but held on for the three points. These guys in Italy just love to play it rough. Remember those days? When football was football? And no referees 'protected' the players? Yes, we all do.
Moving on to the the juicier stuff. Giroud broke his Prem duck. yaaay! Hooray for Arsenal guys. Remember when Tottenham had gone winless against Manchester United at OT? Well, gone are those days. My friend told me to make sure I blogged it. Damn, that was a... different game. Tottenham really wifed us in the first half. 62% possession, 2 goals up. That was a tough reality.
And Chelsea are having a great season. They are now not dependent on wingers, they have play-makers all over their mid(Mata, Oscar, Hazard) and engines in the names of Mikel and Ramires. But they have always been strong in midfield. And QPR... Remember the days they had a team, now they have a new full team and subs... and they're still rooted at the bottom of the EPL table. I think what they need now is a new manager. All in favour of having Mark Hughes sacked say AYE!!... sorry i forgot this is not Parliament and am not the Speaker.
Do you remember the days when the Prem was graced by players like Dirk Kuyt, Fabrice Muamba, Ole Gunaar Solskaer and the likes? Kuyt, leave alone Gerrard, carried Liverpool on his back. Look where they are now without the man. Mwamba... he helped his team a lot. Sad he wasnt around to help them survive. Neither will he be there to help them back up into the Prem. Manchester United still remains the team to beat on the other hand. They've had no shortage of attackers. Though they will need a powerful man to take up the role of Scholes. Just like Barca will struggle to replace Xavi, another great player.
DID YOU KNOW:
Sir Alex Ferguson took up the management of Manchester United at a time when they were in the relegation zone?
Well, now you know.
Our 'Know KPL Teams' blog just took a step closer. My friend @MikeOkinyi, yes, THE one and only Mike Okinyi, Citizen TV sports anchor, has agreed to do a guest post for us. Thanks in advance Mike, that'll be awesome.
Also, our new website will be online hopefully.... next week. Its about time, eh? We would want that 'Know KPL teams and their managers'
Lets talk football another time, good people.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Footie wrap: KPL, La liga, EPL
I will soon run out of catchy headers for my posts one of these fine days. I can see it coming. It shall be a very sad eventuality but that's not why we are here. And yes... I know. The website is still not up yet. We ran into slight problems but rest assured, its coming. We will be putting up the link very soon. Lets talk football then.
I start with the Tusker Kenyan Premier League. In the last few days we have seen huge transformations on the league table. AFC were leading the pack on friday. By Saturday evening, bitter rivals and victors in the Mashemeji Derby, Gor Mahia were at the helm. Come Monday evening, Coach Matano's charges... Tusker FC, took the lead. They now sit 2 points ahead of 2nd placed Gor, and 3 points ahead of recently-dethroned AFC. i was arguing with a friend the other day. He kept telling me Tusker would eventually lead, but I just couldn't see them doing it. Well, if that was a money bet, I would have lost. I hope y'all have been following the happenings.
Moving on... new Harambee Stars head coach Henri Michel has started with a very attention-calling move. refusing to enter the Stars in the CECAFA tournament, saying that it is a useless cup. I would love to agree with him BUT there's the slight issue of the Harambee Stars being weaklings in other tournaments. so, the organizers of CECAFA have told Michel to show what he can do. I would like for him to do that too... considering his high salary. Apparently the ninja earns 750k, gets house and transport allowance etc. Living like an MP
EPL... Explosive Premier League weekend that was, eh? Arsenal managed a point against our noisy neighbours (no, I do NOT live in Manchester). Manchester United claimed a rare win at Anfield, after being 'married' by the Kopites for a while, and Chelsea beat Stoke... after recovering from a loss against Atletico. Just goes to show that thay they are more accustomed to playing shitty opponents like themselves, and not fancy playing opponents like Atletico... and Arsenal(wacheni niwabambe juu tu mlicheza poa). Great weekend that was.... I didnt watch any of the games. Am still looking for a good excuse for that.
My fantasy team. Cech, Ivanovic and Fellaini played well. But I just dont understand why Yaya wont earn good points. Also... I pick Rangel and Dyer, and then Rangel doesn't even play and Dyer gets red carded. Ain't that a female dog
La Liga.... Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi keep running things. Even on boring occasions when Real are held to draws Cristiano shows he still is a force to reckon with. Case in pot... the champion's league game where he scored the decider minutes to time. It was hard to see Manchester City losing 2 consecutive games though. So I guess that's why Arsenal struggled to get that point. I know you're gonna ask why am talking about Manchester City in the La Liga paragraph... well, am sure you also asked how vectors in high school maths would eventually help you in life, but did that make your teacher stop teaching Mole Concept? Say it with me... NO, IT DIDN'T!
France... Ibrahimovic scores freely, and Oliech leads Ligue 2 in the assists chart. Also... M'vila is out of form. Aren't glad you didn't buy the nigga, Arsenal guys? Hmm?
I start with the Tusker Kenyan Premier League. In the last few days we have seen huge transformations on the league table. AFC were leading the pack on friday. By Saturday evening, bitter rivals and victors in the Mashemeji Derby, Gor Mahia were at the helm. Come Monday evening, Coach Matano's charges... Tusker FC, took the lead. They now sit 2 points ahead of 2nd placed Gor, and 3 points ahead of recently-dethroned AFC. i was arguing with a friend the other day. He kept telling me Tusker would eventually lead, but I just couldn't see them doing it. Well, if that was a money bet, I would have lost. I hope y'all have been following the happenings.
Moving on... new Harambee Stars head coach Henri Michel has started with a very attention-calling move. refusing to enter the Stars in the CECAFA tournament, saying that it is a useless cup. I would love to agree with him BUT there's the slight issue of the Harambee Stars being weaklings in other tournaments. so, the organizers of CECAFA have told Michel to show what he can do. I would like for him to do that too... considering his high salary. Apparently the ninja earns 750k, gets house and transport allowance etc. Living like an MP
EPL... Explosive Premier League weekend that was, eh? Arsenal managed a point against our noisy neighbours (no, I do NOT live in Manchester). Manchester United claimed a rare win at Anfield, after being 'married' by the Kopites for a while, and Chelsea beat Stoke... after recovering from a loss against Atletico. Just goes to show that thay they are more accustomed to playing shitty opponents like themselves, and not fancy playing opponents like Atletico... and Arsenal(wacheni niwabambe juu tu mlicheza poa). Great weekend that was.... I didnt watch any of the games. Am still looking for a good excuse for that.
My fantasy team. Cech, Ivanovic and Fellaini played well. But I just dont understand why Yaya wont earn good points. Also... I pick Rangel and Dyer, and then Rangel doesn't even play and Dyer gets red carded. Ain't that a female dog
La Liga.... Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi keep running things. Even on boring occasions when Real are held to draws Cristiano shows he still is a force to reckon with. Case in pot... the champion's league game where he scored the decider minutes to time. It was hard to see Manchester City losing 2 consecutive games though. So I guess that's why Arsenal struggled to get that point. I know you're gonna ask why am talking about Manchester City in the La Liga paragraph... well, am sure you also asked how vectors in high school maths would eventually help you in life, but did that make your teacher stop teaching Mole Concept? Say it with me... NO, IT DIDN'T!
France... Ibrahimovic scores freely, and Oliech leads Ligue 2 in the assists chart. Also... M'vila is out of form. Aren't glad you didn't buy the nigga, Arsenal guys? Hmm?
Sunday, 16 September 2012
THE Football Ground up
Ground up, you ask why. Because we are doing an all round, from the grassroots(Kenya) to the cream of the crop(E.P.L) analysis.... or so I like to think of all the footballing action around us.Also, it shall be in no particular order.
The return of the prem. So recently European leagues took a break for the International fixtures for two weeks. Excruciatingly boring two weeks if you ask me. Premier league action resumed though, and boy was it everything we expected it to be! From Arsenal's demolition of premier league newboys Southampton, to Manchester's Wrath on Wigan, I think we all agree that it was way better than the international break. Even Chelsea and Liverpool fans with their draws will agree to it. Arsenal have rediscovered their form. Chelsea haven't recovered from the beating they received from Atletico. Liverpool... *whispers a prayer for them* I hope they don't get relegated. Manchester City... champions have to be respected even when they falter. Period
Further, apart from being the first weekend the EPL resumed, it was also a milestone in some way here and there. Lets just focus on United this once. 500 HOME games under Fergie. 700, 600 and 400 for Scholes, Giggs and Rio respectively. Narrow it down a little and we focus on Scholes. Ginger genius. Midfield Maestro. Genius. Call him what you may, but we all agree he is good. I dug up a little on him. turns out he always marks that hundred mark in a special way. On his 200th game, he scored an own goal. Must have been hard on him. But he has mostly positives in his career that am sure he doesnt even remember that one.
Scored two on his debut and one in every other hundredth game, apart from his 600th appearance. But he doesn't score too often so his goalscoring is clearly just a plus. His passing is what makes this tiny man a big gap when he lacks from the United line-up. And for that he has won everything there is to win with Manchester United. It is sad that he ended his England career so soon though. Here are a few words, by BBC Sports, in praise of this passmaster who we will all miss when eventually he does call time on his career.
Scholes was at the heart of United's revival, pulling the strings with his laser-guided passing and well-oiled repertoire of feints and flicks.
Perhaps we should have expected it, given he had found the net on his debut and his 100th game, then - after an own goal on his 200th - strikes on his 300th, 400th and 500th appearances for the club.
This was a landmark day for United. Scholes was making his 700th appearance in a United shirt and Rio Ferdinand his 400th, while Ryan Giggs took to the field for his 600th Premier League match. It was also Ferguson's 500th home league match - he had won 355 of the previous 499 (drawing 95 and losing 49). Ferguson is harnessing the past to shape the future. Tom Cleverley and others are being given the chance to learn from a man Zinedine Zidane, no less, described as "undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation"
That's that. I dont think anything I would add would say it better than the facts presented above.But I can remind you of greater footballing action that is coming back... in the name of UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!!!
Lets talk Tusker Premier League. That's the new tag on our Kenyan Premier League. An achievement on the part of Kenyan football. I always thought the entry of Supersport and Goal.com into Kenyan football would help this game. And with those, am sure Kenyan football will continue to make noticeable steps in progress. Hopefully all that money will be put to good use though. Otherwise we will remain where we are... under-achieving football nation. I was drinking with some friends who were former AFC Leopards players(didn't know until the other day) the other day, and according to them, no matter how good your season was as a player, if you didn't give the national team coach at the time a kickback, then you dont get to play for the Kenya team.
Away from the grim news that is our reality, Gor Mahia look like worthy contenders for the KPL title. They have the Mourinho mentality(If we can't win, we can't lose either). Must be their new coach, Mr Logarusic. Credit to him. They weren't exactly relegation material but were not title winning material either. Was watching Supersport 9(kwa wenyewe of course, juu me bado sufferer) the other day, they had KPL coverage... Am talking comprehensive coverage, like the one they do before a premier league match. Good stuff really. Point is, that man Logarusic has really turned Gor Mahia's football for sure; from the training drills, discipline issues down to the football itself. You never really know what could happen in football but I think Gor are looking like likely champions this season. Lets wait and see if the others... Tusker FC under Coach Matano(very strict man by the way), AFC Leopards and Ulinzi will step their games up. If they do so, then ladies and gentlemen, we will have a contest the magnitude almost of the EPL last season.
I think we need a 'Know Kenyan football' article. So that we all can at least know teams in the KPL and their managers at least, if not the players. But, I think Supersport 9 is a good start.
Also, we(@kevin_seth and @arthurnyoiks) have set up an account on twirra, @TweepsFC since we are also planning to launch our own website twitterfc.com to do basically what we are doing here. So, we look forward to gaining your support. Peace
The return of the prem. So recently European leagues took a break for the International fixtures for two weeks. Excruciatingly boring two weeks if you ask me. Premier league action resumed though, and boy was it everything we expected it to be! From Arsenal's demolition of premier league newboys Southampton, to Manchester's Wrath on Wigan, I think we all agree that it was way better than the international break. Even Chelsea and Liverpool fans with their draws will agree to it. Arsenal have rediscovered their form. Chelsea haven't recovered from the beating they received from Atletico. Liverpool... *whispers a prayer for them* I hope they don't get relegated. Manchester City... champions have to be respected even when they falter. Period
Further, apart from being the first weekend the EPL resumed, it was also a milestone in some way here and there. Lets just focus on United this once. 500 HOME games under Fergie. 700, 600 and 400 for Scholes, Giggs and Rio respectively. Narrow it down a little and we focus on Scholes. Ginger genius. Midfield Maestro. Genius. Call him what you may, but we all agree he is good. I dug up a little on him. turns out he always marks that hundred mark in a special way. On his 200th game, he scored an own goal. Must have been hard on him. But he has mostly positives in his career that am sure he doesnt even remember that one.
Scored two on his debut and one in every other hundredth game, apart from his 600th appearance. But he doesn't score too often so his goalscoring is clearly just a plus. His passing is what makes this tiny man a big gap when he lacks from the United line-up. And for that he has won everything there is to win with Manchester United. It is sad that he ended his England career so soon though. Here are a few words, by BBC Sports, in praise of this passmaster who we will all miss when eventually he does call time on his career.
Scholes was at the heart of United's revival, pulling the strings with his laser-guided passing and well-oiled repertoire of feints and flicks.
Perhaps we should have expected it, given he had found the net on his debut and his 100th game, then - after an own goal on his 200th - strikes on his 300th, 400th and 500th appearances for the club.
This was a landmark day for United. Scholes was making his 700th appearance in a United shirt and Rio Ferdinand his 400th, while Ryan Giggs took to the field for his 600th Premier League match. It was also Ferguson's 500th home league match - he had won 355 of the previous 499 (drawing 95 and losing 49). Ferguson is harnessing the past to shape the future. Tom Cleverley and others are being given the chance to learn from a man Zinedine Zidane, no less, described as "undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation"
That's that. I dont think anything I would add would say it better than the facts presented above.But I can remind you of greater footballing action that is coming back... in the name of UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!!!
Lets talk Tusker Premier League. That's the new tag on our Kenyan Premier League. An achievement on the part of Kenyan football. I always thought the entry of Supersport and Goal.com into Kenyan football would help this game. And with those, am sure Kenyan football will continue to make noticeable steps in progress. Hopefully all that money will be put to good use though. Otherwise we will remain where we are... under-achieving football nation. I was drinking with some friends who were former AFC Leopards players(didn't know until the other day) the other day, and according to them, no matter how good your season was as a player, if you didn't give the national team coach at the time a kickback, then you dont get to play for the Kenya team.
Away from the grim news that is our reality, Gor Mahia look like worthy contenders for the KPL title. They have the Mourinho mentality(If we can't win, we can't lose either). Must be their new coach, Mr Logarusic. Credit to him. They weren't exactly relegation material but were not title winning material either. Was watching Supersport 9(kwa wenyewe of course, juu me bado sufferer) the other day, they had KPL coverage... Am talking comprehensive coverage, like the one they do before a premier league match. Good stuff really. Point is, that man Logarusic has really turned Gor Mahia's football for sure; from the training drills, discipline issues down to the football itself. You never really know what could happen in football but I think Gor are looking like likely champions this season. Lets wait and see if the others... Tusker FC under Coach Matano(very strict man by the way), AFC Leopards and Ulinzi will step their games up. If they do so, then ladies and gentlemen, we will have a contest the magnitude almost of the EPL last season.
I think we need a 'Know Kenyan football' article. So that we all can at least know teams in the KPL and their managers at least, if not the players. But, I think Supersport 9 is a good start.
Also, we(@kevin_seth and @arthurnyoiks) have set up an account on twirra, @TweepsFC since we are also planning to launch our own website twitterfc.com to do basically what we are doing here. So, we look forward to gaining your support. Peace
Thursday, 26 July 2012
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?
Monday, 9 July 2012
OLYMPICS FOOTBALL: Spain favourites again?
After claiming three relevant titles in succession, the out-of-this-world Spain team will be looking to extend their world reign even further when the Olympics games begin. I have to remind myself that am not a fan of theirs every time I find myself attracted to the poetry-in-motion kind of football that they play.
Forget the fact that a good number of them are from Barcelona, think about how much they have matured as a team.
Torres... rose through the ranks at Atletico Madrid, then joined Liverpool, and then became the most expensive commodity in English football when he joined Chelsea. Lets face it, you do not move to clubs of that calibre if you're not good. And he did repay his manager's faith well. Scored 3 goals when it was apparent that Spain would suffer without Villa
Fabregas... I can only say one word for this lad.... MATURITY. Leaves Barca, joins Arsenal, becomes very integral there, gets loved by the fans, then rejoins his boyhood team. He doesn't really pose that athletic figure of CR7, Torres, Balotelli etc. He's just a humble kid who plays some real good football. Plays a number of positions, CMF, DMF, Striker, Number 10 and he has delivered in all of them.
Silva... He was just another guy in the Spain squad, mostly starting on the bench. Now look what his move to Manchester City has turned him into... a star.
Alba... His left-back spot used to Capdevila's, if you remember, and now he has taken that spot from him. Plus he has just signed for Barcelona. Could life be any better for him??
The only person I don't see making it back into the squad is Puyol. As I mentioned earlier, it looked like Spain would struggle without Villa and Puyol, and well... they scored the most goals in the tournament, and conceded the least. In fact if I'm not wrong, the only goal they conceded was against Italy in the group stage. See how much better they get? Villa could still make it back... he is a goal scoring machine, everyone knows that.
In other news, a few days after Van Persie announced that he wouldn't be renewing his Arsenal contract, Marouane Chamakh is also looking for a move away from the Gunners. He wont hurt them much, that I know. Another player that is hot property right now is Modric. real Madrid want the kid so much... but if you ask me, that's the wrong career move. who is he going to bench at Madrid? Khedira? Alonso? The onlt way he can fit in is if Mourinho changes his formation and have him play as a Number 10. Inter Milan have released Lucio and Forlan, and the former immediately joined Juventus while the latter went to Brazil.
Back to Kenyan football, it looks like Gor Mahia are starting to get their form back and are going up the table again. They beat KCB 3-1 at city stadium. Midweek fixtures this week:
Wednesday 11 July 2012
Forget the fact that a good number of them are from Barcelona, think about how much they have matured as a team.
Torres... rose through the ranks at Atletico Madrid, then joined Liverpool, and then became the most expensive commodity in English football when he joined Chelsea. Lets face it, you do not move to clubs of that calibre if you're not good. And he did repay his manager's faith well. Scored 3 goals when it was apparent that Spain would suffer without Villa
Fabregas... I can only say one word for this lad.... MATURITY. Leaves Barca, joins Arsenal, becomes very integral there, gets loved by the fans, then rejoins his boyhood team. He doesn't really pose that athletic figure of CR7, Torres, Balotelli etc. He's just a humble kid who plays some real good football. Plays a number of positions, CMF, DMF, Striker, Number 10 and he has delivered in all of them.
Silva... He was just another guy in the Spain squad, mostly starting on the bench. Now look what his move to Manchester City has turned him into... a star.
Alba... His left-back spot used to Capdevila's, if you remember, and now he has taken that spot from him. Plus he has just signed for Barcelona. Could life be any better for him??
The only person I don't see making it back into the squad is Puyol. As I mentioned earlier, it looked like Spain would struggle without Villa and Puyol, and well... they scored the most goals in the tournament, and conceded the least. In fact if I'm not wrong, the only goal they conceded was against Italy in the group stage. See how much better they get? Villa could still make it back... he is a goal scoring machine, everyone knows that.
In other news, a few days after Van Persie announced that he wouldn't be renewing his Arsenal contract, Marouane Chamakh is also looking for a move away from the Gunners. He wont hurt them much, that I know. Another player that is hot property right now is Modric. real Madrid want the kid so much... but if you ask me, that's the wrong career move. who is he going to bench at Madrid? Khedira? Alonso? The onlt way he can fit in is if Mourinho changes his formation and have him play as a Number 10. Inter Milan have released Lucio and Forlan, and the former immediately joined Juventus while the latter went to Brazil.
Back to Kenyan football, it looks like Gor Mahia are starting to get their form back and are going up the table again. They beat KCB 3-1 at city stadium. Midweek fixtures this week:
Wednesday 11 July 2012
| Mathare United | v | Sofapaka | Nyayo | 19:00 |
| Friday 13 July 2012 |
| AFC Leopards | v | City Stars | Nyayo | 19:30 |
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
A Fan's take on Kenyan Soccer
I'll start at home today. Charity begins at home, but don't call me Charity. There's gonna be drama
Kenya has been eliminated... yet again. Remember what I said last time? Unless the team is reviewed, there is no way Kenyan football will prosper. I honestly think the problem lies with the team selection. We had problems with the management, we "changed" the managing body, then we thought our problem was the team manager/headcoach and went on to change the managers.... severally. And now... Mr Kimanzi, our very own UEFA trained headcoach, no more. Well he is still in the management board. He is now the technical director. What will he even do there from there? Fishy business eh?
Anyway, we can only hope for the best because the latest string of results have not been appealing. Even for the ardent fans. I hope this time they(the management) pay the players their dues this time. We don't want anymore Oliech sagas, now do we? Which also reminds me, as much as fans want to support the team, the government doesn't support them. This was highlighted by Kimanzi in his post-match interview. He said that the team gets minimal funding... apparently. We need to pull a "Germany' I think. They spent heavily(750million pounds) but they got the best. Look at the Germans now in the Euros.
Kenyan Premier league: Our beautiful league has resumed, earlier today in fact. AFC Leopards and Sony Sugar were first, and they played out a 1-1 draw. The good thing about AFC though, is that their prolific striker is back. Yes, Allan Wanga is back from the sidelines, and he marked his return with AFC equalizer. I actually think am growing into the team. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll know the full line up. I know there's many of us who know European Clubs' full line-ups and substitutes and don't even know the full back line of the Harambee Stars.
Further afield, England have made it into the quarters of Euro 2012. A hard fought victory against Ukraine ensured they got ended up top of their group. France... stupid team. They suffocate England, beat Ukraine and then lose to Sweden. An eliminated team. Messed up, eh? But that's part of the beauty of the game.
Am sure my friend @kevin_seth will have something to say about the Euros but let me just put up these fixtures, for your viewing.
Kenya has been eliminated... yet again. Remember what I said last time? Unless the team is reviewed, there is no way Kenyan football will prosper. I honestly think the problem lies with the team selection. We had problems with the management, we "changed" the managing body, then we thought our problem was the team manager/headcoach and went on to change the managers.... severally. And now... Mr Kimanzi, our very own UEFA trained headcoach, no more. Well he is still in the management board. He is now the technical director. What will he even do there from there? Fishy business eh?
Anyway, we can only hope for the best because the latest string of results have not been appealing. Even for the ardent fans. I hope this time they(the management) pay the players their dues this time. We don't want anymore Oliech sagas, now do we? Which also reminds me, as much as fans want to support the team, the government doesn't support them. This was highlighted by Kimanzi in his post-match interview. He said that the team gets minimal funding... apparently. We need to pull a "Germany' I think. They spent heavily(750million pounds) but they got the best. Look at the Germans now in the Euros.
Kenyan Premier league: Our beautiful league has resumed, earlier today in fact. AFC Leopards and Sony Sugar were first, and they played out a 1-1 draw. The good thing about AFC though, is that their prolific striker is back. Yes, Allan Wanga is back from the sidelines, and he marked his return with AFC equalizer. I actually think am growing into the team. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll know the full line up. I know there's many of us who know European Clubs' full line-ups and substitutes and don't even know the full back line of the Harambee Stars.
Further afield, England have made it into the quarters of Euro 2012. A hard fought victory against Ukraine ensured they got ended up top of their group. France... stupid team. They suffocate England, beat Ukraine and then lose to Sweden. An eliminated team. Messed up, eh? But that's part of the beauty of the game.
Am sure my friend @kevin_seth will have something to say about the Euros but let me just put up these fixtures, for your viewing.
Thursday, June 21st
Czech Republic v Portugal
Friday, June 22nd
Greece v Germany
Saturday, June 23rd
Spain v France
Sunday, June 24th
England v Italy
I think Spain vs France and England vs Italy will be mouth-watering encounters.
Lets talk more football some other time. And be sure to whisper a prayer for the Kenyan boys. It wouldn't hurt if we saw our team play in a major tournament sometime, now would it?
Lets talk more football some other time. And be sure to whisper a prayer for the Kenyan boys. It wouldn't hurt if we saw our team play in a major tournament sometime, now would it?
Thursday, 14 June 2012
EUROS, EPL & KENYAN FOOTBALL WRAP
So, Germany need a point. Netherlands... they need a miracle. The free scoring Van Persie doesn't score when he wants after all. Poland and Ukraine are the stubborn lot we all expected them to be. And our usual stars aren't shining. Ask Torres, Robben or Rooney. Or better yet... Cristiano Ronaldo. Am still pissed at him for almost giving away his team. He and Robben are almost single handedly bundling out their teams of the tournament.
The Germans... they are executing their rivals so well. Defensively, they are intact, upfront lethal. And I like their midfield domination. They have players to bully and the players to create flair as well as attack. I personally think the Dutch played really well. I just don't understand what their problem is defensively. And the England versus France game... well both teams approached it cautiously. That 1-1 draw was even too much to ask for from that game. At least there was plenty of flare in the game. I expect England to see off Sweden easily though. I personally think Chamberlain should NOT start. We, yes am an England fan, need experience on the wings, Chamberlain isn't exactly experienced. He is raw talent. Hodgson should play Ashley Young on the left, Walcott/Downing down the right... with Defoe and Welbeck upfront and VOILA!!! They conquer the Swedes
Elsewhere, while we were watching the Euros, Redknapp resigned/got fired.. or whatever was the case. If you have been following his case, Redknapp has been through a rough patch. The trial, the heart attack, his team's form slump and now he's been sacked.
You have to feel sorry for him. He really doesn't deserve that, I think. He has a really good track record, with Portsmouth. and he only got better with them, before taking on Tottenham, who by the way were 17th at the time and then turned them into Champions League material. If he wasn't already old, although age comes with experience... I'd say he'd make a good replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson, which makes me wonder, when is the Legend that is Ferguson going to retire and most importantly.... who CAN and will replace him?
Also, while we enjoyed European football, Man United signed Nick Powell(18yr old starlet) and are finalizing a deal with Shinji Kagawa. Chelsea gave Di Matteo a 2-year contract, signed Marek Hamsik from Napoli and Eden Hazard from Lille. Arsenal are also in the running for Podolski and Olivier Giroud. Looks like next season will be a hotly contested affair, don't you think?
And while all that was happening, Harambee Stars lost to Namibia, after a disappointing draw at home to Malawi. you want some more bad news... we play Togo. Not sure if we will also play Nigeria at some point. But my point is... Mr Kimanzi needs to field strong teams... yes, some are his friends but we need good players who are not necessarily HIS friends. Friends of the country... you get the drift, right? Otherwise, every match Harambee Stars will ever play will always be FRIENDLY or a QUALIFIER.
I'll let you enjoy your Euros good people.
PS... am very disappointed with the Dutch. They can still make it though.
The Germans... they are executing their rivals so well. Defensively, they are intact, upfront lethal. And I like their midfield domination. They have players to bully and the players to create flair as well as attack. I personally think the Dutch played really well. I just don't understand what their problem is defensively. And the England versus France game... well both teams approached it cautiously. That 1-1 draw was even too much to ask for from that game. At least there was plenty of flare in the game. I expect England to see off Sweden easily though. I personally think Chamberlain should NOT start. We, yes am an England fan, need experience on the wings, Chamberlain isn't exactly experienced. He is raw talent. Hodgson should play Ashley Young on the left, Walcott/Downing down the right... with Defoe and Welbeck upfront and VOILA!!! They conquer the Swedes
Elsewhere, while we were watching the Euros, Redknapp resigned/got fired.. or whatever was the case. If you have been following his case, Redknapp has been through a rough patch. The trial, the heart attack, his team's form slump and now he's been sacked.
You have to feel sorry for him. He really doesn't deserve that, I think. He has a really good track record, with Portsmouth. and he only got better with them, before taking on Tottenham, who by the way were 17th at the time and then turned them into Champions League material. If he wasn't already old, although age comes with experience... I'd say he'd make a good replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson, which makes me wonder, when is the Legend that is Ferguson going to retire and most importantly.... who CAN and will replace him?
Also, while we enjoyed European football, Man United signed Nick Powell(18yr old starlet) and are finalizing a deal with Shinji Kagawa. Chelsea gave Di Matteo a 2-year contract, signed Marek Hamsik from Napoli and Eden Hazard from Lille. Arsenal are also in the running for Podolski and Olivier Giroud. Looks like next season will be a hotly contested affair, don't you think?
And while all that was happening, Harambee Stars lost to Namibia, after a disappointing draw at home to Malawi. you want some more bad news... we play Togo. Not sure if we will also play Nigeria at some point. But my point is... Mr Kimanzi needs to field strong teams... yes, some are his friends but we need good players who are not necessarily HIS friends. Friends of the country... you get the drift, right? Otherwise, every match Harambee Stars will ever play will always be FRIENDLY or a QUALIFIER.
I'll let you enjoy your Euros good people.
PS... am very disappointed with the Dutch. They can still make it though.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Its time we supported our own league
It is understandable though, given that it has, until recently, been run by some shoddy management ever since the 80s. If you read up on the history of the Kenyan premier league, then you will see how Kenyan football has deteriorated... from having some of the best teams in the African champion's league... to a country that's currently ranked at 117 by the world football governing body, FIFA. Those were the days when AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia FC reigned East African football.
Am not sure how the poor management in the FKL played into this whole mess but I know for sure that it does affect the quality of football around. Youth academies shut down, players get paid peanuts etc, while the big boss men drive away with all the loot. And thats where FIFA came in... and since their intervention, we now see a better, though it could be even better, Kenyan Premier League.
We now see football clubs getting shirt sponsorship deals, stadiums getting renovated, and most of all, our league is being televised all over Africa through DSTV. To cut a long story short, we have come a long way with our local premier league, we cannot abandon it now. I think Gor and AFC fans have been the most ardent around. You always heard them even when the league was not so popular.
My only hope is that the football governing body in Kenya, FKF extends its disciplined structure to the lower levels, the nationwide league, and the county leagues.. (yes, I bet you didn't know those existed) and Kenyan football will soar to the heights most of us have never seen. Then maybe we could 'export' afew more players to play abroad and better their lives, if not to add colour to the Kenyan football scene.
Let's support local football people. To read more on the Kenyan Premier, just look up the article on Wikipedia here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenyan_Premier_League
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