FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CB-Chancel Mbemba [Newcastle]

Many African players have light up the European leagues ever since the days of George Weah. These include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Okocha, etc. who have performed at an extraordinary level in the past decades. Mo Salah of Liverpool and Egypt has been the fan favorite this year for his record-breaking goals and guiding his club to the UEFA Champions League final. But this is not all the continent has to offer. There are other young players who are showing early promises of reaching these levels or even better them. Therefore, FirstTouch reflects on the next transcendent U23 players in each position.

CB - Chancel Mbemba

Congolese international Chancel Mbemba currently plies his trade in the English Premier League with Newcastle and plays as a center-back. The 23-year old deputized the injured Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune whenever they were suspended or out injured. The player has not been an instant hit in the English Premier League has started only 7 matches in the league and coming on as a substitute on two different occasions for the relegation-threatened Newcastle. The young African player must be relieved that his team eventually managed to survive which means that he has another opportunity to show his worth in the league unless the club takes a new direction and appoint a new coach who could make wholesome changes in the squad. Mbemba is just 23 and can be a great player if given the opportunity that the likes of Kolo Toure were given by Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

FT African Legends Series: Peter Ndlovu [Zimbabwe]

As time elapses and the future arrives every single day, memories fade even more so when the now presents pleasantries on a silver platter. We were there when the Egyptian returned, saw and conquered the 2017/18 English Premier League season, breaking all sorts of records and his shooting boots immortalized in an English Museum. Mohamed Salah’s story is a like puzzle piece that fits perfectly into the large narrative painted by African footballers of times past respective of whether the stories were told or not. As we celebrate those who raise their nations’ flag up high whenever they step onto any football pitch on this earth, we look back and respond to the fading memories, rehashing names of those, whose echoes never die out. Let us launch the party, zooming into the Southern African nation of Zimbabwe and reminisce the career of the Peter Ndlovu.

To many Zimbabweans, he is a man that needs no introduction. Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and having roots in one of the most remote areas in the country, Binga - At just 19 years of age, he began writing the story of Africa and African football in one the most competitive leagues in the world. In August 1992, Ndlovu became the first black African player to play football in the English Premier League in Coventry City colors after being recruited from the Bulawayo Club, Highlanders. He quickly became a fan favorite, scoring goals in most important matches, including the first hatrick at Anfield by an away player in over 30 years. He almost became the most expensive player in to be signed by an English club after reports surfaced that Arsenal were ready to part ways with £4m to secure his services in the 1993/94 EPL season. Peter became known as “Nuddy” or “The Bulawayo Bullet” by Coventry City fans before he joined Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town and eventually capping off his English career at Sheffield United in 2004. In total, he made 423 appearances for all the English clubs, scoring 91 goals from 1991-2004. He finished his club career at South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Back home, in Zimbabwe - his impact was crazier. He was capped a hundred times and scored 38 goals but did more than just that. Ndlovu was known as “Nsukuzonke” which described his ability to turn on the style whenever he so desired. In 2004, He captained the country to her first ever AFCON appearance in Tunisia. His blistering performance against Eritrean in the match that sealed the qualification is still treasured by the steward of my brain’s memory center. Nsukuzonke did what he knew best, rounding all Eritrean internationals from the center arc and finding the back of the National Sports Stadium’s saggy blue nets - sending chills down almost every Zimbabwean’s spine. Football lovers and non-football lovers alike. New heights had been reached by the country as a result of one man championing all of that, bodies became numb and the reality of the idea that a people can achieve anything if they believe, became a popular reflection. It was kind of what Salah is doing to Egyptians, giving them goosebumps every time he scores a goal. The numbness was soon dissolved as bodies became projectiles, ululating, whistling, dancing and singing through the night a melody with the chiShona words; “Mo faya, mo faya, mai mwana! Ndikuvaviwa, Ndikwenyeiwo mai mwana!” Meaning, “more fire, more fire, mother of my child. I feel itchy, please scratch me.” Perfectly coining the status quo at the time.

That and many other inexpressible feelings and possibilities Ndlovu opened to the Zimbabwean people as a whole, is his legacy. Not too far ago, in an interview with BBC Africa News, Peter talked about his experience in the English leagues and alluded that his national team colors was what he wore with the greatest pride. He infamously said that he would only part ways with his national team shirt only if he were to give it to the then President of the country, Robert Mugabe.

At 45 years of age, Peter Ndlovu is currently serving as the agent of the Zimbabwean football starlet, Khama Billiat.

FT Top 5 Young Players With African Roots: Ousmane Dembele [Barcelona]

Dembele was born on 15 May 1997 in Vernon, Eure, Normandy to a Mauritanian-Senegalese mother and Malian father. He first played football when he was 12 at Evreux FC 27. He made his senior debut for French Ligue 1’s Rennes against Angers on 6 September 2015 and went on to score 12 goals in 26 appearances from the midfield. Rennes’ sporting director, Mikael Silvestre compared Dembele to Christiano Ronaldo whom he had seen arriving at Manchester United around at a similar age. One season later, on 12 May 2016, the Bundesliga giants, Borussia Dortmund announced that they had tied the 18-year-old to a five-year contract. Ousmane enjoyed a stellar debut season pulling the strings from the midfield and combining with the likes of the Gabonese, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, and Shinji Kagawa to lead Sebastian Tuchel’s men to a first major title in five years as they beat Eintracht Frankfurt to clinch the 2017 DFB Pokal. Dembele was named the man of the match in that final and made it into the Bundesliga team of the season, also winning the Bundesliga Rookie Award.

In a move perceived to be one in which Barcelona was replacing Neymar who left for PSG, the Catalans signed Dembele on 25 August 2017 for €105 million and reported €40 million add-ons becoming the joint second most expensive footballer in the world with French teammate, Paul Pogba- who was born to Guinean parents. Dembele had a slow start to life at Barcelona with season marked by injuries but is undoubtedly on course to become a football great. He is expected to combine with Kylian Mbappe at France to form a relatively young but talented French squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: RB-Achraf Hakimi [Real Madrid]

Many African players have light up the European leagues ever since the days of George Weah. These include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Okocha, etc. who have performed at an extraordinary level in the past decades. Mo Salah of Liverpool and Egypt has been the fan favorite this year for his record-breaking goals and guiding his club to the UEFA Champions League final. But this is not all the continent has to offer. There are other young players who are showing early promises of reaching these levels or even better them. Therefore, FirstTouch reflects on the next transcendent U23 players in each position.

RB – Achraf Hakimi

The Spanish-born right back plays for Real Madrid, the biggest club in the history of football. Popularly known as just ‘Achraf’, the player decided to represent the Moroccan national team because of his heritage. the 19-year old is the current second option in the right-back position in Zinedine Zidane’s team. His development as a player pushed Danilo, a £26m signing out of the club. Real Madrid has had some greats in that position before including current club captain Sergio Ramos before he moved into the center-back position. Hakimi is versatile himself and can play in midfield. It is safe to say that the player is in the right place to show if he is capable of competing at the highest level. With a couple of appearances under his belt and under the mentorship of a coach who pays attention to the youth as Zidane, we are guaranteed to be seeing the best of the player in the years to come. For now, we look forward to seeing the player at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 in Moroccan colors.

FT Top 5 Young Players With African Roots: Dele Alli [Tottenham]

The English international was born on 11 April 1996 in Milton Keynes, England. His full name is Bamidele Jermaine Alli and was born to a Nigerian father, Kenny of the Yoruba tribe and English mother, Denise. Dele’s father moved to the United States a week after he was born and was raised by his mother who suffered from alcohol problems. He fell in love with the game at a tender age and joined the Milton Keynes Dons youth system when he was just 11. At 13, Alli moved into the home of a teammate at MK Dons and stayed with Alan and Sally Hickford whom he considers being his adoptive parents although he was never legally adopted. His first touch professional football was a back-heel pass in his senior debut for MK Dons in 2012 when he came on as a substitute against Cambridge City.

Three years later,  English Premier League giants, Tottenham Hotspur signed him for an initial fee of £5 million. After a loan spell at MK Dons, Alli made his Tottenham debut against Manchester United in August 2015. For the rest of the 2015/16 campaign, he delivered performances that won him the PFA Young Player of the season after scoring ten Premier League goals in his rookie season and helping Spurs qualify for the Champions League after a five-year drought. In the ensuing season, he changed his kit name to Dele citing that he “felt no connection” to his legal surname after parting ways with his mother. In that campaign, Dele consolidated his place as one of the most exciting talents in the football world, winning the PFA Young Player of The Year for the second time and the buzz continued with rumors linking him to the likes of Real Madrid. He, however, stayed at Spurs and has become an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad alongside Harry Kane. He has become the most highly rated young player with an increased valuation of  €82.6 million, a staggering 142% increase in a year. It has not all been chocolate and roses for Dele as he has received a fair share of criticisms for some sluggish performances and behavior. He is, however, proving to be a growing player and individual who is expected to star for the three lions in the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

Here is how some football icons described the 22-year-old:

“In the box, he looks like a striker, and outside the box, he plays like a midfielder." - Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham Manager

"He is fast, fluid and has a great skill set" - Rafael van de Vaart, Dutch Footballer

Frank Lampard thinks he is sneaky and intelligent to have the ability to, "to get into the box without being marked".

FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: GK-Andre Onana [Ajax]

Many African players have light up the European leagues ever since the days of George Weah. These include Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Okocha, etc. who have performed at an extraordinary level in the past decades. Mo Salah of Liverpool and Egypt has been the fan favorite this year for his record-breaking goals and guiding his club to the UEFA Champions League final. But this is not all the continent has to offer. There are other young players who are showing early promises of reaching these levels or even better them. Therefore, FirstTouch reflects on the next transcendent U23 players in each position.

GK – Andre Onana

22-year old Onana is a goalkeeper for Dutch club Ajax who guided his team to a second-placed finish in the league. Andre Onana hails from Nkol Ngok, Cameroon and is showing early promises of becoming a European hit like his predecessors. To those that watched football between the 80s and 90s, they should remember a famous Liverpool goalkeeper who was from Zimbabwe. Bruce Grobbler was popular for his comedic stunts between the sticks. If not him, then you probably know Vincent Enyeama. One of the African legends who played for Nigeria for the longest time. Andre Onana is on his way. Ajax is a team that has produced some of the best talents in Europe and he has a starting spot on that team. It is just a matter of time before the rest of Europe start bidding in for the keeper of the future who is already amassing 39 appearances in a top league.

South Africa: Meet the self-made Bongani Zungu buzzing in Ligue 1

South African football league, the Absa Premiership, is perhaps one of the most competitive leagues in Africa, funded more than most, marketed expertly and attracts players from all over the continent. It is for this reason that many talented South African professional footballers become trapped in the comfort at home and like most English footballers, spend all their careers playing in the domestic league. The trap which Senegalese legend, El Hadji Diouf, recently challenged  Sundowns’ Percy Tau to overcome. There are a few mavericks though, and Goal recently had an exclusive interview with one, Bongani Zungu.

At 17-years of age, Zungu told himself that if he had not become professional at 20, he would have to quit the game. Supported by a moralistic and stable household, Zungu balanced football and academics and had his big break at in 2010 when Dynamos signed him from lowly Dixieland Stars after impressing at regional playoffs. After spending two years at Dynamos, University of Pretoria acquired the then 21-year-old Zungu who resoundingly shook South African football, appearing 27 times for AmaTuks and attracting interest from a host of top PSL clubs.

After the University of Pretoria came Mamelodi Sundowns where Pitso Mosimane partnered him with a veteran midfielder, Hlompho Kekana in his debut season and helped Bafana BaStyle to their first ABSA Premiership title in seven years. He made his Bafana Bafana debut in 2013 and then went on to realize his European dream by joining Portuguese Primera Liga club Vitoria Guimaraes FC for the 2016/17 season. Zungu battled through injuries and adjusting to the new environment and eventually impressed on his Portuguese debut on 22nd January 2017. For the second half of that season, he outstandingly helped the Portuguese club to a top-four finish and secure Europa League qualification. This resulted in the likes of Villareal, Malaga, Benfica, Hoffenheim, and Mainz vying for his signature - with French Ligue 1 side, Amiens won.

The story of the 25-year-old Bongani Zungu continues in France.

“When growing up, I always knew what I wanted and as much as I loved football, I always thought that when I got to the age of 20 and I was not a professional, I was going to quit and pursue something else. So, I was very excited when I got my breakthrough at Dynamos.” - Bongani Zungu, Amiens SC, and South African Midfielder.

World Cup Rush: Munir’s hopes for representing Morocco dashed by FIFA verdict

Barcelona forward, Munir El Haddadi, on loan at Deportivo Alaves is Spain tied and will not be playing for Morocco anytime soon or never. FIFA’s highest tribunal rejected his appeal against a FIFA Cas ruling that prohibited him to switch allegiance to the North African nation after he had appeared for Spain in their European Championship qualifier against Macedonia, as a substitute - for less than 15 minutes. Munir had jointly made the appeal with the Moroccan Football Federation asking for a fast-track ruling as the Lions of the Atlas prepare for 2018 FIFA World Cup appearance next month in Russia.

"Such decision is now confirmed and the request to change the sporting nationality of Munir El Haddadi from Spain to Morocco remains denied." - FIFA’s Court of Arbitration for Sport

FIFA’s stakeholders committee is seeking ways make the rules more flexible in such case as Munir’s.

The 22-year-old was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and raised in Barcelona’s youth academy before making his debut for the Catalans. He has since been loaned to Valencia and now Deportivo Alaves where he has been getting more game time to develop as a player than he would playing in a star studded Barcelona side. In the 2017/18 La Liga season, Munir scored 14 goals and registered 6 assists for Alaves.

Abroad: Ekambi bags award for top African player in Ligue 1

Cameroon and Angers forward, Karl Toko Ekambi, became the tenth recipient of the Marc-Vivien Foe Award for the best African player in France’s top flight league. Ekambi beat Tunisian Wahbi Khazri who plays for Rennes and Lyon’s summer acquisition, Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso) to the award. The 25-year-old France born forward scored occupies the eighth place on the Ligue 1 scoring charts after finding the back of the net 17 times for 14th placed Angers FC in the 2017/18 Ligue 1 campaign. Ekambi was also quick to pay tribute to his counterparts he beat to the award:

"I'm proud to have won this title in front of players who play in big clubs in Ligue 1. I know them especially for playing against them. I do not know them personally. But I know that Bertrand Traore played in big clubs. He is young enough but he already has a good record and a lot of great clubs under his belt. And Wahbi Khazri is a major player in the French Championship. It's a big season too." - Karl Toko Ekambi, Cameroon and Angers FC

Ekambi became the first Indomitable Lions player to win the award dedicated to his compatriot, Marc-Vivien Foe who died on the field of play in 2003. He was also part of the Cameroon squad that won the 2017 AFCON title in Gabon and has been in Angers books since 2016 after joining them from Sochaux.

Here is the list of previous winners of the Marc-Vivien Foe Award:

2017: Jean Michael Seri (Ivory Coast, Nice)

2016: Sofiane Boufal (Morocco/Lille)

2015: Andre Ayew (Ghana/Marseille)

2014: Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria/Lille)

2013: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/Saint-Étienne)

2012: Younès Belhanda (Morocco/Montpellier)

2011: Gervinho (Ivory Coast/Lille)

2010: Gervinho (Ivory Coast/Lille)

2009: Marouane Chamakh (Morocco/Bordeaux)

Nigeria: Super Eagles to welcome Atletico Madrid for a friendly

We are witnessing matches of unprecedented scale happening on the continent. Firstly it is the Sundowns - Barcelona showdown, the Kenyans followed suit with Gor Mahia booking a date with Hull City Tigers and now, Los Rojiblancos will be coming to Uyo to face the Super Eagles. The match is part of the maiden edition of the GOtv Max and is scheduled to take place on the 22nd of May at the Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo. Excitement is building up in all stakeholders as the La Liga giants boasting of ten league titles, ten Copa Del Rey trophies, two UEFA Europa League and super cup trophies since their inception in 1903, make a historic visit to Nigeria. They are considered to be one of the most organized and defensive teams in Europe under Diego Simeone and will thus give Nigeria’s attack some challenges and possibly further highlight areas of improvement ahead of the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

"We are delighted to bring one of the three biggest clubs from La Liga to Nigeria in what we believe will be a historic visit. As you all know Atlético Madrid is one of the top clubs in La Liga. GOtv customers and indeed, football fans in Nigeria, will have the rare opportunity of watching the stars play the Super Eagles right here on Nigerian soil " - Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Sales, and Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria.

"This is a historic announcement and we are excited to share this news with our Nigerian fans: Atletico Madrid, one of Liga's greatest clubs, will come to Nigeria and give our fans the chance to enjoy watching their stars up close. Africa and Nigeria, in particular, are very important for us and have a lot of love for Spanish football, something we are proud of". - Javier Tebas, La Liga President

Liberia: President Weah plans to construct mini-soccer stadiums in seven counties.

The only African footballer to have won both the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or award and now president of Liberia has submitted a request to the Liberian Legislature to approve a sports development initiative. President George Weah intends to build seven modern mini-soccer stadiums in the capital cities of seven counties namely Harper, Maryland County; Barclayville, Grand Kru; Greenville, Sinoe; Cestos, Rivercess: Zwedru, Grand Gedeh; Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount, and Bopolu, Gbarpolu County.

“... .trust that the Legislature will ratify this Agreement which seeks to provide employment, build our infrastructure, strengthen our Union and drive our Pro-Poor Agenda for the good of our Liberian people." President George Weah

President George Weah also submitted US $536.4m Loan Agreement for Ratification between Eton Finance PTE Ltd and the Liberian Government. In his communication, the president also revealed that the project would be constructed by a Joint Venture Consortium (JVC) comprising of the Chinese Engineering and Construction company together with many other homegrown companies. A vetting process and confirmation of all the participating companies will be handled by the Ministry of Public Works. The loan is also expected to be partially used for the country’s other construction projects.

Before becoming president, George enjoyed an illustrious footballing career in Europe, playing for AC Milan, PSG, Monaco, and Chelsea.

2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations : Zimbabwe readies preparations for Zambia clash

The final qualifying round for the 2018 Women’s AFCON to be held in Ghana from November to December is almost here. Despite all their challenges on late or nonpayment of salaries by the nation’s football body (ZIFA), the Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe are determined to put a good show when they face arch-rivals Zambia for a spot at the finals. The Mighty Warriors coach, Sithelelwe “Kwinji15” Sibanda hopes that ZIFA will come through quickly to get their preparations underway for the two-legged tie scheduled between June 4 and June 9, 2018. Kwinji15 has also underlined the importance to play a few friendly matches to get her players into the competitive mode since the country does not have a local women’s football league. Zimbabwe eliminated Namibia, 4-0 on aggregate to set up a date with Zambia who proceeds ahead of Tanzania after an aggregate score of 4-4 because of the away goals rule.

"Qualifying for the next round means tougher matches. Zambia are taking this game seriously and they have just resumed camp up to the time we play them. Hopefully, the office (ZIFA) should get something so that we start preparing . . . we just hope they organise something soon. As always all coaches want better preparations for their team.It's always ideal to get friendly matches especially when you don't have a proper league running. At the end it will always be ideal to have, at least, a longer camp, so that we can even play local friendlies and try out some combinations. It's not the best but that's the least we can do." - Kwinji 15, Zimbabwe Senior Women’s Soccer Team Coach

The last time these two teams met was at this very stage of the 2016 tournament which was won by Zimbabwe. Zambia also got their victory over the neighbors in 2014 to qualify for the Namibia tournament.

Who will emerge victoriously and book a spot at the 2018 finals?

South Africa: Freestyle footballer breaks Walcott’s Guinness World Record

South African footballing genius, Chris Njokwana, known for his artistic displays with the ball off the field of the play - has written his name in the history books. Njokwana has broken former Arsenal midfielder, Theo Walcott’s record for the highest altitude of football dropped and controlled. The Cape Town born juggler has to make at least five touches to control a ball dropped from 37.4 meters off the ground, surpassing Theo Walcott’s control from a height of 34 meters.

It took Njokwana three attempts to get the technique right and the onlooking former Bafana Bafana and Everton midfielder, Steven Pienaar, had no choice but to heap praises on the free-stylist.

"A soccer ball is hard enough to control when dropped from 2 or 3 meters high, but 37.4 meters is a whole new level.” - Steven Pienaar

Kasi football played in the South African townships and many other rocky, dusty and informal places in Africa with an improvised ball out of plastic and paper usually breeds players with incredible control and grit to make anywhere they find themselves on the globe.

You can watch Chris Njokwana’s video here.

Sundowns and Barcelona clash officially confirmed

One of the most anticipated matches to close off the 2017/18 footballing, Sundowns-Barcelona scheduled to take place on the 16th of May, had been subjected to speculation of it not happening at all. The speculation was fuelled by Barcelona not officially announcing the fixture after the Brazilians had done so and also concerns that the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) would not approve the match since it falls within the domestic season. Forget all of that, it’s going down in Johannesburg on May 16 at 4 pm GMT.  Both Mamelodi Sundowns and FC Barcelona have released communications confirming the showdown.

"Mamelodi Sundowns and the Motsepe Foundation are partnering with the Inter-Ministerial committee of the South African government that is responsible for the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, SAFA and La Liga. Mamelodi Sundowns is grateful to the PSL for having approved the match and to CAF for having moved the Mamelodi Sundowns match against Horoya AC in Guinea Conakry." - Mamelodi Sundowns

"FC Barcelona has always professed its admiration for Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest figures of the 20th century, who after 27 years in prison went on to become the first democratically elected president of post-apartheid South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Mandela represented the struggle for freedom and equality in the country and played a huge role in unifying the racially divided society. It is precisely this kind of spirit with which FC Barcelona has always been identified." - FC Barcelona’s Official Website

La Liga president, Javier Tebas, was also quick to give the match a thumbs up:

"We are delighted that FC Barcelona, the champions of the best competition in the world, will be playing in South Africa. This is a historic event and we are very proud that local fans will get to enjoy the stars and the quality of La Liga close up."

The South African Stadium Management boss, Jacques Grobbelaar announced on Twitter that ticket sales would commence on Thursday morning with prices ranging from (USD) $3.25 to $45 which is R40 to R550.

Kenya: Gor Mahia relishing the Hull City fixture

The most successful football club in the Kenyan Premier League, Gor Mahia, with a record sixteen titles, beat their arch-rivals AFC Leopards, 5-4 on penalties to win the Hull City Challenge and get a chance to face the EFL Championship side. The Gor Mahia coach, Dylan Kerr plans to use the fixture to test his side as they prepare to face 2015 CAF Champions League finalists, USM Alger from Algeria.

Speaking to KweseESPN, Kerr said:

"I am glad that we shall face a tough opponent in Hull City. This is not some small team, but a team which will test us in all aspects. Playing the English side will be a true test for us a few days before we host Algeria's USM Alger in the second Group D match. We are delighted that we defeated AFC Leopards to qualify to face the visiting Hull side.”

Gor Mahia is participating in the 2018 CAF Confederation tournament group stages, pitted against Rayon Sports of Rwanda, USM Alger and Young Africans of Tanzania. They shared the spoils with Rayon Sports in their opening fixture that ended in a 1-1 draw away from home and will be hoping to pick maximum points at Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani when they welcome  The Reds and Blacks (USM Alger). The match will take place on the 16th of May.

Gor Mahia also got a chance to play an English opposition last year when they welcomed Everton who are also sponsored by SportPesa. Gor Mahia lost 2-1 in that fixture in Tanzania with Wayne Rooney scoring a cracker.

Egypt: Salah builds a $450 000 sewage treatment plant

Will we ever stop writing about Mohamed Salah? The ‘Egyptian King’ has done it again, and this time, it’s off the pitch. News has been shared that the Liverpool forward has paid for the construction of a sewage plant in his hometown costing (USD) $450 000. The plant is expected to supply the village with cleaner and fresh water. Mo’s father was reported to be one of the signatories in commissioning the plant.

The Governor of Gharbia, where Salah’s village is situated spoke his mind on the 25-year-old:

"Salah is a role model to be followed by the youth and he is already loved by millions around the world because he draws happiness on their faces. He is also the best ambassador to Egypt in the world for promoting tourism."

Since the Arab Spring Uprising (2010-2012), Egypt has been on the course of rebuilding its political, social and economic structures and Salah has just contributed to that cause. It’s actually not his first philanthropic work having donated $36 000 to the Egyptian Association of Veteran Players in 2017.

The PFA and Football Writers’ Association player of the year, has enjoyed a stellar 2017/18 season where he has smashed numerous Liverpool and EPL records by scoring at least 45 goals. He is expected to win the EPL golden boot and also tipped to help his club to a UEFA Champions League title triumph when they face record holders, Real Madrid at the end of this month.

South Africa: Many global dignitaries expected to attend the Sundowns-Barcelona friendly

It is champions versus champions come next week, May 16th, you better mark your calendars. The 2017/18 ABSA Premiership Champions, Mamelodi Sundowns will welcome the Spanish La Liga Champions, Barcelona at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Will Percy Tau show credentials of playing in Europe’s biggest leagues as suggested by El-Hadji Diouf when he faces his opposite number, Lionel Messi? There is actually a whole lot more than this match is yielding.

The match has been organized as part of the Nelson Mandela Centenary commemoration. The Apartheid icon who passed on in 2013, would have been a 100 years old now. Regional leaders, government officials, and football associations are set to attend the international friendly fixture. Most notably, CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad has already confirmed his attendance and is believed to use the moment to root for Morocco to win the bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup over the joint bid of Canada, Mexico and the United States of America. TimesLive has reported that FIFA President, Gianni Infantino will also be attending the match and could use the opportunity lobby support for his re-election in 2020.

The last time Sundowns and Barcelona clashed in 2007 at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane, the Catalans were 2-1 victors. Who will be the greatest this time?

World Cup Rush: Kenya Power Company urged not to interrupt broadcasts

Perhaps no region might be preparing as much as Africa, for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals kicking off on the 14th of June and specifically, Kenya. The chairman of Gor Mahia, the most successful team in the Kenyan Premier League history, has challenged the Kenya Power Company to be at their consistent best from 14th June to 15th July so as to avoid interruption in viewing the world’s greatest soccer showcase. Ambrose Rachier spoke from his club in Upper Hill, Nairobi after the Pay-TV channel, StarTimes, confirmed live broadcasting of all the 64 matches.

"StarTimes have done well to offer football fans a cheaper and quality option to watch football on TV and mobile phones. The remaining part is for Kenya Power to do their best and ensure fans watch these games without interruption." - Ambrose Rachier, Gor Mahia Chairman

It is actually a common phenomenon in some African countries, that blackouts occur during periods of the most anticipated football tournaments. At times the reason is beyond power authorities’ assumed maliciousness. This time, Kenya is not taking any chances. They are getting ready!

Although the Harambee stars failed to qualify, the CECAFA affiliated nation will be hoping that the likes of Nigeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, and Morocco will make the continent proud.