NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Vitesse, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord opening academies in Zimbabwe?
Westerhof plans to usher in a new methodology to accelerate African players’ growth to global stardom. Dutch Eredivisie’s Ajax has done it successfully with South Africa’s Ajax Cape Town club. Could Zimbabwe follow the same path?
“Ajax already has it with Ajax Cape Town and I am thinking about a partnership with either Vitesse, PSV or Feyenoord. I want to go to PSV and ask head coach Mark van Bommel and his advisor Bert van Marwijk to work with us.”
It’s of no doubt that football in Africa has been lagging behind on many aspects. The number of quality players that make it to the professional scene versus that of those that fail to find opportunities and are forced to change professions before their mid-twenties is astonishing. Many have talked about these things and some have even suggested solutions which are yet to yield impactful results. Clemens Westerhof, the former Nigeria and Zimbabwe national football coach has something brewing for Africa.
Background
Thulani Serero of Ajax in action during the pre-season friendly match between Norwich City and Ajax at Carrow Road on July 31, 2012 in Norwich, England.
(July 30, 2012 - Source: Mark Thompson/Getty Images Europe)
Apart from the fact that the Dutchman has coached the national teams of Nigeria and Zimbabwe, the 78-year old football veteran has had some experience in coaching at club level in Zimbabwe. He coached one of the biggest clubs in the country, Dynamos, who have a rich history admired by many.
His plan
The Netherlands born coach, Clemens Westerhof is contemplating the possibility of coaching at a telecom club in Gweru, Zimbabwe and taking up a challenge of building an academy ground-up. The latter is the more interesting part which has been touched by some football greats like Johan Cruyff who influenced the structure and style of play at Ajax, a successful club and academy that has a rich scouting network. Westerhof admires how Ajax have setup a network in South Africa i.e. Ajax Cape Town which has developed players like Thulani Serero. This partnership has brought some developments to the country through the spread of high-quality training techniques applied in other parts of the world.
Clemens Westerhof assumed an advisory role at the Peter Mubi Academy. The football academy wants him to improve their academy and hopefully achieve what he achieved in Nigeria in the past and improve the level of football in Zimbabwe. He is looking to collaborate with Dutch football clubs. The experienced coach wants to take advantage of his network and approached PSV Eindhoven, coached by a football great in Mark Van Bommel who played for Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan. He is quoted as having said the above.
Could this be it? The breakthrough that Africa needs. Are partnerships with bigger clubs in the world the solution to Africa’s football ills?
The question of match fixing in African football
We are closer to the goal now, than when we started fighting off match-fixing in African football. A perfect time for all stakeholders to invest in the solutions right before our eyes.
“In a report by Thomson Reuters, match fixing was dubbed as the biggest threat in the 21st century. However, it could also be our biggest chance to solve something big, together. We cannot let our players lose out on the one thing that should be fulfilling them.”
In 2018, the African football arena was shocked by the Ghanaian scandal. In the many publications that we saw, it was not just the glaring financial corruption that disturbed us, but it was also the allegations of match fixing that made us lay back and question the game’s future in Africa. In Zambia, the former international player Nchimunya Mweetwa has started a foundation that educates people about the ills of match fixing. It’s an incredible move, but the problem still needs more hands on deck. How do we then come up with more sustainable solutions to combat this?
The word “fixing” in general has a positive connotation. It looks like it's about making things right and I thought the same would apply in football. In this case, however, match fixing involves manipulating a team’s results by either bribing the players or the referees to ensure that one team advances over the other. It is usually driven by people who have bet on the game and want to ensure that they surely win the bet. The major problem is that match-fixing takes away the fun and growth in the sport as it diverts players’ attention from the main goal. After all the training that a player invests, they have to make sure that they do the exact opposite of what they have been taught. I cannot begin to imagine the harm that this imposes on a person’s conscience. They say all their team chants, smile at their team players and fans but then intentionally do the exact thing that will take away all those smiles and hope. Acknowledging the ills is not enough, how then do we eradicate this?
A Burkina Faso supporter poses ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final football match between Burkina Faso and Tunisia at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on January 28, 2017. / AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS
(Jan. 27, 2017 - Source: AFP)
Success does not exist in a vacuum. It only exists when the environment around it has been cultivated well enough for it to grow. In an interview with BBC, Nchimunya Mweetwa alluded to the fact that some of these match fixing temptations come because players do not have enough money to cater for their everyday needs. Money from a game fixer then becomes an irresistible temptation. Trust me, I am not using poverty as justification for unethical behaviour, but this is surely a sign of the root cause. This means that government departments, coaches and other sports official should then ensure that what players earn from sports is enough to make their ends meet so much that they are not easily lured by unclean money. On another note though, can money ever be enough? Will paying enough really solve the problem? It might not completely eradicate the problem but it is surely a viable place to start.
There are of course other solutions that can include harsher sentences for offenders with the hope that other people will be deterred. That too can be explored, but the most effective solution is one that does not wait for people to commit the offence before we solve the problem. We should also invest in ethical development and training where we remind our players how the game adds to their comprehensive growth and why they started playing in the first place.
Because match fixing does not just affect the immediate stakeholders, it also trickles down as disappointment to fans, it should be a problem for all of us to fix. In a report by Thomson Reuters, match mixing was dubbed as the biggest threat in the 21st century. However, it could also be our biggest chance to solve something big, together. We cannot let our players lose out on the one thing that should be fulfilling them.
2019 CAF Champions League Match Day 2: Big wins and giant killings by some debutants
Africa’s premier club competition, the CAF Champions League is back with a bang. We have already witnessed upsets, dominant wins and off the pitch drama by fans only 2 fixtures into the competition. Worry not, we have laid down the Matchday 2 summary here for you.
In the CAF Champions League, there are big wins and even bigger wins, Orlando Pirates had the biggest win of matchday 2, taking down Horoya AC 3-0 in their second group stage encounter. The win levelled the Buccaneers with defending champions Esperance de Tunis at the top of Group B, as the latter also collected three points from their 2-0 win against Zimbabwean champions, FC Platinum.
After Friday’s performance, Pirates look in form for a title chase. Speaking in the aftermath of Friday’s win, head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic expressed his desire to take the title this year, but he isn’t putting pressure on his players.
“There is a dream to put a second star here, however,...when you put weight of pressure on your players, that moment legs are locked and they are not themselves and not enjoying the football.”
It certainly looks like his players are coping well with the pressure of Africa’s biggest stage and are obviously flying high enough for any challenge.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly were held to a 1-1 draw by JS Saoura away in Algeria on Friday while Club Africain registered another win away in Egypt, beating Ismaily 2-1. Namibian striker Benson Shilongo opened the scoring Ismaily with a powerful strike inside the Club Africain box. Two penalties against Ismaily changed the trajectory of the encounter in favour of the Tunisian side. The stadium descended into chaos after the second penalty which had been initially been flagged as a free kick for a foul just outside the box. CAF is currently deciding on the fate of Ismaily after their supporters disrupted play causing the match to be abandoned.
Sahel's striker Amro Marai (L) vies for the ball with Ahly's Hisham Mohamed (R) during the CAF Champions League semi-final football match between Etoile Sahel vs Al-Ahly at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse on October 1, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / SALAH HABIBI
(Sept. 30, 2017 - Source: AFP)
Congolese club AS Vita put out an impressive showing crushing their Tanzanian rivals, Simba Sports Club, 5-0. TP Mazembe however fell 3-0 to CS Constantine, which was nothing short of a surprise for the five-time champions. Despite the Mazembe goalie pulling off many saves in the first half, the Algerians’ persistence finally paid off in the 51st minute with a strike from Houcine Benayada. Debutants, CS Constantine have been a class act, securing 2 straight wins in 2 matches which leaves them at the top of Group C ahead of Club Africain and TP Mazembe.
Down South, Mamelodi Sundowns enjoyed a much better outcome for their efforts against Wydad Athletic Club. The 2-1 victory for the South Africans was crucial after a loss against Nigeria’s Lobi Stars in their first group stage encounter. Lobi Stars lost to ASEC Mimosas, with the Ivorians edging their West African counterparts, 1-0 in Abidjan.
Matchday 3 fixtures: CS Constantine taking on Ismaily and Orlando Pirates’ meeting with ES Tunis, are two fixtures that will probably have the most to look out for based on last weekend’s fixtures. FC Platinum will face off against Horoya, both teams in desperate need of a victory to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Mamelodi Sundowns will be hoping for another win when they face ASEC Mimosa on Friday as they search for an elusive second continental title.
"Hosting AFCON 2019 good for Egyptian Football" - Mo Salah
Egypt’s adoption of the 2019 AFCON hosting rights may spell trouble for the rest of the tournament contestants as Egypt has already built a legacy on their home soil.
Mohamed Salah of Egypt warms up before the International Friendly between Portugal and Egypt at the Letzigrund Stadium on March 23, 2018 in Zurich, Switzerland.
(March 22, 2018 - Source: Robert Hradil/Getty Images Europe)
The Egyptian forward, 26, was speaking after being crowned 2018 African Footballer of The Year in Senegal last week after beating his teammate, Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Gabon.
“It’s the right time for Egypt – as we have to be clear – our league is not a top league in Africa at the moment,” said Salah.
Egypt hosts AFCON at a time when football supporters across the country have renewed excitement, following the lifting of a 6-year ban on attending matches in September 2018. The Sports Ministry of Egypt had banned all football matches in Egypt in 2012, following a riot at Port Stadium, that killed at least 73 people.
"The fans are going to be back in the stadium, and everything is going to be back like before," he said, excitedly.
Egypt was named Host after beating South Africa, the only other nation to place a bid during a CAF executive vote in Dakar, Senegal. Cameroon was chosen first as AFCON 2019 host, but they were later denied hosting rights on the grounds of slow preparation and security concerns.
The AFCON 24-team finals commence in June, which means Egypt has got less than 5 months to prepare for the tournament, which they will be hosting for the fifth time.
Egypt also remains the most successful nation in The Africa Cup of Nations’ history, having won the tournament a whooping 7 times. (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010.)
"I'm sure everyone knows about Egypt and the seven Africa Cups - we're going to look for number eight now, and this is the best time to start to be back like before.”
Hosting AFCON opens up countless opportunities to Host Nations, such as increased levels of global television coverage, sponsorship for national leagues from top brands, increased opportunities for tourism and financial boosts by local governments.
The Ivorian attack can give anyone a run for their money at AFCON 2019
All of Lyon’s Cornet, Crystal Palace’s Zaha and Nicolas Pepe of Lille wear the same national colors, that is the Elephants’ orange. How do you stop that kind of attack, if at all?
Maxwel Cornet of Olympique Lyonnais celebrates as he scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester City at Groupama Stadium on November 27, 2018 in Lyon, France.
(Nov. 26, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)
The 32nd edition of the Total Africa Cup of Nations is now just a few months away and it wouldn’t be premature for the battling nations to start oiling their machines nor is too early to start talking about it. Before the Egypt, June finals there are still some elusive AFCON spots up for grabs as the qualifiers come to a conclusion in March 2019. Of major interest to us right now, is the potential Ivorian forward line. It’s just something to behold.
The Elephants of Ivory Coast have already confirmed their place among the June 2019 finalists after an impressive qualifying campaign that have them lying second in Group H, three points behind Guinea. Of course the two-time AFCON champions have quality players in every position in their squad with the likes of Manchester United’s Eric Bailly, Tottenham’s Serge Aurier, Franck Kessie of AC Milan, Jean Seri of Premier League’s Fulham among many others. Quite notably, is their front line, thronged with individuals who have been grabbing headlines everywhere.
Wilfried Zaha
Mr. Crystal Palace needs no introduction. Zaha has overtime become the Premier League side’s most important player and the dread of any defender in the English top flight. The 26-year-old has since scored 25 goals and assisted 16 others from wide positions ever since joining the Selhurst park residents in the 2014/15 season, helping them stay alive in the Premier League. He actually became the record-scorer for Palace in the English top flight league when he banged his 24th goal for the club against Watford back in 2018. Endowed with great lower and upper body strength, quick feet and sizzling dribbles; Zaha is unplayable on his day. No wonder, Liverpool and English international, Trent Alexander Arnold, labelled him, the most difficult opponent, ahead of even Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
“On the day, I’d say Zaha was the hardest. Just his athleticism. You can’t get the ball off him, hard to tackle, fast, skilful, can score goals, set them up, a match-winner. With Neymar and Ronaldo, you can see they are very intelligent players, people who know their trade, different movements, but they never got much of the ball against us. Obviously Zaha is not at a level of Ronaldo and Neymar, but for me on the day Zaha was probably the hardest.”
He has even been a subject of big money transfers rumors to the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham before penning a new deal with Crystal Palace in 2018. With only 2 international goals to his name since switching allegiance from England to Ivory Coast, you can be assured that Zaha will be hungry whenever he puts on that orange Elephants shirt.
Nicolas Pepe of the Ivory Coast controls the ball during the International Friendly match between the Ivory Coast and Senegal at the Stade Charlety on March 27, 2017 in Paris, France.
(March 26, 2017 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)
Nicolas Pepe
The 23-year-old is my personal favorite. The Lille forward is one of the hottest names around in world of football today. He has become the French Ligue 1 side’s wildcard in their unlikely Champions League qualification spot pursuit. Pepe has already scored 13 league goals and assisted 7 others so far in the 2018/19 season for LOSC Lille. He is actually just one goal shy of top scorer, PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and very much in the race for the league’s award to the most prolific player. Pepe also boasts of the highest tally of 52 shots with 33 of them hitting the target. Even in the January transfer window, his name has carried a price tag as high as €100 million with the likes of Arsenal rumored to have been interested in the winger. As Ghanaians would say, Nicolas will surely “score you and put pepe(chilli) in your eyes”.
Maxwell Cornet
This particular one is less popular but just as lethal. The 22-year-old used 2018 to cement his position in the young Lyon team that has been devastating and with an equally entertaining style of play. Cornet made major headlines after banging a crucial goal that helped Lyon upset Manchester City, 2-1 at the Etihad on matchday 1 of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League group stage. As luck would have it, his two other goals in the European competition came at home in the return leg against City, helping Lyon secure an important 2-2 draw. Cornet is that physically built wide man who is able to cut inside, score both from close and long range and more similar to Zaha than he is different.
Now, being individually brilliant is one thing and jellying together as a unit is an entirely different story. These three actually have attributes that make them naturally intertwined and an infallible force when they play together. Zaha and Cornet on either wing and Pepe leading the frontline, its need for speed and goals galore regardless of who they play. The real question is will Ibrahima Kamara play them together? Would you?
FT 2019 Preview: From relegation threat to champions, will the Clever Boys go the distance?
One of the most underrated title races in world football. The Clever Boys, Bidvest Wits are leading the ABSA Prem pack at the turn of the year, having underwhelmed in 17/18. The Orlando Pirates are only one point behind and will be hoping Bidvest lose on Sunday against 3rd place Polokwane City.
“Sticking to their trusted gaffer, Gavin Hunt, they strung through a series of impressive performances in the closing stages eventually managing a 13th place finish. Now, it’s all happening again, they are back to riches from rags, three points clear at the summit – midway through the season. ”
Nothing defines the ABSA Premiership like the word drama. Title winning miracles such as those pulled off by Leicester City are almost the order of the day in the South African League. Quite recently, what we had predicted for the season is all in vain by reason of the ever exciting unexpected turn of events that don’t just want to take a break.
Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi holds aloft the premiership trophy after winning the Absa Premiership Final match between Orlando Pirates and the Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium on May 21, 2011 in Soweto, South Africa.
(May 20, 2011 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
The witty coach, the ever philosophical Steve Komphela whom we thought could eventually win some silverware at Bloemfontein Celtic, resigned just six months into his job blindsiding Phunya Sele Sele. A presumably leaked resignation letter circulating on social media reveals working conditions and a lack of professionalism as the reasons for him quitting. On the other hand, Soweto is black as Kaizer Chiefs’ problems cannot seem to go away as their losing run to rivals, Pirates have now reached a disturbing one win in ten match ups. More interestingly are the prospects of the Students, otherwise known as the Clever Boys. Bidvest Wits survived a major scare last season, spending the better half of the campaign rooted in bottom position, that was after winning the championship in the previous season, the 2016/17 campaign. Sticking to their trusted gaffer, Gavin Hunt, they strung through a series of impressive performances in the closing stages eventually managing a 13th place finish. Now, it’s all happening again, they are back to riches from rags, three points clear at the summit – midway through the season.
They have second best defensive record, conceding only 9 in 15 matches and their unmatched scoring prowess has seen them go ahead of the likes of defending champions, Sundowns and the hungry Ghost of Soweto in Pirates who last won the title in the 2011-12 season. It promises to be an exhilarating spectacle and 2019 will show us the winners of the race.
It’s the determined Students going all out with the vengeful Ghost while the prideful Sundowns sit on the sidelines, whereas Matsatsantsa (SuperSport United) and Polokwane City await an opportunity to intrude.
FT 2019 Preview: AFCON19 is on the way!
On the back of Egypt’s appointing of the AFCON 2019 hosting rights, we are excited for Africa’s biggest soccer showcase, returning in June 2019. The single most important exhibition of upcoming, prime and experienced footballers who have carried the African banner at home and abroad. AFCON 2019 is one of the few events that matters this coming June.
“Think about it for a second, all those young and old mesmerisers who continue to dominate the game on a global scale from the La Liga, Bundesliga, Premier League, Chinese Super League, ABSA etc. will come home to Africa and go at each other for the continent’s biggest prize.”
Even though the host nation is yet to be confirmed this January after Cameroon was stripped of that right late in 2018 courtesy of infrastructure readiness and security concerns, a few other things are pretty certain. This will be the first time for the Africa Cup of Nations finals to feature 24 finalists, with more faces and flags bearing more hearts and an equal prospect of heartbreaks given the winner will always be one. Mean as it sounds, this is actually what makes a tournament go off the charts. The final 2019 qualification spots are yet to be filled with a heated final match day of the qualifiers coming to our screens from the 22nd to 26th of March 2019. The finals will run from the 7th of June up to the 30th, actually colliding with the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Spectators of the game, have never been more captivated.
Morocco's forward Aziz Bouhaddouz (2nd-L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Morocco and Togo in Oyem on January 20, 2017. / AFP / ISSOUF SANOGO
(Jan. 19, 2017 - Source: AFP)
Your Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Naby Keita who are inspiring Liverpool’s premier league title charge will be there and perhaps as English champions by then. Heavyweights such as Ivory Coast, Morocco, Nigeria and defending champions Cameroon have already confirmed their place bringing with them global stars such as Dutch Eredivisie’s Hakim Ziyech, Wilfried Zaha, Alexander Iwobi and PSG’s Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting. Homebred stars will also be in the hunt with Uganda’s Cranes being an instance of a squad adorned with such players, captained by Mamelodi Sundowns’ Denis Onyango who has the chance to enter the finals without conceding a single goal. Exciting debutants such as Madagascar are bound to have say. Think about it for a second, all those young and old mesmerisers who continue to dominate the game on a global scale from the La Liga, Bundesliga, Premier League, Chinese Super League, ABSA etc. will come home to Africa and go at each other for the continent’s biggest prize. This time, with no club commitments at the back of their minds given most domestic leagues would have ended. There will be nothing but fireworks.
FirstTouch will be there and we will share the entire experience with you all.
South African ABSA Premiership: The race for the ABSA trophy is heating up
The 2018/19 South African ABSA Premiership has been nothing short of exhilarating. With Five equally hungry teams that separated by only eight points, who will move into pole position for the ultimate prize?
We once again call up the bravest to pick the 2018/19 ABSA Premiership champion. Unlike the premier league where it’s almost certain that the winner will be between Manchester or Liverpool, the Italian Serie A or the French Ligue 1 where Juventus and Paris St Germain have run away with it – the South African top flight has a different proposition.
Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi holds aloft the premiership trophy after winning the Absa Premiership Final match between Orlando Pirates and the Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium on May 21, 2011 in Soweto, South Africa.
(May 20, 2011 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Of course they are title favorites, the likes of whom have familiar names such as the Pirates from Orlando, the Brazilians of Tshwane or the Clever Boys also known as the Students professionally recognised as Bidvest Wits. Orlando Pirates are tied at the top with Wits on 27 points though having played one more game. The crest of the wave they began riding on since the appointment of Coach Micho is seemingly not going away, back among the title conversations unlike their neighbors, Kaizer Chiefs who have had to appoint yet another gaffer.
Sundowns have had to endure a bitter sweet season, boasting of an unbeaten run sandwiched with countable draws that have left them lying 4th, five points off Bidvest Wits but with two fewer games played. As is the culture of the ABSA Premiership, underdogs really do thrive. A few days after Baroka edged high flying Pirates in the Telkom knockout final to win their first major honors in the club’s history, Polokwane City have crept unawares into the top three, just five points off log leaders.
Broadly, the first seven teams on the standings are separated by just six points. Khompela’s Bloemfontein Celtic is also in the mix, SuperSport United affectionately known as Matsatsantsha and Kaizer Chiefs wrapping up the seven. Even league goals have become increasingly harder to mine for the forwards with the top scoring forward at five goals in 15 matches.
The heat is evidently on and more than ever, competitiveness is reaching an all-time high in South Africa. That is why at FirstTouch, we feel that the South African league redefines the word competition.
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #2 Senegalese fans dripping sauce
They showed up, backed up their heroes, and built a reputation around their gratitude towards their nations inclusion in the 2018 World Cup Do you remember the phenomenal Senegalese fans at the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
Senegal fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Senegal at Ekaterinburg Arena on June 24, 2018 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
(June 23, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
At FirstTouch, we have a saying that goes like, “a year is never over until we close it.” In the spirit of that ideal, we took our time to look back at the ten most defining moments of 2018, as far as African football is concerned. Could you guess what they are? Here is number 2?
The 2018 FIFA World cup was arguably the most anticipated events of 2018 at the commencement of the year and truly lived up to the hype. Of course it was a day off for Africa as all of its five representatives failed to reached the knock out stages of the competition but was not without positives to pick up moving forward as a footballing generation of the continent.
One such positive was an off-field event that elevated the fans of the Lions of Terranga. It’s no secret that in many places around the world, Africa is seen as a dirty, war torn and starved place, and its people rowdy and uncultured. Even narratives such as, “Senegal the physical team” were prevalent towards the Russia tournament, not because of the admiration of their physical prowess but an undertone suggesting them not being so good tactically. The Senegalese people present at the world cup took the time to be just themselves by cleaning up after each of their three group matches against Poland, Japan and even after the most heart-breaking one against Colombia, when their side’s elimination was confirmed. Confirmed by reason of not having less points or goals but being on the receiving end of the most number of yellow cards in the group. No explanation needed here to describe the kind of people they are and the kind of African people as a whole.
Of course it was not only the Senegalese fans, but their partnership with the Japanese of keeping Russia clean gained them global recognition and was awarded with a nomination under the FIFA Best Fan Of The Year Award category.
“Senegalese people present at the world cup took the time to be just themselves by cleaning up after each of their three group matches against Poland, Japan and even after the most heart-breaking one against Colombia...”
10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #10 Thembi Kgatlana
This one is less about now and more about the future. Thembi Kgatlana solidified herself as one of the top female footballers in the world in 2018, and has many on the edge of their seats. They can’t wait to see the 2018 AWCON Player of the Year and top goal scorer blaze new trails.
No matter how good some players are, football players or otherwise – they kind of need a bigger turf or neighbourhood to show that they belong, to prove that they have the “it” factor. Such is the story of some of the most exciting professional footballers in the game today, they can only become as big as the club they play for and we have a few names that many would want to see move to other pastures. Some have been rumoured away from their clubs and some haven’t but sooner rather than later, transfers are inevitable. Having saved the best for last, now we unleash her.
Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa runs with the ball during the Women's Group E first round match between South Africa and China PR on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
(Aug. 5, 2016 - Source: Harry How/Getty Images South America)
South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana is without a shadow of doubt, the biggest and baddest woman footballer on the continent right now, though small in stature. The 22-year-old was explosive for Banyana Banyana during the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations tournament held in November. She capped a historic tournament for Banyana by winning the top goal scorer and the player of the tournament award, even ahead of the acclaimed Asisat Oshoala who has seen and done it all. In the coming weeks, she has another chance to claim a place among the world’s best footballers as South Africa makes a historic FIFA World cup appearance in France 2019. She currently plies her trade in the USA for National Women’s Soccer League side, Houston Dash. She has not been rumoured away but many are quite excited with the prospect of Thembi eventually exploring leagues such as the Women’s English Premier League, Ligue 1 or join Asisat in the Chinese Super League. They all want to see her win some of the most celebrated trophies in global club football, all the while raising the South African flag up high. Because of her age, the timeline of the move is not a concern for her fans, they feel it will surface soon or later and will be behind her, all the way.
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #3 Morocco 'bullied' opponents
What the Lions of the Atlas did at the 2018 FIFA World Cup can never be forgotten. Absolutely amazing football style even against the fiercest of opponents in the global game.
At FirstTouch, we have a saying that goes like, “a year is never over until we close it.” In the spirit of that ideal, we took our time to look back at the ten most defining moments of 2018, as far as African football is concerned. Could you guess what they are? Here is number 3.
Mehdi Benatia of Morocco leads his team on the pitch prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Portugal and Morocco at Luzhniki Stadium on June 20, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.
(June 19, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)
The 2018 FIFA World Cup group game pitting Morocco and their neighbors Spain, underlined interesting changes which happen to be the order of the day for modern African football. On paper, it was what they call, “a dead rubber” match given that Morocco’s elimination was already confirmed after suffering two painful defeats in their opening group matches against Iran and Portugal. Defeats that came about by conceding late goals even though they had put up impressive performances.
“It was not only Morocco, but Nigeria at times played some great football especially against Iceland and Argentina signalling the re-writing of a narrative that described African teams as just “physical” without a cool enough head to exhibit entertaining passage of play.”
With Spain and many other European teams largely viewed to be more tactical and flowery in their style of play, they were not the only ones to enjoy great passage of play. Morocco bowed out of the FIFA World Cup with a well fought 2-2 draw against Spain exhibiting nothing that suggests Africans as being less flowery in their style of play. Nordin Amrabat and Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech were a constant menace for the likes of Pique and Sergio Ramos. It was the kind of performance they put up against Portugal who grabbed the lead through a Cristiano Ronaldo header early in the match. The Lions of the Atlas literally had Ronaldo and his teammates on the ropes for the rest of the match though they nervily held onto the 1-0 win.
Iran was no exception, with the Asians getting a fortunate 1-0 win through an own goal even though they had been dominated by Herve Renard’s men in the 90 minutes. It was not only Morocco, but Nigeria at times played some great football especially against Iceland and Argentina signalling the re-writing of a narrative that described African teams as just “physical” without a cool enough head to exhibit entertaining passage of play. With the AFCON 2019 on the horizon, fans everywhere would be delighted with the development of the game on the continent and would surely be convinced that the best is yet to come.
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #4 Banyana writes new history
The South African Women’s national team went at 2018 head first, ushering in a new era for women’s football on the continent. Bayana Bayana may have finished runners-up in AWCON18, but they set some unprecedented records doing it.
At FirstTouch, we have a saying that goes like, “a year is never over until we close it.” In the spirit of that ideal, we took our time to look back at the ten most defining moments of 2018, as far as African football is concerned. Could you guess what they are? Ready for number 4?
South Africa line up prior to to the Women's Group E first round match between South Africa and China PR on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
(Aug. 5, 2016 - Source: Harry How/Getty Images South America)
This happens to be one of the moret recent of moments but easily one of our favorites. The South African football team became the perfect illustration of how women’s football is developing on the continent.
Banyana Banyana which means, “Girls, Girls” in their local dialect were arguably the women’s team of the year in my humble opinion. South Africa blew teams away in the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers, which seemed like routine victories but ones that were ushering in the winds of change. With one of the continent’s most respected teams, Cameroon, invited to the COSAFA tournament in Zimbabwe, South Africa went all the way to lift the Southern African glory trophy defeating the She-polopolo of Zambia in the final. It got even more interesting.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria who happen to the most successful women’s team on the continent by winning eight AWCON trophies had made the game predictable and somewhat not so interesting. Thomas Dennerby’s girls still won the ninth title this month but under very different circumstances. They were humbled to a 1-0 defeat by South Africa in their opening match, narrowly booked a finals place by edging the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon on penalties and even triumphing over Banyana also via a penalty shoot-out in the final. All this coupled by some interesting upsets that involved the likes of Mali eliminating the revered tournament hosts, Ghana from the tournament, signal the evolvement of women’s football on the continent as the playing field becomes more level and interesting.
Banyana in particular have a lot to celebrate as they secured their first ever FIFA World Cup qualification guaranteeing them a trip to France next year. Even the balance of power in terms of the most outstanding individual performances usually rooted in the Nigerian camp was not to be. Banyana’s Thembi Kgatlana scooped the top goal scorer award for the 2018 AWCON after some brilliant solo performances.
There are really exciting times ahead as far as the continent’s women football is concerned.
“All this coupled by some interesting upsets that involved the likes of Mali eliminating the revered tournament hosts, Ghana from the tournament, signal the evolvement of women’s football on the continent as the playing field becomes more level and interesting.”
AWCON 2018 Review: The evolvement of Asisat Oshoala and Nigeria
Nigeria bagged their historic 9th Africa Women’s Cup of Nations title early this month in Cameroon. After decades of dominance, we however noticed a change in the state of affairs in the women’s game on the continent, even in the once leading woman.
“Her dedication to her talent has gone a long way to show us how much an African woman can achieve if she dedicates herself to it. Babe, we love you regardless of just being counted as a good substitute.”
After being crowned more than any other team in the Total Women’s AFCON, the Super Falcons are struggled to keep their heads above the water in this year’s tournament. After losing their first match to Banyana Banyana by 1-0 scoreline, their win against the She-polopolo of Zambia was the only reason why they were not knocked out earlier in the tournament. Have they evolved, the Nigeria side who were once like a gun packed with bullets? I mean, they have Asisat in their team. Now that they have taken the title home, how much weight of the club has this lady carried on her shoulders.
Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria reacts after missing a breakaway attempt during the FIFA Women's U-20 Final against Germany at Olympic Stadium on August 24, 2014 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)
(Aug. 23, 2014 - Source: Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)
First and second match
The coach, Thomas Dennerby expressed his disappointment not only because of the Super Falcons’ loss but even when they won. He mentioned that the goals that they scored did not match the quality that he had cultivated into the team. Even Asisat was not playing at the expected level that we had also praised her at in our deep dive about her. She was held responsible for missing several chances that came to the Nigerian side. Notably, in the 69th minute, she collided with a good opportunity which was however, eclipsed by her teammate Ordega. Even though she was the best goal scorer in the same tournament two years ago, she was not able to score up to that point. Two matches with nothing? Babes, you got us worried at that point.
Third Match
Francisca Ordega #17 of Nigeria celebrates her game-tying goal against Sweden with Onome Ebi #5, Asisat Oshoala #8 and Ngozi Ebere #23 during the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 Group D match between Sweden and Nigeria at Winnipeg Stadium on June 8, 2015 in Winnipeg, Canada.
(June 7, 2015 - Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)
Chances do not just come, but they do come to revive lost hope. In their third match, against Equatorial Guinea she snatched 3 goals out of 6, to her name. That is incredibly carrying half of the weight of the team on her shoulders. In as much as some claimed that this was not her full potential being realised, it was still in line with the greatness we always anticipate from her. They say the higher you go, the colder it becomes, but that was not the case for Nigeria. The higher they went up the game, the hotter and harder it became. Their match against Cameroon led to a goalless 90 minutes of just running around the pitch. However, when it came to the desperate measures, penalties, Asisat was put on the spotlight and she lived up to the expectation ad scored. That was another 25% of the team’s victory carried on her head the same way some African women carry water pots on their heads.
Final Match
We are not sure if it came with the nerves that was exerted by the pressure or what, but she missed the penalty which happened to be Nigeria’s only chance to snatch the trophy under normal time. She also lost the Top Goal Scorer Award to Thembi Kgatlana from South Africa. At least her name appeared in the best substitutes’ list. Has she fallen from glory?
Sometimes it is not your present performance that affords you credit, but your past contribution to the team is what we cannot forget. Asisat might have not performed at the expected level in this tournament but we know how much she has done, not just for herself but for the Nigerians and the rest of African women. Her dedication to her talent has gone a long way to show us how much an African woman can achieve if she dedicates herself to it. Babe, we love you regardless of just being counted as a good substitute.
2019 AFCON: Host nation conundrum, a concerning sight?
We are a few months away from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the most promising ever in terms of fierceness of the competition and the talent on show from ABSA Premiership, EPL, Serie A, Bundesliga and many other top leagues. What do we make of the stripped host nation of Cameroon and the pending decision to appoint a new one?
Benjamin Moukandjo and Pierre Webo of Cameroon wait to kick off after a goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group A match between Cameroon and Croatia at Arena Amazonia on June 18, 2014 in Manaus, Brazil.
(June 17, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images South America)
As African football wraps up the year, there couldn’t be a worse cloud than that of the AFCON 2019 event. At the beginning of December news broke about changes to the hosting country of the AFCON 2019 tournament. Cameroon, the initial hosting nation were stripped of the right to host the competition after security issues were cited as a leading factor to the unanimous decision agreed by the CAF executive committee during a meeting held in Ghana. Quite concerning if you ask me.
CAF stripped Cameroon of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament rights mainly because of security concerns hovering over the country. These include the horrific event that took place in 2010 in Cameroon, where a number of players were attacked by rebels from Angola, aside from the delays in infrastructure preparations, confederation President Ahmad Ahmad disclosed. To refresh the reader’s memory, gunmen attacked a bus transporting the Togolese national team to the 2010 AFCON in Angola, killing three people and wounding many others. As such, CAF alluded that they do not want a repeat of a similar situation, taking into account the political riots currently faced by Cameroon, which includes the Boko Haram insurgency in some parts of the country.
With all this in mind, one can't help but ponder a question as to whether CAF rather leave it too late before acting on this. Did they not see it when the hosting decision was made? I raise these questions because a lot of investments have gone into the preparations leading up to hosting the tournament in Cameroon, and to leave it up to the last minute before taking a stand is quite a cause for concern.
Democratic Republic of the Congo supporters arrive to attend the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Togo and DR Congo in Port-Gentil on January 24, 2017. / AFP / Justin TALLIS
(Jan. 23, 2017 - Source: AFP)
Now at the back of such disappointing news, South Africa have been approached to assist in taking up the offer of hosting the event which literally kicks off in mid-June. Hosting the AFCON would obviously mean Bafana book their spot in the 24-team competition automatically, taking pressure off coach Stuart Baxter who has had a not so convincing qualifying campaign despite remaining unbeaten.
Above all, Cameroon's failure to host the AFCON 2019 leaves a lot to be desired in terms of Africa’s readiness to not only host tournaments such as the AFCON tourney, but also some of the world’s biggest sporting events. Moreover, it also raises questions pertaining the ability of those in power on whether or not they are capable of driving the ship if such problems are still reacted upon and rather not proactively resolved. The final decision is expected to be made early January according to CAF. What do you make of the AFCON 2019 hosting dilemma?
“With all this in mind, one can’t help but ponder a question as to whether CAF rather leave it too late before acting on this. Did they not see it when the hosting decision was made? ”
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #9 Oh hail, King Hakim
The year 2018 introduced us to the Moroccan king who rules not with an iron rod but a left-foot. After winning the Dutch Footballer of the year, Ziyech has dazzled for Ajax in the Eredivisie and Champions League, while leading his nation to AFCON 2019 qualification.
At FirstTouch, we have a saying that goes like, “a year is never over until we close it.” In the spirit of that ideal, we took our time to look back at the ten most defining moments of 2018, as far as African football is concerned. Could you guess what they are? We are already on number 9.
“The 25-year-old effectively became one of the hottest playmakers in the modern game. With an arm like left foot, eagle eye for goal and horse-like work rate, Ziyech entered the class of the likes of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi or Juan Mata.”
Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is challenged by Ljubomir Fejsa of Benfica (L) and Gedson of Benfica during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
(Oct. 22, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)
By now it’s almost an undisputable fact that every football fan no matter which part of the world, have heard the names Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Liverpool’s literally high flying wing men who are arguably the best there is as far as African football is concerned and very much leading the charge as the Merseyside club soars higher. Not the same can be said about Morocco’s star man.
The year 2018 is one that Hakim Ziyech reached a level where beyond reasonable doubt, football fans everywhere would agree that he is a talent to adore. The 25-year-old effectively became one of the hottest playmakers in the modern game. With an arm like left foot, eagle eye for goal and horse-like work rate, Ziyech entered the class of the likes of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi or Juan Mata. How far he falls in that list is a debate for another day but he is definitely a player that increasingly deserved a mention as the year went by.
The Dutch Eredivisie player is the reigning top player in the league after winning the most recent award to celebrate his greatness. Even in the running year, he is already on seven goals and four assists in just 12 appearances for Ajax. Adding cream and extra toppings to the cake was his world cup performance for the Lions of the Atlas in Russia, though bowing out in the group stages but recognizable in his approach and football wit. Consistence became one his key attributes as the impressive showings continued even in the UEFA Champions League, leading Ajax to the knockout stages of the 2018/19 tournament. His nation loves him, bagging Morocco’s recent two goals as they sunk Cameroon in the 2019 AFCON Qualifiers to secure a place in next year’s finals.
With such talent, loads of consistence – only one can imagine how far Hakim will go in the coming year. Indeed, Oh Hail, King Hakim!
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #10 Morocco, the brave bidders from North Africa
Starting off our 2018 recap is Morocco and their 2026 World Cup bid. The country should be seen as brave heroes who reminded the continent of the limitless things that can be achieved with strong determination and character, but more importantly, leadership.
Morocco fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Portugal and Morocco at Luzhniki Stadium on June 20, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.
(June 19, 2018 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
“Looking at their opponents’ names and status in the sporting world and not least in politics, one would have mistaken Morocco’s dreams as a lame joke or fleeting fantasy. But they would be wrong, in every possible way.”
At FirstTouch, we have a saying that goes like, “a year is never over until we close it.” In the spirit of that ideal, we took our time to look back at the ten most defining moments of 2018, as far as African football is concerned. Could you guess what they are? Finally, number 10 has arrived.
South Africa became the first African country to host a FIFA World Cup tournament back in 2010 and Morocco almost became the second or will probably become the second.
One of the hottest piece of news in the year 2018 was that of Morocco standing toe-to-toe with a joint bid from the USA-Canada-Mexico for the exclusive rights to host the 2026 tournament. Looking at their opponents’ names and status in the sporting world and not least in politics, one would have mistaken Morocco’s dreams as a lame joke or fleeting fantasy. But they would be wrong, in every possible way.
The North African country’s bid looked dapper and dapper by the day up to the final day where it would not have taken even a fortune teller to predict the winner. They had huge tracts of land ready to set up the proper infrastructure, a warm and peaceful enough environment to welcome people of all races, color, religions and creed as well as an effective world cup bid team travelling across Africa and the world to raise awareness. They were just ready.
Of course the votes came in from all of the world’s 150 football federations in June and the numbers weren’t in their favour. Its however pretty much safe to say that Morocco and Africa at large, were extremely proud of the Kingdom of Morocco’s stance. Of course not all African countries as some football federations from the continent opted for the other bid. Now, talks of a possible alliance between Spain and Morocco for a 2030 world cup joint have surfaced and the future couldn’t brighter for the African country’s football at this point.
2018 AFCON Women's Build Up: Kenya out of Women’s AFCON; Nigeria and South Africa name squads
It’s less than 10 days before the 11th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Obviously, the buzz gets louder and more interesting. We care too much not to share the latest news surrounding the 2018 Women’s AFCON.
“The player Annette Jacky Messomo is eligible to play for the National Team of Equatorial Guinea. ”
AFCON 2018 latest developments; Equatorial Guinea joins Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Mali, Algeria, Cameroon and South Africa as Kenya makes an humiliating exit from Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. CAF has overturned a decision to ban Equatorial Guinea from the competition after Federación Ecuatoguineana de Fútbol appealed the October 2018 ban imposed by CAF’s Disciplinary Council for allegedly fielding an ineligible player for a second leg tie of the 2019 AFCON qualifiers. CAF announced in a statement that an enquiry into the case of Annette Jacky Messomo who had been previously deemed to be ineligible to play for Nzalang Nacional because the footballer was a Cameroonian, had led to the decision to reinstate Equatorial Guinea.
Miriam of Equatorial Guinea issues instructions during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Group D match between Equatorial Guinea and Brazil at FIFA World Cup stadium Frankfurt on July 6, 2011 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
(July 5, 2011 - Source: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images Europe)
Equatorial Guinea have won the tournament twice in the past and once finished as runners up to Nigeria. In 2016, Nzalang Nacional was also banned after it was discovered that they fielded ineligible players against Mali in the qualifiers. Accusations of an identical offense in this year’s qualifiers against Kenya brought a fresh ban that saw them disqualified from the tournament. The Harambe Queens of Kenya had taken the remainder of the eight spots after the exit of Equatorial Guinea. Now that the decision has been overturned, Equatorial Guinea will replace Kenya in Group B where they will face Zambia in their first match on the 18th of November.
Meanwhile, Group B rivals South Africa and Nigeria have announced their 21 women squads that will be in Ghana. The Super Eagles who are now in training camp in Ivory Coast have announced a squad that consists of 13 overseas players including star player Asisat Oshoala, who is currently with Dalian Quanjian F.C. in the Chinese Women’s Super League and Desire Oparanozie who plays for French side En Avant de Guingamp. South Africa are set to face hosts Ghana in a friendly at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium this Sunday in Accra .
Equatorial Guinea will face tough challenges from Nigeria and South Africa in the group stages. After a rocky start, they now have a chance to play for the championship title and for a third place qualifying finish for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
FT Sideline: Are Banyana Banyana better than Bafana Bafana?
As the South African women’s football team soar to great heights and celebrate new glories, could the glory be fading on their male counterparts, the once upon a time African champions? Siphosethu Thwala unpacks all this in the above piece.
“On the other hand, Banyana Banyana have been growing in leaps and bounds. The quality of their football has consistently improved over time. Unlike the men’s team, Banyana Banyana do not get as much resources compared to their male colleagues and yet, they have been able to put in consistent performances for a long time now.”
It is an open secret that most South African football lovers consider the National women’s team to be better than the men’s team, Banyana Banyana, and their showing in the AFCON women’s cup pays testimony to such assertions.
Led by the evergreen Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana have been dishing out stellar performances at the soon to end Women’s championships in Ghana and they have done the impossible as they have not only secured a place in the final of the AWCON against rivals Nigeria, but they have also booked themselves a spot in the women’s FIFA world cup in France next year! Quite remarkable if you ask me.
Teko Modise, Bernard Parker, Tshepo Masilela and Steven Pienaar of South Africa celebrate Parker's second goal during the FIFA Confederations Cup match between South Africa and New Zealand at Royal Bafokeng stadium on June 17, 2009 in Rustenburg, South Africa.
(June 15, 2009 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
On one side, Bafana Bafana have been struggling for results to help them qualify for the upcoming 2019 AFCON tournament whose venue is yet to be confirmed after Cameroon was stripped of the hosting rights. At present, Bafana sit second in their group, behind Nigeria who have already secured their qualification at the back of the draw with Bafana Bafana in early November. As such, Stuart Baxter's men need at least a point against Libya in their last game in order to seal their qualification. The inconsistent performances have certainly not helped the team’s fortunes as more criticism has continued to fall over them, with some even calling for Stuart Baxter’s sacking. To add, Bafana's failure to qualify for any of the major international competitions since the 2010 FIFA world cup (which they qualified as hosts) has rather tarnished the team’s reputation and raised more questions from the football fraternity.
On the other hand, Banyana Banyana have been growing in leaps and bounds. The quality of their football has consistently improved over time. Unlike the men’s team, Banyana Banyana do not get as much resources compared to their male colleagues and yet, they have been able to put in consistent performances for a long time now. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Bafana Bafana. Such positive showing has drawn the attention of most South Africans who have called on the South African football body, SAFA, for Banyana Banyana to receive the same kind of remuneration, perks, benefits and sponsorship monies as their male counterparts, Bafana Bafana.
With all being said, perhaps for some it is not a black or white answer regarding which is the better team, taking into account the differing dynamics in which both sides play in. However, Banyana Banyana have slowly emerged as the only silver lining representing the South African nation in international football.
On a lighter note, many are fanying a Bafana Bafana match up against the Ladies team in order to see who is better. Are Banyana better than Bafana?