Real Madrid’s Night of Reckoning: Will They Do it, Will They Not?

Real Madrid are not a team known for engineering dramatic comebacks but tonight, in a Champions League evening, in front of a partisan Santiago Bernabeu home crowd and against a German enemy hell bent on finishing a destructive mission they started a week ago, they will need anything but.

The Los Blancos face a near impossible task of overturning a 4-1 first leg defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund who look a fine bet to advance to the final for only a second time in their history. I say near impossible because the German side have been simply sensational during their campaign this season and it will be catastrophic should they collapse in Spain and allow the 9-time champions to advance instead.

Both teams go into the clash having registered wins in their domestic league games with Dortmund winning 2-1 away at Fortuna Dusseldorf while Jose Mourinho’s men also registered a similar scoreline away to Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby.

The two teams met in the group stages. The first leg at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park ended on a 2-1 win for the German side who were also on the brink of winning the return leg at the Bernabeu but were outdone by a Mesut Ozil 89^th minute goal which saw the game end 2-2.

The good news for Madrid is that their best player Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from a thigh injury and will retake his position on the starting line-up while Angel Di Maria will also be available after sitting out in the last encounter following the birth of his daughter. BVB have no new injury worries and will likely retain the same lineup that overwhelmed the Spaniards last week. That Robert Lewandowski is fit should be a cause to worry for Los Merengues.

Methinks Madrid will pick the win in this game but won’t score enough goals to help them advance through.

Sports Journalists Suffer Embarrassing Defeat to Former Harambee Stars Players

KSJ Team Photo

For the umpteenth time, former Harambee Stars internationals got the better of Kenya Sports Journalists (KSJ) as the two teams played out an entertaining curtain raiser match during the launch of the 2013 COPA Coca-Cola edition at City Stadium.

The media team went into the match charged up and ready to revenge a 3-1 defeat they were handed in February in a DSTV Cup curtain raiser match. However, they fell short of achieving that thanks to Sammy Okoth’s solitary goal for the veterans which was all that was needed to see off the media team.

With Kshs 20,000 at stake, the media team named a strong line-up in a 4-3-2-1 formation. Vivian Akinyi retained her position between the posts for KSJ and was guarded by Ghetto Radio’s Paul Ojenge and the tough-tackling Kiss TV’s Gregory Mulemi in central defence. Bismark Mutahi from The Standard and KBC’s Alex Isaboke positioned at right back and left back respectively while Timothy Olobulu from MichezoAfrika played the deep-lying midfielder role with compatriot Fred Arocho just ahead of him.

The two flanks were guarded by Joseph Shegu on the left wing and Erick Ochieng’ on the opposite one while the front positions were occupied by Citizen TV’s Mike Okinyi who played just behind Steve “Steifmaster” Ayoo who was the advanced striker.

The equally strong bench had Sharon Akinyi, Andrew Lugusa, Elvince Joshua, Dennis Kameni, Francis Wadegu, James Magayi, Amos Abuga, Antony Amollo and Peter Muchiri among others.

But in spite of naming a strong starting lineup, the media team found themselves on the backfoot during the early minutes of the game as the veterans dominated all areas of the pitch, especially the midfield.

It however took 26 minutes for the legends to open the scoring courtesy of Sammy Okoth who coaches Finlays FC, formerly Homegrown FC. The tactician combined well with former Gor Mahia striker William Odidi to slot home. The goal clearly rattled KSJ who started attacking with intent but could not draw level as the teams went for the half time breather with the legends holding a solitary goal lead.

KSJ made three changes with Francis Wadegu replacing Fred Arocho while the effective Bismark Mutahi gave way to James Magayi. The changes steadied the ship especially in the middle and KSJ engineered their first real threat.

Alex Isaboke collected the ball from Vivian on the right channel before laying it to Eric Ochieng’. The diminutive winger spotted Steve Ayoo’s run and slid the ball onto his path but the lanky front man saw his effort fly agonizingly across the face of goal.

Mike Okinyi then back heeled to Timothy Olobulu minutes later but the captain scuffed his effort and the ball was easily collected by the opposing keeper. James Magayi then broke clear from midfield but he was stopped on his track by George Sunguti. The veterans continued to threaten also and Okoth almost doubled their lead but he was tracked back just in time by Mulemi.

KSJ withdrew Olobulu and threw in frontman Amos Abuga into the mix to try draw level and force the game into extra time but it was too little too late as the referee blew for full time.

KSJ's Steve 'Steifmaster' Ayoo receives the consolation price on behalf of the teama

With the win, the former Stars players went home with a coveted trophy and Ksh 20,000 and three balls. The media team who gave a determined fight especially after the interval went home with Kshs 15,000 and two balls.

“We didn’t start the way we wanted and allowed our opponents to take the lead in the first half,” noted Alex Isaboke, the team’s captain. “We have not been lucky against them in our previous games but we will go back to the drawing board and invite them for a rematch as soon as possible,” added Alex.

Thesteifmastertake’s KSJ Man of the Match: Eric Ochieng’ – terrorized the ex Stars backline and showed real attacking intent from the right flank. Perhaps the only player who didn't deserve to be on the losing side.

Thesteifmastertake’s KSJ Flop of the Match: Fred Arocho – gifted the ball away that led to the goal and looked completely out of pace. Was rightfully substituted at half time.

Overall Man of the Match: Sammy Okoth – rolled back the years that saw him torture defenders and was a mouthful for KSJ’s centerback pairing of Gregory Mulemi and Paul Ojenge. Scored the only goal of the match. 

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

  

Indomitable Dandora and Golden Angles Shine as COPA 2013 Edition Kicks off

Indomitable Dandora and Golden Angels lived up to their names as they dismantled opponents in the COPA 2013 season opening games played at City Stadium in Nairobi.

Indomitable dominated and outscored Kamukunji Stars 5-0 in their first game in the boys’ category while Golden Angels replicating the same scoreline in their match against UEFA Babes. Semata Charles opened the floodgates for Indomitable with a well-taken opener in the 11^th minute before Wilson Imbanyi and Allan Kinyanjui netted in the 22^nd and 24^th minute to see the Dandora side hold a 3-0 lead heading into the interval.

Imbanyi scored his second in the 32^nd minute to put the game beyond Stars’ reach and Lucas Muteti’s 49^th minute goal ensured Indomitable left with three points and a +5 goal difference in the bag.

Golden Angels’ goals were scored by Lilian Bibiana who grabbed a brace while her colleague Elizabeth Katunguas netted the first hat-trick of the COPA 2013 season to give Angels a convincing 5-0 win over their rivals from Umoja.

“I am glad I scored a hat-trick but the most important thing today was a good start which is exactly what we have gotten,” said Katunguas whose pace and trickery overwhelmed a hapless UEFA Babes’ side.

Earlier in the day, Makadara Juniors overpowered Makamu United 3-1 in their first half with Isaac Oduor (penalty), Solomon Mbiti and Tyron Xavier grabbing all the important goals.

In another match, MYSA from Mathare and Goa FC shared a 1-1 draw with both goals coming in the first half. Kariuki Stephen put MYSA ahead but Jeremiah Gathu restored parity for Goa to ensure the game ended in a stalemate. In the last match of the day, Otto Benekcer from Mathare North nicked a 1-0 win over St. Ann’s girls from Makadara.

Meanwhile the curtain raising match between Kenya Sports Journalists and former Harambee Stars ended on a 1-0 win to the ex-internationals. Sammy Okoth grabbed his team the only goal of the match to ensure the former Stars players went home with the coveted trophy and Ksh 20,000. The media team who gave a determined fight especially after the interval went home with Kshs 15,000 and two balls.

“We didn’t start the way we wanted and allowed our opponents to take the lead in the first half,” noted Alex Isaboke, the team’s captain. “We have not been lucky against them in our previous games but we will go back to the drawing board and invite them for a rematch as soon as possible,” added Alex.

The COPA Coca-Cola tournament will be played in a league format with the teams competing in the branch league where they will play one-legged round robin matches. The top two teams will advance to the inter-branch league for yet another round robin matchup, and winners from this level will advance to the national finals. Prizes up for grabs at the finals, which will be held in Nairobi in August, include first place prizes for both the boys and girls teams of Ksh. 500,000 each, second place prizes Ksh. 200,000 each and third place prizes for both girls’ and boys’ teams of Ksh.100, 000 each.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

 

All Systems Go for COPA Coca-Cola 2013 Edition

The 2013 edition of Africa’s premier youth football tournament, COPA Coca-Cola, has officially been launched today at the City Stadium.

The tournament which transitions from U-17s to U-15s will see teens set their sights on becoming Africa’s next generation of football heroes as it kicks off in more than 20 African countries.

“The move to U-15 is aimed at harnessing and exposing talent from an earlier age thus giving players the opportunity to be picked up by local football academies and clubs,“ said Rocky Findley, Coca-Cola Kenya Country Manager. “Furthermore, it will allow our COPA kids to gain skills and experience from an earlier age creating better, more rounded players,” he added.

The tournament is being activated in partnership with Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Like seasons gone past, this year’s tournament will be open to school and community teams with each FKF branch presenting six boys and four girls’ teams to take part in the games.

“The teams will compete in the branch league where they will play one-legged round robin matches. The top two teams will advance to the inter-branch league for yet another round robin matchup, and winners from this level will advance to the national finals,” said Gerald Chege, COPA Coca-Cola coordinator and Michezo Ichezwe Africa Director.

Unlike last year where outstanding individual players were scouted from each level, teams will progress as a cohesive unit in this year’s edition. “The best teams will play all through the tournament to the international camp. We want to keep that sense of cohesiveness to ensure our team will be a force to reckon with when the tournament progresses to the international stages,” added Gerald.

“Prizes up for grabs at the finals include first place prizes for both the boys and girls teams of Ksh. 500,000 each, second place prizes Ksh. 200,000 each and third place prizes for both girls’ and boys’ teams of Ksh.100, 000 each,” revealed Rocky.

COPA Coca-Cola is the longest running youth football tournament on the continent providing international exposure and producing bona fide heroes.

This year’s tournament follows a successful campaign last season where the tournament was activated in over 20 markets in Africa with 134 players from Sub-Sahara Africa selected for a two-week international boot camp in Pretoria, South Africa.

The Kenyan contingent of 16 players had an above par performance as they emerged fourth overall and beat teams like Nigeria and Uganda. Two of the team’s players, Haron Nyakha and Garissa-born Sadam Abdulahi were named in the COPA Africa dream team as they added their names to the illustrious and long list of heroes who have emerged from the tournament.

Some of the renowned heroes that started in COPA Coca-Cola and have made it big in football include Zambia international goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene and his teammates Nathan Sinkala and Stophila Sunzu, Uganda international defender Timothy Batabaire, Nigeria and FC Porto youngster Mikel Agu, Kenya’s McDonald Mariga, Tanzania striker Thomas Ulimwengu and South Africa duo Mandla Masango and Happy Jele among others.

“COPA Coca-Cola is the place where everyone is a hero; our players, the fans, coaches, families and the community at large,” noted Rocky. “The top players from this year’s tournament will proceed to the international camp which shall be communicated in due course. As in 2012, our partnership with Chelsea FC will see coaches from the club train players at the camp,” he added.

Since its launch in Kenya over 6 years ago, COPA Coca-Cola has created a huge platform for a large number of young footballers to realize their dream of becoming football heroes not only within their communities and countries but also beyond the borders.

The games will be played every weekend with the National finals scheduled to take place in Nairobi in August.

Seven Matches on the Cards for COPA 2013 Season Opener

The 2013 edition of Africa’s premier youth football tournament, COPA Coca-Cola, kicks off tomorrow at the City Stadium with seven matches to be played.

Six boys and four girls teams from Nairobi East Branch which includes Dandora, Kamukunji, Kasarani, Mathare, Githurai, Umoja, Pumwani and Makadara will square off from 8am.

The first match will pit Indomitable Dandora against Kamukunji Stars in the boys’ category while Otto Benecker from Mathare North will tackle St. Ann’s Girls from Makadara in the girls’ first fixture. The only other match in the girls’ category will see UEFA Babes from Umoja aim to fly above Golden Angels from Pumwani.

MYSA from Mathare will make their debut in the COPA tournament with a clash against Goa FC from Githurai in the boys’ second fixture before Makamu United entertain Makadara Juniors.

Indomitable Dandora will then have their next assignment against Goa FC while MYSA will try to hold their own against Kamukunji Stars in the last match of the day.

There will be a curtain raising match between former Harambee Stars players, led by legendary Joe Kadenge, and Kenya Sports Journalists media team. The two teams will be fighting for a cash price of Kshs 20,000 and a winner’s trophy plus other merchandise from the tournament’s sponsors Coca-Cola.

The launch of this year’s tournament comes at the back of a successful activation last year where 16 players from Kenya earned a lifetime opportunity to be trained by Chelsea FC coaches at an international camp in South Africa which was attended by over ten other African countries.

The launch of this year’s tournament will be graced by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chairman Sam Nyamweya among other officials and stakeholders within the football fraternity.

COPA Coca-Cola is activated in partnership with FKF in a deal which will see players emerging from the tournament form the Kenya U17 national team.

The games will be played every weekend with the National finals scheduled to take place around the month of August.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!

Former Harambee Stars International to Tackle Media Team in COPA Curtain Raiser

A host of former Harambee stars internationals will light up the COPA Coca-Cola tournament this Saturday as they take on Kenya Sports Journalists media team in a curtain raising match at City Stadium.

The former internationals led by team manager and one of Kenya’s most celebrated football heroes, Joe Kadenge, will take to the field against the media team in a match that former AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia defender, George Sunguti, has vowed they will win.

The match will act as a curtain raiser for the COPA 2013 edition which will kick off on the same day in all the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) branches across the country.

The ex internationals and media teams will be fully kitted by Coca-Cola with a full set of 16 jerseys, shorts and socks with the team manager and coach being given polo shirts. There will be a cash price of Kshs 20,000 for the winners and Kshs 15,000 for the match losers. The winning team will also receive a trophy and three balls with the losing team going home with a trophy and two balls.

In the lineup for the ex-internationals team will be Muhammad Abbas, former Leopards players Peter Dawo, Mike Awai, Reginald Asibwa, Tony Lidonde, Josephat Murila and Justus Muhati. Others are former Tusker players Sammy Sholei, Elly Adero and Henry Mutegu, Gor Mahia’s legendary duo Austin Oduor and Allan Thigo as well as Harambee Stars assistant coach James Nandwa.

Nandwa was part of the team that beat Kenya Sports Journalists 3-1 in the DSTV Cup curtain raiser in February this year. “We will show that media team how football is played,” vowed Sunguti who is the team’s organizing secretary and will captain them on Saturday.

The media team which plays under the umbrella name of Kenya Sports Journalists will comprise of print, electronic and online journalists including Eric Ochieng’ and Bismark Mutahi from the Standard, James Magayi and Francis Wadegu of The Star, blogger Steve ‘Steifmaster’ Ayoo of thesteifmastertake!, Michezo Afrika’s Timothy Olobulu and Amos Abuga, Gregory Mulemi from Radio Africa’s Kiss TV, Citizen TV’s Mike Okinyi, Fred ‘Tegemeo’ Arocho from Radio Jambo and Joseph Shegu. Others are Alex Isaboke from KBC, Elvince Joshua from Sportsnewsarena, Sammy Mwangi from Mediamax and Dennis Roger.

The media team will be led by Team Manager Fred Maingi while Chairman Robin Toskin is also expected to attend.

The 2013 edition of the COPA Coca-Cola tournament kicks off on Saturday April 27 with the official launch at City Stadium. Besides the media versus ex-internationals match, 7 other matches will on the cards at the stadium.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!