Sports

Michael Emenalo: ‘Unknown’ in Africa, a king in Saudi

Published

1 year ago

September 9, 2023

Although modern football originated in Britain in the 19th century, it has permeated the globe to become the World’s most popular sport, with different countries owning playing styles and identities, producing top players. Football enthusiasts in different generations have watched some excellent players of the game like the great Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, Argentina’s Diago Maradona, George Best, Alfredo Di Stefano, Franz Beckenbauer, and recent fan favourites like Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Neymar Junior, Harry Kane, and Heung Min Son, to mention just a few.

Africa has not been left out in the heroes of the game with world-beaters like Essam El-Hadary of Egypt, Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’ of Ghana, Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast, Cameroon’s Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o, Liberia’s George Weah who is the current president of his country, Nigeria’s JJ Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo, among other legends the continent has produced. But football remains at a developmental stage in many African countries largely due to the failures of its “administrators” and technical competencies of coaching personnel in the continent despite many ex-footballers and supposed experts favouring football management as a “retirement occupation.”

Of course, there are always exceptions to the bunch, and such has been the case of the Saudi Pro League Director of Football, Michael Emenalo, who was at the centre of activities at London Club, Chelsea for over a decade, having joined the coaching staff in 2007. He later became chief scout, and then assistant first-team coach.

Arguably his most remarkable role at Chelsea was his appointment as Technical Director in 2011 under which he completely restructured the club’s academy, scouting, loan and women’s team setups, and is credited with being a major factor in the club’s success in that era. He also oversaw the scouting and signing of important players like Juan Mata, Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, N’Golo Kanté, Eden Hazard, and Cesc Fàbregas.

Enemalo later joined French side Monaco as a Technical Director after falling out with Chelsea’s former owner, Roman Abrahimovic. Although his stint at Monaco was short compared to his time at Chelsea, Emenalo is back in the spotlight with a recent appointment as the Football Director of the fast-rising Saudi Pro League. The league got the world talking when Al Nassr signed one of the greatest players of the game— Ronaldo— in 2022 on a deal with the “biggest salary” in soccer history worth close to 200 million euros (nearly $250 million) a year.

The recent wave of other top Europe-based players like Neymar, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte who moved to the Saudi Pro League in the just concluded transfer window is not likely to be a mere coincidence given Enemalo’s new role where his main job will be to supervise the work of player transfer, going by his “star pulling power” and profile from his Chelsea and Monaco days.

The Saudi League is the new bride of world football and it is pleasing to see an African as Emenalo being trusted with the project, particularly a novel aspect of the game. While African football largely run by Emenalo’s contemporaries is yet to reach the “technical height” of the Chelseas, Monacos, and now Saudis, Emenalo’s exploits connote two thought-provoking sides. First, the hope and conviction that Africans can excel anywhere and in any chosen field, including football management. The other is rather a query on why and if Emenalo’s feats can ever be replicated on the homefront for football development in Africa.

Related Topics:Featured Michael Enemalo Saudi Arabia

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Sports

Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches.

The former world marathon record holder who gave the admonition in an interview with TelecomAsiaSport, urged upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money

He noted that in light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, young athletes must to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, said since retiring from the sport, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes,” he said.

‘There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you,” Kipchoge emphasised.

He added that his hopes are to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

The marathon great reiterated that he is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

He made particular reference to the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry, citing the tragic death of former world Under-20 champion, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

He also mentioned the demise o Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, who was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

“I will still continue talking to them. And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.”

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity, adding that he has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

Despite the challenges, Kipchoge said he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

“There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money. The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way,” he concluded.

Sports

South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, who was pivotal to the country hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament in Africa in 2010, is being accused of using about R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds to hire a PR firm and a private security company for his personal benefit.

His arrest follows a raid carried out by the country’s Special Investigating Unit (SPU) at the offices of SAFA in March where it was alleged that an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.

SA Police spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, who confirmed Jordaan’s arrest, told journalists that he was
arrested along with one other official and a businessman and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.