Sports

AFCON 2023: 5 players to watch out for

Published

10 months ago

January 13, 2024

Ahead of the 37th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicking off in Ivory Coast on Saturday, there will be a plethora of African soccer stars who will definitely shine like a million stars.

With anticipation building up as the 24 best teams on the continent battle to lift the coveted trophy, individual brilliance of the players will not be overlooked.

Each of the 24 countries participating in the tournament have one or two star players who will stand out. In this piece, Africa News Watch takes a look at five of such players to look out for.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah is probably the best player on the African continent at the moment and there is no gain saying that once again, he will bring his magic to bear.

Over the years, he has continued to be Egypt’s shining light and this Afcon tournament will not be an exception.

The 31-year-old will want to use this edition to atone for missing out on the trophy in Cameroon when the Pharoas lost to Senegal on penalties.

His form at Liverpool where he has a 27-goal contribution is a testament to the fact that he is one of the continent’s best players.

Sadio Mane (Senegal)

If Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s most high profile player, Sadio Mane is Senegal’s answer to that as he is also poised to battle for player of the tournament.

Mane may have endured a tough couple of years beginning with his not so impressive time at Bayern Munich after moving from Liverpool in 2022.

But Mane seems to have rediscovered himself after leaving Germany for a fresh start at Saudi Arabia League club Al-Nassr.

The move has afforded Mane a new lease of life as he has struck up a strong partnership with former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, recording eight goals and four assists in 18 league outings.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

The 37th edition of African Nations Cup may just be the platform for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to prove to the world that his sterling performances with Napoli and the Super Eagles were no fluke.

The 2023 African Player of the Year who fired Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years last season is poised to carry the goal burden for Nigeria following injuries to Victor Boniface and Sadiq Umar but the 24-year-old does not seem to be fazed with the load.

He is not only a fox in the box but master finisher with excellent instincts in and around the box and a knack for clever runs in behind defences.

If he gets the kind of service he gets from his midfielders and wingers, Osimhen may just turn out to be the missing cog in the Super Eagles attack.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Ghanaian football fans are enthusiastic that Mohammed Kudus is the long awaited heir to cult hero Abedi Pele despite the fact that his two sons, Andre and Jordan have been in the team for years.

Kudu’s impact at West Ham is one of the reasons the modest club is currently punching above its weight in the English Premier League after entering the top six at the halfway point.

If the 23-year-old Kudus brings his a-game to Ivory Coast, the Black Stars may just spring a surprise at the tournament.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Riyad Mahrez may have been a Premier League winner at Leicester City, but it was at Manchester City where he truly became one of the best players in Europe, terrorising defences on the right flank with his superb dribbling skills and expert delivery.

Mahrez captained Algeria to AFCON glory in 2019 and this edition may not be so much different for him and the Desert Foxes.

His move from City to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli had also added a fresh impetus to Mahrez’s game as he has registered eight goals and seven assists across the first half of the season.

Mahrez may have stepped down a level, but he’s still a world-class player on his day and an achievement he will stop at nothing to replicate this time around.

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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.