Sports

Cameroon loses basketball star, Joel Embiid to USA

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2023

Cameroon has lost Philadelphia 76ers centre, Joel Embiid to the United States after the NBA MVP chose to represent the star-studded US team at the 2024 Paris Olympics rather than his other options of France and his native Cameroon.

The Yaoundé, Cameroon-born Embiid, who made his position known at a meeting with USA Basketball managing director, Grant Hill, said it was an easy decision for him as he had been in the country for such a long time and his son was American.

“I’ve been here for such a long time,” Embiid said at the meeting in Fort Collins, Colorado, where the 76ers are having their training camp.

“For the past few years, every decision I’ve made has been based on just family. My family, my son, and having the chance to represent a country like the US, with my son being born here. I love my home country, but I really wanted to play in the Olympics,” he said.

Embiid who was born in Cameroon, has never played in a major international tournament for the African country, which he said made it simpler for him to choose the US, a country he moved to at the age of 16.

Embiid’s decision has finally put paid to dreams of Cameroon luring him to play for the country.

Before now, France had also harboured the dream of getting the NBA star to play for them, with French President, Emmanuel Macron even appealing to Embiid in a phone call.

According to the Wall Street Journal, France’s basketball federation had reportedly set a deadline of next Tuesday for Embiid to make a decision on whether he would switch allegiance to his second country.

“The deadline wasn’t much of a factor, but it was put out there,” Embiid told journalists.

“I wouldn’t have made this decision if I wasn’t ready. I kind of wanted to get it over with. I’ve been asked these questions since last year.

“After talking to my family, I knew it had to be the American team. I want to play with my brothers in the championship. I want to play for my fans because they’ve been incredible since the day I arrived here.

“But above all, I want to pay tribute to my son who was born in the United States. I want my boy to know that I played my first Olympics for him.

“I’m really proud and excited by this decision. It wasn’t easy. I’m lucky enough to live in Cameroon, France and the United States,” Embiid wrote on his X account.

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

11 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”