NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
FT 2019 Preview: Will MLS teams have to adjust to a new era?
The MLS is fast becoming a hub of talent for the most respected clubs in world football. Soccer as we know it in America, may be changing for the foreseeable future.
“As opposed to the previous state of affairs where the MLS was just a resting place for the super stars who were winding down their careers, its fast becoming a reliable source for budding talent. We are seeing young soccer players from communities which were never really known for the game, coming in and stealing the show.”
It came as a surprise particularly to outsiders as quite a number of the Major League Soccer groomed players began to make inroads to some of the perceived best leagues in the world, or at least being linked with such moves. Soccer in the United States is yet to be celebrated as much as in other territories and continents but the effort put by organisers, extra hours shifted in by players and the passion contributed by the most passionate of fans is starting to pay dividends.
Chris Richards #34 of Bayern Munich defends Riyad Mahrez #26 of Manchester City during the first half of the International Champions Cup at Hard Rock Stadium on July 28, 2018 in Miami, Florida.
(July 27, 2018 - Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images North America)
As opposed to the previous state of affairs where the MLS was just a resting place for the super stars who were winding down their careers, its fast becoming a reliable source for budding talent. We are seeing young soccer players from communities which were never really known for the game, coming in and stealing the show. Individuals from the Caribbean Islands, Africans and the CONCACAF in general are fast using the MLS as a platform to grow and even possibly transiting to the “soccer capital of the world,” which in my opinion is Europe. We saw individuals such as Venezuela’s Josef Martinez who has apparently gotten his big break at a later age but doing so with much grace and elegance. The 25-year-old banged 35 MLS goals and registered 6 assists in only 39 appearances, that kind of record stands out anywhere around the world. He is just annoyingly prolific and capped the year by winning the MVP award, ahead of the heralded Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Wayne Rooney. Martinez is not the least of them, other players such as the 24-year-old playmaker, Paraguayan Miguel Almiron who was his partner in crime has since been linked to a host of premier league clubs including the Arsenal. Two 18-year-olds namely Canadian footballer, Alphonso Davies of Ghanaian origin and USA’s Chris Richards have already escaped the grasp of Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas respectively, captured by German champions in Bayern Munich.
For the most part, the MLS had been used to receiving stars and now they seemingly have to quickly adjust to giving out. It will be interesting to see how that pans out. If you ask me, it’s a very much welcome development.
FT 2019 Preview: Competition heating up in the Spanish La Liga?
Contrary to assumed state of affairs, the Spanish La Liga title race could the toughest of all Europe’s top leagues this campaign. And quite a number of African stars are very much caught up in the thick of things. You do no want to miss it.
Wakaso Mubarak of Deportivo Alaves (R) being followed by Luka Modric of Real Madrid CF (L) during the La Liga match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Mendizorroza on October 6, 2018 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
(Oct. 5, 2018 - Source: Getty Images Europe)
It’s no secret that for quite some time, the Spanish top flight league, the La Liga has been labelled uncompetitive and predicable by many as a result of Barcelona and Real Madrid’s unmatched dominance, almost taking turns to win the title. All this has since changed since Diego Simeone began a revolution at Atletico Madrid even winning the crown in 2013/14 season.
This particular campaign promises to oversee yet another title race whose winner will not be easily determined by either picking Barcelona or Real Madrid. After 17 matches played, only five points separate the first three teams, the least among Europe’s top leagues such as the English Premier league, Bundesliga and Italian Serie A. Real Madrid are fourth, seven points off leaders Barcelona. Atletico Madrid and Sevilla occupy second and third place, very much in what appears to be a fiery and scintillating title race. Deportivo Alaves are strikingly lurking in fifth place, two points off Real Madrid and knocking on the champions league places. As you might have guessed, there are of course exciting Africans very much playing crucial-roles in the teams participating in this race, just like anywhere else.
One such player is Wague. At 19 years of age, Senegal’s Moussa Wague became the youngest ever African scorer in the history of the world cup back in June 2018. He then secured a summer move to Barcelona and is set to make his first team appearance in January 2019 as the league leaders aim to solve their defensive problems. Atletico Madrid are very much content with the services of Thomas Partey who continues to be a reliable option in the middle of the park, as are Alaves who have two Ghanaians in their ranks. The 25-year-old Mubarak Wakaso and 24-year-old Patrick Twumasi.
This may just be the most exciting title race in all of Europe this year.
“This particular campaign promises to oversee yet another title race whose winner will not be easily determined by either picking Barcelona or Real Madrid. After 17 matches played, only five points separate the first three teams, the least among Europe’s top leagues such as the English Premier league, Bundesliga and Italian Serie A. ”
FT 2019 Preview: Dortmund's youth ending Bayern’s Bundesliga dominance
Black and yellow are the colors that represent the German Bundesliga at the turn of the year. Borussia Dortmund are youthful, electric, and playing exciting football that has resulted in a 6 point lead over Bayern Munich. They just may be making Bundesliga great again.
“Nineteen-year-old Dan-Axel Zagadou and twenty-year old Abdou Diallo, the French internationals of Ivorian and Senegalese descent respectively are also part and parcel of the Bundesliga leaders defence that is linked up to the attack with those who need no introduction. ”
After winning six straight Bundesliga titles, from the 2012/13 season to the most recent one, Bayern Munich had almost rendered the German top flight, a predictably boring contest. But now, half way through the season as the league paused for the festive break, with Dortmund six points ahead of the champions, there is hope for a twist of fate.
Lucien Favre’s men have been outstanding, outscoring everyone and nothing short of spectacular as they lost only once in seventeen Bundesliga appearances. There is a reminisce of Jurgen Klopp’s Die Borussen who won back to back championships between 2010-12, also reaching the UEFA Champions League final. It comes as no surprise with strikingly similar features accompanying the current team, young blood all around the pitch and a few immaculate seniors providing the balance. More interestingly is one of their young full backs, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. Three assists in three champions league matches and three more in twelve Bundesliga appearances is not bad for the 20-year-old defender on loan from Real Madrid. In fact, transfer rumours suggest that the German club will go all the way to tempt Los Blancos to sanction a permanent move for the youngster. He really is one of the best young full backs in the world right now, has been important in Dortmund’s electric form and will continue to be as the new year unfolds. Nineteen-year-old Dan-Axel Zagadou and twenty-year old Abdou Diallo, the French internationals of Ivorian and Senegalese descent respectively are also part and parcel of the Bundesliga leaders defence that is linked up to the attack with those who need no introduction. The eighteen year-old Jadon Sancho and USMNT’s Christian Pulisic who is twenty and soon to depart for Chelsea. The team also had a “midas-touch” effect on former Barcelona forward, Paco Alcacer who misfired at Camp Nou but became a scoring freak at Signal Iduna, scoring a remarkable twelve goals in seven matches. Even the prodigal son Mario Gotze, returned and got rejoined with former pitch-partner, captain Marco Reus.
Make sure you have Dortmund on your watchlist for 2019, they are definitely paving the way for many other great things to come.
FT 2019 Preview: Africans to continue headlining Premier League title race
2018 was a massive year for Africans in the English Premier League, and there are no signs of them slowing down.
Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's fifth goal during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Manchester City at Cardiff City Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
(Sept. 21, 2018 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
Stranger things and customarily premier league things have happened and will continue to happen as one of the world’s most followed club football league comes to a close in May 2019. Manchester United have recently hit new form under the guidance of the baby faced assassin Ole Gunnar Soljaskaer, Pep Guardiola’s “immaculate” City slipped up in the festive period, succumbing to three league defeats in four matches and Unai Emery’s Arsenal served a horror defensive show at Anfield as Liverpool ran out 5-1 winners on the day.
Transfers will come this January, the out of favor troopers will leave for greener pastures, some managers may or may not get the sack and other dedicated sides will have to face the chop of relegation. In all the anticipated uncertainties, there is an anticipated certainty. With Aubameyang, Salah and Kane going at each other, at the top of the scoring charts in December, the first two setting a precedence for the peaking of Africans in the league – more is coming. It’s no secret that Senegal’s Mane and Egypt’s Salah had Liverpool one foot in the title race long before it started. Mahrez could still very much be Man City’s secret weapon as they chase the Reds with the Algerian forward yet to reach top gear under Guardiola and we know what he can do when he does, as was the case with the 2015/16 premier league title winning Leicester City.
It’s not only those who steer their teams to much needed goals or keep the goal from assailants such Aubameyang who matter in the title race; there are others who get points off points contenders in a rare exciting fashion. Ghana’s Jeffrey Schlupp netted an important goal as Crystal Palace handed City their first home defeat of the campaign and quite recently, Adama Traore was unplayable as Wolves came from behind to beat Tottenham 3-1 at Wembley, momentarily putting them out of contention.
This and more will continue in 2019, and we will be there to cover the African stars at the centre of the thrills and spills in the English Premier League.
“ In all the anticipated uncertainties, there is an anticipated certainty. With Aubameyang, Salah and Kane going at each other, at the top of the scoring charts in December, the first two setting a precedence for the peaking of Africans in the league – more is coming.”
FT 2019 Preview: African aces to continue populating the Italian Serie A
As far as the African part of the Italian Serie A is concerned, we no longer have to find solace in reminiscing the careers of greats such as Samuel Eto’o. There is a new breed ushering in a new era.
“The 20-year-old defines the word potential. He has admirable upper body strength, ruthless in front of goal and described as one that almost glides on the turf by those who cannot take their eyes off him.”
Since the days of Cameroonian legend, Samuel Eto’o in the colors of Inter Millan, the Italian Serie A has been shy of major African footballing icons shaking the world. This may not be the case any longer. The year 2018 witnessed a lot of booming and blossoming young footballers that are bound to grow and obviously usher in a fresh area of rapid rise of such players in the league.
Frank Kessie (R) of AC Milan is challenged by Kwadwo Asamoah of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 21, 2018 in Milan, Italy.
(Oct. 20, 2018 - Source: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Europe)
AC Millan’s Franck Kessie is one such player whom many may classify as a possible re-incarnation of Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah when he first appeared in Juventus’ black and white. Just like the younger Kwadwo, 22-year-old Kessie is a solid defensive midfielder who has earned Genaro Gattuso’s trust, starting all of Milan’s 18 matches in the league so far. We are only going to see more of such a promising player gifted with astute leadership qualities evident in things even as small as being handed the penalty taking duties for the team by Gattusso at such a tender age. In that same bracket, is 23-year-old Keita Balde featuring for the other Milan side on loan from Monaco. The Senegalese started the season slowly, sitting out matches but as the year came to close, he started giving a glimpse of what everyone has always seen in him from the get go. Balde has since scored 4 times and assisted 2 others in only 7 starts for Inter Milan. He is one that you can’t help but notice in the unfolding year as he steals the headlines. If you have never heard of the Gambian wonderkid, Musa Barrow who stole the headlines after rivalling age-mate Kylian Mbappe’s scoring record back in September, you shall, soon enough. The 20-year-old defines the word potential. He has admirable upper body strength, ruthless in front of goal and described as one that almost glides on the turf by those who cannot take their eyes off him. He might be going through a major goal drought since netting 4 times and assisting 2 others early in the season, but an individual of his ability cannot be robbed of stardom, this will serve as just an important learning curve. With Kessie having climbed up the ranks through Atalanta, there is no reason to suggest why Barrow will not do the same if not better it. His 14 goals in 19 appearances for Atalanta’s youth is one of the pieces of evidence why he deserves the faith that’s been put in him so far.
The above three and many others will likely continue claiming a stake among the Italian Serie A’s elite just as many other African stars have done in the premier league, celebrating the likes of Kwadwo, Koulibaly and Medhi Benatia who have come, saw and conquered the league.
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.
FT 2019 Preview: Don't even think about missing out on the FIFA Women’s World Cup
The hype has already started around the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the world’s best are scheduled to compete in June. France 2019 is upon us and we are already counting down the days.
“Of major interest to us, are Africa’s three representatives. Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa who enter the tourney as the three lowest ranked teams of the twenty-four finalists but after a “bloody” 2018 AWCON from whence they secured their qualification spots, major upsets are inevitable.”
The wheels just keep on rolling as far as women’s football is concerned, and 2019 will be no different. After an exhilarating 2018 in the women’s game on the African continent, the best there is on the planet are scheduled to have a showdown in France from the 7th of June to the 7th of the ensuing month. The men set a wonderful precedence by tearing each other apart in Russia this just ended year and the women cannot be in a better position to follow suit or open new territories and levels.
Of major interest to us, are Africa’s three representatives. Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa who enter the tourney as the three lowest ranked teams of the twenty-four finalists but after a “bloody” 2018 AWCON from whence they secured their qualification spots, major upsets are inevitable. The tournament will take place across nine cities with the opening match to be played at Parc des Princes, Mbappe and Neymar’s home ground. Lyon’s home stadium will host the final match where the likes of the defending champions in USA, Germany and the hosts are considered to be favorites. Africa will also be thoroughly represented among the match officials, with three referees from Zambia, Rwanda and Ethiopia making an appearance. Four other African assistant referees will also be in France, even representatives from a country as small as Mauritius. Quite notably, are the English officials who will also miss the 2019 June-July world cup after failing to land a spot at the 2018 World cup in Russia. Only one assistant English referee made the cut this time around. Quite a lot is at stake, with UEFA using the tournament to select three representatives for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan. Debutants namely, Scotland, South Africa, Jamaica and Chile will have their nations on song for the first time ever.
Here at FirstTouch, we will soon release a full special preview assessing the finalists’ chances. For the meantime, here are the six groups from which the top two and the four best third placed teams will proceed to the round of 16.
Group A
Lara Dickenmann #11 of Switzerland and Claudine Meffometou Tcheno #12 of Cameroon battle for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada Group C match between Switzerland and Cameroon at Commonwealth Stadium on June 16, 2015 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
(June 15, 2015 - Source: Todd Korol/Getty Images North America)
France, South Korea, Norway, Nigeria
Group B
Germany, China, Spain, South Africa
Group C
Australia, Italy, Brazil, Jamaica
Group D
England, Scotland, Argentina, Japan
Group E
Canada, Cameroon, New Zealand, Netherlands
Group F
United States, Thailand, Chile, Sweden
Just as a side note, the fable that women’s football in Africa or around the world being not the real deal, is actually yesterday’s news!
10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #1 Nicolas Pepe
Pepé tops our list out of respect. The Ivorian is burning through the French Ligue 1, and has been absolutely clutch for OSC Lille with 4 of his 12 league goals coming after the 75th minute of play.
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. Here is the first one on our list.
Nicolas Pepe of the Ivory Coast in action during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
(June 3, 2017 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)
One Ivorian, by the name Nicolas Pepe recently won hearts in the French Ligue 1 and could be slowly owning them as well. The 23-year-old Lille forward got global acclamation after winning the September French Ligue 1 player of the month ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Just like the above, Pepe is usually deployed as a winger and more often than not cuts inside to grab some precious goals. He is currently French Ligue 1 and Lille’s top scorer so far in the season with 12 goals and 5 assists to his name in only 18 matches and can bang all sorts of goals. From the penalty spot, outside the box, long range shorts you name it. Pepe’s emergence has seen Lille gunning for an unlikely Champions League group stage spot as they sit second on the league standings, a few points off the runaway leaders in PSG. He has become becoming “mister reliable”, with his latest showing coming over the weekend after scoring Lille’s winner against Nimes that moved them to up to second on the standings. His combination with other players of African descent such as Jonathan Bamba, has made the young Lille team a rightfully dreaded opponent.
With Arsenal and a host of other top European clubs particularly in the premier league rumoured to be interested in his services, he is becoming increasingly harder to keep at Lille.
Let’s continue the conversation. Where would you want to see the Ivorian play?
10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #2 Houssem Aouar
Next up on our list is the 20-year-old of Algerian descent, a possible “reincarnation” of Xavi Hernandez who has been twisting heads and legs in the French Ligue 1.
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. Coming in on number 2 on our list is another Ligue 1 player.
Houssem Aouar of Lyon is challenged by Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester City and Olympique Lyonnais at Etihad Stadium on September 19, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
(Sept. 18, 2018 - Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe)
Do you remember the midfield maestro, Barcelona’s Xavi. The not so tall Spaniard who could mark anyone out of possession no matter their shape or size but mostly known for literally controlling the midfield by spraying all sorts of passes onto his teammates. Or are you perhaps excited with one of Barcelona’s most recent acquisitions in Arthur Mello, one tipped to be the long awaited replacement to Xavi. There is another copy of the two, short and also unique in his own playing style but just as dangerous. Olympique Lyonnais’ 20 year-old Aouar is simply remarkable. His maturity and simplicity with the ball has made him one of the hottest midfield prospects. Against the likes of Fernandinho or David Silva, Aouar came out on top in all of Lyon-Manchester meetings in this year’s UEFA champions league group stage. He can get out of any situation regardless of the number of opponents surrounding him and has been equally “guilty” of picking out the likes of Memphis Depay, Ivorian Maxwell Cornet or Burkinabe international Betrand Traore in unimaginable positions.
A young midfield anchor of Algerian descent, showing signs of maturity, incredible ability but still with a lot of growing to do, will he stay or will a new club be so blessed to have him?
10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #3 Tanguy Ndombele
As we speak, the demand for Ndombele grows. The 21-year-old has already attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona. Some say he “stinks of football,” and with every day that goes by, Lyon has to fight off tempting offers to price away the French international of Congolese descent away from the Ligue 1.
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. Are you ready for the third name on the list?
Raheem Sterling of Manchester City shoots while under pressure from Tanguy NDombele Alvaro of Lyon during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester City and Olympique Lyonnais at Etihad Stadium on September 19, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
(Sept. 18, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
He reminds Lyon President, Jean-Michel Aulas, of Ghanaian legend, Michael Essien and has already debuted for the world champions in their competitive midfield setup at only 21-years of age. As we speak, the name Ndombele is almost synonymous to demand. The French international born of Congolese parents is part and parcel of the youthful Lyon team that has been punching way above their weight quite recently. With a super intelligent footballing brain and more than capable legs, Ndombele can and has played almost all over the pitch but remains mostly recognised for being an outstanding box to box midfielder. He first began his senior football career at Amiens, whom he helped secure promotion into the Ligue 1 before being permanently captured by Lyon after a successful loan spell in the 2017/18 season. Actually, it’s been only two years since debuting for Amiens’ first team and he has already been drawn to comparison with the likes of Kante, attracting big boys such as Barcelona, Manchester City, PSG and Chelsea in the process. No wonder he has been in the news daily, with a transfer fee in the region of 80 million euros accompanying all his headlines.
A former scout at French Ligue 1 side Guingamp, who somehow failed to spot the midfield sensation, Phillippe Lemaire didn’t do a bad job in summarising his style of play:
“He stinks of football, He is strong and precise. He feels the game. He is capable of creating lightning, to give rhythm to the game, to counterattack but also to press and regain possession.”
A lot of people should be excited of the prospect of Ndombele clashing with the likes of Sergio Busquets and Rakitic in Lyon’s round of 16 champions league fixture against Barcelona in February next year. But, will he still be in the French side’s colors by then?
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 SideLine: The timeless foundation behind the DNA of a league champion
Be it the Bundesliga, ABSA Premiership, La Liga, English Premier League or any other top club football league in the world, what makes the most successful teams competitive may surprise you even though it shouldn’t.
Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham battles for possession with Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield on November 11, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
(Nov. 10, 2018 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)
Contrary to popular belief, having an edgy and slick attacking frontline is not the main ingredient for any club seeking domestic league dominance. Of course it’s important but today’s trends reveal something to else to be of greater importance.
Looking at most of the table topping teams in all of the leagues we feature here at FirstTouch, one cannot afford to ignore the defensive discipline of these sides. For starters, the Clever Boys of Bidvest Wits are mounting an unlikely title charge in the South African ABSA Premiership without having any of the league’s most prolific forwards in their ranks. It’s only because they have let only nine goals, the second best defensive record in the league after Mamelodi Sundowns who are five points off Wits having played two fewer games. Pirates are not doing bad themselves, second on the table with a devastating attack that combines the likes of Vincent Pule and Justin Shonga but their defensive record will likely be the Achilles heel that will find them wanting when champions are called to the stage. Even one of the league’s top scoring forwards who is arguably Southern Africa’s most important player in Khama Billiat, he is delivering the goods but Kaizer Chiefs are far from the top because they just can’t protect their goal as much as they would love to.
Leroy Sane of Manchester City celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Gabriel Jesus during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Manchester City and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Etihad Stadium on December 12, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
(Dec. 11, 2018 - Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe)
What about in Europe? Liverpool are now going toe to toe with a dominant Manchester City that was a class above the rest last season, winning the premier league with a record points, bag full of goals and the best defensive record. Its only because Jurgen Klopp and the Merseyside club acquired two more goal minders, namely the world’s second most expensive goalkeeper in Alisson Rameses Becker and the world’s most expensive defender in Virgil Van Dijk. Here is a number for you, in their 3-1 win over Manchester United over the weekend, Liverpool conceded only the second goal of the season at home. Should I go on mentioning the likes of Juventus who have made the Serie A title race not so interesting, 8 points ahead of second placed Napoli, only 16 games into the season. They did sign the “goal scoring machine” in Cristiano Ronaldo, but their numerous 1-0 narrow wins are not as a result of the Portuguese’s cunningness but the impenetrability of the wall guarded by the likes of Bonucci, Chiellini and Morocco’s Mehdi Benatia. Adding some more perspective, statistics tell us that Arsenal is the second best attacking Premier League side after City, having scored more goals than even Liverpool or Tottenham but their defensive ills have them lying fifth on the table.
What shall we say then, getting one of the most wanted defenders such as Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly is the free and ultimate wisdom available for any ambitious team out there.
“They did sign the “goal scoring machine” in Cristiano Ronaldo, but their numerous 1-0 narrow wins are not as a result of the Portuguese’s cunningness but the impenetrability of the wall guarded by the likes of Bonucci, Chiellini and Morocco’s Mehdi Benatia.”
10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #4 Miguel Almiron
Reportedly sought to replace Ozil at some point, the Paraguayan is perhaps proof that investments made in the MLS are starting to pay off. While Alphonso left for Bayern, Almiron could be further evidence as to why the league is not void of top talent.
Miguel Almiron #10 of Atlanta United FC controls the ball against the Minnesota United FC during the second half of the match on March 12, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Atlanta defeated Minnesota 6-1.
(March 11, 2017 - Source: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images North America)
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. You wouldn’t have guessed the fourth person on our list.
To many, he may come as a shocker but to those fortunate enough to be first movers in the field of recognising talent, they will be familiar with the name Miguel Almiron. The 25-year-old Paraguayan enjoyed something a little bit beyond what is normally called a breakout year in 2018. The Atlanta FC playmaker became “the playmaker of the American Major League Soccer,” scoring 13 times and serving up 11 assists in 37 MLS appearances. He was more than instrumental in Atlanta’s 2018 MLS cup triumph, spotted more often than not, combining with the tournament’s MVP Josef Martinez, in terrorising opponents. The usual thing that follows after such greatness, chose not to shy away, comparisons and rumours flew in left, right and centre. One of the most significant piece of rumours was that of reported inquiry by the Arsenal on the player as a possible replacement for one of the world’s best playmakers, Mesut Ozil. In the eyes of many, he would be a more suitable number 10 to Unai Emery who is leading a revolution at the North London club because of his intensity which happens to be a critical component of Unai’s pressing style of play. What seems more becoming is still a move to the English Premier League but in the colors Newcastle. A big money move is reportedly being lined up as Atlanta President has promised not to let him go for “chump change.”
Miggy, as they call him, is surely on the verge of adding to the redefinition MLS’s position amongst the global community of football leagues as a capable source of youth talent after Alphonso Davies’ move to Bayern Munich.
“One of the most significant piece of rumours was that of reported inquiry by the Arsenal on the player as a possible replacement for one of the world’s best playmakers, Mesut Ozil.”
10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #5 Calum Hudson-Odoi
The son of Ghanaian legend hasn’t had as many chances to impress, but a host of Bundesliga’s elite including Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have seen enough to want him in the ranks. Chelsea have a lot to do if they are to keep the 18-year-old in the Premier League.
Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea celebrates his second goal, Chelsea's fourth, with team mates during the FA Youth Cup Final second leg between Chelsea and Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on April 30, 2018 in London, England.
(April 29, 2018 - Source: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe)
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. Chelsea have some work to do holding onto the fifth player on our list.
Son of former Hearts of Oak (a Ghanaian Premier League side) midfielder, Bismark Odoi, 18 year-old Calum Hudson Odoi has already become a subject of major speculation. After helping Chelsea’s Academy team to a quadruple in the 2017/18 season, he majorly introduced himself to the world in the Blues’ pre-season games, particularly against Arsenal. Odoi constantly asked rocket-science like questions of Hector Bellerin on the right flank, skipping past him with lightning pace after getting little answers from the Spanish right-back. It was only pre-season but he would have a lasting impact on a host of Europe’s big boys. With 18 months left on his contract and Chelsea still to pen him to a new deal which has become increasingly harder given the player has hardly gotten game time under Maurizio Sarri, Bayern Munich and Dortmund are reportedly monitoring the teenager, on the clock. The Bundesliga champions are eager to strengthen their attack with more youthful players given the imminent departure of long-time servants in Robben and Ribbery while Dortmund, who got a lot from their last ‘heist’ of former Manchester City’s Jadon Sancho and would want to continue in that direction. The 2017 World Cup winner with England-U17 is still eligible to play for Ghana and should you want to get more insight on the kind of player he is, just think of the word electric. He defines it more than it defines him.
Let’s hope Chelsea’s predatory and not very helpful youth system of young players won’t get in his way, as it is for one Ghanaian, Baba Rahman.
“After helping Chelsea’s Academy team to a quadruple in the 2017/18 season, he majorly introduced himself to the world in the Blues’ pre-season games, particularly against Arsenal. Odoi constantly asked rocket-science like questions of Hector Bellerin on the right flank, skipping past him with lightning pace after getting little answers from the Spanish right-back.”
10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #6 Mario Lemina
Even though it didn’t quite work at Juventus for Lemina, the opposite has been true during his time at Southampton. The Saints dependency on him has developed into a “what’s best for the team” scenario, as they try to survive in the Premier League. A January move could be on the cards.
Mario Lemina of Southampton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on August 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
(Aug. 17, 2018 - Source: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe)
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. The sixth one is actually my personal favourite.
We have repeatedly featured Gabonese international Mario Lemina, here on FirstTouch, more so on his unexploited potential at the Saints. The 25-year-old central midfielder joined EPL side, Southampton for what was actually a club record fee of £15.4 million in the summer of 2017 from Italian Serie A giants, Juventus. Lemina is a huge physical presence in the Southampton midfield, astute in his dealings, technically gifted and possessing a rare ability to slow down or increase the tempo of the game at will. He really can be a real conductor of the midfield orchestra but has quite recently been reduced to only breaking up attacks as Southampton is continually in the fight to stay alive and relevant in the Premier League. Mario is most certainly becoming a hidden gem, lacking the exposure to shine or the specialist to cut it to perfection as a result of the Saints’ challenges. His talent is basically suffocating and a move away could be the needed right of way, one that am overly excited about. PSG’s has already shown interest in getting the Gabonese to Parc de Princes as a possible replacement to the departing Adrien Rabiot. A reported £30 million bid is being lined up and you one cannot possibly belittle the rumour given the Parisians shockingly captured another African star, Eric Maxim Choupo Moting from relegated Stoke City in the summer. Should the move materialise, a new lease of life to Lemina could be one that puts him in a position of similar dominance to his compatriot, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but in a slightly different position.
“Mario is most certainly becoming a hidden gem, lacking the exposure to shine or the specialist to cut it to perfection as a result of the Saints’ challenges. His talent is basically suffocating and a move away could be the needed right of way, one that am overly excited about.”
10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #7 Kalidou Koulibaly
It wouldn’t be a list without Koulibaly. The Senegalese is perhaps the most wanted defender in the world right now, and it has been great to see the global football community put their collective arms around him after his most recent bout with racism at the San Siro. With a rejected bid of £90 million by a Manchester United already this season, what’s Napoli’s asking price for ?
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. Number seven is someone who needs no introduction.
Napoli and Senegalese centre-back has been linked with a move away from Naples for quite some time now. It’s almost cliché and somehow not far from boring to hear his name amongst the transfer rumours, week in and out. He is really that good to be honest, everyone wants him and all are eager to see how he will shape up in a bigger club. Liverpool’s big money acquisition of Virgil Van Dijk is paying dividends to the Merseyside club who conceded just 7 goals in 18 premier league matches, the least in the league, consequently leading to a fireproof title charge. Similarly, Koulibaly is a rare find that falls in the bracket of the Dutch if not better and evidence from Merseyside have reiterated that timeless truth, “strikers win games, but defenders win titles.” Manchester United reportedly had their £90 million bid rejected, which would have become the world record transfer for a defender and the all-time African transfer record and Chelsea has endured the same fate in their pursuit of the 27-year-old. He is right there at the top with the best when it comes to minding the goal, everyone knows it and would give anything to get him who can turn any top side into capable title contenders.
Kalidou has a midfielder attitude on the ball, a firefighter mentality when under attack by an opponent and never shies away from an opportunity to put any opponent under siege –almost unreal but undisputedly endowed in many ways than one. I am reminded of one scenario during Napoli and PSG’s 1-1 stalemate in the champions league, Neymar sent Mbappe through with a delicious ball, Koulibaly tracked down the pacey forward and jumped in front of him, hooking the ball out of his way in the process. It was the kind of tackle that, if one is a fraction of a second late, they may win themselves a red card, a perfectly timed intervention that only players like Kalidou can make.
Paulo Dybala of Juventus battles for the ball with Kalidou Koulibaly of SSC Napoli during the Srie A match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Allianz Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Turin, Italy.
(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: gabriele maltinti/Getty Images Europe)
“Kalidou has a midfielder attitude on the ball, a firefighter mentality when under attack by an opponent and never shies away from an opportunity to put any opponent under siege –almost unreal but undisputedly endowed in many ways than one.”
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #1 The global reign of the Egyptian King
Looking back on the year, 2018 and the Legend of Mo Salah have now become synonymous. The Egyptian took the Premier League by storm, and is showing zero signs of slowing down, as he continues to spearhead maybe the most balanced team in the country in Klopp’s Liverpool. Here’s to more of the same in 2019!
“He truly became the Egyptian King; graffiti of his face all across the North African country, a ‘brawl’ over image rights for his face, his shooting boots immortalized at a museum in Britain, spoiled ballot papers in Egypt’s presidential election with many voting “Mo Salah” and many other intriguing events which could take forever to lay down. ”
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 1.
The world runs at a pace so fast that some truly extraordinary occurrences seem like a lifetime and then a moment at the same time. It’s only been a year since the name Mohamed Salah got global acclamation but seems like forever. The 26 year-old Egyptian couldn’t stop making the headlines. After returning to the Premier League in the summer of 2017, Mo Salah used the early half of 2018 to silence all doubters and remarkably regained Africa’s place among the world’s best footballers. With odds almost 1000/1 to achieve everything he did, he did it anyway.
Egypt fans hold a poster of Mohamed Salah prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Egypt and Uruguay at Ekaterinburg Arena on June 15, 2018 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
(June 14, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)
Salah sent tongues wagging as he ran down the Liverpool wing all the way to a Players’ Player of the Season, the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Season, and a Premier League’s Golden Boot award with a record 32 goals in 36 league starts. As if that was not enough, he added a couple more goals in the UEFA Champions League eventually leading the Merseyside club to a UCL final in as many years. Even the BBC African Player Of The Year and the CAF African Player of The Year awards had the Egyptian’s name inscribed on them. Did I mention, the FIFA Puskas Award of the Best goal scored in 2018 or being the first runners up to the FIFA Best World’s Player Of The Year eventually won by Croatia’s Luka Modric ahead of the likes of Messi or Ronaldo. It was quite delightful to see an African’s name on the FIFA Best Awards, which had been robbed of a mention since the days of Liberian President, George Weah. Perhaps the most priceless of Mo Salah’s achievements to the Egyptians, was a historic 2018 FIFA World Cup appearance in as many years.
He truly reached Egyptian King status; graffiti of his face all across the North African country, a ‘brawl’ over image rights for his face, his shooting boots immortalized at a museum in Britain, spoiled ballot papers in Egypt’s presidential election with many voting “Mo Salah” amongst other intriguing events in 2018.
Lest we forget, 2018 was truly a year to honor and celebrate one Mohamed who goes by the last name, Salah.
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...”