African Cup of Nations

The 26th African Cup of Nations kicks off in Ghana today. Football is one of the few unifying factors in the continent of Africa and the cup of nations is the time when Africans forget their worries, come to watch the matches in a colorful atmosphere, beating their drums and dancing around, and having complete fun. While in Europe, football is more about business, for Africans, it is more about players showing their love for their respective nations by playing in a competitive way. And, as always, EPL managers are moaning about losing their African players.

It is amazing to how football creates tremendous impact on the lives of the people. It was football players who helped bring a truce between warring factions in the Ivory coast. These people consider their players as ‘God’ because they have given them hope and motivation to succeed in life and it gives a clear sense of perspective at a time when the word ‘God’ is used indiscriminately to deify undeserving people.

It is good to see that football is being used to reach out to people with regard to their education and health. Also, an increasing number of talented players who are beginning to perform well and earn enough money in top European clubs return to their home nations to help their people in terms of creating awareness about numerous issues.

This year’s championship takes place in Ghana, a team that performed admirably during the last World Cup in Germany. They are one of the favorites since it has stars such as Essien and Muntari, and has the home advantage. Ivory Coast will be expected to provide stiff competition since they have the likes of Drogba, the Toure brothers, Eboue, Kone, among others.

Angola would be a dark horse and its striker Manucho, who recently signed for ManUtd, will be watched closely. Cameroon looks to be on the wane but one can never rule out a team that has a player like Samuel Eto’o in its ranks. South Africa, which hosts the next World Cup in 2010, will hope to perform well and use this tournament as a platform to improve its football.

The excitement and the atmosphere are certain to be electric and I am hopeful that some great football, plenty of goals, and incredible passion among the nations will lead to a successful African Nations Cup. It will be interesting to see an African nation win the World Cup in the near future.

Football Managers - Dead Men Walking

ManUtd emerged from the festive period with the maximum points, winning all but one. The 2-1 loss against West Ham hurt especially since ManUtd missed the chance to go 2-0 up due to a missed penalty from Ronaldo. And, giving away 2 goals to set-pieces! But since the loss, they have redeemed themselves with some good victories over Birmingham, Villa (FA Cup) and the 6-0 drubbing of Newcastle.

Just past the half-way mark of the season and Ronaldo has already passed 20 goals. His first hat-trick for ManUtd came at OT against manager-less Newcastle, who despite their claims of being a big club, continues to plunge deep into a quagmire of desperation. Sam Allardyce was the 8th manager to get the boot this season, and despite the fact that they played terrible football, it wasn't fair to judge Big Sam after just 8 months.

The St. James' Park stadium of Newcastle has the 3rd highest capacity in England after ManUtd's Old Trafford stadium and Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Newcastle have a large fan base and that the fans are very dedicated to their club in spite of poor results in recent times, can be seen from the fact that most home games are almost always full. But the fans have far too much expectations and they seem to forget the fact that they last won a major trophy almost 40 years ago.

The Newcastle manager job has always been a poisoned chalice. Just look at the list of great personalities who have been unsuccessful in the past decade - Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness. I wouldn't blame Harry Redknapp for his decision to stick with Portsmouth. Who in their right mind will take up this job? And, it doesn't help when foreigners takeover the club, splash money, and then expect returns immediately. Well, not every club can turn into a Chelsea. Until then, Newcastle will keep looking for their Messiah.

One just has to take a look at ManUtd and Arsenal, which have gained due to the stability provided by their respective boards. Sir Alex has been at ManUtd for 21 years while Wenger is entering his 12th year at Arsenal. The trigger-happy football chairmen of today would do well to remember that Sir Alex did not deliver his first trophy until the fifth year of his reign. And, we all know what ManUtd has achieved in the past decade and a half under the regal Scot.

Rafa Benitez seems to be the next on the list of managers most likely to get the sack. This is the guy who won the Champions League for Liverpool in his first year. And, when the club owner accepts that he had talks with Jurgen Klinsmann about taking over Liverpool, it clearly undermines Rafa's position at the club.

At present, it is difficult for managers to operate against a background of constant criticism and incessant speculation about their future. It is important for club chairmen and supporters to realize that the success of the football club on and off the pitch depends on a long-term strategy replete with the right foundations. As Sir Alex would say "Stability and consistency is the basis of success at any club."

List of sacked managers in 2007-2008 season:
Jose Mourinho (Chelsea)
Chris Hutchings (Wigan)
Sammy Lee (Bolton)
Martin Jol (Tottenham)
Steve Bruce (Birmingham)
Billy Davies (Derby)
Lawrie Sanchez (Fulham)
Sam Allardyce (Newcastle)