Entertainment@large Special: CAF African-Based Player Of The Year Award - The 5 Nominees

Entertainment@Large takes a look at the five candidates who will be vying for the African-Based Player Of The Year Award tonight, one of the continent’s ultimate personal prizes...

The contenders for the African-based Player of the Year are: Ahmed Hassan (Al-Ahly and Egypt), Oussama Darragi (Esperance and Tunisia), Alain Kaluyituka Dioko (TP Mazembe and DR Congo), Michael Eneramo (Esperance and Nigeria) and Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’ (Al-Ahly and Egypt).

Ahmed Hassan (Al Ahly/Egypt)

The evergreen midfield general has been playing for so long that it's hard to imagine a time when he wasn't putting in incredible performances for the Pharaohs. He's been a large part of Egypt's  unprecedented three successive AFCON titles but his latest success in Angola 2010 was certainly the most memorable as the former Anderlecht playmaker broke Hossam Hassan's record for most international caps and also scored three crucial goals for his country on their way to lifting the trophy.

His 2010 didn't end as well as it started though as he suffered an ACL tear in a match against Sierra Leone. It is telling of his importance that Egypt have since struggled without him and can't wait for him to return soon. Hassan is only two starts away from from breaking former Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea's world record of international caps.

Mohamed Nagy Gedo (Al-Ahly/Egypt)

Literally the man that burst onto the African scene out of nowhere. With Mido and Zaki lacking fitness in the leadup to Angola 2010, Hassan Shehata took a chance on the youngster who was then plying his trade for the Ittihad Alexandria and was handsomely rewarded for taking such a risk. Gedo responded by finishing as the tournament's top scorer with five goals, including the one that one the Pharaohs the trophy in their final game against Ghana.

Amazingly, Gedo did this while starting every match from the bench to become an overnight superstar in his country and a remarkable example to African youngsters across the continent. His performances helped him seal a move to Egyptian giants Al-Ahly but if his strike rate remains steady, one would imagine he'll be in Europe sooner rather than later.

 
Gedo Was Top Scorer At AFCON 2010 

Michael Eneramo (Esperance/Nigeria)

The 24 year-old Esperance forward has become a household name in Africa with his seven goals for the Tunisians in this season's CAF Champions League. His form for club has been so impressive that he has become a consistent name on the lips of national team handlers. Even though Eneramo narrowly missed being a part of the Nigerian team for the World Cup, he has returned to the Super Eagles' fold with a goal in the 2-0 defeat of Madagascar in Abuja in September.

It may be hard for Eneramo to win the title this year because of other equally brilliant performances from around the continent, but being placed among a select core of top performers will surely do something good for his ego and game in the future.

Ousemma Darragi (Esperance/Tunisia)

At only 23, the midfielder that Tunisians have nicknamed "Darraginho" is well and truly coming into his own. During the last year, Darragi has established himself at both domestic and international level, helping Esperance win consecutive Tunisian league titles and also providing the goals and assists they needed to make it to the 2010 CAF Champions League final. The lanky playmaker has also taken advantage of Yassine Chikhaoui's extended absence to become the midfield creator for the Carthage Eagles.

Few will forget his heroics in Abuja against Nigeria during 2010 World Cup qualifying even though his side ended up losing their ticket to South Africa on the last day of qualifying. Even though the qualifying campaign ended in disappointment, no one could fault the effort and skill of the young playmaker who has drawn interest from top clubs such as Werder Bremen and Inter Milan amongst others.

 
Darragi's Esperance Have Done Well This Season 

Alain Kaluyituka Dioko (TP Mazembe/Congo DR)

The goal poacher has cemented his name as one of the top strikers playing on the continent. The 23-year-old has been the front man for CAF Champions League holders TP Mazembe and it looks certain he is poised to shoulder the club to make history as the first side to defend the continental club flagship twice after they did it in the late 60s.

The deadly finisher has built an excellent reputation for himself with the Congolese champions this season and as one of the top goal scorers in the 2009 African Champions League, he deserves to be shortlisted for the African-based Player of the Year prize.

African Comment: Mazembe On The Road To Greatness

Entertainment@Large's Obinna Anyanwu believes that TP Mazembe can shock the globe and lift the 2010 Club World Cup.

African representatives at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup TP Mazembe have brought not only smiles to faces across the continent, but also a big surprise, for reaching the final after edging past two top-flights: Mexican club Pachuca and 2006 finalists Brazil’s Internacional Porto Alegre.

Fans of the Congolese club are living the sweet dream they never though they'd see. The Crows are about to clinch a world title, becoming the world’s best club. After dominating Africa for the past two seasons, the world stage is set for them to enter and conquer. Many still cant believe it, but it’s happening, Mazembe are going and may get it, wake up!

Can an African team win the FIFA Club World Cup at this time? To me, it’s an obsolete question. Recent events have put that curiosity behind us, and the doubting Thomases are beginning to cease their noises and rub their eyes to see clearly. Africa is here, and can win, as much as the adversary can loose.

If Mazembe could crush all scepticisms to land themselves at the final of the world’s premier club competition, they have as much vim to eke out an honour from the last game, that’s capable of assuaging our remaining anxieties, and making our joy complete.

You and I would agree that the Lubumbashi club didn’t beat Pachuca 1-0 by chance, nor did they trounce the dreaded South American flag bearers Porto Alegre 2-0 by hazard. The Africans merit these consecutive victories, which are a continuation of the segmented successes cascading from their 2010 continental campaigns.

Mazembe is a solid and consolidated bloc, made up of sharp, flexible and hearty talents, whose experience is wild enough to soldier on in the terrains of Abu Dhabi, as they’ve done so far in their first two fixtures, so expect any thing to happen. The final meeting maybe hard for the Crows, but might not be easy as well for their eventual opponent.

Getting here this far, Mazembe have raked two worthwhile achievements. Firstly, they reconciled with themselves by effacing the two-defeat debacle collected from their previous participation. Secondly, they have broken the continent’s record formerly held by Al-Ahly and Etoile du Sahel, and so why do you think they wouldn’t dream wild, of lifting the trophy?

I’ve started dreaming wild too, because my faith in this club is beginning to swell and pushing my frail chest out to stamp my pride as an African and a fan of Mazembe, come with me!

Do we attribute these exploits to the players, the emblematic coach, the wonderful, generous and fearless president, or the omnipresent supporters? Mazembe is a dream team of the new generation; a giver of lessons clubs and football academies across the continent must settle down to learn.

Amid talent, experience and coaching, determination seats atop of the Crows’ awesome values, which have propelled them through rough tides and coasted them to safe victories. They are yet to ebb, so expect sweet surprise come Dec.18 when they will do us proud or do us no evil.

African Comment: Mismanaging An Abundance Of Talents In Nigeria

Entertainment@Large's Obinna Anyanwu believes that a huge amount of football talent goes to waste in Africa's most populated country.

I sat through a spirited championship of public primary school pupils last week in Lekki, a fast growing suburb of Lagos. For over two hours, I watched amazing football skills from the feet of these kids who got a rare opportunity to play organised football at the very high brow Fun Turf.

The competition, sponsored by the Lekki Concession Company, was meant to unearth young talents and give them an opportunity to show their skills. The most impressive ones were rewarded

At every touch of skill, I could hear the commentator’s scream as he always made a point of telling everyone that the kids will be recommended to national team coach Samson Siasia for inclusion in the future Super Eagles. It sounded funny most times.

The truth is that Nigeria possesses such an amazing pool of talented footballers that are hardly ever given an enabling environment to blossom. Many of the big names in Nigerian football today started out playing, not on lush green pitches like many of their global counterparts, but on dangerous dusty plots of land.

The abundance of football talents in Nigeria was brought closer home with the statement last week by Nigerian footballer Henry Makinwa, who claimed that many of his compatriots that wanted to play professional football are now stranded in Europe with nowhere to turn.

Many of them cannot return home as failures and have opted to remain in Europe to do menial jobs just to be able to keep body and soul. And anyone who has lived through the European winter knows that it is better living in the warmth of tropical Africa than scraping through life with little protection from the harsh elements.

However, one thing that I got from Makinwa’s statement is the need for the league at home to be developed to the level where it will become very rewarding for Nigerian players to play in their country.

This would ensure that they would not have to commit their lives into the hands of unscrupulous football agents who will abandon them in unknown countries after having promised to find them clubs to play abroad.

I had an encounter with a stranded Nigerian player in Accra, Ghana two years ago. A skillful and talented midfielder, Lanre Omisore came to Accra because he was told by an agent he could get to Europe easily from Ghana.

It was not the first time he was being told this because he had already been as far as Sudan to try and get a club that would mean his ultimate transfer to Europe. This time around in Accra, Lanre was made to undergo trials in a couple of first division clubs, but he was never signed. And then his agent took off, leaving him alone in a country where he had no relatives, friends or means to live and strive towards his footballing ambitions.

A friend who met Lanre brought him to me and we raised funds to buy him a bus ticket back to Lagos and to his family. He is still playing football.

It is sad just thinking that a couple of those kids I watched playing at the Lekki tournament will one day end up like Lanre in pursuit of stardom in Europe because there are no proper channels to ensure they get into clubs that will give them livelihood in Nigeria.

And many of them will become stranded in Europe when they eventually get there because they will be surplus to requirements. Many will not come back home because they will feel like failures in the eyes of their family members.

Even still, many of them will abandon football in search of better opportunities and ensure that the country keeps losing its best legs. Unless the Nigerian football authorities begin to put in proper plans to fully tap the potential of the many talents that abound in the country through the funding of grassroots football, a huge number of our talents will continue to elude us and our football will be the poorer for it.

African Comment: Mismanaging An Abundance Of Talents In Nigeria

Entertainment@Large's Obinna Anyanwu believes that a huge amount of football talent goes to waste in Africa's most populated country.

I sat through a spirited championship of public primary school pupils last week in Lekki, a fast growing suburb of Lagos. For over two hours, I watched amazing football skills from the feet of these kids who got a rare opportunity to play organised football at the very high brow Fun Turf.

The competition, sponsored by the Lekki Concession Company, was meant to unearth young talents and give them an opportunity to show their skills. The most impressive ones were rewarded

At every touch of skill, I could hear the commentator’s scream as he always made a point of telling everyone that the kids will be recommended to national team coach Samson Siasia for inclusion in the future Super Eagles. It sounded funny most times.

The truth is that Nigeria possesses such an amazing pool of talented footballers that are hardly ever given an enabling environment to blossom. Many of the big names in Nigerian football today started out playing, not on lush green pitches like many of their global counterparts, but on dangerous dusty plots of land.

The abundance of football talents in Nigeria was brought closer home with the statement last week by Nigerian footballer Henry Makinwa, who claimed that many of his compatriots that wanted to play professional football are now stranded in Europe with nowhere to turn.

Many of them cannot return home as failures and have opted to remain in Europe to do menial jobs just to be able to keep body and soul. And anyone who has lived through the European winter knows that it is better living in the warmth of tropical Africa than scraping through life with little protection from the harsh elements.

However, one thing that I got from Makinwa’s statement is the need for the league at home to be developed to the level where it will become very rewarding for Nigerian players to play in their country.

This would ensure that they would not have to commit their lives into the hands of unscrupulous football agents who will abandon them in unknown countries after having promised to find them clubs to play abroad.

I had an encounter with a stranded Nigerian player in Accra, Ghana two years ago. A skillful and talented midfielder, Lanre Omisore came to Accra because he was told by an agent he could get to Europe easily from Ghana.

It was not the first time he was being told this because he had already been as far as Sudan to try and get a club that would mean his ultimate transfer to Europe. This time around in Accra, Lanre was made to undergo trials in a couple of first division clubs, but he was never signed. And then his agent took off, leaving him alone in a country where he had no relatives, friends or means to live and strive towards his footballing ambitions.

A friend who met Lanre brought him to me and we raised funds to buy him a bus ticket back to Lagos and to his family. He is still playing football.

It is sad just thinking that a couple of those kids I watched playing at the Lekki tournament will one day end up like Lanre in pursuit of stardom in Europe because there are no proper channels to ensure they get into clubs that will give them livelihood in Nigeria.

And many of them will become stranded in Europe when they eventually get there because they will be surplus to requirements. Many will not come back home because they will feel like failures in the eyes of their family members.

Even still, many of them will abandon football in search of better opportunities and ensure that the country keeps losing its best legs. Unless the Nigerian football authorities begin to put in proper plans to fully tap the potential of the many talents that abound in the country through the funding of grassroots football, a huge number of our talents will continue to elude us and our football will be the poorer for it.

Aminu Maigari © SS.com NFF insists on credible poll in Imo NIGERIA

The Nigeria Football Federation has charged all stakeholders of the game in Imo state to prepare for free and fair elections this weekend when new executives are elected into the board of the Imo state football association.

- Vote for Nigeria's 50 greatest players

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari said on Thursday that it would not augur well for transparency and credibility should methods be applied to force some persons on the Imo state FA other than the will of the good people of the State.Maigari equally urged all football stakeholders in Imo state to ensure flawless polls at the elections slated for Saturday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
“We trust all football stakeholders to abide by the statutes that govern the running of the game in the elections into Imo state FA. The people of the state truly love the game and sports generally and we believe that they will ensure that this is done,” said Maigari.

Thirteen cleared for women polls NIGERIA

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) electoral committee for the January 29 elections into the remaining elective executive committee and board members position of the football house on Thursday made public the outcome of the two-day screening exercise which took place between January 18 and 19.

- Vote for Nigeria's 50 greatest players

The elective elections include that of the women, national and amateur leagues.NFF chief media officer Ademola Olajire told SuperSport.com that 13 candidates were cleared for the women league; nine candidates scaled the hurdle for the national league while the same number was equally approved for the amateur league.
Those cleared for the women league are Alhaja Ayo Omidiran, Aisha Falode, Dilichukwu Onyedinma, Matilda Otuene, Henrietta Ukaigwe, Irabor Faith Uwugiaen, Peter Ogueche and Adeoye Adebowale.
Others include Edith Nwakire, Ruth Olowookere, Princess Bola Jegede, Iyonhe Grace Ngugemen and Gloria Shoda. National league has Stephen Yakubu Gyebgon, Chief Emeka Inyama, Majekodunmi Ganiyu, Nuhu E. Tanko, Emmanuel Zira, Kalli Babagana, Ochiagba Emmanuel, Kunle Soname and Greg Abang while listed for the amateur league include Jarret Tenabe, Ahmad Muazu Kawu, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Chukwu Christian and Dele Ogungbemi.
Also cleared are Alhaji Kabir Falalu, Tanko Bawa, Abubakar Ladan and Joseph Akwa.
The board of each league is composed of seven persons, that is, a chairman and six ordinary members and one from each of the geo-political zones of the country.

Hamilton wants credible persons for women league NIGERIA

Ahead of the election into the women league board slated for January 29 in Abuja, former Super Falcons coach Paul Hamilton has called on the authorities concerned to ensure that people who have passion and interest for the game are elected.

- Vote for Nigeria's 50 greatest players

Although Hamilton is not unmindful of the fact that most often government preferred candidates emerged victorious, he told SuperSport.com that government should read the mood of the nation and choose people who have made great impact and still keen to contribute towards the development of the women league.“The authorities know who they want to take and they would look at the hand writing on the wall and know those who have offered their services to the growth of women football in the country.
“I have no special candidate but I would want those who have been at the fore front in the development of women football, people whom I still think have interest and passion, so let them choose them.
“Women have done us proud, how many times have we won the African Women Championships (AWC), how many times have we gone to the World Cup, so let them give us people who have the passion and interest for the game.” The former Nigerian international who said the main problem facing women league at the moment is lack of sponsors however opined that instead of the two telecommunications giants – MTN and Globacom struggling for the soul of the premier league one of them should go to the women league.
“At the moment we are having cries and heated arguments over the sponsorship of the premier league, two giants telecommunication outfits are dagger drawn over sponsorship and I said asked why can’t one of them go to the women league.
“Women league is crying, looking for sponsors, let one of them goes to the women league and the other to the premier league so that things will go on fine with the women league.
“What we need at the moment is sponsorship, at least, for the players to have something and a sense of belonging, let one of the giants go and sponsor the women league,” he said.

NPL suspends keeper Akpan NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE

In the wake of the brawl game in an encounter between Sunshine Stars and Heartland, goalkeeper Bassey Akpan has become the latest to be charged with unsporting conduct.

- Vote for Nigeria's 50 greatest players

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) in a statement has slammed a one-game suspension on the Heartland goalkeeper for his poor behaviour in last Sunday's game against Sunshine Stars.Akpan will also pay N100,000 as fine to the NPL.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Premier League, Tunji Babalola, told SuperSport.com that Akpan was charged and suspended based on the match report submitted to the NPL.
Babalola said the Heartland goalkeeper was suspended for shoving the centre referee, Friday Awogo from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja during a Week 12 game.
"He (Akpan) pushed the referee during the game between Sunshine Stars and Heartland. That incident was in the match report submitted to the NPL. So we have decided to act on it," said the Premier League scribe.
Babalola added that the wave of fines and suspensions in the Nigerian topflight is to ensure that all actors in the championship keep to the rules guiding the NPL.
“NPL will remain steadfast in sanitising the league of any unprofessional conduct on and off the pitch at regular interval,” said Babalola.
Akpan will now miss Heartland's next home match against Zamfara United in Calabar this weekend.
He is the second player to be slammed with such charge this week after Enyimba's Austin Kadiri suffered same fate for punching an opponent in a Week 12 game against Warri Wolves last Sunday.

Ticket Masters to handle Zamalek match KENYA LEAGUE

Ticket Masters have been contracted to handle ticketing management for the CAF Champions League Match Ulinzi Stars vs. Zamalek SC on the 29th of January 2011 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Ticket Masters and Ulinzi Stars will Tuesday 25th January hold a press conference on Tuesday at the Nyayo National Stadium to provide information on ticketing which will include, ticket price, tickets points of sale and ticket sales terms and conditions.
Ticket Masters were responsible for handling 50% of the Kenyan Premier League matches in 2010 season. Speaking to SuperSport.com the General manager of Ticket masters Martin Nkaari said, "Preparations are complete for the Ulinzi and Zamalek match to be played at the Nyayo stadium. We will be issuing information on ticket prices and the advance points of sale on Tuesday."
"Tickets will contain information directing fans on which gates to use to allow for easy entry into the stadium.We also ask fans to turn out in large numbers and support Ulinzi as another Kenyan club seeks to conquer Zamalek," he added.

Tau relishing Bloem showdown ABSA PREMIERSHIP

Kaizer Chiefs captain Jimmy Tau is looking forward to leading the Amakhosi into battle against Bloemfontein Celtic at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Sunday afternoon, kick-off at 15h30.AmaKhosi go into this match in second place, breathing down the necks of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Celtic inadvertently did the Soweto giants a favour by holding the Brazilians to a draw midweek, with Chiefs taking full advantage as they accounted for AmaZulu by a 3-1 score-line.
The result put the defeat by Ajax into somewhat more distant memory and Chiefs can now try and build some momentum as the season moves into round two and the race for the title starts to slowly heat up.
However, in Celtic, Chiefs face a side in solid form – Phunya Sele Sele are in sixth position and remain unbeaten at home this season.
Under coach Clinton Larsen, Celtic have become a well organised side whose good form means that they remain an outside bet to enter the title race equation themselves.
Tau accepts the Gauteng side have a challenge on their hands.
“It’s not going to be easy at all. While we are boosted by our midweek win, we must realise that each game is a new chapter, and we have to start again, we can’t rest on past results.
“Celtic’s record at home speaks for itself, and we are going to have to produce a special performance.
“We know what to expect when playing in Bloemfontein, the atmosphere will be electric and it’s up to us to rise to the challenge and use the vibe at the ground as inspiration,” said the AmaKhosi right back.
Chiefs will be without midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane, who picked up a third yellow card against AmaZulu and is thus suspended.
Celtic meanwhile have their own aspirations and are not about to be overawed by the occasion.
Coach Clinton Larsen says that only a victory would satisfy the goal set out earlier this week.
“I wouldn’t be happy with two points from six, at the beginning of the week we said we wanted at least four, so that means we are going all out for a win.
“It’s a home game for us, so we need to aim for maximum points.”
Larsen says that it won’t be advisable to single out certain on-form Chiefs players, such as Kaizer Motaung Jr and Knowledge Musona, for special attention.
“It’s not just those two players – Chiefs are a quality side all round, even their bench players are dangerous.
“So we need to watch all 11 players. But I feel that some of my players are also hitting top form, so its going to be a great game for the supporters.”
Celtic will be without Clifford Mulenga, who limped off against Sundowns, but can welcome a fit-again Nathan Paulse back into the fray.
Last season Celtic had the upper-hand over Chiefs, winning 1-0 at home and drawing 1-1 away.
But this time round they have already lost twice – in the league and in the MTN8.

Vasco out to avoid third straight loss ABSA PREMIERSHIP

Vasco da Gama’s 2011 form sees them facing Free State Stars at the Philippi Stadium on Saturday afternoon having to avoid a third successive defeat, kick-off at 15h30.
The bubble has been burst slightly after the PSL rookies ended 2010 on a high, and following three draws and defeats to SuperSport United and then Santos, Vasco will want to recapture that winning feeling.
They were not outplayed in either game, but failed to create enough impetus in attack, and were also guilty of missing a few clear-cut chances. They only lost each game by a single goal.
With Sibusiso Zuma seeming to lack a striking partner – Bradley August seems only to be considered as a late impact sub, while Excellent Walaza has failed to impress - the veteran striker at times is starved of service, while opposition teams have obviously recognised him as the danger-man and are making plans to keep him quiet.
The attention given to Zuma should open up chances for the likes of Jonathan Armogam, Zeka Karkee, Josephy Kamwendo and Keenin Lesch, but this had not materialised for the Cape side.
They must now dig deep against a Stars side that have become hard to beat as the season has progressed.
Steve Komphela leads his side down to Cape Town having secured a 1-1 draw with champions SuperSport United midweek, their third successive stalemate - the last time Ea Lla Koto having tasted defeat coming four games back when they lost to Celtic.
The first round game between Stars and Vasco ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with keeper Kennedy Mweene scoring from the spot and Zuma replying for the Cape side.
Mweene is hopeful of a good result, but is mindful of not underestimating Vasco (10th position) who Stars (ninth) have overtaken.
“We can’t look at past results. Yes Vasco have lost their last two games but if anything this makes them more of a threat.
“We saw what they are capable of when we hosted them earlier in the season, so we know a tough game awaits us – they are a hard-working side.
“But we are in good spirits. The team is working hard and improving all the time – we’re going there optimistic of a positive result,” said the Stars captain.
Vasco coach Carlos das Neves feels there is no reason to feel a crisis is looming – he feels his side just need the rub of the green to go their way.
“All three games after Christmas have been tight. Against Platinum Stars we gave away a penalty which meant we only got a point.
“Against SuperSport we lost a tight game by a single goal, when we should have scored a goal in the first half which would have changed the complexion of the game, and against Santos we lost it in the last 30 seconds.
“In football you need a bit of luck, which we haven’t had recently. Our performances haven’t been bad and we just need to keep our heads up and give our all against Stars.”
Vasco will be without Zeka Karkee, who was sent off against Santos, but otherwise maintain the same set of players that did duty on Wednesday, with no-one retuning from a fairly lengthy injury list.

Stakes high in Tshwane derby ABSA PREMIERSHIP

SuperSport United’s quest to climb the table means they have to secure a positive result over the best side in the league at present, Mamelodi Sundowns.
In doing so they can also grab Tshwane bragging rights from this Pretoria derby which takes place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday night, kick-off at 20h15.
The floundering three time champions have started 2011 in inconsistent form, they have lost to Orlando Pirates, took a draw (Free State Stars) and a win (Vasco) from their remaining two games of the year.
A stale-mate at home with Ea Lla Koto midweek will however perhaps not been seen as a great result, and Gavin Hunt’s men will be hoping for an improved result against the Brazilians.
Pretoria derbies are traditionally entertaining and tight affairs, although recent history provides little comfort for Matsatsantsa – Sundowns won this season’s encounter 2-1, while last season’s league games resulted in a draw and a win for Downs.
Adding to the occasion is the fact that so many players have crossed over between the clubs in recent seasons – the majority leaving United for Sundowns, with SuperSport’s continued loss of some of their top players seemingly to have caught up as they find themselves just outside the top eight.
With that in mind, it would be a real statement of intent and a confidence booster if the champions can secure victory, but they face a Sundowns side determined to make the league trophy their own, and looking to bounce back from a 1-1 draw to Celtic midweek.
“This is going to be a tough game, make no mistake,” said Downs skipper Esrom Nyandoro, a veteran on many such derbies.
“SuperSport don’t deserve to be where they are, they have had some results go against them this season, at times they seem to battle a bit in front of goal, but they remain a very, very good side.
“We are however determined to hold on to our top spot, and after dropping points in midweek a win is our only aim.
“It’s hectic this time of the season with games coming so quickly, but if you want to challenge for honours, you have to dig deep and find renewed energy and commitment.”
Hunt will certainly be hoping for more from his strike-force – the likes of Kikru Tefera and Kermit Erasmus are yet to come to the party, although Anthony Laffor is showing improved form.
While Nyandoro anchors the Sundowns midfield, former Botswana international Dipsy Selolwane does the hard yards in the SuperSport engine room.
“We are not happy with recent results, we need to find more consistency so we can build momentum and climb the table.
“Sundowns will be the favourites for this game, but that suits us fine,” he said.
“They are under pressure to keep their place at the top, so if we can keep things tight and limit their chances, they will feel the pressure, and its up to us to take advantage.
“Derbies are always exciting between these two teams, and league position counts for little, we need to go into the game focussed and thinking only of the 90 minutes, we are certainly good enough to a positive result.”

Battle of newcomers in NPL – live on SS NIGERIA LEAGUE

It will be a game of newcomers in Week 13 of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) between Crown Football Club and Bukola Babes at the Gateway International Stadium in Ilaro -- live on SuperSport 9 from 3.45pm on Sunday.

- Vote for Nigeria's 50 greatest players

Head coach of Bukola Babes, Festus Allen, could not hide his excitement that his team will take centre stage on the World of Champions in this weekend’s fixture in Nigeria’s Premier League.“It is good that we are getting more television coverage . . . people are beginning to see that we are not in the Premier League to complete the numbers. This will really encourage us to have a go at our opponents,” Allen said.
Allen will hope that Yusuf Abubakar, Fade Adebayo, Audu Akeem, Effiom Otu-Bassey, Seun Sogbesan, Bashir Abdulrahman, Olayiwola Ayeleso, Vincent Ogar and Daniel Etor hit the ground running in Ilaro.
Crown goalkeeper Ayobami Ojo says he and his teammates are ready to put up their best performance for Sunday’s clash with Bukola Babes in order to climb out of relegation zone.
Ojo said: “We are very ready for them. Our intention is to take three points and move out of relegation.”
Bukola Babes currently occupy seventh position and will be keen to win their first game on the road.
Commentators Bowie Atama and Ralph Chidozie George will capture every moment of the game live on your World of Champions.

Nigeria preview for Week 13

Gombe United v Sharks Bernard Ogbe’s Gombe United head into this game in 12th position on the log against in-form Sharks at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.
Gombe have won all their five games at home this season while the Blue Angels have taken three draws on the road in five games with the remaining ending in losses. It will be difficult for Sharks to pick a result at Gombe.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Recent head-to-head
June 6, 2010: Gombe United 2 – 0 Sharks
January 30, 2010: Sharks 1 – 1 Gombe United February 7, 2009: Sharks 0 – 0 Gombe United September 14, 2008: Gombe United 1 – 0 Sharks April 12, 2008: Sharks 3 – 1 Gombe United December 9, 2007: Gombe United 0 – 0 Sharks August 17, 2006: Gombe United 3 – 0 Sharks June 3, 2006: Sharks 2 – 1 Gombe United December 18, 2005: Sharks 0 – 3 Gombe United June 12, 2005: Gombe United 0 – 0 Sharks September 14, 2003: Gombe United 3 – 1 Sharks March 26, 2003: Sharks 1 – 1 Gombe United
Niger Tornadoes v Enugu Rangers
The Flying Antelopes will seek to end their poor away run in which they are yet to score a goal this season. Enugu Rangers have an open window to dent Tornadoes at home considering that they are yet to win in their last five games – a scorecard of four draws and one loss. But with Alphonsus Dike’s men yet to hit the ground running on the road, the best from this game will be a draw
Prediction: 0 – 0
Recent head-to-head
March 13, 2010: Niger Tornadoes 2 – 0 Enugu Rangers October 10, 2009: Enugu Rangers 1 – 0 Niger Tornadoes May 2, 2009: Enugu Rangers 0 – 0 Niger Tornadoes December 17, 2008: Niger Tornadoes 0 – 0 Enugu Rangers May 25, 2008: Niger Tornadoes 0 – 0 Enugu Rangers January 6, 2008: Enugu Rangers 2 – 0 Niger Tornadoes March 18, 2007: Enugu Rangers 2 – 2 Niger Tornadoes January 20, 2007: Niger Tornadoes 1 – 0 Enugu Rangers August 7, 2005: Enugu Rangers 0 – 1 Niger Tornadoes February 26, 2005: Niger Tornadoes 0 – 1 Enugu Rangers August 1, 2004: Enugu Rangers 2 – 0 Niger Tornadoes April 3, 2004: Niger Tornadoes 1 – 1 Enugu Rangers May 25, 2003: Enugu Rangers 1 – 0 Niger Tornadoes February 1, 2003: Niger Tornadoes 3 – 0 Enugu Rangers
Kwara United v 3SC
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have been poor on the road with just one point from 15. But it will be a short trip from their base in Ibadan to Sagamu to face Kwara United, who were battered last weekend by Bukola Babes.
3SC have not beaten Kwara United in seven years on the road except for two draws last season and on April 16, 2005. But Kadiri Ikhana’s side will seek to return to winning ways.
Prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
May 1, 2010: 3SC 1 – 0 Kwara United December 12, 2009: Kwara United 0 – 0 3SC September 24, 2005: 3SC 1 – 0 Kwara United April 16, 2005: Kwara United 0 – 0 3SC June 5, 2004: 3SC 3 – 1 Kwara United March 3, 2004: Kwara United 3 – 1 3SC
Dolphins v Kano Pillars
Five previous visits by Kano Pillars to Port Harcourt have ended empty-handed. Dolphins have the longest winning streak of four and will stretch that to five on Saturday when they play host to Kano Pillars. Dolphins have won all six games at home this season.
Prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
May 22, 2010: Kano Pillars 1 – 1 Dolphins January 13, 2010: Dolphins 3 – 1 Kano Pillars July 15, 2006: Dolphins 3 – 0 Kano Pillars May 6, 2006: Kano Pillars 2 – 0 Dolphins October 22, 2005: Kano Pillars 2 – 1 Dolphins June 15, 2005: Dolphins 2 – 0 Kano Pillars July 25, 2004: Dolphins 2 – 0 Kano Pillars March 31, 2004: Kano Pillars 3 – 0 Dolphins August 2, 2003: Kano Pillars 2 – 1 Dolphins March 9, 2003: Dolphins 3 – 1 Kano Pillars
Sunday, January 23
Crown FC v Bukola Babes
It is the first topflight meeting between the two sides. Ganiyu Salami’s men are on a streak of four losses in their last five matches compared to Bukola Babes’ three wins, one draw and one loss. Coach Festus Allen of Bukola Babes is confident that his side can take something from this game in spite of having picked just a point from five games on the road.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Recent head-to-head
None
Heartland v Zamfara United
The Naze Millionaires will play their first game at their new home ground – the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar against Zamfara United. Heartland have been comfortable facing Zamfara as evident in their past four meetings at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri dating back to March 20, 2005.
Zamfara should drop back to the relegation zone after this game.
Prediction: 3 – 1
Recent head-to-head
June 28, 2010: Heartland 2 – 1 Zamfara United January 24, 2010: Zamfara United 1 – 0 Heartland June 3, 2009: Heartland 3 – 0 Zamfara United December 17, 2008: Zamfara United 0 – 0 Heartland March 5, 2008: Heartland 3 – 0 Zamfara United October 28, 2007: Zamfara United 1 – 0 Heartland August 27, 2005: Zamfara United 0 – 0 Nationale (now Heartland) March 20, 2005: Nationale (now Heartland) 1 – 0 Zamfara United
Lobi Stars v Ocean Boys
This is a game between (Ocean Boys in) 15th and (Lobi Stars in) 16th placed sides. The two teams are of equal strength considering their unimpressive start to the season. One of them will return to the drop zone at the end of this tie – and Ocean Boys look likely due to their form on the road of five losses in five away games.
Prediction: 1 – 0
Recent head-to-head
March 28, 2010: Lobi Stars 2 – 0 Ocean Boys November 18, 2009: Ocean Boys 1 – 0 Lobi Stars June 14, 2009: Ocean Boys 1 – 0 Lobi Stars January 11, 2009: Lobi Stars 2 – 1 Ocean Boys April 27, 2008: Ocean Boys 2 – 0 Lobi Stars January 9, 2008: Lobi Stars 1 – 1 Ocean Boys June 18, 2006: Ocean Boys 1 – 0 Lobi Stars June 7, 2006: Lobi Stars 2 – 1 Ocean Boys
Warri Wolves v Plateau Utd
The last time both sides met in the topflight was on August 21, 2004 in Jos and that ended in a 1 – 1 draw. The reverse fixture played earlier that year also ended 1 – 1. But Wolves were known then as NPA, and will pose a different opposition to Ndubuisi Nduka’s men who have continued their faltering start since their return to the Premier League.
Paul Aigbogun’s team should blow Plateau apart.
Prediction: 3 – 1
Recent head-to-head
August 21, 2004: Plateau United 1 – 1 NPA (now Warri Wolves) April 14, 2004: NPA (Warri Wolves) 1 – 1 Plateau United
Kaduna United v Enyimba
This is the number 130 game of the season on the calendar. It will be Maurice Cooreman leading Kaduna United out against his old team. Already, Cooreman’s side enjoyed a cup win over the Peoples Elephant last season and will want to add to the woes of the champions, who have started the season on a crawling note. Kaduna United are the only side to have scored in every game this season and will continue that run.
Prediction: 2 – 1
Recent head-to-head
February 21, 2010: Enyimba 1 – 1 Kaduna United February 14, 2010: Kaduna United 1 – 0 Enyimba April 5, 2009: Enyimba 1 – 0 Kaduna United November 23, 2008: Kaduna United 0 – 0 Enyimba August 2, 2006: Enyimba 4 – 1 Kaduna United May 21, 2006: Kaduna United 2 – 1 Enyimba

SOUTH AFRICA - PSL TABLE AND FIXTURES

• By date
• By game week

« Previous Next »

Wed	19/01/11	Bloemfontein C…	1 - 1	Mamelodi Sundowns	View events	More info
		Golden Arrows	0 - 2	Orlando Pirates	View events	More info
		Kaizer Chiefs	3 - 1	AmaZulu	View events	More info
		Platinum Stars	1 - 0	Wits University	View events	More info
		Santos	1 - 0	Vasco da Gama	View events	More info
		Supersport United	0 - 0	Free State Stars		More info
		Maritzburg United	3 - 0	Ajax Cape Town	View events	More info
		Moroka Swallows	3 - 1	Mpumalanga Bla…	View events	More info
Sat	22/01/11	Golden Arrows	15 : 30	Maritzburg United		More info
		Platinum Stars	15 : 30	Ajax Cape Town		More info
		Vasco da Gama	15 : 30	Free State Stars		More info
		Orlando Pirates	20 : 15	Wits University		More info
		Santos	20 : 15	Mpumalanga Bla…		More info
		Supersport United	20 : 15	Mamelodi Sundowns		More info
Sun	23/01/11	Bloemfontein C…	15 : 30	Kaizer Chiefs		More info
		Moroka Swallows	15 : 30	AmaZulu

TABLES

• League table
• Half-time
• Wide table
• Form table
• Over/under
• Attendance

			Total								Form	H2H
#		Team	MP	W	D	L	F	A	D	P	Last 5 matches
1		Mamelodi Sundowns	15	10	1	4	24	10	+14	31	DWLLW
2		Kaizer Chiefs	15	9	2	4	19	9	+10	29	WLWWW
3		Orlando Pirates	15	8	5	2	18	9	+9	29	WDWDW
4		Ajax Cape Town	15	8	3	4	20	16	+4	27	LWWDL
5		Santos	15	6	7	2	15	10	+5	25	WDWWD
6		Bloemfontein C…	15	7	4	4	17	13	+4	25	DWDWD
7		Golden Arrows	15	6	4	5	18	18	+0	22	LWLDD
8		Platinum Stars	15	4	8	3	14	13	+1	20	WDDDD
9		Free State Stars	15	4	7	4	10	12	-2	19	DDDLW
10		Vasco da Gama	15	4	5	6	17	18	-1	17	LLDDD
11		Supersport United	15	4	5	6	12	18	-6	17	DWLLD
12		Wits University	15	4	4	7	18	18	+0	16	LLDLL
13		Maritzburg United	15	4	4	7	16	23	-7	16	WLWWL
14		AmaZulu	15	3	6	6	23	26	-3	15	LLLWW
15		Moroka Swallows	15	2	5	8	12	20	-8	11	WWDDL
16		Mpumalanga Bla…	15	1	2	12	10	30	-20	5	LLLLL