This exclusive interview with Almeria forward Henok Goitom was conducted before the semifinal in the Copa del Rey between Almeria and FC Barcelona by the totalBarça FC Barcelona Fan Organization.

Goitom shared his thoughts about Almeria, Barcelona and Twitter.

After the game 0-8 loss against FC Barcelona in November you got a new coach in José Luis Oltra, what has changed in the team since then?

With a new coach everyone gets fired up. We have a better understanding what a team needs to do to be able to fight for a new contract in la liga.

What do you think about Oltra so far?

Oltra tries to ensure that the defense becomes stable, as the attack is already good. We have several players who can score goals and make assists.

After the Almeria – Barça game Cristiano Ronaldo said that it would be interesting to see if Barça could score eight goals against Real Madrid. Did you want Barça to score eight against Madrid, and did you expect the game to be so one-sided as it was?

I believe that the 5-0 in the way Barcelona played hurt more for Real Madrid than 8-0 did for us. Before the game everyone expected an exciting match and if Ronaldo had got a penalty it would have been another game. But after that it was only Barça and the way they played out Real Madrid was incredible.

During the season Almeria have had it harder in the league but have been great in the Spanish Cup. Why do you think it’s like that? Is there a big difference between the Cup and the League?

The latest games in the league have been going well. A draw against Madrid and a win now against Osasuna so we are starting to get [used to] Oltra’s philosophy. Before it has gone well in the cup because we have not had the same pressure as in the league.

Barcelona have had a fantastic season so far as it comes to the league, although they have had it harder in the cup with two draws against Athletic Bilbao and recently a 3-1 loss against Real Betis. Do you believe you have a better chance to win against them in the cup than in the league?

Barcelona is always Barcelona. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the cup or in the league. It will be as hard.

As a kid you were a fan of AC Milan. Why Milan?

I’m still a Milan supporter. It started when I saw Van Basten, Gullit and the guys play and since then I have been stuck.

You once said that you liked Barcelona more than Madrid, is that still the case?

I like Barcelona more than Madrid because they have a philosophy they follow all the way! They have their way of playing and believe in it even if it would go bad. That’s how much they believe in it. And that they make players from their own ranks to become stars year in and year out is incredible.

You have not played in either Allsvenskan (Sweden’s highest division) or Superettan (Sweden’s second highest division). Instead, you went directly from Vassalund/Essinge to the Serie A club Udinese at the age of 19. How did that happen?

My coach Roger Palmgren got me a try-out for the U-19 national team and I took a place in the starting eleven right away, Udinese saw me in one game. Then it was done.

Even if you play in one of the world’s best football leagues, you seem to be a very humble person that cares about the people close to you. How do you keep your feet on the ground?

I was raised with the motto, don’t think you are better than anyone because you have better conditions and treat everyone with respect.

What do you think about the recent acquisitions of clubs like Malaga and Racing Santander? What impact will it make to the overall league and the respective clubs?

There needs to be a little roof, or the wages can run away. I got to know through a friend that Platini has put up a proposal which says that the clubs’ spending must be covered by revenue. It is a good rule, I think.

Is it hard to be a professional football player and a Twitter addict at the same time?

Sure. I write a lot on Twitter but it doesn’t affect my social life, so I don’t know if you could call me a twitterholic exactly. But Twitter and football is no problem, it goes hand in hand without a problem.

What is your best tweet of all time?

The best tweet must have been during the El Clasico game, when the result was 4-0. I wrote: “I know how you feel Real Madrid, you just want the game to be over”.

In 2010 football was the name of the game on the African continent and history in the making with the first FIFA Football World Cup held in South Africa.

Football has become a “world religion” bringing nations together on the pitch and off the pitch. Who would have thought that alone supermarket giant Sainsbury’s would sell an African instrument, “Vuvuzela”, once used to summon distant villagers to attend community gatherings, over 50.000 times in the UK.

Africa is not only made out of South Africa and so football history continued to be written also in Eritrea, a small African state on the red sea, where the young nation hosted the CECAFA under-20 tournament. The CECAFA theme was Development and Friendship and took place in Eritrea’s capital Asmara from the August 14 to August 28.

Teams from nine African nations, including Eritrea, received a warm welcome by  Mr Tesfay Gebreyesas president of the Eritrean National Football Federation. Eritrea, the hosting country delivered a successful cup with organizers squeezing the best out of resources available, it proved again Eritrea can make it even during difficult times.

President of CECAFA Mr Leodegar Tenga praised the Government, Football Federation and the people of Eritrea for their hospitality. He continued on by saying

“This tournament will not only stimulate the development of football in this region, but it will also renovate social, economic development of our people and foster friendship”.

The tournament was overall packed and tickets for matches sold out, hotels were full with African nation’s contestants and streets were decorated with banners all over the place.

Eritrean fans were on the streets chanting “Eritrea, Eritrea Eritrea” full of excitement and roads packed with cars sounding there horn. Although, Eritrea came second behind cup winner Uganda and 4 players of the national team of Zanzibar had to be disqualified because of overage the cup was a major achievement for the team and Eritrea.

Shabait, Asmara, 28 August 2010 – The 5th CECAFA Cup under 20 tournament that was conducted here in Asmara concluded today with the Ugandan national soccer team as winner.

In the final matches that took place today between the Eritrean and Ugandan national teams, the two teams drew 1-1 in both the regular and additional time. In the subsequent penalty kicks, the Ugandan team beat the Eritrean team 5-3, thus emerging as the champion.

Also in the matches conducted earlier between the Kenyan and Rwandan national teams for ranking, the Kenyan team defeated its counterpart 1-0 and assumed the 3rd position.

In the course of the two-week tournament under the theme: “Development and Friendship”, the national soccer teams of Eritrea, Tanzania, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda and Zanzibar, as well as the invited Yemeni team took part.

By Dalmar Gure, Nairobi (HOL) – Six nations from all over Africa came together Sunday to commemorate the 19th Independence of Eritrea by representing their respective countries in Africa’s favourite sporting pastime, Football.

In a sport revered by millions of Africans, it is no surprise that since its introduction to the continent football has embodied strong political elements. Since the waves of independence in Africa began, football and freedom have become synonymous; therefore, it is only fitting that Eritrea, the last African nation to gain independence, celebrate by hosting a football tournament.

One of the organizers of the tournament, Bellay Tekleab, said that he was happy to see such a great turnout and enthusiasm from both the players and spectators. “This is the first time we’re doing this (tournament) and we that this can become an annual event. Next year we hope to invite more teams and have more people come out and watch these kids play”

Players from Cameroon, Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan participated in the round by round knockout tournament that was held at the Technical College in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

The first round saw Kenya be defeated by their Somali counterparts 2-1; a headline that has become all too familiar for both Kenyans and Somalis. Ethiopia barely edged past Cameron with a one – nil win. The third game of the first round saw Eritrea win a lop-sided victory over Sudan 3-0. The last scheduled game of the tournament was riddled with confusion as Eritrea Youth, a team that was taking the place of an India/Pakistan squad that failed to show up won by technicality as their opponents the Democratic Republic of Congo was also in absentia.

The Somalia team donning jerseys that read “Eastleigh Stars FC” continued their dominant play with a convincing 3-0 win over Eritrea; a win that would secure them a position in the finals. . Ethiopia and Eritrea Youth faced off for the other coveted position in the finals. Both teams displayed a balanced attack and even better defense. Eritrea Youth would emerge as the victor winning a nail biter 3-2.

The championship game pitted Somalia and Eritrea Youth against one another in a game that would ultimately come down to speed. To the surprise of the mostly Eritrean crowd, Somalia’s attack offense continued to bombard the Eritrean goalkeeper throughout the game. At the end of the first half, Somalia already had a commanding 3-0 lead. The second half saw much better defense by the Eritreans who conceded only a single goal. The final score was 4-0.

The Eritrean ambassador to Kenya, Dessale Berhane, one of the spectators of the tournament said that the day was not about winners or losers; but rather to share their special day with the rest of the countries. View more photos: http://www.hiiraan.com/images/2010/may/Eritrea_Day_Tournament/index.htm

Aron Tesfay

Leeds City College and Street Work Soccer have teamed up with City to run a weekly football centre in East Leeds for youngsters aged between 6 to18 years.

It has gone from strength to strength since its establishment six months ago with more than 2,000 youngsters now involved in the project and 13-year-old Eritrean Aron Tesfay recently established in the under13s Platt Lane Academy squad.

Aron, who is originally from Eritrea in Africa and now lives in Lincoln Green with his uncle, was spotted while playing at the College at a Street Work Soccer session. He was fast-tracked for a six-week trial at City’s Academy which resulted in his recent signing.

He attends training sessions three times per week and will be supported with his education through the College link with his school, (Primrose High School) which is close to the College, and the education team at the club.

By coming together, Leeds City College, Street Work Soccer and the Blues hope to help address the issue of social inclusion, providing an alternative and appropriate leisure opportunity for inner city youngsters while helping to promote and engage them in education.

“What this project does is help channel young people’s energy into sport as opposed to less anti-social activities, the continued success of this project means the future looks bright for young players in the Leeds inner city area,” said Paz Shan, Director of Street Work Soccer.

Dawn Craven, Curriculum Manager for Sport & Fitness at Leeds City College added: “It is about presenting opportunities to young people – not all of these players will be lucky enough to pursue a professional career but they can build a successful career through education and we provide the options at looking to achieve that.”

City’s Yorkshire Regional Recruitment Officer Dave Harrison said: “Hopefully Aron will be the first of many talented young players to come through this project.

“We are now looking forward to continuing to work with the Street Work Soccer and Leeds City College, which has provided the perfect venue for this partnership and for coaching talented and enthusiastic players.”

Eritrea lost 2-1 to Rwanda in today’s Group B match of the Orange CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi. The victory over Eritrea ensured Rwanda a place in the quarter-finals making it tougher for the Red Sea Boys to reach the next stage of the cup.

This comes days after the coach of the Rwandan national team was fired by the National Football Federation having finished bottom of Group 3 in the qualifiers for next year’s African Cup of Nations in Angola.

In the second Group B match between Zimbabwe and Somalia, Zimbabwe could secure four points by beating Somalia 2-0.

Eritrea is going to play Somalia at the City Stadium, Nairobi on Saturday. Eritrea needs a victory over Somalia to be able to qualify for the quarter finals.

The two top teams in three groups qualify automatically while the two best performers from the other six teams also gain a place.

Henok Goitom

The second week of La Liga is around the corner. In UD Almería, Henok Goitom is recovering for the thigh injury he sustained during an internal friendly during the preseason. Soon he’s going to make his official debut for his new club.

Have you heard of him before?

If not, then let me take you on a little journey that starts not quite far from where I grew up. Although Henok has already travelled quite far, our journeys could still end up relatively close by.

The only difference will be the two of us simply covering different aspects of the sport we love. One on the field – and one from the Bleachers.

Henok Goitom was born to Eritrean parents on September 22nd, 1984 and grew up in the notoriously immigrant-dense Stockholm suburbs of Tensta and Husby. As a youngster he could be seen in the third gravel pitch, or simply “Husby 3” at six o’clock where he and his friends competed over who could score the most tunnels on each other.

The young Goitom was trained by his father and although the dream of making it as a professional footballer was always at the back of his mind he didn’t start taking football seriously until his mid teens. In 2003 the Swede-Eritrean took a leap most young footballers can only dream off. He traded fourth division Vasalund/Essinge for Udinese and Serie A.

The rising young talent was discovered by scouts during a qualification game with Sweden for the U-19 European championship in Portugal. “I was 18 years old and thought “fuck it”, let me do this. If this doesn’t work out I can always come home and play for one of the Stockholm clubs. I managed it all through discipline and patience. “I was focused on my goal during the entire time. But people should know that it wouldn’t have worked out without the support from my family and friends,” Goitom told Braxingen.

La Gazzetta dello Sport quickly labeled Goitom “Udinese’s new pearl” where the newcomer was taken under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti and trained alongside players such as Vincenzo Iaquinta, David di Michele and Antonio di Natale.

Unfortunately his dream move would soon become a nightmare as he sustained a rather serious knee injury only one month into the move, that kept him from the pitch for most of his first season in Italy.

On February 19th the following season the forward made his debut as he came on as a late substitute against Inter Milan with only seven minutes remaining of the fixture. It turned out that this was all that was needed as he he grabbed the equaliser with a header in the 90th minute.

Despite the successful debut it was to be his sole appearance in the Udinese shirt.

Having played only seven minutes on the pitch in two seasons it naturally took its toll on the youngster, who missed everything and everyone he had left behind. Goitom later revealed that he even considered a move to Stockholm-based outfit Djurgården (DIF) in Allsvenskan.

“I talked to DIF-coach Kjell Jonevret. I was incredibly close to joining Djurgården that summer. I was thinking; after two years in Udinese I’ve only played seven minutes, I miss Stockholm, I’m 19 years and not that mentally strong for the moment.

“When I talked my Father he said; what are you going to do here? Not even when I’m really bored do I sit down to watch Allsvenskan.”

With seemingly no playing time at Udinese, the then 21-year old was shipped on loan to Segunda division club Ciudad de Murcia where he spent two seasons during which time he scored 24 goals.

During this time he’d also established himself as a regular in the U-21 side, but unfortunately he didn’t make the final cut for the Swedish squad that went on to play the World Cup in Germany.

After having been released by Udinese in 2007, city rivals Real Murcia secured the services of the gangly forward for a fee of €3 million as he put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal.

With his new club, Goitom only netted twice as the side was ultimately relegated to the Second Division. With no desire to go back to the second tier combined with the club’s financial situation the Swede-Eritrean was once again shipped out on loan – this time to Valladolid who had just finished their first season back in the Spanish top flight after three years in Segunda.

Valladolid paid €500,000 for the forward who was brought in to replace Villarreal-bound Joseba Llorente and was given a €3.5 million buyout clause at the end of the season.

Despite establishing himself as a first choice in the starting line-up under José Luis Mendilibar, Goitom was finding it extremely difficult to find the net. The supporters weren’t merciful and soon started to show their discontent with the new arrival.

It wasn’t until the 13th round that the forward found the back of the net. After his second goal he was asked if he thought the supporters would finally warm to him, but the reporters were in for a somewhat different reply.

“The war has just begun. It’s me against them and if I have to fight against 25,000 then I will. I don’t want them to cheer me on. If they’ve been against me once then they can continue on with that the entire year. It’s like you talk behind my back at first and then want to come close to me,” he said to Aftonbladet.

The Swede-Eritrean finished the season as the club’s top goalscorer with ten goals to his name. Despite the success in the second half of the season Valladolid chose not to exercise their buying option, which meant that the player was once again in the possession of Real Murcia.

In July UD Almería officially announced the €2.5 million signing of Goitom after their star-man from the previous season, Alvaro Negredo, was called back by Real Madrid and eventually headed for Sevilla.

Not too long from now, Goitom will make his first appearance for his new club. The 24-year old is excited about his new club and has already praised them for their attack-minded football.

Around Sweden, Goitom has become a huge inspirational source for teenage boys who just like the Almería forward hopes to be able to one day make it as a professional footballer – and nothing would please him more. “I like to talk to 15-16 year olds here in Sweden, the ones that can think; he went from Husby to La Liga, and so can I”.

Just like his fellow countryman, the very outspoken Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henok Goitom too is different. They duo simply represent another part of Sweden.

The dream is to play for a bigger side and a good run this season could very well spark interest from the more prestigious La Liga clubs, but there’s no denying that Goitom has come a long way since his days in the Husby gravel pitches. Source: (Bleacher Report)

Uganda scored in each half to beat Eritrea 2-0 in the final of the Cecafa Under-17 Youth Championship, at the Stade Khartoum late Monday night. Ceaser Mulumba netted in the 26 minute and Andrew Waswa sealed the victory in added time.

Earlier, both Tanzania strikers scored late in the match to give their team the bronze medal after a 2-0 win over hosts Sudan. Thomas Emmanuel (84′) and Simon Msuva (89′) closed the domination by the Tanzanians, in the third place play-off which preceded the final under the floodlights of the stadium.

Eleven countries took part in the championship and the only Cecafa absentee was Djibouti. Malawi, a guest team that is headed for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria was eliminated 2-0 by Uganda in the quarter-finals.

In the semi-finals, Uganda edged Tanzania 5-3 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 score in normal time. Eritrea knocked out Sudan 2-0 in extra time at the same stage. Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye confirmed that henceforth the championship will be an annual event.

“Because of its importance in shaping the future of our national teams, sponsors have understood the worth of this competition and we are not likely to lack money to stage it in the future. The Government of Sudan financed this edition and they did a fantastic job,” Musonye was quoted as saying on Kenyapremierleague.com. Source: (Goal)

Eritrea to play Monday night against Uganda in the under 17 Cecafa finals of the regional soccer tournament in Khartoum sponsored by President Omar al-Bashir.

Sports authorities in Kampala said on Monday that Uganda’s Hippos edged Tanzania in a penalty shoot out on Sunday to qualify for the final match of the Confederation of Eastern and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) second edition in Sudan.

In 2007, the Uganda team lost to Burundi in the finals by two to nil.

The tackle minded Eritreans are said to have ejected the host country Sudan in another semi final. The final will be preceded by Sudan playing against Tanzania to decide the third position. The Uganda national team, the Cranes are the current champions of the senior CECAFA challenge cup.

Cecafa Cup-2009

Tanzania and Uganda clash in today’s first semifinal match of the Cecafa Under-17 tournament following their victories in Thursday’s quarterfinals.

Tanzania confirmed their place after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Ethiopia while Uganda ran down Malawi 2-0. Tanzania started their match strongly making a series of attacks in the Ethiopian goalmouth.

Their efforts were rewarded in the 35th minute when Hamisi Thabit headed past towering Ethiopian goalkeeper Zerihun Tadele.

Uganda scored in the 30th minute through Julius Kigori who slotted home a penalty and Danniel Sserumkuma in the 58th minute capitalizing on a defensive blunder that left hard working goalkeeper and captain Victor Nangwale exposed.

Uganda would have run off with a bigger score line but the Malawi goalie was always at his best pulling off a series of saves. In the other quarterfinal played last evening in Wad Medani Eritrea beat Zanzibar 2-1.

The last quarterfinal between defending champions Burundi and Sudan had not yet been played by press time. Eritrea scored their goals through Osman Mohamed (11) and Kulu Berhane (55). Yohanes Tilahune got Zanzibar’s consolation in the 42 minute.

Cecafa U-17 Cup

Quarterfinal

Wednesday

Tanzania 1-0 Ethiopia

Uganda 2-0 Malawi

Thursday

Zanzibar 1-2 Eritrea

Source: (The Newtimes Rwanda)