The Four Killers of Football Talent

The stories of Kenya’s wasted football talent are many. Even for those who stay in the game, many do not achieve their full potential.  You see them in KPL; a player who was beyond his teen age in talent cannot explain where his mojo went to in his early twenties. These are players who attracted media attention and interest from foreign clubs only for them to lose their form and fail to recover.

There are many negative things in Kenyan football; substandard coaching, poor playing surface and training facilities to name a few. These negatives mean that for a player to make it, he must overcome internal (personal) hurdles and other external factors. Yet we keep losing great talents everyday to the same things that destroyed talent several years ago.

 With emphasis on football, but these reasons may cut across other sports, I take a look a look at the four top killers of sports talent in Kenya.

Cheap Drugs

Kenya as a society we love cheap thrills. Our appetite for quick fix solutions lead most of us to go for cheap drugs for a quick high. The two drugs that are easily accessible and affordable to football players are miraa (khat) especially the mogoka version of it and bhang also known as weed.

David Munyasia one time Kenyan medal prospect in boxing was turned away from 2004 Athens Olympics for failing a doping test. When the matter was exposed, it turned out that what cost him was cathine, a compound found in miraa. Then Philip Opiyo was signed up by South African club Umtata Bush Bucks and a few months into the 2004-2005 season he failed a drug test for bhang. His contract was terminated and he came back and joined local clubs.

The two drugs are stimulants; though miraa tends to rob consumers of sleep and appetite, two things that are essential for building strong muscles.  Bhang on the other hand enhances performance. Their effects are subtle and by the time it shows, it is too late.

Celebrity Status

Football is an art; where the coach becomes the choreographer and players artists. Artists are revered people and even the good book says your talents will take you before kings. A first team slot in any team comes with media exposure and a celebrity status that must be managed well.

Most players let this new buzz about their abilities get into their head and soon they try to live a life beyond their means. Slowly, they lose concentration and start to dip in form. This is when the coach a player respected a while back starts to look like he doesn't know what he is doing.

Uncontrolled Sex

The ladies will forever die for a well trimmed body and a muscular physique. It is common knowledge that football players are ladies magnet. The moment one starts to indulge in uncontrolled sex, is the moment his football skills start to deteriorate.

Sex has its benefits, but like many things it serves one best when taken in moderation because it can lead to addiction. Even when it is readily available, sex takes time and money to prepare for it and it needs good time of rest after it. If a player does not watch out on this end, his football will pay for his indulgence.

Indiscipline

All the factors mentioned above boil down to discipline or the lack of it. Sooner or later a player will start to come late for training. When his dip in form or lack of commitment is questioned, the problem becomes the questioning authority.

As long as a player will not exercise delayed gratification, the net effect is dwindling in form and a possible end in career. There is no substitute for hard work, when you see Victor Mugubi against Steve Gerald, it looks classy and beautiful. What you will not see is the sweat, blood and may be tears that Mugubi went through to reach where he is today.

It is also prudent that clubs engage the services of chaplains or counsellors (like the Brazillian national team) to look out for the first signs of trouble in a players life. This may go a long way in salvaging many careers for the good of the game, and the good of Kenya.

©STUTTISTICS MEDIA 25^th Feb 2014

Five takes from Gor Mahia's narrow win over US Bitam

It was not an explosive match, may be due to Bitams cautious approach and this being Gor’s first competitive match since they lost to AFC Leopards in GoTV Shield finals last year. With only history known to the two clubs, Gor’s 1987 win of Cup Winners Cup and Bitam’s coach Oman Biyik exploits in 1990 World Cup in Italy.

1.       Gor’s 4-3-3 was 4-2-4 on the ground

On paper Bobby Williamson set out to play a 4-3-3 formation but ended up with 4-2-4. Rama Salim set behind the three forwards kept drifting in front to form a four man attack. Shaban Kenga, Danny Sserunkuma, George Odhiambo and Rama are all typical forwards. What Bobby wanted to achieve in this match is not known.

Kizito was left solo at the centre of midfield so all the passes were looped to the attackers. With all the forwarders on the shorter side in terms of height, Gor were losing as many balls as they were winning. Kizito was lost, lacked speed and when he came into play it was more on the defensive. This is one area Gor must address before they leave for Gabon.

2.       Walusimbi and Shakava

Gor went into the market and brought in several new faces. Of all the players they brought on board, Ugandan import Godfrey Walusimbi is a good catch. Defender Haron Chakava got more for a debut show. He is one defender who can keep the likes of Israel Emuge on the bench.

Walusimbi is an accomplished left back, on the ball and going forward. He was strong defending and threatening going forward winning several free kicks for Gor.

3.       Many moles upfront

Whatever Bobby wanted to achieve by playing four attack minded players and ignore midfield play, no one knows. George Odhiambo and Kenga are yet to fit into the Sserunkuma and Rama flow. With four players competing for balls with no one assigned to supply it, is self defeating. When you put the same type of mole to dig one hole, you end up with confusion.

There are several players to get into the supply chain. Eric Ochieng’ or Wanyonyi would have done it in the absence of injured Kevin Omondi.

4.       Bitam Bit off their own foot

What worked for Gor is that Bitam came for a draw. They even celebrated the 1-0 loss, as if they had scored an away goal. With the opponent on back foot mentally, then Gor should have killed this game at home.

When their goal keeper decide to grab the ball out of the box and got a red card for it, things became thick for them. All in all, it is an average club trying to cut out a place for itself in Africa.

5.       Free Kicks

It has become useless for Kenyan clubs to win free kicks because they are executed with reckless abandon. Gor won several free kicks and none was threatening at all. Set pieces always present a good opportunity to win a match with a low lying fruit. This was not the case on an evening when Gor failed to put the match beyond their opponents reach going into the return leg.

Bitam celebrated the narrow loss. This should tell Gor clearly that it will be a tough duel in Gabon.

Kenyatta Stadium; The Ten Million Shilling Question

Ever since Dr. Alfred Mutua burst into the limelight, I have associated him more with TV series Cobra Squad than his other titles. Until he became Governor of Machakos and I expected the usual jabbering in a high pitch voice. He decided to prove critics wrong.

I happened to be in Machakos twice in the last week. The moment I got to Mlolongo, I was greeted with signposts of a new Machakos. When I turned off Mombasa Road into the Machakos Road, you are struck with a new lease of fresh air. Even the heavens have been good to send rain in Machakos, the hills are green.

The moment I was done with my business, I asked for directions to Kenyatta Stadium. Word had it that the county Government had done some good work in preparation for CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup set to begin on 28th November 2013.

 I had to sweet talk my way through security guards. The guards wore this- I am proud to be here demeanour than a harassing one. I had to prove I am a blogger, the new title in town. I stepped into a bee hive, nobody even bothered to notice an intruder walking around the truck.

Is what I was seeing work worth TEN MILLION Kenyan shillings?  The grass on the pitch was green and well trimmed. The stands were in different stages of construction and completion. The complete parts were painted blue while the other parts had the grey tint of welded mild steel.

Women were selling foodstuff the workers. A supervisor could be heard giving instructions to someone on the other side. As I walked past the main stand, I caught a glimpse of the tunnel still under construction. Behind the main stand, two ablution blocks are being constructed on far right and left. The kind of concentration and speed that the workers are going about their business tells you that, it is not Business as Usual.

 I passed and walked past a group of people preparing to mark the grounds. Meanwhile, a roller is at work making sure the playing surface is indeed flat. The grass is green and healthy, testimony of work done in the scorching semi arid heat of Machakos.

I walk out and get back in through the gate behind the main stand. The process of talking the guards into letting down their guards is repeated. I go in and enter into some rooms that are almost complete. The floor and walls have been tiled to the ceiling. I asked a technician doing the wiring if these are the players changing rooms. He fumbles then tells me his work is to install the electricity system, he is too busy and I walk out and move on.

I see a man my height about twenty metres away. He has a walkie-talkie so I assume he is a supervisor. I go to him and ask where the changing rooms are. He directs me back to the room I have just left, and the next block a few metres away. I decide to check the next one. Wow, I am blown away, I walk straight into the wash rooms at the far end and the finishing is top notch. The floor has dark grey tiles, while the walls are draped in cream ones. There are black strips running from the ceiling downwards in several places making the room look bigger than it really is. The light bulbs are designer and the toilet seats are just superb. Players will definitely prefer Machakos stadium facilities to Nyayo or Kasarani stadiums.

I walk back and scan the tunnel under the imposing main stand. I look around and see the terraces surrounding the eastern part of the stadium and decide my eyes have seen enough. One week is a short time, but If these beehive can bring out the honey. I must go to Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium to see for myself.

That is when I will ask the TEN MILLION SHILLING question?

I have always known that money is never the problem in Kenyan football, lack of vision and the determination to get it done is the problem. IT CAN BE DONE, Dr. Alfred Mutua has shown us the way, Kisumu and Kakamega County Governments, there is no need of re-inventing the wheel.

Copyright - Stuttustics Media

When Sofapaka sneezed to give Gor the title;

Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech where he repeats the phrase; “Had I sneezed, I would have died.” Sofapaka went into their match with Gor Mahia on Wednesday 23^rd October knowing very well that should they sneeze, Gor’s –Giniwasekao (we have taken it) chant would be a reality. They held Gor for 88 minutes, then they sneezed, and Dan Sserunkuma fired in his trademark shot into the roof of the net from Patrick Oboya’s wonder pass.

The main man of the match was Sofapaka’s midfielder Benard Mang’oli and the flop for the day was Gor mahia’s Anthony Akumu. Eric Ochieng’ and Joseph Wanyonyi outplayed their own ‘veteran’ Akumu in the midfield. Eric was winning 50-50 balls and Wanyonyi was supporting attack very well. Johnstone Bagole was good at holding midfielder; in the end Mang’oli bagged man of the match.

Sofapaka played their traditional 4-4-2 with James Situma back in defense from kickoff.  Johnstone Bagole and Benard Mang’oli were in the midfield assisted by Bob Mugalia and Anthony Kimani. Mang’oli faced and outplayed Eric Ochieng’ on the opposite side. Bagole silenced Akumu and Sofapaka kept the Gor fans in the stand on the edge for a better part of the match. This set up worked and Sam Timbe can maintain it.

Gor played a 4-5-1 formation with Serunkuma the lone man upfront assisted by Kevin Omondi and Edwin Lavatsa on the flanks coming in from the midfield. So Gor had an extra man in the midfield and Sofapaka outplayed them in the centre circle. That brings the Akumu factor, playing him in central mid was a mistake. Eric Ochieng’ is better at central midfield; Akumu should have been in front of the defense. This was Gor’s undoing until Akumu went off for Moses Odhiambo in the 86th minute.

Sofapaka’s main undoing was attack. John Baraza and Mustafa Kasolo fired blanks throughout the match. Batoto ba Mungu gave a good account of themselves. Bob Mugalia was having his first start in many days and his lack of fitness was evident. He limped out in the 53^rd minute for the improved Elly Asieche.

Joseph Wanyonyi had a good day but his inexperience was shouting. He is the kind of player you don’t thrust huge responsibilities on at such a time in his career. Gor had a rough time but their defense of Israel Emuge, Mosoti, David Owino and Musa Mohammed stood firm.

In the end, Gor won the match from the bench. If a coach has Patrick Oboya (Lavatsa 68), Moses Odhiambo (Akumu 86) and Paul Kiongera (Omondi 75^th) on the bench, that is manpower. Sofapaka on the other side brought in Elly Asieche (Mugalia 52) and Patrick Kagogo (Kasolo 77). This is when Sofapaka could not hold the sneeze and Gor killed the game.

Apart from that, Gor has a champion’s mentality that combines resilience with character. If there is anything that has given Gor the title this season, it is those two. There has been little or no bad vibe coming in from Gor playing unit. It doesn’t mean they don’t have problems, I heard their training allowances were recently delayed for weeks but they kept their eyes on the ball.

Congratulation to Gor for winning the 2013 title and to Sofapaka for making the victory worth celebrating.

GoTv Shield Semis: Sofapaka ‘pinched’ by Ingwe

Peter ‘pinches’ Opiyo pinched Sofapaka out of the midfield battle to win the ‘man of the match’ award. It was a match that lacked firepower as both sides employed a cautious approach. At some point it looked like a kick around. Sofapaka made two great mistakes and paid by conceding as many goals. One was a goalkeeping blunder and the other leaving Noah Wafula unmarked on the blind side.

I had aluded to the match being a battle between Peter Opiyo and Sofapaka skipper James Situma. In the end Peter Opiyo prevailed because he had good back up in Martin Imbalambala and Paul Were as Mike Baraza got lost in the crowd. Situma on the other hand had the team’s weak link in John Njoroge right in front of him with Anthony Kimani only as his side kick. That simple arithmetic counted for Leopards.

Leopards employed a 4-3-3 formation from the start. Paul Were and Noah Wafula were on both sides of Allan Wanga upfront. The two Sofapaka full backs of Thomas Wanyama and Yusuf Juma did well to stop the two terrorists. In the end Were had to fire in a clever cross from far between Eugene Asike and Felly Mulumba to Wafula on the right to score the second goal as his traditional runs on the flank were halted by Wanyama.

Sofapaka had a 4-4-2 formation with John Baraza and Mustafa Kasolo in the opponent’s box. Their back four played wide in attack forming a wedge into Ingwes box. In defense, the back four would go narrow giving space for Anthony Kimani ‘muki’ and Patrick Kagogo to fall back and cover.

Sofapaka must look for another Humphrey Mieno to go into the ‘hole’ behind the twin strikers. John Njoroge was deployed in that position and ‘his calls went unanswered’ just like Mike Baraza in the opposite side. In the absence of speedy wingers as Juma and Wanyama were kept busy hence overlapped less, an intelligent player is needed at the centre. Situma was left to do everything, from spade work recovery of balls to rushing up to initiate attack; he lost the fight honourably in the end.

Martin Imbalambala with two powerful players on the flanks, Paul Were and Wafula, freed Peter Opiyo to do what he does best, read the game. This worked for Ingwe, as Sofapaka opted for long balls to Baraza and Kasolo who were tightly marked by Saleh and Anthony Kimani ‘modo’ in ingwe defense.

The first goal in the 42^nd minute, Duncan Ochieng’ missed to clear a ball after Bagole had shielded Wanga. Wanga broke loose and tapped it in. This came after Duncan had made some daring saves to deny Leopards’ goals so it was a tot of bad luck.

Sofapaka came in the second half with the intention of hoarding the ball but that did not work. Situma had gone into defense and Bagole replaced him in the midfield with no much effect. Kagogo went out for Elly Asieche in the 47^th minute and went behind the strikers as Njoroge went to the left. This change added little punch upfront to trouble ingwe.

Eugene Asike came in for Kasolo and went into defense to send Situma back into the midfield. Sofapaka now crowded the midfield with five players with only John Baraza upfront. Ingwe responded by Were and Wafula dropping deep to leave Wanga a lone man upfront. Wafula’s 82^nd minute strike killed the match and Sofapaka’s efforts were too little too late.

Sofapaka are good but that could be the enemy of their best. They lack that cutting edge of champions and to wrestle the league title from the jaws of Gor will need extra cat skills. Leopards’ must sharpen their claws if they are to bag the GoTv Shield; their first major silver since 1998. It was a match with ‘little juice’ to write home about.

© STUTTISTICS media

GoTv Shield Semis: Sofapaka vs. AFC Leopards’ Preview

This is a James Situma vs. Peter Opiyo battle, whoever wins the fight in the midfield will carry the day. Why do I say this? Watching the two teams in the quarter finals last weekend, these two players were the ‘engine’ – the cog upon which their sides revolved.

Sofapaka and Ingwe both like to use the flanks. The difference is it is full backs that overlap for Sofapaka while Leopards’ has speedy wingers with slow fullbacks. I will wait to see how James Nandwa and Sammy Timbe use their charges to play out in the flanks.

Back to the midfield. Last Sunday Peter Opiyo was with Charles Okwemba, Oscar Kadenge and Martin Imbalambala.  Seda and Paul Were came in the 2^nd half. Situma had Bernard Mang’oli at the centre with John Njoroge and Anthony Kimani on the flanks.  Situma finished the match in the defense, another shot from the hip from Sofapaka.

This should have been a Peter Opiyo vs. Bernard Mang’oli battle as they will be playing similar roles. Their positioning is similar but mentality different. When Ingwe’s defense wins the ball, it lands on Opiyo, but for Sofapaka it goes to Situma who pass it on to Mang’oli or someone else. Hence the term ‘engine.’

Situma is a ball winner, he can tackle hard. Opiyo on the other hand, is good at intercepting than fighting for the ball. This will prove decisive if the match gets thick as I hope it will be. The cover for Opiyo when it comes to tackles is Martin Imbalambala.

On the flipside Opiyo is better at holding the ball than Situma. Situma will win the ball then he must pass it to Mang’oli who is good at holding and passing. Is Opiyo a good passer? A big NO. If there is one area Ingwe’s main man at the centre must improve on is passing accuracy, especially when pressure piles.

I have expanded it to include Martin Imbalambala and Benard Mang’oli. I hope the rule of on-loan players not playing against their ‘parent’ club won’t apply in the GoTv shield, Mang’oli should feature. This is where the match will be won. Sofapaka has a secret weapon in Johnstone Bagole, how Timbe positions him will also count.

Upfront, John Baraza is better than Allan Wanga in terms of the ratio of shots at goal against goals scored. Wanga will work harder than Baraza but in the end Baraza will carry the day. The support strikers in this case may just make the difference.

I expect the flanks to be active especially where speedy Paul Were will be facing Thomas Wanyama. The game changers may come from the bench, but meanwhile, let’s watch the centre. I see a balanced match, but Ingwe have had a better run prior to this match.  I won’t be surprised if it ends up in penalty shootouts.

Let’s meet at Kasarani at 4 PM.

© STUTTISTICS media

Sofapaka beat an Organized Muhoroni Youth

Sofapaka 2-1 Muhoroni Youth

This was a match I believe Muhoroni did not deserve to lose if it was not for Sofapaka’s fighting spirit. Muhoroni were organized, Sofapaka were hungry for a win and that is what made the difference. When the match balance sheet is drawn, Sofapaka’s custodian Duncan Ochieng’ went home deserving in accolades, he saved Sofapaka from a painful loss especially in the final minute of the match.

The two teams set out with similar formations, a variation of 4-4-2 but with the two midfielders playing more as wingers. They both had a single defensive midfielder and a central midfielder.  This worked for Muhoroni but failed for Sofapaka in the first half with Anthony Kimani failing to click as a central midfielder. Muhoroni were fluid on the ball with brilliant passes while Sofapaka went for goal with intent with minimal ball play.

The defense of both teams played a great game. James Situma who was playing as a holding midfielder was outstanding for Sofapaka. I believe this position gives him leverage to express himself as compared to when he is in the defense. Felly Mulumba has matured into a strong defensive tower for Sofapaka and Wanyama’s high work rate on the right was commendable. 

Franklin Osama marshaled Muhoroni backline well with Harry Gentle on the left flank. Nick Owende, Muhoroni’s right fullback like Sofapaka’s left back Collins Kisuya had concentration lapse in the face of fast attacks. The cover was good for both teams which minimized the damage.

Jackson Maina was the engine of Muhoroni’s play; coming in from the right his moves always threatened Sofapaka. When his one-two passes worked with Issa Khaemba, Sofapaka was left chasing shadows. Then Iddi  Shikanda came in for Sammy Wakhanya and Imonje boys had a stabilized but failed to convert activity into productivity.

Koko Manupi tapped in Sofapaka’s first goal against run of play, then Felly Mulumba headed in the second from a Wanyama corner two minutes later. Muhoroni replied when Joseph Emeka tapped in a free kick. Emeka had a good play with Issa Khaemba earlier, he shot past an outstretched Duncan Ochieng, hit the post and the ball went out.

 Anthony Kimani always positioned himself directly in front of Situma at the centre leaving two ‘highways’ on either side. Sofapaka wingers Koko Manupi and Obadiah Tarumbwa played wide and Jackson Maina exploited this but Muhoroni could not capitalize on this Sofapaka weak link. Obadiah Tarumbwa realized this and fell into the hole behind Bob Mugalia and John Baraza to cover for Kimani. This is what saved Sofapaka and they went to the break with a 2-1 lead.

 Coach David Ouma realized this and Kimani was replaced by Eli Asieche in the second half and the chances reduced for Muhoroni. The visitors always came up with flashes of brilliance which were followed by spells of slow play. This is what made the difference; they failed to pile pressure consistently despite coming up with organized and threatening attacks.

Sofapaka was opting for long balls when the midfield failed but Muhoroni defense was always ready to keep improved Bob Mugalia and John Baraza at bay. Gaddy Omondi was brought into the goal for a shaky Joel Odongo and Muhoroni and the confidence in Muhoroni defense grew.

 The introduction of Agwanda and Patrick Kagogo changed the flank play for Sofapaka. Kagogo earned a penalty in injury time which John Baraza fluffed. Muhoroni came in with a counter attack that Duncan Ochieng punched out in the 95th minute to save Sofapaka from a last minute blush.

ENNPI 'Triangles' that Frustrated Gor

Football is won and lost in the midfield- period. This is the engine of a team and the fulcrum upon which every move revolves. Midfield is a mentality and not a position, the positioning follows an inbuilt disposition in a player.

There are defensive and attacking midfielders, where a special type is a playmaker who can be described as a central midfielder. The defensive midfielders are more of tacklers and spoilers while playmakers and attacking are creators. Passing is a must for any midfielder as it is the only way to complete an efficient play. In Kenya, we have more than enough supply of defensive midfielders but the others are rare.

It is with this in mind that I set my eyes on the Egyptian side ENNPI when they played Gor Mahia in the return leg of Confederation Cup second leg. They played a  4-3-3 formation but the two wingers fell into the midfield when they were defending for a  4-5-1 on back peddle.

The three midfielders were defensive- Mohammed Sobhy Gazy and creatives Nader Saber El Ashry and Abdalla Shahad Ibrahim. Whenever they were defending Gazy was always infront of the defense but Nader came down to play on Gazy’s left. This meant that the Egyptian side had a six man wall in the defense then Shahad was in the centre circle to form a midfield triangle with the base in the defense.

In the offensive, Nader moved up field as Shahad went to the left, shifting the base of the triangle into Gor’s side of the field. Gazy remained as the apex in front of the defense. This happened with a static Joseph Njuguna and Teddy Akumu positioned in a diagonal line in front of Gor defense. Thes three ENNPI midfield players blocked and outplayed a Gor midfield composed of Kevin Omondi, Ali Abondo, Joseph Njuguna and Teddy Akumu. 

Moses Odhiambo is an accomplished midfielder, and his introduction stifled ENNPI in the second half.

Gor appeared purposeful when Rama fell deep into the ‘hole’ behind Serunkuma and acted as a playmaker, which faults their midfield. There was another shift in play when Innocent Mutiso came in for Teddy Akumu.

ENNPI ‘triangles’ meant that in the offensive they played a 4-1-5 system and 6-3-1 in defense. The transitions were seamless, the passes accurate but their finishing was poor. The ‘extra’ players filling the gaps meant that Gor’s efforts were always watched by an extra set of eyes not committed to active play. This is the player who curtailed the moves before they turned dangerous. These extra player(s) sometimes transformed the triangle into a diamond, another formation that if played well, locks opponents out of play.

Watching KPL clubs play leaves you with insights why our football lacks an edge in the region and Africa as a whole. Our midfielders are way average for the game. Those who can tackle and win balls cant hold on to it. Those who can hold have a low complete passing rate. The play-makers are non-existent especially with the exit of Humphrey Mieno to Azam FC.

We need to develop our midfielders’ individual play then work on their team work in terms of transitions and cohesion. ENNPI employed a simple play that made sure they consolidated their 3-0 win advantage over Gor in Cairo.

Catch me on Twitter @stuttistician

Tactical Improvement in Tusker Premier League

Stop and take your eyes off the action in the EPL and UEFA Champions League and spare sometime for the local version of the beautiful game. TPL clubs are slowly getting the gist of matters technical football, the few matches I have watched this season, clubs are getting entrepreneurial and taking risks in the game.

One department that works for our players is the defence side of things. Gor Mahia and Tusker FC have the best defence so far, Thika United also have great talent at the back but the league is still young to separate the diamonds from graphite. On area of want is the holding midfield or defensive midfielder- the diamonds are still rough.

This is an area where we have abundant talent, but to be honest, most of it is average. Those who can hold the ball have a low delivery rate on passes like Peter Opiyo of Tusker. Those who can tackle and win the ball, may be poor in holding it like Teddy Akumu but again good in passes. When individual talents are refined, then coaches can give us good formations.

The 4-4-2 formation became obsolete but all other formations that came after it always work with it as a template. TPL clubs play with a four man defence  Francis Kimanzi tried three defenders last season with Sofapaka but went back to back four. Our players’ physical fitness and technical ability makes it difficult for coaches to experiment new formations as well.

The choice of a formation is determined by players' tactical ability, individual talent and team dynamics. To this end TPL coaches have challenges because our players may be good in talent but average in tactical prowess.

Two man holding midfield

Because we lack creative midfielders our midfielders tend to default to defensive mode. Look at Gor Mahia against Sofapaka on Saturday 9^th March when Gor won 1-0 courtesy of a sublime Mungai Kiongera back heel goal. Akumu was the holding midfielder; Kevin Omondi and Paul Mbugua were the other midfielders with Rama playing in the hole behind Edwin Lavatsa and Kiongera.

Sofapaka had towering George Owino in that hole as a defensive midfielder to mark the diminutive Rama Salim. On a day that Osborne Monday failed to deliver the passes and Tito Mulama lacks speed in the midfield, it meant that Sofapaka defense always had Mulama as a third leg due to his lack of fluid in the midfield.

In reality, Paul Mbugua and Akumu were holding midfielders leaving Kevin Omondi with the task of breaking the Sofapaka defense, something that gave Sofapaka relief in defense. Kiongera’s goal came from the Lavatsa’s cross from the right after beating Collins Kisuya, the midfield works more in the defence than offence.

At Ruaraka based Tusker, Peter Opiyo is always deployed as a central midfielder but he has an inherent defensive trait, the good thing is he adopted passing later. He is always falling deep to play in a straight line with the deployed holding midfielder. Is it prudent that TPL clubs just adopt a double holding midfield pattern then try a three man defence  This means that 4-5-1 will be the most preferred formation.

The flanks

If there is another area our clubs lack in exceptional talent it is wingers. Very few players can run to the touch line and deliver an exceptional cross. Crosses are always hard balls to defend and there is a likelihood that a striker like John Baraza will drill it in. Leopards’ Paul Were is a magician here, but sometimes he gets lost in the details then he ends up losing his major role.

The new sensations on the flanks are Sofapaka’s Zimbabwe import Obadiah Tarumbwa and Tuskers Ugandan import Omunuk, both foreigners but great talent all the same. Logarusic prefers to play direct play with Gor Mahia- his less action on the flanks may be due to his realization that we lack players with the speed and ball control for the wings. Our wingers tend to get lost in the midfield, so the midfield is ever crowded but somehow the clubs that break into the box scores the goals.

The ideal winger knows when to defend and when to go to the midfield. Then there is the changing of flankers; how does playing a right legged player on the left flank influence a game? It means he has to cut back and run towards the box with ball away from the goal or risk dribbling on the side exposed to the marking defender. It works well though to confuse defenders, and Sofapaka and Tusker use it often and it works.

Forwards

There has been an increase in goals in TPL in the past few match days. If you take a look, these goals have not been scored by strikers but midfielders. KCB has had a good run so far, watching them against Ulinzi, I saw a cohesive approach to the game rather than tactical prowess. The lads are enjoying themselves, thus scoring many goals.

So far, KCB have perfected the morphing of 4-4-2 into 4-5-1 and a solid 5-4-1 when chasing the ball. Then there is the pseudo centre forward played well by Jacob Keli, where he comes in from the midfield to score the goals. Very effective teamwork formations, I hope Juma Abdalla will manage to keep up the tempo.

I will try my best to bring you the clubs’ approach to the game as frequently as I can and soon after the matches. For the Good of Game and Country

catch on twitter as @stuttistcian

What Italian football can teach Kenya

Whenever Harambee Stars plays like they are currently doing in CECAFA Senior Challenge in Uganda, Kenyan football fans are treated to a rollercoaster ride. At one time we are struggling against Uganda, Southern Sudan gives us a scare but we manage to beat them on experience and such stories.

I believe Kenya needs an idiosyncratic (that is just another word for peculiar- but do I say) style of playing football, and we can learn from the Italians. The Azzuri, Italian national team is known to play a style of football called ‘Catenaccio’ (door-bolt.) This style is not popular with the rest of the world but it has worked for Italy. They won the 2006 World Cup in Germany and again lost the Euro 2012 final match to a Spanish side playing smooth playing football.

This defensive style of play may not be as pleasing to the eye as Spanish – tiki taka but it has worked for Italy. Even their creative midfielders like Cassano and Pirlo are not known to play the Iniesta- Xavi like style of midfield play. Italians lock it down even as they go forward.

Tribalism and his sister corruption are strains of a defensive mindset

Kenyans to my observation are a defensive people and it is evident in our football. Tribalism and his sister corruption are strains of a defensive mindset. When we feel ‘safe’ with one of our own in power to check the other tribes out to ‘finish’ us is as defensive as any Italian football club.

Leadership gurus a while back trained us to work on our weaknesses to succeed. Today the buzz word is lead from your strengths. If Kenya is to make an impact in African football we need to play from our point of strength- go defensive.

Looking at Tusker FC in the just ended Tusker Premier League one gets to understand what I mean. Tusker clinched the league with 39 goals, six less than AFC Leopards’ at position three. Gor Mahia scored 37 at position two, Thika United 36 at position five, and Mathare United 36 at position 8.

This is a low average of 1.3 goals per match for Tusker. They played a defensive minded football and at the end Coach Robert Matano who was in charge for the last six matches was happy not to have conceded a goal in his first two matches.

Since the league was revamped in 2009, the league has been won by a club that did not score the most goals. Since then it is only AFC and Sofapaka who have scored over forty goals in a season.  Looking at our players as well, especially in the midfield- we have always lacked attack minded play makers. The top scorer John Baraza is in the twilight of his career and Dan Serunkuma who gave him a run for his money is Ugandan.

We have never lacked good defenders and defensive minded midfielders. Siblings Victor Mugubi and McDonald Mariga are our latest big exports and they are both defensive midfielders. The few attacking midfielders in TPL are Gor’s Rama Salim and Kevin Omondi, Sofapaka’s Humphrey Mieno and Mungai Kiongera of KCB. Even with such players, our mode of play hardly utilizes their strengths, with Zdvarko Logarusic at Gor being an exception this season.

Yes, Italians are known to bolt the door and frustrate the opponent. With our burly defenders and not so speedy attackers, this is an approach we can adopt in the national team. Let’s not try what we don’t have the capacity to maintain or hunt what we cannot kill. If we defend well, then wait for our strikers to score that one goal that makes the difference. In Italy, the 1-0 score line is as common as pizza in Rome and Milan.

We can play from our strength as we strive to build the other departments we fall short in. Simple football, like Brazilian coach Luis Fellipe Scholari said, is the hardest football to play.

Catch me on twitter @stuttistician and Facebook; www.facebook.com/SokaBuzzz

  

If Only AFC and Gor fans got the BIG picture

This blogpost, I will confess has been difficult to write. I had to turn it over in my head and even sent it down to my heart a few times. In the end, like I have done many times before, I sat up to write it. I know some  Gor Mahia fans who know me and have read the title have already scrolled to other things, some who have clicked on it are browsing to see a statement they can throw back at me. That is unavoidable in this game, I will take all in stride.

I am not a Gor Mahia fan, but my club loyalty has never shrouded my judgment of Kenyan football entities. One thing I try not to do is to write about my preferred club, when I have to write I make sure I am as objective as possible. So, I always take the bricks thrown at me by fans with a pinch of salt.

I will go tribal (most Kenyans are) and please do not take this as my excuse for tribalism but my explanation of the same. I am a believer in the spirit of Kenya and a firm believer in the Kenyan dream. I believe a section of Gor fans who cause trouble after matches should look seriously into their actions, the sooner the better. As I did after the ill fated match Gor Mahia fans display Luos siege mentality after AFC Leopards' match , the recent Gor vs. Thika United match has awaken the writer in me.



I mentioned about the Luo community’s siege mentality that is born of past historical injustices. Again, everyone must take responsibility for his actions; I was just explaining why hooliganism is more than a football problem. Like Martin Luther King Jr. said, nobody can ride your back unless it is bent.

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards’ fans are known for causing chaos whenever a match does not go their way. AFC Leopards’ may claim that Gor fans are worse but their recent actions in Nakuru point to a kettle calling the pot dark. The big question is who loses when fans take out their disappointments on innocent members of the public?

First things first, It is unfortunate that I have to profile the ethnic (or regional) identities of TPL players, but if it is good for the local game- why not? I failed to get the 2012 full clubs team lists, so I took my time to look at match team sheets which has eighteen players. Most if not all clubs constitute over 50% of players from Western Kenya (old Nyanza and Western provinces.) Do not report me to Mzalendo Kibunja just yet.

The good book in Mathews chapter 25 gives us the famous Parable of Talents. God, like the master who went on a journey gives talents according to the ability of the recipient. The third servant told his master he was a hard man who reaped where he did not sow as a reason for not doing much with his gift. The little he had was taken away and given to the first two who had brought returns of their investments. To who much is given, much is also expected and so the Luo and Luhya communities should take the gift of football very seriously.

When Tusker FC played Chemelil Sugar on 11^th May 2012, all but three of their eighteen member team were from Western Kenya, Chemelil had eleven players from the same region. When Tusker recently beat City Stars 3-0 to win the TPL title, four players (including Obadiah Ndege) were not from the said region, City Stars had a similar number. What am I driving at?

I have not looked at AFC Leopards’ and Gor Mahia; of the two Gor will get a thumps up for recruiting players from all over Kenya while AFC tends to give consideration to players from Luhya community first. There is nothing wrong with either as long as football is played professionally. But when fans cause chaos, it is players who will suffer most, yet majority of them hail from the communities that support the two most popular clubs.

It is obvious that the two clubs cannot absorb all the talent from the bedrock of their fan base. So when Rangers FC winds up, it is not a Yobesh Ongeri problem but a Kenyan football problem. Several players will miss an avenue to express and develop their talent, and most of them will hail from the two communities. It is not just about Gor and AFC Leopards'.

In short, Gor fans, a majority of who are Luos should know that when they cause chaos they are hurting the local game, and by extension their brothers who play pay for it. The same with AFC Leopards’, fans of both clubs should endevour to make the local game appealing so as to attract the ‘neutrals’ who prefer to follow foreign leagues. The goal is to deny them the excuse that the local game is at the mercy of hooligans.

I write this with the knowledge that both clubs are capable of filling any stadium in Kenya to capacity if they mean business. Their matches are well attended, and they have a right to brag about it. What they may not know is that this is still a fraction of their fans; why are many of their fans afraid to come to the stadium?

In my earlier blog (I have attached the link above) I tried to explain why Gor fans tend to behave the way they behave. It is upon them to rise above prevailing circumstances and make the best of the situation. God gives talent, but it is the responsibility of the recipient to get the best out of this gift.
The local game has come from far but we still have a long way to go. I write this to ask fans, and especially Gor and AFC Leopards’ fans that for selfish reasons let them restrain themselves whenever they are disappointed in any way.

When Tusker wins, and Thika United also plays well, if you look well- it is good for the two communities who form the bulk of local football lovers. It is wise and prudent to lose battles gracefully if it will give you the impetus to win the war. I hope they get the bigger picture; it is the only way to avoid sweating the small stuff. This will also prevent other people from taking advantage of their weaknesses  for selfish reasons.

Lastly, a toast to Bob Munro and Thika United founders. The two clubs have been instrumental in raising players from other communities apart from Western and Coast regions where for a long time most of Kenyan football players hailed from. Long Live TPL, FKF and the local beautiful game.
You can now send this to National Cohesion and Integration Commission. We can build the whole (country) by building the parts.

African Champions’ League; build the parts to improve the whole

It may not be known to many Africans that Esperance of Tunisia is facing TP Mazembe of DR Congo while Egyptian Champions Al Ahly will face Sunshine Stars of Nigeria in the African Champions’ League semi finals this October.

 As usual all eyes and hearts are on the UEFA Champions league group stage. Esperence won the title last year after a seventeen year wait but they have been runners-up thrice before. TP Mazembe of DRC beat them on 6-1 aggregate in 2010 finals. Last year they beat Morocco’s Waydad Casablanca to the crown by a 1-0 aggregate.

There are many things we can take note of in this Premier CAF championships. Since 1991 only two clubs out of North and West Africa in TP Mazembe and South Africa’s Orlando Pirates have won the title. West African clubs have cut the dominance of the North Africans since 1998. Ivory Coast’s Asec Abijan, Hearts of Oak of Ghana and Enyimba of Nigeria clinching the trophy.

This says a lot about our continental championship as compared to the UEFA, or South American Copa Libertadore. Africa lags behind, even after clinching the sponsorship from mobile telephone giant Orange, little has changed. Even in the second tier Confederations Cup, Last year Club Africain of Tunisia lost to Maghreb de Fes of Morroco in the finals.

The two continental championships are a mirror of how things are bad in East, Central and Southern Africa in regards to football. This year, Eastern Africa region had three representertives in the Confederation Cup group stages; all from Sudan. Al Hilal Omdurman, El Mereikh and  Al Ahly Shendi.

First things first

First, our best players grace the foreign leagues in droves. It is every players dream to play in the UEFA champions’ league- UCL. McDonald Mariga and Samuel Eto’o are in a select contingent of African players to ever lift the UCL trophy. With Seydou Keita of Mali said to have pocketed an equivalent of Ksh. 90 million for winning the Champions League with FC Barcelona in 2010.

Our football will not grow by exporting our best talent, and no money is paid to their home federations every year from the clubs or leagues in Europe. African football will only grow at the rate which we are able to retain our best players in our local leagues. The excuse we always lack of finances to put our football at par with the rest in the world. We also acknowledge lack of depth in our organization and marketing strategies.

African football will only grow at the rate which we are able to retain our best players in our local leagues

  

EUEFA History

UEFA Champions League was not an idea of football fathers in Europe. In December 1954 French sports daily L'Equipe through their then-editor Gabriel Hanot rooted for a European-wide club competition. It is Hanot, together with colleague Jacques Ferran who came up with a blueprint for a challenge tournament to be played on Wednesdays under floodlights. The proposal was adopted by UEFA and it kicked off in 1955.

This makes it possible for a fan to fly out from London to Milan Italy to watch a Champions League match. The flight takes three hours but one hour is swallowed by time difference, so one can get a late kick off in Milan and fly back home to be at work on Thursday morning.

It initially started as a competition for clubs with massive fan base than clubs which won the league. This is something CAF officials in Cairo can look at. CAF as is the African norm copied the format for national league champions from UEFA yet they started from the most popular clubs. It is never too late to take AFC Leopards or Gor Mahia from Kenya in place of Sofapaka if that is what will make our Champions League popular in Africa.

The current UEFA format of group stages came up as a revolution in the 1992/93 season. As it is with us, CAF copy pasted the format in 1997 when it may not have been ripe for Africa. CAF could be going down a road without the backing of the African passionate fans. The most logical thing to do is to stop and re-strategize.

In South America teams qualify to the Copa Libertadores by winning half-year tournaments called the Apertura (opening) and Clausura (clossing) tournaments. This is where the national league is divided into two parts and the winners go for a playoff. Only Brazil brings teams that have finished top in their championship. The championship is growing in leaps and bounds, as more teams out of the national top flights have a chance for continental appearance.

It is good to note that TP Mazembe beat two South American  clubs, Pachuca of Mexico and Internacionale of Brazil on their way to the final with Inter Millan in 2010 FIFA Club World Cup.  This is evidence that Africa can stand up to the world in football. In 2011 Esperence bowed out after losing the first two matches.

It is never too late to take AFC Leopards or Gor Mahia from Kenya in place of Sofapaka if that is what will make our Champions League popular in Africa.

Africa is a special continent in terms of people’s diversity and economic standard disparities. We should come up with a football formula that suits us well. The media can be engaged more to report on major African leagues with the same zeal that I get to watch and read about European Leagues. Someone in Yaunde Cameroun can get to hear of FC Sofapaka before the Champions League starts.

It is time CAF looked at the reason why North and West Africans have dominated the show. Yet it is obvious that the likes of PSL of South Africa among others are good leagues as well. There could be a disconnect between what is on the ground and what CAF knows or tries to do from Cairo.

We can go the Brazilian way as a continent, where clubs play in the state leagues between January and April then go into the national championships till the end of the year. CAF can strengthen the four regional Confederations; Eastern Africa’s CECAFA, Southern Africa COSAFA, West African WAFU, Central Africa UNIFAC and North Africa’s UNAFF. CECAFA and UNIFAC both claim to serve Central Africa, something that can be sorted. The regional champions and runners up can then go into the knock out stage.

This is some sort of affirmative action to allow every region a chance of being in the group stage. It will in turn build a fan base and support from across the continent. Sponsors will be more attracted to come on board if the whole of Africa will be watching.

This will build up momentum for the continental show piece. We build the parts to assemble a worthwhile whole. It is easier for a fan to travel to Kigali from Nairobi by road or air to cheer his team. I can easily take a bus ride to Dar-es-salam or Lusaka to watch my team play than fly to North Africa.

Transport

One important hindrance to the growth of African Continental Club championship is our poor transport system. It is expensive for a fan to travel from East Africa to West Africa without connecting to Dubai or Europe. European fans can fly in and out of a country to watch a match with much ease.  Tunisia is more connected to Spain than Kenya. CAF can engage Airlines, Africa Union and Regional Economic Blocks to develop sound transport systems.

This initiative is not only bound to develop football but tourism and trade as well. When Africa interacts with itself, we can get to share ideas without waiting for a prompt from Europe. I will be glad to watch TP Mazembe play Kenyan Champions in Nairobi and maybe I can get a good excuse to savour the beauty of Lubumbashi.

UEFA and Copa Libertadores are way ahead, but we can create our own path. An appearance in UEFA even if you exit at the play offs is guarantee of income to a club. We can create a simple system where clubs get to the money bracket from the word go in regional championships. 

African Champions League can produce stars; we don’t have to wait for our players to go to Europe for the rest of Africa to know them.

Maina Kageni- Who Cares?

On Thursday 20th September on Classic FM's Maina and King'ang'i in the morning;

KINGANGI: Maina hii weekend ni kali sana Gor na AFC wanakutana kiwanjani!
MAINA: who cares....!!?

This is my tweet on 7th September 2012

kenyatta otieno ‏@stuttistician

Thanks @mwalimukingangi 4 TPL big up @mainakageni attending is not abt how U feel abt AFC/Tusker but endorsing our own ask@Carolinemutoko

Maina Kageni, with all due respect, I will write to you this open letter. I know you host one of the most listened to Breakfast Shows this side of the Sahara. Together with a man I have respect for, you hold the country captive for three good hours. To be candid, I dont own a radio so I rarely listen to your show. The few times I have caught you in a car or a matatu, minus the content, I have appreciated your chemistry and your presentation, you know your job.

I am writing this in regard to the above quotes on social media. I know you are a Manchester United fan, but who cares? My problem with you is not in your lack of appreciation of local football but in pouring cold water on King'ang'i as he tries to big up the local version of the beautiful game.

You may have grown up on the Western end of town, Who Cares? That does not mean that the Eastlands side was uninhabited. If we did not have Eastlands, how would King'ang'i have mastered his humour? He happens to be the best local talent you can work with.

I agree our football still has  a long way to go, but it is good to appreciate how far we have come. Four years ago, I started going to watch KPL matches due to the influence of two people; My good friend Eugene and your colleague Carilline Mutoko.

The terraces were empty, but a handful of us would seat through the matches undeterred. There was no entrance fee, how could you even think of charging. Someone could afford to buy everyone at the VIP stand ground nuts; but Who Cares?

Fast- Forward and you hear of clubs raising up to KSH. 5,000,000 in gate collection- TUMETOKA MBALI. Players can at least earn a decent living from playing football and corporates are back into the game. I know you don't care about all this information, BUT WHO CARES?

Football is good for the young energetic bodies from the low middle class and low class neighbourhoods. By the time they stop playing football, they are mature enough to know that crime and anti-social behaviour does not pay. It is not only you, but many like you who don't care about this fact.

Football has been used a s a social integration tool the world over. The warring factions in Ivory Coast's civil war called for a ceasefire after a football match in the rebel stronghold. Spain- a country divided by Catalonia, Basque and the Royal Spanish sectarian politics has always been held together by football. Kenya, can use this to bridge the gaps in our tribal divide, but WHO CARES?

There is no change in the world that has happened without the involvement of the middle class which you belong to Mr. Maina Kageni. It is the middle class who can transform our football, but WHO CARES. I have respect for Elly Kalekwa, this man has transformed Kenyan football, not by words, but by deeds. He has a lot of money to spend on top of the range cars and a lavish lifestyle, but HE CARED so much for the local football players that he formed SOFAPAKA FC despite being a foreigner.

Maina Kageni, Manchester United is over a century old. You are supporting it because someone cared so much for British football long before your grandfather was born. He is long gone now but you can enjoy the product of his cares. Our Mathare United, AFC Leopards', Gor and Sofapaka can be better than Manchester and Real Madrid combined if people like you cared. We have the advantage of learning from their achievements and mistakes.

I know you will say you are entitled to your opinion, oh yes Mr. Kageni. If so, the Mr. Sang could not be facing charges of crimes against humanity at the Hague, he was also airing an opinion. When you have the privilege of speaking behind a microphone to pass a message to the whole country, it is never about your opinion.

As I tweeted the tweet above; it is not always about you and how you feel. Meanwhile, we will love our Tusker Premier League as always, because people like me care less about Manchester United and such outfits.

Then again- WHO CARES, continue supporting that club that does not even know you exist. Keep watering your neighbours lawn and complain at the top of your voice that the grass is never green on your side, because WHO CARES!

Nyamweya; Let CECAFA go to Uganda

This is the second time I am writing an open letter to Sam Nyamweya; Mr. President, one of the joys of the 2002 NARC revolution was the liberalization of the term 'President'- so I am in order to call you FKF President.

                                                                Sam Nyamweya aka Sam

I have been following your exchange with Nicholas Musonye regarding the transfer of CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2012 from Kenya to Uganda. I can understand your frustration, I was also disappointed, as a member of the 5th Estate (we operate from the servant quarters of the fourth estate) -this was a chance to promote my blog by streaming East and Central Africa football to the world, now I will wait for the fourth estate to serve me their news.

Mr. Nyamweya, I will give you three reasons why I believe you should walk over to Nick's office- your offices are in the same compound and buy him tea. I know he loves tea, where he comes from, you must love tea before you can love other beverages. Semantics aside...

                                                             Nicholas Musonye aka Nick
                                                                                 
One; we are not guaranteed of winning the tournament on home soil. You  unveiled the natinal team coach last week, with two months to the games, I doubt if he can craft a title winning side by November. I would prefer we spend the next one year, preparing a team with a simple drill- lift CECAFA CUP on home soil. Let CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup go to Nambole for now.

Next year is a chance of a life time to showcase what Kenya has in terms of football talent and everything around our lovely people. Pwani ni Kenya na Kisumu is dala wa- so please look for ways of staging a few matches in the coastal and lakeside cities. I believe one year  is enough for us to showcase a side of Kenya that the CECAFA community has never seen. Let it Go to the hills of the Impala its only a one year wait.

Image is everything. Sam, I know you and Nick are both tough headed men, that is not a problem. That is a character than can do Kenyan football good. You are both Kenyans, so let us not wash our dirty football linen in the African public. The court of public opinion is a harsh court, it will put off sponsors and partners and hurt the beautiful game. For the sake of the good image of Kenyan football, we have come from the dark tunnel, let there be peace. Let the People of Kampala have CECAFA for this year, we can wait.

Last but not least, we can make a deal with Uganda to give us another of their slot soon, even if it is the Kagame Cup. Win-Win is made up of such.

Kwa hayo machache, Sam, let Kampala have it and by that it does not mean Nick has won. We gonna win big next year. We can plan to win the cup next year on home soil, what a better way to end this saga.

Thanking you in advance,
Yours Truly
5th Estate Tenant.