A world of figures

~KAKA (AC Milan to Real) - KSH 7,195,600,000

~Ronaldo (ManUTD to Real) - KSH 10,278,000,000

~Uhuru Kenyatta's Budget - KSH 867,000,000,000

Fascinating, isn't it?

I'm off to start a soccer club...

Liverpool vs Chelsea

I was looking forward to Arsenal vs Barcelona Final .

But looks like I shall have to wait for another season. Wenger I'm sure is seething about two refs right now. Arsenal looked rather fatigued in the second half - signs that Wenger needs help with a shopping list (I can help :) in creating one).

Liverpool vs Chelsea is going to be boring but maybe not. Chelsea hehe memories of Luis Garcia.

Watch this space [Walcott] though.

{Sigh} when will that trophy ever be lifted by Arsenal, and mind you while playing beautiful soccer. Coz for me once soccer becomes kick and run I'll stop watching it.

4-0

Woi :(

Didn't watch the game.

I had better things to do (there's actually stuff that takes precedence over watching or playing soccer - like playing with my band)

Now for Wednesday; I have fond memories of watching Kaka and Co live at the San Siro, but please this Wednesday, please play like Kuku.

Italy Part II: Milan, San Siro (Updated)

I had a second opportunity to visit Italy, only Milan this time though for a week for some training.
Not too happy about staying slightly out of the City Centre, but hotels over this period have been really packed in the centre of the city unless of course one opts for executive suites et al. I figure it must be due to the just concluded Milan Fashion Week.
I had only one day this time to do some sight seeing and top on my list was the San Siro. :). I'm a soccer fan, and AC Milan is my #1 Italian team, with Kaka one of my favourite players.

I was initially planning to do a visit of the Museum and the Stadium - costs about 12.40 euros. But when I got onto the metro, I began to notice lots of AC Milan fan gear, scarves, caps etc. I had checked the stadium's website the day before and there was no mention of a game today.

Finally got to the stadium after a short bus ride from the Metro Station (I walked on the way back - just too much jam). I was very pleased to find tickets being sold for the game, affordable - compared to tickets prices in the UK. The cheapest at 10 euros for 3rd floor terrace seats to the east and west of the stadium. I opted for a 2nd floor terrace seat to the south of the stadium (above the tunnel) since I wanted to take some photos and my camera really needs an upgrade.

Due the number of people watching the game, I got delayed while entering the stadium and found the game 10 minutes old. It was an exhilarating experience - I only get to watch European soccer in the tube back home.

About the game:
Milan dominated it, but Catania took the lead against the run of play from a counter attack. Kaka levelled it early in the second half from a penalty (video!):
More pictures here

Patrick Oboya

This dude is going places. Just seen his website (patrickoboya.com) which has a link to a youtube video with him showing off his ball control skills.


Anajivunia kuwa mkenya.

Kaka, Christ, Soccer

I have been thoroughly challenged by the testimony of Kaka (Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite)

Even before reading his rather detailed profile online (check the link above) and this story from The Sun, watching him play and his reaction and interaction with other players, makes him stand out as an example of how a Christian should live his/her life.

That's another angle to look at this evening's Champions League Final between Liverpool and AC Milan.

Soon: Premiership Soccer, 16 channels of TV @ about KSHS 2500

The Guardian reports that

GTV, a new UK-based television company, is planning to capitalise on the huge popularity in Africa of teams such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal when it launches its new "affordable" pay television package next month. For about $35 (£17) a month, subscribers will receive 16 channels, including a dedicated football channel showing eight Premiership games and six Italian Serie A games every weekend.

and that

Initially, GTV will launch in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, before expanding into west African countries such as Namibia, Angola and Ghana, and eventually the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa and Nigeria.

I have always wondered why I should pay 70 USD for DSTVs service and why they have always priced it so high. I suspect I shall be one of the first subscribers to GTV's service once they roll out in June - Just in time for next season :)

More links are here:

http://allafrica.com/stories/200705070115.html
http://www.spacenewsfeed.co.uk/2007/25February2007_62.html

Soccer Weekend :)

I knew I would not be able to keep away from the the soccer field for more than, 1 year? :) So today some friends and I decided that we would first go have some fun playing soccer.

If there is anything in soccer that is better than watching a good game, it is playing it :).

Having rained about two days ago, the pitch was quite muddy, but it was fun all the same. I am glad that I have sustained a 4+ days a week jogging schedule otherwise I would have struggled.

--

Drogba's FA Cup winning goal typified his season. I wonder what Chelsea would do without his verve and perseverance. We only got to watch a little of the second half and extra time.

Beckam's new salary: Obscene or what

David Beckam is going to be making about 3.51 BILLION shillings a year ... (26 Million Pounds a year) in his new Major League Soccer deal

The juicy part:

Under MLS rules, each side is allowed one star player who does not come under the salary cap - but the budget for the rest of the squad is limited to around £1million, or £50,000 per player per season.

By contrast, Beckham will earn £500,000 a week from his salary, image rights and associated sponsorship - but not including personal endorsements.

Here's the full story...

The Beast: Unleashed

A break from my predominately technology and business blogging to a refreshing and astonishing soccer game between Liverpool and Arsenal that ended 3-6 - Now I wish I had Supersport @ home for the duration of this game :(. However, the net came to my rescue - trust someone to put the goals on youtube. Here they are (Aliadiere's goal is my best ;) ):



27 Aliadiere: Liverpool 0 - 1 Arsenal
33 Fowler: Liverpool 1 - 1 Arsenal
40 Baptista: Liverpool 1 - 2 Arsenal
45 Song: Liverpool 1 - 3 Arsenal
45 Baptista: Liverpool 1 - 4 Arsenal
60 Baptista: Liverpool 1 - 5 Arsenal
68 Gerrard: Liverpool 2 - 5 Arsenal
80 Hyypia: Liverpool 3 - 5 Arsenal
84 Baptista: Liverpool 3 - 6 Arsenal

Man of the match was Aliadiere. I hope he doesn't get sold. Though AW says he doesn't want him to go so that's a good sign. RVP and Adebayor had better watch their positions. The Beast has roared and Aliadiere looks to have rediscovered the form of the Inter Milan 1 - 5 Arsenal. I also hope Ljunberg is not going anywhere despite all the rumours.

Liverpool fans must be something - even TH14 says that they are awesome. That says something.

I hope Benitez can pull up the morale of the team after 2 losses to a rejuvenated Arsenal side who've suffered with numerous injuries in the first half of the season.

soccer and management

I promised a friend that i shall blog this - that 10 years from now i'll be using examples from the lovely game of soccer (e.g as played by Arsenal :) when they are in full flow ) to give examples on management...

so lets wait and see .. 10 years and counting down :)