In a recent interview on Eritrean Television the ENFF (Eritrean National
Football Federation) announced a new coaching staff as well as a new
director. The direction in which the ENFF is going seems to be a great one.
I have been an advocate of the "Red Sea Boys" as they are known
internationally these days, since very early during Eritrea's independence.
I am a strong believer that with support and an excellent management style
the national team will do just as well as our running and cycling national
teams. It is now a fact that Cycling has over taken soccer as the national
sport of Eritrea. What baseball is to Cuba or the USA, Cycling is to
Eritrea.
On this day September 22nd, 2015 which also happens to be my birthday I
would like to say thank you to one of the best ERITREAN soccer players
ever. Henok Goitom is probably the best soccer player of Eritrean descent
in a sense that he has achieved more than any other ERITREAN national at
home or in the diaspora in his career as a soccer player. He currently
leads the Swedish Premier league with 13 goals and seems to be having an
incredible season. He is a humble person who has done so much for his
community. He should be the example that every Eritrean athlete should
emulate. He is a hard worker and a dedicated player who could have easily
been selected for the Swedish national team in his younger years. He is
still young and very well experienced as he turns 31 on the same day as the
blogger, September 22nd, 2015. I am honored to have that connection as I
have followed him since his early days.
Henok has announced officially that he plans to be play for ERITREA! Even
though thousands and and thousands of Swedish fans who are aware that he
could only help the Swedish National Team have been advocating for his
presence on the team, the coaches nor the Swedish football federation don't
seem like they want him on the team. This is an issue that can be discussed
at a later time but does race seem to have anything with it? With only
three previous black players Martin Dahlin, Henrik Larsson and a player who
was not as good but pioneering for the Swedes Jean Paul Vonderberg who all
had half Swedish blood, chances of tarnishing the Swedish national team
with an ERITREAN seems a bit far fetched for the Swedes. However, I find
this to be a blessing in disguise for ERITREA and the simple fact that the
current leading scorer with 15 goals for AIK Stockholm in Sweden's top
league has chosen to play for ERITREA instead of Sweden is one step ahead
for the ERITREAN national Soccer team.
With the addition of two players playing in Sudan as well as a couple of
players from other European teams, the Eritrean national team should take
on Botswana in the first round of the 2018 world cup qualifying match next
month. While it is difficult to asses how the team will do, the one thing
going for ERITREA is that it will have some experience and with the
fighting spirit of the local players who seem to be picked from all across
the country, chances of a successful attempt to reach the world cup is not
too far. As supporters we need to continue to encourage the players as we
have done our Cyclists and Runners.
Meanwhile for a player the caliber of Henok Goitom with a great
personality, I want to say thank you for all that you have done for the
people of ERITREA. Your dad & family whom I have had the honor of speaking
in the past have done a great job in instilling the passion that you have
for your Country of ERITREA! The pioneering efforts such as wearing a
jersey in La Liga with "TIGRINIA" letters and the many times you have
donated funds to the ERITREAN martyrs fund will never go in vain. You have
made history as a soccer player and as a great human being. You story will
go far towards many generations.
Mike Seium
For Eri-International sports blog
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Posted By Eri-International Sports Comments to Eri-International Sports at
9/22/2015 01:38:00 PM
Received on Tue Sep 22 2015 - 16:38:32 EDT