Latest Updates

June 2009

Well it has been a while since my last message, and lots to tell, preparation and games against Benin and Ghana have been taken up most of my time and it has been a very hectic last few months.

We went down 0-1 in Benin and 0-2 in Ghana and in both games we deserved to take a least a point from both of them, naturally the results show and prove that we lost, and does not reflect the overall performance of the lads who have done well considering the changes that have come about. We have blooded several new players and while we all want results as soon as possible this is not always possible. There are really some positive things to take from the performances’ and I am certain given time I can change the fortunes of the Desert hawks. I have as always been brutally honest with everyone concerned and will say I will do everything within my power to make sure we continue to improve, I have bought in James Karegeorgiou who does the fitness & recovery for us and also Ramos my Brazilian goalkeeping coach to help and they really have made a great difference to the squads. I understand that many people are of course not happy we have not won in recent games but we need time to make these changes and we will get it right. There has been talk that I have excluded senior players or players that should be considered and while I respect everyone’s views I am doing what I feel is best in the long term for the National team. After each game we whenever possible get DVDs and analyze the game and you will be surprised to learn that in all 3 games against Mali, Benin and Ghana we enjoyed more possession then all of them but missed too many chances against these teams and pay for that when the other teams convert their chances. We have managed to get some highlights and we will up load that on You Tube so that the Sudanese fans abroad can get a look at the team for themselves.

In my search for players for the National team I am prepared to travel far and wide to get them, we have a huge problem now in Sudan after the courts ruled that clubs get bring in foreign players and allow them to play as locals while I will not be allowed to select them as they need to have spent 5 years before gaining citizenship, this could mean that the two top clubs could have 11 foreign players and not be considered foreign!! Imagine then in a year’s time there could be no Sudanese players playing for the big two clubs!! A huge set back in my opinion.

In other news I have managed to secure a 2 year kit & equipment deal for the Sudan FA with Mazamba, a young vibrant kit supplier and as of July 1st they will be supplying all National teams with playing kit, training kit and much much more, really a great deal for both parties and am looking forward to receiving the equipment in the next few days. This is a first for Sudan as in the past we had to but our own stuff from other kit companies and in most cases we never had enough kit to train with so this will take care of those problems and it also means that the many Sudanese fans outside Sudan will be able to purchase the new playing shirts, I will try and let you all know as soon as they go on sale.

I am now due to travel to Juba and Port Sudan to watch games and conduct some coaching courses for the coaches in those regions and am really looking forward to going that as I am sure there is so much talent out there and there not being seen…….

Last but not least again many thanks for all the positive emails and support I have been given it is really appreciated and as always will continue to give my best for the Sudan………….