Landmine Killed Somali Boy, Two Others Wounded In Football Field

An unnamed little boy of about 7 to 10 years old was blown to death and two other little boys were seriously wounded and are fighting for their lives in the city hospital of Galkayo Somalia, according to Confederation of African Football (CAF) site.

The incident occured as the boys along with other little boys were playing football in a football field in Balanbale - a town that is near the Somali-Ethopian border, when the landmine exploded killing the little boy instantly.

The Somalia Football Federation, reported the tragedy, which took such a young life and wounded a couple of others to the African football governing body earlier this week. Read also: melvinsports.blogspot.com

Isa Hayatou, the President of CAF said, ''It saddens me to hear of such a loss of a young life, that went out to enjoy a game that is so dear to all of us.''

''It is particularly disheartening, because it comes after we have, over the past months, witnessed very positive news on a number of develoment programmes, that have given a lot of hope for the advancement of Somalian football,'' Hayatou said.

''On my own behalf, on bahalf of the CAF Executive Committee and African football family, I send our condolences to CECAFA, the Somalia Football Federation and family of the deceased boy. We wish the injured young players speedy and full recovery,'' the CAF President added.

The Secretary-General of CECAFA, the regional football governing body, Mr Nicholas Musonye, sent message of condolences to the Somali Football Federation, Secretary-General, Abdi Qani Said Arab.

The message read, ''I have learned about the sad news of the death of a young player and the injuries of two others at a football field in Somalia.''

''I stand with you and the family of the dead young boy, during this sad moment,'' Mr Musonye said in his condolence letter.
Read also: melvinsports.blogspot.com

Drogba Donates €1m To The Families Of Mine Tragedy

The Ivorian international superstar and Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba (36), has donated the sum of €1m to the families of the victims of the Soma Turkey mining disaster, that claimed the lives of 301 men recently.

At the weekend before Galatasaray's match against Kayseri Erciyesspor, the teams wore helmets in support of the victims of the mine tragedy.

The former Chelsea star who is a UN ambassador of goodwill then announced a personal donation of €1m to the families of the victims of Soma mining disaster.

Didier Drogba

Afterwards the international star player said, ''I am a UN ambassador of goodwill and I will do all that I can to help the people in Soma,'' Drogba said. Read also: melvinsports.blogspot.com

''But I don't want anyone to use my name. I'm not someone who will promote himself in such issues. I don't need this sort of issues. I dont need this sort of self-promotion,'' he added.

The explosion at the coal mine in Soma happened on the 13th May and caused an underground fire, which lasted two days and killed many.

Shola Ameobi Released By Newcastle United

Shola Ameobi (32), the Newcastle United striker and Nigerian international, has just been released by the club, after being there for 14 years.

During the time he was with the club, he appeared in 379 matches for the team and scored 79 goals. He was among nine players released by the club, after their contracts expired at the end of the season.

The manager of the club, Alan Pardew paid a glowing tribute to Shola Ameobi, on his contribution, dedication and examples on the pitch and off the pitch as a great player.



Shola Ameobi of Newcastle United

''I have to make a special mention of Shola Ameobi, who has been an incredible servant to Newcastle United. Such loyalty and commitment in the modern game is rare, and Shola was not just a great player on the pitch, but a key figure off it too.''

''He is a leader of men, a great role model for our younger players, and I wish him well for the remainder of his career,'' Mr Pardew added.

Afterwards Ameobi who is listed in the Nigeria's 30-man provisional team for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil said, ''I have enjoyed every moment, and have always worn the famous shirt with pride. I am now looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career.''

''I would like to place on record, a big thank you to everyone at Newcastle United. I wish the club great success in the future and I'm sure, with the team and management they have, Newcastle United will go from strenght to strenght''.

''I hope to come back to Newcastle United one day in some capacity, to help repay some of the faith and loyalty, that everybody has shown me during my time here,'' he said.

''Finally, a big thank you to the supporters who have always been fantastic,''
the big striker added. Read also: melvinsports.blogspot.com

Mensah Back In The Black Star?

The former Black Star and Bayern Munich player, Samuel Kuffour, has called for the recall of the former Ghanian national team captain, John Mensah (31), to the team for the World Cup.

According to Mr Kuffour, the team needs someone with leadership qualities at the defence. He believes that the team lacks leadership at the back and Mensah will provide that for the team.

''Every team needs a leader, especially from the back. When you have John Mensah, there is security,'' he told BBC Sport.

John Mensah

John Mensah was out for a year and it was not long ago, he started playing again with FC Nitra of Slovakia. He has not played since March, due to a nagging back injury.

The Black Star coach Kwesi Appiah, will release the names of the 30 man provisional squad early next week.

Kuffour is not only advocating for the recall of Mensah, but also the young man he partnered with at the defence in the 2010 World Cup, Isaac Vorsah.

''There are good players at the back, but you need someone who has personality, who can drive the team along,'' he said.

''Recently, I have not seen anyone doing that even though there are good defenders. That is why you need Mensah and Vorsah,'' he added.

Isaac Vorsah plays his club football with Red Bull Salzburg of Austria.
Read also: melvinsports.blogspot.com

Ghana is drawn in Group G with Germany, Portugal and the United States. The Fifa 2014 world Cup in Brazil, will start on the 12th of June and end on the 13th of July.