BIRDMAN



Jan.04. Mr Dabo is one of the most assidiuos and prospective youths I have come across, though we at times have different opinions from the invasion of Afghanistan to the land re-distribution in Zimbabwe. An indepth look at issues always get us to a comprehensive statement.

QUESTION: As a founding member of Kallon Fan Club Gambia, what is the state of the club?

IBRAHIM DABO: Presently the club has declined to some extent. You're also among the 3 founding members alongside Alpha Dumbuya and you are aware of the developmental initiatives we had. Despite consultations between the player and ourselves prior to the launching, we [the founding members] did invest a lot in bringing the club to a certain successful height. On the other hand, I believe it is to be the primary responsibility of Kallon himself to always show full cooperation and support to his club, which had several members regardless of national boundaries. He did make outstanding efforts in inviting other African football stars to join us during the launching ceremony in 2000 but however, the full participation that was expected from him afterwards was shortcoming and this has somehow affected the progress of his fan club.

Does Sierra Leone need a soccer ambassador?
Yes, there is a need for a soccer ambassador. He would not only try ensure that the country's football is been raised to a higher standard by been well represented but also be a big motivation for young Sierra Leonean footballers both at home and abroad and he would also help in seeking the interests of these players such advocating for them when the need arises.

Soccer in Sierra Leone is at the crossroads, if you were at the helm of affairs at the federation, what will be your immediate task?
There needs to be transparency and collective work among the stakeholders in Sierra Leone football as well as mutual understanding. It would therefore be important to first try to bring transpareny to the game.

Do you think Sierra Leone needs a foreign coach?
Yes, there is a need for a foreign coach and this would help develop skills and technical aspects of the game in as much as the country is blessed with many talented players. A foreign coach could also be a strong mentor for the national team. However, the football association would have to be vigilant in its activities, which should be in place to enable a foreign coach to carry out his task in the right way. In July this year, the football association did not renew the contract of Brazilian coach Jose Antonio Nogueira -who had been in charge for six months- after the national team failed to qualify for the 2004 African Nations cup in Tunisia. A very good foreign could help can create a difference.

Mohammed Kallon was recently accused of doping in Italy and awaits suspension, do you think he is innocent?
Personally, I have known Kallon for the past 5 years or so. This enables me to know the type of player we are talking about. Very ambitious and always possessing a desire to win by doing things the right way, I don't see him engaging in such even though he is alleged to have been tested positive for the banned substance nandrolone. Kallon is aware that he is one of Sierra Leone's greatest footballers and while the nation depends a lot on his services, he also serves as an inspiration for young players in Africa. Having this in mind, I don't think he would involve himself in doping, which would eventually affect his football career.

Despite being blessed with talented players, Sierra Leone has never done well in International Tournaments. Are the players or the Football Association to blame?
I believe the football association is a primary body that should help determine success of the national team. We have always said Sierra Leone is blessed with many natural talents but why can't we make it in international tournaments all the time? If players find themselves in an environment wherein the facilities which needs to be in place are absent, then football advancement will always remain the same. It is now time for the football association executive in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports to sit and discuss on ways of improving our football and make sure that vital suggestions are well implemented.

With the performance of Senegal on our minds, do you think Africa will win the world cup in the near future?
Yes, I believe it is possible for Africa to win the world cup in the near future. Making their first appearance in the 2002 world cup, Senegal became the second African team in more than a decade to reach the quarterfinals of the game's most prestigious tournament. I believe they could have moved further [if they were more focussed than they were when they played against Turkey]. African teams have the potential to create surprises in such tournaments and with the continent being rich in natural football talents, other African teams will now try to emulate Senegal.

Do you think your team Liverpool will get a champions league spot this season? (Laugh)
I support Arsenal not Liverpool and I believe we will play in the champions league again next season and possibly win the premier league this time around. Our performance so far has been impressive especially in the champions league. I was only kidding last when I said I was supporting Liverpool -during those victorious days- because I always wanted to have a taste on Asuni's [a friend and Liverpool supporter] bowl of ice cream whenever the team won their matches :-). I think they [Liverpool] are yet to really impress many people this season but it should be however noted that they have a good team with the likes of Owen and Gerald - so if they play very well, they might be fortunate to get a Champions League spot.

In last year's champions league two Italian teams played in the finals, what impression did you get of Italian football?
Am also a fan of Italian football so seeing Italian teams progress to the last stage of last year's champions league shows that they are seemingly back on track. I think this should be the starting of a new era in their European football campaign after missing such top achievements for a while now and with formidable sides like AC Milan and Juventus, there is a possibility that we shall again see an Italian side through to the final.

On an unrelated football issue, do you see a peaceful world with countries like Iran and North Korea going Nuclear?
I don't see the world becoming peaceful when we are hearing that certain countries are having nuclear weapons or trying to develop them. I think it would be better for these countries to focus more on economic and other developmental issues. It's good development that Libya, for example, has taken a vital step in the interest of peace, to abandon its weapons of mass destruction programs and according to reports allow weapons inspectors from international organizations into the country.

Do you think Nigeria should play a leading role in Africa's space program?
Nigeria is amongst the leading African nations in terms of technological advancement and I think they are capable of playing a leading role in Africa's space program. I believe they have the resources - being one of the world's largest oil exporters and with a population of over 120 million, I think they also have the manpower ability to undertake such schemes. In September 2003, they showed their potentials by sending satellites into orbit. There are other African countries however that can play a leading role such as South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Algeria, so its all a matter of how well these countries can manage their policies on space programs.

Is the Road map to peace a better alternative to the Oslo peace accord in resolving the Israeli Palestinian conflict?
Both are somehow similar but I believe the roadmap is a better alternative because the roadmap peace plan came up with a number of plans that should be implemented within a given time frame. One such plan should see that Palestinians have an independent state, and by 2005, a concrete peace plan should see an end to the conflict. However, since these agreements were signed, we still hear about suicide bombings and Israel on the other hand are targeting military leaders of various militant groups that are responsible for carrying out these bombings. Palestinian militant groups have previously declared cease-fire in honour of the peace agreements but this has not yet been fully realized. I believe the conflict between Israel and Palestine would be resolved one day but it has to be a matter of time.

Jan.03. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GAVIN HAMILTON - EDITOR WORLD SOCCER MAGAZINE [www.worldsoccer.com]

QUESTION: What can you say about African Football today?

GAVIN HAMILTON: African football is at a crossroads. There is a huge amount of talent on the continent. But as the World Cup showed, many teams are failing to live up to their potential. But in Europe, there is a growing recognition, particularly from clubs, that African players are very good, both in terms of technique and physique.

There is a growing trend of European influence on the African game; do you think it is beneficial for Africans?
Europeans can help in terms of finances and infrastructure, but I would be concerned that there is too much influence by European coaches imposing European ideas that can restrict skilful players.

Did Senegal`s performance and achievement at this year`s World Cup surprise you?
No, because I saw them play in Korea in November 2001 and was impressed by their athleticsm and skill . I even predicted that they could upset France in the opening game of the World Cup!

There is an occasional outburst of chaos in African Countries with reference to Cote D`Ivoire. Do you think the atmosphere is conducive for Africa to host the World Cup in the near Future?
The champions league is a very different competition to the World Cup. It is affected by admin problems in countries across the continent. The World Cup in 2010 will be hosted by one country (maybe two). If the political will is there from whatever country (or countries) host the 2010 finals, then it will happen.

CAF has already implemented a new system wherein the African Nations Cup will serve as a qualifier for the World Cup, starting in 2006. How do you see this move?
I can see why they did it, to reduce the number of matches played, but it will diminish the value of the Nations Cup. And finding five World Cup qualifiers from a knockout tournament is difficult, whatever system you use.

Which African player would you say is at his best in Europe this season?
For me, big names like Ej Hadj Diouf have been disappointing. Benjamin Mwaruwari of Axuerre has impressed me most.

What do you think is the ultimate good so far FIFA has achieved towards the hosting of the World Cup tournaments?
Don`t understand the question! Rotation is happening, but FIFA has the problem that you cannot please all the people all of the time.

Some people are not known enough to become FIFA head, yet they are capable of doing well if given the job. Do you have any person in mind who falls in that category. Explain please..
It is too early to say who will contest the next FIFA election. Franz Beckenbauer, if he stands, would be virtually unbeatable because he is one of the few people in world football who has no enemies.

It`s hard to believe that former World Champions France could face an early exit from the World Cup without scoring a single goal.. Many people say the absence of Zinedine Zidane was a blow to The Blues. Do you think his presence would really have helped that much?
Yes, if Zidane had been fully fit, he would have made a huge difference, but the French problem was overconfidence. They didn`t think they would have to work hard to make the second round.

What can you say about the comeback of Ronaldo, who not only raised eyebrows at the 2002 World Cup, but has also showed many that he`s back - with an outstanding performance at Real Madrid?
I think it`s a wonderful story. Sport rarely produces these sort of stories, so when we get them, we should celebrate them.

It seems the Italian sides have regained life in Europe...
Yes, it seems like that. They have benefited from the collapse of the transfer market in that they have much more stability because they have had to use the same players as last season. They were also affected by their World Cup exit - they realised that defensive football doesn`y work any more.

The New World Soccer Yearbook [for 2002] is full of exclusive features and am glad I got mine on time. I really think one must not miss a copy of it....
Thank you!

Once again, thank you very much indeed for such a great time.
No problem.

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Jan.03. INTERVIEW WITH GARY DOWDEN - FORMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SoccerAge UK - [www.soccerage.com]

QUESTION: After this year`s World Cup, most Senegalese players seem to be interested in a move to the Premier League. Do you think they will enjoy a fruitful time in England as has been with their various clubs in France, where majority of them ply their trade?

GARY DOWDEN: It`s a tricky one as every player obviously is an individual. England`s Premiership seems to be a league where overseas, not just Africans, either enjoy huge success or disappear without trace and I do firmly believe that a lot is governed by how they settle down OFF the pitch as much as how they perform on it. If a player has trouble adapting to the climate or his new surroundings, then it`s likely to have an adverse affect on their performance, so a strong mind is as equal a requirement as talent with the ball at their feet.

One of the much-talked about Senegal players is El Hadji Diouf. What can you say about the 2001 African Best Player who moved to Liverpool in the summer?
Sadly, I have to take as I find and so far Diouf has been a little disappointing. Despite an explosive start when he scored early in the season, he has not fulfilled that promise and appears to be lacking in confidence. He was dogged early season by earning a label as a `diver`, which whilst unjust, may well have played on his mind. He also has to fight for a place in the Anfield starting line up with the likes of Michael Owen, Emile Heskey and Milan Baros all battling for two places. On the plus side, there`s little doubt that the quality and ability is there, and at 21, he has time on his side and whilst we`ve certainly not seen the best of him in the Premiership, we may well do so in the future.

If Italy should boast of foreign legions, I think they owe a lot of gratitude to the South Americans, notably Argentina and Brazil. Conversely, what impact has the African imports created in the Premiership?
Its been mixed in truth. Whereas the likes of Nwanko Kanu at Arsenal have enjoyed decent success (although he isn`t considered a first team regular by any means), there are perhaps others who have not hit the heights that may have been anticipated. Recently for example, Marc Vivien Foe has been going great guns at Maine Road with Manchester City, however conversely, George Weah, arguably one of the greatest African players EVER, never made any major impact at the same club and left under a rather dark cloud. On a personal viewpoint, my favourite African star in the Premiership remains Ghana`s Tony Yeboah who played for Leeds in the mid 90s. Now there was a player with an astonishingly fierce shot!

The allocation of places for the 2006 World Cup has already been decided by FIFA and while Europe and South America have both lost a slot each, Oceania has received a slot for the first time. How do you see this move?
The cynic in me says that FIFA have done this to keep the peace as regards World football, as Oceania were previously the only continent not to have a guaranteed place in the finals. Only time will tell whether it works or not, however when you look at WC 2002 as an example, how many of us would love to have seen Holland there instead of certain smaller nations I wonder. In short, it`s a very tactful piece of Public Relations from those much-maligned guys at FIFA.

What is your suggestion as to how violence and racial discrimination can be eliminated in soccer?
Well, suggestions are one thing, but the ease of implementing them are a totally different proposition. Like many others, I despise violence and racism in any walk of life, but as regards football, there remain a lurking evil that doesn`t appear often, but always leaves a sour taste when it does. I would like to see clubs and supporters working very closely together to eliminate both problems. Happily, neither situation is as widespread in England as they used to be and the so-called `English disease` is far worse in other nations, notably Italy among the bigger leagues. Supporters should be able to report instances of violence and racism to appropriate authorities without fear of recrimination and with the knowledge that the club, and the police if need be, will take the correct course of action. Any `fan` (and I use that term loosely!) found guilty of such an offence, should be banned FOR LIFE from all football stadia. Violence and racism are an unnecessary evil, which will never be totally eliminated, but can be severely reduced with the correct handling.

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Jan.03. PIER LUIGI GIGANTI - INTERNATIONAL BILLING PROGRAMME, HEAD OF BALANCE MANAGER, PROVISIONING AND MEDIATION, IT DEVELOPMENT - HUTCHISON 3G ITALY. MR GIGANTI [FORMER OSS DESIGN CONSULTANT - HUTCHISON 3G UK] IS A FAN OF JUVENTUS FC (ITALY) [www.hutchison3g.com]

QUESTION: What basically is the difference between Third Generation Mobile services and the present technology today with Mobile phones?

PIER LUIGI GIGANTI: The main difference relates to the breadth and the quality of services that 3G/UMTS will provide. For the customer it will be a total new experience with high quality data and video services being available anywhere and at any time. You will be able to talk to your friend who is located in another continent and you will actually see him/her. On the screen of your terminal, you will be able to watch news broadcasts, music and goal video-clips, to locate the closest restaurant in a town you are visiting.

In terms of development of this kind of phones, do you see H3G taking the technology to say, an African country for a pilot country like say, South Africa which plans to host the 2010 World Cup?
Very much so as I believe there is enormous potential and interest in African countries. However, penetration of 3G services in this area will also depend on the arrangements in place for granting UMTS licenses in such countries.

What will be the main marketing attraction, using football to be the main flagship of this kind of phone?
Football and sports will be key driving of the H3G services as a H3G customer will be able to watch goals and highlights of a football match only seconds after they happen. It will be like being at the football ground while being miles away :-)

Which countries do H3G plan its coverage of services when been launched?
H3G will provide its service in Italy, UK, Sweden, Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Austria, Denmark and later on Ireland, Israel and New Zealand.

Can we say this company`s technology has more advantage than traditional Internet access?
The key advantage is that you will not be constrained by specific locations and wired access, but you will be free to roam around and still get similar if not better services as if you were sitting at home in front of your pc.

With football being one of the main flagships of this new product, are there any plans for development strategies to improve the quality of the game in countries you will operate in?
H3G have acquired rights to broadcast on the 3G videophones matches of key football clubs around the world (Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter, etc.). This has implied huge investments in the football arena, which will ultimately favor the progress of this sport.

Do you think video clips broadcast will be accessed very fast using these handsets, will the weight of the phones be light?
The throughput allowed by the UMTS technology will be much higher, at least 50 times, than the one permitted by conventional 2G/GSM terminals. It will be a new brand experience and the weight of the hand-sets will be broadly comparable with the current mobile phones.

How do you see this new product revolutionising soccer worldwide?
It will help making football an even more global affair than it currently is, it will enable sharing of goal videos among friends, it will satisfy the thirst of the football lovers around the world.

Technology has contributed a lot to the development of football worldwide. Do you think with H3G`s new phones, the Premiership league could be made more popular in Latin America and the USA for instance, where the Premiership is not watched as much as the Spanish Liga or Serie A?
It will certainly enable a wider circulation of football clips around the world, but I do not believe that tastes will be altered. Hence, I believe that Latin Americans - just to give you an example - would still privilege flair and skill rather than agonism.

What are your last words for us?
I would like to thank you, Ibrahim, for allowing myself to share my 3G excitement with you, your friends and the visitors of this site. I would also like to congratulate you for the principles of friendliness, camaraderie and mutual trust that are sponsored by this web site.

On to a football issue, is Juventus [top Italian side] set to win Lo Scudetto [Italian Championship] again this season?
Well, I would be happy with the Champions League....I think that for once Juve could leave the domestic honours to Inter Milan.

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