Eri-International Sports

Eritrea: Still waiting for the big world cup day but CECAFA 2011 here we come.

2011-11-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

OK! May some of us might be a bit ambitious about our young Red Sea boys making it to the next round of the world cup qualifying but it did not happen as an up and coming Rwanda team beat Eritrea at Amahoro stadium in Kigali by the score of 3-1. Eritrean players should pick their head up and get ready for what will be another great event taking place in Tanzania starting on November 24th,

Eritrea: World Cup soccer Qualifying Starts and it must be taken seriously.

2011-11-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

The importance of the game of soccer for most nations is one of a serious matter. Even though we don't expect Eritrea to make it to the world cup in the very near future, I want to be proven wrong as the qualifying round for the 2014 world cup in Brazil starts this week in Asmara for the Red Sea Camels. Our soccer players have been in the headlines for political reasons and unnecessary

Prefontaine Classic: World Record Holder Zeresenay Tadesse comes to the USA.

2011-06-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

As the celebrations for Eritrea's 20 years of independence continue throughout the summer, the work of Eritrean athletes at the international stage especially in running continues. This weekend alone three Eritrean runners Eshak Abraham, Solomon Meherteab and Oqubit Berhane all had excellent results in three different events. Eshak Abraham who was making his debut at the Comacina Race in

Cycle away Eritrea: Olympics here we come Like it or not.

2010-11-14T12:35:00.000-08:00

I guess the term "Nkhid Tray" or "Segum" is applying in sports these days and Eritrea is starting to make some serious noise be it running, cycling, or soccer. While runners continue to run and make their mark internationally, the Cycling team has also proven to be the best in Africa. What an honor and what a moment for the nation of Eritrea. It was just in 1996 when two Eritrean Cyclists

2010 New York City Marathon, Meb Kiflezghi, Running & Eritrea: A perspective

2010-11-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

The impact of an Athlete in any given sport can be tremendous towards others. It also matters how the athletes handle their long-term careers in order to make a difference in the lives of other runners. Eritrean born and American raised Meberhatom Kiflezghi is a unique individual who I have had the pleasure of knowing for a long time. What Meb as he is known brings to the table is the fact

Running Eritrea: The emergence of a new running nation.

2010-10-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Running Eritrea: The Emergence of a new running nation. When most people think of long distance running and Africa, the nations that come to mind quick are Kenya & Ethiopia. These two nations have dominated the long distance sport for many decades and continue these days to be top long distance running nations in the world just like they were more than 50 years ago. In the early 2000's

Meet Golgol Mebrhatu: Question and answer session with Eri-International sports

2010-09-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

Golgol Mebrhatu is an Eritrean-Australian soccer player. He was born in Eritrea in 1990 and his family migrated to Sudan and then to Australia. An awesome soccer player who was discovered by Head Coach Miron Bleiberg of the Australian version of the premier league known as the A-League eventually led to a National Youth League contract with Gold Coast United in 2009. Golgol was born in

At The End "Victory" is Eritrea's.

2010-08-31T11:17:00.000-07:00

To quote the great song by legendary Tesfai Mehari "Awet Qalsina Bdemna" The struggle to develop our nation be it in sports, education, health, food security and diplomacy continues to be at the forefront of the growing process our nation. A clear indication was when in a short turn around the 5th ever CECAFA under 20 event was hosted for the first time ever in Eritrea very successfully.

A Championship would be sweet for Eritrea: Uganda vs Eritrea Round 2

2010-08-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

It was about a year ago when most of us Eritreans got a little disappointed that our Red sea Camels under 17 team lost to the Cranes of Uganda by the score of 2-0 in the finals of the CECAFA under 17 championship that took place in Sudan. Eritrea performed well and beat the home team Sudan convincingly after beating Zanzibar and drawing with Burundi and Rwanda

Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda final four of Cecafa under 20 version of 2010.

2010-08-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Host Eritrea will play rival Kenya today to see who will end up being GROUP A leader. Both Teams have qualified to the semi-finals. While Kenya has shown it's scoring power against Somalia, Eritrea seems to get the wins through defense and possession of ball. Mean while Uganda the defending champs have advanced to the final four along with Rwanda which got a second life after Zanzibar was

Mid Way Update CECAFA under 20: Eritrea must score goals, Uganda looking tough.

2010-08-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

In what has been a very exciting week for Eritrea as a host nation, it is now time to reflect on the under 20 Red Sea boys and how they have been faring so far after two games. In their game against Tanzania they played an attacking style and missed many golden opportunities until they converted a Penalty kick. A win is a win and they went on to defeat a pretty solid Tanzanian team by one

Best Moments of opening day: 2010 CECAFA under 20 in Asmara, Eritrea.

2010-08-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever "independent Eritrea" hosted what will be a future trend in this unique country that continues to fight it's wars through peaceful means that seems to be taking up the horn of Africa by storm. As most everyone saw on Saturday August 14th, 2010 the nation of Eritrea was in it's best form as the opening ceremony took place in the heart of the capital at Asmara stadium.

Let the games Begin: Show them how it's done Eritrea

2010-08-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

A very historical moment in Eritrea's history will be taking place on August 14th, 2010 as the nation embraces eight other African nations and the brotherly nation of Yemen which ended up replacing Burundi at the last minute to the FRIENDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT CECAFA under 20 tournament. Already CECAFA president Nicholas Musonye has praised the government, soccer federation and people of Eritrea

Sports filled summer: Eritrea hosting Cecafa under 20 in August & More sports news.

2010-08-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Like everything else happening in Eritrea's development, the young country is on the verge of becoming a sporting nation that will leave it's mark in the international arena. During this summer of the world cup as we saw Spain claiming a world championship, it serves as an inspiration for many nations that it is possible to make it BIG if hard work and support from an entire country is a

25 years later ERSFNA in Atlanta.

2010-07-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

When they gathered 25 years ago in the city of Atlanta, some of the youth participating in this year's annual event were not even born. However the founders of this event were planning for the future and the future has arrived. Hopefully today’s youth and adults will do the same for the future generation ahead just like what the founders did for us. Meanwhile with one guest team (London)

ERSFNA Silver anniversary: A Time to reflect back.

2010-07-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 25th year to ERSFNA, The Southeastern city of Atlanta will be the backdrop for the premier sporting event of Eritreans as the ERSFNA begins its activities during the July 4th weekend. In the sweltering heat of mid-July, a couple thousand Eritrean athletes, fans and others will convene in the city that started this gathering of Eritreans 25 years ago. For years

USA’s success at the World Cup is good for the game.

2010-06-24T04:08:00.000-07:00

When Landon Donovan scored the winning goal against Algeria during extra time, the entire fan base of the US National soccer team jumped for joy everywhere. In pubs and homes throughout America, fans of the game and the USA were proud of the achievement of a team that never gave up, even though a couple of bad calls would have prevented them from advancing to the next round. The world cup is

A European Championship for Kelati and Valencia.

2010-04-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Just a few months ago, fans of Eritrean born Thomas Kelati overwhelmingly showed their happiness as he was selected to play for the NBA world champions the Los Angeles Lakers. Thomas made the first two cuts but eventually got released by the Lakers. He still to this day continues to be the only Eritrean player to play for an NBA team. Once he was waived by the lakers, he immediately signed

Eritrean Henok Goitom Back in Action in La Liga.

2010-01-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

It has now been 5 weeks since Henok Goitom made a come back to his La Liga team Almeria after an injury that has sidelined him for most of the season. He gradually made a come back as a substitute under coach Hugo Sanchez for the first two games of his come back where he did not perform as well as he could have. Then the Almeria management decided to change coaches

Creative Soccer Jersey by a Young Warsai.

2010-01-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

A good looking uniform is a great marketing tool, builds fan loyalty, and links matches together historically. As the game of soccer continues to grow throughout the world, national teams continue to fight to make it to the prestigious world cup and in South Africa this year participants will be showing off their colors. Despite the negative news of the 12 Eritrean soccer players who

Tour of Eritrea: Shining like Gold with Eritrean Colors.

2009-12-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

Tour of Eritrea: Shining like Gold with Eritrean Colors. Overlooking the escarpments and the natural beauty of Eritrea as well as the tough up hill mountains and down hill flat course the tour of Eritrea has proven it is a top notch sporting competition to be reckoned with. In less than 20 years this cycling event has turned into an internationally recognized event by the

Eritrean National team still intact.

2009-12-17T04:20:00.000-08:00

Immediately following the news of the 12 soccer players that decided to stay in Kenya, my e-mails were flooded with questions as to what happened and my answer is “I don’t know” because I am not in Kenya. What I know however is that those genuine Eritreans who asked the question out of concern for their safety and the well-being of Eritreans did so because it is

Eritrea very ugly loss to Tanzania/Hopefully Lessons learned.

2009-12-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

The Red Sea boys lose a very disappointing 4-0 loss to a strong and ready Tanzania team coached by Brazilian Marcio Maximo after holding the Kilimanjaro boys as they are known to a 0-0 tie at half time. Once again the adult national team comes close to a great showing and they are held back by a terrible score. Watching the highlites one would ask the question is this the same Eritrean team

Eritrea in quarterfinals/World Cup Fever/An Eritrean soccer legend speaks.

2009-12-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

In what was a very simple game for the Red Sea boys the Eritrean side defeated the Somali Ocean boys, as they are known by the score of 3-1 in Nairobi today. The Red Sea boys will make the quarterfinals and face Tanzania on Tuesday. Congratulations to Coach Negash Teklit and the entire national team for advancing to the next round. It is to be remembered that the Red Sea youth (under 17)

Eritrea can't seem to find a way to beat Rwanda.

2009-12-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

Eritrea's Red Sea boys took a 2-1 loss to Rwanda in today’s Group B match of the Orange CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup that took place in Nairobi. For some odd reason the Eritrean national team can't find a way to beat Rwanda in soccer. Today's loss marks the 6th time in a row that Eritrea has lost to Rwanda. Even as they were able to contain a very strong Zimbabwe team to a 0-0 draw that they

Soccer, Soccer & more Soccer Eritrean style

2009-12-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Red Sea Boys not the young under 17 Red Sea boys who just got done playing in the CECAFA Youth Cup championships a couple of months ago, but the big boys the Eritrean National Soccer team is participating in the CECAFA Senior Challenge cup taking place in Kenya. They have shown that they are capable of playing well as indicated in their first game of the event.

Africa's World Cup must bring an African Champion.

2009-11-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

An African nation has never won a world cup and with some of the international game's top players today coming from Africa the chances of an African champion is likely to become a reality in South Africa this summer. I hope Africa will come away with the FIFA world cup trophy and show the world that it's time for an African team to shine. South Africa 2010 will mark the best opportunity for

Valencia Spain Here comes Kelati.

2009-11-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

Eri-international sports has learned once again that Thomas Kelati will be going back to Spain. The sharp shooting guard/Small forward was signed with the team for the rest of this season, Valencia officially announced Monday. Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and one of the most beautiful cities on the west coast of Spain. Kelati last played for Unicaja, where he averaged 11.8

Meet Mulugheta Asihel: Up and coming College soccer star.

2009-11-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

College Athletics in the United States play a big role towards developing great citizens and possibly great athletes. As most of you know you don't have to look any further than most of the great collegiate athletes who have turned out to be professional athletes that have gone on to become the very best in their respective profession whatever it may be. It is with pleasure that I introduce

Eritrean Americans are Americans too.

2009-11-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

Eritrean Americans are Americans Too. After Native Americans and the real indigenous people were unfairly shoved aside in the beginning of what we now know as America, it was immigrants that founded the modern day United States of America. The America that prides itself as the most strong and advanced nation on earth. As part of a melting pot from all continents throughout the world, members of

Kelati may be Waived but Eritreans are proud of him.

2009-10-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Eri-International sports has learned that Thomas Kelati has been waived by the Los Angeles Lakers. In 5 pre-season games Kelati averaged 1.6 points and 1.2 rebounds. His longest playing time was 8 minutes and he did not play in two games. In his last game against Golden State Warriors Kelati scored 4 points in 6 minutes, indicating clearly that he can play a role on any NBA team if given a

Kelati's chances of making the Lakers look very good.

2009-10-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

Eri-International sports blog has learned that three of the 18 players from the Los Angeles Lakers squad for this year (2009-2010)have been waived making it possible for Thomas Kelati to remain on the Lakers throughout the season. The Los Angeles Lakers have waived Mickeal Gelabale, David Monds and Michael Fey cutting the team roster to 15 players. There is also news now that Jordan Farmer

Kelati sees some action with the Lakers.

2009-10-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Lakers the defending world Champions started their 2009-2010 season by defeating the Golden State Warriors 118-101. The game played in Anaheim California was the first ever for Thomas Kelati. The Eritrean American in his 8 minutes of action scored 2 points, grabbed one defensive rebound as he debut in his first NBA game ever. The Lakers will take on the Warriors again at

A Big Step for Kelati! Being on the 2009 World Championship Team.

2009-09-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Eri-International sports blog has learned that Thomas Kelati has signed a "Make good" contract with the 2009 World Champions the Los Angeles Lakers. The Associated Press and KCBS-TV 2 the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles is reporting that Kelati who has made his way from Greece to the U.S has been added on the squad throughout the pre-season. The Lakers signed Thomas who is a free agent to a

CECAFA under 17 tournament media coverage.

2009-09-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, Congratulations to the Champions of the CECAFA under 17 tournament that just concluded in Sudan. Uganda by playing hard defeated a strong Eritrean team that surprised many and in the process got terrible media coverage. It is such a shame to follow some of the media outlets from most of the CECAFA countries and see articles and information that was not accurate. It is

24th Annual Eritrean Sports Festival in San Diego. Looking back!

2009-07-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

Each year for the past 24 years the annual Eritrean Sports Festival has played a role in the lives of many young Eritreans. It also teaches participants the principles to win as well as to succeed in making the annual event an inspiration and a memorable one. Sports and culture brings people together based on the fundamental issues of what we are thought as young people so that we can

Fixing the Lack of Accountability & taking on Responsibility: The Eritrean Sports Federation in North America.

2009-06-22T00:59:00.000-07:00

One of the major challenges facing the Eritrean Sports federation today is to ensure accountability with its policies, procedures and philosophy. Over the years, I have seen numerous instances where there are rules, standards, expectations and policies that are continuously ignored, sabotaged, and/or broken for any number of reasons by some members of this organization (ERSFNA).While I believe

Eri-International Sports: Sports, Spain & the Eritrean connection = Success!

2009-01-26T13:47:00.000-08:00

Eri-International Sports: Sports, Spain & the Eritrean connection = Success! While Spain as a nation is going through what some observers are calling the "Golden era" in sports, Athletes of Eritrean Heritage are going through some individual success in the nation of Spain either by representing Spanish professional teams or training in Spain. If you are a sports follower it is easy to figure

Important GOAL! Henok helps Valladolid come from behind.

2008-12-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

Important GOAL! Henok helps Valladolid come from behind. For the second week in a row Henok Goitom scores in the Spanish La Liga. This time around his team 8th place Real Valladolid was taking Osasuna in 20th and last place in the very tough Spanish premier league. Valladolid was playing away where they lost almost 80% of their games at an opponents home field. At stake was a loss to the worst

GOAAAAALLLLLL! Henok Goitom

2008-12-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

GOAAAAALLLLLL! Henok Goitom (First of the season) It is about time and a deserving Goal! for the 24 year old Swede-Eritrean as he has been slightly injured recently as well as getting used to his new team but folks it finally came as Henok scored his first goal of the season when his team who have won three in a row got a big win. Valladolid beat Real Madrid and Villarreal before their

Eritrea's national soccer teams and their challenges.

2008-11-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Eritrea's national soccer teams and their challenges. I have been one of the strongest advocates of the Eritrean national soccer teams at all levels and I sometimes tend to be a little bit ahead of myself with expectations that our soccer teams will advance and make it to an African or International tournament event. It is with this in mind that I write this blog to get moral support and

Big game for Eritrean under 17 soccer team vs Cameroon's Lions

2008-11-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

Eritrean under 17 soccer team vs Cameroon's Lions Asmara -- In the race to qualify for the final eight in Algeria 2009, the REDSEA boys of Eritrea will face the young Lions of Cameroon in the first of two games this Sunday at Asmara's Chichero stadium. The Eriirean Youngsters have shown some flashes of brilliance according to their coaches Asaid Ayman from Egypt along with former Eritrean

Eritrea hosts its first ever Level 1 Coaches Course

2008-11-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Eritrea hosts its first ever Level 1 Coaches Course “Eritrea Tennis Federation will revive tennis in the country and will run it professionally. Eritrea should not play catch up but it should be at a par with the rest of the region.” These were the words from the newly elected President of the Federation, Daniel Yohannes during the closing ceremony of the first ever Level 1 Coaches Course to be

Eritrea under 17 national team win by forfiet.

2008-09-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Eritrea National under 17 team in Zambia 2007 Eritrea under 17 national team win by forfeit. The Eritrean national Under 17 soccer team's path to the 2009 African nations Cup was set to begin with a match-up against the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) this past weekend at Asmara's Cicero stadium. However, the DRC team was a no show and based

Eritrean sports happenings summer 2008

2008-08-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

Lots and lots of sports happenings from all corners of the world. Eri-international sports is committed to informing and educating readers about Eritrean Athletes and teams as well as other issues dealing with international and any other sports related stories. First and foremost Eri-International sports would like to wish the entire participants of Beijing 2008 in China as well as hosts of

Boston Celtics a class act on and off the court

2008-07-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

About 4 years ago I started a working relationship with the Boston Celtics a team I did not care much about for years. However since my passion for Athletics/sports is blind and the project offered me an outlook on how the Celtics organization works, I took on the project and took it very seriously knowing that the team and it's PR company depended on my work. As a young man I grew up watching

Eritreans and College Soccer, The Untold story.

2008-06-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Eritreans and College Soccer, The Untold story.There may be many outstanding Eritrean soccer players participating at the University and college levels, semi-pro and even professionals such as Henok Goitom who plays in the Spanish first division however the story that is about to be unfolded will focus on the success of Eritreans throughout the USA that have contributed to the growth of the

Thomas Kelati succesful in Europe

2008-04-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

If PGE Turow Zgorzelec the best proffesional basketball team in Poland can be called the most pleasant surprise of the ULEB (Union League of European Basketball) Cup season, a main reason for its success is another surprise, Thomas Kelati, the only elite pro player who carries the passport of the African nation of Eritrea. Kelati was born in the United States shortly after his parents escaped war

Eritrean Sports Roundup

2007-11-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

(Picture)Ali Abdallah leading the pac in Spain. Eritrean Athletes have found the knack in Europe as Zeresenai Tadesse also trains in Spain and Eritrean-Swede Henok Goitom continues to shine for Real Murcia in the Spanish First division.Hello Eritrean and all sports fans,It has been a while since this blog was active last. As the wind of Hizbawi Mekete's blow in every Eritrean corner throughout

125th Redsea Boys vs 126th Harambee Stars.

2007-06-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

The Eritrean National team, the Red Sea Camels will take on the Kenyan Harambee Stars in Asmara this weekend. Eritrea beat Kenya in Nairobi by the score of 2-1 even though the ref in that game gave Kenya a penalty kick at the end of the game which they missed. As a result the Eritrean head Coach Mr. Dorian Marin was suspended for protesting the terrible call. Mr. Marin who will coach his last

Eritrea's Shimungus & Angola's Flavio meet again in Asmara.

2007-05-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yes! Angola scored 6 goals to Eritrea's one during the first round game between the two nations in March at Luanda. The Red Sea boys were in the game for the most part until the 30 minutes mark when they started to show signs of weakness. May be something was on the minds of some members of the team at that time.This weekend when the Angolans head to Asmara, Eritrea they will have to think twice

The best 2nd place finsh in Manchester, England.

2007-05-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Despite finishing second @ the BUPA Great Manchester Run champions on Sunday morning, Eritrean runner and defending champion Zeresenai Tadesse should be proud of his accomplishments. Zeresenai fought hard and stayed neck to neck with the winner of the event Eri-Olympic Medalist Zeresenai Tadesse pictured here getting his Bronze in Athens. Micah Kogo who broke a UK

Eritrean-Swede Henok Goitom dominates Spanish 2nd division

2007-05-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

Born in Sweden to Eritrean parents, Henok Goitom is slowly becoming a big star in Europe. Henok is currently playing in Spain. The Eritrean soccer player who plays in the Spanish second division Ciudad de Murcia scored 3 Goals against Alaves. So far this season Henok has scored14 goals.Division 1 Spanish teams have shown their interest as he has shown brilliance on and off the field. Henok is

Even the best of them lose big.

2007-04-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

I was excited to take a little break from work on April 10th, 2007 to watch a little soccer or as some would call it football. The game was between two historically excellent teams in Manchester United and AS Roma. Trailing 2-1 from the first meeting of the sides in Italy last week, Sir Alex Ferguson's side needed to score at least once on home soil to set up a last four meeting with either AC

Zeresenai Tadesse the humble Athlete.

2007-04-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

My favorite athletes are always those who are very modest. The ones who are always proud of their background despite their status as internationally recognized athletes. I can name a few who are on my list in various sports from different parts of the world. Like Pele, Michael Jordan, Arthur Ashe etc... Last week at the IAAF world cross country championships, I became convinced that there is a

Eritrean Women's Soccer Team.

2007-03-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

Just a few years ago the US, Germany, China and Norway the power houses of women's soccer did not have national teams. The US is currently one of the the top countries in the world for women’s soccer, both in terms of participation and in international competition. Women’s soccer started late in this country. When I had just gotten out of college in the early nineties Varsity college teams were