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

     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 driving force behind every win. It is with this in mind that I would like to congratulate the State of Eritrea for hosting the 2010 edition of CECAFA under 20 championships starting on August 14th, 2010.
     What makes it even unique is other CECAFA tournaments have in recent years taken the names of the individuals as their sponsor names. For example, the Al Amoudi Cup, The Kagame Cup and more. The tournament being held in Eritrea for the first time in an independent Eritrea has been dubbed the FRIENDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT CUP which is a clear indication that Eritrea has a vision of peace, unity, and love among the nations of Africa in general and East, horn and central Africa in particular. Hopefully the host team will keep the cup home. However most importantly, the reception that teams get from the government, people and the country itself will be unparalleled. The government which is sponsoring this event has also invited the media of each nation to come along for the ride. It does not get any better than that. This is a clear indication that the nation of Eritrea is heading in the right direction in developing it's sports programs. Congratulations to Eritrea for hosting it's first ever soccer tournament.

Eritrean Internationlas:

     Henok Goitom who will be back with Alemria is having a very successful pre-season as he seems to be in top form. The season for the Spanish first division team (LA LIGA) will begin on August 29th, 2010. Meanwhile in Australia an Eritrean Australian Gol Gol Mebrehatu has been doing well playing in the A-League, the top league in the WORLD CUP contending country known as the socceroos. There is even a possibility of young Gol Gol playing for the Australians on their Olympic squad at the next Olympics in London 2012.

Basketball,

     After the rumors of Thomas Kelati signing a one year gig with the world champions the Los Angeles Lakers died down, it was learned that the Eritrean-American-Polish has finally made his home in Russia as he signed a two year contract worth 2 million a year with the Russian team BC Khimki Moscow which also plays in the Euro league where Thomas helped his Valencia squad win it's last championship.

Cycling and Running,

Daniel Teclehaimanot the top Eritrean Cyclist has been training in Europe and while there are rumors that he has signed with Cerevalo and top notch Cycling club, there is no doubt that he is geared to have a great season. Mean while Meb Kiflezghi has been taking care of his leg in order to get ready for the New York Marathon taking place in November. Zeresenay Tadesse on the other hand has been shining as he won the Castelbueno race that took place in Sicily two weeks ago.

Conclusion,

     While it has been a very successful summer for most Eritrean born athletes we are also anticipating the college soccer season where there will be a few Eritreans playing this season. We will keep you updated on all the sports activities throughout the world and also share with you stories that you may never heard about.
Hope to see the Eritrean under twenty team which are composed of the mighty history making under 17 team of three years ago, playing in their home turf.

Thanks to the FRIENDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT CECAFA tournament taking place in Eritrea.

Mike Seium
For Eri-internationalsports.blogspot.com/