Eri-International sports soccer news updates September 2016.

Alexander Isaac wanted by La Liga's Real Madrid.

Eritrean-Swede Alexander Isaac is turning heads once again. The latest big internationally known club that has shown an interest in the 17 year old teenager is La Liga power house Real Madrid. The Spanish giant had scouts observing Alexander at the Boras Arena this weekend as AIK took on Elfsborg in a league matchup. Alexander who was asked by media about the interest from a top team said that he did not have much to say. He remained his humble self as he spoke more about his performance after the game which followed a 2 goal performance last week on his birthday. The game ended in a 2-2 tie and Alexander played well even though he did not score.

According very credible sources from a Madrid-based media outlet the club has been following the youngster for a couple of weeks. Our Sources from Spanish Media also added that "Real Madrid have been in Sweden for the past few weeks to look at one of the gold nuggets in Swedish football, Alexander Isaac - a young striker who can be compared with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Madrid's first impression of Alexander has been very positive. Considering the player's versatility in being able to play everywhere on the offense and his knack for passing as well as scoring has made him a desirable player. Alexander Isaac has so far recorded six goals in 13 Allsvenskan starts. It is also to be recalled that teams in Serie A and the Bundesliga as well as the Premier League are after him. Good luck to Alexander as he makes a choice that will enable him to be a superstar 

Golgol Mebrahtu leads his team to first place in the Czech Premier League.

In the top league of the Czech republic which is considered one of the better leagues in Europe, Eritrean-Australian Golgol Mebrahtu seems to be having a splendid season as he has helped put his team Mlada Boleslav beat Jablonec 2-1 and helped his club to the head of the league table.

After an early goal by Jablonec which put them ahead, Golgol Mebrahtu found the net in the 9th minute of the match and tied the game. A long ball from Brazilian Douglas da Silva into the goal area was collected very well and the Eritrean-Australian striker scored his fifth goal in the last six matches as he has been hot with his fourth goal in a row. He also missed many close calls. Mlada Boleslav is now in first place surpassing even top tier teams like Sparta Prague which they tied at 2-2. Congratulations to Golgol on a very good season as he seems to have found his niche in the Czech Republic.

San Jose Earthquakes struggling but Henok Goitom slowly adjusting.

Meanwhile in the USA, Eritrean-Swede Henok Goitom still adjusting to his new environment in a very short turn around has performed well even though he has not been playing much. Every time Henok got in the game he has attempted to give San Jose a much needed attack. The California team which has recently sacked its general manager is in danger of not making the playoffs after a 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City. They have 5 games left and with a couple of injuries it is looking very tough at the moment. After the starting forward Quincy Amarikwa was hurt, Henok got in the game and a shining moment for Henok Goitom as he displayed his skills with a beautiful assist on the lone goal for San Jose. To use the tigrinia term an Eritrean language Henok "Fetfitu hibuwo" as he made a brilliant pass. Hopefully he will be seeing a lot more action in the coming five games. Meanwhile see link and enjoy the highlight of the game for San Jose despite a 2-1 loss. To see Henok's brilliant pass you can scan to the 1:40 Mark.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/09/25/highlights-san-jose-earthquakes-1-2-sporting-kansas-city

Eritrean-American College soccer player Ezana Kahsay selected top player in his conference and made national player of the week.

In another news Eritrean-American standout for the University of Akron Zips one of the best college soccer teams in the nation is having a decent season so far even though his team has lost three games and have dipped down to the bottom of the top 20 in the nation after having been the number 1 team in the nation. Ezana Kahsay whose uncle played for the Eritrean national team and whose father also played in the Eritrean premier league is making some headlines in the college soccer scene. The University of Akron whose program has been top notch since the 1980's also has a great record in academics within its soccer program. Ezana is also a top notch student with a great GPA. This story should encourage every Eritrean youth to work harder and become successful by utilizing your skills to earn a good education.  

The redshirt sophomore Ezana Kahsay who by the way always puts (Asmeras, Eritrea) next to his name has been named by College Soccer News to its National Team of the Week for the period ending on Sunday, Sept. 18. Kahsay turned in a strong week helping the Zips extend their winning streak to three straight on the strength of team-high marks in goals (2) and point (4). He has also been selected by the Mid-American Conference as the MAC Men's Soccer Athlete of the Week, the league announced on Monday, Sept. 19. The conference award is the first in Kahsay's career and marks the second weekly conference accolade for a Zip in 2016. It is to be recalled last season as a redshirt freshman he helped the Akron Zips to the semifinals of the NCAA championship as Akron lost to eventual champions Stanford University 8-7 in 10 rounds of penalty kicks. The future is bright for young Ezana. Eri-International sports would like to encourage and empower future Eritrean youth to be the best they can be as Academic and sports go hand in hand. Always think that you are a student first and an athlete second. We will have more feature stories and the history of Eritreans in college soccer soon. Stay tuned.

For Eri-International sports

Michael Seium

Alexander Isaac scores 2 goals on his 17th birthday & already compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Get used to Eri-International sports blog writing about the newly turned 17 year old Alexander Isaac who is taking the Allsvenskan (Swedish Premier league) by storm. On September 21st Alexander Isaac celebrated his 17th birthday with two goals. Already in 16 minutes, Isaac was looking at his third opportunity at a goal against a strong team in Djurgården. He scored his first goal a beauty with ease however, what makes Alexander Isaac unique is how difficult he is to keep track of around the goal area.  He is very good at looking up for free space and can easily find his teammates, a trait that even the most experienced players adapt after years of playing the game of soccer. In this huge game for AIK also known as the "Derby" it was a moment for the young birthday boy to show what he can do as he added a second goal in the 65th minute to extended AIK's lead 2-0. Stefan Ishizaki crossed a beautiful ball with his left foot as Alexander jumped and surprised the opposing team with a great header.

After the game many people were talking about this young man who is an Eritrea-Swede and playing the game of soccer on the international arena at such a young age. One of his Nigerian veteran team mates Chinedu Obasi who represents the Nigerian team had this to say, "He could be the new Zlatan Ibrahimovic." For entire game highlights just click on the youtube link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUS5-sMsrcA

While Alexander was delighted by the nice words. His maturity level probably the Eritrean trait he got from his beautiful culture got over him as he responded back in a humble way saying that he has a long way to catch up to that level.

As Eritreans and I am sure millions of Swedes you can only proud of the professional level of this young man. He has the ability, the know how and most of all the maturity of a person who is more seasoned than his age. While many teams around Europe are after him, he has committed to his home town team AIK Stockholm and you can see the relationship he has with his hometown folks.

A simple young man who thrives on his ability and loyalty to his home team. I personally wish that he would represent Eritrea and that Eritrea's national team program would have been good enough to be able to give him a choice, but there is no doubt in my mind that the Swede's will not let him easily slide by. See below at the :34 second mark as Alexander pays tribute to his fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VPJa-L2XRI

Happy birthday Alexander Isaac and I hope you continue to inspire millions of people and represent the Eritrean people while also sharing your Swedish culture.

For Eri-International sports

Michael Seium

Bayern Munich and other top European teams want Alexander Isaac.

Alexander Isaac of AIK Stockholm is being sought after by clubs from the top leagues in Europe and he has only played a couple of weeks after resting from a stomach flu that sat him out for a couple of games. According to his coach many top teams have shown interest in the attacking talent. The interests come from teams in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A, according to reliable sources from with the AIK organization. He was heavily being touted by premier league champions Leicester city as well as Southampton and recently Manchester City then you have the Italian Serie A teams of Inter Milan and Roma who are still in the running to get him. His popularity has gone even to the point of getting an offer from Red Bull Salzburg which is said to have submitted a bid with 2.1 million euros for the 16-year-old Solna striker. Some of you may recall that the newly named Red Bull Salzburg is where one of the first Eritrean professional players Yohannes Woldeab played in the 1990's.

One of the most important things to understand is that Alexander's contract will be written with him finishing this season in Sweden with AIK. His coaches and the administration of the club have been very supportive and are willing to let him make his own decision.The fact that he is way too mature for his age and his traits as a good disciplined person have a lot to do with teams wanting him but at age 16 it is very important to understand that he has what it takes to be a top notch player. A rarity that is not witnessed in many places. His physical fitness and his stride as well as his goal scoring ability and even knowledge of when to pass the ball makes this young man a complete player. He grew up in the Swedish youth soccer system but has developed very quickly. Active in his Eritrean community may be that also has something to do with his great assets.

Bayern Munich and the new interest.

The interest from Bayern Munich came when the Swedish U17 team played against Poland which resulted in a 4-2 win for Sweden. Scouts from many teams including from Bayern Munich were  sent to assess the performance of the 16-year-old and he did not disappoint as his physical appearance as well as his performance was able to convince the guests when he scored a goal and dished an assist. Bayern will continue to monitor Alexander's development according to their top management team. The simple fact that top notch European teams are interested in a 16 year old Eritrean-Swede is great news. It is also to be noted that Alexander and AIK have received offers from Cagliari and RB Leipzig two teams in Italy and Germany attempting to get to the top of their respective leagues. Alexander will be playing this weekend after a 1 week break in the Swedish premier league. Watch for him as he could be the next source of inspiration for our Eritrean youth.

For Eri-International sports

Mike Seium