Connect with us

OBITUARY

I had a good life”, Erikson said in documentary released before his death

blank

Published

on

blank

A documentary about Sven-Goran Eriksson’s life was broadcast by Amazon Prime before he passed away, and the Swede delivered an emotional final message to his fans.

“I had a good life,” said Eriksson, who was the first ever foreign coach engaged by England.

 “I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.

“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.”

Eriksson won 18 trophies during a distinguished career in club management, including the 1999-2000 Serie A title with Lazio and three Portuguese Primeira Liga titles with Benfica. Prior to those successes he had guided IFK Goteborg to the UEFA Cup in 1982, an historic and first ever continental success for a Swedish team.

Advertisement

The first manager to win league and cup doubles in three different countries, Eriksson’s most successful period came at Lazio, where as well as the Italian league title he also picked up two Italian Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

The Swede managed England for 67 matches between 2001 and 2006, taking the Three Lions to two World Cups and a European Championships and reaching the quarter-finals of each competition.

RELATED: Former England Manager Eriksson Battling With Cancer: https://www.sportsvillagesquare.com/2024/01/11/former-england-manager-eriksson-battling-with-cancer/

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

OBITUARY

At last, Peter Fregene passes away

blank

Published

on

blank

Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami who has been at the forefront of the life-saving efforts for former Nigerian international goalkeeper, Peter Fregene, has broken the sad news of the goalkeeper.

He announced that Fregene passed on, aged 77, surrounded by his wife and two of his children.

“A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who has been on life support for the past one week, passed on to meet his creator. He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina,”  Odegbami wrote on Sunday.

Fregene, was a member of the Nigerian team at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. He last played for Nigeria on 13 March 1982 when Nigeria lost 3-0 to Zambia in a Group B AFCON match in Benghazi.

For years, he had been battling with illness and spent the last week on life-support.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

OBITUARY

Doyen of Morocco sports journalism, Belaid Bouimid is dead

blank

Published

on

blank
The Late Belaïd Bouimid

Moroccan Journalist, great expert on sports, poet with a sharp pen and above all a precursor of press cartoons in Morocco, Belaïd Bouimid passed away on Monday.

According to Moroccan publication, 360 Sport, Bouimid passed on after a long and courageous fight against illness. He was 75 years old.

He was reportedly admitted to at a clinic in Casablanca where he underwent yet another surgical operation after his health deteriorated. Belaïd Bouimid was used to getting back up. But not this time. The dean of Moroccan journalists, a true big brother to all sports journalists in the country, he passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the age of 75.

Throughout his career, he distinguished himself not only through his expertise and love for sports but also through his intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness.

He was not just a journalist but a deeply cultured man, attuned to the evolving artistic, literary, and cultural landscapes. His sports analyses were often enriched with cultural references, giving him a unique and original perspective.

Advertisement

His humanity, sharp mind, and insightful view of the world inspired many generations, whether in the editorial offices or the artistic circles he cherished so much.

Continue Reading

OBITUARY

Former AIPS-Africa president, Mitchell Obi mourns the dean of Moroccan journalists

blank

Published

on

blank
Late Belaid Bouimid

“Really sad. ” That was the first reaction of Mitchell Obi, the immediate past president of continental sports writing body, AIPS-Africa, after learning of the passage of Belaid Bouimid, the dean of sports journalists in Morocco.

 Continuing, Obi remarked: “The exit of a reliable and splendid voice. Unforgettable times with a friend who gave his utmost to lift the African sporting press.

“Belaid was brilliant in his communication style and he created laughter from nothing. Simple, self effacing but deeply functional.

“He remains my President and Africa will cherish the sterling contributions of one who truly launched AIPS Africa from its heritage of ASJU.

“A companion for all seasons, my tearful heart goes to the family and friends in Casablanca, Morocco and beyond.

Advertisement

All that goes returns. Rest well Belaid Boumid … you left us with plenty to remember you by.”

Continue Reading

Most Viewed