Sudanese clubs Al Mereikh and Al Hilal prove their supremacy

by
Collins Okinyo
May 5, 2015

By Austin Oduor Otieno,

Club rivalry is a total indicator to growth of a league in whatever circumstance.It is the fierce rivalry between two or more clubs that make any league interesting in a country hence attracting followers.

For example in England and Wales,the rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United made the EPL more attractive and persuasive that other countries too began following it making it more lucrative.

The same happened to Spanish Primera Liga where Barcelona and Real rivalry made the league more competitive and attractive.

Back to the dark continent we have Al Ahly and Zamalek rivalry which adds as a derby making Egyptian League among the top five same us the PSL rivalry between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.Zambia’s league may not add up to the expectation because the rivalry between Kitwe giants Nkana and Power Dynamos does not attract so many.

Kenya’s league,which is most probably manged professional has Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards to thank as the rivalry between City giants Yanga and Simba light up the city of Dar.

Uganda and Rwanda may not benefit from such as their derbies and rivalries are not so competitive and attractive,this could be the reason why the leagues lacks enough punch.

Sudanese League is absolutely the best league in East and Central Africa and both Al Hilal and Al Mereikh are 2nd and 4th respectively and the league ranked 5th in Africa.

A look at Al Mereikh home to Kenyan international Allan Wanga.The club just over the weekend qualified to the CAF Champions League group phase together with City rivals Al Hilal.

The two teams are one of Africa’s most successful Clubs.Al Mereikh winning the African Cup winners cup now the Confederations Cup in 1989 and twice reaching the semifinal a feat that only Gor Mahia of Kenya achieved from the CECAFA region.The Club boasts of three players from Asia,one from Brazil and aseveral from west Africa,same as Al Hilal.The playing unit is paid well and just last week each player received Ksh 400,000 as bonuses for reaching the last eight at the expenxe of Tunisian giants Esperence,who eliminated Gor Mahia last season but again lost to the same Club in the 1987 Cup winners Cup.

In the 1980’s the Kenyan League was at per with the Sudanese League and Clubs like AFC Leopards,Gor Mahia and Kenya Breweries now Tusker were feared across the continent,they could even sign players from allover the continent and had depth and financial muscle to retaining top players,not like now.

If the management of soccer is left to the ‘real managers’ and not politicians then KPL,Vodacom Premier League or Azam Uganda Super League will match the likes of PSL,Egyptian,Algeria and Sudanese Leagues.

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com