Austin Jay Jay Okocha - Africa's Best Mid Fielder

Born on the fourteenth of august 1973 (17/08/1973), weighs between 70 to 74kg, and between 1.7m to 1.75m tall.

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Okocha started his professional career with CCB Lions, from where he was transfer to Enugu Rangers. From Enugu He got a transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt in 1992/1993 season. Okocha made his first international debut for Nigeria in May 1993 against coted'ivoire in a qualifier match decided n Abidjan and He distinguished himself by scoring Nigeria's only goal in a game Nigeria lost by two goals to one (2-1). In another world cup qualifier against Algeria in Lagos Okocha scored a text book free kick to level up Algeria who were a goal up. His great performance ensured a four one (4-1) victory over the Algerians. The way he was carried shoulder high by ecstatic fans showed that he was indeed the hero of the day.

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The 1994 nation's cup was another sterling performance for Okocha's career has his performance enable Nigeria to lift the trophy for the second time. He was as selected as the member of the tournament best eleven (11).

Three month months later Okocha was with the Nigeria's squad after inspiring Nigeria to her first ever world cup appearance. Although his performance was slow down by a foot injury as He could only play ninety (90) minutes against Italy and He was voted the man of the match in the game which sent Nigeria packing from the world cup that year. However these feats were enough to earn him a place at the Africa footballer of the year in 1994.

In spite of Okocha's achievement in 1994, in December 1994, he was sacked alongside two of his club mate; Ghanaian Tony Yeboah and ex German international Maurizio Gaudino, for an accusation the coach Jupp Heynckes define as gross indiscipline and insubordination. The trio went their separate ways Tony Yeboah and Maurizio Gaudino departed for Leeds United and Manchester City of England Respectively. Okocha shifted base to Turkey with Turkish Champion fernerbache in a lucrative two year contract worth million.

Notably the highlight of his stay at Frankfurt was the 1993/1994 season when one of his goals was adjusted the goal of the season. The goal was vintage, Okocha, as he displaced four opponents including the goalkeeper (please don't ask the name of the goalkeeper) over and over again, before flashing the ball to the net.

Okocha chose Fernerbache ahead of other offers from Spain, France and even Germany because of his desire to play alongside his national team colleague Uche Okechukwu, who had joined Fernerbache to a second position finish in Turkish championship.

Okocha tasted international glory again when He came in as a substitute in Nigeria one zero (1-0) win over Uzbekistan in the return leg of Afro Asia Cup, before the afro Asia cup, He featured for Nigeria in the US Cup and scored in the three two defeat (3-2) defeat by the United State. Okocha's great exploit got a Turkish citizenship and lots of publicity in1997 for his contribution to the progress of Turkish football. Okocha won the Turkish championship in 1996/1997 season scoring 16 goals in 33 matches and getting a place at the UEFA Champions League, he finished as one of the highest goal scorer in 1995/1996 and 1996/1997 with 14 and 16 goals respectively.

Okocha enriched his international career by winning by winning Africa's first ever Olympic Gold medal in soccer with Nigeria U-23 team in Atlanta in 1996 scoring a twice taken penalty against Mexico in the quarter finals.

Okocha's exploit at France 98 world cup where he rattled and dazzled against Spain, Bulgaria and Denmark. Jay Jay was marked the player of true class every time he got the ball, he made thousand of spectators shift on their seat contemplating what magic he would spring next. It was no surprise that he was nominated into the team of the tournament, even though as substitute.

France 98 coordinating president and the present UEFA president Michel Platini describe Okocha as one of the few pure number 10 remaining in the world football.

PSG manager Alain Giresse got romance with Jay Jay when he started the move that resulted in Nigeria's only goal against Bulgaria at the Parc De Princes in Paris which incidentally is PSG home ground. The match ended 1-0 in favor of Nigeria. Okocha became the French record transfer and became the most expensive Africa player in the last Millennium with million transfer from Fernerbache to PSG.

Okocha got married in 1997 to Nkechi, and his first child was given birth to when the world cup was going on in 1998. the name of the child he named Daniella. He also has a son.

He was the continent best player at the France 98 world cup, he became the second best in Africa in 1998 when the Africa footballer of the year award was given to Hadji Mustapha of Morocco.

Okocha featured in the Nigeria/Ghana 2000 nation's cup, a superb player scoring two of Nigeria's 4-2 demolishing of Algeria. Okocha was red carded in the quarter final tie against Senegal. He missed the semi final match against South Africa and was on target for Nigeria in the final against Cameroon, scoring Nigeria equalizer goal riffling home a rocket shot, the match ended 5-3 on penalties the Cameroonians won.

At the 2002 nations cup Okocha passes and skills must not be written off as it posses threat to the opponent although he was denied of goal, his passes and skills were felt in the matches.

With the departure and dismissal of Super Eagles key players, another team was constituted, and Jay Jay Okocha was entrusted with the captainship role. Okocha captained Nigeria to the Korea Japan 2002 world cup, although it became Nigeria's worse world when Nigeria was grouped alongside Argentina, England, and Sweden. Nigeria finished at the bottom of the table in the group but Jay Jay Okocha's experience and skills earn him a move to Bolton Wanderers of England.

Okocha haven mentored players like Ronaldinho, and Everton Play maker Mikel Arteta at PSG, helped Bolton from relegation contender to UEFA cup contender. He was given the captainship responsibilities after his superb first season at Bolton.

Okocha was in the premier league best five in his second season at Bolton. Players like Sorensen of Aston Villa Ray Palour and Dennis Bergkamp of Arsenal will not forget for hia free kick and great skill. He help Bolton to her first Carling cup final and to the sixth position for the first time in decades.

His performance was superb as he led Nigeria to the Tunisia 2004, scoring the CAF nations cup 1000th goal in a 4-0 demolishing of South Africa. He drive home spectacular free kicks that ensure Nigeria qualify ahead of Cameroon in the quarter final. He was nominated for the Africa footballer of the year in 2004. He was the second best player in Africa on two occasion consecutively-2004 and 2005 respectively. He was the BBC Africa footballer of the year in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

Okocha was released from Bolton alongside Fadiga, N'Gotty and Matt Jensen. He decided to move to a Qatar on a lucrative one year contract half of what Tranbzonspor had offered him. He decided to move to Qatar ahead of Wigan, Reading and Everton.

Okocha came back to England as he was signed by a lower division who are now doing well in the premier league (Hull City). Although injury has been a major set back for Jay Jay, he was with the Hull City side defeated by Chelsea in the Carling Cup. Hull City remained the only club Okocha did not score. Hull city promoted to the premier league last season. He inspired Hull City to their promotion to the premier league and left the club after their promotion. With the departure of Okocha from the national team it will be difficult to find a replacement to fill that big shoe of Okocha. Although young players like Lukman Haruna and Rabiu Ibrahim are showing great class, demonstration and the potential to be the next Super Eagles play maker. It took eight Years to find a replacement for Green Eagles Mudashiru Lawal. Osaro Obaifo, John ENE Okon, Friday Ekpo could not replace Lawal on till the arrival of Austin Okocha. How long will it take to find a replacement for this great player called Okocha who bow out of football as a player on June 27, 2008 said Waidi Akanmu?

Austin Jay Jay Okocha - Africa's Best Mid Fielder

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South Africa's Favorites

Here are some of my South African favorites. Let's start with food, because everyone who has seen me will know that I'm no slouch with a knife and fork.
Breakfast: Every Thursday morning I leave my house early to miss the traffic and stop and have breakfast at JB Rivers in Hyde Park. They open early; serve a great cup of coffee and the Sunrise breakfast sets you up for the day.
Lunch: The curry and rice at Royal Durban Golf Club. Eat while overlooking the unique golf course set in the middle of a horse-racing

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I'm going to split dinner into 4 categories:

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1)Steakhouse: Joops, which is only five minutes up the road from Royal Durban. loop himself cooks every steak that is served, and it's done to perfection.

2)Italian: My local restaurant which is in Woodmead called Giovanni's. The Liver and Onions or the Salmon Pasta are my favourites.

3)Fancy: Browns in Rivonia is my place for a special occasion. Great jazz music on a Saturday evening, the best wine selection I've experienced, and great food.

4)Other: Any of the amazing dishes my wife concocts. Most especially the roast chicken with crisp fresh veggies and roast potatoes.

Another of my favorite things is to sleep. And the best place to rest your head when there is not a City Lodge nearby:
Guest House: The Somerset East Guest House, a converted school which is tastefully furnished, extremely comfortable, and my only complaint is that I only spent one night there.

Two best hotels with good golf courses on the doorstep: Arabella and Pezula are each lavishly decorated with terrific spas. I always remember what the grand old golfer, Walter Haque said: "I never wanted to be a millionaire I just want to live like one".

Car Hire: The Avis office at Cape Town Airport. They have the most jacked-up staff it's quick, efficient, and friendly, and it's especially gratifying when they upgrade you from a little Asian model into a Volvo.
Air Line: Due to my fuller figure, space and legroom is an issue on planes, and so my airbus of choice is 1Time. The extra legroom and leather seats give me the extra comfort. Oh, by the way, they are also less expensive. The best airport to land and take off from in South Africa hasn't been built yet. Let's hope the new one in Durban is going to be special.

So for your next trip. Fly 1Time to Cape Town, hire an Avis Car, drive through to Somerset East to Durban for dinner at Joop's Place. Stay overnight at the fabulous City Lodge at Umhlanga, you'll now be well rested for your trip to Johannesburg and breakfast at JB Rivers. Travel Safely.

South Africa's Favorites

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Beading Around the World - Africa's Bead Culture

The last week of October is Beads Weekin Ghana in West Africa. Exporting beads has become a major source of income for many in poverty stricken areas of Africa, besides being a major source of cultural exchange between Ghana and Italy and other European countries.

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Ghana and Italy have long been linked in history. As early as the 15th century, makers of glass beads began shipping their products to Ghana in Western Africa. The beads were important for increasing the status of Chiefs and Queens and were used in ceremonies that marked rites of passage. Italy and Ghana were united by the common language of artistic beauty and their love of the tiny masterpieces.

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Now, in a reversal, West Africa is beginning to export locally made beads to back to Italy.

In another part of Africa, Uganda has a thriving bead export business. Paper beads in all sizes and shapes are helping Ugandan women to rise out of poverty. Women in many parts of Africa have few economic opportunities and in Uganda, women are fleeing the civil war and settling near the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Instead of finding a brighter future, they found HIV, starvation and expensive housing. There is hope for these women-Bead For Life.

The organization called BeadForLife began when two American women watched a Ugandan woman making beads from rolled up magazines. The Ugandan woman explained that there was no market for her beads, so she had to work at a local quarry for less than a dollar a day. When the two American women brought some necklaces back to the US and gave them to some friends, a new market was born.

Paper beads are colorful and beautiful and come in many sizes and shapes. Because the market is strong in American, people purchasing these beads are helping women in another culture to survive and rise above the depravations of deficiency. As a result, a new cultural exchange market has been created.

The paper beads are created from recycled magazines, posters or other donated material that is cut, rolled and finished with a water-proof coating. The products made from the beads range from single strands of beads to delicate three strand necklaces.

More information about beads and beading can be found at The Bead Cottage, www.thebeadcottage.com [http://www.thebeadcottage.com/]

Beading Around the World - Africa's Bead Culture

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South Africa's Famous Faces

South Africa is not just a country of extreme and rugged beauty (although it is renowned for its spectacular coastlines and landscapes); it is also a country with a wonderfully vibrant culture and a thriving arts community. Some of South Africa's most successful exports have been its actors and actresses who, whilst forging highly successful careers on the world stage, still manage to retain their uniquely South African roots.

If you're planning a trip to South Africa, chances are, somewhere along your travels you'll come across a monument or tribute to one or other of their famous sons or daughters. Who knows, you may even see one in the flesh if you're lucky!

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Charlize Theron

Considered one of the most beautiful women on the planet, and certainly one of the best-known actresses in Hollywood today, Charlize Theron's star has continued to rise since the late 1990s. Originally trained as a ballet dancer, injury forced her to reconsider her options and she bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles determined to succeed in acting. After pivotal roles in films like the Devil's Advocate and the Cider House Rules, she won the controversial role of convicted murderer Aileen Wournos. Her magnificent performance earned her the honour of becoming the first person from South Africa (and indeed any country in Africa) to win an Oscar - acting's highest accolade.

Basil Rathbone

While the younger set may be surprised to learn that someone more famous than Robert Downey Jnr has been associated with the character of Sherlock Holmes, back in the 1930s and 40s the role belonged to one man who made it completely his own; the debonair Basil Rathbone. Born in South Africa in the late 1800s, Rathbone and his family fled Johannesburg to escape the Boers. Raised in England, the acting bug hit Rathbone when he was young and he excelled in theatre productions and amateur roles. But the draw to America was strong and he forged a successful Broadway career before settling in Hollywood. He won the coveted role of brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes, whom he played in thirteen films over many years. South Africa still remembers Basil Rathbone fondly and he is considered one of the country's greatest success stories.

Sid James

Many people are shocked to find out that one of Britain's best-loved comedians who epitomised the 'cheeky chappy' cockney persona was, in fact, from South Africa. Hugely successful for his roles in the 'Carry On' films, Sid James become a much-loved British institution but his early life couldn't have been more different. He worked as diamond cutter, dance teacher, and then had a successful career as a hairdresser before catching the acting bug. After spending his time in the Second World War in the South African Army, he emigrated to England where his acting career blossomed. Firmly entrenched in Britain's comedic heritage, when he died, Sid James left behind a fond reputation as one of the world's most lovable rascals.

South Africa's Famous Faces

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Wine and Witches in South Africa's Hex Valley

When the moon glitters on the first snow of winter, a bewitching young woman is said to walk the Hex River Valley tragically searching for her lost love. Some say Eliza is South Africa's most famous witch, whilst others know her as the daughter of a lowly farmhand who became mentally ill after causing her only love to fall to his death:

Eliza was a beautiful young woman whose stunning looks ensured that she had numerous suitors. However, she was also a spoilt and self-centred girl, and when she fell in love with Frans she was determined that he worked hard for her affections. In order to marry her he must pick her a red disa in the kloofs of the Matroosberg; the highest peak in South Africa's Hex Valley.

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The red disa is a stunning bright red orchid, which is still spotted by lucky walkers in the Matroosberg. Spottings are rare though and the plant has a predilection for growing in inaccessible places, such as ravines and steep mossy gorges. To pick a disa is near impossible without mountaineering equipment, and Frans, unprepared for the task, slipped and fell with a brilliant red disa in his hand.

On hearing that her young lover had died, Eliza was beside herself and became mentally unstable. Her parents kept her locked her in her bedroom and if you had visited the old farmstead a couple of years ago, before it was demolished, you would have spotted "Eliza 1868" scratched into the old windowsill.

One night, wearing just a nightgown, Eliza broke out of her prison and wandered to the foothills of the mountains, where Frans had walked previously. There she sat and sobbed, but the outcrop crumbled beneath her and she also fell to her death. Some say that her ghost wanders the Matroosberg on moonlit lights, crying and wringing her hands. In Afrikaans, they call her the Heks van Hex Rivier, or the witch of the Hex River.

Witches and disas may be one reason to visit the Hex River Valley, but there is a far better one ¬- wine! The wine-producing region is located just a 1.5 hour drive from Cape Town and the small town of De Dooms boasts South Africa's longest harvest season. Autumn here is magnificent as the vines change into rich reds and golds providing a stunning backdrop against the blue-hued mountains. Wine tasting is a must, and many of the local vineyards provide tours of the chateau, followed by brisk lessons in how to sample the goods.

One of South Africa's most friendly game reserves is located in the Hex River Valley. The Aquila Reserve, named after a rare black eagle that thrives in the area. Aquila is known for its cheetahs and it highlights the plight of this cat and its rapidly diminishing numbers. Aquila's cheetahs were born in captivity and therefore don't form part of Aquila's game drive, but a safari around the reserve lets you spot all of South Africa's big five from lion to rhinoceros. From lion and cheetah to witches and wine, a trip to the Hex River Valley is certain to leave you bewitched.

Wine and Witches in South Africa's Hex Valley

MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA