BSmag #02 (Beach Soccer Magazine)

BEACH

beachsoccermag.com

SOCCER NO 02

World Cup Edition

magazine

2 0 1 7

Club Beach Soccer On The Rise !

Made in Copacabana

2017 Beach Soccer World Cup

Bahamas Island host the World

Fatma Samoura can one woman fix FIFA?

FIFA Secretary General

...... we bring the game to you

GROUP +1 (954) 651-2135 misc-ltd@hotmail.com www.soccer7usa.com

F

atma Samba Diouf Samoura; the most powerful woman in sport.

Her appointment last June was historic and ground breaking.

The 54 year old from Senegal is the first non European and woman to hold an executive post at the Football world governing body.

This July, she would be clocking a year at the helms of FIFA, and with very rich antecedents, and set objectives to restore the tainted image of this giant; FIFA. Can one woman fix the plagued of credibility issues, corrupt history, inequality and other challenges piled up over several years?

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Caribbean, the beautiful Island of the Bahamas would play host to the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup this April. The stage is set, actors are warming up and the world is expecting noting but a spectacular and memorable event.

As we take time to profile each of the 16 teams (thanks to our friends at FIFA media and BSWW), who will lift the covered World Cup Trophy? Eleven days to decide.

As the 25 years old sport spreads all around the world, beyond coastal planes and its point of origin. From Brazil to Switzerland, Miami beaches to the Netherlands, Okinawa in Japan to Kaduna (Northern Nigeria).

Its current trends now transcends the available natural beach environment for the game, but the creation of artificial beach soccer pitches even in the hinterlands. In the words of Angelo Schirinzi; “Success in beach soccer these days takes more than natural beaches�.

Beach Soccer is indeed more than just a sport, with all the razzmatazz surrounding a single game. It is a complete entertainment package as expressed by Idaira, a dance entertainment expert speaks to us about the art and trends of the profession we call dance entrepreneurship, and her brand new group.

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T & S Club 24 Hayter Road, London, SW2, United Kingdom EDITOR IN CHIEF Taye Olajide ASSOCIATE EDITOR Patricia TO PROOF READER Muna Mangga C O U N T R I B U T O R S Massimiliano De-Celis Yaw Ampofo Ankrah Samuel Ahmadu Marieme Ndiaye (Senegal) PHOTO CREDITS FIFA Media BSWW GRAPHICS & LAYOUT. BSmag SPECIAL CONSULTANT. KEDE AIHE AD SALES Samson Mangga (AFRICA) +234 80359 287 18 Josep Maldonado Smith (UK/IRELAND) +34 605 3016 22

I invite you to enjoy this edition, and look forward to seeing you in the Bahamas.

Taye Olajide @tyolajide Twitter: beachsoccermag Instagram: beachsoccermag Facebook: facebook.com/beachsoccermag contact@beachsoccerwa.com www.beachsoccermag.com

DISCLAIMER Some photographs and materials in this publication were obtained from readily available public sources. contact@beachsoccerwa.com www.beachsoccermag.com House14, Ziguinchour Street, Zone 4, Abuja

ISSUE 02 Jan/April

CONTENTS

16.

Lets talk about Beach Soccer

26. COVER STORY

36.

FOCUS

F E A T U R E 07.

Beach Soccer Made in Copacabana

08.

Suzuki Swiss League

12.

The USA Championship

18.

Pro-Am Beach Soccer

24.

Zeeland Beach Soccer

CO N V E R S A T I O N S

54. Alexandre Soares

44.

Angelo Schirinzi

50.

Ozu Moreira

58.

Gilberto Costa

Meet some of our amazing

Contributors Massimiliano De - Celis

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

Marieme Ndiaye

Samuel Ahmadu

De Celis a FIFA Beach Soccer instructor and Coach started his career in Italian League Serie A in 2008.

In 2009, he coached Germany in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the Euro league. Passionate about the sport, he started a development project as Hungary National Team Head Coach, winning Linz Tournament (2010-2011) and Four Nations in Prague (2012).

He is the author of “I Beach Soccer”, a book which was introduced by Joan Cusco and Carlo Tavecchio at the 2013 Beach Soccer World Cup in Tahiti.

Yaw an ace broadcaster and sports administrator is a former anchor with the BBC World Service and presenter with Super Sports TV, has writing several articles in the filed of sports and education.

Appointed an Ambassador of Education by the University of Ghana, the multi talented journalist initiated Boots and Books in Ghana with objective to promote sports and education.

Yaw introduced beach soccer to Ghana in 2013, and currently the President of the Ghana Beach Soccer Association and also an executive of the newly formed West Africa Beach Soccer Union.

Marieme a young sports marketing entrepreneur currently living in Dakar Senegal.

She spends her time profiling and providing content for several online news media, including thoughts on beach soccer trends.

She is also a radio presenter with Radio FM Senegal and Radio Convergence FM. Among many strings to her bow, she is a volunteer media officer for the Senegal National Beach Soccer Team, so its no surprise she’s particularly passionate about the sport.

Sam is the Founder and managing editor of SavidNews.com, and Senior Correspondent with Goal.com is a sports journalist with a passion.

He is a member of advisory panel for BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award and a strong women football advocate.

He has covered several international sporting events in South Africa, Canada, Cameroun, Ghana and others.

The Wigan Athletic fan, with several award nominations including the Nigeria Sports Awards looks forward to winning the CNN Journalist award someday.

Top Notch Tourism & Tours

Visa Processing Family Packages Business & Educational Trips Flights & Hotel Reservations Airport Shuttle

.... let plan your escape

06/BSmag

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c o p a c a b a n a beach 1995

Hosted the first World Beach Soccer Championship event covered by television transition.

Beach Soccer roots can be traced to Brazil, more precisely Leme beach in Rio de Janeiro. However, in 1992 the laws of the game were envisioned and a pilot event was staged by the founding partners of BSWW in Los Angeles. And by 1993 the first professional beach soccer competition was organized at Miami Beach with United States, Brazil, Argentina and Italy participating.

In April 1994, the first event to be covered by network television transmissions was held on Copacabana Beach and thereafter in 1995, it hosted the first Beach Soccer World Championship which marked a significant turning point.

Participation of professional players such as Frenchman Eric Cantona, legendary Spanish strikers Michel and Julio Salinas, Brazilian stars RomĂĄrio, JĂşnior and Zico helped attracts television coverage worldwide.

BSmag/07

Swiss Beach Soccer

Berne Bundesplatz

S

wiss Beach Soccer developments dates far back as 2001, where there were not a single beach

infrastructure and no players. But Reto Wenger and Angelo Schirinzi who introduced the sport to Switzerland had a plan. Their approach was to make Beach Soccer popular in the first year, and organize several events at important cities like Zurich main station and Berne Bundesplatz right in front of the Swiss federal building. Success did not take long, as the first permanent Beach Soccer pitch was up in Basel in no time, and the national team was being developed.

Four years later, the Swiss national beach soccer team was crowned Euro Cup champions in Moscow and were runner-up at 2009 FIFA World Cup in Dubai.

In 2011, with 20 permanent Beach Soccer pitches across Switzerland, players and clubs grew in numbers and the Suzuki Swiss Beach Soccer League came alive with the main goal of a sustainable development that assures the next generation of national team players.

We had a chat with Reto Wenger the CEO of Swiss Beach Soccer who gave insights on their activities.

08/BSmag

FEATURE

FEATURE

Zurich Mainstation

BSmag: Tell us about SBS Wenger: Swiss Beach

Soccer GmbH is a limited company with the goal to develop Beach Soccer in Switzerland.

Since 2001 we have conceived, marketed and implemented numerous event formats.

In Switzerland, we have realized more than 200 events in all language regions and count on a large network to wellknown companies, media and destinations.

BSmag:

How is your relationship with BSWW and the Swiss FA?

Wenger:

We have a very good and trustworthy relationship with BSWW

and the Swiss FA. We are partners and the official promoter for Beach Soccer in Switzerland since 2001.

We are not completely integrated into the FA but the structure allows us to stay flexible, market oriented and same time leverage on our strengths.

through Switzerland. The season always finds its end in Spiez, the most beautiful permanent Beach Soccer facility we have. Also we organize food festivals and several side-attactions.

BSmag:

Wenger:

We like to know more about the Suzuki League.

Wenger:

In 2011 we started the Suzuki Swiss Beach Soccer League for men, women and kids.

After six years we count 24 teams playing the men and women-league from May to August. The whole championship is played in series of events which tours

BSmag:

The tournamnet, enchouraging?

Women how

Yes, that was a great initiative from BSWW. We have some good women players in the Suzuki Swiss Beach Soccer League. 10 years ago we started to regularly train also a designated women’s nationalteam, which is waiting for opportunities like the great event in Portugal last year. I hope there will be more.

BSmag/09

FEATURE

Suzuki Kids League

BSmag:

What do you think about a Women Beach Soccer World Cup?

Wenger: I am sure, many more

great things will happen with Beach Soccer. It’s such a spectacular sport. In my eyes the most important thing is to enlarge the FIFA Beach Soccer Worldcup for men to 24 nations. This is the most valuable tournament for the sport. And for sure, it would be great to have also a Women Worldcup.

Suzuki Kids League

BSmag:

Where do you like to see SBS in next five years?

Wenger:

Our main goal is to remain one of the leading countries in the Beach Soccer movement worldwide. With our national teams (men and women) we want to win titles. In Switzerland our plan is to set up and establish an annual international event.

And I am sure that the Beach Soccer community in our country will develop naturally and sustainable.

BSmag:

Does SBS engages in charity or supports the local community?

Wenger:

Yes, every year we organize several junior days which allows young kids to play Beach Soccer with our stars like Dejan Stankovic, Noel Ott, Glenn Hodel. And we are planing to implement activities for people with disabilities.

10/BSmag

Reto Wenger

CEO; Swis Beach Soccer

Suzuki Women’s League

Suzuki Men’s League BSmag/11

T

he Beach Soccer USA Cup is a professional international beach soccer tournament in California that hosts teams from all over the world. Games take place at the Stadium located within the Beach Soccer Championships events arena, with a capacity of 1,800 seated spectators plus an additional 600 standing spectators.

The tournament is ranked among the top Professional beach soccer tournaments in the USA & has built a reputation of attracting the elite beach soccer teams from the USA & around the world. The event has hosted teams such as: FC Barcelona (Spain), Lazio (Italy), Botafogo (Brazil), Al Ahli (Dubai), BSC Chargers

(Switzerland), CD Nacional (Portugal), Antioquia BSC (Colombia), Team Senegal (Senegal), Tokyo Lequios (Japan), Dorsole Kitakyushu (Japan), Punta Hermosa BSC (Peru), Fusion (Japan), Tiki Tama (Tahiti), BS Zeeland (Netherlands) & many others.

“I am Gino Rossi, everyone in the beach soccer world knows me by Gino. I have hosted and have shared conversations with most beach soccer celebrities. My beach soccer career begins as a player long time ago in Peru. I enjoyed playing the game with friends in the most welcoming environments anyone could be in contact with, the beach.

This is my brief story.�

Gino Rossi; CEO Beach Soccer Unlimited

12/BSmag

FEATURE

Since 2007, the Beach Soccer Championships kicks off the weekend festivities with FREE Beach Soccer clinic to help young soccer players learn more about the wonderful and exciting game of Beach Soccer.

THE BEACH SOCCER USA FOUNDATION The Clinic is run by the PRO players whom take part in the Beach Soccer USA Cup. The players spend the time teaching the kids the many different tricks of beach soccer & spend all the time needed in taking photos with them & signing autographs.

OVIDELIS

REMODITIUS

USA CUP WINNIERS

USA 2008 - 2016 Beach Soccer

2016 Champions Al Ahli CBS (Dubai, UAE) 2015 Champions BSC Chargers (Switzerland) 2014, 2013, 2012 Champions CD Nacional (Portugal) 2011 Champions San Diego Sockers (USA) 2010 Champions SoCal Beach FC (Japan) 2009 Champions Team Senegal 2008 Champions Palms Las Vegas (USA) 2007 Champions Team 99 (USA)

Tip!

Tip!

I

n 2005 I began my research into building a beach soccer event and in 2007 my first beach soccer event was executed in Oceanside, California. The Beach Soccer Championships was born and on that weekend we hosted 152 teams among them were 4 Professional teams. Last year we hosted over 320 teams with 16 Professional teams. - Gino BSmag/13

FEATURE

1

2012 Beach Soccer USA Cup with FC Barcelona

2

The Beach Soccer USA Foundation Kids Clinic

3

2016 Beach Soccer USA Cup

14/BSmag

Lets talk about BEACH SOCCER -

M aDs es - i mC ei ll ii sa n o Author ‘Io, Beach Soccer’, presented at the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Tahiti.

W

e can divide coaches in two groups from one side, the human resources Managers, just like Mourinho, Ancelotti, Lippi, Capello; from the other side, the coach with ideas and modern training methodology, just like Sacchi or Crujff were and now Guardiola is. This is the great difference of coaches.

In football, futsal or beach soccer.

It is very very difficult to find both skills in only one “Mister”. The end

result is the parameter to judge a coach. Clubs, fans, sponsors never understand how important it could be to look over the “simple result”. Because of some things went in a positive direction even in the case of a match lose and, on the contrary, to be negative in some aspects in case of victory.

A good program needs time and patience.

16/BSmag

Part 2

The glare of a victory or of a defeat cancels lucid and objective observations, very useful to not repeat the same in the future and at the same time to empower all positive and demonstrated aspects.

Winning a battle does not mean winning a war. It is fundamental to build a solid-structured based philosophy and be conscious of inevitable obstacles will overcome.

Examples? Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 decided to leave his job as Manchester United Manager after 27 years, and A. Wenger, who is the Arsenal Manager since 1996.

They have represented a Club with a clear Idea and a Philosophy of being a Club and show his coach to the entire football world, not considering bad results in the short term. “The real difficulty is in understanding the aspects to be safeguarded and those to be improved, because whatever the outcome, it is not everything good or everything bad.”

Going back to what was expressed at the end of the previous chapter, a beach soccer coach should be considered at the center of a technical long term project. In this case, if the choice is the right one, the role of the coach can be decisive. If placed at the center of a project of at least 3-4 years, a good coach can be the added value to the project itself, so give that 20% - 30% that would make “the difference”, as some beach soccer national teams did in the past years Spain, Switzerland, Russia, Iran, Tahiti, Japan.

In all families, there are bad times: change of job, economic problems, job stress, injuries and deaths. Similarly during a project, in football or beach soccer, there are critical events between coach and clubs. If there are not immediate results, it looks like the changing of the coach has been considered as a medicine to all ailments.

Obviously, if there are no longer the essential conditions, a partnership does not have to continue. The exception is always around the corner.

But the exception is becoming a rule.

Clubs and property too often don’t consider that closing a job relation with a coach means to destroy an entire project.

F O U N D E R

“

TO BE CONTINUED ......

It is fundamental to build a solid-structured based philosophy and be conscious of inevitable obstacles

”

FEATURE

B

13 years each Soccer Journey

Tighe O’Sulivan speaks to us about the Pro AM Beach Soccer franchise.

Pro-Am Beach Soccer began their flagship annual tournaments in Santa Cruz in 2005. Two years later, San Francisco was added. In 2010 another annual tournament at Stinson Beach was kicked off.

The brand also encouraged and supported the America Scores Bay Area Beach Blast annual tournaments which began in the later years. Earlier in 2015, Pro-Am Beach Soccer added another in Pompano Beach, Florida. Organizations like South Florida United Youth Soccer Association who subsidise the event are seen as visionaries in the growth of the sport.

BSmag - Congratulations on your commitment and growth of the Pro Am Beach Soccer. Please tell us your story.

Tighe - Fourteen years ago friends asked me to be involved in a foot volley project and over months of discussions, it eventually turned towards beach soccer.

And as it pans out, our first event weekend was also the first official FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2005. I recall we were able to attract 82 teams in California when no one had really ever heard of the sport before. This was huge and we knew early we had found an incredible sport

this has been an important event for us as it took us to the east coast of the US and it’s the first event where we have partnered with a youth association (SFUYSA) of over 1000 teams.

BSmag - How is the venture?

Tighe - Our main events include the Annual Santa Cruz Open in its 13th year in Northern California.

Another great event is the Annual Pompano Beach, Florida Classic,

BSmag - Any plans to expand to other parts of the world?

Tighe - We are discussing additional destinations such as in Bali Indonesia, they see the potentials.

The Bupati Badung Girl Prasta

Ovidelis remoditius

18/BSmag

BSmag - Santa Cruz Open usually sold out, what’s the secret?

Tighe - When we say “Be Original Play Pro-Am” it’s all about Santa Cruz. It was the first five aside tournament on the west coast of the US and the first in the country to go 100% with FIFA laws. It is also an incredible destination spot with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

supports beach soccer, and Nyoman Sarjana, the Beach Soccer Associations Chair told me sports tourism is an excellent apportunity for Badung to attract tourists.

And are looking forward to their first PABS this July, BSmag - You have quite an impressive merchandize outfit.

Tighe - Merchandising is part of our branding, we want to have people recognize us throughout the world. It has always been very important to me to have items which are stylish, colorful, and practical. Beach Soccer itself is a colorful expression of “The Beautiful Game”, so we want to make sure if we are providing a Tshirt, ball, or other item it jumps out and grabs the attention of people who might not be part of the game. It’s necessary to have things that “Pop” to help explore the game of beach soccer further.

FEATURE BSmag - Any charity activities?

Tighe - As an organization we have always had fond relationships with NPO’s. Currently in the Bay Area we actually help create our own competition. Also we work with the Bali Sports Foundation which provides opportunities for disabled athletes to compete internationally for Indonesia including wheelchair basketball and rugby.

In the past, we have worked with “Save our Shores” to eliminate plastic bottles at our events, and other organizations including ones which provide college scholarships for disadvantaged students by hiring workers, the money goes towards these scholarships. Honestly, I could go on, but let’s just say it is something important to our organization to work to give back to the communities and to provide through our resources to support them. We have never turned away a team because they could not afford to pay in full.

20/BSmag

BSmag - Tell us about your youth academy .

Tighe - The biggest achievement here can be seen in the players we are now producing through the NorCal BSC which has been in my vision for nearly a decade. Some of these guys actually played in the first event when they were under ten years old.

They are now the ones sent to coach and the money raised supports their activities. It’s amazing how time flies and you begin to see the fruit of your labors turning into amazing people now playing at an international level.

BSmag - Looking back, what would you have done differently?

Tighe - There are many things I would have done differently. But with your biggest mistakes you learn your most profound lessons. Regret is a horrible thing to dwell on, but if I had one thing to choose it would be to research who I was doing business with better.

BSmag - In another 13 years to come, where do you see the franchise?

Tighe - In 13 years I would like to see the franchise grow with the game throughout the world.

I know this franchise was an early adopter, but it also has far more potential than we have provided.

The vision we continue to work towards are series which we can have both regionally and internationally. We see Pro-Am Beach Soccer providing some of the best Sports Tourism opportunities any soccer lover will want to be part of for decades to come.

BSmag - Thank you for chatting with us.

Tighe - Thank you for having me.

Idaira Rodrigues Professional cheerleader with over ten years experience, the last four as a General Coordinator, Coach and Choreographer.

She has performed at various international events such as the Beach Soccer World Cup, Beach Volleyball, 3x3 and Basketball events, including the Olympic Games.

22/BSmag

FEATURE BSmag - Cheerleading, how and when did it all start?

Idaira - I’m Idaira Rodríguez, a native of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. I lead a group of dance performers with an extensive experience on international stage. After years of dancing with a former group, I felt it was time to step up, move with current trends and bring on a new brand of entertainment concept. This is the story of our new brand which we are very proud.

BSmag - Give us an idea of your new brand.

Idaira - We are a group of 20 girls, with different tasks and responsibilities. I am the Managing Director and the Coach/Choreographer as well, others like Giovanna works with me in coordinating tasks, Berta and Nayra take care of the clothing and styles. Carla handles administrative issues and Cristina in charge of promotional channels, social media, website, etc. It is a team game and our main strength is, without a doubt, that we are passionate about what we do. We train countless hours, four, five times a week, plus the physical training at the gym, which is of course very important.

We call for recruitment at least once a year through casting set up, in which we seek new talent that can join the group. Dancing skills are important, of course, as it is a good physical appearance and most of all, a positive attitude.

BSmag - Whats your cheer leading style that stands you out from others?

Idaira - As we see it, the entertainment is not only addressed to the crowd, but it necessarily needs to involve them. Our philosophy insists in making everyone a key part of the spectacle, not only spectators, always acknowledging the different cultures, the different countries and realities, and the diverse ways of experiencing a sports event. And this is exactly what our wide portfolio

is all about.

BSmag - What has been your most challenging performance?

Idaira - I would say the Olympic Games in London. Not only because of being in such a special moment, but also because it entailed joining another dance crew, with lots and lots of training sessions and pressure. It is however one of my best memories, as well.

BSmag - We have not seen a blend of guys performing, do you have any plans to introduce that?

Idaira - We are working on that, actually. We want to get some boys on board, as we think that could add a different touch. It however depends on what the client wants.

BSmag - Thank you for having us Idaira - You are welcome

BSmag/23

FEATURE

T

he Beach Soccer Zeeland was founded in 2006. The team started with an amateur tournament in Terneuzen The Netherlands, where they became local champions. This championship brought them to the amateur championship of The Netherlands, where 60 teams from all over the country came together to play for the Dutch championship. Beach Soccer Zeeland became champions by winning the big final with 3-0 against Deportivo de Amsterdam

ZEELAND beachsoccer

Championships and international tournaments In 2009 the club was crowned as Dutch champions and in 2014 as Belgian champions.

The team has a very large palmares. They won several times the title ‘best sports team’ of their region. Another prize the team is very proud of is the fair play cup they have won two times in the Dutch competition as well as at the Beach Soccer Istanbul Cup in 2016. and in 2016 the club started playing international tournaments, and has also been invited to play at the 2017 Beach Soccer USA Cup again.

24/BSmag

Charity The club is always looking for opportunities to help others as a social partner of a charity fund in The Netherlands. They help raise money during the national collecting week and have also started an action: ‘score for the charity fund’. Every scored goal and clean sheet of the team makes money for the charity.

One of its charity activities they are very proud of is the donation of old team outfits as a second life to other clubs in Africa. This was started a couple of years ago when they sent their ‘old’ outfits to Togo, Africa.

A couple of weeks ago another set of team outfit was donated to a beach soccer club side in Nigeria and they are already being used.

Beach Soccer pitch The club has a big history and the people behind the club are working hard to make the club bigger and Beach Soccer well known in The Netherlands and Belgium. The club is currently perfecting plans to own its permanent Beach Soccer pitch soon. This is seen as part of the reward for hard work of the past 10 years which saw the club rise from an amateur club to a world recognize professional Beach Soccer club. And they seems to have good support of the local government, and a strong partnership with XMART which they are very proud.

BSmag/25

COVER STORY

26/BSmag

Fatma Samoura

Samba Diouf

Born 1962 (in Senegal). A Senegalese personality, UN Humanitarian Coordinator, appointed FIFA General Secretary in 2016.

A Polyglot, Fatma speaks French, Italian, English, Spanish, and holds a master’s degree in Spanish and English at the University of Lyon. Also a Post-Masters Degree in international relations/international trade from the Institut d’Etudes Supérieures Spécialisées (IECS)- Strasbourg-France.

“

F

this role is a perfect fit for my skills and experience.

”

atma, at 21 joined the UN and held various positions in the organization. She was part of the UN food program in Rome, as logistics manager in 1995. As Humanitarian coordinator at the UN, she has responsibilities in several countries like Djibouti, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Madagascar and Nigeria from where she was appointed FIFA General Secretary at the 66th Congress of the Federation in Mexico. A relative outsider to the

sporting world brings years of international institutional experience sure to soothe critique from sponsors, campaigners, and fans who have demanded a more independent figure, unassociated with football politics. As She became the first woman to hold this position, also the first non-European to be appointed FIFA’s secretary general, she is a ‘woman’ used to crises situations.

Prior to joining the UN, Ms Samoura spent eight years in the private sector, working in the fertilizer trading sector for Senchim, a subsidiary of Industries Chimiques du Senegal. Her areas of responsibility included product export and import programmes, tenders, and the establishment of a national distribution network.

Here, we present a conversation with the most powerful woman in sports.

BSmag/27

COVER STORY

You have three children, do they play football?

I have two grown-up boys who are 22 and 24 years old and a 13 years old daughter. My boys play tennis but my husband was a former football player. My uncles and brothers were also football players in the seventies and eighties. When my husband and I came back from France in 1987, he was immediately appointed the president of one of the local clubs playing in the premiere league. The resources for Senegalese football clubs were scares at that time, so I was in charge of collecting the player’s jerseys every Saturday to get them washed at home. I also used to prepare lunch for them and I accompanied my husband in the evening for the counseling session in order to raise morale of the players and provide them with psychological support prior to the game. Then I would be in the stand supporting them as a fan.

So you have always been close to football?

Yes, during my childhood and after I got married, I was always surrounded by football players. I met President Infantino in Madagascar right after the Senegal s Madagascar World Cup qualifying match, when the Senegalese team beat Madagascar. The game had been dominated by the Malagasy team, but when I arrived at the stadium a few minutes before the end of the game, Senegal scored twice. So the Malagasy football fans concluded that I had brought them bad luck.

28/BSmag

Do you have a favorite club?

When I was much younger, we had all different preferences in the family. My mother and I especially liked Larl-Heinz Rummenigge and Bayern Munich. He was a good player and is still a good looking man. My father and my six brothers couldn’t stand him because we liked him.

And do you still follow the action today?

My husband and I watched the leagues and championship from all over the world every night, we move from one TV channel to the next. Usually when we get back home in the evening we don’t spend much time watching movies. After the news, we switch to the football games. I have a very understanding husband. Since we dated in the college in 1082, my ambition was to embrace an international career.

So our decision even before we got married in June 1988 was that my husband would be self employed in order to give him the opportunity to accompany me. I am lucky to have a husband who has always been on my side.

You’ve reversed the traditional gender roles of your country.

Traditionally, the Senegalese community is very conservative,. Usually it’s the woman who accompanies her husband, but I have a very open minded husband. I started travelling when my boys were two months old. I did not breast feed them so he was the one who took care of them.

Did you face resistance in Senegal as a career oriented woman?

One person who really marked my life was my father. He was a senior military official and I was surrounded by my siblings, six boys. He told me I was an adolescent, “look you are living in a very conservative society. If you don’t have a strong character and if you don’t really mark your territory as a human being and as a woman from a muslim family, you will not survive.” My father’s advice and his strong support forged my character and marked my life.

Your father didn’t really want you to live a traditional life?

Not really, whem I turned 16 he offered me a motorbike. In those days, I was one of two girls in high school riding a motorbike.

That was a strong signal, my father has always been supportive of my choices, including when I opted to continue my university studies in France at the age pd 18. So I looked for a scholarship and off I went. But already when I was born, one of my father;s friends marked my life by calling me “ma fille internationale” – “my international daughter” just like that. Maybe he sensed that one day I would work in so many different countries.

How did your mother feel about you gong away so young?

She did everything she could so that I could go and study in france. At that time, I really wanted to learn foreign languages,

“

I’ve covered almost all the emergency situations in the world, including Afghanistan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, East Timor, Kosovo and Nigeria

” BSmag/29

COVER STORY

Where did you start your career?

I started my professional career in 1987 as a fertilizer trader in a Senegalese multi-national firm.

It was a very demanding job in terms of travelling, as I was going to all the cotton-producing countries, from Mali to Benin, Cameroun to Burkina Faso, france to Venezuela. That gave me incredible exposure to international relations soon after my graduation.

In the past 21 years with the UN, my responsibility have led me to work and live in emergency and complex political situations in Kosovo, Liberia, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Sierra Leone, TimorLeste, Chad, Guinea, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Madagascar. I also served as Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator in eastern Chad at the border with Sudan as well as in Nigeria, where I worked for six months until I joined FIFA in June 2016.

How did you come to join the UN? In 1995, while I was looking for an opening in Angola to commercialize fertilizers, I met a French gentleman who was working for the World Food Programma (WFP). We discussed the reasons for my mission in Angola, in the middle of the civil war, and the discussion turned into an interview. The WFR was running one of the biggest airlift operations in Angola at that time. Food and passengers transportation was undertaken by the UN. The gentleman then recommended me to the WFP logistics unit in Rome. Two months later, I was offers a contract.

You said you wanted to become a teacher, what would you like to teach now to the world in your position as FIFA Secretary General?

I’m joining the FIFA team at a very turbulent moment. The reputational damage that all the financial scandals have caused to FIFA needs to be repaired. I also need to rebuild the trust between senior management and the FIFA staff because the staff was quite shocked to read in the news about the huge salaries and bonuses that were paid to the former FIFA leadership. In addition, I need to restore the trust and confidence of our partners and our commercial affiliates. With my 21 years of experiences at the UN, I expect to inject more diversity. One of the flagship programmes of President Infantino is build around football development, and I will be traveling intensively in order to roll out this programme.

You then left Senegal for good?

I left Senegal in May 1995 to start my career with the UN. My first duty station was in Italy where I spent five years, and then I was reassigned to Djibouti as WFP Country Director. After Djibouti, I was again reassigned to Cameroun.

30/BSmag

The new article 4 in the FIFA Statutes is about social inclusion and gender equality. Is diversity key to your task?

Yes, and I can see that already at the level of the member associations that gender diversity is being main streamed across the board. People are trying hard to have women represented at the highest level of the football hierarchy.

Do you see progress there?

Yes, I was positively impressed by the number of women occupying leadership positions within the associations’ executive committees. It is a strong signal and it shows that people are internalizing the fact that football should transcend all kind of barriers, whether cultural, political, racial and ethnic or gender based.

Is it the right time for you to join FIFA? Yes it is, given the inclusiveness of the new FIFA Statutes aiming at promoting female representations in leadership positions in the football arena. I’ll be personally having a much closer look at applications from women for senior positions in FIFA and will be encouraging their candidacy to demonstrate that we’re really practicing what we preach and also to give a strong signal to the outside world that FIFA’s leadership embraces diversity.

In this journey towards gender equity and diversity, I know I can count on President Infantino’s full support which will translate into the enhanced representation of women at all level within the FIFA administrations.

FIFA: Could a woman fix football’s world governing body?

By Piers Edwards, CNN (February 2016)

(CNN) It may seem a preposterous suggestion to many, given its historically male hierarchy -- but what if FIFA were run by a woman?

World football’s governing body -- like the United States, for instance -- has never had a female leader.

But where the two differ is that FIFA has never even had a female candidate. What if a woman had been in charge?

“from an ethical standpoint, I think having a woman could only benefit them [FIFA]” - Prof. Michael Haselhuhn

“I think women, generally, do not give in to compromising on issues, especially when they affect state government and the youth,” - Isha Johansen.

F

IFA appointed its first female and non-European secretary general on Friday night after a­ nnouncing that United ­Nations humanitarian co-ordinator Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura would replace Jérôme Valcke.

By Ben Rumsby, The Telegraph (May 2016)

“She is used to managing big organisations, big budgets, human resources, finance,” - Infantino

Fantastic news for the #football world & #womeninFIFA. @UN_Women

“So happy Fatma Samoura Appointed #FIFA Secretary General. Strong move by Gianni Infantino and an important first step.”

- @BillieJeanKing

“With her in charge, FIFA could become a well-esteemed sports organization where people discuss under democratic standards,” - Karsten Kammholz, German newspaper Die Welt.

BSmag/31

COVER STORY

“

I want to inject diversity, more equity, a better governance structure, a stronger monitoring and evaluation system and an obligation to inform and report on the good deeds of FIFA. - Samoura

�

32/BSmag

It’s not so bad, though at middle management level and below…

I’ve seen the statistics and we are almost 50/50 at FIFA at those two levels, but i’m pushing for better representations at more senior levels.

From gender equity now to two issues of high priority, what’s your vision for FIFA in terms of human right and sustainability?

Throughout my career, I did everything I could to promote and protect human rights, as I strongly believe in the pillar of the UN charter. The United Nations Development Program, through its Women empowerment program supported Malagasy women in south-east of the country, who traditionally were discriminated against to get access to education and land. We also gave them incentives for their children to be educated. Five years later, just before leaving Madagascar, I was impressed by the results.

How do you see football fitting in here, in terms of empowering women?

Football is the world biggest mobilizer. In the midst of the civil war in Liberia in 1996, the only moments when people would stop fighting was when it was raining and when there was a football game. The rest of the time they were fighting, including during Ramadan and Christmas.

It was forbidden in ancient times to fight during the Olympic Games The same in Rwanda, a few years after the 2004 genocide, two communities which fought each other gathered under a program that was implemented by the UN and FIFA in order to build a football pitch. This pitch soon became a common space for reconciliation and social cohesion. Communities who hated each other started to talk to each other and play after the pitch was built.

They developed social activities Does FIFA use the positive influence of football enough?

FIFA is an immensely powerful body, my position within FIFA gives me a unique opportunity to really raise the profile of sports as a social tool to restore and or consolidate peace, justice and social cohesion, fight hunger and poverty.

Is this one of the main reason you joined FIFA? Well, I knew when I joined FIFA that I could bring new perspectives and new ideas. It is clear to me that football is certainly one of the most powerful sports capable of overcoming social economic and humanitarian challenges.

But you left a good position at the UN Yes, I was a senior UN official. Yet I was covering one country at a time. Now I have a global reach.

For me FIFA is another UN, the UN of football.

How long will it take until the reputation of FIFA is restored?

It will take a minimum of six months to restore the reputation and to show results. So in December, let’s have another interview and look at the results in terms of developing football and promoting diversity, sustainability and gender equity and improving the working environment within FIFA. What does the future holds for African football?

Africa is a continent that is very passionate about football.

It is also providing players to so many great leagues in the world. If you attend a game in France, in England, or in the Arab Golf countries, the best players come from Africa. We now need to build on these exceptional qualities of these players to try to raise the level of the game at home (Africa).

When will an African team win the World Cup? Well, you know that Senegal national team played very well during the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan and reached the quarter-finals. So why not make it to the semis and even the final in Russia and Qatar? In 2002, Senegal beat the 1998 World Cup champions France. For us so far, we were already the Word champions. (Laughs) Interview by Perkles Monioudis and Alan Schweingruber (FIFA 1909) BSmag/33

COVER STORY

34/BSmag

W

est African Beach Soccer Ghana, a template for the sub-region?

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah; President, Beach Soccer Ghana writes from Accra

My name is Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, founder and President of the Ghana Beach Soccer Association. After close to a decade of practical, hands-on experience, coupled with raw knowledge of what works and what does not when it comes to beach soccer and youth mobilization, I am pleased to share some fascinating experiences and secrets.

Despite numerous challenges confronting coastal communities in Africa And Particularly in Ghana, a coalition of partners in the fight against sanitation degradation through beach soccer continues to step up its activities along the coast. Every weekend, the Ghana Volunteers Brigade and Coastal Communities Project Ghana in partnership with the Ghana Beach Soccer Association (GBSA) mobilizes the youth and targeted beach communities for what is now popularly known as the “Sanitation Storm”.

The weekly event commences with a mini workshop and talk on VOLUNTARISM by the Ghana Volunteers Brigade and Coastal Communities Project Ghana. Gradually the idea is catching on that communities cannot leave such initiatives to government alone but rather, encourage communities to create opportunities, take the lead and solicit for help from corporate Ghana, local and foreign agencies as well as the Government.

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to reveal some keys successes in the course of the project towards the spirit of patriotism, nationalism and service through voluntarism by our youth.

INSPIRATION: The youth of today are attracted and drawn by many influences. One of the surest ways to grab their attention is through concerted, strategic and programmed inspiration. This simply means stakeholders all alike must join forces to sing the tune of ‘’Yes We Can’’ backed by practical and feasible opportunities. Thus; action must always follow talk. In the absence of encouraging our youth to be proactive, patriotic, nationalistic and responsible as citizens of Ghana and future leaders, there would be most certainly be an increase in social strife and anarchy in society.

To be continued.

BSmag/35

Welcome to

36/BSmag

#Bah

hamas2017

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“Through this tournament we will be promoting the event worldwide and bringing more attraction to the game.”

- Fatma Samoura FIFA General Secretary

“We knows how to put on a good show and we love to welcome visitors to our country. We are beaming with pride ” - Fredd Lunn Jr.; Bahamas FA, General Secretary

“The level of excitement I can feel ahead of this coming World Cup is just amazing.

Everyone I get to speak to tells me that they can’t wait for it to begin, and this is something that makes us feel so proud.”

- Joan Cusco CEO BSWW

“I’m waiting with bated breath on what I expect to be a well staged and memorable event in Bahamas, which we shall leverage upon for its development as we identify it as a huge opportunity for the region. Through companies like ours, we are able to influence its growth and spread in the United States”.

- Sham Mohammed CEO; Miscellaneous Group

“We are expecting a fabulous show at this beautiful place. And the world cup will be very tight and open with many nations on high level. We’ll give our best to play for the best” - Reto Wenger; CEO Swiss Beach Soccer

“This time Senegal will do well, as they now have experience and well prepared. Regards hosting the world in Africa, we will be meeting with our members soon and eventually FIFA on the possibilities” - Ahmad Ahmad CAF President

FOCUS

“Bahamians are a very proud to host the world, this was evident from the outpouring of support received during the CONCACAF Championships in February. We had thousands of Bahamians show up in their flag colours each day, and many of them continued to come out and support the event even when The Bahamas was not playing. People are still talking about how proud they are of the new stadium and they are amazed that we are hosting the biggest beach soccer event in the world.

For a small country this is a huge accomplishment and on that Bahamians are very proud of. We knows how to put on a good show and we love to welcome visitors to our country. We are beaming with pride and with less than 30 days to go to the Beach Soccer World Cup, the excitement is definitely here”.

“It is clear that we have fallen in love with beach soccer, and we want to ensure that the trend continues so we are getting our youth involved. We are currently putting together a National Youth Beach Soccer Team who will make their first appearance at the Commonwealth Youth Games this year that will be held right here in Nassau, and we know that will get even more kids interested in the sport. We are also starting a local beach soccer league for men and women and the interest is great already. So we continue to look for new talent and want to keep the buzz going. We have a beautiful, world class, state-ofthe-art stadium now, and we will definitely put it to good use”.

- Frederick Lunn Jr. General Secretary; Bahamas FA

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Portugal

The

reigning

world champions made sure of their place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 defeating Greece 8-0, France 5-3 and Belarus 5-4. Though the Portuguese went down 3-1 to Switzerland in the semi-finals, they gained some consolation with an emphatic 8-3 defeat of Italy in the match for third place.

Portugal won their first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup title at home is 2015, defeating Tahiti 5-3 to lift the trophy. Their previous best performance came when they finished runners-up at Rio de Janeiro 2005, while they claimed third place at Marseille 2008, Dubai 2009 and Ravenna/Italy 2011. The Portuguese missed out on a place at Tahiti 2013.

Portugal boast of some of the best players in the world. Leading their pack is the experienced Madjer, who has picked up no fewer than ten individual awards at world finals. Also worth watching out for are the extraordinarily talented Belchior, Jordan Santos and Rui Coimbra.

BSmag/41

Brazil

went into the South American quali-

fiers as favourites and lived up to all expectations booking their place in the 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup in style by winning their sixth continental title.

While the ageless Mao remains as reliable as ever between the posts, the experienced Bruno Xavier is their chief creator, it may appear they have got their groove back and are intent on regaining the world title, having failed in recent three attempts.

World Cup record - With Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro providing the birthplace of the sport, Brazil is indeed synonymous with beach soccer and have lifted the trophy four times between 2006 and 2009. They have failed to lift the trophy since then,

Bahamas

however taking second and third place respectively

Soccer World Cup 2017, the Bahamas automati-

in 2011 and 2013, with Russia landing the title on

cally qualifies but still stage and take part in the

both occasions and then losing 6-5 after extra time

2017 CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship,

to the same Russians in the last eight at Portugal

where they finished sixth.

2015.

The team’s forward is held by Lesly St. Fleur, a

42/BSmag

As hosts of the FIFA Beach

Italy

went straight to the semi-finals with an

unbeaten run in the group stages of the European qualifiers held on home sand. With their place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 secure, they went down to eventual champions Poland.

The Azzurra main strength lie in attack and their understanding at the other end of the pitch makes them a threat to any contenders for the world title.

World Cup record - Missing out on a place at Rio de Janeiro 2005, Italy went to Brazil 2006 with high hopes, only to fall after losing all three of their group matches. Their performance at Marseille 2008 was standout and talented player scored no fewer than nine of their 12 goals. Playing a big part in the team’s well-drilled defence is Ivan Rolle, everdependable goalkeeper whose fine reflexes were in evidence throughout.

This will be the Bahamas’ first participation at a Beach Soccer World Cup.

near perfect, as they lost 5-3 to Brazil in the final, who ended their hopes again at Dubai 2009. At home in Ravenna 2011, El Salvador were their conquerors. Failing to qualify for Tahiti 2013, they returned to Portugal 2015, where they advanced to the last four. Beaten by Tahiti in the semis, but went down to Russia in the match for third place.

BSmag/43

INTERVIEW

Schirinzi angelo

Co-founder Swiss Beach Soccer Knight of the Order of Tahiti Nui.

A

ngelo Schirinzi saw a game that Eric Cantona was playing on Euro Sports by chance after his career at Manchester United.

Eric started promoting beach soccer in France and Europe and that got Angelo fascinated and he immediately started the project of developing beach soccer in Switzerland which was met with great enthusiasm in several places.

To spice up that project, he got former professional footballers like Aln Sutter and Thomas Bickel as active promoters and that was the magic that also attracted the press.

44/BSmag

How important is it to have fun playing beach soccer?

Angelo: - Beach Soccer is not a life style competition. We all train hard, but of course the elements of fun are always there and you couldn’t have beach soccer without it.

Can any footballer play on sand?

Angelo - Definitely, most professional beach soccer players started on the grass. There are few exceptions. In Brazil, where the people are crazy about football, thousands of children play on the sand every day, they practically grow up playing. In Europe it is different, here players acquires a taste The last three world cup has gone to the Russians and Portugal, how good are the Brazilians?

Angelo - The Brazilians were resting on their laurels somewhat and missed the boat as the emerging nations went past them. A lot of countries have come on in leaps and bounds over the past ten years. Particularly in Europe, the level is high. However, the Brazilians have their shortcomings and remedied them.

Can they win the 2017 World Cup? Angelo - I’m actually pretty sure that Brazil will triumph.

Their strength in depth is immense. The association has done excellent work over the last few years.

BSmag/45

INTERVIEW

Your team has been one of the best for a decade. Switzerland and sandy beaches, they don’t go together somehow.

Angelo - That image is a little outdated and has come from the early days of the sport. Success in beach soccer these days takes more than natural beaches and a flair for jugging the ball.

Alongside talent, successful football on the sand requires discipline and willingness to work above all.

It is no different on grass.

Angelo - You can’t start comparing beach soccer to football on grass. The professionals on the field earn millions, whereas the players in my team, for example don’t earn a thing and they’ll put all the work in. They have to take up unpaid leaves when we travel to tournaments. So the conditions are completely different.

What are the biggest differences btw playing on the sand and playing on the grass.

In beach soccer, you don’t really run with the ball, you mainly play it in the air. Bicycle kicks and scissor kicks are popular and of course set pieces are very valuable. Dead ball situations are a goal scoring opportunities.

Do Beach footballers need more muscles?

I don’t think so, but fitness is at least equally important. We train four times a week in winter. In summer its even more.

46/BSmag

you have coached Tahitians, travelled to 35 other countries to take the sport to the people there. What is your mission?

People often criticize me for my openness, saying: how can you always drive on the competition?

But the development of beach soccer is close to my heart. It is a sport that has potential. My experience with the people in Tahiti, for example was incredible.

The players really threw themselves into it, they were tireless in training. Two years ago they made it to the world cup final, you can imagine the scenes in Tahiti.

Will beach soccer make it into the Olympic soon?

Of course, there are hopes within the community there are currently over 110 active nations playing beach soccer. I think that we meet the Olympic requirement 100 percent. the audience look forward to the entertainment, to an extraordinary performance beach soccer can offer.

How good is your team?

I think we are one of the best in the world. Once again, we made it through the tricky European group. Remember, top teams like Russia and Spain didn’t even made it to Bahamas. The world cup qualification is a benchmark, as teams need to tap into their full potentials and cant afford to make any mistakes. In Europe, you need six wins from ten games. We managed to beat Spain and that was the key.

What do you do differently to your coaching colleagues?

I make sure we don’t approach our task too doggedly. You need to be somewhat relaxed to cope with the long, hard training schedule.

What does being relaxed look like?

Ah, it’s the little things. We go trips, for example we go on a city break to the museum. I also don’t ban my players from spending their free time at hotel pool. It’s important to clear their heads from time to time.

What’s your Strategy on the Sand?

We try to dominate the game by keeping hold on the ball. We play in two blocks and everyone or less knows when and how often they will be in action in the three sets of 12 minutes. And of cause playing as a unit plays a key role.

The team has to organize itself around the leather.

Will you be player manager as you were at the 2015 world Cup? That was an exception because we were a little light in terms of numbers. My active playing career is over. I want to make way for the young players.

Interview by Alan Schweingruber and Gian Marco Castelberg (FIFA 1904)

BSmag/47

Paraguay

The 2017 South American

Beach Soccer Championship hosts Paraguay made a strong start to their qualification bid, recording perfect victories all the way to the semi-final against Ecuador, where the Paraguayans sealed their ticket to Bahamas 2017 with a 5-3 victory. However, Brazil proved too strong in the final, as hosts went down 7-5.

Paraguay’s main strength lies in attack, as their tally of 33 goals in their six qualifying matches suggests.

In making their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup debut at Tahiti 2013, Paraguay failed to progress beyond the group phase, though they did score a big win over Côte d’Ivoire before going down narrowly to

Poland

Japan and, after extra time, eventual champions

the European qualifiers with second-place finish

Russia. The South Americans had only one win to

in first round. However the second stage defined

show for their efforts again at Portugal 2015, over-

their path as regional champions defeating two-

coming Madagascar in Group D after losing to the

time world champions Russia and Italy to pick the

Russians once more and Tahiti.

World Cup slot, and Switzerland in the finals.

48/BSmag

kicked off their campaign in

Senegal

headed to the 2016 CAF Beach

Soccer Africa Cup of Nations with their sights firmly set on reclaiming the title, which they did in style winning all games to be eventually crowned African champions for the fourth time, in the process reinforcing their status as the continent’s most decorated country on sand.

Senegal have cause for optimism at both ends of the pitch. Fall going forward, a seasoned striker and goal poacher. Further back, they boast a solid defensive unit in front of an outstanding shot-stopper in Al Seyni Ndiaye who was awarded with the Best Experience is the word that best sums up the Polish ranks, starting between the sticks with veteran talents.

Poland will be returning to the Beach Soccer World Cup for the second time at Bahamas 2017.

Their sole previous appearance came 11 years ago, at Rio de Janeiro 2006.

Goalkeeper award at the qualifiers.

The Lions of Teranga featured in their first Beach Soccer World Cup in 2007. Missed out on last eight spot at the following edition, bowed out in the quarter-finals again in 2011, and failed to survive the group stage in both 2013 and 2015.

Bahamas would be their fifth appearance.

BSmag/49

INTERVIEW

OZU

MOREIRA

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana January 21st 1986, Ozu grew up near the beautiful Copacabana beach, and started playing beach soccer at the age of 6. He became Japanese on December 12th, 2012. And without wasting time, started playing for the Japanese National team. His love and passion is Japan and Beach Soccer, and was part of 2016 world best five players. He tells us more.

BSmag - What aspects of your childhood shaped you as a pro beach soccer player ?

Ozu - My mother always used to take me to the beach soccer school when I was young. They are always there for me no matter what, always been supportive about my career and beach soccer.

BSmag - U’ve appeared in two FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup finals, what were your treasured memories?

Ozu - I’ve always wanted to play as a member of Japanese national team and my dream came true at the 2013 Tahiti World Cup in my first game with the Russian Team. All though we lost, but it was my most treasured memory.

50/BSmag

BSmag - How confident are you and your team going to Bahamas ?

Ozu - Since we have 2 years to prepare for every world cup, every team levels up and comes back with a stronger team.

BSmag - Listed as part of the 2016 World best five players, is this a pressure on you or motivation?

Ozu - It is definitely a good motivation for me to keep improving and to become a better player.

I will always have my mind set to play well and be chosen as the next best 5 players. This motivation lets me play well in many games and I’m able to support my team.

BSmag - What are you doing to further develop the game in your country ?

Ozu - With Marcelo Mendes we are planning and conducting more and more beach soccer clinics and with my Club Team. Also going to Japanese school to talk about beach soccer.

BSmag - How do you see the growth of Club beach Soccer? Is there a league in Japan?

Ozu - Compare to 10 years ago when I first came to Japan and now, there are definitely more beach soccer club teams and tournaments in Japan. And with the help of JFA, club teams in Japan are becoming stronger and we are able to find more stronger players to play for the Japanese national team. Right now there are regional league and Japanese tournament.

BSmag - What does playing for the Catalan giants FC Barcelona means to you?

Ozu - Barcelona teams are very well known throughout the world and I am very honored to play in such strong team.

BSmag - What are your ambitions?, are you considering coaching a club or national side?

Ozu - My ambition is to take the Japan national team to the best place in every tournament. I also want to make beach soccer a more popular sports within Japan. But right now, I play as well as coaching my club.

BSmag/51

Mexico

got their campaign at the 2017

CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship underway in style, sailing through to the knockout stage as Group B winners with a perfect record. The reigning champions booking their ticket to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 with a comfortable 3-0 win over Guadeloupe in the semi-finals. However, relinquished their regional crown to Panama in the final.

Mexico have become a major force on the sand under Ramon Raya. Indeed, they were a revelation on their Beach Soccer World Cup debut at Brazil 2007, where they were surprise runners-up. That remains their best-ever showing at the competition. They

Panama

failed to get out of the group stage at Marseille

far from easy, as they were tested right from their

2008 and Portugal 2015, did not qualify for Dubai

first game. They however secured their first World

2009 or Tahiti 2013, and reached the quarter-finals

Cup slot over USA, saw off El Salvador in the semis

at Ravenna/Italy 2011, where they were beaten by

and was crowned regional champions for the first

eventual champions Russia.

52/BSmag

path to regional glory was

time after downing Mexico 4-2.

Switzerland

began the European

qualifiers with three wins out of three in the first group phase. After needing extra time to see off Turkey in the second group phase, Azerbaijan and Spain to secure their 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup ticket. Bur fell to a surprise defeat to tournament champions, Poland.

Known for their cultured styled, the Swiss have become European powerhouses and have proven with their style of play they can take on any team.

World Cup record - Switzerland made a surprised debut at Dubai 2009, easing their way through to One of the keys to Panama’s regional crown was undoubtedly Alfonso Maquensi, voted the tournament’s most valuable player. No less impressive was goalkeeper Jose Victoria, who delivered when it mattered most – and not least in the various shoot-outs his team had to endure. This will be Panama’s first Beach Soccer World Cup.

the final, where they went down 10-5 to Brazil. A repeat of that exploit was beyond them at Ravenna/ Italy 2011, when they went out in the group phase after narrow defeats to Italy and Senegal. Absent from Tahiti 2013, the Swiss returned at Portugal 2015, reaching the quarter finals before going out to the hosts and eventual champions.

BSmag/53

INTERVIEW

Alexandre

Soares Head Coach Bahamas Beach Soccer National Team Technical Director of the Soccer 7 USA Association Ambassador of Rio de Janeiro Futsal Federation BSmag Brand Ambassador

achievements

• 4x FIFA Beach Soccer Gold Medalist.

• 158 wins in 167 matches with Brazil Beach Soccer. . 29 wins in 30 games at the FIFA World Cup. • Record for consecutive wins in 75 games.

• 40 tournaments with Brazil Beach Soccer 35 titles.

• 6x South American champion. . 5x Champion Mundialito, Portugal.

Brazil 2006

Brazil 2007

How confident are you lifting the trophy as host?

Soares – I’ve just been in Bahamas a couple of months but without a doubt the beginning of the work is already having a good result and this can be seen during the 2017 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers where we had 4 wins in 6 games. The team has potential good players but we need to improve a lot Are you or your boys under any form of pressure playing at home?

Soares - Every day I tell the players how beautiful it is to play as a host and the pressure always makes you more focused. So I believe our team will play very lightly and enjoy every moment of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017.

54/BSmag

France 2008

Tip!

Dubai 2009

What is your philosophy and how has it shaped your impressive career?

Soares – The Team will always be above anything, anyone and do everything in a simple way because I sincerely believe that Simple is Genial.

Why are you the best man for the job?

Soares - This question should be asked to the president of BFA (laughs). But when I was hired, BFA told me that they believe in my potential as a coach and that they have always admired my work philosophy.

Tell us a bit about your family Soares - I have a fantastic family. My wife Ana, and my children Bruna and Douglas always make me very happy. AHHH my dog Pirate too

How well do you handle the media?

Soares - I always had a very good relationship with the media even as I completely understand everything that is released in the press is due to the daily result of the work done. Specifically speaking about Team Bahamas players I was very happy to see that the Bahamas press acknowledged the work done during the Qualifier CONCACAF 2017. Now it is important for all players to see the positive side of this super exhibition and to always keep their feet on the Floor and head at work.

Where do you hope to be in the next 5 - 10 years?

Soares - On top of a podium (laughs). I will be working because I believe that work is the main fuel for a healthy life. I would very much like to be working in a country where I can help develop beach soccer as a whole, based on a serious long-term project.

Finally, how do you feel to be BSmag brand ambassador?

Soares - I feel humbled. This and others has kept me proud of my career.

Which event had the most influence on your career?

Soares - That would be my first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in November 2006, Team Brazil only started training earlier same year, but we knew it would be very difficult for Brazil to lose the world cup since it was the Team that worked hardest and therefore deserved the victory.

Have you considered cataloging your exploits?

Soares - People have already asked, but I’ll wait a bit longer because I believe I can still add more exploits.

BSmag/55

Tahiti

There was no qualification tourna-

ment in the Oceania Zone, with the regional confederation choosing to name the local power horse Tahiti as their representative at Bahamas 2017. The Tahitians boasting a solid reputation as skilled performers on the sand finished as runners-up at Portugal 2015.

Led by Heimanu Taiarui, who pocketed the Adidas Golden Ball in Portugal, the Tiki Toa play a highintensity game and have plenty of tactical skills to go with it. With several members of the squad now plying their trade in the prestigious Swiss league.

Tahiti arrived on the big stage in 2011, when they put an end to Solomon Islands’ dominance of the

Ecuador

Oceania beach soccer. Made a spirited World Cup

the culmination of a four-year development plan

debut at Ravenna/Italy 2011, hosted and took fourth

for this set of players. Their battling qualities and

place on home sand two years later took them into

fantastic fitness levels were in full view during the

the global elite.

preliminary competition, when they withstood

56/BSmag

successful qualification was

the rigours of going all the way.

Nigeria

With the home support, Nigeria

embarked on their 2016 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations campaign with high hopes of capturing the trophy and drawing level with Senegal as the competition’s most decorated team, had a slippery road into the semi-finals courtesy of narrow wins over Egypt and Ghana. However swept past Morocco 6-1 in the last four to clinch a berth at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 but there was to be no fairy-tale ending for the hosts, who were powerless to prevent Senegal re-claiming the title.

Jorge Bailon and Segundo Moreira, who scored a combined 14 goals in qualifying had steady supply of flair and firepower during the qualifiers.

This will be Ecuador’s first appearance at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and the debutants have all the ingredients to be a force to be reckoned with in the Bahamas.

Nigeria have taken part in four editions of the Beach Soccer World Cup, all from 2006 to 2011. Their best performances came at Rio de Janeiro 2007 and Ravenna/Italy 2011 and missed out on Marseille 2008, Tahiti 2013 and Portugal 2015.

Their Bahamas ticket ended a six-year spell in the Beach Soccer World Cup wilderness.

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INTERVIEW

GILBERTO Costa Head Coach, Brazil National Beach Soccer Team

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Who is Gilberto Costa?

Gilberto - Just one thing: I never played professional beach soccer. I started as a physical coach. I was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1977. My first degree is in Physical Education, while my postgraduate is Sports Training. I worked as a physical trainer of Brazil team (20012007) and also for UAE (2008-2009).

I won important titles such as FIFA World Cup in 2006 and 2007 as well as the Asian Cup in 2008. As a coach, my career began with Vasco da Gama’s winning team in 2010, but I also trained other Brazilian club sides and winning two Brazil Cups (2011/13), three Mundialito Clubs (2011/13/15), and the last one by Barcelona FC. I have worked at the helm of Belarus national team and in recent years. I also worked directly in Russia, the most competitive beach soccer league in the world. I’m blessed with a wonderful 12-year-old daughter named Luiza.

Can you share with us your best moments playing beach soccer and representing Brazil, one of the top ranked nation.

Gilberto - I never played beach soccer professionally. My unforgettable moments as a physical coach of Brazil team were the World Cups titles in 2006 and 2007. As a coach, I warmly remember the achievements of Mundialito Cascais-Portugal 2016 and Intercontinental Cup 2016, especially the winner over Russia in semifinal by 7x0.

Since appointed Brazil coach, how has been the experience?

Gilberto - I am always grateful representing my country. Our reach to inspire people increases and perhaps this is the greatest responsibility.

But none of that guarantees us the triumph at the next World Cup. We need to continue training with more determination, concentration and focus to achieve our goals.

The World Cup is here, how do you see your group opponents?

Gilberto - Perhaps group D is the most balanced of the World Cup, with 3 national teams among the top 10 in the world. If our team belittles opponents, we will not go far, we need to respect them and study them.

What are your expectations in Bahamas? The first Beach Soccer World Cup in the CONCACAF region.

Gilberto - I was in Bahamas for the CONCACAF qualifying final and the draw for the WC. They have built a fantastic stadium, the quality of the sand is very good and the people are very warmly.

The whole structure to receive the teams seems to me very good. CONCACAF cannot miss this opportunity and since this WC needs to develop beach soccer in the region. There are potential countries that need to have the opportunity to play more competitions.

Which team do you think will be a huge threat in Bahamas??

Gilberto - Brazil is a favorite, but not the only one. Today we have, in my opinion Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Tahiti, Iran and Japan. Paraguay and Poland deserve a very special attention.

African teams need to organize themselves better tactically to transform isolated results. Senegal, for example, beat Portugal in the last World Cup but failed to qualify for the quarterfinals in more solid campaigns. But African teams have a lot of potential to develop, they can always surprise.

How will you describe the growth of the game around the World and what will you suggest to increase the popularity?

Gilberto - At the global level, it is time to increase the number of countries in World Cup to 20 countries, maybe 24. This would certainly motivate other countries to invest more time, resources and funds to qualify. At the local level, we need more countries with national championships. Brazil, for example, does no longer have a national championship. This hinders the appearance and evolution of new players, coaches and referees, as it does not attract a young player to practice. Iran, for example, has a 7-month national championship and certainly already developing. Today there are countries without beach, like Switzerland, Belarus, Hungary, Russia and others, that build stadiums and pitches for the practice. They deserve our congratulations.

Brazil with four titles, can you make it five in the Bahamas?

Gilberto - Of course we want to win the World Cup again. But I cannot promise conquest. Our commitment is to do our best, give our best in every second of the match. Everyone wearing the Brazilian shirt will deliver their best to the team.

Finally, is Brazil under pressure as most successful side going to Bahamas?

Gilberto - There is no pressure, we know our goals and our responsibility. We will do our best. I wish that on May 7th the champion is the deserving national team for the moment!

Interview by Samuel Ahmadu BSmag/59

UAE

went down 7:2 to the eventual Asian

Champions Iran in the finals after securing their fifth world cup ticket following a penalty shot out victory with Lebanon in the semi finals.

The UAE team has a strong team work and togetherness even as evident in their goal sharing and a goal keeper who always rose to the occasion when relied upon.

The two times Asian Champions, having graced the world cup four times are yet to advance beyond the group stages in all their appearances.

Iran

the 2017 Asian champions began their

impressive campaign topping Group A at the Asian qualifiers in Malaysia and eventually regained the Asian title with an emphatic 7-2 defeat of United Arab Emirates in the final.

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Iran’s biggest asset is their much-vaunted attack,

Japan

secured their place at the 2017

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup with a 6:3 win over Lebanon in the third place match at the Asian qualifiers, after their hopes of winning the Asian crown was ended with defeat to eventual champions Iran in the semi-finals.

There is more to the Samurai Blue than just the experienced Goto, Ozu and a few others, they are indeed strong in every department.

The Samurai Blue have featured at every FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, finished fourth at the inaugural competition in 2005 and series of firstled by the free-scoring Mohammadali Mokhtari, and they boast plenty of solidity at the back too with a formidable presence between the posts.

round exits at subsiquent editions. The Asian side graced the last eight again at Tahiti 2013 and Portugal 2015.

In will be making their seventh appearance at the Bahamas for the 2017 FIFA beach soccer world cup finals.

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