By Paul Bassey
Two weeks before I left Lagos for Khartoum, I tried to get in touch with friends and family to intimate them about my trip to Sudan as member of the CAF delegation to the 2nd Orange African Nations Championship ( CHAN ).

The response and exclamations were always identical. “Sudan? How will they play football in Sudan ?”
Family became skeptical “ Must you go?”

Yes the global image of Sudan is that of war, civil strife, Dafur, referendum, etc and under this atmosphere you can hardly play football.
Despite all the fears, A week to departure there was no contrary order, so I took off for what has become a very popular and important fixture in the CAF calendar.

Since most African countries got into the habit of presenting 23 foreign based players for the CAF Cup of Nations , there was need to create a competition that will help promote and expose players who ply their trade in the continent’s leagues

The first CHAN experiment was in Cote Divoire two years ago and what a resounding success it was. This year Sudan is hosting and the ante has been raised from the eight teams at inception to 16 teams.

Sudan? Yes Sudan. To start with, all the centres are in Northern Sudan, far from the troubled spots of the South.

Secondly ,people tend to forget that Sudan holds a place in History as the cradle of African football.

On a personal note Sudan for me is a place I hold so dear. When CAF rolled out the red carpet to celebrate fifty years of its existence here, I was one of those  honoured for “ contributing to the development of African football”

Incidentally, I left Nigeria as a security officer for the competition. Let me explain that. Naturally, I am a CAF General Coordinator, that football official that is saddled with the overall organization of a match, who must guarantee its success from security to marketing, flags, anthems, everything. These guys are so important that in FIFA and CAF tournaments they are the ones that lead the teams out and not the Match Commissioners!

If therefore you are a General Coordinator you can handle the duties of security easily.
So, I arrive Khartoum and checked into the impressive five star facility called Borj El Fath Hotel.

You need to stay in this elegant architectural masterpiece of steel and glass set in the heart of Khartoum’s commercial district. It redefines the luxury hotel category with state of the art technology and unrivaled service set among exquisite landscaped gardens, ornamental mini lakes and fountains. In Sudan? Yes in Sudan.

Needless to say I slept well.

I woke up in the morning to have breakfast in the 18th floor setting of the Rickshaw Restaurant, overlooking the Nile, after which I took a stroll to familiarize myself with the CAF offices only to be told that my designation had been changed, that I was now a General Coordinator and should get ready to proceed to my centre in Port Sudan!

The work of a General Coordinator in a World or Nations Cup, as said earlier is not a cup of tea. I said I should have been told, in order to psychologically prepare myself. I wanted to protest further only to realize that this was an honour, a vote of confidence in my ability to deliver, so I set myself to work by applying for the balls, flags and anthems of the teams in my group, secretarial materials, bibs, ball boys kits, everything.

Of course, I had to hit Port Sudan five days before the CAF delegation and teams arrived, to be able to put everything in place as regards transportation, accommodation, training pitches, stadium facilities, meeting rooms….all the works.

Port Sudan presented a very challenging scenario being the first time they were hosting a competition of this magnitude. I must however be grateful to the chairman of the LOC here,  Khalil Khalil who leads a group of very dedicated and enthusiastic staff, ready to learn and ensure that our centre produces one of the best results in terms of organization.

I am also grateful to the CAF Delegation in this centre led by CAF Executive Committee member Mr. Thierry Kamach of Central Africa.
Others are Faisal Sidat, President of Mozambique FA, Nyamilandu Mandu_Walter, President of Malawi FA, Dr Mooler of South Africa, Benaid Lacarne and Ouazid Yazid of Algeria, Frank Valadermarca of Zimbabwe and Hani Moustafa of Egypt

When our centre kicked off last Monday, the quality of football on display was amazing as Rwanda, Senegal, Angola and Tunisia took to the field.

Last Friday our second round matches held and already the boys have been separated from the men.

Expectedly, host Sudan peopled by players from the popular clubs of Al Hilal and El Merreickh are doing well, so are Cameroon and South Africa.

Defending champions Congo DR made up of players from African Champion Club T.P Mazembe overcame a first match shock defeat to come from one goal down to beat Cote Divoire, while pre tournament favourites Ghana are on their way home.

Nigeria? There is no doubt that we are been missed here. I have stopped answering questions on our non qualification, but I believe that after failing to qualify twice, given the present Siasia experiment I believe we will definitely qualify for the next one.

It is my prayer that time and work permitting I will take time off to savour the hospitality and the sea food that Port Sudan provides. Founded in 1909 by the British as a terminus linking the Red sea to the Nile, it is now known for its excellent Scuba diving and beaches.
Port Sudan has an oil refinery to handle the petroleum from offshore wells as well as oil pipeline to Khartoum that was completed in 1977 as well as being a transit camp for Muslims making their way to Jeddah and Mecca through the Red Sea.

History yes, but sea food first.
I promise that I will keep you posted.