Thursday, 12 December 2013

Pope Francis named Time Magazine's Person of the Year

 


 
Catherine Mayer, Editor-at-large, Time magazine: "It's not about how good or bad someone has been but how much of a difference they've made"

Pope Francis has been named Person of the Year by Time magazine.

During his nine months in office, the Pope had pulled "the papacy out of the palace and into the streets", managing editor Nancy Gibbs said.

"Rarely has a new player on the world stage captured so much attention so quickly - young and old, faithful and cynical," she added.

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden was runner-up.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the then cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires, was made Pope last March. He named himself Francis after a 12th Century Italian saint who turned his back on an aristocratic lifestyle to work with the poor.


Ever since Pope Francis made his first appearance on the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica on the evening of 13 March, the Vatican has basked in the glow of positive media as he touched hearts across the globe by embracing people with deformities, reaching out to the mentally and physically disabled, kissing the feet of young prisoners, including a Muslim woman, and launching a global consultation on the family.
Since then, he has eschewed some of the more regal trappings of high office, made headlines by washing the feet of prisoners, and is planning some major reforms to the Church.

"In his nine months in office, he has placed himself at the very centre of the central conversations of our time: about wealth and poverty, fairness and justice, transparency, modernity, globalisation, the role of women, the nature of marriage, the temptations of power," Ms Gibbs wrote.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said it was "a positive sign" that one of the international media's most prestigious recognitions had been given to "a person who proclaims.. spiritual, religious and moral values and speaks out forcefully in favour of peace and greater justice".

"The Holy Father is not looking to become famous or to receive honours,'' said Mr Lombardi. "But if the choice of Person of Year helps spread the message of the Gospel - a message of God's love for everyone - he will certainly be happy about that."

This is the third time a Pope has received the recognition from Time magazine. John Paul II was selected in 1994 and John XXIII was chosen in 1962.

Besides Mr Snowden, this year's other finalists were US gay rights activist Edith Windsor, US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Pope Francis on St Peter's Square at the Vatican on 11 December 2013
Pope Francis has struck a markedly different tone to his predecessors on several issues since his election in March

 

Thousands of South Africans have queued to view the body of former President Nelson Mandela in Pretoria.



The BBC's Nomsa Maseko spoke to some of the people waiting to see Mr Mandela's body


Thousands of South Africans have queued to view the body of former President Nelson Mandela in Pretoria.

Mr Mandela's body was lying in state at the government buildings where he was sworn in as South Africa's first black president in 1994.

Among those paying their respects were his widow Graca Machel, President Jacob Zuma, celebrities including Bono and other relatives and officials.

Mr Mandela died last Thursday at the age of 95 and will be buried on Sunday.

At the scene

They came in wheelchairs and pushchairs - black, white and everything in between. Some broke down in tears and needed to be supported; others were just subdued. There was certainly no singing.
I met an Asian and a black family who had made friends while waiting for hours in the queue for the buses coming to the Union Buildings.
Some said that seeing the body meant they could accept their tata, or father, had really gone. Thobeka Mohlahlo came with her two young children and so did not actually see the body, but "just being here helped". A white soldier was helping her by carrying one of the children towards the bus. Nelson Mandela would be proud how far his rainbow nation has come.

His funeral will take place in his home village of Qunu in Eastern Cape province.

Tens of thousands of South Africans joined scores of world leaders for a national memorial service on Tuesday, as part of a series of commemorations.

The former president's grandson, Ndaba Mandela, said his grandfather would have been touched by the way his death had united people all over the world.

"I think he would have been completely humbled by it, to see so many people just share their love, their appreciation, just the sense of appreciation that he has given them," he said.
Patience of the crowds
People queued in various parts of the city for the chance to see Mr Mandela's body.

Thousands managed to gain entry, but the BBC's Peter Biles in Pretoria says hundreds more were turned away before public viewing ended at 17:30 (15:30 GMT).

Mr Mandela's coffin will be lying in state for two more days, so the disappointed can try again on Thursday or Friday.

Our correspondent says those queuing have shown enormous patience with the lengthy process of gaining admission, which involves stringent security checks.

Earlier, crowds watched as the coffin was taken in procession from a hospital mortuary to the Union Buildings.

Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel bids farewell to South African former president Nelson Mandela lying in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on December 11 Mr Mandela's widow Graca Machel was among those who filed past his coffin on Wednesday

People queue to watch former South African President Nelson Mandela's coffin at the Union Buildings on December 11 South Africans queued for hours to get a glimpse of their hero

People cheer as the body of Nelson Mandela is driven past in Pretoria on December 11 Small crowds had already gathered as the coffin was driven through Pretoria on the way to the Union Buildings

Hospital staff react as the procession for Nelson Mandela leaves the military hospital in Pretoria, December 11 The mood was celebratory rather than sombre in most places

The procession left the city's 1 Military Hospital shortly after 07:00 on Wednesday.

The coffin could be seen inside a black hearse, draped in a South African flag, in a convoy with military outriders and ambulances.

Andrew Harding: "It's a shock to see that instantly recognisable face lying very peacefully"

Mr Mandela's remains will make the journey from the military hospital every morning from Wednesday until Friday, the government announced.

"The public are encouraged to form a guard of honour by lining the streets," it said.

Crowds cheered and sang as the convoy sped past.

"Seeing him passing by was the greatest thing I have ever seen in my life. I just wanted to see him passing for the last time," said one mourner, Grace.
Zuma booed
Meanwhile the government has been criticised over several mistakes in its handling of Mr Mandela's memorial service on Tuesday.

  • Deaf viewers claim that the official sign language interpreter was inept, with signs that were "arbitrary" and "did not make sense".
  • There were also difficulties with transport: dozens of trains that had been reserved to take people to the stadium were delayed due to power failures.
  • The South African newspaper City Press alleged that the state broadcaster SABC instructed its production staff to cut away from live footage of President Jacob Zuma, because he was being booed by sections of the crowd. SABC has denied the allegation.

Lying in state

  • Nelson Mandela's body lies in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria 11-13 December
  • Coffin taken every morning from the mortuary to the Union Buildings
  • Public encouraged to line the route
  • Mandela family and selected visitors viewed the body from 10:00 on Wednesday; open to public from midday
  • The public will then be able to view the body from 08:00 to 17:30 on Thursday and Friday

Ndaba Mandela told the BBC that his grandfather would not have been bothered by the booing.

"He is a man of the people and one who respects and understands that the people must express their opinions no matter whether they are with you or against you," he said.

But presidential spokesman Lindiwe Zulu said the booing was "humiliating" and those responsible would be "dealt with".

One of the dignitaries at the memorial event, former Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu, had his home broken into while he was away, an aide has told reporters.

'Great liberator'

After Mr Mandela's body has lain in state for three days, the military will fly him to the Eastern Cape from Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.

A military guard of honour will welcome the arrival, and the coffin will then be placed on a gun carriage and transported to a hearse.

The BBC's Clive Myrie spoke to a group of mourners who said they wanted to see the late president "for the last time"

Mr Mandela's body will then be taken to his home village of Qunu, where the Thembu community will conduct a traditional ceremony.

A national day of reconciliation will take place on 16 December when a statue of Mr Mandela will be unveiled at the Union Buildings.

Big screens have been set up across South Africa to show the planned national events.

Mandela funeral map

More on This Story

Thousands of South Africans have queued to view the body of former President Nelson Mandela in Pretoria.



The BBC's Nomsa Maseko spoke to some of the people waiting to see Mr Mandela's body


Thousands of South Africans have queued to view the body of former President Nelson Mandela in Pretoria.

Mr Mandela's body was lying in state at the government buildings where he was sworn in as South Africa's first black president in 1994.

Among those paying their respects were his widow Graca Machel, President Jacob Zuma, celebrities including Bono and other relatives and officials.

Mr Mandela died last Thursday at the age of 95 and will be buried on Sunday.

At the scene

They came in wheelchairs and pushchairs - black, white and everything in between. Some broke down in tears and needed to be supported; others were just subdued. There was certainly no singing.
I met an Asian and a black family who had made friends while waiting for hours in the queue for the buses coming to the Union Buildings.
Some said that seeing the body meant they could accept their tata, or father, had really gone. Thobeka Mohlahlo came with her two young children and so did not actually see the body, but "just being here helped". A white soldier was helping her by carrying one of the children towards the bus. Nelson Mandela would be proud how far his rainbow nation has come.

His funeral will take place in his home village of Qunu in Eastern Cape province.

Tens of thousands of South Africans joined scores of world leaders for a national memorial service on Tuesday, as part of a series of commemorations.

The former president's grandson, Ndaba Mandela, said his grandfather would have been touched by the way his death had united people all over the world.

"I think he would have been completely humbled by it, to see so many people just share their love, their appreciation, just the sense of appreciation that he has given them," he said.
Patience of the crowds
People queued in various parts of the city for the chance to see Mr Mandela's body.

Thousands managed to gain entry, but the BBC's Peter Biles in Pretoria says hundreds more were turned away before public viewing ended at 17:30 (15:30 GMT).

Mr Mandela's coffin will be lying in state for two more days, so the disappointed can try again on Thursday or Friday.

Our correspondent says those queuing have shown enormous patience with the lengthy process of gaining admission, which involves stringent security checks.

Earlier, crowds watched as the coffin was taken in procession from a hospital mortuary to the Union Buildings.

Nelson Mandela's widow Graca Machel bids farewell to South African former president Nelson Mandela lying in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on December 11 Mr Mandela's widow Graca Machel was among those who filed past his coffin on Wednesday

People queue to watch former South African President Nelson Mandela's coffin at the Union Buildings on December 11 South Africans queued for hours to get a glimpse of their hero

People cheer as the body of Nelson Mandela is driven past in Pretoria on December 11 Small crowds had already gathered as the coffin was driven through Pretoria on the way to the Union Buildings

Hospital staff react as the procession for Nelson Mandela leaves the military hospital in Pretoria, December 11 The mood was celebratory rather than sombre in most places

The procession left the city's 1 Military Hospital shortly after 07:00 on Wednesday.

The coffin could be seen inside a black hearse, draped in a South African flag, in a convoy with military outriders and ambulances.

Andrew Harding: "It's a shock to see that instantly recognisable face lying very peacefully"

Mr Mandela's remains will make the journey from the military hospital every morning from Wednesday until Friday, the government announced.

"The public are encouraged to form a guard of honour by lining the streets," it said.

Crowds cheered and sang as the convoy sped past.

"Seeing him passing by was the greatest thing I have ever seen in my life. I just wanted to see him passing for the last time," said one mourner, Grace.
Zuma booed
Meanwhile the government has been criticised over several mistakes in its handling of Mr Mandela's memorial service on Tuesday.

  • Deaf viewers claim that the official sign language interpreter was inept, with signs that were "arbitrary" and "did not make sense".
  • There were also difficulties with transport: dozens of trains that had been reserved to take people to the stadium were delayed due to power failures.
  • The South African newspaper City Press alleged that the state broadcaster SABC instructed its production staff to cut away from live footage of President Jacob Zuma, because he was being booed by sections of the crowd. SABC has denied the allegation.

Lying in state

  • Nelson Mandela's body lies in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria 11-13 December
  • Coffin taken every morning from the mortuary to the Union Buildings
  • Public encouraged to line the route
  • Mandela family and selected visitors viewed the body from 10:00 on Wednesday; open to public from midday
  • The public will then be able to view the body from 08:00 to 17:30 on Thursday and Friday

Ndaba Mandela told the BBC that his grandfather would not have been bothered by the booing.

"He is a man of the people and one who respects and understands that the people must express their opinions no matter whether they are with you or against you," he said.

But presidential spokesman Lindiwe Zulu said the booing was "humiliating" and those responsible would be "dealt with".

One of the dignitaries at the memorial event, former Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu, had his home broken into while he was away, an aide has told reporters.

'Great liberator'

After Mr Mandela's body has lain in state for three days, the military will fly him to the Eastern Cape from Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.

A military guard of honour will welcome the arrival, and the coffin will then be placed on a gun carriage and transported to a hearse.

The BBC's Clive Myrie spoke to a group of mourners who said they wanted to see the late president "for the last time"

Mr Mandela's body will then be taken to his home village of Qunu, where the Thembu community will conduct a traditional ceremony.

A national day of reconciliation will take place on 16 December when a statue of Mr Mandela will be unveiled at the Union Buildings.

Big screens have been set up across South Africa to show the planned national events.

Mandela funeral map

More on This Story

Monday, 9 December 2013

Mandela death: Scores of world leaders to head to S Africa

Some 60 heads of state or government have announced they will take part in the memorial service or state funeral of Nelson Mandela, South Africa says.

US President Barack Obama, Francois Hollande of France and UK PM David Cameron will be among those attending Tuesday's memorial at a Soweto stadium.

South Africa's first black president died on Thursday and the nation has held a day of prayer and reflection.

Mourners in their millions visited places of worship and community halls.

At Soweto's Regina Mundi Catholic Church, a centre of the anti-apartheid struggle, the priest Sebastian Roussouw said the late leader had been "a light in the darkness".

"Madiba did not doubt the light. He paved the way for a better future, but he cannot do it alone," he said, referring to Mr Mandela by his clan name.

At the scene

Bishop Mosa Sono summed up the mood in this extremely religious nation when he told thousands of worshippers at the Grace Bible Church in Soweto: "Thank God for Madiba."
An image of Nelson Mandela's face was displayed on the screen, while his famous "I'm prepared to die" speech was played to the congregation, so numerous that plastic chairs had been set up outside the main hall to accommodate them.
"We are celebrating his life, not mourning his passing," said Tebeho Mahlope, 34. "He was old, he needed to rest, he has done what he needed to do," said Pamela Mpanza, 29.
The nearby Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto, known as "the people's church", was used by anti-apartheid campaigners as a secure venue to plan their outlawed activities after Mr Mandela was arrested.
Here too, the priest spoke of the light and hope the "Father of the Nation" had brought to South Africa and the world.

Mr Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, was among the congregation at the Bryanston Methodist church in Johannesburg, where President Jacob Zuma urged South Africans not to forget the values he had stood for.

In Cape Town, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said Mr Mandela was a powerful and continuing reminder that individuals have the power to make change happen in the world.

Over the next eight days, a series of events will commemorate the man who steered their country out of white-minority rule.
From Bono to Ban Ki-moon
International leaders, global figures and celebrities will join 95,000 ordinary South Africans at the memorial service at FNB stadium in Soweto, where Nelson Mandela made his final major public appearance during the 2010 football World Cup.

The event is likely to be one of the biggest such gatherings of international dignitaries in recent years. The government said 59 leaders had so far confirmed they would be attending: an indication of the special place Mr Mandela held in people's hearts across the world, officials say.

Among those on the list are UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, German President Joachim Gauck, EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Crown Prince Felipe of Spain.

President Zuma paid tribute to Nelson Mandela: "He believed in caring and he cared for our nation"

Three former US presidents, George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, will join President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and India's Pranab Mukherjee will also be there. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has not yet confirmed whether he will travel.

Leading celebrities in the anti-apartheid movement Peter Gabriel and Bono are also expected to attend as are former international leaders such as Marti Ahtisaari who, along with Mr Mandela, were part of a group known as The Elders, promoting peace and human rights.

Mr Mandela's body will lie in state in Pretoria on the following three days and he will be given a state funeral on Sunday, 15 December.

A smaller number of international dignitaries including the Prince of Wales will attend the burial in the Eastern Cape village of Qunu, where the late president grew up.

While Tuesday's memorial service will clearly be a big organisational challenge, the state funeral will be a greater logistical one because of its rural remoteness, BBC correspondent Mike Woodridge reports.

Women pray in Soweto (8 Dec) Worshippers crowded into churches, mosques, synagogues and temples to celebrate Nelson Mandela's life

Nelson Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela attended Mass in Johannesburg Nelson Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela attended Mass in Johannesburg

Crowds continued to gather outside Nelson Mandela's home in Houghton Crowds continued to gather outside Nelson Mandela's home in Houghton

A stage is being built in the village of Qunu for next Sunday's funeral A stage is being built in the village of Qunu for next Sunday's funeral
'Guard of honour'
South Africans have been holding vigils since Mr Mandela died at home at the age of 95, after several months of ill health.

The focal points for public remembrance have so far been Mr Mandela's house in the Johannesburg suburb of Houghton and his old home in Soweto.

Mourners and well wishers there have lit candles and laid thousands of wreaths of flowers.

Mr Mandela's body will lie in state on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the heart of the South African government in Pretoria.

His body will be taken each morning from the mortuary to the city hall through the streets of Pretoria. Members of the public have been encouraged to line the route and form a "guard of honour".

Karen Allen in Cape Town: "Many of the congregants... have come together, drawn by what the Dean described as comfort in solidarity"

The family will view the body on Wednesday morning before the public are allowed to file past from 12:00.

The government has also given further details of the state funeral arrangements.

  • Tuesday, 10 December is the day for South Africa's official memorial service at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, and will be addressed by President Zuma with tributes from other heads of state
  • The memorial service will be shown on big screens at three "overflow" stadiums - Orlando, Dobsonville and Rand
  • Between 11-13 December, "selected international visitors and guests" will be able to view Mr Mandela's remains at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
  • The public will be able to view the body from 12:00 to 17:30 on Wednesday and from 08:00 to 17:30 on Thursday and Friday
  • His body will be transported on Saturday, 14 December, from Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria to the Eastern Cape, with a procession from the airport at Mthatha to his home village of Qunu where a traditional ceremony will be held.
  • A national day of reconciliation will take place on 16 December when a statue of Mr Mandela will be unveiled at the Union Buildings in Pretoria
  • Some 90 screens will be set up across the country to show all planned national events

Flags at all official buildings are to remain at half mast throughout the period and books of condolence are being circulated across the country and online for people to post tributes, record memories and express their emotions.

Best of the BBC's archive

Nelson Mandela

Moyes: Let's finish the job

                           
Manchester United have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League and David Moyes is looking to complete the job by winning Group A on Tuesday night.
A point at home to Shakhtar Donetsk would confirm top spot, ensuring the second leg of the Reds’ last-16 tie is played at Old Trafford in March. And Moyes is determined to see that happen as United aim to bounce back from back-to-back home league defeats.
“It’s important we give ourselves every chance of progressing even further in the Champions League by finishing top,” Moyes told reporters before the Newcastle game. “It won’t make it easier but it will give us a little bit of an advantage by having the second game at home.
“We will do everything we can to be top and, as well as that, we’re unbeaten in the group and want to stay unbeaten if we can make that happen.”
When asked if he might rotate his squad for the game against the Ukrainian champions, Moyes added: “We have qualified, so it gives me a chance to have a look at that.”
United excelled in the home and away wins over Bayer Leverkusen and earned draws away to Shakhtar and Real Sociedad, but Moyes can’t explain why the team’s best performances have been reserved for Europe

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

Rooney wins November award


Wayne Rooney is Manchester United's Player of the Month for November following a landslide victory in our official poll.
It's the second time Rooney has won the monthly accolade this season, and the United no.10 polled 80 per cent of fans' votes across our seven language websites, beating Antonio Valencia (15 per cent) and Patrice Evra (5 per cent) in second and third places.
"It's great to be recognised by the fans," Wayne told ManUtd.com in an exclusive interview. "I'm delighted with that and it's important I keep trying to do well for the team."
Rooney's November displays were all-consuming; of United's 11 goals last month, he scored or had a hand in nine. Strikes at Fulham and Cardiff were balanced against other influential facets of his game - notably five direct assists and, of course, his work-rate.
"I've always worked on that," he says, referring to his creative work. "Thankfully the lads are getting on the end of the deliveries now! It's great when you put a good ball into the box and someone gets on the end of it to score. And we also aim to keep clean sheets. That means the forwards have to come back and help out from set-pieces."

Rooney is in fine form - is this comparable to his best spells? "I'll leave that for other people to say," he adds. "But I'm enjoying my football and doing well, so I'll keep working hard and hopefully continue to be successful on the pitch."
     

Toure ndiye bora zaidi Afrika

 

Yaya Toure aliteuliwa mara tano kuwania tuzo hili lakini akafanikiwa kushinda mwaka huu
Yaya Toure ametangazwa mshindi wa tuzo ya BBC ya mwaka 2013 ya mchezaji bora zaidi wa soka barani Afrika.
Mchezaji huyo wa Ivory Coast, na ambaye pia ni kiungo wa klabu ya Manchester City ya Uingereza, na ambaye jina lake limekuwepo kwa miaka minne iliyopita katika orodha ya wachezaji wanaowania tuzo, aliwashinda Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Victor Moses, John Mikel Obi na Jonathan Pitroipa, katika kuibuka mshindi
Mchezaji huyo ana umri wa miaka 30.

Orodha fupi ya waliowania tuzo hiyo ilitayarishwa na wataalamu 44 wa soka kutoka kote barani Afrika, na wakizingatia hasa maarifa ya mchezaji, kiufundi, ushirikiano na wenzake katika timu, na kwa kucheza mchezo safi na kwa haki.
Kisha, kupitia idadi kubwa kabisa kuandikishwa kwa wapiga kura, mashabiki waliweza kushiriki katika shughuli hiyo katika mtandao, au kupitia ujumbe wa simu ya mkononi.
Mashabiki hao wameamua kwamba Toure ndiye bora zaidi, kwani katika kipindi cha mwaka mmoja uliopita, raia huyo wa Ivory Coast alicheza kwa bidii, kuonyesha mchezo wa kasi, ubunifu, na vile vile kwa kufunga magoli.
Ingawa mwaka 2013 ulikuwa ni wa ufanisi kwa Toure hasa kwa kupata vikombe, hakuweza kuisaidia nchi yake, wala klabu, kupata kombe lolote lile, lakini bado alionyesha kiwango cha hali ya juu katika mchezo.
Baada ya kuvunjika moyo kwa kushindwa kuutetea ubingwa wao wa ligi kuu ya Premier wa mwaka 2012 akiichezea Manchester City, Toure alirudi uwanjani akijizatiti, na kuimarisha mikwaju yake ya free-kick.
Alitumbukiza wavuni bao, kwa mpira wa kupinda, katika siku ya kwanza ya msimu mpya wa ligi kuu ya Premier, wakati timu yake ilipocheza na Newcastle, na akarudia hayo hayo katika mechi iliyofuata wakati Hull walipowatembelea katika uwanja wao wa nyumbani.
Toure amefunga magoli manne ya kupanga kwa makini shambulio, na hayo yakiwa ni kati ya magoli saba kwa jumla aliyoweza kuifungia klabu ya Man City msimu huu.
Kufikia sasa, mwaka huu wa 2013, Toure ametumbukiza wavuni jumla ya magoli 12; ya klabu na vile vile ya nchi yake, na hiyo ni rekodi nzuri sana kwa mchezaji wa kiungo cha kati.
Mbali na ustadi huo katika kumalizia, Toure ni kiongozi bora katika timu, na maarifa yake yameiwezesha City kufikia sasa kuwa katika nafasi ya nne katika ligi kuu ya England.
Aliisaidia kikamilifu nchi yake ya Ivory Coast kufuzu kwa michuano ya Kombe la Dunia ya mwaka ujao itakayofanyika nchini Brazil.
Timu yake ya Tembo, The Elephants ilihitaji kuusahau mwanzo mbovu hapo awali katika kampeni yao ya michuano ya Kombe la Mataifa ya Afrika, na walipoondolewa katika robo fainali na Nigeria, ambao hatimaye waliibuka mabingwa, na Toure akiwapa matumaini ya kufanya vyema baadaye.
Nje ya uwanja, Toure ameongoza vita dhidi ya ubaguzi wa rangi katika soka, hasa baada ya matusi kuelekezwa kwake katika mechi ya ligi ya klabu bingwa dhidi ya CSKA Moscow, mwezi Oktoba, na akionyesha moyo wa uvumilivu na wa kimichezo unaostahili uwanjani.
Tukio kama hilo linaweza kumvunja moyo mchezaji asiyejiamini, lakini Toure ameendelea kuwa mchezaji wa kipekee tangu wakati huo.
Na katika mwaka wa tano baada ya jina lake kupangwa katika orodha ya wachezaji wanaowania tuzo, hatimaye Toure ametajwa kama mshindi wa tuzo ya mchezaji bora zaidi wa soka barani Afrika

 

 

Gwiji wa rumba Tabu Ley, aaga Dunia


Marehemu Tabu Ley Rochereau wa Congo
Sifa na rambirambi zinaendelea kumiminika kwa familia ya mwanamuziki,muimbaji na mtungaji mashuhuri wa muziki wa rumba Tabu Ley Rochereau aliyefariki dunia Jumaamosi akiwa na umri wa miaka 76 katika hospitali moja nchini Ubelgiji.
Tungo zake zilivigusa vizazi kadhaa katika pembe zote za bara la Afrika na kwingineko duniani.
Familia yake imesema mwanamuziki huyo atapewa mazishi ya heshima kubwa kitaifa mjini Kinshasa.
Tabu Ley, ambaye pia alikuwa mwanasiasa hakupata nafuu tangu apate kiharusi mnamo mwaka 2008 na alizidiwa mwishoni mwa wiki kwa mujibu wa mwanaye Jean-Claude Muissa.
Pascal Tabu Ley, ambaye pia akijulikana kwa jina la "Rochereau"alizaliwa Novemba 13, 1937 katika kijiji kidogo cha jimbo la Bandundu nchini Kongo. Alijipatia umaarufu wa kuwa nyota wa muziki wa mtindo wa rumba katika miaka ya 1960.
Kutokana na nyimbo zake kama "Adios Thethe" na "Mokolo nakokufa" (siku yangu ya kifo ), Tabu Ley alichangia kuusambaza umaarufu wa mtindo huo na mnamo mwaka 1970 alikuwa mwaafrika wa kwanza kutumbuiza katika ukumbi mashuhuri wa Olympia mjini Paris Ufaransa.
"alikuwa msaniii nguli atika bara zima la Afrika ," alisema Francois Bensignor wa kituo cha muziki cha IRMA mjini Paris..
Pia aliwahi kutajwa na jarida la Jeune Afrique " kama mwanakongo mashuhuri pamoja na aliyekua Rais Mobutu Sese Seko watakaokumbukwa katika historia ya Congo..
Nyumbani , Tabu Ley hakuwa tu mwanamuziki lakini pia alijitosa katika siasa.
Aliteuliwa kuwa waziri wa utamaduni wakati wa utawala wa hayati Rais Laurent-Desire Kabila -- baba wa Rais wa sasa Joseph Kabila, na hatimaye akawa makamu gavana wa Kinshasa.
Alilazimika kuishi uhamishoni wakati wa enzi ya Mobutu Sese Seko(1965 hadi 1997), na mnamo mwaka 1990, utawala huo wa mabavu ulipiga marufuku albam yake "Trop, c'est trop" ( Too much is too much