Thomas Nkono; A True African Legend

Cameroon Legend, Thomas Nkono

Who made Gianluigi Buffon decide to become a goalkeeper? Thomas Nkono. A part of a dominant Cameroon team that dazzled the world at Italia '90, Nkono's heroics ensured that the Indomitable Lions got to the Quarter Finals of the Mundial before been cruelly eliminated by the Three Lions of England 2-3. 

Buffon said that it was watching Nkono at Italia '90 that convinced him to become a goalkeeper. Nkono represented Cameroon at 3 World Cup finals; Espana '82, Italia '90 and USA '94. He also featured in 4 African Cup of Nations finals including the 1984 and 1986 editions respectively. 

Nkono At Espana '82

Probably one of Africa's finest ever Goalkeepers, he featured prominently for Espanyol in a 9-year stint that yielded 300 caps and a UEFA Cup Runners-up medal in 1987/88. 


He was also a recipient of the African Player of the Year awards in 1978 and 1982 in addition to winning the CAF Champions League with Canon Yaounde in 1978 and 1980. 


A fitting tribute to the 6ft 1' shot stopper is having the legendary Gigi Buffon name his son Thomas after the goalkeeping great.

Ivanov, Bulgaria Hardman Of Yore, Dies At 50

Trifon Ivanov was not a defender you would want to trifle with. With an icy cold stare, a bushy buff of hair and warrior side-burns, he struck fear into many a striker. 

He was part of the Golden crop of Bulgarian National team that reached the semi finals of USA 94. He is regarded as one of Bulgaria's greatest players. He has captained the team when it had likes of Hristo Stoichkov, Emile Kostadinov, Lordan Letchov and Boris Mihalyov. 


Sadly, Ivanov passed on this Saturday, 13 February 2016 after suffering a heart attack. He was aged 50. Ivanov won three domestic league titles, the Bulgarian Cup and the Super Cup with CSKA Sofia between 1989-92.

He was capped 76 times and scored 6 goals including a brilliant header that gave Bulgaria a 1-0 victory over Russia in a decisive 1998 World Cup qualifier. He represented Bulgaria at USA 94, France 98 and at the Euro 96 in England.


He was named Bulgaria's Footballer of the Year in 1996, also had spells at Real Betis, Neuchatel Xamax and Rapid Vienna where he enjoyed a particularly fruitful period, winning the Austrian title, the domestic cup and the 1996 European Cup Winners' Cup.