The Weekend Guide is back in business, and this time we take you to the derby of La Paz, an Olympic clash between the women national teams of the United States and Mexico, and finally the African Champions League kick-off.
(All the hours are in CET)
Amateur (Like this guy)
What? The Strongest – Bolívar (Liga de Fútbol Profesional Boliviano)
When? Sunday, 22:15
Where? Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz
Why? The highest capital in the world is getting ready for the Clásico Paceño - the city derby.
After both teams failed to win the Apertura, they hope that the Clausura will be different. The Strongest are in 4th place, two points from the leadership, and Bolívar are in 2nd place with a gap of just of one point.
Key Players: Ramiro Ballivián took part in Universitario de Sucre’s tremendous seasons in the past seven years and he will try to repeat it in The Strongest. Erwin Saavedra, Bolívar’s defender, is just 19 years old but he is part of the team lineup in every match.
Are You Ready? If you thought that The Strongest is an unusual name, in Bolivian regional leagues you can find a club with the name Always Ready, one of the first clubs in La Paz and the first ever Bolivian team to travel to Europe.
Professional (like that match)
What? United States – Mexico (CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship)
When? Saturday, 22:00
Where? Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
Why? As we are getting closer to the Olympic Games in Rio, now it's time to see which women teams will represent CONCACAF. United States, the 4-time Olympic champions, won their first match against Costa Rica 5:0. After qualifying to three World Cups, Mexico wants to make an Olympic debut, after they defeated Puerto Rico 6:0 last Wednesday.
Key Players: The American team is full of great players, but we chose to focus on Christen Press, who scored 30 goals in 57 international caps and you definitely should see her last goal. Cecilia Santiago, the 21 year old Mexican goalkeeper, was just 16 years old during her international debut and she is the youngest player to ever play in the World Cup.
The Debutants: While Mexico still tries to qualify, one team has already confirmed there Olympic debut in Rio – Zimbabwe, who knocked out Cameroon in the decisive match.
World Class (like this kick)
What? Ashanti Gold – MO Béjaïa (CAF Champions League)
When? Sunday, 16:00
Where? Len Clay Stadium, Obuasi
Why? These two teams could easily progress to the latter stages of the tournament but one will be eliminated in the preliminary round. Ashanti Gold won the Ghanaian Premier League for the first time since 1996 and they will try to go all the way to the finals, as they did in 1997. Even though MO Béjaïa missed the Algerian title by single point, they will make history with their debut season in continental competition.
Key Players: Ashanti Gold star is veteran defender Emmanuel Osei, who played in Turkey, Italy and the MLS. Zahir Zerdab, MO Béjaïa midfielder, spent a few years in the French lower divisions before arriving to Algeria and he was a main part in the club's previous season.
Good to See You: In the same round, Cercle de Joachim from Mauritius will play against Young Africans from Tanzania. They will be the first team from Mauritius to play in the Champions league since 2010.
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Thumbnail photo by AFP