Players I’ll discipline

Our soccer is growing at the very fast phase, our players grow and their salaries are better than yesterday. Often we hear so and so gone AWOL, so and so is a bad boy. What is a bad boy - one who stand up for his rights or one who just don’t care about anything, but his salary and tavern life?

What is PSL doing about the situation, because it is their reputation at stake?

Look at it this way, PSL is failing to produce quality strikers but has many bad boys. Talent has been lost and it may continue of the PSL just stand there and look. Some players need life skills programs to deal with basics of being a role model or a professional. Most of our players come from township and were never involved in proper developments to equip them with basics.

From the dusty soccer ground in Soweto straight to Naturena for example, such players obviously still has the Kasi mentality (nothing wrong with Kasi), he won’t let go of his old friend (I’m not suggesting they leave their old friend) but need to be aware that they are now professionals and they can’t afford to be seen at NITO’s Shebeen at 2am with ingutu.

In some cases players have personal problems, but people jump to call the Bad Boys before we even get the facts of what’s really happening. Well it is a player’s responsibility to secure trust and support from the supporters and other stake holders. Talent was lost. Jabu Mahlangu aka “Pule”, Skapie Malatie, Junior Khanye (all born in Daveyton and played for Chiefs), Patrick Mbuthu (Chiefs), Sipho Nunens (Sundowns), Mbulelo Mabizela (Sundowns), and Emanuel Ngobese (Chiefs)… the list is long. What’s wrong with these two teams Chiefs and Sundowns? You have answers.

At times they try to convince us they have changed, this normally happens when they are clubless, hehe… eh yazi bo-Jabu, these guys don’t realize that in soccer you only have one chance and you spoil it… you are done. Look at Khanye, he was good at Chiefs but now, hehe… you be the judge. Jabu wasted so much time and now he is old, was supposed to be our own SA “Kaka” in Bafana, but he opted for unnecessary things.

My message to players is “play as if its your last game and make as much cash (invest) as possible, your’ all going to need it in future” don’t be an example of failure” players only get one chance, they will all say they’ve changed and can do better than before oho, that is only in their mind, but in reality they are done on the soccer pitch. PSL make something about these, we don’t need more Bad Boys.

NITO is back from injury (hehehe)
E: nito.diskioff@gmail.com

ABSA Premier League Weekend Preview with Mduduzi Mazibuko

Saturday, November 01

Free State Stars v Orlando Pirates
Venue: Charles Mopeli Stadium
Isikhathi: 15:30
Preview: Ezimnyama Ngenkani registered their first victory on Wednesday night and all smiles to the HAPPY PEOPLE at last. Pirates will want to continue their winning streak when they meet Ea Lla Koto. However, Stars are a dangerous side and if Pirates are weak at defence… all three points will go to Free State.
Prediction: Draw

Kaizer Chiefs v AmaZulu
Venue: Loftus Stadium
Isikhathi: 16:00
Preview: Amakhosi will be looking to register their third victory in the PSL. But with the way Chiefs plays these days… it’s very difficult to tell if they’ll be HOT or COLD. Usuthu are in a happy mood after defeating Ajax on Wednesday. It’s a game that Clive Barker will be happy for either draw or win, while Muhsin Ertuğral will be praying for only a WIN.
Prediction: Draw

Ajax Cape Town v SuperSport United
Venue: Athlone Stadium
Isikhathi: 20:00
Preview: Urban Warriors are sixth on the log and looking to bounce back to winning ways. However, they face the defending champions, Matsatsantsa (The Swanky Boys). This is one game both coaches [Gavin Hunt (United) and Craig Rosslee (Ajax)] will prefer to get a draw. But Ajax will be happier if they can get a win against the champions.
Prediction: Draw

Sunday, November 02

Moroka Swallows v Bloemfontein Celtic
Venue: Olympia Park
Isikhathi: 15:00
Preview: The Beautiful Birds are still wounded after losing to rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby and Phunya Sele Sele suffered a 1-0 defeat to struggling Chiefs. Celtic is in trouble as they yet to win a game in the PSL. This game against Swallows is a must win for coach Mich D'Avray. One wonders who will win this one, but with Radebe and Bhengu on fire... Celtic should WATCH OUT!
Prediction: win for Swallows

Thanda Royal Zulu FC v Bidvest Wits
Venue: Mpumalanga Stadium
Isikhathi: 15:30
Preview: One can’t tell who is going to win this game. However, if you ask people from Durban they’ll tell you that Amabhubesi (The Lions) will take this one. Parker is on FIRE… and The Clever Boys will be determined to barricade him. It’s a game that could go either side as both teams are on good form.
Prediction: Draw

Mamelodi Sundowns v Bay United
Venue: Super Stadium
Isikhathi: 17:00
Preview: It’s going to be a dynamic game at Super Stadium when The Brazilians host Watsh’Umlilo (The fire is burning). Sundowns will be looking for retribution after they got knocked out of the Telkom Knockout Cup by the rookies.
Prediction: Win for Sundowns

ALL games will be analyzed... by Mdu
(DISKIOFF TV - Channel 8)

EMAIL Proffesor if you disagree with Mdu’s predictions
E: proffesor.khumalo@gmail.com

DR'S ART: STRONG LEAGUE IN AFRICA

People in South Africa have been complaining about SA standard of soccer saying it’s down. Others said we don't produce best players that will represent SA in Europe's best leagues.

I wonder which league they are talking about cause PSL have produced, Benni, Mwariwari, Katongo, Pinaar and others. These players are making waves in Bundasliga and Barclays Premier League.

Back to the heading, which league is strong in Africa? Definitely I will say SA and Egyptian league. Why? In Africa there are only two teams that will be happy to be presented by African league based players which is Egypt and South Africa.

Egypt play their games with majority players coming from Egyptian league. Same with South Africa, since SA was re-admitted by FIFA, the majority of players that are representing SA are from the PSL.

But with other African countries you see only less than 5 African league based players. All football power houses in Africa; Cote 'd Ivoire , Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, excluding Egypt who obviously are Afcon champions.

Others may say Sudan and other few small African countries also were represented by African league based players; the problem is that they haven't achieved anything. SA won, were runners-up, 3rd Afcon (1996, 1998, 2000) and also qualified for World Cup finals (1998 and 2002) this were achieved with most of players coming from NSL or PSL.

What is the point of this article? To recognize the great job that is been done by South African and Egyptian Leagues.

DR NDIVHUWO (Diskioff writer)
E: doctor.diskioff@gmail.com

Lets cut SABC some slack

I am a law abiding citizen. I pay my TV licence, and I will continue to do that, anyway, it’s the right thing to do. I want to further want to encourage all Diskioff Supporters to pay their TV licences.

We must understand that the SABC lost the TV Soccer rights to Supersport. So we must not expect top notch soccer on SABC (Not that they did anything good when they had the rights). Ok, now in soccer there are what we call, Class A games, e.g. Chiefs Vs Pirates. Class B, e.g. Pirates Vs Supersport and your Class C games, e.g. Thanda Zulu Royal Vs Platinum Stars. I mention all this so that the people see a first division game when there is a Class A and / Class B game playing, they should not be surprised.

Supersport is giving SABC this Class C and Class D games. SABC has never taken soccer serious anyway so why give them Chiefs Vs Celtics if they will sure it when everyone is asleep? Ok, in case people miss the point here, let me clarify myself.

I watched a live game on SABC, Pirates Vs Swallows. I wanted to see this new David Radebe and the high flying Swallows. Radebe was and is the same player that added less value at Amakhosi.

Now, by the time Pirates scored, it had gone past Midnight. Now you tell me how many people were awake then. So if you do not have a Dish, pity you going to miss a great deal of soccer.

BAILE (Diski2010 manager)
E: baile.diskioff@gmail.com

Up The Bucs

Last night was a wonderful night in the Life of a Buccaneer, but then again, Miss K predicted a win for the Mighty Ghost.

Dipula tsamahlohonolo... direnetse STRONG but we thrive on a challenge... and boy but did those boys shine! The first half started with a BANG, the pace, dictated by The Black and White for a good 20 minutes. Luck failed us on a number of occasions and more than once the Bucs faithful were on the verge of celebrating but either the crossbar denied us, or the boys shot wide or that marvel of a Swallows Keeper, aka Greg Etafia kept a good watch.

Come the second half and Swallows were in the driving seat... that is until Thulasizwe Mbuyane slotted in one of the most beautiful shots I've seen this season. From the far left, calmly controlled and edged in beautifully, the goal went in just under Greg's outstretched arms to get the stadium in a frenzy of celebrations!

Boy did Miss K dance or did she DANCE????? I was EXTATIC, as were the rest of the Bucs crowd gathered, undeterred by the pouring rain, to watch the rise of the team.

My personal man of the match is the boy wonder who somehow doesn't get the recognition he deserves, Innocent Mdledle. That boy is a marvel to watch... he is a clean sweeper, always has his eyes on the ball and the opponents. He is one of SA's best right backs... you mark my words.

Miss K is a grinning goofball today... nothing and NO ONE can get under my skin.

Ayobuuuur
Miss K (Diskioff writer)

Absa Premier League results

Bloem Celtic v Kaizer Chiefs

Amakhosi got back to winning ways in the Premier League izolo (Wednesday) when they defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium.

Golden Arrows v Thanda Royal Zulu
Thanda striker, Bernard Parker, scored two goals to give Thanda a vital point against the Telkom Knockout Cup favourites Golden Arrows in their clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium yesterday. Game ended 2-2.

AmaZulu v Ajax Cape Town
Amazulu coach Clive Barker was relieved when his team registered their second win in the PSL after beating Ajax Cape Town 2-0 on Wednesday.

Orlando Pirates v Moroka Swallows
Soweto Derby: Orlando Pirates secured their first victory in the PSL when they defeated Soweto rivals Moroka Swallows 1-0 at Coca-Cola Park on Wednesday evening.

SuperSport United v Maritzburg United
Martizburg United suffered their worse defeat after they got destroyed 5-0 by defending champions SuperSport United to stretch their lead at the top of the PSL.

Bay United v Platinum Stars
Platinum Stars showed Bay United that they are still rookies in the PSL after they defeated them 3-0 at the EPRU Stadium on Wednesday night.

Bidvest Wits v Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns restored some pride after their dismal play in the Telkom Knockout Cup during the weekend by beating Bidvest Wits 2-1 at Olympia Park yesterday. This was Wits’ first defeat in the PSL.

Santos v Free State Stars
Santos got back to winning ways in the PSL when they defeated Free State Stars 2-0 at the Athlone Stadium izolo (Wednesday).

ALL games watched and analyzed... by Mdu
(DISKIOFF TV - Channel 8)

Its number 300 for DISKIOFF

For this Milestone, our 300th article, Diskioff would like to give you the messages of the people, who, with their time and lots of hard work, made this blog a success story, go on and take a bow guys.

300 stories! First off all congratulations to all who have contributed to this dynamic project! It was one hard road, but through dedication we made it. To all our readers – THANK YOU GUYS! You are the ones who made this happen. I have to say, I'm constantly amazed at how many articles we at DISKIOFF posted in only 2½ months. The new kids on the block are going for the best as this is our industry. Again… Congratulations to everybody involved! Honestly, if it wasn't for this framework, I would have never associated football with "fun". I could never express my thanks.) Here's to another 300 articles to come :) Here's to the future. Thanks for the letters and photos maDISKIOFF supporters.

Respect,
Proffesor

Diskigents and Diskigals! Today is a mark of how hard we are striving to make a success of this blog, we have become a touchpoint for the hard hitting opinions in football. It is such a pleasure to work with the talented Sthembiso, motivational Baile, organized Prof, hard hitting DR, articulate and funny Miss K and off course the deep Nito, but most of all thanks to all the visitors of the blog, you make it what it is. To 3000 we go.

Thanks,
Mr. Know it ALL

Thanks to the crew at Dikioff, Like I always tell you. "You are the Best". All those who visited us and got hooked, the very best is yet to come. This is but the beginning and with you guys, your letters of encouragement and constructive critisism, The sky is definately not the Limit. Special thanks to the very special women in my life, My Mom, Sister, Companion and daughter for their constant encouragement and support.

Kind Regards,
Baile

Thank you to all the massive who og on religiously to see what we have to say about this sport we all love so much. Miss K, te First Lady of Diskioff Blog would like to applaud you all for your contributions to ALL the spheres of the blog. Next step: 500 posts and counting! Love you all.

Once and Always (Buccaneer till I die)
Miss K

To all Diskioff readers: Thanks for dedicating your times and energy to this lovely growing football blog, which every effort is made for your enjoyable reading. Hold on and enjoy this football rollercoaster ride, as it will take you to your ultimate satisfaction of football knowledge, blended with humour, emotions, excitement and so-education (so-soccer), as we aim to expand this blog to more entertaining stuff, which will include in-depth interviews with club officials, no 1 supporters, players and some of our football custodians, more diki babes, inside the players minds, inside the team's parking lots and so forth. I am out for now keep on visiting the blog cause you'll never go bored and wrong. THEY CALL ME "STHERERE MARAZOR" for nothing.

Thanks,
Sthembiso

Well well, I run out of words, when I think of this, 300 articles and still going. Wanna thank the Diskioff Family and The most important people DISKIOFF FAN without you guys we wouldn’t be writing. You guys are inspirations, every time I open the Blog and looking at your comments I feel like I owe you more articles, keep reading, and the guys who knows me personally, who always ask me questions about Diskioff, thanks a lot guys without you I wouldn’t be writing hard. So people, thank you so much, Diskioff is your blog so continue supporting and commenting on the site. SWEET.

Regards,
Nito

THANKS AGAIN......
FROM THE DISKIOFF TEAM!

Today’s players (IPOD GENERATION) vs. the 70s/80s generation (Valiant Generation) vs. the 90’s (Freedom generation) same difference

Dr. ART is right in many respects, there is a lot of “claiming” by the players who used to play their trade in the 70’s and the 80’s which I would call the Valiant generation, what I find to be ridiculous is that because they played in those eras, automatically they are called legends.

Come on, we may be young but we are not stupid, obviously some of these guys were (to use football language) dipatla or izinkomo. It is impossible for all of them to have been legends unless the meaning of the word has changed. I also suspect that more often than not, many of these guys were not what they are cooked out to be. They are very lucky that the SABC was as incompetent then as it is now, so we don’t have footage to prove or disprove all these stories they often tell.

I have also found some of their statements laden with envy; I think they must understand that when they were earning R50 a week, teachers were earning R120.00 a month , that was the job market at that the time , they should have made the best of their situations then . Some of these players made the very best of their situations becoming very rich in the process.

However, today’s players are the worst lot, this IPOD generation has the best opportunities, much greater exposure and yet they are just not cutting it. Look at the Sundowns players, they are earning executive salaries, yet they fail to score a goal against Bay United at home, just a single goal, this after slamming three goals against Amazulu, who have better pedigree than United.

I would like to put to everyone that these executive salaries are getting in their heads, they undermine other teams, this is my message to all these players, hey people , salaries don’t win games, your Porsche Cayenne wont score goals , your fancy house will not make that save, so stop parading in the fields and start playing football. Like I have mentioned before, these players are out of touch with supporters because they live in their up market house with the bourgeoisie, they rarely interact with the everyday guy who pays his R20 to watch them.

Mr. Motsepe said from a business perspective, the investment in Sundowns has been a disaster. I agree, I think though Motsepe is billionaire, his team makes the biggest financial loss in the league and this is because people are paid a lot of money just because they play for Sundowns not because they are worth it.

Then there these guys from the 90’s who also think they are the best since the loaf of bread, I call them the Freedom generation, well maybe in the football sense, they are the best thing since the loaf of bread. It is in this generation that a South African team became champions of Africa, this generation consisted of Soldiers, the self same Jerry Skhosana scored the only goal in Abidjan causing a lot of deaths, no players in the current league have shown courage that goes that far, This is the group that made us African champions, you see this generation achieved something for all of us, they made us proud to be South African’s, Lucas Radebe went on to captain an English premiership club.

So as far as it goes , the valiant generation were in football for fun and they loved it , but they were not really tested , the freedom generation were in football to go greater heights and they did , they are achievers, the Ipod generation, ehh well, they seem to be in football to get rich without getting stuck in. Well they have managed to pull wool over everyone’s eyes into believing they are worth a lot, I must give it to them, guys, you are good investors but as far as football goes, crap.

Mr Know it ALL

DR'S ART: OLDIES VS NOW GENERATION PLAYERS

I have heard enough of oldies saying players of the current generation don't have passion for soccer. I find this as a pure white lie. I for one wanted to play professional soccer and I know lots of you wanted that not because there is a lot of money, but because we love the game.

So you can't tell me this generation doesn't have passion. Of oldies, I heard Smiley Moosa saying players of this generation wouldn't have made it in olden days. We all know that the 80s and 70s soccer was not that tactically.

Even other oldies have admitted that the coach would say do this and they'll go and do the opposite. Can you do that in our generation? Definitely NO! You do that and you have possibly kissed your career goodbye. Other oldies said in some of the games a coach will give them instructions only for them (OLDIES) to change the plan inside the ground.

Also in 80s and 70s players were free to dribble, shibobo, tsamaya, sthende and other skills, but now there is no time for that… you do one style and the coach will be on your toes. "Scara" Ngobese is known for his skills, and did this bring him luck to Kaizer Chiefs when Midderndop was the coach? No! He was always benched.

Then Jerry Skosana said Orlando Pirates players don't wear Pirates jersey with pride, that's why he doesn't watch Pirates games. What's this? How can he know the problem if he doesn't watch Pirates games? We all know that the majority of players that played in 2000 are no longer with Pirates, so he doesn't have a clue of how Pirates players operate because he hasn't watched them in ages.

Skosana coached Darkies, and one wonders if he taught the darkies players the passion he is talking about. Worst of all Skosana was not a deadly striker; the season that he scored many goals was when he managed 12 goals. Tell me which of the big teams will go for a player whose best record is 12?

There are two things that made Jerry popular… that was Jerry vs. Baloyi and the goal he scored in Abuja when Pirates won the CAF Champions League. One would expect a player like Jerry to help the new generation. Teach them what he learned in his time.

It's time for the oldies to advice the now generation and stop comparing their salaries with today’s generation. 90's players are the ones that can say they made South Africa proud by winning the AFCON, as for 70s/80s players, all we hear is the apartheid stood on our way. Obviously there are few players who made impact overseas like "Ace" Ntsoelengoe, "Khalamazo" and others. We as young supporters did not witness all the stories you are telling us, but we can witness the changes in players if the oldies help out (that's if they see something missing).

Remember this is not personal but my view.
by DR NDIVHUWO

Original Great Soweto Derby

Tonight is the 1st round of the Original Great Soweto Derby (Orlando Pirates vs Moroka Swallows)! The Ghost has a couple of scores to settle. And our boys need to prove to their worth and heartfelt gratitude to their supporters.

The House of Pain will be awash with Black and White... Shapa Buccaneer Shapa....

And then come the 2nd round of The Telkom Knockout Cup..... retlotshela thupa gape... eish but it's great to be a Buccaneer... we are back to our winning ways... mark my words, we're back and back to stay...

Miss K will be at the Coca Cola Park to see all the action blow by blow and she'll be back to report in full to the DISKIOFF Blog Faithful.

Ayooobuuuurrrr

Miss K (Diskioff writer)

Waterloo United Football Club

Nozipho’s team photo in their first match which they drew 2-2... and they ended up winning their second match 2-0. They currently have boys age 14-16, very talented and they eat, sleep soccer. They are very passionate about the sport. At the moment Nozipho is are trying to get them into an under 17 league in their area. Also working to get them sponsorship for playing kit, training equipment etc. So if any of you fabulous diskioff readers want to donate let me know.

view photos here: http://diskihelp.blogspot.com/
email: proffesor.khumalo@gmail.com

Today’s PSL fixtures

Wednesday, October 29

Bloem Celtic v Kaizer Chiefs

Seisa Ramabodu
15:30

Golden Arrows v Thanda Royal Zulu
FC King Zwelithini
15:30

AmaZulu v Ajax Cape Town
Princess Magogo
15:30

Orlando Pirates v Moroka Swallows
Coca-Cola Park
19:30

SuperSport United v Maritzburg United
Super Stadium
19:30

Bay United v Platinum Stars
EPRU Stadium
19:30

Bidvest Wits v Mamelodi Sundowns
Olympia Park
19:30

Santos v Free State Stars
Athlone Stadium
19:30

Marketing 2010

South Africa is for all who live in it. It’s only fair for some of us who live in it to raise our concerns with regard to our hosting of the biggest show piece in the globe, come 2010. My concerns do not make me less a South African, nor unpatriotic.

I recently visited the host city, Rustenburg. Well I expected to see something that would say to me, that Rustenburg is a host city. Maybe I expected to find a billboard that said, "Welcome to the 2010 host City". Or simply something you know. I walked around town, nothing. Well I was hoping to see Zakumi at least somewhere in the inner city; well He was no-wher to be found. I stand to be corrected though.

My trip took me to Phokeng, where the stadium itself is situated. Well there was nothing to say something about the world cup. All that draws attention is the fact that even from far, you can see that construction is taking place at the stadium, and it looks like all is smooth sailing in that regard.

Then again, it hit me, maybe, just maybe I expected too much.

I think it’s not too early to start creating the hype around 2010. People should start talking about the showpiece itself. We do not seem like we excited to host the 2010 world cup. Its Africans turn and the Africans seem to be simply waiting for Kickoff, nothing more.

All I am saying is that I am greatly concerned about the marketing of the world cup here at home. For instance, people should start understanding as to how much one needs to safe to attend at least a game during 2010.What if I am in Phokeng and would like to see a team that will be playing in the other Host City? We need to being visible, to ourselves, that we the host country.

I was hoping that Zakumi would do a bit of advertising for 2010, not that I expected him to make sure that there is the hype for 2010. We need to see Zakumi, let him go checkout host cities. Go to Schools, hospitals and all sorts of functions around the country. Whilst he (Zakumi) does that, our media should make sure they capture and [resent that moments to the soccer lovers, and every South Africans.

I understood we cannot do much marketing before the World Cup in Germany. But why are we so quiet. I remember well the hype in this country before the Cricket World Cup and the Rugby World Cups. So I know what I am talking about, before someone tells me that 2010 is still far. For us to have a successful showpiece, we need to get everybody on board.

South African soccer is lacking marketing big time. It shows with our national team, and lack of its following. The support in Bloemfontein is not an overnight success story.

Do we as South African love soccer? Or we simply like watching it on TV and talking all sorts of things about it afterwards? What should be done to create the hype around the country?

We need to do something, if we do not need FIFA to regret the decision to give us the right to host in 2010.

Baile (Diski2010 manager)
E: baile.diskioff@gmail.com

DR'S ART: PATHETIC TALK

Part of Media job is to confuse readers and views. But sometimes other media workers take it too far (confusing people). And then there are supporters that are all talk without thinking.

Mamelodi Sundowns lost in two cups (MTN8 “Wafa Wafa” Cup and Telkom Knockout Cup), and part of media is questioning Sundowns' development. Robert Marawa went on his show to say, if Sundowns stop buying star players and concentrate on developing young players… Sundowns will be strong in the future.

Did Marawa forget that Sundowns is a big team? Are present results the ones that count? Does he know what’s the different between a small team and a big team? Does he know the pressure that a big team has? One expects someone like Marawa to speak after reasoning.

Let’s look at Orlando Pirates between 2003 and 2006, when Kosta Papic was coach of Pirates. He had more than 5 players under 23 that were regulars, and people were saying Pirates will be unstoppable in the future. The question is when is that future arriving? Most of these players were sold or given their clearance (Leremi, Manenzhe and others). And the time when Owen Da Gama was the Pirates coach; do you remember how many youngsters were in the first eleven of Bucs?

Tshepiso, Mkhwanazi, Walaza, Jele and others, how many of these players are regulars now? Most of you still remember Arthur Zwane's famous words "Kids don’t win leagues". Note that I’m not saying that big teams mustn’t play youngsters; all big teams around the world have at least 2 under 23 youngsters.

Even Sundowns have Robny and Twala. It’s like in South Africa we have lot of people who just talk. Media and supporters are both saying Sundowns should develop its players, on other hand they are saying Chiefs must buy players.

Which one they want, no one knows. If you want you can check all over the world what big teams are doing. AC Milan... how many players they bought and how many they are developing? Same with Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. Manchester United is one of the team that has more players from their development.

If we think before we talk maybe we can take our football to another level instead of when a team lose we came up with different excuses.

Remember this is not personal but my view.

DR NDIVHUWO

PSL VS OTHER LEAGUES

Firstly I like to say: Proffesor I don't fully agree with Mr. Tumisho Theko, on his view about South African teams not focusing on the solution, but rather on the problem. This is what teams need to do madala, how on earth do you solve something unknown?

Maybe mathematics, linier programming. You've got to identify the problem before you intent in any kind of solution. Or can you tell us which team in the PSL focuses on the problem? No team, they all identify the problem then move to the solution stage if any. This is done all over the WORLD and not only in football. I would agree with honorable Theko if he said some PSL teams are rather reactive than being proactive.

Well it seems like we spent far too much time watching the direct English Football than our own diski eMzansi. We praise English Football as if they do something for us, well I'm not, and we tend to praise them when they fill the stadiums, yet we fail to support our own teams.

We watch on TV, but still make noise about stadiums being empty, come Man United and Chelsea games you'll praise them as if they asked you to do. Local fans not supporting PSL teams anymore because "PSL players play BAD football" - that's what people say not me. How the hell do you expect players to perform if you run away from the stadiums? Or you go to the stadium with your Manchester United or Liverpool red jerseys on? When it’s Ajax Cape Town against Platinum Stars? Why, why?

Have anyone ever saw two fans at Old Trafford (Man United home ground) wearing a Kaizer Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns jersey, NO!! So why are people colonies themselves into this European TEAMS? What standard are we setting? We always rave if PSL can be like Barclays Premier League while we are not supporting our own teams.

Freedom of choice has to apply, its ok but why do we make all this noise about the PSL that we are not supporting. Personally I hate English Soccer, simply because they do nothing to our players, but I give some respect to countries such as Greece, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. These countries look at our players as players who are capable of playing and give them chances, but your English friends look at our players as their FANS.

You are saying you are proudly South African while you don't even know which team from your Province is in the PSL. SHAME on you supporters, but you know Man United from toilet cleaner to the last boss - eish people are lost.

Supporters should stop being self colonized and support local diski (PSL)! Support local diski by buying the jerseys, and fill the stadiums.

DISKI for LIFE!

NITO (diskioff writer)
E: nito.diskioff@gmail.com

Big guns with no bullets

Greetings to all the DISKIOFF readers; I write this articles still recovering from a shock of this weekend. As they always say everyone in the top league deserves to be there. I still can’t believe Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns were knocked out of the Telkom Knockout Cup, but that’s what happens in football and is one of the reason we love this game because it’s unpredictable.

What really made the so called small teams to go this far and raise above every occasion? I mean who would have thought newly promoted Hull City will be in position 3 in the English Premier League, while the champs (Manchester United) are out of the top 5 position! The gap is now closed and that’s why it is no surprise that Sundowns were beaten by Bay United and Chiefs by the team of the moment, Golden Arrows yet we must not make mistake and write big guns off because they have depth and resources to win the league.

The problem with South African teams is they don’t focus on the solution, but focus on problems. I mean they will complain of fatigue and too many games while European teams play now and again. For example; they will play Sunday and play on Wednesday worst play again in weekend, yet they don’t complain of fatigue, but try to perfect the team for next game.

I was listening to Scolari after Chelsea’s loss to Liverpool on Sunday, he said now he want to focus on attacking and hoped Joe Cole will be fit enough to play on Wednesday. So you see he is looking for a solution because he saw that some of his attacking players are tired and focuses on solving the problem not to complain to the league.

On transfer window clubs should focus on strengthening the team and have depth to finish the race. The reason newly promoted start well and end up in bottom of the log is because they dint have enough depth in their teams.

Pirates and Chiefs this season have failed to strengthen their team that’s why they don’t have strikers. Its time they wakeup in the transfer window and strengthen their teams otherwise failure is on its way. They will be Big Guns with no Bullets...

Send your comments to Diskioff (my stories baba)
proffesor.khumalo@gmail.com

by Tumisho Theko

Ronaldo Wins FIFPro Player Award

Manchester United midfielder, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been named FIFPro world player of the year. It is the first in what is expected to be a host of individual honours for the 23-year-old, who scored 42 goals for Manchester United on their way to Premier League and Champions League title success last season.

FIFPro World XI:
Goalkeeper – Iker Casillas (Spain/ Real Madrid)
Defenders – Sergio Ramos (Spain/ Real Madrid), John Terry (England/ Chelsea), Carles Puyol (Spain/ Barcelona) and Rio Ferdinand (England/ Manchester United)
Midfielders - Steven Gerrard (England/ Liverpool), Xavi (Spain/ Barcelona) and Ricardo Kaká (Brazil/AC Milan).
Strikers – Lionel Messi (Argentina/ Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Spain/ Liverpool), and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/ Manchester United).

DR'S ART: CUT THE PRIZE OF TICKETS!

PSL must change the prize of tickets to R10. This will help to increase the number of attendance at stadiums. In South Africa we hardly have a sold-out game. The only time we have a sold-out game is when Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic playing each other.

So if the ticket goes down by 50% it will help a supporter to take his/her family to the stadium. And the more attendance, the more sponsors will associate with the PSL (it will be easy for me to take nurses to watch games). Let’s also look at arguable most supported team - “Kaizer Chiefs”.

Chiefs are said to have more than 14 million supporters, but they can’t fully pack a stadium (this is cause for concern, if you have more than 14 million supporters, but you can’t fully pack a stadium… what does that mean?).

Its not Chiefs only, but Pirates and Sundowns are struggling, its worst at Sundowns cause the average attendance at a stadium is +3 000. This is pathetic considering that everywhere you go you’ll see Sundowns supporters.

The other day a friend of mine said he can’t go to stadium because a ticket cost R20 and that’s 2 beers. He continued as said maybe if it cost him 1 beer he will attend the games. Some may argue that PSL teams will lose gate-takings. NO they wont lose any, with tickets only costing R10 surely we will have 3 times crowds attendance. Pupils and other supporters who earn less can now afford it.

Remember that the other cause to short of supporters at stadium is also caused by expensive of transport and food. I’m sure that if the PSL cut the prize it will bring back supporters to stadiums and every game will be packed.

Remember this is not personal but my view.
by DR NDIVHUWO
E: joer@in.com

Bravo Bravo... to Bay United!!!

Mamelodi Sundowns lost to Bay United, we all know that by now. People takes the loss as a shame to the Brazilians, yes it is not good to lose a cup game. People should understand that if it was up to Sundowns or any other team in particular then everything was going to go their way. This is just the ignorance from the fans, they ignore to see that Sundowns were outplayed there and there, they did not finish their chances (as usual). So the best team on the day won.

Supporters must learn that football is anyone's game and can go either way. People criticize Sundowns as if someone promised them that DOWNS will win every game. No matter how many talented, skilful players at Sundowns there is no guarantee that they can beat everyone, fan need to download that to their heads, your team can only do as far as they can.

Sundowns has no right to beat every team, please look at Bay United as well, give credit to them they knew how to deal with DOWNS and eventually they've won the game. Bay United is a PSL team so I don't understand people who think it's a small team, hehe! Gone are those days of small and big team, this time you win your big, you lose your as good as those at the bottom of the league, bottom line is, there is no Small team, PSL standard is growing tight, I like it.

To Sundowns! It's time to pick up the pieces and rebuild the same boat, it's is useless to cry over split milk. Forget about that game it's gone, look forward now. But you guys should show some hunger when you play, I don't know if you all don't have phase or what? You all run slowly as if you in slow mo: you can play carpet football even if you are faster. We all know you do your best, but your best in not always enough to win a game so next time put extra effort and you're out most best, think about the guys who loses their voices on the stands shouting your names, as if you will share your money with them.

To Bay United… Bravo Bravo, you proved that you're not taking chances, you game the Brazilians no chance in the middle, you were brave, and for that I give you a moment of brilliance, I hope you do well, and put the same brave performance to your next victim (TEAM). Well-done BAY UNITED!!!

Nito (diskioff writer)
E: nito.diskioff@gmail.com

Telkom Knockout Cup - Ziyawa Mo!!!

Telkom Knockout Cup quarterfinal draw

Ajax Cape Town v Golden Arrows

SuperSport United v Bloemfontein Celtic

Moroka Swallows v Orlando Pirates

Bay United v Free State Stars

Bafana Bafana, Santana, and SAFA

SAFA and Santana said it is a "BLESSING IN DISGUISE" for Bafana Bafana to not qualify for AFCON. They said Bafana Bafana will play lot and lot of friendly, but now what I've just here is that Namibia is not coming because their International players can't come for a game that is not even in the FIFA calendar.

So I don't know if our team will be fit enough to face the likes of Brazil, Spain, France etc... in next year's Confederation Cup. SAFA must think the other way around now because the other nations won't come with their full, strong squad to face Bafana. So SAFA my question is: Don't you think the other nations will do the same as Namibia did?

Even the Ghana team that played Bafana was not strong and most of the players were from the under23. So SAFA now must put lot of money to ask other nations to come and play Bafana with their full strong squad otherwise next year we are going to be a laughing stoke, even in the World Cup. I think Santana has found his combination so SAFA give him support by asking the real squad (full with International players) to come and play Bafana.

by Vusumuzi

What happened to the Piano & Shoe Shine?

What a weekend in Pretoria? Super Stadium, rainy weather, and tears all over the Mamelodi Sundown fans. Well I am actually impressed with the drainage at the stadium, there was a point that I thought we will see some small dams developing in the pitch, but it held well. I was with my Sundowns buddies, and they really were not impressed. One even asked after the game as to… “What happened to the Piano and Shoe shine?”

Well we need the Piano and Shoe shine back. That was good football and people liked it. Still, I honestly think that Sundowns have a great squad and with time they will be a major force to be reckoned with.

This is one free advice to Mamelodi Sundowns:

Attredgeville is a Kaizer Chiefs strong hold in terms of support. Now Mamelodi is a strong hold for Sundowns supporters. Now for the people there to go watch the Sundowns game, they have to go to town, and then connect to Attredgeville. Now its even complex when it’s a night game. By the time the game finishes, there would probably be no taxis to Mamelodi from Town.

Now if transport can be arranged from Mamelodi to the Stadium, then I tell you, Super Stadium will soon be too small for Sundowns. Well I am only saying that because I know they can afford to do that, I mean what is some few hundred bucks if they can pay Zuma and Vilakazi the big bucks they earn?

Baile (Diski2010 manager)
E: baile.diskioff@gmailcom

These days

These days every Tom, dick and Sipho feel they can just proclaim that there are no big or small teams in the PSL anymore, well let me set the record straight, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are the big teams in the PSL whether you like it or not. Losing to Thanda or Bay United does not make Pirates or Sundowns any smaller and does not make these teams any bigger.

Firstly, imagine the league without Thanda, Bay United or Maritzburg united, well, so what, nothing shakes you, nothing shakes the sponsors, nothing shakes the broadcasters, imagine the league without Wits or Supersport, still I am not shaken, now imagine the league without Pirates, Chiefs, or Sundowns. It feels like getting back to your house and finding that your bed, TV set and fridge are all gone.

Try to imagine the Telkom charity Cup without these teams, not attractive, is it? No sponsor wants to even imagine that, no newspaper editor or publisher wants to bear such a thought, no sportswear store can even stomach that thought. Do you think Supersport would pay over a billion rands for a league without these teams? Never!

Imagine the soccer gossip columns in Soccer publications without any news from these teams. I don’t believe it is a coincidence that one of the best selling soccer magazine dropped its price by more than 10% for an issue that had no players from these teams on the cover.

These are the big teams because they have the largest following in the country where ever they go, not just in their home towns. The highest ever viewership figures on SABC were recorded when Sundowns took on Chiefs in the final of the MTN 8, before that it was the Pirates – Chiefs game in Durban. Still on that subject, which other teams in the PSL can fill a stadium in Durban, or PE, or Cape Town even though they are from Gauteng?

They are big because their headlines sell newspapers; they are big because they sell the highest number of units in replica jerseys and other material. Remember folks, that this did not just happen, it is through the successes they have achieved on the field and off the field as well. It is through their pioneering spirit that the PSL is here today.

Pirates are the only South African team to be given the status of Superbrands, an international recognition of leading brands, Chiefs is the most successful team in the domestic league and I cant even remember how many times Sundowns have been champions in the last decade.

These teams are the mainstays of the league, they are the product, I bet you everyone at the Telkom Marketing office is now hoping Pirates makes it to the final because otherwise the Cup is dead and that is a fact. We have seen many teams in the PSL come and go, how many times did Umtata Bush Bucks beat Chiefs in Mthatha? Where are they now?

Are they big wherever they are? Does anyone remember Giant Blackpool or Durban Bush Bucks? How many times did they wallop Pirates and Chiefs? Where are they now? Manning Rangers won the inaugural PSL, where are they now? African Wanderers could beat Chiefs with their eyes closed, where are they now? I can go on and on, bottom line Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns are still here.

Just like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in England, The Milan Giants and Juventus in Italy, Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, Zamalek and Al-ahly in Egypt, these three teams are the backbone of our league, yes they will lose, they will sometimes dish out the worst football ever but they remain the main ingredients of the PSL cake, do not be fooled into thinking these teams are suddenly of lower value.

Supersport is a very good team , they are champions for goodness sake, Wits University is a good team too, both teams are wealthy but they are not big. Put them in a game together, 500 people pitch up, a number of them pitch up with complimentary tickets nogal, the TV ratings are not great and the result will be covered in one sentence in all newspapers.

If Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns were to do a Terror Lekota on the PSL, the PSL would collapse just like the NPSL did in 1985. It is not wrong at all to admire the growing strength of small teams, lets appreciate that, encourage them, laugh at all our friends who support Sundowns but not fool ourselves into thinking that Bay United is now a big team.

MR KNOW IT ALL

UP THE BUCS baby!

Dat CUP is definitely ours. Ayeye! Kudala nisilindile, SES'FIKILE! Shapa Mothibantwa shapa, siyabonga for the goal that put us through! They don’t kol us sea robbers for nothin. Asibasabi, siyabafuna. Mamelodi Sundowns is a joke!

We r back n we will keep rocking all the stadiums. Silenced ol da damn critics. Watchu gonna do? Act a fool! Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns nikhamise kuphi?

This separates the MEN from the BOYS. Ezimnyama ngenkani, ezikama gebhula! The Ghost... AmaBhakabhaka! When I say 'Orlando' u say 'Pirates'. Orlando...

Re ba tobetse!
Bhaka Diva 4 lyf

Telkom Knockout Cup - Ziyawa Mo!!!

Saturday, October 25

Game 1
Free State Stars v Maritzburg United
Score: 2-0
Goals: Diyo Sibisi [2] (Stars)

Game 2
Mamelodi Sundowns v Bay United
Score: 0-1
Goals: Mabhuti Ncaca (United)

Sunday, October 26

Game 3
Moroka Swallows v BidVest Wits
Score: 2-0
Goals: David Radebe, Mark Haskins (Swallows)

Game4
Thanda Royal Zulu v OrlandoPirates
Score: 0-1
tGoals: Lebohang Mothibantwa (Pirates)

We were embarrassed TONITE!!!!

OK! What happened tonight? Nx! Losing to Bay United… we are a laughing stock manje! Again Trott Moloto went for sdudla (Collins Mbesuma) who puffed and huffed, and then Mphela also played a wasteful game. We missed Surprise Moriri in the middle. Why was Dillon playing at that position? Ted must go because he's the one who brought sdudla to Downs and clearly making the call for him to be in the team.

I’m so disappointed and I don’t know what to do. I was laughing at Kazier Chiefs last weekend when they lost 4-1 to Golden Arrows. Look at us manje… my Monday is going to be hell at work. Let’s take out our frustrations on Bidvest Wits on Wednesday night... and focus on the bigger picture… Absa Premiership League, Nedbank Cup and the CAF Championship.

Angry Tbz

Sundawana for Life

Telkom Knockout Cup - Ziyawa Mo!!!

WEEKEND PREVIEW:

Saturday, October 25

Game 1

Free State Stars v Maritzburg United
I really think this will be a good game, both teams know that progressing further would mean a chance to give this a great go and might go all the way, Nevertheless I think that Maritzburg should go through, but with great fight from Free State Stars.
Stadium: Charles Mopeli Stadium
isikhathi: 15:00

Game 2
Mamelodi Sundowns v Bay United
Well Bay United are all motivated and ready for this one. They will give it a go, but Sundowns are up to the task. Let me not say who will win this one and how, but I do not see anyone stopping the Brazillians on their way to the Finals.
Stadium: Super Stadium
isikhathi: 20:15

Sunday, October 26
Game 3
Moroka Swallows v BidVest Wits
Olympia is fast becoming the Birds nest, and a happy hunting ground too. Bidvest must be ready for the Brazilian Samba, and prepared to go away to wash their Jersey.
Stadium: Olympia Park
isikhathi: 15:00

Game 4
Thanda Royal Zulu v Orlando Pirates
This one will be won by the one who want it the most (TRZ), I dont know what Pirates want these days, so I cant bet on them. Well I will be hoping they win though, so that Sundowns dont have this Cup that easy.
Stadium: Princess Magogo
isikhathi: 15:00

President Motsepe, I am disappointed

There was something very contradictory with Mr. Motsepe statement yesterday, he said “we must have trust in our own people”, referring to Trott Moloto, yet his is on a verge of announcing a manager. There is widespread speculation that this manager is Frank Rijkaard.

What is the definition of a manager in this case? Surely Mr. Rijkaard would not come here to book flights and hotels, and manage administration. The definition of a manager in Europe is what we here refer to as a coach. If Motsepe is not happy (obviously he is not) why doesn’t he fire Trott.

Why should he hire someone to supervise him, I promise you that if indeed Rijkaard is the man, Trott will become a glorified ball boy. This reminds of a story in corporate South Africa, a story I know Mr. Motsepe is very aware of, Alexander Forbes a large company in the Financial Services sector hired a bright black executive, his name Peter Moyo. Moyo joined the company at a time when it was facing corporate governance difficulties.

Specifically, there was a scandal surrounding the practice of “bulking”. Essentially, Alex Forbes grouped together large numbers of retirement fund bank accounts, which enabled it to get favorable interest rates. Then, instead of passing the extra cash on to clients, Alex Forbes pocketed the money.

Mr. Moyo cleaned up the company, and brought back investor confidence in the company and he was rewarded by the company hiring a white executive chairman his name, Bruce Campbell as executive chairman, executive chairman implies that the chairman would be hands on, this means despite all his good work, the master felt Mr. Moyo needed a babysitter.

Mr. Moyo later resigned and Mr. Campbell moved in for the kill, becoming CEO, the most insulting part of this whole thing is that a black non – executive chairman was appointed after Moyo left, non executive implies that he is not hands on, now if a black man is CEO you get an executive chairman because you don’t trust him and if a white man is CEO, you place a non executive chairman because he is white and needs no supervision.

This is the same thing happening to Trott, where on the log table were Downs when Trott took over? When the team stabilized, Ted was brought into the fray. How can Motsepe perpetrate the same ideals? How do you say we need to have faith in our own people and then hire an overseas person to oversee Trott, why did he not do this to Neil Tovey, Igesund, Bondarenko etc?

I feel bad for Trott , without Dumitru he turned things around last year and even managed to claw back to challenge for the title, then won the Nedbank Cup, and Mr. Motsepe hired Ted, a white man to come an oversee the black man, Ted is the one who signed the players that Trott is supposed to work with , now another person is being brought on to supervise Trott. Trott my man if indeed this happens you need to be man enough to quit , you have been shown a lot of disrespect and distrust by the President, it is even more alarming when this distrust is perpetrated by a black man, if you are indeed an honourable man, don’t allow yourself to be treated like dirt.

MR KNOW IT ALL

Failure of South African players to make an impact at top European Leagues (PART3)

Factors /Reasons

(B) Personal factors - Primary reason being attitude, local players lack right attitude which enables one to survive or make it in the rigorous top European leagues.

That attitude being commitment, seriousness, willingness to learn and integrate, laziness, being in a comfort zone locally, excuses, that is, complaining about home sickness which they claim it affects their performance and maximum utilisation of their skills and talent (Steve Lekoalea, once got a team in Holland, Feyennord, however he returned prematurely due to homesickness and that, as well, was one of the reasons Tso Vilakazi returned). Ill-discipline was the cause of OJ Mabizela and Jabu “Pule” Mahlangu, to name but a few, in not making it overseas after brilliant performances locally and for the national squad.

(C) Financial factors - In economics, these are called supply side factors .In essence, it means local players are becoming financially stable given the way our football has been receiving huge amounts of investments and sponsorships in the form of corporate sponsorships through tournaments (Telkom cup, ABSA Premiership and so forth), TV rights deals, all this emanating from the 2010 world cup hype which has attracted a lot of global attention. Since our football has been globalised, our players are now able to get endorsements and persona; sponsorships just like bo-Beckham and Ronaldinhos as a result the need and desire to go overseas is no longer enticing due to this financial independence by the local players.

Mr. Motsepe - factor he has a role to play as well in this supply side factors cause the more the player becomes good, the better he can make a choice of either going overseas or going to be on Motsepe’s payroll as he deems it equally financially fulfilling as the overseas deal (and that as well can eliminate the homesickness factor).

This financial independence has put players in the comfort zones, in terms of seeking overseas deals. Only players who need to sharpen their techniques, global exposure and need challenges are still interested in going overseas (Kagiso Dikgacoi).

On the contrary, the demand for European money still exist, to the extent that unscrupoulas agents rush unprepared players overseas, in order to line up their pockets with fat commissions, resulting in a player failing to crack it or making an impact in Europe cause he wasn’t ready when the agent took him there.

Conclusion - All is not lost, hopefully after the World Cup, after all this vibe and hype, reality will set in and normality will hopefully be restored as players will find themselves again, European culture and way of doing things will have been adopted, thus enabling our development structures to improve and take a leap, allowing local player’s transition and integration to top European leagues to be smoother.

In comparison and consolation, not only South Africa is suffering from this pathetic and sad state of affairs, but the whole of S.A.D.C region. How many players from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and so forth are playing in the top European leagues? It makes one wonder! Anyway, one see a light at the end of the tunnel, probably after 5 years, we’ll be singing a different with regard to this issue.

All we can do now is to pledge our full, non conditional support to those who are currently raising our flag in the top European leagues and hope those who are playing in the mediocre and weaker Europeans can graduate to those stronger leagues (bo Benni, Nasief, Pienaar, Mbazo, Sibaya, Nkosi , Fernandez, Benjani, Isaac Chansa , Katongo, Bryce Moon, Paulse, Fransman, Booth, Sibaya, Masilela and so forth), that will in turn enhance our S.A.D.C national squads, if our players are doing well in Europe.

Adios!!

Sthembiso
"The Return of the General"

JOKE OF THE DAY

Itumeleng Khune

In the classroom children were asked to name any bank that they know in South Africa, they named them, ABSA BANK, STANDARD BANK, FIRST NATIONAL BANK, AFRICAN BANK, LAND BANK, NEDBANK, then the teacher noticed that Itumeleng Khune was quiet not saying anything and the teacher asked can we hear from you Itumeleng which bank do you know in South Africa, the little Itu answered without hesitating saying........................ WITBANK!!!!

DR'S ART: WHAT IS A BIG TEAM?

Recently, media and supporters are saying there are no more "BIG TEAMS” in South Africa. There are saying this cause of recently poor results from Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs. Is this the first time this happening? The answer is a big NO! In 1995 Cape Town Spurs won double NSL tittle (now PSL) and BOB Save (now NEDBANK Cup). 1996 Manning Rangers won the PSL, Qwa Qwa Stars and Vaal Proffesional won the Coca Cola Cup and BobSave Cup in the early 90's and other small teams also won trophies in 80's and 90s.

And yes Sundowns, Pirates and Chiefs were participating. But no question was asked, if the are no longer “BIG TEAMS”. Why this question asked now? Is it because some "Small Teams" can hold on to their best players? Or is it cause "BIG TEAMS" were not in TOP3 last season (2007/08)? If that’s a reason; Sundowns won the Nedbank Cup and SAA Cup and Chiefs won the Telkom Knockout Cup. This shows that "Big Teams" are still achieving something.

Back to the main question; what is a “BIG TEAM”? I heard supporters saying; "teams are made big by media, supporters and sponsors". I totally disagree, why? Let’s look at national teams worldwide: Brazil, Germany, Italy and France.

These national teams are always favourite to win the World Cup whether they are performing well or not. Why is that? It’s because they have more supporters and sponsors than other national teams? NO! It’s not that case, these national teams are big because they won previous World Cups.

Also let’s look at Africa; South Africa was one of the “big” countries, but now due to poor results they are no longer big. This shows that big teams are made by winning and always in finals or taking part in big tournaments.

Back to PSL; Sundowns and Chiefs are the only teams that have the consistence of winning trophies eMzansi. And Pirates? Pirates remain the only team that has won CAF Champions League in the Southern region in Africa. This is also helping Pirates to remain big and let’s not forget that Pirates is the second team that has won more PSL titles (sharing the spot with Chiefs). And Pirates is the only team that’s always in TOP8 at the end of the season.

Big teams are big cause of winning cups, in England (Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool); Spain (Barcelona and Real Madrid); Italy (Inter and AC Milan, Juventus); and Egypt (AL Ahly and Zamalek).

All these teams have achieved something in recent years. And if you don’t win, it’s easy to lose your BIG TEAM’s status and an example of this will be “Leeds United” - this team was one of big teams in England (bigger than Chelsea as a matter of fact Chelsea was not big from 2002 backwards, Chelsea became big after winning back to back Barclays League). Leeds lost their status by losing games and end up being relegated.

So until other Absa PSL teams win trophies more than Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates will remain "MZANI’s BIG TEAMS". But Amabhakabhaka must start winning trophies otherwise they’ll end up just like Leeds.

Remember this is not personal but my view.
DR NDIVHUWO

Is Frank Rijkaard the solution at Sundowns?

Things have not been smooth sailing at Mamelodi Sundowns. We all know that that Mr. President has high expectations with this Pretoria outfit. It must be said that Ntate Tlhopane was the best thing that ever happened to our soccer in this decade. The man has basically turned our soccer for the better, ask all the players at Downs. They all happy and I hope they are saving money because I would really hate to see a poor ex-Sundowns player.

Thanks to Ntate Tlhopane, we now know that there is a player that earns R200 000 a month here in SA. Soon we will know more about how much our players are earning as they renew their contracts for better ones. Who would have believed that we can have this transparency into player acquisition? Who would have believed that Kaizer Chiefs would not afford a player from Thanda Zulu Royal one day?

It was news to my ears that Chiefs failed to get Siboniso Gaxa, because they were told that he is going No-where by the management at Supersport United, only to be quickly released to Bafana -ba-Style. There are so many unbelievable things in our soccer these days. Look at the first price of the PSL, and compare it to the first price at the lower division, hmmm, unbelievable.

Today I got news that Ntate Tlhopane is in talks with Frank Rijkaard, and I did not get surprised at all. Look with the players at Downs, you need someone they would listen to, Trott Moloto does not have the pedigree to lead the charges at Cloornkop, and Tlhopane knows it. Sundowns are setting the pace, simply raising the bar, so who would be the perfect candidate for the Coaching job at Pretoria that Frank?

I can hear the guys in and around Pretoria singing, "Dumela Motsepe", when they get the breaking news.

Baile (Diski2010 manager)
e: baile.diskioff@gmail.com

DISKIFANS - Are U part of FAMILY yet?

We have special pictures of Mamelodi Sundowns in our Diskifans section... TODAY baba... (the GLORY days). Our Diskifans database of supporters in South Africa is growing very FAST. If you are not HERE (your picture)... relax, dont panic... take a deep breath... its easy... … email IT: (proffesor.khumalo@gmail.com)... and U will be part of DISKIOFF Family.

Once again THANKS for the pictures DISKIOFF FAMILY (YOU).

MORE pictures please check below:

DISKIFANS: http://diskifans.blogspot.com/

Gone are the days

Gone are the days when players stayed in townships among supporters, now they all stay in hidden townhouses hence they have idea how supporters feel when they dish out crap football. Gone are the days of glamour at Kaizer Chiefs, now it is a battle of out of contract bread crumbs.

Gone are the days of dodgy management at Pirates, ahh, no sorry, those days are still here. Gone are the days when the “Soweto Derby Saturday” (Chiefs vs Pirates) would divide homes, families, friends, communities and the nation, now it is a good day to go shopping.

Gone are the days when Kaizer understood the word quality, when the team boasted Ace Khuse and Doctor Khumalo in the midfield, now it is Mathebula and Letsholonyane, when they boasted Scara Thindwa and Shane McGregor now it is Thuso Phala and Mandla Masango and the list goes on.

Gone are the spectacular days of Abdul Bhamjee, now it is, eh, I don’t know , does the PSL have a PR person? Gone are the days of the flashiness of Zane “koloi ya bakgatla” Moosa, the powerful shots week in, week out of Bashin “Ayashisa amateki” Mahlangu and the clinical finishing of Fani Madida.

Gone are the days of Jeff Butler in his skimpy shorts, now it is Muhsin in his polo shirts.

Gone are the days of Live Bands, Lucky Dube, Brenda Fassie at our games, now it is JR miming “gata lenna” and only two speakers.

STORY continues:
http://diskioff-mrknowitall.blogspot.com/

MR. KNOW IT ALL

Failure of South African players to make an impact at top European Leagues (PART2)

Factors /Reasons

(A) Environmental factors - Lack of proper development structures in South Africa leads to poor preparation and non readiness of players in a mid to long run term, in terms of strength, technical readiness, tactical awareness, couple with that is easy access (easy entrance) for any player in S.A to play in PSL, irrespective of thorough preparation.

Poor coaches in development structures recommend unprepared players to the professional teams and a player becomes successful in his first season and suddenly a player is exported to Europe where reality takes over as the player fails or become stagnant in those weaker leagues, exemplary players include , Stanton Lewis , Kermit Erasmus, Gareth Ncaca, Ninja Mofokeng and so forth, obviously there are some exceptions in the case of bo-Benni McCarthy, Quinton Fortune who got the good grounding and feeding.

The training methods and technical preparation overseas differ vastly with local ones , to the extent that a player fails to adjust. Their methods are more rigorous and on and off the field factors are considered, whereas local players are not used to be treated holistically, simply speaking, the way of doing things overseas is more advance and step ahead of our methods of doing things, hence the PSL does not produce a complete player ready for the top European leagues, unless a player (very exceptional) goes an extra mile, put a lot of effort and possess right attitude like bo-Lucas Radebe, Shaun Bartlett, Mark Fish.

Weather conditions also plays a role in many local players not adjusting to top European leagues, however, that plays a very minimal role cause a player has to eventually get used to those uncomfortable climatic conditions.

Basically, South Africa is not a conducive environment to produce world class players, unless an individual has the right attitude, willingness and strong desire to make it overseas, like bo-Radebe, Fish, Fortune, Bartlett, Masinga and so forth.

The different eras produce different pool of players, hence, as soon as we were re-admitted by CAF and FIFA to global football, all went well due to that hype and enthusiasm and that rubbed off to plenty of local players, to the extent that we won the AFCON and Pirates won the Champions League and with the confidence level of all those players high.

The demand for them in the global arena became high, their hunger and commitment level was still high, therefore the global football fraternity saw a new market, hence the export level to top European Leagues increased, some of the players who were able to secure those overseas moves include Eric Tinkler, Mark Fish, Phil Masinga, Lucas Radebe, David Nyathi and so forth.

However as time went on, that is moving to a new era, the hype of re-admission slowly died down, resulting in the national squad’s performance diminishing and the performance of local teams in regional tournaments (Africa champion’s league) diminishing as well, that in effect affected our pool of talented and skilful players decreasing, because the hunger and excitement went down, the skills shortage factor started to creep in thereby resulting in the demand for local players overseas declining, with only the minority cutting it, the likes of Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Bradley Carnell, Aaron Mokoena, Nasief Morris to mention but a few.

It should be mentioned that, there’s a direct relationship between the performance of the national squad and the global demand for its players, especially in the top European leagues, that is as well coupled with the performance of local teams in regional tournaments, with the exception of Egypt, of course.

Typical examples will include Enyimba team which won back to back Africa Champions League in 2004 and 2005, resulting in most of their players going to France and some European leagues, the likes of Odimingwe, Danny Shittu and so forth. Senegal team which beat France in the first round of the World cup in Korea suddenly produced almost their entire squad to top European leagues (Papa Dioup, El Hadji Diouf, Ndaye and so forth).

There’s a football skills shortage in the eyes of the top European teams for South African players due to below par performance of Bafana Bafana. Trust in our local players is lost in the top European leagues; hence the rate of exporting our players there is very low, slow or non-existent, currently.

by Sthembiso…
"The Return of the General"

Telkom Knockout Cup - Ziyawa Mo!!!

Saturday, October 25

Game 1: Free State Stars v Maritzburg United

Stadium: Charles Mopeli Stadium

isikhathi: 15:00

Game 2: Mamelodi Sundowns v Bay United
Stadium: Super Stadium
isikhathi: 20:15

Sunday, October 26
Game 3: Moroka Swallows v BidVest Wits
Stadium: Olympia Park
isikhathi: 15:00

Game4: Thanda Royal Zulu v OrlandoPirates
Stadium: Princess Magogo
isikhathi: 15:00