Thank You... South Africans!

Thank You! What a warm-up… the 2009 Confederations Cup! Thank you to all the TEAMS (South Africa, Iraq, New Zealand, Spain, USA, Brazil, Italy and Egypt that participate in this prestigious tournament. We are now moving to the 2010 World Cup.

Congratulations to Brazil on defending their crown. Congratulations to USA for a great show and making Brazil sweat in the final. Congratulations to Spain for showing why they are ranked number one in the world. Congratulations to Bafana Bafana for showing the spirit we always wanted… “playing for your country with proud”….. Thank You!

I wanna say Thank You for being in my LIFE… yes YOU… Bafana Bafana!!!!!!

I wanna say Thank You…. to the LOC even thou I’m not their big fan… why… for bringing the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

I wanna say Thank You…. to the Bafana Bafana players who are now signing our nation anthem with proud and respect… instead of chewing gums and keeping silent. This has made us even put extra effort on making copies and distributed them at the stadiums so we can sign together with proud.

I wanna say Thank You…. to Bernard Parker for scoring our first goal in Confederations Cup against New Zealand in our second game.

I wanna say Thank You…. to FIFA president Sepp Blatter for understand that Vuvuzela is Mzansi’s culture of diski… and… do what the Romans do… when you visit them.

I wanna say Thank You…. to Coach Santana for trying and learning a bit of English so he can communicate with the players (Bafana), media and most important the fans (coaches).

I wanna say Thank You…. to our President Jacob “Mshini Wami” Zuma for showing his support and keeping the legacy of ntate Nelson Mandela burning… which is an extra gear we need when we take on the world come next year World Cup.

I wanna say Thank You…. to all the coaches (supporters) that tried to come up with tactics and ideas during the Confederations Cup… but we only used Coach Santana’s one. Get your pens ready again for 2010 World Cup my beloved coaches.

I wanna say Thank You…. to my friend for saying… “kuzolunga gents… next time we will go all the way”… as he picked us up with those inspiring words… and we continued to sing shosholoza… when we lost against Brazil.

I wanna say Thank You…. to Katlego Mphela for scoring what I called “Goal of the Tournament” against Spain and showing the nation that he is dying for a chance… like you and me.

I wanna say Thank You…. to SABC and other broadcasters for not letting our beloved soccer nation down during the Confederations Cup.

I wanna say Thank You…. to the media for bringing us great coverage during the tournament.

I wanna say Thank You…. to all the Mzansi players who made it to the eleven players in the 2009 Confederations Cup squad.

I wanna say Thank You…. to Bafana for bringing that hope back to all the South African people as now we prepare for 2010 World Cup.

I wanna say Thank You…. to every South African, African, European, South American, Asian, and all who attended the games…. who watched via television… via radio… via internet…

…….THANK YOU!!!

USA vs Brazil Highlights

South Africa vs Spain Highlights

I’m South African… and I’m proud of it!

I’m happy Bafana Bafana's performance, despite not winning the game against Brazil. Our game plan was simple - we defend and we go to penalties and we win the game. The fighting spirit was excellent by everyone.

I called the radio yesterday blowing my vuvuzela with my friends and sending good luck wishes to Bafana Bafana… why… cos I’m South African. (Supporters)

When I sang Nkosi Sikelela iAfrica izolo… I was proud to sing it with my beloved Bafana and my South Africans… why… cos I’m South African.

When Khune was making great saves and shouting his lungs out for the boys to push forward… I was happy as… I’m South African. (Itumeleng Khune)

When I saw Booth, Gaxa and Mokoena fight like that at the back… I was happy to be South African. (Matthew Booth, Aaron Mokoena & Siboniso Gaxa)

When Maselila shouted at Gaxa for making a mistake that almost presented Robinho with a chance to score… I was happy as I’m South African. (Tsepo Masilela)

When Kagiso showed his physical strength, kept his cool and showed his defensive ability… I was happy as I’m South African. (Kagisho Dikgacoi)

When the midfield maestro showed leadership at the middle and the fighting spirit… I was happy as I’m South African. (Steven Pienaar)

When Tshabalala showed good touches with Pienaar ku midfield… I was happy as... I’m South African. (Siphiwe Tshabalala)

When “Mr. Take no Prisoners” aka “Mhlongo” outsmarted Kaka… I was joyful blowing my vuvuzela like mad… as... I’m South African. (Benson Mhlongo)

When Parker was kicked around by the Brazilian defenders and midfielders… he didn’t go down… he stood up and fought-fight for his country…. I was happy to be a South African. (Bernard Parker)

When Teko almost scored for us… my heart almost when outside of my body… yes… I was happy… I started drawing tactics with my friends…. why… as... I’m South African! (Teko Modise)

When Mokoena killed our "dream" to play in the Final… I was not angry… we all make mistakes… he is South African…. I’m South African… I was disappointed, but happy… as we are South Africans. (Aaron Mokoena)

When I saw Santana’s face… he wanted to cry… I wanted to cry… why… cos I was proud… and yes... I’m South African. (Coach Santana)

When I look around for the first time since 2000… I saw light.

Congratulations Bafana Bafana – winning is not everything… but making me proud and showing that hunger… made me even more proud to say… I’m South African!

Proffesor (Diskioff Director)
proffesor.khumalo.diskioff@gmail.com

South Africa vs Brazil Highlights

Spain vs USA Highlights

I decided to be proud of my country

I went on the News24 website where there is a story a bigoted tennis player from Australia who called a South African player a f*cken kaf*ir. What was disappointing even more than that episode are the comments by the so called South Africans who continue to harbor discriminatory agendas.

The 2010 LOC Chairperson, Dr. Irvin Khoza, is quoted as saying as South Africans we are too modest, I tend to disagree, let us be honest, we are too negative.

The foreign media tried to feed of this negativity by going as far as to suggest that there was plan B for the 2010 World Cup. We give platforms in the media including the SABC, which is run by tax payers money and TV licences paid for by South Africans to foreigners like Mamadou Gaye to lambast our National Team.

Our country and our pride and we call it freedom of speech, I call it negativity. I will not forget the small community of Cape Town who tried to block the building of the Greenpoint Stadium and that had nothing to do with trees; it had everything to do with the fact that football is predominantly black sport and some people don’t want blacks near them, strange considering this is Africa, yet another dose of negativity.

African players who play their trade in Europe will tell you of the pain they experience at being called monkeys by racist fans, yet our own black journalist calls our players monkeys in his column.

If he had choice words for the players he should have chosen them wisely, monkeys? Just another dose of negativity.

We play the number 1 team in the world, Spain; we acquit ourselves very well except we got sucker punched twice by a team much better than ours and people invest their energies in lambasting the team, the Coach and the individual players.

I decide not buy into what these peddlers of negativity are selling, I decide to be proud of my country and its efforts in hosting the world, I decide to support a team, not just a winning team, I decide to support football.

I decide to celebrate what Football has done for this country; millions of people are employed in the construction sector building stadia and roads, at this time when the world is experiencing economic turmoil.

I decide to celebrate Bernard Parker who has shown that he has great potential and could make it in the Spanish League. I decide to celebrate with all those kids who will benefit from the 20 Football for hope centres across this continent, I decide to celebrate the game of Football.

MR KNOW IT ALL

Vuvuzela: SA football's beautiful noise

SABC sports presenter suspended

Johannesburg - SABC sports presenter Walter Mokoena was suspended following the comments he made about Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana and captain Aaron Mokoena, The Citizen newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Mokoena said Santana and "Mbazo", the captain, must go after the national team's last Confederations Cup group match loss to Spain in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

His comments sparked a public uproar from fans and even some radio personalities who said comments of that nature were not acceptable.

Mokoena is the anchor of the Coca-Cola Soccer Zone show every Monday on SABC 1.

"The SABC has stopped scheduling Walter Mokoena and he has been informed of that and given an opportunity to respond to issues that were put to him.

"All the necessary steps will be followed to make sure that all the programmes he was assigned to will run smoothly until this matter is finalised," said the public broadcaster spokesman Kaizer Kganyago in a statement.

source: http://www.sport24.co.za/

South African Football part 1

The country was in celebratory mood and expectations were high after the game against New Zealand.

We then had to play one of the world best teams, and Bafana Bafana knew that we were fully behind them. As much as we wanted to win, the team had to be cautious and not allow the Spaniards a lot of room especially when they had the ball.

It was greatly disturbing to hear what Mr. Bongo had to say, just after our win. He suggested that the coach should be sent packing straight to Brazil, where He came from History is there to tell us that chopping and changing of coaches has not helped South African football.

As if that was not enough, we lost against Spain. This is a team that has not lost since November 2006. This was their 14 straight win. Spain, is ranked number 1 in the entire world, ahead the world champs, Italy, The Samba Boys, Brazil, and everyone else. I thought we all knew all this in South Africa.

Then after the loss, many people are calling for the coach to be sacked. Just when I thought we would be celebrating the success of qualifying for the second round of the Confederations Cup. South Africans are very hard to please, as if they have the kind of players who are world beaters. Like they have the best development in the world. More like their teams are playing the 16 and 17 year olds.

There are a number of things that we need to do, change and investigate to make sure we take our soccer forward, not sack the coach.

These are but few questions that we must try to ask ourselves:
• Why is Mr. Sturu Pasiya not part of SAFA anymore?
• What happened to the reserve league?
• Is the two stream NFD beneficial?
• What happens to our players after they represent the country at Junior level?
• Why our teams under perform on continental tournaments?
• Why do we have a good coach like Trott Moloto working in the office of the President instead of coaching our junior teams?
• Is SAFA serving the nation's interest or their own?
• After we answered all this, maybe we should ask ourselves, “Are we a soccer country?"

Baile (Diskioff manager)
baile.diskioff@gmail.com

Let's rally behind our national team

Viva Bafana Bafana Viva!!!

Thulani and Friends during South Africa’s first game of the Confederations Cup against Iraq. The game ended in a goalless draw.

Check out some of the pictures of Thulani and his Friends at Johannesburg when Bafana Bafana played against Iraq: http://diski2010ngcobo.blogspot.com/

For other Confederations Cup pictures go to: http://sokkalbum.blogspot.com/

NGCOBO 2010

Confederations Cup update

First Round
June 14
South Africa (0) vs. Iraq (0)
Johannesburg 4pm

June 14
New Zealand (0) vs. Spain (5)
Rustenburg 8.30pm

June 15
Brazil (4) vs. Egypt (3)
Bloemfontein 4pm

June 15
US (1) vs. Italy (3)
Pretoria 4pm

June 17
Spain (1) vs. Iraq (0)
Bloemfontein 4pm

June 17
South Africa (2) vs. New Zealand (0)
Rustenburg 8.30pm

June 18
US (0) vs. Brazil (3)
Pretoria 4pm

June 18
Egypt (1) vs. Italy (0)
Johannesburg 8.30pm

June 20
Iraq (0) vs. New Zealand (0)
Johannesburg 8.30pm

June 20
Spain (2) vs. South Africa (0)
Bloemfontein 8.30pm

June 21
Italy (0) vs. Brazil (3)
Pretoria 8.30pm

June 21
Egypt (0) vs. USA (3)
Rustenburg 8.30pm

Second Round - Semifinals
June 24
Spain vs. USA
Bloemfontein 8.30pm

June 25
Brazil vs. South Africa
Johannesburg 8.30pm

Brazil vs Italy Highlights

Egypt vs USA highlights

SABC Sport Presenter Walter Mokoena puts his foot in his mouth... again!!

It looks like SABC Sport Presenter Walter Mokoena has yet again gone and put his foot in his mouth after making some very unprofessional comments following Bafana's defeat against Spain last night.

Mokoena who has a history of being 'immature' and unprofessional on National Television, said that Bafana coach Joel Santana should be sacked while also stating that it is time for Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena to go. His parting words last night were:

"Good night and I think we should have a new captain, Aaron Mokoena has never done anything for us, and perhaps after the Confederations Cup a new coach, Joel Santana is not going to take us anywhere.”

While Mokoena may or may not have a point, making such unessesary comments when the whole world is watching is simply unprofessional and immature. He is one of the reasons why many South African soccer fans have stopped watching SABC Sport in favour of the more expensive SuperSport on DSTV.

Mokoena can certainly learn a thing or two from SuperSport presenter Robert Marawa, and the SABC as a whole should look at upgrading their production ahead of the 2010 World Cup because to be brutally honest it's pathetic.

Mokoena is no stranger to controversy though, last year the outspoken presenter was suspended by the National broadcaster after joking about how Brazilian footballer Garrincha lost his virginity to a goat. Mokoena was forced to apologise after the public laid a complaint with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.

I really hope that the SABC gets some better presenters and improve on their production quality by the time the World Cup kicks off next year.

by Ashraf Stakala
source: http://www.teamkickoff.com/

South Africa vs Spain Highlights

Iraq vs New Zealand Highlights

Egypt vs Italy Highlights

USA vs Brazil Highlights

Ban the noisy vuvuzela, says Spanish star

By Jonty Mark and Sapa

Spanish soccer star Xabi Alonso has called for the vuvuzela to be banned from the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

"Those trumpets? That noise I don't like," he said on Wednesday. "Fifa must ban those things. It is not distracting but it is not nice to have a noise like that."

However, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said on Wednesday the world soccer body had no plans to stop South African fans from blowing vuvuzelas at the Confederations Cup or during the 2010 World Cup finals.

'That is what African and South African football is all about' He was responding to a suggestion from a Dutch journalist at a special media briefing at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg on Wednesday night that the vuvuzela, which made a "terrible noise", be scrapped.

Blatter just smiled and said he agreed it was a noisy instrument.
"But that is what African and South African football is all about - noise, excitement, dancing, shouting and enjoyment. This is a celebration."

Chief executive of the local organising committee, Danny Jordaan, said with tongue in cheek: "Our fans blow their vuvuzelas before the match. Maybe because they know that they might not be celebrating afterwards."

Blatter admitted that vuvuzelas affected television broadcasts and said Fifa would look into the matter but there were no plans to ban vuvuzelas.

Meanwhile Alonso's team mate, Albert Riera, said he was impressed by the singing of the crowd in Mangaung on Wednesday night, where Spain beat Iraq 1-0.

This article was originally published on page 1 of Cape Argus on June 18, 2009

South Africa Vs New Zealand Highlights

Spain vs Iraq Highlights

Oh No! 2010 World Cup Final Sold Out!

Looks like I'll be using scalpers to get into the 2010 World Cup final.

According to FIFA, the second phase of ticket sales for the opening match, semi-finals and the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup are sold out.

Gone. Goodbye.

The second phase had seen 105,322 tickets confirmed and approved so far.

"Due to a high demand for certain team specific ticket series, these tickets are no longer available for the following countries: England, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Ireland and Netherlands," the world football body said in a statement.

"It is no longer possible within the current sales phase to purchase match tickets for games taking place in Cape Town, Nelspruit and Pretoria."

Individual match tickets for the opening match, the two semi-finals, and the final were also unavailable in this phase.

However, team specific ticket series tickets, which allow supporters to follow the team of their choice, were available for the opening match, semi-final and the final.

If their team is eliminated, the team specific ticket allows the buyer to follow the team that progresses into the next round of the competition.

MY POV: So should I follow the USA? Spain? Help me here!

Cesar Benoit
http://roadto2010final.blogspot.com/

What a great spectacle!

Wow! What an incredible start we have had to the 2009 Confederations Cup. Amazing games, incredible goals, brilliant skills … we could not have asked for more – other than a Bafana Bafana win against Iraq of course.

But generally our fans have been treated to an absolute feast of football, with the likes of Spain and Brazil showing just why they are considered the best in the world.

First off, Spain … yes, New Zealand are not the strongest side around and had a particularly bad night in Rustenburg, particularly from a defensive point of view, but didn’t the Spaniards take their chances well?

They have only been matched by Brazil in the first half of their match against Egypt. Dunga’s men looked a class apart in that first 45 minutes, but then fatigue set in after some long-distance travelling for World Cup qualifiers, and in the end they were lucky to come away with a win. But those doubting their credentials beware … they will get better as the tournament progresses and they acclimatise.

Take nothing away from the Egyptians though … they fought all the way and showed why they are the reigning African champions. Gavin Hunt actually told me before the tournament that Egypt were one of the best teams at the Confederations Cup and, on that showing, he wasn’t wrong. However, I wonder how much of that was due to the tired Brazil legs?

Also, they find themselves in a very tough Group B, with the USA hardly pushovers either. Like Egypt, the US might find it too tough to get out of the group, but they are a very decent side who were unlucky against Italy – the red card was harsh and they were always going to struggle from there on. But they have players that will punish you if they are given space and are a young team who will be a strong unit in a few years’ time.

As for Italy, for me they are the biggest question mark. They battled to turn it around against the US after going a goal down, and also showed in the friendly against New Zealand last week that they are not the Azzurri of old. They have some brilliant players like Andrea Pirlo, but as a team I am not so sure – for me they are not in Spain or Brazil’s class.

And then Bafana … they were so unlucky on the day. If Parker had not blocked Dikgacoi’s header on the line we would all have been singing a different tune now. Unfortunately it didn’t go our way, and now everyone seems to be on Joel Santana’s back.

We have a tendency in South Africa to always blame the coach when things go wrong, but I’m not sure how much more he could have done. His best player is back in England and, in fairness, Bafana dominated throughout, but could not find the goal.

I also don’t think he was too wrong in his approach – he wanted to make 100 percent sure we didn’t lose first, knowing that if we did, our tournament would effectively be over. So he first secured the point, and then went about throwing everything at Iraq. Yes, it didn’t come off, but we got the point and a win against New Zealand now will just about see us into the semifinals.

I must point out though, that Bafana did enjoy some luck. Iraq’s best player, Nashat Akram, had a woeful day. According to the Castrol Index (www.castrolfootball.com) he ran his socks off, covering 11.1km (his team’s average was 7.3km), but he only found his teammates with 41% of his passes and, more importantly as the man taking the free-kicks and corners, 17% of his crosses.

As for individual players that have caught the eye, I was very impressed with Kagisho Dikgacoi. I thought he did well – very solid in midfield and impressive on the ball – and of course he was unlucky not have scored the winner.

I could pick one of three or four Spanish players, but Fernando Torres stood out – he was magnificent. He ran the New Zealanders ragged; shooting when they stood off, passing when they came at him or just taking them on with his pace. He really is the complete striker in world football at the moment.

With Brazil, the funny thing is they no longer rely on individual brilliance to make them tick, like they have done in years gone by. Yes, Kaká is an outstanding individual, but he plays with the team structure Dunga demands – and I think it will pay off handsomely in the coming months.

Some players will always perform better than other though. Against Egypt, Dani Alves had a magic game. Looking at the Castrol Index, he covered 10 275m (team average 7 005m) but, more impressively, he found his teammates with 90 % of his passes, or 64 out of 71.

By contrast, Gilberto Silva had a tough time against the Pharaohs. He struggled to get a grip on the game and only completed 47 of his 57 of his passes, and 13 out of 15 of those were short passes. He finished with a Castrol Index rating of 5.9, compared to Alves’ 7.3.

Looking at the opening few days as a whole, I think South Africa’s performance can be compared to that of Bafana – overall quite positive. Yes, there are some areas that need to be jacked up – the state of the pitches, some empty seats and one or two transport issues – but I believe it was a good start to a crucially important 12 months.

* Gary Bailey is a former England and Manchester United goalkeeper who started his career with Wits University in 1975 and retired with Kaizer Chiefs in 1990. He will be giving KICK OFF readers expert analysis during the Confederations Cup and leading up to the World Cup, ably backed up by the excellent Castrol Index. To find out more, go to http://www.castrolfootball.com/

USA vs Italy Highlights

Brazil vs Egypt Highlights

South Africa vs Iraq Highlights

Pic of the Week: "Bafana Bafana Fans"

South Africa supporters look as Bafana Bafana fight for 3 points in the first game of the Fifa Confederations Cup 2009 against Iraq. The game ended in a goalless draw.

Picture by Thulani Ngcobo

Spain vs New Zealand Highlights

I smell a dead rat as Bafana draw

The very first game ending in a draw, I smell a dead rat. I have read often of the heists in South Africa, this heist is mother of all heist. This John Dilinger business will linger in our memories. Why did we fix the game or cook it if you will. No doubt we are not all that but we are not that bad to play this particular country a draw.

In the last World Cup Italy gave away a draw and still came back. I thought I understood that draw but this one is more fabricated. When things wont go right in the remaining games will seek Santana’s head on the plata, isn’t that what we do in South Africa. We have done way too much for these people that I often think they are not grateful.

We gave them liberty, woman now have rights like anyone else. Children have access to good education and health care. But they must work very hard for this cup, we must not just keep baby sitting them. Hey, guluva I thought you quit your guluva business long time ago. Perhaps you are on a fund raising or ruffle or even society business campaign for your RDP stadium in Leratong Hospital.

I think John Dillinger spirit hovers on our big brothers. Haybo, a draw like this is a very fishy. Had we been playing Namibia or Tanzania we could have vandalized them very bad with the score margin no less than six for dignity sake. No mzala, all the entertainment was out of this world but the score did not mach with all the great things of the day.

Security was great, the venue was outstanding and the people were wonderful. But the score line, lo and behold. Just do not do it again, Msholozi believes in inkundla and you do not want the man in the village gathered at Msholozi's Umgungu Ndlovu union building.

You know Msholozi is growing maize in front of the union building and he will hand down a heavy hand because people may be taking a leak during the cultural deliberations on his crop.

I am sure that utata uTutu will breathe out on this one. By the way its winter time I will bake some scones and make a hot tea and invite a number of people. No doubt as they sip on the hot tea and eat the delicious golden brown scones somebody will spit out some truth.

Shosholoza Ntakunyisa Dzanani

GOOD LUCK to Bafana Bafana!!

Modillane
Goodluck guys, give it ur best on the field and u wont go wrong... Make us proud...!!!

Onica
GoodLuck Bafana Bafana. Make us proud, we love u guys.

Lonki
Fellaz, Fly de flag high. SA's ahead, besides n behind u ol de way!

Kay
Gud luck, not that u need it..... Go make us proud!

Thamsanqa
Goodluck Bafana Bafana... Go make the country happy!

Ronaldo
I will be de no mater what. PAPAS 15 4 Life!

Mgekegeke
We r winning this Cup people!

Jeanette
Ayobaness to Bafana.

Morena
All da best 2 Bafana...

Mabidi
Phanda na Bafana Bafana phanda!

Nokuthula
Siyabangena!!!

Kelebo
Yoh guyz I’m so excited hey! Flip!! Watching New Zealand vs. Spain 2mrw nite, jus 10m away from my favourite Arsenal player... CESC FABREGAS!! ha ke tsebe nka iketsang :)

Precious
Eish I can't w8 2 sit there in da stands for da opening game wit my wife... Iyho!!! Shapa Bafana SHAPA!

Degracia
Wow at last… Its here right on 0ur d0or-steps… man can’t w8 til I get in2 dat green and yel0w t-shirt...

Nokuthula
Niyabasaba na?

Martin
I’ll b working ko Ellis Park stadium wearing my Bafana Jezi.

Mandilakhe
Its bwt 2 begin BAFANA! Go Boys The Whole Mzansi is luking at u, u can put a millions of smiles in ppl of Mzansi ! I simple lendaba kip ur heads high .... Shud u grab it… W shal al...

Teboho
I believe u guys can do it, not by just qualifying 4next round, but going all the way Go out there n make us proud can’t wait 2c u guys will constaly get Offsick for SA Matches if cash allowed HD Picture that’s how I’ll like to Enjoy GAME maybe the World Cup will Enjoy in such Format!!!

Mercurious
If our guys can play SA soccer m telling U we can go al da way!!! U know sumtin amazin, i still have faith in BAFANA BAFANA despite of losing n winning deir games! And 1 tin DAT IVE LEARND OR OBSERVD BOUT BAFANA IZ DAT DEY CN MAKE U SMILE WEN DEY PLAY IN HOME GROUNDS!!! WATCH BAFANA BAFANA AGAINST IRAQ, NEW Z N SPAIN.

Tumisho
Ahaa can’t wait 2 c combination ya Mashego en Mphela upfront! Mhlongo, Teko, Dikgacoe, Pienaar en Tshabalala I can’t wait 2c u guys. Kagisho plz show Fibregras gore ke ntwana, Teko show Iniesta hus de man, Pienaar hehehe make Xavi disappear, Tshabalala just make Ramos a boy. Mahoota show Casilas ur scoring ability. Mphela give Pique sleepless nyt... go Bafana go!

Lusanda
I know u guys can do it, not by just qualifying 4next round, but going all the way 2 win… So go out there n make us proud...

Mampa
Halala Bafana halala, I know u guys r going 2 pruv ol d negativ mentality of pipo hu claimz 2 b Proudly SA'ans… Ol d best wit d Confed Cup, any resultz tz a gud resultz cz Personaly I know hw Soccer iz..... I'm bhnd u ol d way.... Mr Santana, u'v got ol d support u nid frm Optimistic pipo lyk me... Gudluk Coach...

GOOD LUCK to Bafana Bafana!!

Let's rally behind our national team

People don't know what they want! Joel Santana selected the Bafana squad, they criticized him. Now he won against Mauritius and Poland, they cherish him.

What do people want??? Let's rally behind our national team and STOP criticizing! This is our OWN boys, they need our support!

I would like to congratulate to Bafana Bafana. They did well and I trust that they are going to do us proud in the Confederations Cup.

Viva Bafana Bafana Viva!!!

Check out some of the pictures of Thulani and his Friends at Orlando Stadium on the weekend when Bafana Bafana played against Poland: http://diski2010ngcobo.blogspot.com/

NGCOBO 2010

Welcome to the Premier League Aces

I would like to welcome Mpumalanga Aces to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

They showed from the start to the end that they are hungry to play in the PSL.

They have good players who can compete in the PSL! It's time now that our national selectors must start looking also at the NFD players when they select because those guys can bring back our great lost soccer passion.

My advise to Amazayoni is that since they are promoted to PSL, they mustn't sell their players to other PSL teams.

They must proceed with their current players, the players that brought joy to Mpumalanga.

Keep the spirit up Mazayoni amahle! You can make it to the top four in the PSL if you continue playing the way you did against Thanda.

To Thanda Royal Zulu, I would like to say:" Go back to Mvela to regroup and come back maybe after three or four years when you are serious about soccer!"

Viva Amazayoni Viva!!!

NGCOBO 2010

An open letter to Bafana Bafana

Dear Bafana Bafana

I trust you are having a good time in Jozi toy-toying for the Confederations Cup, oops did I say toy-toying? I meant preparing.

I too would like to join the strike season, except my job is not really about the nation, it is about me and my selfish needs, something I thought made me and you different, now I see that you and me are exactly the same except you have much bigger balls than me (excuse the pun), what makes you and me the same is that we want to milk the system as best as we could, get as much money as possible by doing as little as possible.

I also notice that you guys are no different from the taxi operators; you know they realized that by threatening the Confederations Cup with violence, they would be able to stop the bus rapid transit system in its tracks but you guys have even bigger balls than the taxi operators because even they are disgusted by your actions.

I always worry that our 2010 dream will fade away when the heroes who are constructing stadia threaten the 2010 World Cup, this they do periodically when they want more money; I see you are not so different from the rest of us after all.

You have realized that on the eve of an important tournament you can hold the nation at ransom, no, that came out wrong, you have mastered the art of holding the nation at ransom to get what you may or may not deserve, surprisingly.

I thought I was bad but I would be very shy to do what you do especially knowing that in January, when Africa will be watching the best soccer nations of the continent in Angola, you will be kicking your heels because you failed the nation by not qualifying for that tournament unlike the Confederations Cup, where Danny Jordan and Irvin Khoza qualified on your behalf, but damn you have balls to still demand bonuses for a tournament you entered by default.

Even more astounding for me is that when you employed the same tactics in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, you failed to score a single goal in the tournament, but you still have balls to do it again in 2009, Some of you hardly played 5 games this season but you are bold enough to demand R180 000 for one game.

Ja, Bafana, you really have balls, unlike those rugby playing moegoes, I have honestly never heard that the Springboks are on a verge of striking on the eve of an important tournament, strangely though, they have been World Champions twice in recent history, is it not strange that the only Bafana team worth talking about is the 1996 team, who also were the moegoes who did not launch a last minute strike because they were too concerned with pride of the nation, silly idiots.

Maybe I am just being cynical here, maybe buying the latest model sports car with this tournament is not the only thing in your mind, maybe you did think about the nation a little bit, nah, come to think of it, no. I am being cynical here because you are the worst of our national teams in major sports and, but damn you are the greediest.

Mr. Know it ALL
Back from Suspension

Confederations Cup is here

Thanks to Robert Marawa and the Sports Centre for unearthing the Confederations Cup song. It really got most in the mood for the tournament.

The Confederations Cup is around the corner, and I am really excited about it. I will fully be behind my Bafana Bafana team and so is a lot of my friends.

We have since decided to be patriotic and stop complaining, so we will fully support any eleven that will make the pitch. I did not have any problems whatsoever in buying the tickets, lucky me.

The only problem I encountered is when most people try to convince me to wear a Bafana Bafana jersey. That would be cool, but which one? There are so many jerseys and I am told there is the Confederations Cup one that is already, or is to be launched.

Then again where do I get the money to buy this expensive jersey that might change again come the 2010 World Cup?

Well I have a solution, I have my team jersey, and that of Bloemfontein Celtic, and that of the Proteas (Cricket team), this should resolve my problem of the three games I intend to watch, anyway, I will have my National Flag to wave.

Baile (Diskioff manager)
baile.diskioff@gmail.com

Wear the HENYEKANE t-shirt

Dear Mr Siem

A big congratulations to the entire PSL family for having given us a very exciting and successful season 2008/09. That the championship was decided on the last day of the league is further testimony to the growth and competitiveness of the PSL. In addition, a further congratulations on the PSL awards last night which were well organised and rewarded our players and teams after all the hard work of the long season.

I was inspired by the PSL chairman, Dr Khoza, when he made his short presentation before giving his award to the 2 legends, Andre Arendse and John Maduka. These players have been great servants of the PSL and really deserved the acknowledgement. I hope that many young players will look up to these players on how best to be a model footballer. One of the most exciting things about the awards was that for all the categories we were given criteria against which players were selected. This was good for us fans to know what the selectors were looking for and I can place categorically that I found the awards fair and just.

However, my biggest disappointement at the moment is the glaring exclusion of Richard Henyekane from the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad. Given their performances during the course of the season a coulple of other PSL players, in my view, should have been considered for the preliminary squad. Mabalane of Orlando Pirates, Franklin Cale of Ajax, and Daine Klate of Supersport, just to name three. Sir, the greatest honour for any player is to represent his country and when players have worked hard like the ones mentioned above they should be rewarded.

I know and appreciate that this falls outside the scope of your portfolio. Equally, I appreciate that there is no way in which all fans would be happy about the selection of players into the national team. Having said all of that Sir, I think you will agree with me that Richard Henyekane was not an ordinary player during the 2008\09 season. He was afterall one of the three nominees for the best PSL player of the season.

That is a huge achievement by any standard Sir and it is my view that to not include Henyekane in the provisional squad is a direct insult to the product PSL. In addition, Henyekane's exclusion fosters doubt to whether indeed the PSL product is respected by the selectors.

I am writing to you Sir because I appreciate that you have a good working relationship with the South African Football Association and many other role players. To that end I hope you engage your colleagues in finding ways to ensure that the selection of national players is fair, consistent, just, and acknowledges the contribution of a player like Henyekane.

As a patriot I will be supporting Bafana Bafana and at the same time will protest the exclusion of Henyekane from the national team. More importantly, I will be advocating for more transparency and accountability on the part of the selectors so that we know what criteria is used to select our players. To that end I have my Bafana Bafana shirt printed: HENYEKANE FAIR PLAY.

I hope you will be able to share with me your views on how best to handle Henyekane's exclusion and not see it as undermining the PSL.

Yours in football
Mthetho C. Tshemese
In Support of fairness and justice

South African World Cup 2010

Who is in charge at Sundowns?

Mamelodi Sundowns depresses me! What the hell is happening at Kloorkop?

Who is in charge? Patrice Motsepe? Ted Dumitru? Trott Moloto? Brian Baloyi? Michael Manzini? Or the coach? Who is the coach?

Would it not make sense 4 the coach to be the one buying players? Because at the end of the day the Coach is the 1 who is fired if we lose... Ai no man!

Mr. Motsepe is clueless about football!!! He needs help!! Heard from the grapevine that he's now asking the players who he should hire as the next coach!!!

by Baloyi

Pic of the Week: "Amabhakabhaka"

In this photo: Jazz Carringboy Jazz

I can eat even if Chiefs lose a game now

The quality of players wearing Kaizer Chiefs colours leaves much to be desired.

I mean I’m an 8ties baby, fell in love with Amakhosi in the nineties, back then I knew the starting 11 back and forth, even the players who warmed the bench, simply coz Khosi was dazzling, and I was about 6/7.

I wouldn’t eat when Chiefs lost, but now I can miss 4 games and not even notice. I miss being a hardcore fan, talking about my Khosi with pride.

The only way that feeling can be rekindled is if we start buying worthy calibre players and release the old ineffective deadwood that’s in our ranks at the moment.

Mkhanyiseli Siwahla is available bring him in. Could BobbySteak Motaung please please sell the overrated Siphiwe Tshabalala, the dude cant cross in a decent ball even if his life depended on it.

by Rashokeng

South Africa 1-0 Poland (Highlights)

South Africa edge past Poland

South Africa warmed up for the Confederations Cup when beating Poland 1-0 in Johannesburg in their final friendly before the tournament.

Thembinkosi Fanteni scored the only goal of the game after six minutes, although there was a suspicion of offside about his close-range finish.

After Steven Pienaar played a delightful pass inside Poland's right-back, Bernard Parker touched the ball to his right for Fanteni to pass into an empty net from six yards.
Deploying three defensive midfielders in a lopsided four-man midfield, South Africa often struggled to create - Teko Modise a notable absentee because of a hamstring problem.

Parker should have doubled the scoring just before the hour mark but he horribly failed to hit the target eight yards out when put clean by Fanteni, his strike partner.

Poland proved stubborn but limited opposition and coach Joel Santana will have been concerned to see Steven Pienaar hobble off - South Africa's star man pulling up when chasing a pass late on.

"I just got a knock on my ankle - that's all, it's nothing serious," a relaxed Pienaar told BBC Sport after the match. "I'm happy with the result because we needed a win."

"We wanted to go into the Confederations Cup with confidence, which we will do now."

In a game which lacked spark but not atmosphere, Poland did have the ball in the net four minutes from time but Robert Lewandowski had long been flagged offside.

Otherwise, they largely failed to trouble goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, whose position as Bafana Bafana's number one will be more severely put to the test in the Confederations Cup. South Africa will be buoyed by their second win in three matches against European opponents, yet their failure to extend their lead showed the side's limitations.

Thirteen minutes from time, three players had the chance to finish things off but Aaron Mokoena failed to connect from a corner before Macbeth Sibaya blasted straight at the defence seconds later only for Kagisho Dikgacio to then fire high and wide.

The 2010 World Cup hosts play Iraq on 14 June in the opening game of Group A at the Confederations Cup.

They will then play New Zealand and European Champions Spain. Oceania champions, New Zealand, continued their build up with a 0-0 draw in Gaborone against Botswana on Saturday.

Co-hosts of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, Equatorial Guinea, lost their friendly in Estonia 3-0.
Namibia easily beat the DR Congo 4-0, in a game that was delayed by two hours following an accident involving the Congolese team bus on the way from the airport.

Three players and an official were injured in the collision between their bus and a car, according to police, who did not name those involved. When the game eventually got underway the Brave Warriors won easily thanks to two goals by Hani Isaccs and one each from Quinton Jacobs and Rudolf Bester.

In another friendly on Friday evening Sierra Leone were thrashed 6-0 by Syria in Damascus.

source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport

South Africa - World Cup 2010

These questions about South Africa were posted on a South African Tourism Website and were answered by the website owner.

Q: Does it ever get windy in South Africa? I have never seen it rain on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.

Q: Will I be able to see elephants in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Durban to Cape Town - can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only two thousand kilometers take lots of water...

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in South Africa? (Sweden)
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes…

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in South Africa? Can you send me a list of them in JHB, Cape Town and Jeffrey's Bay? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?

Q: Can you give me some information about Koala Bear racing in South Africa? (USA)
A: Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the pacific. A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe which does not...oh forget it. Sure, the Koala Bear racing is every Tuesday night in Hillbrow. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is north in South Africa? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 90 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into South Africa? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Hillbrow, straight after the Koala Bear races. Come naked.

Q: Do you have perfume in South Africa? (France)
A: No, WE don’t stink.

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in South Africa? (USA)
A: Anywhere where a significant number of Americans gather.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in South Africa where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in South Africa? (France)
A: Only at Christmas.

Q: Are there killer bees in South Africa? (Germany)
A: Not yet, but for you, we'll import them.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Cape Town and is milk available all year round?
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter-gatherers. Milk is illegal.

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in South Africa who can dispense rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca, which is where YOU come from. All South African snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets.

Q: I was in South Africa in 1969, and I want to contact the girl I dated while I was staying in Hillbrow. Can you help? (USA)
A: Yes, but you will probably still have to pay her by the hour.

Q: Will I be able to speek English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP & WORLD CUP FOOTBALL 2009/2010 - LIST OF TV RULES

Dear Wife, Partner, Girlfriend,

1. From 14 June to 28 June 2009 & June 2010, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the World of Soccer, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.

2. During the Confederations & World Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).

3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I won’t have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the Confederations Cup & World Cup month.

4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell on the floor....It won’t happen.

5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.

6. Please, please, please!! If you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, it’s only a game", or "don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce.

7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the half time scores is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying "one" game; hence do not use the Confederations Cup & World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".

8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again, Many times.

9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.

10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.

11. The daily Confederations Cup & World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch?" because, the reply will be, "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".

12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the Confederations Cup & World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, FA Cup, etc. By the way if you get stuck on the road call 10111 or AA.

Thank you for your cooperation.

It's time to give some to Bafana Bafana!

OK so I know many of you all are Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, German or whatever, but at the end of the day we are all South Africans and believe it or not, our national soccer team has tremendous talent and potential.

If you guys have watched (probably not but hey) the games against Paraguay (whom we beat 3-0, and yes they ARE currently higher than Brazil and Argentina @ the moment), Australia (World Cup quarterfinalists), Nigeria, Ghana and also the COSAFA Cup, you'll know exactly what I mean.

Rugby and Cricket have enough support; it's time to give some to Bafana Bafana!

This was my DREAM team for the Confederations Cup, but I will support Bafana Bafana even if some of the players didn’t make the squad! Viva Bafana Bafana!

Goalkeepers
1. Rowen Fernandez
16. Itu Khune
23. Calvin Marlin

Defenders
2. Siboniso Gaxa
20. Bryce Moon
19. Innocent Mdledle
3. Tshepo Masilela
4. Arron Mokoena
5. Nasief Morris
13. Matthew Booth
22. Lucas Thwala

Midfielders
6. Mcbeth Sibaya
21. Kagiso Dikgacoi
12. Teko Modise
11. Elrio Vn Heerdeen
10. Steven Pienaar
8. Simphiwe Tshabalala
7. Lance Davids

Forwards
9. Richard Henyekane
18. Terror Fanteni
14. Mabhuti Khanyeza
17. Benni McCarthy
15. Bernard Parker

by Thabo aka Tobz

Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan) - Backheel Goal

Pic of the Week: "Amakhosi"

Safa is not doing ENOUGH!!

We need a Youth Development programme in every province, town in order to find da best footballers. But not many people care about dis. In the NORTH WEST South African Football Association (Safa) is not doing enuf just eating da moola.

South Africa has good players - One of da best if only we had started a league programe like other countries. We need mo Academies.

by Maletswa