Sikhwivhilu leaves United
The last time Mulondo played in the PSL he was in the books of SuperSport United where he was deemed to be surplus to the requirements at the beginning of the new season.
“Yes, Mulondo Sikhwivhilu has signed a one-year- deal with us. I am very happy with his commitment thus far and I do believe that his experience is going to help us a lot in our campaign to fight for the honours this season.
I am really over the moon to have a player of his calibre in my team as you know that Dynamos is one team that belongs on the bigger stage, not at this level. However, it remains to be seen if we can pull ourselves out of this demanding league and have some life elsewhere,” Jacob Sakala enthused about his latest recruits.
Dlala Matsatsantsa
by Tshegofatso
Mbuyane sinks Cosmos
Mbuyane sinks CosmosSat, 29 Aug 2009 23:03
Thulasizwe Mbuyane scored the first hat-trick of the 2009/10 Absa Premiership season as Orlando Pirates extended their lead at the head of the table with a 4-0 thrashing of Jomo Cosmos at the Orlando Stadium.
New signing Terror Fanteni also got on the score sheet as the Buccaneers moved to ten points from four games and extended their lead to three points.
Pirates should have opened the scoring in just the second minute. Teko Modise fired in a low shot that was only half stopped by goalkeeper Avril Phali and Thulasizwe Mbuyane explicably failed to put the ball home on the goal line and instead allowed it to wrong-foot him after bouncing back off the upright.
But the former Free State Stars attacker made up for his error on 13 minutes when he leapt to meet Katlego Mashego’s corner kick at the near post and scored a terrific glancing header past Phali to make it 1-0 to the Buccaneers.
On 33 minutes they almost doubled their lead, with Ezenkosi needing captain Phali to make a fine save to keep out Mashego’s 20-metre shot that looked destine for the top corner of the net.
In the last few minutes of the first half Cosmos finally began to offer something of a goal threat, though it was to no avail. Moeneeb Josephs made his first genuine save when he had to move sharply to his right to catch Bamuza Sono’s long range effort and Rooi Mahamutsa made a terrific block to thwart Koena Mathopa a short while later.
Pirates started the second half much as the first and duly extended their lead in the 51st minute. Mashego tried his luck with a long range grass-cutter that Phail could only palm back into the danger area. Mbuyane gleefully ran onto the loose ball and shot into an empty net to make it 2-0.
Ten minutes later Pirates made it 3-0. Dikgang Mabalane exchanged passes with Andile Jali before whipping in a good low cross from the right wing. Sniffing the chance for a treble of goals, Mbuyane got ahead of Thapelo Tshilo and swept home the ball to complete the season’s first hat-trick.
Substitute Terror Fanteni put the icing on the cake when he took advantage of confusion in the Cosmos penalty area to score from close range in the 87th minute, his first goal since signing for the Soweto giants.
The teams:
Orlando Pirates: Josephs, Jele, Mahamutsa, Thwala, Lekgwathi, Mabalane (Masina 81), Mhlongo, Jali, Modise, Mbuyane (Fanteni 76), Mashego (Kamwendo 77).
Jomo Cosmos: Phali, Mhlathe (Cohen 58), Tshilo, Moloto, Oluwafemi, Diarra, Modabi (Bucuane 57), Theletsane (Mongale 58), Sono, Samb, Mathopa.
Backpagepix
source: http://sport.iafrica.com/sasoccer/news/breaking/1893200.htm
Watsha Umlilo
Yes, as we all know, Bay United was relegated at the end of the 2008/09 PSL season, and alot has happened since then:
Following the end of the season, talks revolved around the future of the club and whether or not it will still be in Port Elizabeth come the new season. Discussions regarding player transfers and coaches came up, and disagreements between club officials and the municipality made relegation a much bigger pill to swallow.
Fortunately, matters have been resolved and Bay United will be staying in Port Elizabeth, under the guidance of former Santos coach, David Bright.
Bay United have already kicked off their 2009/10 season in the National First Division, and came away with a 1 - 0 victory over Cape Town outfit, Vasco Da Gama, after a Vincent Khumalo strike.
The club has made numerous changes, with star keeper Arthur Bartman joing Kaizer Chiefs, Gareth Ncaca with Sundowns, and Captain Duran Francis on the sidelines following surgery on his knee.
Bay United's next match is against Hanover Park, with the next home game coming up at either The Westbourne Oval, EPRU Stadium or Woolfson Stadium.
Lets get out there to the games (only R10 for adults), and support our team, and get them back to the PSL!
Watsha Umlilo
UEFA Champions League group stage draw
Champions League group stage draw:
Group A
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Bordeaux
Maccabi Haifa
Group B
Machester United
CSKA Moscow
Besiktas
Wolfsburg
Group C
AC Milan
Real Madrid
Marseille
FC Zurich
Group D
Chelsea
Porto
Atletico Madrid
APOEL Nicosia
Group E
Liverpool
Lyon
Fiorentina
Debrecen
Group F
Barcelona
Inter Milan
Dinamo Kiev
Rubin Kazan
Group G
Sevilla
Rangers
Stuttgart
Unirea Urziceni
Group H
Arsenal
AZ Alkmaar
Olympiakos
Standard Liege
Fixture dates:
15/16 September
29/30 September
20/21 October
3/4 November
24/25 November
8/9 December
The referees have been disappointing
These refs make stupid mistakes that are costing the beautiful team.
As for what happened in Cape Town, I don’t condone it but I blame the ref.
by Zuki
Ajax look ahead to Arrows showdown
Ajax look ahead to Arrows showdownAjax Cape Town coach Muhsin Ertugral, will have to bring his victorious players back to earth after they reached the MTN8 final by disposing of Kaizer Chiefs 4-3 on aggregate after a six goal semifinal, second leg thriller that ended 3-3 at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
Ertugral has to get his players' minds back onto their Absa Premiership campaign. They play Santos in a Cape Town derby at Newlands on Wednesday night.
Said Ertugral: "I had a problem when we drew 1-1 with Free State Stars [away] last Wednesday as the players' minds were obviously on this match, But we need to pick up points and forget about the Cup final at this stage."
Ertugral has now reached back-to-back MTN8 finals. He guided Chiefs to triumph in last year's final against Mamelodi Sundowns and is hoping to repeat that with his new club when they meet Golden Arrows in the final on September 26.
The Urban Warriors coach has suggested that Port Elizabeth or Bloemfontein would be his preferred venues for the final.
"The venue is important. PE is at sea level and means it would not favour either Arrows [who are from Durban] or ourselves. But I would have no problem in playing in Bloemfontein."
Premier Soccer League media manager Altaaf Kazi, said the league would announce the venue in due course. After both coaches, Ertugral and Amakhosi's Vladimir Vermezovic, congratulated each other, it was obvious Ertugral's knowledge of Chiefs players' weaknesses and strengths played a key role in helping the underdogs overcome Chiefs in front of 40 000 supporters who packed into the revamped Orlando Stadium hoping to see Ertugral and his players leave empty handed.
Said Ertugral: "It was a great game. We made two bad mistakes in the first half that allowed Chiefs to score and let them back into the game when we should have closed the door tight.
"But I am proud of my boys. We have a young side and showed we have tons of character to beat Chiefs.
"It was not easy in front of a packed Orlando Stadium. Chiefs are going to be a force this season as we saw that today and I think their coach [Vermezovic] is top class and does not get the credit he deserves."
After the controversy surrounding the first leg at Newlands in which Chiefs fans went on the rampage when Amakhosi were beaten 1-0, the second leg was a tremendous advert for the local game.
Six goals tell the story of a match that flowed from end to end with plenty of good football and inevitable mistakes.
source: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-08-24-ajax-look-ahead-to-arrows-showdown
Brewing Storm
Let me be very clear on the onset that I am Patriotic, and I am really sure that we can deliver to the world the greatest spectacle of them all, and yes I believe we will.
There are crucial positions that were identified from the onset, to be very important ones in as far as delivering the World Cup is concerned, by FIFA and the LOC. To my knowledge it was even agreed, in principle that the people occupying them should not change until after the World Cup.
Amongst these positions were those held by Molefi Olifant (SAFA President), that of Danny Jordaan (CEO LOC) and that of DR Ivan Khoza. For some very unknown reasons to me, with the knowledge of how important his position is to the advancement of and even better World Cup, Mr. Olifant decides not to contest the elections. I can’t blame him for finally realizing that He is dead wood.
The two Gentlemen are well within their democratic right to contest the position of SAFA President. They are both very powerful and after all, there is no better leader than them, like we all made to believe. If there is any other person who can stand for the South African soccer demi-god, it’s Mr. Jordaan, but is the timing of this war really good?
I have seen Democracy going wrong in my lifetime; ask any Zimbabwean if you want to know all about it. When two giant elephants go to war, it’s unfortunately the grass that suffers the most. In this case I am greatly worried about the grass more than anything. I mean the grass here is the Most Successful world cup on African Soil. How long did the elephants in Zimbabwe take to agree to work together? Well I don’t think we have that kind of time between the SAFA elections and the start of the World Cup.
We can only hope and pray that the Elephants, get their sense. There is a better solution to all this. The two elephants can hold onto their positions, get a compromise candidate for the SAFA Presidency.
Baile (Diskioff manager)
baile.diskioff@gmail.com
Bianca Academy Ladies wins soccer tournament
Pitch Masters Ladies 4 vs. Leratong Ladies 2
Bianca Academy Ladies 10 vs. Potchefstroom Ladies 4
In the Final it was Bianca Ladies and Pitch Master
Bianca Ladies 9 vs. Pitch Master 3
1st place - Bianca Academy Floating cup and gold 18 Gold medals
2nd place - Pitch Masters a cup and silver medals
3rd place - Leratong ladies 18 Bronze medals
On behalf of Bianca Academy we want to extend a heart-felt thank you for your commitment to making this event so successful.Thanks to NWK , Elegant, Noordwester, Wuma and Diski Ladies.
by Kgotso Bianca
Wanted: A giant for the PSL
By Siyabonga NtshingilaWanted: A giant for the PSL
Last season SuperSport United retained their PSL title with 16 wins from 30 games. That is a win ratio of 53% and they also lost 7 games, 4 of them at home.
That translates to a loss ratio of close to 25% overall and 27% at home. They scored 45 goals and conceded 22 on their way to that triumph. That’s a ratio of 1.5 goals a match scored and 0.75 conceded. Hardly the stuff of a dominant team that.
By comparison English champions Man Utd won 28 of 38 matches (74%) lost just the 4 matches for a loss ratio of 11%. Three of those losses came away from home (11%) and they scored 68 goals (1.8 goals per game) en route to their hat-trick title.
In Spain, Barcelona won 27 of 38 matches (71%) and scored 105 goals for a staggering 2.76 goals per game average, they also lost just twice at home over 38 matches. A league that compares somewhat favourably is in Brazil — Sao Paulo won the Brasileiro with a 55% (21 wins from 38 matches) win ratio, losing just 5 matches (just the one at home) for a loss ratio of 13% and scoring 66 goals at a rate of 1.75 a game.
The Brazil league of course has the caveat of continuously haemorrhaging world-class talent to the lure of the European leagues.
Matsatsa’s preceding title also came with a 50% win ratio, a 1.3 goals-scored-per-game ratio, 0.87 conceded and a 27% loss ratio. Now of course they still did better than all the other teams who faced the same fixtures against the same teams, so fair play to them for managing to do so twice in succession. What the numbers above tell though is of a league deeply mired in mediocrity.
The last time a team won the league with any measure of authority was in the swashbuckling years of the 1997-2000 Sundowns team under Ted Dumitru and then Paul Dolezar, who won the league with a 68% win ratio (this in a 34-game fixture list) and the last of those titles in 1999-2000 was achieved while the team scored 2 goals a game, conceded an average of 1 a game and 11 points ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates.
Since then there has been a succession of teams who have come out on top by virtue of being less mediocre than those below them.
There are those who say this points to a league where there is an even spread of depth, talent and tactical nous. But everybody knows that even in the era of megabucks swilling around the PSL pool there are still a handful of clubs who posses a financial clout far greater than everyone else, and I’m not just talking about the shopaholics otherwise known as Patrice Motsepe’s Sundowns here.
There are also very few coaches who have brought enough stability and success to their teams for an argument to be made for technical nous being ubiquitous in the league. As for depth in talent, really? Seriously? In a league where a player has been top goalscorer despite playing only half a season?
Where a scoring run lasting but a dozen games can make one a shoo-in for top goalscorer after 30 games, half of whom are played at home?
The PSL is in my view, made up of largely okay teams playing okay football more often than not. The problem is every now and then we see dazzling footballing spectacles that get us all excited at a supposed buffet of sumptuous football that is often nothing but a mirage.
For every goalless 52-pass movement by Sundowns you have a thoroughly outplayed Kaizer Chiefs almost scoring from their first touch of the ball. Is that quality to you?
SA football has a lot of potential. I say that mostly because I want to believe it. Every year in the PSL thus far has produced a new star set that takes a season by the scruff of its neck. From George Koumantarakis and Jerry Sikhosana in the mid 90s to the Godfrey Sapulas, Mbulelo Mabizelas, Jabu Pules, Collins Mbesumas, King Khunes and the current would be king — Teko Modise.
What the PSL needs now is a team to do the same. Sundowns have done it before. My own beloved Orlando Pirates threatened to do so under Kosta Papic before that (almost) predictably fizzled out when it came to the crunch. But by and large the story has been about arch-mediocrities pseudo-lording it over teams that were never more than one or two wins away from usurping them.
How many teams from the PSL era can compare favourably with their forebears from the NSL days? Kaizer Chiefs have averaged about a trophy a season in the PSL era, but how many from the “vat alles” era could walk into the teams from the Jeff Butler days? That is too telling.
That surely cannot have been the dream when SA football marched bravely into the professional era in 1996?
source: http://www.sportsleader.co.za/siyabongantshingila/2009/08/14/needed-a-giant-for-the-psl/
Orlando Pirates player arrested
An Orlando Pirates soccer player has been arrested for speeding and negligent driving, Gauteng police said on Sunday.
Constable Linkie Lefakane said the player was arrested on the N12 near Westonaria on Saturday night.
"He is out on R1500 bail," said Lefakane.
Lefakane said the Orlando Pirates star would appear at the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
source: http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=1050751
PSL CEO Siem Angered By Fans Behaviour In MTN8 Semi-Final
PSL CEO Siem Angered By Fans Behaviour In MTN8 Semi-FinalPSL (Premier Soccer League) CEO Kjetil Siem has voiced his disappointment and anger at the way fans behaved at Saturday night’s MTN8 first leg semi-final match between Ajax Cape Town and Kaizer Chiefs at Newlands Stadium.
17 Aug 2009 07:00:19
The match was marred by unruly behaviour during the closing stages, with spectators venting their anger by throwing missiles onto the field, potentially causing danger and harm to those on the park.
Disgruntled fans also prevented the match officials from immediately leaving the playing surface once the game had been completed."This is not something we want to see or can accept at our matches.
It is an absolute disgrace not only towards Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town as the clubs involved in the match, but to the PSL and our partners. What happened last night could prove disastrous for the whole South African soccer family.
It is against the spirit of play and damages the image of our league, as well our reputation as hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup," said Siem.
Siem is also wary of the negative publicity this could generate across all media platforms."In numerous interviews to the international media, I have continuously praised our football fans in this country and underlined how safe visitors should feel when they come to South Africa.
I also said that our fans have a nice attitude and a constant focus of joy and harmony with singing and dancing, and even children and families should feel welcomed and safe at our games.
This type of behaviour we saw last night reminds me of times when the English hooligans were brainless idiots that nearly ruined a whole industry for their country.
I am ashamed," Siem commented in a PSL press release.“With the focus of the international football community on us, we can ill-afford to show the world such disgusting behaviour.”
The Norwegian also praised the brave efforts of PSL general manager Ace Ncobo for his attempts to calm the situation.“Ace took control of the situation by risking his own safety by climbing into the troubled area in the stands to liaise with the fans and try and calm them down after their match.
He succeeded in defusing the situation and I must commend him for that,” added Siem. “I really hope internal action will be taken and this will never be seen in our football again.”
source: http://goal.com/
Hell breaks loose in Cape
Several minutes into the game, out of the blue Mr Mabuza blows his whistle. The game is paused, everyone is surprised and wants to know the reason for the halt.
He runs to his linesman and asks “What’s going on?” His linesman responds “I don’t know, you are the one who blew the whistle, you tell me”. He thinks for a while and asks his linesman “since you are a Cape-Townian, do you think that cheap drug called Tik is too powerful for me?”... ‘What!!!’ exclaimed the linesman, Mr Mabuza runs back to continue with the game.
Few minutes later, Chiefs defender Rooi clears the ball close to his goal post. Instead of granting a corner-kick to Ajax, Mr Mabuza gives a goal-kick to Chiefs. Ajax players give him that protesting look while at the other hand Chiefs players are smiling.
Mr Mabuza gets irritated by Khune’s smile and changes his goal-kick decision to a penalty. “Is he out of his mind?” his linesmen ask each other. Khune asks him what is the penalty for, Mr Mabuza tells Khune “You think you know too much. Let’s see if you can stop this penalty like you did with Bennet Chenene’s in Vodacom semis”
After Ajax’s Dipsy scored from the penalty kick, Mr Mabuza runs to the center of the field happily roaring the words ‘Abashwe, let these dogs die…Who do they think they are to win every Cup, Ayeye…Shapa Ajax Shapa”. That angered the fans and missiles were thrown into the field…
source: http://sasoccergags.blogspot.com/
My pick for the SA Premier Soccer League
My pick for the SA Premier Soccer League
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) kicked off this weekend with two wins and a few draws. There were some really good games I managed to get a glimpse of like the Free State derby between Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars which ended in a 2-2 draw. This is going to be an intriguing South African soccer season as we look forward to the 2010 World Cup next June.
Teams have made some serious investments: Mamelodi Sundowns have nine new signings, Kaizer Chiefs brought across some good youngsters who are full of energy and surrounded by a few experienced veterans. Orlando Pirates finished the previous season in fine form and if they pick up where they left off, they will be the team to beat. SuperSport United have been champions for the past two years but then do they have what it takes to still be there come the end of the season? Will there be a lot of surprises? Which teams will be scraping for survival at the bottom of the league? Players will also be working very hard to be considered for the World Cup — I say it’s definitely going to be an interesting nine months.
League champions — Mamelodi Sundowns
They have one of the most formidable teams in the Premier League — the spine of the team is very good. They won the league in 2005/06 and 2006/07 thanks to their attacking soccer. They also have one of the best strikers in the country in Katlego Mphela, that is if he can stay injury-free. He was plagued by a lot of niggly injuries last year. He did show what he can do during the Confederations Cup game against Spain when he changed the game. Their coach is also an unknown so he might have a few tricks up his sleeve.
League’s near champions — Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United
It will be Orlando Pirates in second place, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United and Platinum Stars in that order. There might be one or two clubs who plan to gatecrash this party but for the time being I will stick with the above clubs.
MTN 8 Wafa Wafa Champions — Ajax Cape Town
So far it has produced some shocks with SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates going out in the quarter-final stages. Last year’s defending champions Kaizer Chiefs are still in with a shot but Ertugral, former Kaizer Chiefs coach who left under a cloud, would like to prove something against his former club. My bet will be Ajax Cape Town and Golden Arrows for the final and Ajax to come out tops.
Telkom Knockout Champions — Orlando Pirates
They played very well in last season’s Telkom Charity Cup and were unlucky to lose to Ajax Cape Town in the final. It will be Pirates and one of the bigger clubs in Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, Mamelodi Sundowns or SuperSport United.
Surprise package — Platinum Stars
I would go with Platinum Stars for this one. They have made a shrewd acquisition in coach Steve Komphela. He has also thrown a lifeline to Jabu Mahlangu and Mbulelo Mabizela, who are very talented players and can make any team a winning team on their day. They could be one of the teams to beat this season.
Relegation candidates — Mpumalanga Black Aces
So far we have seen clubs come up and go down immediately, Bay United did just that last season. Mpumalanga Black Aces are my biggest bet to go down and they also don’t have a home-ground advantage like most teams which can make a difference on any day. The relegation playoff is going to be a fight between Cape Town Santos, Maritzburg United and Jomo Cosmos. One of them will be relegated in the playoff.
Golden boot — Katlego Mphela
There are a number of very good strikers in South Africa although there has been a big drought for the national team. We know that when he plays and he is not injured he can give any defence a lot of trouble. He showed that by coming off the bench and scoring 2 great goals for Bafana against Spain. I think last season’s top goal scorer, Richard Henyekane, was a one-season wonder just like Ishmael Maluleke a few years back.
Star buy — Phenyo Mongala
He was the surprise star of the Nedbank Challenge last season when he led Tuks FC to the final of the cup — they narrowly lost to Moroka Swallows. He helped them knock out Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town. He has been signed by Orlando Pirates and showed his quality by scoring a wonder goal against Manchester City in pre-season. He can score goals, is skilful and very athletic. He has a good foundation of blossoming at Pirates playing alongside the likes of Teko Modise.
Player of the season — Teko Modise
He is arguably the star of the PSL and has been for the past 2-3 season. He will be its main star again this coming season. I tip him to be the player of the season before he gets to move abroad after the 2010 World Cup.
It’s going to be interesting. This is my pick, you can agree to disagree. Pick your own PSL season favourites in the comment’s box — we’ll compare results at the end of the season.
source: http://www.sportsleader.co.za/josephmisika/2009/08/11/my-pick-%e2%80%93-premier-soccer-league/#comment-6720
Disappointed but happy
Bafana Bafana: Keeper vs. KeeperIt was disappointing seeing Bafana Bafana loosing to Serbia last night, but at same time I was happy to see Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld) conceding 3 goals after his comments about Itumeleng Khune’s (Kaizer Chiefs) performance at the 2009 Confederations Cup.
I mean, he commented as if he was going to keep the clean sheet in all matches...
People must learn to appreciate other pupils talents!!!!
by Pikwa
Surprise Moriri is the Master
Mamelodi SundownsI know that it’s been long people but the wait is over.
The master (Surprise Moriri) has started with passive training and very soon he will be terrorizing the Mzansi with his touches, moves and finishing....
Guys JUST imagine Katlego Mphela playing with the master hmmmm...... I sense mathata here.
The master is still class and the best!!
by TT
HUNT TO APPEAR BEFORE DC
SuperSport UnitedI have been informed that Coach Gavin Hunt was to appear before the club's DC for comments he made in the media.
Hunt recently spoke out about a number of the clubs signings saying that he doesn’t know anything about them and was not involved in their selection process.
Hunt previously voiced his opinion on the selling of players such as Teko Modise, Katlego Mashego and Katlego Mphela, whom he wanted to hold onto.
Hunt also wanted to keep Ellias Pelembe and was furious when the club agreed on the transfer.
Dlala Matsatsantsa
by Tshegofatso
Wafa Wafa: MTN8 Semifinals
Its Wafa Wafa MTN8 semifinals… and will the defending champions Kaizer Chiefs defend their MTN8 cup this season?Ajax gets ready to AXE Chiefs
Ajax Cape Town coach Muhsin Ertugral is baying for Chiefs' blood... mara with good new players at the Glamour Boys like Thomas Sweswe, David Mathebula "DVD", and Nkosinathi Nhleko it will be a tough one for the former Amakhosi COACH.
Or will Franklin Cale, Diyo Sibisi, Thulani Serero terrorise Amakhosi? Let's wait for the weekend.
Durban Derby to shake Durban
Golden Arrows player Nhlahla Zothwane is on top of his game for Abafana Bes'thende (The Backheel Boys) and Richard Henyekane is boosted with a Bafana Bafana call up.
Will they kill a tough AmaZulu lead by Neil Tovey? Sunday will tell... who will have the uphand.
We at the Diskioff family want to wish Petrus Mahlatsi a speedy recovering in hospital.
by TT
Uganda: Bongole for Trials at United
And meanwhile,— Barely two months after Brian Umony's Shs106m transfer to SuperSport United, another KCC forward has received an offer to train at the South African champions.Anthony Bongole, the pacy forward who struck against SuperSport Utd at Bidvest stadium in the preliminary rounds of the African Champions League this year, arrived in Johannesburg yesterday for a two-weeks training session.
The player's agent Mujib Kasule told said that he was optimistic of Bongole's chances. "He is a good player and I am convinced they will take him on," said Kasule, who brokered Umony's move.
If the deal materialises, Bongole will be the latest player to leave the Lugogo side. Others who have left are Patrick Ssenfuka, Benjamin Ochan and Robert Ssentongo.
Elsewhere, Proline full-back Alex Kakuba is on the verge of reaching a deal to play for South Africa's richest club Mamelodi Sundowns.
Dlala Matsatsantsa
by Tshegofatso
Rest In Peace, Jan Sillo
To our beloved player and friend Jan Sillo - may your soul rest in peace.You have given years of service to AmaZulu and we will never forget you. We will win the MTN8 for you.
We will never forget those dangerous runs you made down the right wing and your ever energetic nature.
You were quiet and complained a lot but gave 100% in training and on the field.
We will always love you man.
by Lunga Sokhela
SuperSport United seek "THIRD" PSL trophy
SuperSport United:
In the past two seasons the reigning champions (SuperSport United) have lost two of their best players, Teko Modise and Katlego Mashego, but have still managed to win the league back to back.
It remains to be seen if coach Gavin Hunt will succeed this season after losing another key player, Elias Pelembe, to Mamelodi Sundowns. It was reported that Hunt was upset with the United management for selling Pelembe.
Hunt has proved that he is one of the best local coaches the country has ever produced and perhaps he should forget about the sale and work with what he has in his backyard. Matsatsantsa a Pitori have signed Siyabonga Nkosi, Jabulani Maluleke, Brian Umony, Thabo Mongala and Emile Baron.
Should Hunt stay on until the end of the season, United could well keep the league trophy.
Dlala Matsatsantsa
by Tshegofatso
It remains to be seen if coach Gavin Hunt will succeed this season after losing another key player, Elias Pelembe, to Mamelodi Sundowns. It was reported that Hunt was upset with the United management for selling Pelembe.
Hunt has proved that he is one of the best local coaches the country has ever produced and perhaps he should forget about the sale and work with what he has in his backyard. Matsatsantsa a Pitori have signed Siyabonga Nkosi, Jabulani Maluleke, Brian Umony, Thabo Mongala and Emile Baron.
Should Hunt stay on until the end of the season, United could well keep the league trophy.
Dlala Matsatsantsa
by Tshegofatso
Absa Premier League results
FIRST ROUND WRAP-UPPosted: 2009-08-10 18:46
The opening round fixtures for the 2009/10 Absa Premiership season have come and gone, with two of the ‘big three’ getting off to winning starts.
Maritzburg United 1 SuperSport United 1
The champions drop two points in the season opener as they come up against a very spirited – and physical – Maritzburg side. SuperSport take the lead through Morgan Gould’s glancing header, but the hosts level through ex-Matsatssantsa man Noah Chivuta, who slots a penalty after Gould had fould Bryce Aka in the area. Maritzburg came close to snatching the three points at the end, but the match is overshadowed by an injury to debutant Petrus Mahlatsi, who is rushed to hospital after a clash of heads.
Jomo Cosmos 0 Platinum Stars 0
Another stalemate for draw specialists Jomo Cosmos, though they will feel hard done by not collecting all three points. They do most of the attacking and have a few efforts cleared off the line, while Stars goalie Wayne Sandilands is also in excellent form. The visitors finish with 10 men following Oscar Ntwagae’s late red card.
Moroka Swallows 0 Golden Arrows 0
The Birds, with assistant Zeca Marques at the helm, will look back at this match as two points lost. They dominate throughout and almost take the lead in the opening seconds through debutant Siyabonga Nomvete, but his effort is saved by the goalie’s foot. What follows is a succession of missed chances, including a saved penalty from Davi Rancan.
Mamelodi Sundowns 2 Mpumalanga Black Aces 0
Goals at the start and end of the game from Katlego Mphela secured new Sundowns coach Hristo Stoichkov a debut League win, but the Brazilians hardly had it all their own way against the Premiership rookies. Aces missed some gilt-edged chances – most notably Madoda Motha and Gilbert Rudiger – that on any other day could have easily led to a share of the spoils.
Kaizer Chiefs 0 Santos 0
Santos went to Orlando Stadium to defend, and defend they did. Chiefs predictably dominated possession, but were unable to fashion many clear-cut chances – the closest they came to scoring was when Tinashe Nengomasha’s shot hit the upright. Santos had a few decent chances through substitute Erwin Isaacs, but Chiefs will be left to rue a cutting edge in front of goal.
Bloemfontein Celtic 2 Free State Stars 2
A Free State Derby of two halves as Stars dominate the first and take the lead through new signing Eldar Richartz, only for Celtic to bounce back after the break and take a seemingly winning 2-1 lead courtesy of Stars old-boy Prince Olomu’s brace. Celtic missed a host of chances after that, and were made to pay for their profligacy when Stars substitute Kingston Nkatha scored an equaliser two minutes from time.
AmaZulu 2 Bidvest Wits 2
Probably not the start AmaZulu were looking for, but coach Neil Tovey will be proud of the character shown by his players in twice coming back from a goal down. Calvin Kadi had twice put Wits in front, but Bafo Biyela’s penalty and a goal from captain Pere Ariweriyai ensured a share of the spoils. Tovey will rue his side poor defensive display, but knows he has some regulars due to return from injury.
Ajax Cape Town 0 Orlando Pirates 1
Bucs finally put the Ajax bogey to bed with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Newlands Stadium, with Benson Mhlongo netting the winner with a clinical header just after the break. Ajax will feel they should have got something from the match, and given the number of missed opportunities by both sides, this could well have been a very different scoreline, and possibly result.
HAVE YOUR SAY: What did you make of the opening round’s games?
source: http://www.kickoff.co.za/
NIKE and KAIZER CHIEFS COMPETITION!
WIN the shirt off your favourite player’s back, just FOLLOW this link to ENTER, http://www.nike.co.za/football/email/?t=online_announce&fromwhere=fbNEXT GAME...
Kaizer Chiefs BidVest Santos (ABSA Premiership)08 August 2009, 20H15 @ Orlando Stadium (JHB).
Let us stop the “boo-brigades” from killing the moral of our own players, it is the works of the opposition to boo our own.
Besides we all have on and off days.Interesting topics below. It looks like there is a change of heart around the Nkosinathi Nhleko deal.
Have we learnt any lessons, not to judge people, before affording them a fair chance? Vladimir Vermezovic (Vik’zembe) recently went through the same criticism before he could even start coaching.
On a lighter note, it looks like the khosiFans needs some PUTCO KWASA DANCE.
Who knows, if the boys don't perform he might come in handy. I personally think Thebe is not doing a bad job either, he just does things differently.
Is this a case of a Zuma vs Mbeki.
Dovidenja!
Vik’zembe
CHIEFS MOBILE: http://m.kaizerchiefs.com/
AmaZulu vs Bidvest Wits
Hello Usuthu loyalists and new fans. On Sunday at 15h: 00 Neil Tovey's charges will be going up against Wits at Chatsworth Stadium.
Come with your friends to witness great football, a much better game than what you saw against SuperSport United in the MTN Wafa Wafa.
This time they will be wearing green replicas as it is a home game.
What do you think of the new Adidas kit? The new everything of the same quality you have come to expect from the old Usuthu.
Watch this space for exciting give aways... (I'm just a messenger but I know from what I've seen you will love it)
Womens Day (09 August)
As a Celebration for Women’s Day all AmaZulu has decided to treat all of its women supporters. PRO, Philani Mabaso says “As a club in respect of the role of women play in our lives we have come to a decision to give half price to our women supporters. This is part of our strategy for this season of encouraging woman to come our matches”.
Philani says they as AmaZulu want to create a family environment during all Usuthu home games, a move that should be welcome by many this season.
by Brilliant Nhlanhla Mkhathini
Pirates disappoint their fans again
Ajax Cape Town are already benefiting from new coach Muhsin Ertugral's experience. The Turkish-born coach plotted the downfall of Orlando Pirates as the Urban Warriors edged out Bucs 2-1 in a hard-fought MTN8 quarterfinal clash at Ellis Park last night.
A goal by Dipsy Selolwane in the 77th minute earned the underdogs their hard fought passage in to the semifinals of the competition as Ajax again proved to be a hoodoo side for Bucs.
Ajax defeated Pirates 2-1 in the Telkom Knockout Cup final last season and once again got the better of the more fancied Buccaneers in the opening cup competition of the new season. Bucs also failed to beat Ajax in the league last season, losing at home and drawing their return match in Cape Town.
Despite the poor condition of the pitch both sides produced a fast flowing opening 45 minutes.
Ajax held the upper hand in the opening stages of the game, but it was Bucs midfielder Teko Modise who had the first real shot in anger when he hit the side netting in the 17th minute.
The Urban Warriors, however, took the lead a minute later when debutant striker Diyo Sibisi flicked the ball on to Thulani Sereno whose close range header gave goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs no chance, putting the Cape outfit 1-0 ahead. Ajax looked like they could score a second goal as they had Bucs under pressure during the next 10 minutes.But to their credit the Buccaneers fought their way back into the game and ended stronger.
Pirates came out fighting after the break. Dikgang Mabalane's half volley from a Modise free kick went wide in the 50th minute, but referee Buyile Gqubule awarded the home side a disputed free kick on the edge of the penalty area three minutes later for the equaliser.
Bucs striker Katlego Mashego did brilliantly to beat Ajax veteran goalkeeper Hans Vonk with a perfectly placed set piece to level the score and the tie.
The same referee awarded Pirates a penalty in the Telkom Charity Cup final against Platinum Stars last weekend in Rustenburg which was never a penalty. But Bucs took the gift and went on to retain the Charity Cup.
The miss of the match came when Mashego rounded Vonk and, with an empty net staring at him, managed to hit the woodwork and let Ajax off the hook. It proved a costly mistake for Pirates as Ajax produced the winner.
Selolwane beat Josephs with a thunderous drive from the edge of the penalty area after a superb cross from Sameehg Doutie in the 77th minute.
In last night's other quaterfinal game, Golden Arrows beat Free State Stars 1-0.
source: http://www.iol.co.za/
Amakhosi outgun hapless Wits
Erratic goalkeeping and defensive blunders by Bidvest Wits aided Amakhosi's cruise into the semi-finals of the MTN8 competition as they edged the Students 3-1 at the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg last night.
The first goal by Kaizer Chiefs could be put down to the brilliance of Nkhosinathi Nhleko, while the other two could be attributed to the national under-20 goalkeeper's lack of experience.
Chiefs showed flashes of brilliance with great moves and it took only three minutes for the defending champions to open the scoring courtesy of Nhleko.
For Nhleko, whose move to Chiefs was heavily criticised by the club's fans, the goal meant a lot to him as it made many to have a change of heart.
Nhleko was a beneficiary of a Josta Dladla pass and the burly striker rifled a low shot beating young goalkeeper Darren Keet.
Wits were not gelling. Roger de Sa's troops hardly made constructive moves.
It was only towards the end of the first that Wits exposed the defence of Chiefs when they pulled one back. The Chiefs' defence was at sixes and sevens with five defenders in the box but none of them closed down Mark Haskins, who got on to the end of Sipho Mngomezulu's cross to score the equaliser in the 42nd minute.
That the score was 1-1 at the interval may have sent a wrong message that the two teams marched each other pound for pound.
Chiefs were ahead on points at the interval, but they hadn't been able to apply the finishing touches their play deserved.
It got better for them in the second half.
Amakhosi showed more intent and hunger for the win but Wits stood their ground.
In the 71st minute Mathebula, aided by Kleet's error, put Chiefs in the lead when he eliminated a Wits defender on the edge of the box before unleashing a shot that slipped past the goalkeeper.
While the Wits goalkeeper was struggling, the Chiefs No 1 was thriving. Wits tried to pull one back but their efforts were thwarted by Khune.
Even so, just when Marawaan Bantam of Wits thought his 25m freekick was destined for the net, his effort hit the post with Khune beaten. On the stroke of fulltime, Chiefs striker nailed in the final goal when he lobbied the ball over an advancing keet, who had a debut he won't want to remember.
source: http://www.iol.co.za/
Usuthu go through to MTN8 semis
A roller-coater ride of an MTN8 Cup quarterfinal at the Chatsworth Stadium saw AmaZulu booking their place in the last four at the expense of SuperSport United.The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, and 2-2 after 120 minutes, before the home side triumphed 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out.
After a quiet start to the game, the first real chance of the match materialised in the 16th minute when the ever-threatening Daine Klate drove towards the AmaZulu box before rolling the ball into the path of Anthony Laffor.
However, from just outside the box, the Liberian striker was slightly off target as he tried to pick out the top corner of the net.
Ten minutes later the Tshwane outfit earned themselves a free kick 20-yards from goal. Laffor executed his kick to perfection, picking out the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Laffor should have added a second goal in the 30th minute when, following Klate’s cross, the ball was worked to him in the box, but a poor header saw a great chance wasted.
Usuthu’s best chance of the half came in the 34th minute when Dumisani Ngwenya fashioned enough space and time for himself in the United box to get a shot away, but in looking to curl the ball into the far corner, his accuracy was found wanting.
Laffor attempted to make amends in the 39th minute when he threaded Glen Salmon through on goal. Salmon looked to try and slot the ball past the on-rushing Nick Gindre, but the AmaZulu goal keeper did superbly to make a block with his legs.
Usuthu started the second half brightly, but it was SuperSport who had the best chances early on to score another goal.
AmaZulu levelled maters in the 53rd minute when Bradley Ritson broke down the left wing before putting in an inch-perfect cross to the feet of Litha Ngxabi, who made no mistake in slotting past Dennis Onyango from 10-yards out.
The remainder of the second half proved to be action packed, providing the crowd with plenty of thrills and spills.
After Bongani Khumalo and Ritson had both wasted opportunities with headers inside the box, Laffor sent his effort, also with the head, crashing against the woodwork in the 74th minute. There were several more half-chances before the end of regulation time from both sides, but neither goal keeper was overly troubled.
EXTRA TIME
Extra time provided more entertainment, with both sides having chances to score.
It was AmaZulu however, who seemed to have the edge and came agonisingly close to going ahead in the 106th minute when Ayanda Dlamini did well to hustle the ball away from a couple of United defenders, before sending it in the direction of Ritson.Ritson decided his best option was to back-heel the ball into goal, but Khumalo was able to intercept on the line.
With five minutes to go, Usuthu seemed to have scored what appeared to be the winner when AmaZulu debutant Ayanda Dlamini caught SuperSport on the counter-attack, racing clear before showing great composure to slot the ball past Onyango.
The visiting side however kept coming at Usuthu (who were down to 10 men after the sending off of Marc Van Heerden) in the dying minutes, and the pressure paid off in the final minute of the game when Gindre failed to deal with an aerial ball into the box and former Leopards midfielder Thabo Mongalo was able to head into an empty net.
The penalty shoot-out was fittingly dramatic. The first penalty, by SuperSport’s Hlompho Kekana, was saved by Gindre.
Bafo Biyela, Rudi Isaacs, Ritson, Laffor, Jan Sillo and Jabu Maluleke then all converted their kicks before Bishop sent his effort crashing against the bar. But Mongalo sent his penalty into the stands, leaving the skipper, Pere Ariweriyai, to coolly slot home the winner.
TEAMS
AmaZulu: Gindre; Sillo, Ariweriyai, Bishop, Van heerden; N Zwane, Sikhakhane (B Biyela 91’), Ngxabi, J Zwane (Mabaso 56’); Ngwenya (Dlamini 61’), Ritson
SuperSport: Onyango; Isaacs, Khumalo, Gould, Mahoa; Laffor, Kekana, Maluleke, Klate (Langerman 68’); Nkosi (Ramudzuli 106’), Salmon (Mongalo 68’)
source: http://www.amazulufc.net/default.aspx
Sponsorship for women soccer tournament
We will be hosting a women soccer event on the women’s month (09 & 10 August 2009) our goal is to represent the underrepresented group in the beautiful sports soccer especially in Lichtenburg.
As we were planning this soccer event we realized it is difficult to run it successfully without any help, one of the key elements is funding for this event; why we need?
1. Medals for participating teams on the tournament (gold, silver, bronze)
2. Compensating referees
3. Prices for outstanding players
4. Prices for the coach’s
5. A cup for a winning team
Sponsorship benefits
1. Tournament banners that display sponsor logos and information
2. Broadcasting the event on radio
Our mission is to represent those who are under-represented & to encourage team building, awareness for the importance of women in our society promoting wellness through exiting recreational &competitive women soccer.
Please join us on making this event a successful one for the women of South Africa.
Should you have any questions please contact Kgotso Manjinja 0825237795 or Atnaar Ndarala 0729481126
Please help us with anything e.g. t-shirts...
Thank you in advance for you assistance
Yours truly,
The team manager
K.B Manjinja
Pirates win Cup after controversial penalty
A WIN is a win.
That was how Orlando Pirates captain Lehlohonolo Seema summed up Buc’s success in Saturday’s rain-soaked Telkom Charity Cup, when they needed two penalty shootouts in two matches to retain the trophy.
Bucs beat Kaizer Chiefs in the first semi- final, thanks to a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout. The teams went into a shootout after they were locked at 1-1 at full-time.
Pirates then needed a controversial penalty in normal time to force the final against Platinum Stars, who beat Sundowns 2-0 in the other semi-final, into another penalty shootout. The Buccaneers once again stepped up to the plate to win the penalty shootout 4-2 after the teams were deadlocked at 1-1 at the end of normal time.
“At the end of the day it does not matter how we won. The fact we won and retained the Charity Cup and gave ourselves a massive boost ahead of the new PSL season is what matters,” said Seema.
His coach, former Dutch captain Ruud Krol, agreed and admitted that there was still work to be done – and that time was running out ahead of Wednesday’s official kick-off to Pirates’ season, when they face Ajax Cape Town in the MTN8 quarter-final at Ellis Park. “It is good to retain this Cup and end our pre-season preparation by winning a big trophy. But my four Bafana Bafana players (Teko Modise, Katlego Mashego, Innocent Mdledle and Benson Mhlongo) still need more game time,” said Krol.
But what was impressive on a freezing day where the rain never let up from early morning, was that Krol fielded virtually two teams, to show he had plenty of depth.
The former Dutch captain stressed: “We did well with two squads in the Charity Cup but I noticed that some of the players we have signed from the lower leagues are still finding their feet at this higher level. They all show promise but also need more time to adapt. “Stars closed us down in the first half but we picked up in the second by creating chances but again we need to start making better use of the chances we create.”
The controversial moment of the final came when referee Buyile Gqubule awarded Pirates what looked like a soft penalty with Stars leading 1-0 in the 68th minute.
Defender Rooi Mahamutsa made no mistake to cancel out a first half goal by Japanese striker Norikazu Murakami to take the final to a penalty shootout.
Stars’ new coach Steve Komphela was diplomatic and showed his sportsmanship by congratulating Pirates and refused to blame the referee.
“I did not think it was a penalty but I am not going to make a fuss as these things happen in the game. To me it is immaterial. The ref has to make a call and he did.”
Komphela said that it could work out being a blessing in disguise losing the final after outplaying Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in the first semi. “It may sound silly saying that, but we showed we have bags of potential and maybe by losing but playing well against both Pirates and Sundowns we can keep our focus. We knew we would struggle to maintain our lead after scoring in the 12th minute against a side with the resources like Pirates who could field a new team in the final.
“But I am delighted with the day’s work as we showed we are on the right track and this team is going places in the new season. Getting to the final and stretching Pirates all the way was a major psychological boost for the players and we will build on this.”
The Charity spectacular which was in aid of deserving charities, was marred when Chiefs lodged a protest against Pirates before their game for not producing their registration cards before their semi-final. The cup committee said they could not hear the protest and referred Chiefs to the PSL’s disciplinary committee.
Amakhosi chairperson Kaizer Motaung had written on his club's website last week that he did not want his side to play in the Charity Cup as he felt it would affect his side’s performance in their MTN8 quarter- final against BidVest Wits. The ball is back in Chiefs court if they want to follow up their protest, but as this is a charity event and a friendly tournament, they could find public opinion turning against them as some would feel this was merely a case of sour grapes. — Sapa
source: http://www.dispatch.co.za/
