The Exclusive Journeys with Amakhosi every month continues till the last game of the season (interviews and videos with the fans coming soon):
Siyabangena!!!!
Latest Premier Soccer League News
DISKIOFF Exclusive: The Journey with Ngcobo and Amakhosi
The Exclusive Journeys with Amakhosi every month continues till the last game of the season (interviews and videos with the fans coming soon):
Siyabangena!!!!
Who will win the elections Tonight?
Hola my Diskioff readers! What a day izolo (yesterday). I hope everyone voted as this was your opportunity to voice your voice.This was one of the greatest feelings in my LIFE… yes the line was long, but the people that I was amongst made it ever nicer; seeing South Africans signing, dancing and in a happy mood made these elections very special to me. I hope and wish whoever is to rule our country will work hard on making changes.
Enough about politics as I’m not good at that! Tonight we will be divided yet again into Parties (Teams) as this for some teams is d-day, especially for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs who are desperately in need of victories to put pressure on Supersport United.
Now let’s turn our attention to the Parties that we’ll be voting for Tonight:
Remember: it’s DAY1 of elections and anything can still happen…
However, Bay United already guaranteed that they won’t even get one vote (they are out).
Orlando Pirates vs. Supersport United
Hehehe… the ruling party (Supersport) will be gunning not to lose these elections. Pirates who always promise a better life (Cup) will be up to prove to their loyal members they can deliver. Mr. Irvin Khoza and Ruud Krol know that this is their biggest and probably last chance to win voters (supporters) going to the Soweto Derby on the 2nd of May.
Kaizer Chiefs vs. Mamelodi Sundowns
These two Parties didn’t plan well at all for these elections! Sundowns tried to bring a new leader (Henri Michel) with new ideas, but it backfired and HE was fired!!! The supporters will be voting for Supersport not their loyal Party. Mr. Patrice MOTSEPE has lost these elections.
Chiefs! Hehehe! This Party has millions of supporters and could have easily won these elections. However, the new leader of the party (Mushin Ertugral) has lied and promised improvement, but failed to do so. Many Amakhosi fans will disagree with me and say their Party stands a 50/50 chance of winning the elections. OK, they still have a chance of winning these elections, but that will be determined tonight.
These are by far the best ever Elections (Premier Soccer League Season) ever! Now let’s go and vote (support your teams) people tonight.
It’s not “ME” people, but Proffesor’s pen…
Proffesor Khumalo (Diskioff Director)
proffesor.khumalo.diskioff@gmail.com
Soccer Bosses are problematic
On a Saturday I went to watch NFD teams play at the Erica Park stadium Belhar in Cape Town. I was so shocked at the comments made by the one of bosses. The stadium is so small and it was not even full. Everyone at the stadium could hear what this Gentleman was saying to the Coach.
I sat there next to Mkhanyiseli Siwahla whom as well was making noise because the same coach was not playing his favourite (friend) player. I watch with disbelief like how could this gentleman say such things to the guy he employed as a coach. Or maybe he thinks he can do better job than the coach? He might as well fire the poor coach and do the job himself.
In was FC Cape Town vs. Ikapa Sporting. The tension was high as FC Cape Town wanted to close the gap between team and Carara Kicks, it wasn’t to be! They played to a one all draw, it was a dull game!
FC Cape Town got a penalty to make it two-one. Well the Boss was on the stands shouting on the Coach to give his (Boss) favorite player a chance to play the spot kick, the Coach ignored him and chose his trusted player; unfortunately he missed the penalty.
The goalkeeper made a superb save. There was silent for two minutes, everyone was shocked and asking themselves how this guy can miss an important goal like that. While we were silent we got some entertainment from the Boss who was calling the Coach names… wow!
This is what he said exactly. “Coach I F** told, I told you not to give the penalty to that F** player, and you didn’t listen, you F** up and cost us the game”.
This is one of the reasons why the Coaches don’t perform. Interference from the management kills the Coach’s tactics and end up fielding the wrong squad just to satisfy the management.
Only if these guys (Bosses) can stay in their offices drink coffee because is what they know best and leave the coaching stuff do their thing then our football will be recognized and get better.
Nito (Diskioff writer)
nito.diskioff@gmail.com
Lets give Bafana the support they need
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 African 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 (WC 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 the Bafana!
by AB Moula
Tough PSL and Teams review: Part 1
We all know how tough the PSL is especially this season 2008/2009 season. The league is like a marathon, it’s not won by five brilliant games, consistency, character and scoring goals is important.
With the league going to an end it’s getting even tougher and interesting to see who will be the last man standing. This is what makes it the best season.
Ajax Cape Town
This is a very good team. Strong, with skillful players, likes of Shumana, Mabhuti “Zakumi” Khanyeza and more. The team started the race well and they were once challenging for the title. Injuries caused a major upset to this young team. Players fighting in the dressing room were a sign of panic. No one can really tell you what happened at Ajax. The loss of their key players that were regulars last seasons was another factor. Bryce Moon, Enough Young and Paulse were the key players. Again the lack of experienced players caused them dearly. Inconsistency they got tired.
AmaZulu FC
Slow start at the beginning. They have a good mentor, Clive “The DAWG” Baker and Neil “Mokoko” Tovey. The team has done well so far looking at the league table at the moment. No big name players, always underdogs with a surprise package. They are the real fighters. They don’t have the so-called stars, but team effort is more important to them that is why they are where they are now. Still lack of character players is a problem; players need a leader like SHOES MOSHOEU.
Bay United
He he he! The perfect example of the inconsistency. The team can do well today and impress everyone and do really bad for the next five games. Maybe the training facilities are not up to scratch. They have good players and a good coach Khabo Zondo. They gave the so-called big three a run of their money, but did terribly against other teams. The race is not for the lazy ones. Mamelodi Sundowns will breathe well if this team gets relegated.
Bidvest Wits
The Clever Boys, are a good team, he he he! Wits is a kind of the team that participate for what I don’t know. They never win anything yet they have the money to get players, well they were never in the spotlight for anything. They just play football in the Premier Soccer League, hai something must be done here.
Bloemfontein Celtic
Ehhhh bana! Don’t know what is wrong with Siwelele! With so much support they could have been amongst the top three fighting for the title. I think the interference of management and chopping of coaches hurt this team. The team has the best faithful supporters any Coach can ask for! They are on the relegation zone. I personally don’t want to lose the team to NFD. We need that kind of support, player moving and coming into the team rhythm of the team. My friend called me izolo and lashes out on Sundowns players for losing against Thanda Royal Zulu. According to him had Sundowns won that game, both Sundowns and Celtic could have benefited. Hehehe TMT… no favours baba.
Free State Stars
Another surprise package. With the like of “not fit to play for the National Team” in the mix the team is doing very well. You can imagine if Steve Kompela was brought in early, a job well done to this team. They have done well.
Let me get a drink… so we can relax… I’m not done baf'wethu. Read my part two below! Hehehe!
NITO (Diskioff writer)
nito.diskioff@gmail.com
Tough PSL and Teams review: Part 2
For the third time you come across this headline on Diskioff. Yes you got it right and yes it is volume three, which means the stakes are now higher than before.We all know how tough the PSL is especially this season 2008/2009 season. The league is like a marathon, it’s not won by five brilliant games, consistency, character and scoring goals is important. With the league going to an end it’s getting even tougher and interesting to see who will be the last man standing. This is what makes it the best season.
PART 2........ powered by Nito himself… ..
Golden Arrows
Hehehe! This team was walloping anything in front of them at the beginning of the season, whipping team four nils and more. They got tired along the way and started donating points. This is a marathon not hundred meters. Hehehe, remind me of the Duracell Battery Advert. Started so well only to faint along the way! Inconsistency is important.
Kaizer Chiefs
Well, well, well, well. The current Chiefs squad was the most overrated in a long time! They are not doing so badly, they are on the third spot and still in the run for the title, but according to Kaizer Chiefs standards… the current players are just unbelievable to play for Chiefs. The Coach or Management made a blunder by realizing key players like Nzama, McCarthy, Gert, and Patric Mayo. Hehehe! Some players took Jomo Cosmos to NFD, but they were signed by the top team like Chiefs… hai hai. Jose Torrealba is a hit man, we know him very well when he played for Sundowns. But manje he is been misused and the team, no suppliers for him. Tinashe Nengomasha can’t do it alone and he’s getting old. Firing the coach won’t solve a thing. The players are the problem, not all of them though.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Hallelujah! Someone need to tell whoever is buying players at this team that, only 11 players are allowed to play in the field and can only make three subs! Bought all the so-called stars and haven’t use them to their full potential, well some are finished or fat. This is destroying the future of the other players. Chopping Coaches is a real problem here Michel destroyed the boys’ spirit. I don’t blame him, Ted never advised him on how we play diski eMzansi only when he is gone Ted come out and say he (Michel) never ask for anything – that’s called backstabbing at its best.
Too much of a good thing is bad, so many stars was a bad idea, the technical team is just full to capacity we don’t know who is doing what, players get confused. The piano and shoeshine turned to be Malopo (traditional Dance). Key players were lost, Lerato (less pay) Shabangu, Dillon “Good-deal” Sheppard, Josta “Game-time” Dladla, Mbulelo “Mqhombhoti” Mabizela. These players left a huge hole to be filled. At the moment Sundowns is a daily Bread to any team, weak, and inconsistency again. Players must get their act together or bite the dust.
Maritzburg United
Good coach, but the team performs below par. Hehehe.
Moroka Swallows
Players complaining about the training facilities was bound to cause a setback, but beating Chiefs and Pirates… then called themselves Soweto Kings. Hmmm! Only to get shot down while they were up the sky with their wings wide open. Hehehe, its not GREAT! And Sandile Ndlovu must be Bafana Bafana target man.
Orlando Pirates
The two nil specialists! Hehehe! This is my team of the season everything is balanced, playing very well, with the individual brilliance and team work they are a good force, the problem is they tend to disappoint because they are not winning anything!! Benson Mhlongo is a new John Moeti there - remember small boy? We need him for Bafana Bafana. I bet you if they won’t win the league they gonna lose the support that they’ve got.
Platinum Stars
Another Sundowns wanna be. The team is buying all the crocks available and all the bad boys on offer. I think the PLATINUM is just too much for them. They win and lose it’s a routine they are used and don’t worry anymore.
Santos
This is a good team under Major David Bright. His soldiers are doing the good job, just unlucky at time. One of those team that must be in the PSL to compete, they never win anything, we call such teams the Stem of the League.
Supersport United
Very well organized team, but disappointing when playing in the continental competitions. Very strong team, character and vision takes goals well, they know what they want. League Champions material. Its high time Dane Klate is called for Bafana Bafana to give Shabalala competition.
Thanda Royal Zulu
They were a one man team he left the team still needs to adjust for the loss. Whipping everyone at the beginning and lost the spark on the way.
Well the League is a big marathon not for the chancers! A team needs; Quality not quantity like Downs did, skill, experience, character, discipline on and off the field, good composure and most of all consistency because you have to participate against the best players and on the way avoid injuries if you can and score as many goals as possible then the league is yours, I give it to Supersport United.
NITO (Diskioff writer)
nito.diskioff@gmail.com
Beating Chiefs is like beating United
Today I would like to help a lot of South Africans understand how it feels to beat Kaizer Chiefs (Amakhosi). Chiefs is South Africa’s biggest TEAM loved by many people… from a one-year-old to a 100-year-old person.Remember when Jose Mourinho (former FC Porto coach) and his side when they beat Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League… and went on to win the prestigious tournament? The man ran like a madman going to the corner flag to celebrate with his players. No one knew Mourinho!!!
But everyone knew Manchester United! Look at what is happening in English Premier League (what coaches do when they beat United) – it’s like they’ve achieved something in their football careers.
Now let’s take Amakhosi. You can disagree with me, but you know it’s TRUE! Every house in South Africa has a Chiefs fan. Go on and ask your father, brother, sister, step-dad or grandfather… some of them are Chiefs supporters.
Now look at a team like Tuks (Pretoria University) and they beat the mighty Amakhosi. People say the coach (Steve Barker) is starting to have a big mouth. The coach of Tuks mustn’t say “HE DOESN’T FEAR ANY TEAM IN THE PSL!” Yes… he has the right to say so as he has beaten what is a GREAT team eMzansi whether the team fielded a weak team, B-side etc, but on his CV it will say he knocked out Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup.
This for him is an achievement alone before even winning the Nedbank Cup. Look at the players after the game and how happy they were. Probably everyone in the team has a copy of that wonderful 4-3 game against Chiefs.
Look at the PSL teams when they beat Chiefs! Look at the coaches! Look at what some of the commentators say about Chiefs losing or winning! Look at all the newspapers after a Chiefs game!
It’s not “ME” people, but Proffesor’s pen…
Proffesor Khumalo (Diskioff Director)
proffesor.khumalo.diskioff@gmail.com
How did we loose?
Make excuses all you want, we can’t loose to this team, even with all our key players injured. This must really tell you something about the standard of soccer in this country, if there are any standards to talk about.
It is really worrying that we can hardly compete with any team on the African continent with our best SA team. That should really open our eyes as to how far we are in terms of the high standards of the rest of the world.
As if that’s not enough, it takes a good game against Chiefs, and all of a sudden Mongale is a superstar and all the big teams are running around trying to secure a deal with the youngster. (I am not in any way disrespecting the talented boy) Just all this tells you more about our developments and the poor scouting of players. The boy has been playing for Tuks for so long.
Politics aside, our standard of soccer is a disgrace, no wonder we can’t perform at senior level. For God sake what’s so hard just to give good account of ourselves in the championship? No one in this country is taking this serious; least said about our current champions the better. They were simply not interested to represent this country at that level, and they should be fined for that.
Come 2010, I will be wearing my Siwelel T-shirt (since Bafana Bafana don’t have a stable jersey) and be full voice behind all those African countries that will be here, especially Egypt.
Lesokolara la Mo-Afrika
Tsokotlane Nkotlopane
League title coming to Soweto
I can see the League title coming and its just 4 games away, it carries a huge sum with it. Vumani bo!! Siyavuma!!!The man from Lesotho by the name of Lehlohonolo Seema (Orlando Pirates captain) will lift a "League Trophy" for the first time in his life... niyezwa mabhakaniya.
Sobz Nkewana
Celtic will never be relegated
I repeat Siwelele ha gona ko seyang teng!!!!!!!!! Ha re bineng kemang o itsing key ya pina?????????Celtic will never be relegated, not in a million years!!! Celtic will never be relegated, not in a million years!!! Celtic will never be relegated, not in a million years!!!
Celtic will never be relegated, not in a million years!!! Celtic will never be relegated, not in a million years!! Celtic will never be relegated, not in a million years!!! Celtic will never be relegated, not in a million years!!!
by DAMAGE THE HERO TWO TRIPPLE ZERO!!!
Celtic Malokase
Let’s pray that Bobby makes a good offer
I’m happy dat Kaizer Chiefs has entered da race 2 sign PHENYO MONGALA, Tuks (Pretoria University) left winger......Now we can only pray dat Bobby Motaung makes a good offer.... Khosi 4 Life.
Sandile Mtambo
DiskiBabe of the Week
Do you have the looks to appear in our DISKIBABE column?Or think you’ve got the guts and what it takes to be a DISKIBABE?And if you know someone you think could be our next DISKIBABE - let us know... and you will be rewarded:
Check out our DiskiBabe of the WEEK: http://diskibabes.blogspot.com/
I now don’t blame Ngcobo for not wanting to play for Bafana
Hello my Diskioff readers, Happy Easter Holidays… traffic is already hectic and I wish everyone safe trips to their families and churches. We want you all to come back safe and sound.
So ke I’m reading my newspaper and surprise… surprise… our Coach Mr. Joel Santana (I will call him Mr. today as I’m happy) says he is thinking of bringing Benni McCarthy to play in the Confederations Cup for Bafana Bafana after his sagas. He he he!
Now I almost hit another guy’s car after this. What is happening to the likes of: Sandile Ndlovu, Richard Henyekane, Mabhudi Khenyeza, Surprise Moriri, and Bernard Parker? So they are second BEST to Benni who always has to be asked so many times to play for our National Team. Ain’t these guys all equal? What is wrong with our coach and the technical team?
Is Santana afraid or maybe doesn’t trust these players? This is called killing everyone’s spirit especially these boys. Now ask yourself why Sthembiso Ngcobo said NO to his Bafana Bafana call-up. People started labeling him as a “traitor” and “selfish” - “He washed away his opportunity to play in the Confederations Cup and World Cup for Mzansi”.
I see that Ngcobo was also probably angry after he was called up after another player pulled out like Benni usually does. How do you expect a player to give 100% as he even knows he was not in the coach’s plan… probably won’t even play as well. It’s just to cover that space.
I would also say I’m injured or come up with some story so that I don’t have to play for 2 minutes on the field. Remember what Samuel Eto'o did when the former Barcelona coach, Frank Rijkaard, tried to put him on to play for 1 minute? He said NO! What is the point really mara?
Example: BAFANA BAFANA PROFILE
Name: Sthembiso Ngcobo
SA Caps: 21 – minutes in total: 51 minutes (1 minute or 5 minutes on the field in 21 games)
Goals: 00
How many strikers are trying so HARD to score goals in the PSL and fight for that POSITION in the national team? Benni will always be number one even if he does wrong.
It’s obvious that he will be playing in the Confederations Cup and World Cup. What’s the use of scoring 3 hat-tricks and still not play for the national team?
It’s not “ME” people, but Proffesor’s pen…
Proffesor (Diskioff Director)
proffesor.khumalo.diskioff@gmail.com
It’s up to Chiefs management manje
by Asanda
After Saturday’s game I was angry, but realise that this season (2008/09) will one I wont 4get for a very long tym. I’ve tried to bury my feelings, but it was hard as I cried all the way back home. Chiefs have really hurt me. But who should we blame? Coach? Management? or Players?
by Smangele
We can only redeem ourselves now by challenging 4 the 2nd place… that’s if we’re even interested.
by Sbusy
Sum people just don’t know soccer, they think if da team don’t perform dan da Coach must go....it will help doz people 2 watch more games... deyz nothing wrong da Coach! Da playas r 2 blame 4 this.
by Sandile
What I’m not happy about is the quality of the team. Everyone is like lost, kanti what kind of players did we buy this season? Maybe we should blame the Coach or the players. But manje it won’t make any differences as we are out of the championship. It’s time for the management of Chiefs to make a decision come end of the season.
by Thulani
Well, after Saturday's result we should say goodbye 2 any aspiration of winning the Absa Premiership… Next season we’ll c.
by Khaya
Whatever we say now won't make any difference, it's now up to the Board of Directors & the Management of the team. We'll support whatever decision they take, I just hope they take note of our views. KHOSI 4 LIFE....
by Ndabentle
South African Under-20's Planning A Number Of European Fixtures
Amajita head coach Serame Letsoaka says the national team is ready for the Fifa Under-20 World Cup.Amajita have been handed a favourable draw, being pitted in a group along with Honduras, Hungary and the United Arab Emirates, but Letsoaka has warned against complacency.“What people should know is that there are no small teams that have qualified and that means all the teams will have to work hard to proceed to the next round,” he told KickOff.com.
Letsoaka, who has just been appointed as the South African FA’s (SAFA) new technical director, will travel to Egypt as his last assignment before taking over his new position.“With enough preparations the boys will do the country pride as they did in Rwanda, where they finished fourth and qualified for the finals,” he added.
Letsoaka pointed out that while Amajita have yet to begin preparations for the September tournament, team manager Winston Marumo, who attend the draw in Luxor, Egypt, would try to organise a few international friendlies for the team in Europe.
The South Africans will be eager to repeat their feat of the class of 1997 when, under the guidance of Shakes Mashaba, the side earned rave reviews and finished runners-up after losing 1-0 to Morocco in the final.
Unfortunately, this was the last time they made an appearance in the tournament.Amajita’s gutsy performance at the recent African Youth Championships in Rwanda will not be overlooked by the opposition.
The South Africans opened their campaign by beating highly-rated Ivory Coast 1-0. They then won 2-1 against favourites Nigeria, who had never been beaten by a South African side in a competitive match.
However, the highlight of their campaign was arguably a brilliant fightback against eventual champions Ghana in the semi-finals, when South Africa came from three goals down to lose 4-3.
Egypt 2009 will be Hungary’s fifth appearance at a FIFA Under-20 World Cup. On the four previous occasions, however, in 1977 (Tunisia), 1979 (Japan), 1985 (former USSR) and 1997 (Malaysia), they were unable to make a name for themselves on the big stage, falling each time in the first round.
Things could well be different in Egypt, though. Wilco van Buuren’s youngsters are riding the crest of a wave after their impressive performance in last year’s UEFA Under-19 Championships, and it would come as little surprise to see the east Europeans make significant progress.
The Europeans beat both Bulgaria and Spain 1-0 before losing 2-1 against Germany on the road to qualifying.While not underestimating any team, Amajita’s opponents from the CONCACAF zone, Honduras will have much to prove.
The last time they reached this stage of the competition, much was expected of them, but their campaign at Netherlands 2005 ended in heartbreak. Three heavy defeats saw them go home early with zero goals scored and 15 conceded.
Honduras obtained a third-place finish in the CONCACAF zone this time out, with a 2-2 draw against El Salvador, a goalless draw against the highly-rated US and a 4-0 drubbing of Jamaica.
source: http://www.goal.com/en/
Who will be 2008/09 PSL Player of the Season?
Previous winners:
2007-08
Elias Pelembe (Supersport United)
2006-07
Godfrey Sapula (Mamelodi Sundowns)
2005-06
Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns)
2004-05
Collins Mbesuma (Kaizer Chiefs)
2003-04
Tinashe Nengomasha (Kaizer Chiefs)
2002-03
Mbulelo Mabizela (Orlando Pirates)
2001-02
Andre Arendse (Santos)
2000-01
Benjani Mwaruwari (Jomo Cosmos)
1999-00
Siyabonga Nomvete (Kaizer Chiefs)
1998-99
Pollen Ndlanya (Kaizer Chiefs)
1997-98
Raphael Chukwu (Mamelodi Sundowns)
1996-97
Wilfred Mugeyi (Bush Bucks)
Hahahaha, What? Chiefs?
I could not help but feel for the thousands that went to Olympia Park this past Saturday to watch their once world beaters manage just a draw against Free State Stars.
I was in Rustenburg, although I did not have any time to waste. If I did I would have gone to the stadium, but had more pressing things to do, like take the mother of my lovely daughter out for lunch. On my way home I passed the Amakhosi faithfuls and from the look of their faces, I thought Kaizer Chiefs has lost.
Well, the last time I tried to ask about Mushin and his success in destroying Chiefs, I was told two things.
1. How do you say that about a coach that is still in contention for the Nedbank Cup?
2. How do you say that about a coach that is still in contention for the League?
I am not a prophet, but it really beats me how people would have such high hopes over a team that cannot string 6 touches together? Well that tells you how much we love our teams.
From here, the Management at Chiefs should start preparations for next year, and it starts with the hunt for the man to take up the hot seat. I wonder if Chiefs wanted to try to develop a championship winner in Mushin.
The man has never achieved winning the league, and it looks like he won’t win it until Jomo Cosmos wins it twice in succession.
All I would say to Mushin is a simply this: "Bye bye Coach, you sealed your fate".
Baile (Diskioff manager)
baile.diskioff@gmail.com
Name your PSL Team of the Week
The “TEAM OF THE WEEK” is produced by Proffesor and Lerato. Remember it must only feature Premier Soccer League players from this weekend’s matches.
Let’s get this ball rolling – this is my PSL Team of the Week
Keeper:
Patrick Tignyemb (Bloemfontein Celtic)
Defenders:
Vinicius Da Silva (Moroka Swallows)
Dominic Isaacs (Kaizer Chiefs)
Sanele Mabaso (Free State Stars)
Kasonga Bukasa (AmaZulu)
Midfielders:
Mark Mayambela (Bloemfontein Celtic)
Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates)
Lefa Tsutsulupa (Moroka Swallows)
Cecil Oerson (Moroka Swallows)
Strikers:
Katlego Mashego (Orlando Pirates)
Sandile Ndlovu (Moroka Swallows)
Coach:
Julio Leal (Moroka Swallows)
Let us know if you LIKE it and if not... write yours.
DISKI… we just LOVE it!!
Bafana needs a target man
McCarthy was on the spot light in the 1998 African Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso. He banged them goals as if that was his last tournament alive. From that moment the hope of the nations rested on his shoulders.
You can imagine how much pressure he was on from that time. He was available most of the times and did well, but still the National selectors failed to develop or at-least produce another good striker.
It seems we only remember the bad about Bennie McCarthy but he has done well for the national team as well. I am not protecting him or some sorts. If the national selectors had a plan B in terms of the striking force we wouldn’t be after him like this. Our national selectors failed the nation.
If Bennie is not available then what? We have no goal scorers. With due respect to the current strikers, but they are nowhere closer to McCarthy. Bennie is lethal goal scorer but now we have middle-fielders played as strikers.
For us to score goals we need a target man like Bennie, Masinga (Chippa) Philemon, mark Williams the list is endless. The current crop is not satisfactory Parker is good but he doesn’t have the body of a target man but still our coach plays 4-5-1 formation.
Look at the big nations in the world players will do whatever they do just to play for their countries, because they know that once they lose the position it’s going to be tough for them to come back but here because McCarthy has no competitor he knows anytime he wants to play he will play.
It’s worrying to watch the current team playing. Yes we have the first eleven but I am still not convinced if this these guys can take on the top world teams.
Before you call for my head, here are my reasons:
Teko Modise is good, but what if he gets injured? We have no substitute for him (maybe Steven Pienaar), Siphiwe Tshabalala has done well he has no competition for that left wing, instead they put Surprise Moriri there (Right footed player with no pace).
Bernard Parker has done excellent job, but he cannot stay with the defenders as he was suppose to (Target man), we saw him going deep to collect the ball when we played against Portugal.
What I am saying is that we need to have a plan B if A disappoints. The lag of goals is our main problem but SAFA was busy negotiating with McCarthy instead of grooming another players. I mean what kind of a message is SAFA sending to other strikers when if they will just jive to every tune (kaap se daans) by Bennie.
We have a strong man like Sandile Ndlovu of Moroka Swallows and Nkosinathi Nhleko (he is still a good player and he makes good runs and he uses his body well as a target man. “Laities don’t win anything” this was Arthur Zwane simply saying the youth cannot win a thing unless you mix them with experience.
We need guys who want to play for their country but we most definitely need a target man. In the past we had guys like PHIL “Chippa” Masinga, Mark Williams on the same position, Doctor “16v” Khumalo, John “Dungi” Moeti, Linda “Benz” Buthelezi, Erick “Mlugu” Tinkler and John "Shoes" Moshoeu.
All quality, where prepared to play at anytime and produce now players they fake injuries because they know that there is no one who can take their position! Blame SAFA they should have found a target man and other good strikers when Benni started his nonsense.
N.B. We need the goal scoring machine before the World Cup or else our players will watch from the stands just after the group stages.
Nito (Diskioff writer)
nito.diskioff@gmail.com
Who will attend?
The issue of the coming World Cup is a very serious concern. Fifa through its Gen Sec have recently complained about what they termed poor attendance during the recent Nelson Mandela Challenge down at the Platinum Province, on the outskirts of Rustenburg, in the semi rural area of Phokeng.South Africa is a developing country, and is in the continent of Africa. The majority of the people here live below the poverty line. That does not affect their love of football though. They would take their hard earned cash and go watch their favourate teams. This might not happen week in and week out, but most of the time there is a reasonable crowd at our stadiums.
They will go to the Computickets, Shoprite stores to purchase their tickets in making sure their beloved players hear their vuvuzelas. This is the only way they know will get them to the stadium, and the fact that most of the time they will get the tickets at the stadium. This is how they would have expected to make their way to the stadium come 2010.
These soccer loving fans can easily be classified into several categories.
The Lower class: These are the ones who are very passionate about the game and do not earn too much money. They go to most if not all the games of their teams and are always in the smoke of Dagga, on what is called the extra strong site of the stadium.
The Middle class: They do love the game and they aspire to be in the suites, and for them sitting on the extra strong is actually not their thing, but what can they do. Once in a while especially on month end they would be in the suites, or when their bosses are happy they would be in the suites and they would make everybody know about it.
Then the Upper class: For them going to the stadium is their way of Networking. They will always be in the suites and they do not care much about what happens on what happens on the pitch most of the time. These are the ones who unfortunately can afford to buy tickets to the world cup. The only problem is that they are very few, and hence the sales of the tickets are so low.
As for the way the tickets are sold and the prices thereof, the lower class are excluded big time. I would not even talk about the internet, because the majority of our supporters are not that computer literate. This is basically not for us the lower class. I went to the FNB branch to try to buy some tickets. It took all my lunch time to get to buy the tickets, and I was told that this is not confirmed that I will see the two games I choose.
Well, if you ask me, those that filled the Loftus Stadium when Kaizer Chiefs played Manchester United during the Vodacom Challenge, will have to go there and clap their hands when our Beloved Bafana Bafana take to the pitch during the world cup.
The lower class supporter...
Baile (Diskioff manager)
baile.diskioff@gmail.com
Diskioff Soccer Tournaments Pics
DISKIOFF played in a soccer tournament last month – results and pictures are also posted in the Diskioff Group and Scrutinize Group!!
It was a fabulous Tournament - everyone enjoyed themselves and gave it all for the team. We also promoted Scrutinize in the tournament which was big and challenge, but thanks to the young ladies everyone was singing Scrutinize in the tournament...
check Soccer Tournament pictures in link below: http://diskihelp.blogspot.com/
Results of Diskioff in the Tournament:
HOME - AWAY
Diskioff 7-0 Krono Boards
Diskioff 3-3 Asoka
Ratanga A 0-3 Diskioff
Diskioff 1-0 Mazars
FNB 0-13 Diskioff
Quarterfinals
Swat 3-1 Diskioff
Prizes Diskioff won!
2 cases of beer (48) after a draw as the BEST team
Thanks to all our helpers (players, sponsors as well) and the people who were supporting us in the tournament. We had a wonderful time and looking forward to our NEXT Challenge.
Thanks,
Proffesor Khumalo
proffesor.khumalo.diskioff@gmail.com
Our hopes for 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup
I think we have high hope of getting to the semifinals in the Confederations Cup. With Iraq and New Zealand very beatable side, for Bafana Bafana it shouldn't be too hard.Spain will be a difficult encounter but if we play our Madiba Magic football I think we could draw or even beat them. Remember in 2002 World Cup when we lost to them 3-2?
I hope we get a great game like that one but this time the win going in Bafana's favour.
by Essop-Cachalia
