Chiefs... my dying love

It very strange how one inherits a team and becomes a fan. Born in the streets of Pimville in Soweto, where almost everyone was Chiefs or Pirates was almost going to be difficult to fall in love with any other team. It was like having a crush on the pretty girl in school. My whole family loved this team and by default I became a Chiefs fan.

The older uncles in the neighborhood would sit us down and tell us about their generations stars. Strangely enough most of them were Swallows fans and would passionately talk about their dying team. My grandfather would sometimes mention a team he once liked, PUB (Pimville United Brothers). Pub was apparently one of the top Soweto teams at some point.

I always asked myself on why is it that a father will support Swallows and his children Chiefs or Pirates. The answer was simply based on the fact that the Swallows they know is not the same one their father knew. Chiefs was simply more successful and popular.

Chiefs and Pirates might suffer the same fate. Great brands must maintain and grow their market when ever possible. How do I expect my younger brother to be a Chiefs fan when a team like Supersport United is clearly more superior?

Why am I still being loyal to a brand that not loyal to me? When I was growing up I would be called a ‘rabela’ if I was a Chiefs fan and wanted to change to Mamelodi Sundowns. Now I understand that I don’t owe the Motaung’s my bum in the stadium. Chiefs it self took some of Pirates fans when it was formed.

At this point, one needs to be loyal to a team that is loyal to them. I feel like Chiefs is not loyal to me and it’s just the matter of time before I decide to end this long marriage. I might be one fan at the moment but the new generation of football lovers are open minded.

Chiefs must start signing big names and winning the league consistently like any big club. It took them 10 years to win a league title, which is pathetic. It’s the most supported club in South Africa, has one of the biggest sponsors in the country, the gate takings are good and they also receive licencing fees. Why don’t they buy quality players?

Kaizer Chiefs must get their act together. Ajax Cape Town, Supersport United, Mamelodi Sundowns e.t.c might one day take over as being the most successful teams in SA. People might start supporting their own provisional teams….. one day!

By Sibusiso

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SABC & 2010 Concern

SABC & 2010 Concern

SABC will be bringing live the 2010 World Cup. I watched the game between South Africa and Jamaica with a couple of friends.

We ended up chatting about the lack of interest of the white community in our National Team.

Now I ask myself as to why most of whites do not even watch the game on TV. I try to put myself in these people's shoes. The commentary is in English and one of the African Languages.

I do not personally get affected because most of the time the African Language is Tswana or Sesotho. Thank God its never in Venda, Shangaan or IsiNdebele, and maybe SABC should explain why a selected few African languages should be privileged in this regard.

The very same SABC would broadcast Cricket and sometimes Rugby and the commentary would be purely English and no African Language. Are they excluding and exempting African people from Cricket and Rugby?

The fact of the matter is English is the national language in this country and most of the African people can speak it, thanks to colonization, so why not simply accommodate most of the people of this country and do sports commentary in English?

I say this with great respect to all African Languages in this country. For the record, if I had it my way, I would have 11 commentators representing all African Languages at every soccer match and someone doing the sign language, just to cater for every citizen of the country.

Baile Motshoane
Fafung village

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Anele Ngcongca, potentially class

"South African players are skillful". How often have you heard this quote from visiting European coaches or players. As if they are being polite on the standards of our players ability. In fact, when you look at the South Africa player landscape the skillful tag is true.

Our players are skillful but they lack everything else that would described them as "class". The term class is left for the players that are at the very top of the game. Fans don't describe Essien, Drogba or Kaka as skillful, they are class.

When looking at the PSL, ninety nine percent of the players are skillful. The one percent left are within the U20 squad who performed well in Egypt. In the Bafana squad, Pienaar and Benni stand alone.

Parker and Masilela are developing their potential to be in this class. Anele Ngcongca has this potential as well.

The more I watch him playing for Racing Genk, the more I'm impressed. Anele is the player Bafana needs, a utility player with class. Recommended to Racing Genk by Arsene Wenger, Anele Ngcongca is able to play central defence, left-wing and defensive midfield with the confidence of Michael Essien. The potential to be class is there, Bafana needs to recognise it.



By Marlon Koopman
http://soccermzansi.blogspot.com/

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SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Learn It And Know It

Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,
Yizwa imithandazo yethu,
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.

Ras Dumisane - SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

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Komphela lashes out at Hack

Parliamentary Sports Committee Chairman Butana Komphela has spoken out about the 'missing' protea in the new Bafana Bafana replica jerseys that were launched last week.

The jersey that Bafana Bafana wore in their 0-0 draw had the protea but the ones that have been sold have been without the symbol.

Komphela lashed out at the SAFA CEO Raymond Hack who was quoted by Business Day insisting 'it is still a Bafana jersey (whether it has the protea or not) and that is all there is to it."

The chairman told the paper: "Raymond Hack is a dangerous, walking time bomb. His statement is the extent of how much he does not care about the pride of his country.

"Tell Raymond Hack that this is a national symbol that we are talking about here and we cannot make a mockery of the World Cup."

It is alleged that SAFA were cutting costs with the omission of the symbol, something that occured during Molefi Oliphant's reign.

SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani has vowed to solve the issue.

He said: "The old guard made these decisions a while back but we now have to sit down with Adidas and sort this out.

"It is something that we are engaging the government about at the moment. But I cannot tell you more about it."

source: http://www.football365.co.za/story/0,22162,14287_5699589,00.html

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Grooming of other strikers and Development

Grooming of other strikers and Development

I had intended to supply only two words regarding this so-called Benni-SAFA saga – Flippin’ Pathetic. One for SAFA and the other for Benni. They’ll sort it out between themselves as to who takes which word…

But because several people (like Aubrey) have written a few words, I’ve decided to elaborate more (but it still boils boil to the two words… so here goes…

Shame Benni… he’s just a victim of the SAFA’s incompetence… how can they be so inconsiderate. Poor Benni is just back from a grovelling Premiership season, he’s emotionally affected by Santa Claus (I mean the Paraguayan striker threatening to bench him at Blackburn), he doesn’t have a babysitter etc. SAFA need to be respectful and be mindful when they call Benni… he just wants to be a good parent!

Believe it or not, this is how some respected people see this issue. I just cringe thinking that some of our journos and respected commentators habour such diarrhoea!

Firstly, lets acknowledge (and condemn) that SAFA have almost always bungled call-ups. But lets put some context into this now… we know the call-ups happened late because the Music One (our coach Santana) had some business to attend to before gracing our shores. Therefore it is not smart to claim that SAFA do call-ups late and so on. Even if it was the case…

How come Aaron Mokoena (who is in the same team as Benni) and a host of other overseas-based players are here without complaints?

Even Macbeth Sibaya who’s been out of the picture for some time and therefore wouldn’t have anticipated a call has come without undue publicity stunts!

Oh, I forget, Benni is a special case… he’s a good striker and we don’t have any, he’s our top goal scorer and he has a Spanish wife who needs to go on holiday!

Therefore SAFA should get a diary for Benni, check with his wife for schedules (see if there’s a babysitter etc). Then go ahead and belittle other up-coming strikers and dance to the Special One’s whims until we find another top striker. Yeah, that sounds like a plan! Definitely not…

Let’s rather challenge the fallacies and assumptions.

Top Striker and Top GoalScorer:
Of course he’s a terrific striker. No one can deny that. But hang on a bit,he’s been in devastating form for club and not for the national team. The last time I saw his club form for Bafana was in Burkina Faso (I think in 2002) and he’s largely been average on other tournaments (least of all being part of a pathetic display in Egypt).

And yes, by playing regularly as a striker you will end up being the top goal scorer (that was the case with Masinga and later Bartlett).

This does not take anything away from Benni because he is indeed a great striker.

(Even though his club place is threatened by Santa Cruz who is not among the Top20 strikers in Europe)

He’s the Only One we have…
That will remain like this until we give confidence and support to the other young up-and-coming strikers. This is more of a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we keep on saying there’s no one else, so will it be until the Special One uses a walking stick.

SAFA bungles and therefore Benni is justified.

If two wrongs make a right then maybe…
It is the nation we are talking about here and not a personal squabble between Benni and whoever it is at SAFA.

What’s to be done? SAFA need to get their act together and ensure everything is professional and above-board.

Grooming of other strikers and development in general should be top priority. Benni to get a babysitter and decide whether he wants to play for the country or not.

Or he can even try the option of turning out for the Spanish national team. (Good luck in trying to displace guys like Torres, Villa – I wonder if he’s even qualified to polish their shoes!!)

By Mkhulu Christopher Rathebe

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FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 Final Highlights

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Benni McCarthy

Benni McCarthy

Somebody please help me understand this… does your talent entitle you to repeatedly give others the middle finger?

Blackburn Rovers and former/ current/ future/ enstranged/ erstwhile Bafana striker Benni McCarthy has double-crossed SAFA (I don’t mind that, they sometimes do it to themselves) and the nation again.
The unpredictable, albeit talented, goalgetter has declared himself available for 2010 but put on his usual arrogant and ambiguous stance as far as availability before then.

The question is: should he be just allowed back and continue to do the in-an-out jamboree simply because he is talented* or should we instil discipline and thereby bring respectability to donning the national kit.

Let’s say he stays out even after Carlos has gone to England to lick his (and Quinton “My Phone Is Off” Fortune boots (as the coach is expected to do in January). We then struggle to qualify for Ghana 2008 and labour our way through the tourney as well scrape through in the Confederations Cup a year later. In the process we manage to make a real striker out of Lungisani Ndlela and the two Katlegos (Mashego and Mphela at Supersport – watch this pair!).

Then in a bid to increase his national appearance quota for permit and usefulness purposes at Blackburn**, our loveable Benni comes with his cheesy ‘I want to play for my kantry (sic – country is what I mean)’ line.
What do we do – accept him because he’s got more experience and a household name? Call him bluff and stick to the (hopefully) now prolific trio I mentioned? Bring him in with conditions?

Methinks it’s unfair to push our home-grown and dedicated personnel in favour of ‘established’ prima-donnas (irregardless of their undoubted talent).

*Talent is one thing but dedication and hard work is another. As most English teams (especially in the near-past) would tell you, teamwork and dying for the course is what counts. Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke were not the smartest crayons in the box but boy did they work hard! In any case, while we cannot doubt the talents of Benni, what has he done to prevent two disgraceful World Cup 1st round exist and non-qualification for 2006 showpiece.

What role to stop the 1996-2006 Afcon rot and downward slide. The mauch vaunted ‘overseas brigade’ have played a more prominent role in the downward slide! So I ask, what use talent and reputation?

**Right now (even though there are signs of a diminish) Benni is at the top at Blackburn and he’s not threatened and he can afford to play truant with the nation. As soon as he’s threatened and the caps dry up, he’ll naturally be available (hence the 2010 pledge) ala Fortune and Bartlett.

Comments please! Especially if you disagree!

By Mkhulu Christopher Rathebe

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STEVE LEKOELEA fighting

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BREAKING STORIES in DISKIFANS

BREAKING STORIES in DISKIFANS

Walter Mokoena masterminded his downfall
I have watched with interest the way Walter presents and more especially his comments. When the guy was introduced as a field reported back then, i thought he would learn from his colleague, Robert Marawa but Walter did the opposite of what had made Marawa the great presenter he is today. I remember one match between Pirates and Chiefs at the then FNB stadium, he was supposed to be reporting but to my shock, Walter was drunk among the fans and couldn’t even stand on his own the fans had to support him. He did not stop there; he makes stupid comments about players and coaches at times. I guess he thinks he is being funny when he is the opposite. Am glad the SABC has come to realize this and if it is true they (SABC) are not going to renew his contract, i support them. We have better presenters in SA than Walter.

By Thulane

Baloyi is the weakest link at Sundowns
I’m an Orlando Pirates fan and I’ve been following Mamelodi Sundowns in their last eight games. I have to say they are playing well, but the problem is their defense. Brian Baloyi should be marshalling the back; he is the one who is letting the team down. He misjudges crosses, doesn’t know how to position himself, and making silly goalkeeping mistakes. He is not the same ‘Spiderman” who used to be the best at Kaizer Chiefs. I think if he is struggling he should do the right thing and retire and help the upcoming youngsters at Sundowns as goalkeeper coach. I hope the Sundowns coach notice this and replace Baloyi with Marlon or someone who can do the job.

By Thapelo

Which FINAL your watched you rate the BEST ever?
My best FINAL was when Kaizer Chiefs defeated Jomo Cosmos in the Final of the Coca-Cola Cup. Jabu “Pule” Mahlangu aka Problem Child was the hero and looking promising to be one of the greatest players in South African Football.

By Simon

Gavin Hunt says Santos, Ajax and SuperSport will dominate SA Football in the FUTURE
On Metro FM Gavin Hunt told Robert Marawa that SuperSport United, Santos and Ajax Cape Town will dominate Mzansi football in the FUTURE… because they have the best academy in South Africa. He continued to say because teams like Chiefs, Sundowns and Pirates only buy players and don’t focus on development. What you think about this statement by the two times Absa Premier League champion COACH?

By Ayanda

WAR: Itumeleng Khune Vs Arthur Bartman
I was one of the people who doubted Arthur’s ability as a Chiefs keeper. I thought when Khune was out we will be fighting relegation, but now I know that he is world class keeper and Khune will have to fight for the jersey now. This is a great competition and this is what we need in all departments at Chiefs.

By Amanda

Neil Tovey must be AXED!!!!!!
I think Clive Barker must be called to replace Neil Tovey. Usuthu is going back to NFD again if Mr. Sokhela doesn’t wake up and smell the coffee. I think Neil is not used to be coaching a small team. Time for Mokoko to do what is right.

By Mgekegeke

Today’s supporters are boring
I missed the rivalry of supporters. Today Pirates and Chiefs supporters mix. In the olden days you will find the Chiefs fans in their side and the Pirates fans in their side. Fans used to dislike each other inside the stadium… then outside they’ll be friends again. It was the war of the players and the fans. You wouldn’t chill with the Chiefs fans if you are a Pirate fan. Today everyone chill anywhere. It’s boring! I want the good old days back to spice up the football among supporters.

By Tebza

Let’s rally behind Bafana and Parreira!
I know a lot of people are still not happy with the re-appointed of Carlos Alberto Parreira. However, we as South Africans we must support our players and Parreira. There’s no time to criticize SAFA for what they’ve done. We as the supporters need to help the players and also bring back the winning spirit. Let’s start this by our two friendly games against Japan and Jamaica this month. Lets us all be positive and support Bafana Bafana.

By Busi

Bafana new soccer jersey – are you going to buy it?
So my GREEN Bafana jersey will be old come Wednesday 12AM? I’m now having a problem with these Bafana Bafana jerseys. Is this the same jersey that I’ve budgeted for… for 2010 World Cup? Or are we going to have another jersey for the 2010 World Cup? If not this jersey should be R50 in my own opinion as in 5 months time again it will be old and I will be required to buy a new jersey once again. SAFA and ADIDAS must explain why Bafana need a new jersey as for me they didn’t win or achieve anything to celebrate a new jersey for Christmas. I am behind BAFANA, but this is not on at all – Bafana jerseys are not cheap. Anyway I’m also wondering if you guys are going to buy the new Bafana jersey that is going to be launched this Wednesday (2009-11-11).

By BigMac

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The derby has lost its spark

After watching a boring Soweto derby, one can admit that the "biggest match" on the PSL calender has lost its status.

A scoreless draw inside a near capacity crowd at the Orlando Stadium left the fans disappointed at the display from both teams.

After the match both coaches did not sound disappointed at all with the result which raises many questions. I wonder if the two foreign coaches understand the importance of the derby to the fans, sponsors and the players.

Do they stress to the players the importance of displaying a good brand of football and winning.

The Soweto derby has always been charactirised by flair, passion and willingness to die on the pitch. However, recently it has been the opposite. Both coaches and players see this fixture as just another PSL fixture, which defeats the purpose of calling it one of the biggest derbies in the world.

I would like to suggest that this fixture be sold as just another fixture.

Written by
Wanda Wela Mgwebi
http://mzansisoccer.blogspot.com/

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