Support the Team and not coach

Orlando Pirates vs. Kaizer Chiefs - I think we are going to win the game, although is not going to be easy, our boys will proof many people wrong. They must just go there and play their normal game and mustn't put pressure on themselves because they might end up making silly mistakes that could be avoided.

I think our players learnt from the League match that we lost to Chiefs. Some of the mistakes that they made could have been avoided. The game is going to be won in the middle of park where Andile Jali and Clifford Ngobeni operate. I think Tlou Segolela and Ezenwa Otorogu should be given an opportunity to start with the game.

Punch Masenamela and Co will have a lot defending to do as we are going to attack from the first whistle. Wish the entire Ghost to rally behind the team in numbers and support the team and not coach or anything else but just to support.

I know some supporters thinks they are coaches and players and my plea to those supporters is to SUPPORT THE TEAM AND NOT COACH as we have the coach by the name of RUUD KROL. There will be no Knowledge Musona magic on Saturday.

We've got plans for all the 11 players of Kaizer Chiefs including the buy one get two free and their substitutes. I wish the referee is not going to be Buyle Gqubule (Premier Soccer League referee of the year), but somebody else.

I can’t remember winning a game when that referee officiate Pirates games. Segolela, Otorogu and Jali will shine for the Buccaneers, as for Chiefs players, there will all be passengers and, I feel sorry for Itumeleng Khune as he is going to have a busy night.

Once and Always

By Carol Mohale

The Special One got slapped from Pepe

Barcelona 5 - 0 Real Madrid: Guardiola give 5 slaps to Special One Mourinho, the new Egidio's Illustration. 'The Special One' got slapped from Pepe Guardiola.

... While the good Casillas is distracted with the new look of his girlfriend .....

The Real Concerns of Casillas, A New Egidio's Illustration

Tsotsi coaches Tiko - Part 1 & 2

The end is near for Rainer Zobel

Moroka Swallows management have been patient enough with their German coach Rainer Zobel, the team has been on a downward spiral of late despite reaching the final of the MTN 8 where they lost to arch rivals Orlando Pirates earlier on in the current season.

The Dube Birds are a team with a reach history in South African football, they are supposed to be challenging for top honors on a regular basis. Instead they are fast losing the respect they deserve as well as support, it will take them years to recover from this fall from grace.

Except for winning the Absa Cup in 2004 and the Nedbank cup in 2009, Swallows have failed dismally to impress, especially in the league. The arrival of Rainer Zobel last season brought hope to the Dube Birds, he promised to deliver the goods this season but the team is languishing at the bottom of the league table and it's not a pretty sight.

The news that Zobel will leave if he fails to beat Supersport United on Saturday will be music to the Swallows supporters, they must be getting tired of being a weeping boys of South African football despite the reach history of their beloved Birds. Swallows management have to make a decision, the team needs a new coach who will revive the team and bring in fresh ideas, because as things stand, Swallows are in trouble and relegation is looming.

Swallows needs a coach who will inject more youth to the team and ensure that they get back to their competitive selves. A coach who will bring style and excitement back to the team.

It is the end for Rainer Zobel?

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

Open letter to a HATER......

Whoever wrote this (Open Letter to Teko Modise on SoccerLife Magazine) is a HATER. If there is one thing I can't stand is a HATER... HATERS should be hanged by the ankles and spat on. I will HATE a HATER any day. Can't stand the people that look at a jug of HATER-ade and drink it up like in one gulp.

Teko Modise is not that much different from any player in the Premier Soccer League. Granted, he was a marketer’s dream, any little child’s hero and a darling to the Diski Lovers.

People like Ntsie Maphike are big time, ball sucking, HATERS too. This boy and K-Mash were doing their thing in lower divisions… they proved their worth against all the odds, and what do they get at the summit... HATERS GALLORE!!!!!

Why does it seem to happen with Orlando Pirates players anyways? Why is it that the once you don the Black and White jersey, you seem to be taken to Super-Stardom and quickly dropped like a terrible habit.

All the HATERS have no sense of support, the only way you are immortalized in their hearts is when you are dead. Lesley Manyathela would have been HATED on eventually if he would still be alive.

Gift Leremi was HATED on too before he passed... only after his death, you all recognized his worth. I feel so sorry for Steve Lekoelea, Thabo Mngomeni and the latest victim Tso Vilakazi.

Down the stretch, HATERS forget the major contribution the players did for their chosen clubs.

GOD BLESS Andile Jali...........

HATERS do not understand the journey these guys have to go thru from their youth to the level they are now at... it is not the smoothest ride.

Same HATERS hated on Jimmy Tau last year when Tukkies won against Kaizer Chiefs... when I read that story, and understood what he was going thru, the only thing a fan can do is support the man. To think stuff like that happens all the time, and the sad part is, we are not wired the same.

All HATERS want is to see their team win and their favourite players doing well... reality, it is not possible. DEAL WITH IT and PUT THE HATER-ade JUG DOWN.

There are no measures in place to improve our athletes once they reach the Premiership, it seems over-seas or downhill from there... these animals are thoroughbreds... we hold them to past standards that are simply our childhood fantasies and the media is not helping.

I was humbled when I questioning Pitso John Mosimane’s decision to include Katlego Mphela in the Confederations Cup... that my friends, is called support. Now Mphela understands the value of putting on that jersey.

As much as Teko is off form now, I bet no Pirates fan would love to see him don a Chiefs jersey... he would rather die than do such a thing.

I wish, he could be loaned out for one season to Chiefs and he will experience the love and support of fans like he has never ever before... ask Tau, Jabu Mahlangu (formerly Pule) and Josta Dladla.

HATERS make me sick…

Hater: a person who expresses intense feelings of hatred or spite, when the reason for this is perceived as unreasonable or spurious.

Opinion: is a subjective statement or thought about an issue or topic, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts.

By Bra Pule

Soccer Skills - 'Better than Ronaldinho'

Contract till death

This serves as an agreement between the young "Bra Pule" and the entire diski fraternity.

This copy serves as evidence that the diski fraternity will at all times attempt to entertain Bra Pule by displaying the rhythm and movement that can only be manufactured by two feet of many of our main characters.

In turn Bra Pule will engage himself with as many of our activities regardless of the plans he made prior the on-goings on the field. Bra Pule will rank our activities amongst the Top priorities in his life and that shall only be overtaken by extreme circumstances.

Bra Pule will always give his unconditional love to the fraternity and he reserves the right to voice his anger as he would his happiness whenever he chooses.

The diski fraternity will in return provide Bra Pule with high quality entertainment in terms of the atmosphere of the diski fields and the diski fraternity will ensure the main characters should utilize their talent to the best of their abilities as we do understand that it is not easy for Bra Pule to disengage himself from many other activities he could so easily be doing upon making this agreement.

The main characters will use their talents that will leave smiles on his face on a regular basis by simply perfecting the creativity that they naturally posses.

Bra Pule understands that, the main characters will be classified in different categories and not all of them will have "magic feet" but at the same time he acknowledges that most defenders will do the very best to stop the attackers and in turn the attackers will not over look the hard work made by the defenders. The goalkeepers will be naturally crazy and make the game more interesting by enforcing certain personalities that will leave Bra Pule in sheer amazement.

The Coaches will encourage the main characters to be expressive on the field of play as that will also provide much needed character to the overall fraternity. The clubs will also provide the coaches with the equipment needed to enforce his combination of tactics and encourage proper technical usage to not only assist a team in a competitive match but to also keep Bra Pule and many like him to come back for more of the magic.

We as the diski fraternity realize that Bra Pule will most likely pledge his loyalty to one team, however with this contract, we also equip him with the ability to realize and enjoy a match of high quality regardless of a team that is playing.

We also urge him to understand that there are going to be games played under unusual circumstances and that will obviously limit the amount of entertainment that should be provided. In the same breath, we promise to make it up to him the following game,

Signed (the beginning of the season 1986 till he dies)
Diski Fraternity - Bra Pule

Open Letter to Teko Modise

Open Letter to Teko Modise on SoccerLife Magazine

Dear Teko Modise,

Yours reads like a classic rags-to-riches story, just over five years ago not many knew about you, you were just a boy with a dream. I imagine your journey to a dream must have been something to cherish, and being a star player at Pirates is a mind blowing and sometimes surreal experience.

Having 75 000 fanatics scream your name in admiration of your skill and talent sounds like a dizzying experience, the after effects of such spells are known to be the swelling of the head, and of course that animal called ego gets inflamed. Not every star suffers these unfortunate side-effects though. The inflammation of the ego and the swelling of the head have such depressing symptoms, which I'll tell you about in a second.

It was not long ago I found myself in your presence at an Audi dealership, you drove a slick Audi S3 then but you were trying to trade it in for a spanking new Audi TT Coupe, I heard the salesman tell you nicely you didn't qualify, that bothered me on so many levels;

Was my team Orlando Pirates not paying its star player enough to qualify for this lil' beauty?

Why would you want a 2-seater as your only car? I wondered. I remember wondering why you were stretching yourself so thin financially.

But of course your starlight shone brighter and not long you were rocking in a BMW 645Ci and Range Rover Sport.

In no time you had ballooned to be arguably SA's biggest soccer star.

Black child, it's possible. The message was loud and clear.

But then the symptoms of a swollen head and an inflamed ego started showing their ugly head. Teammates complained you were screaming at them if they did not pass the ball to you, you were at times travelling separately from the rest of the other teammates, reports alleged.

And I read an interview where you are quoted saying, 'The overseas based Bafana teammates already treat me like I play in Europe', that got me thinking, how were you treated differently from the rest of the other locally-based players?

Soon you had lost form, but then that happens to the finest players on the planet.

But after almost two years out of form, one thing is clear, you have a massive problem. Ntsie Maphike, the former Chiefs player now their development coach alleges that it's a natural ageing process because you are in fact thirty-six years old, and not turning twenty-eight as you claim.

I'm not sure I believe that, you don't look thirty-six, but then again judging age by looks is just a lottery at times, Julius is twenty-nine but looks forty-two, go figure!

You are losing your way Teko, you haven't scored a goal in more than six months, I still read interviews where you say you have nothing to prove, you couldn't be more wrong, you have so much to prove, in fact no SA soccer player has more to prove than you do. And you are going to have to come down from your high horse and accept to be treated like every other Pirates player. You are no Ronaldo, Ronaldo scored a mind-blowing thirteen goals last month alone! That's what superstars do, they let their game do the talking instead of tweeting ''I can't stand this BS, I wanna play!!!! I think this is deeper than football''.

Maybe we should just accept that you're not very smart and let you be Teko, so you think the coach has a vendetta against you? Why would he? You honestly think he'll compromise the team's chances by not playing the 'best' player in the team?

I heard you now roll in one of the 'cheaper versions of the Aston Martin, but knowing your fetish for sports cars you probably blew half your life earnings on that car, that car is driven by overseas soccer stars earning millions a week! And your ego has ballooned to unprecedented levels, you probably think you should be in some exotic location shooting a Nike ad with Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, LOL, you are such an airhead with irredeemable arrogance. As a result, the skill has escaped you, you no longer got game, all you have now is a big head and a big ego, and that Pitso Mosimane dude keeps stroking your ego. Teko, no player in the history of football has been given more chances than you, recognize that.

Once you were a humble boy destined for stardom. You see, all the money you've made in your entire career, Steven Pienaar makes it in a few months, yet he remains so down to earth he does not think he's superhuman, I thought that sober mindedness was going to rub off you, but clearly there's not much grey matter behind that tired Mohawk of yours. Another thing Teko, you not a pretty-boy by any stretch of the imagination, so stop trying to look pretty, gosh! *rolling my eyes*

Now please sort yourself out, starting by apologizing to your teammates for treating them like lesser humans than you, or please go join other big egos at Sundowns.

If your real age is 28, it leaves you with just about five years of football, and a big Europe contract seem an impossible dream right now, but you can still make the best of playing locally, you already earn around R150 000 a month at Pirates, you are blessed to be where you are boy, there are many boys with more game than you but they never got the opportunities you got. Show some respect son! And respect that famous black and white jersey, hloniph'i-life boy.

So do you have the will to bounce back? Do you still know how to be humble? I really hate to have had to write this letter to you, but you are a national asset, you play for a legendary team, so I had to say something.

Let's see if you have the character to bounce back, for two years we've been waiting on you recapture your form. Be grateful. Remember Steve Lekoelea, remember Thabang Lebese, yes it will happen to you too Teko!

Now go out there and break a leg, son. Time's not on your side.

By ED KING

source: http://www.orlandopirates.co.za/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11464&PID=208935

Nike Selects "The Chance" Final 100 In Global Search For Elite Football Players

Eight Finalists Join Nike Academy for One Year with Access to World Class Coaching and Facilities – Shot at Pros Awaits

Today NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) announced the final 100 players participating in “The Chance,” a global search for elite amateur players to join the Nike Academy, a high performance program supported by the Premier League in England.

“The Chance gives young players around the world a great opportunity to showcase their talent, enhance their game and gain valuable insight into the mindset and physical demands of the professional game,” said Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal FC. “For the Final 100, trial week gives talented young players the chance to train, play and experience life as an elite athlete, with an opportunity to enter the Nike Academy.”

Under the watchful eye of elite level coaches and scouts the final 100 players from 40 countries were selected from over 75,000 global submissions. Three days of intensive
trials will be supported by world class training and professional insights.

The final eight players selected will live in the UK for a year starting next summer and be a full-time member of the Nike Academy. Players will experience world class facilities, elite coaches, nutritionists, psychologists and fitness conditioners, along with games against elite academies and professional reserve teams.

The final 100 players will travel to London on January 19th to begin three days of intense training and competition, while being evaluated by a world-class team of coaches and scouts. Players will also participate in a series of training drills and tactical sessions aimed to broaden exposure to elite training techniques.

During trial week players will receive personal coaching expertise and tips from leading international coaches and professional players such as Theo Walcott of Arsenal FC. Under the guidance of Huw Jennings, Director of the Nike Academy, the coaching staff will assess the participants and select the final eight players for the Nike Academy.

“Trial week represents a tremendous opportunity for these young players to stake their claim and realize their potential to win a position at Nike Academy,” said Huw Jennings, Director, Nike Academy. “The global reach of The Chance participants is exciting from a coaching perspective, leading to the intensity and high level of competition during trial week.”

The final 100 players were selected by Nike through Nike Elite Training events, the Nike City Cup, as well as exposure through the digital platform.

To view the “The Chance” Final 100 players competing for one of the eight spots on the Nike Academy visit http://go.nike.com/Final100. A group photograph comprising all Final 100 players is available at NikeMedia.com.

Knowledge Musona is the real deal

In a league where goals are hard to come by, it is refreshing to have a player who can consistently find the back of the net and Kaizer Chiefs are the lucky team. In their striker-Knowledge Musona Amakhosi have the best striker in the league at the moment, he is indeed the real deal.

It's too early to say whether Musona will end this season as the top goal-scorer in the PSL but there is a strong possibility, thats if he can manage to keep his form and avoid injuries.

He is a joy to watch, not only when he bangs those goals in, but his movement off the ball, his pace, his skill as well as his positioning are the stuff of legends. Musona has the ability to destroy defences single-handedly on his day, he is deadly.

It is a pity that in South Africa we are still struggling to produce players of Musona's magnitude, deadly strikers who can find the back of the net almost every game. Bafana Bafana would have done with a Musona and Pitso would have less headaches about his striking force.

With a good team that Kaizer Chiefs have, Musona can only get better, it helps that his coach believes in the passing game and pace, which suits Musona perfectly. There is still room for improvement though, the boy needs to sharpen his finishing, it's not bad but it can still improve.

At the rate he is going, I won't be surprised to see him earning a lucrative overseas deal soon, but for now let us just enjoy watching him reap PSL teams defences apart.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

Top Sports Presenters blown away by Chiefs

Pirates Supporters – “Ho Tlo Jiwa Batho!”

It’s Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs this Saturday at FNB Stadium. This will be the first encounter between the two teams in a Premier Soccer League game at FNB Stadium since the stadium was renovated for the 2010 World Cup.

Chiefs are coming from a surprising 1-0 defeat from Santos, while Pirates left Durban with a point against AmaZulu. The pressure is on for both teams to collect maximum points as a draw won’t be what the supporters will be happy with… as that will open a big gap to their rival Mamelodi Sundowns who are looking unstoppable in the league.

Here are some of the views from Pirates supporters about the Soweto Derby:

“I don't want to talk much about this encounter (Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs). I just wanna let my boys do the talking for me on the field of play. I’ll say much after the game because we’ll be parting none stop. Thanx 2 Bucs!” - By Marco Mamphadeni

”Orlando Pirates are taking this home...We're on FIRE. Once a Pirates Always a Pirates!” - By Lelo

“Bhakaniya is going to win the game by 2 goals to nil because chips are meant to be eaten not playing soccer. And to all Kaizer Chiefs fans make sure that your funeral policy is not in arrears coz after the game your loved ones are going to need it... Happy People till we die.” - By Ishmael

“I can't wait for Saturday game. We going to finish what Santos have started by adding another salt on the wound. We taking this derby home by 3 goals to 1 coz we r on FIRE. You can ask Sunflowerz or their neighbours Machantsachantsa a Petoli (SuperSport United). Shapa Bhakaniya Shapa!” - By Chief

“Come Saturday we going to have a KFC (Kaiza Fried Chips) lunch ko FNB Stadium. And also we going to book VV a plane ticket... ho tlo jiwa batho! Here is my possible lines-up for the weekend.... 1. Moeneeb Josephs, 2. Happy Jele, 3. Lucky Lekgwathi, 4. Robyn Johannes, 5. Rooi Mahamutsa, 6. Clifford Ngobeni, 7. Andile Jali, 8. Teko Modise, 9. Chiukepo Msowoya, 10. Daine Klate, 11. Dikgang Mabalane… SHAPA! Bhakaniya! Shapa!” - By Mabonga

All interviews done By Maanda Mafunisa

Join Mr. Mafunisa on http://diski-maanda.blogspot.com/ on his journey with Orlando Pirates - sharing his views about the players and supporters. What’s HOT about Bucs, why Pirates supporters love their team, exclusive interviews with Pirates supporters in soccer games and more and more… about Orlando Pirates Supporters!

Bafana Bafana Squad to face USA in the Nelson Mandela Challenge

The National Team coach, Pitso Mosimane has named a fairly balanced squad of youngsters and experienced players. The goalkeeping department is sorted with the experienced pair of Itumeleng Khune and Moneeb Josephs.

In the defence there are two youngsters, Siyanda Xulu and Keegan Ritchie who may get a run in the match as they have been doing very well for Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows, respectively. The defence also sees the return of Israel-based, Bevan Fransman who has been doing well for his team also.

The midfield sees the long-awaited arrival of Sundowns anchor-man, Matthew Pattison. The left-footed midfielder has been performing consistently for the Absa Premiership log-leaders since he came from Europe more than a year ago and it comes as no surprise that he finally found his way into the national team.

Young midfielder Daylon Claasen who plays his football at Lierse in Belgium has also being called up in place of the ageing Macbeth Sibaya. Kagisho Dikgacoi who has just recovered from injury also made a return into the team. Seasoned campaigners like Teko Modise, Captain Steven Pienaar and Siphiwe Tshabalala are some of the other players in the midfield.

In the striking department there is a surprise exclusion of Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela who has since recovered from injury that saw him miss few games for his club, but as it is said, one man's poison is another man's meat. His exclusion has made a space for 25 years old Davide Somma who has been finding the back of the net regularly for Leeds United this season.

There is also Kermit Erusmus of Supersport United who has been given another chance to show the national team coaches what he can offer to the team. FC Twente's Bernard Parker and Kaizer Chiefs' Sthembiso Ngcobo completes the four-man strike force.

Judging by the exclusion of wingers like Orlando Pirates dangerman, Daine Klate and Elrio van Heerden, it is evident that Coach Pitso Mosimane is going to continue with the system of playing without wingers, but opting for wide attacking midfielders instead, roles which are most likely to be occupied by Steven Pienaar and Siphiwe Tshabalala, on the right and left, respectively. In the central midfield the coach is likely to give the enterprising Orlando Pirates star, Andile Jali a first start and pair him with Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Thanduyise Khuboni or Matthew Pattison.

Khune is expected to keep goals and have Siyabonga Sangweni and Morgan Gould as his central defenders. On the right Anele Ngcongca is expected to do duty, with Tshepo Masilela on the left. With this being a friendly game the trio of talented Swallows left-back Keegan Ritchie, Daylon Claasen and Sundowns centre-back Siyanda Xulu are likely to be given some few minutes of play. Strikers Somma and Parker are expected to lead the team's attack.

By Hennie Kgare

Can Mamelodi Sundowns go all the way?

Mamelodi Sundowns are flying without wings; the sky is really the only limit for them when it comes to winning the league title. It is Coach Antonio Lopez's mandate to clinch the league this season and he is right on track.

The Brazilians have won six of their seven league games, losing only to other hot league favourates Orlando Pirates. In the process they have scored eleven goals, making them the second highest scoring team behind Bidvest Wits, conceding only three goals, second to Kaizer chiefs who so far have let in only two goals.

For Sundowns supporters it is a breath of fresh air to see their team sitting pretty on top of the log with a four points lead, the hopes are high that the team might finally deliver the elusive Absa Premiership title.

Last season they came so close but it was not be. Sundowns will be naive to relax at this point though, the league race is indeed not a sprint, it is a marathon, and like the famous Comrades marathon-it requires the highest level of endurance, perseverance, guts, determination as well as a bit of luck. It will be interesting to see how much Sundowns have in them come mid-season when the pressure starts mounting.

Teams like on-form Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will definitely put Sundowns under tremendous pressure. They are strong contenders for the league and they have made their intentions clear on the field of play, don't forget dark horses the Ajax Cape Town and defending champions SuperSport United who cannot be counted out just yet.

After years of consistent investment in his team, Patrice Motsepe will want nothing more than to win the league title this season, the team has the players and the depth to accomplish that, they are basically the Chelsea of South African football and they need to start earning the respect they so lack these days.

Antonio Lopez has the opportunity to become a hero at Sundowns, a coach who finally brought joy to the Brazilians faithful, it is still a long way to go, but it is possible if he can get his troops to keep their nerve and keep on producing the goods.

Until than, the question will remain, can Sundowns go all the way and lift the Absa Premiership trophy?

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

Bhakaniya gets waxed - Mavhuthu Dzege

Preparing for the Soweto Derby

This upcoming Soweto Derby (Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs) on Saturday is going to be a KILLER one… because both sides are on top form and they are rocking the nets. Chiefs will be coming to the game seeking revenge after Bucs kicked them out of the MTN8 ‘Wafa Wafa’ Cup.

Despite good football from Chiefs, I see Pirates thrashing them to pieces… and looking at Pirates’ recent form (in both Cup and League games) and the preparations for the derby, it should be an easy one for the ghost.

Pirates’ new recruits are playing big roles in the team and one can see that they’ll settle well. However, for now the focus is on tonight’s game against Amazulu in the Premier League. We are taking each game as it comes, step-by-step as Coach Ruud Krol said after our victory against SuperSport United.

It’s difficult these days to select players as we have a lot of quality in the team. However, I will be bold today and select my possible starting eleven against AmaZulu for tonight’s showdown;

Orlando Pirates possible Team
01. Gk - Moeneeb Josephs
02. Rb - Happy Jele
03. Cb - Rooi Mahamutsa
04. Cb - Robyn Johannes
05. Lb - Lucky Lekgwathi
06. Rm - Tlou Sekgolela
07. Cm - Andile Jali
08. Cm -Teko Modise
09. Lm - Daine Klate
10. Sk - Thulasizwe Mbuyane
11. Sk - Chiukepo Msowoya

I selected this team from the recent good form of these players… and I also brought back Teko “The General” Modise because he deserves a run ahead of the Soweto Derby and it’s great way for Coach Ruud Krol to check him out.

Andile Jali is the play-maker and star at Bucs at the moment, but if Modise is included… well ‘The General’ knows the derby expectations and on his day he can do the job for Pirates. With this team I can bet my last cent that we can even beat the world’s best team… Barcelona!

By Maanda Mafunisa

Join Mr. Mafunisa on http://diski-maanda.blogspot.com/ on his journey with Orlando Pirates starting TODAY! He will share his views about the players and supporters. What’s HOT about Bucs, why Pirates supporters love their team, exclusive interviews with Pirates supporters in soccer games and more and more… about Orlando Pirates Supporters!

DISKIOFF Welcomes Maanda Mafunisa!

Premier Soccer League fixtures tonight:
19:30 - Ajax Cape Town v Vasco Da Gama (Newlands Stadium)
19:30 - Bloem Celtic v Platinum Stars (Seisa Ramabodu Stadium)
19:30 - Kaizer Chiefs v Santos (Rand Stadium)
19:30 - Mamelodi Sundowns v Free State Stars (Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium)
19:30 - AmaZulu v Orlando Pirates (Princess Magogo Stadium)
19:30 - Black Aces v Bidvest Wits (Puma Rugby Stadium)
20:00 - Maritzburg Utd v SuperSport United (Harry Gwala Stadium)
20:00 - Moroka Swallows v Golden Arrows (Dobsonville Stadium)

FOUL!: The Secret World Of FIFA: Bribes, Vote Rigging And Ticket Scandals

Andrew Jennings, an award-winning investigative sports reporter, spent four years delving into the dark side of 'the beautiful game'. The result is this explosive and damning expos of the officials that run football's world governing body, FIFA, now fully updated with the political fallout from World Cup 2006.

No individual has managed to penetrate the sanctified domain of FIFA and probed successfully into its often criticized yet unproven corruption of the world game.

Until Now Author Andrew Jennings argues how FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his associates have misappropriated their position at the head of the world game in their desire for power, control, and a lucrative pay-off. How did these bizarre characters manage to take such control?

Foul! is the explosive story. Jennings has undertaken unprecedented research in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, interviewing hundreds of officials and amassing an extraordinary library of damning documents. He tells how Blatter and his cronies built an invincible electoral machine to keep him in power forever.

He revisits the 1970s and the privatization of international sport and its revenues by a close-knit group of officials and marketing agents working for their own self-interest. And he brings the story up to date with new disclosures about how Germany won the contest to stage the 2006 World Cup and the inside story on the dirty battle to host 2010.

Book Reviews of Foul!: The Secret World Of FIFA: Bribes, Vote Rigging And Ticket Scandals

"I agree with Natasha, its an excellent book and shows what a corrupt organisation FIFA has become. After reading this book it did open my eyes to whats happening to professional sport (read it in 2006)......and my love of football, sadly will never be the same again."

"Execellent book. Jennings describes very complex corruption in an understandable, comprehnsive manner. Makes you want to lock Sepp Blatter away in solitary confinement for the rest of his life. I don't recommend reading this if you are a huge soccer fan as it will certainly damage your love of the game. FIFA tried to ban this book for good reason and I hope it will be translated into German very soon so the Swiss can read it."

"I was happy I ended up reading this. Andrew Jennings has clearly done his research into investigating the manipulation and corruptions that exists within FIFA. It is worth a read if you are interested in this sort of issue. However I found at times the facts presented were slightly repetitive and one-sided. Perhaps a more unbiased perspective would have enhanced the value of the book."

"I couldnt put this book down... Jennings has researched it superbly, and leaves me with no doubt that FIFA is a seriously sick organisation."

Source: http://www.flipkart.com/foul-andrew-jennings-secret-world-book-0007208693

Welcome to Phuza Thursday Soccer

Phuza Thursday Soccer is a 5-a-side friendly that was started three months ago by a few guys from Kick Off. Today the 5-a-side has grown and more people are joining… it has really kept everyone in shape since Day One. Players have praised the idea as brilliant, a getaway from their girlfriends and wives for 60 minutes.

Every week players are selected from well-known magazines (Kick Off, Sports Illustrated and Men’s Health) to showcase their talent on the field.

“I’m not sure how the original game came about, but after the first two times everyone was raving about it and loving how it was bringing different brands together. So I approached Basil Fortuin and he spoke to the people at the Gianluca Vialli Soccer Centre to offer them a trade exchange whereby we give them advertising space on KickOff.com and they let us play there for free four times a month,” says one of the organisers, Ryan Cooper of Kick Off.

In the twelfth week of Phuza Thursday Soccer, Team Kick Off defeated Dangerous Darkies 11-9 in a very high tempo game. Team Kick Off controlled the game in the first 15 minutes with some superb displays on the field that saw them lead 5-1. However, the midfield maestro Neil Greig came to the rescue for Darkies with a brilliant hat-trick in less than 5 minutes to bring back the game to 5-4.

Gareth Rosslee was the saviour for Team Kick Off at the back and wasteful chances from Darkies didn’t help. The second half was like a rugby match as 16 more goals were scored… making it an entertaining game that was hard to stop even when the 60 minutes of play were over.

“I’m loving the 5-a-side games. It’s a great way to spend time with my colleagues – and with other guys in the company – and it’s really helping my fitness levels too. It’s a great cardio workout, with the added benefit of having a fun time as well. The games started out pretty tame, but over the past couple of weeks we’ve all really picked up the pace, and the games have been pretty intense,” says Mark Van Dijk of Men’s Health.

The next time Ajax Cape Town, Santos or Vasco Da Gama coaches decide to scout for talent they mustn’t go further than the Sea Point grounds. There is talent there and with Bafana Bafana struggling upfront with strikers, guys like Neil Greig and Brendan Cooper (who both netted hat-tricks) should be the answer ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, while they are still in shape and hungry to wear the gold and green jersey.

Keverne Morland from Kick Off adds, “The 5-a-side games every Thursday have really helped me with my fitness. When I first started I could barely make it to half-time without being subbed at least twice, now I’m playing full games. Every week I look forward to playing not just for the fitness but the game is LOADS of fun. There is nothing like being part of a team again.”

After every game players do what is rightfully correct and chill with a cold beer and reflect on moments of the game. It’s a great way to spend a Thursday after four long days of work.

Next game

Teams: Team Kick Off vs Adidas
Where: Hartley Vale (Cape Town)
When: 5 November 2010
Time: 3:30pm
What to Bring: Beers

By Proffesor Khumalo

I'm MTN8 Last Fan Standing

Malose Kutumela aka Papas 15, a Kaizer Chiefs supporter, was the second winner of the MTN8 Last Fan Standing started by MTN last year. The South African public was asked to text the words ‘Wafa Wafa’ to an MTN hotline and Kutumela emerged as the winner.

DiskiOff: How does it feel to be the winner of the second MTN8 Last Fan Standing?
Malose Kutumela: I feel very happy and lucky as there are a lot of people who entered the competition and to be last fan is something very special to me.

What have you done to be The MTN8 Last Fan Standing?
As an MTN customer, I entered the competition by sms’ing the word ‘WAFA WAFA’ to 083 123 wafa/9232 and a day before final we wrote a football trivia quiz which then decided the Last Fan Standing from 8 nominees.

What was the prize?
The ultimate prize fully sponsored by MTN is: A trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams! Package includes flights, transfers, accommodation and match tickets and I will experience a museum and stadium tour of Old Trafford as well as receiving autographed Manchester United merchandise.

How was this year’s MTN8 and were you happy with your team’s performance in the tournament?
I was fairly happy because we lost to a team that were hungrier than my team as they played like the last game of their life.

Which player was the star for you in the tournament?
Andile Jali (Orlando Pirates midfielder)

Which game stood out for you in the tournament?
The final - because it was the game where I was announced as an eventual winner of the Last Fan Standing… very emotional.

What do you think of the PSL raising tickets to R40?
It’s not a bad price at all considering the rentals of new stadiums, but as for the product we are paying for … it’s not worth the money.

Which player is your favourite in Bafana Bafana and why?
Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper), he is a true role model to a lot of youngsters and disciplined as well.

Which team do you support overseas and why?
Manchester United, for their consistency (coach and players) and striving to be the best on planet earth.

What is your message to South African fans?
Let’s rally behind all our national teams regardless of the age or sex and stop hooliganism in the stadiums and please be MTN customers so that you can also be like me.

How can fans follow you during your trip to England?
http://www.lastfanstanding.co.za/ or invite me on Facebook (Lastfan Standing Kutumela)

What are your last words, Mr. Kutumela?
I would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to MTN for this wonderful opportunity of a life-time and want to say to them…EVERYWHERE YOU GO IS AYOBA! You have really shown us how important we are as football supporters.