adidas Predator Lethal Zones: Dribble

The fifth and final Lethal Zone has been unveiled by Adidas – Dribble. With the final set of White/Orange boots set to hit fields tonight on the feet of Nani and Samir Nasri, The launch of the new Predator LZ is closer than ever.

Dribble is voodoo. He turns legs to jelly and feet to concrete. He zigs when you zag. Dribble is there and suddenly he’s not. When they think he is done. There is only deadly to come.

The SL rubber provides optimum grip on the ball for controlled dribbling. The ribs of the rubber positioned on the lateral side of the boot are designed to provide a small contact surface area with the ball and configured for a large number of quick ball contacts, spaced out to ensure optimum grip.

Guardiola is gone – sad, only the personality, we hope

On Friday April 27, the day Barcelona scheduled a press conference for their fabled coach to shed light on his future with club, if you were living under a rock and just came out, you will be forgiven to suggest that the tension leading up to the most anticipated announcement, was like a funeral, especially in the Catalan.

The masses of the beautiful game pacing, biting their nails, wondering in tenterhooks, in anticipation. Such is the importance of Guardiola, not only to the players, but to all and sundry, revelling to the tiki-taka that was refined close to perfection by Josep.

When Pep came in, just under 4 years ago, Barca had just lost every trophy on offer and Madrid snatched the League with Barcelona trailing them by 18 points. The necessarily discipline was lacking, as Xavi recalls, “Suddenly little things don’t matter so much, a kilo here or there, a couple of minutes late for training.” He said. “And the next thing you know, the standards have dropped. Pep came in and was on us like a hawk. Every half-kilo counted. Every minute of training was vital.”

“Look at the difference it has made.”

So when the coach announced that he was stepping down at the end of the season, saying that, “The passion necessary to continue, so the players listen to you disappears after four years. I think that sincerely that the next person will have things to bring that I can’t.

Every day during four years, the demands are high, the demands are very high, the pressure, the necessary energy to push the players and enjoy it. I need to rest and move away” you can understand, given the intensity and high level of panache Barca displays week in and week out.

However, as the Melancholy grappled football enthusiasts, the players drew heart when the President, Sandro Rosell said; “We are in a position to announce the name of the new coach: It will be Tito Vilanova.”

The players knew there and then, that they will only miss the personality but the philosophy goes on. “We all wanted Pep to continue,” Barca captain Carles Puyol said. “Once he had decided to go for the reasons he gave, which we understand and respect, the best news was that Tito Vilanova would be staying. It’s a blow Guardiola is going, but Tito staying means the project continues. Tito knows the team better than anyone, knows a great deal about football, and understands the philosophy perfectly.”

It is even believed that Francesc “Tito” Vilanova is more forthright and unrelenting regarding the Barca approach, as he told a Spanish newspaper El Pais’s Lu Martin in 2009, “For us winning alone is not enough. We have an ideal of youth team players and attacking football, as Barcelona culture demands.”

By Thato Ismael Bosoga

Twitter: @Adv_blair

Story: http://goo.gl/kMqHN

Castle Lager head to Cape Town to find the number one Ajax Cape Town SuperFan

In the build-up to the 2010 World Cup, Castle Lager embarked on a nationwide campaign to recruit 16 SuperFans.

Each Premier Soccer League club was represented, and the 16 SuperFans united for a common cause: to come together with Castle Lager and rally behind our national team Bafana Bafana.

With South Africa being chosen to host the African Cup of Nations in 2013, Castle Lager will once again show its support for Bafana Bafana as we host this scintillating continental showpiece.

Castle Lager are now looking for the next batch of SuperFans who will represent, not only their Premier Soccer League club, but also the entire nation as Bafana Bafana play for glory.

The Urban Warriors supporters have an opportunity to audition to become the Ajax Cape Town SuperFan at Cape Town Stadium when Ajax Cape Town square off against Orlando Pirates on Friday evening the 27^th of April.

The Castle Lager SuperFans event will start at 18:00, two hours before kickoff.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Castle Lager will be visiting each and every Premier Soccer League team at their home venue in order to give every supporter an opportunity to become a SuperFans finalist.

The SuperFans supporter search will take place two hours before the match at the stadium. In order to stand a chance to be selected as a finalist, supporters will need to showcase their passion and enthusiasm for their chosen club.

The judges are looking at the following criteria which will influence selection: dressing up in their best football regalia and auditioning at the SuperFans event at the Castle Corner set up at each stadium.

Santos engage with young footballers

SANTOS ENGAGE WITH YOUNG FOOTBALLERS AT THE ABSA SPACES  FOR SPORT CENTRE IN GANSBAAI

Local Cape Town outfit Santos took time out of their busy schedule to pay a visit to the Absa Spaces for Sport Centre in Gansbaai to partake in a coaching clinic with local youngsters from the surrounding communities.

Players from the Absa Premiership club spent time participating in a coaching session where the young footballers got an opportunity to hone their skills through various technical and tactical drills while also having the chance to interact with some of their heroes, who they only ever seen in magazines and on television.

Gansbaai, located in the heart of the Cape Floral Heritage, is a fishing village comprising of three communities that were historically segregated along racial and social borders. The community faced many challenges one of which was a lack of sporting facilities.

In 2006, Barclays proposed to develop land in Gansbaai under the auspices of the Barclays Spaces for Sport umbrella as part of the Absa/Barclays Corporate Social Investment initiative. The Gansbaai Sport Centre was establisted in collaboration with the Football Foundation SA, Overstrand Municipality, Western Cape department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Absa and Barclays.

The centre officially opened doors in 2008 becoming the first Barclays Spaces for Sports site to open outside the UK. The centre provides the community with a facility that allows for quality sports facilities, across a multitude of sporting codes, while simultaneously encouraging social integration, creating employment opportunities, through coaching,  and honing sporting talent and providing a venue for youth development and basic life skills.

The Absa Spaces for Sport facility continues to grow in popularity, with a variety of activities taking place. For example, the Provincial Government of the Western Cape  hosted a girls football tournament involving 160 young girls from 8 schools during 2011. The SA Boland Rugby Union utilized the facility to conduct regional trials for their u/16 and u/18 sides and SAFA have hosted the Absa Women’s League regional final.

The centre has enjoyed international recognition with the likes of American Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson, South African Paralympics Champion Oscar Pistorius, former Bafana defender Lucas Radebe and prominent activist Vanessa Haywood all visiting the facility as part of a Barclays summit, Beyond Sport.

 “Absa are proud to be associated with a facility that has seen three communities integrate under the banner of sport and recreation,” says Steward Masela Absa Sponsorship Manager.

“The people of Gansbaai have found a home where youngsters can have an opportunity to engage with each other across sporting platforms. The lessons that are learned at this level, at these ages, are lessons that will last a lifetime. The facility will give these young people a platform from which they can develop as they grow older and make a meaningful contribution to society,” Masela concluded.

There is no doubt that the Absa Spaces for Sport Centre in Gansbaai has made a vital contribution in the development of the community.

Sundowns never had a captain this season

I know everyone is talking about the UEFA Champions League semifinals, but my issue is with what has happened to my beloved team, blowing away glorious opportunity, as it normally does, in the last hurdle.

First of all Johan Neeskens is a good coach and has my backing even for next season but truth be told, he committed some serious blunders that led to Mamelodi Sundowns playing rubbish they've been dishing all season. Sundowns never had a captain this season. Appointment of Method Mwanjale, only after two weeks of pre-season training camp was fatal and indeed it backfired.

From there, he went on and bowed to media and supporters' pressure and appointed another player, who never provided any leadership in the name of Teko Modise. Despite some glimpses of brilliance hear and there I do not think Teko Modise had anything better than Mwanjale that warranted him the armband.

Siyabonga Ngubane, a natural midfielder, oozing with confidence after making right back position his in the absence of Doctor Mampuru and Rama, was mysteriously dropped instead of shifting him to his natural position. Why bring back aging Esrom Nyandoro when you have a confident youngster who can slot in there?

In Botshabelo Stadium, Neeskens went against his principle and started with two strikers, for the first time when it was crystal clear that Sundowns' main problem was lack of creativity in the mid, why?

I won't even talk about his appalling home record. It must be surpassed by Jomo Cosmos' only.

By Qwathi Ntswayibana

Nike launches ‘The Chance’ South Africa

Local Coach and Pro Footballer Join Nike’s Search for the Most Relentless Players to Showcase Their Football Skills

Nike South Africa yesterday launched ‘The Chance’ South Africa Trials 2012 at the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto, and announced legendary football coach Johan Neeskens, and professional footballer Benni McCarthy as the official local scouts.

Neeskens, head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns FC, and McCarthy, who is the all-time-top-goal scorer for South Africa, will be tasked with identifying the top three players who demonstrate unparalleled talent and determination to participate in the global event in Barcelona in August.

The nationwide search will commence in early June, and includes five major cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. These regional trials, which aim to see over 5,000 young, aspiring footballers show off their skill, will be directed by football legends Shaun Bartlett and Tebogo Moloi.

A final shortlist comprising of 50 players identified at the regionals trials will attend a football camp in Johannesburg in July with Neeskens and McCarthy.

The Chance’ 2012 is a unique global football talent search that gives young amateur, unsigned footballers from around the world the chance to prove themselves on an elite stage and take their game to the highest level.

South African goalkeeper, Reyaad Pieterse, who won a one-in-eight spot in The Chance 2011, and joined the Nike Academy in the UK, recently signed a professional contract with Ireland-based Shamrock Rovers FC.

Created to support talented youngsters who are not currently in the professional game, ‘The Chance’ will allow the best young footballers (over 16 years old on March 1^st 2012) to train and play at the leading facilities in world football, showcase their skills in front of elite coaches and mentors, and develop and improve their talent, with one aim; to get noticed. 

Players from 55 countries around the world will take part in ‘The Chance’ trials in 2012.  The best 100 players from these trials, watched by top Nike coaches, will then travel to a global final in Spain, to be held at FC Barcelona’s famed youth academy. There, they will experience world class facilities, elite coaching, and input from nutritionists, psychologists and fitness conditioners as they progress in the programme. 

‘The Chance’ was first launched in 2010, and has since seen thousands of talented footballers participate in coaching at the very best level.  And this year’s programme promises to be the most global and competitive yet.  

The final 100 players will take part in an intense training and competition schedule in Barcelona, while being evaluated by a world-class team of coaches and scouts. Players will be assessed through training drills including Nike SPARQ, a training and conditioning system that helps build better athletes.

The best 16 footballers from the global finals will be chosen by Nike to experience the ultimate training tour as their reward; facing some of the most renowned academy teams in world football, including Manchester United, Juventus FC and a U.S. Youth National Team during a once-in-a-lifetime four week tour.

From this group of 16 players, four players will be selected to train and play with the Nike Academy, now in its second year in partnership with the Premier League, based in the United Kingdom. This will form the last leg of the tour.  

One player will join the Nike Academy 2012/13 full time for two months and play with the team to showcase their talent to professional scouts and coaches.  

Players will live the life of an elite footballer and train at the best facilities under the watchful eyes of club coaches and scouts. A golden chance to get noticed and potentially win a professional contract. 

Players can register on www.facebook.com/nikefootballza

Dear Johan Neeskens

One way to beat the defending team is to get your central middle to come to the party, we have to use Surprise Moriri as the middle come striker, he and Teko Modise have to play one-two one-two approaching the defense.

Surprise is the architect of one two passing he did it le bo Godfrey Sapula, Lerato Chabangu and Brent Carelse. Our wings don't have to play high balls all the time, we need hard and low square pass behind the defense, so that we can get own goals and tap in as well.

If a player had a bad 55 minutes don't hesitate to take him out, as your subs are made in the last 15 minutes of the game.

We have all to gain and nothing to lose, so do away with two anchors man and add fire power up front. My two cent worth opinion.

Ka Bo Yellow

By Kgabo Sekhaolelo-Masogo

Serving divorce papers to the family

After the foolish behaviour from the suits at Naturena, I decided to write a poem (no I am not a poet nor am I a rapper). It was meant to be funny and look at the situation with humour but well, I failed at that, dismally in fact. Read it, read in between the lines, laugh at my terrible attempt at rhyming but see the take note of the deeper issue in South African soccer.

Before you start reading (and maybe laughing), here is my little disclaimer of sorts: I am responsible for what I say, not what you understand.

This poem here will be dedicated to K.C.F.B, yes I said F.B.,

Because it is no longer a football club, but a business for the family.

From 1970 to currently, Kaizer you built up massive support,

From starting in the dusty Soweto streets, to becoming the biggest brand in SA sport,

You, Kaizer, are responsible for that.

The club has attracted the likes of Mark Williams, Radebe, Neil Tovey  and Jairzinho,

Maponyane, Teenage, Computer Lamola, McGregor and 16V Khumalo.

Dumitru, Dolezar, Troussier and Jeff Butler have been our winning coaches,

And who can forget how Mbesuma and Madida, the great goal poachers.

You, Kaizer, are responsible for that.

In the new millennium, league titles have dried up,

We the fans have always been loyal, despite some administrative and executive cock-ups.

Bobby Motaung even had the nerve to state that he is accountable to nobody but the family,

Sadly, it is clear that there exists “Kaizer’s family” instead of the oft-stated “Chiefs family”.

You, Kaizer, are responsible for that.

We no longer wait for communication from the board, as we will be given lame excuses,

We give time, money and support, but the clubs attitude reveals that the fans are seen as useless.

It is clear you don’t need membership fees and gate revenues, from the fans that were there through thick and thin,

Because you feel you can talk to us like fools, the clubs view is: unlike corporate sponsorship, the fans are worth nothing.

You, Kaizer are responsible for that.

You publish zero financial statements, yet the masses have made you a small fortune. That’s not good.

So, I’m changing attitude, I’ll rather support a smaller team where I might be valued.

I’m done with this family and I am “serving my divorce papers”.

This is indeed the final goodbye and not “see you later”.

You, Kaizer, are responsible for that.

After reading that, read it again. Feel free to comment, email me or chat/debate on twitter. Be aware that I have read articles like this one (http://goo.gl/CrBnX) here stating that Kaizer Motaung does appreciate the fans but I feel this lame explanation for firing Vladimir Vermezovic was an insult to my intelligence and that of other football supporters.

I am not saying that this is enough to boycott a team and to stop supporting a team but I will understand supporters who have decided to o that. Fans in South Africa should hold their clubs to higher standards.  Like I mentioned, in South Africa it is no even common practice to publish financial statements for each club.

Yet, the same clubs want individual to spend their hard-earned money to come to the stadium and buy their replica shirts as well. That is not how a relationship works. The numbers of bums on seats is dwindling, and if the suits in SA football do not realise this early enough, SA football could end up attracting very little interest from anyone.

Even the Soweto Derby could end up becoming just another event on the sports calendar. No fans, equal no sponsorship, equals no money, equals no club. The fans are the club. It is as simple as that. Those enjoying the benefits of massive sponsorship right now should not forget the importance of the fans and supporters - the lifeblood of the game.

For some of you who prefer to focus on the fact that I will now on be supporting a smaller team - that's a decision that has been coming for while. Maybe Chiefs action this week was just the final push. I think most of us can agree that we supported Chiefs, Pirates or Sundowns from childhood simply because most people in our communities supported one of them. It was the "cool" thing to do. Socially acceptable. So, from childhood you were loyal to one of the Big 3 and that's just the way it always has been. However, I have grown.

I do not see why I should stick to that original team  that I supported - I did not have my own logical reason to start supporting them in the first place. I just have the urge to support one of the other teams who play soccer of an equal or sometimes better quality.

I guess a small part of the reason for this "floor crossing" is just because I want to be different. Instead of supporting teams that have millions of glory-hunters as "supporters", I don't mind supporting one where "atmosphere" is not a word you associate with their home stadium.  As a an Arenal fan, it is pretty obvious I am not a supporter for the trophies(seven years, I know!).

I supported Arsenal because of their style of play under Arsene Wenger, (after a brief glory hunting experience with Chelsea). I also want to support a local team also based on other factors besides winning, such as the clubs style of play, clubs philosophy and ethos, development(important in SA) and the treatment of its (small) fan base. For now, I will be a neutral before officially supporting any PSL team(and that will include getting a  membership card).

Lastly, I would like to give strong praise to the players and coaches of Free State Stars, Ajax Cape Town, Bidvest Wits, and Moroka Swallows for their efforts in playing what I feel is an attractive brand of soccer. If only PSL fans could start supporting these teams in numbers.

'Til next time.

By Tom Moneypower

Twitter: @TomMoneyPower

Story: http://goo.gl/tikzF

Something is terribly amiss at Chiefs

Something is going terribly amiss in Naturena! When Kaizer Motaung once arrogantly remarked Amakhosi was too big a club for a local coach, to an extent, he could be forgiven. Looking at the quality of coaches he had managed to bring to his club, some of whom went on to become SA National Team coaches, one could come to a conclusion that Motaung knew characteristics of a perfect coach who could fit like a hand to glove at Chiefs, and more importantly in SA football. Think Ted Dumitru, Jeff Burtler, Paul Dolezar and Muhsin Ertugral, who all came to the club little known to many, but proved to be exactly what the club needed. Their understanding and embracing of the traits of SA-born players were pivotal in their successes. Compare the quality of those few mentors with the quality of Ernst Middendorp, Vladimir Vermezovic … and now Stuart Baxter. There is no denying there’s been a flagrant evaporation of that distinct technical intellect in Naturena. Something is going terribly amiss in those fancy Headquarters.

MaximalFootball.com received with utter shock news that following the departure of Vermezovic last week, the club was looking to procure the services of former Bafana Bafana Head Coach, Stuart Baxter – arguably the worst coach to lead the SA National team. Bafana Bafana dished some of the worst brand of football when the nomadic English-cum-Scottish coach tried in vain to qualify SA for the 2006 Fifa World Cup. Our on-form creative players like Jabu Pule (Mahlangu), the late Gift Leremi, Scara Ngobese, etc. were seen to be too short, too fancy, too frail, which all rendered them useless to the National team with only sporadic call-ups and very little game time. The likes Lungisani Ndlela became regular features in the National team for they could fit into the aerial game that had been imposed on our National team. From defenders to midfielders, balls had to be played to our strikers’ heads. The team was void of creativity and innovation.

Since his departure from Bafana Bafana, the 58-year old mentor took charge of Japanese outfit, Vissel Kobe where he had a very brief unsuccessful spell before he joined Helsingborg IF.  He later resigned from Helsingborg IF. He assumed the role of Finland Head Coach in 2008 when the country was ranked 33rd on the Fifa World Rankings and left them in 86th position two years later.

Having done such an appraisable job in bringing coaches that contributed positively, not only to Kaizer Chiefs, but to the game at large in South Africa, the Kaizer Chiefs Managing Director would have been expected to realise that it is NOT each and every Tom, Dick and Harry that could be brought to coach in SA. Not because those coaches are useless coaches, but because they would not fit into the SA football environment. Baxter proved this when he took over Bafana Bafana; Middendorp did the same, and there are many other cases to this effect.

The fact of the matter is that our football in this country is in the doldrums. Football development is almost non-existent and football philosophies, which contradict with the qualities of SA born players, are largely to blame for our lack of identity as a footballing nation. While there are no Coaching regulations to give direction to our football, you would at least expect the so-called big clubs who have been around for decades and have thrived on the raw qualities of SA players, to promote the philosophies that harness and promote our ‘Africanness’. No more can our football have team talks where players are told to "knock the ball long," "don't mess around with the ball," "kick him off the park," and "climb into the opposition." And when players dwell on the ball the coach admonishes them for demonstrating "monkey tricks," and "playing in the circus." This is the kind of mentality that Baxter brought to Bafana Bafana when he was in charge and there’s no doubt it is the very same mentality he will take to Naturena should he given a contract.

In an interview with Uefa.com, asked about Coaching Trends around the world, Baxter responded, “What has been interesting for me has been working in countries that are almost opposite. Like in the Scandanavia … very, very well organised society. (The challenge there is to) increase logical thinking and try to make people think more creative. And the physique … big, strong (and) lack of mobility, maybe. So you work with those challenges and then maybe you go to Japan and South Africa where the mobility is not a problem. The creativity is not a problem in South Africa. That has been the most challenging thing for me, but also the most rewarding when you solve it.”

He never managed to solve those challenges in SA a few years ago and how does he find it “interesting working in countries that are almost opposite”? What is his philosophy actually? Does he have one? Having failed again in Japan, which he compares to South Africa, there’s nothing to support the illusion that he could be the missing link at Chiefs, or at any club in SA football.

If one reads Prof. L S Jeevanantham’s highly informative article, ‘Reactive Identification’ – (http://goo.gl/QS7tW), one will learn that there is the “necessary evidence that is scientific and incontrovertible: the football philosophy and the subsequent processes that emanate from it must be rooted in the environment, the physiology, the psychology, the sociology and culture of the people who play the game. Yes, we must appreciate and embrace our African football mentality and style. If it is not, it will only lead to disastrous football consequences for the nation.” Unfortunately, everything and anything that comes from Europe is still epitomized by a colonized African mind and as a nation we have not reached the stage of Moving Against those people and processes that have contributed towards our decline as a football-playing nation.

Has Motaung stopped consulting from those who helped him bring some of the best coaches to SA? Or has he now delegated that responsibility to somebody with no knowledge of the concept of specificity in football? Or was it by accident Motaung had some coaches who did consider the nature of SA players in Kaizer Chiefs’ context and were successful, and unfortunately (Motaung) did not learn from those “good accidents”?

Baxter is another international reject and is lucky to find work as an 'adviser' - a good example of 'mechanical coach', which SA football cannot afford anymore. But if this is the new direction Kaizer Chiefs is headed, then perhaps Motaung was right: there’s no local coach who can coach Kaizer Chiefs. Despite their shortcomings, they cannot compete with Baxter for a coaching position in South Africa.

By Editor

Story: http://goo.gl/p9O8c

Email: editor@maximalfootball.com

Premier Soccer League is at a climax

The Premier Soccer League is at a very unhealthy stage... lots of people are diagnosed with transitional high blood pressure and mental unstableness this time around... simply put, THE PSL IS AT A CLIMAX ladies and gentlemen... and we are a heading into a fully fixture weekend. With that being said, and not waiting for them in Khayelitsha to receive the signal nor in Mamelodi to sign Thulasizwe Mbuyane, we'll head right into the predictions...

Golden Arrows vs Jomo Cosmos

Muhsin Ertugral has done okay for a team of Arrows standard, though they have the poorest defence. Cosmos on the other side has been very consistent in getting the whip hence I’m going to simply give it to Arrows at home.

PREDICTION: Win for Arrows

Platinum Stars vs Free State Stars

Stars are just like Kaizer Chiefs I’m their best form... very unpredictable, inconsistent some would say... coming from a victory from Pretoria they face a team highly motivated with their good run in the Nedbank Cup and climbing its way into the top 5. Edward Manqele and company will be looking to show it wasn’t a fluke to knock out the two Soweto giants (Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs).

PREDICTION: Draw

Martizburg United vs Mamelodi Sundowns

The KZN team has been very confusing with their results of late… coming from a victory in Limpopo, they face a confidence knocked down Sundowns team who have been dropping points like they are competing for it. Weak United defence against the not so convincing attack of Downs. United will sweat the entire game, and this game will be decided by United themselves, but…

PREDICTION: Win for Sundowns

Orlando Pirates vs Bidvest Wits

In Khayelitsha they call them the free scoring Wits, but it looks like their injuries and sale of captain has hurt them really hard... and against a on form Pirates team, highly motivated by their pole position... "Misfiring" Benni McCarthy and Tokelo Rantie against the partnership of Mbulelo 'OJ' Mabizela and Derrick Spencer... Wits will be lucky to get a draw at Orlando, with Bucs yet to lose a league game at home...

PREDICTION: Win for Pirates

SuperSport United vs Ajax Cape Town

ZCC United (SuperSport) seems to have found their footing after their goal drought they experienced for a while... facing a inconsistent Ajax side at Limpopo... I can only imagine how the Capetonians will want to erase their last embarrassment at Polokwane...

PREDICTION: Draw

Santos vs Kaizer Chiefs

The trio entrusted with "preparing Family Business for next season" haven’t been very promising in their mission losing two games in a row. The Muslim coloured Cape team which looks set to bite the dust have gave the Motaung family team a lot of trouble with points at Cape Town with the Serbian carpenter once saying "going to Cape Town, we are prepared to play and face their goalkeeper and their speedy player". Santos will just burry the recently resurrected dreams of the Naturena team of winning the league.

PREDICTION: Win for Santos

Black Leopards vs AmaZulu

Now this is a very interesting fixture... Usuthu seem to have found their footing and have been having a good run, in both the league and Nedbank Cup. Lidoda Duvha on the other hand have been very terrible since their win from some weak team in Africa. I’m not fooled by that...

PREDICTION: Win for AmaZulu

Bloemfontein Celtic vs Moroka Swallows

Once stadium packers, Celtic have not been very convincing with their victories... it’s hard to tell if they are hot, cold or warm... on the 9th spot at the moment, they meant a team on the race..... Gordon Igesund's team and their experience will have to do the job and to keep their hope of surprising Tomases alive...

PREDICTION: Win for Swallows

By Todd Kabo Kebinatau

Disappointed as a supporter of Sundowns

Some of you will react negatively to this, but I’m going to type it anyway. The reason is because I’m disappointed and as a staunch supporter of Mamelodi Sundowns, I'm allowed to be, especially when things go bad because from having a 7 point lead in the log, we now have to depend on other teams to do us favours of which I find ridiculous to say the least. And this is happening every season. It's no wonder we are called chokers.

How can we have 3 loses but be on 46 points on the log?

I'll tell you why. We are one team in the Premier Soccer League that lack consistency. Too many passes in the box, players don’t want to take responsibilities, players lack composure, the possession we always amass in every game is due to the fact that we play the ball at the back, how can u intend to attack and yet play 60-70%% of your balls at the back? We should be pushing forward in numbers all the time.

Yes, everyone knows by now that some of the teams if not all, park the bus at the back when they play us. But that should not be an excuse anymore and Platinum Stars didn’t park the bus. They started parking it towards the 80 minute of which I find normal because many teams do that. The coach and players should find a tactical way to mitigate the "parking-of-the-bus" situation. Nyasha Mushekwi needs to work on his first touches as in now... time waits for no man.

Surprise Moriri should start shooting from a distance because he always finds the target where else Esrom Nyandoro doesn’t. We need a new set-piece man, Teko Modise is ridiculous now. He has by far wasted too many free kicks in every game, which could been converted to goals and wins... this is not on. Give Elias Pelembe, Surprise Moriri or Musa Nyatama a chance to take set pieces because Teko Modise has lost his set-piece tactical skills, he's now predictable. Marlin has reached his sell by date.

If Wayne Sandilands isn’t available then give Denis Onyango a chance. Punch Masenamela, I love your runs, crosses and assists. You play beautiful football all the time. Keep on keeping on. This is my two cents worth. NB... before I get crashed, I remain a staunch member of the Yellow Nation!! But I had to voice out my anger, frustration and disappointment while giving my opinion at the same time.

Michael McSundowns: born Yellow, raised Green, made friends with Blue (Sundowns colours). Official member of the Yellow Nation.

By Michael McSundowns

Letter to Ruud Krol

Dear Ruud,

Thanks for making me the happiest man after your treble. The foundation you laid in Orlando Pirates Football Club is really what find us in the position we find ourselves. You turned ordinary players like Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Ndumiso Mabena into wolfs who are fighting for our brand with their teeth and nails.

I am one the many fans who hated you because of your so called boring football and not that I love back but I appreciate you wholeheartedly.

You proved your worth convincingly so as a very knowledgeable coach and although I hated you for omitting players I thought were very good in Katlego Mashego, Mark Mayambela, Joseph Makhanya, Ezenwa Otorogu and bitterly Teko Modise, I have then learned and realised that nobody is bigger than Pirates but why are they all still employed while you are not?

I was told you bought a new shirt to at least rest your pearch one, congrats. Should you have submitted a written technical report to the Chairman, maybe you could be earning a Salary now or having an opportunity to talk to Benni McCarthy personally.

Should Kaizer Chiefs propose you, will you date them?

My queen is expecting a baby soon but I am not sure if you will be his/her grandfather or grandmother cause we are not sure if it is a boy or a girl but I want to rename the babe after you.

On a serious note, we still love you a lot but I think it won’t be fair to reappoint you so good luck in future.

Yours Sincerely.

Thugacation 101

By Zamile Educated-Thug Selepe

Open letter to Matsilela “Troublemaker” Sono

I have always admired and supported you since your school days. I watched you mesmerise opposition at Phiri grounds when Sekano Ntoane played Orlando High School.

I was there when you left Sis Gail Sono in her wedding gown and pumped three goals against Moroka Swallows.

I loved when you bought Highlands Park and turned it into Jomo Cosmos! You have always been an "achiever" by any standard but currently Mjomana you have lost the plot!

This ding-dong in and out of Cosmos from the Premier Soccer League dilutes all your achievements and reduces you (Sono) to a touchline failure of note. Yes you have once produced an entire squad of Bafana Bafna but that is now history!

I beg you to please reconsider your role by hiring expertise (local) to steer Cosmos into a winning machine on the pitch. You are facing insults that are hurting me as your number one personal fan and I can’t take it no more!!! 

Hire someone, be a technical director, sit amongst club owners in a suite, discuss football progress and graduate from a jean and cap wearing touchline commander! How about that Mjomana please man!!!

By Ray Andrew

South African reprint journalist

Media make us talk and choose the topic for us. So where am I going with this? Our journalist. While am still a love bird for print media and say this  without a doubt that the love is declining day by day.

Reason being our journalist. I read at least three Sunday newspaper, the front page of all three newspapers are different every Sunday unless it's our politicians scandalous or serious disaster.

But you can't say the same about the back page articles or match reports, they(articles and reports) you could swear that they were written by one journalist. We all know that if you and I are watching the a soccer match after that game me I will have the vision of my game while you will have yours.

Why the newspapers match reports are not different ? This is because someone is reprinting someone's work. This is caused by South African journalist being passionate about European soccer than South African soccer, when a Premier Soccer League game is playing simultaneous with European game, they watch European game, cause they know their co-journalist will gladly help with a match report of Premier Soccer League game.

If you want to prove this just follow them @Twitter, there I swear you will see how passionate they are with their European teams. We pretty much know which teams they (journalist) support in Europe but they are happily denying that they support any Premier Soccer League teams.

So South African journalist until you show passion for Premier Soccer League the same way you do for European league that will be the day stadiums of South Africa will get packed.

By Dr Ndivhuwo

UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown

As the UEFA Champions League enters the semifinal phase, Real Madrid and Barcelona are on the verge to making it an El Classico final but Bayern Munich and Chelsea will have plenty to say.

THE MOTIVATED AND THE RUTHLESS

BAYERN MUNICH VS REAL MADRID (ALLIANZ ARENA)

Tuesday 17 April 2012: 20:45 CAT

This is a mouthwatering clash semifinal, both teams have been impressive throughout the competition but now one of them has to go out. Real Madrid are a machine going forward and Ronaldo is on fire having scored 41 goals in the domestic league and setting a new record alongside Lionel Messi.

Every week you see Jose Mourinho’s men thrashing Spanish teams but in all fairness their schedule has been easy in the Champions League, they haven’t been really tested.

It is difficult to predict the winner because Munich are a great side and nothing motivates them more than the prospect of a home final. The home side has great attacking players so are Real Madrid. In the mid-field the likes of Xabi Alonso and Bastian Scweinsteiger are all great players.

It will be tremendous to see who comes out top because it’s hard to envisage how it will pan out because both sides are evenly matched.

The interesting thing will be position, Madrid have enjoyed possession against their opponents, the only time they struggled was against Barcelona in a league match. On the other hand Munich are a great passing side and they like to keep the ball. Let’s see how they handle each other but something has to give.  

THE FAMILIAR FOES MEET AGAIN

CHELSEA vs. BARCELONA (STAMFORD BRIDGE)

Wednesday 18 April 2012: 20:45

Chelsea managed to scrape to the last four after beating Portuguese outfit, Benfica but the Blues were not anywhere near impressive. This Chelsea side is vulnerable especially when you play quick football and keep the position in the mid-field.

The likes of Lampard and Mikel struggled against Benfica especially when their defensive duties were needed and that must be a concern because against the Catalans they will need to up their game.

Since Roberto Di Matteo came in he has set them in such a way that his system gets the best out of a player who is certainly not at his best at the moment and thus Juan Mata. They always play him but if he is not on the ball and on the game, they are really struggling unless they start hitting Drogba long.

They are still battling to play football compared to the Chelsea that played Barca 3 years ago. When you look at the transformation that AVB wanted to bring, they are not anywhere near it.

Barcelona will be playing in their fifth semifinal in a row and are about to retain the title, something that has never been done in the Champions League era.

What we have seen with Barcelona is the kind of the way you have to deal with them; you have to be a little braver because you will not be allowed to possess Barca. At the end of the day you are forced to play on a counter attack but it’s just how far you go with it.

The more you throw more players forward to supplement the counter attack, the more chance you will concede against them. Both of the teams haven’t been impressive this season but it should be interesting.

By Terence Mthembu

Twitter: @Terrypedia

Nike Football unveils new national team kits

Nike has unveiled the new kits for some of the leading football nations in the world, including five of the countries – Croatia, France, Netherlands, Poland and Portugal - that will take to the field in European football’s biggest national tournament this summer.

As part of Nike’s ‘uniform of sport’, each federation has its own country-specific Nike Pro Combat base layer, to provide added protection and comfort for players in today’s more physical and technical game.

Each kit is complimented with a full training collection, and lifestyle clothing for fans to show their support off the pitch.

In line with Nike’s commitment to combining athletic performance with lower environmental impact, fabric for the new kit’s shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the shirt fabric is made with a minimum 96% recycled polyester.

Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The kits are constructed using Nike Dri-FIT technology to wick moisture and are made out of 23 percent lighter fabric with 20 percent stronger knit structure than Nike’s previous kits.  The shirts also feature laser-cut ventilation holes to promote localized cooling, to help regulate player temperatures during a  match.

The visual design of each federation kit is developed around key insights inspired by the national identity and the distinctive football culture of every nation. Rich detailing throughout the jersey and shorts inspires the history and heritage of each team. 

NIKE PRO COMBAT

Federation-specific baselayer options include the Nike Pro Combat Hypercool 2.0 top (http://goo.gl/omfPa), with sweat-wicking fabric to help keep players cool and comfortable, while in colder weather the Thermal Mock top will keep them warm with its turtle neck and brushed inner surface reflecting heat back to the body without trapping moisture.

Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong compression men's slider shorts also provide added protection for players. Featuring a padded waist and thigh protection so players can slide tackle with confidence, while mesh fabric is placed in the high heat zones for breathability.  There is also a padded version of the shorts with added foam to help absorb impact and protect from injury.

TRAINING AND LIFESTYLE COLLECTION

To compliment the new match day kit, Nike has also launched an integrated range of training and lifestyle clothing.

On the training pitch players will benefit from an innovative range of apparel, with options designed to keep them comfortable whatever the weather conditions.

Fans can express their pride and support, with the launch of a new range of hoodies, tracksuit tops, T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, jackets and rugby tops.

The range has been created for both the fan who wants to show their allegiance or for those who want to be more subtle, and comes in national colours, national symbols, with crafted elements, premium fabrics and elevated design.

8 players deserve to wear the Chiefs jersey

I don't like Bobby Motaung and the way he does things but even Mr. Chairman (Kaizer Senior Motaung) must shoulder the blame here, Bobby doesn't take decisions alone. Mr. K Motaung is also involved in decision making and surely when it comes to signing players he has a say... why is he allowing Bobby to sign CHEAP UKNOWNS?

Maybe it’s not a bad thing that we finish this season empty handed, perhaps that's the only way our management will be convinced to buy QUALITY. At the moment only 8 or so players deserve to wear the Amakhosi jersey, the rest are too average. Kaizer Chiefs is a big team and we can't have anyone playing for us.

The likes of the late Patrick Pule "Ace" Ntsoelengoe must be turning in their graves in disgust when they see the current Chiefs generation, it’s the worst of all time. They lack talent, honour and most importantly dedication. We are a laughing stock of Africa because of them, which big team is satisfied by winning one 4game cup tournament? 

Big teams win the league and they SPEND in order to do so.

I for one will NOT be blinded by love, I love Kaizer Chiefs but I won't let that love blind me... clearly there are problems. If there were no problems then we would be winning things like we used to do... and my personal opinion the problem lies with the players who lack commitment and the management who refuse to buy quality players but want success.

Even if we can hire Jose Mourinho or Sir Alex Ferguson, he wouldn't do better than Vladimir Vermezovic with the players we have, they are simply NOT good enough for Kaizer Chiefs... some must be pinching themselves everyday when they wake up and realise that they play for Chiefs.

Only about 8 players deserve to wear the Chiefs jersey in the current squad, the rest are mediocre PERIOD! I refuse to hide the truth!!!

By Mfundo Ngqabishe

Once upon a time…. “Bloemfontein Celtic”

Once upon a time there was a team called Bloemfontein Celtic. This is what we are going to tell our kids and grand kids when they see what's left of the worn out famous green and white Celtic replica shirts.

I remember when I used to sacrifice the only money I had, when I used to take my then one year old daughter travelling to Celtic games to Durban, Jo'burg and Pretoria. That’s how much I used to love this team. Roaming the streets of Durban at night with my friends looking for a place to sleep after a Bloemfontein Celtic vs Orlando Pirates Telkom Knockout game in 2008, with my daughter sleeping in my arms.

People lost their jobs, marriages, some even died FOR THE LOVE OF BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC. It used to be the pride of Bloemfontein and the entire Free State but now we are in the headlines for all the wrong reasons... players' salaries are being cut, the chairman has assaulted his employees.

Celtic players and supporters have ambitions, which is to make Celtic a force to be reckoned with. Others are so frustrated and it’s obvious that they just want to see off their contracts and look for employment elsewhere. Who can blame them?

I would do the same if I was playing for a management without ambition. They are happy that the poor supporters are a laughing stock of other teams. They are just happy that they get a monthly allowance from the Premier Soccer League. They don’t have neither a vision nor a dream besides being in the PSL. Since being promoted to the PSL they have always came up with the same excuse that they are building a team for the future.

There is no future for Celtic as long as the management keeps ignoring the major stakeholders, the supporters. They won't be any progress until they start being professional. Jimmy Augousti disbanded a democratically elected supporters body and replaced it with an autocratic one which was led by Petros Augousti who was since fired because he did not know his job.

The current Celtic management is a disgrace to the supporters, and the legacy of Ntate Molemela.

By Lemmy Mohono