Carling Black Label Cup tickets now on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the prestigious 2013 Carling Black Label Cup derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to be staged at the FNB Stadium on Saturday 27 July. Kick-off at 15:30.

Last year a football record 81200 fans witnessed the Carling Black Label Cup match live at South Africa’s national stadium, FNB Stadium and the rush for tickets to this year’s Derby is now on.

Tickets are on sale at all Computicket outlets nationwide with seats set to go fast, supporters are urged to get theirs quickly.

Unreserved stand tickets are R50 (Level 5) and R70 (Level 1) and R150 for reserved seats on Level 2. The general access parking tickets at the stadium will cost R20.

Hospitality packages are on sale and range from R855 per person, R1,881 for a Standard one and R4,788 for the Platinum offering. For more information or bookings please call 081 486 3823 or email bookings@sail.co.za.

Kaizer Chiefs are coming off a league and cup double, with their fans celebrating this recent trophy success and for supporters of Orlando Pirates, the Carling Black Label Cup provides the opportunity to win back bragging rights.

However, the team composition will fall squarely into the hands of the supporters from both sides as they select the starting line-ups for the showpiece fixture and prove that they are the ‘Champion Coaches’.

Voting is as easy as ever. Fans can select their starting XI by purchasing a Carling Black Label beer and dialing *120*764*.

They must then enter their unique code found on the underside of the bottle cap and the # sign (with no spaces in between), and can then choose the team they would like to manage, and the players they would like to see start. The voting is free of charge.

Those supporters who cast their votes can win great prizes, including a share of  R3million worth of airtime, match tickets to the event on July 27 and, best of all, a coach’s experience with either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs on match day.

One of the unique features of the Carling Black Label Cup is the fantastic prize that will allow two lucky fans to experience their team in training, sit in the pre-match briefing and be part of the dug-out with their favourite team. This is a once in a life-time experience for adult consumers.

All supporters who cast their vote for the players they would like to see compete in the 2013 Carling Black Label Cup will be automatically entered into this competition.

Mahlangu, Rantie and Xulu to miss Lesotho friendly

Bafana Bafana will be without Sweden-based midfielder May Mahlangu and striker Tokelo Rantie as well as Russia-baseddefender Siyanda Xulu in the international friendly match against Lesotho on Sunday, 2 June 2013 at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru, Lesotho.

Mahlangu and Rantie will be playing for their clubs on Saturday, 1 June, while Xulu is a late call-up who replaced the injured Siboniso Gaxa. The trio is expected in South Africa on Monday, 3 June, in time to travel to Cameroon with the national team.

The three players were notable absentees at Bafana Bafana’s first training session held at the Germiston Stadium on Thursday, 30 June. Twenty one (21) players reported for national team duty including overseas-based defender Anele Ngcongca, midfielder Dean Furman and defender Ricardo Nunes.

South Africa travels to Yaoundé, Cameroon on Tuesday, 4 June to play the first of two Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. In the first match Bafana Bafana face the Central African Republic (CAR) on Saturday, 8 June. The second clash will be against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa a week later on Sunday, 16 June at the National Stadium.

Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund is not perturbed that the players could be fatigued after a long and gruelling season.

“The players are a little bit tired but that can be expected at the end of a long season. So we have devised a training programme that will ensure that we don’t burn them out but have them ready for the two crucial matches against CAR and Ethiopia. That’s the situation and we can’t change that but I am positive they will be on top of their game by the time we face CAR. We can’t look for excuses as the players around the world have been playing just as many games,” said Igesund.

At the first training session, the Bafana Bafana mentor was working on possible combinations following a spate of injuries that have rocked the national team. Kagisho Dikgacoi (who has not been replaced), Siboniso Gaxa and Tsepo Masilela (replaced by Nunes) all withdrew from the squad before the start of the camp.

“Injuries happen all the time in football and I am not one to complain about injured players. So we are working on combinations especially in defence where the players haven’t really played together in the national team. Of course we want to win the match against Lesotho but the most important thing is to get the combinations right and take the confidence to the matches against CAR and Ethiopia.

“Nthete and Mathoho have played together at Bloemfontein Celtic and Mathoho and Mashamaite play together at Chiefs – but that doesn’t mean we should go that route, we cannot afford guess work in that department. We have to make sure we get it right. The truth is whatever combination we use might or might not work against Lesotho, but we must get it right for the CAR and Ethiopia matches,” added Igesund.

“I believe we have players that are capable of holding their own in the national team, it’s just a matter of getting those combinations right. But yes it is trying times for us, and the guys will have put up their hands and given us a good showing.”

Bafana Bafana leave for Lesotho on Friday, 31 May after their training session in the morning.

They will be minus the eight Kaizer Chiefs players in the squad as they will be attending their season-end club awards which will take place on Friday night (31 May).

“It is important for the players to be at the prize giving. They have worked hard all season and deserve to be recognised by their club and sponsors. I want the players to be there and they also want to be there. After a meeting I held with their club we decided this was the best solution. The players will join us in Lesotho on Saturday morning (1 June), so they won’t miss any training session as we are only training in the afternoon,” concluded the Bafana Bafana coach. 

- SAFA

Nike’s New England Away Kit Reflects Distinctive History & Style

Nike's new England away kit evokes the team's rich history, national pride and distinctive style. The kit sees the welcome return of England’s most popular and evocative red away color. First worn in 1951, England famously wore red shirts when they won the World Cup at Wembley in 1966.

The new away shirt is a modern classic with an entirely red body reflecting the pride and passion of England’s loyal fans. The shirt also speaks to England’s uniquely understated style heritage with a tailored collar. The placket has two buttons; the bottom one is red, while the top one is white with red thread to replicate the St George’s cross.

To celebrate the Football Association’s 150th anniversary, the iconic three lions crest is rendered in gold on the away shirt. A gold star above the crest celebrates England’s win in 1966; a gold ribbon graphic beneath proudly displays "150 years" and the dates 1863 - 2013.

The away shorts are white with another gold crest on the front, while the socks are red with a thin white band at the top.

The kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and pride while enhancing the performance of players with key technological features.

RECYCLED POLYESTER

The kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.

In the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.

Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfill through the use of recycled polyester.

FABRIC AND NIKE DRI-FIT

The kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.

The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry.

Ventilation zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation.

FIT AND CONSTRUCTION

The shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance, while also increasing comfort and performance.

NIKE PRO COMBAT

To complete the ultimate playing uniform for modern football, Nike Pro Combat baselayer is supplied to be worn underneath the match-day kit, offering players greater comfort and impact protection.

The Nike Pro Combat range of long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops made of sweat-wicking fabric allows players to keep cool and dry in hot conditions, and warm and dry when the weather becomes cold. The slider shorts feature extra padding and thigh protection to absorb impact so players can go to ground and tackle with greater confidence.

Banyana Banyana celebrates 20 years of Women’s Football

The South African Senior Women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, this week celebrates 20 years of participation in international football.

On the 30 May 1993, the national Women’s team played in their first international match against neighbours Swaziland and have to date played 154 international matches.

In their short history, the team has achieved several milestones including, qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games, finishing as runners up at the African Women’s Championships three times and being the first South African national football team to beat Nigeria in an international game.

Ranked 53 in the world, the team through the partnership between Sasol and SAFA has played 69 of their 154 games in the last four years, helping the team climb three places in the FIFA rankings.

“This is a great milestone for women’s football in South Africa. It has been a long and strenuous journey not only for the national team but for the organisation and women’s football as a whole,” said Fran Hilton Smith, Technical Director at SAFA.

The past 20 years have been all about the development of women’s football in South Africa and today there is a semi-professional league running, the Sasol League, that helps with the identification of talent and has exposed women in all nine provinces to competitive football regularly.

“As an organisation we are proud to be associated with the positive developments in South African women’s football. This support for women is part of our endorsement of the government policy on gender equity and women empowerment. We are pleased with the team’s progress in the last four years of our partnership and we trust that women’s football will grow in leaps and bounds,” said Dumisani Mbokane, Sponsorship Specialist at Sasol.

Between the years 1993 – 2008 the team played an average five (5) games in a year. This was before Sasol came on board as the premier sponsors of women’s national team, Banyana Banyana and the Sasol League. Over the last four (4) years, the team has averaged 15 games per year due to the opportunities that have been created by the Sasol and SAFA partnership

“Having a sponsor like Sasol has helped open doors for many young female soccer players. A few of our players are now playing club football for overseas teams and this is due to the international exposure that has been afforded them by the sponsorship. We have also seen many players getting tertiary study bursaries through the exposure they got from the Sasol League,” said Hilton-Smith.

- SAFA 

Orlando Pirates lost a great coach in Ruud Krol

After reading that the architect of the Dutch total football Ruud Krol won the Tunisian league with CS Sfaxien after 8 straight years of drought in his first season in charged, now I have realised that Orlando Pirates lost a great coach with championship winning mentality.

It is depressing even now that the Krol was fired for failing to submit a mere technical report after conquering the Premier Soccer League (PSL) whilst the current coach Roger de Sa (RDS) has been retained for winning 2 games out of the 12 games in the 2nd round. Eish!

The management should swallow its pride by acknowledging the worst committed blunder which has now resulted in a barren season with an inexperience and arrogant coach in charge. The positive management impact of Floyd Mbele has been missed.

Poor management decision making is now haunting the team but they don't want to learn from the past mistakes. The team failed to retain the service of Tokelo Rantie with speed, good composure and good eye for goals but management managed to sign two immobile, pace-less and rigid strikers at the price of Rantie and now Tlou Segolela might leave the team but management will manage two buy 3 ineffective wingers at the price of Segolela - talking about imprudent decision making.

Pirates has been known as the well organised team with effective management style but now things are slowly but surely falling apart with many irrational decisions taken which are not adding any value to the team success.

It is a point of concern that a team lost its championship reputation after dominating the league for 2 straight years but now the team is travelling the drought route with the CAF Champions League as the last hope to redeem the pride.

What happen to the famous catchphrase:"What Khoza wants, he gets it"?

By Owen Mundalamo

Twitter: @shudulizah

adidas launch new Real Madrid home jersey for 2013/14 season

Real Madrid and adidas are proud to present the official home jersey for the season 2013/14. From today onwards, Real Madrid fans may find in official Real Madrid stores, adidas and the rest of dealers, the home kit that their idols will wear this season.

Real Madrid is a genuine feeling. Is the real passion for football, for victory, for our history, for the white that makes us different, authentic. There are many ways to feel passion for football, but none that can compare with supporting Real Madrid.

Real Passion. Real Madrid.

To design the home Real Madrid jersey presented today, adidas wanted to go a step further in innovation and product design. The highlight details for the first time are in orange, completely new hue for the Club. It will be present on the side panels, collar and sleeves. And it's in these two pieces which also combines with a black lead, leading for the first time three colour elements in the design of the shirt: collar and cuffs in white, orange and grey.

Also struck by the front panel as a differential against previous collections, presents a pattern of horizontal block building, giving the shirt a different texture and very attractive depending on how the light given.

Finally, a high density prints with the words "REAL MADRID" crown on the back of the neck, showing the white club membership from all angles.

The shirt has been made with Climacool ™ technology. This technology, adidas exclusive, helps the athlete to control body temperature and perspiration by using these technical fabrics.

Orlando Pirates' drive to CAF Champions League

The main reason why Orlando Pirates is doing very well in the 2013 CAF Champions League is because the players like Benni McCarthy, Onyekachi Okonkwo and Takesure Chinyama have certain goals for themselves and their team.

McCarthy for example has stated 1 of that of the reasons why he decided to join Pirates is because he wanted to become the first footballer in history to win 2 different Club Continental Competitions (UEFA Champions League and CAF Champions League).

Okonkwo wants to impress the Nigerian national team selectors, Collins Mbesuma wants to win the CAF Champions League as he has already won Africa Cup of Nations 2012 with Zambia (some of his national team teammates who play for TP Mazembe have already done so) and lastly Chinyama wants to be regain his place in the Zimbabwean national team.

As for the rest of the guys who have been there in the last 2 seasons like Senzo Meyiwa, Andile Jali, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Oupa Manyisa, Daine Klate etc, they want to dominate Africa as they have already dominated South Africa football with Pirates and adding the second star to the club jersey by winning CAF Champions League is their target and going down in history as the greatest Pirates team ever.

I disagree with those who say Coach Roger de Sa is the one who should take the credit for the impressive run, the group of players are hungry for African success.

By Austin Bucs Guns

Twitter: @diskioff [www.twitter.com/diskioff]

If you want to be a Guest Writer via Diskioff please send your article/s to diskioff@gmail.com - subject ‘Guest Writer’.

Bidvest Wits appoint Gavin Hunt as Head Coach

Bidvest Wits FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Gavin Hunt as Head Coach of their PSL team with effect from the new season.

Bidvest Wits FC Chief Executive Officer, Jose Ferreira, stated: "We are delighted to have been able to secure the services of Gavin Hunt as our head coach. He has an impressive CV not only with Supersport United but with every other club he has coached prior to that. We have a signed a long term contract with him and we believe that, in line with our long term vision for the club, he is the right coach to lead the process that we have embarked on to transform our team into a consistently competitive force in South African football.

Jose Ferreira went on to state that: “We also want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Clive Barker for the remarkable work he has done with our team over the last 5 months of the season. Whilst we seldom found ourselves outside the top 8 in the first half of the season, it was with Clive at the helm, in the second half of the season, that we saw the quality of our players come through and where we imposed ourselves on the field of play. Clive will always be remembered as an important part of our initial efforts to turn things around at our club.”

French Under-20 National Team

The young Afro-French national team gives a lesson and warning to Africa!

It was truly inspiring to watch last night the French Under-20 national team delivering a masterpiece performance at the Toulon International Tournament when they completely outclass the USA.

At one stage there were eight (8) players of African origin in the line-up of the French team demonstrating a rarely seen superiority on skill, movement and creativity.

Winning 4-1 against a national team (USA) who many believe is blessed with the best possible training and fitness programs, the young Afro-French players gave a lesson on what can be achieved with the rich African talent if optimally developed.

If only half of those outstanding players will make it to the top of world then France football is assured of a glorious future. Also, there is a strong warning to African nations to stop their dependency on old, conservative and 'anti-talent' football cultures coming from those European countries where exquisite talent is not appreciated.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) should take note of these developments.

By Dumitru Ted

Twitter: @diskioff [www.twitter.com/diskioff]

If you want to be a Guest Writer via Diskioff please send your article/s to diskioff@gmail.com - subject ‘Guest Writer’.

 

Gavin Hunt resigns as SuperSport United coach

Head Coach Gavin Hunt has requested and SuperSport United have agreed to release him from his contract with the club.

Hunt has been with SuperSport United since 2007 and saw tremendous success with the club over his six season tenure, winning three consecutive ABSA Premiership titles, as well as the 2011/2012 Nedbank Cup.

This season saw Supersport United finish sixth in the premiership and make two cup finals, the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup.

Director of Football at Supersport United, Mr Stanley Matthews said, “Gavin approached us and requested to be released. After a long discussion, we have agreed to do so.”

“Gavin has been a fantastic asset to the club over the last six years, he has brought the club tremendous success and he will be sorely missed.”

“We wish him well in all his future endeavours. He will remain very close to our hearts here, not only for the success he has brought the club, but also for his character and our great relationship.”

Football Fans risk Post-Season Blues

A study has revealed that 73% of football fans are at a loss for things to occupy their time once the season finishes.  With almost one in twenty fans disclosing that a massive void opens up in their lives in the absence of football and a further one in seven football fans confessing to feelings of utter desolation in the off-season.

The study, commissioned by Gillette Football Club, aims to highlight the reality of Post Season Blues (PSB) and offer football fans a “Soccer Solution” in the off-season.  Neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis warns that fans will be particularly at risk from PSB this Saturday, “While PSB can strike on any day of the week, in my professional experience what had previously been match days-especially when these fall on a weekend- are when the fans are most at risk.” He goes on to explains that, “anyone who doubts the strength of what has been termed Post Season Blues (PSB) clearly fails to appreciate the intensity of the passions aroused by the ‘beautiful game’. The fans conscious mind has little or no control over the powerful emotions generated.”

Other findings revealed that six out of ten fans dread the end of the football season and the “replacement” activities they would have to participate in.  Off-season fears included having to go shopping with their partners (16%), not having an excuse to go to the pub (13%) and a shocking 6% fearing having to spend more time with loved ones and partners.

Dr David Lewis describes how the excitement of a hard fought match and especially their team’s victory, releases a cascade of potent ‘feel good’ chemicals coursing through the pleasure centres of the fan’s brain. Among the most powerful of these mind-altering chemicals is the neurotransmitter dopamine. This is capable of generating feelings not just of excitement but also of euphoria. As a result, when the season ends, they experience ‘withdrawal’ symptoms including agitation, irritability, anxiety and a sense of emptiness in their lives. The fan’s sleep may also be affected, with early waking becoming more common.

Dr David Lewis recommends a number of proactive approaches to avoid succumbing to PSB this Saturday including anticipating the “void” and making plans to fill your time in advance of what would have been match day.  Gillette Football Club is the perfect antidote to any PSB sufferer who needs a soccer solution this weekend.

Now in its second year GFC has changed the way fans enjoy football allowing users to access the latest goals, highlights, news and statistics from over 50 different clubs, including Manchester City FC, Chelsea FC, Paris Saint-Germain, and Olympique de Marseille; as well as new and exclusive content.

At sign up, you will have the option to select your favourite leagues and clubs and have the latest videos delivered the moment they are available so you can ward off PSB from the comfort of your own home! To prevent PSB this off-season visit www.youtube.com/gillettefootballclub

Do you think you are at risk from PSB?  Take the test to find out more…. Gillette Football Club Post Season Blues Questionnaire

FIFA World Cup tickets to go on sale

Qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ is in full swing and the first teams to book their places for next year’s showpiece event will be known in June, when Asia will have their final and decisive matches.

Fans are already eagerly awaiting the opening of the first ticketing phase for the tournament, which takes place in 12 cities across Brazil between 12 June and 13 July 2014.

As of 20 August 2013, football fans around the world will have the opportunity to purchase tickets from www.FIFA.com. Ticket prices and all further details on the ticket sale will be available on FIFA.com on 1 July 2013.

So check FIFA.com regularly for the latest news. We’ll always keep you right up to date on ticketing and all other news in the build-up to Brazil 2014.

- FIFA

Nkunzimbini Junior Secondary School is the Eastern Cape Danone Nations Cup provincial winners

Nkunzimbini Junior Secondary School from Nyandeni Libode Municipality is the Eastern Cape Provincial Winners in the Danone Nations Cup tournament. The win takes them one step closer to their dream of becoming the South African champion school and representing the country at the Danone Nations Cup world finals at the famous Wembley Stadium in London in September.

Their coach, Gideon Maqokolo, has been coaching for 20 years, and has played the game since he was 8 years old. His wealth of experience helped groom his players into a formidable unit. “I am happy with how the team played in the provincial finals,” he said. “We were well organised and their conduct on the field was impeccable.”

“I have taught them that a tournament setting is different from a friendly match. You need to structure a game plan where you attack positively early in the game and hopefully you can score early and defend a lead without using too much energy. This helps collect points easily and helps avoid draws,” said Moqokolo.

“The provincial final was a good learning curve for my boys. They are not used to playing four games in a day, or playing in a stadium. I believe the challenges we faced has improved the mental strength of my players and when they get to the national finals they will know what to expect.”

Maqokolo has a clear plan for the school. “My goal is to build a very strong under-12 team and then they can progress further as they get older.  I am already grooming my under- 9 and under-10 teams to play in the Danone Nations Cup when they get to the right age group.”

Nkunzimbini try to play basic football, Maqokolo says. “I encourage them to use the little time they have to study their opponents on the field so they can read the opposition and attack and defend properly. I love the fact that when my players get home they play soccer in the streets with their peers. We discuss soccer a lot as most of them watch soccer at home. After a game on TV we get together the following day to discuss winning tactics as well as learn new tricks from the game.”

Eastern Cape Provincial Finals – Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane, East London

Nkunzimbini JSS 2 Vumile SPS 0

Langelitsha SPS 0 Lukholo JSS 1

Ntabelanga SPS 3 Bhongweni SPS 0

Nkunzimbini JSS 3 Langelitsha SPS 0

Vumile SPS 1 Lukholo JSS 0

Bhongweni SPS 1 Jarvis Gqamlana 2

Lukholo JSS 0 Nkunzimbini JSS 2

Langelitsha SPS 0 Vumile SPS 1

Jarvis Gqamlana 0 Ntabelanga SPS 3

Final - Nkunzimbini JSS 0 Ntabelanga 0 (Kkunzimbini won 3-1 on penalties).

Nike Hypervenom: New Football Boot for New Breed of Player

Nike today unveiled its latest football performance innovation — the Nike Hypervenom — at an event in Rio de Janeiro with Brasil striker Neymar.

The Hypervenom is a completely new boot created with feedback from top players including Neymar, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. These players specified the need for a boot that could help them create space quickly in and around the penalty area, and get their shot off from any angle. They discussed the increased agility of opponents, referencing today’s defenders who are now as quick, agile and skillful as many of the world’s best forwards.

Brasil striker Neymar was most direct in his feedback: “Help me make space more often and more quickly. I want a boot that helps enhance my agility and gives me the space to get my shot off before I’m closed down.”

“Neymar’s input was invaluable. He had been wearing the Mercurial Vapor IX boot, a pure speed product designed to help athletes look and find space to beat a man. The Hypervenom focuses on creating the space in order to put the ball in the net. It’s a small but important nuance,” said Phil McCartney, VP Nike Football, Footwear.

NEW BOOT FOR CHANGING GAME

The Nike Football design team, led by Nike Football Design Director Denis Dekovic, began by looking at the attacking forces in today’s game. “The game is changing. It used to be that speed was the focus of the attacking side of the game, but now everybody has pace,” Dekovic said. “The Nike Hypervenom is a response to the way the game is changing. Players want to be quicker, not just in a foot race, but quicker with the ball at their feet in small spaces. They want to create chances from nothing. These faster, more agile defenders need to be combatted and the Hypervenom is designed to do exactly that.”

REVOLUTIONARY NIKESKIN UPPER

The design team knew that the product had to re-examine the way boots were being created.

“Traditionally a new boot will focus on an evolution of the fit, the upper material or the sole plate and stud configuration. The Hypervenom features new solutions for all of these areas,” said McCartney.

The Hypervenom’s upper is created using the new NIKESKIN system. This execution of NIKESKIN features a soft, supple mesh bound with a thin polyurethane film, and is finished off with Nike All Conditions Control technology (ACC) to provide the same level of foot-to-ball control in both wet and dry conditions.

“Mesh delivers an amazing level of comfort and feel. The athletes asked us to deliver a boot that gets as close as possible to the feeling of playing barefoot,” Dekovic said. “Mesh takes us a step closer to doing that and the All Conditions Control finish keeps the mesh dry.”

PERFECTED LAST AND OUTSOLE

The Hypervenom also features a new foot last, removing excess materials to place the foot closer to the ground and ball. It is Nike’s most anatomical last to date.

Nike worked with some of the world’s top podiatrists to create a decoupled outsole that increases the player’s ability to make that important first step away from the defender. A groove in the forefoot helps to quickly activate the first metatarsal, the bone that defines reaction time of the foot’s first movement.

The chassis of the outsole features compressed nylon for a high-response plate that helps deliver strength while being incredibly light. The stud configuration and length is designed to allow for faster penetration of the surface, and ultimately a quicker release – all innovations designed to help players create space faster than ever before.

The new Nike Hypervenom will debut on June 2 in the Brasil v. England match on the feet of Neymar and Wayne Rooney. Other players set to wear the boot include Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski and Danny Welbeck.

Kaizer Chiefs Trophy Parade

Absa Premiership Champions and Nedbank Cup Champions, Kaizer Chiefs will embark on a Trophy Tour on Tuesday, 28 May 2013.

Marketing Director, Jessica Motaung said the purpose of the roadshow; “is to celebrate the success of the Club this season with the supporters who have stuck with the team through thick and thin this season. Supporters as 12th player were instrumental in the team’s success this season.

“We also want to acknowledge the support we got from the Gauteng Legislature, the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture in Gauteng including our sponsors. I would like to invite the fans to join us on this momentous occasion in the history of the Club.

Herein below are the points at which all our supporters can join us

Date: 28 May 2013

Time: 09:00-16:00

Route for the Trophy Parade:

Depart from Naturena (Kaizer Chiefs Village) Lena Street at 09h00

Turn Right into Ronald Street

Turn right to main street all the way straight to Colombine Right and

Left into M1 on-ramp, Drive all the way straight into M2 Split off ramp into Rissik Street,

Drive straight up and stop at Legislature.

Program

09h30- 09h35     Kaizer Chiefs FC Management and team Captain to disembark from the bus to meet MEC and delegation

09h35 - 09h45    Kaizer Chiefs FC Management and team Captain to present their Trophies to the MEC and present a gift to him on behalf of the Department

09h45 – 09h50   MEC to congratulate the team

09h50 – 10h00   Photo Shoot with MEC with Kaizer Chiefs FC Management and team Captain

10h00 – 10h10   MEC to proceed to the Bus to meet the rest of the team

10h10 – 10h15   MEC to disembark the Bus

10h15 – 10h25   Entourage to get back to vehicles

10h25 – 10h30   Entourage to depart for ABSA Towers

Depart from Legislature and

Turn Right into President Street.

Turn Right into Mooi Street 

Drive straight and turn right into Main Street 

Stop at ABSA Towers.

Program

11h00- 11h05     Kaizer Chiefs FC Management and team Captain to disembark from the bus to meet ABSA management and staff

11h05 - 11h10    Kaizer Chiefs FC Management and team to present their Trophies to the ABSA Management and present a gift to them

11h10 – 12h00   Players to have autograph session with ABSA staff

12h00 – 13h00   Photo Shoot with ABSA staff

13h00 – 14h00   Lunch at ABSA

14h00 – 14h10   Entourage to get back to vehicles

14h10 – 15h00   Entourage from ABSA Towers

Depart from ABSA Towers-

Drive straight down Main Street

Turn left into Eloff Street.

Turn Right into Trump Street.

Turn Left into Westex Road and drive until it becomes Earl Street, drive down Earl Street.

Turn Right into Ophir Booysens Road into Soweto Highway.

Turn Left into Immic Street.

Turn Right into Ebencycler

Turn Left into Jackeeplen Street until it becomes Masupha Street.

Drive down Masupha Street and turn left and go around the traffic circle.

Turn left into Sofasonke Street.

Then turn left around the Sofasonke traffic circle and drive straight.

Drive down Sofasoneke and cross over Klipspruit Valley into Khumalo Street. Drive down into Pela main road.

Turn Right into Ndlovu Road.

Turn left after the railway bridge into

 STOP at 8414 Sentho Street, Phefeni

Program

15h00- 15h05     Kaizer Chiefs FC Management and team Captain to disembark from the bus

15h05 - 15h45    Kaizer Chiefs FC Management give address on the history of the Club to players and spectators.

15h45 – 16h00   Entourage to get back to vehicles and depart for Naturena

STOP at 8414 Sentho Street, Phefeni

Turn right into Bickley Street

Turn left into the taxi rank, from taxi rank drive and turn left into Ndlovu Street. Drive straight into Butshingi Street and left into Vilakazi Street.

Turn right into main road and then turn right into klipspruit valley road.

Turn left into Chris Hani road, proceed straight into Golden Highway.

Turn Right and back to Naturena.

Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup touches the lives of youngster in Kwa-Thema

The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup is as much about community building and education as it is about football. Recently Gauteng East held their regional finals and it was evident how the tournament has touched the lives of the Kwa-Thema community.

Vezukhono Secondary School was one of the schools that played.  Although they did not advance to the next round of the competition, their coach, Tim Borolo, said the main benefit of playing in the competition is to help kids overcome social and life difficulties. “Some of the learners in the school find it difficult to fit in as they are either orphans or have no parents and live with other family members,” he said.

“They lack confidence and are loners. We use soccer to help them fit in and feel normal and accepted. Participation in the tournament lessens the stresses of life and builds confidence and gives them a feeling of belonging which impacts on their school work.”

Borolo gives the example of Lindo and Mzwandile Calaza, who are cousins and who attend the school. They have suffered many a hardship in their short 18 years. They come from Kwamashu in KwaZulu-Natal and were identified by a football academy in Pretoria after impressing at trials last year. At the end of the first year their parents could not afford the school fees so they had to pull out.

The cousins now attend Vezukhono and live in a house without adult supervision. Every month their parents send money to the school and the school helps the boys administer it so that they can pay for living expenses.

The cousins believe that education is important and they work hard so that they can eventually study at university. Lindo wants to study a BCOM accounting through UNISA and Mzwandile wants to study BCOM Sports Management at WITS.

“The Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup was founded on the principle of giving Under-19 players a platform to put on their best performance to be identified by coaches and placed in programmes where they can mature into professionals,” said Frank Louw, Sanlam Sponsorship Manager.  “But not all players at this level will become professionals and for them we want to endorse education and help them become financially literate.”

Goalkeeper helps school win Danone Nations Cup Provincial Final

Manzile Eltomo, goalkeeper for Danyeni Primary School’s under-12 soccer team was the toast of Merry Pebbles Stream –an informal settlement near Piet Retief in Mpumalanga last weekend.

It was his spectacular penalty save in one of the pool matches at the Mpumalanga provincial finals of the Danone Nations Cup that kept his side in the competition, and allowed them to go on to win the Mpumalanga title and take one step closer to an incredible dream – representing South Africa at the Danone Nations Cup world finals in London in September.

Ernest Mabunda is the principal of the school, and also the team’s coach. He puts his side’s success in the competition in perspective when he explains that most of the children come from a very poor background. “Most of the families depend on social grants for survival,” he said. “It’s hard for them to get basic things that most of us take for granted. Often they come barefooted to school all year round, with no uniforms.”

So, winning the provincial finals has been a tremendous boost for the school. “We are all

thrilled and the morale is very high at the moment,” Mabunda said. “The parents are so excited for the children and the school and will be coming to support the kids building up to the National Finals.’

The national finals will be in Johannesburg in August “Most of the players have never been to Johannesburg. They know it as the centre of soccer,” Mabunda says. “It will be an educational experience for them.”

Danyeni Primary has been competing in the competition since 2000, and this is the first time they have advanced to the national finals. “It’s a huge achievement for the school,” Mabunda said, “and we have the full support of the community.”

Mamunda says he can see how winning the provincial title has boosted the confidence levels of the players. “We have increased the time we spend in practice. We want to make sure that we are one step ahead of the other teams. The boys are disciplined and are giving 100% at all times. I can see how committed they are when it comes to practise sessions.”

Mpumalanga Provincial Finals - Embalenhle Stadium, Saturday 18 May

Imizamoyethu Primary 1 Dumelani Primary 0

Zandile Combined School Danyeni Primary 0 (Danyeni won 3-0 on penalties).

Zandile Combined School 0 Imizamoyethu Primary 1

Dumelani Primary 1 Danyeni Primary 3

Danyeni Primary 2 Imizamoyethu Primary 0

Dumelani Primary 0 Zandile Combined Shcool 1

Final – Danyeni Primary 0 Imizamoyethu Primary 0 (Danyeni Primary won 2-0 on penalties).

Health, nutrition and pleasure are at the heart of everything Danone does. Every day they work to promote the benefits of a balanced and varied diet. Encouraging physical activities is a part of this ambition: bring every day health by nutrition to the greatest number of people.

Since 2000, Danone has invested in sport, which promotes strong values, and is an essential element in the balance and upbringing of children, through the worldwide event: the Danone Nations Cup.