Igesund hails 'King Khune'

Bongani Khumalo may have regained his place in the South African soccer squad for the crucial SWC qualifier against Botswana at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium next Saturday, but the sturdy central defender will not be reinstated as captain.

Bafana coach Gordon Igesund made this clear on Thursday while declaring that Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune had "filled the role like a king" after replacing Khumalo as captain following the African Nations Cup tournament earlier in the year.

"Khune has matured immeasurably as a player and a captain in a short space of time." said Igesund.

"There would seem to be no reason to make another switch in the captaincy - even with Khumalo back in harness.

"In fact I believe that Khumalo, now back to his best form with English Champions League club Doncaster Rovers, will be better off freed of the captaincy burden and able to concentrate on his role as a key defender.

"He's had a tough time settling down since signing for Tottenham Hotspur and spending a number of periods on loan with a succession of other clubs.  Now he seems to have finally found his niche at Doncaster. What is more," said the Bafana coach.

"I've stressed to all my players that I expect to have 11 captains on the pitch at all times, with everyone taking it on himself to give 100% effort and assume full responsibility."

Igesund added that he was not surprised by the fact that Botswana had delayed the announcement of their final squad for the game in Durban, which both sides must win to retain any hope of qualifying fpr the World Cup and also hope the group leaders Ethiopia slip up in their final group qualifying game against the Central African Republic.

"They are taking the game in Durban as seriously as we are,  and have arranged a friendly match for this week-end against Uganda after which they will bring in the players who are currently with clubs outside of Botswana and assess what is their best combination," said Igesund.

- SAFA

We need such supporters at Kaizer Chiefs

I personally think it’s good that we have the believers amongst the supporters. Those who will not complain about the team not signing any players despite the obvious fact that our team is predictable and made up of tired players. We need such supporters.

In the same breath, I they must also understand that some of us are not that tolerant. We know that winning the double is not the highest standard set by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams. We know that there are teams that have won the league 3 times in a row and still went on to bolster their squads. We know that there is a team that has won the treble and a star but still they strengthened their squad.

We also know that winning a double and going on to sign a 19-year-old left back (Simphiwe Mtsweni) and our former ace striker (Knowledge Musona) who is low on confidence and game time for the past two seasons is nothing short of being arrogant and belittling the other teams that we are competing with, thinking they will not figure us out while we continue to use the same team and that they will just roll over and play dead just because we are Kaizer Chiefs.

See we know that our name alone will not win us trophies. We also happen to know that bigger teams the world over like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and others don't just sit back and not sign because they won the league after 8 years. If there was a petition to have Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung stripped of his duties and powers, my signature would be the first on it.

If there was a protest march to Naturena to make our voices heard; I would be right there in front shouting Bobby must go! But like I said, it is good that we also have supporters who see things differently and who think Bobby is the best manager in the PSL. It is good. After all, if we all thought the same way, the world would be a boring place.

All the best to the boys against SuperSport United tonight…

Premiership Fixtures:

Golden Arrows v Mamelodi Sundowns (King Zwelithini Stadium) - 15:00

Platinum Stars v Polokwane City (Royal Bafokeng Stadium) - 15:00

SuperSport United v Kaizer Chiefs (Lucas Moripe Stadium) - 18:00

Maritzburg Utd v University of Pretoria (Harry Gwala Stadium) - 20:15

By Sarel-Lee Maribana

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’.

Dr Khoza not standing as SAFA Constitution currently stands

Dr Irvin Khoza has today announced that he will not be standing in the forthcoming SAFA elections due to the clause in the SAFA Constitution that precludes anyone from holding the SAFA President's position whilst also holding an interest in a club.

Dr Khoza explained that when approached to stand he pointed out the issue arising from Article 37.9 SAFA Constitution.

The Zululand Region of SAFA raised the matter at the SAFA meeting held on Saturday 24 August 2013. It wanted clarity with regards to this article as majority of those that serve in the Local Football Associations are club owners. The matter was put up for discussion at a later date with regions urged to provide input in the meantime.

With this matter not resolved Dr Khoza cannot, as he indicated earlier, stand.

"Where football is involved I do not have the luxury of being a bystander. When approached to serve I am duty bound to give the matter serious consideration. I did indicate, when approached to stand, the limitations brought about by Article 37.9 of the SAFA Constitution. My standing at this stage will create a negativity that I can't afford to bring to football,” said Dr Khoza.

“I take this opportunity to thank those that approached me to stand. I derive continued strength in their confidence in me and the contribution they believe I make.” Dr Khoza added.

MTN celebrates passionate female fans at MTN8 matches during Women’s Month

Final eight female fans pocket R128 000 for themselves and charities at MTN8 matches.

They came donning their spectacular club regalia at all MTN8 matches over the past few weeks, and now the unique and exciting Female Fan of the Match competition ran during the Woman’s month of August has the final eight supporters.

As per the norm during the tournament and to remain true to the theme of Wafa Wafa, MTN specially honoured passionate female fans for being bold, showcasing their creativity and dressing in a unique style at the stadiums.

This past week two final winners were selected during the Soweto derby as well as the Platinum Stars and Bidvest Wits match.

Now Mbali Dlamini, an Orlando Pirates supporter, and avid Platinum Stars follower Maki Choeneemang, were the chosen ladies dressed in remarkable fan regalia and won R16 000 in the MTN8 Female Fan of the Match competition, half of which they will share with a charity organisation of their choice that caters for women and children.

Mbali (30), mother of one, who hails from Secunda in the Mpumalanga province, was overjoyed upon hearing that she had won the prize after she was notified by friends sitting around her that her photo was displayed on the big screen.

Mbali matched her Buccaneers’ red top with a stylish black, red, white and grey skirt with long black football socks and a team jersey, for her outfit that won her the big prize. 

“Did I really win this big prize?” she asked in disbelief.

“I’m extremely thrilled to have been chosen as the best dressed lady among so many female fans who looked so beautiful at the FNB stadium. The prize money will assist me to better my education and finally get a health and safety qualification certificate.

  

Mbali, who currently works at the SASOL plant as a Health and Safety Officer, will enroll at a local College to complete her studies.

At the second MTN8 semifinal match on Sunday, Maki, a 51-year old Platinum Stars supporter from Mafidikwe Village in Phokeng, who is grateful for the help of her seamstress friend in the village, was clad in a smartly designed skirt, a football-styled work wear overall both designed in Platinum Stars colours and finished her look with a white police-like hat and the club’s home jersey.

After revelation of the big prize, the unemployed mother of three, Maki struggled to hold back her tears such was the meaning of the honour to her. “This is unbelievable and a huge prize for me, she commented hysterically.

“The reward from MTN comes at a time when I was stressing about funds to build a wall around my house while I will use some of the winnings for tertiary education for older child.

Maki recently started volunteering at a local school for the blind and is involved in the School’s Governing Body.

The stories of triumph and the spirit of endurance, that have come to the fore after MTN awarded the female fans their prizes and hearing about some of the charitable causes they wish to donate half of their prize to, demonstrates that women hold a special place in society as the backbone of communities.

Orlando Pirates – Did You Know?

In the 80's Orlando Pirates suffered a lot financially because of internal squabbles in management. John Mabaso was not so popular with the Ghost because of his leadership style and his mismanaging of the club funds. Players were not paid on time and we lost a lot of quality players because of that.

The Ghost will gather at DOCC and they will fill up 8 to 10 dustbins (the old round ones) with donations from R20 upwards. The objective was to assist the team financially in terms of buying players and paying their salaries, but Mabaso will always claim the club has no money and players will not attend training sessions some will not attend even games because of that.

In his committee there was Bra Sixty Mali who was a gintsa (car thief) from Molapo. Questions were asked as to how come a criminal like Bra Sixty is in Bucs management especially because he doesn't come from Orlando East. Mabaso himself was from Meadowlands.

Looking at today's soccer fans I would say some of them are very ungrateful. I sometimes hear them calling Irvin Khoza all sorts of names. I wonder what they were going to do in the times of Mabaso and his goons. The Ghost played a big role in making Pirates what it is today and we must be grateful to have a leader like our chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza. 

"Before claiming that you are a true supporter and saying others are fake supporters" do an introspection on what you have done for the club… since 1937.

By Philani Madonsela

New Breed of Attack: Zlatan Ibrahimovic debuts new flash lime Hypervenom in Paris

Today, Zlatan Ibrahimovic officially revealed the new “Flash Lime” Nike Hypervenom football boot at an event in Paris for the city’s young footballers. The Paris-Saint Germain striker will wear the boots for the first time this weekend verus Guingamp.

Zlatan addressed the young footballers who were in attendance bidding for the title of most deadly striker in the French capital. Each team played throughout the day in a three-on-three competiton under Zlatan’s watchful eye.

“Being here tonight, there’s such an incredible energy,” said Ibrahimovic. “It’s very exciting to see these young footballers talent and passion for this sport.”

The Nike HyperVenom boot features a NIKESKIN upper that fits to the foot aiding touch and control.  In a game that is always changing, the Nike Football design team created the Hypervenom with feedback from top players including Ibrahimovic, Neymar and Wayne Rooney, who specifically expressed his need for a boot to help create space quickly in and around the penalty area to get his shot off from any angle.

During the development of the Hypervenom, players discussed the increased agility of opponents, referencing today’s best defenders who are now as quick, agile and skilful as many of the world’s best forwards.

“The Hypervenom focuses on creating the space needed in order to put the ball in the net.  It’s a small but important nuance,” said Phil McCartney, VP Nike Football, Footwear.

Domestic Transfer window to close on Friday afternoon

The domestic July-August transfer window will close on Friday afternoon, 30 August 2013 at 17h00.

This was confirmed by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) General Manager of Football, Derek Blanckensee.

“The bulk of Premier Division registrations were completed before kick-off of the 2013/14 Absa Premiership. Our office has been very busy this week mainly with National First Division (NFD) registrations. 

The NFD will kick-off this Saturday. We are expecting Friday to be a very busy day for us,” Blanckensee said.

Players who are out of contract when the window closes (free agents) can still be registered after the window has closed.

Igesund lauds Rantie move to England

Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has lauded striker Tokelo Rantie’s transfer to English Championship side Bournemouth from Swedish side Malmo as a career-changing move.

The 22-year-old striker completed a transfer move from Sweden to England on Wednesday and Igesund said the move was a masterstroke for the future of the fast-improving striker.

“It is good for him, for Bafana and it is a major boost for the country and our aspirations of competing with the best. I get very excited when players make such wise career move. He is moving to a bigger stage and this will be a great boost for Bafana,” said Igesund.

Rantie is one of the three strikers selected for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup encounter against Botswana on 7 September at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban together with Orlando Pirates’ Kermit Erasmus and Kaizer Chiefs’ Bernard Parker.

“Such a move will definitely add value to the entire national team. I want to take this opportunity to personally congratulate him,” added Igesund.

Included in the Bafana Bafana squad to play Botswana are three England-based players in defender and former captain Bongani Khumalo, Dean Furman (both Doncaster Rovers) and midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi of Crystal Palace.

- SAFA

adidas unveil UEFA Cup balls

Today, adidas is proud to reveal the range of new Official Match Balls for the 2013/2014 season of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and the 2013 UEFA Super Cup competition.

The Finale 13 – The Official Match Ball for the 2013/2014 UEFA Champions League season

The adidas UEFA Champions League Finale 13 Official Match Ball will be used by Europe’s elite clubs during all group stage matches of the 2013/2014 competition. As with previous Official Match Balls, the new design features an outer coating texture designed to provide optimal grip at the point of impact.

The artwork within the iconic star panel construction uses distinctive colours (white / infrared / silver / black) and graphics to signify a “ceremony of light” design. The iconic UEFA Champions League logos positioned within the top and bottom star panels and the individual strands spreading from this design represent the vibrant stadiums on match day and resulting light beams emanating across Europe.

This season adidas will launch a social media based campaign for fans enabling them to engage in “real time” and enhance their UEFA Champions League experience. Gamedayplus is a season long interactive platform celebrating the brand’s long association with the UEFA Champions League and is designed to provide fans throughout the world with an enhanced match day experience.

The platform will be hosted predominantly on twitter @adidasfootball and will involve a series of consumer experiences / rewards for taking part. The season-long activation is endorsed by top coaches such as Pep Guardiola (FC Bayern Munich), José Mourinho (Chelsea FC) and Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid CF).

From mid-September, fans can access the experience online on www.adidas.com/gamedayplus and @adidasfootball on Twitter.

The Official Match Ball for the UEFA Europa League

The Official Match Ball for the 2013/2014 season of the UEFA Europa League will see a new distinctive design inspired by the silhouette curves of the famous UEFA Europa League trophy and logo. Incorporating the now iconic UEFA Europa League colours (red/yellow), the Official Match Ball is also inspired by the “ceremony of light” design treatment, similar to the UEFA Champions League Finale 13 Official Match Ball.

adidas are also proud to launch a season long campaign dedicated to the UEFA Europa League called “UEL Away Days”, a YouTube series showcasing fan journeys capturing the sights and sounds of following the UEFA Europa League and following your team across Europe.

The Official Match Ball for the UEFA Super Cup

Tomorrow, UEFA Champions League winner FC Bayern Munich will play fellow adidas club Chelsea FC, winner of the 2012/13 UEFA Europa League, in the UEFA Super Cup 2013 taking place in Prague. The ball includes the UEFA Super Cup logo at the heart of the design and integrates the blue and red colours of the two finalists.

UEFA Champions League Finale 13 and UEFA Europa League Official Match Balls are now available for purchase in adidas retail outlets, associated stockists and via www.adidas.com/football.

South African Legends

Having seen and watched the SA Legends games and teams that have been selected to represent South Africa on various occasions, I feel and still maintain that the current system or criteria used to select these legends should be reviewed so that it is representative and reflects the true state of affairs as far as the yesteryear South African football is concerned.

I am raising this issue because I have consistently witnessed a distortion or rather a misrepresentation of our football history, not just history but rich history, regardless of which league or era. The continued and constant selection of legends mainly from only a certain era or league, which is the National Professional Soccer League(NPSL) and National Soccer League(NSL), is effectively erasing and writing off any history of football that existed during the era of the National Football League (NFL) established in 1959 by stalwarts like Norman “Silver Fox” Elliot, Dave Marais, Vivian Granger, Topper Brown, Paul Harrison, Eric Litchfield, Dolf Stead, Ted Wallace, Harry Sturisky, Bill McGarvie, Reg Johnson, and many other officials who were involved in the administration of the league and made it a success.

There were great teams who dished out good football in the form of Addington who became Durban Spurs in 1968, Arcadia Shepards who merged with ISCOR Pretoria to form Arcadia United in 1969, Benoni United who also later merged with Brakpan United and Springs playing in the Transvaal League to form East Rand United, Berea Park who also merged with Pretoria City, Bloemfontein City, Boksburg, Cape Town City, Durban Celtic who later changed to Pinetown Celtic in 1974, The Great Durban City of Norman Elliot, Durban Ramblers, Durban United who later merged with Durban Spurs to form Durban Spurs United, East London Celtic who also merged with East London City playing in the Cape Eastern League to form East London United, Germiston Callies, Guild Apollo who merged with Jewish Guild(The Great George Best once featured for this team) and Johannesburg Corinthians to form Roodepoort Guild(The Great Eusébio da Silva Ferreira of Portugal later played for this team in late 70’s).

There were teams like Hellenic, Highlands Park who once merged with Powerlines to form Highlands Power, Johannesburg City to form Northern United and played in the Transvaal League until 1964, then merging with Marist Brothers AFC, Johannesburg Ramblers, Johannesburg Wanderers, Lusitano, Maritzburg who played in the Natal League as Durban Municipals from 1953 – 1967, Maritzburg Celtic, Olympia, Port Elizabeth City, Randfontein who later changed its name to West Rand United, Shamrocks, Southern Park who later changed to Southern Suburbs, Southern Albion who merged with Florida to form Florida Albion, Vaal United, Victoria 89, Wits University(still playing in the PSL).

But yes, some phenomenal footballers out of this era, many who are still very much active and kicking fully eligible to be picked and play the full 45 minutes. We once saw how healthy they still are on Mzansi Legends hosted by “I am Phumlani Msibi” on SuperSport TV.

Great players also were seen participating in the Federation Professional League (FPL), established in 1959 to allow coloureds and Indians to participate in a competitive league as the apartheid South Africa barred them from playing with black people or white people. Where were the likes of: Deena Naidoo, Sulie Bhamjee, Farouk Abrahams, Howard Freeze, Bernard Hartze, Buddy Govender, Reaz Moorad, Boobie Solomons, Enzo Coopola, Sergio dos Santos and others? In this league there was Cape Town Spurs, Glenville, Bosmont Chelsea, Lighbody's Santos, Swaraj United, Verulam Suburbs, Durban Berea, Manning Rangers, Lenasia Bluebells, Dynamos United, Tongaat Crusaders, Leicester City, Galvindale as the original FPL teams. Later they were joined by Durban City, Cape Town City, Johannesburg Rangers amalgamated with Swaraj United and Durban United amalgamated with Verulam Suburbs to form Suburbs United and many more. But yes, some phenomenal footballers out of this era many who are still active to this day even have what they call FPL Legends League down in Durban. Politics denied footballers before; it shouldn't continue to deny it.

“I played for Orlando Pirates and we were quite a nice mixture of players and then after two years with them the government stepped in and said, 'No, if you are going to persist playing mixed football, then we will no longer give you the municipality stadiums,' and on those basis Pirates said to us: 'Look where are we going to play? We have to offload you guys.' At that time we were 5 or 6 coloured players in the squad of Orlando Pirates.” Bernard “Dancing Shoes” Hartze.

We have come this far with our football; we have a rich history that needs to be told, weather through these games or otherwise. Another historic event was when Vincent Julius who played almost all positions for Mamelodi Sundowns from the 1960s to 1976 was the first ever black player to play in the NFL while league, breaking apartheid laws in 1976 against Highlands Park and even scored on his debut the only goal of the match. These games should trigger more research and curiosity on who were all these people, who they played for and how was it like in those days

All that being said, the point is that SAFA, as the custodians of SA football from all eras, if they are serious about telling the real story of South African football through these games and other means, should organise these Legends like Phumlani Msibi tried to do with his show and form Provincial Legends games (I know it’s already happening down in Durban with the FPL Legends).

By Nkanyiso Mathamba

Can Harmony increase their Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup winnings this year?

To date, Harmony High School from Virginia in the Free State is the most successful school in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, having won R2,2 million in prize money between 2010 and 2012. According to Team Manager Hector Mokhali, the team competing in the 2013 Free State Provincial finals, happening on Saturday, 7 September, at the Mangaung Outdoor Sports  Centre in Bloemfontein, might be young and inexperienced, but have what it takes to win some of the R3.2 prize money on offer this year.

The school won R700 000 in 2010 after finishing in second place and winning the provincial finals, in 2011 the school won R1 million first prize and in 2012 finished in third place taking home R500 000.   “The funds we have won to date have made a massive difference to the school learner’s lives, and the surrounding community,” said Mokhali.  “We have a 44-seater bus, 3 mini-buses, a TV and projector, sprinkler system to keep our sports fields in top condition and we have even donated R20 000 worth of sports kit to an underprivileged school in our community.”

But Mokhali says there is still a lot that is needed and the school Under-19 team is working hard at training to finish in first place next Saturday.  “We want a projector in every classroom,” he said.

Harmony won the Lejwelepotsoa district playoffs, despite a team that consists mainly of new players.  “These players are new to this competition and will be a little bit nervous, but we are expecting them to seize the opportunity, and follow in the previous players footsteps.” The team has played 14 games in the tournament so far, and has won them all. “Our aim is to continue our winning streak,” Mokhali said. “At the same time, we encourage our kids to have fun.  Commitment is what has brought us to where we are today.”

Mokhali believes the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Cup plays a huge role in soccer development in the country. “I think it helps young players as well as schools and community at large.  South African soccer has improved as a result and it particularly benefits the rural areas as they get the opportunity to see the best coaching and players in the country and improve their own game. Coaches also get to attend SAFA coaching clinics and then go back into the communities to put this into practise.

However Mokhali believes South Africa still has a long way to go to compete internationally.  “In many parts of the world there are extensive and sophisticated programmes with kids entering them from the age of 5. We do not have that in our country. Our clubs are also not as wealthy and don’t have very sophisticated programmes in place. That’s why competitions like the Sanlam Kay Motsepe School Cup are so important,” he said.

Competing teams:

District	School
Fezile Dabi	Dr Reginald Cingo High
Lejweleputsoa	Harmony High
Thabo Mofutsanyane	Mohato Secondary
Xhariep	Lere la thuto
Xhariep	Ipetleng High
Motheo

PSL CEO hands over NFD Trophy to Polokwane City

The Premier Soccer League (PSL), CEO Brand de Villiers tonight, 28 August 2013 handed over the National First Division (NFD) trophy to Polokwane City.

Polokwane City are the reigning champions of the 2012/13 NFD season – after winning the 2012/13 NFD season with 40 points.

De Villiers heaped praise on Polokwane City: “For a club that went through so much tragedy and pain during that fateful afternoon in November last year, we have to applaud Polokwane City for their tenacity and determination to succeed. I hope this trophy will be a motivation to them as they embark on life in the Premier Division.”

Polokwane City chairman, Johnny Mogaladi added: “We are delighted to be receiving this trophy in front of our home crowd and especially in our first Absa Premiership home match. It is a special moment which we cherish as the club and management. We dedicate this trophy to the four boys we lost in a tragic accident after our home match, our dedicated supporters and the people of Limpopo Province.”

adidas welcomes Mesut Özil with a dedicated promotional campaign

Today, adidas launched a new campaign in Madrid together with Mesut Özil in order to welcome the world-class football player to the adidas family. The campaign entitled "Welcoming Mesut to the family" shows the international player in a commercial with football greats such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Kaka, Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer, Zinedine Zidane, Thomas Müller and Marcelo – all of them adidas players who are seen in the clip giving Mesut Özil a friendly welcome to the family.

The campaign, which was developed by the Berlin-based advertising agency dieckertschmidt, will be launched immediately, predominantly via digital media and primarily through the adidas social media channels, such as Facebook and YouTube. Numerous adidas athletes will also add the slogan "Mesut is my brother" to their Facebook profiles.

Mesut Özil said: "I am proud to be part of the adidas family and I immediately felt at ease in my talks with adidas managers. adidas is the number one brand and has a unique history in football. I already wear adidas jerseys when playing for the German national team and for Real Madrid – so this partnership really cements our relationship."

Herbert Hainer, CEO of adidas AG, said: "We are happy that Mesut Özil has joined us. He is one of the outstanding personalities in German and international football and strengthens our portfolio of great players all over the world. With this partnership, we are once again highlighting our exceptional position as the number one brand in football."

Mesut Özil is not only one of the most extraordinary football players in the world, he is also a record holder when it comes to social media. He is the only German to have exceeded the 10 million mark on Facebook, with 10.8 million fans. His 2.8 million followers on Twitter also make Mesut Özil a strong international brand.

The 24-year-old had already signed a long-term contract with adidas in July covering joint advertising and PR activities. The midfield player will also bring his experience and knowledge to the development of football boots at adidas. In keeping with his style of play, Özil wears the latest model of the Predator football boot, giving him perfect ball control in every situation.

CAF Champions League: Orlando Pirates vs Zamalek

Orlando Pirates will jet out to Egypt this evening ahead of their fourth round match of the CAF Champions League Group Stages against Zamalek on Sunday.

The Soweto Giants will depart from OR Tambo Airport at 21h45 and are scheduled to return on Tuesday, 03 September 2013 at 07h00.

The match has been scheduled to take place in El Gouna Stadium in the City of Hurghada, Egypt on the 1st of September 2013 and the kick-off time will be at 16h00.

Following the request of the Egyptian Football Association and with the confirmation of CAF the match will be played behind closed doors.

Gauteng to host COPA Coca-Cola Provincial Finals

The Giant Stadium in Soshanguve will be the venue for the Gauteng Provincial Finals of the under-15 COPA Coca-Cola® football tournament this Saturday, 31^st August 13 (Kickoff 9am).

Eight Regional winners from around the province will be in action on the day. The teams will fight it out for the Gauteng title and for the honour of representing the province at the National Finals, scheduled for Cape Town - 10^th -13^th October 2013.

ABOUT COPA COCA-COLA

·         COPA Coca-Cola® is run under the auspices of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA)

·         Coca-Cola® started sponsoring Coca-Cola® Football Stars in 2005.

·         Between 2005 and 2008 a TV reality element was introduced aimed at finding the top 18 players who would go on to compete internationally.  To keep interests high an elimination process was brought in to reduce players from approximately 70 down to 18 and the public witnessed the trials and tribulations that went into becoming a top football player.

·         In 2009 and 2010 the name changed to bring the tournament in line with Coca-Cola’s global youth strategy to COPA Coca-Cola®.  The aim of the tournament remained the same i.e. to look for the top Under-19 school in the country and find the top 18 players who then competed against approximately 13 other African schools in the Copa Coca-Cola finals. 

·         In 2012 COPA Coca-Cola® became an Under 15 tournament to align with the Copa Coca-Cola globally. 

·         The tournament starts off at Cluster level, regional.

·         Regional winners then compete in the Provincial Finals.

·         The 2013 Copa Coca-Cola® is currently at the Provincial Finals stage.

·         Provincial winners then compete in the National Finals.

WHAT’S NEW IN 2013 COPA?

The 2013 COPA Coca-Cola® tournament see the inclusion of an All Star Invitational Team – this will be made of boys scouted from the provincial finalists. The team will be scouted during the provincial phase of the competition and will be made up of players who do not feature among the provincial winners. It will then compete against the remaining nine provincial team winners in the four-day COPA Coca-Cola® National Finals scheduled.

At the Nationals the top four best performers selected: - Goalkeeper of the tournament, Best striker/Top goal scorer, Best midfielder and Best defender will in June 2014, Jet off to Brazil to attend what is known as the COPA International Camp.

Igesund announces squad to play Botswana in crucial WC qualifier

Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has announced a strong 23-man squad that will face neighbours Botswana in a crucial Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier that will take place on Saturday (7 September 2013) at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The match will kick-off at 15h30.

Igesund has named eight overseas-based players and 15 who play in the domestic league.

The goalkeeping department remains the same with captain Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands and Senzo Meyiwa filling the three positions.

In defence, England-based and former captain Bongani Khumalo, who last played in the 2013 AFCON tournament in February, makes a welcome return so is Russia-based Siyanda Xulu who has recovered from an injury.

Also getting a recall after a long absence are Holland-based Thulani Serero and Kagisho Dikgacoi who plays for Crystal Palace in the English Premiership.

Upfront Kermit Erasmus of Orlando Pirates joins Bernard Parker and Tokelo Rantie.

“This has been a difficult exercise picking the team because there are a lot of players doing very well, more so those based overseas. I had to choose my strongest possible squad for this clash with Botswana because that’s where all my focus is right now. The match against Botswana is a huge game for us,” said Igesund.

“We need to go there and do what we have to do - win this game. Our fate will be decided by the outcome of the match between CAR and Ethiopia. But I can’t focus on something we have no control over, what we have to do is make sure we win our game but I am confident we will beat Botswana with the team I have chosen.”

Belgium-based goalkeeper Darren Keet has been included as an additional player for the Durban match but will only be available for training.

Keet will remain for Bafana Bafana’s second match, an international friendly against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, 10 September at a venue still to be confirmed.

South Africa will be without their overseas contingent for the Zimbabwe game as they will return to their clubs, as well as the Orlando Pirates players who are playing CAF Champions League against AC Leopards of the Congo on Saturday, 14 September. Only Erasmus will be part of the second match as he is not registered for the competition.

“The squad to play Zimbabwe will consist of local-based players, without Pirates players, as we look at next year’s CHAN tournament that we will host in South Africa. I have excused Pirates players as they have to travel to Congo where they have a match three days after our clash with Zimbabwe.

“It was a tough decision again, but I don’t see any logic in including them in my squad when they have to play far away three days later. They are representing the country, and everyone wants to see them do well as it will benefit Bafana Bafana in the long run,” said Igesund.

The match against Botswana will be played simultaneously with the other group A clash between Central African Republic (CAR) and Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is leading the group with 10 points, two ahead of the second-placed South Africa, while Botswana is third with seven points. CAR is out of contention on three points.

For South Africa to go through, they will have to defeat Botswana, and hope that Ethiopia loses or draws against CAR.

Botswana could still sneak in if they defeat South Africa by a huge margin and hope CAR downs Ethiopia.

A win for Ethiopia will eliminate all the other teams, and the East Africans will go through to the play-offs stage where five African representatives to go to Brazil will be determined.

The Bafana Bafana squad will assemble on Sunday, 1 September and will depart for Durban on Monday, 2 September.

Meanwhile tickets for the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge clash are already on sale.

The tickets are selling for R50 and R100 and can be bought at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Shoprite/Checkers outlets around the country.

BAFANA BAFANA v BOTSWANA

GOALKEEPERS

Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands, Senzo Meyiwa

DEFENDERS

Thabo Nthethe, Anele Ngcongca, Bongani Khumalo, Tsepo Masilela, Siyanda Xulu, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Thabo Matlaba

MIDFIELDERS

Kagisho Dikgacoi, Dean Furman, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Bongani Zungu, Thulani Serero, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Daine Klate

STRIKERS

Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie, Kermit Erasmus

BAFANA BAFANA v ZIMBABWE

GOALKEEPERS:

Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands, Darren Keet

DEFENDERS:

Eric Mathoho, Tshepo Gumede, Thabo Nthethe, Tsepo Masilela, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Marc van Heerden

MIDFIELDERS:

Hlompho Kekana, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Bongani Zungu, Thuso Phala, Siphiwe Tshabalala, David Mathebula, Ruzaigh Gamildien, Lerato Chabangu, Luyolo Nomandela

STRIKERS:

Bernard Parker, Lebogang Manyama, Siphelele Mthembu, Kermit Erasmus

- SAFA

Chiefs look to respond to the derby defeat

Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to bounce back from the defeat on Saturday as they welcome another Soweto rivals, Moroka Swallows, at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday, 27 August 2013.

The Glamour Boys completed a double over Moroka Swallows during last season with scintillating performances in two matches that produced a total of nine goals.

The Glamour Boys, coming from the back of a defeat in the first leg of MTN8 against Orlando Pirates, will want to redeem themselves against Moroka Swallows and help keep their record in the league intact following a win against Black Aces in the league opener.

Marketing Director Jessica Motaung commented; “Moroka Swallows is coming to our turf at a wrong time following the defeat against Orlando Pirates. We are looking to bounce back immediately from the defeat. Once again the supporters have been magnificent to the team by rallying behind the Team on Saturday. We always feel stronger when we have the supporters on our side as has always been the case.

The game also marks our first league game at home in 2013/2014 season and we promise to give the supporters a memorable Amakhosi experience. We will have activations by the Supporters Club and in partnership with our sponsors we will give the supporters a memorable experience at all our home games,” added Jessica.

Corporate Communications Vina Maphosa revealed that the players and everyone in the team is not fazed following the defeat on Saturday; “The players were understandably disappointed after the game but now that is water under the bridge. It is another Soweto derby and there is a lot at stake. This is a game that evokes a lot of memories from both set of fans.

We got the better of Moroka Swallows last season, both at home and away but we all know that when it comes to Derbies the past results are thrown out of the window. It will be a different ball game.

We would like once more to invite Amakhosi faithful to join us at FNB Stadium on Tuesday. The ticket sales have been going well and it has been encouraging to see supporters buying tickets to come and rally behind the team,” added Maphosa.

Tickets are sold at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers for R40. Gates open at 16:00 and kickoff for the game is at 19h30.