TKO Last 16 Tickets on Sale

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed that tickets for the Telkom Knockout (TKO) round of 16 fixtures are now on sale.

The road to TKO glory will begin this week – starting with a fixture between Bidvest Wits and Golden Arrows at the Bidvest Stadium on Friday night, 04 October 2013.

Tickets for all TKO last 16 fixtures can be purchased at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers countrywide at R40 for adults and R10 for children under the age of 12.

TKO Last 16 Fixtures:

Friday, 04 October 2013

Bidvest Wits vs. Golden Arrows, Bidvest Stadium, 20h00

Saturday, 05 October 2013

Free State Stars vs. AmaZulu, Goble Park, 15h00

SuperSport United vs. Ajax Cape Town, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 15h00

Moroka Swallows vs. University of Pretoria, Dobsonville Stadium, 20h15

Polokwane City vs. Kaizer Chiefs, Peter Mokaba Stadium, 20h15

Sunday, 06 October 2013

Bloemfontein Celtic vs. Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium, 15h00

Platinum Stars vs. Maritzburg United, Moruleng Stadium, 15h00



Tuesday, 08 October 2013

Mpumalanga Black Aces vs. Orlando Pirates, Mbombela Stadium, 19h30

Why Orlando Pirates is the best

How do you know that the team is feared and it is the best in the country?

01. They have 25% support base than their rivals that even includes being loved by soccer commentators etc... rate about 75% support base.

02. They win a treble and little was said to laud them while their rivals won a double but you could bet they had won a FIFA Club World Cup tournament the way it was being highlighted.

03. When they lose to another team, come the next day their rivals will be wearing their own kits like there were the ones who won against them.

04. When they play teams from other countries, their rivals will sit in stands along with visitors to support the foreign team.

05. They are the only team to have won the CAF Champions League medal in the region of Southern Hemisphere.

06. Their logo has a Gold Star for Continental's tournament Victory.

07. This team has forenames:  Ezimnyama Ngenkani, Ezikamagebhula, Bhakaniya, The Sea Robbers, The Ghost, The Mighty Buccaneers, The Happy People, ect.

08. The name of the team is: Orlando Pirates Football Club.

09. They are hated by many living in South Africa.

10. Most important thing about noticing such a great team:  I was born a Buccaneer,

Once a Buccaneer always a Buccaneer!!

By Mbuso Mahlangu

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’

Open Letter to Benson Mhlongo

I couldn't believe my eyes when reading about how Orlando Pirates, I quote "nearly ended your career ". I’m really surprised at these comments made by you because, wait let me remind you... a year ago if not more you were on Metro FM and gave us the full details of your injury and your recovery process till you kicked the ball again. I remember how you told Rob Marawa that, I quote "Insurance People" said cash in and retire and back then you didn’t say that it was Pirates, how things have changed now.

I admired you as a leader, a player and a fighter against all odds hence you became my hero. I was one of those supporters who gave you a standing ovation when you came in as a sub at Orlando Stadium in the Nedbank Cup in 2012 because when you got injured in Durban against AmaZulu you were not alone but with your fans, me included were injured as well.

We supporters don’t really know what's going on in the admin of our clubs but I would like to believe Orlando Pirates Football Club are not as bad as you now made them to be. I mean this is the club which stood by you throughout your injury, throughout your criminal cases.

Yes Mr. Mhlongo we haven't forgotten what happened in Nelspruit but now why are you rubbishing your recent success with this comments when you had the opportunity to do so couple of years ago or is it a case of you couldn't talk bad about your employer back then… then what does that really say about your integrity as a man.

You are entitled to publicize your feelings but surely not when celebrating a famous victory, you just robbed Platinum Stars the chance to celebrate without your controversial claims.

I wish you the best in your soccer life.

Yours Former Fan,

Martin

Read Benson Mhlongo’s article accusing Orlando Pirates of nearly killing his soccer career: http://bit.ly/17ekfhz

Is Danny Jordaan going to save SAFA?

That’s today's everybody's question.

To start with, it should unreservedly accepted that Danny Jordaan's credentials and visionary spirit are outstanding. He has the kind of leadership personality which attracts recognition both locally and internationally and that could be a significant advantage when faced with extremely difficult challenges of reviving South African football.

I assume that Jordaan's constant exposure to various aspects of international football administration has been an invaluable source of learning on how success is achieved and sustained in football. What the previous SAFA leadership did not bothered to acknowledge was the key - world-wide - reason for football administrations' failures, which is: DISMAL PERFORMANCES IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS.

In all such cases football leaders become victims of their own ignorance by denying recognition and implementation to those FUNDAMENTAL PREREQUISITES responsible for success in international football: TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND RELEVANT COMPETITIONS (other secondary factors are important too).

The last time when the conditions for proper development and performance improvement were respected at SAFA was in 1995/6 when Stix Morewa supported our recommendation to use INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE in establishing youth projects (FIFA rated them as 'the best concept/methodology in the world' at that time) and also in formulating technical solutions for ALL national teams (1996 AFCON success was part of that initiative).

Then SAFA' self-destructive policies that followed after 1996, mainly the complete disregard of achievements and positives of 1995/6 technical programs, have been the cause of crises and continuous decline. It is baffling that in recent years the leadership of SAFA has been pursuing the irrational plan of importing coaching knowledge, youth development methodologies and football related scientific data from countries of completely contrasting game environment, culture and social conditions.

Those artificial solutions are to a large extent the reason why now Danny Jordaan has to SAVE SAFA. It was last year in the Technical Committee (SAFA) when clear evidence was produced concluding that "YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS, METHODS of TRAINING and GAME MENTALITIES' are only SUCCESSFUL IN THOSE RESPECTIVE CULTURES and ENVIRONMENTS THAT PRODUCED THEM. CONTRASTING BIO-CULTURAL, SOCIAL, CLIMATIC AND NUTRITIONAL FACTORS CAN NULIFY EVEN THOSE CONCEPTS, METHODS OR PERFORMANCE MENTALITIES THAT ARE REGARDED AS BEING THE BEST IN THE WORLD". It's obvious that this vital evidence is still to be accepted at SAFA.

I have the feeling that Danny Jordaan will initiate radical changes as he is fully aware that there is no other alternative. All the best, Danny!

By Dumitru Ted

adidas release Limited Edition White Copa Mundial

Today, adidas has unveiled a limited edition version of their most famous football boot to date: the iconic Copa Mundial.

Released in 1982, the Copa Mundial is the best-selling boot in football history and has been worn by some of the all-time greats including Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini, Zico & Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Since then it has been sold over 10 million times and was actually the last revolutionary product innovation created by sporting goods legend and founder of the adidas brand Adi Dassler. He had been personally involved in the early development of the original Copa Mundial before he passed away in 1982.

adidas will release a limited number of pairs of the special White Copa Mundial available to footballers globally and they are sure to become a collector’s item when they go on sale tomorrow (Tuesday 1^st October).

Going through very slight changes since the boot was designed for the 1982 FIFA World Cup™ in Spain, the Copa continues to be made in Scheinfeld, close to adidas HQ in Germany. It boasts a kangaroo leather upper and additional leather provided on the heel, intended to improve durability and stability.

The new boot maintains the same qualities and feel of the traditional version but the colour way has been reversed with white being the prominent colour launching the boot into the modern game.

The White Copa Mundial is available from tomorrow (Tuesday 1^st October) for purchase in selected adidas retail outlets, associated stockists and via www.adidas.com/football.

Tshwane resident crowned the 2013 MTN8 Last Fan Standing winner

Madimetsa Manyediwane from Sunnyside in the capital city Tshwane, is the 2013 MTN8 Last Fan Standing after outsmarting his counterparts in a football and general knowledge quiz that decided who would walk away with the life-changing prize of a trip to Brazil in 2014 and the R1million in cash.

It was at half time of the sold-out 2013 MTN8 Wafa Wafa final between Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars at the Moses Mabhida Stadium that Manyediwane, a chemical engineering student was announced the winner.

“It’s not everyone that gets the opportunity to be on the pitch, it’s mostly the players that get to do that but I got the chance at the MTN8 final and it was an overwhelming experience and an honour to be presented as the Last Fan Standing on the field, said an elated Manyediwane. “I’m really excited about winning this prize and the trip to Brazil, it’s a consolation for me as my team Mamelodi Sundowns did not qualify for this season’s tournament,” he added.

Manyediwane’s journey to becoming the 2013 Last Fan Standing began when he opted-in to enter the MTN8 Last Fan Standing competition by dialling *130*1# and then recharging with R10 or more. He was then part of the eight finalists that were randomly drawn each week over an eight-week period during the 2013 Wafa Wafa tournament. The finalists participated in a football and general knowledge trivia quiz on the eve of the 2013 MTN Final in Durban, to determine the 2013 winner.

 

“MTN congratulates Madimetsa Manyediwane on becoming the fifth MTN8 Last Fan Standing winner. This year’s winner receives R1 million in cash as well as a trip to Brazil in 2014 and we are pleased to continue offering our customers exceptional platforms that will change their lives for the better,” says Brian Gouldie, the Chief Marketing Officer at MTN SA.

“MTN8 is about the fans, the love for the beautiful game and connecting these fans to their passion for football, and we look forward to hosting Madimetsa on his once-in-lifetime trip to Brazil next year. We thank all the MTN customers who participated and we congratulate those who won various prizes in the R8 million prize pool distributed to customers during the tournament. We also thank the supporters that came in large numbers to watch the matches and support the MTN8 tournament countrywide and we are looking forward to another fiercely contested MTN8 Wafa Wafa tournament in 2014,” Gouldie concluded.

The MTN8 Last Fan Standing competition now in its 5th year has become a firm favourite amongst South African football fans. A brief look back shows the life-changing prizes and experiences, which MTN has afforded the winners over the years.

Since its inception year in 2009, Thulani Ngcobo won the ultimate prize to watch 38 matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and in the process setting a Guinness World Record for the most World Cup matches attended by a football fan.

For any Red Devils fan, like Malose Kutumela, the 2010 Last Fan Standing winner, the ultimate dream came true when he won an eight-day all expenses paid trip to watch the Manchester United derby at Old Trafford with a personalized tour of the stadium by former Manchester United player, Quinton Fortune.

In 2011, Tumo Mogamisi won himself an all-expenses paid trip to watch 8 of the best football derbies around the world which included amongst others, the Old Firm in Scotland (Celtic vs Rangers) and the Milan derby (AC Milan vs Inter Milan). Last year saw 21-year old Sithembile Ubisi’s life change for the better when he was crowned the 4th Last Fan Standing winner and purchased a house for his mother from his R1 million cash prize, apart from the once-in-a-lifetime trip to watch the El Clasico in Spain.

Clapham High School win R1 million as 2013 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup Champions

Gauteng’s Clapham High School took the R1 million first prize after winning the 2013 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup.  They beat Louis Botha Technical High School 2 – 0 in the final that took place at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi, Durban.  To hand out the trophy was Mr Patrice Motsepe, owner of Mamelodi Sundowns, the club that most of the players belong to.

“I am so happy,” said leading goal scorer, Khayelihle Shozi, who finished on 7 goals. “To play before my president and all the scouts that put me where I am today was an honour.  I wanted to show them that the decision to bring me into the Sundowns Academy was the right one.”

Clapham finished the tournament winning every game they played scoring an impressive 27 goals in 8 games averaging over 3 a game. 

Louis Botha might have finished in second place but they were very pleased with this and the R600 000 that went with it.  Coach, Prince Sani believes that it is not about winning but the experience.  “This is our first time in this tournament and to get this far is fantastic.  Further, I only formed the team this year so they are new and we will keep working and will definitely be back next year.  This is such a good experience for the boys.”

Sani believed that playing in the final against a team that is so tactical and technical  astute only helped his boys see what true professional football is all about.  “We have all loved our trip to Durban and will most definitely go back home wiser footballers.”

Meanwhile Rosina Sedibane Modiba beat Harmony High school 2 – 1 to clinch third place. “We travelled to Durban with Clapham, who beat us to win the provincial finals, and have built a really good relationship with them.  We were hoping to meet them in the final, but finishing third is also good.  The R500 000 will come in handy to further improve the school.

Results:

THIRD/FOURTH PLAY-OFF

Harmony 0  vs Rosina 2

Goals: Sifiso Nkosi, Kabelo Seriba

FINAL

Clapham 2 vs Louis Botha 1

CHS:  Avela Cezu, Montoro Monyai

FINAL LOG POSITIONS

01.          Clapham

02.          Louis Botha

03.          Rosina

04.          Harmony

05.          Mondale

06.          Okiep

07.          Benny’s Sports Academy

08.          Cloetesville

09.          Eric Nxumalo

10.          Freedom Park

11.          Rietvale

12.          Executive Academy

13.          FK Tjiane

14.          Ndamase

15.          Sebetwane

16.          Sibongumusa

17.          Welabasha

18.          East High

Danny Jordaan new SAFA President

Former SAFA Vice-President and 2010 FIFA World Cup CEO, Dr Danny Jordaan is the new SAFA President after winning the race for the top seat over fellow contender Mandla ‘Shoes’ Mazibuko.

It was an overwhelming majority victory for Dr Jordaan who polled 162 votes to Mazibuko’s 88.

The elections were conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and were also monitored by members from FIFA and continental soccer body, CAF and SASCOC.

Once the results were announced, the Congress venue burst into song and dance, celebrating the 62-year old’s ascendancy to one of the country’s most demanding jobs.

Jordaan takes over from Kirsten Nematandani who did not contest the race.

Dr Jordaan, who sought the mandate on the promise to improve Bafana Bafana’s overall performance, youth development, strengthening women football as well as strengthening the Association’s financial standing, said he was excited and was looking forward to deliver on his mandate.

The Vice-Presidents positions went to Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana who garnered 197 votes, Lucas Nhlapo (173) and Elvis Shishana who got 167 votes. The other Vice-President of the Association is Premier Soccer League chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza.

Mazibuko magnanimously withdrew his candidature for the Vice-President’s position while former NEC member, Alpha Mchunu (95) and Victor Ramathesele (76) did not garner enough votes.

The 10 National List members of the National Executive Committee are, Mr Gladwin White, Mr Kwenzakwakhe Ngwenya, Ms Nomsa Mahlangu, Mr Poobalan Govindasamy, Mr Xolile Nkompela, Mr Truman Prince, Ms Ria Ledwaba, Mr Aubrey Baartman, Advocate Norman Arendse and Ms Anastasia Tsichlas.

The Members of the Provincial List are: Abel Rakoma and Jack Maluleka (Limpopo), Anthony Reeves and William Mooka (Gauteng), David ‘Brains’ Zulu and Gay Mokoena (Mpumalanga), Mzwandile Maforvane and Michael Mogorosi (Free State), Monde Montshiwa and Paseka Nkone (North West), Velaphi Kubeka and Simphiwe Xaba (Kwazulu-Natal), Gerald Don and Mlungisi Bushwana (Western Cape), Mzimkhulu Ndlelo and Mzimkhulu Fina (Eastern Cape) and David Bantu and Peter Mantshonyane (Northern Cape).

The Association welcomes the new National Executive Committee and plans to convene a meeting within the next two weeks to begin the hard work of building the future of South African football.

- SAFA

MTN8 Final: Orlando Pirates VS Platinum Stars

If last season is anything to go by, then it would be a Stuart Baxter vs Cavin Johnson MTN8 Cup Final on Saturday, but football is an unpredictable sport. The first victims were University of Pretoria, Bloemfontein Celtic, Free State Stars as well as Cavin Johnson's SuperSport United. Next was Gavin Hunt's Bidvest Wits and the current Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Kaizer Chiefs. Now only two teams remain, Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars.

Many predicted the downfall of Platinum Stars after the departure of their head coach at the end of the last campaign, Allan Freese has shown that he is more than capable of producing quality football and possibly bring home some silverware for one of the most underrated South African team currently.

Having scored 9 goals and conceded 3 in the MTN8 Cup alone, the is no shortage of fire power within the team, and any "Rat" hating fan would happily wager that Platinum Stars "will" become this year's MTN8 Champions. However, in every road there are speed bumps, and in this road to MTN8 Championship, the biggest hurdle is Orlando Pirates.

Orlando Pirates are fast developing their reputation of being "Knockout Kings," having knocked out Djabal Club Zanaco FC and TP Mazembe from CAF Champions League in the knockout phases of the tournament; they continued to do the same with SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 Cup this season. Roger de Sa together with his men are no longer the team that was hampered by Maluti FC last season, they have developed into an African powerhouse that earned them the Goal.Com African team of the month (August), and it may very well seem like no team can match De Sa's troops this season.

Both these teams deservedly are in the final, due to strong offensive and competitive football they displayed in this year's MTN8 Cup campaign. It shall be a battle of tactics between De Sa and Freese, a goal scoring battle between Lennox Bacela and Robert Ng'ambi and a battle for cup glory between Orlando Pirate and Platinum stars, if anything, football shall be the winner this upcoming Saturday.

By Mihlali "Stroyd" Stwayi

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’.

TKO Last 16 Fixture Change

The Telkom Knockout first round clash between Mpumalanga Black Aces and Orlando Pirates has been postponed to October 8.

The match was scheduled to be played this coming Wednesday, but Pirates asked for a postponement in order to allow them more time to prepare for their CAF Champions League semi-final, first leg, against Tunisian giants Esperance on October 5.

All stakeholders agreed to the postponement in the interests of giving Pirates the best opportunity possible to fly the South Africa flag and the match will now be held at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, October 8 with a 19h30 kick-off.

It means the Telkom Knockout competition will get under way this year when BidVest Wits host Lamontville Golden Arrows at the BidVest Stadium on Friday, October 4 (kick-off 20h00).

2013 TELKOM KNOCKOUT FIRST ROUND FIXTURES:

Friday, 4 October

Bidvest Wits vs Golden Arrows, Bidvest Stadium, 20h00

Saturday, 5 October

Free State Stars vs AmaZulu, Goble Park, 15h00

SuperSport United vs Ajax Cape Town, Lucas Moripe Stadium, 15h00

Moroka Swallows vs University of Pretoria, Dobsonville Stadium, 20h15

Polokwane City vs Kaizer Chiefs, Peter Mokaba Stadium, 20h15

Sunday, 6 October

Bloemfontein Celtic vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium, 15h00

Platinum Stars vs Maritzburg United, Moruleng Stadium, 15h00

Tuesday, 8 October

MP Black Aces vs Orlando Pirates, Mbombela Stadium, 19h30

Thabo Matlaba vs Patrick Phungwayo

In just two games, I have been able to identify the differences and similarities between Thabo Matlaba and Patrick Phungwayo.

Differences:

Matlaba is good at defending more than attacking... the only thing that makes him look like he is good at attacking is that he runs up and down the whole 90 minutes... but the truth is that, when he attacks - he takes unnecessary shots that are always off-target, he fumbles a lot in the 18 yard area of the opposition and most of the time he loses the ball when he approaches the 18 yard area, and sometimes his crosses can be bad but he is very good at defending I must say, even though sometimes he struggles with decision making.

Phungwayo is good at both attacking and defending... he makes good runs, he gets in to good spaces and makes those all important crosses and then quickly goes back to defend, although in some cases he gets caught napping... and hey he is very skillful.

Similarities:

Both these players are skillful and they have sweet left legs.

I'd pick Phungwayo for any game because he doesn't complicate things and he sticks to the basics of football.

By Lizwi Liya Zokwe

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’.

I agree with Dumitru on Baxter’s tactics

I share the same sentiments with Ted Ted Dumitru (Article: http://bit.ly/1ftK0AE ) regarding Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter’s wrong method of coaching Amakhosi based on the Tuesday’s game against Orlando Pirates.

Some tactical blunders observed:

1. Chiefs started like house on fire attacking Pirates in all angles and managed to get an important goal in the first half. Chiefs suffocated the Pirates midfield in the first half winning all the engine room battle but unfortunate in the second half, Chiefs players employed defensive tactics of defending too deep inviting Pirates into their kitchen which resulted in a goal by Pirates.

Had Chiefs continued with the momentum of first half, they would have beaten Pirates but unfortunate the tempo of their game decline protecting a draw than going for killer punch which is the second goal.

2. Siphiwe Tshabalala switched position to play as right winger out of his position backfired as he was bottled by Patrick Phungwayo throughout the game. Tshabalala was ineffective throughout the second half, but Baxter delayed to make tactical changes.

3. The replacement of Siyabonga Nkosi by Kingston Nkhatha was another blunder as it killed Chiefs’ creativity in the engine room. The coach should have introduced George Lebese who is more creative than Nkhatha who sometimes play as defensive striker by always tackling defenders than creating scoring opportunities.

4. Baxter is continuing overlooking effective players such as Lehlohonolo Majoro and Lucky Baloyi who are offensive minded than Nkhatha and Willard Katsande.

Don't get me wrong, Baxter is a master tactician of the modern game with balance team, but his irrational tactical decisions sometimes are working against the team. Baxter must build trust to his players to avoid deployed rigid tactical decisions.

By Owen Mundalamo

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’.

MTN8 Final Update: Only 3 000 tickets left

The PSL has confirmed that there are only 3 000 tickets available for the 2013/14 MTN8 Final between Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars this weekend.

The MTN8 final will be played on Saturday, 28 September 2013 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick-off is at 20h15.

Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers countrywide. Prices range from R40 to R80 for adults and R10 for children under the age of 12.

A Gauteng/Free State Sanlam Kay Motesepe Schools Cup Final

It was a day of high’s and low’s for the 18 teams that competed in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup play-offs happening at the King Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi, Durban.  For the semi-finalists it was a case of playing for the R1 million or R500 000.  But in the end Clapham (Gauteng) beat the most successful team in the tournament to date, Harmony 3 – 0 and national final first timers, Louis Botha beat Rosina Sedibane 1 – 0, to meet each other in the final match tomorrow.

For Rosina Sedibane, the school that educates the SuperSport United Academy players, the defeat by Louis Botha was a disappointment, but for Harmony, making it to the semi-finals was a great feat.  “My boys did a great job,” said coach, Pitso Mokoena. “This year I brought my U17 team.  None of them have played in this tournament before yet they rose to the occasion and showed character and a fighting spirit.  I am a happy coach.”

Mokoena would like to finish in third position, and win the school R500 000, but his focus is already turning to final exams.  “We will leave Durban with happy memories, but now it is time to study.  I do not want these boys to follow in my footsteps.  I gave us school at 17 years old and joined Free State Stars, seven years later I went to Amazulu, ending at Bloemfontein Celtic. Once my career was over I was unemployed for years until I was offered a job at Harmony.  I then had to complete my matric with the team I was coaching at the time!  I have also gone on to get my SAFA Level 1 coaching certificate.  I have a lot to teach my players both on and off the field.”

Based on statistics, the odds slightly favour Clapham in the final.  Clapham won all their games and scored 23 goals in seven games conceding just one.  Louis Botha drew two of their games and only scored 14 goals conceding two. But there are no guarantees and it will all boil down to who played the best on the day.

Harmony and Rosina Sedibane will play for third and fourth place.

But the biggest low must be the disqualification of East High from Mpumalanga due to fielding an ineligible player.

Tomorrow’s activities will commence at 9am with entertainment by Naima Kay, Professor and Big Nuz followed by the third/fourth play off at 11am.  There will be more entertainment prior to the final which will kick-off at 1pm.  Gates open at 9am and entrance is free.

Results:

QF: Clapham 2 vs Okiep 0

                Goals:  Motoro Monyai, Percy Tau

QF: Harmony 0 vs Benny’s School 0

                Harmony won 15 – 14 on penalties

QF: Louis Botha 1 vs Mondale 1

                Louis  Botha won 3 – 0 on Penalties

                Goals:  LB:  Ernest Mabathoana

                Mon:  Clinton Herwel

QF: Rosina Sedibane 1 vs Cloetesville 0

                Goal:  Sikhabuzo Mazibuko

Pos 9 – 12:  Freedom Park 1 vs Rietvale 1

                Freedom Park won 5 – 4 on penalties

                Goals:  FP:  Thembani Gwala,

                Riet:  Angelo Van Rooi

Pos 9 – 12: Eric Nxumalo 2  vs Executive Academy 0

                Goals:  Funani Mathabela, Sydney Moyane

Pos 13 – 16: Sibongumusa 1  vs FK Tjiane 2

                Goals:  Sib:  Siyanda Ngubane

                FK:  Calvin Mathebe, Dumisane Shongwe

Pos 13 – 16:  Sebetwane 1  vs Ndamase 1

                Ndamande won 3 – 2 on penalties

                Goals:  Seb: Tshepiso Lobelo

                Nda:  Ayakha Stamp

Pos 17 – 18: Welebasha buy (Welebashe finishes in 17th position)

Pos 5 – 8: Okiep 1  vs Benny’s Sport 1

                Okiep won 5 – 3 on penalties

                Goals:  OK: Romario Waterboer,

                BS:  Lfentshwe Munyadziwa

Pos 5 – 8:Mondale 3  vs Cloetesville 0

                Goals:  Dilan Fransch, Lance Beyers, Brandon Dean

Pos 15 – 16: Sibongumusa 1  vs Sebetwane 1

                Sebetwane won 3 – 1 on penalties

                Goals Sib:Siyanda Ngubane,

                Seb:  Itumeleng Mosikare

Pos 9 – 10:  Freedom Park 0 vs Eric Nxumalo 2

                Goals:  Bonginkosi Mkhabela, Nyiko Phoko

Pos 11 – 12: Rietvale 1 vs Executive Academy 1

                Rietvale won 4 – 2 on penalties

                Goals:  Riet:  Angelo Van Rooi,

                EA: Bonga Klaushe

Pos 13 – 14: FK Tjiane 1 vs Ndamase 0

                Goal:  Dumisani Shongwe

Pos 5 – 6: Okiep 0  vs Mondale 0

                Mondale won 3 – 1 on penalties

Pos 7 – 8:  Cloetesville 0  vs Benny’s Sports 0

                Benny’s won 4 – 2 on penalties

Semifinal: Clapham 3 vs Harmony 0

                Goals: Khyelihle Shozi, Ntando Ngubane (2)

Semifinal: Louis Botha 1 vs Rosina Sedibane 0

                Goal: Aaron Mzethu

FINAL LOG POSITIONS

18.          East High

17.          Welabasha

16.          Sibongumusa

15.          Sebetwane

14.          Ndamase

13.          FK Tjiane

12.          Executive Academy

11.          Rietvale

10.          Freedom Park

09.          Eric Nxumalo

08.          Cloetesville

07.          Benny’s Sports Academy

06.          Okiep

05.          Mondale

Bennett doesn’t like Chiefs

Referee Daniel Bennett has taken his war and hatred towards Kaizer Chiefs to another level since I started noticing him back in 2002 when he gave Jabu Pule a totally wrong red card. A few weeks later during the Coca-Cola Cup final on 30 November 2002 he was the main cause of the ugly scenes of missile throwing and crowd violence that marred that Coca-Cola Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Jomo Cosmos at the FNB Stadium. The match was delayed by up to +-25 minutes, this after he gave Jomo Cosmos a clear offside goal that needed no replays.

As if that was not enough, this “referee”, Daniel Bennett waved play on after Cosmos defender Sammy Magalefa had brought down with a career threatening tackle, Jabu Pule in the penalty box in the 86th minute. He has been very consistent, since then.

During the AFCON held in South Africa earlier this year; on 7 February 2013 CAF secretary general Hicham El Amrani, addressing a press conference, said the continental mother body will be guided by the report from the referee. "The referee Bennett mentioned in his report that he made a mistake in issuing out a yellow card to the wrong player, which is why the yellow card was rescinded in that instance." He was duly suspended for his incompetence.

On 24 September 2013 in Orlando Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates, the minute I saw him coming out to inspect the field, I knew that it’s going to be a long 90+ minutes for Chiefs. He didn’t waste any time just after the game started but awarding Orlando Pirates a corner kick from a wide header by Kermit Erusmus. He tried to destabilise Chiefs by awarding dubious and countless yellow cards.

He eventually found his moment he has been waiting for when he awarded Pirates a dubious penalty after Morgan Gould handled Rooi Mahamutsa inside the penalty box. Just after that, the same Mahamutsa did the same to Bernard Parker inside Pirates penalty box, to my surprise, received a yellow card but no penalty could be awarded.

By Nkanyiso Mathamba

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’.

Players that are overrated

Football fanatics and good analysts let's debate (no insults and when you argue please don't use the 'F' word).

Players that cost teams but some fans love them even though these players I think are overrated.

1. Tlou Segolela - most overrated player, but Orlando Pirates Supporters say he is just off form this early start of the season. Segolela is just an ordinary player that runs with the ball and his final decision is always wrong.

2. Reneilwe Letsholonyane - he is overrated even a 6 year old can see that Letsholonyane is off form – do Kaizer Chiefs Supporters see that? Most of the time he passes the opponents more than his own teammates (yet they call him "God of Football").

3. Morgan Gould - a clumsy defender and usually makes stupid yet costly errors (Eric Mathoho is better than Morgan Gould).

4. Alje Schut – some of the Mamelodi Sundowns Supporters will be shocked on me picking this guy, but the day Schut plays against top strikers e.g. Bernard Parker, Knowledge Musona, Lennox Bacela, Kermit Erasmus you will see what an overrated player he is.

Let's see how many of you know football let's analyse these particular players. I Pause!

By Wonder Ntombela

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’.

Academies have topped the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup National Final Groups

The final round robin games of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe took place at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban today with Rosina Sedibane, Louis Botha Technical College, and Clapham College topping their group. The play-offs will commence tomorrow. 

For Gauteng’s Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School things are going according to plan.  “So far so good,” said coach, Tumelo Molabo, but he warns his team that more goals need to be scored if they wish to progress further. “The team I brought this year is young and inexperienced, but have been playing together for a few years now so know each other well.  I can see them getting more and more confident as the days progress.  We ended our League matches by beating Welebasha (KZN) 5 – 0. The boys have shown a determination to win and they are not scared of any team.”

Rosina has not lost a game in the national finals to date and have scored 9 goals, conceding one goal against Executive Academy (EC).

The team Rosina is hoping to meet in the tournament is fellow provincial winners, Clapham, who have done exceptionally well this year.  “They beat us in the provincial final, but we are ready to redeem ourselves and they better watch out.  Last year we finished the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup in fourth position and we want to take first position this year,” said Molabo, who admits that the fact that most of the players belong to the SuperSport United Academy also helps.

Key Player for Rosina this year is Thabo Mile, who has scored 2 goals for the school.  The 19 year old Grade 11 pupil has just rejoined the team after suffering a foot injury .  “I thought that I would not be able to adjust after my injury,” said Mile, “but surprisingly I adjusted and am happy with my performance and it proves that I am on form again.”

Mile joined the SuperSport United Academy in 2009 and is grateful for the opportunity offered to him and the time the club and school has spent on him to improve his football as well as help him get a better grasp on life.  “It is amazing how life works.  My father wanted my brother to progress with his soccer career, but he decided he didn’t want to make soccer his life.  My father has since died and I am the one that is progressing in soccer. It is a pity he can’t see me now.”

Gauteng’s Clapham High School finished top of Group B winning all their matches with an impressive 18 goals conceding only one, against rivals, Harmony (Free State).

Newcomers, Louis Botha Technical High School from Bloemfontein, Free State finished top of Group C, winning their final round robin match against Ndamase (EC) 6 – 0, with Boipelo Segwaba scoring 4 goals.  The team managed to knock 12 goals into the net conceding only one.

Fixtures for the third day of play are still to be announced.

Results: East High 0 vs Louis Botha 1

                Goal:  Sizwe Duba

Okiep 1 vs Ndamase 0

                Goal:  Duncan V.D. Heever

Eric Nxumalo 3 vs Benny’s Sport Academy 2

                Goals:  EN:  Sydney Moyane, Adriot Mathebula, Silence Mashaba

                BC:  Alton Kapinga (2)

Mondale 1  vs  Cloetesville 1

                Goals:  Mon:  Dean Brandon (Kyle wheeler sent off for foul in penalty box)

                Cloet:  Curvin Williams

Welabasha 0  vs Sibongumusa1

                Goal:  Sihle Ndlovu

Executive Academy 1 vs Rosina Sedibane 1

                Goals:  EA: Zolani Malahla

                RS:  Skhumbuzo Mazibuko

Clapham 1 v Harmony 0

                Goal:  Khayelihle Shozi

Rietvale 0 v Freedom Park 1

                Goal: Bakang Monchwe

Sebetwane 0 v FK Tjiane 2

                Goals:  Dumisani Shongwe, Raymond Moroko

Benny’s Sport 1 v Okiep 0

                Goal:  Duncan VD Heever

Louis Botha 4 v Eric Nxumalo 0

                Goals:  Biopelo Segwaba, Aaron Mzethu, George Mlalele, Ernest Mabathoana

East High 6 v Ndamase 0

                Goals:  Muzi Thabotha (2), Siyabonga Sibiya (3), Bojosi Manjoe

Welabasha 0 v Rosina Sedibane 5

                Goals:  Lucky Gilbert, Zama Rambuwane, Thabo Mile, Sifiso Nkosi, Kwanele Zulu

Executive Academy 0 v Mondale 2

                Goals:  Dillan Fransch (2)

Cloetesville 2 v Sibongemusa 1

                Goals:  Cloet:  Regan Rhode, Wandile Yapi

                Sib: Sbonelo Sibiya

Rietvale 2 v FK Tjiane 1

                Goals:  Riet:  Horatio Mokwane, Maxwell Maarman

                Tj:  Obrey Mokwana

Sebetwane 0  v Clapham 1

                Goal:  Percy Tau

Harmony 1 v Freedom Park 0

                Goal:  Reginald Tsoela

Louis Botha 6 v Ndamase 0

                Goals:  Boipelo Segwaba (4), Ernest Mabathoana, Phatsimo Litseho

East High 3  v Benny’s Sport1

                Goals:  EH:  Siyabonga Sibiya (2), Thembumenzi Ngomane,

                BS:  Eethe Khaukanani

Okiep 3 v Eric Nxumalo 2

                Goals:  OK: Gian De Jongh, Duncan VD Heever (2)

                EN:  Fumani Mathebula, Sydney Moyane