PSL Disciplinary Committee Outcome

Below is the outcome of the League’s Disciplinary Committee sitting on 29 October 2013.

SuperSport United

SuperSport United was charged with misconduct arising from its fixture on 19 October 2013 against Moroka Swallows when it failed to give the visiting club access to their change rooms at least four hours prior to kick-off. The club pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a fine of R50 000.00, suspended for 12 months on condition that the club is not found guilty of a similar offence during this period. The club was also ordered to pay the costs of the hearing and was ordered to furnish a letter of apology to their opponent which is to be published on the League’s website.

Mabhudi Khenyeza and Mpumalanga Black Aces

The player and club were charged with misconduct arising from a fixture on 26 September 2013 against Bloemfontein Celtic FC when the player displayed a slogan on an undergarment worn by him after scoring a goal. Both parties pleaded guilty.

Khenyeza was sentenced to a fine of R30 000.00; R20 000.00 of which was suspended for 12 months on condition that he is not found guilty of a similar offence during the period of suspension. The player was also ordered to pay the costs of the hearing and issue a letter of apology for his conduct to the League.

MP Black Aces sentenced to a fine of R30 000.00, suspended for 12 months on condition that the club is not found guilty of a similar offence during the period of suspension. The club was also ordered to pay the costs of the hearing.

Thanda Royal Zulu

The club was charged with misconduct arising from a fixture on 19 October 2013 against Sivutsa Stars FC when its responsible representatives and media officer were not available to attend the Match Meeting three hours before kick-off. The club admitted liability and was sanctioned with a fine of R5 700.00.

We should import quality not quantity players

The truth is South African clubs should stop importing mediocrity players who add not value to the growing of football in this Country. Kingston Nkhatha can't even trap the ball neither can he pass well I don't even know how he became professional player and how he get to Chiefs is another question. SAFA must revise the method of importing players from our neighbouring countries. Roger de Sa (RDS) should be commended for the good work he is doing playing only local players. This is how football should be the less said about Pitso Mosimane and Mamelodi Sundowns the better.

The coach (Stuart Baxter) is killing him (Nkhatha)if he wants to build his confidence he should bench him and when Kaizer Chiefs is leading by 2 or more goals he can the play him see how he performs in that way he will be giving him a fair chance to prove his worth. It’s sad that other players are not getting the same chance that Nkhatha is getting and that's why fans are frustrated it’s like the coach is saying: "I will play him and there is nothing that you can do". It would be better if this was a player still developing.

Yeah we should look at facts rather than emotions, Orlando Pirates are at the final of the CAF Champions League using only South African players. Chiefs have failed to beat Pirates this season in an official game - Pirates still using the same local players. My point is we should import quality not quantity and we all know Collins Mbesuma when he played for Chiefs, Knowledge Musona on his first round at Chiefs, Kennedy Mweene at Free State Stars; the list is endless to those guys who got here and gave something to our football, so people must stop this xenophobic issue where it is not needed. We are South Africans, We are Africans and we are the citizens of this world but that does not take away the facts from us.

The same thing should happen to South African football clubs and again RDS thanks to him he is leading the pack like I said before. I will say nothing about Sundows as their coach is the same coach who was saying Premier Soccer League (PSL) should reduce the number of foreign players for Bafana Bafana to perform now that he is not there he is doing the opposite.

By Siya Mapamela

PSL CEO urges South Africans to rally behind Orlando Pirates

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) CEO, Brand de Villiers has urged South Africans to rally  behind Orlando Pirates this weekend when they play the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Orlando Stadium.

Kick-off is at 20h30.

“This is a big moment for South Africa and Southern African football. We have waited for almost two decades for one of our clubs to win the CAF Champions League and Orlando Pirates are just two games away from reclaiming continental victory. This is a proud moment for me as a CEO of the League and a South African,” De Villiers said.

The PSL CEO added: “I would like to wish the club, its chairman Dr Khoza, coach Roger de Sa, his technical team and the players the best of luck this weekend. It is important that as South Africans we put all our club allegiances aside and rally behind Orlando Pirates when they face Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium. Fans must purchase a ticket and go to the stadium. Orlando Pirates have been brilliant so far, now they need to get that second star.”

Orlando Pirates first won the CAF Champions League back in 1995. Since then, no other Southern African side has managed to win the CAF Champions League.

PSL Disciplinary Committee Update

The following cases have been set down before the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Disciplinary Committee on 29 October 2013.

SuperSport United

SuperSport United have been charged with contravening Rule 10.5 of the NSL Rules after they failed to allow Moroka Swallows access to the visiting team change rooms at least four hours before kickoff in their TKO fixture on 19 October 2013 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Thanda Royal Zulu

Thanda Royal Zulu have been charged with contravening the provisions of the Compliance Manual after their representatives failed to arrive on time for the pre-match meeting with match officials prior to their NFD fixture against Sivutsa Stars on 19 October 2013 at Kabokweni Stadium.

Mpumalanga Black Aces and Mabhuti Khenyeza

The matter in which charges were brought against the club and player arising from the player displaying a slogan under his shirt on 25 September 2013 during the match against Bloemfontein Celtic FC which was due to be heard on 22 October 2013 was postponed at the request of the Respondents to 29 October 2013.

Men’s shortlists for FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 revealed

Four days after announcing the names of the candidates for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year and the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football for 2013 awards, FIFA and France Football have today revealed the names for the men’s awards.

The candidates for the FIFA Ballon d’Or and for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football awards have been unveiled (see below). The final decisions will be made by the captains and head coaches of the men’s national teams as well as by international media representatives selected by France Football.

The winners of all of the awards will be revealed at the FIFA Ballon d’Or as part of a televised show at the Zurich Kongresshaus on 13 January 2014, during which the FIFA FIFPro World XI, the FIFA Puskás Award – for the most beautiful goal of the year – the FIFA Presidential Award and the FIFA Fair Play Award will also be presented.

The list of 23 male candidates has been drawn up by football experts from the FIFA Football Committee and by a group of experts from France Football. The list of ten coaches has been drawn up by the Committee for Women’s Football and FIFA Women’s World Cup and by the FIFA Football Committee, as well as by a group of experts from France Football.

In early December 2013, FIFA and France Football will announce the names of the three men and three women, as well as the three coaches for women’s football and three coaches for men’s football, who have received the most votes (without unveiling the winners). The three nominees for the FIFA Puskás Award and the FIFA FIFPro World XI shortlist for the best forwards, goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders will also be unveiled in early December.

Men’s shortlists for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013

Gareth Bale (Wales), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), Radamel Falcao (Colombia), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Müller (Germany), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Mesut Özil (Germany), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Franck Ribéry (France), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Luis Suárez (Uruguay), Thiago Silva (Brazil), Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire), Robin Van Persie (Netherlands) and Xavi (Spain).

Who should win the 2013 Ballon d'Or???

Platinum Stars vs Super Sport United

Platinum Stars have announced that their Absa Premiership match with SuperSport United has been brought forward two days to Sunday, November 3.

The fixture was originally scheduled to be played on November 5, but with Dikwena and SuperSport both having a free weekend as their Telkom Knockout semifinals have been moved to later in the month, they have agreed to play the game on Sunday.

The match will take place at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace with a 15h30 kick-off.

Tickets for the game will go on sale on Wednesday, October 30 and are priced at R40 for adults, R20 for children.

They can be purchased from Kedase Loudge at Rasimone, Madala’s Place Luka, Lucky’s Pub, Capital Meat Market at Phokeng Complex, Tlhane Foro Spar and at Mickey Geo Restaurant in Rustenburg, and at the Remote Search Park Containers.

SuperSport are the current leaders of the Absa Premiership with 15 points from their opening eight matches, five more than Dikwena.

We need tough referees for the Soweto derby

I don't think that the Premier Soccer League (PSL) referees have full capabilities of officiating an Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs match.

Yes I'm an Orlando Pirates fan but I can admit that on the 8th of March 2013 Happy Jele deserved a red card, and Pirates deserved two penalties as Tlou Segolela and Ndumiso Mabena were fouled in the box.

On the 24th of August, Knowledge Musona, Willard Katsande, Eric Mathoho and two other Chiefs whom I forgot deserved straight red cards! Daine Klate's free-kick secured Bucs a 1-0 win though, on Saturday Kingston Nkhatha's goal was an off-side, let alone Lehlohonolo Majoro's goal in Chiefs' 1-0 win in the July 27 2013 Black Label Cup.

On July 17 2005 Vodacom Challenge Final, Vodacom found it fit to import a Chinese referee but based in Mauritius; to officiate the Pirates vs Chiefs final, since it felt that local referees couldn't officiate a match of this magnitude in proper terms, he was fair, rational & called a spade a spade.

Pirates won 2-1, with goals from Lelo Mbele and Davies Mwape. So based from these facts, it’s high time the Premier Soccer League import experienced and fair referees to officiate Soweto Derbies, and if you can take note, Pirates tends to be mostly disadvantaged, so I don't even blame unbiased supporters who feel that Chiefs can only win/draw against Pirates if they have their 12th man on the pitch, the referee!

Otherwise, we (The Botswana Crew) arrived safely from Joburg, we really enjoyed the Soweto derby atmosphere. Next time again guys.

By Ogone OG Saboneposted

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’

Telkom Knockout Fixture Changes

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed that the Telkom Knockout (TKO) semi-final fixture between Kaizer Chiefs and Platinum Stars will no longer be played this weekend.

Both Telkom Knockout semi-final matches will now be played on the 23 November 2013.

PSL General Manager of Football, Derek Blanckensee said: “Due to the CAF Champions League Final this weekend featuring Orlando Pirates, we couldn’t play both TKO semi-finals on the same weekend. We decided that we should move the semis to a later date where we can play both games. Consequently, a number of Absa Premiership fixtures have also been moved to accommodate the switch.  The full details will be released once they have been finalised.”

Telkom Knockout Fixtures:

Kaizer Chiefs vs Platinum Stars

SuperSport United vs Orlando Pirates

Kick-Off times and venues will be announced.

Happy Times Ahead With Vodacom

The opening Soweto Derby of the 2013/14 Premier Soccer League season is almost upon us and Vodacom has been hard at work bringing the Amakhosi faithful together for what promises to be a day of excitement and high drama.

Throughout the build up to Saturday afternoon’s eagerly anticipated clash against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium - the 151st encounter of this enthralling rivalry – Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs have travelled to Phumulani Mall in Tembisa, NWU Vaal Campus, the Duduza Mall in Springs and will conclude the journey to the Derby at the KC Village in Naturena tomorrow. The road shows were conducted to give Chiefs fans an opportunity to congregate informally as a build up to the upcoming game, meet some of their favourite players, win some fantastic prizes and generally create a Happy mood for the occasion.

“Vodacom has enjoyed a long and Happy relationship with Kaizer Chiefs over many years through good times and bad but always with the aim of assisting this great Club in bringing happiness to their legions of loyal supporters,” said Rowen Gangulu, Vodacom’s sponsorship manager. “The excellent attendances at the various road shows are a clear indication of the passion and dedication of these wonderful fans, which is something Vodacom is always keen to nurture and cultivate. On that note, we encourage all fans coming to the game to pay very close attention at half time because Vodacom will make them even happier during the interval.”

In fact, fans will be equally happy prior to kickoff because Vodacom’s ever-popular ‘human foosball’ court will be set up within the stadium precinct, along with the ‘penalty shot’ inflatable goals for fans to entertain themselves and perhaps, ease the nerves a little as the tension mounts in the countdown to the starting whistle . Vodacom brand ambassadors will also be at hand to offer information and recommendations on some of Vodacom’s attractive value added services.

Kaizer Chiefs’ marketing director, Jessica Motaung added, “We really appreciate the sterling efforts of our valued partners, Vodacom, in organising these get-togethers in order to build up what we expect to be a phenomenal atmosphere, full of happy and smiling Amakhosi supporters. The energy of the crowd has a big influence on the occasion and judging by the fantastic response of our followers to these initiatives, it is obvious Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs know how to reach the people and bring out the best in them.

As innovation is key to  Kaizer Chiefs and Vodacom, we would like to ensure we are first with bringing exciting products to our fans, This week, Kaizer Chiefs fans will be introduced to the multiple benefits of our new Kaizer Chiefs starter packs, which contain multiple benefits for customers and will ensure that they Connect 4 Life!

KC Mobile will harness Vodacom’s mobile expertise and the passion of Kaizer Chiefs fans. It will bring great value and experiences to KC Fans and will be a platform that will give fans access to the world of Kaizer Chiefs supported by Vodacom products and exclusive digital content and promotions. The offer extends to all Vodacom's worry free prepaid solutions and exclusive in depth club related content, experiences, products and services to engage Kaizer Chiefs fans. Kaizer Chiefs Mobile will later introduce postpaid telephony solutions. Vodacom Kaizer Chiefs starterpack will initially be available at all Glocell outlets nationwide and Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena Johannesburg. In time the starterpacks will also be available at other retail outlets as well as Kaizer Chiefs selected outlets.

This is a first in the history of football for the mobile giant to partner with a football brand to launch this type of value added product as part of winning on and off the field of play. As seen, last week we launched the Kaizer Chiefs Centre of Excellence in partnership with the Vaal campus of the North West University.

In order to promote the Derby further, the KC retail store is running an exciting promotion this week, in which fans purchasing the club’s home jersey will receive a free match ticket to attend the Soweto Derby on Saturday. This offer is while stock lasts.”

The match kickoff is at 15h30 on Saturday, 26 October 2013, at the FNB Stadium in Soweto. Once again, fans are urged to make their way to the venue and be on their seats as early as possible in order to take advantage of the tremendous entertainment from the onset. There will be a half time activation.

adidas release limited editions of iconic and designer football boots

adidas is proud to unveil limited editions of two of their most popular football boots: the iconic Copa Mundial and the ferocious adizero f50.

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 1978.

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 in November in South Africa.

Going through only 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 colourway has been reversed with white being the prominent colour, launching the boot into the modern game.

The other special edition boot, the Yamamoto adizero f50 stems out of the collaboration between adidas and the well-known, award-winning Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. This marks the latest in a line of premium football boots that further entrenches adidas at the forefront of modern football boot design.

The front of the boot displays a pair of imperial lion-dogs who, in ancient times, guarded the emperors of Japan who used to live on sacred ground. This traditional design has been placed in the context of Japan’s modern sci-fi culture creating a spiritual connection between the past and the future. The result is an unexpected design that draws inspiration from the fashion world in order to make a bold statement on the football field.

Yohji Yamamoto explained: “My inspiration is a mixture of ancient traditions and modern sci-fi from Japanese culture… I hope the inspiration of the boot harmonises the players and gives them extra confidence to express themselves without any fear. People should feel free to express themselves. Just follow your own instinct.”

 Only 2,000 pairs of the visually striking f50s will be available globally and the boots are sure to excite fans when they go on sale in South Africa from the 28^th October at R 2999.00 at the V & A adidas Concept Store, Mike’s Sports and Rashid Cassim Sports & Footwear Distributors.

The White Copa Mundial will be available for purchase in Rashid Cassim Sports & Footwear Distributors for R1999.00.  

For up-to-date news from adidas South Africa visit the adidas South Africa news stream, adidas.co.za/football and follow @adidasZA on Twitter to join the conversation.

Matsatsantsa look to regain their lead at the top

SuperSport United will play host to Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday at the Lucas Moripe stadium as they look to wrestle top spot in the Absa Premiership from Mamelodi Sundowns

Sunday’s match against an always challenging Bloemfontein Celtic will prove all important if Matsatsantsa wish to stay in touching distance with their Pretoria rivals, Sundowns who are above the Trendy Boys on goal difference.

With Bloemfontein Celtic’s newly appointed coach Ernst Middendorp still looking for his first win at the helm, SuperSport head Coach Cavin Johnson hopes for consistency in order to retain their higher position in the Premier League. The Pretoria based-side has just come off the back of a 1-0 win away to Maritzburg United and the mentor is eager to continue with that trend.        

                              

“We are going into the Celtic match with one thing on our minds, and that is to get maximum points. To lose this game would give a great advantage to the chasing pack and that is something we do not want. We have worked hard to be in this position and it is up to us to maintain and continue with that standard.” said Johnson.

With the SuperSport United team looking solid, Engen Petroleum, the new sponsor of the club looks to engage with the fans and encourages them to get behind Matsatsantsa a Pitori. TV Personality, Producer, Song Writer and rapper – Psyfo will be performing at Lucas Moripe Stadium alongside Pantsula Dancers on Sunday for the match against Siwelele. A ‘Dance-Off’ competition will be hosted at the stadium with great giveaways and surprises, as well as a R500 gift card that will be awarded to the Engen Fan of the Match, courtesy of Engen.

Fans are encouraged to come early and win great prizes. Tickets for the match are R50 for the main grand stand, R40 for the open stand and R10 for kids under the age of 12.

Kick-off for the match is at 15h30.

Roger de Sa – The Chosen One

I want to take this opportunity to commend Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa for a sterling job he has done with this team. The reception was not quite good but I’m sure he understood the knowledge of accepting an offer to lead a team of Pirates Calibre.

Ask Rafael Benitez with Chelsea. Roger inherited a team that had just won back to back treble and it was always going be difficult to maintain that momentum while introducing a new philosophy all together. We fans and not experts of this game all we want is results irrespective of the dynamics within the club.

Roger had to do something very special for us to forget that he loaned out all the trophies at Pirates and I believe reaching the final of the CAF Champions League is something very special and I have forgiven him and myself for any doubts I had.

Roger my coach you not only winning but you playing probably the best football style I haven’t seen at Pirates for a while. I just hope you have the ability to keep your players grounded as complacency is a recipe for disaster.

Take constructive criticism from us and ignore the emotional ones. Honestly you have outdone yourself and surprised many. You should thank Dr Irvin Khoza for having faith in you because your CV looks good already.

Be man manager to all the characters you leading and be a coach to all the players you leading. Well done Roger de Sa, so far so good and this team can only get better.

You are a chosen one indeed.

By Abongile Lwazi Diko

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’

Telkom Knockout Semi-Final Draw

Semi-Final 1: SuperSport United vs Orlando Pirates

Semi-Final 2: Kaizer Chiefs vs Platinum Stars

The match between SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates will be played between November 20-24 due to their CAF Champions League commitments.

The match between Kaizer Chiefs and Platinum Stars is set for the weekend of November 2-3, with the exact dates for both to be announced by the Premier Soccer League Cup Committee shortly.

Home	Away
SuperSport United	Orlando Pirates
Kaizer Chiefs	Platinum Stars

Telkom Knockout Semi-final Venues, dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in due course. 

SuperSport United are doing their part to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to show their support for the cause, the team has taken the initiative to wear pink armbands in support of the cause. Matsatsantsa will take to the pitch with a pink strip in their next two league matches in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

The Tshwane based side is scheduled to play against Maritzburg United in Pietermaritzburg tonight, and Bloemfontein Celtic at home wearing the pink outfit.  Cavin Johnson men kicked off the Awareness when they hosted Ajax Cape Town in the last 16 of the Telkom Knockout a fortnight ago by wearing pink armbands.

Team coach, Cavin Johnson voiced his full backing for the awareness. “We are delighted to be playing a part in the fight against breast cancer as a football club. There is so much that we can still do, but we are making an effort and I think the pink strip and armbands are a step in the right direction for us to show that we on board for the fight against breast cancer.”

The SuperSport operation will continue with each game through the month of October. The franchise as a whole will take part in the iThemba walkathon, a walk against breast cancer on 23 October 2013 at the Marks Park Sports Complex.

Matsatsantsa vice-captain, Thabo September is fully behind the Awareness and he encourages many to get behind the campaign. “This is certainly a great initiative and we at SuperSport fully support the Awareness.  Hopefully our involvement will make some changes to those who suffer from Breast Cancer.  As a matter of fact, my Aunt passed on from Breast Cancer and it really affected me having lost a family member.  As a club, we really care and hoping to spread the message going forward,” said the SuperSport defender.    

Coaches praise Orlando Pirates

Major utterances made by various coaches this season about the African team of the moment.

1. SuperSport United coach, Cavin Johnson - “Orlando Pirates is Barcelona of Africa.”

2. Aly Ahly coach, Mohamed Yousseff – “I don't understand why Bafana Bafana struggled in Africa with an excellent team Orlando Pirates in South Africa.”

3. Golden Arrows coach, Mark Harrison – “Orlando Pirates is the best team in South Africa and Africa.”

4. Pitso Mosimane – “Orlando Pirates is big team like Bayern Munich with adequate depth. When key players are missing, the alternative players have similar impacts to missed key players.”

And what's your statement?

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’

Home and Away stands

Throughout the years South African football supporters sit together at stadiums during league games as well as cup games as if we are supporting one team. Keep in mind that this is a country that has hosted 2010 World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Premier Soccer League is amongst the biggest in Africa if not the biggest. Soweto derby (Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates) is also well known in most parts of Africa and some in Europe now.

The main reason I am writing about the supporters’ separation is due to safety reasons. We usually go to the stadium with our unreserved seats tickets and next thing you find yourself surrounded by the opposition supporters. We make those small talks until a misunderstanding rise or a goal comes to action. Anything can happen even though there are securities as well as police. Too often we see people jumping to the pitch, what can stop a serious fight?

However, referees can also make mistakes, a human error that will leave the favoured team’s supporters happy and the ones cheated furious. A fight can rise in this instance and before you know it, it will be a stampede from the gutted supporters. A similar incident happened in 1991 in a Soweto derby at Oppenheimer stadium, yet we still do not apply the right remedies.

A big game like the Soweto derby invites people to travel from all over the country to witness this prestigious game live. Recently, it also attracted women and children as well. The capacity of the supporters is actually larger than the securities and polices combined at the stadium should anything happen.

I have interviewed someone who is usually a security in big games like the Soweto derby. In fact, she was on duty even on the MTN8 second leg match. She told me that they are well trained for stadium games and any other events. She also mentioned to me that they can manage pressure, but should anything happen they will call police. Most police are also at the stadium on match days as back up to the securities and in helping to prevent any incidents. Basically police are there as a last defence too.

However, on the first leg of MTN8 I was watching the game live at FNB Stadium (Soccer City). There were people who watched the game on the walking passages on level one stands. Questions occurred to me: is the stadium acquainted more than maximum capacity? Why were the securities not making sure that those people were on their seats? Have we forgotten of what happened at Ellis Park?

Tragedies have happened even in Europe too (mother of most watched and intriguing leagues). Hence they have taken major remedies. Supporters do not sit together unless supporting one team. Other stadiums there are fences surrounded the pitch to avoid fans coming in. However, in some instances supporters still jump on the pitch but dealt with as fast as possible. South African securities also deal with supporters that jump in the pitch. We saw even on the weekend of Orlando Pirates v Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium.

We might be total strangers on our arrival at the stadium, but the moment we sit together and supporting one team – brother ship starts from there. Quite often I make friends at the stadium. Most of the time I make friends with the opposition team supporters. As a Chiefs supporter, I was surrounded by Pirates fans on both first leg and second leg of MTN8 at Soccer City and Orlando stadium respectively. Not surprisingly, they were criticizing some of Chief’s players. Imagine if I were to start a Floyd Mayweather fight. To add more salt on my wound, Pirates took an early lead which resulted to be a winner eventually on the first leg. Bacela’s penalty made me to leave the stadium before time on the second leg.

Yes, in terms of sales the stands separation might be a bad idea. It might happen away supporters are willing to buy more tickets than the home side. Logically away supporters should be less than the home supporters, which means other seats might remain unoccupied in this case. We all know the poor attendance here in South Africa in most stadiums, especially night fixtures and so called small teams.

Yet again most teams careless about a good home atmosphere, as long as the stadium is full. Bidvest Wits and Mpumalanga Black aces in particular. The duo takes their big fixtures to Mbombela stadium. Playing a team like Chiefs at Mbombela stadium it can only favours the “Glamour Boys”. Host team even get booed at some stages. We all know that sport has become business than just a sport. The duo (Wits and Black Aces) is aware that they will do well in terms of sales since Mbombela stadium is much bigger than their normal venues.

 Irrespective of the attendance, the stands separation might be the thing we are in need of at our stadiums.  For a country that has hosted World cup and AFCON it can be easy to achieve stands separation. All it takes is an initiation. It is about time home teams get a good atmosphere irrelevant of the opponent. I anticipate a squib that might not explode today, but prevention is better than cure. Home and away stands are the solutions and good innovation.

By Ntokozo Skhosana

Follow me on twitter @Ntophonic

adidas Enlighten the Field of Play

adidas will light up the UEFA Champions League with its reflective exposure innovation for boots that captures and bounces off the light of floodlights and cameras to stun defenders and opposition. This is the first time reflective exposure has been used on one of the world's biggest football stages and adidas continue to lead from the front when taking football boot technology to the next level.

'The Enlightened Pack' takes the customisation capabilities on the miadidas web site to new heights, with fans now able to opt for a 'reflective exposure'materialon their boots and lacesto bring the iconic three stripes to life on the pitch. The customisations will be available across all four adidas football footwear silos: adizero f50; predator; nitrocharge and 11pro.

Europe's top players will debut the reflective technology in a one off appearance during the forthcoming UEFA Champions League matches set to take place tonight and tomorrow (22nd / 23rd October).adidas first used reflective technology in their sports footwear in 2012 when launching the adidas adizero Smoke "Spotlight" colourway in American Football.

Football fans will now be able to apply the 'reflective exposure' to their customised miadidas boots online whilst selected retailers will also be selling boots with the treatment on high streets around the world.

The Enlightened Pack is available from today (Tuesday 22ndOctober) for purchase in selected adidas retail outlets, associated stockists and via www.adidas.com/miadidas. Join the adidas football conversation at www.facebook.com/adidasfootball or on Twitter: @adidasfootball.

PSL Disciplinary Committee Update

The following cases will appear before the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Disciplinary Committee this week on Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Baroka FC

Baroka FC have been charged with contravening the NSL Compliance Manual after their representative failed to arrive timeously for the pre-match meeting prior to their NFD fixture against United FC on 29 September 2013 at the Moruleng Stadium.

Black Leopards

Black Leopards have been charged with contravening Rule 8.9.4 of the NSL Rules after they failed to procure the service of a match doctor for their NFD fixture against Witbank Spurs on 29 September 2013 at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have been charged with contravening Rule 11.1 of the NSL Rules. On 28 September 2013 during their MTN8 final fixture against Platinum Stars, Orlando Pirates started the match with a player who was not listed on the team sheet as being in the starting eleven but was supposed to start the match on the bench. This was done without informing match officials before kickoff.

MP Black Aces and Mabhuti Khenyeza

The club and player have both been charged with contravening Rule 51 of the NSL Rules and FIFA Laws of the Game after the player revealed a slogan on an undergarment after scoring a goal during their fixture against Bloemfontein Celtic on 25 September 2013 at the Mbombela Stadium.

Nike Launch New Mercurial IX CR7 Galaxy

Nike’s latest version of the Mercurial boot celebrates the super-charged speed and on-pitch dominance of one of the world’s greatest players, Cristiano Ronaldo.  Featuring a ‘supernova’ print, the Nike Mercurial IX CR7 Boot and 2013 CR7 Collection take inspiration from the Portuguese star's unique style of play.

"We were watching a game, and after Cristiano scored yet another amazing free-kick the commentator posed the question 'Is Ronaldo from this planet?!'” remembers Denis Dekovic, Nike Footwear Design Director. “When we got back to the design studio we got to thinking about CR7’s style and how similar it was to the definition of a supernova - a celestial body that radiates energy - and that was it, we had our inspiration."

"The concept of a star that burns brighter than others reflects Cristiano's style, speed and the idea that as a player he plays without limits, much like the outer reaches of the galaxy. What Cristiano is able to achieve on the field is something that we felt was limitless. So we took that direction and focused on creating a highly luxurious finish fused with modern print and color choices," added Dekovic.

The Mercurial IX boot features an all-over digital print of the Star Vela Supernova and includes a seven star path print, paying homage to Cristiano's shirt number. The supernova print is juxtaposed with a chrome swoosh flecked with silver fleck and a Blue Glow outline.

“It’s great to collaborate with Nike. It gives me added confidence to know that they take my thoughts to create the best boot for me,” said Cristiano Ronaldo.  “In addition to the way the boots perform, it’s also cool when we create something that represents my personality and style of play.  It's a very special relationship."

Since its original launch over 10 years ago, the Mercurial has always stood out. Bold and exciting, the boot’s innovative lightweight design and striking color designs ensure players are always noticed while performing at their best.

In today’s highly technical and fast game, straight line speed and the ability to simply pass a player is only part of an athlete's skill set. Combining performance innovation and a heritage of lightweight speed boots, the Nike Mercurial IX takes this legacy to the next level for players who rely on tight cuts and turns combined with bursts of explosive speed to beat the opposition.

"That commentator was right, Cristiano is 'out of this world' and this boot pays homage to that," said Dekovic.

CR7 COLLECTION

From on-pitch dominance to off-pitch cool, Nike Sportswear releases a collection of sport classics inspired by the legendary style of one of the world’s greatest athletes. Created for the player who knows no limits and demands the ultimate in craft and performance both on and off the pitch, the CR7 Collection serves the complete lifestyle of the athlete. Using a performance approach to lifestyle design, the CR7 Collection offers functional utility, comfort, and protection from the elements without sacrificing style.

Inspired by Cristiano’s superstar status, a range of jackets including the butter soft CR7 Leather Track Jacket, precipitation ready CR7 Saturday Jacket, CR7 Reversible Jacket, and two CR7 Tee’s allow athletes to move effortlessly between the worlds of sport and style regardless of the weather.