DISKIOFF

If Premier Soccer League was a classroom....

2012-02-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

If the AbsaPremier Soccer League were a classroom then.....

Ajax CapeTown is the boy who works so hard through out the year but still fails exams.

Mamelodi Sundownsis the rich spoilt child who purchases all the expensive books but doesn'tread.

SuperSportUnited is the student proud of the academic achievements of his grandfather.

KAIZERCHIEFS IS ALWAYS THE BEST STUDENT IN CLASS AND OTHER STUDENTS HATE HIM FOR HISACHIEVEMENTS.

Orlando Piratesis the student that never reads but is always lucky to pass tests.

BloemfonteinCeltic is the student who has spent 5 years in the same class.

Jomo Cosmosis there to help other students do their work but fails to do his.

Free StateStars is the student who is always good with poems but knows nothing aboutbooks

BidvestWits is the student who knows too much, passes all the extra mural activitiesbut still fails to pass.

Moroka Swallowsis the old student in class with a good teacher, always promising to pass everyyear.

GoldenArrows is the fancy student who just come to school to have fun.

Well, theother students are just there, even the teacher don’t even notice theirpresence.

By Phuthi M. Tembisa

Jazzman must try hard to get his agent licence

2012-02-14T04:41:00.000-08:00

Theillogical decision to renew a contract at Naturena by the talented yet not sogood Siphiwe Tshabalala raises eyebrows about Jazzman Mahlakgane's ability as abusiness manager.

Jazzmanhas arguably the best crop of Premier Soccer League players in his stable; thisshould therefore raise eyebrows as to why his players never cross the seas.

TheShabba situation is puzzling, that English Championship strugglers made itclear that they’ll make a serious bid for him in June, why then did he re-newhis stay at Kaizer Chiefs?

Isn’the supposed to be aware that the delay by Crystal Palace is to get him onpersonal terms later on rather than dealing with the club? Isn’t he aware that,by offering him an extension, Chiefs intend to cash in on him in June?

Isn’the afraid that Bobby Motaung is likely to block his potential move? What isJazzman advising him? I suspect he is more concerned about the management feeshe gets locally from his talents (Punch Masenamela, Siphiwe Tshabalala, TekoModise and Itumeleng Khune)

Furthermore,Jazzman is a mere business manager, not an accredited FIFA Agent, somethingwhich could be the setbacks in his efforts as European teams hardly ever getinto unregistered business... for the sake of his players, Jazzman must striveto obtain an agent's licence instead of been this laughing stock he's turningout to be...

By Sidwell 'Feesh'Francis

Wasting the "World’s Best”

2012-02-13T00:40:00.000-08:00

Karl-HeinzMarotzke, then personal technical adviser to Joao Havelange, the FIFAPresident, told the SA media: ‘I am appealing to the government and sponsors togo and have a look at what is happening in Orlando. I have seen the bestfootball schools in South America, Germany, Mexico and France, but this centreis unique – the only one of this kind in the world’.

JabuPule (Mahlangu), on his day, could reduce even the most experienced ofdefenders to an immature. Think the late Scara Ngobese, and many other highlyskilled players who graced the Premier Soccer League. South Africa, while it isfar behind in international football, could have instead been far ahead of theworld. To continue with our ‘STATE OF SA SPORTS’ SERIES - A MORE OBJECTIVE VIEWIN RESPONSE TO TIM NOAKES’ ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF SA FOOTBALL (SA SPORT ISRUN DOWN), it becomes clear as day that the opportunity to lead the world wasexcruciatingly ignored. Were there significant attempts, either from localsources or outside the country, to influence the course of SA football for thebetter?

Areview of such interventions brings up more perplexity. As early as 1988, theSouth African Soccer Academy, sponsored by the SAB, produced a renewedprogramme for the development of coaches and referees based on the newtechnical realities of international sport performance. The content andpractical solutions of those programmes were strictly defined according toSA-specificity and the needs for successful international participation. In1989, experts from Germany and Brazil were invited to SA to evaluate theprogrammes.

Theirresponse to the technical evaluation of the projects, particularly the coachingprogramme, certified the merits and advanced approach to competitive football.Before being irrationally closed down in 1994, the SA Soccer Academy, with verylimited resources, offered workshops to 128 local coaches and 85 teachers.Seven coaches were employed by professional clubs while four were appointed asnational coaches at the youth and senior levels.

Eightcoaches were sent for further instruction to Brazil and Holland. In 1990, 1992and 1993 three of the most reputable coaching experts from FIFA, Brazil andGermany conducted seminars on the latest technical developments for the SASoccer Academy. Since then no similar development initiatives have occurred inSA football.

Bythe beginning of 1990, the SA Soccer Academy produced ‘the first in the world’complete training methodology for SA youth. The innovative concept comprisedsix programmes for game specific development and two complementary loco-motorand physical ability enhancement programmes, including novelties on moderateresistance training. Previous pertinent research and experiments in EasternEurope assisted in designing the concept. With the invaluable support of‘Chibuku’ – the main sponsor at that time of the SA Soccer Academy, a pilotyouth centre was established at Orlando Stadium with the participation of 65youngsters.

Aftertwo years, by 1992, the centre became an international attraction as theresults in the development of the youngsters were recognized by leading foreignexperts. In 1991, a television crew, specially assigned by the French nationalbroadcaster to record the training programme at the centre, produced a footballdocumentary that was received with exceptional interest and appreciation in Europe.

Immediately,following this event, Karl-Heinz Marotzke, then personal technical adviser toJoao Havelange, the FIFA President, told the SA media: ‘I am appealing to thegovernment and sponsors to go and have a look at what is happening in Orlando.I have seen the best football schools in South America, Germany, Mexico andFrance, but this centre is unique – the only one of this kind in the world’.

Atthe same time the youth football academies in England were flourishing butformer England international, Paul Parker, who was part of an Englishdelegation visiting the centre, remarked: ‘We haven’t got anything like thisback in England, and we are an established soccer nation. Based on what I seehere, South Africa would be serious challengers at events like the World Cup’.A year later, the centre ceased to exist. There was no local interest tocontinue and expand the ‘world first’ youth development programme despite thefact that 23 youngsters were promoted to high performance echelons.

Thetrend of total indifference regarding technical development in local footballdid not change even when such prolific ideas impressed the rest of the world.Notably, the training methodology and specialized equipment utilized at the‘Chibuku’ youth centre in 1992 is, today, still in many ways superior to whatother similar concepts employed anywhere else could offer.

Themost intriguing case of technical ignorance is the project that took theinnovative concept and training methodology employed at the ‘Chubuku’ youthcentre to a higher level, at the School of Excellence. The school wasestablished at the initiative of the SA Soccer Academy in 1994, with thesponsorship from Transnet. It was a logical step towards preparing the besttalent for high performance football. The football programme at the school wasequipped with possibly the most effective training solutions that could addressthe very specific particularities of SA youth. Again, the innovative nature ofthe project was widely appreciated.

Expertsfrom African counties, France, Brazil, Holland, Germany and England referred tothe school as ‘an excellent pioneer concept’ in addressing the highly complex aspects of SA and Africanyouth – unique predispositions for ball skills, body size/limitations,nutrition, game mentality and living/social conditions. The Hi-Tech methodologydeveloped specifically for the school, soon demonstrated unparalleled success.Johnny Warren, an Australian and FIFA-qualified coaching instructor, assessingthe quality of the programme at school said: ‘One thing is certain; if therewere an under-12 World Cup, these boys would win it. With this kind ofdevelopment SA soccer will be world beaters in no time’

Thesequalified assessments of the school programme were strongly reinforced byremarkable results. Affording only a limited number of youngsters andrestricted by insufficient funds, the school produced 85 players for theprofessional clubs, 36 members of the youth national teams and 16 players forthe senior national team. Currently, the school is experiencing severefinancial difficulties while the exemplary technical standards applied beforein the coaching programme have collapsed. Instead of using this highlysuccessful example of talent fulfilment, disseminating its unique trainingsolutions and expanding the concept through all the provinces, the oppositeoccurred. Ignoring the merits and benefits of the most successful developmentproject in the country defies common sense.

Onecan only wonder where South African football could have been had our besttalents, in the likes of Jabu Pule (Mahlangu), the late Scara Ngobese, PatrickMbuthu, and a plethora of many other stars who could only be stars in localcircles, benefited from such advanced development programs. Sadly, the trendstill continues to this day.

Series to be continued…

Sendus your thoughts… editor@maximalfootball.com

By Maximal FootballEditor

Original story: http://goo.gl/rasN1

Suarez and Evra – “Things Blown Out Of Proportion”?

2012-02-12T03:01:00.000-08:00

Peoplemust stop comparing the John Terry and Wayne Bridge case with the Luis Suarezand Patrice Evra case. Bridge and Terry had a personal altercation somethingwhich occurred off the pitch and at the end of the day it was the victim (Bridge)who refused to shake the accused (Terry) hands.

Suarezadmitted and was found guilty and served his time… everything after could ofbeen avoided with the handshake. Suarez and Evra incident occurred on the pitchand the handshake meant more than the two players settling grudges itrepresented both clubs and the league.

Ifthey shook hands and still hated each other it wouldn’t matter as the messagethat would be sent is there is no racism within the English Premier League andeven more no racism within the club and that alone should have been enough forthe handshake to take place.

Ifthey argued in a club in the middle of the night there wouldn’t be such a bigissue but it happen on the field and that’s why they should have tried to savethe face of the league.

Ithink both parties apologising at this time just seem stupid as this could havebeen settled the day of the accusation. Now things as blown out of proportionand the damage is already done.

By Chris Deacon

LuisSuarez and Patrice Evra Refuse To Shake Hands

Politicians and businessmen can’t run soccer

2012-02-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

Thewhole bribery saga involving the South African Football Association (SAFA) justgoes to show that if you are going to have politicians and businessmen runningyour football (soccer), you are bound to safa (suffer).

LesleySedibe openly talks about being clueless about the game, Kirsten Nematandani isjust a denialist about his knowledge or lack thereof, on the beautiful game,Molefi Oliphant is just an opportunist, Mwelo Nokonyane a mere traditionalist,and suddenly there are strange names like Silindile 'Ace' Kika, who rock upfrom nowhere.

SuccessfulFA’s associate themselves with people who understand and have passion for thegame, the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini, Pele, Kalusha Bwalya andect… not every ex-footballer will be a coach, some deserve and will deserve aslot in administration, the likes of Brian Baloyi, Jimmy Tau, Mike Ntombela,Vasili Sofiadelis and etc...

Foras long as SAFA Authority exchange heads between politicians and businessmen,South African fans must just forget, they shall never see progress in thatorganisation!

By Sidwell 'Feesh'Francis

CAF's system suck in the Champions League

2012-02-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

Maybe I needto be educated about the manner in which Confederation of African Football (CAF)runs its football affairs, 9 out of 10 the administration of our game is inshambles.

In thisregard, my point of contention is the registration of players for continentalchampionship (African Champions League). The African summer deadline is January31, and the preliminary continental round starts on the third weekend ofFebruary, which begs the question, why is the registration of players notopened until at least transfer deadline?

You take OrlandoPirates for example; they recently signed Luis Boa Morte, Sifiso Myeni, ThandaniNtshumayelo and Njabulo Manqana. They sold the idea that, the signings weighedheavily on their participation in Africa, however, because of some weird CAFadmin, these players cannot be registered, at least not until the start ofgroup phases, which will be sometime like in July.

This wholearrangement doesn’t make sense, and it makes teams like Pirates look like theymade amateurish dealings whereas the culprit is CAF's system.

By Sidwell 'Feesh' Francis

Chiefs must send a strong message

2012-02-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

I’m prettyhappy with the Nedbank Cup draw and I do feel that we will be victorious after90 minutes of play but having said that I know that it won’t a walk in the parkagainst Cape Town All Stars.

It’s goingto be a battle between a 42 year old (Kaizer Chiefs) and a 2 year old toddler (CapeTown All Stars), and the fact that we will be playing in our own turf we shouldhumiliate these minnows and send them parking.

I mean wehave been victims of these so called small teams for quite a while and I thinkit’s about time that we stop that trend and send a very strong message to allour opponents.

In theopposing camp the is a lot of excitement and the All Stars’ general managerFaeez Dulvie said that the prospect of playing Chiefs is the realization of adream for the club and in particular for the players.

“I did not expect to play one of thebig teams but again we were ready for any team that we would draw. For us it isa dream come true and we have to fulfill it by playing well and gunning for awin.

“I know it won't be easy but knowingmy team anything is possible. They will fight until the end. Everyone wants towin and we are no different at all,” Dulvie expressed.

Let's RiseAmakhos' amahle… and send these amateurs packing in style!

By Zolani Dotwana

Minds of dumped diamonds

2012-02-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

Maximal Football.com managed to chat to some of theprominent coaches who did not ‘fit’ into SAFA’s ‘criteria’ to be invited at therecent Technical Symposium. The idea was to find out if or what contributionsthey would have made to the gathering. What we discovered exposes those whoformulated the invitation criteria - the criteria which was dismal anddiscriminatory.

Collectively,this group of SAFA’s unwanted football technicians, offers superior knowledgeas most of them have graduated from courses in Brazil,Holland, Germany,SA and participated and even conducted coaching workshops in SA and Asia. Their experience comprises coaching in the PSL, SAYouth National Teams, National Student Team, Professional Clubs in Asia, SAUniversities, Sport School of Excellence, Youth Academies,Youth Pilot Programs and PSL Reserve Teams. A rare Sport Science expertise isalso available. Impressive, isn’t it? Infact, it should be enough to qualify someone as a football teacher or lecturer.

The overallassessment of most of these individuals shows that their qualification,experience, achievements and personality is at the level required for positionssuch as that of the Football Association’s Technical Director and even the CEO– in countries where the game of football is taken seriously.

Their inputinto the current effort to fix the wrongs of SA football is equally impressive.Using their advanced knowledge and mixed experience – local and overseas – theycame up with a series of observations and recommendations that cannot and mustnot be ignored. SAFA and the CEO should give themselves an ultimatum and not tothe national coaches to resolve the following:

- Positionfootball as the ONLY national sport in SA. Football sharing the status ofnational sport with other sports is illogical and unavailing in modern times.

- Regulateall concepts, programs and interests that impact on the national interest,mainly the PSL, Youth Academies and foreignprojects- give football back to the people – ‘nationalize’ it if necessary.

- Resolveall sources of conflict of interest such as dual league and club leadership,private club ownership without community representation and partisansponsorship and broadcasting disparities (TV expenditures and time for Rugby, Cricket vs Football)

- Recognizethe fact that without close cooperation and total support from the PSL’sprofessional coaches the performance of the national team(s) cannot improve –world’s experience shows that this is an absolutely uncompromising factor ininternational football.

-Re-educate general football mentality in the country away from less favourableforeign influences – as demonstrated in all AFCON editions and Continental ClubCompetitions the African players’ inborn qualities are substantially more proneto superior performance when generally influenced by the culture of Latinfootball (French, Portuguese, Spanish, Brazilian) than English, Dutch or Germanphilosophies) – in a proportion of 75% to 25%

- Revampthe Coach Education program by scrapping the current syllabus/curriculum andreplace it with an SA-conceptualized approach and organize re-qualificationcourses to correct the wrong and incomplete knowledge previously provided to,mainly, Introductory, Level 1 and 2 coaches.

- Strictlyacknowledge that the strengths of SA players – skill, creativity, high dynamicsand attractive competitiveness – can only be fully developed after 8-10 yearsof systematic youth development where the native traits of the youngsters aremaximized (there are no short-cuts whatsoever)

- Re-directeffort to develop youth and elite youth coaches at a minimum ratio of 8 youthcoaches to 1 senior team coach.

- Unifymethodological approach to youth development according to the specificbio-social and cultural profile of SA Black Youth (85% of participants in SAyouth football activities)

- Addressthe embarrassing disparity for a football nation where in the vast majority ofSA cities and towns there are 18-20 rugby, cricket and other minor sportsfields and facilities to one decent football ground

- Eliminatecontrasting/restricting and obsolete foreign coaching programs and influences fromSA youth development

- Introduce– first time in the world – pre-development programs for children of 3-5 yearsold using ‘kick-for-fun’ approach for early genetic (football) activation.

- Institutea national system of competitions where ALL competitions are controlled andmonitored by the National Competition Committee with sub-committees for eachlevel of competitions.

- Prohibitall 11-a-side full field competitions for the U14 age groups while establishyouth leagues from the regional to national levels - age 15 to 19

- Impose‘10% Development Tax’ on revenue generated from the PSL gate takings, transferfees, matches’ broadcasting and sponsorship to create founds that will assist financiallyin the employment of youth coaches at the grassroots level.

- Promoteto the Government the international practice where a certain category of youthcoaches are fully or partially subsidised by Government departments

- Reviewthe criteria of appointing national coaches by considering factors such asperformance history, experience, advanced knowledge and respected personalityand apply it to reconsider current positions

- ConvinceSA academic institutions to commence programs, studies and research directed tofootball and embark in serious projects of developing technical intellect

- Restrictthe use of non-football specific (adopted from other sports) or general sportscience data and imported performance parameters in SA and insist on multidisciplinaryscience of football as the only relevant source of advanced info.

-Re-enforce SAFA’s NEC and Technical Leadership with knowledgeable, experiencedand dedicated South Africans who can add valuable technical guidance in thegovernance of the game.

- Eliminateany discriminatory attitude, snubbing and undermining of people or peoples’ideas and accept your limitations and mistakes whenever the case might be.

It is morethan obvious and fair to say that the January 2012 Technical Symposium wouldhave greatly benefited from such contributions. By choosing not to allow theseindividuals to attend the procedures did not serve the interest of SA footballor the hope of the football nation. What we are learning the hard way is thatin the absence of answers to these vital inadequacies the game cannot progressand even governed.

Thiscollective input based on in-depth analyses of local and internationalprerequisites for successful football could be seen in many ways as brutal, butit is the only answer when dealing with facts that President Nematandanirecognizes as being brutal. MaximalFootball.com will keep the records of theserecommendations for further references.

Minds ofthe dumped diamonds … minds seen to be in violation of minds who continue toresist change!

By Maximal Football Editor

Original story: http: http://goo.gl/qsf3A

Email: editor@maximalfootball.com

Must be a great feeling to be a Chiefs player at this time

2012-02-07T03:23:00.000-08:00

Itmust be one of the greatest feelings to be a Kaizer Chiefs player at themoment, knowing that most people believe that you are not worthy of playing forthe team and being regarded as average by most of the supporters.

Supporterscalling for the management to bring change in the team, and going as far asclaiming that the founder is trying to destroy the team that he natured fromthe beginning to the great team that is admired by most, just because he is notreplacing you with the quality that we want in the team.

Itmust be a great feeling to have the hopes of the great visionary on your shoulders;it must be a great feeling to have the confidence of a man who started it allwith nothing but a vision. It must be a great feeling to know that you were notreplaced even when the opportunity was there for the management to do so andyou all should be honoured to have the trust of such an icon.

ALLTHAT IS LEFT FOR YOU NOW IS BELIEVE IN YOURSELVES AND DELIVER WHAT THEMANAGEMENT OF KAIZER CHIEFS TRUST YOU CAN DELIVER. It is all in your hand; youeither stand up and be counted or stand up and walk away.

By Mdu Mhlongo

2012 Nedbank Cup draw

2012-02-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

Nedbank Cupis a South African club football (soccer) tournament. The knockout tournament,based on the English FA Cup format, carries a 'David versus Goliath' theme. Thecompetition was sponsored by ABSA until 2007, after which Nedbank took oversponsorship.

The 16Premier Soccer League clubs, 8 National First Division teams, as well as 8teams from the amateur ranks compete for the prize money of R6 million. Thewinner also qualifies for the CAF Confederation Cup.

The teamsare not seeded at any stage, and the first 16 sides drawn out of the hatreceive a home-ground advantage. There are no longer any replays in thetournament, and any games which end in a draw after 90 minutes are subject to30 minutes extra time followed by penalties if necessary.

Current champions: Orlando Pirates

Most successful club: Kaizer Chiefs (12 titles)

2012 Nedbank Cup Last 32

EthekweniCoastal FC vs Orlando Pirates

Free StateStars vs Sivutsa Stars

GoldenArrows vs North West Shining Stars

Santos FCvs University of Pretoria

MaritzburgUnited vsBloemfontein Celtic

RosesUnited FC vs Bay United

SafaPlayoff winner vs United FC

Batau FC vsSuperSport United

AfricanWarriors vs Jomo Cosmos

MorokaSwallows vs BidVest Wits

MpumalangaBlack Aces vs Witbank Spurs

KazerChiefs vs Cape Town All Stars

PlatinumStars vs The Dolphins FC

BlackLeopards vs Blackburn Rovers

AmaZulu FCvs Ajax Cape Town

PowerlinesFC vs Mamelodi Sundowns

A real Chiefs supporter/fan won’t question Bra K wearing a Pirates jersey

2012-02-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

I believeand understand that our beloved and fellow Kaizer Chiefs fans and supportershave a lot of respect to our father, our boss, our chairman Bra K (Kaizer Motaung).

I also wantto express my appreciation and gratitude to my fellow reliable, prominent and genuineKaizer Chiefs supporters for always rallying behind our one and only beloved kingsof kings, Amakhosi I dating back 1969 when were still an Invitation XI.

We willnever be distracted by the lost few and confused group of people who claim tobe perfect at all times. A real Khosi will never question why our chairman wascaptured wearing an Orlando Pirates 75th anniversary jersey becausein any case he is a legend who played for Orlando Pirates in his hey day priorto joining and forming Kaizer XI and launching in 1970, 7 January.

Obviouslyhe will never encourage us to wear that jersey, however seeing him in publicmeans he is gentle enough to accept an invitation for a golf game, from abusiness perspective.

You canunderstand the tension when he mentioned to the Motaung Family that he is goingto wear 'that' jersey but obviously with the integrity he has within thefamily, compromise and understanding had to be considered.

I trust wewill also understand as a Khosi Family. Keep Rising Khosi. Philly 072 Loves youall in Peace.

By Philly Sebola

AFCON 2013 Ball Naming Competition

2012-02-06T01:09:00.000-08:00

adidas,the official ball supplier for AFCON and all FIFA sanctioned tournaments, willproduce the official matchball for the 2013 edition of AFCON – which will beplayed in South Africa.

adidas– in conjunction with Supersport – is inviting all African football fans toparticipate in choosing the appropriate name for the official matchball for2013 AFCON tournament.

To streamline the process, adidas has shortlisted 3names from which the public can choose. The names were taken from local SouthAfrican languages as the host nation. A similar approach had been used inchoosing the name for 2010 FIFA World Cup™ - Jabulani.

•adidas does not sponsor AFCON – they are a partner of CAF and official ballsupplier since 2008.

adidas have produced3 balls for the AFCON tournament since 2008.

WawaAba – for the AFCON in Ghana – 2008

Jabulani–for the AFCON in Angola – 2010

Comoequa–the AFCON in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea – 2012

•Now we are asking the African football fans in South Africa and the rest ofAfrica to participate in a competition to choose the appropriate name for theAFCON ball in 2013 – which will be hosted by South Africa.

•To streamline the competition – adidas has shortlisted three names for the fansto choose from and the names are:

-Khanya (shine/light)

-Katlego (success)

-Motswako (mixture)

The voting process

•To stand a chance of winning a double ticket to the final game of AFCON in 2013– viewers will have to go to http://www.supersport.com/competitions/afconadidas and vote for one of the 3names.

The prize

Theultimate prize is winning a double ticket to the final of the AFCON 2013tournament. The winner will be drawn on the 20th of February 2012 as percompetition rules and conditions.

Safa’s “ultimatum” that’s given to Mosimane is ridiculous

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

I personallyrefuse to dance to that ultimatum (Shapeup or ship out! (Possibly ... - http://goo.gl/ofMWz)given to Pitso Mosimane. South African Football Association (Safa), if they areserious, should look at raising our goalposts... what they are telling thenation is that it is okay to be second best!

They need tobe reminded that this is South Africa,and not Botswanawhere they celebrate mediocrity.

In 2013, wewill be hosting the tournament, and the ultimate aim should be to win, anythingless equals failure. These guys seem to have wasted time with their so-called symposium(which makes me wonder why they used such a word for their nonsense instead ofsimple words like conference or meeting).

I’m really baffled by thissymposium, based on what SAFA released, it looks like they only focus on thefuture without taking into account where we are and why and how we got here... youcant prepare for that future without checking our background, its like doingCOST ACCOUNTING without FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING... its impossible.

They go asfar as saying they aim to be in the top 3 in Africa,which literally means, if we are third ranked, they’d be happy, that’snonsense! What happened to aiming for the best?

However, ChiefMwelo Nokonyane is right, should their ultimatumnyana fail, heads must roll andhis should be the first!

By Sidwell 'Feesh' Francis

Our turn will come Chiefs supporters

2012-02-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

It is verydisturbing to hear people claiming that they love Kaizer Chiefs yet they are theones who negatively criticise it like the enemies should. It is no wonder wehave more booers than supporting members at the stadium because it starts righthere.

If you loveyour team you’d either come up with ideas to improve where it is required and/ornotify the relevant stakeholders. This thing of criticising everything we touchis not on guys, we are now behaving like journalist whose intention is to sellthe story.

Thequestion should perhaps be, do I really love my team or do I only love thepositive results from my team? Do we really know what the word support standsfor and the meaning thereof?

Khosimembers, I urge you to use these platforms (Facebook and Twitter)to promote our beloved team so that we can encourage others to join in as well.We even complain that the stadiums are no longer full when we play, except ofcourse in a derby.

How then dowe expect the rivals to fear us if we don’t have self-respect, self-confidence,self-consciousness, self-bravery, self-analysis etc? Guys, we will never reachour goal if we are divided.

I alsounderstand there’s a platform that one can use to raise their grievances hencethe existence of the Supporters Relations within our Family. I urge you to bepatience, our turn will come and we will be feared again. If you remember thetimes of Whitey, Saadam, Muguyo etc, under the PRO of Bra Louis, there was alot of Unity and support than there is now.

I’m notsaying we should compare but then again good things are easy to copy andimitate. The point I am trying to emphasise is we should rally behind our teamlike soldiers protecting the Country, like a man defending his Family, like aHawk eyeing his prey, like Collins Mbesuma in front of the poles, like you guysin your full-outfit entering the FNB stadium.

Guys, withus there is no Kaizer Chiefs, without us there’s no pride in our team, withoutus there’s no the gold and the beautiful.

I know itmay not go well with other members however without Unity we are going nowhere.It is said Charity begins at home and indeed this is our Home. RISE KHOSI RISE,DUBULA KHOSI DUBULA, PEITA KHOSI PEITA, MAMOLA KHOSI MAMOLA... BOLAYA KHOSIBOLAYA... in PEACE with LOVE I pause.

By Philly Sebola

Dani Alves miCoach Stats

2012-02-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

When adidaslaunched the adizero miCoach football boots, they were completely revolutionaryin that they allowed footballers of all levels to compare performance stats.
Even more uniquely, they provided the opportunity to see how the top pro's perform, the first player to have his game analysed is Barcelona's energetic full-back Dani Alves...

One of thebest full-backs in the game, Dani Alves is such a tireless runner he is moreoften seen playing at right wing rather than full-back. Against Real Madrid inthe recent Copa Del Rey match, Alves was once again in awesome form and scoredone of the goals of the season, so here's a reminder of that goal and Dani'sfull performance data...

The adidasmiCoach platform enables you to upload your data, which then gets presentedback to you through a series charts and graphs as shown below. The playerworkout data collates your overall performance, as well as dividing it up tosee how you've performed throughout the course of the 90 minutes.

This uniqueinsight into Dani Alves' performance data shows just what it takes to performat the highest level and for the best football team in the world. During the 90minutes Alves covered almost 9km, of which 1.2km were hi-intensity so either asprint of a high-speed run. Alves embarked on 48 sprints which is around one every2 minutes, with a top-speed of 29.25kmh.

The gameprofile shows a bar chart of Dani Alves' mobility levels, which showsthroughout the game he was constantly on the move either running, sprinting orjogging, as in none of the 5 minute bars is he walking more than being mobile.

As adidasare on the lookout for the fastest 11 players in the

as part of 'the hunt for fast',do you think you're fast enough to make their team? And have you uploaded yourstats yet, and proved that you're fastest!

Source: www.soccerbible.com

Original Story: http://goo.gl/0z83t

Amakhosi supporters, let's talk

2012-01-31T23:52:00.000-08:00

Thelast time I checked there was no team in our country which could fill up allthe stadiums like we (Kaizer Chiefs supporters) did before, never mind where weare playing. We could even beat the national teams in terms of support.

Wherehas it gone wrong? We want to maintain our lost status, we want to be feared again,we want to reclaim our mighty status, we want our pride back, we want our kingshipstatus back, and we want it all.

Weencourage you to come up with positive and possible solutions as well. You mayshare your ideas however in this case we want to move forward, we want toforget all the misery we recently experienced. Let us not destroy one another.

Unityis power, communication is our strength, support is our mission, building a newsupport range is our goal. Love and Peace is our motto.

Ourmarketing team is listening, let's engage them. This is one forum (KaizerChiefs Supporters Group on Facebook)we can use to interact with one another, let's use it, wisely so.

Khosisupporters, let's talk; what do you think is the challenge?

RiseKhosi Rise!

Victoryis the Power

Philly-072 For Life

By Philly Sebola

Pirates needs players who can deliver

2012-01-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

OrlandoPirates has no time to experiment. We are going to the African Champions League;we do not need the so called "Young-Blood" WE NEED TO WIN!!! We needplayers who can go out there and win us a match!

We now havetwo players in our squad who have played at the highest level like the UEFAChampions League, despite their age they can win us a match at any given time.

Look atwhat Benni McCarthy did to Moroka Swallows? Look at what Isaac Chansa did toGolden Arrows on May 21, 2011? They where told to go out there and win us agame and they did.

Look atwhat Felix Katongo is doing for Zambia,he is 'old' but he knows what to do when he is given responsibility. All ourplayers we have in our squad have traveled overseas before so it will be easierfor them to play in Africa.

Surely youcan't ask Lucky Khune to help you lift the African Champions League butcertainly you can depend on Benni!!

By Thabani Tshuma

Majoro and Parker have failed at Chiefs

2012-01-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

Its 6months down the line since Lehlohonolo Majoro and Bernard Parker arrived atNaturena, I believe in giving people a chance and time to adapt, but to takearound 6 months to adapt to a team when you are not from lower leagues isuncalled for and disappointing.

The reasonthey were brought on board was for us to conquer South Africa with the main aim asthat of clinching the Premier Soccer League as per Vladimir Vermezovic duringthe start of the season.

One wouldargue that setting your goal on the ultimate is a sign of being a visionary butyou need not to forget the short-term goals as they are actually the buildingblocks (winning during the year) of the bigger house (League)... winning duringthe year includes also annexing the 4 games tournaments as well which for me upto so we have failed.

The twogentlemen mainly entrusted with the job of scoring for us have for me up toFAILED, they have been disappointing to the core, for me its like they wereforced to come play for Kaizer Chiefs, there is no sense urgency in their play,they look uninterested.

Look atSithembiso ''Valdezis coming home'' Ngcobo when he is on the field, what happiness to defenders?They don’t rest, though he needs football brains le yena, but he is better!

By Nkanyiso Mathamba

Tshabalala’s swipe at the European shrine has passed

2012-01-31T07:20:00.001-08:00

REWIND tothe 2010 football jamboree. 11th of June, the dreadlocked Sowetoborn player smashes a thunderbolt after a marauding run in the left flank thathad acres of space and the Jabulani ball found its way into the top left handcorner of the Mexico keeperto open the account for South Africa and indeed the first goal of thetournament.

Lo andbehold there should have been a queue at the mount Naturenashortly after the celebration whim. Not only because of the goal, but Simphiwe “Shabba”Tshabalala had a decent spell at the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

The latteris the biggest stage possible, if you are not convinced about the player’sperformances at the foregoing tournament then you will never be convinced.Simple. Especially after a good exhibition, personally. Many acquisitions thatwere spotted at any particular FIFA sanctioned tournaments are well weightedand sealed thereof. No trials whatsoever.

SimphiweTshabalala is fast approaching 28 (September) and there is no satisfying demandof attacking midfielders who are of that age outside of Europe.Unless you are out of the top draw. And Shabba is not. They prefer youngplayers who will provide a lot bravura to their ranks.

Howdesperate can Shabba get for a move in Europe?

His valuehas depreciated thanks to the inexplicable and yet deplorable trials he hasundergone. But that is neither here nor there because he has reached thetwilight of his contract at Kaizer Chiefs. One thing is for sure, Shabba andhis agent (Jazzman Mahlakgane) want to cash in big time. They know all too wellthat this will probably be the last big pay for the player in terms of contractties. So they exhausted every links possible. But please, stop acting sodesperate.

In anycase, I expect Jazzman Mahlakane, like in Teko Modise’s case, to negotiate thebest package for the player at Amakhosi. This European adventure desire shouldbe given no breathing space anymore, so that the player can concentrate on hiscareer and represent Kaizer Chiefs with pride.

Shabba,your time at the European scene has passed. Let it go.

By Thato Bosoga

You canfollow Thato on twitter @Adv_blair

Original story: http://goo.gl/p2tfR

South African football is dying!?!

2012-01-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm not theone to lambaste players over the "age" of thirty, however in any sanefootballing country in the world; Luis Boa Morte would be a definite hell NO!

This guy last did something meaningful in the period of 2001-2007 even then,that was a mere 27 goal return in 156 appearances... that’s a FAIL!

But becauseof the countinous decline of South African football maybe he will do a Benni McCarthyand give us some last kicks of a dying horse.

Let’s face it our beloved PremierSoccer League is nowhere near even to some of the ordinary mid table EnglishPremier League matches or their Championship (First Division) sides so this BoaMorte dude might be a winning gamble.

In all ofthis, one would safely conclude that, South African football is dead and willnever see the heights it once saw. Bring us active high profile names not a"has been player"...a "has been failure" nogal! We don’twant players who will only be good in the change room but players who can comehere and COMPETE… for a good number of years.

What willhappen to Boa Morte after the CAF African Champions League? Ma Satafrikaamahle, you guys are getting a raw deal.

By Xilla Tutu

We are copying the English

2012-01-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

Dr IrvinKhoza has managed to successfully disrespect and undermine the intelligence ofSouth African football fans.

He claimsthat the reason our football season was changed to August/May in '96 was becauseback then we had most players internationally, that is utter gobbledygook, itis only now that those numbers have increased.

It is notrocket science to know that we just adopted everything that is English, we justidolise those guys.

First, the'Premier Soccer League' is derived out of 'English Premier League'.

Second, ourlion logo is derived form the English lion.

Third, thefootball season was to be strictly in line with the English season and we allknow that South Africa is a former British colony, and like any other Africancountry, we are bound to adopt cultures of our colonial masters, the common useof the queen's language being a perfect example.

Anyway, asper Dr Khoza, in 2014 we are going back to normal, February/November... thismove has more positives, to of which been that we will have only one break at theend of the season and thus been in line with all CAF affiliates, our teams willget to start the continental championships on equal footing with ourcounterparts.

Thenegative been that, we would have to tolerate the cold months of June and July,while our pitches tend to be dry and bumpy during this period... again, thismight be seen as a moral victory for CAF as they didn’t bow down to South Africa'sdemands to structure their season as per major Euro countries and South Africa!

By Sidwell 'Feesh' Francis

Doc and Chiefs supporters are jealous

2012-01-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

You cantell without any doubt that people who're condemning the acquisition of olderplayers coming from abroad by our local clubs are mostly Kaizer Chiefssupporters just like their role model, Mr. Know-It-All (Doctor Khumalo).

When KaizerChiefs signed John Shoes Moshoeu, Shaun Bartlett, Ace Khuse and himself DoctorKhumalo, there was never an issue of old aged players coming to steal theopportunities that should be given to the youngsters.

When MamelodiSundowns went all the way to sign Sibusiso Zuma and Peter Ndlovu no onecriticized those moves. When SuperSport United moved quickly to sign GlenSolomon, who questioned the move…? Now what’s this noise for, is it because it’snow that has signed those players?

Developmentdoes not mean you have to take 11 youngsters and throw them in the field, no, that’snot a proper way of developing players. For the young players to find it easyand to deliver the results one needs to put together inexperience playersalongside those who have been there before.

A typicalexample of what that integration can do, take a close look at Daine Klate... eversince the arrival of Benni McCarthy at Orlando Pirates, his game has improved, NdumisoMabena is much a better player now as compared to before the arrival of Benni.

Please letsstop it with this jealousy, it doe not do our country any favour.

By Kabelo Ramokoka

The PSL’s financial boom, a doom for Bafana

2012-01-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

YES WELL, apress conference is conveyed and the Premier Soccer League supreme, wearing twohats, the other as the Chairman of Orlando Pirates presented the new signingfor his club Luis Boa Morte. And the country is abuzz with the exciting news.The PSL can afford players of such stature. Wow, what a sly coup. That was thetalk. “The PSL is reaching new heights”. An Achilles heel for Bafana Bafana I’mafraid.

And thiscurve of course was already steadily descending. The PSL has establishedthemselves as one of the best league in the world. Financially and all otherfacets that has to be done in the boardrooms. Fine.

Thequestion that will forever loom large is that how do you gauge the standard ofthe league? And how does being the best league in Africafinancially, benefit the country?

To pointout to the last question first, it best benefits the executives who are sittingin the swanky offices in Parktown. That’s all. And the former question, Irepeat that it will forever loom large.

It has dawnupon me that the Iron Duke’s resolve of committing himself and his club to endeavorplaying in the CAF Champions League to indirectly inject impetus to the Bafanaranks, a point of reference being made of the 1995 Bucs triumph of theaforesaid competition directly influencing the National team to win the Africa Cupof Nations in the subsequent year is just a concealed guilty conscious.

The formerChairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2010 FIFA world cup knowsall too well that the PSL’s meteoric rise is like a poisoned chalice to SAFAand the country at large. With the salaries of the players reaching thestandard of the stadiums they are playing at, it becomes difficult to honourcall ups, the clubs also find it expedient to pull their legs. Not to mentionthe dwindling number of exports. Who suffers?

SAFA

What aboutthe quality of the players playing in this league who are too comfortable tocome out of their shell? Who suffers?

SAFA

Is thestandard of our league anywhere near the top 10 bracket in the world as infinancially?

But thenagain, how do you gauge the standard of the league?

By Thato Bosoga

You canfollow Thato on twitter @Adv_blair

Original story: http://goo.gl/DXK5V

What technical conference must address - Dladla

2012-01-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

SouthAfricans enjoy having meetings/Indabas in fancy hotels to consume loads of foodand drinks. We need resolutions with strict time frames.

SAFA Executive

Thehighly-anticipated National Technical Conference is upon us, but is it going tomake any valuable difference to the current state of affairs in local football?Small changes can bring big results. Talking and good plans is useless withoutaction. Firstly, how many people attending the upcoming conference train andcoach young players daily? Secondly, how many would train children dailywithout expecting to be paid?

The firstthing that people need to understand is that development is an educationalprocess. Players from young age up to senior/professional level need structuredtraining and competitions suitable for their level.

Footballcannot be led by people, who talk but do not live or practice development. Weall come from communities. How many SAFA executives belong to clubs withintheir communities? Are their own young boys and girls in structured footballprogrammes? If this conference can result in these executives leading byexample, then football will move forward.

Theconference must resolve to support and utilize the skills of those that arededicated to football. Football coaching just like teaching or nursing is avocation. We have failed with all the resources because of employing friendsand relatives. Money cannot do the work. There are too many people without anyhistory in coaching and youth development holding critical positions. Withoutproper structures people will always abuse the system.

SouthAfrican football should develop a coaching syllabus that addresses our specificneeds and qualities. The present coach education system including its contenthas failed the country. We have not produced any player of quality in worldfootball in the last 15 years. We have also not won - let alone qualified for -any meaningful competition in our continent and internationally.

PSL clubsshould see themselves as part of SAFA. Bafana Bafana has failed because PSLclubs and their coaches are not producing good players.

Players atthat level should be trained as well as those playing for the Barcelona’s,Manchester City’s of this world. As part oflicensing, no clubs should be allowed to operate without proper youthstructures. Orlando Pirates, Wits, Super Sports are a few clubs doing somethingabout this problem, although they also need to up their game.

SouthAfricans enjoy having meetings/Indabas in fancy hotels to consume loads of foodand drinks. We need resolutions with strict time frames. It is also importantthat we become accountable for the tasks given.

It is alsoimportant that people learn to work with others. We do not need to be friendsto do a good job. Some of us are not interested in power and positions. We arewilling to help the game prosper in the dark corners of our country.

Lastly, theNational Technical Conference agenda should prioritize youth coach education,elite youth development i.e. both boys and girls, the philosophy or style ofplay, youth competitions, issues of age cheating in youth football, and generaljunior and youth football training and competitions.

By Thabo Dladla (Former SAFA coach)

Original story: http: http://goo.gl/j2KZq

Email: editor@maximalfootball.com

Nike Reveal Africa's New Generation Of Footballers To Inspire A Continent

2012-01-24T08:57:00.000-08:00

Nike haveunveiled a new short film featuring four of the African continents brightesttalents, who represent the future, and who are a new generation of Africanfootballers who aim to lead the African football revolution.

The AfricanCup of Nations kicked off in earnest this past weekend as sixteen countriesbegan the quest for glory, to be crowned the Champions of Africa.

Ivory Coast and Arsenal’s mercurial wingerGervinho, Queens Park Rangers and Moroccan dribbling sensation Adel Taarabt,Ghanaian powerhouse midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah who plies his trade in Italy with Udinese and Marseille’s Andre Ayew,also of Ghana,are aiming to make history.

These fourfootballers are all household names. They are no strangers to football fansfrom around the world. We watch them produce the goods week in, week out at thehighest level of European football. They dominate the headlines in England’s Premier League, Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1 but it’s aboutmore than that. For too long African football has remained in the shadows. It’stime that the continent becomes the force that it is capable of becoming. It’sabout Africa.

Africa has produced wonderfully talented footballers who haveforged amazing careers in the game, and now it’s time for the new generation offootballers to claim victory.

Nike willstand behind their players Gervinho, Taraabt, Asamoah and Ayew as theyrepresent a new African footballer, an African footballer that is tired ofcelebrating mediocrity and done with being average. With a new focus, drive anddetermination these players are ready to inspire a continent and ready to claimglory for their country, a relentless pursuit of victory.

Africa can dream... It’s the end of hope, the beginning of beliefand the new generation are determined to deliver.

View thevideo

Follow NikeFootball on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikefootballzaor on Twitter: nikefootballza

So far so good for Southern African teams

2012-01-23T04:11:00.000-08:00

Myassessment of the Africa Cup of Nations 2012 to this end - the Western African countries especially the over-decorated, over-glamorized and over-rattedSenegal and Burkina Faso were disjointed, dismantled, disorganized, timid andrigid against the well organized and balance Southern African teams; Zambia andAngola.

Theimplemented tactical and technical methodologies of Angola and Zambia werebased on blistering pace and pouncing from the wings. The system did tear apartthe giants of Western African teams with simplicity.

Withthe contentious Africa Cup of Nations competition regulations especial thefamous Chapter 7, Article 14. Sub-article 14.1, the two Southern African teamsare already knocking at the second round phase.

Doyou think the Western African teams will rise to the occasion after thedisappointing results? What your view on Southern African teams performance upto so far?

Areyou impressed by Ivory Coast performance against Sudan? Do you think $1 millionfor winning a game and $20 000 per goal scored will inspired Equatorial Guinea toperform miracles?

What’syour view.

By OwenMundalamo

2010 Africa Cup of Nations - Highlights

What is happening in the EPL?

2012-01-21T23:57:00.000-08:00

What ishappening in the English Premier League this season (2011/12)? Manchester City managed by a frustrated RobertoMancini. ManchesterUnited now playing two players approaching 50 years old (Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes).

TottenhamHotspur by the default of others (Manchester United, ManchesterCity, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool) dreaming about the Champions League again. Chelsea owned by billionaireRoman Abramovich unable to attract top players anymore.

Arsenal coachedby one of the best coaches in the world Arsene Wenger are still playing thebest football in England, but have forgotten how to defend.

Stoke Citystorming the Europa League, Everton still Everton thanks only to David Moyes. AstonVilla have become very ordinary again, Fulham getting stuffed to 10 men, Boltonare in freefall, Norwichproving carrots are good for you.

Swansea City (Swansea 3-2 Arsenal) playing likeReal Madrid, Wigan Athletic standing by their manager (Roberto Martinez), QueensPark Rangers is the new home for footballing strays and orphans.

BlackburnRovers with their owners (Indian businessmen Balaji Rao and Venkatesh Rao, ofVenky's Ltd.) seemingly determined to destroy a footballl club.

WolverhamptonWanderers (Wolves) spending money but still getting the same results, NewcastleUnited still in shock that they received £35 million for Andy Carroll andfinally Liverpool with their misguided board who continue to ignore KingKenny's poor judgment.

By Sír Mósígísí & Proffesor Khumalo

Myeni: “I want to leave Bidvest Wits”

2012-01-20T23:10:00.001-08:00

Let us notlose focus here on the matter. When you go to work, you go there with theintention for providing the best for yourself and your family, your way ofmaking money will dictate how you do your span.

There isanother force at play here - the invincible hand of the "Agent". Theytoo make money during transfers, and when it comes to a player like BidvestWits captain Sifiso Myeni, it is now an auction.

All youneed is to leak a few words about "happiness" (or lack of) and saysomething about Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates or even Mamelodi Sundowns - watchthe bids begin.

When aplayer is signed, make sure that he is needed in that team... why would aplayer sign for a team that has 6 wingers already? So, make your move astrategic one, go to a place you know you will be a shinning rock and observetheir ambition. If you are a player you assess your chances of contributingtowards championships or cups.

Theinvincible hand here is busy trying to auction the poor chap (Sifiso Myeni)... athis age (23), he might be another potential that never got to reach its trueheight.

I am notsaying he should not sign for whatever team, just he should be careful of wherehe goes or stays, assess their ambition and question how that particular teamcan have a competitive edge over anothers.

Greatweekend ya'll - enjoy the start of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations!

By Bra Pule

NIKE announces new NIKE+ FuelBand

2012-01-20T05:17:00.000-08:00

NIKEannounced today the NIKE+ FuelBand, an innovative wristband that tracks andmeasures everyday movement to motivate and inspire people to be more active.Activities can now be measured through a new metric called NikeFuel: the moreactive you are, the more NikeFuel you earn.

Designed tobe worn throughout the day, the user-friendly NIKE+ FuelBand uses accelerometryto provide information about different activities through movement of the wristvia a LED dot matrix display.

Fourmetrics are available: Time, Calories, Steps and NikeFuel. Unlike caloriecounts, which vary based on someone’s gender and body type, NikeFuel is anormalized score that awards equal points for the same activity regardless ofphysical makeup.

Users set adaily goal of how active they want to be, and how much NikeFuel they want toachieve. The NIKE+ FuelBand displays a series of 20 LED lights that go fromred-to-green as the user gets closer to their goal.

TheFuelBand syncs with the Nike+ website through a built-in USB, or wirelesslythrough Bluetooth to a free iPhone app, to record activity and track progressevery day. The app interface also provides encouragement and motivation asgoals are achieved.

The Nike+Fuelband will be available for preorder starting January 19th in the US at Nikestore.com for a suggested retail priceof $149 (US) and will onlybe available in South Africalater this year.

Chiefs used to sign best players in the PSL

2012-01-19T22:11:00.000-08:00

Iam a very concerned Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Our direct competitors are beefingup their respective squads, gearing up for the second half of the season; andChiefs is busy signing up insurance policies.

Outof the teams challenging for the title, we are the ones that should have goneout to the market. If media reports are any thing to go by, we are at a risk oflosing some of our best (I am using this term very loosely) players. Why asituation like this was allowed to happen is any one's guess.

Weused to sign the best available players. We used to be the best run club; weprobably still are in terms of brand management. However, managing thefootballing activities which is the reason why we are in business seems to be achallenge.

Iwouldn't dare point fingers at Bobby Motaung, Chiefs has an Executive Chairman,a CEO and a Board. I am afraid if we don't pay attention to our primaryexistence, what happens off the field will be pretty useless. We are a soccerclub not an off the field promotions company.

By Mkhuseli Ngcube

I don’t understand SuperSport - "El Classico - Real Madrid vs Barcelona"?

2012-01-18T13:25:00.001-08:00

I honestlydon't understand the mentality and planning of SuperSport games. A game like RealMadrid vs Barcelona(El Classico) has to be shown; there is no reason that this game cannot beviewed. This happened the last 2 months ago when the Celtic vs Rangers gamewasn't shown.

This is anutter disgrace and shows the lack of respect towards customers, I don't blamepeople for swearing and being abusive on this page (www.facebook.com/SuperSportFootball).

If for somereason a game cannot be aired then at least inform consumers so that otherarrangements could be made.

Do you knowwhat I will never understand? SuperSport won't show the game but just watch andsee how this Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SuperSportFootball)will inform us on the latest score updates.

From me I have on thing to say – SUPERSPORT ISCRAP!!!!! WASTE OF MONEY!!!!

By Moe Mall

SFC challenges SAFA and PSL

2012-01-18T02:13:00.000-08:00

“Itis a call by ordinary South African citizens to challenge SAFA and PSL to sortout the current shambles in our soccer. We are calling upon all South Africansin all corners of South Africa let stand together and say NO to emotional abuseby SAFA and PSL, let's stand together and say we need 18 PSL teams. Let's standtogether and say we do not need 3 vice-president at SAFA. It is our call letmake it real.” - SFC

TheSupporters For Change (SFC) Forum is the voice of the football loving people inall levels of life who follow and support South African football. The PAGE (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Supporters-For-Change/365103980169613) has been created tomobilize and set up a structure that will represent us to challenge and supportthe decision makers at Premier Soccer League (PSL) and South African FootballAssociation (SAFA) as one voice.

Once we reach a reasonable number, we will nominate representatives in allprovinces that will form a Governing body, raise funds and tackle the ongoingchallenges in our football.

We pledge that each member must invite as many people to join (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Supporters-For-Change/365103980169613), raise the subject atSupporter’s Clubs, social media, placards in televised venues and in all theplaces where it is relevant.

Theforum has been truthfully and honestly been created based on our current stateof football at national level and club level administratively and on the fieldof play with no hidden agendas or personal gain other than the betterment ofSouth African Soccer.

The SFC Forum Mission

Toengage the football administrators at SAFA and PSL

1.Address the ongoing issues of the national team.

2.Sort out SAFA & PSL Houses

3.Promote good governance & competency

4.Enforce the rule of accountability

5.And change the current state of our football

Email:sfc.administrator@gmail.com

Let’s give Mosimane our full support

2012-01-17T23:08:00.000-08:00

Dowe have quality players in South Africa in the Premier Soccer League? Hell no. PitsoMosimane is just doing what he can with nothing. We are not humble and why should he be? He isfrustrated, he is doing what he can, but we never want him - is he simple notwhite enough?

Yeswe didn’t qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, doesn’t that gave us a chanceto prepare for 2013 Africa Cup of Nations? What keep on crying over split milk?Let’s just give the guy our support. People would never say words we want themto tell us, but we all saying the same thing but differently.

Mosimaneis a South African; he wants the best results for all of us. Jose Mourinho and SirAlex Ferguson have won many cups. But both Portugal with their stars and Scotlandare not doing well via their national teams. Why they don’t hire them?

Beinga national team coach and a local team coach is not the same and they are not guaranteedresults. Gordon Igesund and Gavin Hunt are good coaches, but that doesn’t guaranteethem a success with the national team.

Stanley'Screamer' Tshabalala and Jeff Butler have won many cups in the league than CliveBarker, but Barker is the most successful coach Bafana Bafana even compared tothose overseas coaches with bigger CV who ever coached Bafana.

However,if you check Barker’s record as coach for the league team, he must be thelowest of them all. But he was able to find the right combinations. Let’s give Mosimanea chance and support him.

By BradleyMafelatshuma

"South African Supporters Forum” - is needed to address all issues!!

2012-01-16T22:45:00.000-08:00

DearSouth African Football Supporter,

Complainingabout the South African Football Association (SAFA) is like complaining aboutthe weather. I've been listing to supporters crying helplessly and hopelesslyon all sports shows and I'm thinking to myself that: There's got to besomething that must come of these.

Oneguy on the Discovery Sports Centre with Robert Marawa (Metro FM) suggested whatwould seem to be a solution to me. He suggested that we (football supporters)must go and demonstrate in front of SAFA's offices our anger and put forwardour demands on what changes we want to see!

Furthermore,I suggest that we need to come up with a structure like a “South AfricanSupporters Forum” wherein we would address all issues patterning our footballin South Africa, anything from development programme to how we want our PremierSoccer League (PSL) and SAFA should behave ect. I feel that our voices on radiodoes little or nothing at all to change things, we must do more tangibleactions!

Icall on South African X-players and so called 'number supporters/fans of allour Premier Soccer League to come together and lead the way to South Africanfootball recovery.

Togetherwe stand, divided we fall!

YoursTruly,

SAFootball Supporter

By Sandile Xulu

Pelembe commits to Sundowns

2012-01-13T13:34:00.001-08:00

MamelodiSundowns today announced that Elias Pelembe signed a new 3 and a half year dealwhich will keep him with the Brazilians until the end of June 2015.

Pelembesaid, “I am excited that I will be staying at Sundowns until 2015. The mediareports about my high salary demands are not true. I was always willing tocompromise on my package because I want to finish my playing career atSundowns.”

ThePresident of Mamelodi Sundowns, Patrice Motsepe said,”Sundowns is committed topaying competitive salaries as we always want to attract the best players.However we also have an obligation to all our players to ensure that thedifferences in salaries amongst our players are not significant. Sundowns isalso aware of its obligation to South African football to ensure that we do notto pay excessively high salaries.”

MamelodiSundowns Communications manager, Kabelo Mosito, said, “Our supporters areoverjoyed with the news that one of our favourite players will continue to wearthe Sandawana jersey for a long time to come”.

Kabelo Mosito

Website: http://www.sundownsfc.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sundownsfc

Going for, R2m???, R3.5m???, R5m… Sold!

2012-01-13T08:05:00.000-08:00

May I haveyour attention please. Your thought this was an auction exhibition, you werenot too off the mark. It gnaws me that we have reached a point where footballagents have become shrewd auctioneers instead of their normal trade. It is thattime of the season where speculation is on overdrive, but the way the Premier SoccerLeague clubs are so predictable in the market the speculations have become asstraight as the facts that comes with it.

Allow me tofasten to the crux of my discontent.

Money hasbecome such a quintessential component that mega rich owners of the clubsalways get their way, to the dismay of the football sake. As we are all aware,Itumeleng Khune and Simphiwe Tshabalala’s contracts are reaching their sell bydate in June and so is Elias "Domingues" Pelembe’s.

It might bea tactic to balloon the market price of the aforementioned, by linking the trioto the opposite foes, but even if not, it was disturbing to hear Pelembe’sagent saying in the public spectrum that whosoever bids the highest price will havethe player in their books.

So thismeans, it is not about what the player wants anymore, it is the reverse. Andwhen the reserve suffice, it always lead to conflict of interest between the playerand whosoever would have acquired his services on the prelude of money. This isa common denominator in the ranks of Mamelodi Sundowns’ failures.

Yes, therehas always been players bought for big moneys. But the way it is practiced atsome quotas, it equates to rascaldom. Look, when Real Madrid sneezed in theGalactico era, everyone caught the flu. Their strategy of market signingsbrought them many tittles and they recouped their moneys they spent onridiculous signings on shirts selling and what not. It was a well stitchedstratagem. Until the end of that era, of course.

Some clubshere at home like Sundowns have tried in vain to plagiarize that method. It hasonly become a parody. Anyway, there is more counterfeit club’s apparel than PatriceMotsepe can bargain, for them to recoup their sauntering transfers. So why dothey continue venturing into the same strategy that yields no success?

Perhaps tospite their rivals.

If you dowhat you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.

By Thato Bosoga

Main story: http://goo.gl/Xs8y8

Follow Thatoon Twitter:@Adv_blair

What’s wrong with South African managers?

2012-01-12T04:20:00.000-08:00

Ithink some of the Premier Soccer League clubs administrators are doing aterrible job at their respective clubs for example; firstly Kaizer Chiefs mayloose two of their most prized assets in Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Shabalala.

Bothplayers are in the last six months of their contracts and with no doubt theythe most valuable in the Chiefs squad. How did Kaizer Chiefs football managerBobby Motaung allow this situation to happen, why didn’t he enter in contractnegotiations with these players last year or even two years ago. These twoplayers can sign a pre-contract with any club and they can go for free.

SecondlyMamelodi Sundowns with Elias Pelembe, the same thing the player has less thansix months left and he can bargain sign a pre-contract with any club, I mean theyhave already lost Mabhuti Khanyeza to Supersport United for free.

Dothe owners and shareholders of the clubs need to do more to educate the teammanagers or so called football managers. Premier Soccer League use Europe asthe benchmark… cant they see what clubs there do, they enter in negotiationswith players two years before the contract ends to make sure even if the playerleaves they’ll get something out of it.

Letme hear you football experts........

By Thembalethu Dumisa

Big clubs don’t sell their stars

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

IT SEEMSthe greatest amount of time to waste in the South African football circles isto tell Kaizer Chiefs what to do and what not to do. However, they carry the tag(I’m surprised they still do) as the most famous and the behemoth of SouthAfrican football even though their record in recent years has been a far cryfrom the Chiefs we know. As such, I would like to believe that their opentransfer policy put into question their ambitions as it were. Big teams don’teasily entertain thoughts of selling players, especially at this junture.

The starplayers even. It is well documented that this juggernaut is a BUSINESS - afamily BUSINESS at that. But I’m afraid making money is not only about sellingat every opportunity. It is quite ironic that last season when the transferspeculation was on Arsenal loosing their most prized assets, Cesc Fabregas andSamir Nasri, Arsene Wenger intimated that if they do lose them then Arsenalcannot be considered a “big club.”

The statureof Arsenal FC cannot be compared with that of Kaizer Chiefs FC but the footballconfides and practices applies the same all over the world. Wenger foughtrelentlessly to hold onto Nasri even though it could have cost the club upwardsof £20m in lost transfer fees and pledged to “fight until the last second” tokeep Fabregas despite admitting his captain was “torn” over his desire torejoin Barcelona.

This onlyshows how the manager valued keeping his best players at the club. Of course,Amakhosi are in the lower echelon in respect of pay structures vis-a-vis theclubs in Europe, but it should be a “non-starter” to even negotiate a trial stint with probably the best players at theclub. It must take a ridiculous offer to ventilate letting go of fullInternationals of the calibre of Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Shabba. Thispractice has profound ramifications to the brand. Alas, unlike Nasri andFabregas, Khune and Shabba are not unhappy at Chiefs. We all know that thepremature hastily arranged sale of Knowledge Musona has left the club thin inthe striking armoury.

The frenchgaffer at the time said that he would rather have Nasri for one more season andlose him as a Bosman free agent than sell him now. Low standards? “KaizerChiefs has responded positively to the invite and will release both players asrequested.” Read the statement at their official website. Bunkum! It appearsthey are desperate for a windfall of a transfer fee.

As if divinelyordained, Arsenal are famous for their frugal policy and so is Chiefs. Butkeeping your best players cannot be measured by money, alone.

AndVladimir Vermezovic is acutely aware of this, “It is important that we try andkeep players and we want to keep the likes of Shabba and Khune. These areplayers, they play for Bafana Bafana and it is important that we re-sign them.”Said the Brazen Serbian to the club’s website and magazine. Unfortunately, thecoach’s wish does not tally with the club’s wishes as was the case with ArseneWenger.

Thesignificance of Cesc and Nasri couldn’t have been more emphasised. “Samir’ssituation is clear for me, Wenger said. “He stays. We are in a [financial]position where we can say ‘No’ and we will, in the case of Samir.” It could bethe greatest wish of a Chiefs fan to hear these words uttered by Bobby Motaung,

“You arethe same people who reproach me for not spending money and now you reproach mefor wanting to spend it,” he added with a smile. “It is in the interest of theclub. Fabregas is in no-man’s land… Imagine the worst situation, that we loseFabregas and Nasri; you cannot convince people that you are ambitious afterthat.”

To theuninitiated, Arsenal subsequently lost both Cesc and Samir. And they have notbeen the same since. Their highlight was being pulverised 8-3 by Manchester United.Indeed, most probable, quite certain, if Chiefs were to lose SimphiweTshabalala and Itumeleng Khune concurrently they cannot convince people thatthey are ambitious after that.

By Thato Bosoga

Main story: http://goo.gl/UDLPl

Follow Thatoon Twitter:@Adv_blair

Pelembe is not Mzansi's God of football

2012-01-11T04:18:00.000-08:00

Enoughabout Lionel Messi... enough about Thierry Henry... mina la, here in South Africa,I’m starting to get irritated at the behaviour of some agent using a Mozambicanmosquito to cheat some team off its mine millions.

Thisguy representing Elias "Domingues" Pelembe is an opportunist, I’m notsure of his demands, but based on that arrogant comments he feeds the mediaabout his deal with Pelembe and Mamelodi Sundowns, one would be made to believePelembe is a God.

Granted,the guy is good, but what has he done for Sundowns? What has the team won sincehe joined? FOKOL! Therefore, you canbe as good as you claim, but if you fail to INDIVIDUALLYinfluence success onto a team, then your bargaining power is less.

Playerslike Andre Arendse knew how to influence teams positively, currently BensonMhlongo helped both Sundowns and Orlando Pirates to championships (no prizesfor guessing how he played a big role at Bucs)... so, if Pelembe wants crazymoney, he must go and milk it somewhere, I, Sidwell ‘Feesh’ Francis, say, Sundownsneeds him, but the team is no worse without him.

Maybeteams should look at grooming their own products who are going to be loyal tothe course... eg. Paul Scholes (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool),Ryan Giggs (Manchester United), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Iker Casillas (RealMadrid), Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan)... I’m struggling to find a South Africanname... maybe that factor is none existent down here!

By Sidwell 'Feesh'Francis

Safa must rectify, enforce constitution to deal with PSL

2012-01-10T22:45:00.000-08:00

Withoutclubs acknowledging and serving in the best interest of SA football, as clearlystipulated in the 'Clubs' chapter, article 23.4 of the SAFA Constitution, thesame Premier Soccer League clubs operate and exist unconstitutionally.

Moreplayers have been recalled, ahead of the practice match against Zambia onWednesday, from an already debilitated Bafana Bafana team that scrambled to agoalless draw against the No.: 150-Fifa ranked Equatorial Guinea last Friday.But the club-versus-country ghost will continue to haunt the local game untilSAFA sees the need to rectify and impose their constitution to deal with thePSL. As it is, and as MaximalFootball.com once wrote, South African clubs donot operate in the best interest of South African football. They operateunconstitutionally and as demonstrated in this case cannot serve the bestinterests of the local game.

Lunatic,demented or scandalous as it may sound, there is no credible argument that eventhe highest football body in the country, the South African FootballAssociation, can present to the contrary. Article 23.4 of the SAFA constitutionstates ‘A club may be owned by a South African or foreign company provided thatit is in the best interest of South Africa football.’ Regrettably, that iscurrently not the case with the local clubs, who continue to serve theirindividual, selfish interests ahead of those of SA football. SAFA is left withno option but to strongly enforce those constitutional provisions!

Inall other constitutional or regulatory frameworks used in other countries,clubs are regarded as fundamental structures for the development of the game,performance, international representation, eco-social up-lifting, etc., whichare all considered to be of national interest.

Shockingly,there is no other stipulation, regulation or anything whatsoever that couldindicate what those interests of South African football essentially are - whichclubs should acknowledge, respect, fulfil and be responsible of. Zilch! And thequestion ‘how and why was article 23.4 enacted without any form of enforcementthereof?’ should be asked! Without being effectively and strictly regulatedclubs' activities CANNOT serve THE BEST INTERESTS of football and the nation's.

Forclubs to serve the national and football interest they have to be regulated -it's the only possibility!

Inconceivableas it may be, without clubs acknowledging and serving in the best interest ofSA football, as clearly stipulated in the 'Clubs' chapter, article 23.4 of theSAFA Constitution, the same clubs operate and exist unconstitutionally becausethey are NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF SA FOOTBALL! This is just one of the manyscandals of the local game and this predicament should be included in theagenda of the upcoming Sport Indaba and radical measures should be recommended.

SAFAmust rectify this part of their constitution. They need to define what theymean by the “best interest of South African football.” If they don’t they willcontinue to have no right to stop national team players from joining BB or tocomplain about the national policy of running our national teams. They are notpart of the system – unfortunately they are an ‘independent’ entity and thiscannot be accepted anymore!

MaximalFootball.com,fairly young as it is, was the first break the looming Club Licensing crisis afew months ago. The situation where the PSL seeks to license its own clubsneeds to be stopped immediately by SAFA. While the hatchet is said to have beenburied between the two warring organisations it is a well-known fact that theyin fact do not drink from the same cup.

Sincethe Football Transformation Forum won the SAFA elections on 26 September 2009,the PSL has openly sought to become independent of SAFA. The ExecutiveCommittee of the league’s recent appointment of Edward Nathan SonnenbergsAttorneys “to handle the corporatization process, which will result in the NSLceasing to be a voluntary association and becoming a company incorporated interms of the Act” is one worrying example in this regard. Since the fateful26-September day the PSL has, on numerous occasions, pulled in a differentdirection, BUT they MUST NEVER be allowed to license their clubs.

ThePSL is run by club owners and the question is ‘How is it possible that club ownerscan license themselves?’ Who would at SAFA, CAF and FIFA accept this paradox?

Howare those club owners going to pass a regulation that should be in the bestinterest of the local football, when or if that regulation happens to be aprerequisite some clubs cannot meet and could therefore have them risk thedisapproval of their licences? It is a clear indication that regulations thatare easy for clubs to meet will be considered instead of those that couldbenefit the game indiscriminately.

Thefact is, according to article 3.2.1, ‘Who is the licensor’, it is clearlystated that the licensor should be the member association. Nowhere is it statedthat the league has to be the licensor. UEFA is the licensor in Europe and howdoes the PSL grant licenses in South Africa? It is the normal procedure thatsuch club licenses should be approved by an independent Licensing Boardappointed by Safa. The composition of the Board should comprise technical,managerial, and administrative personalities with background in professionalfootball and/or leadership in the SA Football Association.

Minimumrequirements, community based and community representation in the clubs’management committees, AGMs, home ground, training facilities, youthdevelopment programs, coaching qualification requirements, as stipulated by theFootball Association concerning professional clubs, are general prerequisitesin complying with Pro Club Licensing regulations. However, it is a pity thatsome of the requirements will be manipulated to suit those that will belicensing themselves rather than to benefit the game if the PSL is allowed togo ahead with licensing itself.

Theperturbing regress of the local game is as a result of non-unitary generalpolicies and programs, especially of technical and developmental nature,employed by separate football governing entities such as the national footballassociation and the professional league. A unitary approach to this vitalrequirement has to be reached in the name of national interest.

By Editor of MaximalFootball

Originalstory: http://goo.gl/vdMGk

Email:editor@maximalfootball.com

Just to get the ball rolling...

2012-01-10T22:27:00.000-08:00

ThinkPaul Dolezar and Robson "Mashamplani" Muchichwa in that mighty KaizerChiefs team of 12 years ago. Think of Mushin Ertugal le Thamsanqa Gabuza in thenow Golden Arrows team and think of Killer Mphela and the Satafrikan public andtheir pathetic Minister of Sport hehe.

Ifyou thought these were love-hate relationships then wait till you see the onethat will leave you having more questions than answers, I'm talking about themost recent one, the one of the 3 time title winning coach Mr. Gavin Hunt and MabhutiKhenyeza from Hawick le eNatali.

Weall know how Gavin Hunt reacts to each and every opportunity missed; no matterhow big nor small and we all know how notorious Khenyeza is for missingSITTERS! That he could be the deciding factor between Lekganyane United (SuperSport United) winning the titleand losing it to their neighbours (MamelodiSundowns)... Xilla Tutu will only look at the bench after every hard tomiss chance Khenyeza squanders.

Onthe other hand, one hope Mark Mayambela crosses the floor, he could be just whatAmakhosi (Kaizer Chiefs) faithfulneed in this final stretch and with the fans behind 100% he could prove to be aworthy buying. After all there, they believe he could be the perfectly"fit" that role left by their all time "darling" Emmanuel'Scara' Ngobese.

Myfestive is officially over bakithi and I'm all in for football, COMPLIMENTS andI hope we've improved and all doing just fine.

By Xilla Tutu

Football - Defensive Lines

2012-01-09T04:05:00.000-08:00

Forthose who don't know, a 'high line' iswhen the defence pushes up towards the half way line. This is normally aresult of 'pressing' and also a way to 'pin back' the opposition full backs,especially if they are attacking full backs.

Dropping off, or dropping deep or'no pressure' are terms for a defence that literally drops back to their own18-yard goal line. This is then their defensive position. This isideal for teams who have pace up front and who play on the counter-attack. Think Manchester United with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand deep andthen releasing Wayne Rooney, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez or Nani with a ballin behind the opposition defence.

The recent Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal (29 October 2011)game was a classic. Chelsea played a very high line as theytried to pin back Theo Walcott by putting pressure high up the field. Their problem was always going to be a ball played into space behindthem, which can be solved if you have a pacey central defender who can getacross into the channel, but on this occasion, Theo Walcott vs John Terry was aferrari vs a bus. At least 3 of the 5 goals that Arsenal scored were adirect result of balls played in behind the Chelsea back four. AndreVillas-Boas has a lot to learn.

Locally, Kaizer Chiefs havea problem. They like their full backs to get forward - the two Jimmys; JimmyTau and Jimmy Jambo, as well as Keegan Ritchie when he plays, are allattack-minded full backs. This is a good thing as it offers themadditional attacking options going forward. But Chiefs don't always havebalance - a decent winger on both flanks - but that's another article!

Right now their biggest problem is that theyhave no pace in centraldefence. Dominica Isaacs, Tefu Mashamaite and ThomasSweswe are very one paced, so they hold back and sit deep. This can workagainst teams like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns who will attack themfrom all angles, cos it means Chiefs can sit back and counter-attack with thelikes of Bernard Parker, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Josta Dladla or Siphiwe Tshabalalausing their pace in behind the opposition defence. But when they playagainst the likes of Santos, Platinum Stars, Free State Stars even SuperSport Unitedwhere the opposition also sits back; they find it hard to win these games.

Thedefence is too far back which means the midfield has 70 metres to cover betweendefence and attack. Most midfielders then focus on defence and theirattack then has 2 strikers up against 4 defenders and a goalkeeper!!

Goodattacking football is about getting numbers into the goal area and then gettingthe ball into this area. Chiefs hardly ever get more than 2 players into thegoal area during open play. All their chances against Sundowns were fromset-pieces where they could send men forward.

VladimirVermezovic needs a central defender with pace who can push their defensive linefurther up the field, so their midfield can get forward to support theirstrikers. Supporters are getting on the backs of Majoro and Parker, butthey ignore the fact that these strikers are often alone up front with littlesupport from midfield. When Chiefs play a high line and get midfieldersforward into the goal area, they can beat anyone in South Africa.

By SA Soccer Business

Chiefs can still win the league

2012-01-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

At thebeginning of the season I said Kaizer Chiefs is a favourite for the PremierSoccer League title, while everybody else was fooled by that mysteriously luckyteam from Parktown (Orlando Pirates).

I just wantto warn everybody and everyone who is mislead by the off the field shenanigansat Naturena that they’d be doing themselves a this-service if they write-offAmakhosi Amahle, Abafana Bokuthula Noxolo…

Just toconfirm and clarify what I’m saying... Kaizer Chiefs is one of only two titlechallengers, however just like Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United, they won’twin the league... though, I must admit, I do not know who will win theleague... but I repeat, do not under-estimate Chiefs; they are quietly in agood position!

Premier Soccer League Table

Team	P	Pts
Mamelodi Sundowns	15	31
SuperSport United	15	28
Kaizer Chiefs	15	28
Moroka Swallows	15	26
Orlando Pirates	15	24
Free State Stars	15	24
Ajax Cape Town	15	24
Bidvest Wits	15	23
Bloemfontein Celtic	15	22
AmaZulu	15	20
Maritzburg United	15	19
Golden Arrows	15	14
Platinum Stars	15	13
Santos	15	12
Black Leopards	15	10
Jomo Cosmos	15	9

By Sidwell 'Feesh' Francis

2011/2012 Premier Soccer League Champions

2012-01-05T23:05:00.000-08:00

MamelodiSundowns Football Club will be crowned the Premier Soccer League champions onthe 19th of May 2012. The manner in which the coach (Johan Neeskens) ishandling matters at Chloorkop, one can’t help but to be convinced that Sundownsare to be crowned PSL champs.

The team istaking chances when given an opportunity. They recorded 30 goals in 15 games,14 more than both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates - a rate of 2 goals pergame.

Thetransfer rumours of Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala on their way toChloorkop and Elias Pelembe out. This means Shabba can play at left wing, whileLebohang 'Cheeseboy' Mokoena can shift to the right. That means Periperi's voidhave been dealt with easy.

Khunebetween the posts means not every ball that passes the defence has an 80%chance of going in the back of the net. Mabhuti Khenyeza (joining SuperSportUnited come end of the season) can leave as he is not a regular and his presentwouldn’t be missed.

Pirates hasto take business in Africa, of which it might be to Sundowns' advantage,considering that Benni McCarthy might be kicked and that means that goals willbe very rare plus Happy Jele is injured… no injury time goals.

The departureof Khune and Shabba will mean that Amakhosi will only be left with TinasheNengomasha and Jimmy Tau as key player who Chiefs can depend on as there are notransfer talk that are emerging from Naturena.

Sundownssix times champions of Premier Soccer League.

By Kgabo Masogo

adidas Comoequa – 2012 African Cup of Nations Match Ball

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Introducingthe adidas 'Comoequa', the Official Match Ball for the 2012 Orange African Cupof Nations.

The name takes its inspiration from the Como River which runsthrough both host nations - Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and the Equator whichruns throughout Africa and unites both host nations.

The adidasComoequa features a bright yellow base colour inspired by the vibrancy ofAfrican culture, and links to the flags of both tournament hosts -- Gabon andEquatorial Guinea through colour markings on the central triangular panels.

TheComoequa, shares the same construction as the Tango 12, the Official Match Ballfor the UEFA Euro 2012™, and is the third ball adidas has produced for thetournament, having started as the Official Supplier of the African Cup ofNations in 2008.

Complementingthe design, the adidas Comoequa features a series of triangular panels that arethermally bonded together to ensure a true, stable flight path.

Covering eachpanel of the ball is a grip texture which supports boot to ball contact andenhances ball control. Beneath the outer surface of the ball lies a wovencarcass and a new bladder for increased air retention and reduced water uptake.

The adidasComoequa will be used on field during the African Cup of Nations which kicksoff on January 21st when tournament hosts Equatorial Guinea take to the fieldat the Estadio de Bata in Bata.

The adidas Comoequa is available for purchasein adidas retail outlets and associated stockists as of January 2012.

Orlando Pirates married to lady luck

2012-01-03T00:23:00.000-08:00

Of allSouth African teams to participate in CAF Champions League in the past 10years, Orlando Pirates has got the easiest qualifying path in the draw that wasmade last year for this year’s Champions League tournament.

Here’s their path

Preliminaryround: They will fight it out with Clube Recreativo Desportivo do Libolo fromAngola

Firstqualifying round: They will play with a Sunshine Stars of Nigeria

Secondqualifying round: They will play a winner between Djoliba Athletic Club (Mali)and Lesotho Correctional Services (Lesotho) / Uganda Revenue Authority SportsClub (Uganda)

This is amuch “easier” draw for the Buccaneers; by “easier” I by no means mean thatthese matches will be walkovers but instead I compared these teams (Piratesopponents) with the ones SuperSport United had to go through during the 3 yearsthey participated in this tournament.

In 2011Matsatsantsa met Al Ahly in the first qualifying round, a year before that(2010) they faced the then on fire Heartland (Nigeria) in second round ofqualifiers.

OrlandoPirates could not have asked for a better draw than this, they only stand a possibilityof meeting African Club Football heavyweights like the ones below in the groupstages of this tournament:

- Esperance(Defending champions),

- Al Ahly(6 times CAF champions league champions and CAF club of the century),

- EtoileSahel (2007 champions and 2004 & 2005 runners up),

- Al Hilal(3 times Champions league semi-finalists in the last 5 years),

-Al-Merreikh (2007 runners up),

- RajaCasablanca (3 times champions league winners),

- CotonSport (2008 runner ups and 11 time Cameroonian league champions), and

- TPMazembe (2010 champions & FIFA club world cup finalists) in the groupstages

Pirates hasmade it clear that they are going in this tournament to try by all means to winit and get their second golden star and judging by current crop of players intheir books, their current great run in cup competitions, the draw they got andthe amount of silverware they have won in the past 3 years... CAF Champions Leagueand CAF Confederations Cup are the only 2 trophies not in their trophy cabinetand they have a shot at taking 1 of the 2.

I herebydeclare that Pirates are 1 of the highly possible winners of this tournament.

Their oddsare 4/1...

By Mokete Sethunya

Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year

2011-12-24T03:48:00.000-08:00

DISKIOFF wishes all supporters, players, coaches,referees, club owners, friends and their families a Merry Christmas and ProsperousNew Year.

Please followthe rules of our roads (don't drink and drive) and travel safely, remember'don't become a statistic'. Have a responsible enjoyment.

If you dowant to get in touch with us over the Christmas break, please note that theoffice will close on Friday 23 December and will open again on Tuesday 03 January 2012.

However, ifyou do need to speak to Proffesor or Mr. Know it All, please send an email to diskioff@gmail.com

We wouldlike to also say thanks for all the magnificent input you have given us since2008. It is very much appreciated!

Best wishes for joyous Christmas anda prosperous New Year.

The DISKIOFF team

Open Letter to Orlando Pirates players

2011-12-23T01:32:00.000-08:00

TlouSegolela, Isaac Chansa, Bongane Ndulula, Chiukepo Msowoya, Lizo Mjempu, LucasThwala, Dikgang Mabalane, Sameeg Doutie, Benson Mhlongo and Oupa Manyisa.

Bafowethu,first of all, congrats on your contract with Orlando Pirates Football Club, Ihave personally realised that you have been struggling with form recently, youhaven’t been effective to the team the way I would love to see youcontributing.

I can’teven imagine losing any of you but I will put matter in your hands. Andile Jalipicked up an injury recently which threatened him, Ndumiso Mabena wasstruggling just like you but the two came up with a very effective formula:

If you needto return back to your level best, Ask Jali and Mabena to take you to the barand assault a zebra there, you will return back very brave my boys.

Jali in hisreturn helped us to harass Golden Arrows, Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport Unitedin a row while Mabena gave us a win on Saturday. It isn’t a joke, you too canget better. I mean we won all our games after the incident so it is a goodOMEN.

Thank youfor your time.

Thugacation

By Zamile Educated-Thug Selepe

What do Chiefs supporters want?

2011-12-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

When we winwe congratulate the Kaizer Chiefs players for good team spirit, when we lose it’s VladimirVermezovic's fault. We complain of the PM (Bernard Parker and Lehlohonolo Majoro)show that it’s not delivering, Vermezovic listens to us and puts SthembisoNgcobo and he messes up and we blame Vermezovic again.

Mandla Masangogets injured, Vermezovic puts in Josta Dladla we complain where is Mandla. Heputs Willard Katsande at right back we complain although we are aware thatJimmy Tau is suspended and Tlou Molekwane injured.

The rolethat Abia Nale plays, Siphiwe Tshabalala “Shabba” does it better as you couldrecall in Bafana Bafana, we blame the coach. George Lebese comes in as wingerwe praise coach when we see the line up, come 30 minutes we complaining thatShabba should play there.

Itumeleng Khunegets injured, Arthur Bartman takes over we complain that the coach likes oldpeople. We are really unreasonable and no wonder they won’t take our criticismseriously. But lady luck was not with us on Tuesday against AmaZulu, hence wecud have won 5-0.

Let’s rallybehind the technical team as they gradually bring back our image. Besides theirrecord is not yet bad, lost in final of MTN8, lost in quarterfinal of Telkom Knockoutafter Platinum Stars put the game in a hot time to suit their style, we are thirdon log which is not bad as well. Problem which I feel is that two cups have goneto Orlando Pirates hence the pressure.

By Vilakati Ncamiso

What’s wrong that Benni really did?

2011-12-21T03:51:00.000-08:00

Good day mydear friends, this is a letter address to Monareng regarding his SaturdayArticle about Benni McCarthy.

As much aswe can condemn Benni words to the Bidvest Wits’ bench and call upon Benni toact as "professional", we shouldn't take it lightly that Benni was"provoked" and when one is provoked, the response is not oftencontrol.

In theArticle, Monareng questioned which lesson is Benni teaching to the young lads,but he forgot to mention which lesson the Wit's bench is teaching to players. Justto clarify the matter, Benni is younger than the two initiators (bar age andexperience in football).

We all knowthat Benni isn't a crazy person who will just start insulting people first, Whyare we ignoring the fact and try to make Benni reaction as villain as possiblethan the action. Have we really checked our facts and find out the reason wehate this guy so much?

Let me refresh(some people's memory) as a senior player, Benni demanded that SAFA shouldtreat (all players) international n local equal (is that wrong?), Benni did askfor SAFA to call him for the very important games to give chance to new blood. (Isthat bad?), Benni demanded a pre-program from SAFA for international games.

This is aplayer we failed to send his name to CAF or recommend for CAF Player of the Yearafter winning all trophies in the national league + two UEFA trophies. This isa players who took us to the final of AFCON and become the loosing finalist versesan Egyptian side included the two Hassan brothers.

What iswrong that Benni has really done?

Let’scelebrate MADE IN MZANSI and Benni is our product.

Love youall.

(Corrections are welcome)

By Christopher L Bongo

More pictures (Official Telkom Knockout FB) - http://goo.gl/TASDb

Main picture supplied by Telkom Knockout FB

Stop claming to a Pirates supporter

2011-12-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

My fellowBhakaniyas (Orlando Pirates supporters) please let's not be hypocrites, let'snot be arm chair critics and patriots,why is it that you guys don't go to the stadium even when you are around Johannesburg?

Have younoticed how empty Orlando Stadium gets lately? Where is your true support? Andyet you go around priding yourselves about being "Treble Champs"!

So much forloyalty! It makes me sick seeing Orlando Pirates playing in an empty stadium, PUT THOSE BUMS ON SEATS! Stop claimingto us about being a true Bhakaniya on Facebook, Twitter and BBM while you don'tsupport this team!

GO TO THE STADIUM! I got my ticket already for theOrlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows game on Wednesday night!!! I’m an angrysupporter, not fan, supporter!

By Jacob Advo Hlongwane

Bucs supporters: Teko Modise debate

2011-12-18T03:05:00.000-08:00

Thabelo Khiba says: Teko Modise says he has maturedsince he left Orlando Pirates, and now cares more about his team than he doesabout himself. "I am mature now … I am more of a team player thanindividual, and more concerned about the team than myself."

You bloodyagent, myself and Xoli nearly exchanged hot klaaps because of you. Not takinganything away from your immense talent, but o ntlwaela mawaza strue. To think Idefended you, nxa! Guys, now the blind Thabelo can see, and fuming from inside.

Xoli Mapuma

Worse than Chapwoman(Ryan Chapman - breaking the bones sign in front of The Ghost was offending tothe Bucs family) who is from our development. Bloody moer! I said it. Teko thoughthe was bigger than Orlando Pirates. Let alone going out of the camp.

Lebohang Mufasa Motsoatsoa

Why I amnot amazed? He used the Orlando Pirates brand to enrich himself and left with acunning smile. I am grateful the Iron Duke disposed of him.

Thabelo Khiba

To think Isupported the Iron Duke's idea of giving him jersey no 10, while he knew hecared less about the brand, but himself. Teko Modise can go to hell for all Icare.

Thabo Mabando

There was apicture that was posted few days ago about Modise, there were people who were defendinghim, praising him, and I said that the boy has an ego. Some didn’t want to hearit, I’ve always known that the boy has a filthy attitude, I don’t know how you guysdidn’t see it, he was behaving like everything was all about him, that is whymy Krol made Pirates part ways with him. I tried to tell you guys but you said Kroldestroyed him, Krol was a no nonsense coach he took all the guys who wanted toplay and those guys played and we won almost everything, if Modise remainedwith Pirates I doubt we were going to win, but thanks to Krol he parted wayswith him - even Thulasizwe Mbuyani told you guys in public. So for me Modisecan go where the sun doesn’t shine. I lost respect for that boy long time ago.

Neo BucsPrincess Melamu

He was bigheaded, I’m sure after Juju (Thulasizwe Mbuyane) told the whole nation abouthis ego, Teko did some soul searching... lol!

Simelane Philani Simo

His badattitude led to the downfall of Katlego Mashego and Dennis Masina. He made thebiggest mistake of his life, why should he mess with the champs? That’s why Isay sooner he will eat mud like my beloved Steve Lekoelea. Once he leaves MamelodiSundowns they will start winning cups why I say this is because he left SuperSportUnited they won the league 3 times and when he left Orlando Pirates we won thetreble and now we going to win everything.

Zamile Educated-Thug Selepe

Eh, Thabelois brave neh, mina ego yam couldn’t let me open up and apologies to Xoli if Iwas in your shoes hence I once said I’m learning professionalism from you guys.I open my heart to you that If Chansa can play well today, I will apologies toall of you for opposing you by slamming him, its hard to do this but I’minspired by what Thabelo did, although I still think there was no need forMbuyane to publicly slam another stupid professional.

Thabelo Khiba

@ Zamile,I'm sure you would have apologized juju lami, there would have been no otherway. This was total exposure of my blindness & clouded judgment; I mean Ieven said Xoli had something personal against Modise.

Read what Teko Modise said:

Teko Modise says he has maturedsince he left Orlando Pirates, and now cares more about his team than he doesabout himself - http://goo.gl/WxMra

Orlando Pirates and Arsenal must complete my weekend

2011-12-17T02:28:00.000-08:00

Real Madridhave started my weekend football wisely by hammering Sevilla 6-2 with CristianoRonaldo scoring a hat-trick and I’m happy the team I dislike Chelsea draw 1-1against Wigan.

That meansif my team Arsenal beat Manchester City, we are climbing up the log, again withMoroka Swallows having drawn against Platinum Stars, Our win (Orlando Pirates vs.Bloemfontein Celtic) will see us climbing up the log table too, but that is ifwe win with a convincing score line to secure a better goal difference than FreeState Stars.

My moneytoday is on Arsenal and Orlando Pirates to complement my weekend.

I hate Barcelona but I don’t care whether they win or not becausethey are behind my Madrid,I hate Manchester United too.

Go Buccaneer,Go Gunners!!!

ThuggerThugger is behind you boys, make my day!!!

Thugacation!

By Zamile Educated-Thug Selepe

Nike announces top 4 youngsters

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

NIKEANNOUNCES TOP 4 YOUNGSTERS TO TRAIN WITH LEADING PSL CLUBS

Nike’sElite Training programme 2011 concluded this afternoon with the announcement ofPiere Kok from Matatiele, Brandon Parusnath from Durban and Fortune Makaringeand Moses Lunga Maponyane, who are both from Johannesburg, to attend trainingsessions with Premier Soccer League clubs Bidvest Wits, Kaizer Chiefs andMamelodi Sundowns during the course of 2012.

It startedwith thousands of young hopefuls attending regional trials in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg two months ago.

Thosenumbers were whittled down to 56 aspiring footballers and that has nowculminated in just four talented individuals who will have an opportunity tofulfil a dream - a chance to impress leading Premier Soccer League clubs in thehope of earning a fulltime professional contract.

After aphysically intensive first day on Wednesday, the youngsters were put throughtheir paces again this morning in a series of challenging 7 v 7 games. This wasa chance to prove that they had the ability to stand out and make a case forthemselves. Eric Tinkler and Shaun Bartlett as well as the rest of the coachingcomplement gathered minds and expertise to ensure that the best four footballerswere given this once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Nike’sElite Training programme is testimony of their commitment to youth development,with the successful announcement of the top four boys.

Thisprogramme clearly demonstrates how effective it is as it serves to unearthtalent and fast track players,” says Shaun Bartlett, Nike core coach and formerBafana Bafana international striker.

Nike havealso ensured that every footballer who partook in the Elite Training programmewould receive additional material to assist them on their journey.

Thisincludes training manuals, fitness and nutrition manuals, a DVD of thetechnical and tactical drills that they competed in during the programme andtheir individual test results that incorporated new innovative equipment,namely Sparq Training.

“There isno question that the players have excelled over the course of Elite Training.Nike made a commitment at the beginning of the programme that each and everyone of these players would improve. They have improved their technical ability,their tactical acumen and they have certainly improved their fitness levels.Nike have given these boys the tools to become better football players and theexperience will stand them in good stead for the challenges that will lieahead”, Bartlett concluded.

People Speak: Ignorance is now a virtue in South African Football

2011-12-15T02:45:00.000-08:00

They ask: “How it ispossible that Solly Luvhengo who repeatedly failed with U17 be promoted to theU20?”

Mathews Mpete, SundaySun reporter, in his recent column reiterates one of the most detestable andharmful aspect in SA football; the irresponsible attitude of footballofficials! He is wondering why the sport minister, Fikile Mbalula is ignoringthis serious problem and, with such continuous disregard towards unresolvedcritical issues.

Countlessuseful and some brilliant reports, analyses, research findings, complains andso on have, for years, been published or sent directly to football authoritiesin attempts to solve serious problems in local football and yet nothingpositive happened. Our young experience at Maximalfootball.com would attest tothat. Here we are not talking about personal opinions or minor hiccups. We arereferring to shocking abnormalities some of which are unique in the world offootball.

WhenMinister Fikile Mbalula recently told the media, “I’m happy issues have beensettled and we are going forward” referring the U23 club-versus-country saga,he chose to ignore the fact that the antagonism between the PSL and SAFA isstill the most destructive predicament in SA football and the “things pannedout” between the two football entities is illusory. Evidence to that wasSupersport United head coach, Gavin Hunt’s subsequent statement: “I will neverrelease my U23 players again!”

Howdo we accept a situation where private interests of club owners continue toimpact negatively on the nations’ international representation and image? It is unthinkable! Even more so as everyexample of successful national football set-up one would consider indicates thesame thing; the clubs are strictly regulated through a licensing system thatunarguably puts the national interest first! The only reason why suchregulatory measures of national interest are not existent in this country is becausethe power and influence of the PSL leaders (club owners) forces everybody toconveniently ignore it.

Thefootball media and pundits have repeatedly underlined the importance ofaccountability for the performance of national coaches and have also insistedfor close cooperation between national team coach, Pitso Mosimane and the youthnational coaches. That’s with the view of improving performance throughdeveloping and promoting national team players who share the same mentalityfrom their junior stages up to Bafana Bafana. There is no sign of thishappening, still. The U23 in Morocco played differently to Bafana Bafana and sodoes the U20 and U17. If the Technical Director, Serame Letsoaka is responsiblefor ensuring that such a vital policy is implemented then we are witnessinganother failure.

Werecorded countless complains about the policy (or the secrecy of it) ofappointing youth national coaches. Who is interviewing the candidates anddecides on such important appointments? According to a previous statement madeby the chairman of SAFA’s Technical Committee, Fanyana Sibanyoni thosepositions were supposed to be advertised. That was, however, not the case.Justifiably, prominent youth coaches are questioning why those who havesuccessfully demonstrated their competence in developing young players andapply for youth national teams’ jobs are systematically denied the opportunity.

They ask: “How it is possible that Solly Luvhengo who repeatedly failed withU17 be promoted to the U20?” When recently asked by a youth coach about thecriteria of selection for the U20, Solly could not give the answer! The opinion of many youth coaches is thatSolly Luvhengo’s close relations with Serame Letsoaka’ makes him “untouchable”.

But,sadly, that is not the end of all mismanagements taking place at SAFA.MaximalFootball.com has been doing some serious digging into such discrepancieswithin SAFA. We will follow up with more information on what we have managed tounearth speaking to our reliable sources in the associations.

By Editor of MaximalFootball

Original story: http://goo.gl/rzAOM

Youngsters Motivated To Be The Next Football Stars

2011-12-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

56 talentedyoung footballers, individually selected from Cape Town,Durban and Johannesburgby a core group of coaches, got their Nike Elite Training programme 2011underway at the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto this morning.

The Nikecore coaching staff, under the astute leadership of former Bafana Bafanainternationals Shaun Bartlett and Eric Tinkler began the difficult task ofdetermining which four young players have what it takes to prove themselvesworthy of winning exclusive training opportunities with three leading SouthAfrican Premier League clubs.

The fourplayers who display the key criteria that the coaching staff are looking forwill all earn an opportunity to take in training sessions with Bidvest Wits,Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. Should the players impress the coachingstaff at these respective clubs there is every opportunity that they could earnthemselves a lucrative contract and begin the journey of a professionalfootballer.

This is thekind of opportunity that Nike are affording to talented young players who mightnot have had the opportunity before. Nike have cast their scouting networksaround South African and this has resulted in the unearthing of a determinedgroup of players eager to grasp this opportunity that has come their way.

The morningsession comprised of a thorough warm-up routine led by renown fitness expertElsa Storm, which ensured that the players were suitably warm and stretched forthe rest of the training that proved highly intensive. The Nike coaching staffdid a series of fitness drills, followed by tactical and technical drills thatwere hand-picked from some of the biggest clubs in the world including thelikes of Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona.The morning session ended with the players being split into groups and playinga series of small-sided games.

Nike coachShaun Bartlett was eager to stress that these footballers had a uniqueopportunity to forge a potential career in the game: “Many young footballersdream of opportunities like this but seldom have the chance to make it happen.Nike have provided a platform for these boys to make the most of their talentand prove that they have the determination, desire and will to succeed.”

Duringlunch, the boys were joined by Reyaad Pieterse, Jonathan King and KhayalethuNzimande who previously took part in Nike Elite Training during 2010 and werethree of the chosen four young footballers who came through Nike’s The Chancescouting programme and were afforded the opportunity to train for a place atthe Nike Academyin the United Kingdom.Pieterse and King were both awarded one-year contracts at the Nike Academyand have just returned from the UKfor the festive season. Nzimande subsequently signed for Bidvest Wits.

Havingthese young players in attendance and giving them an opportunity to sharein their experiences proved highlybeneficial to the young players eager to grasp the same chance. GoalkeeperReyaad Pieterse in particular has excelled in the United Kingdom and has already beengiven the opportunity to train with Tottenham Hotspur.

Says ReyaadPieterse: “I believe that not every young player has what it takes to be ableto live abroad, away from friends and family for five or six months at a time,but I am determined to make the most of my time. I want to make the grade, Iwant to be the best footballer that I can possibly be”.

McCarthy needs to really chilax

2011-12-13T05:29:00.000-08:00

BenniMcCarthy grew up in the townships playing township football and some will knowpart of the game plan is to tease your marker to put them off the game. That tacticis usually used by playmakers or strikers mostly when faced with a toughdefender.

McCarthydid it first minute with Mbulelo “OJ” Mabizela and it seemed to work because OrlandoPirates scored as Mabizela and crew fumbled a square pass for Pirates to score.However it becomes total insanity when a player goes and insult an opponentafter the final whistle like what he did to Ryan Chapman and others.

Idid not say Ryan Chapman was right, but McCarthy had no business going afterChapman on Saturday night when Orlando Pirates defeated 3-1 Bidvest Wits in thefinal of the Telkom Knouckout. I am disappointed even at Mr. Irvin Khoza tocome out and protect him for his unruly behaviour, two wrongs to make a right.

Youcan tease your opponent during the match and tempers will fly… its part of thegame - after the game you put all that behind you - it’s a game after all. IfChapman's actions were against the Premier Soccer League laws as some put itwhy has he not been brought to the Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee?

McCarthyhad a great game on Saturday however he also had the worst discipline record inthat evening.

By Simphiwe SimMzayifani

More pictures (Official Telkom Knockout FB) - http://goo.gl/TASDb

Main picture supplied by Telkom Knockout FB

South African football is anti-football

2011-12-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

Had Messibeen born here, we may not have seen him anywhere near the top leagues, nevermind winning any player award.

He is tooshort. He is too small. He dribbles too much. He is too fancy. He plays streetfootball. He needs some gym work. This is showboating. There is too much shortpassing. Are these statements familiar? This is where the rot develops, don’tyou think?

Had Messibeen born here, we may not have seen him anywhere near the top leagues, nevermind winning any player award. Would Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Xavi, Iniesta,Suarez, Neymar, Aguero, Silva, and many others have played professionalfootball had they been born here? They all seem to fit the above criteria forexclusion, which is generally used and accepted in our country and yet theseare the biggest names in world football today.

We are soenslaved with gross physical attributes that we have almost forgotten about thefootball brain - the playing intelligence. It is more likely in our country tofind players who are physically imposing getting better opportunities in ourgame than those who show football intelligence.

Regrettably,we still struggle against our African counterparts on the same physical aspect.Where is the solution? Do you need more fire when the house is burning to stopit from burning further down? Do you need more water when the house is leakingto stop the leaks? When people scream, do you need to shout louder to get themto keep quiet?

Has anyonerecognized the fact that the reigning world champions, Spain, won theWorld Cup here in our country last year with one of the shortest teams? I willnot be surprised if this was the shortest team ever to win a FIFA World Cup.

Who are thereigning FIFA world champions in women football? Are they tall? Are they big?They are Japanese! DO you remember who they played against in the Final? USA of allteams! Can you compare them physically and come to a logical conclusion aboutthe role of physical attributes in today’s football?

Thisconfirms the role of football intelligence over gross physical attributes.

Have we notnoticed the changes in The Laws of the Game in favour of skilful, dynamic andcreative play and players? So where do we get this notion of big, strong, tall,etc?

But that isunfortunately not where the rot starts and ends in our football…

Ever heardof a nation that trains teachers for secondary schools and universities, butdoes not train primary school teachers at all?

I knowthere are secondary schools that do not pay attention to all the grades (8 to11), but put all their effort in Grade 12 to be seen as achieving good results.Maybe it works for the school, but not for the learners (and definitely not forthe country) who are expected to absorb all the information in less than 10months of their last year at school.

In the longrun, the country will not have highly skilled citizens, but people with goodMatric results. Ask our Senior National Team players who represented us in theFIFA World Cup in 2010.

That is ourfootball. We do not have any continuous program for Youth Football and yet weare even boasting about offering a professional level/license. Sounds good,doesn’t it? It is world class. “Thanks” to the Academy in Zimbabwe, thereis young talent in our Pro League. This is the Fingerprint Stage- whereFootball Identity is established - The Youth Stage.

Now thatthe coaches can coach players at a professional level, where would the sameplayers have been prepared for that high level? Who is responsible for theirdevelopment at young age? Where are their coaches? For the senior team coach toget information about the young player, who does he speak to? Do these youthcoaches have the necessary qualification (their Level 3)? Are we not guilty ofputting the cart before the horse?

This issimilar to the rushed rules about having the quota system based on age fordifferent Leagues (Regional, Provincial and National First Division). It looksgood on paper, but in practice it is disaster. Where are these players preparedfor the intensive competition that they are expected to engage in? Who isresponsible for their development? Who trained those coaches who are supposedto prepare the players?

What typeof training methodology are these young players exposed to for them to continuedeveloping beyond their youth stage? Why do we pretend to be surprised when ourYouth National Teams cannot perform at International Competitions? Over time(which has arrived), why do we expect our Senior National Team to improve withthis kind of scenario at Youth Level?

We expectour Youth National Team Coaches and Players to perform miracles. The currentexamples of both our Under-20 in the COSAFA Championship and the Under-23 inthe African Olympic Qualifiers are living testimony to this illusion.

A big thankyou to the Ivory Coast Academy, our U-23 team gained the much neededexperience in Possession Football on Sunday 27 November 2001, in Morocco.

As for theUnder-23, the Egyptians beat us the very same day when our Senior National Teamdrew with them. We did not lose that match on Saturday. It was lost in theplanning stage. Their decision to finish the AFCON Qualifiers with theirUnder-23 team was always going to bear fruit. This is what they planned for andthis is what they are getting. As I said before, even at senior level, they arealready ahead of us at least for the next two World Cup cycles.

We can nolonger rely on the ‘incidental’ success that came at some point before. That isnot the reliable way for any nation to progress. We need to have our own planand stick to it.

OurFootball is indeed Anti-Football.

Many of usare guilty, but will deny this fact. Very few of us are not.

By Zipho Dlangalala

Email: Zipho@maximalfootball.com

Original story: http://goo.gl/XPeYc

Main picture suppliedby adidas Football

Nike fast tracking next generation of footballers

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Nikehas been at the forefront of football development in South Africa, andcontinues to unearth and fast track talented young footballers as a result ofits Elite Training Programmes.

Havingrecently held a series of regional open football trials around the country,Nike will be hosting the final of the Elite Training Programme from December 14to 15, at its world-class Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto.

Nike’sElite Training is an intensive training programme facilitated by an establishedteam of high caliber football coaches and specialists including Shaun Bartlettand Eric Tinkler. They are supported bylocal coaches from Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, where trials wererecently held.

Thetrials were an opportunity for young football players to demonstrate theirability and in the process grab the attention of the core coaching squad. In all, 56 young players were selected to thefinal training programme in Johannesburg this week.

Thesefootballers will be put through a high intensity two-day training programmeusing Nike’s Sparq training technology, a GPS programme that monitors speed,agility, power, reaction and endurance. This platform offers the youngfootballers an opportunity to impress, undergoing key football drills andexercises as well as partaking in small-sided games under the watchful eyes ofthe core coaching staff, and a select number of scouts from local and nationallevels of the game.

Atthe end of the two-day programme each player will receive a report highlightingtheir strengths, and areas they need to work on. This report will also serve to further assistthem when attending professional club trials in the near future.

All56 young players will also be involved in Nike’s Grassroot soccer programmewhich includes an emphasis on HIV/AIDS awareness, education and testing.

Specialguests including head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, Johan Neeskens will addressthe players at the opening ceremony on Tuesday night, while they will receivetraining tips from pro-footballers in the National team and PSL during thefirst session on Wednesday.

Thefour finalists of Nike’s The Chance Trials, of which two won a year-longcontract at the Nike Academy in the UK, will also be making a specialappearance, and give an update on having played against some of the bestinternational clubs thus far.

EliteTraining will conclude with the announcement of the best four players from thefinal trial who will be given an exclusive opportunity to train with PremierSoccer League outfits Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.

Nikehave once again proved their commitment and dedication to growing football inSouth Africa by securing 56 of the most talented young footballers and givingthem the opportunity to fulfil their undoubted potential.

“Nike’sfootball training programmes serve to unearth and fast track talented youngfootballers, and create a new generation for the talent pool, which should givethe national selectors and professional structures more options”, says SerusckaNaidoo, Nike Communications Manager South Africa.

Why Orlando Pirates won the TKO final?

2011-12-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

These hereare my opinions and I do not believe it will be the opinion of every one. Feelfree to contribute.

1. Pirateswas a better team in the pitch with a solid match plan and high team work rate.
2. Pirates had the fortune of having all the injury players back in the side;hence competition for places was healthy.

3. Piratesmanage to score first and that took a lot from Bidvest Wits to settle down andto keep their game plan.

4. DaineKlate and Benni McCarthy “effect” played a huge role in the match.

TacticallyPirates kept the script well, Benni and Klate realised that Sipho Mngomezulu sidewas the weakest and kept in attacking it all the time. In the first 15 minues ofthe game, Andile Jali played very deep allowing Wits to play high field, assoon as the ball broke, Pirates had a huge space behind the defence to exploreand could have been 3-0 in the 20th minutes. Julio Leal started with a verymobile Ndumiso Mabena in the center while using Isaac Chansa deep close toJali.

Pirates’defence of Siyabonga Sangweni and Rooi Mahamutsa were not trouble since RubenCloete’s job wasn’t of over lapping but needed to look after the attackingstarted by the two Sibusiso Vilakazi. Lehlohonolo Masalesa was not given achance to find Sifiso Myeni as much as Wits would have want.

Thepresence of attacking player like (Thulasizwe) Mbuyane, Mabena, Klate, Chansaand McCarthy, forced Wits midfielders of Vilakazi and Masalesa to keep indefending, hence, no supply to Ryan Chapman upfront and no danger to (Moeneeb)Josephs.

Lead couldhave start with Oupa (Manyisa) instead of Mbuyani, but he wanted to keep Witsthinking. He could have started with Tlou (Segolela) than Klate, but he wantedintelligent running (no disrespect). By the time Roger de Sa introduced (Bhongolwethu)Jayiya and (Asive) Langwe, the damage was done and Leal had by then killed theflow with Oupa, Tlou and (Tokelo) Rantie introduction.

It was agreat final for Pirates, a worthy winner at the end. Well done!!

CORRECTIONS ARE WELCOMED!

By Christopher L Bongo

More pictures (Official Telkom Knockout FB) - http://goo.gl/TASDb

Main picture suppliedby Telkom Knockout FB

Bobby must buy players in January 2012

2011-12-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

Thisis the pool that I hope Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung is lookingat this January (2012) transfer window.

Players to buy:

1.Elias Pelembe (Mamelodi Sundowns)

2.Sifiso Myeni (Bidvest Wits)

3.Erwin Issacs (Santos)

4.Rodney Ramagalela (Black Leopards)

5.Patrick Phungwayo (Bidvest Wits)

6.Travor Muthero (Zim striker) and the other guy they are looking at now

Players to loan out:

1.Lucky Khune

2.Dominic Mateba

3.Brent Lawler

4.Steven Ncanana

5.Tlou Molokwane

Ialso feel the following are clearly contributory factors to our not so pleasantrun, at least by our standards, the W-D-L-D-D-L-D-W (W- Win, D – Draw, L – Lose)etc run has never been synonymous / associated with Chiefs, and something needsto be done for Nedbank Cup and Premier Soccer League:

1.Team moral is down (someone must lift it up; I would like to see a attackminded Kaizer Chiefs).

2.Team work and spirit is deteriorating (there is no energy and a sense of urgency).

3.Commitment, dedication, determination and focus are deteriorating everyday.

4.We have not been convincing at all.

5.Responsibility, excellence and drive must be brought back to player's minds.

6.Creativity isn’t there at all (especially in the attacking third of the field).

7.Confidence amongst fans going to games is slowly but surely going out of thewindow, something we used to have; now we live in hope world, that’s not KaizerChiefs...!!!

By Nkanyiso EthiopianMathamba

Telkom Knockout final one of the worst

2011-12-11T13:06:00.001-08:00

Remember,the Rothmans Cup Finals between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in the late90’s, and final of the same competition between Orlando Pirates and Ajax Capein 2000, among other equally nail-biting finals?

MosesMabhida continued to be Orlando Pirates’ happy hunting ground when they liftedtheir first-ever Telkom Knockout trophy, but the quality of the game couldn’tmatch the occasion. Remember, the Rothmans Cup Finals between Kaizer Chiefs andMamelodi Sundowns in the late 90’s, and final of the same competition betweenOrlando Pirates and Ajax Cape in 2000, among otherequally nail-biting finals?

Thosefinals will go down as some of the most exciting cup finals in the history ofSouth African football, where even the losers left the stadium having beingtreated to the best of SA football. The Telkom Knockout clash between OrlandoPirates and BIDVest couldn’t leave up to those expectations.

The fourgoals witnessed were not a true reflection of the quality of the game. Wits’puerile mistakes at the back, compounded by equally trivial misses by Piratesturned the final into one of the most poor-quality-football finals.

The flow ofthe game was nauseatingly interrupted by numerous mistakes from players wherebypossession was given away rather too cheaply, and some low-classdecision-making by players left much to be desired. With the quality of playersPirates boasted on the field a more authoritative performance was expected fromthe Buccaneers. However, other than the early goal that was given away clumsilyby Wits, it was difficult to spot the better team on the field throughout thefirst half.

Even worse,amid countless amateurish mistakes by both teams, Wits still proved to have thetactical superiority, especially in the second half. This was also conceded byPirates coach, Julio Leal, in his post-match interview.

It used tobe a norm that fans would go to such important games to be treated to the bestof SA football. But when players who possess that magic like Oupa ‘Ace’ Manyisacome on very late in the game, one cannot help but worry about the directionthe local game is taking. In the past, players like Manyisa used to be seen thebest players and a stage like Saturday night’s used to be theirs.

In hiscolumn, South African football is anti-football, Zipho Dlangalala argues, “HadMessi been born here, we may not have seen him anywhere near the top leagues,never mind winning any player award.” Log on to MaximalFootball.com on Mondaymorning to read Dlangalala’s observation on South Africa’s growing tendency tooverlook its best talent.

By Editor of Maximal Football

Via - http://goo.gl/fQnQj

More pictures (Official TelkomKnockout FB) - http://goo.gl/TASDb
Main picture supplied by Telkom Knockout FB

El Clasico - Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona

2011-12-11T00:34:00.001-08:00

Real Madrid 1-3 BarcelonaDecember10th, 2011

The RealMadrid bus was mobbed as it approached the Bernabeu for the Clasico. There wasquite an atmosphere minutes before kick-off.

When theaction did get underway it took just 23 seconds for Real Madrid to score thefastest Clasico goal ever, a horrific Victor Valdes kick resulted in KarimBenzema scoring from close range.

Barcelonaresponded and Lionel Messi saw his jinking run and shot saved by Iker Casillas.

On the halfhour Barcelonaresponded, Messi played in Alexis Sanchez who fired low past Casillas. Towardsthe end of the half Lionel Messi was booked for dissent and could well havereceived a second for a foul just before the break.

Eightminutes after half-time Barcelona took a 2-1 lead and it was a hugely fortunategoal as Xavi's shot spun off Marcelo past the despairing hand of Casillas andin off the post.

On 66, justafter Cristiano Ronaldo had missed a sitter, Barcelona put together a trademarkfree-flowing move that culminated in Alves crossing for Cesc Fabregas to headhome with a diving header at the back post.

Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Lass Diarra, Sergio Ramos, Pepe,Marcelo. Xabi Alonso, Coentrao, Mesut Ozil, Angel Di Maria, Karim Benzema &Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona: Victor Valdes, Dani Alves, GerardPique, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, CescFabregas, Lionel Messi & Alexis Sanchez.

Telkom Knockout FINAL preview

2011-12-09T11:17:00.001-08:00

Whowill win the final (Orlando Pirates vs Bidvest Wits), which team will lift thetrophy tomorrow (Telkom Knockout)? These are the questions asked by allsupporters (UNLESS you are a Buccaneer of course).

We all know that football is never been won onpaper (sometimes only) and we also know that we can’t count on yesterdayresults to decide tomorrow’s game.

Wits’ weakness

1. Roger de Sa plays with Sipho Mngomezulu inthe right whereby Siboniso Gumede and Derrick Spencer keep the central safe,however, Sipho like going forward playing closer to Sandile and Asive Langwe,this create a huge space behind that will need Spencer or Gumede to cover, indoing so, that makes Wits lose shape in the middle.

2. Lehlogonolo Masalela and Sibusiso Vilakaziare good midfielders but there are not dominant or forceful.

Wits’ strengths

1. Experience bench: with Stanton Fredericks,Sifiso Myeni, Fabricio Rodrigues and the young Philips, wits can bring variousplayers in the pitch to change the game or maintain the game (especially ifthey are leading).

2. Ryan Chapman and Myeni effect, these twoplayers can make any defence in Premier Soccer League think twice and bothplayers are going into this final on form.

3. Energy Murambadoro has proven that hisdecision making ability is good. His timing is almost perfect when his defenceis beaten.

4. Underdog effect! When a team has nothing tolose, they give it all to have something to keep. Wits are already been taggedas “losing finalist”

Bucs’ weakness

1. I’m not sure that Bucs’ bench is strong orcan be match changer. That should be a worrying fact for Bucs’ coaching team.

2. Pressure is on the defending champion’s andthat makes it difficult for players to try new things (making mistakes is partof the game).

Bucs’ strengths

1. All injury players are back in action andBucs’ start putting a series of good results together (high spirited changeroom).

2. Players are all working hard for each otherwith Siyabonga Sangweni and Lucky "Phinda Mzala" Lekgwathi getting tothe opposition box.

3. Benni “factor” McCarthy, Benni doesn’t have aspecific role in the team, now that he is on fire, Wits might assign a playeron him, that can break their shape.

My conclusion

Wits must look out on Lekgwathi offensivemovements and not allowing Bucs to get forward, that will put Patrick Phungwayoand Lehlohonolo Masalesa under pressure. Forcing Myeni to come deep to collect.That will make Andile Jali’s job easy. Bucs will need to score first to avoidthe feeling of “deja vus”. Benni will need to play close to Daine Klate (if hestarts). Siyabonga Sangweni and Rooi Mahamutsa shouldn’t undermine theintelligence of Champman and Myeni. Set pieces will be dangerous for bothteams.

Good luck and let's have a great final. Love youall.

By Christopher L Bongo

Main picture supplied by Telkom KnockoutFB

adidas and Orlando Pirates take players to the Durban fans

2011-12-08T03:06:00.000-08:00

adidas andOrlando Pirates will tomorrow take the players to the Durban fans where they will sign autographsat the Studio 88 store in West Street to boost support ahead of Saturday’s TelkomCup final.

“We aredelighted that Orlando Pirates Football Club has allowed us the opportunity fortheir players to meet football fans in a retail environment. The Orlando Piratesfans have been instrumental in the club’s success and a signing session allowsthe players to thank the fans for their support,” says Zobuzwe Ngobese, PublicRelations Manager at adidas South Africa.

FormerBafana Bafana defender Lucas Thwala will be joined by Dikgang Mabalane and MikeMayambela at the signing session which is expected to start a 2pm and finish at3pm. adidas, the leading sports brand, recently revealed the new limitededition Orlando Pirates jersey which represents the celebration of the club’s75th anniversary. The players will come out in their new kit when they take onBIDvest Wits during the Telkom Knockout Cup Final in Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

“OrlandoPirates gave us a brief to develop an anniversary jersey that celebrated therich history of the club as well as the bright and exciting future. The designinspiration came from the strip used by the all-conquering 1973 team that wonall trophies that were on offer in that season,” says Zobuzwe Ngobese, the PublicRelations Manager at adidas South Africa.

adidas hasalso developed a special anniversary logo, using the round logo which datesback to the 50s and was used until the late 60s as inspiration. “For theinner-neck logo we used the original logo as an inspiration with 1937accompanying it. As a result of close interaction between adidas and the Club,respecting the history and celebrating the future, we have created a jerseythat all Buccaneers can be proud of,” adds Ngobese.

As thedefending league champions and MTN8 Cup winners, Orlando Pirates seem to be ontheir way to emulating the class of 1973.

“Whilst ourfocus is always on providing for the future, it is equally important that welook to commemorate our long and rich heritage. As one of the oldest footballclubs in Africa, it is imperative that we celebratethese key milestones.

With theClub turning 75th years next year, the Telkom Knockout Cup Final has presenteda perfect platform for Orlando Pirates Football Club to mark the beginning ofthe celebrations, which will be carried throughout 2012” says Mickey Modisane,the Public Relations Officer at Orlando Pirates.

The new jersey featuresClimacool Technology- a combination of performance fabrics, open mesh andventilation channels which keep cool air flowing in and heat and sweat flowingout. Climacool works by considering how and where the body produces heat andsweat and focuses on specific fabric and garment features in those zones.

The effectis that athletes stay dry, comfortable and perform at their peak in even themost heated competitions.

The jerseywill retail at a recommended retail price of R 599 and will be available inretail shops from Monday the 05th of December.

Chiefs are likely to suffer like Liverpool

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ifully agree with Dnomza’s article (http://goo.gl/sFmkn),but I have a different take on the matter. I believe Kaizer Chiefs isstagnating as an organisation and is likely to suffer the decline that clubslike Moroka Swallows and Liverpool endured over the years. The situation isbeyond Vladimir Vermezovic who happens to be a right coach at the wrong club.

Castyour mind back to when Ted Dumitru was at the helm. He took the club out of acoma. He could fill FNB Stadium to the brim playing against the likes of BidvestWits. Played attractive soccer with players like Arthur “10111” Zwane, Asanda"Scara" Ngobese and more and was not bothered by Jabu Pule antics.Playing in Bidvest and Dobsonville was considered a risk. Chiefs are now takinggames to Polokwane, Port Elizabeth and etc as uncompromising Gauteng-basedsupported vote with their feet which supporter in other provinces are happy tosettle to see their heroes in their own backyards.

Dumitruwas then sacked by a complacent club after leading the club to a historic backto back league title win. What has happened since then? We settle for a singletrophy as season and play second fiddle to whoever rules the roast in any giveseason e.g. Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United and now Orlando Pirates?

It’sunfortunate that the clubs "40 year" history is exactly what isblinding the club and rendering it deaf to the 13th player's pleas. Chiefs havesimply failed to catch up with modern ways of managing thing on and off thefield of play preferring to fall back of the comfort of marketing expertise thusraking in millions regardless of how they perform on the field of play.

BobbyMotaung is simply sustaining a long-standing culture of doing things at theclub and thus enduring insults for Bra Kaizer Motaung which is still pullingstings behind the scenes. The difference between the two is that one is mediashy while the other loves the spotlight but the problems are still the same.

Thebuy one get three policy should only supplement a solid a strong transferpolicy rather than be thee policy. VV is unable to unearth new talent fromlower division preferring the so-called “players with Bafana Bafana potential”when Bafana haven’t covered themselves in glory and having proved that anyonewho moves to a bigger club or grabs headlines can walk in and out of their setup. Our coaching department have been dominated by foreign coaches over thelast 7 or so seasons with very little to show for it.

Therehad been no innovations except for sending player into early retirement whiledestroying the potential of promising talent. And as we can see from the likesof Pirates, SuperSport and Sundowns it’s better to invest in buying qualityplayer to create an environment that is conducive for development of youngerplayers. The situation at Chiefs bring to life words that were once uttered byGavin Hunt who said “Without Itumeleng Khune, Chiefs would be a middle-of-thetable team.”

Pleasebring back Prof Ted Dumitru and Doctor Khumalo to nurse this club back to lifeand mend the broken hearts of Amakhosi supporters.

Love and Peace

By Mashudu in Centurion

League is a marathon Masandawana

2011-12-07T05:23:00.001-08:00

ThePremier Soccer League is a marathon Masandawana (Mamelodi Sundowns supporters).You win some and lose some. That's how soccer is. Our disappointing lost (MamelodiSundowns 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs) does not mean we cannot win the league.

Weare still on course and were beaten by a team (Kaizer Chiefs) who will nevertake the league. We must also not forget that we are still building with a newcoach (Johan Neeskens) and some new players. There are some positive things wecan focus on rather than troubling ourselves with negative things.

Forinstance Deco (Teko Modise) is totally back. He has been consistent with hisform for past four consecutive games including of Sunday’s one against Amakhosi.We have discovered a marvelous player in Themba Mangethe. He needs to be takencare of as he has a great potential.

Oursupporters came in great numbers and I was pleased to see them clapping handsfor encouragement to players after the game. They were also vibrant evenoutside the Loftus Versfeld Stadium after end of the game. Chiefs supporters looked unhappy despite the win. Letus keep the spirit of support as we turn our focus to the next game.

By Akek Zikhali

South African football is in a crisis

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Followingthe recent failure of Bafana Bafana, Under-23 (Baby Bafana) and Amajita... onecan boldly declare that our football is in a crisis state... only Safa (SouthAfrican Football Association) President Kirsten Nematandani will dispute thismaterial fact!

Now,a lot has contributed to this accelerated decline, for now, I’ll focus on a one10th of the problem.

Theadopted selection criteria... our fans, media, coaches, cheerleaders and all thatbunch of patheticians have this misleading belief that for the national team, playersshould be selected based on form.

Thatis complete nonsense... for national team, players should be selected based onclass, one should show consistent good performances over a long period of time,i.e., at least a season.

Thisthing of selecting playas like Wayne Sandilands, Musa Nyatama, Hlompho Kekana, LehlohonoloMajoro, Ruben Cloete, Mzivukile Tom, Sthembiso Ngcobo, George Lebese etc aretaking us nowhere, sure, at some point they were on form, but did they sustainit?

Inthe current crop of newcomers, only Oupa Manyisa and Andile Jali deserve theirplace, as they’ve been consistent for a sustained period!

Now,let this May Mahlangu boy maintain his form for at least a third of the nextseason, and then I’ll make noise about him.

By Sidwell 'Feesh'Francis

Testing the “adidas adiZero F50 powered by miCoach”

2011-12-06T01:22:00.001-08:00

After getting the chance to test the adidas adiPower Predator inJune, I was then give the opportunity to test out the latest intelligentfootball boot, the adidas adiZero F50 powered by miCoach. These are the moststate-of-the-art boots that adidas has released since … well, errr ... never!

The adiZero f50 is worn by top football stars like Leo Messi (FCBarcelona), Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates) Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), DaineKlate (Orlando Pirates), Thomas Müller (Bayern München) and Diego Milito (InterMilan), to name a few.

This past Saturday in the Masidla Soccer Tournament semi-finals itwas my turn to test these colorful boots – and this is what I discovered aboutthe new adidas adiZero F50 powered by miCoach.

Breaking in the Boot

You will be pleased to hear that the adiZero F50 will suitanything from a medium to wide fit! I was a bit worried when my friend saidthat these boots are too light to use. Weighing in at 165 grams, the adiZeroF50 are the most lightweight soccer boots on the market.

Performance

I managed to play with the boots the whole 90 minutes (we did nothave any subs on our bench …) and my experience was actually wonderful, despiteme finishing all my oxygen! The adiZero F50 don’t make you run fast like acheetah, but gives you a mental advantage; it's just much easier playing inthese boots.

Striking the Ball

Striking the ball with these boots is awesome. Because they arelightweight, you can generate more power in the swing of your leg, allowing forquick release shots in tight areas. The bodywork of the shoe also provides agood amount of stiffness when striking the ball.

Design

I have to say the design of the adiZero F50 is greatand wearing the boots really made me stand out from all the guys – I almostfelt sense I just had to perform well in such a colourful pair ofboots.

Technology
The cool part of adiZero F50 is that after playing you can checkyour stats: data performance, which includes speed, maximum speed, number ofsprints, distance, distance at high intensity levels and time. That's ifyou are using the chip on a smartphone thanks to miCoach – that’s why they sayit’s a boot with a brain.

Conclusion
The overall look and performance of the boot is very competitive,and they offer a great mix of power with a lightweight feel. They also offerexcellent comfort and traction which make these boots a very complete package.If you're looking for a pair of top quality lightweight boots, I suggest youtry out the adidas adiZero F50 powered by miCoach.

Proffesor’s rating (out of 10)

Comfort – 10 out of 10

Performance – 9out of 10

Striking – 10 out of 10

Design – 9 out of 10

Technology – 10out of 10

By Proffesor Khumalo

Premier Soccer League getting hot

2011-12-05T07:28:00.001-08:00

Once again,we bring you the silly stats after 13 rounds of the Premier Soccer League. 208 games played, 272 remaining (this isgoing to go by fast and if you not looking)

What I likeabout this league so far, is the consistency we observe, all the teams areplaying the same amount of games (unlike before where some teams would be 5games behind).

So, wheredo we start? First league win or loss???

Guess forthe hype, we could talk about the first loss… SuperSport United hitting thebrakes hard!!! Ellis Park nickname that the “Ghosts” gave should move to Orlando… (House of Pain),SuperSport did not see what hit them (OrlandoPirates 3-0 SuperSport United), all they know is, and it waspainful. But then again, all they have to do is focus on winning the games thatthey need to win as they are still in the driving seat.

Jomo (JomoCosmos coach and owner) done did it in style; the first goal is worth amention… what a sublime skill to cool tuck it nicely in the top right corner… Iyearn for such goals on a regular (Jomo Cosmos 2-1 Platinum Stars).

240 goals scored in 208 games (1.15 per game)
7 out of 16 teams are scoring above average)
6 out of 16 are conceding below the conceding average

Mamelodi Sundownsscores more goals than everyone at 10.42% of all goals scored.

Some teamsin the top half are conceding @ an alarming rate, either there is littledefense, (16, 18 and 15).

Defensivekingpins are SuperSport United, Free State Stars, Kaizer Chiefs, and AmaZuluwith 9 conceded so far.

Enjoy!!!

By Bra Pule

adidas Presents The Official Match Ball For The UEFA EURO 2012

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

adidasand UEFA presented the adidas “Tango 12”, the Official Match Ball for the UEFAEURO 2012™. The ball was unveiled on stage during the UEFA EURO 2012™ finalsdraw by former Ukrainian Olympic pole vaulter Sergey Bubka.

adidasTango 12: Inspired by the classic Tango design

Basedon the classic Tango design used during both the FIFA World Cup™ and UEFA EURO™tournaments during the early 1980s, the adidas Tango 12 features a moderninterpretation of the design including a coloured outline inspired by the flagsof the two host nations – Poland and Ukraine. Etched into the Tango design arethree bespoke graphics which celebrate the decorative art of paper cutting, atradition in the rural areas of both host countries and link to the keycharacteristics of football – unity, rivalry and passion.

“Theadidas Tango 12 is based on an iconic design which is known by players andfootball fans throughout the world, and it is great to see the designreinterpreted in such a creative fashion for the UEFA EURO 2012 tournament,”commented David Taylor, CEO of UEFA Events SA.

Complementingthe design, the adidas Tango 12 features a series of triangular panels that arethermally bonded together to ensure a true, stable flight path. Covering eachpanel of the ball is a grip texture which supports boot to ball contact andenhances ball control. Beneath the outer surface of the ball lies a wovencarcass and a new bladder for increased air retention and reduced water uptake.

Theadidas Tango 12, which has been developed over a two-year period, underwent tworigorous types of testing - qualitative player testing, which was conductedacross eight different countries, using players, federations and clubs fromboth elite and grass roots football, and quantitative lab testing, whichconcluded that the adidas Tango 12 meets and exceeds all FIFA ApprovedStandards for an Official Match Ball making it the most tested ball adidas hasever produced.

adidasGroup CEO Herbert Hainer commented: “The adidas Tango 12 is a combination ofmany years of football tradition coupled with extensive player and lab testingto make it the most tested ball adidas has ever produced.”

Theadidas Tango 12 is the eleventh Official Match Ball produced for the UEFA EURO™tournament leading on from a rich history in adidas football development whichstarted in 1963. During that period, three Tango inspired designs have beenproduced for the UEFA EURO™ tournaments – the 1980 Tango River Plate, the 1984Tango Mundial and the 1988 Tango Europa – making the adidas Tango 12 the fourthin its history.

Theadidas Tango 12 will be used on field during the UEFA EURO 2012™ which kicksoff on June 8th when tournament hosts Poland take to the field at The NationalStadium Warsaw. All competing federations will receive an allocation of thirtyOfficial Match Balls during the week commencing December 5th, six months aheadof the tournament, for training and competitive use. The adidas Tango 12 isavailable for purchase in adidas retail outlets and associated stockists as ofDecember 3rd. For further information onadidas products and services please visit: www.adidas.com/football or www.adidasnewsstream.com

Mamelodi Sundowns Prayer

2011-12-04T23:02:00.001-08:00

Fatherin the name of Jesus we to thank you for Mamelodi Sundowns.

We pray for thePresident Mr. Patrice Motsepe and may you continue to bless him together with hisfamily, we pray that you give them strenght all the time....

Wealso pray for the coach and all the technical staff. We particularly pray forthe players of Mamelodi Sundowns as the are facing the team they are playingagainst, Lord give them strength and give them your wisdom to conquer.

Fatherwe thank you for the supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns... Amasandawana all over thecountry, let them lord fill the stadiums and be joyous whenever they comesupport their team and not tire.

Bless them and give them strength oh God inthe name of Jesus Christ I pray, May the favour of our Lord rest upon us... AMEN!

By Javas Nkambule

Mabena is not a bad player

2011-12-03T23:09:00.000-08:00

IsOrlando Pirates striker Ndumiso “Pastor” Mabena a very good player or he justhad a very good game on Saturday against SuperSport United (OrlandoPirates 3-0 SuperSport United)? I don’t think he is a bad playerbut what is my mind against thousand minds which rules him below par?

Arewe so easy to please in that the humiliation he got before was a mistake or heis looking promising to have improved?

Imay say he had a great potential but the worst weakness "Sitters" andscore amazing goals. I have an advice to him:

"Weall know you are no+ going to score on one on one situations either with thekeeper or the empty net therefore my brotherly advice is that whenever u findyourself in that position, pass the ball into the leften side as I will order DaineKlate to wait and whip a cross for you to slot home...

Thatis because all your goals since you were born came from corner kicks or asquare pass. Please stop assaulting Kaizer Chiefs in the bars because I heardyou are a Pastor, what were you doing in the bar?"

Thugacation

By ZamileEducated-Thug Selepe

Vermezovic doesn't have the right material

2011-12-02T00:30:00.000-08:00

Ipersonally feel there is NOTHING wrongwith Vladimir Vermezovic, he is a very good coach but the problem is that hedoesn't have the right material to work with. When he takes on our players, wequickly jump in to protect them. Our players are SISSIES (excl.Josta Dladla, Tinashe Nengomasha, Lucky Baloyi, Siphiwe Tshabalala and BernardParker).

We do not have playersthat want to die for this team!! Right now I can see that there's divisionbetween the team. It is NOT becauseVermezovic is failing us BUT itsbecause the players are doing this SH!T onpurpose so they can have Vermezovic fired!!

I know this for I’ve seenthe same thing being done before by South African players, they did it toMazinyo (Ernst Middendorp) and after he was fired, we saw the same KaizerChiefs players playing an attractive football like something had been liftedoff their shoulders. I blame the management and the players for what'shappening to this team.

These players do NOT careabout how supporters feel!! They can lose ten games in a row if they like, theyknow that at the end of the month they'll get their FATSALARIES! Vermezovic,I salute you Sir. You know your job, with the mediocre material you have, youstill managed to win some trophies, if you had QUALITYplayersand NOT sissiesyour team would be untouchable.

I wish we could get awhole new squad, players that wants to play for KAIZERCHIEFS, players that would die for us, players that their priority, playersof today only want to fill their pockets first. Keep pointing fingers atVermezovic people, but he is NOT theone who misses sitters during the game, he is NOT theone who made mistakes that costed us the game against SuperSport United!

I am NOT surprisedthat even SuperSport has more quality than us, we are SCREWED!!! EvenBidvest Wits has better players now. What I would do if I had power or if I wasKaizer Motaung Senior, 1. I would first call-up a meeting, clarify everythingwith players especially. 2. Keep the coach but tell him to apologise for goingoff at certain players in public. 3. Remove Bobby Motaung from that positionand give to a QUALIFIED manager,somebody who's not a Motaung family member. 4. Loan out and sell some players.5. Buy Quality players.

These are the playersto loan out and sell

1. Lucky Khune (loan)

2. Mthokozisi Yende(loan)

3. Thomas Sweswe (sell /clearance)

4. Lincoln Zvasiya (loan)

5. Abia Nale (sell)

6. Dominic Mateba (loan)

7. Sthembiso Ngcobo(sell)

8. Steven Ncanana (sell /clearance)

9. Kabelo Metsimetsi(free agent)

10. Dominic Isaacs (sell)

And these are the playersto buy: Erwin Isaacs (Santos), Sifiso Myeni(Bidvest Wits), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Thabo September (SupersportUnited), and 3 foreigners (2 strikers and 1 center back) mainly from Ghana, Nigeria,Ivory Coastor any African top 5 ranked countries.

And we can also try tolure George Maluleke (Ajax Cape Town). Mzuvukile Tom (Golden Arrows) and try toget Elias Pelembe (Mamelodi Sundowns), cos he'll be a free agent soon. That’sall that’s needed!

By Bongani Shez