Pitso Mosimane is more than a Bafana coach

Pitso Mosimane's record as Bafana coach has been impressive so far, not only on the playing field where the team has displayed some exciting football – but also off the pitch where his work with the players is encouraging.

He has proven himself to be more than a coach to his players. He is building strong relationships with them outside of the national team set-up. He is a father figure to them and cares about their wellbeing. I strongly believe that the players will perform for him and we are still going to see the best of Bafana under jingles’ guidance.

I remember how he stood by Teko Modise when the chips were down for the “General”. Pitso didn’t turn a blind eye and he showed faith in the players’ ability by calling him for national team duty when most people didn’t approve. He was also instrumental in getting Siyabonga Sangweni back to his senses when the Arrows defender was frustrated after failing to get the move away from abafana besthende. Now “Nsimbi” as Sangweni is well known, is back to his doing what he knows best – stopping attackers on their tracks with those tough tackles.

It doesn’t end there, the national team coach also played a role in advising Bafana striker Bernard Parker to move to a club where he will get some game time. By doing that, both the player and the national team will benefit because we will have players who are getting some game time instead of bench – warmers who come to the Bafana squad with a bit of rust. Kagiso Dikgacoi is another example of how players are listening to the coaches and become proactive in their careers.

Pitso’s latest masterstroke was his facilitation of the meeting between Katlego Mphela and Sundowns President Patrice Motsepe. Now the striker is back in action and will definitely fight to get his place in the national team back. Bafana needs goals and Mphela can find the back of the net.

Jingles’ passion for the game is unquestionable and his brutal honesty will ensure that our national team players stay in line and continue to improve Bafanas’ status in world football. He learned a lot from his long stay as the assistant coach and that is showing in the way he approaches his job.

Sometimes teams need more than a coach, they need a leader and a father figure who will give them guidance beyond sport and Pitso is doing that perfectly.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

Chiefs will test Pirates' character

Orlando Pirates will go to their much anticipated game against Kaizer Chiefs with their tales high after a brilliant run of 13 games unbeaten and the number one spot in the league. But the back to back defeats against their arch – rivals will still be fresh in their minds.

This game will be a humdinger and definitely a match to remember. It is still to early to call the match a title decider, but you can bet your last Zim dollar that it will have a big say on who wins the league.

Looking at Orlando Pirates, they know all to well that three points in this game will give them more confidence and a bit of a breather, considering the fact that their opponents are serious title challengers. They know that a defeat means they lose the top spot and I’m sure they will not want to see that happening at this stage of the season. A win for them is non-negotiable.

Another important factor is that Pirates will want to win this game to avoid the wrath of their supporters. Another loss to Chiefs will be a disaster for the Bucs in many ways than one. Coach Rudi Krol though will have to make sure that his troops don’t go into this match with revenge as their motive. I don’t have to say how dangerous that will be for Pirates.

As for Amakhosi, the game will be a tricky one. Firstly having had an upper hand over Pirates this season, they will have to dig deep if they really want to win this game. Complacency will be a no- no for them and coach “VV” will have to drum that into his players heads.

Chiefs will be motivated by the fact that if they win this encounter, beating their arch-rivals- they will go to the top of the league. A win will also give them and their supporters even more bragging rights to say they have been a better side than the Bucs this season. While a loss might put a dent on their title aspirations.

Both teams have the players to put on a great spectacle and give their supporters something to write home about.

For the coaches, Krol will be the one under pressure as he will be trying to protect his teams’ unbeaten run and the top spot. Plus he will not want to loss to chiefs again this season.

“VV” is not off the hook either, Kaizer Motoung wants the league title so he needs to deliver. We can expect yet another cracker of a game from these giants.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

Soweto Derby game preview

Kaizer Chiefs
Strengths: The team is scoring goals from all angles and they have full squad for this encounter.

Weaknesses: The system they play, which deploys too many central midfield players can easily be exploited by teams with flying wingers. That has been characterised by leaking of goals at the back against the likes of Santos, Bloemfontein Celtic and Platinum Stars.

Orlando Pirates
Strengths: They have a solid midfield which complement their defense well. They come into this match at the back of an impressive 13games unbeaten run. They are surely motivated for this clash.

Weaknesses: Injuries and suspensions to key players may contribute negatively towards the results of this match.

Key Battles
Jimmy Tau vs. Phenyo Mongala - many would still remember what transpired the first time these guys met two years ago. It will be interesting to see who will come out tops.

Isaac Chansa vs. General (Tinashe Nengomasha) - This is one battle that might just decide which way the results go.

Knowledge Musona vs. Rooi Mahamutsa - Will Mahamutsa be able to do what he failed to do in the previous two encounters?

Mahoota (Katlego Mashego) vs Dominic Isaacs - Will Domza manage to stop Mahoota from continuing with his habit of scoring against Chiefs?

Over the years the Soweto Derby matches have been producing surprise packages that rose from nowhere to steal the spotlight. In recent years David Obua and Excellent Walaza used this stage to earn their respective teams fans' favour.

Who can provide that "X-Factor" today?

Bongani "Drogba" Ndulula has shown some signs of a good player every time he stepped onto the field. If given a chance, he may just produce that special moment of brilliance.

On the other hand, Stanton "Stiga" Lewis is eager to impress the Chiefs technical team and management that he is worthy of a long-team permanent contract. He was once in the development structures at Bucs. Will he come back to haunt them?

Cabbage and Pap throwers, let's sit back and enjoy this great encounter which defines the South African football - May the best team win!!!

By Katlego LeKhosi TheSpecial-One

Soweto Derby to rock Mzansi

Yet another week of intense aches in the chest - Hearts are beating a little faster, talks are no longer cheap and Church attendances are known to be at the all time high, if not prayers. Prayers go as such, “Lord, are you there, it’s me… a Kaizer Chiefs / Orlando Pirates Supporter… just this one time, I promise to do everything right by you till my dying day, if my Chiefs / Pirates win this one… I thank you in advance, regards me and AMEN.”

Now, usually they say, form book should be thrown out of the window when you speak of this fixture… even if it was the case, the form book would scream “CONTRADICTION” and I do not even want to touch on the numbers…

Since the start of the second round… Chiefs has lost their defensive dominance, which can be claimed by Pirates, However, the teams both score and have shown to have the Champion pedigree by coming back on a couple of occasions to salvage points.

I predict one of those weeks leading up to the game to be harsh on fans and the players, but joyful to the journalists, simply cause there are so many angles they could take in describing the next BIG BATTLE.

This battle could win the war for either… but then again, it has all the ingredients to dazzle.

Win, Lose or Draw.......... Drama Galore.

I stand corrected with this statement, usually the one giant coming to this as an underdog has more often been the winner of the contest… so form means fokol.

Here is the interesting take… Chiefs can declare that they are underdogs when coming into this simply based on form and league position, but when it comes to the one team that has gotten Pirates’ number and called it a couple of times… it is Chiefs.

Pirates can declare that they come in as underdogs, cause of the double klaps they got last year… but based on league positions, they have the favourite tags.

Do you know what it will be like on Saturday???… do you have any plans???... like maybe attend a wedding????.... cancel or defy them .

I heard the hype about other “derbies”… can we officially squash that wiki-wiki rumour… cause I acknowledge that there are other big games, but none come as big as this… it is what South African Football is… so don’t believe the HYPE.

Kaizer Chiefs vs. Orlando Pirates @ FNB @ 15:30 on 26/02/2011

Diarize and recognize the BIG ONE!!!!!!!! Give respect, honour and salute it… curse all those trying to belittle it in the name of profit… curse the journalists claiming the death of the DERBY…

It is so bad that even the players from other teams would rather not play on the day and watch the BIG ONE!!!!!!!!

By Bra Pule

Bafana Bafana name change long overdue

Upon surfing the net this afternoon, I see that Safa are headed in the direction of a name change, among other things, for Bafana Bafana.

Well, it’s about damn time isn’t it?

Safa, which is the one sports body in South Africa that will always be in the headlines for screw-ups and double dealing and not for events on the field, took the resolution at a national executive committee meeting in Johannesburg recently. Safa president Kirsten Nematandani, Danny Jordaan and Alpha Mchunu are the individuals who have been appointed to see a change in a name which originated from the Sowetan’s sports department (former sports editor Molefi Mika, his deputy Sello Rabothata and S’busiso Mseleku) after the team was re-admitted to international football in 1991.

This action most likely wouldn’t have been taken if it weren’t for Safa losing its legal battle with businessman Stanton Woodrush, who owns the Bafana Bafana trademark. How Safa didn’t come to acquire ownership is just another mistake at an organisation that doesn’t have the best attitude towards corporate governance or spending. Heck, we don’t even know for sure whether former CEO Leslie Sidibe was fired or resigned. Reports have emerged that he received R1.3 million from the World Cup LOC for work done at the event. Sidibe couldn’t be reached for comment by local news media. Go figure.

Still, it’s about time this decision was taken and Woodrush’s ownership of the Bafana Bafana brand will prove a blessing in disguise for the embattled Safa leadership. Bafana Bafana means “the boys” in Zulu, not exactly the most endearing of images for our top soccer players to think about when donning the national jersey. There are also historical considerations, since it is and was a demeaning term used by those who wished to reduce the gravitas of the subject, often in racist circumstances. Considering the country we live in and the break with the past South Africa has been trying to achieve in its quest for a united country — still very much a dream today, yet not impossible — it would only be right to allow the national soccer team to start a new legacy with a name that suits their style of play and what they bring to the homes of South Africans everywhere.

What that new name could be is an extremely difficult question to answer, since even from the outset it can be approached from many sides. Whatever the committee chooses, once they finally get there (and something tells me this is going to take some time in the disorganised Safa fashion) let’s hope it’s a name the players, management and the country as a whole can be proud of.

So to Safa I say this: please, for goodness sake, don’t screw this up. Names are very important since they have a habit of defining what they signify, so once again, get it right and please do so the first time.

By Adam Wakefield
www.sportsleader.co.za/adamwakefield

Bafana must be more clinical

Bafana Bafana managed to beat a weak Kenyan side by two goals to nil, but their performance was far from convincing. The team should have destroyed the hapless kenyans who looked out of sorts throughout the game.

Like in most games that Bafana have played so far, they managed to control the game and enjoyed a lot of ball possession against kenya. It is always good to see the team stamping their authority on their opposition, but we have to see the end result of their dominance, which is scoring goals. Against kenya- Bafana should have won the game with more than three goals, unfortunately the boys seem to run out of ideas when they approach the final third. In cases where they manage to penetrate the opposition defence, poor finishing lets them down.

Considering the fact that Bafana are preparing for a tough battle against Egypt, the lack of killer instinct in front of goals should be a worrying factor. Unlike the Kenyans, Egypt are far more technical and tactically astute, so Bafana will not have as many scoring opportunities and certainly they will not enjoy a lot of ball possession. That means the team will have to be more clinical and use almost every chance they get effectively. Or else they will be punished.

There was a few positives though that came out of this game. one of them was to see David Somma finding the back of net. It was not the best of performances from the striker but he really made his presence felt, even though he could have scored more. Hopefully the goal will boost his confidence ahead of the Egypt clash. One other player who was impressive as always is Steven Pienaar, it was good to see him getting his name on the score sheet, it would be good to see more of our midfield players scoring considering the fact that we don't have the deadliest of strikers available.

The performances of youngsters Andile Jali and Thulani Serero were also encouraging. They showed that given a chance they can develop into top performers and Pitso Mosimane is well aware of that.

As the team continues to climb the world rankings, winning games and playing good football, let us hope they will find their killer instinct along the way and start scoring goals.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

Can Sundowns spoil the Happy People's party?

Mamelodi Sundowns will go into their much anticipated clash against Orlando Pirates on sartuday night hoping to reclaim the top spot. But Pirates will definitely give them a fight of their lives trying to protect their unbeaten run that has gone for over ten matches and keep the number one spot. This is going to be a tough battle.

Both teams never disappoint every time they face each other and this time around there will be even more at stake.

Fresh from winning the coach of the month award, Rudi Krol will expect nothing more than a win from his high flying side. Beating Sundowns will strengthen the buccaneers chances of winning the league title. Knowing all too well that the chasing pack is breathing down their necks, Pirates will be on top of their game and they will pull out all the stops to win this one, and hopefully get some breathing space from the other title contenders.

Pirates have proven to be very strong in attack this season and they are scoring goals. So we can expect an open game full of goal-mouth action, considering that the brazillians are also an attack- minded team and they are also finding the back of the net.

Looking at Sundowns, you can rest assured that they will go into this game with more confidence following two impressive victories over Swallows and Santos respectively. Sundowns scored five goals in these their past two matches. Despite losing their coach Antonio Lopez Habas, The team seems not to be affected much. The likes of the free-scoring Nyasha Mushekwi, Elias Pelembe and Lebo Mokoena are on top of their game. They will be expected to dish-out some good performances against the log leaders.

One other motivating factor for the Downs players will be the fact that they have a new man in charge. They will be eager to impress care-taker coach Ian Gorowa so that they can earn regular starting positions in the team. Gorowa himself won't have much problems when it comes to motivating his troops for this tough battle.

This will be an exciting game and we can expect both sides to come out firing from the first whistle.

Are we going to see Pirates continuing with their fine run of form, or will Sundowns spoil the happy people's party?

That my friend, remains to be seen.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

State of our football address Jan/Feb 2011

SAFA parts ways with Chief Executive Officer Lesley Sedibe “following an agreement by both parties” and Pinky Lehoko has been appointed as the acting CEO while SAFA will be conducting interviews trying to find a suitable candidate for the post.

Sedibe was on a 12 month contract with SAFA which ended sometime early January and he agreed to stay in SAFA offices until end of January 2011(what a good guy) and he apparently did a wonderful job in the office but... if he was such a star, why is SAFA not keeping him in the office permanently?

Well he (Sedibe) recons that ‘some people’ were setting him up to fail, a report from Sowetan says he left frustrated because of the happenings behind the scenes at SAFA house, saying some people were talking bad things about him. As to whom those people are and why would they do so is a mystery.

It looks like there are shady characters in SAFA.

While on that, one man who believes SAFA is not playing fair is Zambia’s Kalusha Bwalya, accusing SAFA of using under hand tactics during their (SAFA) saga with Burkina Faso regarding the FIFA’s International friendly fixture that was scheduled for 10 February which lead to South Africa snatching Zambia’s opponent Kenya.

The boring 12 years marriage of SAFA and Adidas has ended and Puma is seemingly the rescuer of our national teams, hehehe... football lovers are not happy about Puma from what I have observed and everyone is waiting in anticipation to see what Puma has in stores for Bafana Bafana before the hostility starts, since no one has seen the new Bafana Bafana kit sponsored by Puma that they were supposed to be wearing on their game with Burkina Faso (now Kenya).

Lesley Sedibe said (last month) the reason for the delay was caused by negotiations with the Department of Sports and Recreation in regard to the use of the Protea emblem which they have sorted out, it is now about a month since that but we haven’t seen the kit and allegedly Bafana will be playing against Kenya wearing an Adidas kit.

When I first heard this I thought it was a joke, but Kirsten Nemathendani’s serious face made me realise that it was indeed truth. I’d like to know what the arrangement is between SAFA and Adidas about this because SAFA-Adidas contract ended in December last year and it did not end pretty.

Strange enough, the reason for SAFA and Adidas fallout was because of Bafana Bafana replicas being sold without the Proteas emblem which Molefi Oliphant had instructed Adidas not to use because he was trying to cut the cost by not paying royalties to the Department of Sports and Recreation which were in the region of R100,000 per year.

Trying to cut cost... Money, Money, Money, money...

Now SAFA has announced that they are going to rename Bafana Bafana so that they can generate revenue whenever the new nickname of the senior boys is in use. I wonder what they are going to call it. One man who will be happy about this will be our former president Mr. Thabo Mbheki and I think SAFA should consult him when they discuss the name because he had beef with the national team being called Bafana Bafana.

SAFA is still negotiating Bafana Bafana broadcasting rights and while the negotiations are still going on, SABC doesn’t show any sign of changing their attitude about Bafana matches, because 1 problem from the public was that Bafana matches are playing second fiddle to the popular soapie Generations and SABC has decided again to flight Bafana Bafana vs.

Kenya match at 20h30 which is straight after Generations. I wonder if SAFA’s big shots will decide to take Bafana matches away from SABC or not. SABC is poking them in the eye, really.

Enough with men in suits and ties who sit behind desks at SAFA house, let’s run in the field.

Coach Pitso Mosimane has decided to drop Teko Modise and Katlego Mphela but he still has Kagiso Dikgacoi and Bernard Parker yet he claims that he does not select fringe players. Where is consistency in your side Mr. Mosimane? I mean Dikgacoi has not played a single minute of club football in... Let me see...in over 8 months, Mphela has only been boycotting participation in his team Sundowns for the past 2-3 weeks, who is fitter than the other here, Mphela or Dikgacoi? It is the similar story with Parker and Teko.

Yes Davide Somma is doing wonders in his team (Leeds United) but he has only played for Bafana Bafana once, so why is Pitso taking the entire goal scoring burden onto his shoulders? Since we are preparing for our encounter with Egypt next month with this friendly match against Kenya, it would have been a wise move for Mr. Jingle to try Mphela-Somma combination again to see if it could work for him.

Remember Nassief Morris? Eish! Old age... I’m waiting for him to say he retires from international football; Macbeth Sibaya is another one whom I’m waiting for his resignation.

Amaglug-glug and Angola match for 2011’s All Africa Games qualifiers is finally going to be played on Friday in Angola, the match was originally scheduled for 9th January but because RSA was included in this competition via questionable ways after the blunder by men in suits and ties who sit behind desks at SAFA house. I so hope that our under-23 team will win because if not, this would have been a useless exercise.

I wonder if Kalusha Bwalya will use this as another reason to justify his opinions about SAFA.

By Mokete Sethunya (Kiddo Snr)

Orlando Pirates might just win the league

Irvin Khoza’s patience with Rudi Krol seems to be paying off. Orlando Pirates are in great form at the moment and they are topping the log in what is bound to go down as one of the most exciting seasons in the Absa premiership history.

It is still to early to predict whether Pirates will go on to win the league title or not. The race is tight and looks like it will go down to the wire, but if the bucs go on to claim the title this season, it will serve as a valuable lesson in patience to other club bosses in the PSL.

To be honest, Rudi Krol should have been fired long time ago. The buccaneers were performing below their standards in the past two seasons and the supporters were fast losing patience with the Dutch coach. But a change of fortunes has seen them become the same old happy people again.

A number of factors have contributed to the teams’ success this season. The most important one being good decision-making. Keeping Rudi Krol at the helm was a perfect decision as it ensured continuity. Krol has had enough time to build the team and instill his philosophy. The results are there for all to see.

Another reason for Pirates’ improvement this season is the fact that they were able to pinpoint last seasons’ shortcomings and act swiftly to resolve them. Their defense was water-tight but their downfall was their failure to find the back of the net. This time around things have changed and the goals are coming thick and fast. What’s even more interesting is that they are coming from different sources, which means they are not relying on certain players to win games for them.

Orlando Pirates are showing renewed hunger for success and they are playing well as a team. Krol has made it clear that he doesn’t have a place for inflated egos in his team and it’s working for him. Even the new signings have fitted well in the teams’ system and their attack is much more lethal. It proves that they made the correct signing in the right positions.

Consistency will play a major role in determining whether Pirates win the league or not this season. But as things stand right now-it looks like the happy days are back at the buccaneers.

Krol has a tough task ahead of him, which is to keep his players focused and level headed towards the crucial stages of the league campaign. If he can do that successfully and make sure they keep their current form, Pirates might just win the league.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

Sundowns must keep Habas

After a perfect start to their current league campaign, Mamelodi Sundowns have had to endure a bad loss of form lately and the supporters are calling for coach Antonio Lopez Habas to be fired.

The Brazillians started this season like a house on fire and were at one stage seven points clear at the top of the log table. Towards December they started to suffer a dip of form and the wheels came off. The disappointing results included a humiliating defeat to AmaZulu. Sundowns have now been replaced by Orlando Pirates and it will be hard for them to regain their top spot because of the good form being shown by Pirates and Chiefs.

It is not surprising than that the Sundowns supporters are calling for the coach to be sacked, that has become a norm in South African football. Every time poor results start creeping in - it is always the coach whose head must roll. This is a country where millions of football fans are coaches in their own right.

Habas has not done himself any good ever since he took over the coaching reigns from Stoichkov. He changes his starting line up every game and he usually plays some players out of position, which is a cardinal sin in South African football. Somehow it looks like he is failing to handle all the egos involved at Sundowns and he is trying to satisfy each and everyone of them-which is quiet impossible. Many supporters believe that the above reasons are contributing to the poor results. And they might be right, it's hard to build cohesion in the team when the line up is changed with every game.

However, Sundowns will just have to be patient with the Spaniard and let him do his job until the end of the season. After all the team is still in contention for the league title and that means Habas is still on course to achieve his mandate which is to win the league.

What the supporters should understand is that it is impossible for any team to be on top form throughout the season. what is happening at Sundowns at the moment is purely a loss of form and they will soon be back to their winning ways. Firing the coach now will be their downfall and they will lose any chance they have of league glory this season.

What the supporters are doing now will unsettle the team and the results will become worse. They must just let Habas do his job and judge him at the end of the season.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana Squad

KEN-YA DIG IT?

Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane has picked his 24-man squad for the Burkina…er, Kenya game to be played next week at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium and has caused quite a commotion with some of his selections.

Let’s start with the good - Tlou Segolela
His goal against Free State Stars was brilliant but those with a long memory will remember him similarly outrunning the SuperSport United defence while playing for Bloemfontein Celtic and scoring a beauty of a goal. It’s well known in South Africa that a winger that can score goals is as rare as SAFA’s ability to do anything right, so he’s a welcome addition to the squad.

Thulani Serero
His age, pace, ability to run at players and a handful of other attributes has got me as excited as Julius Malema is about sushi parties. He also has an eye for goal and I think the less pressurised atmosphere of the Kenya game would make an ideal intro into the Bafana scoring charts.

Daylon Claasen
Though not really setting the Belgian league on fire, has been getting a good amount of game time and like Serero is young, fast and strong.

And then there were some pretty puzzling selections (note I don’t use the word BAD).

Kagisho Dikgacoi
He might as well have been at ZAR’s launch, having sushi eaten off his body – such has been his inactivity at Fulham. Pitso argued, without mentioning names that some senior players were chosen to just hang around and teach the youngsters the ropes. Right…

Then last but not least it’s…no, not Aaron Mokoena, but Rueben Cloete. Personally, the guy has been average in the left-back position and does as much attacking as a nerd to the school bully, but it’s perhaps down to a lack of depth that he was chosen. Only Pitso knows what’s going on here.

When all is said and done I’ll be in my off-yellow Bafana Bafana shirt, sipping a beer and singing “Hakuna matata”, while watching Bafana thrash the Harambee Stars. Ken-ya dig it?

Bafana Bafana Squad:
GOALKEEPERS: Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs.

DEFENDERS: Siyabonga Sangweni, Bongani Khumalo, Morgan Gould, Aaron Mokoena, Siboniso Gaxa, Anele Ngcongca, Siyanda Xulu, Mzuvukile Tom, Ruben Cloete.

MIDFIELDERS: Steven Pienaar, Andile Jali, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Daylon Claasen, Thanduyise Khuboni, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Matty Pattison, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Tlou Segolela.

STRIKERS: Davide Somma, Kermit Erasmus, Bernard Parker, Thulani Serero.

By Balekane Mokoditoa

Boebie Solomons and Clinton Larsen are doing well

Coaches always take the blame when their teams are not performing according to management and supporters expectations. So it is only fair to give praise where it is due.

Bloemfontein Celtic and Santos are doing well and their coaches, management and players alike deserve credit. The two teams - sitting on position five and six on the Absa premiership log table - are just a few points away from the top, behind heavyweights like Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town. Things are looking good for them.

The good thing about Celtic and Santos exploits this season is that they are doing well without any "big names" in their teams. The two teams are full of hardworking and young players who are proving that success in football doesn't depend on how many "stars"you have in your team. They work for each other and they have shown no respect for the big boys, matching them pound for pound.

What the two coaches have done in their teams is a good advert for local coaches and it should act as a wake up call to club bosses, they have to show some faith in local coaches. Given time and support, local coaches can do wonders. Look at what the likes of Gavin Hunt and Gordon Igesund have achieved.

There is still a long way to go before the finish line and it's hard to predict what is going to happen in the next few matches. But Siwelele and The peoples team have definitely put themselves firmly in the title race and anything is possible. They just need to guard against complacency and the unnecessary dropping of points in crucial games and the sky will be the limit for them.

By Siphiwe Hlongwane

Sundowns is initiating African Renaissance

We've had the Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, Political uprising in the South and now in the North of Africa, etc... throughout those movements, true to form, change was painfull, yet through such actions, the consequential benefits are second to none...

Alex Shakoane is the source of every follower's repulsion. Yes, he was'nt articulate in his handling of the interview on national radio. That is inexcusable for someone whos meant to be a communications manager. However, it baffles me, that, seemingly, every "follower" chose to view everything on the surface rather than trying to understand what Alex was trying to say. In my view, they are no better than Alex. Im not a fan of Alex the individual, I'm a big fan of his stance and that of Sundowns!

Glyyn Binkin continuosly referred to the "market". This is where I have issues with him and the mentalities of most. If a South Africa has to go to Europe, as per market demands, therefore why are our players' market not measured with those of European based players? R14m is way too low for a player of Mphela's capabilities. You take, for example, Suarez, bought for 14m pounds, which is roughly R350m... you less R14m for Mphela, you are left with about R336M. Are we saying we are that cheap? Simply because an agent whos concerned with a commission says so?

South Africa is a developing country. We are competing economically with the global world. We need to make a stance that Africans shouldnt be taken cheaply. Mphela or even Bongani Khumalo,played at the highest level, the same level as the likes of Suarez,but because they played in Africa, they are disrespected.

We need to realise that at some point, we will have to move up as africans, we wont earn any respect if we keep dancing to every tune by the Europeans, worse, we even undermine and undervalue ourselves. Say Mphela goes to Serbia, those Serbs can even sell him for 10 times what they are currently offering,in less than 6 months,simply because they are Europeans.

Sundowns has a stance which is misunderstood, misrepresented (by Alex Shakoane), mis-interpreted and misused by the media.It is painfull what Mphela and Sundowns is going through. But, Sundowns must stick it out in their stance.

This might be the initial stage of African Revolution. I completely refuse to undermine my value as an individual!Those who say downs is greedy are mistaken, cause if that was the case, the team would have jumped at that so-called R14m good offer, nor would the team pay so much for transfers and salaries. Sundowns is leading a revolutionary movement to liberate Africans into realising their value. Lets wake-up.

I DO NOT expect a self-defeatist to take kindly or understand the points im putting across, but I do expect them to re-look at themselves in the mirror and question their value, attitude and mentality!

By Sidwell 'Feesh' Francis

The LAB: What Football can learn from Boxing

While watching Mzansi Magic sho Top 10 at 10 interview with Baby Jake Matlala, I learned of a crucial thing missing in football development, which is dicipline. Boxers & Footballers have reletivly simillar lower IQs because they come from the same backgrounds.

Boxers would never risk sleeping with a woman before a match, but for footballers its a totally different story. I found out that the big factor in this situation is the accountebility, Boxers feel the impact of a missed hour of training in a match, in boxing throwing a punch with a marging of 10% error could lead to the end of a fight. Boxing is very detailed interms of athletic & technical requirement to win a match.

In football players hardly take accountebility for the outcome, a striker can miss an easy chance or a defender can conced an own goal, but the team can still win the match. The problem is that this happens oftern & players start accepting not being perfact at mastering there own technical abilities. Players pick up this behavior from a young age & eventualy becomes incapeble of building themselves.

This issues kills a lot of talent in SA because we are a country thats so dependent of players technical abilities instead of athletic.

By Prof "The Chosen One" Matwetwe

Nike Unveils New Brasil National Team Jersey

Known throughout the world for their artistry on the pitch, the Brasilian National Team combine a unique flair with technical excellence and blinding speed.

With five stars emboldened across the most feared jersey in world football, their legendary style of play is only matched by an unrivaled passion to win… for each other, the team and their country.

These hallmarks of their playing style led to the design of the new Brasil National Team kit which combines precision fabrication with bold styling.

Nothing but the best for world beaters. The top materials, exquisite design detailing and the bold chest stripe of the new home jersey symbolize the artistry and toughness that define the mighty Canarinhos.

The relentless spirit and unmatched championships evolve with the launch of a technically advanced new Brasil team kit.

Crafted from 13% lighter fabric that uses up to 8 recycled plastic bottles per jersey, the boldly durable design represents pinnacle kit design for Nike Football.

• Crew-neck design provides a comfortable, non-restricting fit.
• Bonded hem offers a streamlined look that reduces the irritation caused by chafing.
• Team crest on the left chest is heat transferred for a bold way to show Brasilian national pride.
• Patriotic screenprint graphics of “Brasil” on the back and the Brasilian flag on the inside of the neck for subtle design details.
• Dri-FIT fabric to wick sweat away and help keep you dry and comfortable.
• Considered Design* for high performance and low environmental impact.

Considered Design used for the CBF kit represents Nike’s ongoing commitment to design without compromise either to performance or the planet. By continually raising the standards for innovation and sustainability, Nike envisions a “closed loop” future where the shoes you wear today become the shoes, shirts or equipment you use tomorrow. The benchmarks include using less toxics, more sustainable materials and creating less waste.

The Considered Index, developed by Nike, is the system used to evaluate the sustainability and efficacy of the materials, waste, solvents and garment treatments used in making Nike products. A product must exceed baseline Considered standards in order to be labeled “Considered.”


Alexandre Pato (Brazil)

For more pictures go here - http://on.fb.me/fs3zWH