Kaizer Motaung to report Gordon Igesund

Following media statements made by Coach Gordon Igesund regarding the National Team call-ups, Kaizer Chiefs’ Executive Chairman Kaizer Motaung would like to place the following on record;

“It is regrettable that someone in a position of great national importance like Coach Gordon Igesund would see it fit to make such ill-advised comments about the Joint Liaison Committee of the PSL and SAFA at SAFA House on 9 May 2013 that I made a commitment to release Kaizer Chiefs players for the COSAFA tournament. This is incorrect as I would never use such a forum to make comments that are Kaizer Chiefs’ specific.”

“The JLC is a forum where matters of a generic nature are discussed in relation to the PSL, SAFA and football in general. I am very conscious of this and as a matter of policy refrain from making any club specific comments in that forum. It is therefore disappointing that Mr Igesund would make a statement that is of this nature.”

“I am aware that Mr. Igesund met with Bobby Motaung, Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager and Stuart Baxter, the Coach, to discuss the release of players prior to the Bafana Bafana trip to Cameroon and Ethiopia. At that meeting it was agreed that certain players had been continually deployed and were clearly over-extended.  It was advised that they be excluded from the COSAFA squad and it was suggested that U23 players be considered to participate in the tournament.”

“This is what was reported to me after their meeting. We were clearly surprised that Mr. Igesund chose Kaizer Chiefs players after this discussion.  His comments are unfortunate and I take strong exception to his utterances. I will be writing to SAFA to register my disappointment and trust the matter will be resolved.”

Mpumalanga School wins to get to play in the Danone Nations Cup World Final in London

Daniye Primary Schools from Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, will be leaving for London on the 5th September to represent South Africa in the Danone Nations Cup World Finals, and will play in a tournament with 31 other countries. Daniye won the National Finals on Saturday, 22 June, after beating Siphumele Primary from KwaZulu-Natal 3 -1 on penalties.  Neither side managed to score during regulation time.

“I am speechless,” said 21 year old coach, Thabo Bila.  “This is my first year as coach of the school – in fact the first time I have ever coached.  I never attended a coaching course but learnt from watching soccer.  I would watch and think how I would approach the coaching.  The school has been participating since 2010 but never managed to get further than cluster level. This is a dream come true’

Bila concedes the National Finals were not easy.  “Every game was tough, especially the final against Siphumele as they played a good game and they were well organised, something I learnt and will put into practise in our preparations for the World Finals.

Top goalscorer for the team, Bishop Makaringe, said after the game, when asked what the coach said to the players before the penalty shoot out.  “All he said to us was – London!”.

Makaringe lives with his mother and grandmother in Bushbuckridge.  “I am going to walk in the door and say ‘I am going to London’ and I know there will be such excitement in the house.  What I want to gain from the World Finals is meeting people from around the world and learn as much as possible about soccer so that I can start developing good habits and the Kaizer Chiefs scouts will see me and invite me to join their development structures.  That is my next dream.”

National final results:

GROUP A                                                                             GROUP B

Dr Kgotleng Primary (NWP)                                         Nkunzimbini JSS (EC)

Kgomoco Primary (GP)                                                  Siphumele Primary (KZN)

Rietrivier Primary (NC)                                                   Bantwane Primary (LP)

AH Barnard Primary (WC)                                             Monamodi Primary (FS)

Diniye Primary (MP)

DP Kgotleng PS   0–0 Kgomoco PS

DP Kgotleng won 2–1 on penalties

Nkunzimbini JSS 0–1 Siphumelele PS

Goal:  Anele Nzama

Rietrivier PS 2–0 AH Barnard

Goals:  Maisan Van Wyk, Shaun Van Wyk

Monamodi PS 0–0 Bantwane

Monamodi won 2–1 on penalties

Daniye PS  1–0 DP Kgotleng PS

Goal:  Bishop Makaringe

Kgomoco PS  0–2 AH Barnard

Goals:  Zidane Tinus (2)

Siphumelele PS 1–1 Monamodi PS

Monamodi won 3–2 on penalties

Goal: Siphumelele: Senzo Notabhe

Monamodi: Anele Nzama

Rietrivier 1–0 Diniye

Goal: Eltom Manzini

AH Barnard 1–1 DP Kgotleng

AH Barnard won 3–2 on penalties

Goals:  AH Barnard:  Kendrick Okkers

DP Kgotleng:  Keoagile Manonyane

Monamodi PS 1–1 Nkunzimbini SS

Nkunzimbini SS won 3–1 on penalties

Goals:  Monamodi:  Thembani Mhokela

Nkunzimbini:  Siliziwe Mgayo

Kgomoco 0–0 Rietrivier

Rietrivier won 3–2 on penalties

Siphumelele 2–1 Bantwane

Goals:  Phelelani Tshaka (2)

Bantwane:  Chipane Mathebe

AH Barnard 0–1  Daniye

Goal:  Bishop Makaringe

DP Kgoteng 0–0 Rietrivier

DP Kgotleng won by 7 – 6 on penalties

Daniye 1–0 Kgomoco 

Goal:  Fidel Castro Mbhokoda

Nkunzimbini 2–0 Mondamoden

Goals:  Anele Sitshisa, Lungisile Ndavuzo

Pool A

Daniye                12 points

Rietrivier             05 points

AH barnard         04 Points

DP Kgotleng       03 points

Kgomoco            02 points

Pool B

Siphumele          07 points

Monamodi          05 points

Bantwante          04 points

Nkunzimbini       00 points

FINAL:

Daniye 0–0 Siphumele

Daniye won 3 - 1 on penalties

Bafana Bafana coach announces COSAFA CUP squad

Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund has announced a mainly youthful 20-man squad that will take part in the COSAFA Cup Zambia 2013 tournament to be held from 6 to 21 July.

The Bafana Bafana mentor said the main aim was to blood youngsters for the next AFCON 2015 and World Cup tournaments.

Orlando Pirates is the only team which the coach decided not to use their players as they will be preparing for a CAF Champions League match on 21 July.

Igesund has given first time call-ups to players like Bloemfontein Celtic’s Ruzaigh Gameldien, Thabani Mthembu and Tshepo Gumede of Platinum Stars, Luyolo Nomandela of Free State Stars, Lebogang Manyama of Ajax Cape Town, Jabulani Shongwe of Mamelodi Sundowns and Ronwen Williams from Supersport United.

“We are preparing players for the 2015 AFCON in Morocco and 2018 World Cup in Russia, so we have to start now. We have also not called up overseas-based players.

“I think this is the cream of the crop of South African football, and if they are to start having the feel of the big stage, this is the time. These guys, if managed properly and continue to work hard, they could be the core of the team in the future. I am confident with players we have selected,” said Igesund.

“I also have my eye on other youngsters like Bongani Zungu of Tuks FC, Sibusiso Vilakazi of Bidvest Wits, Ayanda Patosi and Daylon Claasen who I have not called up. We have talent in abundance in this country.”

The squad assembles on Wednesday, 10 July 2013, and fly directly to Lusaka, Zambia for their training camp.

Bafana Bafana’s first match is on Saturday, 13 July.

Bafana Bafana squad for COSAFA Cup:

PLAYER'S NAME	CLUB
GOALKEEPERS
Wayne SANDILANDS	Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
Ronwen WILLIAMS	Supersport United FC (SA)
DEFENDERS:
Bevan FRANSMAN	Supersport United FC (SA)
Thabo NTHETHE	Bloemfontein Celtics (SA)
Tefo MASHAMAITE	Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
Eric MATHOHO	Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
Thulani HLATSHWAYO	Ajax Cape Town FC (SA)
Tebogo LANGERMAN	Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
Tshepo GUMEDE	Platinum Stars FC (SA)
MIDFIELDERS
Reneilwe LETSHOLONYANE	Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
Siphiwe TSHABALALA	Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
Hlompho KEKANA	Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
Lebogang MANYAMA	Ajax Cape Town FC (SA)
Luyolo NOMANDELA	Free State Stars FC (SA)
Jabulani SHONGWE	Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
Ruzaigh GAMILDIEN	Bloemfontein Celtics FC (SA)
STRIKERS
Katlego MASHEGO	Moroka Swallows FC (SA)
Kermit ERASMUS	Supersport United FC (SA)
Bernard PARKER	Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
Thabani MTHEMBU	Platinum Stars FC (SA)

adidas launches new generation of the adizero Messi f50 range

Yesterday adidas announced the launch of the next generation of the adizero f50 Messi football boots. The next iteration of Messi’s f50 boots feature the new, bright TURBO / BLAST PURPLE / WHITE colourway, inspired by the way the Argentine plays, lighting up every pitch he graces.

 This new boot represents a new generation in the Messi range and will worn by Leo Messi, the world’s best player, on Saturday June 29th during the ‘Messi and Friends’ tour. The new colourway of the boots is inspired by the way Messi plays at the ‘speed of light’.

The new TURBO / BLAST PURPLE / WHITE colourway will stand out on the pitch as much as the legendary Argentine forward and, on recent form, are sure to clock up goal after goal on the scoresheet.

The new adizero™ f50 combines revolutionary technologies and precision engineering with every aspect of the boot design based around making the wearer as fast as possible on the football field. At only 165g, the adizero™ f50 is one of the lightest shoes on the market.

There are also a range of exciting online experiences as well as social media interactions and giveaways coming up. Fans will, once again, be afforded unprecedented access to the player through his exclusive range. His supporters can look forward to more details being announced on exactly how they can get involved in the near future.

To join the conversation fans can join Team Messi at www.facebook.com/teammessi or on Twitter @TeamMessi.

For further information please visit www.adidas.co.za/football, @adidasfootball or @adidasZA on twitter to join the conversation.

Mpumalanga will be first to host their Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup provincial final

Qhubulwazi High school from the Gert Sibanda region has qualified to compete in the first under-19 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup provincial final and will be going to Bushbuckridge on 20 July to play in the Mpumalanga provincial finals.

Should they finish first or second there, the next stop is the national finals in Durban in September when the top two sides from each of the nine provinces will be playing for a slice of the R3.4 million on offer.

Qhubulwazi coach, TC Tsotetsi, is thrilled that the side has made it through to the next round. “The boys played brilliantly throughout our qualifiers. They exceeded my expectations. Their spirits are very high and they are already looking forward to playing the provincials,” he said.

This is the fifth time that the school has played in the competition, and the first time they are going to the provincial finals. “Last year we were knocked out at the regional stage. It’s a huge achievement. The school as a whole is proud of us and they are supporting us 100%,” Tsotetsi said. “Our dream is to win some of the prize money so that we can upgrade our school. I also believe we have some exceptional talent this year and we are hoping that at least one will be scouted and join a professional club.”

 He explained that over the years he has been developing a defensive system, trying to keep it tight and prevent the opponents from scoring goals. “I always tell the players they need to be mentally prepared in each and every game. Before you outplay opponents physically, you have to outplay them mentally. And that’s what they think of every time they have a match to play,” he said.

Qhubulwazi is a combined school and Tsotetsi has been coaching these boys since they were in primary school.  He singles out one player that has grown tremendously over the years, Siyabonga Nxumalo. “He never used to care about soccer or making it to practise but now, even when I’m not present during practise he’s the one who takes up the reigns and becomes the “coach” for the day,” he said.

Siyabonga feels his performance in the competition so far has been good. “I try to play an honest clean game and I’m satisfied with the results. I‘m training hard for our upcoming games so that I can help the team succeed,” he said.

VOTE for Ngcobo – Sports Fan of the Year

On Monday night the 10th of June 2013, Thulani Ngcobo was invited to the Gauteng Sports Awards nomination event in Sandton and he was nominated as a 2012 Sports Fan of the Year (For supporting soccer).

To vote for Ngcobo people must SMS FAN F1 to 34760. The winner will be announced live on SABC 1 on the 29th of June 2013 at 8pm.

The voters also stand a chance to win weekly prizes and a grand price of a car for the most smses sent (People are given a limit of 10 SMSes per sim card).

Closing date: 29 June 2013.

Here are the press releases as a proof. Below are some of the links:

http://www.jucyafrica.com/gsa-nomination-party

http://dailysun.mobi/news/read/582/gauteng-sports-awards-finalists

http://www.link2media.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20669&Itemid=12

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/2013/06/11/caster-has-two-top-nominations

In 2010, Ngcobo attended 38 FIFA World Cup games which made him the first in the world to attend so many games in a single FIFA World Cup tournament and he is also in the Guinness World Records for that.

Thulani Ngcobo – Nominated for Sports Fan of the Year Award. To vote me sms 'FAN F1' to 34760.

Your support will be highly appreciated!

SAB AND SAFA Recommit to developing grassroots football

The South African Breweries (SAB) and South African Football Association (SAFA) today marked an extension of their relationship to build further onto work to develop football at grassroots level in South Africa.

The agreement, finalised in the run-up to the SAB League National Championships taking place from 9 th to 13 July in Stellenbosch, is an extension and recommitment of SAB’s involvement in grassroots football development spanning 13 years as the title sponsor of SAFA’s most senior and largest development third division league, the SAB League.

“ SAB’s investment in football at grassroots level is entrenched in its conviction that socio-economic change can be brought to SA’s communities in this way. Football has a proven track record of playing a role in bringing positive change to people’s lives and to communities.

“Grassroots football development is also critical in securing a sustainable and strong future for South African football and SAB feels privileged to have the opportunity to work with SAFA in making a real difference at this level and to recommit to bringing social and economic change,” says Dr Vincent Maphai, SAB Executive Director Corporate Affairs and Transformation .

SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani said SAB played a key role in the development of the game at grassroots level and this year’s launch coincides with SAFA having recently launched the under 13 and 15 leagues for both boys and girls. The leagues are the cornerstone of SAFA’s Technical Master Plan whose core objective is to aggressively drive the football developmental agenda countrywide.

“SAB is a true friend of football development and the extension of our (SAFA and SAB) relationship is good news for our youth because apart from fitting in well with our Technical Master Plan, this acquaintance will expedite grassroots football development across the country,” said the SAFA President.

“Our 2020 Vision is to have a Bafana Bafana side that is consistently among the top 3 in Africa and 20 in the world. If we push this agenda aggressively, this goal can easily be realised.”

Entrenching SAB’s commitment to grassroots football development in South Africa, the company introduced the new look of the SAB League, first known as the Castle League at the start of SAB’s involvement in 2000 and more recently as the SAB U21 Regional League.

Other than a new look and new name, the SAB League includes a Youth Diversion component in partnership with local NGO, Footballers4Life. The programme, which educates SAB League players participating in the SAB League National Championships in critical life skills, is facilitated by former local footballers.

Amongst others, the Youth Diversion Programme focuses on fulfilling players sporting potential, helping them to manage well-balanced and empowered lives and refraining from risky behavior, particularly irresponsible alcohol use. The objective is for them to become powerful influences amongst their peer and in their communities as agents of social changes and positive role models.

Skills transferred to the players during the two-day workshop, include computer skills (CV writing, financial management), insight into non-administrative football careers (physiotherapy, fitness training, sports psychology) and administrative careers (public relations, management) and an introduction to the Learners License course.

“We hope that the Youth Diversion Programme will offer players the opportunity to start each of them on a journey to becoming powerful influences amongst their peers and in their communities as agents of social changes and positive role models,” says Dr Maphai.

Meanwhile, the SAB League’s National Championships official public draw was held to determine the provincial team game schedule for the tournament taking place at van der Stel Stadium in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape beginning Tuesday, 9 th July and the final held on Saturday, 13th July.

- SAFA

Champion Coaches Fever Strikes SA

Over the years, the Soweto Derby has been known as a “never to be missed” occasion on the football calendar. The 2013 Carling Black Label Cup is set to add another chapter to the derby history by providing more unforgettable memories for champion coaches across South Africa.

Whether at the stadium or the comfort of their homes, the fierce rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates brings about unbridled passion from fans – 27 July 2013 is set to do the same.

Among those looking forward to the much anticipated derby is 31 years old Lebohang Matinyane from Phokeng. Matinyane watched the two previous Carling Black Label Cup matches at a local tavern with friends.  Although their company always adds to the drama of a derby game, he is certain the stadium atmosphere is what live football is all about and he will certainly be doing things differently this year.

“The minute I heard tickets were on sale, I immediately went and bought mine. This time around, it will be me, my wife and our two sons sitting at Soccer City.’’

“I have voted for all my best players in the Bucs camp and will continue to do so till closing date. All I wish is for my team (Orlando Pirates) to start the next season on a high note.” said Matinyane.

For 28 year old Simphiwe Ndlela, the Carling Black Label Cup means he has to mix business with pleasure. The fanatic Amakhosi supporter owns a minibus taxi and has been tasked to drive members of his supporters’ branch to the game.

“We have shown our support for the team by voting and we now have to show that we are the real champion coaches by attending the game. I have been doing this for the past two years and even though our team lost, it has been worth it. We are looking forward to being part of this prestigious event.” said Ndlela.

Judging by Kaizer Chiefs’ sterling performance in the 2012/13 season, Ndlela is confident they will lift their first ever Carling Black Label Cup Trophy, making his five hours trip from Pinetown in KZN worthwhile indeed.

Meanwhile, Phathiswa Mngomezulu from Kempton Park is also excited about this year’s tournament.  “I like the Carling Black Label initiative because we as fans get to choose who we want on the pitch and on the bench. During the first year, I did not know much about the concept and did not participate but things were different last year – I went all out to educate myself and learned how to vote. It was a fun and interactive experience.  I am doing it again this year and I am still enjoying it,” Said Mngomezulu.

Vuyane Nongoma from the Free State has also given the Carling Black Label Cup campaign his thumbs up.

“I have been supportive of my team Kaizer Chiefs since the inception of Carling Black Label Cup. To me the most important thing is that, this is the first in SA. We came up with something that has never been done anywhere. We have to be proud; I love this Mzansi initiative,” Said Nongoma.

To enter and ‘Be the Champions Coach’, fans over the age of 18 can once again purchase a specially marked bottle of Carling Black Label beer and look out for the unique  code on the underside of the bottle top.

By dialing *120*764* on their cell phones and entering their unique code from the underside of the bottle top and the # sign (with no spaces in between), they can then choose the team they would like to manage, and the players they would like to see in the starting line-up.

Voting is free to the consumer. Those supporters who cast their votes can win great prizes, including a share of R3-million worth of airtime, match tickets to the spectacle event on July 27 and, best of all, a coach’s experience with either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs on match day.

May Mahlangu hands out PUMA kit in his hometown

Bafana Bafana midfielder May Mahlangu handed out PUMA kit to kids and players at two of his old schools in Secunda (Tholokazi Primary School and Thomas Ntlabathi Senior Secondary School), Mpumalanga on Wednesday this week.

The handover included two sets of PUMA Speed playing kits, soccer balls and two framed pictures of May.

Mahlangu also visited the club that he once played for and still supports, Remember FC, where he says it all started for him.

Celtic Unveils New Nike Home Kit for 2013-14 Season

Celtic will open a new chapter in their long and illustrious history with a brand new home kit for the 2013-2014 season.

After a momentous 125th anniversary campaign — notable for a stunning Champions League victory over Barcelona, qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League and a domestic League and SFA Cup double — the Glasgow giants have a new contemporary on-field look for next season.  Their sights are fixed firmly on the future, represented by exciting emerging talents such as Tom Rogic and Tony Watt.

As legendary manager Jock Stein observed, “We don’t want to live with history…we must make new legends."

On the new home shirt, each of the club’s iconic green hoops is made of up seven smaller hoops, which are inspired by some of the club’s greatest players — such as Jimmy Johnstone and Henrik Larsson, who wore the No. 7 shirt.

The shirt features a modern crossover V-neck collar, and a woven label inside the neck features a quote from former Chairman Robert Kelly: “This Celtic Football Club is much more than a football club. To a lot of people it’s a way of life.”

The home shorts are white with a green stripe down each side, and the white home socks feature the new hoop design with seven fully engineered thinner hoops as featured in the shirt.

The new kit showcases Nike's committment to aiding the performance of players with key technological benefits:

RECYCLED POLYESTER

·         The kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.

·         In the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.

·         Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through the use of recycled polyester.

FABRIC AND NIKE DRI-FIT

·         The kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.

·         The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry.

·         Ventilation zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation.

FIT AND CONSTRUCTION

·         The shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance, while also increasing comfort and performance.

NIKE PRO COMBAT

·         To complete the ultimate playing uniform for modern football, Nike Pro Combat baselayer is supplied to be worn underneath the match-day kit, offering players greater comfort and impact protection.

·         The Nike Pro Combat range of long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops made of sweat-wicking fabric allows players to keep cool and dry in hot conditions, and warm and dry when the weather becomes cold. The slider shorts feature extra padding and thigh protection to absorb impact so players can go to ground and tackle with greater confidence.

The new Celtic Home Kit 2013 by Nike is available from July 4.