The Third World War of words in South Africa

Bafana Bafana and Moroka Swallows creative midfielder Lerato Chabangu has reacted aggressively to the outspoken Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula’s labeling him a loser too’.

According to Chabangu: “Mbalula is old enough not to call his son like that, so he is also ‘a bunch of a loser’ because he cannot say that to us. He is a loser too and must call himself that too.”

Mbalula expressed veracious condemnations towards Bafana unimpressive performance, but I didn’t concur with his scathing attack directed towards specific player Moeneeb Josephs. Mbalula used distasteful, unmindful, unprofessional, disparaging and belittling language towards Bafana goalkeeper but now it is unnecessary for Chabangu to attack the Minister by calling him a loser.

The war of words won’t improve our regressing football but we need to start planning ahead to revitalised our backsliding performance. We still have a lot of work to do for Bafana to be a force to be reckoned with in the African football. We need to initiate aggressive youth development programs at the grassroots level.

We need to revive the school football to produce quality youngsters for the future. We need to start building distinctive style of play that will be adopted by all national teams from Junior International level to senior level. We need to start nurturing talent at teen age. We must produce more Benni McCarthy, Delron Buckley, Quinton Fortune and Aaron Mokoena.

This war of words will never bring any success but pain to the nation and am not anticipating Mbalula to respond to Chabangu utterances. Let’s focus on improving our football than using media platform to tear apart each other’s.

Together we can do more to revitalised Bafana performance.

By Mashudu Mundalamo

No tickets left for the Nedbank Ke Yona Team match against Kaizer Chiefs

All 28 000 tickets at Lucas Moripe Stadium have been redeemed ahead of the much anticipated showpiece between Nedbank Ke Yona Team and Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday, 2 February 2014.

The overwhelming reaction by South African football fans; standpoint as testament to the success of the concept of transforming ordinary soccer players to becoming members of an extraordinary team – The Nedbank Ke Yona Team.

Those with tickets to the match are urged to get behind the team and turn out in their numbers in Attridgeville.

“We are thrilled by the support shown. We hope that we will have a packed stadium as the country witnesses young men from across the country make their goals happen. ,” said Nkosinathi Msiza - Nedbank Group Communication.

“This is our opportunity to show South African’s that we have enormous talent here at home. We are grateful by the support that football fans have shown in redeeming these tickets, which has all owed us to reach a key milestone.” he added.

Gates at Lucas Moripe open at 12:00 and the match kicks off at 15h00. The match will also be broadcasted live on SABC 1 and SuperSport 4.

What's the way forward for Bafana Bafana now?

Let’s incorporate Ted Dumitru's Maximal training philosophy into the South African Football Association (SAFA) development workshops. Do away with foreign knowledge. In saying don't adopt the Dutch, German or English developmental philosophy. Just endorse local indigenous knowledge.

That has worked wonders with my team. We play intelligent possessional diski – scoring over 4 goals per match since June last year. It about time we believed in our own knowledge like we did in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. Please I urge you not to seek European advice. They will drag us back again.

Tell Robin Peterson and Smith not to ask the Germans for their assistance. Maximal training has done wonders for South African football players and standard. Platinum Stars is the latest example, Mr. Allan Freese was coached by ted Dumitru. Just look at the success he has brought to Platinum Stars thru the maximal training method.

Other current and former Premier Soccer League (PSL) coaches are Calvin Johnson, Farouk Khan, Zipho Dlangalala and many. This system of development looks into encouraging technical development - which is the strength of more than 80% South Africans.

As we are blessed with superior ball skills, tricks, dribbling ability – as the technique of a player determines every outcome of a game. A few Examples of players who have progress thru the ranks using this sort of philosophy are Keagan Dolly, Siyanda Xulu, Jabulani Shongwe, Mbulelo Mabizela, Siyabonga Ngubane, Buhlebuyeza Mkhwanazi, Doctor Mampuru, Abel Mabaso and many more.

In 2009 this group f boys trained using the maximal training method, "local indigenous knowledge". Finished in the (5) position in the World Club Champions in Madrid – finishing above Barcelona (7) and Ajax Amsterdam (9) respectively. A. Madrid took Robert Ngalinde (Malawian) into their academy from those same boys who trained with MT. Siyanda Xulu got a trial with Barcelona and Arsenal because of maximal training ethos. That same team won the future Champions n Bayhill tournament. Scored a whopping 130+ goals in just two seasons.

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns won back to back titles using this maximal training system under Master Ted Dumitru. What else does SAFA wants to be convinced that technical master plan can take South African football to a level never reached by any club or national team before.

Please adopt maximal training into SAFA's workshop method without having to be advised by foreign perspectives. Otherwise our football will continue to SUFFER under SAFA.

By Sandile Nkazy Zulu

The iconic Copa Mundial dances to the rhythm of Samba

adidas is proud to unveil the Samba Copa Mundial collection: a series of uniquely styled boots that build on the colourful Samba line previously launched at the end of last year and mixes it up with the iconic Copa Mundial – the best-selling boot in football history.

In November 2013 adidas successfully kicked off its "All in or Nothing" 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ campaign by launching the Samba collection, an array of new and exciting colourways for each of its four boot ranges, adizero™ f50, predator®, nitrocharge™ and 11pro. Following the positive response by fans worldwide, adidas decided to ramp up the collection by merging it with the classic Copa Mundial.

adidas Samba Copa Mundial

First released in 1982, the Copa Mundial is the best-selling boot in football history and has been worn by some of the all-time greats including Franz Beckenbauer, Michel Platini, Zico & Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. Since then it has been sold over 10 million pairs and was actually the last revolutionary product innovation created by sporting goods legend and founder of the adidas brand Adi Dassler.

adidas will release limited numbers for each colour and boot of the special Samba Copa Mundial. These new boots maintain the same qualities and feel of the traditional version but boast the high intensity colourways of the Samba collection.

Michael Meinhold, Product Manager, adidas Football said: "For the Samba Copa Mundial we wanted to honour the legendary status of the Copa Mundial but also give footballers worldwide the chance to add some extra colour and celebrate the World Cup in Brazil. The pack is colourful, energetic but fully respects the Copa´s iconic design and feel."

The Samba Copa Mundial is available from today (25th January) for purchase in selected adidas retail outlets, associated stockists and via www.adidas.com/football. Join the adidas football conversation atwww.facebook.com/adidasfootball or on Twitter: @adidasfootball #allin or nothing.

Nike announce partnership with SA Football Association

NIKE, Inc. and the South African Football Association (SAFA) have announced a new partnership that will see the world’s leading sports company design and develop football kits for the men’s and women’s South African national football teams.

The five-year partnership commences Feb. 1, 2014, with all national teams receiving Nike’s innovative team kits across performance, training and equipment, including match balls.

“This partnership signifies Nike’s deep commitment to support and advance South African football at all levels of the game, from the national team to grassroots football,” said Laurent Payre, General Manager, Nike Africa. “We look forward to providing innovative product technology to help players reach their full potential, and to helping shape the future success of South African football.”

Nike will provide a limited edition kit for Bafana Bafana – the men’s senior national team – for their international friendly against Brasil in Johannesburg on March 5, and all senior national teams competing until December 2014. The 2015-2016 kit will be unveiled in November 2014, with an assortment of supporter-wear being available from early January 2015.

The partnership also provides SAFA with access to the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto, Johannesburg – a world-class training facility built by Nike in 2010. Through Nike’s football training programs and grassroots initiatives including The Chance, Manchester United Premier Cup and the elite training conducted there, the SAFA technical team will have the immediate opportunity to identify, fast track and nurture young football talent.

“We are excited to partner with Nike and look forward to this comprehensive partnership enabling us to focus on the progression of football. This is a significant time for South African football as we embark on strengthening our structures especially across development and grassroots”, said Danny Jordaan, President, South African Football Association.

The partnership includes the following elements:

Supplying performance and training kits and match balls to all nine of SAFA’s national football teams at every level, including the men’s senior and women’s senior teams, men’s under-23, men’s and women’s under-20, men’s and women’s under-17, men’s indoor football and men’s beach football.

South Africa joins Nike’s impressive portfolio of Federation sponsorships including Brasil, England, France, Korea, Netherlands, Portugal and U.S. Soccer.

Kaizer Chiefs are the Q2 winners

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs are the winners of the Absa Premiership Quarter Two.

Kaizer Chiefs, who are on 18 points after seven games, are now on top of the Q2 log table. Mathematically, they cannot be caught by any of the clubs behind them, despite the fact that some clubs have not played their full quota of games in Q2.

Bidvest Wits, who are second on the Q2 log table, have 13 points from six games (only one game in hand). Third-played Ajax Cape Town also have 13 points but they have played their full quota of matches.

Quarter One is yet to be decided – with a number of clubs still having a chance of winning the R1.5 million prize.

Last season, Kaizer Chiefs won two Quarters (Quarters One and Three) and were also crowned as Absa Premiership champions. This means they banked R13 million from the total prize money (League championship and the two quarters).

PSL CEO, Brand de Villiers said: “We would like to congratulate Kaizer Chiefs for winning Quarter Two. We have seen them display some good performances lately and this is a timely reward for their efforts.”

The PSL CEO went further to explain the situation with Quarter One: “For every Quarter, fixtures are allocated at the beginning of the season as block fixtures and whenever there are changes, these fixtures remain in that block.

“People will remember that we had to reschedule a lot of fixtures earlier in the season mainly involving Orlando Pirates. This created a backlog and resulted in Quarter One fixtures being postponed to a later date. The fact that competition is tight at the top of the Q1 log also means that it could go to the last matches to be certain of a winner.”

PUMA and Arsenal sign biggest deal in their history

PUMA and Arsenal Football Club have today announced a long-term partnership. Effective 1st July 2014, PUMA will become the official kit partner of Arsenal. 

In addition to producing the playing and training kit for all Arsenal teams, PUMA has acquired wide-ranging licensing rights to develop other Arsenal branded merchandise on a global basis. This new commercial partnership represents the biggest deal in PUMA and Arsenal’s history.  

PUMA and Arsenal will work together to bring further innovation into the sports brand’s performance apparel range.  Both organisations will work collaboratively on a global strategy to drive mutual growth across all football markets, achieved through PUMA’s global sales network, international tours and integrated marketing activities. Arsenal also presents PUMA with its most prominent platform to showcase performance products through its significant global fanbase, profile and reputation.

Having extended and deepened its relationship with the FIGC (Italian Football Federation), signed 2013 UEFA Champions LeagueTM finalists Borussia Dortmund and bolstered its player portfolio with Sergio Agüero, Cesc Fàbregas, Mario Balotelli, Radamel Falcao, Olivier Giroud and Yaya Touré amongst others; PUMA is defining itself as the clear number three football brand.

Bjoern Gulden, Chief Executive Officer for PUMA said: “Arsenal have been a key strategic target for PUMA for a number of years now. Through a clear commercial vision, a well-defined sports marketing strategy and a relentless enthusiasm within the PUMA organisation, we’re proud to have signed this partnership with a truly global football club. As we enter a new era in our company history, Arsenal represents a major commercial and marketing opportunity to reinforce PUMA’s credibility as a global sports brand, and we have full confidence the plans in place to activate this partnership will have a significant global impact.”

Ivan Gazidis, Chief Executive Officer at Arsenal Football Club said: “We are excited to be partnering with PUMA, a company whose football heritage and record of innovation have a strong affinity with our own. This represents another important step forward in Arsenal’s progression on and off the pitch.”

Possible replacement for Andile Jali at Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates has adequate cover for Andile Jali but there is a need to add another anchor-man to toughen the engine room alongside Thandani Ntshumayelo and Lehlohonolo Masalesa whilst Oupa Manyisa will continues with his new trequartistas (play-maker) role in the team.

Pirates will cope without Jali, but the team needs another central midfielder. After meticulously analysis, 3 anchor-men have been identified who can easily fit into gigantic shoes of Jali.

Issa Sarr, Platinum Stars

The diminutive 27 years old Senegalese international player has established himself as one of the best anchorman in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for Stars. He very energetic coupled with excellent composure, high football intelligence quotient and winning mentality. His style of play fulfils all the necessary requirements for the prosperous foreman in the engine room.

He isn't the most ferocious tackler, but an excellent player with good game reading skills and transitional movement. He is one touch passing player with excellent ability to control the ball and recycle it in tight areas. Sarr is good in maintaining possession and helping in facilitating Stars offensive moves. He is a complete player who can easily fit into the enormous shoes of Jali at Pirates.

Edwin Gyimah, SuperSport United

I describe the 22 years old no-nonsense Ghanaian international as a “lion on the pitch”.  Gyimah is the most powerful and aggressive midfielder in the PSL with unrivalled physical presence in the field of play.  Gyimah is very good in cutting down the opponent offensive moves. He is the heartbeat of United in the engine room alongside ever shining Innocent Mkhabela.

Gyimah can easily fit into Pirates style of play but I don’t foresee ambitious Director of Football Stan Matthews selling his best asset to strengthen the opponent. Gyimah is still young with bright future ahead of him but he needs to improve his offensive move to be all-round-player as he already demonstrated his versatility in the PSL when playing as defender (sweeper) as well as central midfielder.

Michael Morton, Maritzburg United

Morton is a 24 years old dynamic lung-busting central midfielder who spent 9 years of his career with Pirates from junior to the senior level. However, he left the team after failing to get adequate game time to join Bidvest Wits later United.

The hard tackling centre midfielder quickly establishes himself as one of the most reliable and effective player. Morton is one of the most underrated players in the PSL but already anchored the United midfield since 2011 with distinction despite not receiving Bafana Bafana international cap. Morton has a big engine to fill Jali gap, but I don’t anticipate Pirates re-signing him despite his excellent techniques in the engine room.

By Owen Mundalamo

Twitter: @diskioff [www.twitter.com/diskioff]

If you want to be a Guest Writer via Diskioff please send your article/s to diskioff@gmail.com - subject ‘Guest Writer’

Ted Dumitru's Football Corner

It's good that people talk about how to fix South African football, but let's find those correct answers. 

By speaking volumes of ideas and suggestions – as it's happening for the past many years now – without finding the most efficient and workable solutions is not helping football in this country to move out of mediocrity.

To get the best out of local football, specific and precise requirements must be met and so far those vital answers have not yet been addressed.

The burning issue of developing a South African football identity is still unsolved - delayed due to contrasting opinions – and yet essentially important in improving performance/development.

It's encouraging that George Dearnerly came strongly to support our plea for finding/developing the much needed TECHNICAL INTELLECT as THE PRE-CONDITION in dealing with such difficult challenges - SA football identity being a top priority.

Technical intellect is badly needed to recognize and input into COACH EDUCATION, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SYSTEM OF COMPETITONS AND STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL AND NATIONAL TEAMS. IT IS ABSOLUTELY IM POSSIBLE to target progress and performance without QUALITY TECHNICAL INTELLECT.

If such high expertise could be found and empowered then we would not live in ignorance believing that by.

By Ted Dumitru

Plenty of advantages for schools that register for the 2014 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup

 The 2014 school year has begun, which means planning for the busy year ahead is underway. High on the agenda of thousands of schools around the country is getting their entries into the biggest schools football tournament in the country, the under-19 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools, in on time.

Schools will be eyeing for the R3.4 million on offer in prize money as well as getting their key players the exposure to scouts to help take their soccer careers to the next level.

Registration is open and there are many benefits to schools entering. In the initial stages the competition provides the opportunity to play well-organised competitive football against the schools in regions and, for those who progress further, there is the chance of winning financial support for projects in their schools and communities.

For individual players with exceptional talent, there is the opportunity to take their soccer career to the next level.

The success stories of 2013 highlight the fact that the competition places a premium on the educational side of schooling. This is illustrated by Mamelodi Sundowns’ policy applying to their development programme. No student in their development structure can progress into the first team unless they pass Grade 12.

So, for example, Percy Tau, the leading goal-scorer at the 2013 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup National Finals, who was originally from Phakama Combined School in Witbank Mpumalanga and passed Grade 12 at Clapham High School, is now with the Sundowns first team.

Mamelodi Sundowns ran a training camp in December last year to which talented players identified at the 2013 Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup national finals were identified. One player was Lugiano Knopp from Okiep in the Northern Cape who has now passed Grade 12 and will join the Sundowns second division team and will enter the Elite Player program which enables the youth players to train with the senior team on a regular basis.

Kabelo Mabasa (Harmony), Jason Skipper (Cloetesville) and Tani Mpusana (Louis Botha) – have been offered contracts to join the Sundowns development academy. They will all go to Clapham High School to complete Grade 12 and will play in the Sundowns under-19 team in the 2nd division.

Reginald Tsoela (Harmony) was impressive at the camp and will join the club’s SAFA 2nd Division team and enter a FET college, along with Fumani Mathebula (Eric Nxumalo), who passed matric and will enter tertiary education at a college.

There are also a number of players who came very close to be selected and who will be monitored over the next 6 months.  They are: Gian De Jongh (Okiep), Elton Kapinga (Benny Sports) and Sive Klauhse (Executive Academy).

There are also a number of players that will join other PSL clubs such as 16 year old Dillan Fransch.  He was offered a contract with Mamelodi Sundowns but opted to remain in Cape Town and has joined Ajax Cape Town.

The downfall of Orlando Pirates this season

Roger de Sa (RDS) has let the team down by continuing playing erratic, out of form, unimpressive, uninspiring and exhausted Senzo Meyiwa. Orlando Pirates fans have lost confidence in Senzo Meyiwa but the coach still believes in Senzo Meyiwa potential. Senzo will remain RDS’ number 1 keeper after his bravery performance in Lubumbashi against TP Mazembe which saved the job of the coach.

RDS lacks defence organisational skills. His defence is always caught off guard playing line defence especial Lucky Lekgwathi and Ayanda Ngcaba. The two central pair lacks effective communication amongst themselves. They enjoy playing line defence to dismantle the proper defensive structure of libero (sweeper) and central defender marking the striker. The line defence is built under the tactical philosophy of an injury to one is an injury to all. If aerial ball passes Lekgwathi, it would also pass Ngcaba due to poor defensive techniques informed by line defence. RDS even today has not figure out the tactical blunder of the line defence. Lekgwathi and Ngcaba are Strong in the tackle and but not commanding in the air.

Thabo Matlaba and Happy Jele marauding runs from full left and right backs are a good avenue of attack for Orlando Pirates. They make far more runs forward than any other full backs in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) back. They play more like a right and left  attackers than right back and left back, and always delivers a dangerous cross or final ball. They have fantastic attacking abilities but the duo are suspect of leaking goals under pressure as they always  jogs back to defend from the offensive moves.  Pirates is always vulnerable under counter attack at both left or right back.

The engine room of the team is effectively in attack and defense.  The team leading goalscorer in the PSL is Oupa Manyisa from engine room but the team lacks traditional trequartistas (play-maker) to make things happen. Manyisa is not a traditional player despite having offensive ability. The team lacks traditional play maker in the mould of Steve Leokelela, Teko Modise, Gento Kampala, the late Ernest ‘’Botsotso’’ Makhanya. Sifiso Myeni has been assigned a role of play maker but already failed to fulfil all requirement of playmaker due to his on and off form but the overlooked Mpho Makola has all the ingredients to be successful play maker in the team.

The wing play of Pirates always blows hot and cold but Daine Klate has remained consistency throughout the year whilst Tlou Segolela form is too erratic. Aubrey Ngoma and Khetho Masuku are not given sufficient game times to make changes.

Lone striker tactics is not yielding avalanches of goals. Against Platinum Stars, RDS deployed false 9 syterm which produced goals but now Kermit Erasmus is playing in the box as lone striker than dropping too deep to initiate attacking moves. Kermit Erasmus is slowly but surely moving back to ineffective lone striker tactics which befit Lennox Bacela style of play. The lone striker tactics is one of the biggest Pirates downfalls going forward.

Conclusion

Favouritism by team coach Roger de Sa is slowly but surely killing the team fighting spirit and morale in the camp. RDS selects players based on reputation than merits whilst side-lining key players such as Tlou Segolela and Mpho Makola who have an ability to turn the corner. It is sad that the R5 million record fees international Goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has been ignored for ineffective Senzo Meyiwa whilst Sifiso Myeni deserves a decent break occupying the famous Mark Mayambela seat on the grandstand.

The blame for poor form should be directed to both players and coach.

By Owen Mundalamo

Twitter: @diskioff [www.twitter.com/diskioff]

If you want to be a Guest Writer via Diskioff please send your article/s to diskioff@gmail.com - subject ‘Guest Writer’

If Bafana are losers, so is Mbalula and SAFA

Bafana Bafana were a pathetic bunch of losers, but so is Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula. The cadre behaved like a school principal who spend the whole year doing nothing but parade the classrooms and when the final results came had the guts to call his students, a "bunch of losers".

The pathetic nature of Bafana Bafana's performance isn't something new, even to himself. Mbalula did not wake up to a surprise performance by the boys on Sunday night. It is something that has been going on for a very long time, stretching far back into the days before he even became a minister and of which he is well aware of. Now to single out the boys as the root cause of the problem is like doing the very same thing that he dismissed i.e. singling out the coach as the problem.

The boys are a product of a system of which several institutions are charged with the responsibility to manage at different levels and ensure a credible product at the end. Namely the Premier Soccer Soccer (PSL), South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Sports Ministry.Unfortunately the system is wreaked with incompetency, in-fighting, jostling for positions mediocrity, and lack of patriotism. The system that goes to great lengths to plan for mediocrity tolerates and even commends it - a reflection of the broader societal problems.

I pause to wonder what plan did he have when took over the Sports Ministry to try and remedy the situation with our squad. It is well known that he is championing the schools leagues program, which is a good start and he must be commended for it.

This then gives us the impression that he understands the problems in the system. Therefore we would be pardoned to expect him to be the first in Bafana's defence to say, our system is pathetic, but we are working on it and this is the plan.

If Bafana Bafana are a pathetic bunch of losers, so is he; and the whole of South Africa.

Ke fetsa ke realo!

By Benny Hlakole

Minister Fikile Mbalula you are a loser as well

Dear Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula,  

It’s indeed in great sadness to write this letter to you. I was really disappointed by the way you lambasted our players after they crashed out of the unknown 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament. It really showed how misinformed you are when coming to football.

Maybe you should be given a kit and go play maybe you could do a lot better than those you called a bunch of losers. Our boys played well against Mozambique, then your so called coach (I don’t know he is called a coach) made four changes, (four) from the team that played the first game and that team drew.

Then the players are blamed for all this. How are we going to have a stable squad when we keep making changes??? Let’s leave that one its politics. The stupidity you showed on Monday could have at least come from supporters or maybe media people, NOT A MINISTER!!!

Anyway I just wanted to tell you that you have lost the respect you had from many people in the country. You now a loser yourself!

Yours Sincerely,

Mahlatse Mogale

I support Minister Fikile Mbalula 100%

I stand behind the Minister (Fikile Mbalula) fully. Why be nice when people are constantly disrespecting his department, his countrymen and those that came before them?

Much as we congratulate them when they do well, we should also mock them when they lose. And in this case it was not only about losing but the manner in which they lost.

They didn’t compete at all and that it’s not acceptable even from people of no standards. Of course they are not the only ones to blame. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) administration and the South African Football Association (SAFA) administration also played their part, as SAFA should’ve made sure all PSL games are boycotted until the end of the tournament.

The coach Gordon Igesund made horrible decisions tactically and it’s not even the first time. I think Igesund is too comfortable and his body language is just wrong. To me it doesn’t look like losing gives him sleepless nights.

I miss the days of John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu, Doctor Khumalo and Helman Mkhalele. Mark Fish who would rather die in the field before he rolls over and accept defeat. Any player that plays for the team should know that it’s not money making scheme but it is a privilege given to you instead of others.

If the shoes fit then wear it. Minister is not lying by calling guys useless when they were in actual fact useless. They were called losers as they were losers on the night. They should own up and if they feel the national duty it’s too much they shouldn’t honour the call next time.

By Tebogo Pheto Mahlangu

adidas launch the Orlando Pirates digital hub

Fans stand to win weekly prizes, view exclusive footage and receive regular updates.

adidas South Africa has launched an innovative online platform to bring Orlando Pirates Football Club fans even closer to the legendary team. allinpirates.co.za, this adidas Orlando Pirates digital hub, has been designed to encourage more engagement with the club by rewarding loyal fans for their ongoing support.

The hub will host exclusive video footage of the top Orlando Pirates players, regular updates and information on the team and management, as well as weekly competitions for fans to win prizes by engaging, participating in challenges and sharing their stories.

Prizes up for grabs include signed Orlando Pirates replica jerseys, adidas hampers, tickets to games and more.

The interactive platform will enable fans across the country to engage in #allinPirates activities to enhance their PSL season experience in a new and exciting way.

Go to www.allinpirates.co.za to get on to the adidas Orlando Pirates digital hub and show your support!

For further information please visit the adidas News Stream, adidas.co.za or @adidasZA on Twitter and @adidasZA on Instagram to get social, using #allinPirates. Unlock the adidas vault to find out more about the brand’s heritage.

Open Letter to the South African Football Association

Dear SAFA (South African Football Association),

I really appreciate the efforts you've done to bring Gordon Igesund into the Bafana Bafana set up; I have seen great improvements. The problem is however not with the coach or players, the problem is in the nation's sport system. Wait, we do not have one.

Yesterday, our national ladies hockey team lost 5-1 against the Olympic champions; their second loss of the current series, but no words mentioned. Our cricket team are top ranked but they have no world title. Our athletes struggle at the Olympics.

All in all, South Africa does not have a football problem but a sports problem. So many SRSAs documents mention development and winning medals but they don't have a solid plan of how to get there.

Our minister's words were disgusting and embarrassing. I would love to know what sport qualifications or experience he has. You do not build champions in three weeks; it takes 10 years to build a competitive athlete (something that should start from an early age).

In order to be the best, you have to play the best (Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria), experience defeat, experience competitive football (at junior level, regional - COSAFA, continental - CAF, international - FIFA, and club - PSL), and utilize your sports science resources.

Fact: talent can only become world class, with exposure. Players should play for Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23, before they can get to the senior side. The Under-17 and 20s can only become better if they play and they have regular training camps in other countries (camps that will allow is to play against overseas teams like England, Brazil, Japan, Australia).

The sad part about all this is that NO ONE WILL LISTEN. It’s time to give young administrators the opportunity to bring change; you can only fail or gain experience, if you are given the opportunity.

Regards,

Simon-Peter

BSportSci (cum laude), BA (Hons) Rec and Sport Management

No more Juju at Bucs

Thulasizwe ‘Juju’ Mbuyane has left Orlando Pirates to join Clive Barker’s Black Aces after finding himself frozen out at Orlando Pirates in recent months.

During his peak at Pirates, there’s no doubting his impact on the team with his constant energetic runs, tireless work ethic and his habit of scoring goals in big games.

He played his role during in Pirates’ ‘Double Treble’ success.

Juju was a character in the Bucs squad (particularly with his goal celebration ‘Juju dance’) but sentiment plays no part in football. It’s time to move on when you don’t cut it anymore.

One thing’s for sure, Juju won’t find it hard to fit in at Amazoyoni who already have a host of former Buccaneers on their books including Clifford Ngobeni, Onyekachi Okonkwo, Tumelo Mopedi and Mbulelo Mabizela.

In the end, it’s a wise move for the former Free State Stars player who, at 31, will be looking to play as much as possible in order to prolong his career.

By The Original Mister T

We failing cos we implementing European culture

The problem in this country facing the national team is not actually as it looks. "Bafana Bafana failing to compete" it is actually a problem for the entire South African soccer.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams uses different method of training, they use different systems of play; e.g. Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter tells players to kick the ball forward and run on defense and SuperSport United Cavin Johnson says play football enjoy yourselves.

If you look at 1996 AFCON champs it was the squad from three big teams that had coaches who believed in allowing players to excel at their best and the national coach (Clive Barker) who used players to their true potential. Zane Moosa and Doc Khumalo are perfect examples.

Since then our football collapsed because we lacked vision and ignored development of players at an early age. Our players could not combine three passes against Mali and Nigeria; they fail to make decision in a short space of time. When tightly marked our players are not comfortable and lose the ball due to frustration. These are signs of wrong approach.

We fail because we implement Europe culture that doesn't suite our natural born South African tiny, short and skillful players. Why can't we have own our way of play based on qualities we have?

We can talk the whole day but ignoring proper youth development will continue to hunt us. It’s up to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and PSL to put their differences aside focus on what’s best for our country.

By Teko Mokaiwa

I lost respect for Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula

Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula you took away the respect I had for you, the remarks you uttered to the team (Bafana Bafana) showed that you not supposed to be a Minister, I heard some people saying you should be moved to another department and but I don’t think there is a department where a Minister has a right call people a bunch of useless losers.

I’m not sure if you have children but I doubt you would use such remarks to them when they kept on failing class.

You are Minister whose role is to create solutions not problems, you have trying to boost the morale of these players but now I doubt they be happy to represent the country in the next game because they will fear you repeating your remarks, those remarks will auto tune and will always be in their minds while they on the game.

Some of these guys are married, they are fathers, and even those that aren’t married don’t deserve to be labelled like that.

As a politician, it is possible that you walk away with it but you owe the nation an apology.

By Yethu Nto Ka Dorana

I still believe in Gordon Igesund!

Thank you for the opportunity to address or express or feelings.

This is address for Mr. Gordon Igesund, our coach,

Mr. Gordon Igesund please do not stress or worry too much about the negative people or saying all these nasty things about you have to be fired, stripped from your position, not begin allowed to coach again... ect.

I believe, I strongly believe you are the best coach that the South African National team has ever had; I will always rally behind you. Walk with your head high you have achieved a lot.

Those "bunch of losers" are to blame for the poor and dismal performance displayed on Sunday evening. You had like 5 or 6 days to get a bunch of players to gell, whom never played together before. Gordon Igesund you did your job as a coach and I salute you.

100% Proudly South African.

By Stanley Galla Gulston

Open Letter to Minister Fikile Mbalula

Dear Mr. Fikile Mbalula,

Sorry chief, but what you said about Bafana Bafana yesterday was out of order, immature and barbaric, you don't say such things about the players of the national team, let alone to single out one player.

I mean there's no team that plays to lose. I’m sure the boys were hurting after that game. Your utterances you are not doing the nation any good, now there are talks of changing the Bafana name, as if that will have an effect on the field. That's what happens when we have politicians running sport.

Insults and name calling are not solving anything. As an honourable man who holds the highest post in government I didn't expect such a low utterance, such comments and behavior is expected from supporters who lack professionalism and knowledge. When Bafana Bafana loose we lose as a nation including you sir.

As a Minister of Sport you cannot call people a bunch of useless losers, who does that?

Not so long ago the same Bafana Bafana beat the World Champions and world's number Spain and everyone was singing praises to the time and now they bunch of losers, really?

I doubt there will be any player interested in playing for Bafana after that degrading statement from you sir. Now players will play in fear and will lack self believe because of your reckless statement. Did you think about that?

Actions will always prove why talking is useless in leadership Mbalula. If you believe Bafana are useless, you are also telling South Africans how useless you are as a Minister of sport and someone that we believe can walk the talk.

As a Minister you should be putting the blame of SAFA and question their development structure policy.

Ask yourself Minister, when was the last time Bafana qualified for any tournament, when was the last time Bafana defeated Nigeria in a competitive match? When was the last time the Under-10's, U15's, U17's, U20's and U23's national teams achieved something?

No National Player Can Go To The Field Of Play To Lose A Game On Purpose. I understand you were angry and emotional on your statement about Bafana.

Chief you need to respect yourself by apologising to the Bafana team and to the whole nation.

I thank you!

By Bonga Zulu

What SA Minister Fikile Mbalula said was out of order!

I’m very much disappointed in Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula. His comments about Bafana Bafana came as a shock to me. I never expected a sports minister to embarrass the men fighting on behalf of the country in such a way.

If there was a need for a reminder to Bafana players on failing the nation, as a man of dignity who does scrutinize before blabbering, Mbalula should have told the boys and their coach of that at a camp, away from the public.

When you blame someone, you wish for them to change and do better. That you can only achieve by touching the inner of the villain so that he may address it within himself that he oughts to do better. Once embarrassed in public, I doubt any need to better the mistakes rises because they believe such is the lowest of all points they can reach. They realise no matter what happened in future, they can never get worse than where they are standing right now.

While still wondering how a prominent figure who is expected to reason and realise that in football, just like in life geney, things can never always favour our ambitions, I then realised the first scenario was just a dress rehearsal.

Moeneeb Josephs would have expected fans to have a go at him, and that is a norm, but a Minister? When Josephs sacrificed his precious time he could have spent with his family to be part of a country flagship, was that not a patriotic act on its own? Yes, it may be easy for one to put on the most expensive suit in the land and label people with all the names he wants but one has to come to a point to realise that everyone belongs elsewhere; somewhere he is loved and cherished with all his weaknesses and shortcomings.

Had Bafana beaten Mali last week, I’m sure we might have had a different song being hymned today. Josephs was not in goals when the damage was done, because in all fairness, the plot was lost with failure to beat Mali. This does not serve to appoint Itumeleng Khune or any other individual as the scapegoat. Bafana played, won, drew and lost as a team.

Am sorry to Josephs, we all know it's every player's wish to lift their country to better heights and no one can go with the intention of sabotaging his own nation.

Bafana Bafana and Gordon Igesund failed to win CHAN; no finger should be pointed at Josephs individually.

One wonders how someone got such a post in sports when he can not make peace with some cases that are inevitable in games.

The Minister has taken the best contender for the lowest point of 2014 so far…

By Ceezar Shabbinho Soccerlife

Bafana Bafana don't have patriotism

These guys (Bafana Bafana) don't have patriotism. They don’t play like it is their last game, no passion for soccer. Most of our players only see football as a meal ticket. Something just to do in-order to drive a nice car and sleep with beautiful women and build their mothers nice houses.

Have you ever heard a South African saying their dream is to play in the World Cup or win the CAF Champions League? The answer is NO!

If you read soccer websites the most common answer when these players are asked what their dream is; “I want to play overseas.” Never about winning cups and being amongst the best. Ask any Brazilian footballer what their dream is and most will tell you they want to win the World Cup.

It is the players; they lack ambition and are just happy to earn money from participating. Dean Furman has brought the spirit of wanting to win at all cost and hence he shouts at his teammates for underperforming. Ruud Krol did the same with Orlando Pirates. That's why Steven ‘Schillo’ Pienaar quit.

As someone who has played Rugby, I can tell you winning is everything and we were taught this as kids and hence our Rugby teams win almost every international tournament from junior ranks all the way to the senior teams.”

By Jim Jones

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Roger de Sa must be fired

How come Orlando Pirates lost a game despite dominating ball possession and creating more goalscoring chances?

Three key tactical mistakes observed in the game against SuperSport United.

1. Creating avalanches of chances but failed to convert them into goals.

Orlando Pirates created avalanches of goals scoring opportunities in the first half but poor finishing let the team down. Kermit Erasmus was a culprit of missing clear cut opportunities and his best moment was hitting a cross bar in the first half but had a dull second half.

2. Poor communication and organisational skills by defensive pair of Lucky Lekgwathi and Ayanda Ngcaba especial on aerial balls.  Orlando Pirates defenders were caught off guard by counter attacks of SuperSport United especial Happy Jele and Thabo Matlaba who failed to track back on time.  They spent a lot of time making offensive moves without adequate cover at the back whilst the Captain Lucky Lekgwathi and Ayanda Ngcaba combinatiom is too disastrous due to lack of communication skills. The biggest weakness of Lekgwathi and Ngcaba is dealing with aerial balls.

3. Poor goalkeeping techniques by Senzo Meyiwa who is out of form. Senzo Meyiwa form has dropped in the previous games but to everyone surprise; Roger de Sa is still using him ahead of the African finest keeper Fatau Dauda. It is disheartening to witness the R5 million record fee keeper watching from the stand due to Roger favoritism not based on merits but reputation. Senzo Meyiwa deserves to watch from the stand now.

Conclusion

Orlando Pirates has adequate depth of quality players but lack a coach with championship winning reputation. Roger should have changed his fixed tactics but it was SuperSport United Cavin Johnson who made tactical changes that made difference. Mame Niang and Dino Ndlovu change the complexion of the by scoring the two most important goals. Bravo to Cavin Johnson who read the game well whilst Roger was awaiting miracles to happen from his fixed and predictable tactics.

Dr Irvin Khoza must decide what is best for the team by hiring a coach with championship winning reputation as Roger has already lost 3 home games after only 9 games of the season which is strange home performance by Pirates. Roger lacks a proper vision to turn the corner after lost three consecutively Cups this season.

Remember Julio Leal said “He could not see his way forward” and offered the chairman “to do what is right for the club and Dr Khoza fired him and now Roger de Sa can't see the way forward and must be fired.

By Owen Mundalamo

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