God! Don't forsake us, not now!

Tonight's FIFA World Cup draw scheduled to take place is likely to pit Bafana Bafana against the minnows from Asia and North America. Even the the reported bomb threats emanating from the mother city, Cape Town, should not deter the African gods, from delivering an African inspired draw. Eezy.

One also hopes that the prophets and sangomas burn imphepho, so that the draw master is slightly confused and deliver unto us countries like New Zealand and Slovenia.

Let us hold our hands together and hope for the best draw.

Bafana mature like good old wine

Bafana Bafana showed glimpses of brilliance in their game against Japan on Saturday in Port Elizabeth. For the first time in many moons, Bafana played with passion and renewed vigour, and this bodes well for tomorrow's game against the Reggae Boys of Jamaica.

Carlos Alberto Parreira, the returnee coach of Bafana, is quoted in newspapers suggesting that Benni should leave Blackburn and join a team where he will enjoy first team football. The coach should go further and propose to Benni that he must shed a few kilos. He looked more like a rugby prop in those new Bafana shirts. His "boep" or cooler box, looked so unsightly, I must add.

The coach needs to give other "fringe" players a chance to shine against Jamaica in a game that Bafana should easily brush aside their tame opponents. It's a pity the game is played in far away Bloemfontein, otherwise, I would gladly take them to 'Kwa Mai Mai" in downtown Jozi for a few rolls of zol. By the time they take the field, they would be "stone dead".

Bafana to bury the Japs

Bafana Bafana go into tomorrow's match against Japan in Port Elizabeth as underdogs.This should suit them. If the reported comments by Moenib Joseph, the Orlando Pirates goalminder is anything to go by, then Benni should put the ball at the back of the net a few times.

What Bafana Bafana should know is that defeat is not an option. Anything less than a win would be regarded as a disaster by the millions of coaches. So, let us see, how many goals they score and how they score them.

Acid test for Bafana coach

The upcoming games between Bafana Bafana,Japan and Jamaica, will certainly provide an acid test for the returnee coach,Carlos Alberto Parreira. These games will provide us, the real coaches,who always bark intructions from the comfort of our sofas, an opportunity to see how the players respond to the tactics of the returnee. Bafana have not tasted victory against the bigger soccer nations, not that Japan and Jamaica are amongst the heavyweights, but are well above us in terms of FIFA rankings.

The returnee coach has come out guns blazing, by firing the ill-disciplined Mabhuti Khenyeza, from Mamelodi Sundowns. The coach must instill a sense of pride in the squad and that they must respect the country's emblem, as if they care.

Now that the aspirant trade unionist(read Benni) has come back into the squad,the management must release to the public the proposed bonuses for the players ahead of the World Cup next year. This will assure the public and the management that no late night meetings take place, with ludicrous demands for more money.

You will recall that for Bafana Bafana players, playing for the squad has really nothing to do with playing for the country, but has all to do with the purse. Not a bad idea, considering the economic recession we all find ourselves in.

Amakhosikazi taken to the cleaners!

Tomorrow's derby between Orlando Pirates and Amakhosikazi should be a thrilling encounter. The two Soweto giants last met in a cup final in 1989 at Orlando Stadium. Many soccer commentators have tipped Amakhosikazi to take this one because they have notched two successive victories in their last games, while the mighty Amabhakabhaka, have taken a break by letting other clubs taste victory. Now, this break will end tomorrow, at the expense of the beautiful Amakhosikazi.

Bookmakers have rightly tipped the glorious Buccaneers to wallop the beautiful Amakhosikazi. So, if you are a punting fellow, and want to make some money, you have been warned. If you have moollah to throw around, back them and you will cry like Maradonna.

Ha ba shwe!

Juju Man off-side

Our country's constitution guarantees its citizens freedom of expression. That said, it is no longer surprising that the Young Lion of the North, aka, Juju Man, comments on everything under the sun. He has also added his two cents worth on who should be the next Bafana coach saga.

Well Joel Santana, the former Bafana Bafana coach, is packing his bags en-route to Sao Paolo. The new SAFA regime is preparing to make an announcement about the imminent return of Carlos Alberto Parreira tomorrow, Juju Man is calling for the appointment of Lucas "Rhoo" Radebe as head coach of Bafana Bafana.

Radebe boasts an incredible career as a football player. He captained both Leeds United in England and Bafana Bafana with class and distinction. However, to agitate for his appointment as head coach of Bafana is absolutely nonsensical. The man has no coaching credentials to talk about. He might be even worse than Santana.

One sincerely hopes that the new SAFA regime will not settle old scores and appoint someone who can raise the moral of the players and lift the country out of an embarrasing FIFA ranking we now find ourselves in. As for Juju, he must not try to overplay his (ANCYL's) kingmaker's role in football matters.

Amakhosi to beat Sundowns!

The much awaited clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns tomorrow at the Super Stadium in Atteridgville promises to be a humdinger. Both teams come into this match after posting impressive wins two weeks ago against Ajax and Maritzburg United respectively.

Both teams are known for playing carpet football. Who can forget the game between these giants when Sundowns made a record breaking 30 touches with Amakhosi chasing shadows? This game could see the return of midfield maestro Suprise Moriri from injury.

Both Mabhuti Khenyeza and Josta Dladla would like to prove to the former teams that they still have what it takes.

My heart is with "Menwana phezulu" but my money is on Amakhosi to win this one.

Santana must NOT go!

It looks a matter of time before Joel Natalino Santana is sacked. If comments by the new SAFA regime is anything to go by, the man will enjoy Christmas at home in Brazil with his family. At that time, he shall have been bought out of his contract, with a hefty sum for that matter.

The poor coach was showered with praises after the Confederations Cup in July. He was hailed as someone who brought shape to the squad. Three months down the line, the man from Rio de Janeiro, is regarded as clueless and tactically naive. How sad!

Santana was employed to prepare a team for the FIFA World Cup in June, 2010. I believe that the man is on course to prepare a team that will compete in the biggest soccer extravaganza next year. So these calls for him to be sacked are premature. I believe the man is the real deal. He is tactically suave and techically brilliant. This man must see his contract out.

Now the Juju Man has also entered the fray in calling for his dismissal.

If the truth be told, Santana has had to work with some mediocre players. This country has no players in the mould of Samuel Eto and Ronaldo. It is also a fact that there is no player in the current squad who can play for Real Madrid or Chelsea. The best we can do is to ship players to the lower leagues in Europe and Africa, and then call them international players. We have players plying their trade in Botswana and Swaziland. How sad!

Even if the best coach is brought here after the imminent departure of Santana, he will still be faced with the same bunch of mediocre players. Even Sir Alex Ferguson would be regarded as a failure after only six months with the national team.

The path has now been cleared for Jomo Sono to take over! Yawn!

How global economic crisis hit SA

Undoubtedly, 2008 would go down in history as the time that the economies of the industrial giants of the west, namely, Europe and the United States of America, floundered.

According to Andre Joubert, General Manager MWEB Business, most South Africans were saved by the National Credit Act (NCA). He pointed out that the irresponsible borrowing of the vast majority of South Africans was seriously curbed by the NCA.

He believed that was a very good step forward and may have saved us from the fate of the USA and Europe’s banking sectors and the resultant financial crisis. However, he reiterated that he thought that the high interest rates hurt us badly in all other sectors.

Although a number of commentators believe that South Africa has fortunately been spared the worst shock from the ongoing financial crisis, the country is still faced with many internal challenges. Unreasonably high-levels of poverty, unemployment and violence largely shape the political landscape.

Some political analysts like Aubrey Matshiqi ,believed that this global financial crisis had the potential of undermining the material gains achieved in the last 14 years. The recent service delivery inspired protests are a case in point.

The economy is not growing as it should. In fact it has somewhat slowed down dramatically. No new jobs are created. The hardest hit are those people without skills. The poorest of the poor. This cuts accross any social and class barrier.The recent strike by the public sector doctors shows the scale to which the recession has hit South Africa.

One of the people who lost his job as a result of the global economic crisis is Vusi Mabena, an employee in the metal industry, in Germiston, east of Johannesburg. Mabena has been employed at Scaw Metals for the last twenty years. The company had to lay off its staff because its export base was greatly affected.

The financial crisis has not only affected the working class, it has also hit the middle class in a very big way. Most consumers now realised that they have less money to spend on leisure, and with an increasing number opting that staying at home is the new "going out". Having more time and less money means that families are more determined than ever to spend wisely.
Among the middle-class to feel the pinch is Lucas Radebe, a former Bafana Bafana captain, who lives in the leafy suburbs of Jozi. He says he has chosen to rent DVDs than going to the movies. Take-away is now out of question and home cooking is the "in-thing.

Many high flyers have chosen to dispose of their expensive toys, like yatchs and private jets. Even the once glamorous celebrity couple, Khanyi Mbau and Mandla Mthembu, have had to give up their R100 000 rented penthouse in northern Johannesburg. They also had to for go their leased Lamborginis. How the mighty have fallen. No tears there.

Different strokes for different folk!

The country's constitution guarantees that every citizen is equal before the law. It also guarantees that a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Where am I going with this? Supersport, the major sports television channel seems to be applying different rules for its different presenters.

Joost van der Westhuizen, has been suspended by the TV station because of video that has been in the public domain for some time. In the video, Joost is shown in compromising situations. The station felt he might bring channel into disrepute.
Marc Batchelor, a soccer analyst at Supersport, was suspended because he was charged with assault. Another soccer analyst, Kenny Niemach, was also suspended because of fraud related charges levelled against him. I might also add former Kaizer Chiefs midfield genius, Shakes Kungwane, who was also suspended by the the TV station, because of credit card related charges.
Here is where I am going with this. Doctor Khumalo, another soccer analyst and former Bafana Bafana midfielder, is currently attending court cases, where his car collided with a minibus taxi and a few passengers were injured. This accident happened in 2007. He was allegedly under the influence of alcohol during this accident . But the man is still scheduled by the TV station. He is still on air. One would have thought that the TV station would have applied the same principle to all its sports presenters. But alas, some are more equal than others.

Lucas Radebe Off-side

The recent comments made by Lucas Radebe, a former Bafana Bafana skipper regarding the exclusion of Benni McCharthy from the Bafana squad must rate as one of the most outrageous statements to come from his big mouth.

As if he does not know that Benni was dropped from the squad for disciplinary reasons. Also, as if he is unaware that Benni has the tendency to choose games he wants to feature in. One minute he is injured and another he plays for his team, Blackburn Rovers. He behaves like some sort of a prima donna.

If Brazil, the FIFA 2009 Confederations Cup champions could afford to drop their superstars, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho from their squad, for poor perfomance, who was Benni anyway?

The sooner Benni makes up his big head about playing for Bafana Bafana and drops his gigantic ego, the better for everyone who loves our beautiful game.

The Bafana coach, Joel Natalino Santana, must to be bullied in picking players because of their reputation. Performance, talent and class must the basis upon which players are picked to play for that national team.

Confederations Cup: Teko Modise

This is probably the last time one writes about the Confederations Cup. This tournament has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that South Africa is more than capable of hosting the biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup.

he doubting Thomases here and abroad, have been made to eat ample pies. Talk of plan A and B must be put to bed now.

We should not be carried away by the the success of hosting the Confederation Cup, we need to rectify the glitches around park and ride, crime and playing fields.

Reports coming from England are that one of South Africa's favourite sons, midfield maestro, Teko Modise, pictured, is on the verge of signing for Wigan Attletic. Unconfirmed reports have put the transfer figure from Orlando Pirates at around R10 million.

An overseas move for him is long overdue. For two season, he has played his heart out, and really deserves this break.

Hail Bafana Hail!

Last night's Bafana Bafana performance against the mighty Brazilians was brilliant. Many soccer commentators had not given Bafana a chance.

At least we can go the World Cup next year knowing that we have a team that can compete against the best in the world.

All those who called for the coach, Joel Santana to be sacked, should hang their heads in shame, because he really his tactical abilities. One of these hotheads is Walter Mokoena, a sports presenter at the SABC.

Phambili Bafana!

Photo: Reuters

Last night's victory of the US over the more fancied Spaniards, has given hope to millions of South Africans that Bafana Bafana will pull it tonight against Brazil.

Going into last night's match, many commentators never gave the US much of a chance. The European champions were totally outplayed by the Yanks. Reports of infighting in the Spanish team did not help matters. The coach is believed to have his favourite players, who are picked even when they are off-form.

Tonight Bafana have a chance to make South Africans proud by beating Brazil. One hopes the Madiba magic rubs on the boys. Defeat is not in the minds of the Bafana fans. Let us hope the Brazilians are confused by the loud noise of the vuvuzelas.

Go Bafana Go!

Things the LOC should fix

With the Confederation Cup coming to an end, the FIFA Local Organising Committee (LOC) should take a hard look at a number of issues. First, the state of the pitch at Ellis Park leaves much to be desired. That the organisers allowed the Super 14 rugby and the current British and Irish touring squad to play there was certainly a poor decision. One hopes we will not have a repeat of this next year during the World Cup.
LOC Chairman:Irvine Khoza

Second, is the park and ride debacle. The LOC should ensure that they have enough busses and trains to ferry soccer fans to the stadiums next year. The decision to rope in the taxi drivers was a marvellous decision. But the taxi industry is known for not sticking to agreements. Yesterday, they threatened not to ferry soccer fans to Ellis Park. It is not because they were short-changed by the LOC. Instead they want the LOC to pay them directly. But the agreement is between the owners of the vehicles and the LOC, not with the drivers.

Third, is the poor marketing of the event. This was far too late. If one looks at the Indian Premier League (IPL) that took place recently, the posters were all over the show. They were in your face. Lets hope that the marketing of the World Cup will start early. The LOC should rope in credible marketing companies to drive the campaign.

Where is your allegiance

Sport is supposed to be the unifying factor in this country, given its divided history. But what one has witnessed so far with the Confederation Cup, is that a huge number of white South Africans flog to the stadiums when there are European teams on our shores.

When the domestic soccer season starts, they (whities) will be all gone. In July, a premier side from England, Manchester City, are scheduled to tour this country to play against South Africa's top teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. That is when you are likely to see them, wait for it, supporting overseas teams.

The same can be said with the hugely successful Indian Premier League (IPL). Few whites attended these matches. There was a huge presence of people of Indian descent in these matches. This one section of South African society that tends to support European teams than teams in their own country.

Before you accuse me, let me also say that the British and Lions tour has been attended predominantly by whites, blacks faces, are mostly those who are selling soft drinks during half-time.

The point is that sport is suuport to be a unifying factor but we still attend to matches along racial lines. What a pity.

Let me not even go to public holidays.

As the Confederation Cup is drawing to a close, we can sit back and reflect on the organisation of this tournament. People have complained about the park and ride system. This is fairly new in South Africa, and we will adapt. Some had the cheek to call for the banning of vuvuzelas.

What really upset me most was the exclusion of the vendors and hawkers who have been feeding the soccer followers since time immemorial. One would have thought the Local Organising Committee would have created space for these women and men to benefit from this soccer jamboree. Hungry fans have been forced to buy a hot dog at R25.00. That is too steep if you asked me. Either you pay cash or you use a Visa credit card. Holders of other credit cards are not accomodated.

The Pharoahs, the Egyptian soccer team, provided the spark that was missing from this tournament. After their famous win against the Azzurri, they went on a partying spree that lasted for two days, we are told. They invited the hardworking ladies in Jozi, who not only went into their pants but also got into their pockets. An amount of R19 000 is being bandied about. This is what any clever gal in Jozi would do, given the recession.

With 2010 World Cup on its way, one hopes that these gals make more that what they did during this jamboree.

Mr. Bean and Rihanna

Mr Bean rides the train

Bob Marley - Redemption Song Live In Dortmund, Germany

lovely

The real crunch

The victory of Bafana Bafana against the All Whites of New Zealand is really no cause to celebrate. Yes, they are the champions of their continent, but they are an honestly mediocre team. They are lying 95 in the Fifa rankings. The real crunch for Bafana Bafana will be on the 20th June when they face Spain in Bloemfontein. If Bafana manage to beat the Spaniards, which is highly unlikely, given their uninspiring victory against the All Whites. But if they beat Spain, i am prepared to marry my mother.I am patriotic. I am loyal. But i am also realistic. Those among us who think we can lift this cup are living lalaland

the obama legacy

out with the old

kaka

Brazil's match winner