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