Tshepo Ntsoelengoe
8 June 2011
The South African Football Association announced Puma as their new kit sponsor.
The addition of South Africa means that Bafana joins Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Algeria, Senegal, Morocco, Togo, Burkina Faso, Malawi and Namibia in the list of African Nations to be supplied kits by Puma. Bafana will be supplied kits by Puma for the next two World Cups. That means the new Bafana jersey deal with Puma will last at least till 2018.
The new South Africa kit 11/12 contains performance enhancing fabric through moisture wicking properties, mesh inserts on the side for improved ventilation and embossed fabric to enhance the aesthetic appearance.
The newly introduced Puma South African jerseys was launched in Johannesburg on the 7th of June 2011 by Bafana Captain Steven Pienaar along with his team mates Bongani Khumalo, Itumeleng Khune and Katlego Mphela.
By Tshepo Ntsoelengoe
02-06-2011
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates came back from a 1-0 lead to win the match 3-1 in the Nedbank cup final against Black Leopards at the Mbombela stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was an exciting match between the side from National First Division and the Absa Premier League winners competing on a final match. Both teams came to the match with the objective of taking the cup home.
It was fireworks from the first blow of the whistle. Leopards kept Pirates busy with long range shots. Oupa Manyisa, Pirates middlefilder also had shot at goals to see if Leopards keeper was on his toes.
Pirate’s real chance of the game came when Bongane Ndulula found himself one on one with the goalkeeper inside the Leopards box after some sloppy defending from Leopards defenders, but the striker couldn’t capitalise on the glorious chance.
Lidoda Duvha were the first to open the score lines from a free kick close to the 18 yard box. Mongezi Bobe hit a low shot that deflected from the Pirate’s wall and hit Rooi Mahamutsa’s foot to send keeper Senzo Meyiwa. He woke up to the Leopard’s celebration.
Leopard’s skipper, Robert Ngambi kept the buccaneer’s defense busy as he was looking onto extending the lead with some shots, but they were off target.
Bucs never settled down as they were looking for an equaliser. They kept on knocking in search for goals.
It was in the 72nd minute when striker, Thulasizwe Mbuyane found himself inside the box with a chance to shoot, but decided to lay the ball for Isaac Chansa who hit a close range shot, that gave keeper no chance and went inside to level the scores.
Within the space of three minutes, Pirates got their second from the very troublesome striker, Mbuyane to make it 2-1.
Leopards came seeking for an equliser, but were unfortunate as poor shoots let them down. Edward Tshabalala’s header was dealt with ease by Meyiwa.
It became a disaster when Moses Kwena got a second yellow card after a foul play and was immediately sent for an early shower.
Mbuyane got his second of the day and made it three for Pirates, when Chansa returned the favour by giving him Gautrain keys to run over Leopards and he controlled the ball nicely to beat the defender and took the shot to end Leopards’ dreams.
The buccaneers have now won three major trophies this season, making them the first PSL team to repeat what was done by Kaizer Chiefs in 1992.
Katlego Setlari of Survivors FC (in orange with the ball ) , dribbling Thato Chipapi of Real Heroes FC, two of the teams that were participating.
By Thandekile Sibanyoni,
Dlala Ntombazana Football Development held an annual soccer tournament on Saturday.
The tournament only had 30 participants for the Cup of Dreams . The team has had such tournaments for four consecutive years. Rebecca Morudu , the Chairperson of Dlala Ntombazana said, “ the objective of the tournament is to make the dreams of these girls come true”. When we have tournaments we have National coaches who come to scout players for the national team.
Although it was raining, that did not stop the teams and the fans from showing up . Josina Tellie , from the South African Football Association (SAFA) in the Tshwane region , says she is proud of the teams and the turn out of the tournament she says the association SAFA Tshwane will continue supporting Dlala Ntombazana. “We see a lot of talent here , and we support all our local football associations , mainly because Soshanguve is part of them”.
Tellie said that the platform that was set for U17 made these clubs grow , as players tend to show up more in tournaments than in the league . Out of all the 30 teams that participated , Benfica managed to win against the Mama’s with a 2-1 in the finals. DN Mama’s and Seven Stars played a draw in a round of the third place. Rosina Sedibeng managed to beat Benfinca with 2-0 in the finals ; they won themselves the dream cup , gold medals and R5000 in cash.
BY: Mohau Ramashidja
17-06-2011
The AFCON qualifier match between South Africa and Egypt turned out to be an entertaining event.
With the Pharaohs in chase for a win, desperation remained visible for the South African side to see. The battle between the Pharaohs and the Bafana kicked off right in the center of Egyptians’ capital city, Military stadium, with South Africa standing without a loss at the top of the group. They were determined to keep matters unchanged.
In the first six minutes of the match, it was a ‘do as I do’ situation, as the Egyptian’s side remained reciprocal in every tackle and attempt on goal made by the Bafana side.
As the match progressed, the Pharaohs went all out to come up with maneuvers to serge through the opposition’s defense. But Bafana was solid enough to disappoint their opponents. It was a game of pace and basic football, the only act to slow each other down was through the act of foul play.
It was in the 23rd minute when South African captain, Siphiwe Tshabalala got a yellow card after stopping a promising pass using his arm.
Besides having a slow defense, frustration was an extra weight on the Pharaohs, granting South Africa a platform to be impressive defensively and prove dominance in the mid-field.
Being on a chase to secure a goal and avoiding to being scored, Pharaohs had to stretch every muscle in their body to kick the ball out of play when their opposition attacked. In the 27th minute SA’s defender, Siyabonga Sangweni’s header was denied by the Egyptian keeper, leaving fans with hands on their heads.
The Pharaohs started to lose momentum; the fans came in to play by flashing green laser lights onto Bafana players’ eyes. But that didn’t stop South Africa to prove their Mzansi skills in their play.
Only with his seventh appearance in the national squad, Andile Jali conducted the South African mid-field with no problems from the opposition.
Having beaten the Egyptians 1-0 the first time around, S.A striker Katlego Mphela sought to produce a 2010 march the 26TH déjà vu only to be denied by the keeper who appeared to be prepared for the challenge this time around.
In the second half the Pharaohs showed more thirst for goal, only to be denied by Itumeleng Khune who kept all attempts on goal at bay.
Failure to keep up with the pace Egypt was force into making a substitution to maintain control of the game.
It was in the 56th minute after a well shared ball amongst S.African players– to a vital touch just to dumb the keeper, that “Killer” Mphela missed the opportunity to secure a lead. Approaching the twilight of the match, Egyptian football lost rhythm and flair.
Running out of options, Egyptian keeper found himself out of the goalpost to help his side in attack. With the Egyptian nets unattended to Tshabalala’s shot was unable to find its way to the back of the net.
Every striking attempt by the Pharaohs turned out to be Khune’s opportunity to show off his goalkeeping skills. With time running out, no option was left for the North African referee but to increase the time by seven minutes after too much stopping during the match.
With the whole of Egypt hoping that the additional time would work in their advantage. It was South Africans who had more desire for a goal, but Tlou Segolela was denied by the ever-focused Egyptian keeper.
Match ended at 0-0. |
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Soccer rivarly on Youth day
By: Tshepo Ntsoelengoe
23-06-2011
 Flair,skills, talent and passion for soccer prevailed at the SAFA-Tshwane under 17 Championship Tournament last Thursday at Mamelodi Deneboom stadium.
The one day tournament saw 13 teams competing for silverware on Youth day.
The games started late, after a delay of transportation of the teams to the venue. The competition kicked-off with all teams divided in groups of three. They had to battle out to advance into the quarter finals, the semis and reach the finals.
Almost all of the first games ended up with a draw. Players seemed unfamiliar with a game-time given. All the games played under duration of ten minutes and it became difficult for them to adapt at a first-kick. At a later stage, the teams got used to the conditions.
Even though the group stages seemed to be boring and time consuming, it all changed when the teams reached the quarter-finals.There was ambition and more energy given by players for their respective teams. Everyone was looking onto jumping to the next stage .Unfortunately not all of them could make it.
The quarter finals kicked-off with Real Mamelodi placing their seats onto the semis by defeating Phelindaba 2-1 on penalties. Loftus walked through to crush Tuks 2-1 on penalties, Pretoria slammed Mabopane 1-0, while Sundowns earned a hard-worked-win by thrashingWinterveldt with the same score.
The semi-finals got everyone’s attention with arguably two top teamsof the Tshwane region, Real Mamelodi and Sundowns making it to the last four. Real Mams went on to depressing Pretoria with a deservingly 1-0 win to place their spot in the final. On the other side,Loftus gave Sundowns the run for their money, both of the teams couldn’t find a back of the net. Sundowns came out victorious in penalties by 2-1.
It was a clash of the giants in the final, Real Mamelodi got up against Mamelodi Sundowns. The game started on a high pace, with both teams aiming for nothing less than a victory. Both teams displayed splendid style of football. Fine touches and skills kept the fans cheering and the youngsters did not hesitate to show off their talent to the spectators.
Both teams got frustrated in the middle of the game with some rough tackles flying on the air.
The two sides had a numeral of shots at goal, but lack of poor shooting took the ball off-target which led the fans witness penalties that saw Mamelodi Sundowns scooping the trophy.Mamelodi Sundowns were crowned SAFA Tshwane under-17 champions after hammering Real Mamelodi 3-1 on penalties after full time of play.
Sundown’s captain,Siyabulela Mose was named player of the tournament, after playing animmense role throughout the competition that helped his team win the tournament. The event produced seven top goal scorers. The compensated top goal scores of the tournament are, Mbokoto Mathebula, Dumisani Radebe, Isaac Masindi, Vusi Maako, Avela Cezu, Obakeng Kgafela and Shoes Mokoena.
The tournament was an ideal place for scouts to come and take a look at the young talent on the day. With such talent, one could say South Africa’s future is bright in soccer.
By Takalani Sioga
17-06-2011
From position 98th in the world, Bafana Bafana is now ranked 38th- a giant leap of 60 position and they are at an incredible fourth spot in Africa. This is their best position ever since 1996, when they topped Africa charts by winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Bafana coach, Pitso “Jingles” Mosimane expressed his delight feelings at the progress made by the country since last year when he took over from Brazilian, Carlos Alberto Parreira. He believes he’s achieved 80 percent of his vision 2014. Part of his short-term goal was to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon from 21 January to 12 February.
Mosimane needs two points to qualify, but he set himself a target of four points to book a flight to the AFCON. Bafana, currently top of Group G with eight points, are due to play Niger away on 3 September before completing their qualifiers against Sierra Leone at home on the 8th October.
The new South African
Cricket coach- Gary
Kirsten.
 Thabiso Sihlali
11-06-2011
Former Protea’ss player Gary Kirsten, was unveiled as the new head coach after a successive stint with India guiding them to the World Cup glory in their own backyard in March this year.
This new appointment was announced by Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola earlier in the week in Johannesburg as Kirsten said this was a “major honor” to be in charge of the senior side.
Kirsten played 101 and 185 in Tests and One Day International (ODI) games respectively for South Africa between 1993- 2004. His expected to bring silverware to a very dusty Protea’s cabinet before the next Cricket World Cup in which his urging fans to be patient in showing that they are ready to be named champions in any cricketing format. He will be assisted by Warriors’ Russell Domingo as assistant coach and former Protea’s pace bowler Allan Donald.
His expected to take up his coaching role on August the 1st as he will be assembling his team in their upcoming home series against former world champions Australia in September
Swallows three amigos
win
By Mohau Ramashidja
30-05-2011
Relegation threat is at its highest toll in the PSL this time of the season. While the scramble for the number one spot continues between the top four of the PSL log. Teams at the bottom half, like cats and water, they don’t want to find themselves in the stream of PSL relegation.
Thus it was Moroka Swallows up against Free State Stars at Globe Park stadium. Playing an away match, Moroka Swallows made their intensions clear that this was not a casual visit. And it was on the 11th minute that Nomvethe did the Honors of sending the keeper the wrong way to secure a lead.
Being aware of the threat, Stars wanted to keep ground and not get beaten on home turf. And it was Stars captain goalkeeper Moweeni who took the responsibility on his shoulders to score a reciprocal penalty in the 34th minute.
Now the score line being even, the home side was determined to keep things even. Moweeni made a courageous from a free kick taken by the opposition. Approaching the dying ends of the first half, Motha in pursuit to increase the lead for his side missed the far post by inches.
6 minutes in to the second half Free State Stars where dangerous in their attack but lacked the finishing touch. Swallows coach being aware of his struggling Birds made three substitutions in a period 12 minutes.
With changes in the striking force of Swallows, the Stars were now on a ball hunt and every muscle was stretched to keep the ball away from the dangerous zone.
It was on the 73rd minute that Hendricks a spectacular goal for Moroka Swallaws placing the leading position. Wasting no time was Swallows super-sub Ritson who scored the 3rd goal in the 76th minute, making the making the score line to be 3-1 in favor of the Birds.
It was after securing a solid lead that the Birds put on their defensive display on show for the remaining 14 minutes. “We forced into errors and we capitalized from capitalized from that,” said the satisfied Swallows coach.
 Mohau Ramashidja
25-05-2011
After suffering a heart-ache defeat from Vodacom’s Baroka boys in the Nedbank semi-final. Kaizer Chiefs, the renowned glamour boys went to Pretoria to face Mamelodi Sundowns in a contest for a number one spot in the PSL log.
As the match progressed, Chiefs missed plenty of opportunities in the first half to punish the Brazilians, with Dladla failing to get the ball through Sundowns’ keeper and Masango missing the goal post by inches; Chiefs fans had a lot to cry about.
In the 33rd minute Sundowns’ striker Mushekwi struck the ball into the back of the net after two shooting attempts were taken by Teko Modise which left Chiefs’ defense with their hands on their heads.
From Sundowns’ side, it was a display of mind games and trickery as the highly anticipated Mphela to kill. He was expected to take shots at goal; he only went for two crucial passes that both resulted goal
Attacking the second time around, it was Sundowns’ mid-fielder, Pelembe who had no problem in controlling the ball with his chest to shoot a mindboggling goal, giving the fans something to shout about.
The ball game started to change for Chiefs after Musona, Tshabalala and Nale entered the field from the banch. Though the glamour boys were in search to change things around by their cunning attacks, Sundowns’ defense continued to dominate every attacking attempt made.
Like in every important match to a losing team, emotions started to show on the Chiefs’ side. Musona considered a yellow card and both Nengomashe and Sweswe hit the ball over the cross bar inside the 16 zone.
In pursuit to work a little magic, Man of the match, Sundowns keeper Sandilands had no problem to keep out every Chiefs’ shoot at goal.
Failure to capitalise on chances, an away lose was their end result. With three matches to be played by Sundowns in six days, two of them being away, the Mamelodi boys have a lot of work to do. 
Cosmos back into the top
Flight
Tshepo Ntsoelengoe
30-05-2011
Jomo Cosmos needed penalties to get back to the Premier Soccer League after 180 minutes of play in the National First Division Play-offs against Bay United at the Makhulong stadium in Tembisa on Sunday afternoon.
As usual, the home team started pressurizing the visitors from the first blow of the whistle with the support from Tembisa people keeping their momentum on top. Ezenkosi were looking for nothing but a killer goal, but with no luck, they couldn’t slaughter their chances home.
It was in the 27th minute when Bongane Theletsane struck a volley to United’s goal finding goalkeeper Modiri Marumo unstable as he failed to handle the ball, but luckily, he was saved by teammate Michael Molaudzi who was on guard as he cleared the ball at the goal line.
Bay was way off the game as they struggled to make chances in the first half. The only threatening chance they got came in the 30th minute when Walter Ramulondi whipped in a cross but was dealt with ease by Cosmos Skipper Avril Phadi at the goals.
Ezenkosi could have gone in front in the 35th minute when Lehlohonolo Nonyane delivered a well travelled cross from the left wing to meet up with the ageing striker Alton Meiring only to head the ball straight at the goalkeeper.
Cosmos started the second half from where they left off with Theletsane forcing Marumo to make a spectacular save when he hit a long range effort that was well on target.
The game turned out to be a war between these two teams as studs were flying high in the sky as the game was about to go to the penalties.
Umlilo could have stolen it as they got clear chances closer to the ending of the game. Ivorian forward Brice Aka could not get a half-volley or a header on target in the dying minutes and substitute Siyabonga Nontshinga's superb header found Marumo well positioned.
After 180 minutes without a goal, the Play-offs always seemed destined to end in penalties. Both teams held their nerve with clinical spot-kicks but Bay United were the first to wilt under the pressure. Siphiwe Sithole smashed his penalty into the stands and Senegalese hardman Elhadj Samb coolly slotted to send the Tembisa crowd into raptures and send Cosmos back into the top flight as they beat united 5-4 on penalties. |
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The miraculous escape
Rendani Ratshilima
21-06-2011
South African U23 squad crushed Benin with a dashing five goals to one. The team's win saw Amajita nearing to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games that will be held in London.
The boys proved that they are superior in their home ground after losing 3-1 on their away game in the first leg at Benin. South Africa went against the odds and regained momentum after scoring four goals in the first half.
They only needed to score two goals without conceding, yet they flattened Benin and showed their determination of being the Olympic champions in London. The match was played in Rand stadium, Johannesburg and South Africa won 6-4 on aggregate.
South Africa gained advantage from an early goal which was scored on the 16th minute by Siphumelele Bhengu who is also known as Ace. The boys played exceptional football, by showing an excellent short passing and moving game which made them to run the show. The defense was a hard hitting rock as Benin struggled to pull through. Thami Sangweni and Mandla Masango increased the lead in the first half by scoring three more goals in the first half.
The boys did not rest in the second half, they showed spectacular attacking football. They did not take any prisoners and held on to their lead by increasing their lead. The visitors tried to come back in the 80th minute, but they still had a huge mountain to climb. South Africa went against the odds and stole the victory which made them to be just one round away from the Olympic qualification.
Team worked paid-off and indeed a winning game is an effort as South African soccer legend Dumisani Ngobe would say. London waits as the boys hope to eliminate any obstacles in their way. The team hopes to go to the Olympics in a winning streak.
Skosana Cyril
13-06-2011
A Carling Cup has been introduced after the termination of the Telkom Charity Cup. This is due to a belief that it is “time consuming” and it delays the kick-start of the Premier Soccer League.
The two Soweto giants will meet on Carling Cup tournament. The difference from the Telkom Charity Cup is that the players are chosen by the team fans, rather than fans choosing the teams that should complete. There is a Vodacom Challenge that consists of the two Soweto giants and international teams that varies annually.
Vodacom Challenge is the tournament that brings these teams together, besides the PSL matches. But then this time around, the newly introduced tournament will focus on the two Soweto arch-rivals. However, fans this time around are not left out. They will have a chance to elect their first 11 in both teams, and at least a privilege to make one substitute in both teams.
This will all happen through mobile phones, and the are prices to be won. They will vote by inserting a special-pin-code just like when recharging. The code lies under the cap of a beer bottle; this means beer-lovers are the one who will be participating than those who do not drink at all.
The tournament is expected to be the new and vibrant one that will bring the soccer fans together as one. The game will play at the FNB stadium on the 30th of July. 
Rosina Sedibeng wins Tournament
By Tshepo Ntsoelengoe
Padisago Primary School in Block GG Soshanguve hosted the first Old Mutual Cup Tournament which was sponsored by Mabopane Old Mutual branch for Primary Schools around the area. It was a great day with four schools, which participated in the tournament.
The participants were Padisago, Vukani, Baxoxele and Rivhoningo Primary Schools they competed in Netball and Soccer. The learners took some time off from their books to engage in sports on the day, while their peers were cheering them on.
Padisago managed to win the semi-finals in both codes as the girls defeated Vukani 9-3 in netball. Boys team beating Baxoxele 3-1 in soccer reaching the finals. While on the other side, Rivhoningo was doing very well too, they managed to advance to the finals by beating Baxoxele 5-4 in netball, and the boys beating Vukani 3-1. It was Vukani vs. Padisago’s day as both schools managed to reach the finals in both codes. The hosts looked intimidating with their fans cheering them on to win the finals in both sides.
The finals started with Padisago’s boys putting pressure on Rivhoningo, giving them no chance to play in the midfield. The hosts won the game by 5-2, things were not getting any better for Rivhoningo on the netball side either, getting thrashed 8-4. It was Padisago’s day, as they made sure that the trophies remain in their school. The sponsors were glad with the turn-out.
“The tournament was a great success and we’re looking at expanding it next year by including more sports codes.” said Chris Letsoko of Old mutual.
The aim of the tournament was more than to just have fun.
“The aim of the tournament was to create awareness and revitalize sports in schools as a mandate given by the minister of sports, for school leagues to be revitalized within schools and placed for kids to benefit and play.”, said Romeo Letsoko, tournament organizer.
The winners received their trophies and the celebrations started inside the school. The organizers were pleased with the way things were handled and the schools efforts of taking the day off to engage in sports.
When others are hiking up, others are taking a sink. 
By Cyril Skosana
The Premier Soccer League is close to repeating what happened during the season of 2004/2005.
The final games determined who is winning the league title. This was all due to that the top teams were separated by goal difference. This seems to be likely to be repeating this season; all the teams are left with 3 games on their hands.
Fans are kept in suspense by their teams about who is winning the league and who is going to the National First Division. However, on the bottom half it is starting to be clear about who is going down, Mpumalanga Black Aces is the team that seems to be taking a fall. This is all after the team came back from the play-off in 2009/2010 season beating Black Leopards that is taking a step back in the PSL.
The Mpumalanga side is sitting on the bottom seat with 15 points having only won 4 games, on top of them who might be also facing the play-offs; it is Moroka Swallows who only took three points in 6 games. But then mathematically, from position 13, which is Vasco Da Gama down to position 15(Moroka Swallows) have chances of either playing play-offs or surviving the axe.
What is more ironical and interesting simultaneously is that the defending three times champions of the PSL, Supersport United are sitting on position 9 after only winning 8 games. Soccer fans were expecting another victory from Amatsatsantsa who (amatsatsantsa’s fans) brought up the new name for the Premier Soccer League to Pretoria Soccer League after winning the title three times consecutively.
Eyes are laid on the top spot of the log. Everyone is curious about who is taking the cup home; each and every fan believes that his/her team is scooping the trophy. However, it is only four teams that are contending for the title that is Orlando Pirates which is at the top, followed by Ajax Cape Town only separated by a goal difference with the Buccaneers.
The third place is taken by Kaizer Chiefs who are on 53 points, followed by Mamelodi Sundowns with 51 points who have one game on their hands. Numerically, all the four teams stand a chance of winning the title. Three teams have the upper hand of taking this title, while only Orlando Pirates can take a Gautrain to fetch the Premier Soccer League title that can be done only if they win all three games, in those games Santos is one of the team. |
