A coach who can't shut his trap....

His name is Henri Michel, a Frenchman who previously coached his native country, Morocco and Cameroon - now with South African "giants" Mamelodi Sundowns.

Michel joined Sundowns in November last year after a string of poor results while Trott Moloto was in charge. Club boss Patrice Motsepe waisted no time in making sure he acquires "one of the best coaches" around to lead his investment back into winning ways. So far, not so good. He has been in charge of seven games and has amassed only two wins, one draw four defeats. During that time he has managed to so brilliatly insult his players - calling them all sorts of names.

First he said they did not know the basics of football then not once but twice he said.....wait for it.....with his French accent, how do you say: THE PLAYERS ARE AVERAGE...Sundowns is the most expensively assembled squad in the country and its players are by no means average. Congratulations Mr. Michel - you just got yourself FIRED....!!!

Farewell to Parker

Probably one of the best young talents in our country as far as strikers are concerned. Bernard Parker is indeed a goal ace. And he has proved this by bagging 10 goals in 15 games early on in the season.

He futher complimented his club performance by delivering the goods for the national team as well. For some odd weird reason - coach Joel Santana still put him on the bench and used him as a "super-sub"....something that still bogles my mind. Now the 23 year-old striker has signed a deal with Serbian club Red Star Belgrade and leaves our shores sometime this week...Is it the right move?Will he still be a formidable force in the Bafana line up?Will he not just pay homage to the thorny issue that SA players fade out once they move to Europe?

I have complete faith and trust in Parker's ability and think despite leaving the Absa Premiership too early - he will still be one hell of a player..!! SO, there you have it....GOOD LUCK Mr. "Goals"....on your new adventure in Serbia.....hope to see you at the Confederations Cup..!!

His agents have defended the move saying: "Just because people (South Africans) are not exposed to leagues from Serbia and other countries besides the English Premiership and Spanish La Liga, does not mean those leagues are not good"....Mike Makaab also said Parker "will be a better player."

What do you think?

I'm officially a fan..!

I can now say I'm officially a fan...For the first time in my entire life I went to the Amakhosi Village (Naturena). I saw the boys hard at work today (Thursday) ahead of their Vodacom Challenge game against Man United.."they are going to trash those English boys"...!!

I grew supporting the mighty Amakhosi but had only seen most of them on TV and at some games I had gone to...but this...is totally awesome for me as I got to rub shoulders with "guys that frustrate me when they loose"....!! WOW..the joy's of being a sports journalist...

Where will he end up?

It is one of the biggest talking points in the soccer fraternity at the monment...Where is the 28year-old Brazilian star going to play next season? Ronaldhino fell out of favour with Mr. Raijkaard last season at Barcelona and is set to be showing his skills elsewhere this coming season.

But what is more confusing is that, the new coach has declared that the star midfilder is not in his plans but the club is still reluctant to sell him to bidding teams like Manchester City and AC Milan. Futher more, he has been selected in the Brazilian squad to play in Beijing 2008 as one of the older players but the club still refuses to let him go there...!! Is there sometype of conspiracy against the star?

Benzema: I Could Stay For Life

Lyon striker Karim Benzema has suggested that he would be willing to remain at the Stade.

The 20-year old rose to continental prominence during the 2007/08 season with a string of eye-catching performances, both domestically and in the Champions League.
He recently captured the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award after contributing to a historic first League/Cup double for the club, and is tipped to make an impression at this summer’s European Championship.
The French international has been linked with a move away from the Stade Gerland since forcing his way into the first team during the 2006/07 season, and insists that he still has improvements to make. The ideal place to develop his game, he suggested, was at Lyon.
He said: “I achieved a lot, and had a very good season. I have prepared myself well to reach the European level. Now I am targeting the world level.
“I could have left this season, but I would not do it because I just played one entire season as a starter. The next season will help me reach the very top level.
Benzema is keen to stress that he is not planning on moving on just yet, and went as far to say that if Lyon could compete for regular European honours, he may be willing to remain at the club for life.
He continued: “The day I will leave Lyon, it will be to go to a club that will be at the top at that moment and that will give me the chance to win lots of titles. Why not play my entire career at OL? If they become the same as Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid or a big team like those.
The key for Lyon’s future, the 9-time international suggested, lies in player recruitment. In order to make the transition to being a great team, Benzema knows that Lyon must compete with Europe’s elite in the transfer market.
He said: “For the moment Lyon are not a big European team, even if they are part of the good teams. If they want to reach a new stage, they will have to recruit. We have to try and make the biggest ones at OL. We already have one with Ederson. I hope there will be other ones.

SA lost a good striker..

I recently did a story on Abram Raselemane, former Bafana Bafana and Wits University star who committed suicide..So check it out..South Africa is truly reeling. Althouhg he had a rough season, "Fire" was one of the best strikers in South Africa. http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=774952

The axing of coach upsetting..

The sacking of former Chelsea coach, Avram Grant, leaves me a bit upset. Here is why: 1. He was roped in when Mourhino was fired, 2. He took the team to two finals despite critism and being doubted (me included) and 3. Chelsea came out of no-where during the season to be in the running of the Premierleague..! Now you probably thinking that's impressive..!! But wait..

As much as I'm upset by his axing..I think he kinda had to go..So i'm torn in two..here is why:

1. He lost in both cup finals this season- despite the depth in the Chelsea squad 2. He had been there during Mourhino's time so he could have made Chelsea an even better team 3. Chelsea did not win the Premierleague amidst the fact that they could have capitalized on Man U's mistakes alot of the times..So what do you think..Did he deserve to be fired?? And who would come in as the new coach..Should Drogba leave Chealsea (i personally think he should)..what about the former AC Milan ace striker..? I think Chelsea should buy Benzima from Lyonn in France..world class striker in my opinion...!

Bittersweet...as Man U clinch double!

Man U fans across the globe have every right to celebrate the victory of their team against Chelsea in the Champions league clash last night. However, It will go down as a bittersweet moment for the Man U fans as they ran to celebrate when Van der Sar (goalkeeper) made a save to deny Chelsea a small chance in the penalties.

I still respect John Terry and understand how he must be filling now...I mean the guy slipped - he did not "miss" the penalty because it was going in guranteed had he not slipped. Can you imagine the pain in his heart...He would have been the first Chelsea captain to lift the trophy (Champions League) but I guess the nerves got to him. Cezch (chelsea goalkeeper) had already played his part by saving Ronaldo's spot kick..and it was all up to our leader and he "Failed" us..

I'm not angry at all but rather upset that Man U can still pop the champagne after winning like that.

Many should agree with me when I say it was a game of two halfs. Man U totally dominated the first and Chelsea the second - but the 2nd half is always what matters the most. Chelsea hit the post twice in that game..!! I still say OH HAIL THE BLUES..last night's game makes me want to go out and actually buy a Chelsea shirt...!! Congratulations Manchester City...oops sorry i ment Manchester United...!

PS: Ronaldo is still the best player in the world..!!

The Times has compiled a caption of last night's action

"True Captain"..

The Soweto Derby did not fail to live up to its hype this time around. The Mighty Amakhosi continued thier winning ways when they beat Pirates 1-0 in Mafikeng (Royal Bafokeng Stadium). The loss that Pirates suffered puts them on 11th place on the log while Kaizer Chiefs have soared up to 6th place..! It really does not look good for Owen Da Gama (pirates coach).
What suprised me during the game was Shaun Bartlet's form on the day..he really played like a true captain of the team. Even though he did not score, he paved the way for Mathebula with a low cross for him to just tap in. Shaun showed strenght and a burst of pace down the wing before he hit a hard low cross for Mathebula to finish..! OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN..I'm one of Shaun's biggest critics but on the day he played well and held it off until he was substituted later in the game..! I however still think he should leave at the end of the season to make way for Torrealba and some new chickens with form..!

Farewell Mr. Parreira..!

I'm sure alot of us have been asking ourselves "Where is our soccer headed"?This, after our national coach Mr. Parreira left us to go home as his wife Leila is sick and he needs to be with her.

Trust me I'm a sensitive guy who understands family and heart issues..but im just wondering, If The Coach earned 1.8m a month..why couldn't he bring his whole family here and live comfortably while still implementing his plans for 2010?

He has had a heart to heart interview with the Sunday Times telling them why he is leaving SA for Brazil and how he might come back to be the Technical adviser of Bafana Bafana..He has also left us in the "capable" hands of Joel Santan..Joel who?Yeah..i know..!!I personally think, Jomo Sono would have been our best bet because he know the culture and the players have respect for him..then again what do i know..Im a Journalist not a soccer coach..!

A walk about..

If I am being a typical journalist, I would ask myself a number of questions with regards to what i saw this afternoon at Nino's. I spotted Kaizer Chiefs coach, Mushin Etrugal having lunch with Supersport United coach...Gaving Hunt. Could they be plotting something or are they just having a social chat and bouncing off ideas off each other?

And then on my way up the stairs at the same mall. I spotted Wits University coach, Roger de Sa. I thought to myself aren't they supposed to be busy preparing for the upcoming weekend games??

Maybe Gavin feels confident enough that he will get the ABSA premiership!!Then again..im not the typical journalist so I think it was just a social call..!

Sisters are doing it for themselves...again!

A few months ago i wrote about Kaizer Chiefs assembling a group of celebrity ladies for a soccer team. They have been hard at practice but needles to say IT WILL TAKE A WHILE BEFORE THEY ARE TO REPLACE THE FIRST TEAM..!!The team boasts celebs such as Kelly Khumalo, Generation's Winnie Modise, Hlubi Mboya and more.
They took on the Sundowns Celebrity team and lost 2-1 but had loads of fun..For the full story check out www.kaizerchiefs.com
Keep on keeping on ladies..!!Who knows you might get drafted into Banyana Banyana..!

Amakhosi for Life..

Yesterday, Kaizer Chiefs (amakhosi amahle)...displayed some beautiful skill when they beat Free State Stars by 4goals to 1! I must say that the game started of on a low, and i almost just decided not to watch it (i actually switched the TV off)..Free State stars scored first and i thouhgt to myself "NO WAYS NOT AGAIN"..but the great Amakhosi reedeemed themselves..Sibeko scored a beauty, Mathebula displayed some awesome skill when he scored his goal and Mabhuti Khanyeza..OH..im lost for words on this one..

I was watching that part of the game with Freckles and we both went OOOOOOH...when Khanyeza scored with his backheel..when was the last time you saw someone score with their backheel?The goalkeeper and the defenders were left wanting because they just heard the crowd screaming and they knew what had taken place..Sibeko was back on the score sheet with a brilliant freekick and that sealed it for the mighty amakhosi..Stars scored via a penalty which was very questionable as i believe Mokete Tsotesi had just shoulder charged the Stars player..but it does not matter now..because I am once again pledging alligence to the Mighty Amakhosi..!

PS: Im excited for the coach though..in the first half he really looked like he was ageing but came alive when his boys did him proud..!As always Shaun Bartlett did not do anything spectecular..!And I am again calling for his retirement..!

Apology accepted!!

Orlando Pirates chairman, Irvin Khoza, has apologized for his use of the "K" word at a press conference 2weeks ago. His words: "Stop thinking like a kaffir because you are contriving and misleading about something that is not there" were directed at a black journalist. He was given a week to apologize by the HRC (Human Rights Commission). Khoza has done exactly that by saying that the recent racist video in the UFS has promted him to apologize. He said:"I humbly submit to all South Africans that at no stage did I intend to open the wounds and hurt our people who suffered from racism"...Well, Mr. Khoza, you made the right choice by apologizing in good time and by being the bigger person on this one. South Africans hope that it does not happen again because a man in of your statue can not be saying such demeaning things..TO A JOURNALIST NOGAL?

Reports say that this was Khoza's second apology for his use of the word and he humbled himself to repeat the apology..OK Mr. Khoza, you almost scored an own goal on this one but you redeemed yourself well..!

The balance in Mzantsi

Our soccer needs to find Balance..It is not good for our soccer to hire and fire coaches left right and centre! Ok, maybe Gordon Igesund had to go because there was no consistency in his perfomance as a coach and Mamelodi Sundows are now lying on the 13th spot in the league. This is even though they are considered to be a TOP TEAM..Kaizer Chiefs is down there with them (11th spot), and this can not be good for our soccer especially since the world cup is coming here in 2010..

All I am saying is that we need to find a balance somehow. Asern Wenger and Sir Alex Furgeson have been at Man U and Arsenal respectively for a long time. They did not always win (both of them went for about 4years without wining anything ) but stayed on in their teams..A call for Mzantsi to find a balance and sustain it..!

The New Kaizer Chiefs Team

Kaizer Chiefs current form is really nothing to write home about..So Kaizer Motaung should consider making some serious changes. Either fire the coach or the players or fire both parties that are guilty for breaking the hearts of the die hard Kaizer Chiefs Fans!! As you can see with the uploaded pictures, the Ladies have been hard at work because the realisze that something has to be done!!

The ladies are doing it for themselves..well, they could well be doing it for everyone due to the lack of perfomance by the Kaizer Chiefs first team...A CALL FOR MUSHIN TO RING IN THE CHANGES!!!

These are ladies are who are part of the formidable squad of celebrities making an impact at Naturena..!I call it WOMEN ON THE MOVE...this should go out to the ladies who read my blog and are not interest in reading about Politics ans sports..my question is, "if these ladies are doing it, why cant you?Have a look at Kelly Khumalo and Sonia showing their skill:

Black Weekend for Giants indeed!!

Today's newspaper headlines (Sowetan) read "Black Weekend for Giants"...this is after Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundows and Orlando Pirates lost this weekend. Gone are the days when these soccer giants used to dominate the SA soccer fraternity. Kaizer Chiefs was not totally outplayed though, missed chances is what cost them the game against Supersport United. Once again I am calling for the retirement of Shaun Bartlett..

I was happy to see Jonathan Quartey back in the line and for the first time in a long while the Kaizer Chiefs defence had some form of shape!!Etrugal's job is now on the line after this weekend's defeat and the same goes for Gordon Igesund (actually he has been fired, see picture above). Owen da Gama on the other hand is safe because Pirates has been doing well with Mushangazike banging in those goals..to my surprise he has been appointed Captain of the team (or maybe that is just to boost his confidence)..then again da Gama had nothing to do with him being bought..So the question is "Did Irvin Khoza promise Mushangazike that he would be Captain if he signed?"...Anyway soccer was the Hero this weekend..Chelsea also tasted defeat against Tottenham in the Carling Cup final yesterday...Man U fans must be estatic after they also thrashed New Castle 5-1..Wow our soccer is really improving (in the world that is, not Mzantsi..)

Kaizer Chiefs: What's Next?

I am so disappointed with Kaizer Chiefs' latest performance in the PSL..i can not believe the number of missed opportunities by the likes of Kaizer Jr., Thuso Phala, Mabhuti Khenyeza. Forget Shaun Bartlett, i mean the guy is so experienced but there is no hope for him in that Chiefs starting line-up..so the question is..Should Chiefs fire the coach or just go throuhg restructuring by selling players such as Cyril Nzama and Bartlett? I honestly do not think it is the coach's fault that the team is playing so badly..i was screaming and shouting because of frustration when Cosmos was completely dominating the game yesterday and when we had the ball but did not punish the opposition!For the first time i can say i felt the same way as Mushin Etrugal (with him always kicking and screaming on the sidelines)...I personally think the coach should not be fired but i fear that he will be!!

Kaizer Chiefs need to send out an SOS..we need a quality striker because we already have good midfielders and lets all admit that Jonathan Quartey (the 22year old defender from Ghana) needs to be back in the starting line-up..Spencer should play right back and Jimmy Tau should sit on the bench for a while!!Nzama should be sold..!Bartlett should be sold..!Simphiwe Tshabalala should go back to the Free State (no offence home boy)..! Somebody needs to do something before we get relegated!!!PLEASE!!!!!

The Flag: A disgrace to our TRANSFORMATION..!

The Sowetan (11th Feb 2008) showed a picture of the old S.A flag that was paraded in Ghana during the Africa Cup of nations with a Benni McCarthy (who was not even in the squad) poster. How can this be?Haven't we been over this before, I thought S.A was transformed?First Polokwane, then Eskom and load-shedding- now its the S.A flag!Was it done on purpose or was it a pure mistake by the Ghana and S.A officicials alike? BBK (top soccer journalist in SA) said that the country's old flag "Leaves me cold"...It leaves me cold too, not because i hate it but because we are a transformed/transforming nation that deserves to live with the changes we have made to make our country a better place, not the kind of dictatorship apartheid embodied!To me it says that the SAFA big shots were satisfied with the old flag hanging up there for three weeks as our representation for being in Ghana..What did we go to Ghana for?

As if the first round exit in the Nations Cup was not enough...SAFA members have chosen to keep quite about the flag we waved about in Ghana. The boys did OK compared to when they left the tournament without scoring a goal! I think though, that this time around, S.A scored an own goal with the whole old flag thing..! I have to agree with BBK :"The only plausible explanation the duo (Raymond Hack and Molefi Oliphant) could give the nation is that they were walking around Ghana with thier eyes closed while enjoying whatever they went to Ghana for"...this whole situation leaves me feeling like i do not have any clothes on..Almost like my own country has stripped me naked!