Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ghosts, Don't Follow Me, Follow The Birds.

After outclassing Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN-8 semi-final, Orlando Pirates will host Moroka Swallows away from home, the Dube Birds of Soweto, in yet another Soweto derby to be played far away from Soweto, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, on Saturday, 20:15 hours, for a winners' cheque of R8 million. Swallows players will pocket half the amount to split amongst themselves if they win. If you like cash, go join Moroka Swallows before Saturday.

Ajax Cape Town coach once claimed Ruud Krol is a layman not known in Holland, and that he was surprised he is considered a coach in South Africa. For that reason, he claimed Ajax were going to beat Orlando Pirates. He lost nicely. Rainer Zobel of Moroka Swallows wants to interest me even more. He declared he had spotted gaps in Sea Robbers' defence and other departments. Why can't he just Follow the Birds and not the Ghosts?

Krol remained calculative without committing much despite his hidden excitement of reaching the finals. He was more than modest and went on to stroke Swallows' ego by praising their teamwork and fighting spirit. He surprised me by leaving out Teko Modise from the team that beat Chiefs. It may however be his best bet against the Birds. Teko has been way below his standards for over 2 years now. Modise was Africa's hottest property before the 2009 Confed Cup, but fared badly then and his form spiralled down since, until it hit the floor on Sunday.

The encounter will be a free-flowing affair, as Pirates will feel the favourites while Swallows will surely be underdogs. A Chiefs-Pirates final is usually too boring as both teams size each other for ever. Zobel surely knows something about football that I do not. He was not at liberty to say what weaknesses he saw because he may alert Krol. Personally, I have never seen or heard of a football secret that lasts forever. I am a non-believer of its existence. When the time comes, we all watch the same match and make the tactical changes as per our preparations and developments of the match.

The Birds will call upon the services of Siyabonga Bhele Nomvethe who found his scoring touch against Ajax in the other semi-final.  The Buccaneers who are driven by biggest football cash  prize in Africa will pin their hopes on Katlego Mashego who came in from injury with the goal Amakhosi love to hate and Tlou Segolela, whose pace reminds one of Theo Walcott. My genuine feeling is how hard Pirates will rock the boat, the team from Dube will try to fly away with the money. They will be driven by the underdog tag, which relieves them of all pressure. 

Diane Klate, Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Dikgang Mabalane will complement the midfield efforts of Isaac Chansa. The Ghosts will do well to follow the progress of the Birds closely as Swallows know Cup final glory, after they won the Nedbank Cup in 2009. They may have to console themselves with a losers' cheque and a mere R800 000 appearance fee together with  the other six teams in the top eight competition. Tickets are at all Computicket/Shoprite outlets at a cost of R60, R40 and R10 for juveniles.

The Ghosts or the Birds?

Ghosts, Don't Follow Me, Follow The Birds.

After outclassing Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN-8 semi-final, Orlando Pirates will host Moroka Swallows away from home, the Dube Birds of Soweto, in yet another Soweto derby to be played far away from Soweto, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, on Saturday, 20:15 hours, for a winners' cheque of R8 million. Swallows players will pocket half the amount to split amongst themselves if they win. If you like cash, go join Moroka Swallows before Saturday.

Ajax Cape Town coach once claimed Ruud Krol is a layman not known in Holland, and that he was surprised he is considered a coach in South Africa. For that reason, he claimed Ajax were going to beat Orlando Pirates. He lost nicely. Rainer Zobel of Moroka Swallows wants to interest me even more. He declared he had spotted gaps in Sea Robbers' defence and other departments. Why can't he just Follow the Birds and not the Ghosts?

Krol remained calculative without committing much despite his hidden excitement of reaching the finals. He was more than modest and went on to stroke Swallows' ego by praising their teamwork and fighting spirit. He surprised me by leaving out Teko Modise from the team that beat Chiefs. It may however be his best bet against the Birds. Teko has been way below his standards for over 2 years now. Modise was Africa's hottest property before the 2009 Confed Cup, but fared badly then and his form spiralled down since, until it hit the floor on Sunday.

The encounter will be a free-flowing affair, as Pirates will feel the favourites while Swallows will surely be underdogs. A Chiefs-Pirates final is usually too boring as both teams size each other for ever. Zobel surely knows something about football that I do not. He was not at liberty to say what weaknesses he saw because he may alert Krol. Personally, I have never seen or heard of a football secret that lasts forever. I am a non-believer of its existence. When the time comes, we all watch the same match and make the tactical changes as per our preparations and developments of the match.

The Birds will call upon the services of Siyabonga Bhele Nomvethe who found his scoring touch against Ajax in the other semi-final.  The Buccaneers who are driven by biggest football cash  prize in Africa will pin their hopes on Katlego Mashego who came in from injury with the goal Amakhosi love to hate and Tlou Segolela, whose pace reminds one of Theo Walcott. My genuine feeling is how hard Pirates will rock the boat, the team from Dube will try to fly away with the money. They will be driven by the underdog tag, which relieves them of all pressure. 

Diane Klate, Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Dikgang Mabalane will complement the midfield efforts of Isaac Chansa. The Ghosts will do well to follow the progress of the Birds closely as Swallows know Cup final glory, after they won the Nedbank Cup in 2009. They may have to console themselves with a losers' cheque and a mere R800 000 appearance fee together with  the other six teams in the top eight competition. Tickets are at all Computicket/Shoprite outlets at a cost of R60, R40 and R10 for juveniles.

The Ghosts or the Birds?

Ghosts, Don't Follow Me, Follow The Birds.

After outclassing Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN-8 semi-final, Orlando Pirates will host Moroka Swallows away from home, the Dube Birds of Soweto, in yet another Soweto derby to be played far away from Soweto, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, on Saturday, 20:15 hours, for a winners' cheque of R8 million. Swallows players will pocket half the amount to split amongst themselves if they win. If you like cash, go join Moroka Swallows before Saturday.

Ajax Cape Town coach once claimed Ruud Krol is a layman not known in Holland, and that he was surprised he is considered a coach in South Africa. For that reason, he claimed Ajax were going to beat Orlando Pirates. He lost nicely. Rainer Zobel of Moroka Swallows wants to interest me even more. He declared he had spotted gaps in Sea Robbers' defence and other departments. Why can't he just Follow the Birds and not the Ghosts?

Krol remained calculative without committing much despite his hidden excitement of reaching the finals. He was more than modest and went on to stroke Swallows' ego by praising their teamwork and fighting spirit. He surprised me by leaving out Teko Modise from the team that beat Chiefs. It may however be his best bet against the Birds. Teko has been way below his standards for over 2 years now. Modise was Africa's hottest property before the 2009 Confed Cup, but fared badly then and his form spiralled down since, until it hit the floor on Sunday.

The encounter will be a free-flowing affair, as Pirates will feel the favourites while Swallows will surely be underdogs. A Chiefs-Pirates final is usually too boring as both teams size each other for ever. Zobel surely knows something about football that I do not. He was not at liberty to say what weaknesses he saw because he may alert Krol. Personally, I have never seen or heard of a football secret that lasts forever. I am a non-believer of its existence. When the time comes, we all watch the same match and make the tactical changes as per our preparations and developments of the match.

The Birds will call upon the services of Siyabonga Bhele Nomvethe who found his scoring touch against Ajax in the other semi-final.  The Buccaneers who are driven by biggest football cash  prize in Africa will pin their hopes on Katlego Mashego who came in from injury with the goal Amakhosi love to hate and Tlou Segolela, whose pace reminds one of Theo Walcott. My genuine feeling is how hard Pirates will rock the boat, the team from Dube will try to fly away with the money. They will be driven by the underdog tag, which relieves them of all pressure. 

Diane Klate, Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Dikgang Mabalane will complement the midfield efforts of Isaac Chansa. The Ghosts will do well to follow the progress of the Birds closely as Swallows know Cup final glory, after they won the Nedbank Cup in 2009. They may have to console themselves with a losers' cheque and a mere R800 000 appearance fee together with  the other six teams in the top eight competition. Tickets are at all Computicket/Shoprite outlets at a cost of R60, R40 and R10 for juveniles.

The Ghosts or the Birds?

Ghosts, Don't Follow Me, Follow The Birds.

After outclassing Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN-8 semi-final, Orlando Pirates will host Moroka Swallows away from home, the Dube Birds of Soweto, in yet another Soweto derby to be played far away from Soweto, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, on Saturday, 20:15 hours, for a winners' cheque of R8 million. Swallows players will pocket half the amount to split amongst themselves if they win. If you like cash, go join Moroka Swallows before Saturday.

Ajax Cape Town coach once claimed Ruud Krol is a layman not known in Holland, and that he was surprised he is considered a coach in South Africa. For that reason, he claimed Ajax were going to beat Orlando Pirates. He lost nicely. Rainer Zobel of Moroka Swallows wants to interest me even more. He declared he had spotted gaps in Sea Robbers' defence and other departments. Why can't he just Follow the Birds and not the Ghosts?

Krol remained calculative without committing much despite his hidden excitement of reaching the finals. He was more than modest and went on to stroke Swallows' ego by praising their teamwork and fighting spirit. He surprised me by leaving out Teko Modise from the team that beat Chiefs. It may however be his best bet against the Birds. Teko has been way below his standards for over 2 years now. Modise was Africa's hottest property before the 2009 Confed Cup, but fared badly then and his form spiralled down since, until it hit the floor on Sunday.

The encounter will be a free-flowing affair, as Pirates will feel the favourites while Swallows will surely be underdogs. A Chiefs-Pirates final is usually too boring as both teams size each other for ever. Zobel surely knows something about football that I do not. He was not at liberty to say what weaknesses he saw because he may alert Krol. Personally, I have never seen or heard of a football secret that lasts forever. I am a non-believer of its existence. When the time comes, we all watch the same match and make the tactical changes as per our preparations and developments of the match.

The Birds will call upon the services of Siyabonga Bhele Nomvethe who found his scoring touch against Ajax in the other semi-final.  The Buccaneers who are driven by biggest football cash  prize in Africa will pin their hopes on Katlego Mashego who came in from injury with the goal Amakhosi love to hate and Tlou Segolela, whose pace reminds one of Theo Walcott. My genuine feeling is how hard Pirates will rock the boat, the team from Dube will try to fly away with the money. They will be driven by the underdog tag, which relieves them of all pressure. 

Diane Klate, Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Dikgang Mabalane will complement the midfield efforts of Isaac Chansa. The Ghosts will do well to follow the progress of the Birds closely as Swallows know Cup final glory, after they won the Nedbank Cup in 2009. They may have to console themselves with a losers' cheque and a mere R800 000 appearance fee together with  the other six teams in the top eight competition. Tickets are at all Computicket/Shoprite outlets at a cost of R60, R40 and R10 for juveniles.

The Ghosts or the Birds?

The Abandoned Match - What Actually Happened. (via The Bosso Blog)

The Highlanders vs Dynamos fixture is turning to be a big fuss over nothing. The league has no sponsor and what is all this fighting for? Bragging rights? Even small teams from Masvingo think they can turn the potential sponsors away by showing their muscles, which are as big as a new born baby biceps. As we speak, Barbourfields has been 'closed' as reported in The Chronicle, due to damaged perimeter fencing and possibly other damages.

The BancABC match had a sponsor who is now even thinking of pulling out. Bosso lost an unappealable case and not only did they appeal, they won a High Court replay. I respect the law, but it is not sponsoring football. BancABC want their finals match played this weekend. If Bosso hope to get a chance, they must replay their match between now and then, or else BancABC will quit.

Anyway, Highlanders Chairman, Themba Ndlela issued a press statement about the club's view on hooliganism. It is a welcome idea to have the Executive committee come forward and inform us, a detour from the previous cases where sources information for your consumption was like getting a prescription from a chemistry, whereby you have to pay consultation to the doctor and then que for your turn. Bosso will always have a place in your heart. That is why it will be vital for this new trend to continue.

Back to the violence. Please guys stop this nonsense and now. Quit your barbaric heart and abandon it right away. The game is supposed to be beautiful. If you cannot take defeat, do not go to the stadium. Afterall Bosso is playing badly, so you will miss nothing. The game has to attarct sponsors and your acts are exaclty what is keeping the money away.

Get indepth understanding of what happened from those who were there.

By Muzi Hadebe. I am not sure where the Dembare fans come into the picture, in view of the Sunday game. I think we have to call a spade a spade if we are to win the battle of crowd trouble matches at BF. The problem is not the whole of the Bosso fans, but a certain section of unruly fans from the Soweto stand, very young boys for that matter. It will be wrong to paint the whole Bosso community or the whole Zimbabwean soccer fans with the same bru … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

The Abandoned Match - What Actually Happened. (via The Bosso Blog)

The Highlanders vs Dynamos fixture is turning to be a big fuss over nothing. The league has no sponsor and what is all this fighting for? Bragging rights? Even small teams from Masvingo think they can turn the potential sponsors away by showing their muscles, which are as big as a new born baby biceps. As we speak, Barbourfields has been 'closed' as reported in The Chronicle, due to damaged perimeter fencing and possibly other damages.

The BancABC match had a sponsor who is now even thinking of pulling out. Bosso lost an unappealable case and not only did they appeal, they won a High Court replay. I respect the law, but it is not sponsoring football. BancABC want their finals match played this weekend. If Bosso hope to get a chance, they must replay their match between now and then, or else BancABC will quit.

Anyway, Highlanders Chairman, Themba Ndlela issued a press statement about the club's view on hooliganism. It is a welcome idea to have the Executive committee come forward and inform us, a detour from the previous cases where sources information for your consumption was like getting a prescription from a chemistry, whereby you have to pay consultation to the doctor and then que for your turn. Bosso will always have a place in your heart. That is why it will be vital for this new trend to continue.

Back to the violence. Please guys stop this nonsense and now. Quit your barbaric heart and abandon it right away. The game is supposed to be beautiful. If you cannot take defeat, do not go to the stadium. Afterall Bosso is playing badly, so you will miss nothing. The game has to attarct sponsors and your acts are exaclty what is keeping the money away.

Get indepth understanding of what happened from those who were there.

By Muzi Hadebe. I am not sure where the Dembare fans come into the picture, in view of the Sunday game. I think we have to call a spade a spade if we are to win the battle of crowd trouble matches at BF. The problem is not the whole of the Bosso fans, but a certain section of unruly fans from the Soweto stand, very young boys for that matter. It will be wrong to paint the whole Bosso community or the whole Zimbabwean soccer fans with the same bru … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

The Abandoned Match - What Actually Happened. (via The Bosso Blog)

The Highlanders vs Dynamos fixture is turning to be a big fuss over nothing. The league has no sponsor and what is all this fighting for? Bragging rights? Even small teams from Masvingo think they can turn the potential sponsors away by showing their muscles, which are as big as a new born baby biceps. As we speak, Barbourfields has been 'closed' as reported in The Chronicle, due to damaged perimeter fencing and possibly other damages.

The BancABC match had a sponsor who is now even thinking of pulling out. Bosso lost an unappealable case and not only did they appeal, they won a High Court replay. I respect the law, but it is not sponsoring football. BancABC want their finals match played this weekend. If Bosso hope to get a chance, they must replay their match between now and then, or else BancABC will quit.

Anyway, Highlanders Chairman, Themba Ndlela issued a press statement about the club's view on hooliganism. It is a welcome idea to have the Executive committee come forward and inform us, a detour from the previous cases where sources information for your consumption was like getting a prescription from a chemistry, whereby you have to pay consultation to the doctor and then que for your turn. Bosso will always have a place in your heart. That is why it will be vital for this new trend to continue.

Back to the violence. Please guys stop this nonsense and now. Quit your barbaric heart and abandon it right away. The game is supposed to be beautiful. If you cannot take defeat, do not go to the stadium. Afterall Bosso is playing badly, so you will miss nothing. The game has to attarct sponsors and your acts are exaclty what is keeping the money away.

Get indepth understanding of what happened from those who were there.

By Muzi Hadebe. I am not sure where the Dembare fans come into the picture, in view of the Sunday game. I think we have to call a spade a spade if we are to win the battle of crowd trouble matches at BF. The problem is not the whole of the Bosso fans, but a certain section of unruly fans from the Soweto stand, very young boys for that matter. It will be wrong to paint the whole Bosso community or the whole Zimbabwean soccer fans with the same bru … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

The Abandoned Match - What Actually Happened. (via The Bosso Blog)

The Highlanders vs Dynamos fixture is turning to be a big fuss over nothing. The league has no sponsor and what is all this fighting for? Bragging rights? Even small teams from Masvingo think they can turn the potential sponsors away by showing their muscles, which are as big as a new born baby biceps. As we speak, Barbourfields has been 'closed' as reported in The Chronicle, due to damaged perimeter fencing and possibly other damages.

The BancABC match had a sponsor who is now even thinking of pulling out. Bosso lost an unappealable case and not only did they appeal, they won a High Court replay. I respect the law, but it is not sponsoring football. BancABC want their finals match played this weekend. If Bosso hope to get a chance, they must replay their match between now and then, or else BancABC will quit.

Anyway, Highlanders Chairman, Themba Ndlela issued a press statement about the club's view on hooliganism. It is a welcome idea to have the Executive committee come forward and inform us, a detour from the previous cases where sources information for your consumption was like getting a prescription from a chemistry, whereby you have to pay consultation to the doctor and then que for your turn. Bosso will always have a place in your heart. That is why it will be vital for this new trend to continue.

Back to the violence. Please guys stop this nonsense and now. Quit your barbaric heart and abandon it right away. The game is supposed to be beautiful. If you cannot take defeat, do not go to the stadium. Afterall Bosso is playing badly, so you will miss nothing. The game has to attarct sponsors and your acts are exaclty what is keeping the money away.

Get indepth understanding of what happened from those who were there.

By Muzi Hadebe. I am not sure where the Dembare fans come into the picture, in view of the Sunday game. I think we have to call a spade a spade if we are to win the battle of crowd trouble matches at BF. The problem is not the whole of the Bosso fans, but a certain section of unruly fans from the Soweto stand, very young boys for that matter. It will be wrong to paint the whole Bosso community or the whole Zimbabwean soccer fans with the same bru … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

All UEFA Champions League Results: Spurs Put Twente 4 - 1 To The Sword

Tottenham Hotspurs fluffed a penalty and converted another amid a brilliant goalkeeping antics of the FC Twente goalkeeper who seemed to have 2 bones to chew with van der Vaart. Crouch was wrestled to the ground midway through the second half. Twente goalie stepped up out of the goal-line far too early to thwart the Dutchmen. Van der Vaart's frustration was painfully extended moments later when his ferocious strike was parried out for a corner.

He was not to be denied in the opening minutes of the second half with a class act,  when his emphatic finish set wasteful Spurs ahead. Gary Baile had an injury scare earlier on when he skid off the field on a slippery night at White Hart Lane. Russian Pavlyuchenko score a few minutes later when Gareth Baile was crudely tackled in the box to put Spurs 2-0 up.

That lead did not last long either when very poor and undisciplined defending by Spurs was punished by Twente. Gomes, coming back from injury had several first class saves to make in each half. In the absence of Jenas and Palacios, a yawning gap in central midfield was the biggest Spurs concern until Jenas came on in the 63rd minute. 

Pavlyuchenko had converted his second penalty to seal the deal for the hosts. FC Twente had cried foul over each of the 3 penalties awarded to them, their emotions ever raising even more when their case was thrown out of the window. Van der Vaart's first half hard was nullified when he poured water over his otherwise wonderful night when he was booked for an unnecessary challenge on the touch-line.

The introduction of Jenas solidified the porous central channel and even with a numerical disadvantage, Spurs started to play like a home team in the lead from the 68th minute. Twente kept knocking at the door gently enough to keep Spurs on toes and getting nothing serious going on. It was to be a comprehensive display of total football that Spurs had to teach the Dutch masters for free, when Baile scored the 85th goal of great quality.

For UEFA Champions League debutants, it was a five-star performance. Other results, Samuel Eto'o was on a hat-trick as Inter beat Werder Bremen 4 - 0. Hapoel Tel Aviv lost 1 - 3 a home fixture against Lyon. Bastos scored twice. German side Shalke 04 beat Benfica 2 - 0 as Valencia lost at home to Manchester United 0 - 1. Rangers were 1 - 0 victors over Borsaspor and Barcelona were held 1 - 1 draw at Rubin Kazan.

All UEFA Champions League Results: Spurs Put Twente 4 - 1 To The Sword

Tottenham Hotspurs fluffed a penalty and converted another amid a brilliant goalkeeping antics of the FC Twente goalkeeper who seemed to have 2 bones to chew with van der Vaart. Crouch was wrestled to the ground midway through the second half. Twente goalie stepped up out of the goal-line far too early to thwart the Dutchmen. Van der Vaart's frustration was painfully extended moments later when his ferocious strike was parried out for a corner.

He was not to be denied in the opening minutes of the second half with a class act,  when his emphatic finish set wasteful Spurs ahead. Gary Baile had an injury scare earlier on when he skid off the field on a slippery night at White Hart Lane. Russian Pavlyuchenko score a few minutes later when Gareth Baile was crudely tackled in the box to put Spurs 2-0 up.

That lead did not last long either when very poor and undisciplined defending by Spurs was punished by Twente. Gomes, coming back from injury had several first class saves to make in each half. In the absence of Jenas and Palacios, a yawning gap in central midfield was the biggest Spurs concern until Jenas came on in the 63rd minute. 

Pavlyuchenko had converted his second penalty to seal the deal for the hosts. FC Twente had cried foul over each of the 3 penalties awarded to them, their emotions ever raising even more when their case was thrown out of the window. Van der Vaart's first half hard was nullified when he poured water over his otherwise wonderful night when he was booked for an unnecessary challenge on the touch-line.

The introduction of Jenas solidified the porous central channel and even with a numerical disadvantage, Spurs started to play like a home team in the lead from the 68th minute. Twente kept knocking at the door gently enough to keep Spurs on toes and getting nothing serious going on. It was to be a comprehensive display of total football that Spurs had to teach the Dutch masters for free, when Baile scored the 85th goal of great quality.

For UEFA Champions League debutants, it was a five-star performance. Other results, Samuel Eto'o was on a hat-trick as Inter beat Werder Bremen 4 - 0. Hapoel Tel Aviv lost 1 - 3 a home fixture against Lyon. Bastos scored twice. German side Shalke 04 beat Benfica 2 - 0 as Valencia lost at home to Manchester United 0 - 1. Rangers were 1 - 0 victors over Borsaspor and Barcelona were held 1 - 1 draw at Rubin Kazan.

All UEFA Champions League Results: Spurs Put Twente 4 - 1 To The Sword

Tottenham Hotspurs fluffed a penalty and converted another amid a brilliant goalkeeping antics of the FC Twente goalkeeper who seemed to have 2 bones to chew with van der Vaart. Crouch was wrestled to the ground midway through the second half. Twente goalie stepped up out of the goal-line far too early to thwart the Dutchmen. Van der Vaart's frustration was painfully extended moments later when his ferocious strike was parried out for a corner.

He was not to be denied in the opening minutes of the second half with a class act,  when his emphatic finish set wasteful Spurs ahead. Gary Baile had an injury scare earlier on when he skid off the field on a slippery night at White Hart Lane. Russian Pavlyuchenko score a few minutes later when Gareth Baile was crudely tackled in the box to put Spurs 2-0 up.

That lead did not last long either when very poor and undisciplined defending by Spurs was punished by Twente. Gomes, coming back from injury had several first class saves to make in each half. In the absence of Jenas and Palacios, a yawning gap in central midfield was the biggest Spurs concern until Jenas came on in the 63rd minute. 

Pavlyuchenko had converted his second penalty to seal the deal for the hosts. FC Twente had cried foul over each of the 3 penalties awarded to them, their emotions ever raising even more when their case was thrown out of the window. Van der Vaart's first half hard was nullified when he poured water over his otherwise wonderful night when he was booked for an unnecessary challenge on the touch-line.

The introduction of Jenas solidified the porous central channel and even with a numerical disadvantage, Spurs started to play like a home team in the lead from the 68th minute. Twente kept knocking at the door gently enough to keep Spurs on toes and getting nothing serious going on. It was to be a comprehensive display of total football that Spurs had to teach the Dutch masters for free, when Baile scored the 85th goal of great quality.

For UEFA Champions League debutants, it was a five-star performance. Other results, Samuel Eto'o was on a hat-trick as Inter beat Werder Bremen 4 - 0. Hapoel Tel Aviv lost 1 - 3 a home fixture against Lyon. Bastos scored twice. German side Shalke 04 beat Benfica 2 - 0 as Valencia lost at home to Manchester United 0 - 1. Rangers were 1 - 0 victors over Borsaspor and Barcelona were held 1 - 1 draw at Rubin Kazan.

All UEFA Champions League Results: Spurs Put Twente 4 - 1 To The Sword

Tottenham Hotspurs fluffed a penalty and converted another amid a brilliant goalkeeping antics of the FC Twente goalkeeper who seemed to have 2 bones to chew with van der Vaart. Crouch was wrestled to the ground midway through the second half. Twente goalie stepped up out of the goal-line far too early to thwart the Dutchmen. Van der Vaart's frustration was painfully extended moments later when his ferocious strike was parried out for a corner.

He was not to be denied in the opening minutes of the second half with a class act,  when his emphatic finish set wasteful Spurs ahead. Gary Baile had an injury scare earlier on when he skid off the field on a slippery night at White Hart Lane. Russian Pavlyuchenko score a few minutes later when Gareth Baile was crudely tackled in the box to put Spurs 2-0 up.

That lead did not last long either when very poor and undisciplined defending by Spurs was punished by Twente. Gomes, coming back from injury had several first class saves to make in each half. In the absence of Jenas and Palacios, a yawning gap in central midfield was the biggest Spurs concern until Jenas came on in the 63rd minute. 

Pavlyuchenko had converted his second penalty to seal the deal for the hosts. FC Twente had cried foul over each of the 3 penalties awarded to them, their emotions ever raising even more when their case was thrown out of the window. Van der Vaart's first half hard was nullified when he poured water over his otherwise wonderful night when he was booked for an unnecessary challenge on the touch-line.

The introduction of Jenas solidified the porous central channel and even with a numerical disadvantage, Spurs started to play like a home team in the lead from the 68th minute. Twente kept knocking at the door gently enough to keep Spurs on toes and getting nothing serious going on. It was to be a comprehensive display of total football that Spurs had to teach the Dutch masters for free, when Baile scored the 85th goal of great quality.

For UEFA Champions League debutants, it was a five-star performance. Other results, Samuel Eto'o was on a hat-trick as Inter beat Werder Bremen 4 - 0. Hapoel Tel Aviv lost 1 - 3 a home fixture against Lyon. Bastos scored twice. German side Shalke 04 beat Benfica 2 - 0 as Valencia lost at home to Manchester United 0 - 1. Rangers were 1 - 0 victors over Borsaspor and Barcelona were held 1 - 1 draw at Rubin Kazan.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Shame On You Highlanders, Shame On You.

Some deplorable behaviour of Bosso fans is with us once more. Well cut glittering and top range and shiny hooligans were in display at the Premier League match at BF when bad footballing habits by the team and its coaching department led people to vent their anger on everything from the stadium to the city centre, just because people cannot take the taste of defeat. 

Properties and cars were damaged and innocent people fell victim to this barbaric behaviour. And who will pay for this, insurance? Bosso had applied to the High Court against a judgement of their earlier abandoned BancABC semi-final match and were granted the replay. The High Court were using legal channels and institutions that were anti-football in their judgement.

Fans threw this judgement back on the High Court's face and exonerated the Ad-hoc Arbitration committee's earlier verdict of a 3-0 win for Dynamos. The appeal  was not supposed to have gone ahead as the judgement was made unappealable. Sponsors and FIFA do not operate that way. Football matters should remain in football circles until a resultant force derails the system acts against them.

Bosso fans are maturing to be the best hooligans in the world, if the rate they ferment in is anything to go by. Their class act is competing well with English who are scoring far less marks with better results that Fabio Capello is bringing. The fans want to see good football and they destroy everything that makes football good. The madness is quickly becoming criminal behaviour and the crazy nuts must see the back of the jail guard soon.

Someone thinks that football bosses must bring referees from outside the country. I think he must concentrate in making sure that the team plays well that fans do not lose the little heads they have. The next time he will be calling for the leadership to come from overseas. And the fans. Maybe the matches must actually be played outside the borders.

Shame On You Highlanders, Shame On You.

Some deplorable behaviour of Bosso fans is with us once more. Well cut glittering and top range and shiny hooligans were in display at the Premier League match at BF when bad footballing habits by the team and its coaching department led people to vent their anger on everything from the stadium to the city centre, just because people cannot take the taste of defeat. 

Properties and cars were damaged and innocent people fell victim to this barbaric behaviour. And who will pay for this, insurance? Bosso had applied to the High Court against a judgement of their earlier abandoned BancABC semi-final match and were granted the replay. The High Court were using legal channels and institutions that were anti-football in their judgement.

Fans threw this judgement back on the High Court's face and exonerated the Ad-hoc Arbitration committee's earlier verdict of a 3-0 win for Dynamos. The appeal  was not supposed to have gone ahead as the judgement was made unappealable. Sponsors and FIFA do not operate that way. Football matters should remain in football circles until a resultant force derails the system acts against them.

Bosso fans are maturing to be the best hooligans in the world, if the rate they ferment in is anything to go by. Their class act is competing well with English who are scoring far less marks with better results that Fabio Capello is bringing. The fans want to see good football and they destroy everything that makes football good. The madness is quickly becoming criminal behaviour and the crazy nuts must see the back of the jail guard soon.

Someone thinks that football bosses must bring referees from outside the country. I think he must concentrate in making sure that the team plays well that fans do not lose the little heads they have. The next time he will be calling for the leadership to come from overseas. And the fans. Maybe the matches must actually be played outside the borders.

Shame On You Highlanders, Shame On You.

Some deplorable behaviour of Bosso fans is with us once more. Well cut glittering and top range and shiny hooligans were in display at the Premier League match at BF when bad footballing habits by the team and its coaching department led people to vent their anger on everything from the stadium to the city centre, just because people cannot take the taste of defeat. 

Properties and cars were damaged and innocent people fell victim to this barbaric behaviour. And who will pay for this, insurance? Bosso had applied to the High Court against a judgement of their earlier abandoned BancABC semi-final match and were granted the replay. The High Court were using legal channels and institutions that were anti-football in their judgement.

Fans threw this judgement back on the High Court's face and exonerated the Ad-hoc Arbitration committee's earlier verdict of a 3-0 win for Dynamos. The appeal  was not supposed to have gone ahead as the judgement was made unappealable. Sponsors and FIFA do not operate that way. Football matters should remain in football circles until a resultant force derails the system acts against them.

Bosso fans are maturing to be the best hooligans in the world, if the rate they ferment in is anything to go by. Their class act is competing well with English who are scoring far less marks with better results that Fabio Capello is bringing. The fans want to see good football and they destroy everything that makes football good. The madness is quickly becoming criminal behaviour and the crazy nuts must see the back of the jail guard soon.

Someone thinks that football bosses must bring referees from outside the country. I think he must concentrate in making sure that the team plays well that fans do not lose the little heads they have. The next time he will be calling for the leadership to come from overseas. And the fans. Maybe the matches must actually be played outside the borders.

Shame On You Highlanders, Shame On You.

Some deplorable behaviour of Bosso fans is with us once more. Well cut glittering and top range and shiny hooligans were in display at the Premier League match at BF when bad footballing habits by the team and its coaching department led people to vent their anger on everything from the stadium to the city centre, just because people cannot take the taste of defeat. 

Properties and cars were damaged and innocent people fell victim to this barbaric behaviour. And who will pay for this, insurance? Bosso had applied to the High Court against a judgement of their earlier abandoned BancABC semi-final match and were granted the replay. The High Court were using legal channels and institutions that were anti-football in their judgement.

Fans threw this judgement back on the High Court's face and exonerated the Ad-hoc Arbitration committee's earlier verdict of a 3-0 win for Dynamos. The appeal  was not supposed to have gone ahead as the judgement was made unappealable. Sponsors and FIFA do not operate that way. Football matters should remain in football circles until a resultant force derails the system acts against them.

Bosso fans are maturing to be the best hooligans in the world, if the rate they ferment in is anything to go by. Their class act is competing well with English who are scoring far less marks with better results that Fabio Capello is bringing. The fans want to see good football and they destroy everything that makes football good. The madness is quickly becoming criminal behaviour and the crazy nuts must see the back of the jail guard soon.

Someone thinks that football bosses must bring referees from outside the country. I think he must concentrate in making sure that the team plays well that fans do not lose the little heads they have. The next time he will be calling for the leadership to come from overseas. And the fans. Maybe the matches must actually be played outside the borders.

Rahman Gumbo and Willard Khumalo In Trouble?

Rahman Gumbo's Mochudi Centre Chiefs started the Be MOBILE Premier League in Botswana like a house on fire, scoring 12 goals in 2 matches. That wonderful run must have  drowned in complacency as evidenced by a shock 2-0 loss to Extension Gunners 2 weeks ago.

This was then followed by a 1-0 humiliating by struggling TAFIC at the Francistown Stadium, agitating Chiefs' supporters to uneasiness as they began to worry about their dominance being a thing of the past before it even began. Matters were not helped by the progress of their nearest rivals who were picking up points. ECCO City Greens, Township Rollers and Gaborone United suddenly found their voices and are giving Rush a run for his money.

However, Chiefs lost a key man to the ABSA Premier League debutants, Vasco da Gama of Cape Town. The  services of talented midfielder Dirang Moloi will take time to be filled despite the hard work Gumbo is putting into the team. Mochudi Centre Chiefs bounced back this week to register a 2-0 win over visiting Nico United at the University of Botswana (UB) Stadium.

Nico United, formerly coached by Madinda Ndlovu, are in dire need of form to pick up points themselves. Willard Mashinkila Khumalo's team, have seen their efforts rewarded here and there and their thin squad is now desperate to pick up essential points. Khumalo believes they got a valuable lesson in this fixture and are ready for the weekend. 

It was lamentable for Khumalo that the team conceded an injury time goal in the first half. The goals came courtesy of Lesego Galenamotlhale with virtually the last kick of the half. The second half saw Nico fluff easy chances. The inability to be clinical in front of goal saw Moemedi Moatlhaping seal the deal with 20 minutes of play remaining. While the expectations are too high from both camps, Gumbo and Khumalo are great visionaries who will undoubtedly steady their ships with time.

Meanwhile, the rise and rise of Botswana's Zebras is the talk and pride of Africa and FIFA. The Zebras clobbered Tunisia and Togo as well as playing to a draw with Malawi in the AFCON 2012 qualifiers. They beat Zimbabwe Warriors in a friendly match as well. Despite all that ground covered, the coach's head is on the block. Like all Africa administrators, that success is itching that they bring an expatriate coach form Europe to teach the Tswanas how to play football. Previous coaches from abroad only managed to milk Botswana of Pulas and nothing else, as they have done in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

You will remember that South Africa tasted AFCON success with a local coach. Zimbabwe qualified for the same tournament twice with local coaches. Foreign coaches failed to take these nations near to those glory days, yet the national associations are adamant in labelling that success as better than failure. They always bring in these coaches from abroad so that African coaches can learn. I think I am the mad one here. 

Do you suppose it is fair to criticise coaches after just 5 matches?

Rahman Gumbo and Willard Khumalo In Trouble?

Rahman Gumbo's Mochudi Centre Chiefs started the Be MOBILE Premier League in Botswana like a house on fire, scoring 12 goals in 2 matches. That wonderful run must have  drowned in complacency as evidenced by a shock 2-0 loss to Extension Gunners 2 weeks ago.

This was then followed by a 1-0 humiliating by struggling TAFIC at the Francistown Stadium, agitating Chiefs' supporters to uneasiness as they began to worry about their dominance being a thing of the past before it even began. Matters were not helped by the progress of their nearest rivals who were picking up points. ECCO City Greens, Township Rollers and Gaborone United suddenly found their voices and are giving Rush a run for his money.

However, Chiefs lost a key man to the ABSA Premier League debutants, Vasco da Gama of Cape Town. The  services of talented midfielder Dirang Moloi will take time to be filled despite the hard work Gumbo is putting into the team. Mochudi Centre Chiefs bounced back this week to register a 2-0 win over visiting Nico United at the University of Botswana (UB) Stadium.

Nico United, formerly coached by Madinda Ndlovu, are in dire need of form to pick up points themselves. Willard Mashinkila Khumalo's team, have seen their efforts rewarded here and there and their thin squad is now desperate to pick up essential points. Khumalo believes they got a valuable lesson in this fixture and are ready for the weekend. 

It was lamentable for Khumalo that the team conceded an injury time goal in the first half. The goals came courtesy of Lesego Galenamotlhale with virtually the last kick of the half. The second half saw Nico fluff easy chances. The inability to be clinical in front of goal saw Moemedi Moatlhaping seal the deal with 20 minutes of play remaining. While the expectations are too high from both camps, Gumbo and Khumalo are great visionaries who will undoubtedly steady their ships with time.

Meanwhile, the rise and rise of Botswana's Zebras is the talk and pride of Africa and FIFA. The Zebras clobbered Tunisia and Togo as well as playing to a draw with Malawi in the AFCON 2012 qualifiers. They beat Zimbabwe Warriors in a friendly match as well. Despite all that ground covered, the coach's head is on the block. Like all Africa administrators, that success is itching that they bring an expatriate coach form Europe to teach the Tswanas how to play football. Previous coaches from abroad only managed to milk Botswana of Pulas and nothing else, as they have done in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

You will remember that South Africa tasted AFCON success with a local coach. Zimbabwe qualified for the same tournament twice with local coaches. Foreign coaches failed to take these nations near to those glory days, yet the national associations are adamant in labelling that success as better than failure. They always bring in these coaches from abroad so that African coaches can learn. I think I am the mad one here. 

Do you suppose it is fair to criticise coaches after just 5 matches?

Rahman Gumbo and Willard Khumalo In Trouble?

Rahman Gumbo's Mochudi Centre Chiefs started the Be MOBILE Premier League in Botswana like a house on fire, scoring 12 goals in 2 matches. That wonderful run must have  drowned in complacency as evidenced by a shock 2-0 loss to Extension Gunners 2 weeks ago.

This was then followed by a 1-0 humiliating by struggling TAFIC at the Francistown Stadium, agitating Chiefs' supporters to uneasiness as they began to worry about their dominance being a thing of the past before it even began. Matters were not helped by the progress of their nearest rivals who were picking up points. ECCO City Greens, Township Rollers and Gaborone United suddenly found their voices and are giving Rush a run for his money.

However, Chiefs lost a key man to the ABSA Premier League debutants, Vasco da Gama of Cape Town. The  services of talented midfielder Dirang Moloi will take time to be filled despite the hard work Gumbo is putting into the team. Mochudi Centre Chiefs bounced back this week to register a 2-0 win over visiting Nico United at the University of Botswana (UB) Stadium.

Nico United, formerly coached by Madinda Ndlovu, are in dire need of form to pick up points themselves. Willard Mashinkila Khumalo's team, have seen their efforts rewarded here and there and their thin squad is now desperate to pick up essential points. Khumalo believes they got a valuable lesson in this fixture and are ready for the weekend. 

It was lamentable for Khumalo that the team conceded an injury time goal in the first half. The goals came courtesy of Lesego Galenamotlhale with virtually the last kick of the half. The second half saw Nico fluff easy chances. The inability to be clinical in front of goal saw Moemedi Moatlhaping seal the deal with 20 minutes of play remaining. While the expectations are too high from both camps, Gumbo and Khumalo are great visionaries who will undoubtedly steady their ships with time.

Meanwhile, the rise and rise of Botswana's Zebras is the talk and pride of Africa and FIFA. The Zebras clobbered Tunisia and Togo as well as playing to a draw with Malawi in the AFCON 2012 qualifiers. They beat Zimbabwe Warriors in a friendly match as well. Despite all that ground covered, the coach's head is on the block. Like all Africa administrators, that success is itching that they bring an expatriate coach form Europe to teach the Tswanas how to play football. Previous coaches from abroad only managed to milk Botswana of Pulas and nothing else, as they have done in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

You will remember that South Africa tasted AFCON success with a local coach. Zimbabwe qualified for the same tournament twice with local coaches. Foreign coaches failed to take these nations near to those glory days, yet the national associations are adamant in labelling that success as better than failure. They always bring in these coaches from abroad so that African coaches can learn. I think I am the mad one here. 

Do you suppose it is fair to criticise coaches after just 5 matches?

Rahman Gumbo and Willard Khumalo In Trouble?

Rahman Gumbo's Mochudi Centre Chiefs started the Be MOBILE Premier League in Botswana like a house on fire, scoring 12 goals in 2 matches. That wonderful run must have  drowned in complacency as evidenced by a shock 2-0 loss to Extension Gunners 2 weeks ago.

This was then followed by a 1-0 humiliating by struggling TAFIC at the Francistown Stadium, agitating Chiefs' supporters to uneasiness as they began to worry about their dominance being a thing of the past before it even began. Matters were not helped by the progress of their nearest rivals who were picking up points. ECCO City Greens, Township Rollers and Gaborone United suddenly found their voices and are giving Rush a run for his money.

However, Chiefs lost a key man to the ABSA Premier League debutants, Vasco da Gama of Cape Town. The  services of talented midfielder Dirang Moloi will take time to be filled despite the hard work Gumbo is putting into the team. Mochudi Centre Chiefs bounced back this week to register a 2-0 win over visiting Nico United at the University of Botswana (UB) Stadium.

Nico United, formerly coached by Madinda Ndlovu, are in dire need of form to pick up points themselves. Willard Mashinkila Khumalo's team, have seen their efforts rewarded here and there and their thin squad is now desperate to pick up essential points. Khumalo believes they got a valuable lesson in this fixture and are ready for the weekend. 

It was lamentable for Khumalo that the team conceded an injury time goal in the first half. The goals came courtesy of Lesego Galenamotlhale with virtually the last kick of the half. The second half saw Nico fluff easy chances. The inability to be clinical in front of goal saw Moemedi Moatlhaping seal the deal with 20 minutes of play remaining. While the expectations are too high from both camps, Gumbo and Khumalo are great visionaries who will undoubtedly steady their ships with time.

Meanwhile, the rise and rise of Botswana's Zebras is the talk and pride of Africa and FIFA. The Zebras clobbered Tunisia and Togo as well as playing to a draw with Malawi in the AFCON 2012 qualifiers. They beat Zimbabwe Warriors in a friendly match as well. Despite all that ground covered, the coach's head is on the block. Like all Africa administrators, that success is itching that they bring an expatriate coach form Europe to teach the Tswanas how to play football. Previous coaches from abroad only managed to milk Botswana of Pulas and nothing else, as they have done in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

You will remember that South Africa tasted AFCON success with a local coach. Zimbabwe qualified for the same tournament twice with local coaches. Foreign coaches failed to take these nations near to those glory days, yet the national associations are adamant in labelling that success as better than failure. They always bring in these coaches from abroad so that African coaches can learn. I think I am the mad one here. 

Do you suppose it is fair to criticise coaches after just 5 matches?

Zimbabwean Football At A Glance. (via The Bosso Blog)

Is this the way to go? Make up your mind.
By Bulawayo Vibes. An unprecedented culture of football violence seems to be taking Zimbabwean football by storm. In as many weeks a game involving Highlanders and Dynamos was abandoned for the second time in a space of three weeks and it seems football administrators are unmoved by this. The Zimbabwean PSL needs to act, and make Highlanders and Dynamos examples to deter other clubs from being involved in acts of hooliganisms and playing in empty … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

Zimbabwean Football At A Glance. (via The Bosso Blog)

Is this the way to go? Make up your mind.
By Bulawayo Vibes. An unprecedented culture of football violence seems to be taking Zimbabwean football by storm. In as many weeks a game involving Highlanders and Dynamos was abandoned for the second time in a space of three weeks and it seems football administrators are unmoved by this. The Zimbabwean PSL needs to act, and make Highlanders and Dynamos examples to deter other clubs from being involved in acts of hooliganisms and playing in empty … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

Zimbabwean Football At A Glance. (via The Bosso Blog)

Is this the way to go? Make up your mind.
By Bulawayo Vibes. An unprecedented culture of football violence seems to be taking Zimbabwean football by storm. In as many weeks a game involving Highlanders and Dynamos was abandoned for the second time in a space of three weeks and it seems football administrators are unmoved by this. The Zimbabwean PSL needs to act, and make Highlanders and Dynamos examples to deter other clubs from being involved in acts of hooliganisms and playing in empty … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

Zimbabwean Football At A Glance. (via The Bosso Blog)

Is this the way to go? Make up your mind.
By Bulawayo Vibes. An unprecedented culture of football violence seems to be taking Zimbabwean football by storm. In as many weeks a game involving Highlanders and Dynamos was abandoned for the second time in a space of three weeks and it seems football administrators are unmoved by this. The Zimbabwean PSL needs to act, and make Highlanders and Dynamos examples to deter other clubs from being involved in acts of hooliganisms and playing in empty … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

Press Statement – Highlanders Football Club

Highlanders Football Club Vs Dynamos Football Club – 26 September 2010
Following the events that took place at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday 26 September 2010 the Club would like to state the following:
1) The club regrets the incidents of violence that marred an otherwise good game and would like to condemn the violent elements among the soccer loving fraternity and hope that the law will catch up with the culprits.
2) The club would like to thank all the football loving people who came to watch the game against Dynamos Football Club, especially its supporters who thronged Barbourfields Stadium for the first time this season to come and cheer the team. “Siyabonga Highlander omuhle”
3) Whilst the club appreciates that to ‘err is human’ we would like to appeal to those that look after the game to ensure that high standards are maintained so as to starve ammunition to would be hooligans bent on tarnishing the image of the game.
4) The club would like to call upon the football fraternity to be mature when dealing with these issues as instigators and perpetrators of violence must be dealt with in a like manner.
5) Whilst we appreciate that there could be a lot of pressures out there, we would like to appeal to fans to desist from engaging in violent activities as this tarnishes the images of the clubs as well as sponsors, it also chases would be sponsors away.
6) As an Executive we take all the necessary precautions in ensuring a safe stadium for supporters by assigning relevant organs to take care of security matters before, during and after the match. Where such incidents do happen we believe we must let those with the expertise deal with them without compromising their professionalism.
7) The club would like to assure the soccer loving public that their concerns are being taken seriously and we will be working flat out to make Barbourfields a place to be for the family.

8) The Club will be taking measures to address the problems of crowd control and would like to call upon all the stakeholders to come on board for the good of the game.
Once more the club would like to thank its supporters that have heeded the call to come back and support the team, sithi “LINGADINWA LAKUSASA”
By Order of the Executive

T Ndlela
Executive Chairman

Press Statement – Highlanders Football Club

Highlanders Football Club Vs Dynamos Football Club – 26 September 2010
Following the events that took place at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday 26 September 2010 the Club would like to state the following:
1) The club regrets the incidents of violence that marred an otherwise good game and would like to condemn the violent elements among the soccer loving fraternity and hope that the law will catch up with the culprits.
2) The club would like to thank all the football loving people who came to watch the game against Dynamos Football Club, especially its supporters who thronged Barbourfields Stadium for the first time this season to come and cheer the team. “Siyabonga Highlander omuhle”
3) Whilst the club appreciates that to ‘err is human’ we would like to appeal to those that look after the game to ensure that high standards are maintained so as to starve ammunition to would be hooligans bent on tarnishing the image of the game.
4) The club would like to call upon the football fraternity to be mature when dealing with these issues as instigators and perpetrators of violence must be dealt with in a like manner.
5) Whilst we appreciate that there could be a lot of pressures out there, we would like to appeal to fans to desist from engaging in violent activities as this tarnishes the images of the clubs as well as sponsors, it also chases would be sponsors away.
6) As an Executive we take all the necessary precautions in ensuring a safe stadium for supporters by assigning relevant organs to take care of security matters before, during and after the match. Where such incidents do happen we believe we must let those with the expertise deal with them without compromising their professionalism.
7) The club would like to assure the soccer loving public that their concerns are being taken seriously and we will be working flat out to make Barbourfields a place to be for the family.

8) The Club will be taking measures to address the problems of crowd control and would like to call upon all the stakeholders to come on board for the good of the game.
Once more the club would like to thank its supporters that have heeded the call to come back and support the team, sithi “LINGADINWA LAKUSASA”
By Order of the Executive

T Ndlela
Executive Chairman

Press Statement – Highlanders Football Club

Highlanders Football Club Vs Dynamos Football Club – 26 September 2010
Following the events that took place at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday 26 September 2010 the Club would like to state the following:
1) The club regrets the incidents of violence that marred an otherwise good game and would like to condemn the violent elements among the soccer loving fraternity and hope that the law will catch up with the culprits.
2) The club would like to thank all the football loving people who came to watch the game against Dynamos Football Club, especially its supporters who thronged Barbourfields Stadium for the first time this season to come and cheer the team. “Siyabonga Highlander omuhle”
3) Whilst the club appreciates that to ‘err is human’ we would like to appeal to those that look after the game to ensure that high standards are maintained so as to starve ammunition to would be hooligans bent on tarnishing the image of the game.
4) The club would like to call upon the football fraternity to be mature when dealing with these issues as instigators and perpetrators of violence must be dealt with in a like manner.
5) Whilst we appreciate that there could be a lot of pressures out there, we would like to appeal to fans to desist from engaging in violent activities as this tarnishes the images of the clubs as well as sponsors, it also chases would be sponsors away.
6) As an Executive we take all the necessary precautions in ensuring a safe stadium for supporters by assigning relevant organs to take care of security matters before, during and after the match. Where such incidents do happen we believe we must let those with the expertise deal with them without compromising their professionalism.
7) The club would like to assure the soccer loving public that their concerns are being taken seriously and we will be working flat out to make Barbourfields a place to be for the family.

8) The Club will be taking measures to address the problems of crowd control and would like to call upon all the stakeholders to come on board for the good of the game.
Once more the club would like to thank its supporters that have heeded the call to come back and support the team, sithi “LINGADINWA LAKUSASA”
By Order of the Executive

T Ndlela
Executive Chairman

Press Statement – Highlanders Football Club

Highlanders Football Club Vs Dynamos Football Club – 26 September 2010
Following the events that took place at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday 26 September 2010 the Club would like to state the following:
1) The club regrets the incidents of violence that marred an otherwise good game and would like to condemn the violent elements among the soccer loving fraternity and hope that the law will catch up with the culprits.
2) The club would like to thank all the football loving people who came to watch the game against Dynamos Football Club, especially its supporters who thronged Barbourfields Stadium for the first time this season to come and cheer the team. “Siyabonga Highlander omuhle”
3) Whilst the club appreciates that to ‘err is human’ we would like to appeal to those that look after the game to ensure that high standards are maintained so as to starve ammunition to would be hooligans bent on tarnishing the image of the game.
4) The club would like to call upon the football fraternity to be mature when dealing with these issues as instigators and perpetrators of violence must be dealt with in a like manner.
5) Whilst we appreciate that there could be a lot of pressures out there, we would like to appeal to fans to desist from engaging in violent activities as this tarnishes the images of the clubs as well as sponsors, it also chases would be sponsors away.
6) As an Executive we take all the necessary precautions in ensuring a safe stadium for supporters by assigning relevant organs to take care of security matters before, during and after the match. Where such incidents do happen we believe we must let those with the expertise deal with them without compromising their professionalism.
7) The club would like to assure the soccer loving public that their concerns are being taken seriously and we will be working flat out to make Barbourfields a place to be for the family.

8) The Club will be taking measures to address the problems of crowd control and would like to call upon all the stakeholders to come on board for the good of the game.
Once more the club would like to thank its supporters that have heeded the call to come back and support the team, sithi “LINGADINWA LAKUSASA”
By Order of the Executive

T Ndlela
Executive Chairman

All UEFA Champions League Results: Partizan Gunned Down By Arsenal.

Arsenal played their away UEFA Champions League match against Partizan Belgrade in a match in which 2 penalties were missed by both sides. It took a few minutes for the Gunners to find their feet as the home team took longer to size their opponents. Jack Wilshire and Andre Arshavin cut a corridor in the middle of the central defence resulting in a  goal from Arshavin 15th minute.

A combination of cracking under pressure by Partizan and a five-star trademark Arsenal assault ensued and the Gunners flattened the gas pedal creating chance after chance. The clearest opportunity fell to Arshavin in 23rd minute, a one-on-one opportunity immediately followed Tomas Rosiscky's similar one versus one  chance in 25th minute that the goalkeeper incredibly saved.

The Gunners temporarily went into overdrive pushing the hosts against the wall. Arshavin's attempt was cleared off the line with the goalkeeper well beaten. The goal-line clearance in the 27th minute by Jovanovich, saw Arsenal drop their heads a little. The sloppy Arsenal was to slumber for a second and they paid the price. 

A long ball into the penalty area from the left was needlessly handled Denilson. The resultant penalty was coolly converted by former Brazilian, now Serbian Cleo. Partizan started to fancy their chances and caught the Gunners in sixes and sevens. They got first to the ball and passed better until half time.

After the half-time break, Arsenal composed themselves to thread passes and possessing the ball their traditional way. With just 5 minutes played, Jovanovic brought down striker Chamakh earning a straight red card. Arshavin's spot kick was saved as he tried to drive the ball hard through the centre of goal.

With exactly 20 minutes to go, Rosiscky's pin-point cross found Chamakh whose initial header crushed against the crossbar before he slotted the rebound to set Arsenal's lead. The Gunners would make the numerical advantage count and Nasri was introduced in Chamakh's place. His corner kick was headed home by defender Squillaci headed in the 82nd minute.

A dramatic turn of events a minute later saw Fabianski save a softly awarded penalty. The penalty was basically softly taken but Fabianski was very alert to get to the right side on time. He had to pull the save of the match with seconds of play left.

The rest of the result: Chelsea 2 Marsellie 0, FC Basel 1 Bayern Munchen 2, AS Roma 2 1907 Cluj 1, Auxere o Real Madrid 1, Ajax 1 AC Milan 1, Sporting Braga 0 Shaktar Donetsk 3, Spartak Moskva 3 MSK Zilina 0.

All UEFA Champions League Results: Partizan Gunned Down By Arsenal.

Arsenal played their away UEFA Champions League match against Partizan Belgrade in a match in which 2 penalties were missed by both sides. It took a few minutes for the Gunners to find their feet as the home team took longer to size their opponents. Jack Wilshire and Andre Arshavin cut a corridor in the middle of the central defence resulting in a  goal from Arshavin 15th minute.

A combination of cracking under pressure by Partizan and a five-star trademark Arsenal assault ensued and the Gunners flattened the gas pedal creating chance after chance. The clearest opportunity fell to Arshavin in 23rd minute, a one-on-one opportunity immediately followed Tomas Rosiscky's similar one versus one  chance in 25th minute that the goalkeeper incredibly saved.

The Gunners temporarily went into overdrive pushing the hosts against the wall. Arshavin's attempt was cleared off the line with the goalkeeper well beaten. The goal-line clearance in the 27th minute by Jovanovich, saw Arsenal drop their heads a little. The sloppy Arsenal was to slumber for a second and they paid the price. 

A long ball into the penalty area from the left was needlessly handled Denilson. The resultant penalty was coolly converted by former Brazilian, now Serbian Cleo. Partizan started to fancy their chances and caught the Gunners in sixes and sevens. They got first to the ball and passed better until half time.

After the half-time break, Arsenal composed themselves to thread passes and possessing the ball their traditional way. With just 5 minutes played, Jovanovic brought down striker Chamakh earning a straight red card. Arshavin's spot kick was saved as he tried to drive the ball hard through the centre of goal.

With exactly 20 minutes to go, Rosiscky's pin-point cross found Chamakh whose initial header crushed against the crossbar before he slotted the rebound to set Arsenal's lead. The Gunners would make the numerical advantage count and Nasri was introduced in Chamakh's place. His corner kick was headed home by defender Squillaci headed in the 82nd minute.

A dramatic turn of events a minute later saw Fabianski save a softly awarded penalty. The penalty was basically softly taken but Fabianski was very alert to get to the right side on time. He had to pull the save of the match with seconds of play left.

The rest of the result: Chelsea 2 Marsellie 0, FC Basel 1 Bayern Munchen 2, AS Roma 2 1907 Cluj 1, Auxere o Real Madrid 1, Ajax 1 AC Milan 1, Sporting Braga 0 Shaktar Donetsk 3, Spartak Moskva 3 MSK Zilina 0.

All UEFA Champions League Results: Partizan Gunned Down By Arsenal.

Arsenal played their away UEFA Champions League match against Partizan Belgrade in a match in which 2 penalties were missed by both sides. It took a few minutes for the Gunners to find their feet as the home team took longer to size their opponents. Jack Wilshire and Andre Arshavin cut a corridor in the middle of the central defence resulting in a  goal from Arshavin 15th minute.

A combination of cracking under pressure by Partizan and a five-star trademark Arsenal assault ensued and the Gunners flattened the gas pedal creating chance after chance. The clearest opportunity fell to Arshavin in 23rd minute, a one-on-one opportunity immediately followed Tomas Rosiscky's similar one versus one  chance in 25th minute that the goalkeeper incredibly saved.

The Gunners temporarily went into overdrive pushing the hosts against the wall. Arshavin's attempt was cleared off the line with the goalkeeper well beaten. The goal-line clearance in the 27th minute by Jovanovich, saw Arsenal drop their heads a little. The sloppy Arsenal was to slumber for a second and they paid the price. 

A long ball into the penalty area from the left was needlessly handled Denilson. The resultant penalty was coolly converted by former Brazilian, now Serbian Cleo. Partizan started to fancy their chances and caught the Gunners in sixes and sevens. They got first to the ball and passed better until half time.

After the half-time break, Arsenal composed themselves to thread passes and possessing the ball their traditional way. With just 5 minutes played, Jovanovic brought down striker Chamakh earning a straight red card. Arshavin's spot kick was saved as he tried to drive the ball hard through the centre of goal.

With exactly 20 minutes to go, Rosiscky's pin-point cross found Chamakh whose initial header crushed against the crossbar before he slotted the rebound to set Arsenal's lead. The Gunners would make the numerical advantage count and Nasri was introduced in Chamakh's place. His corner kick was headed home by defender Squillaci headed in the 82nd minute.

A dramatic turn of events a minute later saw Fabianski save a softly awarded penalty. The penalty was basically softly taken but Fabianski was very alert to get to the right side on time. He had to pull the save of the match with seconds of play left.

The rest of the result: Chelsea 2 Marsellie 0, FC Basel 1 Bayern Munchen 2, AS Roma 2 1907 Cluj 1, Auxere o Real Madrid 1, Ajax 1 AC Milan 1, Sporting Braga 0 Shaktar Donetsk 3, Spartak Moskva 3 MSK Zilina 0.

All UEFA Champions League Results: Partizan Gunned Down By Arsenal.

Arsenal played their away UEFA Champions League match against Partizan Belgrade in a match in which 2 penalties were missed by both sides. It took a few minutes for the Gunners to find their feet as the home team took longer to size their opponents. Jack Wilshire and Andre Arshavin cut a corridor in the middle of the central defence resulting in a  goal from Arshavin 15th minute.

A combination of cracking under pressure by Partizan and a five-star trademark Arsenal assault ensued and the Gunners flattened the gas pedal creating chance after chance. The clearest opportunity fell to Arshavin in 23rd minute, a one-on-one opportunity immediately followed Tomas Rosiscky's similar one versus one  chance in 25th minute that the goalkeeper incredibly saved.

The Gunners temporarily went into overdrive pushing the hosts against the wall. Arshavin's attempt was cleared off the line with the goalkeeper well beaten. The goal-line clearance in the 27th minute by Jovanovich, saw Arsenal drop their heads a little. The sloppy Arsenal was to slumber for a second and they paid the price. 

A long ball into the penalty area from the left was needlessly handled Denilson. The resultant penalty was coolly converted by former Brazilian, now Serbian Cleo. Partizan started to fancy their chances and caught the Gunners in sixes and sevens. They got first to the ball and passed better until half time.

After the half-time break, Arsenal composed themselves to thread passes and possessing the ball their traditional way. With just 5 minutes played, Jovanovic brought down striker Chamakh earning a straight red card. Arshavin's spot kick was saved as he tried to drive the ball hard through the centre of goal.

With exactly 20 minutes to go, Rosiscky's pin-point cross found Chamakh whose initial header crushed against the crossbar before he slotted the rebound to set Arsenal's lead. The Gunners would make the numerical advantage count and Nasri was introduced in Chamakh's place. His corner kick was headed home by defender Squillaci headed in the 82nd minute.

A dramatic turn of events a minute later saw Fabianski save a softly awarded penalty. The penalty was basically softly taken but Fabianski was very alert to get to the right side on time. He had to pull the save of the match with seconds of play left.

The rest of the result: Chelsea 2 Marsellie 0, FC Basel 1 Bayern Munchen 2, AS Roma 2 1907 Cluj 1, Auxere o Real Madrid 1, Ajax 1 AC Milan 1, Sporting Braga 0 Shaktar Donetsk 3, Spartak Moskva 3 MSK Zilina 0.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Statistics - 2010 FIFA World Cup Technical Report.

Further to previous reports of the TSG about the beautiful game's world show, this statistics supplied in the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup Technical Report are of a general nature for a technical report. For starters, it does not detail the condition and composition of teams that scored in the first and last 5 minutes of each half. The scoring data has been classified in 15 minute blocks which are less relevant to technical people like myself. General observation overtime proved that technically gifted and tactically sound teams scored in the first 3rd of the matches, while physically conditions sides with higher technical ability took control of the matches in the middle 3rd of any match. The last 30 minutes of matches are usually controlled by psychologically strong and mature teams than the physically strong.   

The TSG came with data to tell us how it all went. They said that there 35 from set pieces. Overall, in the 64 matches played, 145 goals were scored compared to the 147 scored in the Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup. This is a result of bad decisions by referees, who denied several legitimate efforts including the famous Frank Lampard 'no goal'. 110 of these were from open play, while combination play produced 29, the same as wing play with 15 coming from the left. Defence splitting passes into the penalty area produced 6 goals compared to solo effort that had 7. According to these guys, 4 were a result of defensive errors, and personally, I think that is relative.

This information can be interpreted in various ways. What is of interest for me, is that teams are still generally impenetrable in the middle. The spine of the teams remained a fortified guard that must be circumvented by use of wingers to turn defenders to face their goalkeeper. It also proves that the goalkeepers get pressurised in the confusion of making snappy decisions as to whether to wait for the defenders get rid of the ball or them coming out to cut out the crosses. This further requires risk assessment in a split second so as to avoid collision with the attacking player as well as the defending team-mate.

Of interest though, 15 goals were a result of rebounds. There were just 2 own goals recorded. Set pieces produced 35 goals of which 10 were scored after corner-kicks, 7 of those from the right. Direct kicks resulted in 5 goals. Penalties were not recorded as direct kicks as 9 were a separate count, but please note that they are actually direct free-kicks. They report a goal that was a result of a throw in. If you remember this one, please let me know. Generally, the TSG has classified 108 goals as scored from shots and 26 as headers. Strikers, midfielders and defenders netted 77, 50 and 16 goals respectively. It has been a while since we had goalkeepers scoring in the World Cups. The last I remember was Jose Chilavert, who was a dead ball specialist.

Shooting remains key in football. Lack of courage in taking shots becomes the weakness of tactically aware teams who will continue to pass the ball around, hence over elaborating their attacks and allowing the opposition to take good defensive positions to neutralise the attacks. The 26 headed goals proves that this technique remains a big challenge even for high level professionals. O further interest in goal distribution by departments, is the fact that teams played 1-4-2-3-1 formation variables, meaning a solo striker or in some cases, 2 strikers playing in tandem, ie one in front of another. With these solo strikers, 4 defenders were assigned to deal with their threats, yet they had a combined goal tally of 77. Of course the midfielders beefed up attacks at every opportunity, coming up with the 50 goals. Defenders usually got their goals from set-pieces, usually headers as they have the courage to jump and head, which is a common job description to deal with the aerial prowess of players like Peter Crouch and Fernando Torres.

Between kick-off and the 15th minute, the goalkeeper were beaten 14 times, and 23 times in the next quarter of an hour. These statistics are some of the more useful in coaching. It is essential to know the probability of conceding in the 31st - 45th minutes, as 22 goals were netted.  The 46 to 60 minute mark produced 22 goals and the next 15 minutes saw 27 being scored compared to an even bigger figure of 35 scored in the 76th - 90th minute range. Each half of extra time produced a single goal. You will remember that psychologically stronger teams perform better for longer, you will see how mind power is more relevant than previously thought. Personally, I think this is the weakest point of African teams. For example, South Africa conceded the silliest 2 goals in the last 5 minutes against Uruguay. These made the difference between 2nd round and early elimination for the hosts. Ghana missed a crucial penalty with virtually the last kick of the match against, again, Uruguay.

The obvious case here is the figures after half-time. It shows how football education is essential because a good coach must be able to read the game, exploit the weakness of the opposition. The importance of impact players cannot be over emphasised. A lot of coaches introduced substitutes in the last 30 minutes and most of them changed the complexion of the matches positively, as proven by the 64 (27 + 35 + 2) compared to 81 goals scored in the first 60 minutes. The other way to look at it is the way teams were over-cautious at the beginning and then throwing everything into attack either after conceding or racing against time.

Additional time of the first half saw a single goal while there were 6 goals after the 90th minute additional time. There were 31 goals that were scored from inside the goal area, 79 inside penalty area and 26 from outside the penalty area. We already mentioned 9 from the spot.  As I mentioned earlier, I was hoping to see the effect that the loss of concentration in the first 5 minutes compares to the last 5 of the same half, and then how the first 5 minutes of the second half differs from that of the first, and so on. This data is not available.

When I looked at match attendance list, the lowest figures were 27967 for the Denmark vs Japan first round match. It is a figure bigger than any ordinary match that does not feature Bloemfontein Celtic, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates in South Africa. In most matches like this one, locals would still be looking for tickets while international associations were hording the quota they did not sell. It was easier for vuvuzela haters to turn around and point at the empty stadia, while records proved these games were the top 5 attended in the history of the tournament, despite the anti-Africa propaganda in the world media.

What football data would you call useful and why? Please check out for more and detailed list of data on www.fifa.com

Statistics - 2010 FIFA World Cup Technical Report.

Further to previous reports of the TSG about the beautiful game's world show, this statistics supplied in the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup Technical Report are of a general nature for a technical report. For starters, it does not detail the condition and composition of teams that scored in the first and last 5 minutes of each half. The scoring data has been classified in 15 minute blocks which are less relevant to technical people like myself. General observation overtime proved that technically gifted and tactically sound teams scored in the first 3rd of the matches, while physically conditions sides with higher technical ability took control of the matches in the middle 3rd of any match. The last 30 minutes of matches are usually controlled by psychologically strong and mature teams than the physically strong.   

The TSG came with data to tell us how it all went. They said that there 35 from set pieces. Overall, in the 64 matches played, 145 goals were scored compared to the 147 scored in the Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup. This is a result of bad decisions by referees, who denied several legitimate efforts including the famous Frank Lampard 'no goal'. 110 of these were from open play, while combination play produced 29, the same as wing play with 15 coming from the left. Defence splitting passes into the penalty area produced 6 goals compared to solo effort that had 7. According to these guys, 4 were a result of defensive errors, and personally, I think that is relative.

This information can be interpreted in various ways. What is of interest for me, is that teams are still generally impenetrable in the middle. The spine of the teams remained a fortified guard that must be circumvented by use of wingers to turn defenders to face their goalkeeper. It also proves that the goalkeepers get pressurised in the confusion of making snappy decisions as to whether to wait for the defenders get rid of the ball or them coming out to cut out the crosses. This further requires risk assessment in a split second so as to avoid collision with the attacking player as well as the defending team-mate.

Of interest though, 15 goals were a result of rebounds. There were just 2 own goals recorded. Set pieces produced 35 goals of which 10 were scored after corner-kicks, 7 of those from the right. Direct kicks resulted in 5 goals. Penalties were not recorded as direct kicks as 9 were a separate count, but please note that they are actually direct free-kicks. They report a goal that was a result of a throw in. If you remember this one, please let me know. Generally, the TSG has classified 108 goals as scored from shots and 26 as headers. Strikers, midfielders and defenders netted 77, 50 and 16 goals respectively. It has been a while since we had goalkeepers scoring in the World Cups. The last I remember was Jose Chilavert, who was a dead ball specialist.

Shooting remains key in football. Lack of courage in taking shots becomes the weakness of tactically aware teams who will continue to pass the ball around, hence over elaborating their attacks and allowing the opposition to take good defensive positions to neutralise the attacks. The 26 headed goals proves that this technique remains a big challenge even for high level professionals. O further interest in goal distribution by departments, is the fact that teams played 1-4-2-3-1 formation variables, meaning a solo striker or in some cases, 2 strikers playing in tandem, ie one in front of another. With these solo strikers, 4 defenders were assigned to deal with their threats, yet they had a combined goal tally of 77. Of course the midfielders beefed up attacks at every opportunity, coming up with the 50 goals. Defenders usually got their goals from set-pieces, usually headers as they have the courage to jump and head, which is a common job description to deal with the aerial prowess of players like Peter Crouch and Fernando Torres.

Between kick-off and the 15th minute, the goalkeeper were beaten 14 times, and 23 times in the next quarter of an hour. These statistics are some of the more useful in coaching. It is essential to know the probability of conceding in the 31st - 45th minutes, as 22 goals were netted.  The 46 to 60 minute mark produced 22 goals and the next 15 minutes saw 27 being scored compared to an even bigger figure of 35 scored in the 76th - 90th minute range. Each half of extra time produced a single goal. You will remember that psychologically stronger teams perform better for longer, you will see how mind power is more relevant than previously thought. Personally, I think this is the weakest point of African teams. For example, South Africa conceded the silliest 2 goals in the last 5 minutes against Uruguay. These made the difference between 2nd round and early elimination for the hosts. Ghana missed a crucial penalty with virtually the last kick of the match against, again, Uruguay.

The obvious case here is the figures after half-time. It shows how football education is essential because a good coach must be able to read the game, exploit the weakness of the opposition. The importance of impact players cannot be over emphasised. A lot of coaches introduced substitutes in the last 30 minutes and most of them changed the complexion of the matches positively, as proven by the 64 (27 + 35 + 2) compared to 81 goals scored in the first 60 minutes. The other way to look at it is the way teams were over-cautious at the beginning and then throwing everything into attack either after conceding or racing against time.

Additional time of the first half saw a single goal while there were 6 goals after the 90th minute additional time. There were 31 goals that were scored from inside the goal area, 79 inside penalty area and 26 from outside the penalty area. We already mentioned 9 from the spot.  As I mentioned earlier, I was hoping to see the effect that the loss of concentration in the first 5 minutes compares to the last 5 of the same half, and then how the first 5 minutes of the second half differs from that of the first, and so on. This data is not available.

When I looked at match attendance list, the lowest figures were 27967 for the Denmark vs Japan first round match. It is a figure bigger than any ordinary match that does not feature Bloemfontein Celtic, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates in South Africa. In most matches like this one, locals would still be looking for tickets while international associations were hording the quota they did not sell. It was easier for vuvuzela haters to turn around and point at the empty stadia, while records proved these games were the top 5 attended in the history of the tournament, despite the anti-Africa propaganda in the world media.

What football data would you call useful and why? Please check out for more and detailed list of data on www.fifa.com

Statistics - 2010 FIFA World Cup Technical Report.

Further to previous reports of the TSG about the beautiful game's world show, this statistics supplied in the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup Technical Report are of a general nature for a technical report. For starters, it does not detail the condition and composition of teams that scored in the first and last 5 minutes of each half. The scoring data has been classified in 15 minute blocks which are less relevant to technical people like myself. General observation overtime proved that technically gifted and tactically sound teams scored in the first 3rd of the matches, while physically conditions sides with higher technical ability took control of the matches in the middle 3rd of any match. The last 30 minutes of matches are usually controlled by psychologically strong and mature teams than the physically strong.   

The TSG came with data to tell us how it all went. They said that there 35 from set pieces. Overall, in the 64 matches played, 145 goals were scored compared to the 147 scored in the Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup. This is a result of bad decisions by referees, who denied several legitimate efforts including the famous Frank Lampard 'no goal'. 110 of these were from open play, while combination play produced 29, the same as wing play with 15 coming from the left. Defence splitting passes into the penalty area produced 6 goals compared to solo effort that had 7. According to these guys, 4 were a result of defensive errors, and personally, I think that is relative.

This information can be interpreted in various ways. What is of interest for me, is that teams are still generally impenetrable in the middle. The spine of the teams remained a fortified guard that must be circumvented by use of wingers to turn defenders to face their goalkeeper. It also proves that the goalkeepers get pressurised in the confusion of making snappy decisions as to whether to wait for the defenders get rid of the ball or them coming out to cut out the crosses. This further requires risk assessment in a split second so as to avoid collision with the attacking player as well as the defending team-mate.

Of interest though, 15 goals were a result of rebounds. There were just 2 own goals recorded. Set pieces produced 35 goals of which 10 were scored after corner-kicks, 7 of those from the right. Direct kicks resulted in 5 goals. Penalties were not recorded as direct kicks as 9 were a separate count, but please note that they are actually direct free-kicks. They report a goal that was a result of a throw in. If you remember this one, please let me know. Generally, the TSG has classified 108 goals as scored from shots and 26 as headers. Strikers, midfielders and defenders netted 77, 50 and 16 goals respectively. It has been a while since we had goalkeepers scoring in the World Cups. The last I remember was Jose Chilavert, who was a dead ball specialist.

Shooting remains key in football. Lack of courage in taking shots becomes the weakness of tactically aware teams who will continue to pass the ball around, hence over elaborating their attacks and allowing the opposition to take good defensive positions to neutralise the attacks. The 26 headed goals proves that this technique remains a big challenge even for high level professionals. O further interest in goal distribution by departments, is the fact that teams played 1-4-2-3-1 formation variables, meaning a solo striker or in some cases, 2 strikers playing in tandem, ie one in front of another. With these solo strikers, 4 defenders were assigned to deal with their threats, yet they had a combined goal tally of 77. Of course the midfielders beefed up attacks at every opportunity, coming up with the 50 goals. Defenders usually got their goals from set-pieces, usually headers as they have the courage to jump and head, which is a common job description to deal with the aerial prowess of players like Peter Crouch and Fernando Torres.

Between kick-off and the 15th minute, the goalkeeper were beaten 14 times, and 23 times in the next quarter of an hour. These statistics are some of the more useful in coaching. It is essential to know the probability of conceding in the 31st - 45th minutes, as 22 goals were netted.  The 46 to 60 minute mark produced 22 goals and the next 15 minutes saw 27 being scored compared to an even bigger figure of 35 scored in the 76th - 90th minute range. Each half of extra time produced a single goal. You will remember that psychologically stronger teams perform better for longer, you will see how mind power is more relevant than previously thought. Personally, I think this is the weakest point of African teams. For example, South Africa conceded the silliest 2 goals in the last 5 minutes against Uruguay. These made the difference between 2nd round and early elimination for the hosts. Ghana missed a crucial penalty with virtually the last kick of the match against, again, Uruguay.

The obvious case here is the figures after half-time. It shows how football education is essential because a good coach must be able to read the game, exploit the weakness of the opposition. The importance of impact players cannot be over emphasised. A lot of coaches introduced substitutes in the last 30 minutes and most of them changed the complexion of the matches positively, as proven by the 64 (27 + 35 + 2) compared to 81 goals scored in the first 60 minutes. The other way to look at it is the way teams were over-cautious at the beginning and then throwing everything into attack either after conceding or racing against time.

Additional time of the first half saw a single goal while there were 6 goals after the 90th minute additional time. There were 31 goals that were scored from inside the goal area, 79 inside penalty area and 26 from outside the penalty area. We already mentioned 9 from the spot.  As I mentioned earlier, I was hoping to see the effect that the loss of concentration in the first 5 minutes compares to the last 5 of the same half, and then how the first 5 minutes of the second half differs from that of the first, and so on. This data is not available.

When I looked at match attendance list, the lowest figures were 27967 for the Denmark vs Japan first round match. It is a figure bigger than any ordinary match that does not feature Bloemfontein Celtic, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates in South Africa. In most matches like this one, locals would still be looking for tickets while international associations were hording the quota they did not sell. It was easier for vuvuzela haters to turn around and point at the empty stadia, while records proved these games were the top 5 attended in the history of the tournament, despite the anti-Africa propaganda in the world media.

What football data would you call useful and why? Please check out for more and detailed list of data on www.fifa.com

Statistics - 2010 FIFA World Cup Technical Report.

Further to previous reports of the TSG about the beautiful game's world show, this statistics supplied in the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup Technical Report are of a general nature for a technical report. For starters, it does not detail the condition and composition of teams that scored in the first and last 5 minutes of each half. The scoring data has been classified in 15 minute blocks which are less relevant to technical people like myself. General observation overtime proved that technically gifted and tactically sound teams scored in the first 3rd of the matches, while physically conditions sides with higher technical ability took control of the matches in the middle 3rd of any match. The last 30 minutes of matches are usually controlled by psychologically strong and mature teams than the physically strong.   

The TSG came with data to tell us how it all went. They said that there 35 from set pieces. Overall, in the 64 matches played, 145 goals were scored compared to the 147 scored in the Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup. This is a result of bad decisions by referees, who denied several legitimate efforts including the famous Frank Lampard 'no goal'. 110 of these were from open play, while combination play produced 29, the same as wing play with 15 coming from the left. Defence splitting passes into the penalty area produced 6 goals compared to solo effort that had 7. According to these guys, 4 were a result of defensive errors, and personally, I think that is relative.

This information can be interpreted in various ways. What is of interest for me, is that teams are still generally impenetrable in the middle. The spine of the teams remained a fortified guard that must be circumvented by use of wingers to turn defenders to face their goalkeeper. It also proves that the goalkeepers get pressurised in the confusion of making snappy decisions as to whether to wait for the defenders get rid of the ball or them coming out to cut out the crosses. This further requires risk assessment in a split second so as to avoid collision with the attacking player as well as the defending team-mate.

Of interest though, 15 goals were a result of rebounds. There were just 2 own goals recorded. Set pieces produced 35 goals of which 10 were scored after corner-kicks, 7 of those from the right. Direct kicks resulted in 5 goals. Penalties were not recorded as direct kicks as 9 were a separate count, but please note that they are actually direct free-kicks. They report a goal that was a result of a throw in. If you remember this one, please let me know. Generally, the TSG has classified 108 goals as scored from shots and 26 as headers. Strikers, midfielders and defenders netted 77, 50 and 16 goals respectively. It has been a while since we had goalkeepers scoring in the World Cups. The last I remember was Jose Chilavert, who was a dead ball specialist.

Shooting remains key in football. Lack of courage in taking shots becomes the weakness of tactically aware teams who will continue to pass the ball around, hence over elaborating their attacks and allowing the opposition to take good defensive positions to neutralise the attacks. The 26 headed goals proves that this technique remains a big challenge even for high level professionals. O further interest in goal distribution by departments, is the fact that teams played 1-4-2-3-1 formation variables, meaning a solo striker or in some cases, 2 strikers playing in tandem, ie one in front of another. With these solo strikers, 4 defenders were assigned to deal with their threats, yet they had a combined goal tally of 77. Of course the midfielders beefed up attacks at every opportunity, coming up with the 50 goals. Defenders usually got their goals from set-pieces, usually headers as they have the courage to jump and head, which is a common job description to deal with the aerial prowess of players like Peter Crouch and Fernando Torres.

Between kick-off and the 15th minute, the goalkeeper were beaten 14 times, and 23 times in the next quarter of an hour. These statistics are some of the more useful in coaching. It is essential to know the probability of conceding in the 31st - 45th minutes, as 22 goals were netted.  The 46 to 60 minute mark produced 22 goals and the next 15 minutes saw 27 being scored compared to an even bigger figure of 35 scored in the 76th - 90th minute range. Each half of extra time produced a single goal. You will remember that psychologically stronger teams perform better for longer, you will see how mind power is more relevant than previously thought. Personally, I think this is the weakest point of African teams. For example, South Africa conceded the silliest 2 goals in the last 5 minutes against Uruguay. These made the difference between 2nd round and early elimination for the hosts. Ghana missed a crucial penalty with virtually the last kick of the match against, again, Uruguay.

The obvious case here is the figures after half-time. It shows how football education is essential because a good coach must be able to read the game, exploit the weakness of the opposition. The importance of impact players cannot be over emphasised. A lot of coaches introduced substitutes in the last 30 minutes and most of them changed the complexion of the matches positively, as proven by the 64 (27 + 35 + 2) compared to 81 goals scored in the first 60 minutes. The other way to look at it is the way teams were over-cautious at the beginning and then throwing everything into attack either after conceding or racing against time.

Additional time of the first half saw a single goal while there were 6 goals after the 90th minute additional time. There were 31 goals that were scored from inside the goal area, 79 inside penalty area and 26 from outside the penalty area. We already mentioned 9 from the spot.  As I mentioned earlier, I was hoping to see the effect that the loss of concentration in the first 5 minutes compares to the last 5 of the same half, and then how the first 5 minutes of the second half differs from that of the first, and so on. This data is not available.

When I looked at match attendance list, the lowest figures were 27967 for the Denmark vs Japan first round match. It is a figure bigger than any ordinary match that does not feature Bloemfontein Celtic, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates in South Africa. In most matches like this one, locals would still be looking for tickets while international associations were hording the quota they did not sell. It was easier for vuvuzela haters to turn around and point at the empty stadia, while records proved these games were the top 5 attended in the history of the tournament, despite the anti-Africa propaganda in the world media.

What football data would you call useful and why? Please check out for more and detailed list of data on www.fifa.com