Why Did Arsenal Not Signing Robinho?

One player Arsenal would have done with, is Brazilian Manchester City and Santos player, Robinho. Silvio Berlusconi snapped Brazil star after AC Milan also signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They have Pato, Ronaldinho and Filippo Inzaghi. He hinted Marco Borriello has to leave, and may he may head Juventas. Robinho must decide where he has to be and stay put. This may be the beginning of his end. It will be such a shame for him not to realise his full potential. To me, he has shown us half of his abilities.  

Klaas Huntelaar has singed for German side Schalke 04 from AC Milan and was rumoured to have been heading to the English Premiership, while Liverpool Javier Mascherano made his worst career choice when he joined Barcelona. While The Reds showed a gap in his absence, he was better off with Benitez at Inter instead. With the talent at Barcelona, people still of Pep Guardiola as a good coach. That may be right, but sometimes that becomes over-rated, especially when you start counting the victories and honours the club wins. Back to Mascherano, he has to uproot Xavi or Busquets for a twin anchor role, a tall order indeed.

Barcelona seem to be taking off from where they left last season, winning 3-0, with new boy David Villa scoring. The FIFA World Cup is over, as you may realise after Messi's hat-trick last week in the Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid fired blanks to the disgust of the Special One, who would have liked to enter La Liga in style. As if that wasn't enough, Portuguese Ronaldo got what looks like a long-term injury. This will give Jose Mourinho reason to dig deeper into his tactics bag to pull it away from perennial top achievers, Barca. 

Of course, it is fair to salute a Super Cup win by Athletico Madrid over Italian giants Inter Milan. Athletico took the Cup courtesy of a 2-0 victory. They went on t open a league account with a 4-0 drubbing of Sorting Gijon, in a match the FIFA World Cup hero shined. Diego Forlan was priceless scoring twice in Madrid.

Despite the obvious technical downside at Anfield, manager Roy Hodgson seems more interested in a striker. This is a little confusing, given that Ryan Babel is a firebrand striker always coming off the bench to produce the goods. He may be an ideal impact player, but manager after manager give him a cold shoulder, only throwing him with 2 or 3 minutes of play remaining.

David Ngog is one player ready to be thrown at the deep end, but somehow is invisible to the coach. I think managers must make players, especially those with potential. Anyway, Hodgson will be signing Konchesky from Fulham soon.

There has been the interesting form of Theo Walcott. This is very notable regardless of the 2 match window since Robin van Persie seems to be nursing an injury that may take him several weeks to heal. The downside is that Theo would draw all the attention for van Persie to score goals to the potential he has always shown. I think he still has a long way to go to convince me he belongs where Arsenal fans place him. 

Mikel Silvestre is turning into a nomadic player, moving to Werder Bremen after spending just over a season at Arsenal when he moved from Manchester United. He had been clubless for a while. It is not clear what he lacks, having spent such a long time at a club of Man U stature, he should have been a hot cake too good to spend a season without kicking a ball.

Meanwhile, you will remember that Tottenham Hotspurs were bidding for Brazilian Luis Fabiano. The 'hand ball-tapping' forceful striker was Redknapp's heart's desire for his Champions' League assault. Sevilla have since put an electric fence around 29-year-old Fabiano, extending his contract after refusing some $30 million offers.

West Brom Albion scored with the signing of Paul Scharner, given he was a free agent and his versatility. He is gifted to play effectively in various position at the back and middle.

Aston Villa deny claim that Spurs are hunting Ashley Young. Harry Redknapp likes artists of Young's calibre, given he has Aaron Lennon, who plays the same role. The pair would be a handful for any defence with each on either wing and the centre being operated by either Peter Crouch or Jermaine Defoe or both. Wow. I still think that Spurs is the only team that will decide where the championship ends up this season. Have your say.

Why Did Arsenal Not Signing Robinho?

One player Arsenal would have done with, is Brazilian Manchester City and Santos player, Robinho. Silvio Berlusconi snapped Brazil star after AC Milan also signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They have Pato, Ronaldinho and Filippo Inzaghi. He hinted Marco Borriello has to leave, and may he may head Juventas. Robinho must decide where he has to be and stay put. This may be the beginning of his end. It will be such a shame for him not to realise his full potential. To me, he has shown us half of his abilities.  

Klaas Huntelaar has singed for German side Schalke 04 from AC Milan and was rumoured to have been heading to the English Premiership, while Liverpool Javier Mascherano made his worst career choice when he joined Barcelona. While The Reds showed a gap in his absence, he was better off with Benitez at Inter instead. With the talent at Barcelona, people still of Pep Guardiola as a good coach. That may be right, but sometimes that becomes over-rated, especially when you start counting the victories and honours the club wins. Back to Mascherano, he has to uproot Xavi or Busquets for a twin anchor role, a tall order indeed.

Barcelona seem to be taking off from where they left last season, winning 3-0, with new boy David Villa scoring. The FIFA World Cup is over, as you may realise after Messi's hat-trick last week in the Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid fired blanks to the disgust of the Special One, who would have liked to enter La Liga in style. As if that wasn't enough, Portuguese Ronaldo got what looks like a long-term injury. This will give Jose Mourinho reason to dig deeper into his tactics bag to pull it away from perennial top achievers, Barca. 

Of course, it is fair to salute a Super Cup win by Athletico Madrid over Italian giants Inter Milan. Athletico took the Cup courtesy of a 2-0 victory. They went on t open a league account with a 4-0 drubbing of Sorting Gijon, in a match the FIFA World Cup hero shined. Diego Forlan was priceless scoring twice in Madrid.

Despite the obvious technical downside at Anfield, manager Roy Hodgson seems more interested in a striker. This is a little confusing, given that Ryan Babel is a firebrand striker always coming off the bench to produce the goods. He may be an ideal impact player, but manager after manager give him a cold shoulder, only throwing him with 2 or 3 minutes of play remaining.

David Ngog is one player ready to be thrown at the deep end, but somehow is invisible to the coach. I think managers must make players, especially those with potential. Anyway, Hodgson will be signing Konchesky from Fulham soon.

There has been the interesting form of Theo Walcott. This is very notable regardless of the 2 match window since Robin van Persie seems to be nursing an injury that may take him several weeks to heal. The downside is that Theo would draw all the attention for van Persie to score goals to the potential he has always shown. I think he still has a long way to go to convince me he belongs where Arsenal fans place him. 

Mikel Silvestre is turning into a nomadic player, moving to Werder Bremen after spending just over a season at Arsenal when he moved from Manchester United. He had been clubless for a while. It is not clear what he lacks, having spent such a long time at a club of Man U stature, he should have been a hot cake too good to spend a season without kicking a ball.

Meanwhile, you will remember that Tottenham Hotspurs were bidding for Brazilian Luis Fabiano. The 'hand ball-tapping' forceful striker was Redknapp's heart's desire for his Champions' League assault. Sevilla have since put an electric fence around 29-year-old Fabiano, extending his contract after refusing some $30 million offers.

West Brom Albion scored with the signing of Paul Scharner, given he was a free agent and his versatility. He is gifted to play effectively in various position at the back and middle.

Aston Villa deny claim that Spurs are hunting Ashley Young. Harry Redknapp likes artists of Young's calibre, given he has Aaron Lennon, who plays the same role. The pair would be a handful for any defence with each on either wing and the centre being operated by either Peter Crouch or Jermaine Defoe or both. Wow. I still think that Spurs is the only team that will decide where the championship ends up this season. Have your say.

Why Did Arsenal Not Signing Robinho?

One player Arsenal would have done with, is Brazilian Manchester City and Santos player, Robinho. Silvio Berlusconi snapped Brazil star after AC Milan also signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They have Pato, Ronaldinho and Filippo Inzaghi. He hinted Marco Borriello has to leave, and may he may head Juventas. Robinho must decide where he has to be and stay put. This may be the beginning of his end. It will be such a shame for him not to realise his full potential. To me, he has shown us half of his abilities.  

Klaas Huntelaar has singed for German side Schalke 04 from AC Milan and was rumoured to have been heading to the English Premiership, while Liverpool Javier Mascherano made his worst career choice when he joined Barcelona. While The Reds showed a gap in his absence, he was better off with Benitez at Inter instead. With the talent at Barcelona, people still of Pep Guardiola as a good coach. That may be right, but sometimes that becomes over-rated, especially when you start counting the victories and honours the club wins. Back to Mascherano, he has to uproot Xavi or Busquets for a twin anchor role, a tall order indeed.

Barcelona seem to be taking off from where they left last season, winning 3-0, with new boy David Villa scoring. The FIFA World Cup is over, as you may realise after Messi's hat-trick last week in the Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid fired blanks to the disgust of the Special One, who would have liked to enter La Liga in style. As if that wasn't enough, Portuguese Ronaldo got what looks like a long-term injury. This will give Jose Mourinho reason to dig deeper into his tactics bag to pull it away from perennial top achievers, Barca. 

Of course, it is fair to salute a Super Cup win by Athletico Madrid over Italian giants Inter Milan. Athletico took the Cup courtesy of a 2-0 victory. They went on t open a league account with a 4-0 drubbing of Sorting Gijon, in a match the FIFA World Cup hero shined. Diego Forlan was priceless scoring twice in Madrid.

Despite the obvious technical downside at Anfield, manager Roy Hodgson seems more interested in a striker. This is a little confusing, given that Ryan Babel is a firebrand striker always coming off the bench to produce the goods. He may be an ideal impact player, but manager after manager give him a cold shoulder, only throwing him with 2 or 3 minutes of play remaining.

David Ngog is one player ready to be thrown at the deep end, but somehow is invisible to the coach. I think managers must make players, especially those with potential. Anyway, Hodgson will be signing Konchesky from Fulham soon.

There has been the interesting form of Theo Walcott. This is very notable regardless of the 2 match window since Robin van Persie seems to be nursing an injury that may take him several weeks to heal. The downside is that Theo would draw all the attention for van Persie to score goals to the potential he has always shown. I think he still has a long way to go to convince me he belongs where Arsenal fans place him. 

Mikel Silvestre is turning into a nomadic player, moving to Werder Bremen after spending just over a season at Arsenal when he moved from Manchester United. He had been clubless for a while. It is not clear what he lacks, having spent such a long time at a club of Man U stature, he should have been a hot cake too good to spend a season without kicking a ball.

Meanwhile, you will remember that Tottenham Hotspurs were bidding for Brazilian Luis Fabiano. The 'hand ball-tapping' forceful striker was Redknapp's heart's desire for his Champions' League assault. Sevilla have since put an electric fence around 29-year-old Fabiano, extending his contract after refusing some $30 million offers.

West Brom Albion scored with the signing of Paul Scharner, given he was a free agent and his versatility. He is gifted to play effectively in various position at the back and middle.

Aston Villa deny claim that Spurs are hunting Ashley Young. Harry Redknapp likes artists of Young's calibre, given he has Aaron Lennon, who plays the same role. The pair would be a handful for any defence with each on either wing and the centre being operated by either Peter Crouch or Jermaine Defoe or both. Wow. I still think that Spurs is the only team that will decide where the championship ends up this season. Have your say.

Zimbabwe Warriors Coach: Who Exactly Is Tom Saintfiet?

Tom Saintfiet was born March 29, 1973 in Belgium and coached the Namibian national team, where he beat Comoros and Malawi and drawing Lesotho in the 2008 COSAFA in South Africa. He played football between 1983 to 1997 before becoming a football manager at 24, becoming the youngest manager in Belgian football.

A holder of UEFA A Pro License, Saintfiet coached in several countries including Qatar where he was assistant club coach and then Under-17 coach which qualified for FIFA World Cup, Germany, Faroe Islands finishing 2nd in the 1st Division league, and Holland teams junior sides and was 1st Division Technical Director. He was Finnish Premier League club Rovaniemi coach before going to Namibia.

Saintfiet, who holds Sports Psychology and Econimic Psychology qualifications, was also an advisor for the Kazakhstan Football Federation and worked as a TV football Analyst for Belgian Television and a translator for the DFB.

Is this the best for Zimbabwe Warriors?

Zimbabwe Warriors Coach: Who Exactly Is Tom Saintfiet?

Tom Saintfiet was born March 29, 1973 in Belgium and coached the Namibian national team, where he beat Comoros and Malawi and drawing Lesotho in the 2008 COSAFA in South Africa. He played football between 1983 to 1997 before becoming a football manager at 24, becoming the youngest manager in Belgian football.

A holder of UEFA A Pro License, Saintfiet coached in several countries including Qatar where he was assistant club coach and then Under-17 coach which qualified for FIFA World Cup, Germany, Faroe Islands finishing 2nd in the 1st Division league, and Holland teams junior sides and was 1st Division Technical Director. He was Finnish Premier League club Rovaniemi coach before going to Namibia.

Saintfiet, who holds Sports Psychology and Econimic Psychology qualifications, was also an advisor for the Kazakhstan Football Federation and worked as a TV football Analyst for Belgian Television and a translator for the DFB.

Is this the best for Zimbabwe Warriors?

Zimbabwe Warriors Coach: Who Exactly Is Tom Saintfiet?

Tom Saintfiet was born March 29, 1973 in Belgium and coached the Namibian national team, where he beat Comoros and Malawi and drawing Lesotho in the 2008 COSAFA in South Africa. He played football between 1983 to 1997 before becoming a football manager at 24, becoming the youngest manager in Belgian football.

A holder of UEFA A Pro License, Saintfiet coached in several countries including Qatar where he was assistant club coach and then Under-17 coach which qualified for FIFA World Cup, Germany, Faroe Islands finishing 2nd in the 1st Division league, and Holland teams junior sides and was 1st Division Technical Director. He was Finnish Premier League club Rovaniemi coach before going to Namibia.

Saintfiet, who holds Sports Psychology and Econimic Psychology qualifications, was also an advisor for the Kazakhstan Football Federation and worked as a TV football Analyst for Belgian Television and a translator for the DFB.

Is this the best for Zimbabwe Warriors?

Madinda Ndlovu To Coach National Team.

Black Mambas Technical Director, Madinda Ndlovu, will coach the Zimbabwe Warriors as an assistant to one former Namibia national team coach, Tom Saintfiet. Ndlovu is a former Highlanders FC coach, having moulded one of the greatest Bosso sides that was well taken care of by Rahman Gumbo.

He built a young multi-championship winning team that was captained by Captain Fantastic, Thulani Biya Ncube, Siza Khoza, Gift Thebe Lunga (Junior), Alexander Phiri, Blessing Gumiso, Thabani Mqwayi Masawi, Dazy Kapenya, Zenzo Zemura Moyo, just to name a few.

Madinda went to have a good coaching stint in Botswana and came back to a cash-strapped Bosso that still owes him gazillions. His move to Mambas is slowly bearing fruits and his progress could not longer be ignored by the national association.

His decorated playing career is common knowledge, having played in England and Germany. His local contribution to the local game is one of the biggest by an individual, both for the club and the national team. He was part of the successful and entertaining team of the 1980s alongside Willard Nduna Khumalo, Mercedes 'John Rambo' Scania Sibanda, Douglas British Mloyi, Alexander Cool Ruler Maseko, and Peter Nkomo, among an array of gallant footballers of all time.

In the national team, he played in the CECAFA tournaments alongside Boy Maxmillion Ndlovu, Moses Razorman Chunga, Ephert Lungu, Japheth Short Cat Mparutsa, Stix Mtizwa, Stanley Sinyo Nduduma, Joel Headmaster Jubilee Shambo and Shakeman Chinyarire Bere Tauro.

With such a background, it is easy to understand the seduction his CV would give to a panel of national coach selectors.
Of the local coaches, Zifa were impressed with Ndlovu's resume and resolved he would be the right man for the job.

A report from The Chronicle said that Norman Mapeza will remain part of the coaching staff probably as second assistant. It said that Monomotapa mentor Taurayi Mangwiro who is with Monomotapa will coach the Under-23 deputized by former Chapungu goalkeeper Innocent Chogugudza.

The biggest suspected resolution of the Zimbabwean football fathers is their desire to let junior national team coaches deputize the next age groups, and that the junior teams will take part in all regional tournaments. Hopefully, there will be money to participate in these.

Congratulations to Madinda Ndlovu and hope he will one day lead the Warriors to where they need to be.

Madinda Ndlovu To Coach National Team.

Black Mambas Technical Director, Madinda Ndlovu, will coach the Zimbabwe Warriors as an assistant to one former Namibia national team coach, Tom Saintfiet. Ndlovu is a former Highlanders FC coach, having moulded one of the greatest Bosso sides that was well taken care of by Rahman Gumbo.

He built a young multi-championship winning team that was captained by Captain Fantastic, Thulani Biya Ncube, Siza Khoza, Gift Thebe Lunga (Junior), Alexander Phiri, Blessing Gumiso, Thabani Mqwayi Masawi, Dazy Kapenya, Zenzo Zemura Moyo, just to name a few.

Madinda went to have a good coaching stint in Botswana and came back to a cash-strapped Bosso that still owes him gazillions. His move to Mambas is slowly bearing fruits and his progress could not longer be ignored by the national association.

His decorated playing career is common knowledge, having played in England and Germany. His local contribution to the local game is one of the biggest by an individual, both for the club and the national team. He was part of the successful and entertaining team of the 1980s alongside Willard Nduna Khumalo, Mercedes 'John Rambo' Scania Sibanda, Douglas British Mloyi, Alexander Cool Ruler Maseko, and Peter Nkomo, among an array of gallant footballers of all time.

In the national team, he played in the CECAFA tournaments alongside Boy Maxmillion Ndlovu, Moses Razorman Chunga, Ephert Lungu, Japheth Short Cat Mparutsa, Stix Mtizwa, Stanley Sinyo Nduduma, Joel Headmaster Jubilee Shambo and Shakeman Chinyarire Bere Tauro.

With such a background, it is easy to understand the seduction his CV would give to a panel of national coach selectors.
Of the local coaches, Zifa were impressed with Ndlovu's resume and resolved he would be the right man for the job.

A report from The Chronicle said that Norman Mapeza will remain part of the coaching staff probably as second assistant. It said that Monomotapa mentor Taurayi Mangwiro who is with Monomotapa will coach the Under-23 deputized by former Chapungu goalkeeper Innocent Chogugudza.

The biggest suspected resolution of the Zimbabwean football fathers is their desire to let junior national team coaches deputize the next age groups, and that the junior teams will take part in all regional tournaments. Hopefully, there will be money to participate in these.

Congratulations to Madinda Ndlovu and hope he will one day lead the Warriors to where they need to be.

Madinda Ndlovu To Coach National Team.

Black Mambas Technical Director, Madinda Ndlovu, will coach the Zimbabwe Warriors as an assistant to one former Namibia national team coach, Tom Saintfiet. Ndlovu is a former Highlanders FC coach, having moulded one of the greatest Bosso sides that was well taken care of by Rahman Gumbo.

He built a young multi-championship winning team that was captained by Captain Fantastic, Thulani Biya Ncube, Siza Khoza, Gift Thebe Lunga (Junior), Alexander Phiri, Blessing Gumiso, Thabani Mqwayi Masawi, Dazy Kapenya, Zenzo Zemura Moyo, just to name a few.

Madinda went to have a good coaching stint in Botswana and came back to a cash-strapped Bosso that still owes him gazillions. His move to Mambas is slowly bearing fruits and his progress could not longer be ignored by the national association.

His decorated playing career is common knowledge, having played in England and Germany. His local contribution to the local game is one of the biggest by an individual, both for the club and the national team. He was part of the successful and entertaining team of the 1980s alongside Willard Nduna Khumalo, Mercedes 'John Rambo' Scania Sibanda, Douglas British Mloyi, Alexander Cool Ruler Maseko, and Peter Nkomo, among an array of gallant footballers of all time.

In the national team, he played in the CECAFA tournaments alongside Boy Maxmillion Ndlovu, Moses Razorman Chunga, Ephert Lungu, Japheth Short Cat Mparutsa, Stix Mtizwa, Stanley Sinyo Nduduma, Joel Headmaster Jubilee Shambo and Shakeman Chinyarire Bere Tauro.

With such a background, it is easy to understand the seduction his CV would give to a panel of national coach selectors.
Of the local coaches, Zifa were impressed with Ndlovu's resume and resolved he would be the right man for the job.

A report from The Chronicle said that Norman Mapeza will remain part of the coaching staff probably as second assistant. It said that Monomotapa mentor Taurayi Mangwiro who is with Monomotapa will coach the Under-23 deputized by former Chapungu goalkeeper Innocent Chogugudza.

The biggest suspected resolution of the Zimbabwean football fathers is their desire to let junior national team coaches deputize the next age groups, and that the junior teams will take part in all regional tournaments. Hopefully, there will be money to participate in these.

Congratulations to Madinda Ndlovu and hope he will one day lead the Warriors to where they need to be.

Former Sundowns and Bafana Player Dies.

Former Bafana Bafana defender, Oscar Ntwagae has died. The Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars players expired after a Friday car crush when he was from training. He was on the verge of joining Jomo Cosmos.

The family and former team-mates found it hard to take the heart-breaking news of the 33-year-old true servant of the game. Ntwagae had 15 Bafana caps and was a dependable wing defender who could also play central defence.

He played for Platinum Stars until 2005, after which he went on to play for Sundowns and Supersport United, both of Pretoria. May his soul rest in peace.

Former Sundowns and Bafana Player Dies.

Former Bafana Bafana defender, Oscar Ntwagae has died. The Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars players expired after a Friday car crush when he was from training. He was on the verge of joining Jomo Cosmos.

The family and former team-mates found it hard to take the heart-breaking news of the 33-year-old true servant of the game. Ntwagae had 15 Bafana caps and was a dependable wing defender who could also play central defence.

He played for Platinum Stars until 2005, after which he went on to play for Sundowns and Supersport United, both of Pretoria. May his soul rest in peace.

Former Sundowns and Bafana Player Dies.

Former Bafana Bafana defender, Oscar Ntwagae has died. The Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars players expired after a Friday car crush when he was from training. He was on the verge of joining Jomo Cosmos.

The family and former team-mates found it hard to take the heart-breaking news of the 33-year-old true servant of the game. Ntwagae had 15 Bafana caps and was a dependable wing defender who could also play central defence.

He played for Platinum Stars until 2005, after which he went on to play for Sundowns and Supersport United, both of Pretoria. May his soul rest in peace.

Liverpool Beat West Brom, Man City Lose To Sunderland.

(Pic from Euro-Sport)

Liverpool beat West Bromwich Albion who were in no charitable mood at Anfield 1-0. They pushed Liverpool to the limit, pinning them against the wall. Nigerian international Odemwingie kept Skrtel on the back foot all the time.

For Liverpool, Steven Gerard, who played from a left midfield position, and Fernando Torres were prominent in their sporadic attacks. Javier Mascherano's void was clearly visible as West Brom curved a pathway in the middle of the central midfield position.

Kuyt played from right midfield area, supplying all attack launches and then pushing forward with play. The Reds were stretches several times, defending very far apart from each other and too close to Pepe Reina's goal.

On the offensive, Liverpool could only afford counter attacks which were definitely dangerous, but the strikers were always a shade too slow to convert the chances that came their way. Only after Torres' goal did Liverpool look like a team playing at home, taking control of the game.

Money-bags, Manchester City, got beat by Sunderland 0-1, in a surprise performance that will make Tottenham Hotspurs feel better. Micah Richards felled Darren Bent, who rose up, dusted off the dust and converted the resultant penalty in injury time. Sunderland pur a spirited 2nd half fight that deserved the reward.

The Black Cats were responding to a 0-1 West Brom defeat last week, taking advantage of a Tevez gilt edged miss at the Stadium Of Light to stun Championship pretenders. Roberto Mancini will be surely feeling the heat as the air of expectation from the fans and Abu Dhabi billionaires expect returns for their investment.

Aston Villa bounced back from an embarrassing 0-6 defeat to Newcastle United last week to a fine performance against Everton, in a match in which Steven Pienaar was superb. The fast paced match was a fast-forwarded affair, Ashley Young in red-hot form, action swinging from one American goalkeeper to another. Tim Howard and Bradley Friedel had to be in tip-top form to keep the marauding strikers at bay.

Everton brought in Louis Saha to step up their fire power. Fellaini was ever dangerous, coming close several times. The action-packed was a thriller of the highest order, the best we have seen this season so far, keeping fans on their feet.

Both teams converted with pace from defence to attack, being incisive in penetration and making it a nail-biting affair. The final ball was not perfect as expected of a high-paced match, but the movement off the ball was enterprising. Everton became more anxious in their build-ups and Villa came off in counter attacks that were fluffed by Reo-Cocker or Ashley Young who either ran out of options or got surrounded by defenders.

Luke Young scored the all important goal in the 9th minute.

Liverpool Beat West Brom, Man City Lose To Sunderland.

(Pic from Euro-Sport)

Liverpool beat West Bromwich Albion who were in no charitable mood at Anfield 1-0. They pushed Liverpool to the limit, pinning them against the wall. Nigerian international Odemwingie kept Skrtel on the back foot all the time.

For Liverpool, Steven Gerard, who played from a left midfield position, and Fernando Torres were prominent in their sporadic attacks. Javier Mascherano's void was clearly visible as West Brom curved a pathway in the middle of the central midfield position.

Kuyt played from right midfield area, supplying all attack launches and then pushing forward with play. The Reds were stretches several times, defending very far apart from each other and too close to Pepe Reina's goal.

On the offensive, Liverpool could only afford counter attacks which were definitely dangerous, but the strikers were always a shade too slow to convert the chances that came their way. Only after Torres' goal did Liverpool look like a team playing at home, taking control of the game.

Money-bags, Manchester City, got beat by Sunderland 0-1, in a surprise performance that will make Tottenham Hotspurs feel better. Micah Richards felled Darren Bent, who rose up, dusted off the dust and converted the resultant penalty in injury time. Sunderland pur a spirited 2nd half fight that deserved the reward.

The Black Cats were responding to a 0-1 West Brom defeat last week, taking advantage of a Tevez gilt edged miss at the Stadium Of Light to stun Championship pretenders. Roberto Mancini will be surely feeling the heat as the air of expectation from the fans and Abu Dhabi billionaires expect returns for their investment.

Aston Villa bounced back from an embarrassing 0-6 defeat to Newcastle United last week to a fine performance against Everton, in a match in which Steven Pienaar was superb. The fast paced match was a fast-forwarded affair, Ashley Young in red-hot form, action swinging from one American goalkeeper to another. Tim Howard and Bradley Friedel had to be in tip-top form to keep the marauding strikers at bay.

Everton brought in Louis Saha to step up their fire power. Fellaini was ever dangerous, coming close several times. The action-packed was a thriller of the highest order, the best we have seen this season so far, keeping fans on their feet.

Both teams converted with pace from defence to attack, being incisive in penetration and making it a nail-biting affair. The final ball was not perfect as expected of a high-paced match, but the movement off the ball was enterprising. Everton became more anxious in their build-ups and Villa came off in counter attacks that were fluffed by Reo-Cocker or Ashley Young who either ran out of options or got surrounded by defenders.

Luke Young scored the all important goal in the 9th minute.

Liverpool Beat West Brom, Man City Lose To Sunderland.

(Pic from Euro-Sport)

Liverpool beat West Bromwich Albion who were in no charitable mood at Anfield 1-0. They pushed Liverpool to the limit, pinning them against the wall. Nigerian international Odemwingie kept Skrtel on the back foot all the time.

For Liverpool, Steven Gerard, who played from a left midfield position, and Fernando Torres were prominent in their sporadic attacks. Javier Mascherano's void was clearly visible as West Brom curved a pathway in the middle of the central midfield position.

Kuyt played from right midfield area, supplying all attack launches and then pushing forward with play. The Reds were stretches several times, defending very far apart from each other and too close to Pepe Reina's goal.

On the offensive, Liverpool could only afford counter attacks which were definitely dangerous, but the strikers were always a shade too slow to convert the chances that came their way. Only after Torres' goal did Liverpool look like a team playing at home, taking control of the game.

Money-bags, Manchester City, got beat by Sunderland 0-1, in a surprise performance that will make Tottenham Hotspurs feel better. Micah Richards felled Darren Bent, who rose up, dusted off the dust and converted the resultant penalty in injury time. Sunderland pur a spirited 2nd half fight that deserved the reward.

The Black Cats were responding to a 0-1 West Brom defeat last week, taking advantage of a Tevez gilt edged miss at the Stadium Of Light to stun Championship pretenders. Roberto Mancini will be surely feeling the heat as the air of expectation from the fans and Abu Dhabi billionaires expect returns for their investment.

Aston Villa bounced back from an embarrassing 0-6 defeat to Newcastle United last week to a fine performance against Everton, in a match in which Steven Pienaar was superb. The fast paced match was a fast-forwarded affair, Ashley Young in red-hot form, action swinging from one American goalkeeper to another. Tim Howard and Bradley Friedel had to be in tip-top form to keep the marauding strikers at bay.

Everton brought in Louis Saha to step up their fire power. Fellaini was ever dangerous, coming close several times. The action-packed was a thriller of the highest order, the best we have seen this season so far, keeping fans on their feet.

Both teams converted with pace from defence to attack, being incisive in penetration and making it a nail-biting affair. The final ball was not perfect as expected of a high-paced match, but the movement off the ball was enterprising. Everton became more anxious in their build-ups and Villa came off in counter attacks that were fluffed by Reo-Cocker or Ashley Young who either ran out of options or got surrounded by defenders.

Luke Young scored the all important goal in the 9th minute.

Spurs Out Of Steam, Chelsea and Especially Man U Have It Easy.

(Pic from Eurosport)

Wigan Athletic bounced to the Premiership scene in style this week after embarrassing performances that saw them lose 0-4 and 0-6 to embarrass UEFA Champions' League debutants, Tottenham Hotspurs 1-0 at White Hart Lane. Spurs showed signs of heavy legs as the Champions' League matches took their toll, and they completely wilted this afternoon.

It must be said that Wigan actually fought for their victory with committed combats and goalkeeping saves. Arguably, luck either eluded Spurs or favoured Wigan, as Spurs threw everything into the match and somehow, the ball just refused to follow instructions.

Chelsea maintained their clean sheet performances with a 2-0 win over physical Stoke City, maintaining their 'only unbeaten team' status and taking their goal tally to 14 in 3 matches. Stoke were a little respectful, probably heeding a call by Arsene Wenger, who called referees to watch them out as they 'played rugby'.

Arsenal were on fire against a spirited Blackburn Rovers who signed Zimbabwe skipper Benjani Mwaruwari a few days back. Theo Walcott scored early on from an acute angle, further boosting his finishing confidence. I will be the last one to affirm that he is here to stay, but hats off to that electrifying pace and scoring touch he has just discovered.

In a day Lewis Hamilton came 2nd to Mark Webber in F1 qualifying, there was a 1-1 draw between Wolverhampton and Newcastle, and 2-2 in the Blackpool vs Fulham fixture.

Manchester United had it very easy against West Ham United at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney converting a very easy penalty and Nani making up for the one he missed the last week. West Ham just got worse with every minute of that match and there were gaps everywhere. Man U could not believe how easy it was and got confused in the process. Dimitri Babertov could even afford a classy acrobatic to put the Hammers to the sword with 20 minutes to go.

West Ham was so weak they had their first corner in the 87th minute, and kept Benni McCarthy warming the bench, not that he was going to make any difference given he is a striker but the coach would have given him a run to prepare him for the next match.

Spurs Out Of Steam, Chelsea and Especially Man U Have It Easy.

(Pic from Eurosport)

Wigan Athletic bounced to the Premiership scene in style this week after embarrassing performances that saw them lose 0-4 and 0-6 to embarrass UEFA Champions' League debutants, Tottenham Hotspurs 1-0 at White Hart Lane. Spurs showed signs of heavy legs as the Champions' League matches took their toll, and they completely wilted this afternoon.

It must be said that Wigan actually fought for their victory with committed combats and goalkeeping saves. Arguably, luck either eluded Spurs or favoured Wigan, as Spurs threw everything into the match and somehow, the ball just refused to follow instructions.

Chelsea maintained their clean sheet performances with a 2-0 win over physical Stoke City, maintaining their 'only unbeaten team' status and taking their goal tally to 14 in 3 matches. Stoke were a little respectful, probably heeding a call by Arsene Wenger, who called referees to watch them out as they 'played rugby'.

Arsenal were on fire against a spirited Blackburn Rovers who signed Zimbabwe skipper Benjani Mwaruwari a few days back. Theo Walcott scored early on from an acute angle, further boosting his finishing confidence. I will be the last one to affirm that he is here to stay, but hats off to that electrifying pace and scoring touch he has just discovered.

In a day Lewis Hamilton came 2nd to Mark Webber in F1 qualifying, there was a 1-1 draw between Wolverhampton and Newcastle, and 2-2 in the Blackpool vs Fulham fixture.

Manchester United had it very easy against West Ham United at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney converting a very easy penalty and Nani making up for the one he missed the last week. West Ham just got worse with every minute of that match and there were gaps everywhere. Man U could not believe how easy it was and got confused in the process. Dimitri Babertov could even afford a classy acrobatic to put the Hammers to the sword with 20 minutes to go.

West Ham was so weak they had their first corner in the 87th minute, and kept Benni McCarthy warming the bench, not that he was going to make any difference given he is a striker but the coach would have given him a run to prepare him for the next match.

Spurs Out Of Steam, Chelsea and Especially Man U Have It Easy.

(Pic from Eurosport)

Wigan Athletic bounced to the Premiership scene in style this week after embarrassing performances that saw them lose 0-4 and 0-6 to embarrass UEFA Champions' League debutants, Tottenham Hotspurs 1-0 at White Hart Lane. Spurs showed signs of heavy legs as the Champions' League matches took their toll, and they completely wilted this afternoon.

It must be said that Wigan actually fought for their victory with committed combats and goalkeeping saves. Arguably, luck either eluded Spurs or favoured Wigan, as Spurs threw everything into the match and somehow, the ball just refused to follow instructions.

Chelsea maintained their clean sheet performances with a 2-0 win over physical Stoke City, maintaining their 'only unbeaten team' status and taking their goal tally to 14 in 3 matches. Stoke were a little respectful, probably heeding a call by Arsene Wenger, who called referees to watch them out as they 'played rugby'.

Arsenal were on fire against a spirited Blackburn Rovers who signed Zimbabwe skipper Benjani Mwaruwari a few days back. Theo Walcott scored early on from an acute angle, further boosting his finishing confidence. I will be the last one to affirm that he is here to stay, but hats off to that electrifying pace and scoring touch he has just discovered.

In a day Lewis Hamilton came 2nd to Mark Webber in F1 qualifying, there was a 1-1 draw between Wolverhampton and Newcastle, and 2-2 in the Blackpool vs Fulham fixture.

Manchester United had it very easy against West Ham United at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney converting a very easy penalty and Nani making up for the one he missed the last week. West Ham just got worse with every minute of that match and there were gaps everywhere. Man U could not believe how easy it was and got confused in the process. Dimitri Babertov could even afford a classy acrobatic to put the Hammers to the sword with 20 minutes to go.

West Ham was so weak they had their first corner in the 87th minute, and kept Benni McCarthy warming the bench, not that he was going to make any difference given he is a striker but the coach would have given him a run to prepare him for the next match.

It's Chiefs vs Pirates - The MTN-8 Soweto Derby.

The Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs is one of the biggest matches on the planet. Given the rivalry of the teams, filling the 94000 seater FNB Stadium is quite an easy task. The fixture is in the same league as the Manchester Derby, London Derby, Rio de Janeiro derby of Flamengo versus Vasco Da Gama, Sao Paulo's Santos versus Sao Paulo and the Barcelona versus Real Madrid matches

While for so many, it makes it better to have this for a final, it usually does not matter whether it is a charity match or a friendly. It is never friendly in terms of quality and desire to dominate the streets of Soweto with the bragging rights until the next meeting. What makes this one hot is that it will be over 2 legs and both legs may be at the giant FNB Stadium to accommodate the legion of supporters from both teams.

The PSL committee will be sitting to decide the match venues. They may take the game to Durban, where they are guaranteed another full house or Cape Town or Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where they will use the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadia. In other cities, they will get a full-house but with a stronger marketing strategy.  

For the biggest South Africa teams, anywhere is home. They would not care less. These teams only get concerned when they have to take on Bloemfontein Celtics in the Free State. The first match is classified as Pirates' home match while the return match will be hosted by Chiefs.

The MTN 8 semi-final brings new players to the fore. The new-look Buccaneers have Daine Klate who scored the winner in the quarter-finals as well as Mark Mayambela, Clifford Ngobeni and Tlou Segolela. There has been one derby already in the Telkom Charity Cup final in which Chiefs beat Pirates at the FNB Stadium but The Ghosts will be baying for Amakhosi blood as revenge.

The Ajax Cape Town versus Moroka Swallows semi-final will have to live with the fact of its minimal attention. Both teams will cherish the opportunity to engage either giant in the final. That will motivate them enough to give each other a fight for their money. In years gone by, the Soweto giants would sap the energy off each other and grind the smaller teams to submission. Things have changed and victory against either The Uburn Warriors or The Dube Birds is not guaranteed. 

It will be interesting to see especially whether The Buccaneers get their revenge or The Glamour Boys maintain their class. Do you think the Sea Robbers will carry on flattering to deceive without any trophy to show in 10 years or this is their moment?

It's Chiefs vs Pirates - The MTN-8 Soweto Derby.

The Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs is one of the biggest matches on the planet. Given the rivalry of the teams, filling the 94000 seater FNB Stadium is quite an easy task. The fixture is in the same league as the Manchester Derby, London Derby, Rio de Janeiro derby of Flamengo versus Vasco Da Gama, Sao Paulo's Santos versus Sao Paulo and the Barcelona versus Real Madrid matches

While for so many, it makes it better to have this for a final, it usually does not matter whether it is a charity match or a friendly. It is never friendly in terms of quality and desire to dominate the streets of Soweto with the bragging rights until the next meeting. What makes this one hot is that it will be over 2 legs and both legs may be at the giant FNB Stadium to accommodate the legion of supporters from both teams.

The PSL committee will be sitting to decide the match venues. They may take the game to Durban, where they are guaranteed another full house or Cape Town or Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where they will use the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadia. In other cities, they will get a full-house but with a stronger marketing strategy.  

For the biggest South Africa teams, anywhere is home. They would not care less. These teams only get concerned when they have to take on Bloemfontein Celtics in the Free State. The first match is classified as Pirates' home match while the return match will be hosted by Chiefs.

The MTN 8 semi-final brings new players to the fore. The new-look Buccaneers have Daine Klate who scored the winner in the quarter-finals as well as Mark Mayambela, Clifford Ngobeni and Tlou Segolela. There has been one derby already in the Telkom Charity Cup final in which Chiefs beat Pirates at the FNB Stadium but The Ghosts will be baying for Amakhosi blood as revenge.

The Ajax Cape Town versus Moroka Swallows semi-final will have to live with the fact of its minimal attention. Both teams will cherish the opportunity to engage either giant in the final. That will motivate them enough to give each other a fight for their money. In years gone by, the Soweto giants would sap the energy off each other and grind the smaller teams to submission. Things have changed and victory against either The Uburn Warriors or The Dube Birds is not guaranteed. 

It will be interesting to see especially whether The Buccaneers get their revenge or The Glamour Boys maintain their class. Do you think the Sea Robbers will carry on flattering to deceive without any trophy to show in 10 years or this is their moment?

It's Chiefs vs Pirates - The MTN-8 Soweto Derby.

The Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs is one of the biggest matches on the planet. Given the rivalry of the teams, filling the 94000 seater FNB Stadium is quite an easy task. The fixture is in the same league as the Manchester Derby, London Derby, Rio de Janeiro derby of Flamengo versus Vasco Da Gama, Sao Paulo's Santos versus Sao Paulo and the Barcelona versus Real Madrid matches

While for so many, it makes it better to have this for a final, it usually does not matter whether it is a charity match or a friendly. It is never friendly in terms of quality and desire to dominate the streets of Soweto with the bragging rights until the next meeting. What makes this one hot is that it will be over 2 legs and both legs may be at the giant FNB Stadium to accommodate the legion of supporters from both teams.

The PSL committee will be sitting to decide the match venues. They may take the game to Durban, where they are guaranteed another full house or Cape Town or Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where they will use the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadia. In other cities, they will get a full-house but with a stronger marketing strategy.  

For the biggest South Africa teams, anywhere is home. They would not care less. These teams only get concerned when they have to take on Bloemfontein Celtics in the Free State. The first match is classified as Pirates' home match while the return match will be hosted by Chiefs.

The MTN 8 semi-final brings new players to the fore. The new-look Buccaneers have Daine Klate who scored the winner in the quarter-finals as well as Mark Mayambela, Clifford Ngobeni and Tlou Segolela. There has been one derby already in the Telkom Charity Cup final in which Chiefs beat Pirates at the FNB Stadium but The Ghosts will be baying for Amakhosi blood as revenge.

The Ajax Cape Town versus Moroka Swallows semi-final will have to live with the fact of its minimal attention. Both teams will cherish the opportunity to engage either giant in the final. That will motivate them enough to give each other a fight for their money. In years gone by, the Soweto giants would sap the energy off each other and grind the smaller teams to submission. Things have changed and victory against either The Uburn Warriors or The Dube Birds is not guaranteed. 

It will be interesting to see especially whether The Buccaneers get their revenge or The Glamour Boys maintain their class. Do you think the Sea Robbers will carry on flattering to deceive without any trophy to show in 10 years or this is their moment?

What Is Your Opinion On Coach Fathi? (via The Bosso Blog)

I found this interesting to escape your consumption. Pass it around and keep an eye of this link, it feels and sounds like the HOT stuff we have been crying for. Thanks Mantengwane, uzakhala kuze kuse, and soon.

Mohamed Fathi, our coach who replaced Madinda Ndlovu, has been with us from the beginning of the season. This have been sliding down under his regime. He had a good name from Egypt and Zambia. Now it is all tears for Bosso. Highlanders chairman Themba Ndlela, like all of us, is a worried man. This is due to the poor performance of the team and financial problems of the club. As a flying and singing bird, I have it in good authority that the execu … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

What Is Your Opinion On Coach Fathi? (via The Bosso Blog)

I found this interesting to escape your consumption. Pass it around and keep an eye of this link, it feels and sounds like the HOT stuff we have been crying for. Thanks Mantengwane, uzakhala kuze kuse, and soon.

Mohamed Fathi, our coach who replaced Madinda Ndlovu, has been with us from the beginning of the season. This have been sliding down under his regime. He had a good name from Egypt and Zambia. Now it is all tears for Bosso. Highlanders chairman Themba Ndlela, like all of us, is a worried man. This is due to the poor performance of the team and financial problems of the club. As a flying and singing bird, I have it in good authority that the execu … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

What Is Your Opinion On Coach Fathi? (via The Bosso Blog)

I found this interesting to escape your consumption. Pass it around and keep an eye of this link, it feels and sounds like the HOT stuff we have been crying for. Thanks Mantengwane, uzakhala kuze kuse, and soon.

Mohamed Fathi, our coach who replaced Madinda Ndlovu, has been with us from the beginning of the season. This have been sliding down under his regime. He had a good name from Egypt and Zambia. Now it is all tears for Bosso. Highlanders chairman Themba Ndlela, like all of us, is a worried man. This is due to the poor performance of the team and financial problems of the club. As a flying and singing bird, I have it in good authority that the execu … Read More

via The Bosso Blog

Unsung Heroes - Sam Ncube

A few very important and  interesting things you  did not know about the special man, have been added to this incredible account of an outstanding man.

 

In the last edition to thank one man of honour and hard work, who I described as a man who oozed football, I expressed how honoured it is to know and work with Sam Ncube. 

 

Sam Ncube was not the owner, as many people believed, of East Rovers FC of Pumula. He was however the founder member of the club in 1980 and played for East Rovers FC for over 10 years.  Ncube was the coach from 1992 until 2006.

 

Sam became the sole sponsor of the club and for a long time. He was also Patron of the Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association (Bulawayo Province) as well for 5 years.

 

The humility and warm heart of this gentlemen makes you very proud because of his frank and honesty when he deals with people even in disagreements. His passion for football and business amazed many people. During casual meetings in football offices and streets, he volunteered to attend a coaching course I was conducting, which he completed with flying colours. Actually, Ncube holds FIFA and FA Coaching Certificates.

 

Sam Ncube is also the founder member of the Peter Ndlovu Youth Tournament. He served as the Treasurer for 12 years. He had to juggle with, that among other things, the position of Secretary of the Junior League Football, the position he held between 1992 and 1999. 

 

As Patron of Coaches Association, Sam was so supportive and willing to help, offering his offices for the Coaches Association weekly meetings. Ncube was a very vocal advocate for junior football in all programs that the coaches had, naturally because of his involvement with junior football. He always talked development and was instrumental in maintaining the junior football structures. He wanted proper running of leagues and discipline to be maintained at all times.

 

Bekezela Ndiweni, after completing his schooling, joined this East Rovers in Pumula East, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He worked with Sam Ncube, the owner of Bulawayo Tyre Services. This man is a cut above many. There is no boy/man from East Rovers in particular and many from Pumula in general who was not taken care of by Ncube. Even those who are rich now have their blessings through this man.

 

Among the most popular people who worked with Sam is Oscar 'Waruna' Ncube, a former Highlanders FC speedy dribbling wizard. Oscar and friends were groomed to be business people of note by this man. He is a business man of note, leading a number of bodies fighting for the plight of their rights.

 

At the peak of that team, there was a ladies soccer team, volleyball team played for by Lovemore Thabani Dube (Chronicle Sports Editor). He also sponsored some athletes and some motor racing. There a guy who used to be a motor racing driver. He was called Eddie and he was disabled.

 

I will never forget such commitment of a soft-spoken humble man who was spot-light shy. He remains the Life President of East Rovers, with a less football role.

Unsung Heroes - Sam Ncube

A few very important and  interesting things you  did not know about the special man, have been added to this incredible account of an outstanding man.

 

In the last edition to thank one man of honour and hard work, who I described as a man who oozed football, I expressed how honoured it is to know and work with Sam Ncube. 

 

Sam Ncube was not the owner, as many people believed, of East Rovers FC of Pumula. He was however the founder member of the club in 1980 and played for East Rovers FC for over 10 years.  Ncube was the coach from 1992 until 2006.

 

Sam became the sole sponsor of the club and for a long time. He was also Patron of the Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association (Bulawayo Province) as well for 5 years.

 

The humility and warm heart of this gentlemen makes you very proud because of his frank and honesty when he deals with people even in disagreements. His passion for football and business amazed many people. During casual meetings in football offices and streets, he volunteered to attend a coaching course I was conducting, which he completed with flying colours. Actually, Ncube holds FIFA and FA Coaching Certificates.

 

Sam Ncube is also the founder member of the Peter Ndlovu Youth Tournament. He served as the Treasurer for 12 years. He had to juggle with, that among other things, the position of Secretary of the Junior League Football, the position he held between 1992 and 1999. 

 

As Patron of Coaches Association, Sam was so supportive and willing to help, offering his offices for the Coaches Association weekly meetings. Ncube was a very vocal advocate for junior football in all programs that the coaches had, naturally because of his involvement with junior football. He always talked development and was instrumental in maintaining the junior football structures. He wanted proper running of leagues and discipline to be maintained at all times.

 

Bekezela Ndiweni, after completing his schooling, joined this East Rovers in Pumula East, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He worked with Sam Ncube, the owner of Bulawayo Tyre Services. This man is a cut above many. There is no boy/man from East Rovers in particular and many from Pumula in general who was not taken care of by Ncube. Even those who are rich now have their blessings through this man.

 

Among the most popular people who worked with Sam is Oscar 'Waruna' Ncube, a former Highlanders FC speedy dribbling wizard. Oscar and friends were groomed to be business people of note by this man. He is a business man of note, leading a number of bodies fighting for the plight of their rights.

 

At the peak of that team, there was a ladies soccer team, volleyball team played for by Lovemore Thabani Dube (Chronicle Sports Editor). He also sponsored some athletes and some motor racing. There a guy who used to be a motor racing driver. He was called Eddie and he was disabled.

 

I will never forget such commitment of a soft-spoken humble man who was spot-light shy. He remains the Life President of East Rovers, with a less football role.

Unsung Heroes - Sam Ncube

A few very important and  interesting things you  did not know about the special man, have been added to this incredible account of an outstanding man.

 

In the last edition to thank one man of honour and hard work, who I described as a man who oozed football, I expressed how honoured it is to know and work with Sam Ncube. 

 

Sam Ncube was not the owner, as many people believed, of East Rovers FC of Pumula. He was however the founder member of the club in 1980 and played for East Rovers FC for over 10 years.  Ncube was the coach from 1992 until 2006.

 

Sam became the sole sponsor of the club and for a long time. He was also Patron of the Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association (Bulawayo Province) as well for 5 years.

 

The humility and warm heart of this gentlemen makes you very proud because of his frank and honesty when he deals with people even in disagreements. His passion for football and business amazed many people. During casual meetings in football offices and streets, he volunteered to attend a coaching course I was conducting, which he completed with flying colours. Actually, Ncube holds FIFA and FA Coaching Certificates.

 

Sam Ncube is also the founder member of the Peter Ndlovu Youth Tournament. He served as the Treasurer for 12 years. He had to juggle with, that among other things, the position of Secretary of the Junior League Football, the position he held between 1992 and 1999. 

 

As Patron of Coaches Association, Sam was so supportive and willing to help, offering his offices for the Coaches Association weekly meetings. Ncube was a very vocal advocate for junior football in all programs that the coaches had, naturally because of his involvement with junior football. He always talked development and was instrumental in maintaining the junior football structures. He wanted proper running of leagues and discipline to be maintained at all times.

 

Bekezela Ndiweni, after completing his schooling, joined this East Rovers in Pumula East, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He worked with Sam Ncube, the owner of Bulawayo Tyre Services. This man is a cut above many. There is no boy/man from East Rovers in particular and many from Pumula in general who was not taken care of by Ncube. Even those who are rich now have their blessings through this man.

 

Among the most popular people who worked with Sam is Oscar 'Waruna' Ncube, a former Highlanders FC speedy dribbling wizard. Oscar and friends were groomed to be business people of note by this man. He is a business man of note, leading a number of bodies fighting for the plight of their rights.

 

At the peak of that team, there was a ladies soccer team, volleyball team played for by Lovemore Thabani Dube (Chronicle Sports Editor). He also sponsored some athletes and some motor racing. There a guy who used to be a motor racing driver. He was called Eddie and he was disabled.

 

I will never forget such commitment of a soft-spoken humble man who was spot-light shy. He remains the Life President of East Rovers, with a less football role.

UEFA Champion's League Draw - English Teams Have It Easy.

Tottenham Hotspurs get a taste of the UEFA Champions' League against the Champions, Inter Milan, Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen and Twente of Holland in Group. Spurs are trending in this territory for the first time in 49 years. While they have a reasonably quality side that needs more back up in essential positions, they are capable of surprising even themselves.

There is a relatively soft set in Group B where French side Lyon, seem to have it easy against Tel Aviv of Israel, German team Shalke-04 and Benfica of Portugal. 

Manchester United have received a favourable draw.  Manager Alex Ferguson is former Glasgow Rangers manager, who they will play in Group C, as well as Spain's Valencia and Bursaspor for United of Turkey.

Spain giants, Barcelona also have it easy, being fixtured in Group D with Panathanaikos of Greece, Copenhagen of Denmark and MacBeth Sibaya's Rubin Kazan of Russia.

Bayern Munich of Germany, Cluj of Romania, Basel of  Switzerland and Italians, Roma compose the Group E. Bayern should proceed without much sweat here.

In Group F, in-form English Champions Chelsea were drawn against French Champions Marseille, Spartak Moscow of Russia as well as  Slovaks Zilina.

For me, the group of death pits Real Madrid of Spain, France's Auxere, AC Milan of Italy and Dutch Champions, Ajax. Jose Mourinho has a lot of work to do to prove his mentle in this Group G.

A young Arsenal side will have to content with Ukraine side Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga of Portugal and Partizan Belgrade in Group H. Will it be the boys have turned into men at the Emirates? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano captain of Argentinian national side and Liverpool anchor is almost set to join Barcelona. A very bad move by my humble opinion, the 26-year-old, was better off joining Benitez at Inter Milan. Mascherano is finalising personal terms with the Nou Camp.

UEFA Champion's League Draw - English Teams Have It Easy.

Tottenham Hotspurs get a taste of the UEFA Champions' League against the Champions, Inter Milan, Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen and Twente of Holland in Group. Spurs are trending in this territory for the first time in 49 years. While they have a reasonably quality side that needs more back up in essential positions, they are capable of surprising even themselves.

There is a relatively soft set in Group B where French side Lyon, seem to have it easy against Tel Aviv of Israel, German team Shalke-04 and Benfica of Portugal. 

Manchester United have received a favourable draw.  Manager Alex Ferguson is former Glasgow Rangers manager, who they will play in Group C, as well as Spain's Valencia and Bursaspor for United of Turkey.

Spain giants, Barcelona also have it easy, being fixtured in Group D with Panathanaikos of Greece, Copenhagen of Denmark and MacBeth Sibaya's Rubin Kazan of Russia.

Bayern Munich of Germany, Cluj of Romania, Basel of  Switzerland and Italians, Roma compose the Group E. Bayern should proceed without much sweat here.

In Group F, in-form English Champions Chelsea were drawn against French Champions Marseille, Spartak Moscow of Russia as well as  Slovaks Zilina.

For me, the group of death pits Real Madrid of Spain, France's Auxere, AC Milan of Italy and Dutch Champions, Ajax. Jose Mourinho has a lot of work to do to prove his mentle in this Group G.

A young Arsenal side will have to content with Ukraine side Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga of Portugal and Partizan Belgrade in Group H. Will it be the boys have turned into men at the Emirates? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano captain of Argentinian national side and Liverpool anchor is almost set to join Barcelona. A very bad move by my humble opinion, the 26-year-old, was better off joining Benitez at Inter Milan. Mascherano is finalising personal terms with the Nou Camp.

UEFA Champion's League Draw - English Teams Have It Easy.

Tottenham Hotspurs get a taste of the UEFA Champions' League against the Champions, Inter Milan, Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen and Twente of Holland in Group. Spurs are trending in this territory for the first time in 49 years. While they have a reasonably quality side that needs more back up in essential positions, they are capable of surprising even themselves.

There is a relatively soft set in Group B where French side Lyon, seem to have it easy against Tel Aviv of Israel, German team Shalke-04 and Benfica of Portugal. 

Manchester United have received a favourable draw.  Manager Alex Ferguson is former Glasgow Rangers manager, who they will play in Group C, as well as Spain's Valencia and Bursaspor for United of Turkey.

Spain giants, Barcelona also have it easy, being fixtured in Group D with Panathanaikos of Greece, Copenhagen of Denmark and MacBeth Sibaya's Rubin Kazan of Russia.

Bayern Munich of Germany, Cluj of Romania, Basel of  Switzerland and Italians, Roma compose the Group E. Bayern should proceed without much sweat here.

In Group F, in-form English Champions Chelsea were drawn against French Champions Marseille, Spartak Moscow of Russia as well as  Slovaks Zilina.

For me, the group of death pits Real Madrid of Spain, France's Auxere, AC Milan of Italy and Dutch Champions, Ajax. Jose Mourinho has a lot of work to do to prove his mentle in this Group G.

A young Arsenal side will have to content with Ukraine side Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga of Portugal and Partizan Belgrade in Group H. Will it be the boys have turned into men at the Emirates? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano captain of Argentinian national side and Liverpool anchor is almost set to join Barcelona. A very bad move by my humble opinion, the 26-year-old, was better off joining Benitez at Inter Milan. Mascherano is finalising personal terms with the Nou Camp.

Finally, Highlanders FC To Play Jomo Cosmos At BF This Weekend.

Highlanders Bosso FC will host South Africa's Jomo Cosmos Football, Ezenkosi, this weekend. The much-anticipated match is expected to be a big fight as both teams feel they performed below par in the reverse fixture in South Africa at the Johannesburg Stadium last month, and deserve to win this time.

 

The friendly match against Jomo Cosmos on Sunday 29 August at Babourfields Stadium is exactly what Bosso need to redeem themselves from the woes facing the team after their aborted BancABC Sup8r semi-final match against Dynamos of Harare.

 

Themba Ndlela, Highlanders Chairman said, "This is an important milestone in the history of the club as we will be signing agreements to twin both clubs. It will be befitting if we were to turn out in our numbers for this noble idea so that it can be sown on rich soil."

 

He went on to say how Jomo Sono had recognized the potential that your club has, and that by coming he knew that he will be dealing with a club that has a rich cultural history which will also assist him in growing his football business. "As Highlanders FC this in no doubt opens up avenues for our future growth." said Ndlela.

 

Please go there in numbers for the international event and send us the pictures for us to share with friends and colleagues.

Finally, Highlanders FC To Play Jomo Cosmos At BF This Weekend.

Highlanders Bosso FC will host South Africa's Jomo Cosmos Football, Ezenkosi, this weekend. The much-anticipated match is expected to be a big fight as both teams feel they performed below par in the reverse fixture in South Africa at the Johannesburg Stadium last month, and deserve to win this time.

 

The friendly match against Jomo Cosmos on Sunday 29 August at Babourfields Stadium is exactly what Bosso need to redeem themselves from the woes facing the team after their aborted BancABC Sup8r semi-final match against Dynamos of Harare.

 

Themba Ndlela, Highlanders Chairman said, "This is an important milestone in the history of the club as we will be signing agreements to twin both clubs. It will be befitting if we were to turn out in our numbers for this noble idea so that it can be sown on rich soil."

 

He went on to say how Jomo Sono had recognized the potential that your club has, and that by coming he knew that he will be dealing with a club that has a rich cultural history which will also assist him in growing his football business. "As Highlanders FC this in no doubt opens up avenues for our future growth." said Ndlela.

 

Please go there in numbers for the international event and send us the pictures for us to share with friends and colleagues.

Finally, Highlanders FC To Play Jomo Cosmos At BF This Weekend.

Highlanders Bosso FC will host South Africa's Jomo Cosmos Football, Ezenkosi, this weekend. The much-anticipated match is expected to be a big fight as both teams feel they performed below par in the reverse fixture in South Africa at the Johannesburg Stadium last month, and deserve to win this time.

 

The friendly match against Jomo Cosmos on Sunday 29 August at Babourfields Stadium is exactly what Bosso need to redeem themselves from the woes facing the team after their aborted BancABC Sup8r semi-final match against Dynamos of Harare.

 

Themba Ndlela, Highlanders Chairman said, "This is an important milestone in the history of the club as we will be signing agreements to twin both clubs. It will be befitting if we were to turn out in our numbers for this noble idea so that it can be sown on rich soil."

 

He went on to say how Jomo Sono had recognized the potential that your club has, and that by coming he knew that he will be dealing with a club that has a rich cultural history which will also assist him in growing his football business. "As Highlanders FC this in no doubt opens up avenues for our future growth." said Ndlela.

 

Please go there in numbers for the international event and send us the pictures for us to share with friends and colleagues.

Jose Mourinho A Little Too Harsh For Capello.

Image via Wikipedia

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, a world-class coach, with skills, experience, talent and wisdom, has shot a brother.  

 

The charismatic Jose broke the 'code' of brotherhood (as in sisterhood) by openly and bluntly criticising England coach, Fabio Capello as England's football problems. He said the English game's biggest problem was Capello, that he does not understand players. 

It is no that I disagree with him. Actually how wrong I wish he was, but I rather he told Fabio in private or kept it to himself. 

Many believe Jose himself could turn­ things around for England, as much as I do, Mourinho believes in coaching his native nation. This guy doesn't attract much positive vibes from those who do not like him or even the neutrals, despite his exploits with FC­ Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan and he thrives on those controversies. 

English tabloids called the Italian coach, Fabio Capello, all sorts of names with the Sun branding him a "donkey" for leaving Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll out of the squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland. 

Mourinho clearly stated that Capello will not work for England criticising his managerial flaws which included a single track player-manager relationship and a military camp attitude.

 This dressing down of one of the most respected men of the beautiful game in the whole world will however do less damage to Capello than it will propel Mourinho to greater heights at Real Madrid, which was exactly Jose's point. Mourinho is getting into the minds of his players in a way that will see Real overtake Barcelona this season. 

The fact that Jose goes on to compare Capello's stay at the Santiago Bernebeu with the a few predecessors, and the criticise his lack of "clear tactics", it drives the home the point that he is the ultimate coach. This is all the players of Real Madrid calibre need. Without mincing his words, he said "It is the manager's fault. And it is a big shame."

 During his Madrid days, Capello told David Beckam he would never play again for them, but he fought his­ way back into the Real Madrid title-winning side, regardless. Capello won League titles twice on two different occasions and this issue has now put Mourinho under the spotlight.

For me the other England team's problem ­ players' big egos and bad attitudes. They are not as good as the think they are. The youngsters coming up are ordinary. England need the Steve Macmanamans, Peter Shiltons, Terry Butchers and Gary Linekers. Remember that even those great players came unstuck. England needs more than that. 

 As Jose versus Capello, maybe that is what Capello needs, a high-profile direct open criticism from the very top, to spur him up from his slumber and produce results. From experience, the impact will be short-lived. 

Does England need an English coach?