Man Utd 2:0 Tottenham Hotspur - Highlights and Goals - 30/10/2010

Bizzare and freaky as they may come, they all count. Playing to the whistle is one thing Spurs must learn. They are well aware of Man U's firepower and how much less sympathy they get from the men in the centre. Losing to Man U is as obvious as sun-rise but how they rise from this huge setback is what Spurs will be judged by.

The Barclays Premier League - The most bizzare Man United goal, but they all count.

Manchester United 2 Tottenham Hotspur 0. It was a pathetic performance by Spurs and a very dull match given the quality of United and at Old Trafford. Factoring their recent form, The Red Devils faithful will not care much about the tidiness of anything. Nani scored the most bizzare goal one will ever see with minutes of play remaining. After going down in the box and expecting a penalty, the referee did not budge and Nani handled the ball, which Gomes picked up for a free-kick. When Gomes placed the ball to take a restart free-kick, Nani rose and kicked the ball into the empty net. The referee's assistant saw what happened and alerted the referee, who had none of that. It looked like an act from a comedy, but they all count. It was a goal Arsene Wenger would not count as fair play, but United are desperate and anything is welcome.

The trademark first-minute bad defensive behaviour of Tottenham Spur at the beginning of every match was not punished by Manchester United as Park Jung Sung struck the woodwork and Nani claimed a penalty, all in the first 2 minutes of play. So awful were Spurs that they donated possession in a way Manchester United could not believe and therefore could not utilise. An out-of-this-world Rafael van der Vaart effort almost uprooted the goal posts in the 8th minute as United survived an act of class. The rest of the match was a very dull affair that characterised Arsenal's 1-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates.

There was no clue how much effective Wayne Rooney would be, given the United attack was never methodical. It was a series of sporadic attacks that were more random than planned. Nonetheless, the hosts were dangerous with each penetration while Spurs were very ordinary. A dead ball situation exposed the Spurs defence as Nemanja Vidic hammer a Nani free-kick past Gomes for the opening goal in the 30th minute. Moments later, a well worked corner-kick from van der Vaart to Modric was well dealt with by Man U goalie, van der Saar. Spurs struggled with their final ball in attack and maintaining shape at the back.

Arsenal 1 West Ham United 0. The Emirates hosted one of the dull encounters in years as Arsenal struggled to stamp their authority at home. So organised were West Ham defence that, the Gunners side that opened the Newcastle defence 7 times in the opening 5 minutes in the Carling Cup 4 days ago, managed the same feat in 45 minutes. To their credit, Robert Green had to be at his very best as Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song were denied point blank range efforts. Alex Song had the final say in the 87 minute, taking the Gunners point tally to 20 and to a second spot behind Chelsea. So ordinary were Arsenal that Arsene Wenger's relief was visible as the punched the air at the final whistle.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Manchester City 1. David Silva raced into the box and was hacked down from behind and Emmauel Adebayor converted the penalty. He turned villain when he missed a seater moments before the end. Shocking defending by City saw them lose the match as they were caught twice on the wrong foot and they paid by the dear points. It was clear that the impact of the injured Carlos Tevez was the tonic City needed to stay in the hunt, but all is not lost for City.

A Blackburn 1 Chelsea 2 result was characterised by incredible goalkeeping from Petr Cech, but Benjani Mwaruwari headed in a cross from the right. Nicholas Anelka was set up by Didier Drogba for the equaliser after 2 central defenders went for the same ball and exposed the central position that Anelka exploited. Christopher Samba and Jason Roberts could have won it with glit edged chances before Ivanovic closed matters in the 84th minute with a header. Chelsea remained on top of the standings with 25 points.

Fulham 2 Wigan Athletic 0. Clint Dempsey scored twice for Mark Hughes's much needed points given they were playing at home. Dempsey finished off a cross with his head before the final goal he took on the second touch. Yakubu scored the only goal as Everton beat Stoke City at home. City have lost 3 matches in a row and it is really sad that their working ethics are not being rewarded.

Tottenham to come against Monster United

There is no footballing argument as to the strides Tottenham Hotspur has made over the last two seasons, except one is beside themselves. Given a pack of very ordinary players usually plagued by injuries, Harry Redknapp should be given the credit for a job well done, although he may humbly credit his far less talented players. The only exception is his line up is Jermaine Defoe, out for most of this campaign so far, Rafael van der Vaart, Gareth Bale and goalkeeper Gomes. Tested and tried defender, Ledley King is half a player given his injuries and pivotal role that he has to train half or even less the time than the rest of the squad.

To a few disillusioned, Spurs are nothing and have achieved nothing. That measure is usually and wrongly compared to Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter and AC Milans, Barcelona and Real Madrid. That is like measuring the elephant and an ant on the same weight balance. Spurs of today must be compared to the Spurs of yesterday. Today, it measures up to all the English and European heavy weights easily. I will not even mention their 10 man explosive Champions League exploits against Inter last week.

This afternoon, they face their fears head on. Manchester United are world beaters with tremendous talent and class. Player for player, Spurs will be turning up to fulfil a fixture as they cannot compete at any department. They are no match at all. Man U are a monster very few teams would love to play. Sir Alex Ferguson has won more trophies than all the league's managers combined. United have won everything there is to win in the last 10 years. If this is not a mountain to climb, it is certainly two.

Owing to his astute tactics and experience, Sir Alex, even without Wayne Rooney, knows how much fire power he has. One thing for sure, while we can argue and spent a peaceful night, Ferguson had a sleepless night. Spurs has lost 2 matches so far and while struggling to balance a domestic fixture with their new found status in Europe, they dropped points they should have not but more importantly, rescued up points that had flown with the wind. Despite a rough time with injuries and match officials, Sir Alex knows what a special side he is playing today.

The credible generosity of his team this season is the source of his sorrows today. United have been known to surrender a huge chunk of leads and squandering the points they banked lavishly. Spurs made a name for themselves recently for exactly the opposite. They have been dead and buried and yet resurrected to the disbelief of their haunted opponents. As they come face to face with a favourite of many, it is surely their moment of truth as United can group and be a monster no one will want to face. In United camp, it is the Old Trafford side who are facing their moment of truth, and not Spurs.

Arsenal will host West Ham while Chelsea travel to Blackburn, as does Tevezless City to Wolves, but where is your money on the Old Trafford fixture?

  

Wonder goal video; Fluke or Genius? Judge yee. )

One of the few incredible goals Arsenal will never score. Arsenal will prefer several passes between that spot and the goal and then tap in in case they damage the nets. Cesc Fabregas scored one from about 25% of the and paid for it by an injury. David Beckam scored one such goal against Wembledon over a decade ago and I am sure that was his genius attribute. As for this one, be the judge

IFAB agrees to re-examine goal-line technology

In case you missed it, it has been one of the most looked up to meeting just after the Frank Lampard 'no-goal' in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but it suffered a time induced natural death. You may want to hear what they had to say. I hope to hear your comments.

(Courtesy of FIFA.com and dated Wednesday 20 October 2010)

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) convened for its Annual Business Meeting (ABM) today, Wednesday 20 October 2010, at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales.

During the meeting, the IFAB agreed to re-open the discussions concerning goal-line technology. In this regard, the members of the IFAB agreed on the following principles:

- The technology would apply solely to the goal line, and only to determine whether a goal has been scored or not;
- The system must be accurate;
- The indication of whether a goal has been scored must be immediate and automatically confirmed within one second;
- The indication of whether a goal has been scored will only be communicated to the match officials.

A deadline of the end of November 2010 was set for companies to initially present their technologies to FIFA. A proposed testing period will then take place with a selected number of companies, prior to the IFAB Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 4-6 March 2011, when the next steps of the process will be determined.

The IFAB also heard an update on the eight additional assistant referees experiment that was approved at the IFAB Special Meeting in July 2010. Ongoing experiments are currently being conducted by UEFA, the French Football Association, the Moroccan Football Association and the Qatar Football Association. Further experiments will commence in other competitions in 2011 in Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico and Brazil. One experiment within the AFC President’s Cup has already been concluded. The experiment phase will continue until the conclusion of the 2011/2012 season.

The wording of the existing Laws of the Game was also reviewed for proposed amendment at the AGM.

The 125th IFAB Annual General Meeting will take place at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales on 4-6 March 2011.

In their own words .....

Just before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Japan proposed a match of 3 'halves' against the Ivory Coast. Seeing he had a large squad and wanted to assess all of them, the Blue Samurai coach was granted his request and they put Didier Drogba to the sword. The Chelsea striker had to compete in the tournament with special permit from FIFA for aspecial protective sleeve. The story attracted the following comments;

I was now thinking. These oriental guys are crazy. 3 ‘halves’? How did they even think of this that in the first place? FIFA must have a DNA testing equipment for the Japanese and Korean subs. Do you remember the Chinese story of bringing a whole new set of players for the second half? I am very suspicious.

Nkosi Ndlovu said; 'Its easy…get local tsotsis to mark them with chalk as they get into the stadium….anybody coming at second half unmarked should be thrown out'

Siphatho Ncube had this to say about Teko Modise after the 1-1 opener against Mexico at Soccer City.

''I told you Ndex about Modise and you said i was too hush. If i was coaching Bafana, he was not going to play, simple as all that. No personal feelings only business. As for Steven he let South Africa down , Everton is a battling side but the young man comes to Mzansi, his home, and starts being a mama’s boy. He has no guts to take own opponents like he does in England, does not tackle the way we know he does , what a let down.''

Ngqabutho Sibanda also weighed in with the same tone,"

IM STILL NOT CONVISED BY THIS MODISE GUY.HE LOOKS LOST BUT HE HAS SOMETHING IN HIM.TSHABALALA HAS A GUD LEFT FOOT.URUGUAY NEXT .WELL A WIN WILL IS A MUST IN THIS GAME.NOT BAD FOR FIRST GAME.

WHERE IS PARKER.NOT THAT GUD ,HE JUSS RUNS LIKE A HEADLESS CHICKEN.STILL TO BE CONVINCED BY MODISE".

A cool comment was from a guy who caught the football (soccer in his case) from Texas;

"Well I am doing some thing I never thought I would do……read a football blog! I am an American that has really enjoyed watching the matches. You know we play a little different type of “football” over here, but I am really getting into this stuff. Keep up the good work Tse and congragulations to you and your country on a great World Cup.

I just need one favor………maybe some better refs!

Mark Easley
Grand Saline, Texas
United States of America"

Rest in ring pieces Paul.

One of the best things about this blog is the fact that it sends only positive vibes about life. For a moment I will have to musk that trademark tradition with the best excuse of the year, for everything ranging from football to the sin of illicit cohabitation, the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I will talk of fishy death, but first the other symbol of the world cup.

South Africa had the most comprehensive bid to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was eventually hosted by Germany after some scandal equivalent to the selling of the 2018-2022 bid votes currently under investigation by FIFA. An Oceania non-cast vote from a New Zealander called Damn C resulted in Mzansi losing the vital spot. At that point, South Africa had shown it was more than ready to host the world showcase.

An even better bid plan was presented 2 years later and justice was meted and sanity prevailed. After all was said and done, the 2010 FIFA World Cup came amid all negative news about strikes, incomplete stadia construction, crime, inability of a black man to organise, cannibalism as well as short time expensive love on the streets of Jozi. A few journos had to go around looking for crime and very few were successful in finding it. As soon as the first whistle was blown, one cunning South African hater of the beautiful game made noise like a monkey that had picked up a whistle and the world caught the fever; iVuvuzela.

After all the noise and doubts about the Africans inability to organise the world's biggest show, all everyone could fault the continent's character was a Chinese plastic horn that cost less than $2,00 at the beginning of the tournament. It went on to cost $20,00 during and after. So grief stricken was the world that South Africa put up a show and a half, that every other confederation and association banned the instrument that makes far less noise than a Formula One car. No one is asking a soul to accept the vuvuzela and one commentator even tried to twist things and called it a 'vevezuela'. After all, it is not easy to blow. Anyway, there was satisfaction that the symbol of the African World Cup does not overshadow anything else anywhere.

Last week, the custodians of the instrument, the South African football lovers stooped to a low that could have had the world grinning ear to ear. Two mischievous Kaizer Chiefs fans failed to blow the Vuvuzela and decided to dump it on the field of play. Luckily, as we all know how much Zulus like meat, a Shaka descendant was disgusted at the site of this huge vegetable ball and he also dumped it in the field of play. The South Africa Premier Soccer League threatened to ban the vuvuzela and not the cabbage. To me, given my meaty background, a cabbage is a symbol of poverty which must be totally banned.

Owing to a special place in our hearts, the Vuvuzela can never be banned. Whatever the reason that led to the vuvuzela turning into a missile, you can rest assured it was the last you saw of it. The 2010 FIFA World Cup will ever be remembered for that horny instrument. It would have been so sad to see the legacy of the historic football event being eroded by 2 Amakhosi fans. The Chiefs boss, Kaizer, apologised and stated such will not be tolerated and must stop forthwith.

The South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy instrument, was hand and glove with a mollusk of the deep seas, but then, a very sad and new chapter in our lives after the epic event hit the world early this week as well. As popular as the vuvuzela, Paul the Octopus rocked the world by random 'predictions' of match outcomes. He had an excellent report card scoring over 90 % success in his career as a 'chancerer'. The mollusk died after its 2 year life span his the mark. For the rest of the world, they mourned the 'hero' of the world cup and for some of us, we are going for calamari this weekend. If you are lucky to be served Paul's brains, it may be your chance to predict the Brazil world cup results, unless the Zimbabwe Warriors are involved. Then you may need to speak Malay or Thai to break into the match betting syndicates.

Rest in ring pieces Paul. 

Will they come and play, but why would they anyway?

In case you were wondering, wonder no more. Highlanders are set to meet Caps United in the final of the BancABC Cup, that is if the final will ever take place. I endeavour not to be a prophet of doom and therefore, I will strike only the positive notes.
Yesterdays' no show by Dynamos is a common DNTU case usually treated as a walk-over and punished by awarding the match to the team that turned up. This means Dynamos lose the match by a 2-0 scoreline for 'Did Not Turn Up'ing. Their point; they wanted to play only the 9 minutes of the match they led 1-0 at abandonment ages ago. Whatever they want to tell you, I care less. There is an insane line in their story that is just insane.

Their executive board implies they cannot handle their players who control the club. They hope me and you have pea-sized brains to believe their players choose which matches to play and under what conditions. An official of the club claims they tried to engage their players trying to convince them to play the match. Since when has a team implored contracted players to play any given match? And they go on to choose which minutes of the match they want to play. Worse, the club is at peace with that.

“The players said they were not going to fulfil the match citing the fact that they were leading 1-0 when the original match was abandoned in Bulawayo", claims one official. I hope the same players will not decide to play injury time of the first half or something in the ZAOGA Charity Shield on Sunday. If they do, Bosso will pocket the $35 000,00 without kicking a ball.

Dynamos may have been in trouble with players over the payment of their winning bonuses, which they felt were now overdue, but the fact that they had to spoil it for all the teams as the sponsor is packing their bags and leaving the building, I guess the only justice befitting the crime would be Dembare packing theirs instead. To Dembare, there would rather be no football than to have no Dembare. They are a game unto themselves.

Looking ahead, if Caps United catch the same flu, Mkhuphali Masuku will increase his 100% to 4 league and 2 Cup wins. He will have amassed $80 000,00 for Bosso, much more that Fathi has brought in the whole year. Please remember that Fathi earned much more money than Cooper. That is the law of local football. You make the money and I earn it.

Highlanders were duped by Dynamos

In a very clear case of trickery and manipulation, Dynamos dribbled Highlanders and the Premier Soccer League of Zimbabwe in a single swipe of artistry synonymous with the female ZIFA bosses gone by. A simple and swift case of 'tsamaya, 'shibobo', 'show me your number' and 'tsipa', the Glamour Boys left Bosso and the PSL wondering what hit them. After Bosso travelled to Harare for a BancABC semi-final replay fixture at the National Sports Stadium, Dembare refused to kick off.

The match followed the one in which Dynamos took the law into their own hands and walked off the field after a penalty was awarded to Highlanders, and then Bosso reciprocated the gesture. The equalising act ended in the dark and the match was abandoned. The many other stories and issues resulted in a committees entrusted to make football decisions. The Arbitration sub-Committee with a football mentality awarded the match to Dynamos with a 3-0 scoreline.

Highlanders broke protocol by taking a football matter to a court of law, disregarding the ad-hoc committee mandate to have their ruling 'appeal proof'. BancABC threatened to quit football altogether. After frantic efforts by the PSL to try to save the sponsor who is threatening to pull out and with good reason, Dynamos pledged to honour the remaining 9 minutes of the match. Bosso said that Dembare would play themselves for 9 minutes. What goes around comes around.

The court ruling was that the final to be played between the other semi-final winner, Caps United, should not go ahead and that the matter should be exhaustively finalised. As if to compromise, Dynamos agreed to play the match for the good of the game and to save the sponsor. Highlanders thought they prevailed and were also willing to participate in that replay.

With due respect to the law of the territory in which the dispute is taking place, the PSL schedules the match for a neutral venue to take away any form of advantage that may arise and cause the discontent by either party. The match was then penciled for the Baghdad Stadium. Enjoying the new brotherhood of their old rivalry, they both entered an agreement witnessed by the devil, to move the match to Harare. This marriage which Bosso thought was made in heaven was actually made in hell by a Dynamos vampire. Bosso were screwed full time as they had to travel to Harare thinking they will play in that beautiful game that Dynamos knew were taking everyone for a ride. And what a ride for the Bosso players and fans.

The moral of the story; 1. Never appeal an 'appeal proof' decision. It costs money and travel time. It chases away football sponsors. 2. Do not make a pact with a devil from the north. He will dump you and laugh at you for your stupidity, and you will have a lot of travelling alone while that devils is basically home. If a crazy teams walks out at BF, never walk-out and have your fans go hey waya. A committee will award the offender a 3-0 scoreline. 3. If the devil ask your balls in marriage, say NO. He has an ace up his sleeve, more so, will laugh you to scorn until the cows come home.

Hats off to the PSL for the way they tried to do football the football way and shame to Bosso for bringing themselves to this shameful position to start with. Once beaten, I hope never beaten again as Mr Cooper is doing a fantastic job. He must regroup and forget the psychological warfare the Harare team are tyring to play because there is a lot of money in the ZAOGA Jubilee. As for Dynamos, they are dirty squirrels with players involved in dirty money of the Far East in their "national team" duties. They are trying to pull a fast one and of course, you can see how efficiently they pulled off this one that they are pro.

What is next in football in Zimbabwe? They have done everything.

Peter Ndlovu and brothers in a noble cause initiative.

According to The Chronicle earlier this week, former Zimbabwe Warriors skipper, and that country's best player ever, Peter Ndlovu and his equally decorated brothers Madinda and Adam are said to be preparing to organise a fundraising match for soccer coaching instructor Gibson Homela. Homela is the first ever player to ply his trade in England for Bristol City in 1975.

The dates of the fundraiser have not been set, although Peter said the match will be organised before the end of the year. The fundraising efforts are to pay for Homela’s hip joint operation that was performed at St Anne’s Hospital on 7 September 2010. Due to the large amounts needed for that surgery, Nsukuzonke and brothers came up with a noble idea of organising a football match between the very hot Highlanders and the former great side that Homela coached and played for with pride and honour over a long period of time, Zimbabwe Saints before the end of the year.
During his prime while playing for 'Chauya Chikwata', Homela was involved in an accident in the 1980s and this played a part in his early retirement from the sport. The injury hibernated for a long time and came back as a serious problem and he had to under the hip replacement surgery as he was suffering very excruciating pains. Homela is known for his disciplinerian of very tough attitudes and standards. He has mentored many coaches as the country’s top soccer instructor.
The injury made it difficult for him to walk but after the operation, he had said he was feeling better. The fund-raising statement by Peter said they would set a committee that would organise the match. The committee will include members from Highlanders, Zimbabwe Saints, Zifa, the Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association (Zisca), ex-players, the corporate world and the Homela family. It is expected that the local and international communities will support that noble and honourable initiative immensely.

Homela, GET WELL SOON BABA!

If you are one of these, keep it up and thanks ever so much.

One of the first comments on the blog came from Banengi Thebe about the 2010 World Cup. The topic was about the African teams banking on home town advantage and the effect of juju to prove their case. As it turned out, either juju does not work at all, or ir doesn't stick to white people as soetimes believed because Spain won the championship. This is what he had said,

"Firstly I believe it is going to be a very different world cup. Because  everybody is enxious to see what is going to happen and that is the time for the most forecast to excel. The first games are going to be very nervy mostly with the most experienced nations. The African team which is going to impress first might go all the way . I think by now African people know that  the only JuJu which is out there is just  train Hard, Focus, have a game plan, follow the script, hold your own, stand up and be counted, lastly know how to play the game at the top.
My pick from Africa is Ghana and Algeria. In the Americas my pick is U.S.A  and Argentina. Europe I have Spain, England and France." Not far off coach. 10/10.

On FB Tshuma Sikhulile has this opinion about the blog; 'what I like about the blog it keeps me informed about my favourite team bosso n soccer in general. being outside zimbabwe its diff to get d info online abt d team, chronicle is not updated evryday.'

Thank you so much baba and you are not alone. Your opinions are shared by Ronald Brown who writes; 'the blog keeps me updated about my best team[Bosso] since i am outside Zim, kee it my bra you are doing a good thing.' Tshuma Sikhulile goes on to say 'thanx again ndex for today's update on d team.'

In response to Banengi Thebe about the 2010 FIFA World Cup, I wrote; "I agree with you there because for a long time we depended on juju and less preparation. That mentality having gone, I fear may see skulls on the field of play come Opening match day. Remember people used to sleep in stadia and all sorts of ritulas performed. Balls laced with white Chicken blood and no hand shakes. My gut feeling is Bafana surprising even myself. The referees have a thing withAfrican teams though. I can;t forgive the Cameroon vs England game in Italia’90."
One of the biggest fans and followers of the blog is Vusumuzi Mourinho Ndlovu He is among the most prolific commenters on the blog. I will publish his full list in days to come. His FB comment goes; "the most I like Bosso's updates and the way you preview and review local and European games but what i liked the most was the FIFA 2010 Technical Report t'was jus out of this world."

I salute you for your religious love of the game as well as very constructive and technical feedbacks that encouraged me to seek even further to be forthcoming with mechanical details of the game as I appreciate the fact that you consume the stuff. 

On the Warriors match against Brazil, this was Paul D's comment; 'Are we raising Brazil’s piggy bank petty cash account? They initially wanted USD 1,2 million in appearance fee but the fee was negotiated down to an undisclosed fee.The Zim Tourism authority, desperate for creating a good image for Zim as a safe destination endorsed this day-light robbery scheme. I think Africa has to realise we are only playing a 90 min game and these folks are not demi-gods by all means.I can foresee Zim national team players boot kissing the Kaka’s who could never care less to even conduct training clinics to the unprevileged.I dont think Ivory Coast would have played us for a fee so then why Brazil? I wont be political but that much needed money would have benefited some sectors of the economy. SAD MISCALCULATION INDEED'

On the same subject, Beke Ndiweni; '
To all the readers, God bless you and I will be publishing the first few comments and discussions as well as the most interesting ones.

Eish ths is n experience for our players. ts good that they have gt such a game. For Brazil ts gud preparation juss a few days before THE VERY WORLD CUP. Why play Zimbabwe of all the Southen African countries? Zim has had a good outing in both club and country over a number of years. It is only of late that the national team has not been doing well against the rest of Africa only managing wins against their neighbours. So Brazil is getting both a stroll in the park and some form of push as well. How i wish it was the DREAM TEAM.Even though that team did not qualify for any tournament, that was the best team we assembled and i do not see any team coming near that one in terms of balance. All the best for our guys. Hopefully they will learn lot.'

Highlanders to play Dynamos again and then again this week

The sizzling hot Highlanders FC will face very stubborn Dynamos FC twice this week. They will play the semi-final that abandoned BancABC Cup match on Wednesday and go on to meet them in the league 5 days later. Dynamos are also bubbling with confidence after their 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars by Evans Gwerekwere goals.

Bosso are riding a crest wave of performance with breathtaking football as well as winning games the way they are known to. Since Mkhuphali Masuku took over from Mohammed Fathi as coach, Tshilamoya have no clue what a loss is. Dynamos coach, Elvis Chuchu Chiweshe is a veteran of the game and his tactics will be tested against the new kid on the block.

While Dynamos are much more experienced, owing to their participation in the African Champions League, and given they are second on the log with about 4 games in hand, they will not be a pushover, and Bosso won't even bother looking at that record. The black and white outfit will come charging like a black bull as they bay for the blood of their more favoured opponents.

Coach Cooper has recorded a record 4 out of 4 victories against Gunners, Shabani, Caps United and Lengthens. However, Dynamos will be a different kettle of fish and especially in front of their vociferous Harare fans. Hopefully, the improved Bosso performance will attract the trademark black and white vocal sea at the terraces from now on.

Masuku has said he hoped to play good football and take it one match at a time. The Bosso leadership are excited by the results coming in and can only make an announcement about a substantive coach at the end of the season. The new coach may as well be Masuku as he is performing. The team seem to be in sync with his demands and hopefully the trend continues in the long term. 

In league matches played over the weekend, Hwange gave away a 1-0 lead with 3 minutes to go to draw 1-1 with Gunners at the Colliery. Black Mambas were stung by Monomotapa by a solitary second half goal. The Mighty Warriors were humbled 4-0 by Jacob Zuma's Banyana Banyana at Tembisa in an international friendly.

Arsenal thrash City and Liverpool win at home against Blackburn

Liverpool finally got an elusive 2-1 win which was effectively like a cellphone on vibrate mode as the 3 points did not impact on their log standings. The three goals came within a 6 minute period. Fernando Torres was finally on target for his season's 2nd goal. Blackburn had their goal after a fine run on the right by Benjani Mwaruwari, who played the ball square to Al Hadji Diuof to stab home. Jamie made a vain effort to block the effort in the 52nd minute. Torres scored the winner a minute later. A Sotiris Kyragiakos header had given Liverpool the lead.

The real story was at the City of Manchester Stadium where Arsenal put up a splendid display over championship pretenders, Manchester City winning 3-0. Dedryck Boyata 'de-Jonged' Maroune Chamakh and was red-carded in the 4th minute. A very competitive match quickly became a strenuous City exercise as they tried to make up for a missing man. An out of sorts Andrei Arshvin was a huge Arsenal liability, cancelling the Gunners' numerical advantage. His only meaningful contribution was a one-two with Nasri for the opening goal.

A good and solid movement and a quality finish by red hot Samir Nasri in the 19th minute set the Gunners on their way. Nasri is truly a man on a mission this season. Carlos Tevez and David Silva combination grew to be a big headache for the slow Arsenal defence marshaled by Djouru. Luckas Fabianski had to be fantastic in goals for Arsenal to thwart the quick Manchester City intrinsic passing of their own and they accelerated vehemently after the centre line attacking the Arsenal defence.

Typical Arsenal patient build ups found Kompany having a clumsy challenge on Cesc Fabregas who missed the resultant spot-kick as Joe Hart dived to his left to save. Kompany nearly levelled matters with a header from a corner resulting from the counter-attack. He was fortunate not to see any card. City were energised by the penalty save but their final ball was never spot-on.

The second half was a finer affair for the visitors as Alex Song proved to be the main man. He held the central defensive business with diligence. He was to be rewarded by a toe poke goal as a serious Gunners raid became too much for City. This completed the match as a contest as Arsene Wenger's men threatened to run riot. The introduction of Nicklaus Bedtner and Theo Walcott was an icing on the cake and they could doubled the lead. Bedtner drove the final nail on the City coffin in the dearth. Arsenal dislodged Manchester United from the second spot with that win on goal difference.

Are City, United and Arsenal any threat in the league to Chelsea or The Blues are nothing to talk about themselves?  

Manchester United win 2-1 over Stoke City, but just.

Stoke City, as the most coacheable team as per opinion after watching a few of their first few season's matches, have proved exactly that over the last few weeks. They have made a lot of progress regarding their patience on the ball and turned their notorious aggression into better ball winning skills.

Their 12th position in the league is not a true reflection of the strides they have made since. Huth remains a big cog of their operation, as much as Delap is with his very long throw-ins. Faye is very aggressive into tackles but is a lot cleaner. Stoke have been keeping their moves solid and their ball possession skills have improved the time they spend on the ball per individual and that is translating into a complete team energy.

By contrast, Manchester United are literally a shadow of the power-house they were. The former champions were a team that did not need to play well to grind a result off anybody. They have been recently known to surrender comfortable leads home and away. They play less confidently and always give the smaller teams the hope that Man U will play the first half and take a lead at any point. They will be almost certain the lead will evaporate before the 90 minutes are over.

The obvious panic and lack of direction going forward is very obvious. The defensive behaviour is a little less desperate but far from convincing during a counter attack siege. Creativity in midfield is unimaginative and unintelligent. The offensive play does not unfold with that electrifying pace and genius vision. Theirs for now is a kick and hope. This is not what champions do, and definitely not the monster United their rivals know. So desperate are they that the solicited for the pace of left-back, Patrice Evra, as he is being shifted forward as a left midfielder. It is not that he is unable, but they are panicking.

Manchester United had Javier Hernandez double to thank for their lifeless performance against a too respectful Stoke, who consoled themselves with a Tuncay strike. Man U are not over and out yet, but for now, they are out.

Resurgent Bosso Beat Lengthens 1-0

Mkhuphali Masuku recorded his fourth win when Highlanders beat Harare outfit, Lengthens by an odd goal. Bosso has been in scintillating form since Mr Cooper took over from expatriate Mohammed Fathi, winning all his assignments. Bosso beat Caps United at BF last week by a Menard Mupera goal. 

The win followed a 2-1 win over the champions, Gunners at the National Sports Stadium. Highlanders also beat Shabanie Mine at Luveve Stadium by a solitary goal under Masuku. The ill-tempered match was a big concern as crowd trouble ended with players fighting and a lady reporter being harassed and beaten.

The victory will take the Bosso points tally to 34, and while there is no pressure on the young coach, much expectation is now on the fans and the crowds are now swelling at the stadia. The BancABC semi-final on Wednesday against Dynamos in Harare will be a stern test. While the Dembare match is always a psychological warfare, Masuku has enough ammunition in manpower and tactics to carry the day.

Bosso and Dembare finally agreed to play the match after the abandonment of the previous encounter at BF. There was a ruling to play the match at Baghdad Stadium but both teams concluded to have the big fixture at the Capital. The winner will play Caps United, who beat Gunners, in the final that carries $40 000 for the winners. The final was pencilled for the 31st October 2010.

There is no doubt Bosso are indebted to Mkhuphali as he seems to have found the rich vein of form that had eluded the former champions.

Telkom Cup: Pirates and Sundowns march on.

Mamelodi Sundowns beat Platinum Stars by a single goal in the Telkom Cup as did Orlando Pirates who beat Golden Arrows to record an essential win in the Cup. The Happy People will be hoping to win their second trophy in as many attempts this season, to atone for a decade cup drought.

In the 11th minute, Pirates' Dikgang Mabalane had only Golden Arrows goalkeeper Helton da Rocha to beat but he wasted the golden opportunity. Da Rocha watched as Rooi Mahamutsa's header from Andile Jali's long range free-kick against the upright a few minutes later. Hard running Arrows never let go of attack and the Sea Robbers depended counter-attacking play only for Chiukepo Msowoya and Mabalane to fluff.

A minute after the interval, Lucky Lekgwathi scored the only goal when the Bucs exploited some slack marking from the home side during a set piece. The Jali free kick was badly dealt with by the Arrows defence, but they did not let the goal sup their energies, though with creating much goal scoring opportunity.

Mamelodi Sundowns came from a heartbreaking disallowed 21st minute goal by Nyasha Mushekwi to win it 1-0 against a fine display by Stars. Mushekwi was not to be denied with 10 minutes to go, with some individual brilliance. Bafana striker, Katlego Mphela should really have scored in the 70th minute. Elias Pelembe nicely put him through in some space with a fine ball into the 18-yard area, but from about ten yards out, he ballooned his effort. Both teams advanced into the quarter-finals.

Kaizer Chiefs were easy winners as they beat helpless Amazulu as Abia Nale and Reneiloe Lethsolonyane scored minutes before half-time. In a change of fortunes, for once Chiefs were not dependent on Knowledge Musona for their goals. In the second half, they retreated too much inviting Usuthu midfield to participate in offensive moves more often and regularly in large numbers.  

The Glamour Boys could have iced the match in the last minutes, had Musona been more clinical. The goalkeeper also performed well as he blocked very threatening serious attempts with his feet. Chiefs will cherish the chance to face Pirates and avenge the MTN-8 loss in the semi-final.

The English Premiership Football, Ronaldo scores 4 at rampant Real Madrid.

Following the hectic full Champions League program, football giants in England and Spain were involved in boring encounters, that is, of course, if you are not fanatical about everything your teams does. You are excused. For football lovers, the best match for today was arguably the West Ham versus Newcastle encounter. Carlton Cole scored his first goal in ages after being set up by Puiqionne but Nolan cancelled that with a cool but tricky finish after Andy Carrol out jumped the West Ham defence to set up his skipper.

A 69th Barton cross gave Carrol his 5th goal of the season as he scored a header. Carrol started the season with an incredible hat-trick and has been ordinary until today. The match was the best of the Premiership but globally, La Liga's Real Madrid were rampant as they subdued their smaller opponents win convincing pin-fall. They practically choked the less fancied Racing Santander to asphyxiation.

Barcelona were a pale shadow of the team that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, scoring a couple of scrappy goals against Zaragoza through a resurgent Lionel Messi. Apart from the goals, there is nothing to talk about match. On the other hand, Real Madrid looked a little more solid for a team that had a bruising weekend. Higuin outpaced the defenders and slotted the ball under the advancing goalie in the 10th minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo showed his hunger of old as he finished off a Higuin cross, 5 minutes. Ronaldo scored 12 minutes later, taking advantage of his offside position. Madrid are just enjoying their football and are a joy to watch. Racing Santander looked so lost in the Santiago Bernebeu as Ronaldo continued with his individual show and even lost count how many goals he scored.  Ozil got the one of the 6 Madrid scored but Pepe Diop had a thunderbolt to unleash in the 73rd minute to save face in a 6-1 scoreline.

Chelsea collected maximum points in a pedestrian affair to go 5 points clear of the top of the Barclays Premier League. They walked past Wolverhampton with a 2-0 scoreline with a Flourent Malouda goal that made the Frenchmen a joint top scorer with Man City's Carlos Tevez, as well as a goal by substitute Salomon Kalou. Didier Drogba was back from injury and the champions did not show they had fresh men who did not play during the week.

Tottenham Hotspur were up against a stubborn and yet determined Everton side. They dealt with the frustration of match officials and will feel lucky to scrap a home point. It was obvious how the Inter Milan match supped some energy out of the team as they struggled to match the Everton strides. It took a rare Tim Howard goalkeeping error. Peter Crouch rose to drop the ball across the goal line for in form Van der Vaart to rip off the net. A point took Spurs to 3rd and 3 points would land them the 2nd spot.

Sunderland had charity to thank as a record own goal from Richard Dunne, his 8th, gifted them the points against a spirited Aston Villa side. Villa fought in vain for the share of the spoils and Sunderland soared in the standings to 8th.

The biggest story in England though, is the Marc-Antoine Fortune and Yousouf Mulumbu goals that sent West Brom the 4th position of the log after a 2-1 win over Fulham at the Hawthorns. Fulham’s woeful away record continued as they had no answers when it mattered most as they have not won away since August 2009. Wigan and Bolton shared the spoils 1-1. Birmingham City were 2-0 victors over Blackpool.

It is still to be seen how a record contract signed by Wayne Rooney will play for Manchester United against Stoke City tomorrow. Liverpool's new owners will be eager to see the impact of their bail-out when The Reds engage Benjani Mwaruwari's Blackburn Rovers at Anfield. The game of the week will always be Arsenal versus Manchester City for one reason. Arsenal are perennial under-achievers on their way down while City are as much underachievers given their resources but they are on the ascendance.

		Pl	W	D	L	GF	GA	+/-	Pts
1  Chelsea		9	7	1	1	25	2	23	22
2 Manchester City		8	5	2	1	12	5	7	17
3 Tottenham		9	4	3	2	11	8	3	15
4 West Brom		9	4	3	2	13	15	-2	15
5 Arsenal		8	4	2	2	18	10	8	14
6 Manchester Utd		8	3	5	0	18	11	7	14
7 Sunderland		9	2	6	1	8	7	1	12
8 Bolton		9	2	6	1	13	13	0	12
9 Aston Villa		9	3	2	4	9	13	-4	11
10 Everton		9	2	4	3	9	8	1	10
11 Birmingham		9	2	4	3	10	12	-2	10
12 Stoke City		8	3	1	4	9	11	-2	10
13 Blackpool		9	3	1	5	13	20	-7	10
14 Wigan		9	2	4	3	7	16	-9	10
15 Fulham		9	1	6	2	10	11	-1	9
16 Blackburn		8	2	3	3	7	8	-1	9
17 Newcastle		8	2	2	4	12	12	0	8
18 Liverpool		8	1	3	4	7	13	-6	6
19 Wolverhampton		9	1	3	5	8	15	-7	6
20 West Ham		8	1	3	4	6	15	-9	6

The weekend is here and it's show time.

There is the Barclays Premier League program with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Everton after their difficult week and Chelsea will be looking to extend their lead at home to Wolves. West Ham will be up against Fulham. Sunderland and Aston Villa lock horns at the Stadium of Light while Birmingham will be fighting a much improved Blackpool. Wigan and Bolton will the looking to pick up points off each other.

Sunday brings the biggest Manchester United test of the season so far. They visit Stoke City, by far the most improved team of the Premier League. Their solid approach to the game may trouble the Man U team that is rocked by the now boring Wayne Rooney transfer/ move/walk-out saga. Liverpool have a home fixture against Blackburn Rovers.

Manchester City will host Arsenal in one of the best fixtures we will have in a long time. Both are pretenders to the throne but they will be trying to out muscle each other for third and fourth, or even fifth position.

And by the way, there is a tricky F1 in Korea this weekend as the championship heats up. It is a must win for whoever will fancy their chances among the top 5. All Mark Webber needs to do now is to finish ahead of Sebastian Vettel while Lewis Hamilton will fancy himself to finish well. Hamilton needed to have just completed the other races races before Japan but then blew it when it mattered most. There will be no room for error on Sunday. Fernando Alonso and Fillipe Massa seem like party spoilers to me. Lets wait for the day.

Match fixing - Nothing should surprise you by now, or not?

The Far East betting scandal comes with new revelations daily. Former Zifa Manicaland chairman Onisimo Makwangure was head of delegation to Tunisia for Monomotapa’s Champions League mini group stages tie with Etoile du Sahel in 2009. Monomotapa bought a luxury bus for about $40 000 after the tourney.
This is his report as handed over to the investigating team:
-Day of arrival in Tunisia, there were movements in the corridors at the hotel where we were staying.
- Mthulisi Maphosa (team captain) woke me up saying that the game had been fixed already.
- The following morning I bought a cellphone line and handset, sent sms to CEO.
- Then I went to pre-match meeting with Munemo, the Monomotapa team manager.
- I am convinced and know that Dhlakama and Munemo were involved in this scam which is below.
- The players were, in the eve of the match, bouncing balls in the corridor so as to disturb other players from their sleep. Players had a meeting in the coach’s room but he was not there for the team pre-match meeting.
- The syndicate selected individuals like the goalkeeper and Samanja (striker). On the day of the match I received calls for Rodwell on my phone from the CEO. When going to the stadium we deliberately used a long route so as to frustrate the unknowing players.
- Players wanted to boycott the match because it became apparent that something was untoward but we persuaded them to play. The CEO kept phoning Rod about management of the game.
- Rodwell was also always on the phone contacting other characters.
- Since I had the phone during play when Darryll (Nyandoro) shot at goal and nearly scored, Raja (betting syndicate member) phoned and asked why that shot had been taken, he thought the phone was with Rodwell.
- Over the phone Rodwell had an argument with the CEO and eventually Clayton was called in by Rodwell and given the phone to talk to her.
- A journalist (name supplied) was used as a decoy for me at half time. He took me for refreshments but I quickly dashed away to the dressing room as I was suspecting something was amiss.
- At half-time Rodwell was always on the phone and maybe had three minutes off during that period.
- I noticed that players had removed their socks and did not want to go back saying that money had changed hands and therefore they wanted to know how much.
- During the second half only Darryll and Samakweri (Chris) were putting all effort to win.
- Clayton was hit by Mthulisi after the game.
- On our way back at Dubai, the reporter was arrested and we left him there and the police were hostile.
- Rodwell then stuck to me and the doctor. When we were in Johannesburg I asked Rodwell to phone the CEO to organise food for the players, but he refused saying that he was afraid that she would harass him.
- He then took us out of OR Tambo Airport for lunch and drinks including his family. Monomotapa’s manager joined us as well. Meanwhile players were like street kids at OR Tambo Airport.
- I noticed that Monos secretary-general Makombe though present was totally at sea with the happenings then. We were nearly refused boarding of the plane from Johannesburg to Harare due to disorderliness by the players through frustration.
- On arrival I phoned Solomon Mugavazi(club director) about the issues and he showed that he was concerned.
- I went to report to Serious Fraud of ZRP and was interviewed by senior police officer in charge of that section.
At the court the first respondent was the Zifa chief executive officer, second was Rodwell and third was Munemo.
*Marodza was the investigating officer.
*I was later on phoned by the CEO to come to her office and went there only to find Marodza being given a Legea replica jersey.
*I then went back to Mutare.
*I then was called by Rodwell and he said that he wanted to see me. He asked me to save him and confessed to me that the people who were behind these betting syndicates were the CEO and Musavengana (Jonathan).
*He then phoned the CEO in my presence to confirm that the deals were done by CEO and Musavengana.
*Rodwell wanted to commit suicide.
*If you noticed until then Rodwell was the continuous coach for the Under-23s. No one else was assigned to the national teams

Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson need to tell you the truth, or I will.

In what is dubbed a Wayne Rooney's released a statement in response to Sir Alex Ferguson's comments on Tuesday, the former hottest property in English football claims he is jumping ship in pursuit of silverware. What silverware? Where else have you seen much more trophies than the Old Trafford cabinets? I mean, really, not counting the corroded ones at Anfield and a few at the Emirates? This is what Rooney had to say.

"I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract." You do not need to be a genius to read that quote but first let us understand why the meeting took place in the first place.

There is no doubt about the idolisation of Sir Alex by the United faithfuls and ordinary coaches. This guy has been the cornerstone of the club and even when he threatened to retire a few years back, Man U were prepared to break the bank to persuade him to stay, and there was nowhere the great team he would leave behind would match his standards of operation and success. The fact that the striker remains an admirer of the United boss, the future direction of the club comes to question and Rooney is suddenly a concerned citizen of Old Trafford. Actually, it is the vision Rooney exhibits even in his play when he opens up space, makes darting runs or releasing pin point passes. His timing is as excellent here.

Man U have been far below par this season and it became a big concern to a lot of players. Many do not have the pedigree and leverage that Rooney has because of his astronomical profile. There are more players, if not the entire team, that knows what Rooney knows. From this statement, "I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say on Tuesday and surprised by some of it. It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world. I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part? For me its all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified."

I will stop assuming you can read between the lines. I will now tell you the truth both these guys can't tell you. The summary of these statements is that the Scottish Sir Alex Ferguson, coach of Manchester United of England, will soon leave the club. Yes, you heard right, he either will resign or will not renew his contract. That is why Rooney met Gill who could not guarantee Rooney that Sir Alex won't be going anywhere soon.

Rooney will not stand United without Ferguson and he knows there will be no more trophies, that is why he is telling us he is in pursuit of trophies. He is certain they are dried up at Old Trafford. "He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18. For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one off and a genius." he said of Sir Alex.

If Sir Alex leaves, Jose Mourinho will be the favourite to replace him at Old Trafford, although he has his Real Madrid contract that he seems to enjoy very much. He turned down the Portuguese national job, but he has always confessed of his desire to coach Man U. You will remember how much he wanted Rooney not to leave United. This will not take place tomorrow and maybe that is why Rooney can not wait. He wants to make hay while the sun shines. Anyone else taking over from Fergie will be have too big shoes to fill, unless a nobody or indeed, his deputies that includes Ole Gunnar Solskjar.

As for Rooney, City and Chelsea suit him fine. As for Madrid, he would enjoy the game but the environment would kill him. As a way out of his marital issues, it would provide a nice get away from the carnivorous English media.

UEFA Champions League Results - As cruel as It can be, Baile rocks.

Incredible as it began, it finished in a historic and incredible Gareth Bale hat-trick. Champions, Inter Milan of Italy hosted rookies, Tottenham Hotspur of the Barclays English Premier League at the famous San Siro Stadium. As Murphy Law would have it, everything that can go wrong at any match actually went wrong for Spurs as they suffered a first minute goal, conceded an early penalty that earned goalkeeper Gomes a red card and a conversion by Samuel Eto'o in the 11th minute. It was 3-0 by the 14th minute and with 10 men and less than 35 % possession, the first ever English team to win the European Cup were down and out when Eto'o scored the 4th after just 35 minutes.

Just as it started with the Eto'o show, Gareth Bale was a gear up with an incredible hat-trick of two mirror goal of top drawer quality and sheer determination that you will not see anywhere in a long time. The Bale show started in the 52nd minute before it lulled for the entire half, In injury time, Bale accelerated from the centre line on the left channel, running the entire length of the pitch to blast a sizzling hot shot below the body of sprawling Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar, exactly the way he scored the first goal, step for step and stride for stride in injury time. Aaron Lennon was set on his bike as he attacked his marker to about the D-area before releasing Bale on his left, exactly on the spot he pulled the trigger for the first 2 goals. His classic precision took wind out of Inter and thank God, time ran out.

In a memorable match for the Bale performance in particular, as was the Manchester United come back against Bayern Munich in the year Samuel Kuffor cried several barrels of tears in 1999, the disastrous start by Spurs looked set to be historic in the other direction and for the wrong reasons. As any coach would tell his players at half-time, it was not about how Spurs began, but how they ended. In the dressing room, Harry Redknapp was at pains trying to solicit eye contact after heads dropped due to the defense that went to sleep early and were punished. Frankly, the officials were not even there for Spurs.

His words were definitely in the line of 'Let us take ourselves from the mess we just put ourselves in. Good teams will be judged from how they come out of trouble that how they ride the crest'. With 10 men against the champions who are 3rd in their league and have been perennial performers at the same level, and given the circumstances of the match, a final 4-0 score would have been respectable for the Englishmen. The 4-3 final results, which had both the fans and referees panicking in the dying seconds, underlines the battered team that has 2 key players in Rafael van der Vaart and Gomes suspended and top scorer Jermaine Defoe injured. Spurs showed the class that many didn't know possible, though a lose is a lose.

While this was a performance of character out of this world was happening in Italy, Manchester United were being even more average at Old Trafford against Bursaspor whom they beat 1-0. Nani scored a well taken goal for the valuable points. Barcelona also won 2-0 at home with Lionel Messi scoring a double. Rangers and Valencia drew 1-1 as did FC Twente and Werder Bremen. Shalke 04 beat Hopoel Tel Aviv of Israel 3-1. Lyon were 2-0 victors over Benfica in France.

What do you think went wrong for Spurs and what is your opinion of Gareth Bale?

Zimbabweans Make Nigerians Green With Envy In A Corruption Battle.

MONOMOTAPA'S 2009 Champions League escapade was subjected to match-fixing with the team urged to lose to Etoile du Sahel to pocket handsome rewards.The trip eventually cost coach Rodwell Dhlakama and manager Clayton Munemo their jobs. The 2008 league champions were forced to summon a meeting after players boycotted training upon the team's return. Monomotapa were also worried about the rampant rumours and suspicion surrounding the Etoile du Sahel match. There had been allegations of bribes given to members of the technical team in order to rig the result of the match in which the Harare team lost 2-0.
Club co-owners Licius Sibanda and Solomon Mugavazi, coach Dhlakama, team manager Munemo, assistant coach Taurayi Mangwiro, captain Mthulisi Maphosa and team doctor, a Chipandu, attended the 19 September 2009 meeting. Taking minutes was secretary Jean Gora. According to documents in our possession, Munemo gave details of what transpired in Tunisia where he was given the phone by Dhlakama. The former Dynamos attacking linkman was allegedly advised by suspended Zifa chief executive officer Henrietta Rushwaya that TP Mazembe had lost, so Monomotapa ought to play to lose. She said they would get money if they lost.

"At half time Raja (the benefactor — the man who was funding the whole deal) spoke to the manager where he emphasised the need for MUFC (Monomotapa) to lose the game as he had already put his bet down. He promised to give each player US$4 000 which translated to US$60 000 for the players and an aside of US$10 000 for the coaches. Raja was under the impression that he was speaking to the head coach. He went on to say that he would honour his deal as he had the last time in Malaysia when he had bought a laptop," reads a section of the Monomotapa minutes.
Munemo admitted that the phone was passed on to him several times by the coach during the match. He alleged that he did not share the information as he felt that was not the right forum to discuss the information he had come across. The Monomotapa manager said he kept on speaking to these people to get to the bottom of the whole issue to understand what was happening. On the trip to Tunisia, it was the club's admission that they had travelled with positive morale in the camp.
"It was only in the return trip that tension was high as issues of bribery and money began to surface."
Assistant coach Mangwiro's submission was that Dhlakama missed team talk that was supposed to be in his room and they ended up meeting in the assistant coach's room. Dhlakama arrived at 6:20pm when the meeting was over and players headed for supper. Mangwiro told the meeting that the Etoile du Sahel coach had come to tell them (Mangwiro, Dhlakama, Munemo) that TP Mazembe had lost their match. The boys were not advised of the scoreline. Two minutes into the match a text message came through the coach's phone and he passed it on to the manager. That continued throughout the game.

Mangwiro said as he passed water to Darryl Nyandoro he overheard the coach say "Hanzi nasisi . . ." to Vorster (Chitemu). He however did not get the exact words. Contrary to previous matches where Mangwiro went to post-match Press conferences, on that day Dhlakama went and captain Maphosa asked the team manager why he had been told that they should lose 4-0. Players are said to have congregated at the back of the bus and later Maphosa requested Mangwiro to come to a meeting with the players. The meeting then took place later with a lot of arguing with the players highlighting that some money had been paid. They insisted that it should be shared. A heated argument ensued with Maphosa leading to Munemo walking out. Later Dhlakama and goalkeeper Godfrey Mangove followed. Dhlakama distanced himself from the discussion and said no money had been given to him.

Chipandu, in his evidence, said the coach and head of delegation had gone out to look for phones and came after the team talk ahead of the game. He said the number of phone calls that came through during the match were peculiar. He said when he asked where the phone calls were from, Munemo told him they were from Rushwaya. Maphosa said in his submission that when they conceded the first goal, he had gone to talk to the defenders who had not responded to his criticism and the goalkeeper Mangove had laughed after being beaten by the ball. On the bus back to the hotel Mangove was accused of fixing the result. The goalkeeper had in turn queried what business Maphosa had with a Tunisian who was selling football boots at the hotel before the match.

It is the Monomotapa captain's bit that also implicates suspended Zifa programmes officer Jonathan Musavengana whom he said had contacted them when they arrived requesting to meet him as a group.
Maphosa, Tendai Samanja, Daniel Zokoto and Chitemu went to meet him and he asked the players whether they had received their share of the money. The players denied receiving any money and at that juncture Musavengana went on to call Raja as the money was supposed to have been given to Dhlakama in South Africa while they were in transit. Musavengana told the boys that he had been trying to get hold of the coach but to no avail. By the time Monomotapa held the meeting Musavengana had not called back as per his promise. On his part Dhlakama said head of delegation he had a call from Rushwaya.
She asked Dhlakama to excuse himself from many people and went on to say: "I am giving you an instruction, you should lose the game by four goals to nil, the first two goals should be in the first half's 35 to 45 minutes and the other goals in the second half." Dhlakama said he just agreed with her so that they would not have to continue with the conversation. She is alleged to have later called to find out if he had understood the instruction and that Raja would also call later. After the first goal she is said to have called to ask whether they did not want any money as the goal had been scored earlier than the time prescribed.
Rushwaya, who is on suspension over match-fixing allegations and for her role in the Asian trips, then instructed them to concede three goals in the second half.

Dhlakama admitted that he had given Rushwaya his Tunisian number, as the head of delegation would be on the terraces during the match. Monomotapa resolved on 19 September last year to suspend Dhlakama and Munemo. Monomotapa reached the Champions League's round robin stage in their first appearance.
Efforts to contact Rushwaya to confirm if indeed she called the Monomotapa coach while in Tunisia were fruitless yesterday. Match-fixing has emerged as the biggest threat to the African game and several Zimbabwe soccer personalities who include coaches, administrators, media practitioners and players have been caught up in the mess. Last year Monomotapa travelled to Malaysia disguised as the Zimbabwe senior national team.

They even wore Warriors colours in one of the scandals to hit the local game.
It has emerged that some of the results posted back home from the Asia trips were doctored, as the Warriors in some instances would have lost by huge margins.

By Lovemore Dube for The Chronicle.

Wayne Rooney, The Money, Torres and Man U. Lack of Success and Liverpool.

Football trends get twistier and trickier as legal, labour and money issues get Incorporated into the field, and then when the politicians get their nose in there, FIFA shout foul. Talking of money and FIFA, a Nigerian member and another colleague are under fire for saying they will sell votes to World Cup bidding nations. While it is necessary for FIFA to do something about this, I think someone is either lying or it was a bad joke.

You will remember the European labour rules that turned one unknown player to a hero about a decade earlier in a case that brought about the now famous Bosnian rule. Not so long back, another player, Andy Webster had issues with his move to Stoke City which eventual brought about the Webster ruling. This allows players to buy out the last year of their contracts for the price of their wages plus a nominal compensation fee. Barring wage demands, this makes Wayne Rooney basically affordable to anyone in football, including South Africa. Mamelodi Sundowns can afford him.

That said, Manchester United are not that stupid to wait for that to happen, hence that officialises him in the market. It will be a case of who is bidding. Eurosport reminds us that Rooney signed his current in November 2006, meaning that he has served more than the minimum three-year 'protected period' during which United could have blocked a deal. Mr Manchester United refused a £150,000 a week contract. If you think that is cool money, you are right because you don't have that in your bank balance. Manchester City will pay him £500 000 per week if they get their way. So, Rooney is not a squirrel to thrive on nuts, or indeed peanuts from Man U.

Sir Alex Ferguson makes business sense in any case. The under productive Rooney may not be worth an extra penny. The little they were trying to entice him with may as well go to another unproductive Spanish striker called Fernando Torres. To me, it will be charity work to save Liverpool from their financial troubles, not that Man U are good themselves, but in this world we share. So, Sir Alex will sure make a £50 million bid to bring the injury-prone Spaniard to United.

Liverpool's form has been very bad and one thing they need to do is give Torres a break. He needs to shake off the bad world cup tag and get his form back. Of course he has injury worries to deal with but then, that name alone is worth the money if you ever loved the man. If anyone lost Rooney, very few would sound worthy replacements and Sir Alex is not far off the mark in marketing terms. As for pound for pound player, Man U were better off doing a deal with Real Madrid and get Karim Benzema. Sir Alex likes him and has tried him before. The deal here will be to get Rooney to Chelsea and then Didier Drogba to Jose Mourinho. Drogba is no more enjoying his Chelsea stay and The Special one has a special relationship with the Ivorian. That is far fetched, but the only way Rooney will not play for City.

As for The Reds, they expressed interest in a £6m move for Alexander Kerzhakov, a Russian striker. They will need the free scoring St Petersburg scorer to lift themselves up from the relegation zone, but first things first. Roy Hodgson must put his balls in the vise and leave his mentally fragile and tactically weary senior players for the untested rookies to pull out one result and then Liverpool will be on their way up. Otherwise, they will be fighting losing battles, week in and week out.

Would Wayne Rooney fit the Arsenal set-up if they could afford his wages because he comes so cheap? Or he could team up with Torres for the Gunners for a partnership. Tell us.  

Champions League Match Results- Arsenal rampant, Madrid, Chelsea too strong.

Arsenal had an easy walk in the park in a match that was so one sided that you would be forgiven to say that Champions League football is far much easier than the Barclays English Premier League. To some extent, that is true, but Arsenal are so experienced at this level that they make things look easy. They could afford a 5-0 lead without Andrei Arshavin and Theo Walcott. The 5-1 win underlines the dominance of the Gunners in their group as they have reached double digits in goals.

Former Arsenal player, Eduardo, got the applause and standing ovation by the home crowd for classical consolation to save face for his team in the dying minutes. He finished off a wonderful cross from the right with a ferocious volley from the prime scoring area into the far post corner. Arsenal's defence was exposed a few times but playing against an ordinary team, it didn't matter and many may not have even noticed. One in every 2 attacks by Shaktar, they found themselves facing their goalkeeper and being very uncomfortable.

Alex Song scored a fantastic goal to open an account for Arsenal in the 19th minute and Samir Nasri blasted a Song cross on the second touch to put the Gunners 2-0 by half time. Fabregas converted a penalty before English teenage sensation, Jack Wilshire scored his first Champions League goal, an intrinsic fluid pssing 3 man move of high quality. Chamakh completed the rout when he beat an ill-orchestrated off-side trap to score from close range in the 69th minute. The Gunners started idling and rested Fabregas and Chamakh. The lull brought the best of Eduardo, whose scorcher would have been nice on the other side, but the Arsenal fans liked it nontheless.

Real Madrid also produced a solid performance with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a trademark free kick and Metuzil Ozil adding the second a minute later in the 14th minute. AC Milan were deceptive in their touches even to themselves. Ronaldinho was a pale shadow of the former great self, as was Robinho. Jose Mourinho's Real are looking more polished and are true threat to Barcelona in La Liga and everyone in the Champions League. A 2-0 comfortable win at home win came courtesy of poor defending by the Italians as they conceded the goals with enough personnel behind the ball.

Chelsea were without a few key players like Lampard, Drogba and Terry and still came out with a 2-0 win over Spartak Moscow. AS Roma lost at home to FC Basel, 3-1while Bayern Munchen beat CFR Cluj 3-2. Marsellie beat MSK Zillin 1-0 and Ajax were 2-1 winners over Auxere. Braga beat Partizan 2-0.
   

Zimbabwe match-fixing scandals - You won't believe this.

(Originally by Nkanyiso Moyo for NewZimbabwbe.com)

ZIFA CEO Henrietta Rushwaya was damned on Monday after a probe into match fixing allegations against the Zimbabwe national soccer team found she was the “core central point” in the scam which involved referees, players and journalists.

ZIFA board member Ndumiso Gumede was assigned to lead a probe into an unsanctioned trip by the Warriors to Thailand and Malaysia in December last year. On the trip, Zimbabwe lost 3-0 to Thailand; beat the Malaysian champions Selangor 3-0 before suffering a 6-0 drubbing by Syria. In sensational revelations which will send tremours in the world of football, the ZIFA Board of Enquiry found:

 

• a Malaysian betting syndicate paid Zimbabwe players US$1,500 each to lose by a pre-agreed score-line.
• a member of the syndicate sat on the Zimbabwe bench and gave instructions when to concede goals.
• ZIFA programmes officer Jonathan Musavengana received “a bunch of US dollars” from a representative of the syndicate.
• players feared for their lives when a representative of the betting syndicate claimed they had cost him US$1 million after losing the first game 3-0 instead of 1-0.
• Rushwaya was in on the scam.
•  the match-fixing may have been going on for three years, starting with the 2007 Merdeka Cup held to commemorate Malaysian National Day.
• Method Mwanjali, tipped to be the new national team captain after Benjani Mwaruwari stood down, negotiated payments with the betting syndicate.
• an agent of the syndicate was at the Warriors’ camp ahead of a friendly match with Japan just before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa in June.
• most of the players involved in the corruption “now pose a big problem” for the national team.

The devastating report will be studied in Zimbabwe, Japan, Malaysia, Syria and Thailand. It will also attract the attention of the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, and could lead to criminal charges.

Rushwaya and Musavengana are already suspended over the controversial trip to Thailand at the end of December last year. Gumede’s committee said the trip was not sanctioned by the ZIFA Council and the Sports and Recreation Commission but had been arranged by Rushwaya and Musavengana.

But in submissions before Gumede’s probe team, the two officials traded accusations, with Rushwaya insisting that she had ordered Musavengana not to go ahead with the trip. Musavengana, on the other hand, said he had been asked by the Ministry of Tourism to organise a “holiday” for the national team as a reward for winning the COSAFA Cup.

He claimed to have “filled in” Rushwaya about the plan to take the team to Asia, and the national team coach Sunday Chidzambwa had given him the team verbally. Chidzambwa, however, did not travel. Rushwaya countered, stating that she sent Musavengana a text message on December 22 which said: “The trip has not been sanctioned by ZIFA Council give people (players) back their passports. Mhepo dzasimuka (dust has stirred).” But Gumede said the “mhepo dzasimuka kuno” comment was made in an email by Rushwaya dated December 29, and Musavengana had received it when he was already in Malaysia.

A second e-mail said to have been sent to the Thailand FA declining an invitation by Rushwaya, dated December 25, was actually found to have been doctored. In fact, Gumede said, the e-mail had been sent on December 28 with the team already in Asia, and the date had been changed ostensibly to indemnify Rushwaya of wrong-doing in future disciplinary proceedings. “The Chief Executive Officer (Rushwaya) abetted by commission or omission the match fixing games and she became the core central point for these games,” the report said. “The CEO used or connived with ZIFA employees in these games.”

The report added: “Foreign agents were allowed direct access to the players, individually and also as a team.

 “Targeted players were paid handsomely than the innocent ones.”

 

The report names a Malaysian national Raja Raj as the key instigator of the corruption. “Raja Raj threatened our players for having him lose more than US$1 million by not losing according to instructions. “Our players were exposed to corruption and unethical, unsporting practices officially by allowing Raja to address them more than once during the trip. “Once losing according to instructions, each player was then handsomely paid US$1,000 after the game. They had been given an incentive allowance of US$500 each to lose. “Musavengana instructed everyone not to tell anyone about the trip on December 27, 2010.”

 

Gumede heard testimony from several players who confirmed the payments. Gunners defender Daniel Vheremu said they feared for their lives. Former CAPS United strike Nyasha Mushekwi, now of Mamelodi Sundowns, said he was so disgusted by the thought of playing a fixed match that he asked to be substituted.

Mwanjali was measured  in the information he gave the probe team, confirming only that he was part of the team and had been paid $1,500 as the rest of the team.

But the most devastating evidence showing the extent of the corruption came from Chidzambwa’s former deputy and Motor Action coach Joey Antipas. He testified: “We proceeded to Thailand and only to be told that we were playing against Thailand national team on arrival. “The morning before kick-off, we were introduced to Asian gentlemen who told us that we were to lose the game 1-0 after 90 minutes so that we would be paid handsomely. I then immediately suspected them to be betting syndicates. “I queried it, citing the fact that it was difficult to lose a game 1-0, because our players had been off-season but I was told to play to instructions by Mr Jonathan Musavengana. I thereby said that I did not want to get involved.
“During the game there was an Asian guy whom I suspected to be a member of the Asia syndicate who sat on our national team bench and was receiving phone calls and telling the other person on line all what was happening in the field of play.”

After Zimbabwe lost the match 3-0, Antipas said the Asians confronted players claiming they were in the books of another betting syndicate. From Thailand, Zimbabwe travelled to Malaysia where they played the country’s champions Selangor and won 3-0. That match was clean, Antipas said. On December 31, the Warriors were due to clash with Syria and Antipas – who was assisted by the technical team of assistant coach Emmanuel Nyahuma, fitness trainer Thomson Matende, a medic named only as Sachikonye, and physio Lloyd Maungwa -- said the Asians re-emerged with new demands.

They wanted Zimbabwe to lose 6-0, but the players, who had not been paid for the Thailand game, refused to play the match until they were each paid US$500 enticements. Antipas said: “I once again did not get involved in the selection of the team. I recused myself from team selection and the team briefing. Mr Jonathan Musavengana was directing operations from the bench while receiving calls from the Asian syndicate.
“Whenever he received a call, he would stand up from the bench and dish out instructions to concede goals and that game was duly lost 6-0.

“At the airport the players were paid US$1,000 each after they had met one member of the syndicate. A bunch of US dollars was also given to Musavengana as ZIFA’s share. “To conclude, I would say my hands received dirty money due to being forced into these games of illegal betting by Mr Jonathan Musavengana.”
Vheremu said of the Thailand game: “… as a team we agreed without knowing that it wasn’t just a friendly match but it had conditions. When they told us the conditions, we disagreed with their conditions because they were not good to us. They wanted us to just play without scoring goals, which is difficult. “But Musavengana persuaded us to play. We lost 3-0, which was not the result they wanted. They wanted us to draw 0-0 or lose 1-0. “So they were furious. We were afraid because he (Asian gentlemen who was part of betting syndicate) said he lost lots of money.“So in order for him to recover his money he arranged two games for us. We then went to Malaysia to play against Syria. The condition was to lose 6-0.

“We disagreed but we were afraid because the guy wanted to recover his money. So we played and lost 6-0 and we were given US$1,000 each for that match at the airport, then we came back to Zimbabwe. “Prior to the game we were told to lose the game 6-0 by Musavengana and Ruj (Asian) and because of fear we lost by that margin.” Mushekwi said just before a hastily-organised match on June 10 against Japan, he had seen one of the betting syndicate men from Malaysia around the team's camp. The match, used by the Japanese to prepare for the World Cup, ended in a 0-0 stalemate. The report said some of the Asian money found its way back to Rushwaya “but never got into the ZIFA coffers.”

 

The probe team concluded: “The media, ZIFA technical staff, referees and office staff were part of the scam. “Most of the players, who ‘tasted’ these monies for losing will now pause a big problem for the national team. They will demand high amounts in terms of appearance fees as they now believe that competing is not important but one can get instant thousands of dollars by just wearing the Zimbabwe jersey.”

 

A new probe has been launched to investigate Zimbabwe’s results going back to the Merdeka Cup in 2007. “The Merdeka Cup is the biggest source of this scam as people were introduced into this dirty match fixing in that tournament,” the report said. “All the officials and the media personnel who went there immensely benefitted in a big way and that is why they could not stop these Far East games. They just got addicted to the easy rich pickings.”

 

Gumede noted that they had received little cooperation from some of the individuals involved.

“The Zimbabwe clique of this syndicate is strongly bonded and they will defend and protect each other to the hilt. They will do anything to protect each other at the expense of the beautiful game. This is why one finds even e-mail dates being doctored and paper-trail missing for the Malaysia trip.”

Rooney Will Play For City. Wanna Bet? and Spurs have a surprise for Inter.

Wayne Rooney has been facing a tough moment of his life. Manchester United are not helping. He now wants out of Old Trafford after stepping on Sir Alex's toes but his potential destination is shifting location and very quickly. Real Madrid are at pains trying to explain how much they do not need Rooney. Well, it is the common language when such matters arise as Man U will tell you that Rooney is not for sale to anyone at anytime.

Rooney is trying to sort out his love life as his marital issues compound his lack of form that began just before the 2010 FIFA World Cup and his clash with the coach does not help matters. The United one man band is never the same player who won all individual accolades last season and the last thing he needed is being caught cheating on his wife with expensive whores or a sour relationship with the revered Sir Alex. At least, not when his form is rock bottom.

During his bad days in the office, Valencia broke a leg, and Berbetov blew very hot and extremely cold and Man U were like another team next door. Forget that Manchester claim they won't sell and that Real deny their interest. Frankly, Jose Mourinho was never a fan of Rooney, but watch this space. Real Madrid will be walking all over Barcelona after one Togolese striker joins Cristiano Ronaldo in January.

Nobody has to love, want or need Rooney. His time at Man U is done and someone must take him out of Old Trafford, not to play him, but to deny him getting a team where he will be more useful. The only one with enough lifting power to do that will be Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester City. Arsenal would use his razor sharp skills but City will be Rooney's team of choice. This will be just to rub in the red and powdered chillis into Sir Alex's eyes and nose. Barcelona have nothing to offer him. Real has Ronaldo. Even then, they really do not need him.

Manchester City are already lining up for the Manchester's favourable son. This is how it works out. Just because the Abu Dhabi billionaires will want to throw it at their neighbours and have the money to burn, and knowing United will hate to build the monster that will dominate them, City will pass Emmanuel Adebayour to Real Madrid even if it means them paying his salary, and romp in Rooney. Believe you me, Rooney will be playing alongside Tevez come January and United will hate it.

Before we part, the Champions League is on this week and I will spare you the blah blah blah that may discourage you enjoying your teams' woeful performances. The Game of the Week will be the champions , Inter Milan hosting the rookies, Tottenham Spur. This is the moment of truth for Spurs and so far, their biggest match id over half a century. They have been facing warm up situations and tomorrow night, they come up against the real deal. To cut the long story short, Milan will not know what hit them. If you watch football with your eyes and an open mind and not with your heart and emotion, you know what I'm talking about. I hope to hear from you after the Champions League matches.

City are the Kings of Manchester as they beat spirited Blackpool

A Blackpool scintillating high tempo performance made the expensively assembled Manchester City look so ordinary in the first half, as they dictated the proceedings with a direct and centre probing fast-paced attacking football. They could have taken the lead at several points in the earlier moments of the match, not counting the goal ruled out for offside about 10 minutes after the half-time break.

The sweetest part of their game was the precise and incisive penetration through the middle and then the perfect cross delivery to the prime scoring areas. Their composure on the ball and well timed and weighted passes matched their 3rd-man-running moves that were complimented with shots on target that Joe Hart did well to smother. Lack of conversion was their let-down and they dearly paid for it with their lives, l.osing 2-3 eventually.

The miss of the Barclay's Premier League undoubtedly goes to DJ Campbell, who went on to rue the miss forever as Carlos Tevez turned nothing to goal in the 67th minute. Campbell was one-on-one with Hart, bringing down the ball and trying to slide it under the advancing keeper, and the ball missed the right up-right post.

The goal that was so much against the run of play was the tonic City needed, as Blackpool took a moment to take stock of their fortunes while James Milner had other ideas. The English midfielder crushed the cross-bar with a ferocious shot only for the ball to bounce off in favour of Blackpool.

City knew the goal would take them second on the log and suddenly, they played like a team that is actually second in the championship table. Wayne Bridge committed an unnecessary foul that was well by Adam and was headed in by Marlon Harewood with a glancing effort with 12 minutes to go.

It took the tenacity of top goal scorer, captain Tevez to steal the ball from the central defensive area, beat one man and then belt a deflected shot to take steam out of Blackpool. Tevez almost got a hat-trick with 4 minutes to go, crushing the cross-bar after a touch from the goalie, Gilks. Gilks had no answer for David Silva, when the Spanish from Valencia did a solo dance with the ball in the box beating 3 defenders and slotting the ball to the far post, beyond the reach of the goalkeeper, for a 3-1 advantage for City.

A fantastic set play came a little too late at injury time. Adam worked a corner low to Varney at the edge of the penalty box. The one touch side foot goalwards was rediected by Taylor-Fletcher from close range into the net. It proved too late but what a match it was. City may have gotten to the level where they believe in themselves and their class is still to show. Most of their fortunes come with blessings from neighbours, Manchester United, who are really doing them a good service for a change. United are drawing their matches with great precision and regularity. 

Highlanders's Mr Cooper Makes It 3 in a Row

Highlanders Bosso have found a new vein of form after appointing new coach in former assistant coach to Mohammed Fathi. Mkhuphali Masuku has recorded his 3rd success after defeating Moses Chunga's Caps United at BF this afternoon. Bosso were leading 1-0 at half-time after a first half assault.

Mernat Mupera was on target after 17 minutes of play.That was the solitary goal that ensured maximum points for the former giants who are finding their voice once more. What was sweet about the win is that it was the revered Moses Chunga's first league defeat and Cooper's 3rd ever victory at any level of coaching.

Bosso have now collected 31 points with their 9th win, taking the goal tally to 18, although they have conceded a generous 14 goals thus far. The executive have said they will be appointing a substantive coach this week and it will be hard to match the young caretaker coach's current and impressive 100% record.
The Bosso league record so far stands as:
Highlanders   19 8 4 6 18 14 31.

It never rains for Liverpool, it storms.

There are moments when it never rains but pours, then it actually rains again before pours heavily. Sorry to Liverpool. In their case, it rains elephants and whales. Liverpool may be the worst team to coach now if you have a heart of a chicken or a dove, and yet the best, for those with a heart of a lion, say 2 lions. In losing the Merseyside derby to Everton by 2-0, they showed their quality. That is the only thing they have now, but they need much more than that.

The successful financial transaction to New England Sports Ventures of USA's Boston Red Sox baseball team, made it possible for their fans to have hope, but did not transend to the field. Roy Hodgson certainly did get some hope, as if he were an ordinary football fan. Lucky for him, he reads this blog.

Liverpool are not a finished side. The loss is bad and disappointing. The mistake of today's loss was a line-up issue. This must not happen in the next fixture. Hodgson should have left his tried and tested lieutenants out of this match and the next. Fringe players and perennial substitute were supposed and must be given the nod as well as the youngsters from the academy. Specifically, Steven G, Fernando Torres, Jamie Garrangher and Joe Cole, must only come back after the team's first win. This is the only footballing sense a coach of guts can make.

It does not take a UEFA A License or a Brazilian Diploma to figure out the benefits of this psychological move. If the youngsters lost the match, who would care, but the coach? You can be assured that the belief that they make Steven G and Fernando T sit it out will spur the boys. If they lose, they will busk in relishing the moment and they will fight on as they know they have a chance and that they will be missing the limelight. If they win, the senior players can come in to the team without the pressure they exhibited today.

Defeat was written all over their faces before the match began. It was a hard pill to swallow for every one at Goodison Park and even Everton could not help but notice the frustrations. Any enemy gathers strength at the realisation of the desperation of the adversaries. It was not a match the Toffees wouldn't produce against anyone, but The Reds really played into the opposition's feet. Yekubu suddenly looked very hot and the usual suspect of Arteka and Cahill were on song and so did goalkeeper Tim Howard.

If you are a Liverpool fan, do not lose heart. The new owners will getting into the dressing room to say how much things have changed and spell out their philosophical contribution which must be matched by the performance and results. They will assure Hodgson all the support before firing him. The Reds will assume their rightful place in the Barclay's English Premier League, and soon.