Pirates restore order

As order of things were to have it, the owners of the ABSA Premier League top spot have taken their rightful  place for once. Orlando Pirates needed a bad defensive behaviour of The Students, Bidvest Wits, who led 2-0 at half time and eventually surrendered 3 second half goals. The Sea Robbers did not need the support of the Happy People, only 5000 coming to watch the match. That is a shame.

Supersport United came into the party with a handy 1-0 victory over local archrivals and championship pretenders, Mamelodi Sundowns, in the Pretoria derby. The faded champions eased the worries of coach, Gavin Hunt, who used the sniper instincts of Erasmus. Matsatsantsa a Pitori may be on their way back.

It was all tears after tears in the Dube Birds camp, as Moroka Swallows were hit for 4 by Usuthu. Swallows coach, Gordon Igusend was frustrated by the way they gave too much space to Amazulu. Trying to get out of the relegation zone may be a tough call, but not impossible for Izinyoni, who had a cool 3-1 victory a few days back.

One team assured of not being in the league next season by their own undoing, is Mpumalanga Black Aces. Amaziyoni just managed to keep their heads over the water in the play off last season, by they are not Premier League material. Recycled football may bring a glimmer of hope here and there, but their case was concluded by yet another defeat, this time a 0-1 margin to Santos.

Hopefully, there will be something to say about Kaizer Chiefs soon.

Where to South African football?

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have always been the symbol of South African football, regardless of their lackluster performances. They command huge followings in and around the country. This is despite the dominance of faded Supersport United and the riches of Mamelodi Sundowns. It must be said that Bloemfontein Celtic draw probably the biggest crowd in South Africa in their home matches if all things are equal.

As it stands, South African football has represented the continent well by its coverage on TV and cyber space. The quality of play has not matched the promise expected by both locals and outsiders. Many coaches and observers have tried to get SAFA and the ABSA Premiership management teams to implement one form of reform or another. The easiest thing to do has been nothing and that is exactly what we got.

Super diski, as we call our football, has always had an Achilles’ heel. The game here has depended on foreign material since the early days of the end of apartheid. In those days, Orlando Pirates won the Africa Champions League with players like Jerry Skhosana, Helman Mkhelele, Mark Fish, Sizwe Motaung and William Okpara name but a few. Not long from that point, Mzansi were the African champions in 1996.

From the dizzy heights of being both club African champions and continental big fish, South African football has been a laughing stock, as seen by the CAF league ranking a few weeks back. Ranking 17^th in a league that is well funded and has that much history and general pride and self esteem, is such a shame. Details of what might have gone wrong may vary and excuses may be given, but the bottom line is that there must be change. That change will not be coming anytime soon anyway.

The past decade has seen South African Footballer of the Year accolades going to foreign players for the majority of the times. That goes for the Top Goal Scorer and Rookie of the Year Awards. From the days of Wifred and William Mugeyi, George Nechironga, Collins Mbesuma, Benjani Mwariwari, Tico Tico and now, Knowledge Musona, you will see the point. True comparison result proves our players are just inferior. It would be necessary to find out why.

Supersport United won the championship so many times and failed to make an impact in Africa despite the resources they have. Rounds going about nowadays is how the top teams in the league are coached by foreigners. While I do not want to believe that these guys are better, Sundowns, Chiefs, Pirates and Ajax are indeed under the tutelage of aliens. What I can not confirm is whether it is the quality of the coaches that makes the difference or the quality of the squads they have. For me, the later is true.

Another argument is whether foreign players, in this case, Knowledge Musona the current top goal scorer, is a cut above the rest. That is an undisputed fact as of now. What is the South African football strategy to get players of the same quality? Nada. What I can tell you is that there are people of the same quality who are not playing football. I have coached a tertiary institution and I can tell you that for a fact. The system must encourage such people to see it worthwhile to play football. It could be also, that the most fans going to the stadia are foreign too.

Given that South Africa is rarely a force even in the SADC region, with all the potential sponsorship for its benefit, a COSAFA version of clubs maybe something worthwhile for the nation to consider. This will measure the clubs’ preparedness for the champions’ league and measure any progress of the nation’s football; first at club level, then higher.

Knowledge Musona is a world beater

It is now common knowledge that Knowledge Musona played no league football in his native Zimbabwe and that his signing by Kaizer Chiefs was subject of the ridicule of a 'buy one get 2 free' deal synonymous with Chinese $1 shops. His performance yesternight against Mpumalanga Black Aces has underlined the fact that he is arguably the best thing that has ever happened to South African football in recent years.

There is one thing where this is pointing. Zimbabwean is of age, and it has no money. This is supported by the fact that Zimbabwe players earn about $200,00 a month, but then, the ABSA Premiership players will take home a 100 times more. Statistically and officially, the Zimbabwe Premier League is stronger and a better league that South African football. This is according to CAF. This is despite the fact that South Africa is loaded by sponsors and attracts the best African players. Their development structures and level of competition are not good enough.

But then, how then is South Africa lacking?  In so many ways. The South African Premiership Champions League representatives have not gone anywhere since Orlando Pirates won it in 1995. SuperSport United have been representing South Africa in this league for ages. With the resources as they can have any coverage and footage of any match of their choice at any time, they have not made an impact at all. They could only manage to subdue Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns and then nothing else. They flattered to deceive.

Generally, South African football receives way too much attention and television coverage from Supersport and the SABC-TV that even fans do not go to the stadia any more. It was a sore sight seeing empty seats during the Soweto derby. The huge sums of money and TV coverage becomes a quick fix for clubs and no one really cares about tomorrow and hence the whole thing is just a big fuss.

As a result, the South African Premiership is now ranked as the 16th best topflight league on the continent compared to Zimbabwe's 12th position. They have 7 points and Zimbabwe has 17, a point behind Cote d'Ivoire and Angola — who occupy joint 10th place. For this reason, Zimbabwe have 2 Champions League slots while South Africa has one, with Motor Action and Dynamos getting those slots. Dynamos' exploits in this league are the reason why Zimbabwe football has this rating and they have a preliminary round bye.

Who is the best, you may ask. The Tunisian football league is.Tunisia stood top with 96 points followed by Egypt (87), and Nigeria (75). Others listed in the order of merit include Sudan (54) Democratic Republic of Congo (46), Algeria (27), Morocco (20), Mali (20), Cameroon (19), Cote d'Ivoire (18), Angola (18) and Zimbabwe (12).

Kaizer Chiefs suffer defeat as Orlando Pirates earn a point

One man Orlando Pirates fans will really love to love, it is Sekou Camara of Santos. With the same passion, Kaizer Chiefs fans will not be having nice vibes for the former Jomo Cosmos player. Camara scored the goal that ended Amakhosi's unbeaten run and collected maximum points for the visiting Cape Town team. The Absa Premiership match played at the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg was a poor affair by Chiefs who seemed to have their thought glued to the weekend Soweto derby as they lost concentration to concede an 87th-minute goal.

There was a few chances for both sides here and there but still no clear cut domination of the Naturena Boys. Amakhosi had Siphiwe Tshabalala crushing the crossbar with a 20-metre free kick just 15 minutes into play. They dominated possession especially in midfield but their penetration was restricted to the middle third of the pitch. The People’s Team seemed to be playing for a point and made it difficult for Amakhosi to enter the final third. Bafana Bafana player, Reneilwe Letsholonyane played a vital role in midfield for Chiefs but his contribution was restricted to futile long-range shots.
 
There was better luck for the other Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates, as they picked up a point on the road at the Princess Magogo Stadium from Amazulu. This may be the difference on Saturday as they ride the confidence wave against a demoralised Chiefs. What was disappointing for the Bucs is how much they fired blanks. They Happy People had been prolific in front of goal, but they failed to make meaningful impact, which will worry coach Ruud Krol. Chiefs may actually come out as a wounded lion against Pirates as they seek to salvage lost pride and atone for poor results.
 
AmaZulu were never in the match and were content to contain the attacking Pirates forward who were ably supported by the gifted Andile Jali. Clifford Mgomeni fought crucial midfield battles and had a shot going wide from a good lay-off outside the penalty box. Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Dikgang Mabalane and Daine Klate combined well and found Usuthu not giving anything away.
 
Pirates could have done with Tlou Segolela earlier on, but when 240km/hour came in, they never bothered utilising him and his speed, shifting the attack into other channel. It can be misconstrued that they wanted to use him as a decoy, letting him get the attention and then taking the attack line in the other direction. As it turned out, it was a naive case of hope without any intelligence. The Sea Robbers pinned AmaZulu and could have retreated once in a while and then catapulted using the man the speed traps cannot detect.
 
Pirates striker Chiukepo Msowoya brought the best out of Amazulu keeper in the 36th minute when Mbuyane flew down the AmaZulu left flank and played a measured pass to Msowoya who held off a defender and hit a low shot. Goalkeeper Mzimela was equal to the task and parried the ball to safety. Pirates will need to increase their game for the weekend derby in order to kick-out Chiefs as they did in the MTN-8 semi-final.
 
Moroka Swallows lost a home match 0-1 to Golden Arrows after Siyabonga Nkosi was on target in the 76th minute. Maritzburg United followed their crushing of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout Cup with a draw with another Tswane team with a 2-2 scoreline. Supersport needed a crucial 74th minute goal from defender Morgan Gould, to rescue a point. Sundowns made their comeback with a crucial 2-0 win over Free State Stars by goals from Mathew Pattison and Mabhuti Khenyeza. Bloemfontein Celtics beat Platinum Stars by 2 goals to 1 while Mpumalanga Black Aces came from behind to draw 1-1 with visiting Bidvest Wits.

New South Africa League Match Concept Cool Or Not?

The South Africa Premier Soccer League kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, with a Greenpoint Stadium double-header concept in Cape Town, that should have been also used for a Bidvest Wits vs Supersport United match at Coca Cola Park Stadium. Wits beat defending champions by a cool 3 goals without reply.

The eye-sore as mentioned earlier, was the size of the crowd. There is something very wrong about African football. Supersport have been South African champions a million times in a row, yet one can count their followers on one hand. There will always be a full house in most Pirates, Chiefs or Celtics matches. Sundowns pull good crowds but are not in the same class.

Orlando Pirates beat new league comers, Vasco Da Gama 2-1, with veteran Sibusiso Zuma playing a pivotal role for the Cape side. Zuma had come back from overseas to join Mamelodi Sundowns, but the move proved to be a big flop despite his R200 000,00 monthly pay cheque. On Friday, he was actually on fire and scored Vasco's only goal. The Buccaneers scored through LuckyLekgwati's acrobatic overhead, just an inch before the goal-line.

The double-header was completed with a Bloemfontein Celtics match against Ajax Cape Town who triumphed 2-0. Celtics were their own enemies missing seater after seater. The atmosphere was vibrant and almost a full house. Is this the answer to small crowds pulled by teams like Supersport, Platinum Stars and Wits?

Frankly, I am not sure how small teams will benefit from the double-header arrangements except with gate taking which I am not sure how they are split. Usually, team fans are a decided lot that are not easily swayed over night.

Platinum Stars were fortunate enough to get an injury time winner from Coldrin Coetzee who had come in as a sub against Mpumalanga Black Aces. The teams seemed headed for a 2-2 draw at Puma's Atlantic Stadium in Witbank.

Kaizer Chiefs beat Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Rand Stadium and Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Moroka Swallows by the same margin, Zimbabwean Mushekwi scoring a debut brace. Santos and Sunday Chidzambwa's Free State Stars paled to a goalless draw. 

By far the game of the week was the KZN derby, Amazulu vs Maritzburg. The action packed match was deadlocked at 2-2 when an injury time clinical strike separated the boys from men, to win it 3-2. Former Chiefs defender had a spectacular own goal. Simphiwe Mkhonza lobed over his goalie when the ball struck him unawares. Pernell McKop should be pleased with the performance of his goalkeeper.

As a matter of interest, Bafana Bafana match tickets will cost R50,00 minimum. There was a comparison of Rugby test match tickets that go for R350,00. Maybe while figures don't lie, the catchment areas differ, but of course, R50,00 for an international event is not much.

Are for the idea of double headers to boost least supported teams?

New South Africa League Match Concept Cool Or Not?

The South Africa Premier Soccer League kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, with a Greenpoint Stadium double-header concept in Cape Town, that should have been also used for a Bidvest Wits vs Supersport United match at Coca Cola Park Stadium. Wits beat defending champions by a cool 3 goals without reply.

The eye-sore as mentioned earlier, was the size of the crowd. There is something very wrong about African football. Supersport have been South African champions a million times in a row, yet one can count their followers on one hand. There will always be a full house in most Pirates, Chiefs or Celtics matches. Sundowns pull good crowds but are not in the same class.

Orlando Pirates beat new league comers, Vasco Da Gama 2-1, with veteran Sibusiso Zuma playing a pivotal role for the Cape side. Zuma had come back from overseas to join Mamelodi Sundowns, but the move proved to be a big flop despite his R200 000,00 monthly pay cheque. On Friday, he was actually on fire and scored Vasco's only goal. The Buccaneers scored through LuckyLekgwati's acrobatic overhead, just an inch before the goal-line.

The double-header was completed with a Bloemfontein Celtics match against Ajax Cape Town who triumphed 2-0. Celtics were their own enemies missing seater after seater. The atmosphere was vibrant and almost a full house. Is this the answer to small crowds pulled by teams like Supersport, Platinum Stars and Wits?

Frankly, I am not sure how small teams will benefit from the double-header arrangements except with gate taking which I am not sure how they are split. Usually, team fans are a decided lot that are not easily swayed over night.

Platinum Stars were fortunate enough to get an injury time winner from Coldrin Coetzee who had come in as a sub against Mpumalanga Black Aces. The teams seemed headed for a 2-2 draw at Puma's Atlantic Stadium in Witbank.

Kaizer Chiefs beat Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Rand Stadium and Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Moroka Swallows by the same margin, Zimbabwean Mushekwi scoring a debut brace. Santos and Sunday Chidzambwa's Free State Stars paled to a goalless draw. 

By far the game of the week was the KZN derby, Amazulu vs Maritzburg. The action packed match was deadlocked at 2-2 when an injury time clinical strike separated the boys from men, to win it 3-2. Former Chiefs defender had a spectacular own goal. Simphiwe Mkhonza lobed over his goalie when the ball struck him unawares. Pernell McKop should be pleased with the performance of his goalkeeper.

As a matter of interest, Bafana Bafana match tickets will cost R50,00 minimum. There was a comparison of Rugby test match tickets that go for R350,00. Maybe while figures don't lie, the catchment areas differ, but of course, R50,00 for an international event is not much.

Are for the idea of double headers to boost least supported teams?

New South Africa League Match Concept Cool Or Not?

The South Africa Premier Soccer League kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, with a Greenpoint Stadium double-header concept in Cape Town, that should have been also used for a Bidvest Wits vs Supersport United match at Coca Cola Park Stadium. Wits beat defending champions by a cool 3 goals without reply.

The eye-sore as mentioned earlier, was the size of the crowd. There is something very wrong about African football. Supersport have been South African champions a million times in a row, yet one can count their followers on one hand. There will always be a full house in most Pirates, Chiefs or Celtics matches. Sundowns pull good crowds but are not in the same class.

Orlando Pirates beat new league comers, Vasco Da Gama 2-1, with veteran Sibusiso Zuma playing a pivotal role for the Cape side. Zuma had come back from overseas to join Mamelodi Sundowns, but the move proved to be a big flop despite his R200 000,00 monthly pay cheque. On Friday, he was actually on fire and scored Vasco's only goal. The Buccaneers scored through LuckyLekgwati's acrobatic overhead, just an inch before the goal-line.

The double-header was completed with a Bloemfontein Celtics match against Ajax Cape Town who triumphed 2-0. Celtics were their own enemies missing seater after seater. The atmosphere was vibrant and almost a full house. Is this the answer to small crowds pulled by teams like Supersport, Platinum Stars and Wits?

Frankly, I am not sure how small teams will benefit from the double-header arrangements except with gate taking which I am not sure how they are split. Usually, team fans are a decided lot that are not easily swayed over night.

Platinum Stars were fortunate enough to get an injury time winner from Coldrin Coetzee who had come in as a sub against Mpumalanga Black Aces. The teams seemed headed for a 2-2 draw at Puma's Atlantic Stadium in Witbank.

Kaizer Chiefs beat Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Rand Stadium and Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Moroka Swallows by the same margin, Zimbabwean Mushekwi scoring a debut brace. Santos and Sunday Chidzambwa's Free State Stars paled to a goalless draw. 

By far the game of the week was the KZN derby, Amazulu vs Maritzburg. The action packed match was deadlocked at 2-2 when an injury time clinical strike separated the boys from men, to win it 3-2. Former Chiefs defender had a spectacular own goal. Simphiwe Mkhonza lobed over his goalie when the ball struck him unawares. Pernell McKop should be pleased with the performance of his goalkeeper.

As a matter of interest, Bafana Bafana match tickets will cost R50,00 minimum. There was a comparison of Rugby test match tickets that go for R350,00. Maybe while figures don't lie, the catchment areas differ, but of course, R50,00 for an international event is not much.

Are for the idea of double headers to boost least supported teams?

New South Africa League Match Concept Cool Or Not?

The South Africa Premier Soccer League kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday, with a Greenpoint Stadium double-header concept in Cape Town, that should have been also used for a Bidvest Wits vs Supersport United match at Coca Cola Park Stadium. Wits beat defending champions by a cool 3 goals without reply.

The eye-sore as mentioned earlier, was the size of the crowd. There is something very wrong about African football. Supersport have been South African champions a million times in a row, yet one can count their followers on one hand. There will always be a full house in most Pirates, Chiefs or Celtics matches. Sundowns pull good crowds but are not in the same class.

Orlando Pirates beat new league comers, Vasco Da Gama 2-1, with veteran Sibusiso Zuma playing a pivotal role for the Cape side. Zuma had come back from overseas to join Mamelodi Sundowns, but the move proved to be a big flop despite his R200 000,00 monthly pay cheque. On Friday, he was actually on fire and scored Vasco's only goal. The Buccaneers scored through LuckyLekgwati's acrobatic overhead, just an inch before the goal-line.

The double-header was completed with a Bloemfontein Celtics match against Ajax Cape Town who triumphed 2-0. Celtics were their own enemies missing seater after seater. The atmosphere was vibrant and almost a full house. Is this the answer to small crowds pulled by teams like Supersport, Platinum Stars and Wits?

Frankly, I am not sure how small teams will benefit from the double-header arrangements except with gate taking which I am not sure how they are split. Usually, team fans are a decided lot that are not easily swayed over night.

Platinum Stars were fortunate enough to get an injury time winner from Coldrin Coetzee who had come in as a sub against Mpumalanga Black Aces. The teams seemed headed for a 2-2 draw at Puma's Atlantic Stadium in Witbank.

Kaizer Chiefs beat Golden Arrows 2-0 at the Rand Stadium and Mamelodi Sundowns overcame Moroka Swallows by the same margin, Zimbabwean Mushekwi scoring a debut brace. Santos and Sunday Chidzambwa's Free State Stars paled to a goalless draw. 

By far the game of the week was the KZN derby, Amazulu vs Maritzburg. The action packed match was deadlocked at 2-2 when an injury time clinical strike separated the boys from men, to win it 3-2. Former Chiefs defender had a spectacular own goal. Simphiwe Mkhonza lobed over his goalie when the ball struck him unawares. Pernell McKop should be pleased with the performance of his goalkeeper.

As a matter of interest, Bafana Bafana match tickets will cost R50,00 minimum. There was a comparison of Rugby test match tickets that go for R350,00. Maybe while figures don't lie, the catchment areas differ, but of course, R50,00 for an international event is not much.

Are for the idea of double headers to boost least supported teams?

Former Sundowns and Bafana Player Dies.

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

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

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

Former Sundowns and Bafana Player Dies.

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

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

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

Former Sundowns and Bafana Player Dies.

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

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

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

Tottenham Hotspurs Set To Sign South African Defender.

Manchester City sent shivers down a few spines with 'men at work' like attitude when they subdued Liverpool by a 3-0 scoreline. The result is of no consequence to me. The fact, after that match, is that Tottenham Hotspurs are better than Liverpool FC, and of course, taking into consideration last week's match into account, that Spurs are at par with the dearly assembled City.

The fact that  Bongani Khumalo is a wanted man at White Hart Lane by Harry Redknapp, means that South Africa can still produce class. Khumalo is on trial with English Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur, having left on Saturday. Arry, who likes quality and class, invited the Bafana Bafana's Supersport defender to London for a week and hopefully will make the grade.  

Khumalo made a grade for the Bafana line-up by default, because Supersport team-mate, Morgan Gould, was injured. The 23-year-old defender rose majestically with distinguished performances and the first goal Bafana scored against France in Bloemfontein. Spurs will surely do with the confidence Bongani got for his antics during the FIFA World Cup.

Tottenham visited South Africa a few years ago, playing against a very hot Orlando Pirates that boasted of the services of Lesley Manyathela, Thabo Mngomeni and Captain Long John Mabizela. Glenn Hoddle, Spurs coach then, was so incensed by the African 'shoe-shine piano' and he made an official complaint of the disrespect the hosts showed to the visitors. Spurs had to resort to rugby tackles to deal with 'shibobo after shibobo'. The exploits of Mabizela earned him a big contract at Spurs.

Mabizela did not disappoint in London, coming in as a 2nd half substitute in the defensive link position, belting a thunderous goal from just outside the centre circle. Khumalo may not fill in those shoes but he is solid enough to make a name in the Premiership.

Tottenham Hotspurs Set To Sign South African Defender.

Manchester City sent shivers down a few spines with 'men at work' like attitude when they subdued Liverpool by a 3-0 scoreline. The result is of no consequence to me. The fact, after that match, is that Tottenham Hotspurs are better than Liverpool FC, and of course, taking into consideration last week's match into account, that Spurs are at par with the dearly assembled City.

The fact that  Bongani Khumalo is a wanted man at White Hart Lane by Harry Redknapp, means that South Africa can still produce class. Khumalo is on trial with English Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur, having left on Saturday. Arry, who likes quality and class, invited the Bafana Bafana's Supersport defender to London for a week and hopefully will make the grade.  

Khumalo made a grade for the Bafana line-up by default, because Supersport team-mate, Morgan Gould, was injured. The 23-year-old defender rose majestically with distinguished performances and the first goal Bafana scored against France in Bloemfontein. Spurs will surely do with the confidence Bongani got for his antics during the FIFA World Cup.

Tottenham visited South Africa a few years ago, playing against a very hot Orlando Pirates that boasted of the services of Lesley Manyathela, Thabo Mngomeni and Captain Long John Mabizela. Glenn Hoddle, Spurs coach then, was so incensed by the African 'shoe-shine piano' and he made an official complaint of the disrespect the hosts showed to the visitors. Spurs had to resort to rugby tackles to deal with 'shibobo after shibobo'. The exploits of Mabizela earned him a big contract at Spurs.

Mabizela did not disappoint in London, coming in as a 2nd half substitute in the defensive link position, belting a thunderous goal from just outside the centre circle. Khumalo may not fill in those shoes but he is solid enough to make a name in the Premiership.

Tottenham Hotspurs Set To Sign South African Defender.

Manchester City sent shivers down a few spines with 'men at work' like attitude when they subdued Liverpool by a 3-0 scoreline. The result is of no consequence to me. The fact, after that match, is that Tottenham Hotspurs are better than Liverpool FC, and of course, taking into consideration last week's match into account, that Spurs are at par with the dearly assembled City.

The fact that  Bongani Khumalo is a wanted man at White Hart Lane by Harry Redknapp, means that South Africa can still produce class. Khumalo is on trial with English Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur, having left on Saturday. Arry, who likes quality and class, invited the Bafana Bafana's Supersport defender to London for a week and hopefully will make the grade.  

Khumalo made a grade for the Bafana line-up by default, because Supersport team-mate, Morgan Gould, was injured. The 23-year-old defender rose majestically with distinguished performances and the first goal Bafana scored against France in Bloemfontein. Spurs will surely do with the confidence Bongani got for his antics during the FIFA World Cup.

Tottenham visited South Africa a few years ago, playing against a very hot Orlando Pirates that boasted of the services of Lesley Manyathela, Thabo Mngomeni and Captain Long John Mabizela. Glenn Hoddle, Spurs coach then, was so incensed by the African 'shoe-shine piano' and he made an official complaint of the disrespect the hosts showed to the visitors. Spurs had to resort to rugby tackles to deal with 'shibobo after shibobo'. The exploits of Mabizela earned him a big contract at Spurs.

Mabizela did not disappoint in London, coming in as a 2nd half substitute in the defensive link position, belting a thunderous goal from just outside the centre circle. Khumalo may not fill in those shoes but he is solid enough to make a name in the Premiership.