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

(Pic from Eurosport)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Pic from Eurosport)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Pic from Eurosport)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tottenham Hotspurs Too Hot For Young Boys.

Tottenham Hotspurs beat BSC Young Boys of Switzerland by a 4-0 margin on the night and 6-3 on aggregate to advance to the UEFA Champions' League group stages.

As if to separate boys from men, Tottenham Hotspurs hit 4 past hapless Swiss Young Boys at White Hart Lane. Blog followers know well there was never a question of if Spurs will proceed, but how much the Boys would suffer.

Peter Crouch was red-hot scoring a hat-trick, while Jermaine Defoe weighed in with a 2nd goal before half time. Young Boys, as expected were never in it, resorting to hard tackling and indiscipline that saw them concede a converted penalty and a defender sent off.

Crouch could have converted 2 easy chances in the second half. Gary Baile and Assu Ekotto looked sharp enough to suggest that the prediction of Spurs as the team of the season is not far-fetched. While Spurs were superb in defence, there was a concern as goalkeeper Gomes limped off at half time. 

What a fantastic night for Spurs and the English game.  Do you think Spurs will have an impact in Europe this season?

Tottenham Hotspurs Too Hot For Young Boys.

Tottenham Hotspurs beat BSC Young Boys of Switzerland by a 4-0 margin on the night and 6-3 on aggregate to advance to the UEFA Champions' League group stages.

As if to separate boys from men, Tottenham Hotspurs hit 4 past hapless Swiss Young Boys at White Hart Lane. Blog followers know well there was never a question of if Spurs will proceed, but how much the Boys would suffer.

Peter Crouch was red-hot scoring a hat-trick, while Jermaine Defoe weighed in with a 2nd goal before half time. Young Boys, as expected were never in it, resorting to hard tackling and indiscipline that saw them concede a converted penalty and a defender sent off.

Crouch could have converted 2 easy chances in the second half. Gary Baile and Assu Ekotto looked sharp enough to suggest that the prediction of Spurs as the team of the season is not far-fetched. While Spurs were superb in defence, there was a concern as goalkeeper Gomes limped off at half time. 

What a fantastic night for Spurs and the English game.  Do you think Spurs will have an impact in Europe this season?

Tottenham Hotspurs Too Hot For Young Boys.

Tottenham Hotspurs beat BSC Young Boys of Switzerland by a 4-0 margin on the night and 6-3 on aggregate to advance to the UEFA Champions' League group stages.

As if to separate boys from men, Tottenham Hotspurs hit 4 past hapless Swiss Young Boys at White Hart Lane. Blog followers know well there was never a question of if Spurs will proceed, but how much the Boys would suffer.

Peter Crouch was red-hot scoring a hat-trick, while Jermaine Defoe weighed in with a 2nd goal before half time. Young Boys, as expected were never in it, resorting to hard tackling and indiscipline that saw them concede a converted penalty and a defender sent off.

Crouch could have converted 2 easy chances in the second half. Gary Baile and Assu Ekotto looked sharp enough to suggest that the prediction of Spurs as the team of the season is not far-fetched. While Spurs were superb in defence, there was a concern as goalkeeper Gomes limped off at half time. 

What a fantastic night for Spurs and the English game.  Do you think Spurs will have an impact in Europe this season?

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.

What kills the SA game

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

 

Too much money in the South African league is too dangerous. There is no ambition to go for experience overseas where it is cold and the cultures, languages and social norms are an obvious barrier. There is usually no family and friends there. 

Players of old like Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish and Phil Masinga just to mention a few, liked style and good things. They were never easy to come by. They fought tooth and nail to get better lives. Their crave for success and ambitions were obvious. 

The league has seen a lot of hungrier and committed players from neighbouring countries. They hogged the limelight, winning several individual accolades. George Nechironga, William and Wilfred Mugeyi, Benjani Mwaruwari, Chris Katongo, Roger Fetumba and  Collins Mbesuma are a handful of examples. Many South Africans believe the influx of foreigners took away their chance, resulting in too many mediocre players in premiership. 

The cycle began the other way round. There is just no committment and pride in South African players. Life has been good and things come easy. As I mentioned earlier, Mark Williams, Neil Tovey, Fani Madida, Ace Khuse, those guys would eat you alive if you crossed their football path.no more pride. There was no need for a coach to look outside for winners. Winning was in their hearts. 

 The situation is not helping Bafana Bafana. The better players get contracts with small foreign clubs. They warm benches overseas. They fail to put up with their own mediocrity and return home and fail once more to make an impact. You will remember one wasted talent of Stigger. Stanton Fredericks was not even average. He was hot property. He went to Russia and came back. You never knew where he was and cannot even say you know he came back. 

Jabu Mahlangu, formerly Pule, is another example of those talented players that went overseas and came back without much to show for it. There is Captain Long John Mabizela who set White Hart Lane alight with his second half substitute debut appearance with a Goal Of The Year contender. His was a mixture of home-made misfortunes and indiscipline, bt all the same. 

Football is like an option in South Africa. To other nations, it is a survival. Zimbabwe had its issues with many potential stars doing school and neglecting football altogether. A few would go in pursuit of both and succeed. Tauya Murehwa was a Medical Doctor while being a professional footballer. Many is his situation could not have pursued football, but he had passion and committment the South Africans need. 

The money in the South African leagues can be channelled into neighbouring footballing nations to up their leagues so they can keep their own good players. A COSAFA version of clubs must then be put in place. This will benefit South Africa, who are battling in the Africa Champions' League. The version that they make more money in the league than in the African Safari as an excuse for their poor showing in the competition is unfounded. If so, then they need to do this even more urgently. 

This will add more to the players' match demands but will be worthwhile for their exposure. They will get the necessary experience for their international careers and even prepare them for overseas football better than being in the domestic leagues. The benefits of playing well in the actual Champions' League are obvious. 

Do you think it will be worthwhile to have a SADC Champions' League? 

What kills the SA game

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

 

Too much money in the South African league is too dangerous. There is no ambition to go for experience overseas where it is cold and the cultures, languages and social norms are an obvious barrier. There is usually no family and friends there. 

Players of old like Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish and Phil Masinga just to mention a few, liked style and good things. They were never easy to come by. They fought tooth and nail to get better lives. Their crave for success and ambitions were obvious. 

The league has seen a lot of hungrier and committed players from neighbouring countries. They hogged the limelight, winning several individual accolades. George Nechironga, William and Wilfred Mugeyi, Benjani Mwaruwari, Chris Katongo, Roger Fetumba and  Collins Mbesuma are a handful of examples. Many South Africans believe the influx of foreigners took away their chance, resulting in too many mediocre players in premiership. 

The cycle began the other way round. There is just no committment and pride in South African players. Life has been good and things come easy. As I mentioned earlier, Mark Williams, Neil Tovey, Fani Madida, Ace Khuse, those guys would eat you alive if you crossed their football path.no more pride. There was no need for a coach to look outside for winners. Winning was in their hearts. 

 The situation is not helping Bafana Bafana. The better players get contracts with small foreign clubs. They warm benches overseas. They fail to put up with their own mediocrity and return home and fail once more to make an impact. You will remember one wasted talent of Stigger. Stanton Fredericks was not even average. He was hot property. He went to Russia and came back. You never knew where he was and cannot even say you know he came back. 

Jabu Mahlangu, formerly Pule, is another example of those talented players that went overseas and came back without much to show for it. There is Captain Long John Mabizela who set White Hart Lane alight with his second half substitute debut appearance with a Goal Of The Year contender. His was a mixture of home-made misfortunes and indiscipline, bt all the same. 

Football is like an option in South Africa. To other nations, it is a survival. Zimbabwe had its issues with many potential stars doing school and neglecting football altogether. A few would go in pursuit of both and succeed. Tauya Murehwa was a Medical Doctor while being a professional footballer. Many is his situation could not have pursued football, but he had passion and committment the South Africans need. 

The money in the South African leagues can be channelled into neighbouring footballing nations to up their leagues so they can keep their own good players. A COSAFA version of clubs must then be put in place. This will benefit South Africa, who are battling in the Africa Champions' League. The version that they make more money in the league than in the African Safari as an excuse for their poor showing in the competition is unfounded. If so, then they need to do this even more urgently. 

This will add more to the players' match demands but will be worthwhile for their exposure. They will get the necessary experience for their international careers and even prepare them for overseas football better than being in the domestic leagues. The benefits of playing well in the actual Champions' League are obvious. 

Do you think it will be worthwhile to have a SADC Champions' League? 

What kills the SA game

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

 

Too much money in the South African league is too dangerous. There is no ambition to go for experience overseas where it is cold and the cultures, languages and social norms are an obvious barrier. There is usually no family and friends there. 

Players of old like Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish and Phil Masinga just to mention a few, liked style and good things. They were never easy to come by. They fought tooth and nail to get better lives. Their crave for success and ambitions were obvious. 

The league has seen a lot of hungrier and committed players from neighbouring countries. They hogged the limelight, winning several individual accolades. George Nechironga, William and Wilfred Mugeyi, Benjani Mwaruwari, Chris Katongo, Roger Fetumba and  Collins Mbesuma are a handful of examples. Many South Africans believe the influx of foreigners took away their chance, resulting in too many mediocre players in premiership. 

The cycle began the other way round. There is just no committment and pride in South African players. Life has been good and things come easy. As I mentioned earlier, Mark Williams, Neil Tovey, Fani Madida, Ace Khuse, those guys would eat you alive if you crossed their football path.no more pride. There was no need for a coach to look outside for winners. Winning was in their hearts. 

 The situation is not helping Bafana Bafana. The better players get contracts with small foreign clubs. They warm benches overseas. They fail to put up with their own mediocrity and return home and fail once more to make an impact. You will remember one wasted talent of Stigger. Stanton Fredericks was not even average. He was hot property. He went to Russia and came back. You never knew where he was and cannot even say you know he came back. 

Jabu Mahlangu, formerly Pule, is another example of those talented players that went overseas and came back without much to show for it. There is Captain Long John Mabizela who set White Hart Lane alight with his second half substitute debut appearance with a Goal Of The Year contender. His was a mixture of home-made misfortunes and indiscipline, bt all the same. 

Football is like an option in South Africa. To other nations, it is a survival. Zimbabwe had its issues with many potential stars doing school and neglecting football altogether. A few would go in pursuit of both and succeed. Tauya Murehwa was a Medical Doctor while being a professional footballer. Many is his situation could not have pursued football, but he had passion and committment the South Africans need. 

The money in the South African leagues can be channelled into neighbouring footballing nations to up their leagues so they can keep their own good players. A COSAFA version of clubs must then be put in place. This will benefit South Africa, who are battling in the Africa Champions' League. The version that they make more money in the league than in the African Safari as an excuse for their poor showing in the competition is unfounded. If so, then they need to do this even more urgently. 

This will add more to the players' match demands but will be worthwhile for their exposure. They will get the necessary experience for their international careers and even prepare them for overseas football better than being in the domestic leagues. The benefits of playing well in the actual Champions' League are obvious. 

Do you think it will be worthwhile to have a SADC Champions' League?