Abomakoti of PSL Vasco Da Gama hammer sleeping Chiefs defence
Date: 27 November 2010
Article: Madoda Ntuli
kick-off: 20h15
Venue: FNB Stadium
PSL rookies Vasco da Gama caused the biggest upset of the weekend when they beat Telkom Knockout finalists Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 in an Absa Premiership clash played at FNB Stadium on Saturday night.
Goals from Jonathan Armogam, Sibusiso Zuma, and Jonathan Fransman secured the three points for the Cape Town outfit, while Chiefs got their goals from Abia Nale and Knowledge Musona.
Chiefs rested three of their star players – Siphiwe Tshabalala, Itumeleng Khune and Reneilwe Letsholonyane –for the Telkom Knockout final against Pirates at the same venue on December 4, and the decision seemed to be suicidal for the Naturena lads.
Prior to this duel, Tshabalala and Khune were on two yellow cards each, and Letsholonyane had a slight injury. Coach Vladimir Vermezovic indicated that he didn’t want to risk facing Pirates without the three Bafana Bafana players.
Chiefs were the first to threaten, when George Lebese delivered a cross of supreme quality in the third minute but there was no Sthembiso Ngcobo or Knowledge Musona to connect with the inviting cross.
The visitors were also eager to stamp their authority on the home side from the first whistle, and it came as no surprise when Armogam surprised all sundry when he beat a cluster of Chiefs players before beating Arthur Bartman in Chiefs’ goal with a low shot to put his side on the driving seat in the ninth minute.
In an attempt to clear danger, Chiefs striker Ngcobo nearly scored an own goal in the 17th minute, but the former Free State Stars striker was lucky to see his clearance going inches wide with Arthur Bartman at his mercy.
However, Chiefs had an upper hand in terms of ball possession. Their intricate and diagonal passing that looked like a nuclear physics sketch on a drawing board left the cape side’s midfielders dazed and scratching their heads without any answers.
Knowledge Musona almost scored in the 22nd minute, but the Chiefs striker was denied by the agile goalkeeping of Posnett Omony who parried the ball away for a corner.
At this stage, Chiefs were hell bound to destroy their opponents but Vasco da Gama’s back four, led by former Chiefs defender Mokete Tsotetsi and Francois Adams remained firm.
Even so, Chiefs did carve some good openings. In the 28th minute the deadly Musona was neatly picked by Jimmy Tau on the right flank but the Zimbabwean striker directed his header over the bar, much to the disappointment of the Amakhosi’s faithful.
However, three minutes later, Musona atoned for his earlier miss when he set up Abia Nale, who made no mistake by beating Omony to give the home side the much awaited equaliser.
After the goal, Chiefs did not give up and pressed forward for the second one, but Vasco da Gama’s defence was determined to defend their goal.
The visitors’ net-minder, also looked solid, commanding his area well and confidently coming out to combat numerous attempts at his goal by Musona and company.
After the break Vasco finally found their rhythm and launched a sporadic outburst of counter attacks, but the Cape Town outfit seemed to be running out of ideas on entering the Chiefs territory.
Dominic Isaacs was given a task of chasing Sibusiso Zuma the whole night and, as expected, the Amakhosi defender stuck to him like a pair of tight underpants in the first half.
But he would have been disappointed when, after a long pass from the left, Zuma managed to beat him before scoring his side’s second goal in the 56th minute.
Sensing danger, Chiefs coach, Vladimir Vermezovic opted for fresh legs and went for broke when he introduced Siyabulela Sonqwigi and Lucky Khune in place of Lebese and Ngcobo.
The move nearly paid dividends but once more Omony underlined his class when he denied Musona what could have been a second goal for Amakhosi in the 68th minute.
Chiefs did not rest on their laurels and wait for a miracle to happen. They did all in their power to come back into the game, but fluffed the chances they created.
Fransman scored Vasco da Gama’s third goal in the 82nd minute, before Musona scored Chiefs’ second in the 85th minute.
The Soweto side were unable to draw level in the dying minutes of the game.
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2 (Nale 31’, Musona 86’)
Vasco da Gama (1) 3 (Armogam 9’, Zuma 56’, Fransman 82’)
Teams:
Chiefs: Bartman, Tau, Jambo, Isaacs, Nahayo, Nengomasha, Nale, Dladla, (Mateba 80th) Lebese, (Sonqwiqi 59th) Ngcobo, (Khune 66th) Musona.
Vasco: Omony, Isaacs, Mototo, Tsotetsi, Adams Armogam, Karkee, (Mothibantwa 70th) Kamwendo, (Fransman 78th) Dirang, Alexander, Zuma (August 71st)
Its just sports
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A LOOK INTO THE CHRIS-tal BALL
Dear Reader, it has come to our attention that you are not going to the stadiums anymore. We hear that Gauteng teams have to go far and wide to play games in order to get bums on the seats. Certain rogue elements would like blame the Chris-tal Ball for your lack of interest in going to watch matches at one of the very well built stadiums. Why go to the stadium when you already know the result?!? The Chris-tal Ball takes no blame for your inability to go to premier soccer league matches! I do not blame you. Some of those games are really boring and the entertainment before the match and at half time is….well, it’s really, really bad. Dear Reader I urge to stop being a derby fan only and start going out there to see your teams play, even if your team is Moroka Swallows.
SWALLOWS vs SUPERSPORT UNITED
If Gavin Hunt is really sad and disappointed about the situation at The Dube Birds then he must just tell his boys to lose this one for his former employers. I see more strikers from the past have been roped in to help out with the scoring of goals for the flailing birds. We wish these players the best of luck. Moroka Swallows will need their protesting fans to sing with that band all the way to the final whistle. Supersport will no doubt bring along their band, so at the very least there will be music at Dobsonville Stadium.
SWALLOWS WILL WIN AND EVERYBODY WILL BE HAPPY. Even Gavin Hunt.
AJAX CAPE TOWN vs BIDVEST WITS
Bidvest Wits is everybody’s favourite team at the moment after beating The Rich Ones in Nelspruit. I can however tell you that most of those fans that celebrated that win will not even be watching this game. The small crowd that will go to the stadium can expect a good game of football IF Wits play the same way they did against Sundowns. Please note that the wind usually plays a big part in Cape Town and when the wind behaves, the referees do not.
A DRAW.
MARITZBURG UNITED vs ORLANDO PIRATES
They came, they saw, they conquered and now they are coming again! This time it will be at the correct stadium. The home team will be at home and we shall see if where you play really does make a difference. If Pirates could hand out three in Durban, I do not see how they cannot give out the same hiding in Pietermaritzburg. It’s only a Comrades Marathon away from the site of the last massacre. So Mazinyo dot com better hope his charges win. I can tell you now they will not. Pirates need to stay in touch with peace lovers and the rich ones so they will not show any mercy, unless of course they are already thinking of a certain cup final.
CHRIS-tal Ball showed Joseph Makanya scoring a hat trick.
SWALLOWS vs SUPERSPORT UNITED
If Gavin Hunt is really sad and disappointed about the situation at The Dube Birds then he must just tell his boys to lose this one for his former employers. I see more strikers from the past have been roped in to help out with the scoring of goals for the flailing birds. We wish these players the best of luck. Moroka Swallows will need their protesting fans to sing with that band all the way to the final whistle. Supersport will no doubt bring along their band, so at the very least there will be music at Dobsonville Stadium.
SWALLOWS WILL WIN AND EVERYBODY WILL BE HAPPY. Even Gavin Hunt.
AJAX CAPE TOWN vs BIDVEST WITS
Bidvest Wits is everybody’s favourite team at the moment after beating The Rich Ones in Nelspruit. I can however tell you that most of those fans that celebrated that win will not even be watching this game. The small crowd that will go to the stadium can expect a good game of football IF Wits play the same way they did against Sundowns. Please note that the wind usually plays a big part in Cape Town and when the wind behaves, the referees do not.
A DRAW.
MARITZBURG UNITED vs ORLANDO PIRATES
They came, they saw, they conquered and now they are coming again! This time it will be at the correct stadium. The home team will be at home and we shall see if where you play really does make a difference. If Pirates could hand out three in Durban, I do not see how they cannot give out the same hiding in Pietermaritzburg. It’s only a Comrades Marathon away from the site of the last massacre. So Mazinyo dot com better hope his charges win. I can tell you now they will not. Pirates need to stay in touch with peace lovers and the rich ones so they will not show any mercy, unless of course they are already thinking of a certain cup final.
CHRIS-tal Ball showed Joseph Makanya scoring a hat trick.
Monday, November 22, 2010
TSEPHO HOWLER SENDS CHIEFS THROUGH
Spare a thought for the Kazier Chiefs supporters from the Mabopane branch whose taxi rolled over on the way to this game in Polokwane. I certainly hope that everyone is on the way to full recovery.
It is a fact that every ground is a home ground for the Mighty Amakhosi. Almost thirty six thousand people found their way to the refurbished Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Almost all of them were supporting the team in the black and gold. The ten or so that were rooting for the People`s Team included it`s owner, family and friends. This, however, did not deter the players mush as they held their own for most of this game. In fact, Santos could have silenced the packed stadium on quite a few occasions.
The game started with Chiefs pressing and Santos showing off their defensive prowess. Sthembiso Ngcobo tried the hand of god but only managed to get into the referee`s book. Ngcobo was actually lucky to escape an early shower as he deliberately handled the ball a couple of times in the first half. Santos` hero from last week`s league win failed to capitilise on a defensive mix up between Nahayo and Khune, his first touch taking the ball wide of the empty net. This ensured the teams went into the break level.
Early in the second half, Thomas Sweswe almost gave 35 590 people instant diarhorea when his attempted clearance looked to be headed into the roof of Khune`s goals. The Bafana number one had to be at his agile best to tip the ball over for a corner. In the dying minutes Knowledge Musona continued his trend of missing the chances that look easy from the stands, putting wide a good cross from the left. This then left us with an extra thirty minutes of Telkom Knockout football. Santos did look more threatening but never really looked like breaching the Chiefs rear guard. Santos goalkeeper showed the confidence of a 14 rand lotto quick pick ticket holder as he tried as much as possible to drag the match into the dreaded shootout. Unfortunately he tore up his ticket with the season`s biggest howler so far.
Tshepo Motsoeneng spilled a harmless looking cross from Siphiwe Tshabalala while trying to ensure he lands spectacularly hence waste a few more seconds. The ball fell to the most lethal striker in domestic football at the moment. By the time Tshepo realised what a mess he had put his team in, Knowledge Musona had got up from under his teammates and was engaging fellow Zimbabwean, Thomas Sweswe, in a yet another dance routine. The distraught keeper was inconsolable as he threw away his jersey after the final whistle. All of Santos` hard work was undone by a moment of pure stupidity. For the masses, though, one half of the final they all want was in place.
It is a fact that every ground is a home ground for the Mighty Amakhosi. Almost thirty six thousand people found their way to the refurbished Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Almost all of them were supporting the team in the black and gold. The ten or so that were rooting for the People`s Team included it`s owner, family and friends. This, however, did not deter the players mush as they held their own for most of this game. In fact, Santos could have silenced the packed stadium on quite a few occasions.
The game started with Chiefs pressing and Santos showing off their defensive prowess. Sthembiso Ngcobo tried the hand of god but only managed to get into the referee`s book. Ngcobo was actually lucky to escape an early shower as he deliberately handled the ball a couple of times in the first half. Santos` hero from last week`s league win failed to capitilise on a defensive mix up between Nahayo and Khune, his first touch taking the ball wide of the empty net. This ensured the teams went into the break level.
Early in the second half, Thomas Sweswe almost gave 35 590 people instant diarhorea when his attempted clearance looked to be headed into the roof of Khune`s goals. The Bafana number one had to be at his agile best to tip the ball over for a corner. In the dying minutes Knowledge Musona continued his trend of missing the chances that look easy from the stands, putting wide a good cross from the left. This then left us with an extra thirty minutes of Telkom Knockout football. Santos did look more threatening but never really looked like breaching the Chiefs rear guard. Santos goalkeeper showed the confidence of a 14 rand lotto quick pick ticket holder as he tried as much as possible to drag the match into the dreaded shootout. Unfortunately he tore up his ticket with the season`s biggest howler so far.
Tshepo Motsoeneng spilled a harmless looking cross from Siphiwe Tshabalala while trying to ensure he lands spectacularly hence waste a few more seconds. The ball fell to the most lethal striker in domestic football at the moment. By the time Tshepo realised what a mess he had put his team in, Knowledge Musona had got up from under his teammates and was engaging fellow Zimbabwean, Thomas Sweswe, in a yet another dance routine. The distraught keeper was inconsolable as he threw away his jersey after the final whistle. All of Santos` hard work was undone by a moment of pure stupidity. For the masses, though, one half of the final they all want was in place.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A LOOK INTO THE CHRIS-tal BALL
Suffice to say, dear reader, that the ball has been jinxed by a certain journalist who shall remain nameless. Immediately after the thrashing of the ghost by the peaceful ones, this journalist went to ask coach Krol if he thought that his team was now at a disdvantage going into the cup game with Chiefs. Coach Vlad turned to Krol with the most surprised look he could muster, pointing to the Dutch he asked, "We play you?”Krol answered, "I don’t know”. So now that a journalist has prophesied that Kaizer Chiefs will meet Orlando Pirates in the final even before they play the semis, what is left for my dear ball to do?
KAIZER CHIEFS vs SANTOS
Facts! Let us look some facts!
Chiefs had at least seven players away on international duty. Santos had maybe two players away on international duty. FACT
Santos beat Chiefs last week. FACT
Didn’t think of that now, did you Mr Journalist? Did you? Of course we must remember that the same bunch that could not find a pass on Wednesday went on to smack Pirates on the chick on Saturday. By right this should be a walkover for the Amakhosi, but then again that`s what we said last week. We now know that Chiefs do well after a defeat and I can now tell you what you already know. Shabba, Yeye, Khune and Mapoloba are all coming from a defeat!
Chris-tal ball showed me a streaming video of Santos players practising penalty kicks.
MARITZBURG UNITED vs ORLANDO PIRATES
I read a report that stated that Maritzburg were threatening to boycott semi final match because it had been moved to Chartsworth Stadium. Their Special Projects Coordinator was especially miffed as he had done such a sterling job preparing the pitch for the arrival of the Buccaneers. He was in charge for the Sundowns game. Now he has to move his mut...i mean equipment to Durban and the Special Projects Officer at Arrows is understandably not very keen on having the Pietermaritzburg crew. Anyway I do not believe for a second that the hierarchy at Maritzburg was going to even consider boycotting their highest paying gig for some time now.
MARITZBURG UNITED BEAT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS. I’ll leave you to chew on that for a while.
The last time Pirates were in Durban for a Cup game I think they brought a trophy home. In fact they had to go and repossess their trophy cabinet from the guy who had bought it at an auction. I hope the staff at Orlando Pirates are working hard at teaching the players the meaning of one word, Complacency (I certainly hope that’s how it’s spelt)
The Chris-tal Ball warns that the Prophet Journalist was wrong.
BIRMINGHAM vs CHELSEA
In their arrogance they saw it unnecessary to buy back up centre backs. In fact, they sold one to The Special One. We had to watch that white guy from Sunderland dance! I hope Chelsea get it together this weekend because I do not think those Birmingham guys can dance either! City do not make a habit of losing at home. With Terry off to do some sight seeing in Spain, who`s to say we won`t be seeing some moves from the likes of McFarden. God help us!
Both teams put on blue so the Chris-tal Ball went for the one wearing ...BLUE.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs WIGAN
The new draw kings of the premier league must have all stood up and joined The Gyan Dance Movement last week. For intents and pruposes in a normal year, Manchester United would be considered out of contention by now but such is the nature of the league this season. One cannot discount Mancester City winning it, oh no wait...they only want fourth place. Wigan have been their usual frustrating selves agian. Winning today, losing tomorrow. Depending on which Wigan team turns The Red Devils might not need the referee or his optional time to win this one.
LIVERPOOL vs WEST HAM
West Ham fans are looking forward to a very good away from home. Their rubbing together of the palms must have become more vigorous with the news of Gerrard`s injury while playing for England. Some people`s favourite Liverpool player, Lucas, will be in the sin bin for this one. So Mr Hodgson has the perfect excuse to bring in his favourite Liverpool player, Paulsen! There isn`t enough writing space in the world for me to go into the subject of Hedgehog and his sidekick.Even the jinxed Chris-tal Ball gave this one to West Ham.
KAIZER CHIEFS vs SANTOS
Facts! Let us look some facts!
Chiefs had at least seven players away on international duty. Santos had maybe two players away on international duty. FACT
Santos beat Chiefs last week. FACT
Didn’t think of that now, did you Mr Journalist? Did you? Of course we must remember that the same bunch that could not find a pass on Wednesday went on to smack Pirates on the chick on Saturday. By right this should be a walkover for the Amakhosi, but then again that`s what we said last week. We now know that Chiefs do well after a defeat and I can now tell you what you already know. Shabba, Yeye, Khune and Mapoloba are all coming from a defeat!
Chris-tal ball showed me a streaming video of Santos players practising penalty kicks.
MARITZBURG UNITED vs ORLANDO PIRATES
I read a report that stated that Maritzburg were threatening to boycott semi final match because it had been moved to Chartsworth Stadium. Their Special Projects Coordinator was especially miffed as he had done such a sterling job preparing the pitch for the arrival of the Buccaneers. He was in charge for the Sundowns game. Now he has to move his mut...i mean equipment to Durban and the Special Projects Officer at Arrows is understandably not very keen on having the Pietermaritzburg crew. Anyway I do not believe for a second that the hierarchy at Maritzburg was going to even consider boycotting their highest paying gig for some time now.
MARITZBURG UNITED BEAT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS. I’ll leave you to chew on that for a while.
The last time Pirates were in Durban for a Cup game I think they brought a trophy home. In fact they had to go and repossess their trophy cabinet from the guy who had bought it at an auction. I hope the staff at Orlando Pirates are working hard at teaching the players the meaning of one word, Complacency (I certainly hope that’s how it’s spelt)
The Chris-tal Ball warns that the Prophet Journalist was wrong.
BIRMINGHAM vs CHELSEA
In their arrogance they saw it unnecessary to buy back up centre backs. In fact, they sold one to The Special One. We had to watch that white guy from Sunderland dance! I hope Chelsea get it together this weekend because I do not think those Birmingham guys can dance either! City do not make a habit of losing at home. With Terry off to do some sight seeing in Spain, who`s to say we won`t be seeing some moves from the likes of McFarden. God help us!
Both teams put on blue so the Chris-tal Ball went for the one wearing ...BLUE.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs WIGAN
The new draw kings of the premier league must have all stood up and joined The Gyan Dance Movement last week. For intents and pruposes in a normal year, Manchester United would be considered out of contention by now but such is the nature of the league this season. One cannot discount Mancester City winning it, oh no wait...they only want fourth place. Wigan have been their usual frustrating selves agian. Winning today, losing tomorrow. Depending on which Wigan team turns The Red Devils might not need the referee or his optional time to win this one.
LIVERPOOL vs WEST HAM
West Ham fans are looking forward to a very good away from home. Their rubbing together of the palms must have become more vigorous with the news of Gerrard`s injury while playing for England. Some people`s favourite Liverpool player, Lucas, will be in the sin bin for this one. So Mr Hodgson has the perfect excuse to bring in his favourite Liverpool player, Paulsen! There isn`t enough writing space in the world for me to go into the subject of Hedgehog and his sidekick.Even the jinxed Chris-tal Ball gave this one to West Ham.
Monday, November 15, 2010
WHAT THE ...........?!?!?!??!??
Hodgson, Hodgson, Hedgehog. I mean, what the …? Playing Steven Gerrard as a defensive midfielder has not worked in the past. So what made Hedgehog think it was going to work at Stoke? Mereiles is your typical central midfielder. Why does Hedgehog continue to throw out him on the wings?? Do we need two defensive midfielders for such games?? WHAT THE ……!!!????Mr. Hodgson!
Sunderland 3 Chelsea 0 at Stamford Bridge! WTF?!!Really, what is going in the premier league? This is the worst start by a team at the top of the log in November ever! In seasons past three loses were regarded as too many. You lose three and you can start concentrating on the knockout cups. Those two teams from Manchester are drawing left right and centre but still find themselves very much in contention. Spending all that dough so that you can fight for fourth place! At this rate 50 points will be enough to win the league this season.
Alonso, my man! The task was simple, come in third and you win the title. Someone in Ferrari colours decided to complicate matters by concentrating on what Webber was doing. I mean, what the….???really, WHAT THE ACTUAL…..?!?!??
Sunderland 3 Chelsea 0 at Stamford Bridge! WTF?!!Really, what is going in the premier league? This is the worst start by a team at the top of the log in November ever! In seasons past three loses were regarded as too many. You lose three and you can start concentrating on the knockout cups. Those two teams from Manchester are drawing left right and centre but still find themselves very much in contention. Spending all that dough so that you can fight for fourth place! At this rate 50 points will be enough to win the league this season.
Alonso, my man! The task was simple, come in third and you win the title. Someone in Ferrari colours decided to complicate matters by concentrating on what Webber was doing. I mean, what the….???really, WHAT THE ACTUAL…..?!?!??
AT LAST! A WIN FOR THE CHAMPS.
Defending champions Supersport United finally collected three points in the league. This was at the expense of traveling Bloemfontein Celtic at the Masterpieces Morepe Stadium in Pretoria.
As Gavin Hunt pointed out after the match, Supersport had a whole team sitting up in the stands. Bongani Khumalo looks like he might not play that farewell match and the coach refused to divulge why King Laffor was in the stands signing autographs and shaking hands with little kids rather than on the pitch.
The match started with the home team pressing, with the diminutive Kermit Erasmus causing all sorts of problems in the heart of the Celtic defence. Off the pitch there was also a fierce battle raging as the Siwelele tried to sing louder than that band that travels with the champions. Their voices were lowered as the band`s volume was increased when Morgan Gould rose unchallenged to head home a corner kick. It was rather poor defending on the part of Celtics as it is a well known fact that Supersport are masters of the set pieces.
Bloemfontein Celtic were relying heavily on the long ball to the very tall Nathan Paulse. Unfortunately for them Paulse seemed to do more fouling than controlling of the football. Indeed one these fouls on Morgan Gould earned a yellow card. Pirates old boy, Bennet Chenene should have brought the scores back to level pegging but put his siding effort well over the bar. Spandeel also had a chance with a header in the 41st minute which was turned for a corner. The resultant corner was wasted. The long balls to Paulse were only serving to put Bloemfontein Celtic under more pressure as the ball would come straight back. As half time beckoned Mdubanya sent Kermit clean through with a defence splitting pass and the young striker made no mistake with only keeper to beat.
In the second half, Celtic came more and more into the game peppering the United goal with shots. It was one of these shots that found it`s way into the net. It was a brilliant solo effort by heavily built Prince Hlela. Hlela`s shot from way outside the area is indeed a strong candidate for goal of the season. The threat of rain was almost as real as the threats of a Celtics come back. How the ball stayed out is quite a mystery. Katza made two crucial interceptions, one with his head and the second more crucial one with his feet right at the death. The rains threatened. Bloemfontein Celtics threatened. Neither of them delivered within regulation time.
It was a welcome win for Gavin Hunt who stated that he was definitely going into the transfer market come January. In fact the champions have an Angolan defender arriving in Pretoria this week. The coach said he would be looking for two defenders, two midfielders and one striker. Gavin Hunt also revealed that he was sad and disappointed with the situation at his former club, Moroka Swallows. Having taken the club out relegation territory to a top five club, the Supersport mentor hoped that things would improve for the Dube Birds.
As Gavin Hunt pointed out after the match, Supersport had a whole team sitting up in the stands. Bongani Khumalo looks like he might not play that farewell match and the coach refused to divulge why King Laffor was in the stands signing autographs and shaking hands with little kids rather than on the pitch.
The match started with the home team pressing, with the diminutive Kermit Erasmus causing all sorts of problems in the heart of the Celtic defence. Off the pitch there was also a fierce battle raging as the Siwelele tried to sing louder than that band that travels with the champions. Their voices were lowered as the band`s volume was increased when Morgan Gould rose unchallenged to head home a corner kick. It was rather poor defending on the part of Celtics as it is a well known fact that Supersport are masters of the set pieces.
Bloemfontein Celtic were relying heavily on the long ball to the very tall Nathan Paulse. Unfortunately for them Paulse seemed to do more fouling than controlling of the football. Indeed one these fouls on Morgan Gould earned a yellow card. Pirates old boy, Bennet Chenene should have brought the scores back to level pegging but put his siding effort well over the bar. Spandeel also had a chance with a header in the 41st minute which was turned for a corner. The resultant corner was wasted. The long balls to Paulse were only serving to put Bloemfontein Celtic under more pressure as the ball would come straight back. As half time beckoned Mdubanya sent Kermit clean through with a defence splitting pass and the young striker made no mistake with only keeper to beat.
In the second half, Celtic came more and more into the game peppering the United goal with shots. It was one of these shots that found it`s way into the net. It was a brilliant solo effort by heavily built Prince Hlela. Hlela`s shot from way outside the area is indeed a strong candidate for goal of the season. The threat of rain was almost as real as the threats of a Celtics come back. How the ball stayed out is quite a mystery. Katza made two crucial interceptions, one with his head and the second more crucial one with his feet right at the death. The rains threatened. Bloemfontein Celtics threatened. Neither of them delivered within regulation time.
It was a welcome win for Gavin Hunt who stated that he was definitely going into the transfer market come January. In fact the champions have an Angolan defender arriving in Pretoria this week. The coach said he would be looking for two defenders, two midfielders and one striker. Gavin Hunt also revealed that he was sad and disappointed with the situation at his former club, Moroka Swallows. Having taken the club out relegation territory to a top five club, the Supersport mentor hoped that things would improve for the Dube Birds.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Derby....and those elusive teamsheets.
We have start at the beginning. Having received the email that informed that our SADs (Stadium Access Devices, dummy) were ready for collection, I stole time out of my busy schedule to go to the hallowed offices of the Soweto soccer giant. After creating my own parking space I entered the building to join a group of rather irritated media people.Apparently the media had told everyone to come in at ten. I arrived at eleven thirty three. The eestemed officer had "stepped out". She eventually pitched and we made a happy queue to collect the cards that would ensure us entrance into the biggest derby in Africa. I was not surprised that she did not know me. After repeating my name a couple of times, I was given a card and told, "that`s all, no parking for you." What about Dee, I enquired. After a few finger punches of the keyboard, I was told that my dear colleague was not approved.Horror!Sorry, no dice.
On matchday, teamsheets were like democracy in Africa, hard to find. I even had one snatched from my very hand by a Pirates staffer. After a little protestation and a lot of finger pointing we left the room with no teamsheets and a promise from a very nice lady that she would deliver said teamsheets. We later saw this nice lady dancing to the sounds of Cleo. So no teamsheets. Even at the very smallest of teams, the ones that have like ten supporters, we always get teamsheets.Maybe we are supposed to know every player since it`s Pirates!
The home also organised bouncers. Big boys roamed around the area like it a night club. They kept checking our accreditation cards to see if the faces on there were really ours. Maybe they were there to protect the celebrities from us.
DJ Cleo did his thing for a few minutes and then joined those little Teko Modise wannabes that had taken up the space that is normally filled by our non working colleagues.
Residents of Celebville came in their numbers. No doubt invited by the same home team that had denied plenty of journalists access to the media centre.Life!
On matchday, teamsheets were like democracy in Africa, hard to find. I even had one snatched from my very hand by a Pirates staffer. After a little protestation and a lot of finger pointing we left the room with no teamsheets and a promise from a very nice lady that she would deliver said teamsheets. We later saw this nice lady dancing to the sounds of Cleo. So no teamsheets. Even at the very smallest of teams, the ones that have like ten supporters, we always get teamsheets.Maybe we are supposed to know every player since it`s Pirates!
The home also organised bouncers. Big boys roamed around the area like it a night club. They kept checking our accreditation cards to see if the faces on there were really ours. Maybe they were there to protect the celebrities from us.
DJ Cleo did his thing for a few minutes and then joined those little Teko Modise wannabes that had taken up the space that is normally filled by our non working colleagues.
Residents of Celebville came in their numbers. No doubt invited by the same home team that had denied plenty of journalists access to the media centre.Life!
MUSONA MASSACRE
There is no better time to show one`s qualities that in the “biggest derby in Africa”. Knowledge Musona created one and scored two as Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates by three goals to one in an ABSA premier league match played in an almost packed FNB Stadium. The over seventy thousand fans that made the pilgrimage to the mecca of South African soccer watched in awe as Musona nutmegged a hapless Lucky Legwati on the right hand side, fooled Moeneeb Josephs and sent in a pinpoint cut back that a sliding Daine Klate put into the net. Daine Klate is an Orlando Pirates player.
Musona then came back to terrorise the same player, again putting the ball through the legs of the Pirates captain. This time the defender brought him down in the 18 yard box. Musona then got up, dusted himself up and duly sent Moeneeb Josephs the wrong way. The celebration from the deadliest striker in the PSL could easily get in into Aleck Macheso`s band as a dancer. He executed the Borrowdale dance to the appreciation of his teammates.
The third and killer goal was gifted to the mercurial Zimbo by Pirates defender Mahamootsa, who let a long ball bounce and then tried to head the ball back to his goalkeeper. Musona slipped in between keeper and defender, lobbed the ball over Josephs before heading into an empty net. He was taken off a few minutes later. I`m sure he was humming the tune to “….asi basa ndasiya ndapedza”.
Special mention must be made of Tinashe Nengomasha, who did an excellent job of stopping the skillful Pirates midfield from causing the Chiefs` back four too much trouble. The midfield duo of Clifford Ngobeni and Andile Jali had been terrorizing teams before they came up against Father. The back four included Thomas Swewe. He had a solid game at centre back. Still on the Chiefs back four, Jimmy Jambo did reveal to this very scribe that he would out for two to three weeks with an injury sustained during the midweek loss to Santos.
Pirates did score a consolation goal but the damage had already been done by the best thing to hit South African soccer since the vuvuzela.
Musona then came back to terrorise the same player, again putting the ball through the legs of the Pirates captain. This time the defender brought him down in the 18 yard box. Musona then got up, dusted himself up and duly sent Moeneeb Josephs the wrong way. The celebration from the deadliest striker in the PSL could easily get in into Aleck Macheso`s band as a dancer. He executed the Borrowdale dance to the appreciation of his teammates.
The third and killer goal was gifted to the mercurial Zimbo by Pirates defender Mahamootsa, who let a long ball bounce and then tried to head the ball back to his goalkeeper. Musona slipped in between keeper and defender, lobbed the ball over Josephs before heading into an empty net. He was taken off a few minutes later. I`m sure he was humming the tune to “….asi basa ndasiya ndapedza”.
Special mention must be made of Tinashe Nengomasha, who did an excellent job of stopping the skillful Pirates midfield from causing the Chiefs` back four too much trouble. The midfield duo of Clifford Ngobeni and Andile Jali had been terrorizing teams before they came up against Father. The back four included Thomas Swewe. He had a solid game at centre back. Still on the Chiefs back four, Jimmy Jambo did reveal to this very scribe that he would out for two to three weeks with an injury sustained during the midweek loss to Santos.
Pirates did score a consolation goal but the damage had already been done by the best thing to hit South African soccer since the vuvuzela.
A LOOK INTO THE CHRISTAL BALL
Dear reader, as I have stated over and over again, the CHRIStal ball is never wrong, never! It predicted that you would be here at this very moment, reading this article and here you are.
ORLANDO PIRATES vs KAIZER CHIEFS
What can we say in this column that has not already been said in countless other publications about this game? Maybe nothing, but since you are here you might as well read it again. Chiefs have a problem at leftback if Jimmy Jambo`s injury looks as serious at looked on Wednesday night. The result of that game shall remain a national secret, in fact we`ll lock it away in a volt somewhere in the ANCYL`s offices and have Mr Malema keep the key. He might need it to sway voters. If Bucs complain of jetlag after their trip to the Natal we will take them to the Indian Ocean on a pirates` ship and make them walk the plank. We expect only one thing from this game, dear reader, A GOOD GAME OF FOOTBALL. If the two giants cannot deliver on this then we`ll settle for at least seven goals.
The Christal Ball shows me that the result will be………
SANTOS vs MARITZBURG
I know, I know. You did not know that there were other games on Saturday. Well you join a colleague of mine who even went on to state that no other game was supposed to be on anyway. Santos did something naughty on Wednesday night against that team that Ernst Midderndorp loves to watch. We shall say no more. Maritzburg took another point out of the total number of points Supersport will need to successfully defend their premiership title. To win this game Maritzburg will have to do something that extremely difficulty to do in Cape Town, score. The strong Cape wind can assist or hinder them in their mission.
The Christal Ball covered itself in black and gold and put up a peace sign. SANTOS WIN
PLATINUM STARS vs MOROKA SWALLOWS
Moroka Swallows will be to be playing away from their protesting supporters, that`s one thing for sure. I would hate to have fans like that. How can they be angry just because the team is the bottom of the log? It`s a dirty job but somebody`s got to prop up the other fifteen. Platinum Stars will be rubbing their palms together in great anticipation of an easy three points. Dear reader let me tell now, they will not get them. Moroka Swallows are the most dangerous team to be playing right now.
The Christal Ball grew a rasta in honour of that great Dube Birds supporter is not protesting. DRAW
VASCO DA GAMA vs AMAZULU
If the Zulus are not ready to run for ninety minutes, then they might as well stay in sunny KZN. At least the scoreline for a forfeit is only 3 nil. However if they can keep up, then they will find that scoring against the Vascos is much easier than scoring against the Bucs. Having been in the premier league for a longer time counts for nothing when you meet with these marathon runners from the Cape. Pirates know it, Sundowns know it, Ajax knows it and now Amazulu will know it too.
Christal Ball seemed moved by the wind and rain. VASCO DA GAMA WIN.
ORLANDO PIRATES vs KAIZER CHIEFS
What can we say in this column that has not already been said in countless other publications about this game? Maybe nothing, but since you are here you might as well read it again. Chiefs have a problem at leftback if Jimmy Jambo`s injury looks as serious at looked on Wednesday night. The result of that game shall remain a national secret, in fact we`ll lock it away in a volt somewhere in the ANCYL`s offices and have Mr Malema keep the key. He might need it to sway voters. If Bucs complain of jetlag after their trip to the Natal we will take them to the Indian Ocean on a pirates` ship and make them walk the plank. We expect only one thing from this game, dear reader, A GOOD GAME OF FOOTBALL. If the two giants cannot deliver on this then we`ll settle for at least seven goals.
The Christal Ball shows me that the result will be………
SANTOS vs MARITZBURG
I know, I know. You did not know that there were other games on Saturday. Well you join a colleague of mine who even went on to state that no other game was supposed to be on anyway. Santos did something naughty on Wednesday night against that team that Ernst Midderndorp loves to watch. We shall say no more. Maritzburg took another point out of the total number of points Supersport will need to successfully defend their premiership title. To win this game Maritzburg will have to do something that extremely difficulty to do in Cape Town, score. The strong Cape wind can assist or hinder them in their mission.
The Christal Ball covered itself in black and gold and put up a peace sign. SANTOS WIN
PLATINUM STARS vs MOROKA SWALLOWS
Moroka Swallows will be to be playing away from their protesting supporters, that`s one thing for sure. I would hate to have fans like that. How can they be angry just because the team is the bottom of the log? It`s a dirty job but somebody`s got to prop up the other fifteen. Platinum Stars will be rubbing their palms together in great anticipation of an easy three points. Dear reader let me tell now, they will not get them. Moroka Swallows are the most dangerous team to be playing right now.
The Christal Ball grew a rasta in honour of that great Dube Birds supporter is not protesting. DRAW
VASCO DA GAMA vs AMAZULU
If the Zulus are not ready to run for ninety minutes, then they might as well stay in sunny KZN. At least the scoreline for a forfeit is only 3 nil. However if they can keep up, then they will find that scoring against the Vascos is much easier than scoring against the Bucs. Having been in the premier league for a longer time counts for nothing when you meet with these marathon runners from the Cape. Pirates know it, Sundowns know it, Ajax knows it and now Amazulu will know it too.
Christal Ball seemed moved by the wind and rain. VASCO DA GAMA WIN.
CHIEFS SEND FREE STATE STARS PACKING
The match started at a very low tempo with a header from Valerie Nahayo the only notable piece of activity in the first 5 minutes. Mr Nahayo was heavily involved in the first of a couple of dubious refereeing interventions that were dished up by this encounter. Nahayo clearly laid his hands on Aleni Lebyane in a very illegal manner, the referee chose not to see the blatant foul inside the box. As there were only about ten of them, the Ela Koto supporters` cries were not heard at all. Speaking of the crowd, it was yet another poorly attended game in the PSL. Looks like the World Cup took most of the fans back with it when it left our shores!
The game was played at a very low tempo with the home team enjoying the bulk of the possession. Knowledge Musona shot wide in the 26th minute, Chiefs wasted three free kicks and I thought I saw the national team coach dose off. Most of us were happy to hear the blundering referee blow for half time.
Kaizer Chiefs returned for the second half without Mthokosizi Yende, opting for the faster, more attacking Mandla Masango. The game progressed in pretty much the manner as the first stanza with Chiefs hogging the ball. The current darling of the Amakhosi faithfull, Knowledge Musona almost put the home team in front with a deft chip over Kennedy Mweene only to see Bageta Dikulu`s head the meet goal bound effort on the line. Warning served.
Then came what the Kaizer Chiefs` coach later called the crucial moment of the match. Free State Stars were awarded a free kick deep inside their opponents` half. Paulus Masehe met the ball with a sweetly timed volley in the little box producing one of the saves of the season from Arthur Bartman, in for Khune. Steve Khompela`s crucial moment involved the referee, whose name has evaded me for some reason. Those of you who watch the SABC will get it from Sylvester Ndaba as he tries to explain said referee`s eyebrow raising decisions. The ball went out of play for a throw in for Stars and because of something the referee had to attend to, he called for a bump ball. He then instructed the player from Free State Stars to kick the ball back into touch and not to the Chiefs keeper as the young man wanted. The player did this under protest and from the resultant throw in Mandla Masango went a 50m dash and crossed for substitute Sthembiso Ngcobo to ram home the first goal of the afternoon. Steve Khompela was not impressed. It was all downhill from there for the team from Bloemfontein. The mandatory Musona should have come soon after but the goal scoring machine managed to hit the upright post when scoring looked easier, but as has become customary for the Zimbabwean striker he put away a chance that was far more difficult to kill off the game. It was a glancing header of amazing technique from a corner to ensure that Kazier Chiefs will continue on their quest to defend their Telkom Knockout Cup.
The game was played at a very low tempo with the home team enjoying the bulk of the possession. Knowledge Musona shot wide in the 26th minute, Chiefs wasted three free kicks and I thought I saw the national team coach dose off. Most of us were happy to hear the blundering referee blow for half time.
Kaizer Chiefs returned for the second half without Mthokosizi Yende, opting for the faster, more attacking Mandla Masango. The game progressed in pretty much the manner as the first stanza with Chiefs hogging the ball. The current darling of the Amakhosi faithfull, Knowledge Musona almost put the home team in front with a deft chip over Kennedy Mweene only to see Bageta Dikulu`s head the meet goal bound effort on the line. Warning served.
Then came what the Kaizer Chiefs` coach later called the crucial moment of the match. Free State Stars were awarded a free kick deep inside their opponents` half. Paulus Masehe met the ball with a sweetly timed volley in the little box producing one of the saves of the season from Arthur Bartman, in for Khune. Steve Khompela`s crucial moment involved the referee, whose name has evaded me for some reason. Those of you who watch the SABC will get it from Sylvester Ndaba as he tries to explain said referee`s eyebrow raising decisions. The ball went out of play for a throw in for Stars and because of something the referee had to attend to, he called for a bump ball. He then instructed the player from Free State Stars to kick the ball back into touch and not to the Chiefs keeper as the young man wanted. The player did this under protest and from the resultant throw in Mandla Masango went a 50m dash and crossed for substitute Sthembiso Ngcobo to ram home the first goal of the afternoon. Steve Khompela was not impressed. It was all downhill from there for the team from Bloemfontein. The mandatory Musona should have come soon after but the goal scoring machine managed to hit the upright post when scoring looked easier, but as has become customary for the Zimbabwean striker he put away a chance that was far more difficult to kill off the game. It was a glancing header of amazing technique from a corner to ensure that Kazier Chiefs will continue on their quest to defend their Telkom Knockout Cup.
A LOOK INTO MY CHRIS- TAL BALL
KAIZER CHIEFS vs FREE STATE STARS
Dear reader, I wish I could tell you that Chiefs are already through to the semi finals. Just looking at the squad sheets I could certainly make a good case for it, but alas no. This game is not as lopsided as it looks on paper.The irony is that it is Chiefs` superiority that their problem here. Every coach will tell there is very little or no motivation needed for the players when they are going to face The Mighty Amakhosi! Free State Stars will be pumped up for this one and as Swallows can attest, teams with nothing to lose can be very dangerous. In my most humble opinion, it will be up to Chiefs to kill off the Stars spirit and game early. Very early!
The Ball says a Chiefs win.
SANTOS vs MPUMALANGA BLACK ACES
Boebie Solomons said he would like to get the big guns out of the way early in the cups. The draw did not give him a big gun. Instead he finds himself facing a team that visited the south of Johannesburg twice and won twice. Having said that, Aces went on to lose to Free State Stars. According to Rodger De Sa, Santos “suck you in” and then hit you when you least expect it. I can safely say sucking will not work against Aces and what`s more the boys from Mpumalanga can play in the wind and rain, again I refer you to the Dube Birds. As I have already stated they have already won two times away from home. I will not go into the details of these defeats for fear of saddening some happy people. So Santos will have their work cut out come Saturday.
Christal Ball says both teams should seriously practice taking penalties.
SUPERSPORT UNITED vs ORLANDO PIRATES
The Christal Ball developed cracks on this one. The wounded lion that is Supersport United meets a somewhat rejuvenated Pirates side. I think a lot will depend on Ruud Krol`s starting line up. In the two games that he has started with Ngobeni and Jali in the middle, Pirates has run riot. As always I have someone to refer you to. It is not Moroka Swallows this time but rather the youthful Ajax Cape Town. If you do not believe them you can go ask those rich boys from Chloorkop. However if you add a little bit of luck to Supersport`s performance against Chiefs last Sunday then…..wait! On Sunday they were thwarted by Bafana Bafana number one and this Saturday the boys from Pretoria/Tswane will be facing the other national team number one. Supersport look to be missing something this season but with hope of retaining the title dwindling they could look to the cups to salvage their season.
The Christal Ball went blue before cracking in 100 different places. Supersport win.
MARITZBURG UNITED vs MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Can you say “Upset”. This one has an upset written all over it. Sundowns have had so many players on their books one would be hard pressed to find a PSL club without a former Mamelodi Sundowns player. Maritzburg does indeed have players that used to ply their trade in the Brazilian colours. A deflected shot was all it took to get Maritzburg to this stage of the competition. They might a few more than one on Sunday. Even without the Killer instinct (Mphela), Sundowns have looked like it`s just a matter of time before they unleash on a very unfortunate team. Maritzburg could very well be that team.
After glueing The Christal Ball together it did the samba before turning blue again. Sundowns win.
Christopher Dube
Dear reader, I wish I could tell you that Chiefs are already through to the semi finals. Just looking at the squad sheets I could certainly make a good case for it, but alas no. This game is not as lopsided as it looks on paper.The irony is that it is Chiefs` superiority that their problem here. Every coach will tell there is very little or no motivation needed for the players when they are going to face The Mighty Amakhosi! Free State Stars will be pumped up for this one and as Swallows can attest, teams with nothing to lose can be very dangerous. In my most humble opinion, it will be up to Chiefs to kill off the Stars spirit and game early. Very early!
The Ball says a Chiefs win.
SANTOS vs MPUMALANGA BLACK ACES
Boebie Solomons said he would like to get the big guns out of the way early in the cups. The draw did not give him a big gun. Instead he finds himself facing a team that visited the south of Johannesburg twice and won twice. Having said that, Aces went on to lose to Free State Stars. According to Rodger De Sa, Santos “suck you in” and then hit you when you least expect it. I can safely say sucking will not work against Aces and what`s more the boys from Mpumalanga can play in the wind and rain, again I refer you to the Dube Birds. As I have already stated they have already won two times away from home. I will not go into the details of these defeats for fear of saddening some happy people. So Santos will have their work cut out come Saturday.
Christal Ball says both teams should seriously practice taking penalties.
SUPERSPORT UNITED vs ORLANDO PIRATES
The Christal Ball developed cracks on this one. The wounded lion that is Supersport United meets a somewhat rejuvenated Pirates side. I think a lot will depend on Ruud Krol`s starting line up. In the two games that he has started with Ngobeni and Jali in the middle, Pirates has run riot. As always I have someone to refer you to. It is not Moroka Swallows this time but rather the youthful Ajax Cape Town. If you do not believe them you can go ask those rich boys from Chloorkop. However if you add a little bit of luck to Supersport`s performance against Chiefs last Sunday then…..wait! On Sunday they were thwarted by Bafana Bafana number one and this Saturday the boys from Pretoria/Tswane will be facing the other national team number one. Supersport look to be missing something this season but with hope of retaining the title dwindling they could look to the cups to salvage their season.
The Christal Ball went blue before cracking in 100 different places. Supersport win.
MARITZBURG UNITED vs MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Can you say “Upset”. This one has an upset written all over it. Sundowns have had so many players on their books one would be hard pressed to find a PSL club without a former Mamelodi Sundowns player. Maritzburg does indeed have players that used to ply their trade in the Brazilian colours. A deflected shot was all it took to get Maritzburg to this stage of the competition. They might a few more than one on Sunday. Even without the Killer instinct (Mphela), Sundowns have looked like it`s just a matter of time before they unleash on a very unfortunate team. Maritzburg could very well be that team.
After glueing The Christal Ball together it did the samba before turning blue again. Sundowns win.
Christopher Dube
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