SA Olympic dream still alive!

Coming from an entertaining weekend of the Telkom Knockout semi-finals that saw Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits booking their places in the finals to be played on the 10^th of December 2011 at the Moses Mabhida stadium by beating Golden Arrows 3-1 and Santos 3-0 respectively, as a patriot I was very uneasy with anticipation of how our SA Under 23 side will present themselves against Cote d’Ivoire in their opening qualifier on Sunday evening 27 November 2011 in Morocco.

The team build up to this qualifiers has been characterised by a lot of boardroom and administration drama, leading to most of the preferred players not being available for Shakes Mashaba’s call up. A goal by Phumelele Ace Bhengu on the 22^nd minute of the game brought me a sigh of relief in a game that ended one all draw, as by then I had noticed that our boys were there to give a good account of themselves and thus representing an Olympic dream of soccer loving people of SA with pride.

This team is oozing with confidence and that showed when they took charge of the game very early on, the same confidence I saw at times played against us as the boys held on to the ball for long, made wrong tackling decision one of them resulting in a penalty, delaying tactics that that lead to a second bookable offence for T Sangweni leaving a huge void in the centre of our midfield for most of the second half.  Having said all that the boys were determined to stand their ground even though it started to be difficult in the latter stages of the second stanza mainly because the Ivorians had most of the possession and we tried too hard to defend instead of making them play.

I drew a lot of positives from the game including the goalkeepers overall performance. Brilliant Khuzwayo brought the best of himself on the night that saw him saving a penalty only to be beaten  later in the game due to the pressure the team was absorbing at the time.

I am very proud as a South African to be represented by a team that understands the responsibility at hand and most of all with a lot of hunger to do well. This first game result was not ideal but good nonetheless as they can build upon it in search of victory on their remaining two matches.

The boys now go into their second game which is a must win against Gabon on Wednesday 30 November 2011 and all soccer loving South Africans support is what the team needs. The coach is also pleased with what he has seen of the boys and he believes they can win their next two encounters.

Here is a reminder of the Full squad doing duty in Morocco:

Goalkeepers: Brilliant Khuzwayo (Thanda Royal Zulu), Sage Lottering (Moroka Swallows), Brighton Mhlongo (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Sibusiso Mxoyana (Orlando Pirates), Mulomowandau Eric Mathoho (Bloemfontein Celtic), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Ajax Cape Town), Gladwin Shitolo (Jomo Cosmos), Mxolisi Mayongo (Amazulu), Sibusiso Zulu (Blackburn Rovers)

Midfielders: Thandani Ntshumayelo (SuperSport United), Christopher Flandorp (University of Pretoria), Bhongolwethu Jayiya (Bidvest Wits), Sameehg Doutie (Orlando Pirates), Mandla Masango (Kaizer Chiefs), Kulegani Madondo (Maritzburg United), Thamsanqa Sangweni (Amazulu), Jabulani Shongwe, Sibusiso Khumalo (both Mamelodi Sundowns)

Strikers: Phumelele 'Ace' Bhengu (Mpumalanga Black Aces), Ryan Eugene (Santos) and Rodney Ramagalela (Black Leopards)

NB. In the other fixture of the same group Egypt made sure they top the mini-log by registering a 1 – 0 win over Gabon.

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Telkom KnockOut Quaterfinals Draw

Moroka Swallows vs Orlando Pirates

Jomo Cosmos vs BidVest Wits

Santos vs Platinum Stars

Ajax Cape Town vs Golden Arrows

These Matches are expected to take place in the 2nd weekend of November.

Coaches on the move... maybe not...

With one cup competition down and 8 games into the league reality is starting to hit home with most teams and changes are coming in thick and fast. Besides dealing with the current heatwave around the country some coaches are also starting to feel some more heat from their superiors and supporters of their teams.

Ernst Middendorp and Manqoba Mngqithi having being the first 2 culprits are probably in the latter stages of coming to terms with the axe they got earlier in the month. Now the big question is who is next...

As I'm writing this, Sunday Chidzambwa is the most concerned of all as Black Leopards are expected to make an announcement of changes in their technical team soon. If such thing were easily predictable by just looking at the log standings of a team Jomo Sono would be the next one to go but for reasons well-known to all what are the chances...

The current champs, Orlando Pirates are now number 8 putting their mentor Julio Leal under pressure but there seems to be more trouble in the Kaizer Chiefs camp after a rumored confrontation between coach Vladimir Vermesovic and now former captain Jimmy Tau. The team seemed to have shown a slight lack of commitment in their last encounter of the Telkom Knockout against Platinum stars which they ended up losing 2-1 and if things stay the same VV may not see his contract through.

On the other hand Johan Neeskens has a headache and a half as his star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns is slowly becoming as pointless as farting during a hurricane. Sundowns performance from the beginning of the season has been far from consistent, the team plays well for at least 45mins and the other 45 they don't comeback from the change room. With this kind of showing I suggest Neeskens to give Hristo Stoichkov a call so he can have an idea on what could be heading his way.

Ian Palmer had a very good start to the season and with one bad result of 7-0 from Supersport United. He must make a comeback very quickly before he finds himself in trouble. The man has shown huge trust in youth yet we all know that's exactly what caused Ajax CT the league last season. Boebie Solomons also got a faulty start which has since gotten better even though I cannot say he's out of the woods yet. Gavin Hunt, Gordon Igesund and Clinton Larsen have been impressive too while Steve Khompela, Owen Da Gama and Roger De SA have had a mini rollercoaster.

These movements aren't only expected within the PSL teams, watch closely on what's about to go down in the bottom 7 teams on the log in the NFD.

Bafana misses out on AFCON 2012

Usually I wouldn't comment on backround matters on the game but for once allow me... If you just surfaced from under a rock somewhere news is Bafana Bafana have not qualified for Afcon 2012 in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon and so is Cameroon and Nigeria.

It is apparent the CAF does not use the same principles applied by fellow FIFA affiliated associations around the globe when it comes to qualification groups.

Listening to his post match interview Bafana Bafan coach Pitso Mosimane told the media that he was
not sure if his boys qualified or not it was still to be confirmed with CAF, yet at the same time the players were on the other side of the field displaying some eye catching dance moves to the supporters
at the Mbombela stadium.

Upon confirmation of the fact that Niger will go thru based on Head to Head, he (Mosimane) was  gutted and said had he known that the goal difference principle doesn't apply he could hav used Majoro and Mokoena. With all that said I think hhmmmnn coach was not sure of qualification at post match interview and not enough from the bench was done for Bafana to secure a win that could hav sent them through, instead Khune's lousy antics were not even called to order. Pitso is not a part time Bafana coach, now if a fulltime coach does not make sure he familiarises himself with all the rules and
regulations under which his team is expected to perform then who is...?

Here is a breakdown of how our boys failed: Head to head of all teams in the group sitting on 9points - Niger have 2 wins & 2 losses, while South Africa & Sierra Leone have 1 win, 2 draws & a loss
NB. Egypt excluded on Head to Head due to having less points. 

Even as runners up the SA national side doesn't make it to the African tourney. There is so much wrong one can deduce from this incident yet Bafana Bafana could have easily avoided the situation by just winning the game against Sierra Leone.

Kele's pick of the week... A true Champion perfomance

It was not a difficult one to pick with so little action due the MTN 8 weekend. Got to see 2 NFD games but the Orlando Pirates comeback during their encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns was a

stunner.

Bafana ba style gave a good account of themselves in the 1st half of the match by staging a comeback of their own from 1-0 down after pirates went ahead with a Mbuyane goal. The Sundowns midfield trio of Teko Modise, Surprise Moriri and Musa Nyatama were a notch over the trusted Pirates duo of Oupa Manyisa and Andile Jali. Through 2 of their moves from the midfield Sundowns got a penalty which Katlego Mphela scored on a rebound and Nyatama placed a beautifully placed cross from Elias Pelembe.

Sundowns looked set at half time with score at 2-1 in their favor but it was a championship showing of Amabhakabhaka that left me speechless in the second stanza. Pirates came back all guns blazing while Sundowns seemed to have gone to sleep. Manyisa and Jali came on to claim what is normaly their territory in the centre of the park, from there on Pirates were like a well-oiled machine.

Earlier in the second half a goal by Tlou Segolela was disallowed after a well timed defense splitting pass was judged to be an offside by the assistant referee. That did not crash the defending champions as they kept pushing forward only to be rewarded on the 79th minute by a rocket from Segolela's boot inside the 18 area. About 12minutes later already in the referees optional time Segolela was at it again causing a penalty after Moriri who looked to have been overwhelmed by his role in the second half brought him down from behind. Bongani Ndulula who came on for Benni McCarthy was there to seal the win for the buccaneers

...Round 2 is at Loftus stadium on Sunday but all that will only take place after the full PSL fixture midweek.

Free State Stars v Jomo Cosmos Goble Park 15:00  

Kaizer Chiefs v Bidvest Wits FNB Stadium 19:30  

Mamelodi Sundowns v Moroka Swallows Lucas Moripe 19:30  

Platinum Stars v Bloem Celtic Moruleng Stadium 19:30  

Santos v Ajax Cape Town Athlone Stadium 19:30  

AmaZulu v SuperSport United Moses Mabhida Stadium 19:30  

Black Leopards v Golden Arrows Peter Mokaba Stadium 19:30  

Maritzburg Utd v Orlando Pirates Harry Gwala Stadium 20:00

PSL has young talent to look out for in 2011/2012.

A whole new 2011/2012 Absa PSL season has taken off and I'm taking this opportunity to launch this blog. After being exposed to a lot of Engen Knockout u-17 tournaments in the off season I am convinced there is enough new talent in the lower ranks to look forward to in the future, while we wait I have decided to look at the young players in the PSL teams you may want to watch closely as they make names for themselves.

Ajax Cape Town fc

Khama Billiat 19/08/1990 Attacking Midfielder

After what can be termed a dream season for the urban warriors (…just short of a league title), they have lost their key player in Thulani Serero to Ajax Amsterdam yet there is still Khama Billiat. This boy will certainly want to cement his place in the South African hearts by bringing out his best in the field of play. Khama came from Zimbabwe and we knew little about him but in the short space he has made it a point that he makes a mark that all soccer lovers in mzanzi will take note of. He’s got wonderful technique, good touches and his movements off the ball will push you to the edge of your seat especially when it is your team playing against Ajax.

Amazulu fc

Mbongeni Mzimela 03/04/1985 Goalkeeper

After a dazzling season for Mbongeni Mzimela the young lad will have a challenge up his sleave to retain the 1^st eleven team place after the acquisition of former Platinum Stars goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini. With a strong foundation laid while in development at Kaizer Chiefs, Mbongeni will certainly take the challenge head on to claim his place. He came out with match winning performances last season that got him a call or 2 to the national team and he will be sure to continue dishing out acrobatics that lead to him being noticed.

Santos fc

Shafeeq Arendse 31/05/1988 Midfield

First time I saw Shafeeq Arendze was during the Nedbank cup 09/10 season while he was still in the colours of Tuks. He is an outstanding ball player with defence splitting passes that can rattle any team. He likes the ball on his feet and when he’s got it anything can happen for the people’s team.

Sundowns fc

Themba Zwane 01/01/1990 Attacking Midfielder

Now this is one player that I can't wait to see in the blue, yellow and green. Themba Zwane is a player with too much talent for one individual and that makes him stand out among his peers. Having been bought in the mid-season transfer window from a Vodacom league side Vardos FC, Themba is yet to make his debut in the Bafana ba style colours. He is exciting to watch and definitely one for the future.

Maritzburg United

Kulegani Madondo 20/06/1990

Kulegani "Chillies" Madondo is another of a few players discovered during the CocaCola football stars tv show. He went on to polish up his football with Bidvest Wits development and that's when Maritzburg United took note and scooped him before Bidvest Wits could promote him to the 1st team. Similar to his previous coach (Ernst Middendorp) the current one Ian palmer speaks highly of him and for the fact that the average age in his teams current squad is around 23/24 Kulegani maybe expected to play a senior role in Maritzburg United's heart of midfield due to his disciplined style of play.

Bidvest Wits fc

Letsie Koapeng 12/01/1992 Striker

Letsie is a marks man for the future. Hailed by his technical team as the next Benni McCarthy, He has previously had a shadow role to seniors like Sifiso Vilakazi and I see Roger De Sa giving him a role to play this season. With the record Bidvest Wits holds in developing good players my money will be on Letsie to start making a name for himself this season. Similar to Maritzburg they are a youngster studded team so my advice is… watch this boy the moment he gets a run.

Supersport United fc

Philani Khwela 22/08/1991 Attacking Midfielder

Philani Khwela has been recalled from the Supersport junior side to join the senior team again and without a doubt the former Amajita captain will look forward to have a say in Gavin Hunt’s team selection in the new season, not by talking too much but by channeling all his efforts in using the football skills he has been blessed with to good use. Philani has been a regular feature in the national under 23 set up and for him it is high time he gets to be counted amongst the big boys.

Black Leopards fc

Rodney Ramagalela 10/01/1989 Striker

Ramagalela has been instrumental in the return of lidhoda duvha to the top flight football and Shakes Mashaba acknowledged his contribution by recently giving him a nod for the U23 side. He will look to prove that he is not just a 1st division player but a striker to be reckoned with up against the big guns. Good luck to any defender willing to leave him lurking around unattended.

Kaiser Chiefs fc

George Lebese 03/02/1989 Attacking Midfielder

It takes a special young talent to crack it onto the Kaizer Chiefs set up as there is much more at stake according to the Amakhosi faithfuls and from the little I've seen of George Lebese the young man is that special talent. With good supervision from the head coach Vladimir Vermerzovic he will certainly make a powerful impact in the Kazer Chiefs attacking force.

Jomo Cosmos fc

Bongane Theletsane 04/08/1989 Midfielder

The man with interesting hairstyles in the field of play has been with Cosmos since 2009, he is one of the players who had a significant role in making sure Ezenkosi make an immediate return to the PSL. With such a big season ahead I am sure we are yet to see the best of shuffle and the mentorship of the African Prince, Jomo Sono, will be to his benefit.

Platinum Stars fc

Joseph Molongoana 17/03/1988 Attacking midfielder

The Alexandra born Mologoana will be a menace to a handful of teams especially with the currently new crop of players Owen Da gama has brought to the team. He makes stars look dangerous on counter attacks due to his speed and his trickery with the ball confuses the hell out of his opponents.

Moroka Swallows fc

Auguston Leonard 03/03/1991 Striker

The young lad came out of his shell after the arrival of Gordon Igesund which was a big surprise to me because I know Gordon to be a coach who prefers the tried and tested. Now that must say a lot Auguston and his potential in the local football arena. His hard work saw the fruits earlier as he assisted the birds to avoid relegation last season. The 2011/2012 season is waiting with anticipation for him to make a mark and secure a place in Shakes Mashaba’s u-23 side.

Free State Stars fc

Goodman Sauhatsi 06/09/1987 Defender

Having made his debut for Ea lla koto in 2010 Goodman has brought sound defensive qualities to the team. The current coach manages his talent very well as he has always made sure he is partnered with experience player. Now in the new season Goodman will make sure he gives his fellow defenders in the team a good run for their money in bid to make the starting lineup.

Bloemfontein Celtics fc

Eric Mathoho 01/03/1990 Defender

Tower (as he is known within the football circles) burst into the scene and most of us never saw it coming. After collecting a few man of the match honors in the previous he was also voted by his peers at Celtics as their player’s player of the season. A lot of teams were even considering to get his signature in the off-season and Eric will definetly make he maintains a solid performance at the back while knocking cementing an u-23 selection and slowly catching Pitso Mosimane attention.

Orlando Pirates fc

Bongani Ndulula 29/11/1989 Striker

Bongani contributed to Pirates league title in the last match as one of the players on the score along with Isaac Chansa and he will be making sure that he continues where he left off. He is the first choice striker for the u-23 side and with a few indications of brilliance he has shown in under Ruud Kroll’s guidance we are yet to see the best of Drogba under the new coach Julio Leal. Having an experienced player of Benni McCarthy’s caliber in the side will help him a lot as he will get a chance to learn from him without any pressure. Buccaneers are displaying beautiful soccer of late and with the amount of scoring opportunities they are able to create I expect him to cash in big time.

Golden Arrows fc

Thamsanqa Gabuza (27/07/1987, Striker)

Thami has been with Abafana besithende for since 2009/2010 season and with the game time he has had one can only say there is so much potential in him. I expect him to pick up his game for the new 2011/2012 season and with the kind of player Arrows have acquired in the off-season there will be ample support around him to terrify any opponent’s defense.

Kele's pick of the week.

With the 1st weekend of PSL games into full swing teams like Bloemfontein Celtics, Platinum stars, Moroka Swallows, hit the ground rolling putting the game beyond their respective opponents while Kaizer Chiefs also got off to a good winning start and with such wonderful individual performances I saw,  it is befitting in my eyes that I pick Benni's debut in the black and white (...Or is it red and white) as my choice for the week.

I love my local football and with that said it was after a long time that I saw such a class act of touches from an out ’n out striker in local football in long time. Benni may still have a kilo or 2 to take care of yet what I saw got me excited for what's still to come. The fact that coach Julio Leal is willing to play him even though he's not at the peak of his fitness, I'm sure this will give him the courage he needs to shed some more.

Welcome home Benni! We look forward to many more goals from you. As for Ndulula and Mabena I say ask, observe, acquire and have a note sheet with to take notes if you have to, the man has seen it all. ...use it don't use it!