You have not been deserted football fans

Greetings Football fanatics

Do not hesitate, or do not feel forgotten, The World of Marvelous Football is still up and running regardless of the less promised updates. Unfortunately its exam’s time and most of you as the audience are still schoolers and some of you not but if I have to post articles I think its best that I provide adequate stories and not make them less informative.

Trust me there is so much to write about, from how Pirates dismantled Chiefs, to how Kaizer Chiefs have tried to make a few changes in their team’s line up, how Chelsea are still praying for better days and how Jamie Vardy is king of the EPL at the moment, how Manchester United is labelled the boring team… in Spain Messi’s absence doesn’t seem to be a problem for Barcelona and Sevilla on the other hand doing good with the quality and depth of their squad not forgetting Belgium who are now ranked  1^st  in the world and it’s all overwhelming right? Well that’s football for you. And I know to some, you can afford to miss out on the news, reviews and so forth. But then that doesn’t mean you can’t bring forward what you would like to see on the blog. Platforms are still open and feel free to drop request.

The international break is never a friend of us football fanatics, so hold on tight because when we make a return it’s the first instalment of the El Classico.

Kind Regards

Marvelous Bloggger. 

And it's exactly a year since #SenzoMeyiwa was killed, but his murder remains a mystery.
One year on and still nothing on who killed Senzo Meyiwa and why... South Africa was promised justice for Nzori, but after 365 days, ZERO.

South Africa’s Pride and Joy in Africa

South Africa’s Pride and Joy in Africa

BY: Vuyolethu Sithatu

As Orlando Pirates were victorious in Egypt against Al Ahly, too many it could’ve been the night of their lives and too many that is yet to come.

After an unconvincing performance at Orlando Stadium in their 1-0 first leg victory over their African rivals, much of the concerns raised were surrounding the fact that Orlando Pirates had once lost on their return leg in the 20143/2014 CAF Champions League Final to Al Ahly SC.

With a lot of the odds against them concerning history repeating itself and the threat delivered by the fans, Orlando Pirates had to leave South Africa with a strong mind-set and arrive in Cairo with a positive attitude.

In just the opening half of the match, it fell evident that the Sea Robbers might have left their mental toughness on the shores of Mzansi. The Soweto Giants were trailing by 2 goals to null after half time thanks to Gabonese striker Malick Evouna who scored in first-half injury time and too many in attendance at Suez Stadium in Suez, east of Cairo felt like it was over as the Red Devils had the crowds backing. After the half time talks, with no clear indication on how things would pan out coming into the 2^nd half of the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, Ezikamagebhula came out with yet another disappointing start to another half, with just eight minutes into the second half, Al Ahly bagged their second. It took substitute Kermit Erasmus to come with the blue & red pens to rectify their first half mistakes and write their own story for the night after he scored and put Ezikamagebhula ahead on away gaols in the 57^th minute. The man who is in African Form, was to follow, Thamsanqa Gabuza scored a deflected second gaol in the 75^th minute, and it was already game on for the Bucs who proved yet again that they one powerhouse to reckon when it comes to their African Excellency.

Thabo Matlaba ensured that Pirates put out a statement to whoever they would be meeting in the final; that they are out to win it, when he scored a third for the team on that night in dying minutes of that match.

The strike by Matlaba wasn’t enough as Amr Gamal pulled one back for Ahly in injury time and it was all left for Thabo Rakhale who finished it off and added salt to the wounds of the “Club of The Century”, Al Ahly as he scored the fourth and final goal which saw the Buccaneers show all the grit and fight as they humiliated Al Ahly to a 4-3 home defeat and reaching the final of CAF Confederations Cup final by 5-3 on aggregate.

Pirates will meet Etoile du Sahel in the two-legged final late next month. The Tunisian club withstood a charge from Zamalek in their second leg in Cairo, losing 3-0, which was enough to go through 5-4 on aggregate.

Much can expected on the both evenings of the two-legged finals.

But what needs to be put to the spotlight is the excellent string of result which has prevailed continuously under the mentorship of Eric Tinkler, but most importantly the character which Ezimnyama Ngenkani have shown. They have been fighting throughout the battlefields of African, emulate the class of 95, displaying flair, finesse and flamboyance. It has been a team performance and individual brilliance has been there but they have soldiered on in solidarity. Barely having an off season and by doing so, maintaining consistency in their performance every time they play in the CCC. Regardless of the slow start to the domestic league, they have shown great intentions in obtaining continental glory. They have recorded wins from the word “impossible”, beating the best of the best.

With Kaizer Chiefs failing to do what Pirates has done, which is progress further and further on when participating in continental competitions, it is fitting to say that Pirates is more dominant continentally compared to Chiefs, who on the other hand are more dominant nationally.

What’s also fitting to question is that can Chiefs transfer their domestic momentum or rather status into their continental campaign and can Orlando Pirates on the other hand transfer their continental momentum into their domestic campaign?

Well there is much to look out for concerning these two Soweto Giants… Both forever on a quest to maintain their winning reputations as powerhouses of South African football.

The World of Marvelous Football Would Like To Wish Orlando Pirates; Buccaneers, Bucs, Ezikamagebhula, Sea Robbers, Ghosts, Happy People, Amabhakabhaka,
Ezimnyama Ngenkani, all the best in their quest to continental glory. You have made South Africa’s football fraternity proud.

 

Thabo Rakhale celebrating his goal with Thabo Qalinge

Image by: AMR ABDALLAH DALSH / REUTERS

Post Written By: Vuyolethu Sithatu 

@MAVUYOSTAR

Mutlichoice Diski Challenge Skills

The young stars of South African Football

Can Barcelona Be Merciless without Messi

Being arguably the greatest player to ever hit the football scene according to others, Lionel Messi founds himself on the side lines due to a knee injury and it has been dark in city of the Catalonians, after suffering their 2^nd defeat of the season, so it seems like the absence of Lionel Messi is felt.

As the four time Ballon D’or winner continues his recovery from the knee injury he suffered last month it seems like Barcelona will join him in doing as they look to recovery from a disappointing result against Seville. The men from Catalan were unfortunate to see themselves fall short and flat on a second loss in the 2015/2016 season, which too many rivals it raised a sense of relieve and if heartless, probably joy.

The result against Sevilla sent out a rather unconvincing message to their rivals, as they proved to be less of a threat without Lionel Mess. Messi having been the best Barcelona player over the last 6 years or more may see his unfortunate absence from the squad being a burden for Barcelona in maintaining that fiercely strike force; the MSN.

Messi vs Celta Vigo

When Barcelona lost 4-1 to Celta Vigo, Barcelona had the presence of Messi for the full 90 minutes, he delivered 1 cross, a 75% pass rate with 35% being complete passes, he had 7 shots in that game from the 18 of Barca of which 4 were on target and 3 of those shots were actually saved, 1 shot off target, two of his shot we blocked and 1 got off the woodwork.
Messi created 6 of the Barcelona’s 16 chances as 5 were key passes and 1 came as an assist. He further on in trying his luck by having 7 take ons in which 5 were well executed and he failed on two occasions. Aerially he was in thick off things with a rate of 33% and also one defence interception. As a quality player he felt the need to up his perform to his peak to salvage a positive result in the dying moments of the match as it was becoming too much of a realty to lose 4-1 to Celta Vigo.

The stats above can suggest that if Messi is not in the game, the results are bound not to favour Barcelona. With that being mentioned, the question that will need answering is that is Messi even more influential to the likes of Iniesta, Neymar and Suarez? We are yet to find out.

Barcelona vs Sevilla

Sevilla was the team responsible for handing Barcelona their second, and it was a Messi-less Barcelona which on that night they were merciful.  Barça created a total of 20 chances on that evening and expectedly maintained a rather satisfying passing percentage of 86%, with Sevilla trailing behind with 73%. On the wings Barcelona were more adventurous delivering a whipping tally of 28 crosses and with 14 take-ons. The result itself doesn’t reflect the entire performance stats of both teams. The defence stats also prove that Seville were at receiving end of the pressure applied by Barcelona.

This was a Barcelona team which was without the great Lionel Messi. It was Neymar and Suarez who were responsible of making things happen, they were joined upfront by 20 year old Munir El Haddadi Mohamed and he only had one shot at goal and setting up two chances.

Messi vs Atletico

Against one of their huge rivals in the Spanish La Liga, Coach Luis Enrique chose to start the big clash against Atletico Madrid with Lionel Messi on the bench, until the 60^th minute where the Argentinian forward was desperately introduced as they were looking to bag the full 3 points against Atletico. It was no surprise that it would become a worthy move, as Messi clinched the 2^nd goal in the 77^th minute and it was in great style as it seemed to be the goal needed to close the show. With the less time on the pitch Messi had 10 take-ons, created 2 chances and having a passing rate of 93%. Much can be said about his introduction against the Madrid based team.

In conclusion, what can be said is that the complete excellence of either MSN or Barcelona  is alive in Messi’s presence, not taking anything away from Neymar and El’ Pistore, the MSN strike-force is deadly with Messiah part of it.

And with the El Classic edging nearer and nearer, it seems like Real Madrid might face a Merciful Barcelona and yet a Messi-less one if he is fully fit by then, and this could count much to their desire as they are also willing to maintain a rather positive start to the 2015/2016 campaign. But the 22^nd of November might prove to be still far for Messi to hopefully make a return. But the question remains can Barcelona be merciless when they are without Messi?

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Twitter : @MAVUYOSTAR

Statistics source : http://www.squawka.com/

http://www.squawka.com/

Can Barcelona Be Merciless without Messi

Being arguably the greatest player to ever hit the football scene according to others, Lionel Messi founds himself on the side lines due to a knee injury and it has been dark in city of the Catalonians, after suffering their 2^nd defeat of the season, so it seems like the absence of Lionel Messi is felt.

As the four time Ballon D’or winner continues his recovery from the knee injury he suffered last month it seems like Barcelona will join him in doing as they look to recovery from a disappointing result against Seville. The men from Catalan were unfortunate to see themselves fall short and flat on a second loss in the 2015/2016 season, which too many rivals it raised a sense of relieve and if heartless, probably joy.

The result against Sevilla sent out a rather unconvincing message to their rivals, as they proved to be less of a threat without Lionel Mess. Messi having been the best Barcelona player over the last 6 years or more may see his unfortunate absence from the squad being a burden for Barcelona in maintaining that fiercely strike force; the MSN.

Messi vs Celta Vigo

When Barcelona lost 4-1 to Celta Vigo, Barcelona had the presence of Messi for the full 90 minutes, he delivered 1 cross, a 75% pass rate with 35% being complete passes, he had 7 shots in that game from the 18 of Barca of which 4 were on target and 3 of those shots were actually saved, 1 shot off target, two of his shot we blocked and 1 got off the woodwork.                                                                                 Messi created 6 of the Barcelona’s 16 chances as 5 were key passes and 1 came as an assist. He further on in trying his luck by having 7 take ons in which 5 were well executed and he failed on two occasions. Aerially he was in thick off things with a rate of 33% and also one defence interception. As a quality player he felt the need to up his perform to his peak to salvage a positive result in the dying moments of the match as it was becoming too much of a realty to lose 4-1 to Celta Vigo.

The stats above can suggest that if Messi is not in the game, the results are bound not to favour Barcelona. With that being mentioned, the question that will need answering is that is Messi even more influential to the likes of Iniesta, Neymar and Suarez? We are yet to find out.

Barcelona vs Sevilla

Sevilla was the team responsible for handing Barcelona their second, and it was a Messi-less Barcelona which on that night they were merciful.  Barça created a total of 20 chances on that evening and expectedly maintained a rather satisfying passing percentage of 86%, with Sevilla trailing behind with 73%. On the wings Barcelona were more adventurous delivering a whipping tally of 28 crosses and with 14 take-ons. The result itself doesn’t reflect the entire performance stats of both teams. The defence stats also prove that Seville were at receiving end of the pressure applied by Barcelona.

This was a Barcelona team which was without the great Lionel Messi. It was Neymar and Suarez who were responsible of making things happen, they were joined upfront by 20 year old Munir El Haddadi Mohamed and he only had one shot at goal and setting up two chances.

Messi vs Atletico

Against one of their huge rivals in the Spanish La Liga, Coach Luis Enrique chose to start the big clash against Atletico Madrid with Lionel Messi on the bench, until the 60^th minute where the Argentinian forward was desperately introduced as they were looking to bag the full 3 points against Atletico. It was no surprise that it would become a worthy move, as Messi clinched the 2^nd goal in the 77^th minute and it was in great style as it seemed to be the goal needed to close the show. With the less time on the pitch Messi had 10 take-ons, created 2 chances and having a passing rate of 93%. Much can be said about his introduction against the Madrid based team.

In conclusion, what can be said is that the complete excellence of either MSN or Barcelona  is alive in Messi’s presence, not taking anything away from Neymar and El’ Pistore, the MSN strike-force is deadly with Messiah part of it.

And with the El Classic edging nearer and nearer, it seems like Real Madrid might face a Merciful Barcelona and yet a Messi-less one if he is fully fit by then, and this could count much to their desire as they are also willing to maintain a rather positive start to the 2015/2016 campaign. But the 22^nd of November might prove to be still far for Messi to hopefully make a return. But the question remains can Barcelona be merciless when they are without Messi?

A QUESTIONED CRITERIA FOR BAFANA BAFANA

As if the early exit in this year 2015 AFCON was not enough to have South Africa and its football fanatics question Coach Shakes Mashaba’s longevity in being credible following a successful quest in obtaining qualification for the tournament.

What has been an unpleasant spell for coach Shakes Mashaba after the disastrous storyline of this year’s African Cup of Nations, it seems like what is more under scrutiny for the national team coach, is his less understood or inexplicable criteria of selecting his squad. The forever anticipated press conferences which are attended in order to listen to Shakes Mashaba deliver a speech followed by a list of player’s names that are fitting to play for the national team at that specific time, and such moments are eyebrow raisers.

With that being brought to you attention, the question which is itching on our tongues, is; “WHAT IS COACH SHAKES MASHABA’S SELECTING CRITERIA?”                                                                                                                             

A team which firstly lacks a recognised captain sums up a recipe for disaster. Not having a notable leader has left Bafana Bafana wandering with no solid wins. The rotation of captains is one element which has had the national team less organised and lacking a leader to lead from the changing room and on to the pitch. The armband has been thrown left and right and not rightly so, have we reaped the fruits of that manifesto.

A captain is very important, because he voices out for both players (teammates) and the coach, it’s easy to offload responsibilities when you have a figure you can always refer to as “My Captain”.

Moving on, it comes to great questioning as to how Shakes, along with his technical team go about in the process of selecting players. A few players mentioned in the squad on recent occasions have been the talking points surrounding the “criteria”.

·        Tokelo Rantie, one player whose constant inclusion in the national team has forever been questioned, Rantie was subject as the scapegoat in South Africa’s poor performance in the previous appearance in the African Cup of Nations. Rantie who is yet to feature in the starting line-up for Bournemouth in this current 2015/2016 season and yet to even score a goal for them. Yet Rantie is forever included the national squad. Is there clarity in Mashaba’s criteria…?

·        Moving on, Dean Furman as the man who has worn the armband for the national team on a few occasions and to some extent has been recognised as the man to captain Bafana Bafana. Furman who was recently club less after end his relationship with Doncaster Rovers. With that being brought to light, it’s only fitting that Furman wasn’t in any action until being snapped up by SuperSport United. With less action seen by Dean Furman and having been called up to national team yet again, still the criteria goes under the magnifying glass… Any sense unconcealed?

·        Another player whose inclusion is not very easy to question and after being omitted in the squad to head to the 2015 AFCON, Thulani Serero has been at the fortunate end of receiving constant call-ups to the national team. Cream is a highly adored individual to the South African soccer fraternity and his omission was a hard pill to swallow.  But why is his inclusion questioned now? Well despite being a player that plays top flight football, Serero is yet to be at the receiving end of some game time for Ajax Amsterdam. His inclusion is a rather sabotaging scenario because his failure to perform could put him under scrutiny and of course people questioning his quality and further on to his commitment to the national team.

To those who have fallen short to the favour of Coach Shakes Mashaba, a lot has been said regarding the position we could be at, had Shakes called up players such as Erasmus, Masilela, Tlolane, Teko Modise and Letsholonyane just to mention a few. With the few players mentioned, they are consistently performing almost week in week out. Is the criteria declared as understandable?

Going into a match, one has to approach a match with a tactical plan, with the selections of coach Mashaba, his tactics are not entirely backed with back up plans because the depth in the selection is not forever fitting to provide such. But then tactics are a topic for another day.

Still the quest and questions continue in finding the answers to what the criteria of Coach Shakes Mashaba is, but nonetheless we wish him all the best as coach of Bafana Bafana.

                                                  

Zongo's Brilliance is Questioned...

There is more to this than flamboyance, European Standards and other additional factors to this whole debate, football is a game of intelligence, and the use of skill comes with a certain comfortability with the ball. We are always taught to express ourselves when we are in possession of the ball ...
Whenever you come across a player who is finding it difficulty to express themselves when in possession of the ball, there are two things you can say to that player :
-Play simply football and/or
-Play your football.
What Masibusane did on Saturday didn't cost the team whatsoever, we can give the Man of The Match to a player who scores 2 or more goals in a match or the player with that single goal in the match, but also when its goalless draws you need to credit the defenders as well as the goalkeepers for the clean sheets and and absorbing the pressure. But Saturday's encounter between Stars and Sundowns really created a platform for any player who wanted to be Man of the Match to step up and do so.
Zongo created a pleasant atmosphere on the pitch and in the stands and with his style of play he exposed a few defenders of the well empowered Sundowns, going on to question the worth of the quality, but then in the eyes of those who are constantly seeking to get praises week in week out, i feel heart-broken that a player like Zongo gets a second chance to revive his career and continuing to offer us what we have known him for, which is flair and to have his performance questioned after a goalless draw where much of the entertainment was under his names justifies the pain.

Yes I agree with Pitso that the use and implementation of skill should be constructive to a team moving forward and going on to score goals and further on to winning matches, but then if minuses numbers from where that skill is performed, should we look to criticise such.

There's more to come from this stay tuned................

Amakhosi restructured after a successful season

Now that the season has ended, now all eyes and ears turn to the transfer window and most of it

being influenced by on-going contractual discussion. With some discussion being delayed since the

beginning of the year and some prolific and influential players for certain teams are also in the

column of those who are still in contractual discussions

The ABSA Premiership Champions, Kaizer Chiefs, are amongst the teams that had certain players

who were still on contractual discussions and in the previous week they announced to arrange a

press release in the following week to keep the media off their back and fans updated about their

on-going contractual discussions with the players. A team like Kaizer Chiefs, after a successful season

had a few of their prominent and influential players also in the column of contractual issues.

ABSA Premiership Champions opened up to the public on Tuesday morning through their arranged

press release concerning the on-going contract discussions of Tefu Mashamaite, Itumeleng Khune

and Mandla Masango, who are three players who were excellent in the 20154/15 season for

Amakhosi. The Amakhosi press release brought a bitter sweet day to football followers as whole,

Amakhosi fans dishearten by the news of that Tefu Mashamaite, Itumeleng Khune and Mandla

Masango’s contract weren’t going to be renewed and rival fans taking delight in the fact that the

best team assembled in 2014/15 would be restructured and to add on the heavy news, the Phefeni

Glamour boys would also be parting ways with head coach Stuart Baxter after a successful 3-season

stint with the Soweto Giants. News which brought the world of football buzzing on the social media.

When we take a look at Tefu Mashamaite who arguably had the best season of his career, collecting

so many accolades, being recognised and awarded as the Player of The Season, Defender of the

Season and Players’ Player of the Season and most importantly he played every single minute of PSL

matches this season, playing every minute of the 30 PSL matches is an impressive statistic for a

defender who has reached his 30s. A player who could be as much vital for Kaizer Chiefs next season

in defending the title, Tefu now sees himself in quest for a new promising venture out of Naturena.

Looking at Itumeleng Khune, a player with so much; great status, great experience and great

abilities, been with Amakhosi since age 13, after a season spent in the injury books and refereeing

books, Itu and some of the Forever Fearless followers might feel like the absence of the Khune was

not felt and the team has enough depth in their goalkeeping department. From January when it was

out that Khune was in the last 6 months of his contract with Amakhosi and that an adequately had

not been tabled for him, sparked some interest from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and reports suggest

that even Orlando Pirates were luring to sign Mzansi Finest. Most fans would be content with only

seeing Khune depart from Naturena considering the depth in the his department in the likes of

Brilliant Khuzwayo (25) and Reyaad Pieterse (23) who stepped up in his absence and did ever so

brilliantly.

Coming to Mandla Masango, a player who picked up the form of his life in the 2014/15 season is

another player who bids farewell to Amakhosi. Masango, forever labelled as the “delayed potential” star

for Amakhosi, finally in the eyes on many proved his worth but what seems unfair is that he will not

continue to be seen in the black and gold stripe of Amakhosi. A player who very much deserved to be

tied down, despite attracting interest from teams in Europe. A player who has become a national asset

to the national team. Now he is forever present in the called up squad and he is much valuable and

poses to gain experience along in his Bafana Bafana spell which could prove to be vital for a team like

Kaizer Chiefs who plan to conquer Africa.

What could arguably be the huge lose is the parting of ways between Coach Stuart Baxter and Kaizer

Chiefs, with a past with South African football as a former national coach for Bafana Bafana Baxter

returned in 2012 to restore the pride and glory of Amakhosi and in his first season, he did so successfully

by winning the league title and the Nedbank Cup, his second season saw Amakhosi falling short in

defending their title and they ended the season trophy less. Then his 3rd came which just ended with

them being crowned the ABSA Premiership Champions as well MTN-8 Champions. Four trophies in 3

seasons is much of a good statistic to look at for Stuart Baxter, who has labelled his reasons to exit the

Naturena based side as “tension”.

Now to look at the Business side of matters, did Kaizer Chiefs handle their overall business in a much

beneficial and creditable way for themselves?

Firstly to lose national players as free agents after a successful season raises questions to the managerial

skills and qualities positioned at the Naturena camp. Was it beneficial for Amakhosi to delay talks and

allowing the contracts to expire on players such Itumeleng Khune, who had Sundowns willing to break

the bank for him? Business wise it had to be solved as by the duration of December just to have the

financial standings of the club stabilised furthermore. Tefu Mashamaite is probably the biggest shock of

business for Amakhosi, it’s possible to have your best player of the previous season leave your club but

it should on a much desired fee and/or the player should be moving to even greener pastures but with

Amakhosi being the greener pasture of the PSL in most cases where could the best player of the best

team head to?

Concerning their next season, Kaizer Chiefs are a team who have fallen short on numerous occasions to

make a statement in the Champions League, for them to try and do so they need character, leadership

and experience and with that being said the departure of both the latest and former captain in the likes

of Tefu Mashamaite and Itumeleng Khune will leave those factors unattended.

Mandla Masango is another player needed. Flair, speed and timing are what’s needed in Africa for a

South African team like Chiefs who had that last season in the likes of Mandla Masango. He ended the

season as Chiefs leading scorer with 9 goals in all competitions 7 League goals and 2 cup goals. His

contractual issues were questioned when his from was never questioned, unfortunately the managerial

qualities of Amakhosi is still in question.

What next for Amakhosi? Success is built on strong defence and that’s what Chiefs boast of last season.

19 clean sheets, 14 goals conceded 19 matches unbeaten in a row, 21 wins, 3 defeats, 12 points ahead

of runners-up and it took 21 matches to reach the magical 50 points. This sees the twin towers falling

apart and only one remains. Eric Mathoho, who will partner him next season?, with news coming out of

the Naturena Camp that they have secured the service of Free State Stars defender Danny Cardoso. In

my opinion they should lure the signature of Abbubaker Mobara, a perfect replacement for Tefu, left-

footed and footballing brains are needed in partnering with Mathoho and Mobara is blessed with both.

Another candidate could Siyanda Xulu who is desperate in ending his Russia-nightmare spell experience

is a strong factor of the former Mamelodi Sundowns’ defender.

The Goalkeeping department will be boasted by the depth which is there in the likes of Brilliant

Khuzwayo and Reyaad Pieterse who stepped up in Khune’s absence and did ever so brilliantly.

Shandukani Mulovhedzi can be added in as he was promoted to the first team last season

Masango’s void could come as be a blessing to the likes of Hendrick “Pule” Eksteen, Flair, speed and

timing are a potential to the upcoming Naturena favourite. The Amakhosi side is also monitoring

possible signings in the likes of Cole Alexander and Dean Furman this could give Reneilwe Letsholonyane

a much freer role for Chiefs.

Baxter’s depart is now seen as a chance for Doctor Khumalo to step up. The only a stumbling for Doctor

could be forming a much forceful team compared to the last one in the absence of Baxter and now his

African awareness and intelligence will be put to test in the Champions League. Another candidate in

question is Steve Khomphela a coach who is always willing to implement his philosophy whenever he

takes over a club.

Amakhosi now restructured after such a successful. They say; don’t fix what’s not broken. Amakhosi will

have a whole different starting 11 come the start of next season.

More of the players leaving the club:

 Katlego Mphela

 Siyabonga Nkosi

 Josta Dladla

 Levy Mokgothu (Loan)

 Simphiwe Mtsweni (Loan)

 Chris Matombo (Loan)

 Zitha Macheke (Loan)

 Phakamani Mnagi (Loan)

Vuyolethu Sithatu

Flamboyance, Showboating is South Africa’s Kasi Flavour

Football a very tactical sport, and yet more decorated and entertaining when it’s played less tactically. From the hot South American beaches and streets of Brazil, to the brown and dusty township grounds of South Africa, all southern but the quality of skills ranks up there at the top. “Skills” in football is not a farfetched definition but yet can be two sided, but when it comes to these two nations; Brazil and South Africa “skill” to them is a significant way of making love to the beautiful sphere ball. It’s how they tell their love story.
A skill in their definition is “dribbling” or better said “flair”, and they continuously add weight to it.  The beautiful game of football continuously keeps on evolving, from the Dutch playing “Total Football” and the Spanish and the Catalans playing and dominating the footballing scenes for a few numbers of years with their “Tiki-Taka” style of play.
The Styles of play has seen South Africa labelling their display of showboating and flamboyance as “kasi Flavour”, Kasi being referred to as the townships.  
This type of football has been the key to drawing fans to the stadiums from the early 70’s till today but many have questioned the reason behind the growing number of empty seats at stadiums and besides considering the factor that broadcaster have made it easier for us to select from a variety of matches to watch from almost the biggest leagues of the world. But with that being considered the teams from outside have huge crowds of supporters as the 12-man factor to the teams. And with fairness they justify that by stating that their teams possess the necessary quality of players. Barcelona fans know they're going to see Messi score not 1 but two to three goals and Suarez nutmeg the opposition, Neymar displaying his homeland qualities which is Flair. Real Madrid fans are assured to see a few step overs from Cristiano Ronaldo, and some trickery by Marcelo and champaign passes by Modric.
But what do South African‘s players and teams offer to their supporters?  Yes we know it’s important to win but flair has forever been the style of play for South Africans that cannot be taken away or erased. Most analyst have considered it a tactical setback when teams field skilful players from the get go, they state that the players are consistently displaying flair sometimes when it’s not necessary so they believe that when a player is holding on to ball longer than they are supposed to they slow down the teams momentum going forward and tactically it’s usually not aligned with the team’s tactics.
Bringing in flair or better said in South African terms “kasi flavour” in play should be a tactically approach, but in most cases teams allow players to do so when they up and leading with a comfortable goal margin. Some do apply the “kasi flavour” moving forward with play and they use it as a tool of creating goal scoring opportunities and also to minus the opposition number. A few players who have given coaches that tactical satisfaction is Sifiso Myeni, George Lebese, Thabo Qalinge, Khama Billiat, and Sifiso Vilakazi just  to name a few. They are mostly wide/winger players and they are tasked with stretching play, so for them, going forward is always going to be contested so that’s when the opposition’s full back comes in the picture and as the winger you have to see your way past the defender.  That’s when the “kasi flavour” magic works.
The latest discovery of flamboyance to the PSL has been Orlando Pirates’ Thabo Rakhale, after making a return from Polokwane City where he was loaned he started to feature in the Multichoice Diski Challenge where he built his confidence and now he is plying his trades of ”kasi flavour” in the PSL. Not so long ago “Jomo” as he is nicknamed executed a beautiful “yo-yo” trickery which had the footballing society going wild and the skill getting worldwide recognition.
From back in the days of Professor Ngubane, Jomo Sono, 16v Doctor Khumalo, China Masondo and Zane Moosa; they had crowds filling up the stadiums till the touchline with their exciting brand of football and the following generation also lived up to expectations when it came flair, flamboyance trickery or showboating, whatever you call it but best said as “Kasi Flavour”. The likes of Jabu Pule (now Mahlangu), Steve Lekolea, Stanton Fredrick, Thabiso “Skaaps” Malatsi they followed up and continued the brilliance of “kasi Flavour”.
They too, weren't the last to grace the soccer fraternity with wonderful scenes of showboating or better said with some "kasi flavour", next to follow was an exciting East Rand Amakhosi discovery, the late  Emmanuel Asanda "Scara" Ngobese who was a pleasure to watch for both Kaizer Chiefs fans and rival teams in the PSL.  The only coach that brought out the best of Scara Ngobese was non other than Ted Dumitru, as coach who knew and understood the culture of flamboyance and flair of South Africans. Yet another soul that was responsible for filling up those grandstands. May  he continue to rest in peace.
The question of success for South Africa and its national teams should not be shadowed by our footballing identity or the way players express themselves as players or how they express their comfort with the ball. Brazil, Spain and, in much fairness and less accolades Holland has tasted quite enough success to justify that their style of play and that it is their identity and better said their winning strategy.

Winning methods in football are forever changing and sometimes re-used and for us as South Africa, if we do find tactical approaches to playing the South African way we should not turn a blind eye to it because I believe it’s important to widen our tactical awareness together with our technical abilities and football knowledge. South Africans should not embrace the question in thought, of whether to forbid and forsake the beautiful style of play we as supporters continuously keep on falling in love with. Performing a trick in a stationery position won’t have the winning train motion but surely the winning mentality in our skin.


By Vuyolethu Sithatu

Chiefs Striking Depart [ture/ment]

Too many it can be said that the striking department of Kaizer Chiefs has been shadowed by the departure of Kingston Nkhatha; Nkhatha a victim to the boo-boys of some Kaizer Chiefs’ fan, had his move to SuperSport activated early than expected as he had just signed a Pre-contract to join them in July in January 2015. After a great start to the season by Amakhosi some have found praises for Nkhatha as they believe he has been their impact player for Chiefs despite not being clinical in front of goal. He had 20 starts for Amakhosi with 3 goals scored and 3 assists to his name. His presence in the Chiefs team has been vital, his movement off the ball speaks volume, his ability to make space for the midfielders and opening up the defence of many teams has seen Chiefs’ midfielders score quite a few goals for themselves in the opening of the season. Since the departure of Nkhatha Chiefs has now failed to score in 4 of their opening 5 league matches of the second round.
Is the absence of Nkhatha felt? Tactically he was valuable to Baxter’s Formation, now that he is gone who will step in?

 In the First half of the season Chiefs saw:
Siphelele Mthembu start one game and made 16 appearances from the bench scoring 2 goals and no assist.

Matthew Rusike in the first round made two appearances and did not salvage a goal or an assist.

Bernard Parker had a quiet start to the season  but with a positive number of 15 appearances on which 11 were starts and he used those appearances to score 4 goals and make 3 assists

Katlego Mphela featured only once in the Amakhosi team in the first round and that was enough to see himself part of the scorers for Amakhosi in the first round with only 1 goal to his name.

In totally the 4 remaining strikers excluding David Zulu have scored 7 goals in 35 appearances all together, this means that a single goal is scored in every 5th match between these strikers.


Coming to the opening of 2015 and its matches, Mandla Masango remains the only goalscorer for Chiefs in the Second round, scoring a vital goal against Ajax Cape Town.
Chiefs are now left with 5 strikers, Bernard Parker, Siphelele Mthembu, Katlego Mphela, David Zulu and Matthew Ruisike. Now question is who Coach Stuart Baxter will turn to for the goals.  With Parker being favoured more as a Number #10 and not being a natural No.9 the options are trimmed down to 4. And with 4 options to look at, there can only be two options for Coach Baxter, its either they replace Nkhatha with a similar player, and with that option being considered, their best option would be fellow countryman of Nkhatha; Matthew Ruisike, a player who is now much developed in structure compared to his days at Jomo Cosmos, can be a nuisance to the opposing defence, but then he too is not favoured as clinical. If time would be taken to allow him to learn and emulate what Nkhatha did for the Phefeni Glamour Boys in the first round Chiefs might see their midfielders backing in goal scoring form  and head to clinch the league as they are leading but then time is not on their side.

Their second option would be bringing back MaLeMa into their system. The MaLeMa: (Masango-Lebese-Maluleka) combination saw Chiefs not feeling the absence of injured experienced duo Simphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker on the opening occasions of the season. The MaLeMa threat provided Chiefs with a much more impressive dimension to their game and also having an impact on players like Letsholonyane and Katsande who were also vital in the Chiefs build-up going forward and re-tracking in defence. MaLeMa was instrumental and it saw Chiefs bear wonderful fruits, goals and assist all in all. They produced an impressive total of 14 goals with just 60 appearances all together as a midfield combination.

George Maluleka - 3 Goals and 3 Assists in 18 appearances
George Lebese  - 5 Goals and 5 Assists in 19 appearances
Mandla Masango – 6 Goals and  Assists in  23 appearances
*Stats based on the impressive first round of Chiefs Season

A health start to the season and with a healthy lead now being cut short game by game and with the season reaching the high road which saw Chiefs stumble and give away the league to Sundowns last season, with pressure mounting up for their strike force concerns, for their lack of goals in numerous games filled with brilliant performances, the question asked is, what plan?, what route? And which striker will the mastermind tactician Coach Stuart Baxter resort to?

Diski Challenge Team of the Week

The MultiChoice Diski Challenge concluded last weekend at the Nike Football Training Centre where University of Pretoria were crowned the first ever champions.

Tuks won the thrilling final 2-1 on penalties after the teams finished the match tied 2-2.

The third place went to Mpumalanga Black Aces, who defeated SuperSport United 2-1 in regulation time.

supersport.com brings you the Team of the Week after the last two matches that produced six goals.

Lebogang Ngubeni is in goals following his outstanding performance in the final where he denied Sundowns on numerous occasions. He also kept his form during the penalty shootouts, stopping two kicks while two more missed the target, resulting in the opponents scoring only once.

The defence is made up of Tuks' duo Grant Kekana, who was the captain in the absence of Mpho Maruping, and right-back Itumeleng Nkwana. Sundowns' centre-back Jason Skippers completes the backline.

Kekana led from the front as the skipper, combining with Alan Robertson to cancel Sundowns' moves around their box. Resulting in the experienced duo of Lebogang Mokoena and Rodney Ramagalela being frustrated. Their defensive partner Nkwana was also solid against the dangerous left attacking side of their rivals which had the skillful Tshepo Ntlaba and tricky Percy Tau.

Skippers got the judges' vote following his superb showing against the lanky striker Lucky Mathosi, who was making his return after being with the first team, and the pacey Dikgang Ngcobo.

The five men midfield has Sundowns' pair Tau and Ntandoyenkosi Ngubane, James Bell from Aces, SuperSport's Etam Mbebe and the versatile Sifiso Nzimande from Tuks.

Nzimande, who can also play as a left-back, will draw back to assist the three defenders when the team is defending. The central midfield positions will be occupied by Ngubane and Mbebe, who both enjoyed themselves when operating in the same position last weekend and had a number of chances to score.

Tau and Bell will operate on the wings, following their impressive displays. Tau assisted both goals for Sundowns and had two goals disallowed late in extra time. Bell was lively against SuperSport where he started most of the moves and was unlucky not to score.

The striking force has Tuks' duo Botshelo Mfulwane and Dikgang Ngcobo, who were both on the score sheet in the final. Mfulwane opened the scoring when he tapped Nzimande's cross into the back of the net. Ngcobo converted a penalty to equalise and took the match to penalties.

The pair contributed seven goals for Tuks in the tournament, with Mfulwane netting four times and came one short to be a joint top scorer.

Team of the Week

Goalkeeper: Ngubeni (Tuks)

Defenders: Nkwana (Tuks), Skippers (Sundowns), Kekana (Tuks)

Midfielders: Nzimande (Tuks), Ngubane (Tuks), Mbebe (SuperSport), Bell (Aces), Tau (Sundowns)

Strikers: Ngcobo (Tuks), Mfulwane (Tuks)

Substitutions: Ngobeni (Sundowns), Robertson (Tuks), Zulu S (Sundowns), Mashiane (SuperSport), Moseamedi, Nodada (Aces), Hlatshwayo (Sundowns), Zulu K (SuperSport)

Tuks looking foward to Dutch trip

The players of University of Pretoria, the newly crowned champions of the inaugural MultiChoice Diski Challenge, are excited about going to the Netherlands later this month.

Tuks won the tournament after beating rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw. As their reward, the youngsters will embark on a trip to Europe for an eight-day training camp.

Grant Kekana, who was captain on the day in the absence of the injured Mpho Maruping, spoke about his excitement about the tour.

"This is what we've been wanting the whole time. It's just about us getting back to the basics, going to train and prepare well so that we don't disappoint, not only ourselves, but the whole country as well," he said.

Lebogang Ngubeni, who only conceded one of five spot-kicks and was voted man of the match, burst with joy when asked if he's looking forward to the trip.

"Yes, that was the main focus actually. You know, winning and going overseas isn't just a trip at Alberton. So we are actually looking forward to it, I can't wait."

Maruping, who couldn't help but watch from the sidelines as his teammates fought hard on the field, said he wished they were heading there already.

"We can’t even wait. We were thinking we are flying tomorrow already but they are telling us it's going to be around March or April, I'm not sure. But anyway, we can't wait to fly," said the winning captain.

Striker Dikgang Ngcobo is also joyful about going to Europe after contributing three goals on their journey to lifting the trophy.

"Yeah obviously (we are looking forward), we've been wanting to go to Netherlands. They have got their passports and the visas are being processed so we are looking forward to going there."

Left-back Junior Sibande echoed the same, "Yeah we're going to start preparing for the trip. We are looking forward to be there and represent South Africa."

Sifiso Nzimande was one of the top performers during the final and assisted the opening goal. He also can't wait for the experience.

"We're definitely looking forward to it. We'll have to start preparing visas." he said laughing.

Lucky Mathosi, who returned to the side after being with the first team during the knockout round, is not sure if he will make the trip but is also equally pleased.

"I don't know if I'm going, but if I am, yeah I'm looking to the trip and the experience,"said the lanky striker.

Tuks will be hosted by the Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) when they depart on March 21. Their trip will be made up of a four-day training camp and friendly matches against selected sides of the Dutch league (Eredivisie).

Tuks crowned Diski Challenge champs

University of Pretoria became the first team to lift the MultiChoice Diksi Challenge trophy after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on penalties in the final at the Nike Football Training Centre in Pimville, Soweto on Saturday afternoon.

The match had finished 2-2 after extra time.

Botshelo Mfulwane opened the scoring in the 13th minute when he tapped Sifiso Nzimande's cross into the back of the net, scoring his fourth goal of the competition.

Sundowns were level six minutes later after defender Rheece Evans headed Percy Tau's free past Lebogang Ngubeni, whose slight touch wasn't enough to keep the ball out.

The match failed to produce any goals in the second half and the teams went into extra time.

Sundowns got their second when veteran striker Rodney Ramagalela beat an offside trap from Tau's through pass and raced towards goals before putting the ball past the advancing Ngubeni in 100th minute..

Tuks equalised eleven minutes later after Katlego Babile handled Dikgang Ngcobo's strike. The strike took the responsibility and converted the spotkick to make it 2-2.

The winner had to be decided via the penalty shootouts, which were dominated by missed attempts.

Mfulwane and Ronald Ketjijere scored their spotkicks for Tuks while Sundowns' only successful penalty was scored by Lebohang Mokoena.

Tuks were immediately camping on the Brazilians' half in the early stages with Dikgang Ngcobo getting the first chance of the match in the 4th minute when he was put through. Keeper Thela Ngobeni was quick to react and came out to block the striker's shot.

COMBINATION

Mfulwane connected with a well taken cross by Nzimande from the left six minutes later, but his diving header went wide although it appeared to have came off a Sundowns' defender.

The same combination struck again as the left winger whipped in another cross which was sided footed to the net by the stretching Mfulwane to give Tuks the lead.

The goal awakened their opponents as they forced a double save off Ngubeni who denied Tshepo Ntlaba and Mokoena in the 17th minute.

Evans got the equaliser two minutes later as he rose unchallenged to head the ball past Ngubeni from a set piece that was taken by Tau.

The tempo of the match was on a high from there on with end-to-end action. Ntlaba came close in the 34th minute but his shot was blocked for a corner.

The start of the second half was a carbon copy of the first as Ngcobo was again put through with Ngobeni coming out to to hold onto the ball.

Evans was given space from the midfield seven minutes into the half resulting in the defender taking a shot but it was tame and the keeper collected with ease.

WISE MOVE

Ntlaba shot straight at Ngubeni after being set up by Tau in the 57th minute. Sundowns made their first change five minutes later when Mpumelelo Hlatshwayo came on for Sihle Mbhele, which proved to be a wise move as the sub made them tick.

Defender Alan Robertson caused a scare when he was stretched off in the 68th minute but he quickly returned, much to the relief of his team.

Two minutes later, Hlatshwayo missed a great chance to be a hero for Sundowns when he failed to connect with the ball. Ntlaba laid the ball to Tau who raced to loop it over Ngubeni but Hlatshwayo miscued facing an open net and the defence recovered to clear.

Evans and Ntlaba were sacrificed for Ramagalela and Bongani Fakude, who was making his return from an injury.

Sundowns dominated proceedings with the tricky Hhlatshwayo breaking the Tuks' midfield, resulting in him winning over the crowd.

Ntandoyenkosi Ngubane missed a chance to add to the three goals he has in the competition when he shot over the bar in the 83rd minute after receiving a pass from Tau.

RARE CHANCE

Tuks got a rare chance after being forced to defend for a long period but Jason Skippers cleared Nzimande's cross with the lanky Lucky Mathosi ready to pounce.

Hlatshwayo delayed to cross the ball from inside the box with a number of his teammates in anticipation as they crowded the area, he was closed down and the defence cleared.

The final chance fell to Mfulwane who misdirected a free header. The match then went into extra time.

Sundowns continued from where they left off as local boy Snethemba Zulu fired a shot from outside the box that skimmed over the post.

Ramagalela made it 2-1 when he was put through by the in-form Tau and went on to put the ball past Ngubeni as Tuks had their appeal for offside turned down.

Sensing defeat, Tuks launched an attack after attack but Ngobeni easily dealt with their crosses.

Mfulwane headed wide ten minutes later in the final seconds of the first 15 minutes of the extra time.

They got the equaliser in the 111th minute when Ngcobo converted a penalty to score his third goal of the tournament.

Two minutes later, Babile almost scored a similar free kick to the one he scored in the quarterfinals on his debut but Ngubeni read the ball well and made a great save.

Mathosi almost capitalised from a miscommunication between Motsie Matima and Fakude inside the box with four minutes remaining, but the striker was unable to control the ball.

DRAMA

More drama followed as Tau twice had the ball into the back of the net but he was denied being the hero on both. The first one was ruled offside while the second one left many wondering why it was ruled out but replays showed that the midfielder's free kick had came through the side net.

The first ever Diski Challenge champions had to be decided on the shootouts, where four Sundowns' players missed their kicks. Babile shot over while Ramagalela hit the inside of the crossbar, Ngubane and Tau had theirs saved by Ngubeni.

Three attempts from Tuks were unsuccessful with Ngobeni saving captain Grant Kekana's penatly and that of Ngcobo while Nzimande sent his over the crossbar.

Tuks won after Mfulwane and Ketjijere converted, out scoring their opponents who only scored through Mokoena.

The champions will embark on a journey to Netherlands for an eight-day training camp from March 21.

Teams

Tuks: Ngubeni, Nkwana, Sibande, Kekana, Robertson, Ketjijere, Motlhatsang, Nzimande, Mfulwane, Ngcobo, Mathosi

Sundowns: Ngobeni, Evans, Babile, Skippers, Matima, Ngubane, Zulu, Mbhele, Tau, Ntlaba, Mokoena

Aces edge United in Diski playoff

Mpumalanga Black Aces won 2-1 against SuperSport United in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge 3rd and 4th place playoff that was played at the Nike Football Training Centre in Pimville, Soweto on Saturday.

Aces opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Zanele Mbiyozo before Kwanele Zulu equalised five minutes later, netting his second goal in two matches. Darren Lurie netted the winner with his fourth goal of the competition in the 44th minute.

SuperSport finished the match with ten men after captain and goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi was red carded in the second half for a foul on Lurie at the edge of the box.

AmaZayoni controlled the proceedings in the early stages of the match with midfielders James Bell and Thabo Nodada in good form.

SuperSport were also dangerous going forward as the midfield combination of Zama Rambuwane, Sidney Mtshweni and the first team's new signing Etam Mbebe looked to break the defence.

Scoring chances were few earlier on as the teams patiently studied each other looking to pounce when an opportunity arise.

Aces broke the deadlock in the 31st minute as Zanele Mbiyozo's header deflected off Karabo Seriba's back and went into the back of the net with Msibi having already committed the other direction.

Minutes later, Bell's goal bound free kick was well dealt with by Msibi who handled the powerful strike firmly.

The lead was short lived as SuperSport got the equaliser five minutes later after Kwanele Zulu capitalised from the miscommunication between keeper Cyril Mollo and Haward Mnguni, to poke the ball into the back of the net.

Aces regained the lead in the 44th minute after a brilliant team goal that started with Nodada on the right who passed to the captain Judas Moseamedi, the striker went passed a defender and laid the to Lurie. The latter drove the ball past Msibi for his four goal of the tournament.

MARCHING ORDERS

SuperSport had the ball into the back of the net seven minutes after the break but the overlapping Thabo September was flagged offside.

Zulu missed a great opportunity to double his tally in the 55th minute but his shot from six yard went over the goals.

The Pretoria side was then reduced to ten men after Msibi fouled Lurie, who only had him to beat, on the edged of the box. The referee didn't hesitate to give the Amajita keeper his marching orders.

That resulted in reserve goalkeeper Keegan Pool making his debut in the competition when SuperSport sacrificed left-back Brandon Dean.

Mbebe had a chance to get the equaliser but he missed the target on three occasions with his free kicks, which were all well taken.

The game momentarily lost momentum as the teams made a couple of replacements, which included Aces' veteran Clifford Ngobeni making way for Given Mashikinya in the 67th minute.

SuperSport had another goal ruled offside when Zulu scored from a through ball in the 57th minute.

Aces got two golden opportunities to wrap up the victory in added time but they failed to capitalise. The first culprit was Moseamedi who shot wide, he was followed by Bell who also missed the target from inside the box.

Teams

SuperSport: Msibi, Seriba, Dean (Pool '57), Ntiyantiya, September, Mtshweni, Sathekge, Rambuwane (Ngidi '46), Mbebe, Mashiane (Joost '65) , Zulu

Aces: Mollo, Kobola, Khumalo, Mnguni, Malinga, Ngobeni (Mashikinya '67), Mbiyozo, James, Nodada (Moshane '65), Moseamedi, Lurie (Ntombela '90)