Castle Lager Football Academy final 23-man squad

Castle Lager Football Academy final 23-man squad

Goalkeepers
Tshepo Sekgotla (Limpopo)
Martin Mthimkhulu (KZN)
Mpho Ndlovu (Gauteng)

Defenders
Tshepo Mathobela (North West)
Thabang Mothogwane (Gauteng)
Sello Mokhele (Free State)
Zinzan Coetzee (Northern Cape)
Happy Mashau (Mpumalanga)
Lebogang Serache (North West)
Pheko Rankonko (North West)
Sifiso Nkosi (Gauteng)
 
Midfielders
Christoffer Balie (Northern Cape)
Lonwabo Ngangalaza (Eastern Cape)
Tshepo Mokhabi (Free State)
Lloyed Mbumbe (KZN)
Sheniel Benn (Eastern Cape)
Bafana Dlamini (Mpumalanga)
Sabelo Mtshali (KZN)
Malesela Monama (Limpopo)
 
Strikers
Dawny Makgatho (Limpopo)
Dylan O’Brain {Free State)
Candy Khaukanani (Limpopo)
Bongumusa Mabuza (Mpumalanga)

Arsene Wenger says Jack Wilshere is not a smoker but must 'master' his own life after latest pictures

The 23-year-old England star, who has been photographed smoking in the past, was snapped with a shisha pipe last weekend – sparking a flood of criticism on social media.

Wilshere hit back via his own social media outlets by posting a video of his ongoing rehabilitation from ankle trouble along with the following statement: "Worry about your character not your reputation, because your character is who you are and your reputation is only what people who don't know you think about you!"

When asked about the situation, Gunners boss Wenger said: "I've spoken to him about that. He's not a smoker. He's of course sorry about what happened.

"When he is here, he has to follow the rules. This photo has been taken at half past 12 after the Super Bowl. I dont know what happened really. It's not of big interest.

"Away from the club, it is his responsibility to master his life. He had the day off the next day and went out to watch the Super Bowl.

"You have been 20 (years old), sometimes you need to ease the pressure. Today, everywhere you go people make photos, but one second of your life does not define who you are."

In January, Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was fined £20,000 and dropped from the team for smoking in the showers after a game but Wenger said of those claiming there is a 'smoking culture' at the club: "They are wrong."

Wilshere is expected to return to full training next week.

Everton v Liverpool: A look back at 10 of Steven Gerrard's highs and lows in the Merseyside derby

It began with a win and a goal-line clearance in 1999 and it could all end at Goodison Park on Saturday. Gerrard has history in this fixture with red cards, goals and every emotion in between.

Here we pick out 10 Premier League matches in which Gerrard made his presence felt on the Merseyside derby…

Liverpool 3-2 Everton – April 1999

Gerrard’s first appearance in a Merseyside derby came in a 3-2 win in 1999 when Gerard Houllier brought him on to replace Vegard Heggem with 20 minutes remaining. Liverpool were already 2-1 up thank to Robbie Fowler’s brace but Gerrard, wearing the No 28 shirt, soon had another goal to celebrate and didn’t hesitate in doing so. He clambered onto Patrik Berger’s back after the Czech volleyed in a third but there was more drama to be had before the finish. Francis Jeffers pulled one back for the visitors and Gerrard had to clear the ball off the line from Danny Cadamarteri late on. Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp were among those on hand with a pat on the back.

Liverpool 0-1 Everton – September 1999

Gerrard’s next Merseyside derby didn’t go quite as well his first as he experienced an early taste of the highs and lows that this fixture can bring. He was as one of three players sent off in an ill-tempered affair in the September meeting at Anfield. Kevin Campbell had put Everton ahead early and things heated up further when a fight between Jeffers and Sander Westerveld reduced both sides to 10 apiece. Having come on as a substitute, Gerrard soon joined them after a waist-high challenge on Campbell was punished by referee Mike Riley. Unfortunately for the midfielder, the visitors held on in stoppage time for the win.

Gerrard is shown the red card after his foul on Everton's Kevin Campbell in September 1999

Everton 1-3 Liverpool – September 2001

Just as he had two years earlier, Campbell scored the opening goal for Everton after four minutes, but this derby had a very different conclusion for Liverpool – and for Gerrard. He was enjoying something of a career high having scored in England’s 5-1 win over Germany earlier that month and this confidence was evident as he forced home a powerful equaliser across the face of goal early in the first half. That helped turn the game in Liverpool’s favour as David Unsworth subsequently brought down Emile Heskey to allow Michael Owen to score from the spot before John Arne Riise completed the comeback.

Liverpool 2-1 Everton – March 2005

Gerrard’s first Merseyside derby goal at Anfield came in the team’s glorious 2004/05 season, just months before his Champions League heroics in Istanbul. In the March fixture between the two teams, Gerrard netted the opening goal from 20-yards out when Didi Hamann tapped a free-kick his way and he went for placement to beat Nigel Martyn. Luis Garcia then doubled the lead when Martyn struggled to deal with a Fernando Morientes shot and though Milan Baros’s red card was a problem, particularly after Tim Cahill pulled one back, Liverpool held on for the win.

Gerrard scored the opening goal of the game in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Everton in March 2005

Everton 1-3 Liverpool – December 2005

This comfortable win was Liverpool’s ninth successive Premier League victory. A neat finish by Peter Crouch had given the Reds the lead before Gerrard’s deflected shot from distance also found its way beyond Martyn and low into the net. James Beattie did pull one back but Djibril Cisse soon restored the advantage and red cards for Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta in the second half made the result a formality. Indeed, Gerrard could even have added a fourth when a stunning long-range drive flew just off target.

Liverpool 3-1 Everton – March 2006

It was the same scoreline when the two teams met again just three months later but not such a good game for Gerrard as he was sent off in the first half for two bookable offences. The first was for kicking the ball away and the second came as a result of a fierce challenge on Kevin Kilbane. Fortunately for Liverpool, Momo Sissoko and Xabi Alonso won the midfield battle even in his absence and a Neville own goal followed by further efforts from Garcia and Harry Kewell were more than enough to seal the points. Even so, Rafael Benitez had a warning. “We must learn, Steven and all the players, that you can play with the brain as well as the heart,” he said.

Gerrard's tackle on Kevin Kilbane during the match at Anfield in March 2006 saw him sent off

Everton 0-2 Liverpool – Oct 2011

By 2011, Gerrard was a Liverpool legend playing under a Liverpool legend with Kenny Dalglish at the helm. The skipper was also enduring a slow start to the season as he recovered from injury and was yet to start a game by the time the team visited Everton in October. With the game goalless, Dalglish turned to Gerrard and Craig Bellamy and it had the desired effect. Everton had been controversially reduced to 10 men following Jack Rodwell’s red card and with Gerrard driving the away side on, David Moyes’ team were finally broken down late in the day thanks to goals from Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Liverpool 3-0 Everton – Mar 2012

Everton 3-3 Liverpool – Nov 2013This was surely the most spectacular performance of Gerrard’s Merseyside derby career as he became the first player since Ian Rush in 1982 to score a hat-trick in this fixture. It was also Liverpool’s biggest win over Everton in nine years and was all about the Reds captain as he became the record goalscorer in this fixture in the Premier League era. Two finishes either side of half time – one delicate and the other ferocious – set up the victory and Gerrard had the final word in the dying moments as his simple finish at the Kop End after good work by Suarez ensured he got his hands on the match-ball.

In one of the more dramatic Merseyside derbies of recent years, Gerrard provided two crucial assists to begin and conclude the flood of goals at Goodison Park. It was the captain’s corner five minutes into the game that found Philippe Coutinho at the far post for the breakthrough goal but the lead didn’t last long as Kevin Mirallas equalised within minutes. Suarez restored the lead but two second-half goals from Romelu Lukaku looked to have won the game for Roberto Martinez’s men. However, Gerrard’s free-kick found Daniel Sturridge with a minute remaining and the England striker headed home to keep Liverpool in second spot.

The 3-3 derby in 2013 was fiercely contested and resulted in Daniel Sturridge's late equaliser

Liverpool 4-0 Everton - Jan 2014

Liverpool were still maintaining their push by the time of the return fixture and blew Everton away in a 4-0 win at Anfield. It was Gerrard who got the scoring underway when he eluded Lukaku and Gareth Barry to power home Suarez’s corner and within 15 minutes Sturridge had added two more goals to put Liverpool out of sight. Suarez added a fourth in the second half and Gerrard might have completed the rout had he not allowed Sturridge to assume penalty duties in search of his hat-trick only for the deputy to blaze the ball over the bar.

And finally…

Steven Gerrard: Celebrating again?

Even in his most recent Merseyside derby there was the stunning free-kick that opened the scoring in a 1-1 draw, while there was an FA Cup equaliser in a game of the same score back in 2009. The Merseyside derby won’t be the same without him and there’s still the possibility of a Europa League meeting between the two teams later this season. Does the Liverpool icon have one last heroic performance left against Everton or will the emotions get the better of him? We’ll find out on Saturday Night Football…

Watch Everton v Liverpool  this Saturday

Kaka Names His Best Player Ever

Brazil legend, Kaka, has revealed who he believes is the best player he has ever seen - and it’s not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 32-year-old, who is currently preparing for his first MLS season with Orlando City, has insisted his former national teammate, Ronaldo de Lima, is the best player he has seen. 

“For me, the best players are those who are able to think of a play and execute it quickest and in the best way possible, and Ronaldo Nazario has been the best at that,” Kaka said in a press conference on Orlando’s media day.

“The speed of thought that he had – and the speed he had to carry out his actions – were perfect. It was something amazing.

“I’ve thought a lot about other players before. I think he was a phenomenon.”

Ronaldo won the FIFA World Player of the Year three times as well as two World Cups with Brazil.

He is also the second highester goal-scorer for the Selecao, with 62 goals in 98 games, but failed to win the Champions League at club level.

Kaka, meanwhile, has played alongside greats like Ronaldinho as well as Cristiano Ronaldo during his illustrious career - which included spells at clubs such as AC Milan and Real Madrid.

Do you agree with Kaka that Ronaldo is best ever player? Have your say in the comments section below. 

By Soccer Laduma

Kaka Shines On US Debut

Brazil legend Kaka has scored a goal and assisted another one on his debut for Orlando City SC.

The 32-year-old captained his new side and was influential in the 4-0 victory over FC Dallas.

The game was the club’s first pre-season outing and Kaka’s first appearance for the club.

Kaka joined the MLS side from AC Milan on a free contract this season after being loaned to Brazilian club, Sao Paulo, last year.

The former Real Madrid and Milan star scored Orlando’s third goal from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, before being withdrawn at half time.

The Brazilian, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2007 and was part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning squad, has made 89 appearances for the Selecao, scoring 29 goals.

Do you think Kaka moved to the MLS too early? Have your say in the comments section below.

by Soccer Laduma

Confirmed Tranfers

CONFIRMED:

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Colombian World Cup star Juan Cuadrado for around £27 million from Fiorentina.

German Bundesliga side VFL Wolfsburg have signed Chelsea star Andre Schurrle for around £20 million.

Manchester United winger, Wilfried Zaha, has completed a permanent move to Crystal Palace on a four-year deal.

Tottenham Hotspur winger, Aaron Lennon, has joined Everton on loan for the remainder of the season.

Chelsea midfielder, Mohamed Salah, has joined Fiorentina on loan until the end of the season.

Manchester United midfielder, Darren Fletcher, has joined West Brom on a free.

Benfica midfielder Filip Djuricic has joined Southampton on loan until the end of the season.

Nigeria striker Yakubo has joined Reading on a free transfer, signing a deal until the end of the season.

Juventus signed AC Milan striker Alessandro Matri, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Genoa, on loan until the end of the season. The 30-year-old is supposed to fill the gap left by Sebastian Giovinco, who joined Toronto FC.

Leicester sign Stoke's Robert Huth on loan until the end of the season.

Milan signed Luca Antonelli for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year contract from Genoa.

Inter loaned Newcastle's Davide Santon until the rest of the season. 

Chelsea defender, Ryan Bertrand, has moved his loan move to Southampton permanent, the 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Saints.

Diski Challenge Team of the Week

The MultiChoice Diski Challenge returned with a bang at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban last weekend.

An impressive 12 goals were scored in the four quaterfinals matches, as the youngsters showed no signs of rustiness following a three-month break. Instead, what was visible was the hunger to succeed and eagerness to shine on a bigger stage.

SuperSport United, University of Pretoria, Mpumalanga Black Aces and Mamelodi Sundowns are the four remaining teams in the tournament after winning their epic last-eight clashes.

supersport.com brings you the players who made it to the Team of the Week, which is our regular feature.

Dumisani Msibi from SuperSport United gets the nod for the goalkeeping spot. The Piet Retief-born youngster produced a solid performnce against Platinum Stars, continuing from where he left off when he helped Amajita win the Commonwealth Cup in Russia recently.

The defence features Aces' Doctor Mampuru at right back and Sifiso Nzimande from Tuks, who will operate at the left-back position. Mampuru was voted man of the match against Bloemfontein Celtic, while Nzimande was instrumental against Pirates with his overlapping runs.

The pair of Mokone Mereko from Celtic and Sundowns' Motjeka Madisha will occupy the centre-back spots. Mereko produced a stellar display against Aces, they only conceded through an unfortunate own goal. Amajita's captain Motjeka was impressive against Polokwane City and won the man-of-the-match award.

In midfield, the talented Zama Rambuwane and Denver Mukamba, who scored a brace against Pirates, take the wing positions. Rambuwane created both goals for SuperSport and was voted man of the match. Mukamba was very impressive for Tuks with his performance also earning him the man-of-the-match award.

City's Sibusiso Msibi gets a spot in central midfield following a superb showing against Sundowns. He is joined by Percy Tau, who was his opponent. The left-footed youngster played a huge role as the Brazilians won the clash 2-0.

Upfront, Tuks' Botshelo Mfulwane will be partnered by Letsie Koapeng from Pirates. Mfulwane seemed to enjoy himself playing as a striker against the Buccaneers, where he could have scored a couple of goals.

Koapeng could have easily got a hat-trick against Tuks, where he opened the scoring in the first minute. He also had another goal disallowed later in the match. His strike rate in the competition is very impressive, scoring twice in the two games he played.

On the bench, Aces' Cyril Mollo takes the reserve goalkeeper spot following his heroics against Celtic. Amajita's duo Denwin Farmer (SuperSport) and Aubrey Modiba (Aces) make the list as cover for the defence.

There's also the impressive Stars' 15-year-old Kobamelo Kodisang, skillful midfielder Dumisani Zuma from Celtic, as well as the tricky Tuks' winger Khethukuthula Zwane.

City's central-mifielder Bhekuthando Mmema and Katlego Babile, who scored a brilliant free kick for Sundowns, complete the bench.

Team of the Week

Goalkeeper: Msibi (SuperSport)

Defenders: Mampuru (Aces), Nzimande (Tuks), Mereko (Celtic), Madisha (Sundowns)

Midfielders: Rambuwane (SuperSport), Mukamba (Tuks), Tau (Sundowns), Msibi (City)

Strikers: Mfulwane (Tuks), Koapeng (Pirates)

Subs: Mollo (Aces), Kodisang (Stars), Zuma (Celtic), Zwane (Tuks), Farmer (SuperSport), Babile (Sundowns), Mmema (City), Modiba (Aces)

Players to watch: Judas Moseamedi, Thabo Nodada (Aces), Zakhele Mgobhozi (SuperSport), Moses Mokasi (Pirates), Sabelo Tsambo (Stars).

AJAX

Ajax Cape Town coach Roger de Sa is satisfied with the way they did business during the recent January Transfer Window as they did just about enough in getting their targets

The Urban Warriors recalled midfielder Toriq Losper who was on-loan at Bidvest Wits for the first half of the season, and they also secured Erwin Isaacs from them on-loan until the end of the season.

"We are happy with how things turned out in the transfer window for us. We initially wanted to get one player in every position, so we've managed to get two out of three.

"We weren't a side who will go out and spend big money, but we managed to do enough," De Sa told the club's website.

The former Orlando Pirates man confirms that they managed to hold onto the sought-after player Nazeer Allie while he sings the praises of Losper whose loan spell has turned him into a complete player.

"We brought Toriq Losper back to the club and brought in Erwin Isaacs as well. We were looking to bring in a centre-back, but we weren't able to get him. We have managed to hold onto Nazeer Allie, although he only has six months left on his contract.

"Dominic Isaacs is training again, hopefully he'll be fit and ready to go again for us. I see Erwin as a winger who can play on both the left and right sides. He is a wide player who gives us options because we eventually had to start converting players in the latter stages of the first half of the season.

"I have worked with him before, so I know what he is capable of. He definitely adds a lot of value to our squad and we look forward to seeing what he has to offer. Losper has added so much to his game while he was at Wits. I see him as a complete player now," De Sa said.

The Capetonians get their season up and running again at home to Polokwane City on February 11http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4667/sa-psl/2015/02/04/8591412/roger-de-sa-solves-ajaxs-problem-on-the-wings?ICID=SP

Source:  GOAL.com

Striking Force For Amakhosi?

Kaizer Chiefs Have Seen Kingston Nkhatha leave the club earlier than expect, having  been consistently in the starting line up who should step up as the main number 9.

They have Parker who is more of an utility player up front for Amakhosi.
Mthembu who is trying to regain the goal scoring form he had at Platinum Stars.
Mphela who has recovered from his long injury which he sustained in the first half of the season.
David Zulu the new signing has had a good run with Chippa.

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