Police in Berlin reported an increase in petty crime during the first three weeks of the World Cup, with assault and pickpocketing leading the way.
Some 1,459 more petty crimes were registered from June 6-29, compared to the same period a year ago, according to police statistics released Friday.
A police spokesman said the increase had been expected and was not unusual for a mega event like the World Cup.
"The fans have been friendly and well-behaved, which helped us enormously in carrying out our duties," said police director Dieter Glietsch.
There had been no incidents of hooliganism or neo-Nazi activity, he said, putting this down to effective policing and security measures imposed ahead of the tournament.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Some news NOT from 2010
This is a report from Germany today. I guess that this is something that we don't really have to worry about here in Gold 'ol SA. Imagine how cool it would be if the crime INCREASED?
SOUTH AFRICA TO FACE INDIA IN FOUR TEST SERIES
The SPAR South African women’s hockey team is to play a SPAR Challenge test series against India, in Stellenbosch next month, as part of their preparations for the World Cup in Spain later this year.
Although South Africa is ranked higher than India in world hockey, the Test series should be a tough one for the home side. India, ranked 13th in the world against South Africa’s world ranking of 11, are the current Asian champions, and were silver medalists at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne earlier this year.
South African coach Jenny King is excited at the prospect of the series. “We look forward to playing the Commonwealth Games silver medalists in our own back yard,” she said. “Their speed and style of play mean that our team will be stretched to the limit if they are to succeed in the four-match series.
“The timing of the series is ideal in our build-up to the World Cup in September. India will highlight areas that we need to fine-tune before our departure for Spain. The series will also give us much needed match practice, as well as international experience for our less experienced players,” she added.
“The South African public will be treated to some highly-skilled, counter-attack hockey which should lead to some exciting encounters throughout the week.”
The Indian coach, MK Kaushik was also enthusiastic about the coming series. “We are looking forward to the Test series,” he said. “South Africa are known to be one of the most competitive teams in world hockey, and with the two teams being ranked so close together in the world rankings, we can expect an exciting and well balanced series.”
The Tests will be played at 18h30 on the 25th, 26th and 28th July, and the final Test will be played at 15h00 on Saturday July 29.
The series will be the first since South Africa’s inspirational captain, Lindsey Carlisle, announced her retirement from international hockey, and will give the players an opportunity to get used to playing under a new captain.
The team is expected to be announced in the next few days.
Although South Africa is ranked higher than India in world hockey, the Test series should be a tough one for the home side. India, ranked 13th in the world against South Africa’s world ranking of 11, are the current Asian champions, and were silver medalists at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne earlier this year.
South African coach Jenny King is excited at the prospect of the series. “We look forward to playing the Commonwealth Games silver medalists in our own back yard,” she said. “Their speed and style of play mean that our team will be stretched to the limit if they are to succeed in the four-match series.
“The timing of the series is ideal in our build-up to the World Cup in September. India will highlight areas that we need to fine-tune before our departure for Spain. The series will also give us much needed match practice, as well as international experience for our less experienced players,” she added.
“The South African public will be treated to some highly-skilled, counter-attack hockey which should lead to some exciting encounters throughout the week.”
The Indian coach, MK Kaushik was also enthusiastic about the coming series. “We are looking forward to the Test series,” he said. “South Africa are known to be one of the most competitive teams in world hockey, and with the two teams being ranked so close together in the world rankings, we can expect an exciting and well balanced series.”
The Tests will be played at 18h30 on the 25th, 26th and 28th July, and the final Test will be played at 15h00 on Saturday July 29.
The series will be the first since South Africa’s inspirational captain, Lindsey Carlisle, announced her retirement from international hockey, and will give the players an opportunity to get used to playing under a new captain.
The team is expected to be announced in the next few days.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tour de France, SA Style
So, South Africa's leading cyclist has started a diary. One big problem I have with it is that Robert has no idea how to use the Shift key. Robert, it's that big one on the left and if you miss it, you have a second chance on the right of your keyboard. i cannot stand people who use i instead of I.
If you want to see what robert is up to, go to http://www.roberthunter.net and read his diary and what is training is like. Good news is that robert hardly ever reaches Paris/paris so it won't be a long read.
Here is some from the site...
If you want to see what robert is up to, go to http://www.roberthunter.net and read his diary and what is training is like. Good news is that robert hardly ever reaches Paris/paris so it won't be a long read.
Here is some from the site...
Now that the tour is right here i might as well let everybody know what i intentend to do at the tour.(or try and do).Firstly im feeling good and am as lean as i have been in many years.The only problem going into this tour is im not to sure what my condition is truely like as i have not raced in just over a month due to the shoulder operation i had.
FOUR NEW CAPS FOR SA TRI-NATIONS SQUAD
SA Rugby has announced four new caps for the forthcoming Springbok's Vodacom Tri-Nations tour to Australia and New Zealand.
They are Akona Ndungane, Jon-Paul (JP) Pietersen, Pierre Spies and Mahlatse (Chiliboy) Ralepelle.
The 28 players will convene in Johannesburg on Monday, before leaving for Australia on Thursday, July 6. The first training session is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Bryan Habana, who is recovering well from injury (rib), has been invited to the camp in order for his fitness to be assessed.
The full squad is:
Eddie Andrews, Bakkies Botha, Danie Coetzee, Jacques CronjT, Jean De Villiers, Fourie Du Preez, Os Du Randt, Jaque Fourie, Enrico Januarie, Victor Matfield, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Breyton Paulse, JP Pietersen, AndrT Pretorius, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Brent Russell, Lawrence Sephaka, John Smit (Captain), Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Solomzi Tyibilika, Albert Van Den Berg, CJ Van Der Linde, Jaco Van Der Westhuyzen, Joe Van Niekerk
They are Akona Ndungane, Jon-Paul (JP) Pietersen, Pierre Spies and Mahlatse (Chiliboy) Ralepelle.
The 28 players will convene in Johannesburg on Monday, before leaving for Australia on Thursday, July 6. The first training session is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Bryan Habana, who is recovering well from injury (rib), has been invited to the camp in order for his fitness to be assessed.
The full squad is:
Eddie Andrews, Bakkies Botha, Danie Coetzee, Jacques CronjT, Jean De Villiers, Fourie Du Preez, Os Du Randt, Jaque Fourie, Enrico Januarie, Victor Matfield, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Breyton Paulse, JP Pietersen, AndrT Pretorius, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Brent Russell, Lawrence Sephaka, John Smit (Captain), Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Solomzi Tyibilika, Albert Van Den Berg, CJ Van Der Linde, Jaco Van Der Westhuyzen, Joe Van Niekerk
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
TV Loves the Beautiful Game...
A cumulative audience of about 30 billion was expected to view the World Cup finals and break records for the world's most-watched sports event, a television chief said on Tuesday.
Figures for the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan from soccer's world governing body FIFA showed a total viewing figure of 28.8 billion.
"We estimate that the cumulative global audience for the (2006) World Cup will be more than 30 billion," said Dominik Schmid, the CEO of Infront, the company that sells the global TV rights for the World Cup on behalf of FIFA.
"Audience viewing records and market share are significantly more than in 2002 and in some countries records are being broken day after day.
"Research also shows that 40 percent more women are watching the World Cup than in 2002.
"The overall figures are not just confined to countries competing in the finals."
SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER
The total viewing audience in China for the England-Paraguay group match was 62.9 million people -- larger than the populations of England and Paraguay combined.
Figures in the host nation were significantly higher than in 2002, up 51 percent, according to the figures released by Infront on Tuesday.
Figures in North, South and Central America, Asia and the Far East and Oceania were all equally impressive.
Brazil's opening two matches attracted 60.5 million and 54.5 million viewers respectively, both achieving a market share of 90 percent in the region.
The Argentina-Mexico second-round match in Leipzig on Saturday, broadcast on Univision in the United States, attracted 6.7 million viewers, the most-watched sports event in the history of Spanish-language television in the U.S.
Schmid added that the global TV audience for the 2002 final between Germany and Brazil was 1.1 billion -- approximately one in every four people on earth.
"I am not sure the figure will be much higher this time," he said, "I think that is about as high as you can go but we will see."
The viewing figures also include viewers watching on giant screens in public places.
FIFA also reported on Tuesday that more than 11 million people had attended the fan festivals in the 12 host cities, making the finals "the biggest World Cup party ever".
The former Soviet republic of Turkmenistan is the only one of FIFA's 207 member associations not officially watching World Cup matches.
Viewers in Turkmenistan are able to receive television signals from neighbouring countries, but Schmid said: "Every other country has an agreement, including North Korea who did not take pictures in 2002."
Figures for the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan from soccer's world governing body FIFA showed a total viewing figure of 28.8 billion.
"We estimate that the cumulative global audience for the (2006) World Cup will be more than 30 billion," said Dominik Schmid, the CEO of Infront, the company that sells the global TV rights for the World Cup on behalf of FIFA.
"Audience viewing records and market share are significantly more than in 2002 and in some countries records are being broken day after day.
"Research also shows that 40 percent more women are watching the World Cup than in 2002.
"The overall figures are not just confined to countries competing in the finals."
SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER
The total viewing audience in China for the England-Paraguay group match was 62.9 million people -- larger than the populations of England and Paraguay combined.
Figures in the host nation were significantly higher than in 2002, up 51 percent, according to the figures released by Infront on Tuesday.
Figures in North, South and Central America, Asia and the Far East and Oceania were all equally impressive.
Brazil's opening two matches attracted 60.5 million and 54.5 million viewers respectively, both achieving a market share of 90 percent in the region.
The Argentina-Mexico second-round match in Leipzig on Saturday, broadcast on Univision in the United States, attracted 6.7 million viewers, the most-watched sports event in the history of Spanish-language television in the U.S.
Schmid added that the global TV audience for the 2002 final between Germany and Brazil was 1.1 billion -- approximately one in every four people on earth.
"I am not sure the figure will be much higher this time," he said, "I think that is about as high as you can go but we will see."
The viewing figures also include viewers watching on giant screens in public places.
FIFA also reported on Tuesday that more than 11 million people had attended the fan festivals in the 12 host cities, making the finals "the biggest World Cup party ever".
The former Soviet republic of Turkmenistan is the only one of FIFA's 207 member associations not officially watching World Cup matches.
Viewers in Turkmenistan are able to receive television signals from neighbouring countries, but Schmid said: "Every other country has an agreement, including North Korea who did not take pictures in 2002."
England's Fans are Sad
To save space on this, mainly, text blog, I have posted the "Reason why England won't perform so well at the FIFA World Cup" on my picture blog. Be warned that it is a little like the Turkish joke that I posted earlier, it just is a little larger and a little cleaner.
Find out why England are not going any further by clicking here.....
Find out why England are not going any further by clicking here.....
Monday, June 26, 2006
O'Driscoll tips Wallabies over NZ
reland captain Brian O'Driscoll expects Australia to get the better of the All Blacks when the two sides meet in the Tri-Nations next week.
O'Driscoll led the Irish in defeats to both teams this month but was less impressed by New Zealand.
"You have to match New Zealand with muscle power, which the Aussies can, and I'm sure they will be out to turn over the All Blacks," he said.
"Added to that, the Aussie backline are probably smarter than New Zealand's."
Ireland ended their Tour of the southern hemisphere on Saturday with a 37-15 defeat to Australia on the back of 34-23 and 27-17 losses to the All Blacks.
And O'Driscoll said of the Wallabies: "They tend to read the game extremely well and they work out early where they think they might exploit your frailties."
New Zealand host Australia on Saturday 8 July - the first of three matches between the two teams.
Friday, June 23, 2006
WHITE'S BOK FUTURE HANGS IN THE BALANCE
The future of Springbok coach Jake White hangs in the balance after it was revealed that he has received numerous offers to coach abroad.
A scheduled press conference by SA Rugby for Friday was cancelled at the 11th hour. It had been speculated that it would have been an announcement of White's contract extension to until the Lions tour of 2009.
However SA Rugby manager of the national team Andy Marinos refuted claims that the national body had come to a decision over WhiteÆs contract but was able to confirm that it was an item on the agenda at ThursdayÆs SA Rugby Board meeting in Cape Town.
"JakeÆs contract was an item on the agenda in yesterday's meeting but it is the President's Council that makes the decision according to the constitution. The matter will be referred to the President's Council in due course. We have been in discussions about extending Jake's contract and it is a case of forward thinking about management and keeping the current core players for 2009," Marinos said.
Marinos, though, did state that White was free to consider other offers and the final decision was ultimately up to White to make.
"We canÆt prohibit him from exploring other avenues as a professional and the decision as to whether he will stay or not is one he has to make himself," Marinos said.
White tried to sidestep the issue of his contract, but admitted that he had received offers from abroad. However, he said his loyalties were with the Springbok team, at the moment.
"There have been negotiations going forward with SA Rugby but there are opportunities for me abroad. My loyalties lie with the Springboks. I donÆt know what the press conference was about and my focus at the moment is on the French Test," he said.
In all likelihood White may have won the favour of the Board as their recommendation to the PresidentÆs Council will guide the Council on whether to continue with White until 2009.
"Discussions were only brought to us some time in March. It has been a process and there is nothing we can decide outright. The Board cannot make a decision and has to go to the PresidentÆs Council and put recommendations forward," said Marinos.
Springbok captain John Smit stated that his team was happy with White at the helm. But he added there was no imminent player revolt if White's contract was not to be extended beyond 2007.
"We are very happy with Jake and I know of no players saying that they will not renew their contracts if Jake's contract is not renewed. I try and keep away from the board room circus," Smit said.
It was inevitable that White would get offers from abroad as he has mentored the Springboks with distinction taking them from the sixth place on the IRB rankings to second in the process winning the Tri- Nations and maintaining a 13 match unbeaten run at home over to years.
A scheduled press conference by SA Rugby for Friday was cancelled at the 11th hour. It had been speculated that it would have been an announcement of White's contract extension to until the Lions tour of 2009.
However SA Rugby manager of the national team Andy Marinos refuted claims that the national body had come to a decision over WhiteÆs contract but was able to confirm that it was an item on the agenda at ThursdayÆs SA Rugby Board meeting in Cape Town.
"JakeÆs contract was an item on the agenda in yesterday's meeting but it is the President's Council that makes the decision according to the constitution. The matter will be referred to the President's Council in due course. We have been in discussions about extending Jake's contract and it is a case of forward thinking about management and keeping the current core players for 2009," Marinos said.
Marinos, though, did state that White was free to consider other offers and the final decision was ultimately up to White to make.
"We canÆt prohibit him from exploring other avenues as a professional and the decision as to whether he will stay or not is one he has to make himself," Marinos said.
White tried to sidestep the issue of his contract, but admitted that he had received offers from abroad. However, he said his loyalties were with the Springbok team, at the moment.
"There have been negotiations going forward with SA Rugby but there are opportunities for me abroad. My loyalties lie with the Springboks. I donÆt know what the press conference was about and my focus at the moment is on the French Test," he said.
In all likelihood White may have won the favour of the Board as their recommendation to the PresidentÆs Council will guide the Council on whether to continue with White until 2009.
"Discussions were only brought to us some time in March. It has been a process and there is nothing we can decide outright. The Board cannot make a decision and has to go to the PresidentÆs Council and put recommendations forward," said Marinos.
Springbok captain John Smit stated that his team was happy with White at the helm. But he added there was no imminent player revolt if White's contract was not to be extended beyond 2007.
"We are very happy with Jake and I know of no players saying that they will not renew their contracts if Jake's contract is not renewed. I try and keep away from the board room circus," Smit said.
It was inevitable that White would get offers from abroad as he has mentored the Springboks with distinction taking them from the sixth place on the IRB rankings to second in the process winning the Tri- Nations and maintaining a 13 match unbeaten run at home over to years.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
The World Cup comes home.....
After losing all their World Cup final matches in Germany, a disheartened and jet-lagged Costa Rican World Cup squad returned home to face taunts from angry hecklers on Wednesday.
Receiving the loudest catcalls was national team coach Alexandre Guimaraes, who emerged from the airport to chants of of "Dog! dog!" from a small group of unhappy soccer fans.
Costa Rica lost 4-2 to Germany, 3-0 to Ecuador and 2-1 to Poland, leading to media speculation that Guimaraes, already the team's third coach in little over a year, might need to look for another job upon his return home.
One heckler, 65-year-old truck driver Leo Herrera, suggested the players might do better in an industry for which, unlike soccer, the small Central American nation is renowned for its excellence across the globe.
"Sirs: Coffee pickers are needed," read a sign he waved at the players. "The only requirement: lack of shame."
Gilberto Vargas, 65, brought with him a bucket of water, soap and towels.
"Guimaraes said they were going to wash their faces (with Poland) in their last game," he said. "But they didn't, so I'm giving him the chance now."
Receiving the loudest catcalls was national team coach Alexandre Guimaraes, who emerged from the airport to chants of of "Dog! dog!" from a small group of unhappy soccer fans.
Costa Rica lost 4-2 to Germany, 3-0 to Ecuador and 2-1 to Poland, leading to media speculation that Guimaraes, already the team's third coach in little over a year, might need to look for another job upon his return home.
One heckler, 65-year-old truck driver Leo Herrera, suggested the players might do better in an industry for which, unlike soccer, the small Central American nation is renowned for its excellence across the globe.
"Sirs: Coffee pickers are needed," read a sign he waved at the players. "The only requirement: lack of shame."
Gilberto Vargas, 65, brought with him a bucket of water, soap and towels.
"Guimaraes said they were going to wash their faces (with Poland) in their last game," he said. "But they didn't, so I'm giving him the chance now."
"Last of it's Kind" race for 2006
The Isuzu Berg River Canoe marathon that gets under way in Paarl on 12 July will be the last of it’s kind, as the construction of the new Berg River dam above Paarl looks set to remove the threat of the desperately low conditions that have dogged the race for the last two years.
The new dam will be built outside Franschhoek by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority, and with a 70 metre high wall will be the highest concrete-faced rock-fill dam in South Africa, and is scheduled to be completed before the 2007 Isuzu Berg Marathon.
That will mean that even a moderate release from the new dam will be able to ease the plight of the paddlers in a desperately dry winter.
“It is the end of an era”, said Western Cape Canoe Union chair Andre Collins, himself a veteran of 36 of these marathons. “It’s very fitting that we will be back to racing to full course from Paarl to Velddrif in the last of the “old style” Bergs before the dam is completed.”
The construction of dams on major rivers has had a significant impact on a number of major races. The Hansa Powerade Dusi was given anew lease of life with the construction of Inanda Dam, while Grassridge Dam in the Karoo paved the way for the hugely popular Hansa Powerade Fish Marathon that ends in Cradock.
“It is hard to predict whether the dam will affect the participation in the race in the future,” Collins added. “The Isuzu Berg is a tough challenge, even if there is good water in the river. Everyone who completes the race can feel that they have achieved something special.”
The Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority has worked closely with the canoeing community, and is backing slalom canoeing in the Western Cape, with the ultimate vision of establishing a slalom course below the new Franschhoek dam wall.
Stalwart Giel van Deventer, who has raced 36 of these ultra-marathons, believes that the advent of the Berg River Dam will have a positive impact on the race, but stressed that he enjoyed the challenge of racing the river as he finds it each year.
“To me it is part of the challenge to take the Berg as Mother Nature presents her every year. I liked the low Bergs as much as the flooded ones but I must admit the extreme low Bergs of less than 4 cumecs is not what one could rate as a fair challenge.”
“The effect of the dam on the race by preventing the extreme low levels will be very positive. The farmers will of course benefit much more when the extreme flood levels are tapered down because they will have less damage to their farmlands and vineyards,” van Deventer added.
The Isuzu Berg River Canoe Marathon gets under way from Paarl on Wednesday 12 July, following a time trial the previous day to settle the seeding of the top competitors, and ends at Velddrif on the West Coast on Saturday 15 July.
The new dam will be built outside Franschhoek by the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority, and with a 70 metre high wall will be the highest concrete-faced rock-fill dam in South Africa, and is scheduled to be completed before the 2007 Isuzu Berg Marathon.
That will mean that even a moderate release from the new dam will be able to ease the plight of the paddlers in a desperately dry winter.
“It is the end of an era”, said Western Cape Canoe Union chair Andre Collins, himself a veteran of 36 of these marathons. “It’s very fitting that we will be back to racing to full course from Paarl to Velddrif in the last of the “old style” Bergs before the dam is completed.”
The construction of dams on major rivers has had a significant impact on a number of major races. The Hansa Powerade Dusi was given anew lease of life with the construction of Inanda Dam, while Grassridge Dam in the Karoo paved the way for the hugely popular Hansa Powerade Fish Marathon that ends in Cradock.
“It is hard to predict whether the dam will affect the participation in the race in the future,” Collins added. “The Isuzu Berg is a tough challenge, even if there is good water in the river. Everyone who completes the race can feel that they have achieved something special.”
The Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority has worked closely with the canoeing community, and is backing slalom canoeing in the Western Cape, with the ultimate vision of establishing a slalom course below the new Franschhoek dam wall.
Stalwart Giel van Deventer, who has raced 36 of these ultra-marathons, believes that the advent of the Berg River Dam will have a positive impact on the race, but stressed that he enjoyed the challenge of racing the river as he finds it each year.
“To me it is part of the challenge to take the Berg as Mother Nature presents her every year. I liked the low Bergs as much as the flooded ones but I must admit the extreme low Bergs of less than 4 cumecs is not what one could rate as a fair challenge.”
“The effect of the dam on the race by preventing the extreme low levels will be very positive. The farmers will of course benefit much more when the extreme flood levels are tapered down because they will have less damage to their farmlands and vineyards,” van Deventer added.
The Isuzu Berg River Canoe Marathon gets under way from Paarl on Wednesday 12 July, following a time trial the previous day to settle the seeding of the top competitors, and ends at Velddrif on the West Coast on Saturday 15 July.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
SHARKS TRY NEW BLOOD
Flanker Warren Britz will play his 50th Absa Currie Cup rugby match for the Sharks when they take on the Lions in the opening round of fixtures at the Absa Stadium in Durban Friday night.
With players on call for both the Springboks and the national Under 21 side, coach Dick Muir has included four new players in the Sharks Currie Cup squad and three men who have had Super 14 runs with the team.
Fullback Carl Bezuidenhout, and prop Kees Lensing come straight into the starting lineup while JC Strauss and Ryan Kankowski are on the bench.
Those who were in the Super 14 set up are centre Andries Strauss, Jody Jenniker and Scott Mathie.
Butch James, who is back at flyhalf, will partner scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar who, along with lock Johann Muller, has been released from Jake White's Springbok squad to play Currie Cup rugby for the Sharks this weekend.
James needs nine points to reach a target of 350 in Currie Cup rugby.
Once again in the absence of John Smit with the Springboks against France at Newlands, AJ Venter assumes the captaincy role.
With players on call for both the Springboks and the national Under 21 side, coach Dick Muir has included four new players in the Sharks Currie Cup squad and three men who have had Super 14 runs with the team.
Fullback Carl Bezuidenhout, and prop Kees Lensing come straight into the starting lineup while JC Strauss and Ryan Kankowski are on the bench.
Those who were in the Super 14 set up are centre Andries Strauss, Jody Jenniker and Scott Mathie.
Butch James, who is back at flyhalf, will partner scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar who, along with lock Johann Muller, has been released from Jake White's Springbok squad to play Currie Cup rugby for the Sharks this weekend.
James needs nine points to reach a target of 350 in Currie Cup rugby.
Once again in the absence of John Smit with the Springboks against France at Newlands, AJ Venter assumes the captaincy role.
Eagle Canyon Golf Estate
Yes, it's a golf estate and yes, the houses are spectacular and yes, my last round of golf was on the the Lost City Golf Course at Sun City, how can I possibly compare the courses?
Actually, Eagle Canyon is almost as good. The condition of the course is nowhere near that of the LC and the service needs a little bit of work, but as a whole, the experiences are pretty close.
Eagle Canyon (EC) is a tough golf course. Don't let anyone try and tell you differently. Fourteen holes have water in play. You can only see the flags from the tee box on the par 3's and even that is tough sometimes. The hills are extreme and carts are suggested but not compulsary as I saw a fourball brave the course in the afternoon heat.
I shot one more shot than at the LC course, which is pretty good.
To improve and be world class, eagle canyon needs to mature. It's only a year old, if that, and some of the hazards need to expand and mature. The service needs to be better when you arrive but otherwise all was great. The halfway house was sell stocked and well served and the bar for after your round has one of the best views on the West Rand.
Prices are not cheap either, which is where I compare the LC with EC. Lower your prices and people will buy more. Just because we play golf doesn't mean it's ok to charge R10 for a beer.
Play Eagle Canyon and let me know what you think.
Actually, Eagle Canyon is almost as good. The condition of the course is nowhere near that of the LC and the service needs a little bit of work, but as a whole, the experiences are pretty close.
Eagle Canyon (EC) is a tough golf course. Don't let anyone try and tell you differently. Fourteen holes have water in play. You can only see the flags from the tee box on the par 3's and even that is tough sometimes. The hills are extreme and carts are suggested but not compulsary as I saw a fourball brave the course in the afternoon heat.
I shot one more shot than at the LC course, which is pretty good.
To improve and be world class, eagle canyon needs to mature. It's only a year old, if that, and some of the hazards need to expand and mature. The service needs to be better when you arrive but otherwise all was great. The halfway house was sell stocked and well served and the bar for after your round has one of the best views on the West Rand.
Prices are not cheap either, which is where I compare the LC with EC. Lower your prices and people will buy more. Just because we play golf doesn't mean it's ok to charge R10 for a beer.
Play Eagle Canyon and let me know what you think.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Another Committee to make more bad decisions
A high powered cricket committee has been formed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to ensure that the Proteas get the best possible preparations for the World Cup in the West Indies in March next year.
Gerald Majola, CSA CEO, on Tuesday announced the names of the committee members. They are: Mickey Arthur (National Coach and Chairperson), Gerald Majola (CEO), Vince van der Bijl (High Performance Manager), Vincent Barnes (National Assistant Coach), Graeme Smith (National Captain), Haroon Lorgat (Convenor of Selectors), Aslam Khota (Media Specialist), Jonty Rhodes, Gary Kirsten and Corrie van Zyl.
Van Zyl is a former national team assistant coach and current Free State Eagles coach. Rhodes has played in four World Cups and Kirsten in three.
Majola said: "Committee members were chosen for their experience in different fields of expertise.
"The committee will meet regularly to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are involved in this preparation programme for the World Cup including coaches, ground staff and administrators.
"We will leave no stone unturned in providing the team with the best possible preparations for the World Cup".
The 14-man Castle Test touring squad to Sri Lanka will assemble at the CSA's High Performance Centre at the University of Pretoria for a three-day training camp from July 15 - 18.
The tour, which starts next month, includes a two-Test series against Sri Lanka and an ODI-triangular series involving South Africa, India and Sri Lanka.
Gerald Majola, CSA CEO, on Tuesday announced the names of the committee members. They are: Mickey Arthur (National Coach and Chairperson), Gerald Majola (CEO), Vince van der Bijl (High Performance Manager), Vincent Barnes (National Assistant Coach), Graeme Smith (National Captain), Haroon Lorgat (Convenor of Selectors), Aslam Khota (Media Specialist), Jonty Rhodes, Gary Kirsten and Corrie van Zyl.
Van Zyl is a former national team assistant coach and current Free State Eagles coach. Rhodes has played in four World Cups and Kirsten in three.
Majola said: "Committee members were chosen for their experience in different fields of expertise.
"The committee will meet regularly to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are involved in this preparation programme for the World Cup including coaches, ground staff and administrators.
"We will leave no stone unturned in providing the team with the best possible preparations for the World Cup".
The 14-man Castle Test touring squad to Sri Lanka will assemble at the CSA's High Performance Centre at the University of Pretoria for a three-day training camp from July 15 - 18.
The tour, which starts next month, includes a two-Test series against Sri Lanka and an ODI-triangular series involving South Africa, India and Sri Lanka.
FIFA GUARANTEES TOGO PAYMENTS TO ENSURE NO FURTHER TROUBLE
FIFA headed off further World Cup boycott threats from Togo by agreeing to pay players' bonuses directly as a cash advance.
After intervening to ensure Togo played its second match against Switzerland, soccer's governing body mediated a settlement between the players and the Togo federation to ensure the buildup to its last match against France is not overshadowed by the long-running dispute.
The allocations are normally paid to national associations after the tournament.
"It is in the form of an advance to Togo, so the situation should now be left to calm down," FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said Tuesday. "I want to make clear, it is not FIFA that is playing this.
"The matter is closed ... hopefully Togo will not create any further headlines with this."
Togo is out of contention after losses to South Korea and Switzerland, but the players wanted assurances that the Togo association would honor its promise to pay them bonuses before the last match against France at Cologne on Friday.
Each team is guaranteed 7 million Swiss francs (US$5.7 million, Ç4.5 million) from FIFA for playing in the World Cup.
The players, most of whom play on small European clubs, had been seeking Ç158,000 (US$200,000) each - or Ç3.6 million (US$4.6 million) - to play in the tournament, plus Ç30,800 (US$39,000) each per win and Ç15,800 (US$20,000) per draw.
The government and soccer federation had originally offered the equivalent of Ç46,000 (US$58,000).
Neither the players, the Togo federation nor Siegler would confirm how much the players would be paid.
At the weekend, the squad traveled to Dortmund only after FIFA stepped in and warned that if the team boycotted Sunday's training and Monday's match against Switzerland it would be disqualified from the World Cup and face further sanctions from the disciplinary committee.
No team has ever boycotted a World Cup match since the tournament began in 1930.
Although admitting the Togo dispute was not good for the image of the World Cup, Siegler said he did not expect any disciplinary action against the national association because it had fulfilled all of the tournament conditions for traveling and playing.
After intervening to ensure Togo played its second match against Switzerland, soccer's governing body mediated a settlement between the players and the Togo federation to ensure the buildup to its last match against France is not overshadowed by the long-running dispute.
The allocations are normally paid to national associations after the tournament.
"It is in the form of an advance to Togo, so the situation should now be left to calm down," FIFA communications director Markus Siegler said Tuesday. "I want to make clear, it is not FIFA that is playing this.
"The matter is closed ... hopefully Togo will not create any further headlines with this."
Togo is out of contention after losses to South Korea and Switzerland, but the players wanted assurances that the Togo association would honor its promise to pay them bonuses before the last match against France at Cologne on Friday.
Each team is guaranteed 7 million Swiss francs (US$5.7 million, Ç4.5 million) from FIFA for playing in the World Cup.
The players, most of whom play on small European clubs, had been seeking Ç158,000 (US$200,000) each - or Ç3.6 million (US$4.6 million) - to play in the tournament, plus Ç30,800 (US$39,000) each per win and Ç15,800 (US$20,000) per draw.
The government and soccer federation had originally offered the equivalent of Ç46,000 (US$58,000).
Neither the players, the Togo federation nor Siegler would confirm how much the players would be paid.
At the weekend, the squad traveled to Dortmund only after FIFA stepped in and warned that if the team boycotted Sunday's training and Monday's match against Switzerland it would be disqualified from the World Cup and face further sanctions from the disciplinary committee.
No team has ever boycotted a World Cup match since the tournament began in 1930.
Although admitting the Togo dispute was not good for the image of the World Cup, Siegler said he did not expect any disciplinary action against the national association because it had fulfilled all of the tournament conditions for traveling and playing.
Monday, June 19, 2006
A PLAYER'S RIGHT TO HAVE SEX DURING THE WORLD CUP
Every four years football coaches from all over the world are faced with the same dilemma - should they let players have sex with their wives and girlfriends during the World Cup.
Most coaches try to strike the happy medium. After a period of time without women, and often after an important game, players are allowed to see their partners.
German daily Bild also talks about the phenomenon of World Cup babies. Talking of coach Juergen Klinsmann's decision to let players see their partners after their victory over Poland, Bild said: "We will know the result in 40 weeks". Oliver Khan's three-year-old son was born nine months after the 2002 World Cup, it points out.
Sven-Goran Eriksson had decided not to let his players see their partners until after the group stage but he changed his mind following their below-par performance against Paraguay and let the players have a "ladies day" before their second group game.
Dutch players' wives and girlfriends are based 25 kilometres from their team-base and Spanish players need to find a room away from their headquarters in Kamen if they want to see their partners because although coach Luis Aragones allows players to see their wives and girlfriends they cannot do so in the team hotel.
The Italians have had porn channels in their hotel rooms blocked on the orders of coach Marcello Lippi. It remains to be seen if they are to be unblocked after the Italians tetchy performance against the US when they seemed to be taking their frustrations out - in the form of elbows and kicks - on the American players.
Advocates of the "total abstinence" philosophy include Costa Rican boss Alexandre Guimaraes and Ecuador's Luis Fernando Suarez - the theory seems to have worked for the latter rather better than it has for the former.
The Mexican hotel is also a bunker where not even families can enter let alone wives and girlfriends. Sex is not banned but if it is going to happen it will not be taking place in the in the team's headquarters.
The Brazilians are at the other end of the scale with coach Carlos Alberto Parreira saying: "Sex has never been, and never will be, banned." Although the liberal Samba stars boss does prefer that it doesn't happen in the team hotel on the eve of a game.
Parreira admits that it is a dilemma. He says: "If I let the players have sex then people accuse me of being irresponsible. If I ban it then they say "how can you prohibit sex in the 21st century."
Not even analysing which approach the eventual winners of the tournament had taken will help us reach a conclusion on what is a complex issue.
It's a can of worms and that is without getting into the, still taboo, subject of players who might have other sexual preferences and those, without wives or girlfriends, who might want to find one of the many prostitutes supposedly working overtime during this tournament. That's another story entirely.
Most coaches try to strike the happy medium. After a period of time without women, and often after an important game, players are allowed to see their partners.
German daily Bild also talks about the phenomenon of World Cup babies. Talking of coach Juergen Klinsmann's decision to let players see their partners after their victory over Poland, Bild said: "We will know the result in 40 weeks". Oliver Khan's three-year-old son was born nine months after the 2002 World Cup, it points out.
Sven-Goran Eriksson had decided not to let his players see their partners until after the group stage but he changed his mind following their below-par performance against Paraguay and let the players have a "ladies day" before their second group game.
Dutch players' wives and girlfriends are based 25 kilometres from their team-base and Spanish players need to find a room away from their headquarters in Kamen if they want to see their partners because although coach Luis Aragones allows players to see their wives and girlfriends they cannot do so in the team hotel.
The Italians have had porn channels in their hotel rooms blocked on the orders of coach Marcello Lippi. It remains to be seen if they are to be unblocked after the Italians tetchy performance against the US when they seemed to be taking their frustrations out - in the form of elbows and kicks - on the American players.
Advocates of the "total abstinence" philosophy include Costa Rican boss Alexandre Guimaraes and Ecuador's Luis Fernando Suarez - the theory seems to have worked for the latter rather better than it has for the former.
The Mexican hotel is also a bunker where not even families can enter let alone wives and girlfriends. Sex is not banned but if it is going to happen it will not be taking place in the in the team's headquarters.
The Brazilians are at the other end of the scale with coach Carlos Alberto Parreira saying: "Sex has never been, and never will be, banned." Although the liberal Samba stars boss does prefer that it doesn't happen in the team hotel on the eve of a game.
Parreira admits that it is a dilemma. He says: "If I let the players have sex then people accuse me of being irresponsible. If I ban it then they say "how can you prohibit sex in the 21st century."
Not even analysing which approach the eventual winners of the tournament had taken will help us reach a conclusion on what is a complex issue.
It's a can of worms and that is without getting into the, still taboo, subject of players who might have other sexual preferences and those, without wives or girlfriends, who might want to find one of the many prostitutes supposedly working overtime during this tournament. That's another story entirely.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
ECONOMISTS USE MATHEMATICAL MODELS IN PICKING WORLD CUP WINNER
Economists shunning hunches and hearsay have put their mathematical models to work in picking the likely World Cup winner, a news report said on Sunday.
The money men at UBS, ABN Amro and Goldman Sachs banks in Singapore resorted to the statistical tools of finance.
According to UBS, Italy will lift the cup on July 9, while ABN Amro and Goldman Sachs named Brazil the likely victor, according to the forecasts in The Sunday Times.
The UBS economist took a model developed in the 1960s to predict whether a country would be in a recession or boom phase and adapted it for the world's biggest football tournament.
"The model is used to predict the probability of an event happening and that is what we are trying to do with the World Cup," Andreas Hofert was quoted as saying.
He looked at data such as the team's world ranking, its track record in the competition and how many of the top 120 players are in its squad.
After running the formula sequentially through all the games in the draw, Hofert came up with an Italy-Brazil final and Italy the winner.
ABN Amro's economists looked at similar data, but their model produced a different result, with Brazil beating France in the final and Italy knocked out by France in the quarter-finals.
The economists at Goldman Sachs said Brazil came up tops with a 12.4 per cent chance of winning.
So far, UBS and ABN Amro consider their calculations quite reliable, but even the economists said their predictions are not always right.
"I wouldn't bet on them," Hofert told the newspaper.
The money men at UBS, ABN Amro and Goldman Sachs banks in Singapore resorted to the statistical tools of finance.
According to UBS, Italy will lift the cup on July 9, while ABN Amro and Goldman Sachs named Brazil the likely victor, according to the forecasts in The Sunday Times.
The UBS economist took a model developed in the 1960s to predict whether a country would be in a recession or boom phase and adapted it for the world's biggest football tournament.
"The model is used to predict the probability of an event happening and that is what we are trying to do with the World Cup," Andreas Hofert was quoted as saying.
He looked at data such as the team's world ranking, its track record in the competition and how many of the top 120 players are in its squad.
After running the formula sequentially through all the games in the draw, Hofert came up with an Italy-Brazil final and Italy the winner.
ABN Amro's economists looked at similar data, but their model produced a different result, with Brazil beating France in the final and Italy knocked out by France in the quarter-finals.
The economists at Goldman Sachs said Brazil came up tops with a 12.4 per cent chance of winning.
So far, UBS and ABN Amro consider their calculations quite reliable, but even the economists said their predictions are not always right.
"I wouldn't bet on them," Hofert told the newspaper.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Winged Foot has a Thorn or two
As is the case at almost every U.S. Open the course grabs more attention than the players and this year Winged Foot Golf Club is once again stealing the majority of headlines.
Tucked away in the leafy suburbs of Westchester county just outside of New York city, at first glance Winged Foot appears as inviting as the multi-million dollar mansions nestled against its lush fairways.
But lurking behind Winged Foot's manicured facade is a green monster, the longest course in U.S. Open history made meaner by tight fairways, jungle-like rough, rock hard undulating greens and gusting winds.
The 1974 U.S. Open staged here is still referred to as 'the massacre of Winged Foot' when Hale Irwin won with a seven-over par total and a duffer-like score could be the winning total again this year.
The course added a few more big name scalps to its trophy case on Friday, when world number one Tiger Woods and defending champion Michael Campbell failed to make the cut with two-round totals of 12-over.
The two men had plenty of company at the exit, world number eight Sergio Garcia also making an early exit with a 16-over while world number 10 David Toms threw in the towel after an opening round 79.
MARGINAL SHOTS
"The golf course is very difficult," said Woods, after failing to make the cut at a major for the first time in his professional career. "Marginal shots are just going to get killed here -- it's just the nature of this golf course.
"Any U.S. Open, but more so on this golf course, but any U.S. Open venue that we play, any marginal shot here just gets penalised more so than any other Open."
While Winged Foot has brought the world's best players to their knees it has also brought smiles from the thousands of weekend duffers in the galleries who know all too well the pained expressions displayed by Woods and others.
Golf fans are drawn to the U.S. Open in much the same way the curious are drawn towards train wrecks, which is how many golfers this week have described their rounds.
"Oh no, you mean I have to play this thing again," complained Canada's Stephen Ames after carding a two-day total of 10-over and thinking he still might make the weekend before the cut was set at nine-over. " I'm serious, I really don't particularly want to play here again."
While some golfers want to run and hide others like Australia's Geoff Ogilvy have embraced Wing Foot as golf's ultimate challenge, testing their ability and patience.
Although Ogilvy has not broken par, his rounds of 71 and 70 have left him just two shots back of leader Steve Stricker.
"This is why we play," said Ogilvy. "These are the four majors, it's the pinnacle, it's the four best tournaments we've got in the world, so it's nice to play well in them.
"I mean, you practice your whole life to be able to hang on and grind around, and you look forward to being here.
"So you've got to try to enjoy it while you're here.
"I'm trying to enjoy it. It's not the most fun in the world to be grinding away for pars and missing greens with semi easy shots and having a hard time hitting fairways, but the challenge of getting it up and down and grinding it out, that's a fun challenge when I'm able to get it done."
Tucked away in the leafy suburbs of Westchester county just outside of New York city, at first glance Winged Foot appears as inviting as the multi-million dollar mansions nestled against its lush fairways.
But lurking behind Winged Foot's manicured facade is a green monster, the longest course in U.S. Open history made meaner by tight fairways, jungle-like rough, rock hard undulating greens and gusting winds.
The 1974 U.S. Open staged here is still referred to as 'the massacre of Winged Foot' when Hale Irwin won with a seven-over par total and a duffer-like score could be the winning total again this year.
The course added a few more big name scalps to its trophy case on Friday, when world number one Tiger Woods and defending champion Michael Campbell failed to make the cut with two-round totals of 12-over.
The two men had plenty of company at the exit, world number eight Sergio Garcia also making an early exit with a 16-over while world number 10 David Toms threw in the towel after an opening round 79.
MARGINAL SHOTS
"The golf course is very difficult," said Woods, after failing to make the cut at a major for the first time in his professional career. "Marginal shots are just going to get killed here -- it's just the nature of this golf course.
"Any U.S. Open, but more so on this golf course, but any U.S. Open venue that we play, any marginal shot here just gets penalised more so than any other Open."
While Winged Foot has brought the world's best players to their knees it has also brought smiles from the thousands of weekend duffers in the galleries who know all too well the pained expressions displayed by Woods and others.
Golf fans are drawn to the U.S. Open in much the same way the curious are drawn towards train wrecks, which is how many golfers this week have described their rounds.
"Oh no, you mean I have to play this thing again," complained Canada's Stephen Ames after carding a two-day total of 10-over and thinking he still might make the weekend before the cut was set at nine-over. " I'm serious, I really don't particularly want to play here again."
While some golfers want to run and hide others like Australia's Geoff Ogilvy have embraced Wing Foot as golf's ultimate challenge, testing their ability and patience.
Although Ogilvy has not broken par, his rounds of 71 and 70 have left him just two shots back of leader Steve Stricker.
"This is why we play," said Ogilvy. "These are the four majors, it's the pinnacle, it's the four best tournaments we've got in the world, so it's nice to play well in them.
"I mean, you practice your whole life to be able to hang on and grind around, and you look forward to being here.
"So you've got to try to enjoy it while you're here.
"I'm trying to enjoy it. It's not the most fun in the world to be grinding away for pars and missing greens with semi easy shots and having a hard time hitting fairways, but the challenge of getting it up and down and grinding it out, that's a fun challenge when I'm able to get it done."
Thursday, June 15, 2006
LANCE GIVES ’EM A CHANCE
Last year, Lance Armstrong became the most successful Tour de France racer in history when he claimed a record seventh-successive title. With Armstrong having hung up his racing bicycle for good, the 2006 Tour de France is an open race. To ensure cycling fans are kept up to date with the world’s biggest annual sporting event, the July 2006 issue of Bicycling incorporates the Liberty Life Tour de France Fan’s Guide. Available on newsstands from June 21 (R26.95) the guide offers expert knowledge and insightful information about the 20 stages, the teams, the history, the bikes and gear, the contenders as well as detailed daily television schedules.
“We’ve gone to great lengths to secure some fantastic images and original feature articles for this special Tour de France preview issue of Bicycling and believe that not only cyclists, but all Tour de France fans will find the bumper 160-page edition both informative and entertaining.”
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Boks vs Scotland on Saturday
Springbok rugby coach, Jake White, has made two changes and a positional switch to the starting line-up for Saturday's second test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth. Both centres who played in last week's match, Jean de Villiers and Jacque Fourie, have rib injuries. They have been replaced by Wynand Olivier and André Snyman, who moves from left wing to outside centre. Snyman's place on the wing goes to Brian Habana who has recovered from injury.
The full team is:
Percy Montgomery, Breyten Paulse, Snyman, Olivier, Habana, Jaco van der Westhuizen, Fourie du Preez, Joe van Niekerk, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw, Eddie Andrews, John Smit, who is the captain, and Os du Randt. The reserves are: Hanyani Shimange, P.J. van der Linde, Albert van den Berg, Jacques Cronje, Ricky Januarie, Wayne Julies and Gaffie du Toit.
The full team is:
Percy Montgomery, Breyten Paulse, Snyman, Olivier, Habana, Jaco van der Westhuizen, Fourie du Preez, Joe van Niekerk, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw, Eddie Andrews, John Smit, who is the captain, and Os du Randt. The reserves are: Hanyani Shimange, P.J. van der Linde, Albert van den Berg, Jacques Cronje, Ricky Januarie, Wayne Julies and Gaffie du Toit.
Eskom vs FIFA
It's amazing just how much impact a major sporting event has on everyday life. Just wait until the big one comes to SA. Will we be ready? Sure, as long as you don't want floodlights AND hot water!!!
The start of the soccer world cup has had an unexpected benefit for blackout-plagued Cape Town, the city's manager for public lighting Charles Kadalie said on Wednesday.So, Captonians, go and make hay while the sun is down.
He said a drop in evening peak electricity demand in residential areas had been noticeable since Friday, when the tournament got under way in Germany.
"Everybody rushes home and instead of putting kettles on, or whatever, which pushes up the peak, they plonk themselves down in front of a TV," he said.
"For us it's got a positive impact during the peak time, when the load normally shoots up...it doesn't shoot up so dramatically.
"It means people are saying, I'm not going to cook now; I'm going to watch the game. Which also shows that a lot of dads cook."
Asked whether it might not also mean that many moms were keen on soccer, he grinned. "Well, you can put your own spin on that," he conceded.
The Western Cape has been subjected to load-shedding -- planned blackouts -- as the region's electricity infrastructure battles to meet winter demand.
The power cuts began after the Koeberg nuclear power station north of Cape Town developed problems in November last year.
One of the two power-generating units at the installation is currently being refuelled, and is expected to be fully
operational only by the end of July.
"I want to make a proposal that we keep the World Cup on till October," Kadalie said.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
LOMU TO RESUME LIGHT TRAINING
Giant Kiwi winger Jonah Lomu is due to resume light training this week with New Zealand's North Harbour club after two months out of action with a broken ankle, coach Allan Pollock said Tuesday.
To fulfill his hopes of qualifying for the 2007 World Cup in France, the 31-year-old must play in the National Provincial Championship this season to have a chance of making the 2007 Super 14 and possible All Blacks selection.
Lomu had kept trim working out in the gym despite being unable to put any weight on his injured leg for eight weeks, Pollock told NZPA news agency.
However, it was too early to say if he would be fit enough for the start of the club's Air NZ Cup campaign on July 30.
"Even though he's gym fit aerobically after hitting the rowing machines and cycles, running fitness and match fitness are two separate things," the coach said.
Lomu, who was on a seven-month contract with the Cardiff Blues, broke his ankle the Welsh Club's 46-11 win over Border Reivers on April 15.
The former All Black, who scored one try in 10 matches, was trying to resurrect his career in Wales after a succession of illnesses and injuries, including a serious kidney problem and shoulder surgery.
To fulfill his hopes of qualifying for the 2007 World Cup in France, the 31-year-old must play in the National Provincial Championship this season to have a chance of making the 2007 Super 14 and possible All Blacks selection.
Lomu had kept trim working out in the gym despite being unable to put any weight on his injured leg for eight weeks, Pollock told NZPA news agency.
However, it was too early to say if he would be fit enough for the start of the club's Air NZ Cup campaign on July 30.
"Even though he's gym fit aerobically after hitting the rowing machines and cycles, running fitness and match fitness are two separate things," the coach said.
Lomu, who was on a seven-month contract with the Cardiff Blues, broke his ankle the Welsh Club's 46-11 win over Border Reivers on April 15.
The former All Black, who scored one try in 10 matches, was trying to resurrect his career in Wales after a succession of illnesses and injuries, including a serious kidney problem and shoulder surgery.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Keane's Mouth is FOUL!!!
Throughout his career, Roy Keane's robust turn-of-phrase generated almost as many headlines as his performances on the pitch.
Here are some of the verbal highlights, illustrating the qualities that made him such an effective player and captain:
Communication
"I didn't rate you as a player, I don't rate you as a manager, and I don't rate you as a person." -- Keane lets then Ireland boss Mick McCarthy know where he stands before walking out on the squad ahead of the 2002 World Cup.
"You're a fxxxing wanker and you can stick your World Cup up your arse. The only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country!" -- Keane makes sure Mick has got the message.
Team-building
"Just because you are paid 120,000 pounds-a-week and play well for 20 minutes against Tottenham, you think you are a superstar." -- Keane's reported comments on team-mate Rio Ferdinand during an interview with MUTV.
Ferdinand was one of at least five United players slated by Keane in the never-to-be-broadcast recording, which preceded his departure from Old Trafford.
Attention to detail
"Alfie was taking the piss. I'd waited long enough. I fxxxing hit him hard. The ball was there (I think)." -- Keane describes how he exacted revenge on Manchester City's Alf Inge Haaland during a match in 2001.
Keane had suffered a serious knee injury three years earlier when, by his own admission, he had been trying to foul Haaland.
Creativity
"Away from home our fans are fantastic, I'd call them the hardcore fans. But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don't realise what's going on out on the pitch." -- Roy introduces the concept of the "prawn sandwich brigade" to football's lexicon.
Courage
"Why didn't you go without us. I didn't ask you to wait, did I?" -- A 20-year-old Keane stands up to (huge and combustible) former Ireland manager Jack Charlton after keeping the team-bus waiting for his return from a night on the tiles.
Anticipation
"There are a lot of cover-ups sometimes and players need to stand up and be counted ... we're going to find it hard to win the league and if we end up with no trophies there's something wrong," Keane's first major rant at his United team-mates precedes silverware-free end to the 2001-02 season.
"We have one or two young players who have done very little in the game. They need to remember that and not slack off. They need to remember just how lucky we all are to play for Manchester United and show that out on the pitch," another outburst points to Arsenal winning the title in 2004.
"I'd like to play on for another year or two but I don't think it will be at United," Keane, speaking in September 2005, gets it right again.
Here are some of the verbal highlights, illustrating the qualities that made him such an effective player and captain:
Communication
"I didn't rate you as a player, I don't rate you as a manager, and I don't rate you as a person." -- Keane lets then Ireland boss Mick McCarthy know where he stands before walking out on the squad ahead of the 2002 World Cup.
"You're a fxxxing wanker and you can stick your World Cup up your arse. The only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country!" -- Keane makes sure Mick has got the message.
Team-building
"Just because you are paid 120,000 pounds-a-week and play well for 20 minutes against Tottenham, you think you are a superstar." -- Keane's reported comments on team-mate Rio Ferdinand during an interview with MUTV.
Ferdinand was one of at least five United players slated by Keane in the never-to-be-broadcast recording, which preceded his departure from Old Trafford.
Attention to detail
"Alfie was taking the piss. I'd waited long enough. I fxxxing hit him hard. The ball was there (I think)." -- Keane describes how he exacted revenge on Manchester City's Alf Inge Haaland during a match in 2001.
Keane had suffered a serious knee injury three years earlier when, by his own admission, he had been trying to foul Haaland.
Creativity
"Away from home our fans are fantastic, I'd call them the hardcore fans. But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don't realise what's going on out on the pitch." -- Roy introduces the concept of the "prawn sandwich brigade" to football's lexicon.
Courage
"Why didn't you go without us. I didn't ask you to wait, did I?" -- A 20-year-old Keane stands up to (huge and combustible) former Ireland manager Jack Charlton after keeping the team-bus waiting for his return from a night on the tiles.
Anticipation
"There are a lot of cover-ups sometimes and players need to stand up and be counted ... we're going to find it hard to win the league and if we end up with no trophies there's something wrong," Keane's first major rant at his United team-mates precedes silverware-free end to the 2001-02 season.
"We have one or two young players who have done very little in the game. They need to remember that and not slack off. They need to remember just how lucky we all are to play for Manchester United and show that out on the pitch," another outburst points to Arsenal winning the title in 2004.
"I'd like to play on for another year or two but I don't think it will be at United," Keane, speaking in September 2005, gets it right again.
Alonso revives memories of Schumacher's dominance
Different colour race suit, same dominance: Renault's world champion Fernando Alonso is giving Ferrari a taste of their own Formula One medicine.
Two years ago Michael Schumacher was in his pomp, winning 12 of the first 13 races on his way to the most crushing of his seven world championships.
Even if Alonso races in blue rather than red, Sunday's British Grand Prix confirmed this season is turning into a re-run of 2004 with the Spaniard in the dominant role.
When the 24-year-old became the sport's youngest champion last year it was a breath of fresh air, a super-quick youngster apparently opening a new and thrilling era.
Now, with Alonso winning five of the eight races and finishing second in the others, there is more a sense of foreboding.
"He has scored 74 points out of 80 so it's remarkable," said Ferrari boss Jean Todt after Sunday's race.
"He's quick, competitive and reliable so it makes things more difficult for the others."
If the crowd stifled an occasional yawn in the summer sunshine as they waited in vain for an overtaking manouevre, Alonso's compatriots were happy enough with the outcome and he intends to continue delighting them.
"Obviously there is nothing more to find in the car, we're running on the limit of the car," said the Spaniard.
"We need to keep doing things like this. I think the best defence from now on will be attacking and keep winning races is what we have to do."
NOT RESIGNING
Alonso leads Schumacher by 23 points and the 37-year-old German is still the only man to have beaten him this season.
"There are 10 races to go, plenty of opportunities," said Schumacher, who finished second at Silverstone.
"We believe in ourselves and we will do a lot of hard work to get going and to take as many points as we can to be up front at the end of the year.
"There's no way we are resigning at all."
Schumacher holds the record of 19 successive podium finishes, set in 2001-2002. Alonso now has 14 in a row and could easily set a record this season.
"We will try to finish on the podium in all of the races," said the champion. "I don't know about the record but it's not very important...I hope to finish a lot more times on the podium this year."
So too does McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen after his third appearance on the rostrum in 2006.
The Finn, winner seven times last year, has yet to climb back to the top step and his third place at Silverstone was about as much as he could have hoped for.
"We are still too slow to try to fight for wins in the races," Raikkonen added.
"I think Monaco was a special place where we could challenge for a win but here it's back to reality."
Two years ago Michael Schumacher was in his pomp, winning 12 of the first 13 races on his way to the most crushing of his seven world championships.
Even if Alonso races in blue rather than red, Sunday's British Grand Prix confirmed this season is turning into a re-run of 2004 with the Spaniard in the dominant role.
When the 24-year-old became the sport's youngest champion last year it was a breath of fresh air, a super-quick youngster apparently opening a new and thrilling era.
Now, with Alonso winning five of the eight races and finishing second in the others, there is more a sense of foreboding.
"He has scored 74 points out of 80 so it's remarkable," said Ferrari boss Jean Todt after Sunday's race.
"He's quick, competitive and reliable so it makes things more difficult for the others."
If the crowd stifled an occasional yawn in the summer sunshine as they waited in vain for an overtaking manouevre, Alonso's compatriots were happy enough with the outcome and he intends to continue delighting them.
"Obviously there is nothing more to find in the car, we're running on the limit of the car," said the Spaniard.
"We need to keep doing things like this. I think the best defence from now on will be attacking and keep winning races is what we have to do."
NOT RESIGNING
Alonso leads Schumacher by 23 points and the 37-year-old German is still the only man to have beaten him this season.
"There are 10 races to go, plenty of opportunities," said Schumacher, who finished second at Silverstone.
"We believe in ourselves and we will do a lot of hard work to get going and to take as many points as we can to be up front at the end of the year.
"There's no way we are resigning at all."
Schumacher holds the record of 19 successive podium finishes, set in 2001-2002. Alonso now has 14 in a row and could easily set a record this season.
"We will try to finish on the podium in all of the races," said the champion. "I don't know about the record but it's not very important...I hope to finish a lot more times on the podium this year."
So too does McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen after his third appearance on the rostrum in 2006.
The Finn, winner seven times last year, has yet to climb back to the top step and his third place at Silverstone was about as much as he could have hoped for.
"We are still too slow to try to fight for wins in the races," Raikkonen added.
"I think Monaco was a special place where we could challenge for a win but here it's back to reality."
Lost City Golf Course
Thanks to Avis Luxury Cars and Barloworld, I was lucky enough to get to play a round of golf on the Lost City Golf Course at Sun City on Friday. Before I start on the golf, let me tell you about the really cool cars that you can get from Avis Luxury Cars. If you haven't already clicked the link then, once you do, you will be able to rent cars such as the Mini Convertable, Mercedes CLK or a Toyota Prado. You need a little bit of cash, but I am asured that the experience is well worth it.
Back to the golf.
My 4 ball played the course backwards, so it wasn't a true reflection of what Gary Player has imagined when he built this stunning course. I am told that it is a desert layout. Not many trees with views that go on for miles. Tee boxes are placed high up on the hills with dramatic changes in elevation that sees you ball fly for what seems like forever. These changes in altitude also always seem to be downhill, which is a pleasure, as playing uphill is just stupid.
The course is a carts-only course, so if you want to get fit, forget it. The motor powered carts include the latest GPS technology, so you always know where you are, where the hazards are and where the next 4 ball is, be it behind you or ahead. Acuracy seems fanstastic and it does help your game.
The spotters that travel ahead of your 4 ball can find that needle in the haystack. It is quite an amazing thing watching your spotter find a ball in grass as high as my navel and so thick you can't see the sand underneath.
The service from start to finish is exceptional! The course is forgiving and the experience is ausome. I know that the Country Club would be a better test of your golf, but to have fun, go to the Lost City....
BTW, I shot a 102.
Back to the golf.
My 4 ball played the course backwards, so it wasn't a true reflection of what Gary Player has imagined when he built this stunning course. I am told that it is a desert layout. Not many trees with views that go on for miles. Tee boxes are placed high up on the hills with dramatic changes in elevation that sees you ball fly for what seems like forever. These changes in altitude also always seem to be downhill, which is a pleasure, as playing uphill is just stupid.
The course is a carts-only course, so if you want to get fit, forget it. The motor powered carts include the latest GPS technology, so you always know where you are, where the hazards are and where the next 4 ball is, be it behind you or ahead. Acuracy seems fanstastic and it does help your game.
The spotters that travel ahead of your 4 ball can find that needle in the haystack. It is quite an amazing thing watching your spotter find a ball in grass as high as my navel and so thick you can't see the sand underneath.
The service from start to finish is exceptional! The course is forgiving and the experience is ausome. I know that the Country Club would be a better test of your golf, but to have fun, go to the Lost City....
BTW, I shot a 102.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
The Man in the middle has a tough job ahead...
Apart from facing a powerful Springbok team which has not been beaten at home in two years and trying to beat them for the first time on South African soil, the role of Irish referee Donal Courtney will be critical.
These are the sentiments of Scottish coach Frank Hadden ahead of his team's first Test against the Springboks on Saturday in Durban.
Boasting of his team's disciplinary record, Hadden is of the opinion that some of their work will be cut out in carving a victory against the Boks.
"The role of Donal is an extremely critical one. We are hoping that it will be advantageous to us on the day," Hadden said.
And with the interpretation of laws often different between Northern and southern hemisphere referees, Hadden is confident that his disciplined side will find themselves on the right side of Courtney on Saturday.
"We are proud of our disciplinary record. We were consistent in the Six Nations and we are working hard at staying on the referee's side this weekend," said Hadden.
Courtney will be assisted by his two touch judges Joel Jutge of France and Rob Debney of England with Simon McDowell from Ireland as the Television Match Official.
These are the sentiments of Scottish coach Frank Hadden ahead of his team's first Test against the Springboks on Saturday in Durban.
Boasting of his team's disciplinary record, Hadden is of the opinion that some of their work will be cut out in carving a victory against the Boks.
"The role of Donal is an extremely critical one. We are hoping that it will be advantageous to us on the day," Hadden said.
And with the interpretation of laws often different between Northern and southern hemisphere referees, Hadden is confident that his disciplined side will find themselves on the right side of Courtney on Saturday.
"We are proud of our disciplinary record. We were consistent in the Six Nations and we are working hard at staying on the referee's side this weekend," said Hadden.
Courtney will be assisted by his two touch judges Joel Jutge of France and Rob Debney of England with Simon McDowell from Ireland as the Television Match Official.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Boks Think That They Can Win
The Springboks will field one of their most experienced sides ever when they line up against Scotland in the first of two rugby Test matches against Scotland here on Saturday.
The team was named Wednesday morning while Scotland are expected to name their team later in the day.
As a result Sharks lock Johann Muller and Bulls centre Wynand Olivier can earn their first Springboks Test rugby caps off the bench after being named in Jake White's squad of 22 players.
Rather obviously White has opted for his strongest combination to play the Scots bringing back Os du Randt, John Smit, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Fourie du Preez and Breyton Paulse. Also in is Andre Snyman at left wing.
Clearly with a team that boasts 525 Test caps amongst the starting XV and John Smit back to lead the side for the 27th time (out of 31 appearances in the green and gold jersey) the emphasis is firmly on securing a win and keeping intact the recent run of home soil Test victories.
Scotland and South Africa will be meeting for the 17th time but only the fourth clash in this country all of which they were on the losing side.
Both coach Jake White and captain John Smit were well aware that Scotland pose a great threat this time around after their Six Nations wins against France and England.
In an interesting sidelight fullback Percy Montgomery, who scored 27 points in the `unofficial test' against the World XV at Ellis park last week needs that same number again to become the first Springbok to score 600 points in Tests for South Africa.
The referee is Donal Courtney.
At a media briefing White revealed that with 128 caps between them the Springboks will be fielding their most capped front row ever in SA rugby history.
On the question of Os du Randt, who has played 61 times South Africa, he said that `he is ready after injury and that was why we picked him.' He added that he likened Du Randt to an old diesel tractor that takes time to get going but once they had applied precautionary measures at team training they were sure he was ready to do battle once again.
Both White and Smit promised a very different approach against the Scots compared with the World XV match as this was a Test and a win was a vital component in the build-up to the World Cup next year.
Smit said: `We are ready. We are prepared. The intensity is there and while we know we are in for a tough battle we have the power up front to subdue and the backs to provide the sparkle."
The Springbok lineup is: Os du Randt, John Smit (captain), Eddie Andrews, Danie Rossouw, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Joe van Niekerk, Fourie du Preez, Jaco van der Westhuizen, Andre Snyman, Jean de Villiers, Jacque Fourie, Breyton Paulse and Percy Montgomery.
Bench: Hanyani Shimage, Lawrence Sephaka, Johann Muller, Pedrie Wannenburg, Ricky Januarie, Wynand Olivier, Gaffie du Toit.
The team was named Wednesday morning while Scotland are expected to name their team later in the day.
As a result Sharks lock Johann Muller and Bulls centre Wynand Olivier can earn their first Springboks Test rugby caps off the bench after being named in Jake White's squad of 22 players.
Rather obviously White has opted for his strongest combination to play the Scots bringing back Os du Randt, John Smit, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Fourie du Preez and Breyton Paulse. Also in is Andre Snyman at left wing.
Clearly with a team that boasts 525 Test caps amongst the starting XV and John Smit back to lead the side for the 27th time (out of 31 appearances in the green and gold jersey) the emphasis is firmly on securing a win and keeping intact the recent run of home soil Test victories.
Scotland and South Africa will be meeting for the 17th time but only the fourth clash in this country all of which they were on the losing side.
Both coach Jake White and captain John Smit were well aware that Scotland pose a great threat this time around after their Six Nations wins against France and England.
In an interesting sidelight fullback Percy Montgomery, who scored 27 points in the `unofficial test' against the World XV at Ellis park last week needs that same number again to become the first Springbok to score 600 points in Tests for South Africa.
The referee is Donal Courtney.
At a media briefing White revealed that with 128 caps between them the Springboks will be fielding their most capped front row ever in SA rugby history.
On the question of Os du Randt, who has played 61 times South Africa, he said that `he is ready after injury and that was why we picked him.' He added that he likened Du Randt to an old diesel tractor that takes time to get going but once they had applied precautionary measures at team training they were sure he was ready to do battle once again.
Both White and Smit promised a very different approach against the Scots compared with the World XV match as this was a Test and a win was a vital component in the build-up to the World Cup next year.
Smit said: `We are ready. We are prepared. The intensity is there and while we know we are in for a tough battle we have the power up front to subdue and the backs to provide the sparkle."
The Springbok lineup is: Os du Randt, John Smit (captain), Eddie Andrews, Danie Rossouw, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Joe van Niekerk, Fourie du Preez, Jaco van der Westhuizen, Andre Snyman, Jean de Villiers, Jacque Fourie, Breyton Paulse and Percy Montgomery.
Bench: Hanyani Shimage, Lawrence Sephaka, Johann Muller, Pedrie Wannenburg, Ricky Januarie, Wynand Olivier, Gaffie du Toit.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
ROONEY TRAINING WITH ENGLAND AS COMEBACK HOPES MOUNT
Wayne Rooney worked out separately from his England team-mates Tuesday at their idyllic Black Forest training camp amid a surge of optimism that he could be fit for the World Cup.
Pictures of Rooney unleashing a flying scissor-kick with his injured right foot dominated British newspapers, triggering speculation that the Manchester United star might yet be given the all-clear to stay with the squad.
The 20-year-old striker has not played since breaking a metatarsal bone in his foot on April 29, and faces a crucial scan in Manchester on Wednesday that will decide whether he remains in the England squad or is replaced.
On Tuesday, Rooney warmed up with his team-mates at England's impressive Mittelberg facility before training alone under the watchful eye of medical staff. He did light ball work as well as some sprinting and jogging.
Arsenal fullback Ashley Cole and captain David Beckham, nursing thigh and ankle knocks respectively, took a limited part in the team training.
But with just four days to go until England's opening Group B match against Paraguay in Frankfurt on Saturday, all the injury buzz surrounds Rooney.
British newspapers agreed that the photographs of the side's most important player -- taken before England flew out to Germany on Monday afternoon -- would give supporters of the 1966 world champions a welcome boost.
"There is a God," said mass-market tabloid The Sun, which like other newspapers, carried the image of Rooney, in full-flight, belting the ball, on its front page.
"Rootiful!" said the Daily Mirror, "Wayne's Metatarsal Miracle", headlined the Daily Mail, while the Daily Star went with "The World at Our Feet" and "The picture the whole country has been waiting to see."
The newspapers noted that Rooney appeared to suffer no reaction after being put through his paces by England team physiotherapist Gary Lewin.
Several newspapers quoted unnamed sources in the England camp as saying Rooney may even be on the bench for the team's final group game against Sweden on June 20, though the later knockout rounds are a more realistic target.
The broadsheet Daily Telegraph and The Times were more cautious in their approach, noting that only Wednesday's scan can determine if Rooney is fit.
The Sun claimed, however, that Alex Ferguson was furious at learning of Rooney's exploits, without quoting the Manchester United manager directly.
Ferguson has reportedly been concerned about his young prodigy suffering a long-term injury if he is brought back into action too soon.
Pictures of Rooney unleashing a flying scissor-kick with his injured right foot dominated British newspapers, triggering speculation that the Manchester United star might yet be given the all-clear to stay with the squad.
The 20-year-old striker has not played since breaking a metatarsal bone in his foot on April 29, and faces a crucial scan in Manchester on Wednesday that will decide whether he remains in the England squad or is replaced.
On Tuesday, Rooney warmed up with his team-mates at England's impressive Mittelberg facility before training alone under the watchful eye of medical staff. He did light ball work as well as some sprinting and jogging.
Arsenal fullback Ashley Cole and captain David Beckham, nursing thigh and ankle knocks respectively, took a limited part in the team training.
But with just four days to go until England's opening Group B match against Paraguay in Frankfurt on Saturday, all the injury buzz surrounds Rooney.
British newspapers agreed that the photographs of the side's most important player -- taken before England flew out to Germany on Monday afternoon -- would give supporters of the 1966 world champions a welcome boost.
"There is a God," said mass-market tabloid The Sun, which like other newspapers, carried the image of Rooney, in full-flight, belting the ball, on its front page.
"Rootiful!" said the Daily Mirror, "Wayne's Metatarsal Miracle", headlined the Daily Mail, while the Daily Star went with "The World at Our Feet" and "The picture the whole country has been waiting to see."
The newspapers noted that Rooney appeared to suffer no reaction after being put through his paces by England team physiotherapist Gary Lewin.
Several newspapers quoted unnamed sources in the England camp as saying Rooney may even be on the bench for the team's final group game against Sweden on June 20, though the later knockout rounds are a more realistic target.
The broadsheet Daily Telegraph and The Times were more cautious in their approach, noting that only Wednesday's scan can determine if Rooney is fit.
The Sun claimed, however, that Alex Ferguson was furious at learning of Rooney's exploits, without quoting the Manchester United manager directly.
Ferguson has reportedly been concerned about his young prodigy suffering a long-term injury if he is brought back into action too soon.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Spreadbetters catching World Cup fever
Spread betting on the World Cup, a high-risk form of gambling with potentially no limit to the gains and losses to be made, is rising steadily ahead of next month's kick-off, gaming sources say.
They report a 15 percent increase in spread bets so far compared to the last World Cup in 2002, and expect the amount staked to rise sharply once the competition starts on June 9.
The fundamental difference between fixed-odds betting and spread betting is that, with the former, if you bet 5 pounds all you can lose is your 5 pound stake.
With spread betting, the bookmaker offers an upper and a lower option for any given bet -- the difference between them being the spread -- but there are no fixed odds so the potential upside and downside are not defined until a result is known.
Chris Shillington head of media for sports betting at Cantor Index, says most of the pre-tournament betting has been coming from experienced gamblers.
"By that I mean that the betting isn't just centring on England," he said. "We expect the more emotional 'England bets' to start flooding in when the games start."
Most money at the moment was going on the World Cup 100.
Under this system, points are given for how far a team progresses in a tournament -- so 100 points for winning; 80 points for reaching the final, 60 points for third, 40 points for fourth and 30 points for reaching the quarter finals, with this sliding scale continuing to the group stages.
The spread being offered on England currently stands at 37-38 points, which assumes they will reach the quarter finals but not go as high as fourth.
So in theory, if a bet were laid at 10 pounds a point and England won the World Cup then the return would be 10 pounds for every point up to the 100, minus the top end spread (in this case 100-38 = 62) so 62 times the 10 pounds stake: 620 pounds.
What the gambler is saying here is that he or she thinks, unlike the spread forecast, that England will not go out at the quarter finals but will go all the way and lift the trophy.
The spread suggests 38 points is realistic for England so the person laying the bet receives 10 pounds for every point above that. Since the cup-winner registers 100 points, the gambler is 62 points up on 38 point forecast, hence the 620 pound payout.
The flipside for this is that if England shoot themselves in the foot again, the spread better loses 10 pounds for every point below the bottom end of the spread.
So if England went out at the quarter finals registering a modest 30 points, the registered loss would be 70 pounds.
For comparison, the spread currently being offered on favourites Brazil stands at 55-56 points.
LIGHTER BALL COUNTS
Shillington said canny spread betters were looking at changes to equipment and refereeing at this World Cup to influence how they were betting. The different ball this time for example has attracted much attention.
"Using a lighter ball that apparently allows more spin and is harder for goalkeepers to deal with, has persuaded many to bet on an higher number of goals than four years ago," he said. The spread now stands at 160-161."
Another popular bet is the number of yellow and red cards issued by referees.
"I think the shrewd betters are looking for last minute FIFA statements that call for a clampdown on diving, unprofessional conduct, tackles from behind and so on," he said.
"These last minute statements from FIFA are frequent occurrences and often put pressure on referees to issue more cards."
The current spread for yellow cards stands at 274-278 with the total red card spread standing at a much more modest 18-19.
Predicting the timing of events -- most notably the fastest goal or fastest booking -- are always a lucrative bet but not for the faint-hearted, according to Andrew Jacques, an active spread better from London.
"To a certain degree I think predicting the number of goals in a tournament can be backed up by looking at previous statistics and then analysing forthcoming tournament fixtures," he said.
"But the fastest goal is very hard to call. It could be 40 seconds or it could be 4 minutes and if you have bet 10 pounds for every second above or below a spread of 101-103 seconds, which is currently being offered by the indices, you could really take a big hit."
Jacques said it was important for spread betters to understand this potential downside, but insisted there was plenty to recommend spreadbetting too.
"With traditional bookmakers it is often very hard to find any value in the fixed odds but with spreadbetting there are far more prices that can be taken advantage of."
Some of the more speculative and outlandish spread bets being lodged include calculating what all the shirt numbers used by a team on the pitch add up to at the end of the game.
So if you think Owen Hargreaves at number 17 and Theo Walcott at number 23 will be the only subs added during the game, you would add 40 points to the original starting score.
They report a 15 percent increase in spread bets so far compared to the last World Cup in 2002, and expect the amount staked to rise sharply once the competition starts on June 9.
The fundamental difference between fixed-odds betting and spread betting is that, with the former, if you bet 5 pounds all you can lose is your 5 pound stake.
With spread betting, the bookmaker offers an upper and a lower option for any given bet -- the difference between them being the spread -- but there are no fixed odds so the potential upside and downside are not defined until a result is known.
Chris Shillington head of media for sports betting at Cantor Index, says most of the pre-tournament betting has been coming from experienced gamblers.
"By that I mean that the betting isn't just centring on England," he said. "We expect the more emotional 'England bets' to start flooding in when the games start."
Most money at the moment was going on the World Cup 100.
Under this system, points are given for how far a team progresses in a tournament -- so 100 points for winning; 80 points for reaching the final, 60 points for third, 40 points for fourth and 30 points for reaching the quarter finals, with this sliding scale continuing to the group stages.
The spread being offered on England currently stands at 37-38 points, which assumes they will reach the quarter finals but not go as high as fourth.
So in theory, if a bet were laid at 10 pounds a point and England won the World Cup then the return would be 10 pounds for every point up to the 100, minus the top end spread (in this case 100-38 = 62) so 62 times the 10 pounds stake: 620 pounds.
What the gambler is saying here is that he or she thinks, unlike the spread forecast, that England will not go out at the quarter finals but will go all the way and lift the trophy.
The spread suggests 38 points is realistic for England so the person laying the bet receives 10 pounds for every point above that. Since the cup-winner registers 100 points, the gambler is 62 points up on 38 point forecast, hence the 620 pound payout.
The flipside for this is that if England shoot themselves in the foot again, the spread better loses 10 pounds for every point below the bottom end of the spread.
So if England went out at the quarter finals registering a modest 30 points, the registered loss would be 70 pounds.
For comparison, the spread currently being offered on favourites Brazil stands at 55-56 points.
LIGHTER BALL COUNTS
Shillington said canny spread betters were looking at changes to equipment and refereeing at this World Cup to influence how they were betting. The different ball this time for example has attracted much attention.
"Using a lighter ball that apparently allows more spin and is harder for goalkeepers to deal with, has persuaded many to bet on an higher number of goals than four years ago," he said. The spread now stands at 160-161."
Another popular bet is the number of yellow and red cards issued by referees.
"I think the shrewd betters are looking for last minute FIFA statements that call for a clampdown on diving, unprofessional conduct, tackles from behind and so on," he said.
"These last minute statements from FIFA are frequent occurrences and often put pressure on referees to issue more cards."
The current spread for yellow cards stands at 274-278 with the total red card spread standing at a much more modest 18-19.
Predicting the timing of events -- most notably the fastest goal or fastest booking -- are always a lucrative bet but not for the faint-hearted, according to Andrew Jacques, an active spread better from London.
"To a certain degree I think predicting the number of goals in a tournament can be backed up by looking at previous statistics and then analysing forthcoming tournament fixtures," he said.
"But the fastest goal is very hard to call. It could be 40 seconds or it could be 4 minutes and if you have bet 10 pounds for every second above or below a spread of 101-103 seconds, which is currently being offered by the indices, you could really take a big hit."
Jacques said it was important for spread betters to understand this potential downside, but insisted there was plenty to recommend spreadbetting too.
"With traditional bookmakers it is often very hard to find any value in the fixed odds but with spreadbetting there are far more prices that can be taken advantage of."
Some of the more speculative and outlandish spread bets being lodged include calculating what all the shirt numbers used by a team on the pitch add up to at the end of the game.
So if you think Owen Hargreaves at number 17 and Theo Walcott at number 23 will be the only subs added during the game, you would add 40 points to the original starting score.
Friday, June 02, 2006
RONALDINHO SAYS HE'S FEELING 100 PERCENT FIT AGAIN
By TALES AZZONI
Ronaldinho says he's recovered from the grueling European season and is fully prepared to help Brazil defend its World Cup title.
"I'm fine now," Ronaldinho said Friday. "We had enough time to rest and practice. I already feel 100 percent."
The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year said last week he'd arrived for Brazil's training camp "feeling a bit tired" after helping FC Barcelona win the Spanish title and the Champions League.
"Everything (I was feeling) when we got here is gone now," Ronaldinho said.
Ronaldinho was one of the players rested by Brazilian doctors from training sessions last week. His last competitive match was the Champions League final on May 17, just five days before reporting to Brazil's two-week training camp.
Ronaldinho said everything about Brazil's preparation "has been perfect" so far, and that the team is on the right track to debut in top form against Croatia on June 13 in Berlin.
"Everyone in this group knows each other very well," he said. "We are always happy (to meet) for a competition."
Ronaldinho, known for his nifty skills and dazzling moves, also said there were very few moments these days he's not trying out new tricks with a soccer ball.
"It's my favorite pastime," Ronaldinho said. "I grew up doing that, copying other people's moves or inventing new things."
Ronaldinho was a member of the squad that won Brazil's fifth title at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. He played five matches and scored two goals, including a spectacular free kick against England in the quarterfinals.
He has 46 goals in 87 matches for Brazil. He led Brazil to titles in the 1999 Copa America and the 2000 pre-Olympic tournament, as well as in last year's Confederations Cup in Germany.
Brazil, which is in Group F along with Croatia, Australia and Japan, will play its last match before the World Cup on Sunday against New Zealand in Geneva.
Ronaldinho says he's recovered from the grueling European season and is fully prepared to help Brazil defend its World Cup title.
"I'm fine now," Ronaldinho said Friday. "We had enough time to rest and practice. I already feel 100 percent."
The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year said last week he'd arrived for Brazil's training camp "feeling a bit tired" after helping FC Barcelona win the Spanish title and the Champions League.
"Everything (I was feeling) when we got here is gone now," Ronaldinho said.
Ronaldinho was one of the players rested by Brazilian doctors from training sessions last week. His last competitive match was the Champions League final on May 17, just five days before reporting to Brazil's two-week training camp.
Ronaldinho said everything about Brazil's preparation "has been perfect" so far, and that the team is on the right track to debut in top form against Croatia on June 13 in Berlin.
"Everyone in this group knows each other very well," he said. "We are always happy (to meet) for a competition."
Ronaldinho, known for his nifty skills and dazzling moves, also said there were very few moments these days he's not trying out new tricks with a soccer ball.
"It's my favorite pastime," Ronaldinho said. "I grew up doing that, copying other people's moves or inventing new things."
Ronaldinho was a member of the squad that won Brazil's fifth title at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. He played five matches and scored two goals, including a spectacular free kick against England in the quarterfinals.
He has 46 goals in 87 matches for Brazil. He led Brazil to titles in the 1999 Copa America and the 2000 pre-Olympic tournament, as well as in last year's Confederations Cup in Germany.
Brazil, which is in Group F along with Croatia, Australia and Japan, will play its last match before the World Cup on Sunday against New Zealand in Geneva.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
High Court Orders re-instatement of McKeever as Southern Spears CEO
In a Grahamstown High Court ruling this morning, the Judge ordered, with costs, the Southern Spears board to reinstate Tony McKeever, CEO of the Southern Spears, with immediate effect and be compensated his due salary, as well as that of the Spears players and personnel, who have yet to be paid for two months.
McKeever is the only full time member of the Spears Board of seven members and has been steadfast in upholding the rights granted to the Spears by SA Rugby on the 8th June 2005, as is his fiduciary duty.
The re-instated CEO of the Southern Spears, Tony McKeever, declared that SA Rugby had failed the Southern Spears by reneging on a valid and binding agreement drawn up by SA Rugby’s President’s Council in a Resolution which obligated their financial support to the Spears till December 2006, entrenched them in the 2006 Currie Cup and the Super 14 for the years 2007 and 2008.
McKeever’s legal counsel produced to the High Court, as refutable proof, the Presidents Council resolution of the 8th June 2005, plus supporting documents from SA Rugby confirming this agreement. These documents validate McKeever’s contention that SA Rugby have abandoned the franchise and failed to adhere to the agreement signed off last year and further ratified by the SA Rugby Board on the 2nd December 2005, after which a further Franchise Participation Agreement was drawn up by SA Rugby for all 6 franchises including the Southern Spears, to sign before the 10th February 2006.
In addition, McKeever claimed that SA Rugby’s continuous and systematic campaign of economic victimization, led to the attrition and destabilization of the Spears, and has put the Spears in multi-million Rand breach of its two sponsor agreements, signed in December 2005, which mirrored the 8th June 2005 agreement with SA Rugby.
Since January 2006, the Spears, under the direction of McKeever have time and again called upon SA Rugby to adhere to their signed agreement signed on the 8th June 2005, in which SA Rugby agreed to:
(1) Financially support the Spears till December 2006,
(2) Procure sponsors, (not one sponsor has been introduced, or signed up by SA Rugby)
(3) Play the Spears in the 2006 Currie Cup Premier Division (SA Rugby has unilaterally substituted the Spears with Griquas on Friday the 26th June, in a move that smacks of bitter irony, as it was done on the same day that SA Rugby trumpeted the announcement of their Transformation Charter)
(4) Entrenchment in the 2007 and
(5) 2008 Super 14 series. (SA Rugby declared the Spears not ready in a media statement on the 19th April 2006, just as they did 12 months ago)
This agreement was further ratified by the SA Rugby Board, at a meeting, on December 2, 2005, following which all these competition fixtures were included in a definitive Franchise Participation agreement, which the Spears signed on February 7 2006, thereby complying with everything asked of it by SA Rugby.
The Southern Spears have a core squad of 22 players, and are widely recognised as The People’s Team throughout the Eastern Cape and are drawn from, 6 players from Border, 4 from SWD and 12 from Eastern Province. Of the squad of 22, three are in the Springbok under-21 squad to play in the IRB World Championships next month. These are the Captain Ashley Johnson – No.8, Warren Malgas at No.9 and Isma-eel Dollie at flyhalf. In addition, they have coaches, management and personnel, and most importantly key sponsors, who were signed up in December, 2005, based on the binding agreement of the 8th June 2005.
The Spears franchise, came into being as the 6th South African franchise in the Super 14 competition, resulting from an agreement drawn up and unanimously signed by the SA Rugby President’s Council on the 8th June 2005, in which SA Rugby obligated themselves to financially support and procure sponsors for the Spears and granted them participation in the 2006 Currie Cup Premier Division and entrenchment in the 2007 and 2008 Super 14 rugby competitions.
The Spears players and personnel have all been on the SA Rugby payroll and over the past few months of their existence, have received SA Rugby pay slips, until April, further irrefutable proof of the fact that SA Rugby have been paying the Spears players and staff personnel, directly. However, in April, SA Rugby unilaterally stopped their salary payments and the Spears players have not received May salaries from SA Rugby in spite of an SA Rugby board confirmation last month, to the South African Rugby Players Association board representative, Piet Heymans, that the Spears salaries will be paid through till November 2006.
In anticipation of being in the 2006 Currie Cup, as originally agreed upon by SA Rugby, McKeever declared that his Spears players and coaches have drawn up a short list of 35 outstanding players selected from the Eastern Cape region. These players would be announced next week and assemble in Port Elizabeth on the 10th June, for a friendly against a provincial side on the 16th June 2006, the day before the Springbok vs. Scotland match in Port Elizabeth.
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