With all the goings on in South African Rugby, I stumbled upon this story from the BBC. While South African Rugby bosses fight for who owes what to whom, it seems as if England is going about it the right way.
Let me explain.
Jake White wants some of his best players rested and other players put into sides for conditioning and match practice. The unions are not happy with this as they think that they will lose money because spectators won't go watch the games if their big stars aren't there. Trust me guys, it's not the stars that stops people from going to a game....
The unions in South Africa are, in effect, fighting against the greater good of rugby. Should the national side perform, then all rugby performs, simple? Obviously not.
Now in England, it seems as if the whole thing is different. I wanted to say that it was upside down, but that would be wrong. WE are up side down and they are the right way. The CLUBS are saying that they want to work with the Union to retain the Rugby World Cup.
Doesn't that sound fantastic? People striving towards a goal and everyone holding hands and pushing each other to get there in the fastest and best way? Power is not a good thing and SA Rugby is showing us that.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
REPORT CLEARS ARMSTRONG OF DOPING IN 1999 TOUR DE FRANCE
Independent Dutch investigators cleared Lance Armstrong of doping in the 1999 Tour de France on Wednesday, and blamed anti-doping authorities for misconduct in dealing with the American cyclist.
A 132-page report recommended convening a tribunal to discuss possible legal and ethical violations by the World Anti-Doping Agency and to consider "appropriate sanctions to remedy the violations."
The French sports daily L'Equipe reported in August that six of Armstrong's urine samples from 1999, when he won the first of his record seven-straight Tour titles, came back positive for the endurance-boosting hormone EPO when they were retested in 2004.
Armstrong has repeatedly denied using banned substances.
The International Cycling Union appointed Dutch lawyer Emile Vrijman last October to investigate the handling of urine tests from the 1999 Tour by the French national anti-doping laboratory, known by its French acronym LNDD.
Vrijman said Wednesday his report "exonerates Lance Armstrong completely with respect to alleged use of doping in the 1999 Tour de France."
The report also said the UCI had not damaged Armstrong by releasing doping control forms to the French newspaper.
The report said WADA and the LNDD may have "behaved in ways that are completely inconsistent with the rules and regulations of international anti-doping control testing," and may also have been against the law.
Vrijman, who headed the Dutch anti-doping agency for 10 years and later defended athletes accused of doping, worked on the report with Adriaan van der Veen, a scientist with the Dutch Metrology Laboratory.
EPO, or erythropoietin, is a synthetic hormone that boosts the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Testing for EPO only began in 2001.
A 132-page report recommended convening a tribunal to discuss possible legal and ethical violations by the World Anti-Doping Agency and to consider "appropriate sanctions to remedy the violations."
The French sports daily L'Equipe reported in August that six of Armstrong's urine samples from 1999, when he won the first of his record seven-straight Tour titles, came back positive for the endurance-boosting hormone EPO when they were retested in 2004.
Armstrong has repeatedly denied using banned substances.
The International Cycling Union appointed Dutch lawyer Emile Vrijman last October to investigate the handling of urine tests from the 1999 Tour by the French national anti-doping laboratory, known by its French acronym LNDD.
Vrijman said Wednesday his report "exonerates Lance Armstrong completely with respect to alleged use of doping in the 1999 Tour de France."
The report also said the UCI had not damaged Armstrong by releasing doping control forms to the French newspaper.
The report said WADA and the LNDD may have "behaved in ways that are completely inconsistent with the rules and regulations of international anti-doping control testing," and may also have been against the law.
Vrijman, who headed the Dutch anti-doping agency for 10 years and later defended athletes accused of doping, worked on the report with Adriaan van der Veen, a scientist with the Dutch Metrology Laboratory.
EPO, or erythropoietin, is a synthetic hormone that boosts the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Testing for EPO only began in 2001.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
BALOYI MIGHT BECOME SA'S CREDIBLE WORLD CHAMPION
Cassius Baloyi is on the brink of becoming the first South African fighter in six years to win an International Boxing Federation (IBF) title when he battles for the vacant junior lightweight crown against Manuel Medina at Washington in America on Wednesday night.
Since 2000 when East London fighter Mbulelo Botile claimed the IBF featherweight crown from English fighter Paul Ingle in a near-tragicfight, no SA fighter has won a credible world title.
Instead SA fighters opted to go via the less credible IBO route in order to assume world champion status.
Baloyi, who ironically holds the IBO junior lightweight crown, could not bypass the opportunity of becoming a true world champion when the chance to fight for the IBF title presented itself with less than a month's notice.
"This is what I have been praying for in my whole boxing career," said Baloyi who even pulled out of his pre-arranged IBO title defence against Israel Perez last week.
Baloyi has reasons to risk everything to fight for the crown as his opponent is nearing the end his career.
In a career spanning 21 years Medina has seen many battles in his 80 fights and 14 losses.
Baloyi's trainer Nic Durandt appealed to Medina to just hand over the crown to Baloyi because "you have been there and done that."
"We do not want to force him to retire because that might have adverse effect on your life."
A former, two time WBC, three time IBF and WBO world champion, Medina revealed in an American boxing website that he would retire after the fight against Baloyi.
Although at 35-years old, he is still at a perfect fighting age, the fact that he has been fighting as a professional since he was 14 years has made him a veteran by boxing standards.
Baloyi who is four years younger than his Mexican opponent has only been fighting for 12 years, winning the the marginal WBU twice before claiming the IBO crown.
He is planning to retire in five years time.
Should Baloyi win the title big money fights against revered fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales would be a possibility.
Since 2000 when East London fighter Mbulelo Botile claimed the IBF featherweight crown from English fighter Paul Ingle in a near-tragicfight, no SA fighter has won a credible world title.
Instead SA fighters opted to go via the less credible IBO route in order to assume world champion status.
Baloyi, who ironically holds the IBO junior lightweight crown, could not bypass the opportunity of becoming a true world champion when the chance to fight for the IBF title presented itself with less than a month's notice.
"This is what I have been praying for in my whole boxing career," said Baloyi who even pulled out of his pre-arranged IBO title defence against Israel Perez last week.
Baloyi has reasons to risk everything to fight for the crown as his opponent is nearing the end his career.
In a career spanning 21 years Medina has seen many battles in his 80 fights and 14 losses.
Baloyi's trainer Nic Durandt appealed to Medina to just hand over the crown to Baloyi because "you have been there and done that."
"We do not want to force him to retire because that might have adverse effect on your life."
A former, two time WBC, three time IBF and WBO world champion, Medina revealed in an American boxing website that he would retire after the fight against Baloyi.
Although at 35-years old, he is still at a perfect fighting age, the fact that he has been fighting as a professional since he was 14 years has made him a veteran by boxing standards.
Baloyi who is four years younger than his Mexican opponent has only been fighting for 12 years, winning the the marginal WBU twice before claiming the IBO crown.
He is planning to retire in five years time.
Should Baloyi win the title big money fights against revered fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales would be a possibility.
Boks vs the World, did we beat up those old farts...
Centre Jean de Villiers will captain the Springboks in the one-off international friendly against a World XV in Johannesburg on Saturday, the South Africa selectors announced on Tuesday.
De Villiers is one of just a handful of first-choice players coach Jake White will field for the Springboks' first outing of the season, which is an unofficial international and does not count for test caps.
Regular captain John Smit is out with a groin injury, with props Os du Randt and CJ van der Linde, locks Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, loose forwards Schalk Burger and Juan Smith, scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and wings Bryan Habana and Breyton Paulse also on the injured or rested list.
Three players who have never before appeared for the Springboks -- lock Johann Muller, scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar and centre Wynand Olivier -- have been called up for duty on the reserves bench.
South Africa - 15-Percy Montgomery, 14-Andre Snyman, 13-Jaque Fourie, 12-Jean de Villiers (captain), 11-Gaffie du Toit, 10-Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 9-Enrico Januarie, 8-Joe van Niekerk, 7-AJ Venter, 6-Wikus van Heerden, 5-Albert van den Berg, 4-Danie Rossouw, 3-Eddie Andrews, 2-Hanyani Shimange, 1-Deon Carstens. Reserves: 16-Gary Botha, 17-Lawrence Sephaka, 18-Johann Muller, 19-Pedrie Wannenburg, 20-Ruan Pienaar, 21-Wynand Olivier, 22-Brent Russell.
De Villiers is one of just a handful of first-choice players coach Jake White will field for the Springboks' first outing of the season, which is an unofficial international and does not count for test caps.
Regular captain John Smit is out with a groin injury, with props Os du Randt and CJ van der Linde, locks Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, loose forwards Schalk Burger and Juan Smith, scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and wings Bryan Habana and Breyton Paulse also on the injured or rested list.
Three players who have never before appeared for the Springboks -- lock Johann Muller, scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar and centre Wynand Olivier -- have been called up for duty on the reserves bench.
South Africa - 15-Percy Montgomery, 14-Andre Snyman, 13-Jaque Fourie, 12-Jean de Villiers (captain), 11-Gaffie du Toit, 10-Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 9-Enrico Januarie, 8-Joe van Niekerk, 7-AJ Venter, 6-Wikus van Heerden, 5-Albert van den Berg, 4-Danie Rossouw, 3-Eddie Andrews, 2-Hanyani Shimange, 1-Deon Carstens. Reserves: 16-Gary Botha, 17-Lawrence Sephaka, 18-Johann Muller, 19-Pedrie Wannenburg, 20-Ruan Pienaar, 21-Wynand Olivier, 22-Brent Russell.
Monday, May 29, 2006
WHITE HINTS AT SUPER 14 DRAFT
Springbok coach Jake White has many visions for South African rugby and all have to do with a common cause, that of taking the team to the number one spot in the world, and keeping them there.
White, in Bloemfontein with the Springboks for their annual training camp, put forward his visions to the rugby hierarchy last week and the reports were positive.
White again re-iterated these visions but also added that he would like to see a Super 14 draft system in place in South Africa, much like there is in Australia and New Zealand.
While it may not be common knowledge or official policy that sees the best players in these Antipodean countries playing for two 'selected' franchises, it is obvious to serious observers that this happens, and White seems to be of this school, even if he did not come out and say it verbatim.
"I believe that we should look into the possibility of a draft system here in South Africa, of getting the best players in the same team," said White. He also alluded to the success of select teams in New Zealand and Australia.
This belief will lead to a winning culture, one which the Crusaders have now, and the Blues used to have. The same can be said of the Brumbies in Australia. That belief, particulalry the Crusaders, spills off over to the national team and the All Blacks lost just one game last year, the same amount the Crusaders lost this year.
After the press conference White remarked off-handedly, "How many games has Richie McCaw lost in any jersey?"
And that is a pertinent question.
The answer in South Africa will not be that simple, but maybe take two teams that have performed best in the Super rugby and draft in players that would make an impact both in the competition and for the Springboks and instill that winning culture. Imagine if South Africa could boast two semi-finalists and at home to boot.
That would mean stacking the Bulls and Stormers for example with the pick of the country's players and getting the winning feeling from the onset of a season, and then developing and nurturing that.
Such is the strength of New Zealand rugby that they are toying with the idea of taking the top 30 Super 14 All Blacks out of the competition next year (World Cup year).
"New Zealand can afford to rest their top 30 players and they will still dominate the competition," agreed White, saying much for their culture that has been in-bred since the Super rugby idea first started.
For White, this may be all pie-in-the-sky, as the World Cup looms and South African rugby too far behind to catch up in that regard. He may be a visionary but he will have to become a realist. He knows that and said as much at the press conference.
"We have to deal with what we have been given," he said.
For White's sake let's hope he has not been given a dead horse to flog.
White, in Bloemfontein with the Springboks for their annual training camp, put forward his visions to the rugby hierarchy last week and the reports were positive.
White again re-iterated these visions but also added that he would like to see a Super 14 draft system in place in South Africa, much like there is in Australia and New Zealand.
While it may not be common knowledge or official policy that sees the best players in these Antipodean countries playing for two 'selected' franchises, it is obvious to serious observers that this happens, and White seems to be of this school, even if he did not come out and say it verbatim.
"I believe that we should look into the possibility of a draft system here in South Africa, of getting the best players in the same team," said White. He also alluded to the success of select teams in New Zealand and Australia.
This belief will lead to a winning culture, one which the Crusaders have now, and the Blues used to have. The same can be said of the Brumbies in Australia. That belief, particulalry the Crusaders, spills off over to the national team and the All Blacks lost just one game last year, the same amount the Crusaders lost this year.
After the press conference White remarked off-handedly, "How many games has Richie McCaw lost in any jersey?"
And that is a pertinent question.
The answer in South Africa will not be that simple, but maybe take two teams that have performed best in the Super rugby and draft in players that would make an impact both in the competition and for the Springboks and instill that winning culture. Imagine if South Africa could boast two semi-finalists and at home to boot.
That would mean stacking the Bulls and Stormers for example with the pick of the country's players and getting the winning feeling from the onset of a season, and then developing and nurturing that.
Such is the strength of New Zealand rugby that they are toying with the idea of taking the top 30 Super 14 All Blacks out of the competition next year (World Cup year).
"New Zealand can afford to rest their top 30 players and they will still dominate the competition," agreed White, saying much for their culture that has been in-bred since the Super rugby idea first started.
For White, this may be all pie-in-the-sky, as the World Cup looms and South African rugby too far behind to catch up in that regard. He may be a visionary but he will have to become a realist. He knows that and said as much at the press conference.
"We have to deal with what we have been given," he said.
For White's sake let's hope he has not been given a dead horse to flog.
Win Number 6 For Barloworld
Team Barloworld’s riders applied all their skills this weekend after competing in the 5-day Volta ao Alentejo in
South African Tiaan Kannemeyer won the Mittal Steel Cycling Challenge on Sunday 28 May in Vereeniging. Kannemeyer was part of a breakaway including 5 riders, and after 30 kilometers began applying pressure. With 15 kilometers to the finish, Kannemeyer kicked clear of the breakaway to win by a clear 2 minutes.
Said Kannemeyer: “I was the only Team Barloworld rider in this race and had to keep my guard up on the attacks. I feel positive after this win as I prepare for the SA National Champs in early June.”
At the
Efimkin started Stage 5 on Sunday 28 May with a good lead on most of the riders, and finished the 163.1 kilometer stage in 4th place.
Efimkin won 3rd place in the final general classification, with only 0.05 behind overall winner Sergio Ribeiro (Barbot-Halcon).
On Sunday 28 May at the GP Llodio in
Rooney gets a new test early
Manchester United have brought forward England striker Wayne Rooney's next scan on a broken fourth metatarsal and warned the injury "involves a joint" and could take longer to heal than previously thought.
Originally scheduled for June 14, United and England have brought the scan forward to June 7 so that Rooney's fitness can be assessed before FIFA's June 9 deadline for replacing him in England's World Cup squad.
"Both parties agree that everything possible is being done to aid the recovery of the fracture, which involves the joint," United said in a statement.
"Following a meeting today between England's medical team and Manchester United's medical team, with both manager's present, it has been agreed to obtain a further precautionary CT scan on June 7 in order for the England management to make a decision before the deadline of June 9."
Worryingly for England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and England's hopes of taking the striker to Germany, United also said on its website that 'involving the joint' meant: "an injury which takes longer to heal."
Rooney, who injured his right foot during United's Premier League defeat at Chelsea on April 29, is an inspirational figure for Eriksson's side.
FIFA rules state that Eriksson can replace him in the squad up to 24 hours before their opening World Cup game in Group B against Paraguay on June 10.
Bringing forward the scan means that if Rooney were to be ruled out of the finals completely, he could be replaced by a standby player, probably Jermain Defoe.
Eriksson has previously clung to the hope that although recovering from injury, the 20-year-old forward might be fit in time for the latter stages of the tournament -- assuming England qualified from the group stage.
After the Paraguayans, England go on to face Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden.
Rooney's absence from the finals would be a major blow to England's hopes of winning their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
His place in the starting lineup alongside Michael Owen is expected to go to lanky Liverpool striker Peter Crouch. Owen and Crouch are due to start England's friendly on Tuesday at Old Trafford against Hungary.
Originally scheduled for June 14, United and England have brought the scan forward to June 7 so that Rooney's fitness can be assessed before FIFA's June 9 deadline for replacing him in England's World Cup squad.
"Both parties agree that everything possible is being done to aid the recovery of the fracture, which involves the joint," United said in a statement.
"Following a meeting today between England's medical team and Manchester United's medical team, with both manager's present, it has been agreed to obtain a further precautionary CT scan on June 7 in order for the England management to make a decision before the deadline of June 9."
Worryingly for England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and England's hopes of taking the striker to Germany, United also said on its website that 'involving the joint' meant: "an injury which takes longer to heal."
Rooney, who injured his right foot during United's Premier League defeat at Chelsea on April 29, is an inspirational figure for Eriksson's side.
FIFA rules state that Eriksson can replace him in the squad up to 24 hours before their opening World Cup game in Group B against Paraguay on June 10.
Bringing forward the scan means that if Rooney were to be ruled out of the finals completely, he could be replaced by a standby player, probably Jermain Defoe.
Eriksson has previously clung to the hope that although recovering from injury, the 20-year-old forward might be fit in time for the latter stages of the tournament -- assuming England qualified from the group stage.
After the Paraguayans, England go on to face Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden.
Rooney's absence from the finals would be a major blow to England's hopes of winning their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
His place in the starting lineup alongside Michael Owen is expected to go to lanky Liverpool striker Peter Crouch. Owen and Crouch are due to start England's friendly on Tuesday at Old Trafford against Hungary.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Super 14 Final
How stupid?!?!?
What is the point of a competition if the television audience, for whom the competition was made, can't watch the deciding match? What was the point? Could the game not have been moved to Sunday? Replayed next week? Anything but play the final of the largest Southern Hemisphere Rugby tournament in fog so thick that you can't see the other side of the field!
C'mon Supersport and the other TV channels. That was stupid!
What is the point of a competition if the television audience, for whom the competition was made, can't watch the deciding match? What was the point? Could the game not have been moved to Sunday? Replayed next week? Anything but play the final of the largest Southern Hemisphere Rugby tournament in fog so thick that you can't see the other side of the field!
C'mon Supersport and the other TV channels. That was stupid!
Friday, May 26, 2006
MTN Saves SA Cricket
MTN South Africa today announced its renewed commitment to South African cricket by announcing the title event sponsorship of both one-day international and domestic cricket matches.
MTN’s massive boost into SA Cricket extends over two-years, and will result in a substantial amount of money being invested into the One-Day International (50 overs) event as well as the Domestic One-Day (45 overs) series, taking over from Standard Bank.
“This sponsorship is a huge vote of confidence in South African cricket by one of South Africa’s most successful companies. This allows us to split the event and team sponsorship for limited overs cricket, and this will mean that we can develop cricket in all communities even further,” said Gerald Majola, Chief Executive Officer, Cricket SA.
Commenting on the sponsorship, Steve Elworthy, Cricket South Africa Commercial and Communications Manager confirmed their fully support to MTN’s decision to return to cricket. The current positioning of the ODI and ODD products are in line with MTN’s brand strategy; that of covering and servicing all demographic spheres of our country.
“We are delighted about our new partnership with Cricket South Africa. What better time than now to announce MTN’s entry into one day cricket, especially after the record-setting fifth one day international match played between South Africa and Australia earlier this year. In future, stadiums will be painted yellow for all one day games and cricket lovers can brace themselves for a renewed cricket experience. These are indeed exciting times for South African cricket,” said Maanda Manyatshe, managing director, MTN SA.
“Our partnership with Cricket South Africa marks the beginning of an exciting journey with an investment that will benefit both the professional as well as the amateur ranks. Furthermore, MTN will be the official cellular provider to Cricket South Africa and the Proteas,” concluded Manyatshe.
MTN’s massive boost into SA Cricket extends over two-years, and will result in a substantial amount of money being invested into the One-Day International (50 overs) event as well as the Domestic One-Day (45 overs) series, taking over from Standard Bank.
“This sponsorship is a huge vote of confidence in South African cricket by one of South Africa’s most successful companies. This allows us to split the event and team sponsorship for limited overs cricket, and this will mean that we can develop cricket in all communities even further,” said Gerald Majola, Chief Executive Officer, Cricket SA.
Commenting on the sponsorship, Steve Elworthy, Cricket South Africa Commercial and Communications Manager confirmed their fully support to MTN’s decision to return to cricket. The current positioning of the ODI and ODD products are in line with MTN’s brand strategy; that of covering and servicing all demographic spheres of our country.
“We are delighted about our new partnership with Cricket South Africa. What better time than now to announce MTN’s entry into one day cricket, especially after the record-setting fifth one day international match played between South Africa and Australia earlier this year. In future, stadiums will be painted yellow for all one day games and cricket lovers can brace themselves for a renewed cricket experience. These are indeed exciting times for South African cricket,” said Maanda Manyatshe, managing director, MTN SA.
“Our partnership with Cricket South Africa marks the beginning of an exciting journey with an investment that will benefit both the professional as well as the amateur ranks. Furthermore, MTN will be the official cellular provider to Cricket South Africa and the Proteas,” concluded Manyatshe.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
My "Origins of Golf" Experience
"Founded in 1910, the Pretoria Country Club nestles in the scenic beauty of
Waterkloof, one of the city’s most prestigious suburbs. "
That is from the Pretoria Country Club's Website. It's right. The course is spectacular for one that is in the middle of a suburb. Cars driving past, sirens and contrsruction are all background noise. Getting there is also a challenge, as like any other up market suburb in South Africa, there are anumber of closed off roads.
Once you enter the complex, though, old world charm greets you like a warm blanket. The club house is very big with a fireplaced bar extending to a lounge away from those who might have had a drink ot two too much. Downstairs is the practice green with a chipping green and a driving range. No driver allowed on the range though.
The change rooms are huge. Space for all the players and members. The Men's is carpeted and very clean and tidy. Still with the Brill Creme for those old farts. One problem I have is that the the ladies is far away from anything, sort of an add on that doesn't fit. Not cool for modern golf at all.
I played two rounds on the PCC. The Afternoon round on Wednesday was tough. The wind picked up and it swirls around the valley and dells if the course. The back 9 is much easier as it seems to be the older half with trees and water and well established courses and greens. The front nine is tough. Exposed, long and undulating. Don't get me wrong, this course is never easy. The 18th has 24 pot bunkers in it's 500m.
I didn't record a score both days. PCC is an all round test of your golf, from a short pitching wedge onto an island green on 8 or a 250m bomb on 18, there is something for everyone.
Thanks to Vodacom and the Sushine Tour for organising a fanstasic event.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
SA Golfers Roundup, Week 20
SUNSHINE TOUR
Zimbabwe’s Tongoona Charamba became only the third black winner on the Sunshine Tour this weekend since John Mashego won in 1991 and Lindani Ndwandwe followed suit in 2001.
The 22-year old from Zimbabwe claimed his maiden pro victory on Saturday in the SAA Pro-Am Invitational when he defeated seasoned pro’s Jean Hugo and Hennie Otto by two-shots at the Kempton Park Golf Club.
Charamba also posted the best three rounds of his professional career, 65-67-67, en route to his winning total of 17-under-par 199. Otto and Hugo tied for second on 15-under after posting respective rounds of 67 and 70.
ASIAN TOUR
South Africa’s Peter Karmis claimed his first international top-five finish with a third placing at the US$300,000 Macau Open on Sunday, where Australian rookie Kane Webber lifted his maiden Asian Tour title.
In his second start on the Asian Tour, Karmis opened his tally with a 71 at the Macau Golf and Country Club on Thursday, then shot to sole third on Friday when he fired a sizzling 64.
On Saturday he managed a credible third round 72 to remain in joint third alongside Chinarat Phadungsil of Thailand.
Starting the final round only five shots off the pace from third round leader, Australian Brad Kennedy, Karmis seemed oblivious to the rainy conditions as he plodded to a successive 72 that secured his third placing alongside Kennedy, who crumbled to a final day 77.
At five-under-par 279, Karmis and Kennedy finished four strokes behind Webber, who climbed up to 33rd on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, took home the top prize of US$47,550.
Karmis moved into 66th with earnings of $16,545 after two starts. Hendrik Buhrmann still leads the local contingent. The veteran, who claimed his first Asian Tour title last week at the Aamby Valley Asian Masters, is 21st on the money list with earnings of $91,665 for the season.
Meanwhile Keith Horne, who finished on six-over-par 290 to tie for 34th on the weekend, slipped four positions to 39th. Horne, still chasing his maiden win in Asia is the second highest ranked South African, with earnings of $53,665.
EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR
Scotland’s Sam Torrance fired a faultless 67 to steer him to his fifth European Senior Tour title at the Sharp Italian Seniors Open, while South Africans Bobby Lincoln and Bertus Smit snuck into the top-20.
Lincoln, tied for 10th at the start of Sunday’s final round, experienced a roller coaster day of birdies and drop shots at the Circolo Golf Venezia to finish the tournament on one-under-par 215, 10 shots behind Torrance’s winning score.
Zimbabwe’s Tony Johnstone, who was making his European Seniors Tour debut after a remarkable recovery from multiple sclerosis, enjoyed a great start to his campaign with opening rounds of 71 and 70.
But on the final day, Johnstone found himself struggling with a cold putter and eventually closed with a 79 for a share of 28th place on four-over-par 220.
Former Malmesburg wheat farmer, Bertus Smit vaulted to a share of 18th on Sunday with a final round two-under-par 70, finishing two shots behind Lincoln on one-over 217. His round was a solid affair, with only one bogey at the eighth marring an otherwise faultless round.
Smit, who finished runner-up in the 2005 European Senior Tour School, turned pro in 2000 following a successful amateur career that saw him win more than 100 titles. He sold his farm after 30 years to follow his dream and went to play the mini-tours in the USA, where he featured prominently and topped the Sunbelt Senior Professional Golf Tour Money List in 2002 and 2003.
Zimbabwe’s Tongoona Charamba became only the third black winner on the Sunshine Tour this weekend since John Mashego won in 1991 and Lindani Ndwandwe followed suit in 2001.
The 22-year old from Zimbabwe claimed his maiden pro victory on Saturday in the SAA Pro-Am Invitational when he defeated seasoned pro’s Jean Hugo and Hennie Otto by two-shots at the Kempton Park Golf Club.
Charamba also posted the best three rounds of his professional career, 65-67-67, en route to his winning total of 17-under-par 199. Otto and Hugo tied for second on 15-under after posting respective rounds of 67 and 70.
ASIAN TOUR
South Africa’s Peter Karmis claimed his first international top-five finish with a third placing at the US$300,000 Macau Open on Sunday, where Australian rookie Kane Webber lifted his maiden Asian Tour title.
In his second start on the Asian Tour, Karmis opened his tally with a 71 at the Macau Golf and Country Club on Thursday, then shot to sole third on Friday when he fired a sizzling 64.
On Saturday he managed a credible third round 72 to remain in joint third alongside Chinarat Phadungsil of Thailand.
Starting the final round only five shots off the pace from third round leader, Australian Brad Kennedy, Karmis seemed oblivious to the rainy conditions as he plodded to a successive 72 that secured his third placing alongside Kennedy, who crumbled to a final day 77.
At five-under-par 279, Karmis and Kennedy finished four strokes behind Webber, who climbed up to 33rd on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, took home the top prize of US$47,550.
Karmis moved into 66th with earnings of $16,545 after two starts. Hendrik Buhrmann still leads the local contingent. The veteran, who claimed his first Asian Tour title last week at the Aamby Valley Asian Masters, is 21st on the money list with earnings of $91,665 for the season.
Meanwhile Keith Horne, who finished on six-over-par 290 to tie for 34th on the weekend, slipped four positions to 39th. Horne, still chasing his maiden win in Asia is the second highest ranked South African, with earnings of $53,665.
EUROPEAN SENIORS TOUR
Scotland’s Sam Torrance fired a faultless 67 to steer him to his fifth European Senior Tour title at the Sharp Italian Seniors Open, while South Africans Bobby Lincoln and Bertus Smit snuck into the top-20.
Lincoln, tied for 10th at the start of Sunday’s final round, experienced a roller coaster day of birdies and drop shots at the Circolo Golf Venezia to finish the tournament on one-under-par 215, 10 shots behind Torrance’s winning score.
Zimbabwe’s Tony Johnstone, who was making his European Seniors Tour debut after a remarkable recovery from multiple sclerosis, enjoyed a great start to his campaign with opening rounds of 71 and 70.
But on the final day, Johnstone found himself struggling with a cold putter and eventually closed with a 79 for a share of 28th place on four-over-par 220.
Former Malmesburg wheat farmer, Bertus Smit vaulted to a share of 18th on Sunday with a final round two-under-par 70, finishing two shots behind Lincoln on one-over 217. His round was a solid affair, with only one bogey at the eighth marring an otherwise faultless round.
Smit, who finished runner-up in the 2005 European Senior Tour School, turned pro in 2000 following a successful amateur career that saw him win more than 100 titles. He sold his farm after 30 years to follow his dream and went to play the mini-tours in the USA, where he featured prominently and topped the Sunbelt Senior Professional Golf Tour Money List in 2002 and 2003.
Monday, May 22, 2006
BOK INJURY CRISIS WORSENS
Such is the magnitude of the injury crisis ravaging the Springboks that coach Jake White came to Monday's press conference in Bloemfontein flanked not by players nor management, but by two of the team's doctors.
With the Bulls' trio of Bryan Habana, Pedrie Wannenburg and Bakkies Botha all injured in their team's Super 14 semi-final loss to the Crusaders, White is sitting without six key players.
But the injury crisis is not just rotating around the loss or potential loss of a half-a-dozen players. The Springbok management returned the results of last week's fitness tests and they proved just how much rugby the players have played and how much strain their bodies are under.
Only 16 players could train last week, out of the 31 available, notwithstanding the Bulls and Wildebeest contingent.
Of the 31 athletes tested by team doctors last week, 32 per cent were symptomatic of muscuskeletal problems and of that percentage, 72 per cent were suffering from lower limb injury problems.
This means that the Springboks are battling to get on the park, let alone train for one of the toughest year's in their history.
"We are not attacking any union, or anyone in particular," said White on the injury concerns, "we must look at the system and try to get our best team on the park."
Dr Derik Coetzee, Head of Conditioning, commented, "the volume and intensity of the training has to be compromised....we have to train less and at lower intensity levels."
The fate of the three Bulls players and in fact any other player carrying an injury in this camp will be made by the end of the week.
Botha's Achilles tendon injury could keep him out for a few weeks while Habana's ankle injury could also keep the flying winger out for the same amount of time.
Prop BJ Botha should be out until after the Tri-Nations and Marius Joubert and Andre Pretorius for eight weeks.
White said that if this scenario plays itself out at the same time next year, World Cup year, then South African rugby will be in a major situation.
"If this happens this time next year then we will probably field a Springbok team at the World Cup with hardly any experience at all."
With the Bulls' trio of Bryan Habana, Pedrie Wannenburg and Bakkies Botha all injured in their team's Super 14 semi-final loss to the Crusaders, White is sitting without six key players.
But the injury crisis is not just rotating around the loss or potential loss of a half-a-dozen players. The Springbok management returned the results of last week's fitness tests and they proved just how much rugby the players have played and how much strain their bodies are under.
Only 16 players could train last week, out of the 31 available, notwithstanding the Bulls and Wildebeest contingent.
Of the 31 athletes tested by team doctors last week, 32 per cent were symptomatic of muscuskeletal problems and of that percentage, 72 per cent were suffering from lower limb injury problems.
This means that the Springboks are battling to get on the park, let alone train for one of the toughest year's in their history.
"We are not attacking any union, or anyone in particular," said White on the injury concerns, "we must look at the system and try to get our best team on the park."
Dr Derik Coetzee, Head of Conditioning, commented, "the volume and intensity of the training has to be compromised....we have to train less and at lower intensity levels."
The fate of the three Bulls players and in fact any other player carrying an injury in this camp will be made by the end of the week.
Botha's Achilles tendon injury could keep him out for a few weeks while Habana's ankle injury could also keep the flying winger out for the same amount of time.
Prop BJ Botha should be out until after the Tri-Nations and Marius Joubert and Andre Pretorius for eight weeks.
White said that if this scenario plays itself out at the same time next year, World Cup year, then South African rugby will be in a major situation.
"If this happens this time next year then we will probably field a Springbok team at the World Cup with hardly any experience at all."
Super 14 Final Refs
All four South African officials who were in charge of the Super 14 semifinal between the Hurricanesnd the Waratahs will control Saturday's final between the Hurricanes and the Crusaderrs in Christchurch. The New Zealand Rugby Union has announced that Jonathan Kaplan will referee the match while Craig Joubert and Tappe Henning will run the touchlines and Jerome Fortuin will be the television match official. This is despite an official complaint lodged against the match officials by the Waratahs after their 16-14 defeat in last Friday's semifinal. Their complaint focuses mainly on the 70th-minute penalty for a scrum infraction - on the Waratahs' feed - which clinched the match for the home team.
TEAM BARLOWORLD’S FOURTH WIN THIS SEASON
Team Barloworld’s star of the moment, Gianpaolo Cheula, was the overall general classification winner of the 58th Course de la Paix (Peace Race) in the
“It’s wonderful to finally come back and taste the joy of winning. A big thanks to my Barloworld teammates. I wish to pay tribute for their excellent work. This success will be the best gift for my 27th birthday next week,” said an ecstatic Cheula.
Teammate Felix Cardenas also had a good race and finished 9th overall.
The prestigious Course de la Paix covers over 1274 kilometers and has become an important race for talented young riders to showcase their skills.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Results from the Wayne Ferreira Challenge
Round 2 :
Section A:
Paul Roos Gymnasium
Hoërskool Waterkloof vs Hoërskool Stellenbosch 13-1
Pretoria Boys High bt
Section B:
Potchefstroom Gymnasium bt Parktown Boys High 15-4
St Benedicts bt Wesvalia 20-2
KES bt Diamandveld Hoërskool 15-6
Round 3:
Section A:
St Stithians bt Pretoria Boys 15-1
Waterkloof bt Nelspruit 19-4
Paul Roos bt Kearsney 21-0
Clapham bt Stellenbosch 18-4
Section B:
St Benedicts bt Diamantveld 14-8
Parktown Boys bt Duineveld 14-10
KES bt Wesvalia 21-1
Potchefstroom Gym bt Selborne 16-10
Development at the Dome
The organisers of the Powerade Dome2dome cycling spectacular on Sunday, September 17, have confirmed that the official beneficiary of the event this year will be the exciting new development club, Cycling News Chiawelo, which has attracted strong interest from youngsters in Soweto, and is coached by the SA national team manager, Tony Harding.
"This is great news for the youngsters and, thanks to the organisers, they will also be receiving free entries to the race, plus there will be a special bonus of R 1 000 if one of the club members wins the U16 category,"
commented Harding, who has been the driving force behind the development club.
He has also called on his close friend, Robert Hunter, SA's leading pro, to help and encourage the Soweto group at the club.
Just a few days ago, Hunter could be seen on the streets of the West Rand riding with them, chatting and giving them tips in his typically down-to-earth cyclist to cyclist manner.
"I really enjoyed chatting to the kids and, if I can serve as an inspiration to them, I am very honoured, "said Hunter, as he jumped back into his car after the ride, en route to yet another international race.
His enthusiasm was clear when he commented "Tony Harding tells me that some of these kids have got real talent, and I saw a bit of that during our ride.
I'm really looking forward to see how they've improved when I get back for the Powerade Dome2dome race in September."
Assistance from Cycling SA and team sponsors, Colorpress, has meant that that the kids can be taxi-ed regularly from Soweto to Cycling News headquarters in Ruimsig to be coached by Harding, who uses the members of the Colorpress/Cyclingnews team to provide actual examples of competitive riding techniques and direct inspiration for the youngsters.
Some of the kids have been in the programme for five months already. Now the club team can look forward to doing battle in one of the country's most exciting events, the Powerade Dome2dome cycling spectacular, and also know that the future of the programme looks that much more secure with financial help coming from the event.
While Hunter, wearing the colours of his European Pro tour team, Phonak, will undoubtedly be up at the front of the peloton, he will have done his part to encourage and inspire the youngsters who will be following him on the same road to cycling success.
With Harding's continued support plus the input from the members of the young Colorpress/Cycling News team, and the support of prestigious races such as the Powerade Dome2dome, it is clear that these Soweto youngsters have been given a great chance to fulfil their cycling ambitions.
Cyclists can join Hunter and the rest simply by entering on-line at www.cyclelab.com and following the instructions.
For more information on what is rapidly turning into one of South Africa's top races visit www.poweradedome2dome.co.za.
2nd Last Super 14 Weekend
That's right folks. Only 3 more games of Super Rugby in 2006. Doesn't that make you feel warm all over?
There is an article on Supersport, you need to be a subscriber to be able to read it, on how Bulls coach, Heyneke Meyer, is saying that he felt as if the whole of SOuth Africa was against him for a while now, but now the tide has turned and we are all Bulls this weekend. Hey, Heyneke, NOT ONE SHARK SUPPORTER WILL BE A BULL! Ever!
You have Steve Hofmeyer, and that's because you pay him and those other blubbering idiots who go to Loftus with thier blue flags and that's it. I am sure that the majority of rugby fans would LOVE to see you get such a hiding from the Crusaders, they can taste is more than a Hansa Pilsner on a Friday night.
Back to the reason I started this post. This morning, it's a replay of last week's match, 'Tahs going to visit the 'Canes in Wellington. The Hurricane should take it.
Tomorrow, the poor old, tired bulls (lower case on purpose) take on the CRUSADERS.
I was watching Boots and All, for my sins, last night and they were going on about how great the Bulls were to pull off such an amazing win against the Stormers. I have written about that before here and if I start again, I might just go off the handle, again.
I hope the Stormers can sleep at night and when Butch meets you guys in practice, I giove him permission to practice the shoulder charge on you from afar.
There is an article on Supersport, you need to be a subscriber to be able to read it, on how Bulls coach, Heyneke Meyer, is saying that he felt as if the whole of SOuth Africa was against him for a while now, but now the tide has turned and we are all Bulls this weekend. Hey, Heyneke, NOT ONE SHARK SUPPORTER WILL BE A BULL! Ever!
You have Steve Hofmeyer, and that's because you pay him and those other blubbering idiots who go to Loftus with thier blue flags and that's it. I am sure that the majority of rugby fans would LOVE to see you get such a hiding from the Crusaders, they can taste is more than a Hansa Pilsner on a Friday night.
Back to the reason I started this post. This morning, it's a replay of last week's match, 'Tahs going to visit the 'Canes in Wellington. The Hurricane should take it.
Tomorrow, the poor old, tired bulls (lower case on purpose) take on the CRUSADERS.
I was watching Boots and All, for my sins, last night and they were going on about how great the Bulls were to pull off such an amazing win against the Stormers. I have written about that before here and if I start again, I might just go off the handle, again.
I hope the Stormers can sleep at night and when Butch meets you guys in practice, I giove him permission to practice the shoulder charge on you from afar.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Results from the Wayne Ferreira Challenge
Played at Ellis Park Tennis Grounds, Johannesburg
Thursday 18th May 2006
Round 1:
Section A:
Clapham High School bt Hoërskool Waterkloof 16-9
Hoërskool Stellenbosch bt Hoërskool Nelspruit 18-6
Paul Roos Gymnasium bt Pretoria Boys High School 15-10
St Stithians bt Kearsney College 19-5
Section B:
Selborne College bt Parktown Boys High 18-4
Potchefstroom Gymnasium bt Hoërskool Duineveld 19-3
St Benedicts bt KES 18-7
Diamandveld Hoërskool bt Wesvalia 21-1
Thursday 18th May 2006
Round 1:
Section A:
Clapham High School bt Hoërskool Waterkloof 16-9
Hoërskool Stellenbosch bt Hoërskool Nelspruit 18-6
Paul Roos Gymnasium bt Pretoria Boys High School 15-10
St Stithians bt Kearsney College 19-5
Section B:
Selborne College bt Parktown Boys High 18-4
Potchefstroom Gymnasium bt Hoërskool Duineveld 19-3
St Benedicts bt KES 18-7
Diamandveld Hoërskool bt Wesvalia 21-1
FIFA release the 32 Squads
FIFA released the official squad lists for the 32 teams that will play in next month's World Cup.
Each team registered 23 players for the tournament in Germany, making 736 players eligible to play at soccer's premier event, which kicks off on June 9 in Munich.
The squad lists were released Thursday on FIFA's World Cup Web site, with names, positions and shirt numbers for all players.
The FIFA deadline for submitting rosters was Monday, and most of the teams made their squad announcements public on that day.
The only change from the announced players to the official rosters came from Croatia, where Ivan Buljat of Dinamo Zagreb was replaced by Niko Kovac of Hertha Berlin.
According to FIFA, 47 percent of the registered players compete in England, Italy, Spain, France and Germany - the top five leagues in Europe. The English Premier League has 102 players chosen for their respective national teams.
Seven of the competitors will be taking part in their fourth World Cup, including Claudio Reyna and Kasey Keller of the United States, Oliver Kahn of Germany, Mohammed Al-Deayea and Sami Al-Jaber of Saudi Arabia, and Cafu and Ronaldo of Brazil.
Keller is the only player going to Germany who participated in the 1990 World Cup. He missed the 1994 tournament, however.
Only Cafu, Al-Deayea and Al-Jaber actually played in the last three tournaments.
England forward Theo Walcott, who is only 17 years old, will be the youngest player in the competition and could become the youngest ever to score if he finds the net in Germany.
Tunisia goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel, who is 40, will be the fifth oldest player to participate after Roger Milla of Cameroon, Pat Jennings of Northern Ireland, Peter Shilton of England and Dino Zoff of Italy.
Each team registered 23 players for the tournament in Germany, making 736 players eligible to play at soccer's premier event, which kicks off on June 9 in Munich.
The squad lists were released Thursday on FIFA's World Cup Web site, with names, positions and shirt numbers for all players.
The FIFA deadline for submitting rosters was Monday, and most of the teams made their squad announcements public on that day.
The only change from the announced players to the official rosters came from Croatia, where Ivan Buljat of Dinamo Zagreb was replaced by Niko Kovac of Hertha Berlin.
According to FIFA, 47 percent of the registered players compete in England, Italy, Spain, France and Germany - the top five leagues in Europe. The English Premier League has 102 players chosen for their respective national teams.
Seven of the competitors will be taking part in their fourth World Cup, including Claudio Reyna and Kasey Keller of the United States, Oliver Kahn of Germany, Mohammed Al-Deayea and Sami Al-Jaber of Saudi Arabia, and Cafu and Ronaldo of Brazil.
Keller is the only player going to Germany who participated in the 1990 World Cup. He missed the 1994 tournament, however.
Only Cafu, Al-Deayea and Al-Jaber actually played in the last three tournaments.
England forward Theo Walcott, who is only 17 years old, will be the youngest player in the competition and could become the youngest ever to score if he finds the net in Germany.
Tunisia goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel, who is 40, will be the fifth oldest player to participate after Roger Milla of Cameroon, Pat Jennings of Northern Ireland, Peter Shilton of England and Dino Zoff of Italy.
TEAM BARLOWORLD RACES INTO 2ND PLACE IN COURSE DE LA PAIX
Team Barloworld’s Gianpaolo Cheula piled on the pressure at the Course de la Paix (Peace Race) in the
Cheula remained with a small breakaway during much of the race, and managed to brush off continuous attacks from numerous teams up to the finish.
Cheula, along with teammates Felix Cardenas and Ryan Cox finished well ahead of Pro-riders Danilo Hondo (Team Lamonta) and Steffen Radochla (Team Wiesenhof).
While Gianpaolo Cheula is lying in 2nd position overall for the tour, just points behind the race leader with three stages to go, the general classification after stage 5 sees four of Team Barloworld’s riders in the top 25 – Cheula, Cardenas, Cox and Mads Christensen.
The riders have covered over 800 kilometers in the 8 day race, with Team Barloworld finishing in the top 20 during every stage. Star Italian sprinter Giosué Bonomi finished 5th in stage 1, 4th in stage 2 and 8th in stage 3. In stage 4, the team’s tactics proved to be successful after Columbian climber Cardenas finished 5th and Cheula 11th.
Today’s stage covers 172 kilometers through
Says Team Barloworld team manager Claudio Corti: “Cheula finished in an equal time with Siotsou, but it’s only a matter of points that place him second. We are hopeful and determined to take the leaders jersey over the next three stages.”
Champs League
It all comes down to fitness in the end. Liverpool were on the wining end last time. Westham learnt it in the FA Cup and Arsenal learnt it last night.
Play too much, don't train properly and over work your players and this is what you get. Well done to the Gunners though. At least you were there...
I see now too that Arsenal fans are saying that the referee was biased. IOL are running a poll about that as well. Only 22% think that he was.
You know what would be a great idea?!!?? Have women referee big games. How many times have you heard a woman say that they don't care about sport, just the results? Wouldn't that make a great ref? No bias, no concern, just play it like it is. Although, there is one issue thatthey would have to work on. And that is to forget after the game. Imagine if she penalises Henry for something he did three months ago and STILL HASN'T APPOLOGISED FOR!!!
Hehe. I am having fun today.
But after Thierry Henry had squandered his second glorious chance of the
evening, the exhausted Gunners were floored by two late sucker punches, Eto'o's
close-range finish and Belletti's equally well-taken strike in the space of four
minutes proving enough to secure the Catalan club's second European Cup, 14
years after Ronald Koeman's free-kick decided the 1992 final at Wembley.
Play too much, don't train properly and over work your players and this is what you get. Well done to the Gunners though. At least you were there...
I see now too that Arsenal fans are saying that the referee was biased. IOL are running a poll about that as well. Only 22% think that he was.
You know what would be a great idea?!!?? Have women referee big games. How many times have you heard a woman say that they don't care about sport, just the results? Wouldn't that make a great ref? No bias, no concern, just play it like it is. Although, there is one issue thatthey would have to work on. And that is to forget after the game. Imagine if she penalises Henry for something he did three months ago and STILL HASN'T APPOLOGISED FOR!!!
Hehe. I am having fun today.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Champions League Final
I am not one to predict soccer scores. Especially one as interesting as the UEFA Cup Final being played in Paris tonight.
I hope Arsenal win but I think that Barcelona will. 90 minutes of some of the best footballers in the world should be cool to watch.
Of course, to make the news here on BBJSportGuy, there has to be something different. Here is a great story from the BBC Sport's section....
How STUPID can you be????
I hope Arsenal win but I think that Barcelona will. 90 minutes of some of the best footballers in the world should be cool to watch.
Of course, to make the news here on BBJSportGuy, there has to be something different. Here is a great story from the BBC Sport's section....
One of the linesmen for the Champions League final has been replaced after being photographed wearing a Barcelona shirt on Monday.Norwegian Ole Hermann Borgan wore the shirt for a photoshoot with his local newspaper, Drammens Tidende.
Borgan had insisted he would remain impartial and Uefa initially stuck by him before deciding to replace him with his compatriot Arild Sundet.
Sundet is not yet in Paris, but will be flown in on Wednesday morning.
The newspaper wanted Borgan to wear both Arsenal and Barcelona shirts for the photoshoot, according to its sports editor Per Jan Brekke.
How STUPID can you be????
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
NO COMRADES HALF MARATHON - CMA
CMA General Manager, Gary Boshoff has confirmed cancellation of the Comrades Half Marathon, which had been advertised in the 2006 road running fixture lists for July 9 2006.
The Comrades Half Marathon came about as a consequence of an Athletics South Africa (ASA) directive issued in January 2005 that all events of 42,2km and longer would be required to stage simultaneous races of 21,1km or shorter, and CMA's willingness and endeavour to comply.
However, following initial discussions with ASA, it was agreed that owing to the unique logistical circumstances relating to the nature of the Comrades Marathon's point-to-point route that it would be impractical for CMA to stage a simultaneous half marathon race. It was consequently deemed acceptable for CMA to stage a separate half marathon race.
In July 2005 a late application was submitted to KZNA for a date on the 2006 fixture list. However, the only date available on the KZNA calendar was July 9, certainly not ideal, but one which CMA was prepared to accommodate if necessary, with the initial vision being that of staging a half marathon event of similar stature to the Comrades Marathon.
In the interim however, various developments have transpired according to Boshoff: Durban Africa expressed its concern owing to the congestion of major sporting events in the city of Durban during the month of July.
ASA subsequently rescinded its directive requiring all 42,2km or longer events to stage shorter races. And most importantly ASA introduced the Nedbank City Marathon and Matha Series, with the Nedbank SA 20km Championships scheduled for July 2 in East London.
"CMA's particular expertise and commitment is to the Comrades Marathon which is regarded as the world's greatest ultramarathon and that is essentially our core business", said Boshoff. "As a compliant affiliate of ASA, we were initially prepared to commit to the staging of a half marathon if required to do so by the controlling body.
"However, having been let off the hook, we have decided to stick to our core business, particularly in the light of the extremely exciting Nedbank SA 20km Championships taking place early in July, with which we would not wish to compete.
" The Nedbank City Marathon and Matha series is one of the most exciting innovations for the promotion, growth, development and sustainability of our sport," said Boshoff, "and we would urge athletes throughout the country to give it their support." "We do of course apologise for any confusion amongst athletes, but at least no runner should be inconvenienced as the event was always projected as a strictly pre-entry event".
The Comrades Half Marathon came about as a consequence of an Athletics South Africa (ASA) directive issued in January 2005 that all events of 42,2km and longer would be required to stage simultaneous races of 21,1km or shorter, and CMA's willingness and endeavour to comply.
However, following initial discussions with ASA, it was agreed that owing to the unique logistical circumstances relating to the nature of the Comrades Marathon's point-to-point route that it would be impractical for CMA to stage a simultaneous half marathon race. It was consequently deemed acceptable for CMA to stage a separate half marathon race.
In July 2005 a late application was submitted to KZNA for a date on the 2006 fixture list. However, the only date available on the KZNA calendar was July 9, certainly not ideal, but one which CMA was prepared to accommodate if necessary, with the initial vision being that of staging a half marathon event of similar stature to the Comrades Marathon.
In the interim however, various developments have transpired according to Boshoff: Durban Africa expressed its concern owing to the congestion of major sporting events in the city of Durban during the month of July.
ASA subsequently rescinded its directive requiring all 42,2km or longer events to stage shorter races. And most importantly ASA introduced the Nedbank City Marathon and Matha Series, with the Nedbank SA 20km Championships scheduled for July 2 in East London.
"CMA's particular expertise and commitment is to the Comrades Marathon which is regarded as the world's greatest ultramarathon and that is essentially our core business", said Boshoff. "As a compliant affiliate of ASA, we were initially prepared to commit to the staging of a half marathon if required to do so by the controlling body.
"However, having been let off the hook, we have decided to stick to our core business, particularly in the light of the extremely exciting Nedbank SA 20km Championships taking place early in July, with which we would not wish to compete.
" The Nedbank City Marathon and Matha series is one of the most exciting innovations for the promotion, growth, development and sustainability of our sport," said Boshoff, "and we would urge athletes throughout the country to give it their support." "We do of course apologise for any confusion amongst athletes, but at least no runner should be inconvenienced as the event was always projected as a strictly pre-entry event".
Monday, May 15, 2006
A Wrap of South African Golfers this weekend
SUNSHINE TOUR
Bloemfontein’s Alex Haindl hit the jackpot at the inaugural Suncoast Classic at Durban Country Club when he sunk a mammoth 70-foot eagle putt at the second hole of a three-way play-off to win his maiden professional title.
Haindl fired a final round 67 to tie local favourite, Lindani Ndwandwe and Limpopo Classic champion, Bradford Vaughan, at the 72nd hole of regulation play on nine-under-par 207. The challengers matched Haindl’s birdie at the first play-off hole, but the 23-year old was unrivalled at the second.
His winner’s cheque of R54,950 moves Haindl to seventh on the current Sunshine Tour’s Order of Merit, the highest ranking he has held in five years on the circuit.
US PGA TOUR
Trevor Immelman finished second behind American Brett Wetterich at the Byron Nelson Championship on the weekend, this second placing in as many weeks, following a play-off defeat by Jim Furyk at the Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow last Sunday.
The final result sees Immelman launch to 14th from 29th on the PGA Tour Money List, the third highest South African behind Rory Sabbatini in seventh and world number three, Retief Goosen in ninth. Tim Clark, who missed his second cut this season, slips to 20th.
ASIAN TOUR
Sunshine Tour veteran Hendrik Buhrmann ended an agonising 11-year wait to claim his maiden Asian Tour title when he cruised an emphatic two-stroke victory at the inaugural Aamby Valley Asian Masters on Sunday.
The 42-year-old South African carded a final round of one-under-par 71 at the magnificent Aamby Valley Golf Club to finish two shots ahead of England’s Simon Hurd, who closed with a 73.
Burhmann picked up a cheque of US$63,400 from the US$400,000 Asian Tour event with a winning total of 11-under-par 277.
EUROPEAN TOUR
2004 Sunshine Tour rookie, Johan Edfors, became the first Swedish winner in the tournament’s history when he produced a final round two-under-par 70 to capture his second European Tour title at The Quinn Direct British Masters at The De Vere Belfry on Sunday.
South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel claimed a share of 27th on the final day with a final round 73, while Warren Abery tied for 47th on one-over-par 289.
Bloemfontein’s Alex Haindl hit the jackpot at the inaugural Suncoast Classic at Durban Country Club when he sunk a mammoth 70-foot eagle putt at the second hole of a three-way play-off to win his maiden professional title.
Haindl fired a final round 67 to tie local favourite, Lindani Ndwandwe and Limpopo Classic champion, Bradford Vaughan, at the 72nd hole of regulation play on nine-under-par 207. The challengers matched Haindl’s birdie at the first play-off hole, but the 23-year old was unrivalled at the second.
His winner’s cheque of R54,950 moves Haindl to seventh on the current Sunshine Tour’s Order of Merit, the highest ranking he has held in five years on the circuit.
US PGA TOUR
Trevor Immelman finished second behind American Brett Wetterich at the Byron Nelson Championship on the weekend, this second placing in as many weeks, following a play-off defeat by Jim Furyk at the Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow last Sunday.
The final result sees Immelman launch to 14th from 29th on the PGA Tour Money List, the third highest South African behind Rory Sabbatini in seventh and world number three, Retief Goosen in ninth. Tim Clark, who missed his second cut this season, slips to 20th.
ASIAN TOUR
Sunshine Tour veteran Hendrik Buhrmann ended an agonising 11-year wait to claim his maiden Asian Tour title when he cruised an emphatic two-stroke victory at the inaugural Aamby Valley Asian Masters on Sunday.
The 42-year-old South African carded a final round of one-under-par 71 at the magnificent Aamby Valley Golf Club to finish two shots ahead of England’s Simon Hurd, who closed with a 73.
Burhmann picked up a cheque of US$63,400 from the US$400,000 Asian Tour event with a winning total of 11-under-par 277.
EUROPEAN TOUR
2004 Sunshine Tour rookie, Johan Edfors, became the first Swedish winner in the tournament’s history when he produced a final round two-under-par 70 to capture his second European Tour title at The Quinn Direct British Masters at The De Vere Belfry on Sunday.
South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel claimed a share of 27th on the final day with a final round 73, while Warren Abery tied for 47th on one-over-par 289.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Bafana Bafana
I spoke with Pitso Mosimane today. He is the stand in-stand in coach for Bafana for the COSAFA Cup next weekend. The same weekend as the ABSA Cup final. So how many people will be watching a loosing national side against Swaziland? None, but we have to mention it.
Anyway, I asked Pitso why he included Aaron Mokoena in the side even though he is so badly injured that his English side said that he will only be ready when the English Premiership starts up again after thier Summer. Pitso's answert was simple, He said that his doctor hasn't had a lok to confirm the injury. Also, Aaron wants to play for his country.
KAK!!!
If Aaron wanted to play for his country so badly, he would have put his personal differences with Ted Dumitru aside and gone to Egypt for the African Cup of Nations. He wouldn't have sulked off to England and he wouldn't have gone to the press about the whole issue. Wanker.
If he is a little injured and wants to play sooooo badly, is it really a good idea to put him in anyway? This move counld be a career ending one. EVen I know, with very little physiology training, that if you have an injury, you rest it. You don't strain it, you don't push it. That would cause an injury that is even worse.
Why would the South African soccer coach even think of doing that to the captain of the national side? Stupidity? Incompatence? Who knows? I don't think they do either.
Anyway, I asked Pitso why he included Aaron Mokoena in the side even though he is so badly injured that his English side said that he will only be ready when the English Premiership starts up again after thier Summer. Pitso's answert was simple, He said that his doctor hasn't had a lok to confirm the injury. Also, Aaron wants to play for his country.
KAK!!!
If Aaron wanted to play for his country so badly, he would have put his personal differences with Ted Dumitru aside and gone to Egypt for the African Cup of Nations. He wouldn't have sulked off to England and he wouldn't have gone to the press about the whole issue. Wanker.
If he is a little injured and wants to play sooooo badly, is it really a good idea to put him in anyway? This move counld be a career ending one. EVen I know, with very little physiology training, that if you have an injury, you rest it. You don't strain it, you don't push it. That would cause an injury that is even worse.
Why would the South African soccer coach even think of doing that to the captain of the national side? Stupidity? Incompatence? Who knows? I don't think they do either.
Sharks vs Bulls vs Stormers
If you don't know by now, I am a huge Sharks fan. I have seen two of thier games live, which is two more than any other Super 14 franchise. So if this post seems a little depressed, then you will undertsand where I am coming from.
Yesterday morning, all was swell. The Sharks had done what was needed and had some change in the bank after beating the Force to get into the semi-finals of the Super 14. All we needed, as Sharks fans, was for the Bulls to not win by 32 points against the Stormers in Cape Town. A task that seemed impossible. Until around 7pm last night, that is.
The Stormers tried, I give you that, but they did try a little too hard, if you get my drift. They would run the ball from thier own 22. AGAINST THE BULLS!!!! Who does that? The Stormers knew that they were going to lose. It's a fact that it was going to happen. If I was the flyhalf of the side, every time I got the ball, I would have kicked it as far and as wide as I could and just pin those Bulls in thier own half for 80 minutes. No, not the Stormers. We have to show off for Jake and drop the ball and throw high floating balls out to the wing where Brian Habbana just happens to be waiting.
"On the other hand, Darren", well done to the Bulls on getting through. I can't wait to see the carrot that the 'Saders will give you. Or maybe not. I am still putting my money on the Hurricanes to take the title.
Yesterday morning, all was swell. The Sharks had done what was needed and had some change in the bank after beating the Force to get into the semi-finals of the Super 14. All we needed, as Sharks fans, was for the Bulls to not win by 32 points against the Stormers in Cape Town. A task that seemed impossible. Until around 7pm last night, that is.
The Stormers tried, I give you that, but they did try a little too hard, if you get my drift. They would run the ball from thier own 22. AGAINST THE BULLS!!!! Who does that? The Stormers knew that they were going to lose. It's a fact that it was going to happen. If I was the flyhalf of the side, every time I got the ball, I would have kicked it as far and as wide as I could and just pin those Bulls in thier own half for 80 minutes. No, not the Stormers. We have to show off for Jake and drop the ball and throw high floating balls out to the wing where Brian Habbana just happens to be waiting.
"On the other hand, Darren", well done to the Bulls on getting through. I can't wait to see the carrot that the 'Saders will give you. Or maybe not. I am still putting my money on the Hurricanes to take the title.
Friday, May 12, 2006
CONQUEST OF THE ZULU RALLY
Billed as the biggest and best rally ever organised in South Africa, the Zulu Rally is well in the sights of Team TOTAL, the biggest and best privateer in national rallying in the country. The Zulu Rally, a round of the African Rally Championship, and the Sasol South African National Rally Championship, is also a bid event for the FIA's World Rally Championship.
This is the major reason why the thirteen car Team TOTAL will pull out all stops to ensure that it puts up a good show on the event. The team are currently leading four of the seven classes in the South African Championship. Overall Ettiene Lourens is third on 38 points, Nicholas Ryan 4th on 34 points, Salie du Toit 5th on 33 points and J-P Damseaux 6th on 32 points.
In Class S2000 Etienne Lourens is third with 10 points in his Team TOTAL Toyota RunX. Nicholas Ryan in leading Class N4 in his Team TOTAL Bosal Subaru WRX on 15 points. The class leader in N3 is Chris de Wit in a Team TOTAL Toyota RunX. Jean Pierre Damseaux is leading Class A7 in his Toyota RunX, while Michael Houghton is first in his Team TOTAL Toyota Tazz in Class A5 on 24 points.
The Zulu Rally is the halfway stage of the SA Championship and all the Team TOTAL crews will be keen to improve their current standings further before the start of the second half of the season.
Etienne Lourens scored a solid second place on the Sasol Rally to follow his fourth overall on the Toyota Dealer Rally. He is confident that his car has been sorted and that he can mix it with the frontrunners in S2000. "Lourens has been given a free hand to drive the car as hard as he can and that too has made a major difference to his performance", Team TOTAL Manager, Andries van der Walt said.
"It is going to be interesting to see how the gaggle of Team TOTAL Class N4 entries shape against the likes of Alistair McCrae, John Lloyd and Robbie Head, who are coming from overseas. It is going to be quite a tussle", Van der Walt said.
Chris de Wit is working full steam to get his N3 Toyota RunX ready for the rally after a disastrous roll on the Sasol Rally recently. All the competitors in Class N3 will keep their eyes wide open to watch the progress of Mohammed Moosa who caught them napping on the Sasol Rally and nearly won the class but for a puncture on the second last stage. It was only Moosa's third national event in the Toyota RunX.
J-P Damseaux leading Class A7 in a Team TOTAL Toyota RunX and Michael Houghton leading Class A5 in a Toyota Tazz will be keen to extend their leads before the break in the season. In Class A6 Eugene Lourens in the 16v Team TOTAL Toyota Conquest surprised everybody with his performance on the Sasol Rally. He is currently 2nd in the class. His car may be able to perform better on the Zulu Rally, as his computer will be correctly mapped.
Lourens will have to cope with the attentions of both Schalk Bruger who is leading the class in a Toyota Corolla Rsi and Craig Trott in a Team TOTAL Toyota Corolla Rsi who is lying third. Trott has so far had a miserable season.
This is the major reason why the thirteen car Team TOTAL will pull out all stops to ensure that it puts up a good show on the event. The team are currently leading four of the seven classes in the South African Championship. Overall Ettiene Lourens is third on 38 points, Nicholas Ryan 4th on 34 points, Salie du Toit 5th on 33 points and J-P Damseaux 6th on 32 points.
In Class S2000 Etienne Lourens is third with 10 points in his Team TOTAL Toyota RunX. Nicholas Ryan in leading Class N4 in his Team TOTAL Bosal Subaru WRX on 15 points. The class leader in N3 is Chris de Wit in a Team TOTAL Toyota RunX. Jean Pierre Damseaux is leading Class A7 in his Toyota RunX, while Michael Houghton is first in his Team TOTAL Toyota Tazz in Class A5 on 24 points.
The Zulu Rally is the halfway stage of the SA Championship and all the Team TOTAL crews will be keen to improve their current standings further before the start of the second half of the season.
Etienne Lourens scored a solid second place on the Sasol Rally to follow his fourth overall on the Toyota Dealer Rally. He is confident that his car has been sorted and that he can mix it with the frontrunners in S2000. "Lourens has been given a free hand to drive the car as hard as he can and that too has made a major difference to his performance", Team TOTAL Manager, Andries van der Walt said.
"It is going to be interesting to see how the gaggle of Team TOTAL Class N4 entries shape against the likes of Alistair McCrae, John Lloyd and Robbie Head, who are coming from overseas. It is going to be quite a tussle", Van der Walt said.
Chris de Wit is working full steam to get his N3 Toyota RunX ready for the rally after a disastrous roll on the Sasol Rally recently. All the competitors in Class N3 will keep their eyes wide open to watch the progress of Mohammed Moosa who caught them napping on the Sasol Rally and nearly won the class but for a puncture on the second last stage. It was only Moosa's third national event in the Toyota RunX.
J-P Damseaux leading Class A7 in a Team TOTAL Toyota RunX and Michael Houghton leading Class A5 in a Toyota Tazz will be keen to extend their leads before the break in the season. In Class A6 Eugene Lourens in the 16v Team TOTAL Toyota Conquest surprised everybody with his performance on the Sasol Rally. He is currently 2nd in the class. His car may be able to perform better on the Zulu Rally, as his computer will be correctly mapped.
Lourens will have to cope with the attentions of both Schalk Bruger who is leading the class in a Toyota Corolla Rsi and Craig Trott in a Team TOTAL Toyota Corolla Rsi who is lying third. Trott has so far had a miserable season.
Amanda Coetzer Girls High School Challenge Results
Results from the Standard Bank/Amanda Coetzer Girls High School Challenge played at Hoer Meisieskool Oranje on Friday.
Second Round:
HMS Bloemhof bt HS Waterkloof 21-2
HS DF Malan bt HS Menlopark 17-6
HMS Oranje bt HS Nelspruit 21-0
Third Round:
HS Waterkloof bt HS Nelspruit 18-4
HMS Oranje bt HS DF Malan 19-5
HMS Bloemhof bt HS Menlopark 21-0
Second Round:
HMS Bloemhof bt HS Waterkloof 21-2
HS DF Malan bt HS Menlopark 17-6
HMS Oranje bt HS Nelspruit 21-0
Third Round:
HS Waterkloof bt HS Nelspruit 18-4
HMS Oranje bt HS DF Malan 19-5
HMS Bloemhof bt HS Menlopark 21-0
SA Sport Awards
Kass Naidoo was awarded the the prize for best presenter on radio last night. The 29th odd SAB Sport Journalist Awards were held in the souless Boardroom at the Sandton Convension Centre last night.
It is a little of a back slapping awards ceremony with Mark Banks hosting the event in a stuttering and badly read way. He might be a funny man if he is doing his stand-up but when he has to read a script, he just can't do it.
SAfm was well represented with Kass winning the award I mentioned above and Coolchick won just about everything else including the grand prize for Best Radio Sport Programme, Saturday Sport Special.
Guest speaker of the night was Oregan Hoskins, the new boss of SA Rugby. He is a lawyer and it's amazing to watch and listen to someone speak for half an hour and he says NOTHING! Remember that he is talking to people that know a thing or two about sport and, in particular, rugby. Regan stood up and told us everything that we already knew. C'mon Regan, tell us sme juicy stuff.
Well done to all of the winners though.
It is a little of a back slapping awards ceremony with Mark Banks hosting the event in a stuttering and badly read way. He might be a funny man if he is doing his stand-up but when he has to read a script, he just can't do it.
SAfm was well represented with Kass winning the award I mentioned above and Coolchick won just about everything else including the grand prize for Best Radio Sport Programme, Saturday Sport Special.
Guest speaker of the night was Oregan Hoskins, the new boss of SA Rugby. He is a lawyer and it's amazing to watch and listen to someone speak for half an hour and he says NOTHING! Remember that he is talking to people that know a thing or two about sport and, in particular, rugby. Regan stood up and told us everything that we already knew. C'mon Regan, tell us sme juicy stuff.
Well done to all of the winners though.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Defending Champions off to Winning Start
Defending Champions, Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof of Stellenbosch, started their defense of the ninth Standard Bank Amanda Coetzer Challenge in
Former world doubles champion, Pietie Norval, coach of the Bloemhof side said that he was pleased with his team’s performance. “We could not have wished for a better start to what always ends up being a tough weekend’s tennis. However, despite the good start, my team need to remain focused and committed to defending their title if they want a chance to lift the trophy on Saturday” said Norval.
Despite having won the title on three previous occasions, Waterkloof were outplayed by a motivated Oranje side in a nail biting first round encounter. Oranje beat Waterkloof 14-9.
In the last tie of the opening days play, Menlopark of Tshwane won comfortably over newcomers, Nelspruit 18-5.
On Friday round 2 and three of the round robin competition will be played with the final rounds scheduled for Saturday.
My Super 14 Theory
This is probably one of the most controversial opinions out there. You ready? What you are about to read might change the way you look at life. Well, maybe the Super 14.
Tomorrow is the final day of the pool stage of the Vodacom Super 14. The 1st game of the weekend is probably one of the best of the whole competition. The Crusaders are at home to the Brumbies in Christchurch. The Brumbies need to draw or better to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the competition. If they don't, then there is still a chance of both the Sharks and the Bulls from making it into the top 4. More so for the Sharks, as they take on the bottom of the table, Force, while the Bulls go to Cape Town to play the Stormers (Springboks).
That is all background, here comes the thing....
Should the Brumbies draw or better, there is no point, at all, of continuing the rest of the weekend's Super 14 matches. The final four have been decided and that is the reason for the whole competition. Final four, final two, final one.
At first, I wanted to say that the rest of the weekend's matches should be cancelled completely. Now, as I sit here smelling the smell of cut grass, I think that all of those reserves and background players should be given a run over the weekend. Save the bog boys for another time when injuries won't happen. Jake White has already said that the Bok players won't get very involved in the Currie Cup this year, so stop them from playing now already.
Explanation: The last game of the weekend is when the Bulls go to Newlands. Many players from the Bok squad will come from those two sides. Not sure why, but that's the way it is. If the game has no reason to be played and a player or 10 get injured, wouldn't that just have been the biggest waste of time and energy and Jake White will not be happy man.
Of course, all of this depends on the Brumbies winning. It's not going to happen. The Sharks will beat the Force, with 4 tries, and they will have to travel, again, and meet the Crusaders in Christchurch. You have to go back to February 25 to remember the game at Timaru. The Sharks lost by only 2 points in the end. Would they be able to beat them the 2nd time around. I think so. The 'Saders are tired and the Sharks are looking mean and hungry, unlike other Super 14 sides in South Africa.
So the Sharks go onto the final between The Warahtahs and the Hurricanes. Who wants to bet on the 'Canes to win the Super 14? You will get 8/1 odds. Go for it.
Tomorrow is the final day of the pool stage of the Vodacom Super 14. The 1st game of the weekend is probably one of the best of the whole competition. The Crusaders are at home to the Brumbies in Christchurch. The Brumbies need to draw or better to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the competition. If they don't, then there is still a chance of both the Sharks and the Bulls from making it into the top 4. More so for the Sharks, as they take on the bottom of the table, Force, while the Bulls go to Cape Town to play the Stormers (Springboks).
That is all background, here comes the thing....
Should the Brumbies draw or better, there is no point, at all, of continuing the rest of the weekend's Super 14 matches. The final four have been decided and that is the reason for the whole competition. Final four, final two, final one.
At first, I wanted to say that the rest of the weekend's matches should be cancelled completely. Now, as I sit here smelling the smell of cut grass, I think that all of those reserves and background players should be given a run over the weekend. Save the bog boys for another time when injuries won't happen. Jake White has already said that the Bok players won't get very involved in the Currie Cup this year, so stop them from playing now already.
Explanation: The last game of the weekend is when the Bulls go to Newlands. Many players from the Bok squad will come from those two sides. Not sure why, but that's the way it is. If the game has no reason to be played and a player or 10 get injured, wouldn't that just have been the biggest waste of time and energy and Jake White will not be happy man.
Of course, all of this depends on the Brumbies winning. It's not going to happen. The Sharks will beat the Force, with 4 tries, and they will have to travel, again, and meet the Crusaders in Christchurch. You have to go back to February 25 to remember the game at Timaru. The Sharks lost by only 2 points in the end. Would they be able to beat them the 2nd time around. I think so. The 'Saders are tired and the Sharks are looking mean and hungry, unlike other Super 14 sides in South Africa.
So the Sharks go onto the final between The Warahtahs and the Hurricanes. Who wants to bet on the 'Canes to win the Super 14? You will get 8/1 odds. Go for it.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
NO MORE SOCCER AT LOFTUS, SAYS SUNDOWNS BOSS
Loftus Versfeld will remain the bastion of rugby after Mamelodi Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe confirmed on Wednesday that his club will no longer be playing their matches at the Pretoria stadium.
Motsepe's decision comes on the back of a long standing commercial war between cellular companies Vodacom and MTN with the former having acquired the naming rights to Loftus while the latter is Sundowns' main sponsor.
The feud has resulted in the much anticipated PSL championship decider between Sundowns and Orlando Pirates having to be moved from Loftus to the lesser-fancied and under-maintained Odi Stadium in Mabopane on the outskirts of Pretoria.
"In future we are looking at no longer using Loftus. We have a duty to MTN not to utilise facilities that have their competitors interest at heart," Motsepe said at his club's press briefing held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Wednesday.
Motsepe, though, did indicate that Sundowns would continue to use HM Pitjie Stadium in Mamelodi as their home venue and would look for a suitable venue to host matches between themselves, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Last month Loftus stadium manager Hugo Kemp said that Loftus "had informed the Premier Soccer League and Sundowns of the venue being booked".
Loftus will on Saturday be utilised by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and their sponsor for "Bulletjie Day", which consists of various junior age groups playing rugby matches from 7:30am until 5:30pm.
The hosting of Bulletjie Days at Loftus was part of the contract obligations that Vodacom signed with the Blue Bulls Company last year.
Blue Bulls company CEO Stefan Pretorius refuted any suggestions that Vodacom had rejected future plans for Sundowns to use Loftus and claimed that the decision for Sundowns to withdraw came from MTN.
"I can say that this matter did not come from Vodacom. We knew that this was going to happen but felt no need to really talk about it. It was nice having Sundowns here at Loftus but we did not make much money. Our decision to host soccer matches was purely community based," Pretorius said.
Loftus will remain without a home soccer team after SuperSport United took the decision, at the beginning of the season, to play their home games at Super Stadium in Atteridgeville.
However, Pretorius was not perturbed at Loftus not having a soccer side based there, pointing out that it was still the favoured soccer venue in Pretoria with Jomo Cosmos playing Portuguese champions FC Porto on May 25 and Chiefs or Pirates taking on English giants Manchester United on July 22.
Pretorius added that Loftus will be available to SuperSport United when they play against Chiefs or Pirates as has been the arrangement in previous years.
Motsepe's decision comes on the back of a long standing commercial war between cellular companies Vodacom and MTN with the former having acquired the naming rights to Loftus while the latter is Sundowns' main sponsor.
The feud has resulted in the much anticipated PSL championship decider between Sundowns and Orlando Pirates having to be moved from Loftus to the lesser-fancied and under-maintained Odi Stadium in Mabopane on the outskirts of Pretoria.
"In future we are looking at no longer using Loftus. We have a duty to MTN not to utilise facilities that have their competitors interest at heart," Motsepe said at his club's press briefing held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Wednesday.
Motsepe, though, did indicate that Sundowns would continue to use HM Pitjie Stadium in Mamelodi as their home venue and would look for a suitable venue to host matches between themselves, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Last month Loftus stadium manager Hugo Kemp said that Loftus "had informed the Premier Soccer League and Sundowns of the venue being booked".
Loftus will on Saturday be utilised by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and their sponsor for "Bulletjie Day", which consists of various junior age groups playing rugby matches from 7:30am until 5:30pm.
The hosting of Bulletjie Days at Loftus was part of the contract obligations that Vodacom signed with the Blue Bulls Company last year.
Blue Bulls company CEO Stefan Pretorius refuted any suggestions that Vodacom had rejected future plans for Sundowns to use Loftus and claimed that the decision for Sundowns to withdraw came from MTN.
"I can say that this matter did not come from Vodacom. We knew that this was going to happen but felt no need to really talk about it. It was nice having Sundowns here at Loftus but we did not make much money. Our decision to host soccer matches was purely community based," Pretorius said.
Loftus will remain without a home soccer team after SuperSport United took the decision, at the beginning of the season, to play their home games at Super Stadium in Atteridgeville.
However, Pretorius was not perturbed at Loftus not having a soccer side based there, pointing out that it was still the favoured soccer venue in Pretoria with Jomo Cosmos playing Portuguese champions FC Porto on May 25 and Chiefs or Pirates taking on English giants Manchester United on July 22.
Pretorius added that Loftus will be available to SuperSport United when they play against Chiefs or Pirates as has been the arrangement in previous years.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Lenovo Names Ronaldinho Worldwide Brand Ambassador
Lenovo Group Limited today announced a co-operation with FC Barcelona and its superstar, Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, otherwise known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho. Ronaldinho will be a Lenovo Worldwide Brand Ambassador.
Ronaldinho, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Player of the Year for two years running, currently plays for Barcelona and the Brazilian national team and is expected to play a key role in Brazil's defence of its World Cup title when the tournament begins on June 9, 2006.
Ronaldinho will be featured in worldwide marketing campaigns and promotional activities for the recently announced Lenovo-branded notebook and desktop PCs powered by Intel.
Strengthening the ties between technology and sports, Lenovo earlier this year completed its first-ever sponsorship of the Olympic Games. With more than 6,000 systems in place supporting the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games, Lenovo's flawless debut demonstrated that the world's third-largest PC company is ready to compete on the world's largest stages and serve the world's most demanding customers with high quality products and reliable customer services.
Ronaldinho first made his mark in the worldwide football arena in 1997 as the top scorer for the winning Brazil team at the Under-17 World Championships. In 1999 he led his team to victory in the America's Cup. In 2005 he took the European Footballer of the Year and the FIFPro World Player of the Year awards. His remarkable football skills have won Ronaldinho numerous professional accolades and endeared him to fans around the world.
Ronaldinho, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Player of the Year for two years running, currently plays for Barcelona and the Brazilian national team and is expected to play a key role in Brazil's defence of its World Cup title when the tournament begins on June 9, 2006.
Ronaldinho will be featured in worldwide marketing campaigns and promotional activities for the recently announced Lenovo-branded notebook and desktop PCs powered by Intel.
Strengthening the ties between technology and sports, Lenovo earlier this year completed its first-ever sponsorship of the Olympic Games. With more than 6,000 systems in place supporting the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games, Lenovo's flawless debut demonstrated that the world's third-largest PC company is ready to compete on the world's largest stages and serve the world's most demanding customers with high quality products and reliable customer services.
Ronaldinho first made his mark in the worldwide football arena in 1997 as the top scorer for the winning Brazil team at the Under-17 World Championships. In 1999 he led his team to victory in the America's Cup. In 2005 he took the European Footballer of the Year and the FIFPro World Player of the Year awards. His remarkable football skills have won Ronaldinho numerous professional accolades and endeared him to fans around the world.
Monday, May 08, 2006
South African Soccer
Oh, the comedy continues. Not only is Kaizer Chiefs "distancing" themselves from the PSL's desicion to play the ABSA Cup final in Durbvan but now even more silly things are happening to our national team, as if it could get any worse.
A few months ago, the Bafana Bafana or Boys Boys, had thier captain changed overnight by a vote of the players. The player that lost got all huffy, packed his bags and said that he is retiring from international football. As we all know, the team played rather poorly, in fact, they were the worst team EVER to play in the African Nations Cup. EVER!!!
The coach of the tournament, who was a quick stand in because the old coach left, was fired as well, but not after fighting, I might add. That same coach was part of the team to choose a new coach to take the Boys Boys to World Cup 2010. The one being held in South Africa. The name of the new coach was supposed to have been announced in February/March. It's now May and we have a shortlist of names. As SAFA go on and on about the process, good coaches are being snapped up by other nations and clubs, so the answer is probably there already. We will take the coach that no one else wants.
But I digress.
Another stand in coach has been asked to step in on very short notice and supply a team to play in a mini COSAFA Cup tournament on the 20th of May. The same day as the ABSA Cup final in which two of the best teams in the country will battle it out for millions of Rand. BTW, the Boys Boys team are still not in tarining together with only two weeks to go before the tournament.
The ex-captain, the one who said that he was retiring, (You still with me?) is now coming back to the side. That is another story. He was contacted by the new stand in/stand in coach and asked if he would play if he was selected. Aaron said yes, but terms would have to be drawn up. Pitso then announces the squad to the world but doesn't tell Aaron that he is in the side. A collegue calls Aaron, the new/old captain to get an interview and Aaron knows nothing about being in the side.
So, after a few days of negotiations, Aaron agrees to play one of the two matches over the weekend of the 20th of May. NOW......Today a story comes over that Aaron will not be playing anymore.
That's right. Aaron will NOT be coming to the COSAFA Cup mini-tournament, he will not be captaining the side and if Boys Boys were in the World Cup, he would not be there either.
Now the stand in/stand in coach has to find a stand in/stand in captain for a tournament thatno good players will be playing in and none of the players want to play in anyway.
Don't you just love South African soccer?
A few months ago, the Bafana Bafana or Boys Boys, had thier captain changed overnight by a vote of the players. The player that lost got all huffy, packed his bags and said that he is retiring from international football. As we all know, the team played rather poorly, in fact, they were the worst team EVER to play in the African Nations Cup. EVER!!!
The coach of the tournament, who was a quick stand in because the old coach left, was fired as well, but not after fighting, I might add. That same coach was part of the team to choose a new coach to take the Boys Boys to World Cup 2010. The one being held in South Africa. The name of the new coach was supposed to have been announced in February/March. It's now May and we have a shortlist of names. As SAFA go on and on about the process, good coaches are being snapped up by other nations and clubs, so the answer is probably there already. We will take the coach that no one else wants.
But I digress.
Another stand in coach has been asked to step in on very short notice and supply a team to play in a mini COSAFA Cup tournament on the 20th of May. The same day as the ABSA Cup final in which two of the best teams in the country will battle it out for millions of Rand. BTW, the Boys Boys team are still not in tarining together with only two weeks to go before the tournament.
The ex-captain, the one who said that he was retiring, (You still with me?) is now coming back to the side. That is another story. He was contacted by the new stand in/stand in coach and asked if he would play if he was selected. Aaron said yes, but terms would have to be drawn up. Pitso then announces the squad to the world but doesn't tell Aaron that he is in the side. A collegue calls Aaron, the new/old captain to get an interview and Aaron knows nothing about being in the side.
So, after a few days of negotiations, Aaron agrees to play one of the two matches over the weekend of the 20th of May. NOW......Today a story comes over that Aaron will not be playing anymore.
Bafana Bafana defender Aaron Mokoena left Ewood Park on crutches after being stretched off from Blackburn's 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday with a serious leg injury.
Mokoena was just eight minutes into his 20th Premiership start for Mark Hughes's Uefa Cup qualifiers when he was hurt trying to block an effort by City's former England under-21 international Joey Barton.
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes admitted he was seriously concerned at the time for Mokoena.
But he is confident the £300 000 (about R3,4-million) signing from Genk will make a full recovery over summer and be fit for the start of pre-season training in July.
That's right. Aaron will NOT be coming to the COSAFA Cup mini-tournament, he will not be captaining the side and if Boys Boys were in the World Cup, he would not be there either.
Now the stand in/stand in coach has to find a stand in/stand in captain for a tournament thatno good players will be playing in and none of the players want to play in anyway.
Don't you just love South African soccer?
Friday, May 05, 2006
The Real Reason Gibbs was Axed
Everyone is asking, if Gibbs gets dropped to "get his mind in order" why doesn't Graeme Smith take some time off too. His batting isn't great, in fact, the best batsman (batter) in the SA side at the moment is Herschelle. The real reason seems to have come to light from Cricinfo.com today:
Herschelle Gibbs and Nicky Boje may be forced to miss the Champions Trophy in India later this year, after the Indian board stopped short of giving an assurance that the pair would be immune from questioning, following their involvement in the matchfixing scandal that rocked the game in 2000.
Following the relevations that led to Hansie Cronje's downfall, Boje and Gibbs were both mentioned in the course of an investigation by Delhi Police. Since then, they have twice opted out of an India tour - in 2004 for two Tests and in 2005 for a five-match ODI series.
The secretary of the Indian board, Niranjan Shah, said that the president, Sharad Pawar, would attempt to make use of his ministerial position to lobby the government, but added that it was a police case and involved legal matters.
"We are keen to see Boje and Gibbs play," Shah told PTI. "We want the best teams to play." Pawar is Union Minister for Agriculture, and it is hoped that his friends in high places will help sway the issue.
South African cricket officials in Durban, however, were tightlipped about whether Gibbs and Boje would be included in the squad for Champions Trophy, to be played at four venues in October and November.
Once again, Hansi rises from the dead. OK, Bojie wouldn't play anyway, he sucks, but Herschelle at number 3 would have been fun to see, especially with the tournament being one-dayers.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
CLIMBERS SET TO PLAY LEADING ROLE AT 2006 GIRO D'ITALIA
A brief but fairly steep climb in Saturday's prologue sets the tone for the 2006 edition of the Giro d'Italia cycling race which is expected to be dominated by the host nation.
With eight mountain stages out of the 21, the 89th Giro is set to be a contest for pure climbers, leaving just a handful of flat stages for sprinters along the race's 3,526 kilometres until the May 28 finale in Milan.
As it often happened in the past editions, the 198 athletes vying to don the leader's pink jersey take off from outside Italy, with a six-kilometres time trial in Seraing followed by three stages in the southern Wallonia region of Belgium.
Italian star sprinter Alessandro Petacchi, who in the past three years won 19 Giro stages, needs just three more to draw level with Italy's all-time hero Fausto Coppi. He is well aware that this won't be an easy edition for him.
"I don't see more than five stages for sprinters. But getting to Milan is not an imperative," the 32-year-old of Team Milram said.
"If I feel tired I won't insist. The Giro made me grow up, but this year I also want the sprints at the Tour (de France) and at the Vuelta (de Espana)," said Petacchi, whose most serious sprint rival is expected to be Australian Robbie McEwen.
Among the favourites to wear the pink jersey in the third gruelling week of the race is Ivan Basso, winner of two stages in 2005 and again leader of the CSC Team.
"I have been very careful in training for the long climbs and for the (three) time trials. I am motivated and excited about a Giro d'Italia that I really feel like racing," said Basso.
Basso showed a good form also at the 2005 Giro, but will have plenty of competition starting with 2005 Giro winner Paolo Savoldelli, a classy climber and descent specialist racing with Discovery Channel who also won in 2002.
Other fearsome contenders are the young Lampre-Fondital's Damiano Cunego, who won in 2004 and appears to be fit again after a dismal 2005 season, and two-time winner veteran Gilberto Simoni, racing with Saunier Duval-Prodir.
Danilo Di Luca of Liquigas, the 2005 UCI Pro Tour champion, said that the toughest stages will be "the unpaved climb of Plan de Corones (in the 17th stage), which nobody has tried due to bad weather, and (a day earlier) the uphill arrival at Monte Bondone."
Not to be disregarded is the 20th stage, taking the racers from Trento to Aprica along three alpine passes.
After the moderate Passo del Tonale and 16 tough kilometres to the Gavia pass, the Giro peak at 2,618 metres, the shorter but steeper Mortirolo awaits the top climbers in what could be the race's deciding day.
Whether the favourites will then also include German ace Jan Ullrich is doubtful, as the 1997 Tour de France winner only started the season last week after knee problems, with a lack of training kilometres right now hampering his performance.
"That should be no problem for the Tour de France, but it is for the Giro which I will ride as a buildup event," said Ullrich.
With eight mountain stages out of the 21, the 89th Giro is set to be a contest for pure climbers, leaving just a handful of flat stages for sprinters along the race's 3,526 kilometres until the May 28 finale in Milan.
As it often happened in the past editions, the 198 athletes vying to don the leader's pink jersey take off from outside Italy, with a six-kilometres time trial in Seraing followed by three stages in the southern Wallonia region of Belgium.
Italian star sprinter Alessandro Petacchi, who in the past three years won 19 Giro stages, needs just three more to draw level with Italy's all-time hero Fausto Coppi. He is well aware that this won't be an easy edition for him.
"I don't see more than five stages for sprinters. But getting to Milan is not an imperative," the 32-year-old of Team Milram said.
"If I feel tired I won't insist. The Giro made me grow up, but this year I also want the sprints at the Tour (de France) and at the Vuelta (de Espana)," said Petacchi, whose most serious sprint rival is expected to be Australian Robbie McEwen.
Among the favourites to wear the pink jersey in the third gruelling week of the race is Ivan Basso, winner of two stages in 2005 and again leader of the CSC Team.
"I have been very careful in training for the long climbs and for the (three) time trials. I am motivated and excited about a Giro d'Italia that I really feel like racing," said Basso.
Basso showed a good form also at the 2005 Giro, but will have plenty of competition starting with 2005 Giro winner Paolo Savoldelli, a classy climber and descent specialist racing with Discovery Channel who also won in 2002.
Other fearsome contenders are the young Lampre-Fondital's Damiano Cunego, who won in 2004 and appears to be fit again after a dismal 2005 season, and two-time winner veteran Gilberto Simoni, racing with Saunier Duval-Prodir.
Danilo Di Luca of Liquigas, the 2005 UCI Pro Tour champion, said that the toughest stages will be "the unpaved climb of Plan de Corones (in the 17th stage), which nobody has tried due to bad weather, and (a day earlier) the uphill arrival at Monte Bondone."
Not to be disregarded is the 20th stage, taking the racers from Trento to Aprica along three alpine passes.
After the moderate Passo del Tonale and 16 tough kilometres to the Gavia pass, the Giro peak at 2,618 metres, the shorter but steeper Mortirolo awaits the top climbers in what could be the race's deciding day.
Whether the favourites will then also include German ace Jan Ullrich is doubtful, as the 1997 Tour de France winner only started the season last week after knee problems, with a lack of training kilometres right now hampering his performance.
"That should be no problem for the Tour de France, but it is for the Giro which I will ride as a buildup event," said Ullrich.
I hate being right
It's tough when you do a job like mine. Every now and agin, you pop into the office and show your face to make sure that 'they' still know you exist. Most of the time I sit at home and play on the PS2 or watch TV.
Another tough thing for me is when I predict a sporting event and it comes out just the way I said. It's happened a few times on this site already and it will continue, I don't know why, it's like I am Odd Thomas or something.
The latest one is the prediction on Sunday by Pajero and I that the ABSA Cup final would be played at ABSA Park in Durban. For those of you that hate sponsor names, that's Kingspark Rugby Stadium. But let's face it, it didn't take a rocket scientist to work out where the match would be played. There is no way that the sponsors of the ABSA Cup, namely ABSA, would allow the final to be played at the FNB Stadium, would they? Newlands sucks and no where else is big enough for a sporting spectacle like a Chiefs/Pirates final. Ellis Park you say? STOP READING THIS NOW, if you said that!!!
I think that it is time that we stopped using the sponsors names for our soccer stadia as, when World Cup 2010 comes along, we won't be able to call them by thier sponsor's name anyway. Soccer City is already being used for the FNB. I think that Sponsors should get real. WHo will ever call Newlands cricket ground, Sahara Park Newlands?
Another tough thing for me is when I predict a sporting event and it comes out just the way I said. It's happened a few times on this site already and it will continue, I don't know why, it's like I am Odd Thomas or something.
The latest one is the prediction on Sunday by Pajero and I that the ABSA Cup final would be played at ABSA Park in Durban. For those of you that hate sponsor names, that's Kingspark Rugby Stadium. But let's face it, it didn't take a rocket scientist to work out where the match would be played. There is no way that the sponsors of the ABSA Cup, namely ABSA, would allow the final to be played at the FNB Stadium, would they? Newlands sucks and no where else is big enough for a sporting spectacle like a Chiefs/Pirates final. Ellis Park you say? STOP READING THIS NOW, if you said that!!!
I think that it is time that we stopped using the sponsors names for our soccer stadia as, when World Cup 2010 comes along, we won't be able to call them by thier sponsor's name anyway. Soccer City is already being used for the FNB. I think that Sponsors should get real. WHo will ever call Newlands cricket ground, Sahara Park Newlands?
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
DOMESTIQUE ULLRICH TO SUPPORT HONCHAR AT GIRO
T-Mobile confirmed Wednesday that former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich will continue his preparations for the season's blue riband event at the Tour of Italy which starts on Saturday.
But the 1997 Tour winner will not be his team's leader and will actually be a domestique, working for Ukrainian Serhiy Honchar instead.
Honchar finished second in the Giro in 2004 and then came a disappointing sixth last year but his German team have decided he is the most likely man to bring home the overall victory.
Ullrich, 32, is only just finding his feet on the pedals after a knee injury in March following a crash in training that delayed his start to the season.
His first race was last week at the six-day Tour of Romandie in Switzerland where he finished 115th out of 120 finishers at 50 minutes off winner Cadel Evans of Australia.
"The knee held up well and I felt like I made progress," said a satisfied Ullrich after his Romandie workout. "Just finishing the course was a small victory for me."
With Honchar challenging for overall victory, Australian Michael Rogers, the world time-trial champion, and German Matthias Kessler will be charged with attempting to claim stage victories.
T-Mobile team
Serhiy Honchar (UKR), Jan Ullrich, Matthias Kessler, Andre Korff, Jorg Ludewig, Olaf Pollack (GER), Scott Davis, Michael Rogers (AUS), Frantisek Rabon (CZE)
But the 1997 Tour winner will not be his team's leader and will actually be a domestique, working for Ukrainian Serhiy Honchar instead.
Honchar finished second in the Giro in 2004 and then came a disappointing sixth last year but his German team have decided he is the most likely man to bring home the overall victory.
Ullrich, 32, is only just finding his feet on the pedals after a knee injury in March following a crash in training that delayed his start to the season.
His first race was last week at the six-day Tour of Romandie in Switzerland where he finished 115th out of 120 finishers at 50 minutes off winner Cadel Evans of Australia.
"The knee held up well and I felt like I made progress," said a satisfied Ullrich after his Romandie workout. "Just finishing the course was a small victory for me."
With Honchar challenging for overall victory, Australian Michael Rogers, the world time-trial champion, and German Matthias Kessler will be charged with attempting to claim stage victories.
T-Mobile team
Serhiy Honchar (UKR), Jan Ullrich, Matthias Kessler, Andre Korff, Jorg Ludewig, Olaf Pollack (GER), Scott Davis, Michael Rogers (AUS), Frantisek Rabon (CZE)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
SCHOOL TENNIS PLAYERS PREPARE TO SQUARE UP IN WAYNE FERREIRA AND AMANDA COETZER CHALLENGE TOURNAMENTS
Wayne Ferreira and Amanda Coetzer may well have retired from active tennis but they are still keen to promote the sport in
The Amanda Coetzer Challenge and Wayne Ferreira Challenge for schools will take place from May 11 to 13 and May 18 to 20 respectively. Both events are again sponsored by Standard Bank. Amanda Coetzer also supports a tournament for primary schools which takes place from May 25 to 27.
"I feel very disappointed when draws for grand slam tennis events are published and there are no longer any South African names in the women's singles draw," said Coetzer. "We have such a proud tradition of tennis in this country and hopefully some of the schoolgirls playing in these events will start filling the drawsheets of tournaments such as
The tournaments will be hosted at the Alma Maters of the two players -- the girls at the Oranje Meisieskool (OMS) in
Clapham Boys High from
For Ferreira it is always the team aspect the tournament that has appealed to him. "Tennis is such an individualistic game that as a player, you don't often get the opportunity to play in a team format. That is why I used to relish playing Davis Cup ties where you know that every match you win, benefits the whole team," said Ferreira.
Jonty Rhodes, former South African cricket star and now Manager for Group Sponsorships of Standard Bank said that in terms of the banks policy to support young sports men and women, it was fitting that they should be associated with these tournaments.
"We are delighted to perpetuate the names of Wayne Ferreira and Amanda Coetzer. Both of them were such wonderful ambassadors for the country great role models for the next generation of tennis players. We would encourage these players emulate the example set by Wayne and Amanda."
The formats differ for the two tournaments. At the Amanda Coetzer Challenge, the six competing teams play each other on a round robin basis with the top point-scoring school being declared the winner.
The 16 teams in the Wayne Ferreira Challenge are divided into an A and B Section. The eight teams in each section are drawn into two groups where they will play other teams in their groups on a round robin basis. The top two teams in each group will then play against one another in a knockout crossover semifinal with the two winning teams progressing to the final.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Rooney out for six weeks with fractured foot
England striker Wayne Rooney will be out of action for six weeks after fracturing a bone in his right foot, his club Manchester United said on Saturday.
"Wayne Rooney has a fracture of the base of the fourth metatarsal on his right foot. He will be out for six weeks," said a brief statement on United's website.
Rooney suffered the injury in their Premier League defeat at title-winners Chelsea earlier on Saturday after falling heavily under a challenge from Paulo Ferreira after 78 minutes.
He immediately held his foot, grimacing with pain, and was carried off on a stretcher before leaving Stamford Bridge on crutches.
Rooney is seen as vital to England's chances of success at the World Cup which starts in Germany on June 9. They play their first match against Paraguay in Frankfurt on June 10.
The 20-year-old, who has scored 11 times in 29 international appearances, limped out of Euro 2004 when he suffered a foot injury during England's quarter-final defeat by hosts Portugal.
Rooney cracked the fifth metatarsal, an identical injury suffered at the end of 2005 by England striker Michael Owen.
"Wayne Rooney has a fracture of the base of the fourth metatarsal on his right foot. He will be out for six weeks," said a brief statement on United's website.
Rooney suffered the injury in their Premier League defeat at title-winners Chelsea earlier on Saturday after falling heavily under a challenge from Paulo Ferreira after 78 minutes.
He immediately held his foot, grimacing with pain, and was carried off on a stretcher before leaving Stamford Bridge on crutches.
Rooney is seen as vital to England's chances of success at the World Cup which starts in Germany on June 9. They play their first match against Paraguay in Frankfurt on June 10.
The 20-year-old, who has scored 11 times in 29 international appearances, limped out of Euro 2004 when he suffered a foot injury during England's quarter-final defeat by hosts Portugal.
Rooney cracked the fifth metatarsal, an identical injury suffered at the end of 2005 by England striker Michael Owen.
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