German football association general secretary Horst Schmidt has been appointed to help the world soccer-body, Fifa, stage its 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa.
Schmidt, who was first vice president of the German local organising committee will spend a week a month co-ordinating the project as a consultant .
He will serve as the "extended arm" in South Africa and Zurich of Fifa general secretary Urs Linsi, working on the day-to-day management of preparations for the spectacular.
"There can be very few people around the world with such vast experience in terms of event organisation, security matters and ticketing," said Linsi.
Schmidt organised his first World Cup in Germany in 1974, going on to serve Fifa on security and ticketing issues, before tackling operations for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Fifa has had permanent representation in South Africa since the start of 2006. It will soon move into new offices with the local organising committee.
It had also set up a company to ensure knowledge was transferred about management, accommodation, ticketing, IT and hospitality.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
NEW START TIMES ANNOUNCED FOR POPULAR CAPE MARATHON
Race organisers have announced the new start times for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon presented by Nike, which will take place on Easter Saturday, April 7, 2007. The 56 km ultra marathon and 21 km half marathon will both start in Main Road, Newlands, with the half marathon starting at 06h00 and the ultra at 06h20.
According to Jack Luker, the event’s route manager, there will be two separate sets of starting pens in Main Road for the ultra and the half marathon. “This will allow runners in both events to start lining up in their own time without having to wait for one event to clear the road, which was a frustration for many of the runners in the past.”
After months of careful research, which included route inspections, extensive feedback from runners around the country and input from the Traffic Department officials, the times were decided. The facts that played a role in the decision were traffic issues, inconvenience to residents living along the route and runners’ safety. Mother Nature also played a huge role in this decision – sunrise is at 06h32 on race day, which means that runners will not have to run in the dark for too long.
“The ultra is the flagship event and in order to accommodate these runners we have to start the half marathon first so that the slower runners have time to finish their race and are off the road before the front runners in the ultra come through,” said Luker.
The half marathon route has changed slightly and will now see runners turning off Main Road into Aliwal Road at the 3.1 km mark instead of continuing down to Gabriel Road at 5.8 km. This will ensure that the ultra runners will have a clear road when they start at 06h20.
The half marathon has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, attracts record fields every year and is now the biggest half marathon in the country. It is an integral part of the event and important to the sponsors, who aim to attract as many entrants as possible. “It is for this reason that we have kept the 3 hour cut-off for the half to accommodate both events as best we can so that all parties benefit,” added Luker.
Many of the half marathon runners go on to run the ultra and there is a large percentage of ultra runners who run the half if they are no longer able to run long distances, as they can still feel part of the event and enjoy the incredible vibe that is associated with this event.
The new start times have been discussed with Western Province Athletics, who play a key role in the event planning. WPA looked at all the issues, took into account the sustainability of Two Oceans as an event, particularly with regard to the runners, the city and the traffic authorities, and supports the changes to the start time and the half marathon route.
The city’s traffic department plays a huge role in the start time decisions, as it is important that the roads are not closed for too long on Easter Saturday. The later start time of 07h00 this year meant that roads were kept closed later on the day than in previous years, which caused problems for the marshals and officials out on the road.
According to Jack Luker, the event’s route manager, there will be two separate sets of starting pens in Main Road for the ultra and the half marathon. “This will allow runners in both events to start lining up in their own time without having to wait for one event to clear the road, which was a frustration for many of the runners in the past.”
After months of careful research, which included route inspections, extensive feedback from runners around the country and input from the Traffic Department officials, the times were decided. The facts that played a role in the decision were traffic issues, inconvenience to residents living along the route and runners’ safety. Mother Nature also played a huge role in this decision – sunrise is at 06h32 on race day, which means that runners will not have to run in the dark for too long.
“The ultra is the flagship event and in order to accommodate these runners we have to start the half marathon first so that the slower runners have time to finish their race and are off the road before the front runners in the ultra come through,” said Luker.
The half marathon route has changed slightly and will now see runners turning off Main Road into Aliwal Road at the 3.1 km mark instead of continuing down to Gabriel Road at 5.8 km. This will ensure that the ultra runners will have a clear road when they start at 06h20.
The half marathon has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, attracts record fields every year and is now the biggest half marathon in the country. It is an integral part of the event and important to the sponsors, who aim to attract as many entrants as possible. “It is for this reason that we have kept the 3 hour cut-off for the half to accommodate both events as best we can so that all parties benefit,” added Luker.
Many of the half marathon runners go on to run the ultra and there is a large percentage of ultra runners who run the half if they are no longer able to run long distances, as they can still feel part of the event and enjoy the incredible vibe that is associated with this event.
The new start times have been discussed with Western Province Athletics, who play a key role in the event planning. WPA looked at all the issues, took into account the sustainability of Two Oceans as an event, particularly with regard to the runners, the city and the traffic authorities, and supports the changes to the start time and the half marathon route.
The city’s traffic department plays a huge role in the start time decisions, as it is important that the roads are not closed for too long on Easter Saturday. The later start time of 07h00 this year meant that roads were kept closed later on the day than in previous years, which caused problems for the marshals and officials out on the road.
Monday, September 25, 2006
The Pick ‘n Pay Amashovashova National Classic
“You can get there by plane, train, bus or by car… whatever you do just get there”. These were the words of Annie Batchelder, organiser of the Pick ‘n Pay National Classic due to take place on October 22.
Organisers are bracing themselves for a big influx of cyclists from all over South Africa and beyond.
Entries have come in from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, France, Egypt, Kenya and many other countries around the world.
“One of the challenges when entering a cycle race like the Amashova is getting your bicycle to the race so we have put in place a number of alternatives for entrants in this years’ race to make things a lot easier” said Batchelder.
Cyclists in the Amashova have a choice of plane, train, bus and bicycle! A number of cyclists are cycling to the race and then competing as a “last leg” whilst others are having their bikes couriered to Durban. A train service for bike, cyclist and support crew is even being offered from JHB to Durban which gives cyclists the opportunity to make the train their home whilst in Durban as well as their transport.
On the morning of the race bus transport as well as train transport is available to the start from Durban – cyclists are advised to go to www.shova.co,.za to book for these services as soon as possible.
“We are pulling out all stops to make sure that the Amashova is a highlight on every cyclist’s calendar. We see our entrants as clients and we want to be able to afford them the very best service possible” said Batchelder.
The road for both the 106km race from PMB to Durban and the 40km race from Pick ‘n Pay in Hillcrest to the finish at the Suncoast Casino and entertainment world will be closed to all vehicular traffic for the duration of the event.
Entries for the 106km race from PMB to Durban and the 40 km from Hillcrest to Durban are available from www.shova.co.za. Entries close on October 2.
Organisers are bracing themselves for a big influx of cyclists from all over South Africa and beyond.
Entries have come in from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, France, Egypt, Kenya and many other countries around the world.
“One of the challenges when entering a cycle race like the Amashova is getting your bicycle to the race so we have put in place a number of alternatives for entrants in this years’ race to make things a lot easier” said Batchelder.
Cyclists in the Amashova have a choice of plane, train, bus and bicycle! A number of cyclists are cycling to the race and then competing as a “last leg” whilst others are having their bikes couriered to Durban. A train service for bike, cyclist and support crew is even being offered from JHB to Durban which gives cyclists the opportunity to make the train their home whilst in Durban as well as their transport.
On the morning of the race bus transport as well as train transport is available to the start from Durban – cyclists are advised to go to www.shova.co,.za to book for these services as soon as possible.
“We are pulling out all stops to make sure that the Amashova is a highlight on every cyclist’s calendar. We see our entrants as clients and we want to be able to afford them the very best service possible” said Batchelder.
The road for both the 106km race from PMB to Durban and the 40km race from Pick ‘n Pay in Hillcrest to the finish at the Suncoast Casino and entertainment world will be closed to all vehicular traffic for the duration of the event.
Entries for the 106km race from PMB to Durban and the 40 km from Hillcrest to Durban are available from www.shova.co.za. Entries close on October 2.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
New chance for SA Padler in Fish River Canoe Marathon
Sprint star Michael Arthur has grabbed the chance of a lifetime, and accepted an offer to paddle with French wild water world champ Arnaud Hybois in the Hansa Powerade Fish river canoe marathon.
Hybois’ partner Rudi Gerard was sidelined this week by an injury to his eye that doctors insist will not allow him to take part in the 82km two day event from Grassridge Dam to Cradock.
A despondent and frustrated Hybois made an impassioned appeal from France for an elite paddler to join him, to keep alive his hopes of a podium finish in the Hansa Powerade Fish, which takes place on 29 and 30 September.
Most of the countries top paddlers were understandably committed to partners for the race. However Arthur was available, and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Arthur is a key member of the SA sprint team, and finished fifth in the recent SA Marathon champs.
“It’s a great chance,” said Arthur. “Obviously we have never sat in a boat together, but Arnaud arrives in Cradock on Saturday night, and I will get there as soon as I can to settle into the boat with him. If everything works out, we could have a good race.”
Hybois arrives in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, together with his partner Rudi Gerard, who while unable to paddle, is still eager top experience the atmosphere of the race, which he has heard so much about.
The duo will jet into the Eastern Cape with Dutchmen Pascal Lucker and Peter Luethi, and Czech women Micha Mruzkovastrandova and Katerina Vacikova. They will meet up with Germans Max Hoff and Stefan Stiefenhofer, who will have driven up from Cape Town, and travel together to Cradock to begin their race preparations.
Hybois won the world wild water title in 2005, and was runner up in the worlds in the Czech republic this year. He was the top international home in last year’s Hansa Powerade Fish, with a solid top ten result.
The Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathon takes place in Cradock on 29 and 30 September
All the details can be found at the event website at www.fishmarathon.org.za
Hybois’ partner Rudi Gerard was sidelined this week by an injury to his eye that doctors insist will not allow him to take part in the 82km two day event from Grassridge Dam to Cradock.
A despondent and frustrated Hybois made an impassioned appeal from France for an elite paddler to join him, to keep alive his hopes of a podium finish in the Hansa Powerade Fish, which takes place on 29 and 30 September.
Most of the countries top paddlers were understandably committed to partners for the race. However Arthur was available, and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Arthur is a key member of the SA sprint team, and finished fifth in the recent SA Marathon champs.
“It’s a great chance,” said Arthur. “Obviously we have never sat in a boat together, but Arnaud arrives in Cradock on Saturday night, and I will get there as soon as I can to settle into the boat with him. If everything works out, we could have a good race.”
Hybois arrives in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, together with his partner Rudi Gerard, who while unable to paddle, is still eager top experience the atmosphere of the race, which he has heard so much about.
The duo will jet into the Eastern Cape with Dutchmen Pascal Lucker and Peter Luethi, and Czech women Micha Mruzkovastrandova and Katerina Vacikova. They will meet up with Germans Max Hoff and Stefan Stiefenhofer, who will have driven up from Cape Town, and travel together to Cradock to begin their race preparations.
Hybois won the world wild water title in 2005, and was runner up in the worlds in the Czech republic this year. He was the top international home in last year’s Hansa Powerade Fish, with a solid top ten result.
The Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathon takes place in Cradock on 29 and 30 September
All the details can be found at the event website at www.fishmarathon.org.za
Friday, September 22, 2006
FIFA are getting worried about 2010
A senior German football official is to act as an adviser to South African organisers of the 2010 World Cup amid growing concerns about the state of preparations.
Football's world governing body Fifa yesterday confirmed a German report that Horst R Schmidt, general secretary of the German Football Federation, would help the 2010 organisers with preparations.
Fifa media director Markus Siegler said negotiations were under way to hire Schmidt, who played a key role in the 2006 World Cup planning as senior vice-president of the German organising committee. However, Siegler denied media reports that the first World Cup to be held in Africa could be in danger.
According to yesterday's Sueddeutsche Zeitung, 64-year-old Schmidt will lead a "Fifa crisis team to help save the World Cup" in SA. Schmidt told the newspaper he was in talks with Fifa and SA's organising committee, but the exact job description still had to be formalised.
Fifa is concerned about delays in preparations for the event. Fifa president Sepp Blatter said he intended to visit SA soon to urge authorities to speed up building.
Blatter said he wanted to meet President Thabo Mbeki and make an appeal to Parliament "to explain the value of the World Cup and to fire up the organising committee because it's the last moment to start building five stadiums."
Football's world governing body Fifa yesterday confirmed a German report that Horst R Schmidt, general secretary of the German Football Federation, would help the 2010 organisers with preparations.
Fifa media director Markus Siegler said negotiations were under way to hire Schmidt, who played a key role in the 2006 World Cup planning as senior vice-president of the German organising committee. However, Siegler denied media reports that the first World Cup to be held in Africa could be in danger.
According to yesterday's Sueddeutsche Zeitung, 64-year-old Schmidt will lead a "Fifa crisis team to help save the World Cup" in SA. Schmidt told the newspaper he was in talks with Fifa and SA's organising committee, but the exact job description still had to be formalised.
Fifa is concerned about delays in preparations for the event. Fifa president Sepp Blatter said he intended to visit SA soon to urge authorities to speed up building.
Blatter said he wanted to meet President Thabo Mbeki and make an appeal to Parliament "to explain the value of the World Cup and to fire up the organising committee because it's the last moment to start building five stadiums."
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Gary Player and the Sunshine Tour break new ground with Coca-Cola Charity Championship
The Sunshine Tour, Coca-Cola and Gary Player have inked a landmark three-year agreement for a new limited-field event aimed at providing a competitive platform for the 30 leading professionals at the culmination of the Sunshine Tour’s Winter Swing.
Following a three-year association with the Nelson Mandela Invitational, presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by Gary Player, the three parties have collaborated to create the Coca-Cola Charity Championship, with Coca-Cola as the title sponsor and the evergreen Gary Player as the host.
The inaugural tournament will boast a lucrative prize fund of R500 000 and will be staged at the award-winning Arabella Country Estate in the week leading up to the 2006 Nelson Mandela Invitational, from November 21 - 23, 2006.
"We are looking forward to our first significant golf tournament on the Sunshine Tour,” said Alex Maditsi, Executive Director of Coca-Cola South Africa Division.
“During our sponsorship of the Nelson Mandela Invitational over the past three years, we have been privileged to witness the emergence of many talented golfers such as Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark, Charl Schwartzel, Richard Sterne and Omar Sandys, to name a few.
"The Coca-Cola Charity Championship is a natural extension of the Nelson Mandela Invitational and it too was designed to raise significant funds for charity, while at the same time providing a world-class event to showcase the best in South African professional golf.”
South Africa’s legendary Grand Slam winning golfer, Gary Player, commented: “I am delighted that my concept of the Nelson Mandela Invitational has developed further into the Coca-Cola Charity Championship, which benefits three worthy children’s charities in the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Player Foundation and the Starfish Foundation.”
“I am honoured to have been asked to host the tournament and look forward to welcoming both the best players from the Sunshine Tour’s Winter Swing as well as Coca-Cola’s special guests.”
The Coca-Cola Charity Championship will be staged over 54 holes of stroke play in which the first two rounds will be played in a Pro-Am format, while the final round will be contested by professionals only, with no cut to the field size.
The leading 30 available players off the current Sunshine Tour Order of Merit at the conclusion of the Platinum Classic at Mooinooi (26-28 October) will qualify for the tournament, with the winner gaining automatic entry to the 2006 Nelson Mandela Invitational.
Sunshine Tour commissioner, Johan Immelman, welcomed the Tour’s newest tournament, saying that the Coca-Cola Charity Championship further underlines the accelerated growth of professional golf in South Africa.
“We are delighted to take our association with Coca-Cola and Gary Player to the next level and welcome on board the Coca-Cola Charity Championship to the Sunshine Tour schedule,” said Immelman.
“We are confident that this new event will be a great success and we truly appreciate the support from Gary Player and our valued Tour partner Coca-Cola.”
Following a three-year association with the Nelson Mandela Invitational, presented by Coca-Cola and hosted by Gary Player, the three parties have collaborated to create the Coca-Cola Charity Championship, with Coca-Cola as the title sponsor and the evergreen Gary Player as the host.
The inaugural tournament will boast a lucrative prize fund of R500 000 and will be staged at the award-winning Arabella Country Estate in the week leading up to the 2006 Nelson Mandela Invitational, from November 21 - 23, 2006.
"We are looking forward to our first significant golf tournament on the Sunshine Tour,” said Alex Maditsi, Executive Director of Coca-Cola South Africa Division.
“During our sponsorship of the Nelson Mandela Invitational over the past three years, we have been privileged to witness the emergence of many talented golfers such as Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark, Charl Schwartzel, Richard Sterne and Omar Sandys, to name a few.
"The Coca-Cola Charity Championship is a natural extension of the Nelson Mandela Invitational and it too was designed to raise significant funds for charity, while at the same time providing a world-class event to showcase the best in South African professional golf.”
South Africa’s legendary Grand Slam winning golfer, Gary Player, commented: “I am delighted that my concept of the Nelson Mandela Invitational has developed further into the Coca-Cola Charity Championship, which benefits three worthy children’s charities in the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Player Foundation and the Starfish Foundation.”
“I am honoured to have been asked to host the tournament and look forward to welcoming both the best players from the Sunshine Tour’s Winter Swing as well as Coca-Cola’s special guests.”
The Coca-Cola Charity Championship will be staged over 54 holes of stroke play in which the first two rounds will be played in a Pro-Am format, while the final round will be contested by professionals only, with no cut to the field size.
The leading 30 available players off the current Sunshine Tour Order of Merit at the conclusion of the Platinum Classic at Mooinooi (26-28 October) will qualify for the tournament, with the winner gaining automatic entry to the 2006 Nelson Mandela Invitational.
Sunshine Tour commissioner, Johan Immelman, welcomed the Tour’s newest tournament, saying that the Coca-Cola Charity Championship further underlines the accelerated growth of professional golf in South Africa.
“We are delighted to take our association with Coca-Cola and Gary Player to the next level and welcome on board the Coca-Cola Charity Championship to the Sunshine Tour schedule,” said Immelman.
“We are confident that this new event will be a great success and we truly appreciate the support from Gary Player and our valued Tour partner Coca-Cola.”
Will Chiefs be in Trouble? Doubt it
Last night, for the 2nd time in two years, Chiefs fans ripped seats out of their mountings at the FNB Stadium and threw them onto the field because their team lost. What will happen now? Will the most popular club in the PSL be fined? Will they be banned from playing in the PSL? Will they be docked points? NO CHANCE!!
Can you imagine if it did happen? The Big 3 will NEVER let that happen. Last year, when the same thing happened, after much legal wrangling, Chiefs played just one game being closed doors and that was against a small club that didn't really draw any fans anyway.
Last night's game had just 6000 fans at the ground. They were probably the real die-hard fans and they obviously take their soccer very seriously but those 6000 fans MUST suffer as should Chiefs.
I say that they should be relegated to the 1st Division. MOVE THEM DOWN. They don't deserve to be in the top flight of professional football in South Africa and their fans are a disgrace to the name of the sport.
Cricket have a term, "bringing the game into disrepute."
Certain Pakistani captains could be banned for 10 games because of this little phrase and so should Chiefs. Dock their points do SOMETHING!!!
No Chance though. Kaizer is just that and he has friends in high places....
Can you imagine if it did happen? The Big 3 will NEVER let that happen. Last year, when the same thing happened, after much legal wrangling, Chiefs played just one game being closed doors and that was against a small club that didn't really draw any fans anyway.
Last night's game had just 6000 fans at the ground. They were probably the real die-hard fans and they obviously take their soccer very seriously but those 6000 fans MUST suffer as should Chiefs.
I say that they should be relegated to the 1st Division. MOVE THEM DOWN. They don't deserve to be in the top flight of professional football in South Africa and their fans are a disgrace to the name of the sport.
Cricket have a term, "bringing the game into disrepute."
Certain Pakistani captains could be banned for 10 games because of this little phrase and so should Chiefs. Dock their points do SOMETHING!!!
No Chance though. Kaizer is just that and he has friends in high places....
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
2010 Ticket Prices
I hate to go on about this and it's something that is not being spoken about anywhere else. We keep hearing from Danny and the boys in charge, that the tickets to watch the World Cup soccer in 2010 in South Africa will be affordable. I think not!
While browsing this site this morning, one of my Google Ads was for The Online Ticket shop and they are selling ticket to the Rugby World Cup next year, a full 3 years ahead of our little world cup in 2010. While I was browsing thier site, I went to the prices for the final of the Rugby World Cup in Paris, on 20 October 2007. (That's my birthday by the way). How much is a ticket to the Rugby World Cup final? Between 750 and 950 POUNDS!!!! UK Pounds.
Let me convert that for you. That's between R10 390 and R13 160. At today's prices!!!!
When the average in come of a black South African is R44 000 a year, how does anyone expect any South African to watch the football? One quater of thier income for the year will be spent on one 90 minute match, with maybe some exta time and penalties if we are lucky. Throw in transport costs and staying near the venue if that person is from another city, then how much will it cost to watch the Football World Cup?
While browsing this site this morning, one of my Google Ads was for The Online Ticket shop and they are selling ticket to the Rugby World Cup next year, a full 3 years ahead of our little world cup in 2010. While I was browsing thier site, I went to the prices for the final of the Rugby World Cup in Paris, on 20 October 2007. (That's my birthday by the way). How much is a ticket to the Rugby World Cup final? Between 750 and 950 POUNDS!!!! UK Pounds.
Let me convert that for you. That's between R10 390 and R13 160. At today's prices!!!!
When the average in come of a black South African is R44 000 a year, how does anyone expect any South African to watch the football? One quater of thier income for the year will be spent on one 90 minute match, with maybe some exta time and penalties if we are lucky. Throw in transport costs and staying near the venue if that person is from another city, then how much will it cost to watch the Football World Cup?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
CHAMPIONS GATHER FOR SA’S BIGGEST SPORTS QUIZ
Has Tiger Woods won more golf Majors than Walter Hagen? How many tennis Grand Slams does Roger Federer need to win to pass Pete Sampras’s record of 14? And if Michael Schumacher wins this year’s Formula One title, will he have won eight or nine championships?
If you know the answers then you better be at South Africa’s biggest sports quiz.
The Sports Trust Quiz is the armchair sportsman’s biggest Major of the year and tees off at 19:00 on October 4 at The Castle in Kyalami. Teams of 10 individuals or company teams are encouraged to enter at a cost of R10 000, which includes a three-course meal, drinks and the chance to be crowned the South African sports quiz champions for 2006.
And if companies feel the need to dip into the transfer market they are welcome to bring along their own impact players in the form of sports stars or celebrities.
The quiz offers a plethora of Grand Slam prizes, including a hot-air balloon ride from Flying Pictures, cellphones from Vodacom, accommodation from Sun International and the Carousel, and other “trophies” from the likes of SAB and Harmony.
The aim of this game is to score goals for development, with the quiz hoping to raise funds for various sports development projects throughout South Africa.
The money raised at last year’s quiz was used in projects such as providing sports equipment for 92 schools in Mitchells Plain, the building of eight basketball courts in rural KwaZulu-Natal as part of the Playing for Peace project there, providing soccer kit and equipment for 16 clubs that fall under the Dihlabeng Local Football Association in the Free State, and various other projects for over 30 sports codes countrywide.
“With such a fun and enjoyable concept there should be no reason why we shouldn’t raise R500 000. This year is expected to be even bigger and better,” said Anita Mathews of The Sports Trust.
“It’s such a worthwhile cause to help develop sport in this country, something that the quiz participants hold dear to their hearts. It provides these sports lovers with a great opportunity to make a tangible contribution towards the upliftment of sport in this country.”
For more information re. purchasing of tables please contact Anita Mathews at The Sports Trust on (011) 802 1818.
If you know the answers then you better be at South Africa’s biggest sports quiz.
The Sports Trust Quiz is the armchair sportsman’s biggest Major of the year and tees off at 19:00 on October 4 at The Castle in Kyalami. Teams of 10 individuals or company teams are encouraged to enter at a cost of R10 000, which includes a three-course meal, drinks and the chance to be crowned the South African sports quiz champions for 2006.
And if companies feel the need to dip into the transfer market they are welcome to bring along their own impact players in the form of sports stars or celebrities.
The quiz offers a plethora of Grand Slam prizes, including a hot-air balloon ride from Flying Pictures, cellphones from Vodacom, accommodation from Sun International and the Carousel, and other “trophies” from the likes of SAB and Harmony.
The aim of this game is to score goals for development, with the quiz hoping to raise funds for various sports development projects throughout South Africa.
The money raised at last year’s quiz was used in projects such as providing sports equipment for 92 schools in Mitchells Plain, the building of eight basketball courts in rural KwaZulu-Natal as part of the Playing for Peace project there, providing soccer kit and equipment for 16 clubs that fall under the Dihlabeng Local Football Association in the Free State, and various other projects for over 30 sports codes countrywide.
“With such a fun and enjoyable concept there should be no reason why we shouldn’t raise R500 000. This year is expected to be even bigger and better,” said Anita Mathews of The Sports Trust.
“It’s such a worthwhile cause to help develop sport in this country, something that the quiz participants hold dear to their hearts. It provides these sports lovers with a great opportunity to make a tangible contribution towards the upliftment of sport in this country.”
For more information re. purchasing of tables please contact Anita Mathews at The Sports Trust on (011) 802 1818.
Monday, September 18, 2006
EXTRA BAGGAGE DELAYS U.S. RYDER CUP TEAM ARRIVAL
The Americans arrived for the Ryder Cup about three hours late Monday, which captain Tom Lehman attributed to bringing too much luggage on the charter plane.
Considering how these matches have gone lately, he can only hope it wasn't emotional baggage.
Having lost four of the last five times, the Americans will try to beat Europe on its home soil for the first time since 1993 when the Ryder Cup gets under way on Friday at The K Club.
Another ominous sign?
Not long after the U.S. team arrived, a weekend of gorgeous weather gave way to a downpour that drenched the golf course, making the chipping green look like a wading pool.
Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk arrived separately after losing in the first round of the HSBC World Match Play Championship last week at Wentworth, England. Woods went to London, attending the Chelsea-Liverpool match on Sunday, while Furyk came over to The K Club to practice.
The Americans were supposed to arrive at 9 a.m., but did not land in Dublin until noon.
"We brought more than our share of luggage," Lehman said. "We were trying to put together a puzzle, trying to fit all the stuff inside the plane. You could see the guys outside the plan in the windows going, 'How are we going to get all this stuff inside?' But they managed to do it. Our team is very excited we're coming back."
Lehman brought his team to Ireland at the end of August for two days of practice, determined to end nearly two decades of frustration in the Ryder Cup. The weather should not have been surprising, because it also rained most of those two days.
Along with extra baggage, the Americans brought a new label to these matches - underdogs.
Europe has only two rookies on this team - Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson of Sweden - and Paul Casey gave his squad an emotional lift with his victory Sunday in the World Match Play Championship.
The Americans counter with a powerful 1-2-3 punch - Woods, Phil Mickelson and Furyk - but have four rookies on their team, two of whom never have competed in match play.
"The European team is extremely strong, and very, very strong from top to bottom," Lehman said. "Our team is very strong. We have four rookies that are always a bit of a question mark, although I believe that they are tremendous players. But at the end of the day, I think the European team based on the strength of their team, playing here in Ireland, would probably have to be favored."
Woosnam and his wife, Glendryth, were at the airport to greet Lehman and his U.S. team.
The former Masters champion said in a recent Golf Digest magazine interview that one of his pet peeves was people showing up late. He was more than willing to give the Americans a reprieve in this case.
"That doesn't count today," he said. "The American team has had to travel from a long distance. We didn't mind waiting. Pity it started raining just as they came off the plane, but I'm glad to see everybody got here safe."
Considering how these matches have gone lately, he can only hope it wasn't emotional baggage.
Having lost four of the last five times, the Americans will try to beat Europe on its home soil for the first time since 1993 when the Ryder Cup gets under way on Friday at The K Club.
Another ominous sign?
Not long after the U.S. team arrived, a weekend of gorgeous weather gave way to a downpour that drenched the golf course, making the chipping green look like a wading pool.
Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk arrived separately after losing in the first round of the HSBC World Match Play Championship last week at Wentworth, England. Woods went to London, attending the Chelsea-Liverpool match on Sunday, while Furyk came over to The K Club to practice.
The Americans were supposed to arrive at 9 a.m., but did not land in Dublin until noon.
"We brought more than our share of luggage," Lehman said. "We were trying to put together a puzzle, trying to fit all the stuff inside the plane. You could see the guys outside the plan in the windows going, 'How are we going to get all this stuff inside?' But they managed to do it. Our team is very excited we're coming back."
Lehman brought his team to Ireland at the end of August for two days of practice, determined to end nearly two decades of frustration in the Ryder Cup. The weather should not have been surprising, because it also rained most of those two days.
Along with extra baggage, the Americans brought a new label to these matches - underdogs.
Europe has only two rookies on this team - Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson of Sweden - and Paul Casey gave his squad an emotional lift with his victory Sunday in the World Match Play Championship.
The Americans counter with a powerful 1-2-3 punch - Woods, Phil Mickelson and Furyk - but have four rookies on their team, two of whom never have competed in match play.
"The European team is extremely strong, and very, very strong from top to bottom," Lehman said. "Our team is very strong. We have four rookies that are always a bit of a question mark, although I believe that they are tremendous players. But at the end of the day, I think the European team based on the strength of their team, playing here in Ireland, would probably have to be favored."
Woosnam and his wife, Glendryth, were at the airport to greet Lehman and his U.S. team.
The former Masters champion said in a recent Golf Digest magazine interview that one of his pet peeves was people showing up late. He was more than willing to give the Americans a reprieve in this case.
"That doesn't count today," he said. "The American team has had to travel from a long distance. We didn't mind waiting. Pity it started raining just as they came off the plane, but I'm glad to see everybody got here safe."
SA Golfers around the World
Jean Hugo claims a share of fifth in France, Darren Fichardt ties for 11th in Spain and South African Seniors, Tony Johnstone, Gavan Levenson, Bertus Smit and John Mashego, rock with
top-10 finishes in Cornwall.
Ben Curtis fired a final round two-under-par 70 for a two-shot victory over Charles Howell II at the 84 Lumber Classic on Sunday, finishing nine shots ahead of South Africa’s Rory Sabbatini, who closed on five-under-par 283.
None of the eight South Africans that competed in the First Stage of European Qualifying School were successful. At Oxfordshire Golf Club, Leonard Loxton missed the final round cut by one shot, while Henk Alberts missed by two at the Chart Hills Golf Club.
England's Paul Casey boost his confidence ahead of the Ryder Cup by beating Shaun Micheel of the USA by a record margin to win the HSBC World Match Play Championship and pocket the biggest prize in golf. Casey, 29, won by 10 and 8 at Wentworth, southwest of London, to eclipse Nick Faldo's 8 & 7 win over Jeff Sluman in 1992 and take the winner's check of 1 million pounds ($1.9 million).
Ranked 27th in the world, Casey - the guy in a red shirt and a swoosh - was three up at lunch after shooting a three-under-par 69 in the first of two rounds. He then increased the advantage to nine after he shot a 31 in the next nine holes while Micheel countered with a 37. The players shook hands at the next hole.
top-10 finishes in Cornwall.
Ben Curtis fired a final round two-under-par 70 for a two-shot victory over Charles Howell II at the 84 Lumber Classic on Sunday, finishing nine shots ahead of South Africa’s Rory Sabbatini, who closed on five-under-par 283.
None of the eight South Africans that competed in the First Stage of European Qualifying School were successful. At Oxfordshire Golf Club, Leonard Loxton missed the final round cut by one shot, while Henk Alberts missed by two at the Chart Hills Golf Club.
England's Paul Casey boost his confidence ahead of the Ryder Cup by beating Shaun Micheel of the USA by a record margin to win the HSBC World Match Play Championship and pocket the biggest prize in golf. Casey, 29, won by 10 and 8 at Wentworth, southwest of London, to eclipse Nick Faldo's 8 & 7 win over Jeff Sluman in 1992 and take the winner's check of 1 million pounds ($1.9 million).
Ranked 27th in the world, Casey - the guy in a red shirt and a swoosh - was three up at lunch after shooting a three-under-par 69 in the first of two rounds. He then increased the advantage to nine after he shot a 31 in the next nine holes while Micheel countered with a 37. The players shook hands at the next hole.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
IS ANYONE TAKING THIS SERIES SERIOUSLY?
Was it the greatest act of deception the game of modern day cricket has ever seen? Well, probably not, as much as the idea appeals to the spirit of cheering on the underdog. Zimbabwe recieved a welcoming gift in the form a genuine thrashing from the Eagles in Bloemfontein, and the chance of a competitive one-day series between the African neighbours looks on the unlikely side of remote or thereabouts.
But that doesn't mean it isn't a series without purpose. Efforts are being made to rehabilitate the game in Zimbabwe while the political status quo remains unbothered by genuine international concern for the country's demise, that said, there's still a flicker of hope that cricket may just cling on for survival despite the chaos within which it exists.
Earlier in the week, coach Kevin Curren insisted that there is plenty of talent in Zimbabwe, and that exposure and experience are crucial in developing some sort of credible team. The brightest group amongst that talent pool will get a severe working over in the up coming weeks, with the Champions Trophy looming, and hopes of a return to Test cricket late next year will depend on signs of improvement against the big names in limited overs cricket first.
And the Zimbabweans will be well aware of that, which will make them tenacious opponents; it's unlikely to translate them into instant victors, however, as a nine-wicket Pro20 loss, given it was their first time in that format of the game, against a strong but not world-beating Free State side underlines. South Africa's batsmen could find themselves umbling over themselves to get to the crease, bowlers will be eyeing their averages eagerly, and Zimbabwe will hope for respectability spiked with the odd individual performance thrown in for good measure (and TV revenue) and one might find yourself thinking that a competitive team can be re-built.
For South Africa, then, it's a gentle introduction to a long season in which the one-day game sits eminently poised. The fact that Pakistan and India arrive for Test matches over the summer has been largely lost in the groundswell of limited overs debate, a situation fuelled by South Africa's one-day form being considerably more polished than the Test form at the moment. The Champions Trophy awaits in India, gauge for every international team that has its eye on the West Indies next year, and a World Cup looks somewhat more in South Africa’s range. The chase at the Wanderers in the greatest one-day game ever makes for recollection for the players, let alone supporters at a surreal level, it's also a significant reminder of the talent South Africa can call on. It took Australia setting a target of 434 to make South Africa realise just what they were capable of, but now they know, and that knowledge should make them rightfully confident of their one-day strength at the moment. Not every game will be played on a flat track at the Wanderers with short boundaries, of course, and smaller but equally tricky chases on less benign pitches lie ahead. But with Jacques Kallis returning now, and Graeme Smith to follow shortly, the squad will be at full strength, with the balance of the ideal XI the remaining test for Mickey Arthur. Which slow bowler to play, where to bat Shaun Pollock, who to include in the seam attack — there's a little tweaking to do, but the foundation of a very good side is well in place. Is it a side good enough to win the World Cup?
The Zimbabwe series will be a gentle introduction back into the game for the Proteas with a more meaningful examination to come at the Champions Trophy; if the Wanderers momentum can be upheld despite a long one-day break, then India could be a good tournament for South Africa. Wait until then for meaningful assessment. For this series however, spare a thought for a battling Zimbabwe, and look out for any sign of promise in a team trying desperately to defy the situation back home.
So if Zimbabwean cricket looks to be on the back foot of the standard set by a provincial South African team, is it fair to put them on the world stage? Or does everybody love to cheer for the underdog?
But that doesn't mean it isn't a series without purpose. Efforts are being made to rehabilitate the game in Zimbabwe while the political status quo remains unbothered by genuine international concern for the country's demise, that said, there's still a flicker of hope that cricket may just cling on for survival despite the chaos within which it exists.
Earlier in the week, coach Kevin Curren insisted that there is plenty of talent in Zimbabwe, and that exposure and experience are crucial in developing some sort of credible team. The brightest group amongst that talent pool will get a severe working over in the up coming weeks, with the Champions Trophy looming, and hopes of a return to Test cricket late next year will depend on signs of improvement against the big names in limited overs cricket first.
And the Zimbabweans will be well aware of that, which will make them tenacious opponents; it's unlikely to translate them into instant victors, however, as a nine-wicket Pro20 loss, given it was their first time in that format of the game, against a strong but not world-beating Free State side underlines. South Africa's batsmen could find themselves umbling over themselves to get to the crease, bowlers will be eyeing their averages eagerly, and Zimbabwe will hope for respectability spiked with the odd individual performance thrown in for good measure (and TV revenue) and one might find yourself thinking that a competitive team can be re-built.
For South Africa, then, it's a gentle introduction to a long season in which the one-day game sits eminently poised. The fact that Pakistan and India arrive for Test matches over the summer has been largely lost in the groundswell of limited overs debate, a situation fuelled by South Africa's one-day form being considerably more polished than the Test form at the moment. The Champions Trophy awaits in India, gauge for every international team that has its eye on the West Indies next year, and a World Cup looks somewhat more in South Africa’s range. The chase at the Wanderers in the greatest one-day game ever makes for recollection for the players, let alone supporters at a surreal level, it's also a significant reminder of the talent South Africa can call on. It took Australia setting a target of 434 to make South Africa realise just what they were capable of, but now they know, and that knowledge should make them rightfully confident of their one-day strength at the moment. Not every game will be played on a flat track at the Wanderers with short boundaries, of course, and smaller but equally tricky chases on less benign pitches lie ahead. But with Jacques Kallis returning now, and Graeme Smith to follow shortly, the squad will be at full strength, with the balance of the ideal XI the remaining test for Mickey Arthur. Which slow bowler to play, where to bat Shaun Pollock, who to include in the seam attack — there's a little tweaking to do, but the foundation of a very good side is well in place. Is it a side good enough to win the World Cup?
The Zimbabwe series will be a gentle introduction back into the game for the Proteas with a more meaningful examination to come at the Champions Trophy; if the Wanderers momentum can be upheld despite a long one-day break, then India could be a good tournament for South Africa. Wait until then for meaningful assessment. For this series however, spare a thought for a battling Zimbabwe, and look out for any sign of promise in a team trying desperately to defy the situation back home.
So if Zimbabwean cricket looks to be on the back foot of the standard set by a provincial South African team, is it fair to put them on the world stage? Or does everybody love to cheer for the underdog?
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
DRAFT SPORT BILL COULD AFFECT SA SOCCER CUP: AFRIFORUM
Civil rights initiative Afriforum has warned that proposed legislation could negatively affect South Africa's participation in the 2010 Soccer World Cup, which it is to host.
The draft National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill now before parliament seeks to enable the Minister of Sport and Recreation to intervene in the management of sport bodies.
In a petition handed to National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete on Wednesday, AfriForum -- a civil rights initiative established by Solidarity trade union -- warned that South Africa's participation in the 2010 Soccer World Cup and other international sport events could be seriously jeopardised if the bill was adopted.
AfriForum pointed out that the charters of the international soccer organisation, FIFA, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) both prohibited political interference in sport.
Mention was also made of the fact that FIFA expelled Greece on July 2, 2006 from participation in international soccer as a result of the Greek government's meddling in sport.
At the time, FIFA indicated that soccer structures alone should take decisions on soccer issues and be independent from government involvement.
The petition also noted that the powers envisaged for the minister would impair separation between state organs and civil society organisations, thus directly threatening democracy.
Mbete is expected to submit AfriForum's petition for consideration by the National Assembly's sport and recreation committee.
The draft National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill now before parliament seeks to enable the Minister of Sport and Recreation to intervene in the management of sport bodies.
In a petition handed to National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete on Wednesday, AfriForum -- a civil rights initiative established by Solidarity trade union -- warned that South Africa's participation in the 2010 Soccer World Cup and other international sport events could be seriously jeopardised if the bill was adopted.
AfriForum pointed out that the charters of the international soccer organisation, FIFA, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) both prohibited political interference in sport.
Mention was also made of the fact that FIFA expelled Greece on July 2, 2006 from participation in international soccer as a result of the Greek government's meddling in sport.
At the time, FIFA indicated that soccer structures alone should take decisions on soccer issues and be independent from government involvement.
The petition also noted that the powers envisaged for the minister would impair separation between state organs and civil society organisations, thus directly threatening democracy.
Mbete is expected to submit AfriForum's petition for consideration by the National Assembly's sport and recreation committee.
Landis, Guilty or Not Guilty?
The October issue of Bicycling magazine is on sale today (R26.95) and features a 12 page spread on Floyd Landis with an exclusive interview with Landis himself as well as 2 expert comments, both with opposing views.In excerpts from the exclusive interview with Bicycling, Floyd Landis talks about what it feels like to be skewered by the press and forced off his bike – and how he pulled off perhaps the greatest feat in Tour De France history.
BICYCLING: So. How's life since the Tour been treating you?
Floyd Landis: Well, those two days before this subject came up were quite good. I had a few days to celebrate my Tour victory, and hopefully we'll get to do that again sooner than later. I will say that I'm very proud of what I did. I won the race clean, and I deserve to celebrate. And regardless of the way this goes, I'm going to have myself a little party because I'm very happy about what I did.
BICYCLING: After the news broke that it was you with the suspicious A sample for testosterone, you went on TV to defend yourself. You looked so uncomfortable.
Landis: The reason why I was nervous, and the reason why some of the statements I made have been used against me to say that I've been contradicting myself, is because the UCI broke its own rules, or the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency. They made public that there was a test with an adverse analytical finding. They tried to explain their rationale for this by claiming that they knew that leaks exist from within the lab to [the French sports newspaper] L'Equipe. Now, in my mind, and I think in the mind of any clear-thinking individual, that indicts them immediately for being involved with someone unethical who is trying to decide whether other people are ethical. Following that, Pat McQuaid, the UCI president, made a statement, again, not a specific name, but saying that it was the "worst-case scenario." Now, unless it was Pat McQuaid who tested positive, the only other logical explanation for what he said was that it was me. He wasn't in any way trying to keep this confidential until after the B sample results were in, which is, according to the rules, the way they're supposed to deal with this.
So, I wasn't given any time to figure out what was going on. I didn't know why it happened, and in my mind I wanted to be myself and try to explain to people what was going on and offer possible explanations and theories, but really I didn't know what was going on.
BICYCLING: You say you're innocent and being falsely accused. Do you feel bitter or cheated?
Landis: I'm trying not to feel bitter and I'm trying not to feel cheated, because I understand and I appreciate what they're trying to do. They're trying to make the sport clean and fair, which is exactly what they should be doing. I also understand, though, that sometimes in any judicial process innocent people get involved and hopefully, if the process works, they're cleared in the end. But that doesn't mean that no innocent person is ever indicted.
On the other hand, if they had followed the protocol which they claim to adhere to, the early parts of this would have gone a lot smoother and it would have at least given me a chance to prepare myself for what I was about to go through. Because I am innocent, and I think I deserve the right to at least know what's coming next. As long as I know what the rules are, I can calculate what's coming next and deal with it.
BICYCLING: And if the UCI had followed the confidentiality rules early on, would you have fared better in the court of public opinion?
Landis: At this point, I think the public is on my side. I've seen a couple of polls, and I hope that people believe me because one fact remains: I won the race cleanly and fairly, and I'm proud of that. The other thing, the explanations I tried to come up with early on, I regret having said them, because I don't know what the explanation is. I was just trying to say, "Look, there is another explanation besides what they're saying."
For the full exclusive interview get your copy of the October issue of Bicycling on sale now.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Alonso is a bad loser
Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has launched a scathing attack on Michael Schumacher following the German driver's announcement that he will retire at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old Spaniard accused seven-times world champion Schumacher of being the most unsporting driver in the history of the sport.
He also compared Schumacher's departure unfavourably with that of French footballer Zinedine Zidane whose last act before retiring was to be sent off for headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest during the World Cup final.
"Zidane retired with more glory that Schumacher," Alonso was quoted as telling Radio Marca in Tuesday's edition of the Spanish sports daily.
"Michael is the most unsporting driver with the largest number of sanctions in the history of Formula One.
"That doesn't take away from the fact that he has been the best driver and it has been an honour and pleasure to battle against him.
"Everyone has their time and you have to respect his decision. Things will be more equal now."
Alonso also attacked what he saw as institutional bias in favour of Schumacher and his Ferrari team.
"In Formula One there are commercial and political interests," he said.
"We are talking about the most successful driver in history and a little bit of help has never gone amiss. Quite often they go over the line of what is acceptable and it is inexplicable."
NOT RACING
Alonso was demoted five places to 10th on Sunday's Italian Grand Prix starting grid after stewards ruled that the Spaniard had impeded Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa.
The Renault driver, who was adamant he had not blocked Massa, failed to finish the race because of an engine failure and his championship lead over Schumacher was slashed from 12 points to two after the German won the race.
"No one is going to believe the penalty I was given for a long time to come," Alonso said.
"The excuse they gave was far from honest... It isn't good for our sport.
"Sometimes you think about not racing, but you get over that quickly enough and put on you helmet. I was 100 percent convinced that no matter where I started I could earn some points and stay ahead.
"One thing I am clear about, though, is that he who laughs last, laughs longest.
"Anyone can win the remaining races and if we get things right in two of the three races that are left the world championship will be ours."
Alonso and Schumacher will renew their rivalry on the track at the Chinese Grand Prix on Oct. 1.
The 25-year-old Spaniard accused seven-times world champion Schumacher of being the most unsporting driver in the history of the sport.
He also compared Schumacher's departure unfavourably with that of French footballer Zinedine Zidane whose last act before retiring was to be sent off for headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest during the World Cup final.
"Zidane retired with more glory that Schumacher," Alonso was quoted as telling Radio Marca in Tuesday's edition of the Spanish sports daily.
"Michael is the most unsporting driver with the largest number of sanctions in the history of Formula One.
"That doesn't take away from the fact that he has been the best driver and it has been an honour and pleasure to battle against him.
"Everyone has their time and you have to respect his decision. Things will be more equal now."
Alonso also attacked what he saw as institutional bias in favour of Schumacher and his Ferrari team.
"In Formula One there are commercial and political interests," he said.
"We are talking about the most successful driver in history and a little bit of help has never gone amiss. Quite often they go over the line of what is acceptable and it is inexplicable."
NOT RACING
Alonso was demoted five places to 10th on Sunday's Italian Grand Prix starting grid after stewards ruled that the Spaniard had impeded Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa.
The Renault driver, who was adamant he had not blocked Massa, failed to finish the race because of an engine failure and his championship lead over Schumacher was slashed from 12 points to two after the German won the race.
"No one is going to believe the penalty I was given for a long time to come," Alonso said.
"The excuse they gave was far from honest... It isn't good for our sport.
"Sometimes you think about not racing, but you get over that quickly enough and put on you helmet. I was 100 percent convinced that no matter where I started I could earn some points and stay ahead.
"One thing I am clear about, though, is that he who laughs last, laughs longest.
"Anyone can win the remaining races and if we get things right in two of the three races that are left the world championship will be ours."
Alonso and Schumacher will renew their rivalry on the track at the Chinese Grand Prix on Oct. 1.
JUST EIGHT WEEKS TO SUMMER CYCLING FITNESS
With a string of popular cycling races scheduled countrywide for late October, November and December, Bicycling magazine has produced its most practical Summer Training Guide yet. In the October issue of Bicycling on newsstands from September 13 (R26.95), Dr Carol Austin, a Johannesburg-based leading international cycling coach, has created a comprehensive eight-week training plan customised to suit the majority of South African cyclists.
The practical training schedule will help cyclists break the five, four or three-hour barrier, depending on their level of base fitness, in forthcoming major races such as The Pick ‘n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge (Gauteng), the Pick ‘n Pay OFM Classic (Free State), Pick ‘n Pay Amashovashova (KwaZulu-Natal) and the year-ending Argus Sanlam Cycle Tour (Western Cape).
While aimed to coincide with South Africa’s end-of-the-year cycling events, Bicycling’s Summer Training Guide is timeless and can be applied to 2007 events and beyond.
Sean Badenhorst, Editor of Bicycling remarks “South African cyclists are generally very motivated and driven and are always trying to better their time or the time of their ‘rivals’ at the popular summer events. Bicycling’s eight-week plan will ensure that readers, who according to our research cycle 7-12 hours per week in training, reach their potential in the most efficient way.”
Get your Summer Training Guide on sale from September 13 and break that barrier!
For more information on Bicycling please visit www.bicycling.co.za
Monday, September 11, 2006
NETBALL TEAM PUMPED UP FOR COSANA GAMES
The SPAR national netball team set off today (Monday) for Blantyre in Malawi for the annual Cosana Games.
The team has been attending a training camp at Rolaka Ranch – a netball training facility near Brits in North West Province. The camp has given their new coach, Burta de Kock, an opportunity to spend some time with the team and to determine their strengths and weaknesses. The team has been under considerable pressure this year – they under- performed at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, even losing to Malawi, ranked well below South Africa internationally. On a recent tour of Fiji, South Africa managed just one win out of three, and then went on to lose very heavily to world champions New Zealand.
De Kock believes the spirit in the team is very good, and that they have regained their passion for netball. “There is a tremendous feeling of unity in the squad, and they have been working very hard,” she said. “We decided to go back to basics, and do a lot of drills. They seem to be very aware of what they need to do to get back to their old winning ways. They all seem to be enjoying themselves, and have developed a tremendous trust in one another.”
She said they had not yet talked about the match against Malawi, but would scrutinize the video of their match at the Commonwealth Games to see where they had gone wrong.
“But Malawi is not the only team at the Cosana Games,” said De Kock. “There are other teams that we have to look out for, and we are not taking anything for granted. We will need to focus on our own game plans. But we are determined to come back with the gold medal. Nothing else will be acceptable.”
The Cosana Games will be played at the Malawi Youth Centre in Blantyre from Wednesday September 13, with the final being played on Saturday September 16. The teams taking part are Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The team has been attending a training camp at Rolaka Ranch – a netball training facility near Brits in North West Province. The camp has given their new coach, Burta de Kock, an opportunity to spend some time with the team and to determine their strengths and weaknesses. The team has been under considerable pressure this year – they under- performed at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, even losing to Malawi, ranked well below South Africa internationally. On a recent tour of Fiji, South Africa managed just one win out of three, and then went on to lose very heavily to world champions New Zealand.
De Kock believes the spirit in the team is very good, and that they have regained their passion for netball. “There is a tremendous feeling of unity in the squad, and they have been working very hard,” she said. “We decided to go back to basics, and do a lot of drills. They seem to be very aware of what they need to do to get back to their old winning ways. They all seem to be enjoying themselves, and have developed a tremendous trust in one another.”
She said they had not yet talked about the match against Malawi, but would scrutinize the video of their match at the Commonwealth Games to see where they had gone wrong.
“But Malawi is not the only team at the Cosana Games,” said De Kock. “There are other teams that we have to look out for, and we are not taking anything for granted. We will need to focus on our own game plans. But we are determined to come back with the gold medal. Nothing else will be acceptable.”
The Cosana Games will be played at the Malawi Youth Centre in Blantyre from Wednesday September 13, with the final being played on Saturday September 16. The teams taking part are Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Zulu commentary for SS Soccer Matches
As SuperSport’s viewership of local soccer increases, a decision has been taken to add value to the live broadcasts of Castle Premiership matches by adding Zulu commentary.
SuperSport have, since last season, had regular, exclusive live broadcasts of midweek Castle Premiership matches and viewership figures have shown a steady growth, particularly among township subscribers.
As usual, those broadcasts will continue this season, with an added bonus for Zulu-speaking viewers.
Popular SuperSport presenter Phumlani Msibi, who is one of the hosts of the popular Super Saturday show and a regular face on boxing and soccer broadcasts, will be joined by former professional player and coach, Professor Ngubane, in delivering Zulu commentary on SuperSport’s future live Wednesday matches.
Ngubane has plenty of experience in local soccer circles, having played for Durban Bush Bucks and AmaZulu before having coaching stints at Umtata Bush Bucks, AmaZulu, Lamontville Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United.
In order to access Zulu commentary, viewers simply need to use their remote control to switch from audio 1 (English) to audio 2.
SuperSport have, since last season, had regular, exclusive live broadcasts of midweek Castle Premiership matches and viewership figures have shown a steady growth, particularly among township subscribers.
As usual, those broadcasts will continue this season, with an added bonus for Zulu-speaking viewers.
Popular SuperSport presenter Phumlani Msibi, who is one of the hosts of the popular Super Saturday show and a regular face on boxing and soccer broadcasts, will be joined by former professional player and coach, Professor Ngubane, in delivering Zulu commentary on SuperSport’s future live Wednesday matches.
Ngubane has plenty of experience in local soccer circles, having played for Durban Bush Bucks and AmaZulu before having coaching stints at Umtata Bush Bucks, AmaZulu, Lamontville Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United.
In order to access Zulu commentary, viewers simply need to use their remote control to switch from audio 1 (English) to audio 2.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
HISTORY AND SENTIMENT AT STAKE AS BOKS TAKE ON WALLABIES
The Tri-Nations has been won but sentiment and pride will be at stake when the Springboks take on Australia in their Tri-Nations encounter at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Springboks will want to continue their impressive home winning record against the Wallabies who last won a game in South Africa in the winter of 2001 and last won in Johannesburg in 1963.
Coming off a hard earned 21-20 victory over the All Blacks last Saturday, the confident mood in the Springbok camp could be the determining factor as the home side are determined to continue their upward curve.
Furthermore the Springboks will want to introduce debutant fullback JP Pietersen to international rugby with a victory while Bok coach Jake White has gambled with starting centre Wynand Olivier on the wing.
The Australians have publicly stated that they will be targeting Olivier, whom they believe is the weakest link in the Bok line-up, while flyhalf Andre Pretorius will also come in for some special attention after his Herculean performance on Saturday.
Key to the Boks winning on Saturday will be the forwards which White has masterfully not tampered with after they outwitted and outplayed the All Blacks creating the backbone for a memorable victory last Saturday.
On the flipside the Springboks will have to do more than just arrive at Ellis Park on Saturday to gain a victory as the Wallabies have assembled a formidable team for the encounter.
Such is the Wallabies confidence of breaking their drought in South Africa that they arrived more than a week before the match to acclimatise to playing at altitude.
History may be against Australia on Saturday but the Wallabies will be buoyed by a few factors.
Twenty-two-year-old prop Benn Robinson will be the second debutant on the field while centre Stirling Mortlock and lock Nathan Sharpe will both be making their 50th appearance in a Wallaby jersey.
"We know we are in for an extremely tough match and we will need to produce a really strong eighty minutes to beat them. We will have had eight days preparing at altitude before the Test, so we won't be using altitude as an excuse for a poor performance on Saturday," said Wallaby coach John Connolly.
The Wallabies have also handed winger Cameron Shepherd his first start in a Test match with former SA under-21 captain Clyde Rathbone on the other wing hoping to have a better time on the field on which he lifted the IRB Under-21 world title with some members of the Bok team in 2002.
The Australians have failed to win an away match in this year's Tri-Nations and that is a factor that Connolly and his men will want to put an end to come Saturday.
At the end of the 80 minutes on Saturday the record books will be rewritten, whether in favour of a revived Springbok team or refreshed Wallabies team. But the outcome will have nothing to do with history or sentiment but rather who produces the better rugby within 80 minutes.
The Springboks will want to continue their impressive home winning record against the Wallabies who last won a game in South Africa in the winter of 2001 and last won in Johannesburg in 1963.
Coming off a hard earned 21-20 victory over the All Blacks last Saturday, the confident mood in the Springbok camp could be the determining factor as the home side are determined to continue their upward curve.
Furthermore the Springboks will want to introduce debutant fullback JP Pietersen to international rugby with a victory while Bok coach Jake White has gambled with starting centre Wynand Olivier on the wing.
The Australians have publicly stated that they will be targeting Olivier, whom they believe is the weakest link in the Bok line-up, while flyhalf Andre Pretorius will also come in for some special attention after his Herculean performance on Saturday.
Key to the Boks winning on Saturday will be the forwards which White has masterfully not tampered with after they outwitted and outplayed the All Blacks creating the backbone for a memorable victory last Saturday.
On the flipside the Springboks will have to do more than just arrive at Ellis Park on Saturday to gain a victory as the Wallabies have assembled a formidable team for the encounter.
Such is the Wallabies confidence of breaking their drought in South Africa that they arrived more than a week before the match to acclimatise to playing at altitude.
History may be against Australia on Saturday but the Wallabies will be buoyed by a few factors.
Twenty-two-year-old prop Benn Robinson will be the second debutant on the field while centre Stirling Mortlock and lock Nathan Sharpe will both be making their 50th appearance in a Wallaby jersey.
"We know we are in for an extremely tough match and we will need to produce a really strong eighty minutes to beat them. We will have had eight days preparing at altitude before the Test, so we won't be using altitude as an excuse for a poor performance on Saturday," said Wallaby coach John Connolly.
The Wallabies have also handed winger Cameron Shepherd his first start in a Test match with former SA under-21 captain Clyde Rathbone on the other wing hoping to have a better time on the field on which he lifted the IRB Under-21 world title with some members of the Bok team in 2002.
The Australians have failed to win an away match in this year's Tri-Nations and that is a factor that Connolly and his men will want to put an end to come Saturday.
At the end of the 80 minutes on Saturday the record books will be rewritten, whether in favour of a revived Springbok team or refreshed Wallabies team. But the outcome will have nothing to do with history or sentiment but rather who produces the better rugby within 80 minutes.
LIMIT FOREIGN SOCCER PLAYERS: COSATU
The Congress of SA Trade Unions on Thursday backed Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's call to reduce the number of foreign players in the Premier Soccer League.
Parreira, who was recently appointed to guide Bafana Bafana to the World Cup in 2010, called for the number of foreign players at clubs to be reduced to three per club.
Parreira's call was similar to the one made by the SA Football Players Union (SAFPU).
"We fully support SAFPU's demand that the current quotas for foreign players must be drastically reduced so that the clubs are forced to ... develop and nurture local talent," Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven said in a statement on Thursday.
He said the Cosatu Central Executive Committee (CEC) further called on the SA Football Association to convene a soccer indaba in the next three to four months.
Cosatu's call came just after top club owners Kaizer Motaung and Jomo Sono had called on Safa to convene the indaba.
On Thursday, Craven said: "The decline in our standards has been going on for a long time.
"There is a real danger that we may only be hosts and spectators in the 2010 World Cup instead of competing against the giants of the world who will assemble on our shores.
"Action is needed now. We demand that Safa publish a development plan to address the weaknesses and stop the decline in quality," Craven said.
He said to achieve this, Cosatu called on Safa to urgently set up a technical committee on aspects of soccer, including administration.
"The technical committees must be constituted by representatives of current and previous players, coaches and technical teams and administrators of all the soccer fraternity.
"These teams must report to a real soccer indaba convened in the next three to four months," Craven said.
"If no serious development plan is forthcoming, Cosatu will mobilise its members and the entire working class to attend all meetings of Safa," he said.
Parreira, who was recently appointed to guide Bafana Bafana to the World Cup in 2010, called for the number of foreign players at clubs to be reduced to three per club.
Parreira's call was similar to the one made by the SA Football Players Union (SAFPU).
"We fully support SAFPU's demand that the current quotas for foreign players must be drastically reduced so that the clubs are forced to ... develop and nurture local talent," Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven said in a statement on Thursday.
He said the Cosatu Central Executive Committee (CEC) further called on the SA Football Association to convene a soccer indaba in the next three to four months.
Cosatu's call came just after top club owners Kaizer Motaung and Jomo Sono had called on Safa to convene the indaba.
On Thursday, Craven said: "The decline in our standards has been going on for a long time.
"There is a real danger that we may only be hosts and spectators in the 2010 World Cup instead of competing against the giants of the world who will assemble on our shores.
"Action is needed now. We demand that Safa publish a development plan to address the weaknesses and stop the decline in quality," Craven said.
He said to achieve this, Cosatu called on Safa to urgently set up a technical committee on aspects of soccer, including administration.
"The technical committees must be constituted by representatives of current and previous players, coaches and technical teams and administrators of all the soccer fraternity.
"These teams must report to a real soccer indaba convened in the next three to four months," Craven said.
"If no serious development plan is forthcoming, Cosatu will mobilise its members and the entire working class to attend all meetings of Safa," he said.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Two Oceans Attracts Top South African Athlete
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon office announced today that Nike sponsored athlete Elana Meyer would be running the 2007 ultra event, which takes place on Easter Saturday, April 7, 2007. Meyer will be running in the club colours of Mr Price.
Meyer, who has achieved international success in her 15 years as a professional distance athlete, has enlisted the help of Bruce Fordyce to help her with her preparation. “He is the best ultra-runner this country has seen and he has a wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as a passion for running and sport,” said Meyer.
Tony Lankester, sponsorship manager for Old Mutual, added that the event has always attracted top athletes both locally and internationally. “We are extremely excited that an athlete of Meyer's calibre has committed to take part. It can only add to the overall excitement on race day and ensure a great race, particularly if a South African wins the race.”
Meyer’s credentials speak for themselves. She is the current world record holder for both the 15 km [46:57] and 21 km [64:44], an Olympic silver medallist, world half marathon champion and holds six world records in distances ranging from 5 km to 21 km.
“The Old Mutual Two Oceans has to be most scenic ultra in the world and it’s in my backyard but I’ve never done it. My focus was always on the international racing scene and I was always preparing for races in the United States, England or Europe,” Meyer added.
Her trip on the media truck following this year’s ultra was the catalyst as she experienced the incredible vibe and the route first hand and her immediate emotion was that she had to run the race at least once.
It was a hike up to Everest base camp that helped her to make her decision and start training for the 2007 event. Meyer feels it will be the challenge she is looking for. “It’s something I’ve never done before and am excited about the challenge of racing over a distance longer than the standard marathon.”
For the past nine years Meyer has partnered with Nike and has been competing in the most technically advanced running products on the market. Rowyn James, sports marketing manager for Nike SA, considers Meyer to be a great brand ambassador and is pleased that she will be taking part in the 2007 event. “By running the ultra next year, she will be adding an exciting new chapter to her already remarkable career," said James.
According to Mr Price’s athletics portfolio manager, Graham Daniel, the company is thrilled to sponsor Meyer in her bid to run the 56 km ultra marathon. “We believe in her ability and will help her in anyway possible to beat the Russians. It would be great to see a South African win the title and if her training goes according to plan, we believe she will be with the top athletes at Constantia Nek. From there it will be an exciting race to see who makes it to the finish at UCT the quickest.”
Meyer retired from international competition at the end of 2005 and has used the last 18 months to catch up on the activities she always wanted to do but never had time due to her intense training regime. She has climbed Kilimanjaro, hiked in the Himalayas, started sky diving and rock climbing and taken up golf.
Meyer, who has achieved international success in her 15 years as a professional distance athlete, has enlisted the help of Bruce Fordyce to help her with her preparation. “He is the best ultra-runner this country has seen and he has a wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as a passion for running and sport,” said Meyer.
Tony Lankester, sponsorship manager for Old Mutual, added that the event has always attracted top athletes both locally and internationally. “We are extremely excited that an athlete of Meyer's calibre has committed to take part. It can only add to the overall excitement on race day and ensure a great race, particularly if a South African wins the race.”
Meyer’s credentials speak for themselves. She is the current world record holder for both the 15 km [46:57] and 21 km [64:44], an Olympic silver medallist, world half marathon champion and holds six world records in distances ranging from 5 km to 21 km.
“The Old Mutual Two Oceans has to be most scenic ultra in the world and it’s in my backyard but I’ve never done it. My focus was always on the international racing scene and I was always preparing for races in the United States, England or Europe,” Meyer added.
Her trip on the media truck following this year’s ultra was the catalyst as she experienced the incredible vibe and the route first hand and her immediate emotion was that she had to run the race at least once.
It was a hike up to Everest base camp that helped her to make her decision and start training for the 2007 event. Meyer feels it will be the challenge she is looking for. “It’s something I’ve never done before and am excited about the challenge of racing over a distance longer than the standard marathon.”
For the past nine years Meyer has partnered with Nike and has been competing in the most technically advanced running products on the market. Rowyn James, sports marketing manager for Nike SA, considers Meyer to be a great brand ambassador and is pleased that she will be taking part in the 2007 event. “By running the ultra next year, she will be adding an exciting new chapter to her already remarkable career," said James.
According to Mr Price’s athletics portfolio manager, Graham Daniel, the company is thrilled to sponsor Meyer in her bid to run the 56 km ultra marathon. “We believe in her ability and will help her in anyway possible to beat the Russians. It would be great to see a South African win the title and if her training goes according to plan, we believe she will be with the top athletes at Constantia Nek. From there it will be an exciting race to see who makes it to the finish at UCT the quickest.”
Meyer retired from international competition at the end of 2005 and has used the last 18 months to catch up on the activities she always wanted to do but never had time due to her intense training regime. She has climbed Kilimanjaro, hiked in the Himalayas, started sky diving and rock climbing and taken up golf.
SA to host IPC World Swimming Championships
South Africa has pulled off a major coup by winning the bid to host the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Swimming World Championships in Durban in December, bringing the second biggest championships in Paralympic sport to these shores.
A total of 600 swimmers and 265 officials from 60 countries will arrive in Durban for the December 2-8 championships which take place every four years and are second only to the IPC Athletics World Championships in size and prestige.
“The Swimming World Championships are certainly one of the most popular events within the IPC, and this is easily the biggest Paralympic event South Africa has ever hosted,” said Alison Burchell, General Manager of Disability Sport South Africa.
The championships will attract the biggest names in the sport, including South Africa’s Paralympics stars Natalie du Toit, Tadhg Slattery.
The last championships were held in Argentina in 2002, where South Africa finished 19th out of 53 countries with three gold and two silver medals.
“This is a tremendous honour for us because we were up against countries like Wales and France in the bidding process, both of whom were very determined to win this bid,” said Burchell.
The successful bid was as a result of a strong partnership between Disability Sport South Africa, Swimming South Africa, the Ethekwini Municipality and main sponsor Telkom.
The championships will take place at the King’s Park Aquatic Centre in Durban, which has also successfully hosted the FINA Swimming World Cup in the past. The open water events will take place at the nearby Haselmere Dam in Hillcrest.
As the main sponsor of the championships, Telkom has expressed its delight at being associated with another major international swimming event.
“Our association with the FINA Swimming World Cup has brought the world’s top able-bodied swimmers to South Africa, and we are delighted that we can now say the same for the IPC World Swimming Championships,” said Braam Wessels, Senior Manager Presence Marketing and Sponsorship.
“As a Paralympics sponsor we take great pride in being associated with an event that will expose our top paralympic swimmers to vital international competition. This will also again prove to the world that South Africa is more than capable of hosting major international sporting events as we move closer to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.”
A total of 600 swimmers and 265 officials from 60 countries will arrive in Durban for the December 2-8 championships which take place every four years and are second only to the IPC Athletics World Championships in size and prestige.
“The Swimming World Championships are certainly one of the most popular events within the IPC, and this is easily the biggest Paralympic event South Africa has ever hosted,” said Alison Burchell, General Manager of Disability Sport South Africa.
The championships will attract the biggest names in the sport, including South Africa’s Paralympics stars Natalie du Toit, Tadhg Slattery.
The last championships were held in Argentina in 2002, where South Africa finished 19th out of 53 countries with three gold and two silver medals.
“This is a tremendous honour for us because we were up against countries like Wales and France in the bidding process, both of whom were very determined to win this bid,” said Burchell.
The successful bid was as a result of a strong partnership between Disability Sport South Africa, Swimming South Africa, the Ethekwini Municipality and main sponsor Telkom.
The championships will take place at the King’s Park Aquatic Centre in Durban, which has also successfully hosted the FINA Swimming World Cup in the past. The open water events will take place at the nearby Haselmere Dam in Hillcrest.
As the main sponsor of the championships, Telkom has expressed its delight at being associated with another major international swimming event.
“Our association with the FINA Swimming World Cup has brought the world’s top able-bodied swimmers to South Africa, and we are delighted that we can now say the same for the IPC World Swimming Championships,” said Braam Wessels, Senior Manager Presence Marketing and Sponsorship.
“As a Paralympics sponsor we take great pride in being associated with an event that will expose our top paralympic swimmers to vital international competition. This will also again prove to the world that South Africa is more than capable of hosting major international sporting events as we move closer to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.”
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
BASSON, DANIEL NOMINATED FOR 2006 IRB AWARDS
Springbok Sevens stalwart Stefan Basson and SA Under 21 star Keegan Daniel are amongst the first list of award nominees announced by the International Rugby Board in Dublin on Tuesday.
The IRB has announced the nominees in three of 12 categories to be recognised at the 2006 IRB Awards.
Shortlists have been published for IRB Sevens Player of the Year, IRB Under 21 Player of the Year and IRB Under 19 Player of the Year, with the nine players nominated representing six different countries.
For their outstanding contributions in Sevens rugby Stefan Basson (South Africa), Uale Mai (Samoa) and Mathew Tait (England) are nominated for IRB Sevens Player of the Year.
At Under 19 level Anthony Faingaa, Josh Holmes (both Australia) and Victor Vito (New Zealand) are nominated for the IRB Under 19 Player of the Year award, while at Under 21 level Lionel Beauxis (France), Keegan Daniel (South Africa) and Digby Ioane (Australia) are the nominees for IRB Under 21 Player of the Year.
Basson established himself as one of the outstanding players on the IRB Sevens tournament circuit, helping the Springbok Sevens to a credible third position on the log. Daniel was a member of the SA U21 team who lost to France in the final of the IRB U21 World Championships earlier this year in Dubai.
Johan Prinsloo, MD of SA Rugby, said he was extremely excited by news of the SA nominations. "SA Rugby congratulate them and along with all the other nominees," said Prinsloo.
The IRB has announced the nominees in three of 12 categories to be recognised at the 2006 IRB Awards.
Shortlists have been published for IRB Sevens Player of the Year, IRB Under 21 Player of the Year and IRB Under 19 Player of the Year, with the nine players nominated representing six different countries.
For their outstanding contributions in Sevens rugby Stefan Basson (South Africa), Uale Mai (Samoa) and Mathew Tait (England) are nominated for IRB Sevens Player of the Year.
At Under 19 level Anthony Faingaa, Josh Holmes (both Australia) and Victor Vito (New Zealand) are nominated for the IRB Under 19 Player of the Year award, while at Under 21 level Lionel Beauxis (France), Keegan Daniel (South Africa) and Digby Ioane (Australia) are the nominees for IRB Under 21 Player of the Year.
Basson established himself as one of the outstanding players on the IRB Sevens tournament circuit, helping the Springbok Sevens to a credible third position on the log. Daniel was a member of the SA U21 team who lost to France in the final of the IRB U21 World Championships earlier this year in Dubai.
Johan Prinsloo, MD of SA Rugby, said he was extremely excited by news of the SA nominations. "SA Rugby congratulate them and along with all the other nominees," said Prinsloo.
ANY INTERFERENCE AND I WILL GO - PARREIRA
The plague that has often bedevilled coaches of the South African national team who have left under clouded circumstances, is something that new Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will not tolerate.
With 13 coaches in as many years having spent time at the helm of Bafana, Parreira made it clear that he could be the 14th coach to depart if he felt any unhappiness or discomfort after commencing his duties at the beginning of 2007.
"13 coaches in 13 years is not a good record. The moment I am not happy or not feeling comfortable, then it is bye-bye. The security of the coach is results, a coach relies on results. The results of this team will be in 2010," said Parreira at his first press briefing in Johannesburg on Monday since signing his contract with the South African Football Association (Safa).
According to Safa CEO Raymond Hack, Parreira's mandate is to ensure that the country had a world class team come the World Cup 2010 and there were no conditions to his contract stipulating that Bafana had to win any specific competitions before then.
"I do not have any conditions in my contract," Parreira said.
Safa vice president Mwelo Nonkonyana said that the national body had altered its approach towards coaches and that Parreira's working environment would be favourable for the Brazilian to succeed.
"We at Safa will make everything conducive for him to deliver. We are prepared to make a turnaround at Safa to also be a world class organisation," said Nonkonyana.
With 13 coaches in as many years having spent time at the helm of Bafana, Parreira made it clear that he could be the 14th coach to depart if he felt any unhappiness or discomfort after commencing his duties at the beginning of 2007.
"13 coaches in 13 years is not a good record. The moment I am not happy or not feeling comfortable, then it is bye-bye. The security of the coach is results, a coach relies on results. The results of this team will be in 2010," said Parreira at his first press briefing in Johannesburg on Monday since signing his contract with the South African Football Association (Safa).
According to Safa CEO Raymond Hack, Parreira's mandate is to ensure that the country had a world class team come the World Cup 2010 and there were no conditions to his contract stipulating that Bafana had to win any specific competitions before then.
"I do not have any conditions in my contract," Parreira said.
Safa vice president Mwelo Nonkonyana said that the national body had altered its approach towards coaches and that Parreira's working environment would be favourable for the Brazilian to succeed.
"We at Safa will make everything conducive for him to deliver. We are prepared to make a turnaround at Safa to also be a world class organisation," said Nonkonyana.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Italian Football Saga hit's the pockets
Italy's match-fixing scandal will cost the Serie A one quarter of its income this season, according to a study published Monday in the financial daily il Sole-24 Ore.
The Serie A is predicted to lose Ç300 million ($386 million) and drop from the second- to the third-richest European league, with projected receipts of Ç1.2 billion (US$1.54 billion) in 2006-07.
The Bundesliga will profit from Germany's successful World Cup and rise to second with Ç1.35 billion ($1.73 billion) expected, according to a study by the Stageup sports business research firm.
England's Premier League will remain the richest European league with Ç2 billion (US$2.56 billion) in projected receipts - Ç340 million (US$435.78 million) from merchandising alone.
The Spanish league is fourth with Ç1.1 billion (US$1.41 billion), while the French is fifth with Ç980 million (US$1.25 billion).
The Serie A is predicted to lose Ç300 million ($386 million) and drop from the second- to the third-richest European league, with projected receipts of Ç1.2 billion (US$1.54 billion) in 2006-07.
The Bundesliga will profit from Germany's successful World Cup and rise to second with Ç1.35 billion ($1.73 billion) expected, according to a study by the Stageup sports business research firm.
England's Premier League will remain the richest European league with Ç2 billion (US$2.56 billion) in projected receipts - Ç340 million (US$435.78 million) from merchandising alone.
The Spanish league is fourth with Ç1.1 billion (US$1.41 billion), while the French is fifth with Ç980 million (US$1.25 billion).
Alonso thinks he can win in Italy
Renault's world champion Fernando Alonso says he is looking for a 'special' victory in front of Ferrari's home crowd at Monza in Italy next weekend.
"This year I have won in Silverstone, in Monaco, in Spain -- and for sure, I want to win Monza too," the Spaniard said in a team preview on Monday for the last European race of the Formula One season.
"It is one of the legendary circuits, so it would be special to win there, and even more so to beat Ferrari at their home race," he added.
"We know how important the championship is, but this is a big race as well."
Alonso leads Ferrari's seven times world champion Michael Schumacher by 12 points with four races remaining. He was second at Monza last year but has never won at the historic circuit near Milan.
The Italian Grand Prix could be Schumacher's European farewell, with Ferrari due to announce their 2007 line-up after the race amid feverish speculation about the 37-year-old German's future.
Many Formula One insiders expect Schumacher to quit at the end of the year if he wins his eighth title.
Alonso said his only title rival could expect a tough fight down to the wire.
"There is only one target for the Renault team at the moment: to finish in front of Ferrari.
"They have been quite dominant in the last races, so beating them means winning races. That is our focus."
Renault are just two points clear of Ferrari in the constructors' battle but have a new engine development coming on stream for Monza.
"Monza is going to be a hard race, there's no doubt about it," said technical director Bob Bell. "We are in the heart of Ferrari territory.
"But you can look at it two ways: as a boost for them, or an added incentive for us to get the upper hand. Certainly, we are very motivated to return them the favour after they won on our home turf in Magny-Cours.
"I think Monza will suit the strengths of their package, but last week's test was very close and there is no reason to believe our package is weaker than theirs."
"This year I have won in Silverstone, in Monaco, in Spain -- and for sure, I want to win Monza too," the Spaniard said in a team preview on Monday for the last European race of the Formula One season.
"It is one of the legendary circuits, so it would be special to win there, and even more so to beat Ferrari at their home race," he added.
"We know how important the championship is, but this is a big race as well."
Alonso leads Ferrari's seven times world champion Michael Schumacher by 12 points with four races remaining. He was second at Monza last year but has never won at the historic circuit near Milan.
The Italian Grand Prix could be Schumacher's European farewell, with Ferrari due to announce their 2007 line-up after the race amid feverish speculation about the 37-year-old German's future.
Many Formula One insiders expect Schumacher to quit at the end of the year if he wins his eighth title.
Alonso said his only title rival could expect a tough fight down to the wire.
"There is only one target for the Renault team at the moment: to finish in front of Ferrari.
"They have been quite dominant in the last races, so beating them means winning races. That is our focus."
Renault are just two points clear of Ferrari in the constructors' battle but have a new engine development coming on stream for Monza.
"Monza is going to be a hard race, there's no doubt about it," said technical director Bob Bell. "We are in the heart of Ferrari territory.
"But you can look at it two ways: as a boost for them, or an added incentive for us to get the upper hand. Certainly, we are very motivated to return them the favour after they won on our home turf in Magny-Cours.
"I think Monza will suit the strengths of their package, but last week's test was very close and there is no reason to believe our package is weaker than theirs."
Friday, September 01, 2006
Bafana Bafana Coach is OVERPAID!!!
Carlos Alberto Parreira is being paid over three times more to coach Bafana Bafana than he earned at the helm of Brazil's 2006 Fifa World Cup side.
Parreira may well be currently the best paid national coach in the world after the departure of the monstrously overpaid Sven-Goran Eriksson from the England job after the World Cup.
Parreira, who is expected to arrive in South Africa any day now, was earning R6,75-million a year when he took Brazil to the quarterfinals in Germany.
His reward for what is in Brazilian terms a failure, is a hike in salary to a mammoth R21,6-million a year to take charge of Bafana Bafana through World Cup 2010.
There is a warning to South Africa in Eriksson's ultimate failure as England coach
And if you think that is ridiculous, even Parreira's assistant coach, at around R7-million a year, will be earning more than Parreira earned in Brazil!
Parreira's salary puts him ahead in earnings of any coach in Germany, bar Eriksson, who was earning that quite extra-ordinary R67,5-million per annum. Next in the list was Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who picked up R20,25-million for his efforts.
There is a warning to South Africa in Eriksson's ultimate failure as England coach - that money cannot necessarily buy you glory, illustrated even more so in the figures relating to Italy coach Marcello Lippi.
Lippi was earning merely R13,5-million a year when he took the Azzurri all the way to World Cup glory.
Interestingly, Australia coach Guus Hiddink, who got the Socceroos to the last 16 and was once seriously touted for the South Africa job, earned only R3,38-million a year for his job with the Aussies. He has, of course, since moved to Russia, but even his salary there, at around R17-million a year, is less than Parreira's.
'Sven stuffed his pockets, and then he stuffed us all'
It is now well known that Fifa have given the South African Football Association R70-million towards the betterment of South African soccer, and, given Parreira's salary and that of his assistants, it seems Safa have decided to put pretty much all their eggs and then some into one Brazilian basket.
Criticism of such an enormous salary is inevitable, and comparisons have already been made with president Thabo Mbeki, who earns a mere R1,2-million a year. In South Africa, where many people live below the poverty line, the amount appears even more grotesque. It is hoped that Parreira, now 63 years old, is not coming to South Africa merely to pick up an extremely healthy retirement annuity.
Of course, should he succeed in winning the 2008 MTN Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the 2010 edition, and reach at least the World Cup quarterfinals, Safa will parade themselves as national heroes, claiming money well spent.
Parreira may well be currently the best paid national coach in the world after the departure of the monstrously overpaid Sven-Goran Eriksson from the England job after the World Cup.
Parreira, who is expected to arrive in South Africa any day now, was earning R6,75-million a year when he took Brazil to the quarterfinals in Germany.
His reward for what is in Brazilian terms a failure, is a hike in salary to a mammoth R21,6-million a year to take charge of Bafana Bafana through World Cup 2010.
There is a warning to South Africa in Eriksson's ultimate failure as England coach
And if you think that is ridiculous, even Parreira's assistant coach, at around R7-million a year, will be earning more than Parreira earned in Brazil!
Parreira's salary puts him ahead in earnings of any coach in Germany, bar Eriksson, who was earning that quite extra-ordinary R67,5-million per annum. Next in the list was Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who picked up R20,25-million for his efforts.
There is a warning to South Africa in Eriksson's ultimate failure as England coach - that money cannot necessarily buy you glory, illustrated even more so in the figures relating to Italy coach Marcello Lippi.
Lippi was earning merely R13,5-million a year when he took the Azzurri all the way to World Cup glory.
Interestingly, Australia coach Guus Hiddink, who got the Socceroos to the last 16 and was once seriously touted for the South Africa job, earned only R3,38-million a year for his job with the Aussies. He has, of course, since moved to Russia, but even his salary there, at around R17-million a year, is less than Parreira's.
'Sven stuffed his pockets, and then he stuffed us all'
It is now well known that Fifa have given the South African Football Association R70-million towards the betterment of South African soccer, and, given Parreira's salary and that of his assistants, it seems Safa have decided to put pretty much all their eggs and then some into one Brazilian basket.
Criticism of such an enormous salary is inevitable, and comparisons have already been made with president Thabo Mbeki, who earns a mere R1,2-million a year. In South Africa, where many people live below the poverty line, the amount appears even more grotesque. It is hoped that Parreira, now 63 years old, is not coming to South Africa merely to pick up an extremely healthy retirement annuity.
Of course, should he succeed in winning the 2008 MTN Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the 2010 edition, and reach at least the World Cup quarterfinals, Safa will parade themselves as national heroes, claiming money well spent.
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